<PAGE>
FILE NO. 333-38231
40 ACT FILE NO. 811-2271
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM S-6
For Registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities of Unit
Investment Trusts Registered on
Form N-8B-2
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
A. Exact name of Trust: NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 971
B. Name of Depositor: JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
C. Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices:
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
D. Name and complete address of agents for service:
JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
Attn: Gifford R. Zimmerman
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
Attn: Eric F. Fess
111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / on November 19, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
/ / on November 19, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule 485 or 486
E. Title of securities being registered: Units of fractional undivided beneficial
interest.
F. Approximate date of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the
effective date of the Registration Statement.
/X/ Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on November 19,
1997 at 1:30 P.M. pursuant to Rule 487.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 971
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
PURSUANT TO RULE 404(C) OF REGULATION C
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
(FORM N-8B-2 ITEMS REQUIRED BY INSTRUCTION 1 AS
TO PROSPECTUS ON FORM S-6)
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
FORM N-8B-2 FORM S-6
ITEM NUMBER HEADING IN PROSPECTUS
I. ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
1. (a) Name of trust ) Prospectus Part A -- Cover Page
(b) Title of securities issued )
2. Name and address of Depositor ) Information About the Sponsor
3. Name and address of Trustee ) Information About the Trustee
4. Name and address of principal Underwriter ) Information About the Sponsor
5. Organization of trust ) What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
6. Execution and termination of Trust Agreement ) What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
) Information About The Trustee
) Other Information
7. Changes of Name ) *
8. Fiscal Year )
9. Litigation )
II. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND SECURITIES OF THE TRUST
10. General Information regarding trust's securities ) Summary of Portfolios
) Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
) When Are Distributions Made to Unitholders?
) Ownership and Transfer of Units
) How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge?
) How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts?
) Information About the Trustee
) Information About the Sponsor
) Other Information
) What Is The Tax Status of Unitholders?
11. Type of securities comprising units ) What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
) Summary of Portfolios
) Composition of Trusts
) What Are The Objectives Of The Trusts?
) Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
12. Certain information regarding ) *
periodic payment certificates )
13. (a) Load, fees, expenses, etc. ) Part A -- Essential Information
) How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
) Market For Units
) What Is Accrued Interest?
) What Are Estimated Long Term Return
) And Estimated Current Return?
) How Was The Price Of The Bonds
) Determined At The Date of Deposit?
) What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
) When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
) Summary Of Portfolios
) How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
(b) Certain information regarding ) *
periodic payment certificates )
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
(c) Certain percentages ) How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
) Market For Units
) What Are Estimated Long Term Return
) And Estimated Current Return?
) How Was The Price Of The Bonds
) Determined At The Date Of Deposit?
) What Is Accrued Interest?
(d) Certain other fees, etc. payable by holders ) How Was The Price Of The Bonds Determined
) At The Date Of Deposit?
) What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
) Ownership And Transfer Of Units
(e) Certain profits receivable by depositor, ) Composition Of Trusts
principal underwriter, trustee or )
affiliated persons )
) How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
(f) Ratio of annual charges to income ) *
14. Issuance of trust's securities ) Summary of Portfolios
) When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
) Ownership and Transfer of Units
) How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
15. Receipt and handling of payments ) *
from purchasers )
16. Acquisition and Disposition of ) What Is The Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust?
Underlying Securities )
) Summary of Portfolios
) Composition of Trusts
) Why and How are the Bonds Insured?
) How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
) How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
) Other Information
17. Withdrawal or redemption ) Market For Units
) How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
) How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
18. (a) Receipt and disposition of income ) Summary of Portfolios
) When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
) How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
(b) Reinvestment of distributions ) Accumulation Plan
(c) Reserves or special funds ) Summary of Portfolios
) When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
(d) Schedule of distributions ) *
19. Records, accounts and reports ) When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
) How Detailed Are Reports To Unitholders?
20. Certain miscellaneous provisions of ) Information About the Trustee
Trust Agreement )
) Information About the Sponsor
) Other Information
21. Loans to security holders ) *
22. Limitations on liability ) Summary of Portfolios
) Composition of Trusts
) Information About The Trustee
23. Bond arrangements ) *
24. Other material provisions of Trust Agreement. ) *
III. ORGANIZATION, PERSONNEL AND AFFILIATED PERSONS OF DEPOSITOR
25. Organization of Depositor ) Information About the Sponsor
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
26. Fees received by Depositor ) *
27. Business of Depositor ) Information About the Sponsor
28. Certain information as to officials ) *
and affiliated persons of Depositor )
29. Voting Securities of Depositor ) Information About the Sponsor
30. Persons controlling Depositor )
31. Payments by Depositor for certain )
services rendered to trust )
32. Payments by Depositor for certain ) *
other services rendered to trust )
33. Remuneration of employees of Depositor )
for certain services rendered to trust )
34. Remuneration of other persons for )
certain services rendered to trust )
IV. DISTRIBUTION AND REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
35. Distribution of trust's securities by states ) *
36. Suspension of sales of trust's securities )
37. Revocation of authority to distribute )
38. (a) Method of distribution )
(b) Underwriting agreements ) How Units of The Trusts Are
) Distributed To The Public
(c) Selling agreement )
39. (a) Organization of principal underwriter ) Information About The Sponsor
(b) NASD membership of principal underwriter )
40. Certain fees received by principal underwriter ) *
41. (a) Business of principal underwriter )
(b) Branch offices of principal underwriter ) *
(c) Salesmen of principal underwriter )
42. Ownership of trust's securities by ) *
certain persons )
43. Certain brokerage commissions received ) *
by principal underwriter )
44. (a) Method of valuation ) Part A -- Essential Information
) How Is The Public Offering Price Determined?
) How Was The Price Of The Bonds
) Determined At The Date of Deposit?
) What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
(b) Schedule as to offering price ) *
(c) Variation in offering price to ) How Is the Public Offering Price
certain persons ) Determined?
) What Is Accrued Interest?
) How Was The Price Of The Bonds
) Determined At The Date of Deposit?
45. Suspension of redemption rights ) *
46. (a) Redemption valuation ) Unit Value and Evaluation
) How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
) How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
(b) Schedule as to redemption price ) *
47. Maintenance of position in underlying ) How Is the Public Offering Price
securities ) Determined?
) How Units May Be Purchased By The Sponsor
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
V. INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE OR CUSTODIAN
48. Organization and regulation of Trustee ) Information About The Trustee
49. Fees and expenses of Trustee ) Part A -- Essential Information
) What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
50. Trustee's lien ) What Are Normal Trust Operating Expenses?
) When Are Distributions Made To Unitholders?
VI. INFORMATION CONCERNING INSURANCE OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
51. Insurance of holders of trust's securities ) *
VII. POLICY OF REGISTRANT
52. (a) Provisions of trust agreement with ) What Are Normal Trust Operating
respect to selection or elimination ) Expenses?
of underlying securities )
) How Units May Be Redeemed Without Charge
) How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
(b) Transactions involving elimination ) *
of underlying securities )
(c) Policy regarding substitution or ) Summary of Portfolios
elimination of underlying securities )
) Composition of Trusts
) How Bonds May Be Removed From The Trusts
(d) Fundamental policy not otherwise covered ) *
53. Tax status of trust ) What Is The Tax Status Of Unitholders?
VIII. FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION
54. Trust's securities during last ten years ) *
55. )
56. Certain information regarding ) *
periodic payment certificate )
57. )
58. )
</TABLE>
- ---------
* Inapplicable, omitted, answer negative or not required.
<PAGE>
NOVEMBER 19, 1997
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
A
NUVEEN NUVEEN FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 250
(NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS SERIES 971)
CUSIP NUMBERS:
Monthly: 6706H6 526
Quarterly: 6706H6 534
Semi-Annually: 6706H6 542
PROSPECTUS--PART A (SPECIFIC TERMS) -- 971
THIS PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY THE
PART B OF
THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 8, 1997, TO WHICH SUCH
REFERENCE
HEREIN APPLIES. BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
Florida Insured Trust 250 (the "Trust") consists of a portfolio of
interest-bearing obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of Florida,
certain United States Territories or authorities and political subdivisions
thereof which, in the opinion of recognized bond counsel to the issuing
authorities, provide income which is exempt from Federal income tax and Florida
intangibles tax, to the extent indicated below.
The objectives of the Trust are income exempt from Federal income tax and
Florida intangibles tax, and conservation of capital. The objectives are, of
course, dependent upon the continuing ability of the issuers, obligors and/or
insurers to meet their respective obligations.
The Portfolio of the Trust consists of 8 obligations issued by entities
located in Florida. The Bonds in the Trust are either general obligations of the
governmental entity issuing them and are backed by the taxing power thereof or
are payable as to principal and interest from the income of a specific project
or authority and are not supported by the issuer's power to levy taxes. The
sources of payment for the Bonds are divided as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF PORTFOLIO
ISSUES PURPOSE OF ISSUE PERCENTAGE
--------------- ----------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
2 Municipal Lease Revenue 28.6 %
2 Health Care Facility Revenue 28.5
2 Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue 14.3
1 General Obligation 14.3
1 Water and/or Sewer Revenue 14.3
</TABLE>
Approximately 31.4% of the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 30.5% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds) are original issue discount obligations. Certain of these original issue
discount obligations, amounting to 2.9% of the aggregate principal amount and
.9% of the aggregate offering price of the Bonds in the Trust, are "zero coupon"
bonds. See "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus for a discussion of the
characteristics of such obligations and of the risks associated therewith.
All of the Bonds in the Trust are covered by policies of insurance obtained
from the MBIA Insurance Corporation guaranteeing payment of principal and
interest when due. As a result of such insurance, the Bonds in the Trust have
received a rating of "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch, and/or "AAA" by Standard
& Poor's. Insurance does not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or of Trust
Units.
The Trust is considered to be concentrated in Bonds of Municipal Lease
Revenue Issuers whose revenues are subject to certain risks including the lack
of annual budget appropriations of the leasing governmental entity. The Trust is
also considered to be concentrated in Bonds of Health Care Facility Revenue
Issuers whose revenues are subject to certain risks including increased
governmental regulation, fluctuating occupancy levels and increased competition.
For a discussion of the risks associated with investments in the bonds of
various issuers, see "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
REGARDING THE NUVEEN FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 250
ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, NOVEMBER 18, 1997
Sponsor and Evaluator.......... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
Trustee.............................. The Chase Manhattan Bank
-------------------------------------------
The income, expense and distribution data set forth below have been calculated
for Unitholders receiving monthly, quarterly or semi-annual distribution
options.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust.................. $ 1,750,000
Number of Units..................................... 17,500
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit..... 1/17,500
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust...... $ 1,681,226
Divided by Number of Units...................... $ 96.07
Plus Sales Charge 4.9% (5.152% of the Aggregate
Offering Price of the Bonds per Unit).......... $ 4.95
Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)............... $ 101.02
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
interest)......................................... $ 95.67
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
(exclusive of accrued interest)................... $ 96.07
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
Redemption Price Per Unit......................... $ 5.35
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit............... $ 4.95
Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust(2)........... 26.9 years
</TABLE>
- ----------
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.
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This Prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any State.
1 of 7
<PAGE>
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (CONT.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MONTHLY QUARTERLY SEMI-ANNUAL
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual
Interest Income Per Unit
Annual Interest Income(3)............ $5.0464 $5.0464 $5.0464
Less Estimated Annual Expense........ $.2642 $.2322 $.2132
----------- ----------- -----------
Estimated Net Annual Interest
Income(4).......................... $4.7822 $4.8142 $4.8332
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit........... $.01328 $.01337 $.01342
ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN(5).............. 4.73% 4.77% 4.78 %
ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN(5)............ 4.77% 4.80% 4.82 %
Trustee's Annual Fees(6)................. $1.5494 $1.2294 $1.0394
Date of Deposit..................................................................................November 19, 1997
Settlement Date..................................................................................November 24, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date....................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Minimum Value of Each Trust...................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.........................................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses(7).......................................................$.02971 per Unit
- ----------
</TABLE>
The evaluation time for purpose of sale, purchase or redemption of Units is 4
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. (See
"HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
(1) Units are offered at the Public Offering Price plus accrued interest from
the preceding Record Date to, but not including, the date of settlement
(normally three business days after purchase). The Date of Deposit of the
Fund has been designated as the First Record Date for all plans of
distribution of the Trust and, accordingly, for Units purchased on the Date
of Deposit, $.07 of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to
the Public Offering Price. (See "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.)
(2) The Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust is calculated based upon the
stated maturities of the Bonds in the Trust (or, with respect to Bonds for
which funds or securities have been placed in escrow to redeem such Bonds on
a stated call date, based upon such call date). The Average Maturity of
Bonds in the Trust may increase or decrease from time to time as Bonds
mature or are called or sold.
(3) Assumes delivery of all Bonds. (See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" appearing in
Part B of this Prospectus.) Interest income does not include accretion of
original issue discount on "zero coupon" Bonds, Stripped Obligations or
other original issue discount Bonds. (See "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this
Prospectus.)
(4) The amount and timing of interest distributions from the Trust under the
various plans of distribution are set forth below. It is anticipated that
the amount of interest to be distributed per Unit in each year under each
plan of distribution will initially be substantially equal to the Estimated
Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan. The amount of interest to
be distributed annually per Unit, will generally change as Bonds are
redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
(5) Estimated Long Term Return for the Trust represents the average of the
yields to maturity (or call) of the Bonds in the Trust's portfolio
calculated in accordance with accepted bond practices and adjusted to
reflect a compounding factor, expenses and sales charges. Estimated Current
Return is computed by dividing the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by
the Public Offering Price, and in contrast to Estimated Long Term Return
does not reflect the amortization of premium or accretion of discount, if
any. For more information see "WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND
ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
(6) Each Trustee annual fee is per $1,000 principal amount of the underlying
Bonds in the Trust for that portion of the Trust that represents a
particular plan of distribution.
(7) The Trust (and therefore Unitholders) will bear all or a portion of its
organizational costs (including costs of preparing the registration
statements, the trust indenture and other closing documents, registering
Units with the Securities and Exchange Commission and states, the initial
audit of the Trust portfolio, initial evaluation fees, legal fees and the
initial fees and expenses of the Trustee but not including the expenses
incurred in the printing of preliminary and final prospectuses, and expenses
incurred in the preparation and printing of brochures and other advertising
materials and any other selling expenses) as is common for mutual funds.
Total organizational expenses will be amortized over a five year period. See
"WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?" in Part B of this Prospectus and
"Statement of Condition." Historically, the sponsors of unit investment
trusts have paid all the costs of establishing such trusts.
2 of 7
<PAGE>
INTEREST DISTRIBUTION
Details of interest distributions per Unit of the Trust under the various
plans appear in the following table based upon estimated Net Annual Interest
Income at the Date of Deposit:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NORMAL
DISTRIBUTIONS
1998 PER YEAR
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
Record Date*.......................... 1/1 2/1 5/1 8/1 11/1
Distribution Date..................... 1/15 2/15 5/15 8/15 11/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan............. $ .5577(1) $ 4.7822
-------- $.3984 every month --------
Quarterly Distribution Plan........... $ .5577(1) $ .4011(2) $ 1.2033 $ 1.2033 $ 1.2033 $ 4.8142
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan......... $ .5577(1) $ 1.6104(3) $ 2.4156 $ 4.8332
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for
quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.
Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
Distribution Dates under each distribution plan are the fifteenth day of the
month in which the respective Record Date occurred. For additional
information see "WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.
(1) The first distribution will be paid to all Unitholders, regardless of the
distribution plan selected. Such distribution may be more or less than a
regular monthly distribution.
(2) The second distribution under the quarterly distribution plan represents a
1-month distribution; subsequent quarterly distributions will be regular
3-month distributions.
(3) The second distribution under the semi-annual distribution plan represents a
4-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual distributions will be regular
6-month distributions.
FLORIDA RISK FACTORS
The financial condition of the State of Florida is affected by various
national, economic, social and environmental policies and conditions.
Additionally, Constitutional and statutory limitations imposed on the State and
its local governments concerning taxes, bond indebtedness and other matters may
constrain the revenue-generating capacity of the State and its local governments
and, therefore, the ability of the issuers of the Bonds to satisfy their
obligations. The State Constitution and statutes mandate that the State budget,
as a whole, and each separate fund within the State budget, be kept in balance
from currently available revenues each fiscal year. Additionally, the State
Constitution prohibits issuance of State obligations to fund State operations.
The economic vitality of the State and its various regions and, therefore,
the ability of the State and its local governments to satisfy the Bonds, are
affected by numerous factors. The State continues to be dependent on the
construction and construction related manufacturing industries. These industries
tend to be highly cyclical and there is no assurance that Florida's rapid
population growth, which drove these industries in the past, will continue.
Tourism is also one of the State's most important industries. Because many
international travelers visit Florida, an increase in the value of the U.S.
dollar adversely affects this industry. Moreover, Florida could be impacted by
problems in the agricultural sector, including crop failures, severe weather
conditions or other agricultural-related problems, particularly with regard to
the citrus and sugar industries.
The State is a party to numerous lawsuits in which an adverse final decision
could materially affect the State's governmental operations and consequently its
ability to pay debt service on its obligations.
The State maintains a bond rating of Aa, AA and AA from Moody's, Standard &
Poor's and Fitch Investors Service, respectively, on the majority of its general
obligation bonds, although the rating of a particular series of revenue bonds
relates primarily to the project, facility, or other revenue resource from which
such series derives funds for repayment.
Further information concerning Florida risk factors may be obtained upon
written or telephonic request to the Trustee as described in "OTHER INFORMATION
- -- Supplemental Information" appearing in Part B of this Prospectus.
TAX STATUS
For a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Trust Units,
see "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" appearing in Part B of this
Prospectus. Investors should be aware that on August 5, 1997, the President
signed the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "Act"). The Act reduces the maximum
stated marginal tax rate for capital gains for certain investments held for more
than 18 months to 20 percent (10 percent in the case of certain taxpayers in the
lowest tax bracket). The Act also includes provisions that would treat certain
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 (and not loss) and for purposes of determining the
holding period. Potential investors should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the potential effect of the Act on their investment in Units.
3 of 7
<PAGE>
The assets of the Trust will consist solely of interest-bearing obligations
issued by or on behalf of the State of Florida, its political subdivisions and
authorities or by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands,
American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands (the "Florida Bonds").
In the opinion of Carlton, Fields, Ward, Emmanuel, Smith & Cutler, P.A.,
special counsel for the Trust for Florida tax matters, under existing law:
For Florida state income tax purposes, the Trust will not be subject to the
Florida income tax imposed by the Florida Code so long as the Trust has no
income subject to federal taxation. In addition, political subdivisions of
Florida do not impose any income taxes.
Because Florida does not impose an income tax on individuals, non-corporate
Unitholders will not be subject to any Florida income tax on income realized by
the Trust. Each corporate Unitholder will be subject to Florida income taxation
on its share of the income realized by the Trust notwithstanding the tax exempt
status of the interest received from any bonds under Section 103(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any other federal law, unless the interest
income constitutes nonbusiness income. Nevertheless, any corporate Unitholder
that has its commercial domicile in Florida will be taxable under the Florida
Code on its share of the Trust income which constitutes nonbusiness income.
Trust Units will be subject to Florida estate tax only if owned by Florida
residents, certain natural persons not domiciled in Florida, or certain natural
persons not residents of the United States. However, the Florida estate tax is
limited to the amount of the credit allowable under the applicable Federal
Revenue Act (currently Section 2011 (and in some cases Section 2102) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) for death taxes actually paid to the
several states.
Neither the Florida Bonds nor the Units will be subject to the Florida ad
valorem property tax or Florida sales or use tax.
Because Bonds issued by the State of Florida or its political subdivisions
or by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa
and the Northern Mariana Islands are exempt from Florida intangible personal
property taxation under Chapter 199, Florida Statutes, as amended, the Trust
will not be subject to Florida intangible personal property tax. In addition,
the Unitholders will not be subject to Florida intangible personal property tax
on the Units.
4 of 7
<PAGE>
NUVEEN FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 250
(NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 971)
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, NOVEMBER 19, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratings(3) Trustee's
Optional --------------------- Determination
Aggregate Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented Redemption Standard of Offering
Principal by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1) Provisions(2) & Poor's Moody's Price
<C> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 250,000 Dade County, Florida, Seaport General 2006 at 102 AAA Aaa $ 243,550
Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 1996
(General Obligation Bonds), 5.125% Due
10/1/26.
250,000 Dade County, Florida, Water and Sewer System 2007 at 101 AAA Aaa 247,053
Revenue Bonds, Series 1997, 5.25% Due
10/1/26. (Original issue discount bonds
delivered on or about January 30, 1997 at a
price of 93.586% of principal amount.)
250,000 Jacksonville Health Facilities Authority 2007 at 101 AAA Aaa 241,650
(Florida), Hospital Revenue Bonds (Charity
Obligated Group-Baptist/St. Vincent's Health
System, Inc.), Series 1997A, 5.125% Due
8/15/27.
250,000 City of Lakeland, Florida, Hospital Revenue 2007 at 101 AAA Aaa 238,678
Refunding Bonds, Series 1997 (Lakeland
Regional Medical Center Project), 5.00% Due
11/15/22.
250,000 School Board of Orange County, Florida, Master 2007 at 101 AAA Aaa 250,078
Lease Program, Certificates of Participation,
Series 1997A, 5.375% Due 8/1/22. (Original
issue discount bonds delivered on or about
May 22, 1997 at a price of 94.626% of
principal amount.)
250,000 The School Board of Seminole County, Florida, 2005 at 101 AAA Aaa 246,653
Certificates of Participation, Series 1995A,
5.25% Due 7/1/21.
200,000 Tampa Sports Authority, Florida Sales Tax 2007 at 101 AAA Aaa 197,634
Payments Revenue Bonds (Stadium Project),
Series 1997, 5.25% Due 1/1/27.
50,000 City of Tampa, Florida, Utilities Tax No Optional Call AAA Aaa 15,930
Improvement Bonds, Series 1996, 0.00% Due
10/1/19. (Original issue discount bonds
delivered on or about July 2, 1996 at a price
of 24.294% of principal amount.)
- ----------- ---------------
$ 1,750,000 $ 1,681,226
- ----------- ---------------
- ----------- ---------------
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) The Sponsor's contracts to purchase Bonds were entered into on November
18, 1997. Other information regarding the Bonds in the Trust on the Date of
Deposit is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL
PROFIT INTEREST
COST TO (OR LOSS) INCOME TO BID PRICE
TRUST SPONSOR TO SPONSOR TRUST OF BONDS
---------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Florida Insured Trust 250............... $ 1,676,419 $ 4,807 $ 88,313 $ 1,674,301
</TABLE>
In addition, the difference between the Trustee's determination of Offering
Price and Bid Price (as a percentage of principal amount) is .40%. Neither cost
to Sponsor nor profit (or loss) to Sponsor reflects underwriting profits or
losses received or incurred by the Sponsor through its participation in
underwriting syndicates. The Sponsor did not participate as either the sole
underwriter or as a manager or member of a syndicate that acted as the original
underwriter of any of the Bonds.
(2) The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and at
the prices, shown. Unless otherwise indicated, the Bonds, except for Bonds
issued at a substantial original issue discount, are redeemable at declining
prices (but not below par value) in subsequent years. Original issue discount
bonds, including zero coupon bonds, are generally redeemable at prices based on
the issue price plus the amount of original issue discount accreted to
redemption plus, if applicable, some premium, the amount of which will decline
in subsequent years. The Bonds may also be subject to sinking fund redemption
without premium prior to the dates shown. Certain Bonds may be subject to
redemption without premium prior to the date shown pursuant to special or
mandatory call provisions specified in the instruments setting forth the terms
and provisions of such Bonds. See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS", "WHAT IS THE TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
(3) All the Bonds in the Insured Trusts, as insured by the Insurer, are
rated AAA by Standard & Poor's, AAA by Fitch and/or Aaa by Moody's. The
insurance obtained by the Trust guarantees the payment of interest and principal
on the Bonds when due but does not cover certain market risks associated with
fixed income securities such as accelerated payments, premiums payable on
mandatory redemptions or interest rate risks. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS
INSURED?" in Part B of this Prospectus and "Description of Ratings" in the
Information Supplement.)
5 of 7
<PAGE>
Statement of Condition
NUVEEN FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 250
(Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971)
AS OF NOVEMBER 19, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
TRUST PROPERTY
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-Free Bonds,
backed by an irrevocable letter of
credit(1)(2).................................... $ 1,681,226
Accrued interest to November 19, 1997 on
underlying Bonds(1)............................. 23,695
Organizational costs(3)........................... 2,600
--------------
Total................................. $ 1,707,521
--------------
--------------
LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
Accrued interest to November 19, 1997 on
underlying Bonds(4).......................... $ 23,695
Accrued organizational costs(3)............... 2,600
--------------
Total................................. $ 26,295
--------------
--------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
Units of fractional undivided interest
outstanding (17,500)
Cost to investors(5)........................ $ 1,767,843
Less: Gross underwriting commission(6).... (86,617)
--------------
Net amount applicable to investors............ $ 1,681,226
--------------
Total................................. $ 1,707,521
--------------
--------------
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Represented by contracts to purchase Tax-Exempt Bonds which include "when
issued" or "regular way" or "delayed delivery" contracts for which an
irrevocable letter of credit issued by a major commercial bank has been
deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The amount of such letter
of credit and any cash deposited exceeds the amount necessary for the
purchase of the Bonds plus accrued interest to the Date of Deposit. At the
Date of Deposit, Bonds may have been delivered to the Sponsor pursuant to
certain of these contracts; the Sponsor has assigned to the Trustee all of
its rights, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
(2) Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Date of Deposit of the Bonds
listed under "Schedule of Investments" herein, and their aggregate cost to
the Trust are the same. Such offering prices were determined by Kenny S&P
Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close of
business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See "HOW WAS THE
PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT?" in Part B of this
Prospectus.) Insurance coverage providing for the timely payment, when due,
of all principal of and interest on the Bonds in an Insured Trust has been
obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does
not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of the Units. Both
the bid and the offering prices of the underlying Bonds and of the Units may
include value attributable to such policies of insurance.
(3) The Trust (and therefore Unitholders) will bear all or a portion of its
estimated organizational costs which will be deferred and amortized over
five years from the Date of Deposit.
(4) Representing, as set forth in "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of this
Prospectus, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued
Bond interest as of the Date of Deposit.
(5) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as
set forth under "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.
(6) The gross underwriting commission of 4.90% of the Public Offering Price has
been calculated on the assumption that the Units sold are not subject to a
reduction of sales charge for quantity purchases. In single transactions
involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See "HOW IS THE
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
6 of 7
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS OF
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 250:
We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule of
investments at date of deposit (included in Part A of this Prospectus) of
Florida Insured Trust 250 (contained in Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971),
as of November 19, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities, described in Note (1) to the statement of condition, 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
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the statement of condition and the schedule of investments
at date of deposit referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of Florida Insured Trust 250 as of November 19, 1997, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chicago, Illinois,
November 19, 1997.
7 of 7
<PAGE>
NOVEMBER 19, 1997
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
A
NUVEEN NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST 149
(NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS SERIES 971)
CUSIP NUMBERS:
Monthly: 67065D 284
Quarterly: 67065D 292
Semi-Annually: 67065D 300
PROSPECTUS--PART A (SPECIFIC TERMS) -- 971
THIS PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY THE
PART B OF
THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 8, 1997, TO WHICH SUCH
REFERENCE
HEREIN APPLIES. BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
Massachusetts Insured Trust 149 (the "Trust") consists of a portfolio of
interest-bearing obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of
Massachusetts, certain United States Territories or authorities and political
subdivisions thereof which, in the opinion of recognized bond counsel to the
issuing authorities, provide income which is exempt from Federal income tax and
Massachusetts income tax, to the extent indicated below.
The objectives of the Trust are income exempt from Federal and state income
taxes, and conservation of capital. The objectives are, of course, dependent
upon the continuing ability of the issuers, obligors and/or insurers to meet
their respective obligations.
The Portfolio of the Trust consists of 7 obligations issued by entities
located in Massachusetts and one obligation issued by an entity located in the
Territory of Puerto Rico. The Bonds in the Trust are either general obligations
of the governmental entity issuing them and are backed by the taxing power
thereof or are payable as to principal and interest from the income of a
specific project or authority and are not supported by the issuer's power to
levy taxes. The sources of payment for the Bonds are divided as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF PORTFOLIO
ISSUES PURPOSE OF ISSUE PERCENTAGE
--------------- ----------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
2 Education Revenue 28.6 %
2 General Obligation 28.5
2 Bridge and Toll Road Revenue 14.3
1 Health Care Facility Revenue 14.3
1 Water and/or Sewer Revenue 14.3
</TABLE>
Approximately 34.3% of the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 30.9% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds) are original issue discount obligations. Certain of these original issue
discount obligations, amounting to 5.7% of the aggregate principal amount and
1.7% of the aggregate offering price of the Bonds in the Trust, are "zero
coupon" bonds. See "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus for a discussion
of the characteristics of such obligations and of the risks associated
therewith.
All of the Bonds in the Trust are covered by policies of insurance obtained
from the MBIA Insurance Corporation guaranteeing payment of principal and
interest when due. As a result of such insurance, the Bonds in the Trust have
received a rating of "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch, and/or "AAA" by Standard
& Poor's. Insurance does not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or of Trust
Units.
The Trust is considered to be concentrated in Bonds of Education Revenue
Issuers whose revenues are subject to certain risks including declines in
"college age" individuals and the possible inability to raise tuition and fees.
For a discussion of the risks associated with investments in the bonds of
various issuers, see "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
REGARDING THE NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST 149
ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, NOVEMBER 18, 1997
Sponsor and Evaluator.......... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
Trustee.............................. The Chase Manhattan Bank
-------------------------------------------
The income, expense and distribution data set forth below have been calculated
for Unitholders receiving monthly, quarterly or semi-annual distribution
options.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust.................. $ 1,750,000
Number of Units..................................... 17,500
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit..... 1/17,500
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust...... $ 1,660,448
Divided by Number of Units...................... $ 94.88
Plus Sales Charge 4.9% (5.152% of the Aggregate
Offering Price of the Bonds per Unit).......... $ 4.89
Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)............... $ 99.77
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
interest)......................................... $ 94.47
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
(exclusive of accrued interest)................... $ 94.88
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
Redemption Price Per Unit......................... $ 5.30
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit............... $ 4.89
Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust(2)........... 27.6 years
</TABLE>
- ----------
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.
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This Prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any State.
1 of 7
<PAGE>
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (CONT.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MONTHLY QUARTERLY SEMI-ANNUAL
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual
Interest Income Per Unit
Annual Interest Income(3)............ $5.0071 $5.0071 $5.0071
Less Estimated Annual Expense........ $.2616 $.2296 $.2106
----------- ----------- -----------
Estimated Net Annual Interest
Income(4).......................... $4.7455 $4.7775 $4.7965
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit........... $.01318 $.01327 $.01332
ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN(5).............. 4.76% 4.79% 4.81 %
ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN(5)............ 4.81% 4.84% 4.86 %
Trustee's Annual Fees(6)................. $1.5349 $1.2149 $1.0249
Date of Deposit..................................................................................November 19, 1997
Settlement Date..................................................................................November 24, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date....................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Minimum Value of Each Trust...................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.........................................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses(7).......................................................$.02857 per Unit
- ----------
</TABLE>
The evaluation time for purpose of sale, purchase or redemption of Units is 4
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. (See
"HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
(1) Units are offered at the Public Offering Price plus accrued interest from
the preceding Record Date to, but not including, the date of settlement
(normally three business days after purchase). The Date of Deposit of the
Fund has been designated as the First Record Date for all plans of
distribution of the Trust and, accordingly, for Units purchased on the Date
of Deposit, $.07 of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to
the Public Offering Price. (See "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.)
(2) The Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust is calculated based upon the
stated maturities of the Bonds in the Trust (or, with respect to Bonds for
which funds or securities have been placed in escrow to redeem such Bonds on
a stated call date, based upon such call date). The Average Maturity of
Bonds in the Trust may increase or decrease from time to time as Bonds
mature or are called or sold.
(3) Assumes delivery of all Bonds. (See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" appearing in
Part B of this Prospectus.) Interest income does not include accretion of
original issue discount on "zero coupon" Bonds, Stripped Obligations or
other original issue discount Bonds. (See "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this
Prospectus.)
(4) The amount and timing of interest distributions from the Trust under the
various plans of distribution are set forth below. It is anticipated that
the amount of interest to be distributed per Unit in each year under each
plan of distribution will initially be substantially equal to the Estimated
Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan. The amount of interest to
be distributed annually per Unit, will generally change as Bonds are
redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
(5) Estimated Long Term Return for the Trust represents the average of the
yields to maturity (or call) of the Bonds in the Trust's portfolio
calculated in accordance with accepted bond practices and adjusted to
reflect a compounding factor, expenses and sales charges. Estimated Current
Return is computed by dividing the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by
the Public Offering Price, and in contrast to Estimated Long Term Return
does not reflect the amortization of premium or accretion of discount, if
any. For more information see "WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND
ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
(6) Each Trustee annual fee is per $1,000 principal amount of the underlying
Bonds in the Trust for that portion of the Trust that represents a
particular plan of distribution.
(7) The Trust (and therefore Unitholders) will bear all or a portion of its
organizational costs (including costs of preparing the registration
statements, the trust indenture and other closing documents, registering
Units with the Securities and Exchange Commission and states, the initial
audit of the Trust portfolio, initial evaluation fees, legal fees and the
initial fees and expenses of the Trustee but not including the expenses
incurred in the printing of preliminary and final prospectuses, and expenses
incurred in the preparation and printing of brochures and other advertising
materials and any other selling expenses) as is common for mutual funds.
Total organizational expenses will be amortized over a five year period. See
"WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?" in Part B of this Prospectus and
"Statement of Condition." Historically, the sponsors of unit investment
trusts have paid all the costs of establishing such trusts.
2 of 7
<PAGE>
INTEREST DISTRIBUTION
Details of interest distributions per Unit of the Trust under the various
plans appear in the following table based upon estimated Net Annual Interest
Income at the Date of Deposit:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NORMAL
DISTRIBUTIONS
1998 PER YEAR
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
Record Date*.......................... 1/1 2/1 5/1 8/1 11/1
Distribution Date..................... 1/15 2/15 5/15 8/15 11/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan............. $ .5535(1) $ 4.7455
--------$.3954 every month--------
Quarterly Distribution Plan........... $ .5535(1) $ .3981(2) $ 1.1943 $ 1.1943 $ 1.1943 $ 4.7775
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan......... $ .5535(1) $ 1.5984(3) $ 2.3976 $ 4.7965
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for
quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.
Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
Distribution Dates under each distribution plan are the fifteenth day of the
month in which the respective Record Date occurred. For additional
information see "WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.
(1) The first distribution will be paid to all Unitholders, regardless of the
distribution plan selected. Such distribution may be more or less than a
regular monthly distribution.
(2) The second distribution under the quarterly distribution plan represents a
1-month distribution; subsequent quarterly distributions will be regular
3-month distributions.
(3) The second distribution under the semi-annual distribution plan represents a
4-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual distributions will be regular
6-month distributions.
MASSACHUSETTS RISK FACTORS
The financial condition of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is affected by
various national, economic, social and environmental policies and conditions.
Additionally, limitations imposed by statute and voter initiative upon the
Commonwealth and its local governments concerning taxes, bond indebtedness and
other matters may constrain the revenue-generating capacity of the Commonwealth
and its local governments and, therefore, the ability of the issuers of the
Bonds to satisfy their obligations.
The economic vitality of the State and its various regions and, therefore,
the ability of the State and its local governments to satisfy the Bonds, are
affected by numerous factors. The employment in the Commonwealth has been and
continues to be significantly and adversely affected by reductions in federal
government spending on defense-related industries. The Commonwealth has many
material future liabilities, including an underfunded retirement system and
Medicaid expenditures.
The Commonwealth is a party to numerous lawsuits in which an adverse final
decision could materially affect the Commonwealth's governmental operations and
consequently its ability to pay debt service on its obligations.
In recent years, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and certain of its public
bodies and municipalities, particularly the City of Boston have faced serious
financial difficulties which have affected the credit standing and borrowing
abilities of Massachusetts and its respective entities and may have contributed
to higher interest rates on debt obligations. Standard and Poor's currently
rates the Commonwealth's uninsured general obligation bonds at A+, while Moody's
rates these obligations at A1.
Further information concerning Massachusetts risk factors may be obtained
upon written or telephonic request to the Trustee as described in "OTHER
INFORMATION -- Supplemental Information" appearing in Part B of this Prospectus.
TAX STATUS--MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST
For a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Trust Units,
see "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" appearing in Part B of this
Prospectus. Investors should be aware that on August 5, 1997, the President
signed the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "Act"). The Act reduces the maximum
stated marginal tax rate for capital gains for certain investments held for more
than 18 months to 20 percent (10 percent in the case of certain taxpayers in the
lowest tax bracket). The Act also includes provisions that would treat certain
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 (and not loss) and for purposes of determining the
holding period. Potential investors should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the potential effect of the Act on their investment in Units.
3 of 7
<PAGE>
In the opinion of Edwards & Angell, special Massachusetts counsel to the
Trust, based on rulings by the Commissioner of Revenue and under existing law:
For Massachusetts income tax purposes, each Trust will be treated as a
corporate trust under Section 8 of Chapter 62 of the Massachusetts General Laws
("M.G.L.") and not as a grantor trust under Section 10(e) of M.G.L. Chapter 62.
The Trust will not be held to be engaging in business in Massachusetts
within the meaning of said Section 8 and will, therefore, not be subject to
Massachusetts income tax.
Unitholders who are subject to Massachusetts income taxation under M.G.L.
Chapter 62 will not be required to include their respective shares of the
earnings of or distributions from the Trust in their Massachusetts gross income
to the extent that such earnings or distributions represent tax-exempt interest
excludable from gross income for Federal income tax purposes received by the
Trust on obligations issued by Massachusetts, its counties, municipalities,
authorities, political subdivisions or instrumentalities or by Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or other possessions of the
United States within the meaning of Section 103(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended ("Massachusetts Obligations").
Unitholders who are subject to Massachusetts income taxation under M.G.L.
Chapter 62 will not be required to include their respective shares of the
earnings of or distributions from the Trust in their Massachusetts gross income
to the extent that such earnings or distributions are derived from the proceeds
of insurance obtained by the Sponsor of the Trust or by the issuer or
underwriter of an obligation held by the Trust that represent maturing interest
on defaulted obligations held by the Trustee, if and to the same extent that
such earnings or distributions would have been excludable from the gross income
of such Unitholders if derived from interest paid by the issuer of the defaulted
obligation.
Unitholders which are corporations subject to taxation under M.G.L. Chapter
63 will be required to include their respective shares of the earnings of or
distributions from the Trust in their Massachusetts gross income to the extent
that such earnings or distributions represent interest from bonds, notes or
indebtedness of any state, including Massachusetts, except for interest which is
specifically exempted from such tax by the acts authorizing issuance of said
Massachusetts Obligations.
The Trust's capital gains and/or capital losses which are includable in the
Federal gross income of Unitholders who are subject to Massachusetts income
taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 62, or Unitholders which are corporations subject
to Massachusetts taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 63 will be included as capital
gains and/or losses in the Unitholders' Massachusetts gross income, except for
capital gain which is specifically exempted from taxation under such Chapters by
the acts authorizing issuance of said Massachusetts Obligations.
Unitholders which are corporations subject to tax under M.G.L. Chapter 63
and which are tangible property corporations will not be required to include the
Units when determining the value of their tangible property. Unitholders which
are intangible property corporations will be required to include the Units when
determining their net worth.
Gains or losses realized on sales or redemptions of Units by Unitholders who
are subject to Massachusetts income taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 62, or
Unitholders which are corporations subject to Massachusetts income taxation
under M.G.L. Chapter 63, will be includable in their Massachusetts gross income.
In determining such gain or loss Unitholders will, to the same extent required
for Federal tax purposes, have to adjust their tax bases for their Units for
accrued interest received, if any, on Massachusetts Obligations delivered to the
Trustee after the Unitholders pay for their Units, for amortization of premiums,
if any, on Massachusetts Obligations held by the Trust, and for accrued original
issue discount with respect to each Massachusetts Obligation which, at the time
the Massachusetts Obligation was issued, had original issue discount.
The Units of the Trust are not subject to any property tax levied by
Massachusetts or any political subdivision thereof, nor to any income tax levied
by any such political subdivision. They are includable in the gross estate of a
deceased holder who is a resident of Massachusetts for purposes of the
Massachusetts Estate Tax.
4 of 7
<PAGE>
NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST 149
(NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 971)
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, NOVEMBER 19, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratings(3) Trustee's
Optional --------------------- Determination
Aggregate Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented Redemption Standard of Offering
Principal by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1) Provisions(2) & Poor's Moody's Price
<C> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 250,000 Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, 2005 at 101 AAA Aaa $ 247,330
General Transportation System Bonds, 1995
Series B, 5.375% Due 3/1/25. (Original issue
discount bonds delivered on or about October
3, 1995 at a price of 92.994% of principal
amount.)(General Obligation Bonds.)
250,000 Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities 2007 at 101 AAA Aaa 249,105
Authority, Revenue Bonds, Partners HealthCare
System Issue, Series A, 5.375% Due 7/1/24.
250,000 Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities 2007 at 101 AAA Aaa 237,718
Authority, Revenue Bonds, Springfield College
Issue, Series 1997, 5.00% Due 10/15/27.
(Original issue discount bonds delivered on
or about November 19, 1997 at a price of
93.252% of principal amount.)
250,000 Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, 2007 at 102 AAA Aaa 246,288
Revenue Bonds, Suffolk University Issue,
Series 1997, 5.25% Due 7/1/27.
150,000 Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, Metropolitan 2007 at 102 AAA Aaa 147,282
Highway System Revenue Bonds, 1997 Series B,
5.25% Due 1/1/29.
100,000 Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, Metropolitan No Optional Call AAA Aaa 27,664
Highway System Revenue Bonds, 1997 Series C
(Senior), 0.00% Due 1/1/22. (Original issue
discount bonds delivered on or about October
2, 1997 at a price of 26.516% of principal
amount.)
250,000 Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, 2006 at 101 AAA Aaa 253,068
General Revenue Bonds, 1996 Series A, 5.50%
Due 11/1/21.
250,000 Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement 2006 at 101.5 AAA Aaa 251,993
Bonds of 1996 (General Obligation Bonds.),
5.40% Due 7/1/25.
- ----------- ---------------
$ 1,750,000 $ 1,660,448
- ----------- ---------------
- ----------- ---------------
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) The Sponsor's contracts to purchase Bonds were entered into on November
18, 1997. Other information regarding the Bonds in the Trust on the Date of
Deposit is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL
PROFIT INTEREST
COST TO (OR LOSS) INCOME TO BID PRICE
TRUST SPONSOR TO SPONSOR TRUST OF BONDS
---------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Massachusetts Insured Trust 149......... $ 1,653,663 $ 6,785 $ 87,625 $ 1,653,348
</TABLE>
In addition, the difference between the Trustee's determination of Offering
Price and Bid Price (as a percentage of principal amount) is .41%. Neither cost
to Sponsor nor profit (or loss) to Sponsor reflects underwriting profits or
losses received or incurred by the Sponsor through its participation in
underwriting syndicates. The Sponsor did not participate as either the sole
underwriter or as a manager or member of a syndicate that acted as the original
underwriter of any of the Bonds.
(2) The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and at
the prices, shown. Unless otherwise indicated, the Bonds, except for Bonds
issued at a substantial original issue discount, are redeemable at declining
prices (but not below par value) in subsequent years. Original issue discount
bonds, including zero coupon bonds, are generally redeemable at prices based on
the issue price plus the amount of original issue discount accreted to
redemption plus, if applicable, some premium, the amount of which will decline
in subsequent years. The Bonds may also be subject to sinking fund redemption
without premium prior to the dates shown. Certain Bonds may be subject to
redemption without premium prior to the date shown pursuant to special or
mandatory call provisions specified in the instruments setting forth the terms
and provisions of such Bonds. See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS", "WHAT IS THE TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
(3) All the Bonds in the Insured Trusts, as insured by the Insurer, are
rated AAA by Standard & Poor's, AAA by Fitch and/or Aaa by Moody's. The
insurance obtained by the Trust guarantees the payment of interest and principal
on the Bonds when due but does not cover certain market risks associated with
fixed income securities such as accelerated payments, premiums payable on
mandatory redemptions or interest rate risks. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS
INSURED?" in Part B of this Prospectus and "Description of Ratings" in the
Information Supplement.)
5 of 7
<PAGE>
Statement of Condition
NUVEEN MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST 149
(Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971)
AS OF NOVEMBER 19, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
TRUST PROPERTY
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-Free Bonds,
backed by an irrevocable letter of
credit(1)(2).................................... $ 1,660,448
Accrued interest to November 19, 1997 on
underlying Bonds(1)............................. 16,921
Organizational costs(3)........................... 2,500
--------------
Total................................. $ 1,679,869
--------------
--------------
LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
Accrued interest to November 19, 1997 on
underlying Bonds(4).......................... $ 16,921
Accrued organizational costs(3)............... 2,500
--------------
Total................................. $ 19,421
--------------
--------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
Units of fractional undivided interest
outstanding (17,500)
Cost to investors(5)........................ $ 1,745,994
Less: Gross underwriting commission(6).... (85,546)
--------------
Net amount applicable to investors............ $ 1,660,448
--------------
Total................................. $ 1,679,869
--------------
--------------
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Represented by contracts to purchase Tax-Exempt Bonds which include "when
issued" or "regular way" or "delayed delivery" contracts for which an
irrevocable letter of credit issued by a major commercial bank has been
deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The amount of such letter
of credit and any cash deposited exceeds the amount necessary for the
purchase of the Bonds plus accrued interest to the Date of Deposit. At the
Date of Deposit, Bonds may have been delivered to the Sponsor pursuant to
certain of these contracts; the Sponsor has assigned to the Trustee all of
its rights, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
(2) Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Date of Deposit of the Bonds
listed under "Schedule of Investments" herein, and their aggregate cost to
the Trust are the same. Such offering prices were determined by Kenny S&P
Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close of
business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See "HOW WAS THE
PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT?" in Part B of this
Prospectus.) Insurance coverage providing for the timely payment, when due,
of all principal of and interest on the Bonds in an Insured Trust has been
obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does
not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of the Units. Both
the bid and the offering prices of the underlying Bonds and of the Units may
include value attributable to such policies of insurance.
(3) The Trust (and therefore Unitholders) will bear all or a portion of its
estimated organizational costs which will be deferred and amortized over
five years from the Date of Deposit.
(4) Representing, as set forth in "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of this
Prospectus, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued
Bond interest as of the Date of Deposit.
(5) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as
set forth under "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.
(6) The gross underwriting commission of 4.90% of the Public Offering Price has
been calculated on the assumption that the Units sold are not subject to a
reduction of sales charge for quantity purchases. In single transactions
involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See "HOW IS THE
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
6 of 7
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS OF
MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST 149:
We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule of
investments at date of deposit (included in Part A of this Prospectus) of
Massachusetts Insured Trust 149 (contained in Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series
971), as of November 19, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities, described in Note (1) to the statement of condition, 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
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the statement of condition and the schedule of investments
at date of deposit referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of Massachusetts Insured Trust 149 as of November 19,
1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chicago, Illinois,
November 19, 1997.
7 of 7
<PAGE>
NOVEMBER 19, 1997
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
A
NUVEEN NUVEEN NEW JERSEY INSURED TRUST 224
(NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS SERIES 971)
CUSIP NUMBERS:
Monthly: 6706LC 197
Quarterly: 6706LC 205
Semi-Annually: 6706LC 213
PROSPECTUS--PART A (SPECIFIC TERMS) -- 971
THIS PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY THE
PART B OF
THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 8, 1997, TO WHICH SUCH
REFERENCE
HEREIN APPLIES. BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
New Jersey Insured Trust 224 (the "Trust") consists of a portfolio of
interest-bearing obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of New Jersey,
certain United States Territories or authorities and political subdivisions
thereof which, in the opinion of recognized bond counsel to the issuing
authorities, provide income which is exempt from Federal income tax and New
Jersey income tax, to the extent indicated below.
The objectives of the Trust are income exempt from Federal and state income
taxes, and conservation of capital. The objectives are, of course, dependent
upon the continuing ability of the issuers, obligors and/or insurers to meet
their respective obligations.
The Portfolio of the Trust consists of 7 obligations issued by entities
located in New Jersey. The Bonds in the Trust are either general obligations of
the governmental entity issuing them and are backed by the taxing power thereof
or are payable as to principal and interest from the income of a specific
project or authority and are not supported by the issuer's power to levy taxes.
The sources of payment for the Bonds are divided as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF PORTFOLIO
ISSUES PURPOSE OF ISSUE PERCENTAGE
--------------- ----------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
3 General Obligation 42.8 %
2 Education Revenue 28.6
1 Health Care Facility Revenue 14.3
1 Transportation 14.3
</TABLE>
Approximately 28.6% of the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 27.9% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds) are original issue discount bonds. See "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this
Prospectus for a discussion of the characteristics of such obligations and of
the risks associated therewith.
All of the Bonds in the Trust are covered by policies of insurance obtained
from the MBIA Insurance Corporation guaranteeing payment of principal and
interest when due. As a result of such insurance, the Bonds in the Trust have
received a rating of "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch, and/or "AAA" by Standard
& Poor's. Insurance does not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or of Trust
Units.
The Trust is considered to be concentrated in Bonds of Education Revenue
Issuers whose revenues are subject to certain risks including declines in
"college age" individuals and the possible inability to raise tuition and fees.
For a discussion of the risks associated with investments in the bonds of
various issuers, see "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
REGARDING THE NUVEEN NEW JERSEY INSURED TRUST 224
ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, NOVEMBER 18, 1997
Sponsor and Evaluator.......... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
Trustee.............................. The Chase Manhattan Bank
-------------------------------------------
The income, expense and distribution data set forth below have been calculated
for Unitholders receiving monthly, quarterly or semi-annual distribution
options.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust.................. $ 1,750,000
Number of Units..................................... 17,500
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit..... 1/17,500
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust...... $ 1,710,395
Divided by Number of Units...................... $ 97.74
Plus Sales Charge 4.9% (5.152% of the Aggregate
Offering Price of the Bonds per Unit).......... $ 5.04
Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)............... $ 102.78
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
interest)......................................... $ 97.37
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
(exclusive of accrued interest)................... $ 97.74
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
Redemption Price Per Unit......................... $ 5.41
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit............... $ 5.04
Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust(2)........... 23.4 years
</TABLE>
- ----------
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.
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This Prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any State.
1 of 7
<PAGE>
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (CONT.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MONTHLY QUARTERLY SEMI-ANNUAL
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual
Interest Income Per Unit
Annual Interest Income(3)............ $5.0857 $5.0857 $5.0857
Less Estimated Annual Expense........ $.2631 $.2311 $.2121
----------- ----------- -----------
Estimated Net Annual Interest
Income(4).......................... $4.8226 $4.8546 $4.8736
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit........... $.01339 $.01348 $.01353
ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN(5).............. 4.69% 4.72% 4.74 %
ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN(5)............ 4.66% 4.70% 4.72 %
Trustee's Annual Fees(6)................. $1.5387 $1.2187 $1.0287
Date of Deposit..................................................................................November 19, 1997
Settlement Date..................................................................................November 24, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date....................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Minimum Value of Each Trust...................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.........................................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses(7).......................................................$.02971 per Unit
- ----------
</TABLE>
The evaluation time for purpose of sale, purchase or redemption of Units is 4
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. (See
"HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
(1) Units are offered at the Public Offering Price plus accrued interest from
the preceding Record Date to, but not including, the date of settlement
(normally three business days after purchase). The Date of Deposit of the
Fund has been designated as the First Record Date for all plans of
distribution of the Trust and, accordingly, for Units purchased on the Date
of Deposit, $.07 of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to
the Public Offering Price. (See "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.)
(2) The Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust is calculated based upon the
stated maturities of the Bonds in the Trust (or, with respect to Bonds for
which funds or securities have been placed in escrow to redeem such Bonds on
a stated call date, based upon such call date). The Average Maturity of
Bonds in the Trust may increase or decrease from time to time as Bonds
mature or are called or sold.
(3) Assumes delivery of all Bonds. (See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" appearing in
Part B of this Prospectus.) Interest income does not include accretion of
original issue discount on "zero coupon" Bonds, Stripped Obligations or
other original issue discount Bonds. (See "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this
Prospectus.)
(4) The amount and timing of interest distributions from the Trust under the
various plans of distribution are set forth below. It is anticipated that
the amount of interest to be distributed per Unit in each year under each
plan of distribution will initially be substantially equal to the Estimated
Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan. The amount of interest to
be distributed annually per Unit, will generally change as Bonds are
redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
(5) Estimated Long Term Return for the Trust represents the average of the
yields to maturity (or call) of the Bonds in the Trust's portfolio
calculated in accordance with accepted bond practices and adjusted to
reflect a compounding factor, expenses and sales charges. Estimated Current
Return is computed by dividing the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by
the Public Offering Price, and in contrast to Estimated Long Term Return
does not reflect the amortization of premium or accretion of discount, if
any. For more information see "WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND
ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
(6) Each Trustee annual fee is per $1,000 principal amount of the underlying
Bonds in the Trust for that portion of the Trust that represents a
particular plan of distribution.
(7) The Trust (and therefore Unitholders) will bear all or a portion of its
organizational costs (including costs of preparing the registration
statements, the trust indenture and other closing documents, registering
Units with the Securities and Exchange Commission and states, the initial
audit of the Trust portfolio, initial evaluation fees, legal fees and the
initial fees and expenses of the Trustee but not including the expenses
incurred in the printing of preliminary and final prospectuses, and expenses
incurred in the preparation and printing of brochures and other advertising
materials and any other selling expenses) as is common for mutual funds.
Total organizational expenses will be amortized over a five year period. See
"WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?" in Part B of this Prospectus and
"Statement of Condition." Historically, the sponsors of unit investment
trusts have paid all the costs of establishing such trusts.
2 of 7
<PAGE>
INTEREST DISTRIBUTION
Details of interest distributions per Unit of the Trust under the various
plans appear in the following table based upon estimated Net Annual Interest
Income at the Date of Deposit:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NORMAL
DISTRIBUTIONS
1998 PER YEAR
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
Record Date*.......................... 1/1 2/1 5/1 8/1 11/1
Distribution Date..................... 1/15 2/15 5/15 8/15 11/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan............. $ .5623(1) $ 4.8226
--------$.4017 every month--------
Quarterly Distribution Plan........... $ .5623(1) $ .4044(2) $ 1.2132 $ 1.2132 $ 1.2132 $ 4.8546
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan......... $ .5623(1) $ 1.6236(3) $ 2.4354 $ 4.8736
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for
quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.
Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
Distribution Dates under each distribution plan are the fifteenth day of the
month in which the respective Record Date occurred. For additional
information see "WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.
(1) The first distribution will be paid to all Unitholders, regardless of the
distribution plan selected. Such distribution may be more or less than a
regular monthly distribution.
(2) The second distribution under the quarterly distribution plan represents a
1-month distribution; subsequent quarterly distributions will be regular
3-month distributions.
(3) The second distribution under the semi-annual distribution plan represents a
4-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual distributions will be regular
6-month distributions.
NEW JERSEY RISK FACTORS
The financial condition of the State of New Jersey is affected by various
national, economic, social and environmental policies and conditions.
Additionally, Constitutional and statutory limitations imposed on the State and
its local governments concerning taxes, bond indebtedness and other matters may
constrain the revenue-generating capacity of the State and its local governments
and, therefore, the ability of the issuers of the Bonds to satisfy their
obligations.
The economic vitality of the State and its various regions and, therefore,
the ability of the State and its local governments to satisfy the Bonds, are
affected by numerous factors. The State's economic base is diversified,
consisting of manufacturing, construction and service industries, supplemented
by rural areas with selective commercial agriculture. The State has a relatively
high wage labor market which has resulted in the State's business sector
becoming more vulnerable to competitive pressures.
The State is a party to numerous lawsuits in which an adverse final decision
could materially affect the State's governmental operations and consequently its
ability to pay debt service on its obligations.
All outstanding general obligation bonds of the State are rated "AA+" by
Standard and Poor's and "Aa1" by Moody's.
Further information concerning New Jersey risk factors may be obtained upon
written or telephonic request to the Trustee as described in "OTHER INFORMATION
- -- Supplemental Information" appearing in Part B of this Prospectus.
TAX STATUS
For a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Trust Units,
see "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
Investors should be aware that on August 5, 1997, the President signed the
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "Act"). The Act reduces the maximum stated
marginal tax rate for capital gains for certain investments held for more than
18 months to 20 percent (10 percent in the case of certain taxpayers in the
lowest tax bracket). The Act also includes provisions that would treat certain
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 (and not loss) and for purposes of determining the
holding period. Potential investors should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the potential effect of the Act on their investment in Units.
The assets of the Trust will consist of interest-bearing obligations issued
by or on behalf of the State of New Jersey and counties, municipalities,
authorities and other political subdivisions thereof, and certain territories of
the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and the
Northern Mariana Islands (the "New Jersey Bonds").
In the opinion of Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch, special counsel to the Trust
for New Jersey tax matters, under existing law:
The Trust will be recognized as a Trust and not an association taxable
as a corporation. The Trust will not be subject to the New Jersey
Corporation Business Tax or the New Jersey Corporation Income Tax.
3 of 7
<PAGE>
With respect to the non-corporate Unitholders who are residents of New
Jersey, the income of the Trust will be treated as the income of such
Unitholders under the New Jersey Gross Income Tax. Interest on the
underlying New Jersey Bonds which is exempt from tax under the New Jersey
Gross Income Tax Law when received by the Trust will retain its status as
tax-exempt interest when distributed to the Unitholders.
A non-corporate Unitholder will not be subject to the New Jersey Gross
Income Tax on any gain realized either when the Trust disposes of a New
Jersey Bond (whether by sale, exchange, redemption, or payment at maturity)
or when the Unitholder redeems or sells his Units. Any loss realized on such
disposition may not be utilized to offset gains realized by such Unitholder
on the disposition of assets the gain on which is subject to the New Jersey
Gross Income Tax.
Units of the Trust may be taxable on the death of a Unitholder under the
New Jersey Transfer Inheritance Tax Law or the New Jersey Estate Tax Law.
If a Unitholder is a corporation subject to the New Jersey Corporation
Business Tax or New Jersey Corporation Income Tax, interest from the Bonds
in the Trust which is allocable to such corporation will be includable in
its entire net income for purposes of the New Jersey Corporation Business
Tax or New Jersey Corporation Income Tax, less any interest expense incurred
to carry such investment to the extent such interest expense has not been
deducted in computing Federal taxable income. Net gains derived by such
corporation on the disposition of the New Jersey Bonds by the Trust or on
the disposition of its Units will be included in its entire net income for
purposes of the New Jersey Corporation Business Tax or New Jersey
Corporation Income Tax.
4 of 7
<PAGE>
NUVEEN NEW JERSEY INSURED TRUST 224
(NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 971)
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, NOVEMBER 19, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratings(3) Trustee's
Optional --------------------- Determination
Aggregate Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented Redemption Standard of Offering
Principal by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1) Provisions(2) & Poor's Moody's Price
<C> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 250,000 New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, 2006 at 101 AAA Aaa $ 245,528
Revenue Bonds, Trenton State College Issue,
Series 1996 A, 5.00% Due 7/1/16.
250,000 New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing 2007 at 102 AAA Aaa 251,250
Authority, Revenue and Refunding Bonds, AHS
Hospital Corporation Issue, Series 1997 A,
5.375% Due 7/1/19.
250,000 * The Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority 2008 at 101 AAA Aaa 248,465
(Camden County, New Jersey), County Agreement
Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds, 1997 Series,
5.25% Due 7/15/17. (General Obligation
Bonds.) (When issued.)
250,000 The Board of Education of the Borough of 2007 at 101 AAA Aaa 245,478
Highland Park, in the County of Middlesex,
New Jersey, School Refunding Bonds (New
Jersey School Bond Reserve Act, P.L. 1980
c.72), 5.125% Due 2/15/25. (Original issue
discount bonds delivered on or about December
20, 1996 at a price of 94.654% of principal
amount.)(General Obligation Bonds.)
250,000 Lacey Municipal Utilities Authority (Ocean 2007 at 102 AAA Aaa 244,908
County, New Jersey), Water Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Series 1997), 5.10% Due 12/1/21.
(General Obligation Bonds.)
250,000 University of Medicine and Dentistry of New 2008 at 102 AAA Aaa 243,058
Jersey, Certificates of Participation, Series
A, 5.00% Due 9/1/22.
250,000 The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 2006 at 101 AAA Aaa 231,708
Consolidated Bonds, One Hundred Fourth
Series, 4.75% Due 1/15/26. (Original issue
discount bonds delivered on or about February
14, 1996 at a price of 91.788% of principal
amount.)
- ----------- ---------------
$ 1,750,000 $ 1,710,395
- ----------- ---------------
- ----------- ---------------
</TABLE>
*_ These Bonds, or a portion thereof, have delivery dates beyond the normal
settlement date. Their expected delivery date is November 25, 1997. Contracts
relating to Bonds with delivery dates after the date of settlement for
purchase made on the Date of Deposit constitute approximately 14% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" in Part
B of this Prospectus.)
- ------------
(1) The Sponsor's contracts to purchase Bonds were entered into on November
18, 1997. Other information regarding the Bonds in the Trust on the Date of
Deposit is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL
PROFIT INTEREST
COST TO (OR LOSS) INCOME TO BID PRICE
TRUST SPONSOR TO SPONSOR TRUST OF BONDS
---------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New Jersey Insured Trust 224............ $ 1,705,349 $ 5,046 $ 89,000 $ 1,703,895
</TABLE>
In addition, the difference between the Trustee's determination of Offering
Price and Bid Price (as a percentage of principal amount) is .37%. Neither cost
to Sponsor nor profit (or loss) to Sponsor reflects underwriting profits or
losses received or incurred by the Sponsor through its participation in
underwriting syndicates. The Sponsor did not participate as either the sole
underwriter or as a manager or member of a syndicate that acted as the original
underwriter of any of the Bonds.
(2) The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and at
the prices, shown. Unless otherwise indicated, the Bonds, except for Bonds
issued at a substantial original issue discount, are redeemable at declining
prices (but not below par value) in subsequent years. Original issue discount
bonds, including zero coupon bonds, are generally redeemable at prices based on
the issue price plus the amount of original issue discount accreted to
redemption plus, if applicable, some premium, the amount of which will decline
in subsequent years. The Bonds may also be subject to sinking fund redemption
without premium prior to the dates shown. Certain Bonds may be subject to
redemption without premium prior to the date shown pursuant to special or
mandatory call provisions specified in the instruments setting forth the terms
and provisions of such Bonds. See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS", "WHAT IS THE TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
(3) All the Bonds in the Insured Trusts, as insured by the Insurer, are
rated AAA by Standard & Poor's, AAA by Fitch and/or Aaa by Moody's. The
insurance obtained by the Trust guarantees the payment of interest and principal
on the Bonds when due but does not cover certain market risks associated with
fixed income securities such as accelerated payments, premiums payable on
mandatory redemptions or interest rate risks. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS
INSURED?" in Part B of this Prospectus and "Description of Ratings" in the
Information Supplement.)
5 of 7
<PAGE>
Statement of Condition
NUVEEN NEW JERSEY INSURED TRUST 224
(Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971)
AS OF NOVEMBER 19, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
TRUST PROPERTY
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-Free Bonds,
backed by an irrevocable letter of
credit(1)(2).................................... $ 1,710,395
Accrued interest to November 19, 1997 on
underlying Bonds(1)............................. 21,855
Organizational costs(3)........................... 2,600
--------------
Total................................. $ 1,734,850
--------------
--------------
LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
Accrued interest to November 19, 1997 on
underlying Bonds(4).......................... $ 21,855
Accrued organizational costs(3)............... 2,600
--------------
Total................................. $ 24,455
--------------
--------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
Units of fractional undivided interest
outstanding (17,500)
Cost to investors(5)........................ $ 1,798,515
Less: Gross underwriting commission(6).... (88,120)
--------------
Net amount applicable to investors............ $ 1,710,395
--------------
Total................................. $ 1,734,850
--------------
--------------
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Represented by contracts to purchase Tax-Exempt Bonds which include "when
issued" or "regular way" or "delayed delivery" contracts for which an
irrevocable letter of credit issued by a major commercial bank has been
deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The amount of such letter
of credit and any cash deposited exceeds the amount necessary for the
purchase of the Bonds plus accrued interest to the Date of Deposit. At the
Date of Deposit, Bonds may have been delivered to the Sponsor pursuant to
certain of these contracts; the Sponsor has assigned to the Trustee all of
its rights, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
(2) Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Date of Deposit of the Bonds
listed under "Schedule of Investments" herein, and their aggregate cost to
the Trust are the same. Such offering prices were determined by Kenny S&P
Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close of
business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See "HOW WAS THE
PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT?" in Part B of this
Prospectus.) Insurance coverage providing for the timely payment, when due,
of all principal of and interest on the Bonds in an Insured Trust has been
obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does
not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of the Units. Both
the bid and the offering prices of the underlying Bonds and of the Units may
include value attributable to such policies of insurance.
(3) The Trust (and therefore Unitholders) will bear all or a portion of its
estimated organizational costs which will be deferred and amortized over
five years from the Date of Deposit.
(4) Representing, as set forth in "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of this
Prospectus, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued
Bond interest as of the Date of Deposit.
(5) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as
set forth under "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.
(6) The gross underwriting commission of 4.90% of the Public Offering Price has
been calculated on the assumption that the Units sold are not subject to a
reduction of sales charge for quantity purchases. In single transactions
involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See "HOW IS THE
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
6 of 7
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS OF
NEW JERSEY INSURED TRUST 224:
We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule of
investments at date of deposit (included in Part A of this Prospectus) of New
Jersey Insured Trust 224 (contained in Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971),
as of November 19, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities, described in Note (1) to the statement of condition, 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
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the statement of condition and the schedule of investments
at date of deposit referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of New Jersey Insured Trust 224 as of November 19, 1997,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chicago, Illinois,
November 19, 1997.
7 of 7
<PAGE>
NOVEMBER 19, 1997
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
A
NUVEEN NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 274
(NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS SERIES 971)
CUSIP NUMBERS:
Monthly: 67102K 739
Quarterly: 67102K 747
Semi-Annually: 67102K 754
PROSPECTUS--PART A (SPECIFIC TERMS) -- 971
THIS PART A OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY THE
PART B OF
THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 8, 1997, TO WHICH SUCH
REFERENCE
HEREIN APPLIES. BOTH PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
New York Insured Trust 274 (the "Trust") consists of a portfolio of
interest-bearing obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of New York,
certain United States Territories or authorities and political subdivisions
thereof which, in the opinion of recognized bond counsel to the issuing
authorities, provide income which is exempt from Federal income tax and New York
state and city income taxes, to the extent indicated below.
The objectives of the Trust are income exempt from Federal and state income
taxes, and conservation of capital. The objectives are, of course, dependent
upon the continuing ability of the issuers, obligors and/or insurers to meet
their respective obligations.
The Portfolio of the Trust consists of 7 obligations issued by entities
located in New York. The Bonds in the Trust are either general obligations of
the governmental entity issuing them and are backed by the taxing power thereof
or are payable as to principal and interest from the income of a specific
project or authority and are not supported by the issuer's power to levy taxes.
The sources of payment for the Bonds are divided as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF PORTFOLIO
ISSUES PURPOSE OF ISSUE PERCENTAGE
--------------- ----------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
2 Education Revenue 28.5 %
1 Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue 14.3
1 Bridge and Toll Road Revenue 14.3
1 General Obligation 14.3
1 Transportation 14.3
1 Water and/or Sewer Revenue 14.3
</TABLE>
Approximately 57.1% of the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds in the
Trust (accounting for approximately 56.7% of the aggregate offering price of the
Bonds) are original issue discount bonds. See "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this
Prospectus for a discussion of the characteristics of such obligations and of
the risks associated therewith.
All of the Bonds in the Trust are covered by policies of insurance obtained
from the MBIA Insurance Corporation guaranteeing payment of principal and
interest when due. As a result of such insurance, the Bonds in the Trust have
received a rating of "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch, and/or "AAA" by Standard
& Poor's. Insurance does not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or of Trust
Units.
The Trust is considered to be concentrated in Bonds of Education Revenue
Issuers whose revenues are subject to certain risks including declines in
"college age" individuals and the possible inability to raise tuition and fees.
For a discussion of the risks associated with investments in the bonds of
various issuers, see "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
REGARDING THE NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 274
ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, NOVEMBER 18, 1997
Sponsor and Evaluator.......... John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
Trustee.............................. The Chase Manhattan Bank
-------------------------------------------
The income, expense and distribution data set forth below have been calculated
for Unitholders receiving monthly, quarterly or semi-annual distribution
options.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in Trust.................. $ 1,750,000
Number of Units..................................... 17,500
Fractional Undivided Interest in Trust Per Unit..... 1/17,500
Public Offering Price--Less than 500 Units
Aggregate Offering Price of Bonds in Trust...... $ 1,710,421
Divided by Number of Units...................... $ 97.74
Plus Sales Charge 4.9% (5.152% of the Aggregate
Offering Price of the Bonds per Unit).......... $ 5.04
Public Offering Price Per Unit(1)............... $ 102.78
Redemption Price Per Unit (exclusive of accrued
interest)......................................... $ 97.34
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price Per Unit
(exclusive of accrued interest)................... $ 97.74
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
Redemption Price Per Unit......................... $ 5.44
Excess of Public Offering Price Per Unit over
Sponsor's Repurchase Price Per Unit............... $ 5.04
Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust(2)........... 28.0 years
</TABLE>
- ----------
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.
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This Prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any State.
1 of 7
<PAGE>
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (CONT.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MONTHLY QUARTERLY SEMI-ANNUAL
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual
Interest Income Per Unit
Annual Interest Income(3)............ $5.1781 $5.1781 $5.1781
Less Estimated Annual Expense........ $.2621 $.2301 $.2111
----------- ----------- -----------
Estimated Net Annual Interest
Income(4).......................... $4.9160 $4.9480 $4.9670
Daily Rate of Accrual Per Unit........... $.01365 $.01374 $.01379
ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN(5).............. 4.78% 4.82% 4.83 %
ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN(5)............ 4.79% 4.83% 4.85 %
Trustee's Annual Fees(6)................. $1.5404 $1.2204 $1.0304
Date of Deposit..................................................................................November 19, 1997
Settlement Date..................................................................................November 24, 1997
Mandatory Termination Date....................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Minimum Value of Each Trust...................................See "OTHER INFORMATION" in Part B of this Prospectus
Sponsor's Annual Evaluation Fee.........................................$0.17 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds
Estimated Annual Organizational Expenses(7).......................................................$.02857 per Unit
- ----------
BECAUSE CERTAIN OF THE BONDS IN THE TRUST WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE UNTIL AFTER THE SETTLEMENT DATE FOR
A PURCHASE OF UNITS MADE ON THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, INTEREST THAT ACCRUES ON THOSE BONDS BETWEEN THE DATE OF DEPOSIT
AND SUCH DELIVERY DATE WILL BE TREATED AS A RETURN OF PRINCIPAL RATHER THAN AS TAX-EXEMPT INCOME. THE AMOUNT OF
ANY SUCH RETURN OF PRINCIPAL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL INTEREST INCOME SHOWN ABOVE. FOR THE TRUST, THE
FOLLOWING SETS FORTH THE LATEST SCHEDULED BOND DELIVERY DATE, THE AMOUNT PER UNIT THAT WILL BE TREATED AS A RETURN
OF PRINCIPAL TO UNITHOLDERS WHO PURCHASE ON THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, AND THE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN UNDER THE
MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION PLAN AFTER THE FIRST YEAR, ASSUMING THE PORTFOLIO AND ESTIMATED ANNUAL EXPENSES DO NOT VARY
FROM THAT SET FORTH ABOVE (SEE "WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?" IN PART B OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE
"SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS"). THE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN AFTER THE FIRST YEAR WILL ALSO BE HIGHER UNDER THE
QUARTERLY AND SEMI-ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION PLANS:
LATEST SCHEDULED PER UNIT ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
DELIVERY DATE RETURN OF PRINCIPAL AFTER THE FIRST YEAR
------------------ -------------------- -------------------------
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST........ DECEMBER 3, 1997 $ .02 4.80 %
</TABLE>
The evaluation time for purpose of sale, purchase or redemption of Units is 4
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. (See
"HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
(1) Units are offered at the Public Offering Price plus accrued interest from
the preceding Record Date to, but not including, the date of settlement
(normally three business days after purchase). The Date of Deposit of the
Fund has been designated as the First Record Date for all plans of
distribution of the Trust and, accordingly, for Units purchased on the Date
of Deposit, $.07 of accrued interest to the Settlement Date will be added to
the Public Offering Price. (See "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.)
(2) The Average Maturity of Bonds in the Trust is calculated based upon the
stated maturities of the Bonds in the Trust (or, with respect to Bonds for
which funds or securities have been placed in escrow to redeem such Bonds on
a stated call date, based upon such call date). The Average Maturity of
Bonds in the Trust may increase or decrease from time to time as Bonds
mature or are called or sold.
(3) Assumes delivery of all Bonds. (See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" appearing in
Part B of this Prospectus.) Interest income does not include accretion of
original issue discount on "zero coupon" Bonds, Stripped Obligations or
other original issue discount Bonds. (See "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this
Prospectus.)
(4) The amount and timing of interest distributions from the Trust under the
various plans of distribution are set forth below. It is anticipated that
the amount of interest to be distributed per Unit in each year under each
plan of distribution will initially be substantially equal to the Estimated
Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for that plan. The amount of interest to
be distributed annually per Unit, will generally change as Bonds are
redeemed, mature or are sold or as fees and expenses increase or decrease.
(5) Estimated Long Term Return for the Trust represents the average of the
yields to maturity (or call) of the Bonds in the Trust's portfolio
calculated in accordance with accepted bond practices and adjusted to
reflect a compounding factor, expenses and sales charges. Estimated Current
Return is computed by dividing the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by
the Public Offering Price, and in contrast to Estimated Long Term Return
does not reflect the amortization of premium or accretion of discount, if
any. For more information see "WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND
ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
(6) Each Trustee annual fee is per $1,000 principal amount of the underlying
Bonds in the Trust for that portion of the Trust that represents a
particular plan of distribution.
(7) The Trust (and therefore Unitholders) will bear all or a portion of its
organizational costs (including costs of preparing the registration
statements, the trust indenture and other closing documents, registering
Units with the Securities and Exchange Commission and states, the initial
audit of the Trust portfolio, initial evaluation fees, legal fees and the
initial fees and expenses of the Trustee but not including the expenses
incurred in the printing of preliminary and final prospectuses, and expenses
incurred in the preparation and printing of brochures and other advertising
materials and any other selling expenses) as is common for mutual funds.
Total organizational expenses will be amortized over a five year period. See
"WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?" in Part B of this Prospectus and
"Statement of Condition." Historically, the sponsors of unit investment
trusts have paid all the costs of establishing such trusts.
2 of 7
<PAGE>
INTEREST DISTRIBUTION
Details of interest distributions per Unit of the Trust under the various
plans appear in the following table based upon estimated Net Annual Interest
Income at the Date of Deposit:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NORMAL
DISTRIBUTIONS
1998 PER YEAR
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
Record Date*.......................... 1/1 2/1 5/1 8/1 11/1
Distribution Date..................... 1/15 2/15 5/15 8/15 11/15
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monthly Distribution Plan............. $ .5754(1) $ 4.9343
--------$.4110 every month--------
Quarterly Distribution Plan........... $ .5754(1) $ .4137(2) $ 1.2411 $ 1.2411 $ 1.2411 $ 4.9663
Semi-Annual Distribution Plan......... $ .5754(1) $ 1.6608(3) $ 2.4912 $ 4.9853
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Record Dates for semi-annual distributions are May 1 and November 1; for
quarterly distributions, they are February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1.
Record Dates for monthly distributions are the first day of each month.
Distribution Dates under each distribution plan are the fifteenth day of the
month in which the respective Record Date occurred. For additional
information see "WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.
(1) The first distribution will be paid to all Unitholders, regardless of the
distribution plan selected. Such distribution may be more or less than a
regular monthly distribution.
(2) The second distribution under the quarterly distribution plan represents a
1-month distribution; subsequent quarterly distributions will be regular
3-month distributions.
(3) The second distribution under the semi-annual distribution plan represents a
4-month distribution; subsequent semi-annual distributions will be regular
6-month distributions.
NEW YORK RISK FACTORS
The financial condition of the State of New York is affected by various
national, economic, social and environmental policies and conditions.
Additionally, Constitutional and statutory limitations imposed on the State and
its local governments concerning taxes, bond indebtedness and other matters may
constrain the revenue-generating capacity of the State and its local governments
and, therefore, the ability of the issuers of the Bonds to satisfy their
obligations. Historically, the State has been one of the wealthiest states in
the nation; however, for decades the State economy has grown more slowly than
that of the nation as a whole, gradually eroding the State's relative economic
affluence.
The economic vitality of the State and its various regions and, therefore,
the ability of the State and its local governments to satisfy the Bonds, are
affected by numerous factors. The economy of the State continues to be
influenced by the financial health of the City of New York, which faces greater
competition as other major cities develop financial and business capabilities.
The State has for many years had a very high state and local tax burden relative
to other states. The burden of State and local taxation, in combination with the
many other causes of regional economic dislocation, has contributed to the
decisions of some businesses and individuals to relocate outside, or not locate
within, the State.
The State is party to numerous lawsuits in which an adverse final decision
could materially affect the State's governmental operations and consequently its
ability to pay debt service on its obligations. On January 21, 1994, the State
entered into a settlement with Delaware with respect to STATE OF DELAWARE V.
STATE OF NEW YORK. The State made an immediate $35 million payment and agreed to
make a $33 million annual payment in each of the next five fiscal years. The
State has not settled with other parties to the litigation and will continue to
incur litigation expenses as to those claims.
All outstanding general obligation bonds of the State are rated "A-" by
Standard and Poor's and "A" by Moody's.
Further information concerning New York risk factors may be obtained upon
written or telephonic request to the Trustee as described in "OTHER INFORMATION
- -- Supplemental Information" appearing in Part B of this Prospectus.
TAX STATUS
For a discussion of the Federal tax status of income earned on Trust Units,
see "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.
Investors should be aware that on August 5, 1997, the President signed the
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "Act"). The Act reduces the maximum stated
marginal tax rate for capital gains for certain investments held for more than
18 months to 20 percent (10 percent in the case of certain taxpayers in the
lowest tax bracket). The Act also includes provisions that would treat certain
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 (and not loss) and for purposes of determining the
holding period. Potential investors should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the potential effect of the Act on their investment in Units.
3 of 7
<PAGE>
In the opinion of Edwards & Angell, special counsel for the Trust for New
York tax matters, under existing law:
Interest on obligations issued by New York State, a political
subdivision thereof, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern
Mariana Islands, or other possessions of the United States within the
meaning of Section 103(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
("New York Obligations"), which would be exempt from New York State or New
York City personal income tax if directly received by a Unitholder, will
retain its status as tax-exempt interest when received by the Trust and
distributed to such Unitholder. Thus, interest on bonds received by
Unitholders which is not subject to New York State tax is also exempt from
New York City personal income tax.
Interest (less amortizable premium, if any) derived from the Trust by a
resident of New York State (or New York City) in respect of obligations
issued by states other than New York (or their political subdivisions) will
be subject to New York State (or New York City) personal income tax.
A Unitholder who is a resident of New York State (or New York City) will
be subject to New York State (or New York City) personal income tax with
respect to gains realized when New York Obligations held in the Trust are
sold, redeemed or paid at maturity or when the Unitholder's Units are sold
or redeemed; such gain will equal the proceeds of sale, redemption or
payment less the tax basis of the New York Obligation or Unit (adjusted to
reflect (a) the amortization of premium or discount, if any, on New York
Obligations held by the Trust, (b) accrued original issue discount, with
respect to each New York Obligation which, at the time the New York
Obligation was issued, had original issue discount, and (c) the deposit of
New York Obligations with accrued interest in the Trust after the
Unitholder's settlement date).
Interest or gain from the Trust derived by a Unitholder who is not a
resident of New York State (or New York City) will not be subject to New
York State (or New York City) personal income tax, unless the Units are
property employed in a business, trade, profession or occupation carried on
in New York State (or New York City).
In the case of the Trust, amounts paid under the insurance policies
representing maturing interest on defaulted New York Obligations held by the
Trustee in the Trust will be excludable from New York State and New York
City income if, and to the same extent as, such interest would have been
excludable if paid by the respective issuer.
For purposes of the New York State and New York City franchise tax on
corporations, Unitholders which are subject to such tax will be required to
include in their entire net income any interest or gains distributed to them
even though distributed in respect of obligations of any state or
subdivision thereof including New York.
If borrowed funds are used to purchase Units in the Trust, all (or part)
of the interest on such indebtedness will not be deductible for New York
State and New York City tax purposes. The purchase of Units may be
considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds are
not directly traceable to the purchase of Units in the Trust.
4 of 7
<PAGE>
NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 274
(NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES 971)
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT, NOVEMBER 19, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratings(3) Trustee's
Optional --------------------- Determination
Aggregate Name of Issuer and Title of Issue Represented Redemption Standard of Offering
Principal by Sponsor's Contracts to Purchase Bonds(1) Provisions(2) & Poor's Moody's Price
<C> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 250,000 The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 2006 at 101 AAA Aaa $ 231,708
Consolidated Bonds, One Hundred Fourth
Series, 4.75% Due 1/15/26. (Original issue
discount bonds delivered on or about February
14, 1996 at a price of 91.788% of principal
amount.)
250,000 * Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, 2007 at 102 AAA Aaa 242,335
University of Rochester, Revenue Bonds,
Series 1997 A, 5.125% Due 7/1/22. (When
issued.)
250,000 Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, 2008 at 101 AAA Aaa 241,700
State Unversity Educational Facilities
Revenue Bonds, Series 1997, 5.125% Due
5/15/27. (Original issue discount bonds
delivered on or about October 30, 1997 at a
price of 93.584% of principal amount.)
250,000 New York State Thruway Authority, General 2007 at 102 AAA Aaa 250,000
Revenue Bonds, Series D, 5.375% Due 1/1/27.
(Original issue discount bonds delivered on
or about May 15, 1997 at a price of 94.687%
of principal amount.)
250,000 The City of New York, New York, General 2007 at 101 AAA Aaa 252,125
Obligation Bonds, Fiscal 1998 Series D, 5.50%
Due 8/1/22.
250,000 New York City (New York), Municipal Water 2007 at 101 AAA Aaa 246,198
Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System
Revenue Bonds, Fiscal 1998 B, 5.25% Due
6/15/29.
250,000 Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New 2007 at 101 AAA Aaa 246,355
York), Dedicated Tax Fund Bonds, Series
1996A, 5.25% Due 4/1/26. (Original issue
discount bonds delivered on or about October
29, 1996 at a price of 93.207% of principal
amount.)
- ----------- ---------------
$ 1,750,000 $ 1,710,421
- ----------- ---------------
- ----------- ---------------
</TABLE>
*_ These Bonds, or a portion thereof, have delivery dates beyond the normal
settlement date. Their expected delivery date is December 3, 1997. Contracts
relating to Bonds with delivery dates after the date of settlement for
purchase made on the Date of Deposit constitute approximately 14% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Trust. (See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" in Part
B of this Prospectus.)
- ------------
(1) The Sponsor's contracts to purchase Bonds were entered into on November
18, 1997. Other information regarding the Bonds in the Trust on the Date of
Deposit is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL
PROFIT INTEREST
COST TO (OR LOSS) INCOME TO BID PRICE
TRUST SPONSOR TO SPONSOR TRUST OF BONDS
---------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New York Insured Trust 274.............. $ 1,701,488 $ 8,933 $ 90,938 $ 1,703,421
</TABLE>
In addition, the difference between the Trustee's determination of Offering
Price and Bid Price (as a percentage of principal amount) is .40%. Neither cost
to Sponsor nor profit (or loss) to Sponsor reflects underwriting profits or
losses received or incurred by the Sponsor through its participation in
underwriting syndicates. The Sponsor did not participate as either the sole
underwriter or as a manager or member of a syndicate that acted as the original
underwriter of any of the Bonds.
(2) The Bonds are first subject to optional redemption in the years, and at
the prices, shown. Unless otherwise indicated, the Bonds, except for Bonds
issued at a substantial original issue discount, are redeemable at declining
prices (but not below par value) in subsequent years. Original issue discount
bonds, including zero coupon bonds, are generally redeemable at prices based on
the issue price plus the amount of original issue discount accreted to
redemption plus, if applicable, some premium, the amount of which will decline
in subsequent years. The Bonds may also be subject to sinking fund redemption
without premium prior to the dates shown. Certain Bonds may be subject to
redemption without premium prior to the date shown pursuant to special or
mandatory call provisions specified in the instruments setting forth the terms
and provisions of such Bonds. See "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS", "WHAT IS THE TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "RISK FACTORS" in Part B of this Prospectus.
(3) All the Bonds in the Insured Trusts, as insured by the Insurer, are
rated AAA by Standard & Poor's, AAA by Fitch and/or Aaa by Moody's. The
insurance obtained by the Trust guarantees the payment of interest and principal
on the Bonds when due but does not cover certain market risks associated with
fixed income securities such as accelerated payments, premiums payable on
mandatory redemptions or interest rate risks. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS
INSURED?" in Part B of this Prospectus and "Description of Ratings" in the
Information Supplement.)
5 of 7
<PAGE>
Statement of Condition
NUVEEN NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 274
(Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971)
AS OF NOVEMBER 19, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
TRUST PROPERTY
Sponsor's contracts to purchase Tax-Free Bonds,
backed by an irrevocable letter of
credit(1)(2).................................... $ 1,710,421
Accrued interest to November 19, 1997 on
underlying Bonds(1)............................. 17,587
Organizational costs(3)........................... 2,500
--------------
Total................................. $ 1,730,508
--------------
--------------
LIABILITIES AND INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS
LIABILITIES:
Accrued interest to November 19, 1997 on
underlying Bonds(4).......................... $ 17,587
Accrued organizational costs(3)............... 2,500
--------------
Total................................. $ 20,087
--------------
--------------
INTEREST OF UNITHOLDERS:
Units of fractional undivided interest
outstanding (17,500)
Cost to investors(5)........................ $ 1,798,542
Less: Gross underwriting commission(6).... (88,121)
--------------
Net amount applicable to investors............ $ 1,710,421
--------------
Total................................. $ 1,730,508
--------------
--------------
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Represented by contracts to purchase Tax-Exempt Bonds which include "when
issued" or "regular way" or "delayed delivery" contracts for which an
irrevocable letter of credit issued by a major commercial bank has been
deposited with the Trustee on the Date of Deposit. The amount of such letter
of credit and any cash deposited exceeds the amount necessary for the
purchase of the Bonds plus accrued interest to the Date of Deposit. At the
Date of Deposit, Bonds may have been delivered to the Sponsor pursuant to
certain of these contracts; the Sponsor has assigned to the Trustee all of
its rights, title and interest in and to such Bonds.
(2) Aggregate value (at offering prices) as of the Date of Deposit of the Bonds
listed under "Schedule of Investments" herein, and their aggregate cost to
the Trust are the same. Such offering prices were determined by Kenny S&P
Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc., as of the close of
business on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit. (See "HOW WAS THE
PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT?" in Part B of this
Prospectus.) Insurance coverage providing for the timely payment, when due,
of all principal of and interest on the Bonds in an Insured Trust has been
obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds. Such insurance does
not guarantee the market value of the Bonds or the value of the Units. Both
the bid and the offering prices of the underlying Bonds and of the Units may
include value attributable to such policies of insurance.
(3) The Trust (and therefore Unitholders) will bear all or a portion of its
estimated organizational costs which will be deferred and amortized over
five years from the Date of Deposit.
(4) Representing, as set forth in "WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?" in Part B of this
Prospectus, advancement by the Trustee of an amount equal to the accrued
Bond interest as of the Date of Deposit.
(5) Aggregate Public Offering Price (exclusive of accrued interest) computed as
set forth under "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of
this Prospectus.
(6) The gross underwriting commission of 4.90% of the Public Offering Price has
been calculated on the assumption that the Units sold are not subject to a
reduction of sales charge for quantity purchases. In single transactions
involving 500 Units or more, the sales charge is reduced. (See "HOW IS THE
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
6 of 7
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED AND UNITHOLDERS OF
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 274:
We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the schedule of
investments at date of deposit (included in Part A of this Prospectus) of New
York Insured Trust 274 (contained in Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971), as
of November 19, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of the irrevocable letter of credit arrangement for the purchase of
securities, described in Note (1) to the statement of condition, 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
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the statement of condition and the schedule of investments
at date of deposit referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of New York Insured Trust 274 as of November 19, 1997, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chicago, Illinois,
November 19, 1997.
7 of 7
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
B
NUVEEN Tax-Free Unit Trusts
PROSPECTUS -- PART B
(GENERAL TERMS)
JULY 8, 1997
THIS PART B OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY PART
A. BOTH PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
FURTHER DETAIL REGARDING CERTAIN OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PROSPECTUS
MAY BE OBTAINED WITHIN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS OF WRITTEN OR TELEPHONIC REQUEST TO
THE TRUSTEE AT 4 NEW YORK PLAZA, NEW YORK, NY 10004-2413 OR (800) 257-8787.
INTEREST INCOME TO A TRUST AND TO UNITHOLDERS, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL, UNDER
EXISTING LAW IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAX. CAPITAL GAINS, IF ANY, ARE
SUBJECT TO TAX. IN ADDITION, INTEREST INCOME OF STATE TRUSTS IS, IN THE OPINION
OF COUNSEL, EXEMPT, TO THE EXTENT INDICATED, FROM STATE AND LOCAL TAXES.
INTEREST INCOME OF ANY TRUST OTHER THAN A STATE TRUST MAY BE SUBJECT TO STATE
AND LOCAL TAXES.
CURRENTLY OFFERED AT PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE PLUS INTEREST ACCRUED TO THE DATE OF
SETTLEMENT. MINIMUM PURCHASE--EITHER $5,000 OR 50 UNITS, WHICHEVER IS LESS.
THIS NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST SERIES consists of the underlying separate unit
investment trusts set forth in Part A to this Prospectus. Each Trust initially
consists of delivery statements relating to contracts to purchase Bonds and,
thereafter, will consist of a diversified portfolio of obligations issued by or
on behalf of states and territories of the United States and authorities and
political subdivisions thereof (see "Schedule of Investments" appearing in Part
A of this Prospectus). Except in specific instances as noted in Part A of this
Prospectus, the information contained in this Part B shall apply to each Trust
in its entirety. All obligations in each Traditional Trust are rated in the
category "A" or better by Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw Hill
Companies ("Standard & Poor's"), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or
Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") on the Date of Deposit. All obligations
in each Insured Trust are covered by policies of insurance obtained from the
MBIA Insurance Corporation guaranteeing payment of principal and interest when
due. All such policies of insurance remain effective so long as the obligations
are outstanding. As a result of such insurance, the Bonds in each portfolio of
the Insured Trusts have received a rating of "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch
and/ or "AAA" by Standard & Poor's. INSURANCE RELATES ONLY TO THE BONDS IN THE
INSURED TRUSTS AND NOT TO THE UNITS OFFERED HEREBY OR TO THEIR MARKET VALUE.
(See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?")
THE OBJECTIVES of a Trust are tax-exempt income and conservation of capital
through a diversified investment in tax-exempt Bonds. The payment of interest
and the preservation of principal are, of course, dependent upon the continuing
ability of the issuers of Bonds and of any insurer thereof to meet their
obligations thereunder. There is no guarantee that a Trust's objectives will be
achieved. (See "RISK FACTORS.")
DISTRIBUTIONS of interest received by a Trust will be made semi-annually unless
the Unitholder elects to receive them monthly or quarterly. (See "WHEN ARE
DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?") Distribution of funds in the Principal
Account, if any, will ordinarily be made semi-annually.
FOR ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURNS AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURNS to Unitholders on
the business day prior to the Date of Deposit, see Part A of this Prospectus and
"WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?"
THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE per Unit of each Trust during the initial offering
period is equal to a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in such
Trust's portfolio plus a sales charge of up to 4.90% of the Public Offering
Price (equivalent to 5.152% of the net amount invested); the sales charge is
somewhat lower on Trusts with lesser average maturities. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC
OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?") The Secondary Market Public Offering Price per Unit
for each Trust will be equal to a pro rata share of the sum of BID prices of the
Bonds in such Trust plus the sales charges determined based on the number of
years remaining to the maturity of each Bond. Accrued interest from the
preceding Record Date to, but not including, the settlement date (normally three
business days after purchase) is added to the Public Offering Price. The sales
charge is reduced on a graduated scale for sales involving at least $50,000 or
500 Units and will be applied on whichever basis is more favorable to the
purchaser. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?")
A UNITHOLDER MAY REDEEM UNITS at the office of the Trustee at prices based upon
the BID prices of the Bonds. The price received upon redemption may be more or
less than the amount paid by Unitholders, depending upon the value of the Bonds
on the date of tender for redemption. (See "HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT
CHARGE.") The Sponsor, although not required to do so, intends to make a
secondary market for the Units of the Trusts at prices based upon the BID prices
of the Bonds in the respective Trusts. (See "MARKET FOR UNITS.")
RISK FACTORS. An investment in a Trust should be made with an understanding of
the risks associated therewith, including, among other factors, the inability of
the issuer or an insurer to pay the principal of or interest on a Bond when due,
volatile interest rates, early call provisions, and changes to the tax status of
the Bonds. See Part A of this Prospectus and "RISK FACTORS."
UNITS OF THE TRUST ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY AND
INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
NUVEEN Tax-Free Unit Trusts
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
<C> <S> <C>
WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST? 4
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS? 4
SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS 4
RISK FACTORS 5
COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS 6
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED? 8
HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED? 9
MARKET FOR UNITS 11
WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST? 12
WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED
CURRENT RETURN? 12
HOW WAS THE PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE
DATE
OF DEPOSIT? 13
WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS? 13
WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES? 15
WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS? 16
ACCUMULATION PLAN 17
HOW DETAILED ARE REPORTS TO UNITHOLDERS? 17
UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION 17
HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE
PUBLIC 18
OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS 19
HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE 20
HOW UNITS MAY BE PURCHASED BY THE SPONSOR 21
HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS 21
INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE 21
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR 22
OTHER INFORMATION 22
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
NUVEEN Tax-Free Unit Trusts
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOPICAL INDEX PAGE
<C> <S> <C> <C>
Accrued Interest 12
Accumulation Plan 17
Information
Bond Ratings, Description of Supplement
Bonds, Initial Determination of Offering Price 13
Bonds, How Selected 4
Bonds, Limited Right of Substitution 7
Bonds, Removal from a Trust 21
Call Provisions of Portfolio Bonds 7
Capital Gains Taxability 14
Composition of Trusts 7
Dealer Discounts 18
Distributions to Unitholders 16
Part
Distribution Payment Dates A,16
Distribution of Units to the Public 18
Part
Essential Information Regarding the Trusts A,12
Part
Estimated Long Term Return and Estimated Current Return A,12
Evaluation 17
Expenses for Normal Trust Operation 15
Indenture, Amendment of 22
Indenture, Termination of 22
Insurance on the Bonds 8
Interest Account Distributions Part A
Legal Opinion 23
Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee 21
Market for Units 11
Minimum Transaction 18
Objectives of the Trusts 4
Optional Distribution Plan 16
Other Information 22
Ownership and Transfer of Units 19
Principal Account Distributions 16
Public Offering Price of Units 9
Purchase of Units by Sponsor 21
Quantity Purchases 9
Part
Record Dates A,16
Redemption of Units Without Charge 20
Report of Independent Public Accountants Part A
Reports to Unitholders 17
Risk Factors 5
Sales Charge 10
Schedules of Investments Part A
Sponsor, Information About 22
State Tax Status Part A
Statements of Condition Part A
Successor Trustees and Sponsors 22
Supplemental Information 23
Tax Status of Unitholders 13
Trustee, Information About 21
Units, Description of 4
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
WHAT IS THE NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST?
This Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust is one of a series of separate but similar
investment companies created by the Sponsor, each of which is designated by a
different Series number. The underlying unit investment trusts contained in this
Series are combined under one Trust Indenture and Agreement. Specific
information regarding this Trust is set forth in Part A of this Prospectus. The
various Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trusts are collectively referred to herein as the
"Trusts"; the trusts in which few or none of the Bonds are insured are sometimes
referred to as the "Traditional Trusts," the trusts in which all of the Bonds
are insured as described herein are sometimes referred to as the "Insured
Trusts," and the state trusts (both Traditional and Insured) are sometimes
referred to as the "State Trusts." This Series was created under the laws of the
State of New York pursuant to a Trust Indenture and Agreement dated the Date of
Deposit (the "Indenture") between John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated ("Nuveen" or
the "Sponsor") and The Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Trustee").
The Sponsor has deposited with the Trustee delivery statements relating to
contracts for the purchase of municipal debt obligations together with funds
represented by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a major commercial bank
in the amount, including accrued interest, required for their purchase (or the
obligations themselves) (the "Bonds"). See "Schedule of Investments" in Part A
of this Prospectus, for a description of the Bonds deposited in a Trust. See
"SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS" and "RISK FACTORS" for a discussion of zero coupon bonds
and stripped obligations included in the Trusts, if any. Some of the delivery
statements may relate to contracts for the purchase of "when issued" or other
Bonds with delivery dates after the date of settlement for a purchase made on
the Date of Deposit. See the "Schedule of Investments" in Part A of this
Prospectus and "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS." For a discussion of the Sponsor's
obligations in the event of a failure of any contract for the purchase of any of
the Bonds and its limited right to substitute other bonds to replace any failed
contract, see "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS."
Payment of interest on the Bonds in each Insured Trust, and of principal at
maturity, is guaranteed under policies of insurance obtained by the Sponsor or
by the issuers of the Bonds. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?") AS A
GENERAL MATTER, NEITHER THE ISSUER NOR THE SPONSOR HAS OBTAINED INSURANCE WITH
RESPECT TO THE BONDS IN ANY TRADITIONAL TRUST.
The Trustee has delivered to the Sponsor registered Units which represent
ownership of the entire Trust, and which are offered for sale by this
Prospectus. Each Unit of a Trust represents a fractional undivided interest in
the principal and net income of such Trust in the ratio set forth in "Essential
Information" in Part A of this Prospectus. Units may only be sold in states in
which they are registered. To the extent that any Units of any Trust are
redeemed by the Trustee, the aggregate value of the Trust's assets will decrease
by the amount paid to the redeeming Unitholder, but the fractional undivided
interest of each unredeemed Unit in such Trust will increase proportionately.
The Sponsor will initially, and from time to time thereafter, hold Units in
connection with their offering.
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?
The objectives of the Trusts are income exempt from Federal income tax and, in
the case of State Trusts, where applicable, state income and intangibles taxes,
and conservation of capital, through an investment in obligations issued by or
on behalf of states and territories of the United States and authorities and
political subdivisions thereof, the interest on which is, in the opinion of
recognized bond counsel to the issuing governmental authorities, exempt from
Federal income tax under existing law and for State Trusts, from certain state
income taxes and intangibles taxes, if any, for purchasers who qualify as
residents of that State in which Bonds are issued. Insurance guaranteeing the
timely payment, when due, of all principal and interest on the Bonds in each
Insured Trust has been obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of such Bonds
from MBIA Insurance Corporation, and as a result of such insurance the Bonds in
the Insured Trusts are rated "Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch and/or "AAA" by
Standard & Poor's. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?") All obligations in
each Traditional Trust are rated in the category "A" or better (SP-1, MIG 2 or
F-2 or better, respectively, in the case of short term obligations included in a
Short Term Traditional Trust) by Standard & Poor's, Moody's and/or Fitch
(including provisional or conditional ratings). In addition, certain Bonds in
certain Traditional Trusts may be covered by insurance guaranteeing the timely
payment, when due, of all principal and interest. There is, of course, no
guarantee that the Trusts' objectives will be achieved. For a comparison of net
after-tax return for various tax brackets, see the "TAXABLE EQUIVALENT ESTIMATED
CURRENT RETURN TABLES" included in the Appendices to the Information Supplement
of this Prospectus.
SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIOS
In selecting Bonds for the respective Trusts, the following factors, among
others, were considered: (i) the Standard & Poor's, Moody's and/or Fitch ratings
of the Bonds (see "WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUSTS?" for a description of
minimum rating standards), (ii) the prices of the Bonds relative to other bonds
of comparable quality and maturity, (iii) the diversification of Bonds as to
purpose of issue and location of issuer, (iv) the maturity dates of the Bonds,
and (v) in the case of the Insured Trusts only, the availability of MBIA
Insurance Corporation insurance on such Bonds. (See "WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS
INSURED?")
4
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
An investment in Units of any Trust should be made with an understanding of the
risks that such an investment may entail. Each Trust consists of fixed-rate
municipal debt obligations. As such, the value of the debt obligations and
therefore of the Units will decline with increases in interest rates. In
general, the longer the period until the maturity of a Bond, the more sensitive
its value will be to fluctuations in interest rates. The Sponsor cannot predict
the extent or timing of such fluctuations and, accordingly, their effect upon
the value of the Bonds. Additional risk factors include the ability of the
issuer, or, if applicable, an insurer, to make payments of interest and
principal when due, "mandatory put" features, early call provisions and the
potential for changes in the tax status of the Bonds. As set forth in Part A of
this Prospectus, the Trusts may contain or be concentrated in one or more of the
types of bonds discussed below. The following paragraphs briefly discuss certain
circumstances which may adversely affect the ability of issuers of Bonds held in
the portfolio of a Trust to make payments of principal and interest thereon, and
which also therefore may adversely affect the ratings of such Bonds. With
respect to Insured Trusts, however, because of the insurance obtained by the
Sponsor or by the issuers of the Bonds, such changes should not adversely affect
an Insured Trust's receipt of principal and interest or the Standard & Poor's
"AAA", the Moody's "Aaa" or the Fitch "AAA" ratings of the Bonds in the Insured
Trust portfolio. The Bonds described below may be subject to special or
extraordinary redemption provisions. For economic risks specific to the
individual Trusts, see Part A of this Prospectus and the Appendices to the
Information Supplement of this Prospectus.
ESCROW SECURED OBLIGATIONS are typically secured by direct obligations of
the U.S. Government or in some cases obligations guaranteed by the U.S.
Government placed in an escrow account maintained by an independent trustee
until maturity or a predetermined redemption date. These obligations are
generally noncallable prior to maturity or the predetermined redemption date. In
a few isolated instances, however, bonds which were thought to be escrowed to
maturity have been called for redemption prior to maturity.
HEALTH CARE FACILITY OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose revenues
are derived from services provided by hospitals or other health care facilities,
including nursing homes. The ability of such issuers to make debt service
payments on these obligations is dependent on various factors, including
occupancy levels of the facility, demand for services, wages of employees,
overhead expenses, competition from other similar providers, government
regulation, the cost of malpractice insurance, and the degree of governmental
financial assistance, including Medicare and Medicaid.
HOUSING OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily
derived from mortgage loans on single family residences or housing projects for
low to moderate income families. Housing obligations are generally prepayable at
any time and therefore their average life will ordinarily be less than their
stated maturities. The ability of such issuers to make debt service payments on
these obligations is dependent on various factors, including occupancy levels,
rental income, mortgage default rates, taxes, operating expenses, governmental
regulations and the appropriation of subsidies.
INDUSTRIAL REVENUE OBLIGATIONS are industrial revenue bonds ("IRBs"),
including pollution control revenue bonds, which are tax-exempt securities
issued by states, municipalities, public authorities or similar entities to
finance the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving various industrial
projects. Debt service payment on IRBs is dependent upon various factors,
including the creditworthiness of the corporate operator of the project and, if
applicable, corporate guarantor, revenues generated from the project, expenses
associated with the project and regulatory and environmental restrictions.
UTILITY OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily
derived from the sale of several types of energy, including electric and natural
gas. The ability of such issuers to make debt service payments on these
obligations is dependent on various factors, including the rates for electricity
and natural gas, the demand for electricity and natural gas, the degree of
competition, governmental regulation, overhead expenses and variable costs, such
as fuel.
TRANSPORTATION FACILITY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers which
are payable from and secured by revenues derived from the ownership and
operation of airports, public transit systems and ports. The ability of issuers
to make debt service payments on airport obligations is dependent on the
capability of airlines to meet their obligations under use agreements. Due to
increased competition, deregulation, increased fuel costs and other factors,
many airlines may have difficulty meeting their obligations under these use
agreements. Bonds that are secured primarily by the revenue collected by a
public transit system typically are additionally secured by a pledge of sales
tax receipts collected at the state or local level, or of other governmental
financial assistance. The revenue of issuers of transit system obligations will
be affected by variations in utilization, which in turn may be affected by the
degree of local governmental subsidization, competition from other forms of
transportation, and increased costs. Port authorities derive their revenues
primarily from fees imposed on ships using the facilities which may fluctuate
depending on the local economy and on competition from competing forms of
transportation such as air, rail and trucks. The revenues of issuers which
derive their payments from bridge, road or tunnel toll revenues could be
adversely affected by increases in fuel costs, competition from toll-free
vehicular bridges and roads and alternative modes of transportation.
WATER AND/OR SEWERAGE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose revenues
are payable from user fees from the sale of water and/or sewerage services. The
problems of such issuers include the ability to obtain rate increases,
population declines, the limitations on operations and increased costs and
delays attributable to environmental considerations, the difficulties obtaining
new supplies of fresh water, the effect of conservation programs and "no-growth"
zoning ordinances.
5
<PAGE>
UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers whose
revenues are derived mainly from tuition, dormitory revenues, grants and
endowments. General problems faced by such issuers include declines in the
number of "college" age individuals, possible inability to raise tuitions and
fees, the uncertainty of continued receipt of Federal grants and state funding,
and government legislation or regulations which may adversely affect the
revenues or costs of such issuers.
DEDICATED-TAX SUPPORTED OBLIGATIONS are obligations of issuers which are
payable from and secured by tax revenues from a designated source, which
revenues are pledged to secure the bonds. The various types of Bonds described
below differ in structure and with respect to the rights of the bondholders to
the underlying property. Each type of dedicated-tax supported Bond has distinct
risks, only some of which are set forth below. One type of dedicated-tax
supported Bond is secured by the incremental tax received on either real
property or on sales within a specifically defined geographical area; such tax
generally will not provide bondholders with a lien on the underlying property or
revenues. Another type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is secured by a special
tax levied on real property within a defined geographical area in such a manner
that the tax is levied on those who benefit from the project; such bonds
typically provide for a statutory lien on the underlying property for unpaid
taxes. A third type of dedicated-tax supported Bond may be secured by a tax
levied upon the manufacture, sale or consumption of commodities or upon the
license to pursue certain occupations or upon corporate privileges within a
taxing jurisdiction. As to any of these types of Bonds, the ability of the
designated revenues to satisfy the interest and principal payments on such bonds
may be affected by changes in the local economy, the financial success of the
enterprise responsible for the payment of the taxes, the value of any property
on which taxes may be assessed and the ability to collect such taxes in a timely
fashion. Each of these factors will have a different affect on each distinct
type of dedicated-tax supported bonds.
MUNICIPAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS are obligations that are secured by lease
payments of a governmental entity and are normally subject to annual budget
appropriations of the leasing governmental entity. A governmental entity that
enters into such a lease agreement cannot obligate future governments to
appropriate for and make lease payments but covenants to take such action as is
necessary to include any lease payments due in its budgets and to make the
appropriations therefor. A governmental entity's failure to appropriate for and
to make payments under its lease obligation could result in insufficient funds
available for payment of the obligations secured thereby.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT OBLIGATIONS AND STRIPPED OBLIGATIONS are bonds which
were issued with nominal interest rates less than the rates then offered by
comparable securities and as a consequence were originally sold at a discount
from their face, or par, values. In a stable interest rate environment, the
market value of an original issue discount bond would tend to increase more
slowly in early years and in greater increments as the bond approached maturity.
Certain of the original issue discount obligations in a Trust may be zero
coupon bonds. Zero coupon bonds do not provide for the payment of any current
interest; the buyer receives only the right to receive a final payment of the
face amount of the bond at its maturity. Zero coupon bonds are subject to
substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market
interest rates than are securities of comparable quality that pay interest
currently.
Original issue discount obligations, including zero coupon bonds, may be
subject to redemption at prices based on the issue price plus the amount of
original issue discount accreted to redemption (the "accreted value") plus, if
applicable, some premium. Pursuant to such call provisions, an original issue
discount bond may be called prior to its maturity date at a price less than its
face value. See the "Schedule of Investments" appearing in Part A of this
Prospectus for more information about the call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be stripped obligations, which represent
evidences of ownership with respect to either the principal amount of or a
payment of interest on a tax-exempt obligation ("Stripped Obligations"). Each
Stripped Obligation has been purchased at a discount from the amount payable at
maturity. A Stripped Obligation therefore has economic characteristics similar
to zero coupon bonds, as described above.
Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the state
and local tax consequences of owning original issue discount bonds or Stripped
Obligations. Under applicable provisions governing determination of state and
local taxes, interest on original issue discount obligations or Stripped
Obligations may be deemed to be received in the year of accrual even though
there is no corresponding cash payment.
Certain bonds may carry a "mandatory put" (also referred to as a "mandatory
tender" or "mandatory repurchase") feature pursuant to which the holder of such
bonds will receive payment of the full principal amount thereof on a stated date
prior to the maturity date unless such holder affirmatively acts to retain the
bond. The Trustee does not have the authority to act to retain Bonds with such
features; accordingly, it will receive payment of the full principal amount of
any such Bonds on the stated put date and such date is therefore treated as the
maturity date of such Bonds in selecting Bonds for the respective Trusts and for
purposes of calculating the average maturity of the Bonds in any Trust.
COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS
Each Trust initially consists of delivery statements relating to contracts to
purchase Bonds (or of such Bonds) as are listed under "Schedule of Investments"
in Part A of this Prospectus and, thereafter, of such Bonds as may continue to
be held from time to time (including certain securities deposited in the Trust
in substitution for Bonds not delivered to a Trust or in
6
<PAGE>
exchange or substitution for Bonds upon certain refundings), together with
accrued and undistributed interest thereon and undistributed cash realized from
the disposition of Bonds.
"WHEN-ISSUED" AND "DELAYED DELIVERY" TRANSACTIONS. The contracts to
purchase Bonds delivered to the Trustee represent an obligation by issuers or
dealers to deliver Bonds to the Sponsor for deposit in the Trusts. Certain of
the contracts relate to Bonds which have not been issued as of the Date of
Deposit and which are commonly referred to as "when issued" or "when, as and if
issued" Bonds. Although the Sponsor believes it unlikely, if such Bonds, or
replacement bonds described below, are not acquired by a Trust or if their
delivery is delayed, the Estimated Current Returns and Estimated Long Term
Returns shown in Part A of this Prospectus may be reduced. Certain of the
contracts for the purchase of Bonds provide for delivery dates after the date of
settlement for purchases made on the Date of Deposit. Interest on such "when
issued" and "delayed delivery" Bonds accrues to the benefit of Unitholders
commencing with the first settlement date for the Units. However, in the opinion
of counsel, Unitholders who purchase their Units prior to the date such Bonds
are actually delivered to the Trustee must reduce the tax basis of their Units
for interest accruing on such Bonds during the interval between their purchase
of Units and the delivery of the Bonds because such amounts constitute a return
of principal. As a result of such adjustment, the Estimated Current Returns set
forth in Part A of this Prospectus (which are based on the Public Offering Price
as of the business day prior to the Date of Deposit) may be slightly lower than
that which Unitholders will receive after the first year, assuming the Portfolio
does not change and estimated annual expense does not vary from that set forth
under "Essential Information" in Part A of this Prospectus. Those Bonds in each
Trust purchased with delivery dates after the date of settlement for purchases
made on the Date of Deposit are so noted in the "Schedule of Investments" in
Part A of this Prospectus.
LIMITED REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN BONDS. Neither the Sponsor nor the Trustee
shall be liable in any way for any default, failure or defect in any Bond. In
the event of a failure to deliver any Bond that has been purchased for a Trust
under a contract, including those Bonds purchased on a when, as and if issued
basis ("Failed Bonds"), the Sponsor is authorized under the Indenture to direct
the Trustee to acquire other specified Bonds ("Replacement Bonds") to make up
the original corpus of the Trust within 20 days after delivery of notice of the
failed contract and the cost to the Trust (exclusive of accrued interest) may
not exceed the amount of funds reserved for the purchase of the Failed Bonds.
The Replacement Bonds must satisfy the criteria previously described for the
Trusts and shall be substantially identical to the Failed Bonds they replace in
terms of (i) the exemption from federal and state taxation; (ii) maturity and;
(iii) cost to the Trust. In addition, Replacement Bonds shall not be "when, as
and if issued" Bonds. Whenever a Replacement Bond has been acquired for a Trust,
the Trustee shall, within five days after the delivery thereof, mail or deliver
a notice of such acquisition to all Unitholders of the Trust involved. Once the
original corpus of the Trust is acquired, the Trustee will have no power to vary
the investment of the Trust.
To the extent Replacement Bonds are not acquired, the Sponsor shall refund
to all Unitholders of the Trust involved the sales charge attributable to such
Failed Bonds not replaced, and the principal and accrued interest attributable
to such Bonds shall be distributed not more than 30 days after the determination
of such failure or at such earlier time as the Trustee in its sole discretion
deems to be in the interest of the Unitholders. Any such accrued interest paid
to Unitholders will be paid by the Sponsor and, accordingly, will not be treated
as tax-exempt income. In the event Failed Bonds in a Trust could not be
replaced, the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit for such Trust would be
reduced and the Estimated Current Return thereon might be lowered.
SALE, MATURITY AND REDEMPTION OF BONDS. Certain of the Bonds may from time
to time under certain circumstances be sold or redeemed or will mature in
accordance with their terms. The proceeds from such events will be used to pay
for Units redeemed or distributed to Unitholders and not reinvested;
accordingly, no assurance can be given that a Trust will retain for any length
of time its present size and composition.
All of the Bonds in each Trust are subject to being called or redeemed in
whole or in part prior to their stated maturities pursuant to the optional
redemption provisions described in the "Schedule of Investments" in Part A of
this Prospectus and in most cases pursuant to a sinking fund or special or
extraordinary redemption provisions. See the discussion of the various types of
bond issues, above, for information on the call provisions of such bonds,
particularly single family mortgage revenue bonds.
The exercise of redemption or call provisions will (except to the extent the
proceeds of the called Bonds are used to pay for Unit redemptions) result in the
distribution of principal and may result in a reduction in the amount of
subsequent interest distributions; it may also affect the current return on
Units of the Trust involved. The exercise of redemption or call provisions is
more likely to occur in situations where the Bonds have an offering side
evaluation which represents a premium over par (as opposed to a discount from
par). (In the case of original issue discount bonds, such redemption is
generally to be made at the issue price plus the amount of original issue
discount accreted to the date of redemption; such price is referred to herein as
"accreted value"). Because Bonds may have been valued at prices above or below
par value or the then current accreted value at the time Units were purchased,
Unitholders may realize gain or loss upon the redemption of portfolio Bonds.
(See "WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" and "WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE
TO UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B and the "Schedule of Investments" in Part A of this
Prospectus.)
7
<PAGE>
CERTAIN TAX MATTERS; LITIGATION. Certain of the Bonds in a Trust's
portfolio may be subject to continuing requirements regarding the actual use of
bond proceeds, the manner of operation of the project financed from bond
proceeds or the rebate of excess earnings on bond proceeds, any of which may
affect the exemption of interest on such Bonds from Federal income taxation.
Although at the time of issuance of each of the Bonds in each Trust an opinion
of bond counsel was rendered as to the exemption of interest on such obligations
from Federal income taxation, and the issuers covenanted to comply with all
requirements necessary to retain the tax-exempt status of the Bonds, there can
be no assurance that the respective issuers or other obligors on such
obligations will fulfill the various continuing requirements established upon
issuance of the Bonds. A failure to comply with such requirements may cause a
determination that interest on such obligations is subject to Federal income
taxation, perhaps even retroactively from the date of issuance of such Bonds,
thereby reducing the value of the Bonds and subjecting Unitholders to
unanticipated tax liabilities.
To the best knowledge of the Sponsor, there is no litigation pending as of
the Date of Deposit in respect of any Bonds which might reasonably be expected
to have a material adverse effect on any of the Trusts. It is possible that
after the Date of Deposit, litigation may be initiated with respect to Bonds in
any Trust. Any such litigation may affect the validity of such Bonds or the
tax-exempt nature of the interest thereon, but while the outcome of litigation
of such nature can never be entirely predicted, the opinions of bond counsel to
the issuer of each Bond on the date of issuance state that such Bonds were
validly issued and that the interest thereon is, to the extent indicated, exempt
from Federal income tax.
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
Insurance guaranteeing the timely payment, when due, of all principal and
interest on the Bonds in each Insured Trust has been obtained by the Sponsor or
by the issuers or underwriters of the Bonds from the MBIA Insurance Corporation
(the "Insurer"). Certain of the Bonds in an Insured Trust may be covered by a
policy or policies of insurance obtained by the issuers or underwriters of the
Bonds from Municipal Bond Insurance Association (the "Association") or Bond
Investors Guaranty Insurance Company ("BIG"). The claims-paying ability of both
the Insurer and the Association was rated "AAA Prime Grade" by Standard &
Poor's. Moody's rates all bond issues insured by either the Insurer or the
Association "Aaa" and short-term loans "MIG 1." Fitch, upon request, rates all
bond issues insured by the Insurer or the Association "AAA" and short-term loans
"F-1." All such ratings designate the highest quality. The Insurer has issued a
policy or policies of insurance covering each of the Bonds in the Insured
Trusts, each policy to remain in force until the payment in full of such Bonds
and whether or not the Bonds continue to be held by an Insured Trust. By the
terms of each policy the Insurer will unconditionally guarantee to the holders
or owners of the Bonds the payment, when due, required of the issuer of the
Bonds of an amount equal to the principal of and interest on the Bonds as such
payments shall become due but not be paid (except that in the event of any
acceleration of the due date of principal by reason of mandatory or optional
redemption, default or otherwise, the payments guaranteed will be made in such
amounts and at such times as would have been due had there not been an
acceleration).
Insurance guaranteeing the timely payment, when due, of all principal and
interest on certain Bonds in a Traditional Trust may have been obtained by the
Sponsor, issuer or underwriter of the particular Bonds involved or by another
party. Such insurance, which provides coverage substantially the same as that
obtained with respect to Bonds in Insured Trusts as described above, is
effective so long as the insured Bond is outstanding and the insurer remains in
business. Insurance relates only to the particular Bond and not to the Units
offered hereby or to their market value. Insured Bonds have received a rating of
"Aaa" by Moody's, "AAA" by Fitch and/or "AAA" by Standard & Poor's in
recognition of such insurance.
If a Bond in a Traditional Trust is insured, the "Schedule of Investments"
appearing in Part A of this Prospectus will identify the insurer. There can be
no assurance that any insurer listed therein will be able to satisfy its
commitments in the event claims are made in the future. However, Standard &
Poor's, Fitch and/or Moody's have rated the claims-paying ability of each
insurer "AAA," "AAA" or "Aaa," respectively.
The Insurer is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA, Inc., a New York
Stock Exchange listed company. MBIA, Inc. is not obligated to pay the debts of
or claims against the Insurer. The Insurer is domiciled in the State of New York
and licensed to do business in and subject to regulation under the laws of all
50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands of the United
States and the Territory of Guam. The Insurer has two European branches, one in
the Republic of France and the other in the Kingdom of Spain. New York has laws
prescribing minimum capital requirements, limiting classes and concentrations of
investments and requiring the approval of policy rates and forms. State laws
also regulate the amount of both the aggregate and individual risks that may be
insured, the payment of dividends by the insurer, changes in control and
transactions among affiliates. Additionally, the Insurer is required to maintain
contingency reserves on its liabilities in certain amounts and for certain
periods of time.
As of December 31, 1995 the Insurer had admitted assets of $3.8 billion
(audited), total liabilities of $2.5 billion (audited), and total capital and
surplus of $1.3 billion (audited) determined in accordance with statutory
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory
authorities. As of September 30, 1996, the Insurer had admitted assets of $4.3
billion (unaudited), total liabilities of $2.9 billion (unaudited), and total
capital and surplus of $1.4 billion (unaudited) determined in accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory
authorities.
8
<PAGE>
The Association is comprised of the five insurance companies set forth in
the following table, which provides certain unaudited financial information with
respect to each of the five insurance companies comprising the Association.
MUNICIPAL BOND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
FIVE MEMBER COMPANIES ASSETS AND POLICYHOLDERS' SURPLUS (UNAUDITED)
AS OF MARCH 31, 1995.
(000'S OMITTED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NEW YORK NEW YORK NEW YORK
STATUTORY STATUTORY POLICYHOLDERS
ASSETS LIABILITIES SURPLUS
------------ ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
The AEtna Casualty & Surety Company........................................ $ 10,225,604 $ 8,312,158 $ 1,913,446
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company........................................... 7,126,217 5,116,059 2,010,158
The Travelers Indemnity Company............................................ 10,461,356 8,654,130 1,807,226
CIGNA Property and Casualty Company (formerly Aetna Insurance Company)..... 4,260,177 3,637,513 622,664
The Continental Insurance Company.......................................... 3,060,583 2,380,723 679,860
------------ ------------ --------------
Total.............................................................. $ 35,133,937 $ 28,100,583 $ 7,033,354
------------ ------------ --------------
------------ ------------ --------------
</TABLE>
Insurance companies are subject to extensive regulation and supervision
where they do business by state insurance commissioners who regulate the
standards of solvency which must be maintained, the nature of and limitations on
investments, reports of financial condition, and requirements regarding reserves
for unearned premiums, losses and other matters. A significant portion of the
assets of insurance companies is required by law to be held in reserve against
potential claims on policies and is not available to general creditors. Although
the federal government does not regulate the business of insurance, federal
initiatives including pension regulation, controls on medical care costs,
minimum standards for no-fault automobile insurance, national health insurance,
tax law changes affecting life insurance companies and repeal of the antitrust
exemption for the insurance business can significantly impact the insurance
business.
The above ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the Bonds,
and such ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the
rating agencies. Any downward revision or withdrawal of either or both ratings
may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Bonds. See the Information
Supplement--for further information concerning insurance.
Because the insurance on the Bonds, if any, will be effective so long as the
Bonds are outstanding, such insurance will be taken into account in determining
the market value of the Bonds and therefore some value attributable to such
insurance will be included in the value of the Units of the Insured Trusts. The
insurance does not, however, guarantee the market value of the Bonds or of the
Units.
HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?
The Public Offering Price of the Units of each Trust is equal to the Trustee's
determination of the aggregate OFFERING prices of the Bonds deposited therein
(minus any advancement to the principal account of the Trust made by the
Trustee) plus a sales charge set forth in "Essential Information" in Part A of
this Prospectus, in each case adding to the total thereof cash held by the
Trust, if any, and dividing the sum so obtained by the number of Units
outstanding in the Trust. See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION."
The sales charge applicable to quantity purchases is reduced on a graduated
scale for sales to any purchaser of at least $50,000 or 500 Units and will be
applied on whichever basis is more favorable to the purchaser. For purposes of
calculating the applicable sales charge, purchasers who have indicated their
intent to purchase a specified amount of Units of any Trust in the primary or
secondary offering period by executing and delivering a letter of intent to the
Sponsor, which letter of intent must be in a form acceptable to the Sponsor and
shall have a maximum duration of thirteen months, will be eligible to receive a
reduced sales charge according to the following tables based on the amount of
intended aggregate purchases as expressed in the letter of intent. Due to
administrative limitations and in order to permit adequate tracking, the only
secondary market purchases that will be permitted to be applied toward the
intended specified amount and that will receive the corresponding reduced sales
charge are those Units that are acquired through or from the Sponsor. By
establishing a letter of intent, a Unitholder agrees that the first purchase of
Units following the execution of such letter of intent will be at least 5% of
the total amount of the intended aggregate purchases expressed in such
Unitholder's letter of intent. Further, through the establishment of the letter
of intent, such Unitholder agrees that Units representing 5% of the total amount
of the intended purchases will be held in escrow by the Trustee pending
completion of these purchases. All distributions on Units held in escrow will be
credited to such Unitholder's account. If total purchases prior to the
expiration of the letter of intent period equal or exceed the amount specified
in a Unitholder's letter of intent, the Units held in escrow will be transferred
to such Unitholder's account. A Unitholder who purchases Units during the letter
of intent period in excess of the number of Units specified in a Unitholder's
letter of intent, the amount of which would cause the Unitholder to be eligible
to receive an additional sales charge reduction, will be allowed such additional
sales charge reduction on the purchase of Units which caused the Unitholder to
reach such new breakpoint level and on all additional purchases of Units
9
<PAGE>
during the letter of intent period. If the total purchases are less than the
amount specified, the Unitholder involved must pay the Sponsor an amount equal
to the difference between the amounts paid for these purchases and the amounts
which would have been paid if the higher sales charge had been applied; the
Unitholder will, however, be entitled to any reduced sales charge qualified for
by reaching any lower breakpoint level. If such Unitholder does not pay the
additional amount within 20 days after written request by the Sponsor or the
Unitholder's securities representative, the Sponsor will instruct the Trustee to
redeem an appropriate number of the escrowed Units to meet the required payment.
By establishing a letter of intent, a Unitholder irrevocably appoints the
Sponsor as attorney to give instructions to redeem any or all of such
Unitholder's escrowed Units, with full power of substitution in the premises. A
Unitholder or his securities representative must notify the Sponsor whenever
such Unitholder makes a purchase of Units that he wishes to be counted towards
the intended amount. Sales charges during the primary offering period are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NATIONAL AND
STATE
NATIONAL AND STATE LONG TERM INTERMEDIATE
TRUSTS LONG INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS TRUSTS
----------------------------- ----------------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PERCENT PERCENT PERCENT PERCENT PERCENT
OF OF NET OF OF NET OF
OFFERING AMOUNT OFFERING AMOUNT OFFERING
NUMBER OF UNITS* PRICE INVESTED PRICE INVESTED PRICE
- ---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Less than 500........................... 4.90 % 5.152 % 4.25 % 4.439 % 3.90%
500 but less than 1,000................. 4.75 4.987 4.15 4.330 3.70
1,000 but less than 2,500............... 4.50 4.712 3.85 4.004 3.50
2,500 but less than 5,000............... 4.25 4.439 3.60 3.734 3.25
5,000 but less than 10,000.............. 3.50 3.627 3.35 3.466 3.00
10,000 but less than 25,000............. 3.00 3.093 3.00 3.093 2.75
25,000 but less than 50,000............. 2.50 2.564 2.50 2.564 2.50
50,000 or more.......................... 2.00 2.041 2.00 2.041 2.00
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
PERCENT
OF NET
AMOUNT
NUMBER OF UNITS* INVESTED
- ---------------------------------------- ------------
Less than 500........................... 4.058 %
500 but less than 1,000................. 3.842
1,000 but less than 2,500............... 3.627
2,500 but less than 5,000............... 3.359
5,000 but less than 10,000.............. 3.093
10,000 but less than 25,000............. 2.828
25,000 but less than 50,000............. 2.564
50,000 or more.......................... 2.041
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NATIONAL AND STATE SHORT
INTERMEDIATE TRUSTS SHORT TERM TRUSTS
----------------------------- -----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PERCENT PERCENT PERCENT PERCENT
OF OF NET OF OF NET
OFFERING AMOUNT OFFERING AMOUNT
NUMBER OF UNITS* PRICE INVESTED PRICE INVESTED
- ---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Less than 500........................... 3.00 % 3.093 % 2.50 % 2.564 %
500 but less than 1,000................. 2.80 2.881 2.30 2.354
1,000 but less than 2,500............... 2.60 2.670 2.10 2.145
2,500 but less than 5,000............... 2.35 2.407 1.85 1.885
5,000 but less than 10,000.............. 2.10 2.145 1.60 1.626
10,000 but less than 25,000............. 1.85 1.885 1.35 1.368
25,000 but less than 50,000............. 1.80 1.833 1.25 1.266
50,000 or more.......................... 1.50 1.523 1.15 1.163
</TABLE>
*Breakpoint sales charges are computed both on a dollar basis and on the basis
of the number of Units purchased, using the equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000,
2,500 Units to $250,000 etc., and will be applied on that basis which is more
favorable to the purchaser.
For "secondary market" sales the Public Offering Price per Unit of each
Trust is determined by adding to the Trustee's determination of the BID price of
each Bond in the Trust a sales charge determined in accordance with the table
set forth below based upon the number of years remaining to the maturity of each
such Bond. See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION." The effect of this method of sales
charge calculation will be that different sales charge rates will be applied to
the various Bonds in a Trust portfolio based upon the maturities of such Bonds.
As shown, the sales charge on Bonds in each maturity range (and therefore the
aggregate sales charge on the purchase) is reduced with respect to purchases of
at least $50,000 or 500 Units:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$50,000 $100,000 $250,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 $2,500,000
UNDER TO TO TO TO TO TO $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY $50,000 $99,999 $249,999 $499,999 $999,999 $2,499,999 $4,999,999 OR MORE
- ---------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Less than 1................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 but less than 2............. 1.523 % 1.446 % 1.369 % 1.317 % 1.215 % 1.061 % .900 % .750 %
2 but less than 3............. 2.041 1.937 1.833 1.729 1.626 1.420 1.225 1.030
3 but less than 4............. 2.564 2.433 2.302 2.175 2.041 1.781 1.546 1.310
4 but less than 5............. 3.093 2.961 2.828 2.617 2.459 2.175 1.883 1.590
5 but less than 7............. 3.627 3.433 3.239 3.093 2.881 2.460 2.165 1.870
7 but less than 10............ 4.167 3.951 3.734 3.520 3.239 2.828 2.489 2.150
10 but less than 13........... 4.712 4.467 4.221 4.004 3.788 3.253 2.842 2.430
13 but less than 16........... 5.263 4.988 4.712 4.439 4.167 3.627 3.169 2.710
16 or more.................... 5.820 5.542 5.263 4.987 4.603 4.004 3.500 3.000
</TABLE>
*Breakpoint sales charges are computed both on a dollar basis and on the basis
of the number of Units purchased, using the equivalent of 500 Units to
$50,000, 2,500 Units to $250,000, etc., and will be applied on that basis
which is more favorable to the purchaser.
The secondary market sales charges above are expressed as a percent of the
net amount invested; expressed as a percent of the Public Offering Price, the
maximum sales charge on a Trust, for instance one consisting entirely of Bonds
with 16 years or more to maturity, would be 5.50% (5.820% of the net amount
invested). The actual secondary market sales charge included in the Public
Offering Price of any particular Trust will depend on the maturities of the
Bonds in the portfolio of such Trust.
10
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Trustee may terminate a Trust if
the net asset value of such Trust, as shown by any evaluation, is less than 20%
of the original principal amount of the Trust.
At all times while Units are being offered for sale, the Sponsor will
appraise or cause to be appraised daily the value of the underlying Bonds in
each Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time, or as of any earlier closing time on a
day on which the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is scheduled in
advance to close at such earlier time and will adjust the Public Offering Price
of the Units commensurate with such appraisal. Such Public Offering Price will
be effective for all orders received by a dealer or the Sponsor at or prior to
4:00 p.m. eastern time on each such day or as of any earlier closing time on a
day on which the Exchange is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time.
Orders received after that time, or on a day when the Exchange is closed for a
scheduled holiday or weekend, will be held until the next determination of
price.
Accrued interest from the preceding Record Date to, but not including, the
settlement date of the transaction (three business days after purchase) will be
added to the Public Offering Price to determine the purchase price of Units. See
"WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?"
The graduated sales charges set forth above will apply on all applicable
purchases of Nuveen investment company securities on any one day by the same
purchaser in the amounts stated, and for this purpose purchases of this Series
will be aggregated with concurrent purchases of any other Series or of shares of
any open-end management investment company of which the Sponsor is principal
underwriter and with respect to the purchase of which a sales charge is imposed.
Purchases by or for the account of individuals and their spouses, parents,
children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents-in-law, sons- and
daughters-in-law, siblings, a sibling's spouse and a spouse's siblings
("immediate family members") will be aggregated to determine the applicable
sales charge. The graduated sales charges are also applicable to a trustee or
other fiduciary purchasing securities for a single trust estate or single
fiduciary account. Units may be purchased at the Public Offering Price without a
sales charge by officers or directors and by bona fide, full-time employees of
Nuveen, Nuveen Advisory Corp., Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. and The John
Nuveen Company, including in each case these individuals and their immediate
family members (as defined above).
Units may be purchased in the primary market with sales charges of 1.70% of
the Public Offering Price for National and State Long Term Trusts, 1.35% of the
Public Offering Price for Long Intermediate Trusts, 1.20% of the Public Offering
Price for National and State Intermediate Trusts, 1.0% of the Public Offering
Price for National and State Short Intermediate Trusts and 1.0% of the Public
Offering Price for Short Term Trusts by (1) investors who purchase Units through
registered investment advisers, certified financial planners and registered
broker-dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees for financial
planning, investment advisory or asset management services, or provide such
services in connection with the establishment of an investment account for which
a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed, (2) bank trust departments
investing funds over which they exercise exclusive discretionary investment
authority and that are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar
capacity, (3) any person who for at least 90 days, has been an officer, director
or bona fide employee of any firm offering Units for sale to investors or their
immediate family members (as defined above) and (4) officers and directors of
bank holding companies that make Units available directly or through
subsidiaries or bank affiliates (collectively, the "Discounted Purchases"). In
addition, such investors may purchase Units in the secondary market at the
Public Offering Price for non-breakpoint purchases minus the concession the
Sponsor typically allows to brokers and dealers for non-breakpoint purchases.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Prospectus, investors who
purchase Units as described in this paragraph will not receive sales charge
reductions for quantity purchases.
The initial or primary Public Offering Price of the Units in each Trust is
based upon a pro rata share of the OFFERING prices per Unit of the Bonds in such
Trust plus the applicable sales charge. The secondary market Public Offering
Price of each Trust is based upon a pro rata share of the BID prices per Unit of
the Bonds in such Trust plus the applicable sales charge. The OFFERING prices of
Bonds in a Trust may be expected to average between 1/2% to 2% more than the BID
prices of such Bonds. The difference between the bid side evaluation and the
offering side evaluation of the Bonds in each Trust on the business day prior to
the Date of Deposit is shown in the discussion of each Trust portfolio.
Whether or not Units are being offered for sale, the Sponsor will determine
the aggregate value of each Trust as of 4:00 p.m. eastern time: (i) on each June
30 or December 31 (or, if such date is not a business day, the last business day
prior thereto), (ii) on any day on which a Unit is tendered for redemption (or
the next succeeding business day if the date of tender is a non-business day)
and (iii) at such other times as may be necessary. For this purpose, a "business
day" shall be any day on which the Exchange is normally open. (See "UNIT VALUE
AND EVALUATION.")
MARKET FOR UNITS
During the initial public offering period, the Sponsor intends to offer to
purchase Units of each Trust at a price equivalent to the pro rata share per
Unit of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds in such Trust (plus accrued interest).
Afterward, although it is not obligated to do so, the Sponsor intends to
maintain a secondary market for Units of each Trust at its own expense and
continuously to offer to purchase Units of each Trust at prices, subject to
change at any time, which are based upon the BID prices of Bonds in the
respective portfolios of the Trusts. UNITHOLDERS WHO WISH TO DISPOSE OF THEIR
UNITS SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE TRUSTEE OR THEIR BROKER AS TO THE CURRENT REDEMPTION
PRICE. (See "HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE?") In connection with its
secondary marketmaking activities, the Sponsor may from time to time enter into
secondary market joint account agreements with other brokers and dealers.
Pursuant to such an agreement, the Sponsor will
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purchase Units from the broker or dealer at the bid price and will place the
Units into a joint account managed by the Sponsor; sales from the account will
be made in accordance with the then current prospectus and the Sponsor and the
broker or dealer will share profits and losses in the joint account in
accordance with the terms of their joint account agreement.
Certificates, if any, for Units are delivered to the purchaser as promptly
after the date of settlement (three business days after purchase) as the Trustee
can complete the mechanics of registration, normally within 48 hours after
registration instructions are received. Purchasers of Units to whom Certificates
are issued will be unable to exercise any right of redemption until they have
received their Certificates, properly endorsed for transfer. (See "HOW UNITS MAY
BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE?")
WHAT IS ACCRUED INTEREST?
Accrued interest is the accumulation of unpaid interest on a bond from the last
day on which interest thereon was paid. Interest on Bonds in each Trust is
accounted for daily on an accrual basis. For this reason, the purchase price of
Units of a Trust will include not only the Public Offering Price but also the
proportionate share of accrued interest to the date of settlement. Accrued
interest does not include accrual of original issue discount on zero coupon
bonds, Stripped Obligations or other original issue discount bonds. Interest
accrues to the benefit of Unitholders commencing with the settlement date of
their purchase transaction.
In an effort to reduce the amount of accrued interest that investors would
have to pay in addition to the Public Offering Price, the Trustee has agreed to
advance to each Trust the amount of accrued interest due on the Bonds as of the
Date of Deposit (which has been designated the first Record Date for all plans
of distribution). This accrued interest will be paid to the Sponsor as the
holder of record of all Units on the Date of Deposit. Consequently, the amount
of accrued interest to be added to the Public Offering Price of Units will
include only accrued interest from the Date of Deposit to, but not including,
the date of settlement of the investor's purchase (three business days after
purchase), less any distributions from the related Interest Account. The Trustee
will recover its advancements (without interest or other cost to the Trusts)
from interest received on the Bonds deposited in each Trust.
The Trustee has no cash for distribution to Unitholders until it receives
interest payments on the Bonds in the Trusts. Since municipal bond interest is
accrued daily but paid only semi-annually, during the initial months of the
Trusts, the Interest Accounts, consisting of accrued but uncollected interest
and collected interest (cash), will be predominantly the uncollected accrued
interest that is not available for distribution. However, due to advances by the
Trustee, the Trustee will provide a first distribution between approximately 30
and 60 days after the Date of Deposit. Assuming each Trust retains its original
size and composition and expenses and fees remain the same, annual interest
collected and distributed will approximate the estimated Net Annual Interest
Income stated herein. However, the amount of accrued interest at any point in
time will be greater than the amount that the Trustee will have actually
received and distributed to the Unitholders. Therefore, there will always remain
an item of accrued interest that is included in the Purchase Price and the
redemption price of the Units.
Interest is accounted for daily and a proportionate share of accrued and
undistributed interest computed from the preceding Record Date is added to the
daily valuation of each Unit of each Trust. (See Part A of this Prospectus and
"WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?") As Bonds mature, or are redeemed
or sold, the accrued interest applicable to such bonds is collected and
subsequently distributed to Unitholders. Unitholders who sell or redeem all or a
portion of their Units will be paid their proportionate share of the remaining
accrued interest to, but not including, the third business day following the
date of sale or tender.
WHAT ARE ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN AND ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN?
The Estimated Long Term Return for each Trust is a measure of the return to the
investor expected to be earned over the estimated life of the Trust. The
Estimated Long Term Return represents an average of the yields to maturity (or
call) of the Bonds in the Trust's portfolio calculated in accordance with
accepted bond practice and adjusted to reflect expenses and sales charges. Under
accepted bond practice, tax-exempt bonds are customarily offered to investors on
a "yield price" basis, which involves computation of yield to maturity or to an
earlier call date (whichever produces the lower yield), and which takes into
account not only the interest payable on the bonds but also the amortization or
accretion of any premium over, or discount from, the par (maturity) value
inherent in the bond's purchase price. In the calculation of Estimated Long Term
Return, the average yield for a Trust's portfolio is derived by weighting each
Bond's yield by the market value of the Bond and by the amount of time remaining
to the date to which the Bond is priced. This weighted average yield is then
adjusted to reflect estimated expenses, is compounded, and is reduced by a
factor which represents the amortization of the sales charge over the expected
average life of a Trust. The Estimated Long Term Return calculation does not
take into account the effect of a first distribution which may be less than a
regular distribution or may be paid at some point after 30 days (or a second
distribution which may be less than a normal distribution for Unitholders who
choose quarterly or semi-annual plans of distribution), and it also does not
take into account the difference in timing of payments to Unitholders who choose
quarterly or semi-annual plans of distribution, each of which will reduce the
return.
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Estimated Current Return is computed by dividing the Net Annual Interest
Income per Unit by the Public Offering Price. In contrast to Estimated Long Term
Return, Estimated Current Return does not reflect the amortization of premium or
accretion of discount, if any, on the Bonds in a Trust's portfolio. Net Annual
Interest Income per Unit is calculated by dividing the annual interest income to
a Trust, less estimated expenses, by the number of Units outstanding.
Net Annual Interest Income per Unit, used to calculate Estimated Current
Return, will vary with changes in fees and expenses of the Trustee and the
Evaluator and with the redemption, maturity, exchange or sale of Bonds. A
Unitholder's actual return may vary significantly from the Estimated Long-Term
Return, based on their holding period, market interest rate changes, other
factors affecting the prices of individual bonds in the portfolio, and
differences between the expected remaining life of portfolio bonds and the
actual length of time that they remain in a Trust; such actual holding periods
may be reduced by termination of a Trust, as described in "OTHER INFORMATION."
Since both the Estimated Current Return and the Estimated Long Term Return
quoted herein are based on the market value of the underlying Bonds on the
business day prior to the Date of Deposit, subsequent calculations of these
performance measures will reflect the then current market value of the
underlying Bonds and may be higher or lower. The Sponsor will provide estimated
cash flow information relating to a Trust without charge to each potential
investor in a Trust who receives this prospectus and makes an oral or written
request to the Sponsor for such information.
A portion of the monies received by a Trust may be treated, in the first
year only, as a return of principal due to the inclusion in the Trust portfolio
of "when-issued" or other Bonds having delivery dates after the date of
settlement for purchases made on the Date of Deposit. A consequence of this
treatment is that in the computation of Estimated Current Return for the first
year, such monies are excluded from Net Annual Interest Income and treated as an
adjustment to the Public Offering Price. (See "Essential Information" appearing
in Part A of this Prospectus, "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" and "WHAT IS THE TAX
STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?")
A comparison of tax-free and equivalent taxable estimated current returns
with the returns on various taxable investments is one element to consider in
making an investment decision. 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 Nuveen Trusts with
returns on taxable investments such as corporate or U.S. Government bonds, bank
CD's and money market accounts or money market funds, each of which has
investment characteristics that may differ from those of the Trust. U.S.
Government bonds, for example, are backed by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Government and bank CD's 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 the Trusts are
described more fully elsewhere in the Prospectus.
HOW WAS THE PRICE OF THE BONDS DETERMINED AT THE DATE OF DEPOSIT?
The prices at which the Bonds deposited in the Trusts would have been offered to
the public on the business day prior to the Date of Deposit were determined by
the Trustee on the basis of an evaluation of such Bonds prepared by Kenny S&P
Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. ("Kenny S&P"), a firm
regularly engaged in the business of evaluating, quoting or appraising
comparable bonds. With respect to Bonds in Insured Trusts and insured Bonds in
Traditional Trusts, Kenny S&P evaluated the Bonds as so insured. (See "WHY AND
HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?")
The amount by which the Trustee's determination of the OFFERING PRICES of
the Bonds deposited in the Trusts was greater or less than the cost of such
Bonds to the Sponsor was PROFIT OR LOSS to the Sponsor exclusive of any
underwriting profit. (See Part A of this Prospectus.) The Sponsor also may
realize FURTHER PROFIT OR SUSTAIN FURTHER LOSS as a result of fluctuations in
the Public Offering Price of the Units. Cash, if any, made available to the
Sponsor prior to the settlement date for a purchase of Units, or prior to the
acquisition of all Portfolio securities by a Trust, may be available for use in
the Sponsor's business, and may be of benefit to the Sponsor.
WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?
At the respective times of issuance of the Bonds, opinions relating to the
validity thereof and to the exclusion of interest thereon from Federal gross
income were rendered by bond counsel to the respective issuing authorities. In
addition, with respect to State Trusts, where applicable, bond counsel to the
issuing authorities rendered opinions as to the exemption of interest on such
Bonds, when held by residents of the state in which the issuers of such Bonds
are located, from state income taxes and certain state or local intangibles and
local income taxes. For a discussion of the tax status of State Trusts, see Part
A of this Prospectus. Neither the Sponsor nor Chapman and Cutler has made any
special review for the Trusts of the proceedings relating to the issuance of the
Bonds or of the basis for the opinions rendered in connection therewith. If the
interest on a Bond should be determined to be taxable, the Bond would generally
have to be sold at a substantial discount. In addition, investors could be
required to pay income tax on interest received prior to the date of which
interest is determined to be taxable.
Federally tax-exempt income, including income on Units of the Trusts, will
be taken into consideration in computing the portion, if any, of social security
benefits received that will be included in a taxpayer's gross income subject to
the Federal income tax.
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Gain realized on the sale or redemption of the Bonds by the Trustee or of a
Unit by a Unitholder is includable in gross income for Federal income tax
purposes, and may be includable in gross income for state tax purposes. (Such
gain does not include any amounts received in respect of tax-exempt accrued
interest or accrued original issue discount, if any.) Sections 1288 and 1272 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") provide a complex set
of rules governing the accrual of original issue discount. These rules provide
that original issue discount accrues either on the basis of a constant compound
interest rate or ratably over the term of the Bond, depending on the date the
Bond was issued. In addition, special rules apply if the purchase price of a
Bond exceeds the original issue price plus the amount of original issue discount
which would have previously accrued based upon its issue price (its "adjusted
issue price") to prior owners. If a Bond is acquired with accrued interest, that
portion of the price paid for the accrued interest is added to the tax basis of
the Bond. When this accrued interest is received, it is treated as a return of
capital and reduces the tax basis of the Bond. If a Bond is purchased for a
premium, the amount of the premium is added to the tax basis of the Bond. Bond
premium is amortized over the remaining term of the Bond, and the tax basis of
the Bond is reduced each tax year by the amount of the premium amortized in that
tax year. The application of these rules will also vary depending on the value
of the Bond on the date a Unitholder acquires his Units and the price the
Unitholder pays for his Units. Unitholders should consult with their tax
advisers regarding these rules and their application.
The "Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993" (the "Tax Act") subjects tax-exempt
bonds to the market discount rules of the Code, effective for bonds purchased
after April 30, 1993. In general, market discount is the amount (if any) by
which the stated redemption price at maturity exceeds an investor's purchase
price (except to the extent that such difference, if any, is attributable to
original issue discount not yet accrued), subject to a statutory DE MINIMIS
rule. Market discount can arise based on the price the Trust pays for the Bonds
or the price a Unitholder pays for his or her Units. Under the Tax Act,
accretion of market discount is taxable as ordinary income; under prior law, the
accretion had been treated as capital gain. Market discount that accretes while
the Trust holds a Bond would be recognized as ordinary income by the Unitholders
when principal payments are received on the Bond, upon sale or at redemption
(including early redemption), or upon the sale or redemption of his or her
Units, unless a Unitholder elects to include market discount in taxable income
as it accrues. The market discount rules are complex and Unitholders should
consult their tax advisors regarding these rules and their application.
In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, Counsel to the Sponsor, under existing
law:
(1) the Trusts are not associations taxable as corporations for Federal
income tax purposes, and interest and accrued original issue discount on
Bonds which is excludable from gross income under the Code will retain
its status when distributed to the Unitholders; however such interest
may be taken into account in computing the alternative minimum tax, an
additional tax on branches of foreign corporations and the environmental
tax (the "Superfund Tax"). See "CERTAIN TAX MATTERS APPLICABLE TO
CORPORATE UNITHOLDERS", below;
(2) each Unitholder of a Trust is considered to be the owner of a pro rata
portion of such Trust under Subpart E, subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the
Code and will have a taxable event when the Trust disposes of a Bond or
when the Unitholder redeems or sells Units. Unitholders must reduce the
tax basis of their Units for their share of accrued interest received by
the Trust, if any, on Bonds delivered after the Unitholders pay for
their Units to the extent that such interest accrued on such Bonds
before the date the Trust acquired ownership of the Bonds (and the
amount of this reduction may exceed the amount of accrued interest paid
to the seller) during the period from the Unitholders settlement date to
the date such Bonds are delivered to the respective Trusts and,
consequently, such Unitholders may have an increase in taxable gain or
reduction in capital loss upon the disposition of such Units. Gain or
loss upon the sale or redemption of Units is measured by comparing the
proceeds of such sale or redemption with the adjusted basis of the
Units. If the Trustee disposes of Bonds (whether by sale, payment at
maturity, redemption or otherwise), gain or loss is recognized to the
Unitholder. The amount of any such gain or loss is measured by comparing
the Unitholder's pro rata share of the total proceeds from such
disposition with the Unitholder's basis for his or her fractional
interest in the asset disposed of. In the case of a Unitholder who
purchases Units, such basis (before adjustment for earned original issue
discount and amortized bond premium, if any) is determined by
apportioning the cost of the Units among each of the Trust assets
ratably according to value as of the valuation date nearest the date of
acquisition of the Units. The tax basis reduction requirements of said
Code relating to amortization of bond premium may, under some
circumstances, result in the Unitholder realizing a taxable gain when
his or her Units are sold or redeemed for an amount less than or equal
to their original cost; and
(3) any amounts paid on defaulted Bonds held by the Trustee under policies
of insurance issued with respect to such Bonds will be excludable from
Federal gross income if, and to the same extent as, such interest would
have been so excludable if paid in the normal course by the issuer of
the defaulted Bonds provided that, at the time such policies are
purchased, the amounts paid for such policies are reasonable, customary
and consistent with the reasonable expectation that the issuer of the
Bonds, rather than the insurer, will pay debt service on the Bonds.
Paragraph (2) of this opinion is accordingly applicable to policy
proceeds representing maturing interest.
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In the opinion of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, counsel to the Trustee, and, in the
absence of a New York Trust from the Series, special counsel for the Series for
New York tax matters, under existing law:
Under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, each Trust
is not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of each Trust
will be treated as the income of the Unitholders.
For a summary of each opinion of special counsel to the respective State
Trusts for state tax matters, see Part A of this Prospectus.
ALL STATEMENTS IN THE PROSPECTUS CONCERNING EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME FOR
FEDERAL, STATE OR OTHER TAX PURPOSES ARE THE OPINION OF COUNSEL AND ARE TO BE SO
CONSTRUED.
Counsel for the Sponsor has also advised that under Section 265 of the Code,
interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry Units of a
Trust is not deductible for Federal income tax purposes. The Internal Revenue
Service has taken the position that such indebtedness need not be directly
traceable to the purchase or carrying of Units (however, these rules generally
do not apply to interest paid on indebtedness incurred to purchase or improve a
personal residence). Also, under Section 265 of the Code, certain financial
institutions that acquire Units would generally not be able to deduct any of the
interest expense attributable to ownership of such Units. On December 7, 1995,
the U.S. Treasury Department released proposed legislation that, if enacted,
would generally extend the financial institution rules to all corporations,
effective for obligations acquired after the date of announcement. Investors
with questions regarding this issue should consult with their tax advisers.
In the case of certain of the Bonds in the Trust, the opinions of bond
counsel indicate that interest on such Bonds received by a "substantial user" of
the facilities being financed with the proceeds of these Bonds, or persons
related thereto, for periods while such Bonds are held by such a user or related
person, will not be excludable from Federal gross income, although interest on
such Bonds received by others would be excludable from Federal gross income.
"Substantial user" and "related person" are defined under the Code and U.S.
Treasury Regulations. Any person who believes that he or she may be a
"substantial user" or a "related person" as so defined should contact his or her
tax adviser.
For purposes of computing the alternative minimum tax for individuals and
corporations, interest on certain specified tax-exempt private activity bonds is
included as a preference item. The Trusts do not include any such bonds.
CERTAIN TAX MATTERS APPLICABLE TO CORPORATE UNITHOLDERS. In the case of
certain corporations, the alternative minimum tax and the Superfund Tax depend
upon the corporation's alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the
corporation's taxable income with certain adjustments. One of the adjustment
items used in computing AMTI and the Superfund Tax of a corporation (other than
an S corporation, Regulated Investment Company, Real Estate Investment Trust, or
REMIC) is an amount equal to 75% of the excess of such corporation's "adjusted
current earnings" over an amount equal to its AMTI (before such adjustment item
and the alternative tax net operating loss deduction). "Adjusted current
earnings" includes all tax-exempt interest, including interest on all Bonds in
the Trust. Under current Code provisions, the Superfund Tax does not apply to
tax years beginning on or after January 1, 1996. However, the Superfund Tax
could be extended retroactively. Under the provisions of Section 884 of the
Code, a branch profits tax is levied on the "effectively connected earnings and
profits" of certain foreign corporations which include tax-exempt interest such
as interest on the Bonds in the Trust. Unitholders should consult their tax
advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them including the
corporate alternative minimum tax, the Superfund Tax and the branch profits tax
imposed by Section 884 of the Code.
Ownership of the Units may result in collateral federal income tax
consequences to certain taxpayers, including, without limitation, corporations
subject to either the environmental tax or the branch profits tax, financial
institutions, certain insurance companies, certain S corporations, individual
recipients of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits and taxpayers who
may be deemed to have incurred (or continued) indebtedness to purchase or carry
tax-exempt obligations. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisers
as to the applicability of any such collateral consequences.
EXCEPT AS NOTED ABOVE AND IN PART A OF THIS PROSPECTUS, THE EXEMPTION OF
INTEREST ON STATE AND LOCAL OBLIGATIONS FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES
DISCUSSED ABOVE DOES NOT NECESSARILY RESULT IN EXEMPTION UNDER THE INCOME OR
OTHER TAX LAWS OF ANY STATE OR CITY. THE LAWS OF THE SEVERAL STATES VARY WITH
RESPECT TO THE TAXATION OF SUCH OBLIGATIONS.
WHAT ARE NORMAL TRUST OPERATING EXPENSES?
No annual advisory fee is charged to the Trusts by the Sponsor. The Sponsor
does, however, receive a fee as set forth in "Essential Information" in Part A
of this Prospectus for regularly evaluating the Bonds and for maintaining
surveillance over the portfolio. (See "UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION.")
The Trustee receives for ordinary recurring services an annual fee for each
plan of distribution for each Trust as set forth in "Essential Information"
appearing in Part A of this Prospectus. Each annual fee is per $1,000 principal
amount of the underlying Bonds in a Trust for that portion of the Trust that
represents a particular plan of distribution. The Trustee's fee may be
periodically adjusted in response to fluctuations in short-term interest rates
(reflecting the cost to the Trustee of advancing funds to a Trust to meet
scheduled distributions) and may be further adjusted in accordance with the
cumulative percentage increase of the United States Department of Labor's
Consumer Price Index entitled "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" since the
establishment of the Trusts. The Trustee has the use of funds, if any, being
held in the Interest and
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Principal Accounts of each Trust for future distributions, payment of expenses
and redemptions. These Accounts are non-interest bearing to Unitholders.
Pursuant to normal banking procedures, the Trustee benefits from the use of
funds held therein. Part of the Trustee's compensation for its services to the
Trusts is expected to result from such use of these funds.
Premiums for the policies of insurance obtained by the Sponsor or by the
Bond issuers with respect to the Bonds in the Insured Trusts and with respect to
insured Bonds in Traditional Trusts have been paid in full prior to the deposit
of the Bonds in the Trusts, and the value of such insurance has been included in
the evaluation of the Bonds in each Trust and accordingly in the Public Offering
Price of Units of each Trust. There are no annual continuing premiums for such
insurance.
All or a portion of the expenses incurred in establishing the 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 each Trust portfolio, the initial
evaluation, legal fees, the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee and any
other non-material out-of-pocket expenses, will be paid by the Trusts and
amortized over the first five years of such Trusts. The following are additional
expenses of the Trusts and, when paid by or are owed to the Trustee, are secured
by a lien on the assets of the Trust or Trusts to which such expenses are
allocable: (1) the expenses and costs of any action undertaken by the Trustee to
protect the Trusts and the rights and interests of the Unitholders; (2) all
taxes and other governmental charges upon the Bonds or any part of the Trusts
(no such taxes or charges are being levied or made or, to the knowledge of the
Sponsor, contemplated); (3) amounts payable to the Trustee as fees for ordinary
recurring services and for extraordinary non-recurring services rendered
pursuant to the Indenture, all disbursements and expenses including counsel fees
(including fees of bond counsel which the Trustee may retain) sustained or
incurred by the Trustee in connection therewith; and (4) any losses or
liabilities accruing to the Trustee without negligence, bad faith or willful
misconduct on its part. The Trustee is empowered to sell Bonds in order to pay
these amounts if funds are not otherwise available in the applicable Interest
and Principal Accounts.
The Indenture requires each Trust to be audited on an annual basis at the
expense of the Trust by independent public accountants selected by the Sponsor.
The Trustee shall not be required, however, to cause such an audit to be
performed if its cost to a Trust shall exceed $.05 per Unit on an annual basis.
Unitholders of a Trust covered by an audit may obtain a copy of the audited
financial statements upon request.
WHEN ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE TO UNITHOLDERS?
Interest received by the Trustee on the Bonds in each Trust, including that part
of the proceeds of any disposition of Bonds which represents accrued interest
and including any insurance proceeds representing interest due on defaulted
Bonds, shall be credited to the "Interest Account" of such Trust and all other
moneys received by the Trustee shall be credited to the "Principal Account" of
such Trust.
The pro rata share of cash in the Principal Account in each Trust will be
computed as of each semi-annual Record Date and distributions to the Unitholders
as of such Record Date will be made on or shortly after the fifteenth day of the
month. Proceeds received from the disposition, including sale, call or maturity,
of any of the Bonds and all amounts paid with respect to zero coupon bonds and
Stripped Obligations will be held in the Principal Account and either used to
pay for Units redeemed or distributed on the Distribution Date following the
next semi-annual Record Date. The Trustee is not required to make a distribution
from the Principal Account of any Trust unless the amount available for
distribution in such account equals at least ten cents per Unit.
The pro rata share of the Interest Account in each Trust will be computed by
the Trustee each month as of each Record Date and distributions will be made on
or shortly after the fifteenth day of the month to Unitholders of such Trust as
of the Record Date who are entitled to distributions at that time under the plan
of distribution chosen. Persons who purchase Units between a Record Date and a
Distribution Date will receive their first distribution on the Distribution Date
following the next Record Date under the applicable plan of distribution.
Purchasers of Units who desire to receive interest distributions on a
monthly or quarterly basis may elect to do so at the time of purchase during the
initial public offering period. Those indicating no choice will be deemed to
have chosen the semi-annual distribution plan. All Unitholders, however, who
purchase Units during the initial public offering period and who hold them of
record on the first Record Date will receive the first distribution of interest.
Thereafter, Record Dates for monthly distributions will be the first day of each
month; Record Dates for quarterly distributions will be the first day of
February, May, August and November; and Record Dates for semi-annual
distributions will be the first day of May and November. See Part A of this
Prospectus for details of distributions per Unit of each Trust under the various
plans based upon estimated Net Annual Interest Income at the Date of Deposit.
The amount of the regular distributions will generally change when Bonds are
redeemed, mature or are sold or when fees and expenses increase or decrease. For
the purpose of minimizing fluctuations in the distributions from the Interest
Account of a Trust, the Trustee is authorized to advance such amounts as may be
necessary to provide for interest distributions of approximately equal amounts.
The Trustee shall be reimbursed, without interest, for any such advances from
funds in the Interest Account of such Trust. The Trustee's fee takes into
account the costs attributable to the outlay of capital needed to make such
advances.
The plan of distribution selected by a Unitholder will remain in effect
until changed. Unitholders purchasing Units in the secondary market will
initially receive distributions in accordance with the election of the prior
owner. Unitholders
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desiring to change their plan of distribution may do so by sending a written
notice requesting the change, together with any Certificate(s), to the Trustee.
The notice and any Certificate(s) must be received by the Trustee not later than
the semi-annual Record Date to be effective as of the semi-annual distribution
following the subsequent semi-annual Record Date. Unitholders are requested to
make any such changes within 45 days prior to the applicable Record Date.
Certificates should only be sent by registered or certified mail to minimize the
possibility of their being lost or stolen. (See "OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF
UNITS.")
As of the first day of each month the Trustee will deduct from the Interest
Account of a Trust or, to the extent funds are not sufficient therein, from the
Principal Account of a Trust, amounts needed for payment of expenses of such
Trust. The Trustee also may withdraw from said accounts such amount, if any, as
it deems necessary to establish a reserve for any governmental charges payable
out of such Trust. Amounts so withdrawn shall not be considered a part of a
Trust's assets until such time as the Trustee shall return all or any part of
such amounts to the appropriate account. In addition, the Trustee shall withdraw
from the Interest Account and the Principal Account of a Trust such amounts as
may be necessary to cover redemptions of Units of such Trust by the Trustee.
Funds which are available for future distributions, redemptions and payment of
expenses are held in accounts which are non-interest bearing to Unitholders and
are available for use by the Trustee pursuant to normal banking procedures.
ACCUMULATION PLAN
The Sponsor is also the principal underwriter of several open-end mutual funds
(the "Accumulation Funds") into which Unitholders may choose to reinvest Trust
distributions. Unitholders may elect to reinvest principal distributions or
interest and principal distributions automatically, without any sales charge.
Each Accumulation Fund has investment objectives which differ in certain
respects from those of the Trusts and may invest in securities which would not
be eligible for deposit in the Trusts. Further information concerning the
Accumulation Plan and a list of Accumulation Funds is set forth in the
Information Supplement of this Prospectus, which may be obtained by contacting
the Trustee at the phone number listed on the back cover of this Prospectus.
Participants may at any time, by so notifying the Trustee in writing, elect to
change the Accumulation Fund into which their distributions are being
reinvested, to change from principal only reinvestment to reinvestment of both
principal and interest or vice versa, or to terminate their participation in the
Accumulation Plan altogether and receive future distributions on their Units in
cash. There will be no charge or other penalty for such change of election or
termination. The character of Trust distributions for income tax purposes will
remain unchanged even if they are reinvested in an Accumulation Fund.
HOW DETAILED ARE REPORTS TO UNITHOLDERS?
The Trustee shall furnish Unitholders of a Trust in connection with each
distribution, a statement of the amount of interest, if any, and the amount of
other receipts (received since the preceding distribution) being distributed,
expressed in each case as a dollar amount representing the pro rata share of
each Unit of a Trust outstanding and a year to date summary of all distributions
paid on said Units. Within a reasonable period of time after the end of each
calendar year, the Trustee shall furnish to each person, who at any time during
the calendar year was a registered Unitholder of a Trust, a statement with
respect to such Trust (i) as to the Interest Account: interest received
(including amounts representing interest received upon any disposition of
Bonds), and, except for any State Trust, the percentage of such interest by
states in which the issuers of the Bonds are located, deductions for fees and
expenses of such Trust, redemption of Units and the balance remaining after such
distributions and deductions, expressed in each case both as a total dollar
amount and as a dollar amount representing the pro rata share of each Unit
outstanding on the last business day of such calendar year; (ii) as to the
Principal Account: the dates of disposition of any Bonds and the net proceeds
received therefrom (excluding any portion representing accrued interest), the
amount paid for purchase of Replacement Bonds, the amount paid upon redemption
of Units, deductions for payment of applicable taxes and fees and expenses of
the Trustee, and the balance remaining after such distributions and deductions
expressed both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar amount representing the
pro rata share of each Unit outstanding on the last business day of such
calendar year; (iii) a list of the Bonds held and the number of Units
outstanding on the last business day of such calendar year; (iv) the Unit Value
based upon the last computation thereof made during such calendar year; and (v)
amounts actually distributed during such calendar year from the Interest Account
and from the Principal Account, separately stated, expressed both as total
dollar amounts and as dollar amounts representing the pro rata share of each
Unit outstanding. Each annual statement will reflect pertinent information in
respect of all plans of distribution so that Unitholders may be informed
regarding the results of other plans of distribution.
UNIT VALUE AND EVALUATION
The value of each Trust is determined by the Sponsor on the basis of (1) the
cash on hand in the Trust or moneys in the process of being collected, (2) the
value of the Bonds in the Trust based on the BID prices of the Bonds and (3)
interest accrued thereon not subject to collection, LESS (1) amounts
representing taxes or governmental charges payable out of the Trust and (2) the
accrued expenses of the Trust. The result of such computation is divided by the
number of Units of such Trust outstanding as of the date thereof to determine
the per Unit value ("Unit Value") of such Trust. The Sponsor may determine the
value of the Bonds in each Trust (1) on the basis of current BID prices of the
Bonds obtained from dealers or brokers who customarily deal in bonds comparable
to those held by a Trust, (2) if bid prices are not available for any of the
Bonds, on the basis of bid prices for comparable bonds, (3) by causing the value
of the Bonds to be determined by others
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<PAGE>
engaged in the practice of evaluating, quoting or appraising comparable bonds or
(4) by any combination of the above. Although the Unit Value of each Trust is
based on the BID prices of the Bonds, the Units are sold initially to the public
at the Public Offering Price based on the OFFERING prices of the Bonds.
Because the insurance obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of Bonds
with respect to the Bonds in the Insured Trusts and with respect to insured
Bonds in Traditional Trusts is effective so long as such Bonds are outstanding,
such insurance will be taken into account in determining the bid and offering
prices of such Bonds and therefore some value attributable to such insurance
will be included in the value of Units of Trusts that include such Bonds.
HOW UNITS OF THE TRUSTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC
Nuveen, in addition to being the Sponsor, is the sole Underwriter of the Units.
It is the intention of the Sponsor to qualify Units of National, Long
Intermediate, Intermediate, Short Intermediate and Short Term Trusts for sale
under the laws of substantially all of the states of the United States of
America, and Units of State Trusts only in the state for which the Trust is
named and selected other states.
Promptly following the deposit of Bonds in exchange for Units of the Trusts,
it is the practice of the Sponsor to place all of the Units as collateral for a
letter or letters of credit from one or more commercial banks under an agreement
to release such Units from time to time as needed for distribution. Under such
an arrangement the Sponsor pays such banks compensation based on the then
current interest rate. This is a normal warehousing arrangement during the
period of distribution of the Units to public investors. To facilitate the
handling of transactions, sales of Units shall be limited to transactions
involving a minimum of either $5,000 or 50 Units, whichever is less. The Sponsor
reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any order for the purchase of
Units.
The Sponsor plans to allow a discount to brokers and dealers in connection
with the primary distribution of Units and also in secondary market
transactions. The primary market discounts are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISCOUNT PER UNIT
--------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NATIONAL LONG INTER- SHORT INTER-
AND STATE MEDIATE INTERMEDIATE MEDIATE SHORT TERM
NUMBER OF UNITS* TRUSTS TRUSTS TRUSTS TRUSTS TRUSTS
- ------------------------------ ---------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -----------
Less than 500................. $3.20 $2.90 $2.70 $2.00 $1.50
500 but less than 1,000....... 3.20 2.90 2.70 2.00 1.50
1,000 but less than 2,500..... 3.20 2.70 2.50 1.80 1.30
2,500 but less than 5,000..... 3.20 2.45 2.25 1.55 1.05
5,000 but less than 10,000.... 2.50 2.45 2.25 1.55 1.05
10,000 but less than 25,000... 2.00 2.00 2.00 1.30 .80
25,000 but less than 50,000... 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.30 .60
50,000 or more................ 1.75 1.50 1.50 1.00 .60
</TABLE>
*Breakpoint sales charges and related dealer concessions are computed both on a
dollar basis and on the basis of the number of Units purchased, using the
equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000, 2,500 Units to $250,000 etc. and will be
applied on that basis which is more favorable to the purchaser.
The Sponsor currently intends to maintain a secondary market for Units of
each Trust. See "MARKET FOR UNITS." The amount of the dealer concession on
secondary market purchases of Trust Units through the Sponsor will be computed
based upon the value of the Bonds in the Trust portfolio, including the sales
charge computed as described in "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?",
and adjusted to reflect the cash position of the Trust principal account, and
will vary with the size of the purchase as shown in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$50,000 $100,000 $250,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 $2,500,000
UNDER TO TO TO TO TO TO $5,000,000
YEARS TO MATURITY $50,000 $99,999 $249,999 $499,999 $999,999 $2,499,999 $4,999,999 OR MORE
- -------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Less than 1............... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 but less than 2......... 1.00% .90% .85% .80% .70% .55% .467% .389%
2 but less than 3......... 1.30% 1.20% 1.10% 1.00% .90% .73% .634% .538%
3 but less than 4......... 1.60% 1.45% 1.35% 1.25% 1.10% .90% .781% .662%
4 but less than 5......... 2.00% 1.85% 1.75% 1.55% 1.40% 1.25% 1.082% .914%
5 but less than 7......... 2.30% 2.15% 1.95% 1.80% 1.65% 1.50% 1.320% 1.140%
7 but less than 10........ 2.60% 2.45% 2.25% 2.10% 1.95% 1.70% 1.496% 1.292%
10 but less than 13....... 3.00% 2.80% 2.60% 2.45% 2.30% 2.00% 1.747% 1.494%
13 but less than 16....... 3.25% 3.15% 3.00% 2.75% 2.50% 2.15% 1.878% 1.606%
16 or more................ 3.50% 3.50% 3.40% 3.35% 3.00% 2.50% 2.185% 1.873%
</TABLE>
*Breakpoint sales charges and related dealer concessions are computed both on a
dollar basis and on the basis of the number of Units purchased, using the
equivalent of 500 Units to $50,000, 2,500 Units to $250,000, etc., and will be
applied on that basis which is more favorable to the purchaser.
The Sponsor reserves the right to change the foregoing dealer concessions
from time to time.
At the discretion of the Sponsor, volume incentives can be earned as a
marketing allowance by dealer firms who reach cumulative firm sales or sales
arrangement levels of a specified number of Units of an individual Trust during
the primary
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<PAGE>
offering period as set forth in the table below. For firms that meet the
necessary volume level for a Trust, volume incentives may be given on all trades
involving that Trust originated from or by that firm during the primary offering
period.
Primary Market Volume Incentives
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER TRUST SALES LEVEL
AVERAGE MATURITY DURING THE PRIMARY VOLUME INCENTIVE
OF TRUST OFFERING PERIOD PER UNIT
- ------------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Less than 6 years At least 5,000 Units $ 0.05
6 but less than 15 years At least 2,500 Units $ 0.10
15 years or more At least 2,500 Units $ 0.20
</TABLE>
In addition, a volume incentive of $2.50 per $1,000 of Units sold can be
earned by dealer firms as a marketing allowance for secondary market sales of at
least $1 million of Nuveen Unit Trust units per calendar quarter.
Only sales through the Sponsor qualify for volume incentives and for meeting
minimum requirements. The Sponsor reserves the right to modify or change the
volume incentive schedule at any time and make the determination as to which
firms qualify for the marketing allowance and the amount paid.
Registered investment advisers, certified financial planners and registered
broker-dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees for financial
planning, investment advisory or asset management services, or provide such
services in connection with the establishment of an investment account for which
a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is imposed, and bank trust departments
investing funds over which they exercise exclusive discretionary investment
authority and that are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar
capacity, are not entitled to receive any dealer concession for any sales made
to investors which qualified as "Discounted Purchases" during the primary or
secondary market. (See "HOW IS THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE DETERMINED?")
Certain commercial banks are 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 in the amounts shown in the
above table. The Glass-Steagall Act prohibits banks from underwriting Trust
Units; the Act does, however, permit certain agency transactions and banking
regulators have not indicated that these particular agency transactions are not
permitted under the Act. In Texas and in certain other states, any bank making
Units available must be registered as a broker-dealer under state law.
OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS
The ownership of Units is evidenced by book entry positions recorded on the
books and records of the Trustee unless the Unitholder expressly requests that
the purchased Units be evidenced in Certificate form. The Trustee is authorized
to treat as the owner of Units that person who at the time is registered as such
on the books of the Trustee. Any Unitholder who holds a Certificate may change
to book entry ownership by submitting to the Trustee the Certificate along with
a written request that the Units represented by such Certificate be held in book
entry form. Likewise, a Unitholder who holds Units in book entry form may obtain
a Certificate for such Units by written request to the Trustee. Units may be
held in denominations of one Unit or any multiple or fraction thereof. Fractions
of Units are computed to three decimal places. Any Certificates issued will be
numbered serially for identification, and are issued in fully registered form,
transferable only on the books of the Trustee. Book entry Unitholders will
receive a Book Entry Position Confirmation reflecting their ownership.
For Trusts allowing optional plans of distribution, Certificates for Units
will bear an appropriate notation on their face indicating which plan of
distribution has been selected. When a change is made, the existing Certificates
must be surrendered to the Trustee and new Certificates issued to reflect the
currently effective plan of distribution. There will be no charge for this
service. Holders of book entry Units can change their plan of distribution by
making a written request to the Trustee, which will issue a new Book Entry
Position Confirmation to reflect such change.
Units are transferable by making a written request to the Trustee and, in
the case of Units evidenced by Certificate(s), by presenting and surrendering
such Certificate(s) to the Trustee, at its address listed on the back cover of
this Part B of the Prospectus, properly endorsed or accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer. The Certificate(s) should be sent
registered or certified mail for the protection of the Unitholder. Each
Unitholder must sign such written request, and such Certificate(s) or transfer
instrument, exactly as his name appears on (a) the face of the Certificate(s)
representing the Units to be transferred, or (b) the Book Entry Position
Confirmation(s) relating to the Units to be transferred. Such signature(s) must
be guaranteed by a guarantor acceptable to 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. Mutilated Certificates must be surrendered
to the Trustee in order for a replacement Certificate to be issued. Although at
the date hereof no charge is made and none is contemplated, a Unitholder may be
required to pay $2.00 to the Trustee for each Certificate reissued or transfer
of Units requested and to pay any governmental charge which may be imposed in
connection therewith.
REPLACEMENT OF LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES.
To obtain a new Certificate replacing one that has been lost, stolen, or
destroyed, the Unitholder must furnish the Trustee with sufficient
indemnification and pay such expenses as the Trustee may incur. This
indemnification must be in the
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<PAGE>
form of an Open Penalty Bond of Indemnification. The premium for such an
indemnity bond may vary, but currently amounts to 1% of the market value of the
Units represented by the Certificate. In the case however, of a Trust as to
which notice of termination has been given, the premium currently amounts to
0.5% of the market value of the Units represented by such Certificate.
HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT CHARGE
Unitholders may redeem all or a portion of their Units by (1) making a written
request for such redemption (book entry Unitholders may use the redemption form
on the reverse side of their Book Entry Position Confirmation) to the Trustee at
its address listed on the back cover of this Part B of the Prospectus
(redemptions of 1,000 Units or more will require a signature guarantee), (2) in
the case of Units evidenced by a Certificate, by also tendering such Certificate
to the Trustee, duly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer
with signatures guaranteed as explained above, or provide satisfactory indemnity
required in connection with lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates and (3)
payment of applicable governmental charges, if any. Certificates should be sent
only by registered or certified mail to minimize the possibility of their being
lost or stolen. (See "OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF UNITS.") No redemption fee will
be charged. A Unitholder may authorize the Trustee to honor telephone
instructions for the redemption of Units held in book entry form. Units
represented by Certificates may not be redeemed by telephone. The proceeds of
Units redeemed by telephone will be sent by check either to the Unitholder at
the address specified on his account or to a financial institution specified by
the Unitholder for credit to the account of the Unitholder. A Unitholder wishing
to use this method of redemption must complete a Telephone Redemption
Authorization Form and furnish the Form to the Trustee. Telephone Redemption
Authorization Forms can be obtained from a Unitholder's registered
representative or by calling the Trustee. Once the completed Form is on file,
the Trustee will honor telephone redemption requests by any authorized person.
The time a telephone redemption request is received determines the "date of
tender" as discussed below. The redemption proceeds will be mailed within three
business days following the telephone redemption request. Only Units held in the
name of individuals may be redeemed by telephone; accounts registered in broker
name, or accounts of corporations or fiduciaries (including among others,
trustees, guardians, executors and administrators) may not use the telephone
redemption privilege.
On the third business day following the date of tender, the Unitholder will
be entitled to receive in cash for each Unit tendered an amount equal to the
Unit Value of such Trust determined by the Trustee, as of 4:00 p.m. eastern
time, or as of any earlier closing time on a day on which the Exchange is
scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time, on the date of tender as
defined hereafter, plus accrued interest to, but not including, the third
business day after the date of tender ("Redemption Price"). The price received
upon redemption may be more or less than the amount paid by the Unitholder
depending on the value of the Bonds on the date of tender. Unitholders should
check with the Trustee or their broker to determine the Redemption Price before
tendering Units.
The "date of tender" is deemed to be the date on which the request for
redemption of Units is received in proper form by the Trustee, except that as
regards a redemption request received after 4:00 p.m. eastern time, or as of any
earlier closing time on a day on which the Exchange is scheduled in advance to
close at such earlier time, or on any day on which the Exchange is normally
closed, the date of tender is the next day on which such Exchange is normally
open for trading and such request will be deemed to have been made on such day
and the redemption will be effected at the Redemption Price computed on that
day.
Accrued interest paid on redemption shall be withdrawn from the Interest
Account of the appropriate Trust or, if the balance therein is insufficient,
from the Principal Account of such Trust. All other amounts paid on redemption
shall be withdrawn from the Principal Account. The Trustee is empowered to sell
underlying Bonds of a Trust in order to make funds available for redemption.
(See "HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS.") Units so redeemed shall be
cancelled. To the extent that Bonds are sold from a Trust, the size and
diversity of such Trust will be reduced. Such sales may be required at a time
when Bonds would not otherwise be sold and might result in lower prices than
might otherwise be realized.
The Redemption Price is determined on the basis of the BID prices of the
Bonds in each Trust, while the initial Public Offering Price of Units will be
determined on the basis of the OFFERING prices of the Bonds as of 4:00 p.m.
eastern time on any day on which the Exchange is normally open for trading, or
as of any earlier closing time on a day on which the Exchange is scheduled in
advance to close at such earlier time, and such determination is made. As of any
given time, the difference between the bid and offering prices of such Bonds may
be expected to average 1/2% to 2% of principal amount. In the case of actively
traded Bonds, the difference may be as little as 1/4 to 1/2 of 1%, and in the
case of inactively traded Bonds such difference usually will not exceed 3%.
The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any
period during which the Securities and Exchange Commission determines that
trading in the municipal bond market is restricted or an emergency exists, as a
result of which disposal or evaluation of the Bonds is not reasonably
practicable, or for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission
may by order permit.
Under regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the Trustee will
be required to withhold a specified percentage of the principal amount of a Unit
redemption if the Trustee has not been furnished the redeeming Unitholder's tax
identification number in the manner required by such regulations. Any amount so
withheld is transmitted to the Internal
20
<PAGE>
Revenue Service and may be recovered by the Unitholder only when filing his or
her tax return. Under normal circumstances the Trustee obtains the Unitholder's
tax identification number from the selling broker at the time the Certificate or
Book Entry Return Confirmation is issued, and this number is printed on the
Certificate or Book Entry Return Confirmation and on distribution statements. If
a Unitholder's tax identification number does not appear as described above, or
if it is incorrect, the Unitholder should contact the Trustee before redeeming
Units to determine what action, if any, is required to avoid this "back-up
withholding."
HOW UNITS MAY BE PURCHASED BY THE SPONSOR
The Trustee will 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 it may purchase such Units by notifying the Trustee before the
close of business on the second succeeding business day and by making payment
therefor to the Unitholder not later than the day on which payment would
otherwise have been made by the Trustee. (See "HOW UNITS MAY BE REDEEMED WITHOUT
CHARGE.") The Sponsor's current practice is to bid at the Redemption Price in
the secondary market. Units held by the Sponsor may be tendered to the Trustee
for redemption as any other Units.
HOW BONDS MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE TRUSTS
Bonds will be removed from a Trust as they mature or are redeemed by the issuers
thereof. See Part A of this Prospectus and "RISK FACTORS" for a discussion of
call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
The Indenture also empowers the Trustee to sell Bonds for the purpose of
redeeming Units tendered by any Unitholder, and for the payment of expenses for
which income may not be available. Under the Indenture, the Sponsor is obligated
to provide the Trustee with a current list of Bonds in each Trust to be sold in
such circumstances. In deciding which Bonds should be sold the Sponsor intends
to consider, among other things, such factors as: (1) market conditions; (2)
market prices of the Bonds; (3) the effect on income distributions to
Unitholders of the sale of various Bonds; (4) the effect on principal amount of
underlying Bonds per Unit of the sale of various Bonds; (5) the financial
condition of the issuers; and (6) the effect of the sale of various Bonds on the
investment character of the Trust. Such sales, if required, could result in the
sale of Bonds by the Trustee at prices less than original cost to the Trust. To
the extent Bonds are sold, the size and diversity of such Trust will be reduced.
In addition, the Sponsor is empowered to direct the Trustee to liquidate
Bonds upon the happening of certain other events, such as default in the payment
of principal and/or interest, an action of the issuer that will adversely affect
its ability to continue payment of the principal of and interest on its Bonds,
or an adverse change in market, revenue or credit factors affecting the
investment character of the Bonds. If a default in the payment of the principal
of and/or interest on any of the Bonds occurs, and if the Sponsor fails to
instruct the Trustee whether to sell or continue to hold such Bonds within 30
days after notification by the Trustee to the Sponsor of such default, the
Indenture provides that the Trustee shall liquidate said Bonds forthwith and
shall not be liable for any loss so incurred. The Sponsor may also direct the
Trustee to liquidate Bonds in a Trust if the Bonds in the Trust are the subject
of an advanced refunding, generally considered to be when refunding bonds are
issued and the proceeds thereof are deposited in irrevocable trust to retire the
refunded Bonds on their redemption date.
Except as stated in "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" regarding the limited right of
substitution of Replacement Bonds for Failed Bonds, and except for refunding
securities that may be exchanged for Bonds under certain conditions specified in
the Indenture, the Indenture does not permit either the Sponsor or the Trustee
to acquire or deposit bonds either in addition to, or in substitution for, any
of the Bonds initially deposited in a Trust.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEE
The Trustee and its address are stated on the back cover of this Part B of the
Prospectus. The Trustee is subject to supervision and examination by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System and either the Comptroller of the Currency or state banking authorities.
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITIES OF SPONSOR AND TRUSTEE
The Sponsor and the Trustee shall be under no liability to Unitholders for
taking any action or for refraining from any action in good faith pursuant to
the Indenture, or for errors in judgment, but shall be liable only for their own
negligence, lack of good faith or willful misconduct. The Trustee shall not be
liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale by the Trustee of
any of the Bonds. 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 Bonds or upon the interest thereon or upon it
as Trustee under the Indenture or upon or in respect of any 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.
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<PAGE>
SUCCESSOR TRUSTEES AND SPONSORS
The Trustee or any successor trustee may resign by executing an instrument
of resignation in writing and filing same with the Sponsor and mailing a copy of
a notice of resignation to all Unitholders then of record. Upon receiving such
notice, the Sponsor is required to promptly appoint a successor trustee. If the
Trustee becomes incapable of acting or is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a
receiver or other public officer shall take charge of its property or affairs,
the Sponsor may remove the Trustee and appoint a successor by written
instrument. The resignation or removal of a trustee and the appointment of a
successor trustee shall become effective only when the successor trustee accepts
its appointment as such. Any successor trustee shall be a corporation authorized
to exercise corporate trust powers, having capital, surplus and undivided
profits of not less than $5,000,000. 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.
If upon resignation of a trustee no successor has been appointed and has
accepted the appointment within 30 days after notification, the retiring trustee
may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor.
If the Sponsor fails to undertake any of its duties under the Indenture, and
no express provision is made for action by the Trustee in such event, the
Trustee may, in addition to its other powers under the Indenture (1) appoint a
successor sponsor or (2) terminate the Indenture and liquidate the Trusts.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR
Since our founding in 1898, Nuveen has been synonymous with investments that
withstand the test of time. Today, we offer a broad range of investments
designed for mature investors whose portfolio is the principal source of their
ongoing financial security. More than 1.3 million investors have entrusted
Nuveen to help them maintain the lifestyle they currently enjoy.
A value investing approach--purchasing securities of strong companies and
communities that represent good long-term value--is the cornerstone of Nuveen's
investment philosophy. It is a careful, long-term strategy that offers the
potential for attractive returns with moderated risk. Successful value investing
begins with in-depth research and a discerning eye for marketplace opportunity.
Nuveen's team of investment professionals is backed by the discipline, resources
and expertise of almost a century of investment experience, including one of the
most recognized research departments in the industry.
To meet the unique circumstances and financial planning needs of mature
investors, Nuveen offers a wide array of taxable and tax-free investment
products--including equity and fixed-income mutual funds, unit trusts,
exchange-traded funds, customized asset management services and cash management
products. Nuveen is a subsidiary of The John Nuveen Company which, in turn, is
approximately 78% owned by the St. Paul Companies, Inc. ("ST. PAUL"). St. Paul
is located in St. Paul, Minnesota and is principally engaged in providing
property-liability insurance through subsidiaries. Nuveen is a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and the Securities Industry
Association and has its principal office located in Chicago (333 West Wacker
Drive). Nuveen maintains 11 regional offices.
To help advisers and investors better understand and more efficiently use an
investment in the Trusts to reach their investment goals, the Sponsor may
advertise and create specific investment programs and systems. For example, such
activities may include presenting information on how to use an investment in the
Trusts, alone or in combination with an investment in other mutual funds or unit
investment trusts sponsored by Nuveen, to accumulate assets for future education
needs or periodic payments such as insurance premiums. The Trusts' sponsor may
produce software or additional sales literature to promote the advantages of
using the Trusts to meet these and other specific investor needs.
OTHER INFORMATION
AMENDMENT OF INDENTURE
The Indenture may be amended by the Trustee and the Sponsor without the
consent of any of the Unitholders (1) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or
supplement any provision thereof which may be defective or inconsistent, or (2)
to make such other provisions as shall not adversely affect the Unitholders,
provided, however, that the Indenture may not be amended to increase the number
of Units in any Trust or to permit the deposit or acquisition of bonds either in
addition to, or in substitution for any of the Bonds initially deposited in any
Trust except as stated in "COMPOSITION OF TRUSTS" regarding the limited right of
substitution of Replacement Bonds and except for the substitution of refunding
bonds under certain circumstances. The Trustee shall advise the Unitholders of
any amendment promptly after execution thereof.
TERMINATION OF INDENTURE
Each Trust may be liquidated at any time by written consent of 100% of the
Unitholders or by the Trustee when the value of such Trust, as shown by any
evaluation, is less than 20% of the original principal amount of such Trust and
will be liquidated by the Trustee in the event that Units not yet sold
aggregating more than 60% of the Units originally created are tendered for
redemption by the Sponsor thereby reducing the net worth of such Trust to less
than 40% of the principal amount of the Bonds originally deposited in the
portfolio. (See "Essential Information" appearing in Part A of this Prospectus.)
The sale of Bonds from the Trusts upon termination may result in realization of
a lesser amount than might otherwise be realized if such sale were not required
at such time. For this reason, among others, the amount realized by a Unitholder
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upon termination may be less than the principal amount of Bonds originally
represented by the Units held by such Unitholder. The Indenture will terminate
upon the redemption, sale or other disposition of the last Bond held thereunder,
but in no event shall it continue beyond the end of the calendar year preceding
the fiftieth anniversary of its execution for National and State Trusts, beyond
the end of the calendar year preceding the twentieth anniversary of its
execution for Long Intermediate, and Intermediate Trusts or beyond the end of
the calendar year preceding the tenth anniversary of its execution for Short
Intermediate and Short Term Trusts.
Written notice of any termination specifying the time or times at which
Unitholders may surrender their Certificates, if any, for cancellation shall be
given by the Trustee to each Unitholder at the address appearing on the
registration books of a Trust maintained by the Trustee. Within a reasonable
time thereafter, the Trustee shall liquidate any Bonds in the Trust then held
and shall deduct from the assets of the Trust any accrued costs, expenses or
indemnities provided by the Indenture which are allocable to such Trust,
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. The Trustee shall then distribute to Unitholders of
such Trust their pro rata share of the balance of the Interest and Principal
Accounts. With such distribution, the Unitholders shall be furnished a final
distribution statement, in substantially the same form as the annual
distribution statement, of the amount distributable. At such time as the Trustee
in its sole discretion shall determine that any amounts held in reserve are no
longer necessary, it shall make distribution thereof to Unitholders in the same
manner.
LEGAL OPINION
The legality of the Units offered hereby has been passed upon by Chapman and
Cutler, 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. Special counsel for the
Trusts for respective state tax matters are named in "Tax Status" for each Trust
appearing in Part A of this Prospectus. Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, 2 Wall
Street, New York, New York 10005, has acted as counsel for the Trustee with
respect to the Series, and, in the absence of a New York Trust from the Series,
as special New York tax counsel for the Series.
AUDITORS
The "Statement of Condition" and "Schedule of Investments" at Date of
Deposit included in Part A of this Prospectus have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their report in
Part A of this Prospectus, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in giving said report.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Upon written or telephonic request to the Trustee, investors will receive at
no cost to the investor supplemental information about this Trust, which has
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is intended to
supplement information contained in Part A and Part B of this Prospectus. The
supplemental information includes more detailed information concerning certain
of the Bonds included in the Trusts contained in the applicable Series and more
specific risk information concerning the individual state Trusts. This
supplement also includes additional general information about the Sponsor and
the Trusts.
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NUVEEN Tax-Free Unit Trusts
PROSPECTUS -- PART B
JULY 8, 1997
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
SPONSOR John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606-1286
Telephone: 312.917.7700
Swiss Bank Tower
10 East 50th Street
New York, NY 10022
212.207.2000
TRUSTEE The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004-2413
800.257.8787
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603
INDEPENDENT Arthur Andersen LLP
PUBLIC 33 West Monroe Street
ACCOUNTANTS Chicago, IL 60603
FOR THE TRUSTS
</TABLE>
--------------
Except as to statements made herein furnished by the Trustee, the
Trustee has assumed no responsibility for the accuracy, adequacy and
completeness of the information contained in this Prospectus.
This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in
the registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act
of 1933, and to which reference is made.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make
representations not contained in this Prospectus or in supplemental information
or sales literature prepared by the Sponsor, and any information or
representation not contained therein must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by either the Trusts, the Trustee or the Sponsor. This Prospectus
does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy,
securities in any State to any person to whom it is not lawful to make such
offer in such state. The Trusts are registered as Unit Investment Trusts under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Such registration does not imply
that the Trusts or any of their Units have been guaranteed, sponsored,
recommended or approved by the United States or any State or agency or officer
thereof.
<PAGE>
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUSTS
---------------------------------------------
INFORMATION SUPPLEMENT
NUVEEN SERIES 971
This Information Supplement provides additional
information concerning the structure, operations and risks
of a Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust not found in the
prospectuses for the Trusts. This Information Supplement
is not a prospectus and does not include all of the
information that a prospective investor should consider
before investing in a Trust. This Information Supplement
should be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the
Trust in which an investor is considering investing
("Prospectus"). Copies of the Prospectus can be obtained
by calling or writing the Trustee at the telephone number
and address indicated in Part B of the Prospectus. This
Information Supplement has been created to supplement
information contained in the Prospectus.
This Information Supplement is dated November 19,
1997. Capitalized terms have been defined in the
Prospectus.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
----------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
GENERAL RISK DISCLOSURE.............................................. 2
Health Care Facility Revenue Obligations........................... 2
Single Family and Multi-Family Housing Revenue Obligations......... 2
Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds............................... 2
Congregate Care Revenue Obligations................................ 3
Federally Enhanced Obligations..................................... 3
Public Housing Authority Revenue Obligations....................... 3
Industrial Revenue Obligations..................................... 3
Power Revenue Obligations.......................................... 4
Utility Obligations................................................ 4
Transportation Bonds............................................... 4
Water and/or Sewerage Revenue Obligations.......................... 4
Resource Recovery Revenue Obligations.............................. 5
Education Revenue Obligations...................................... 5
Bridge and Tollroad Revenue Obligations............................ 5
Dedicated-Tax Supported Revenue Bonds.............................. 5
Municipal Lease Revenue Bonds...................................... 5
Special Obligation to Crossover.................................... 5
Civic Organization Obligations..................................... 5
Original Issue Discount Bonds and Stripped Obligations............. 5
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?................................... 6
ACCUMULATION PLAN.................................................... 8
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR........................................ 9
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS............................................... 11
HOW THE TRUST COMPARES PERFORMANCE................................... 13
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME............................... 14
Appendix A -- Florida Disclosure..................................... A-1
Appendix B -- Massachusetts Disclosure............................... B-1
Appendix C -- New Jersey Disclosure.................................. C-1
Appendix D -- New York Disclosure.................................... D-1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
GENERAL RISK DISCLOSURE
An investment in Units of any Trust should be made with an understanding of
the risks that such an investment may entail. These include the ability of the
issuer, or, if applicable, an insurer, to make payments of interest and
principal when due, the effects of changes in interest rates generally, early
call provisions and the potential for changes in the tax status of the Bonds. As
set forth in the portfolio summaries in Part A of this Prospectus, the Trusts
may contain or be concentrated in one or more of the types of bonds discussed
below. The following paragraphs discuss certain circumstances which may
adversely affect the ability of issuers of Bonds held in the portfolio of a
Trust to make payment of principal and interest thereon or which may adversely
affect the ratings of such Bonds; with respect to Insured Trusts, however,
because of the insurance obtained by the Sponsor or by the issuers of the Bonds,
such changes should not adversely affect an Insured Trust's receipt of principal
and interest, the Standard & Poor's AAA or Moody's Aaa ratings of the Bonds in
the Insured Trust portfolio, or the Standard & Poor's AAA rating of the Units of
each such Insured Trust. For economic risks specific to the individual Trusts,
see "Risk Factors" for each Trust.
HEALTH CARE FACILITY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may
be obligations of issuers whose revenues are derived from services provided by
hospitals or other health care facilities, including nursing homes. Ratings of
bonds issued for health care facilities are sometimes based on feasibility
studies that contain projections of occupancy levels, revenues and expenses. A
facility's gross receipts and net income available for debt service may be
affected by future events and conditions including, among other things, demand
for services, the ability of the facility to provide the services required, an
increasing shortage of qualified nurses or a dramatic rise in nursing salaries,
physicians' confidence in the facility, management capabilities, economic
developments in the service area, competition from other similar providers,
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. Medicare
reimbursements are currently calculated on a prospective basis and are not based
on a provider's actual costs. Such method of reimbursement may adversely affect
reimbursements to hospitals and other facilities for services provided under the
Medicare program and thereby may have an adverse effect on the ability of such
institutions to satisfy debt service requirements. In the event of a default
upon a bond secured by hospital facilities, the limited alternative uses for
such facilities may result in the recovery upon such collateral not providing
sufficient funds to fully repay the bonds.
Certain hospital bonds provide for redemption at par upon the damage,
destruction or condemnation of the hospital facilities or in other special
circumstances.
SINGLE FAMILY AND MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVENUE OBLIGATIONS. Some of the
Bonds in a Trust may be obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily
derived from mortgage loans to housing projects for the elderly or for low to
moderate income families. Such issues are generally characterized by mandatory
redemption at par or, in the case of original issue discount bonds, accreted
value in the event of economic defaults and in the event of a failure of the
operator of a project to comply with certain covenants as to the operation of
the project. The failure of such operator to comply with certain covenants
related to the tax-exempt status of interest on the Bonds, such as provisions
requiring that a specified percentage of units be rented or available for rental
to low or moderate income families, potentially could cause interest on such
Bonds to be subject to Federal income taxation from the date of issuance of the
Bonds. The ability of such issuers to make debt service payments will be
affected by events and conditions affecting financed projects, including, among
other things, the achievement and maintenance of sufficient occupancy levels and
adequate rental income, employment and income conditions prevailing in local
labor markets, increases in taxes, utility costs and other operating expenses,
the managerial ability of project managers, changes in laws and governmental
regulations, the appropriation of subsidies, and social and economic trends
affecting the localities in which the projects are located. Occupancy of such
housing projects may be adversely affected by high rent levels and income
limitations imposed under Federal and state programs.
SINGLE FAMILY MORTGAGE REVENUE BONDS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
single family mortgage revenue bonds, which are issued for the purpose of
acquiring from originating financial institutions notes secured by mortgages on
residences located within the issuer's boundaries and owned by persons of low or
moderate income. Mortgage loans are generally partially or completely prepaid
prior to their final maturities as a result of events such as sale of the
mortgaged premises, default, condemnation or casualty loss. Because these bonds
are subject to extraordinary mandatory redemption in whole or in part from such
prepayments of mortgage loans, a substantial portion of such bonds will probably
be redeemed prior to their scheduled maturities or even prior to their ordinary
call dates. Extraordinary mandatory redemption without premium could also result
from the failure of the originating financial institutions to make mortgage
loans in sufficient amounts within a specified time period. The redemption price
of such issues may be more or less than the offering price of such bonds.
Additionally, unusually high rates of default on the underlying mortgage loans
may reduce revenues available for the payment of principal of or interest on
such mortgage revenue
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bonds. Single family mortgage revenue bonds issued after December 31, 1980 were
issued under Section 103A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, or
Section 143 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which Sections contain certain
requirements relating to the use of the proceeds of such bonds in order for the
interest on such bonds to retain its tax-exempt status. In each case, the issuer
of the bonds has covenanted to comply with applicable requirements and bond
counsel to such issuer has issued an opinion that the interest on the bonds is
exempt from Federal income tax under existing laws and regulations. There can be
no assurance that such continuing requirements will be satisfied; the failure to
meet such requirements could cause interest on the Bonds to be subject to
Federal income taxation, possibly from the date of issuance of the Bonds.
CONGREGATE CARE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from loans to
finance the construction and/or acquisition of congregate care facilities,
including retirement facilities and nursing care units. A facility's gross
receipts and net income available for debt service may be affected by future
events and conditions, including, among other things, demand for services, the
ability of the facility to provide the services required, management
capabilities, an increasing shortage of qualified nurses or a dramatic rise in
nursing salaries, economic developments in the service area, competition from
other similar providers, efforts by insurers and governmental agencies to limit
rates, legislation establishing state rate-setting agencies, expenses,
government regulation and the termination or restriction of governmental
financial assistance.
FEDERALLY ENHANCED OBLIGATIONS. Some of the mortgages which secure the
various health care or housing projects which underlie the previously discussed
Health Care Facility Revenue, Single Family and Multi-Family Housing Revenue,
Single Family Mortgage Revenue Obligations and Congregate Care Revenue Bonds
(the "Obligations") in a Trust may be insured by the Federal Housing
Administration ("FHA"). Under FHA regulations, the maximum insurable mortgage
amount cannot exceed 90% of the FHA's estimated value of the project. The FHA
mortgage insurance does not constitute a guarantee of timely payment of the
principal of and interest on the Obligations. Payment of mortgage insurance
benefits may be (1) less than the principal amount of Obligations outstanding or
(2) delayed if disputes arise as to the amount of the payment or if certain
notices are not given to the FHA within the prescribed time periods. In
addition, some of the previously discussed Obligations may be secured by
mortgage-backed certificates guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA"), a wholly owned corporate instrumentality of the United
States, and/or the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") a
federally chartered and stockholder-owed corporation. GNMA and Fannie Mae
guarantee timely payment of principal and interest on the mortgage-backed
certificates, even where the underlying mortgage payments are not made. While
such mortgage-backed certificates are often pledged to secure payment of
principal and interest on the Obligations, timely payment of interest and
principal on the Obligations is not insured or guaranteed by the United States,
GNMA, Fannie Mae or any other governmental agency or instrumentality. The GNMA
mortgage-backed certificates constitute a general obligation of the United
States backed by its full faith and credit. The obligations of Fannie Mae,
including its obligations under the Fannie Mae mortgage-backed securities, are
obligations solely of Fannie Mae and are not backed by, or entitled to, the full
faith and credit of the United States.
PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust
may be obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from loans to
finance public housing projects. These bonds are guaranteed by the federal
Department of Housing and Urban Development. Such issues are generally
characterized by mandatory redemption at par or, in the case of original issue
discount bonds, accreted value in the event of economic defaults. The ability of
such issuers to make debt service payments will be affected by events and
conditions affecting financed projects, including, among other things, the
achievement and maintenance of sufficient occupancy levels, employment and
income conditions prevailing in local labor markets, increases in taxes, utility
costs and other operating expenses, changes in laws and governmental
regulations, and social and economic trends affecting the localities in which
the projects are located. In addition, the federal Department of Housing and
Urban Development may impose regulations and/or limitations which may have an
adverse impact on the Bonds in a Trust.
INDUSTRIAL REVENUE OBLIGATIONS. Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be
industrial revenue bonds ("IRBs"), which are tax-exempt securities issued by
states, municipalities, public authorities or similar entities to finance the
cost of acquiring, constructing or improving various industrial projects. These
projects are usually operated by corporate entities. Issuers are obligated only
to pay amounts due on the IRBs to the extent that funds are available from the
unexpended proceeds of the IRBs or receipts or revenues of the issuer under an
arrangement between the issuer and the corporate operator of a project. The
arrangement may be in the form of a lease, installment sale agreement,
conditional sale agreement or loan agreement, but in each case the payments to
the issuer are designed to be sufficient to meet the payments of amounts due on
the IRBs. Regardless of the structure, payment of IRBs is solely dependent upon
the creditworthiness of the corporate operator of the project and, if
applicable, corporate guarantor. Corporate operators or guarantors may be
affected by many factors which may have an adverse impact on the credit quality
of the particular company or industry. These include cyclicality of revenues and
earnings, regulatory and environmental restrictions, litigation resulting from
accidents or environmentally-caused illnesses, extensive competition and
financial deterioration resulting from a corporate restructuring pursuant to a
leveraged buy-out, takeover or otherwise. Such a restructuring may
3
<PAGE>
result in the operator of a project becoming highly leveraged which may have an
impact on such operator's creditworthiness which in turn would have an adverse
impact on the rating and/or market value of such Bonds. Further, the possibility
of such a restructuring may have an adverse impact on the market for and
consequently the value of such Bonds, even though no actual takeover or other
action is ever contemplated or effected. The IRBs in a Trust may be subject to
special or extraordinary redemption provisions which may provide for redemption
at par or, in the case of original issue discount bonds, accreted value. The
Sponsor cannot predict the causes or likelihood of the redemption of IRBs in a
Trust prior to the stated maturity of such Bonds.
POWER REVENUE OBLIGATIONS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be obligations
of issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from pollution control bonds as
well as the sale of electric energy and oil and gas. Some of these obligations
are backed by the credit of an investor owned utility (IOU). The problems faced
by such issuers include the difficulty in obtaining approval for timely and
adequate rate increases from the applicable public utility commissions, the
difficulty of financing large construction programs, increased competition,
reductions in estimates of future demand for electricity in certain areas of the
country, the limitations on operations and increased costs and delays
attributable to environmental considerations, the difficulty of the capital
market in absorbing utility debt, the difficulty in obtaining fuel at reasonable
prices and the effect of energy conservation. All of such issuers have been
experiencing certain of these problems in varying degrees. In addition, Federal,
state and municipal governmental authorities may from time to time review
existing, and impose additional, regulations governing the licensing,
construction and operation of nuclear power plants, which may adversely affect
the ability of the issuers of certain of the Bonds in a Trust to make payments
of principal and/or interest on such Bonds.
UTILITY OBLIGATIONS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be obligations of
issuers whose revenues are primarily derived from the sale of natural gas or the
combined net revenue of two or more municipal utility systems operating as a
single entity. The problems faced by such issuers include the difficulty in
obtaining approval for timely and adequate rate increases from the applicable
public utility commissions, the difficulty of financing large construction
programs, increased competition, reductions in estimates of future demands for
natural gas in certain areas of the country, the limitations on operations and
increased costs and delays attributable to environmental considerations, the
difficulty of the capital market in absorbing utility debt, the difficulty in
obtaining fuel at reasonable prices and the effect of energy conservation. In
addition, Federal, state and municipal governmental authorities may from time to
time review existing, and impose additional, regulations governing the
licensing, construction and operation of nuclear power plants, which may
adversely affect the ability of the issuers of certain of the Bonds in a Trust
to make payments of principal and/or interest on such Bonds.
TRANSPORTATION BONDS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be obligations of
issuers which are payable from and secured by revenues derived from the
ownership and operation of airports, public transit systems and ports. The major
portion of an airport's gross operating income is generally derived from fees
received from airlines pursuant to use agreements which consist of annual
payments for airport use, occupancy of certain terminal space, service fees and
leases. Airport operating income may therefore be affected by the ability of the
airlines to meet their obligations under the use agreements. The air transport
industry is experiencing significant variations in earnings and traffic, due to
increased competition, excess capacity, increased costs, deregulation, traffic
constraints and other factors, and several airlines are experiencing severe
financial difficulties. In particular, facilities with use agreements involving
airlines experiencing financial difficulty may experience a reduction in revenue
due to the possible inability of these airlines to meet their use agreement
obligations because of such financial difficulties and possible bankruptcy. The
Sponsor cannot predict what effect these industry conditions may have on airport
revenues which are dependent for payment on the financial condition of the
airlines and their usage of the particular airport facility. Bonds that are
secured primarily by the revenue collected by a public transit system typically
are additionally secured by a pledge of sales tax receipts collected at the
state or local level, or of other governmental financial assistance. Transit
system net revenues will be affected by variations in utilization, which in turn
may be affected by the degree of local governmental subsidization, demographic
and population shifts, and competition from other forms of transportation; and
by increased costs, including costs resulting from previous deferrals of
maintenance. Port authorities derive their revenues primarily from fees imposed
on ships using the facilities. The rate of utilization of such facilities may
fluctuate depending on the local economy and on competition from competing forms
of transportation such as air, rail and trucks.
WATER AND/OR SEWERAGE REVENUE OBLIGATIONS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may
be obligations of issuers whose revenues are derived from the sale of water
and/or sewerage services. Such Bonds are generally payable from user fees. The
problems of such issuers include the ability to obtain timely and adequate rate
increases, population decline resulting in decreased user fees, the difficulty
of financing large construction programs, the limitations on operations and
increased costs and delays attributable to environmental considerations, the
increasing difficulty of obtaining or discovering new supplies of fresh water,
the effect of conservation programs and the impact of "no-growth" zoning
ordinances. All of such issuers have been experiencing certain of these problems
in varying degrees.
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RESOURCE RECOVERY REVENUE OBLIGATIONS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers whose revenues are derived from the sale of sewerage or
solid waste disposal services. Such bonds are generally payable from user fees.
The problems of such issuers include the ability to obtain timely and adequate
rate increases, population decline resulting in decreased user fees, the
difficulty of financing large construction programs, the limitations on
operations and increased costs and delays attributable to environmental
considerations, the effect of conservation programs and the impact of
"no-growth" zoning ordinances. All of such issuers have been experiencing
certain of these problems in varying degrees.
EDUCATION REVENUE OBLIGATIONS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers which are, or which govern the operation of, colleges and
universities and whose revenues are derived mainly from tuition, dormitory
revenues, grants and endowments. General problems of such issuers include the
prospect of a declining percentage of the population consisting of "college" age
individuals, possible inability to raise tuitions and fees sufficiently to cover
increased operating costs, the uncertainty of continued receipt of Federal
grants and state funding, and government legislation or regulations which may
adversely affect the revenues or costs of such issuers. All of such issuers have
been experiencing certain of these problems in varying degrees.
BRIDGE AND TOLLROAD REVENUE OBLIGATIONS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may
be obligations of issuers which derive their payments from bridge, road or
tunnel toll revenues. The revenues of such an issuer could be adversely affected
by competition from toll-free vehicular bridges and roads and alternative modes
of transportation. Such revenues could also be adversely affected by a reduction
in the availability of fuel to motorists or significant increases in the costs
thereof. Specifically, governmental regulations restricting the use of vehicles
in the New York City metropolitan area may adversely affect revenues of the
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
DEDICATED-TAX SUPPORTED REVENUE BONDS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers which are payable from and secured by tax revenues from a
designated source, which revenues are pledged to secure the bonds. The various
types of Bonds described below differ in structure and with respect to the
rights of the bondholders to the underlying property. Each type of dedicated-tax
supported Bond has distinct risks, only some of which are set forth below. One
type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is secured by the incremental tax received
on either real property or on sales within a specifically defined geographical
area; such tax generally will not provide bondholders with a lien on the
underlying property or revenues. Another type of dedicated-tax supported Bond is
secured by a special tax levied on real property within a defined geographical
area in such a manner that the tax is levied on those who benefit from the
project; such bonds typically provide for a statutory lien on the underlying
property for unpaid taxes. A third type of dedicated-tax supported Bond may be
secured by a tax levied upon the manufacture, sale or consumption of commodities
or upon the license to pursue certain occupations or upon corporate privileges
within a taxing jurisdiction. As to any of these types of Bonds, the ability of
the designated revenues to satisfy the interest and principal payments on such
bonds may be affected by changes in the local economy, the financial success of
the enterprise responsible for the payment of the taxes, the value of any
property on which taxes may be assessed and the ability to collect such taxes in
a timely fashion. Each of these factors will have a different affect on each
distinct type of dedicated-tax supported bonds.
MUNICIPAL LEASE REVENUE BONDS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations that are secured by lease payments of a governmental entity. Such
payments are normally subject to annual budget appropriations of the leasing
governmental entity. A governmental entity that enters into such a lease
agreement cannot obligate future governments to appropriate for and make lease
payments but covenants to take such action as is necessary to include any lease
payments due in its budgets and to make the appropriations therefor. A
governmental entity's failure to appropriate for and to make payments under its
lease obligation could result in insufficient funds available for payment of the
obligations secured thereby.
SPECIAL OBLIGATION TO CROSSOVER. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be issued
with the intention of crossover refunding an outstanding issue at a future date.
These bonds are secured to the crossover date by U.S. Government securities
purchased with the proceeds of the refunding bonds. The revenues of such an
issuer could be adversely affected by problems associated with the outstanding
issue, economic, social and environmental policies and conditions that are not
within the control of the issuer and governmental policies and regulations
affecting the issuer.
CIVIC ORGANIZATION OBLIGATIONS. Some of the Bonds in a Trust may be
obligations of issuers whose revenues are derived from the pledge of civic
organizations, including their assets. The problems faced by such issuers
include the ability to collect pledges made, the unpredictable nature of an
organization's composition and participation, the quality and skill of
management, increased costs and delays attributable to organizations, expenses,
and legislation regarding certain organizational purposes.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT BONDS AND STRIPPED OBLIGATIONS. Certain of the
Bonds in a Trust may be original issue discount bonds. These Bonds were issued
with nominal interest rates less than the rates then offered by comparable
securities and as a consequence were originally sold at a discount from their
face, or par, values. This original issue discount, the difference between the
initial purchase price and face value, is deemed under current law to accrue on
a
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daily basis and the accrued portion is treated as tax-exempt interest income for
federal income tax purposes. On sale or redemption, gain, if any, realized in
excess of the earned portion of original issue discount will be taxable as
capital gain. See "What is the Tax Status of Unitholders". The current value of
an original issue discount bond reflects the present value of its face amount at
maturity. In a stable interest rate environment, the market value of an original
issue discount bond would tend to increase more slowly in early years and in
greater increments as the bond approached maturity.
Certain of the original issue discount bonds in a Trust may be zero coupon
bonds. Zero coupon bonds do not provide for the payment of any current interest;
the buyer receives only the right to receive a final payment of the face amount
of the bond at its maturity. The effect of owning a zero coupon bond is that a
fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect,
on all discount earned during the life of the obligation. This implicit
reinvestment of earnings at the same rate eliminates the risk of being unable to
reinvest the income on such obligation at a rate as high as the implicit yield,
but at the same time also eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at higher
rates in the future. For this reason, zero coupon bonds are subject to
substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market
interest rates than are securities of comparable quality that pay interest
currently.
Original issue discount bonds, including zero coupon bonds, may be subject
to redemption at prices based on the issue price plus the amount of original
issue discount accreted to redemption (the "accreted value") plus, if
applicable, some premium. Pursuant to such call provisions an original issue
discount bond may be called prior to its maturity date at a price less than its
face value. See the "Schedules of Investments" for more information about the
call provisions of portfolio Bonds.
Certain of the Bonds in a Trust may be Stripped Obligations, which represent
evidences of ownership with respect to either the principal amount of or a
payment of interest on a tax-exempt obligation. An obligation is "stripped" by
depositing it with a custodian, which then effects a separation in ownership
between the bond and any interest payment which has not yet become payable, and
issues evidences of ownership with respect to such constituent parts. A Stripped
Obligation therefore has economic characteristics similar to zero coupon bonds,
as described above.
Each Stripped Obligation has been purchased at a discount from the amount
payable at maturity. With respect to each Unitholder, the Internal Revenue Code
treats as "original issue discount" that portion of the discount which produces
a yield to maturity (as of the date of purchase of the Unitholder's Units) equal
to the lower of the coupon rate of interest on the underlying obligation or the
yield to maturity on the basis of the purchase price of the Unitholder's Units
which is allocable to each Stripped Obligation. Original issue discount which
accrues with respect to a Stripped Obligation will be exempt from Federal income
taxation to the same extent as interest on the underlying obligations. (See
"WHAT IS THE TAX STATUS OF UNITHOLDERS?" in Part B of this Prospectus.)
Unitholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the state
and local tax consequences of owning original issue discount bonds or Stripped
Obligations. Under applicable provisions governing determination of state and
local taxes, interest on original issue discount bonds or Stripped Obligations
may be deemed to be received in the year of accrual even though there is no
corresponding cash payment.
WHY AND HOW ARE THE BONDS INSURED?
INSURANCE ON BONDS
INSURED TRUSTS--The Insurer's policy unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees
the full and complete payment required to be made by or on behalf of the Issuer
to the Paying Agent or its successor of an amount equal to (i) the principal of
(either at the stated maturity or by an advancement of maturity pursuant to a
mandatory sinking fund payment) and interest on, the Bonds as such payments
shall become due but shall not be so paid (except that in the event of any
acceleration of the due date of such principal by reason of mandatory or
optional redemption or acceleration resulting from default or otherwise, other
than any advancement of maturity pursuant to a mandatory sinking fund payment,
the payments guaranteed by the Insurer's policy shall be made in such amounts
and at such times as such payments of principal would have been due had there
not been any such acceleration); and (ii) the reimbursement of any such payment
which is subsequently recovered from any owner of the Bonds pursuant to a final
judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction that such payment constitutes an
avoidable preference to such owner within the meaning of any applicable
bankruptcy law (a "Preference").
The Insurer's policy does not insure against loss of any prepayment premium
which may at any time be payable with respect to any Bond. The Insurer's policy
does not, under any circumstance, insure against loss relating to: (i) optional
or mandatory redemptions (other than mandatory sinking fund redemptions); (ii)
any payments to be made on an accelerated basis; (iii) payments of the purchase
price of Bonds upon tender by an owner thereof; or (iv) any Preference relating
to (i) through (iii) above. The Insurer's policy also does not insure against
nonpayment of principal of or interest on the Bonds resulting from the
insolvency, negligence or any other act or omission of the Paying Agent or any
other paying agent for the Bonds.
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Upon receipt of telephonic or telegraphic notice, such notice subsequently
confirmed in writing by registered or certified mail, or upon receipt of written
notice by registered or certified mail, by the Insurer from the Paying Agent or
any owner of a Bond the payment of an insured amount for which is then due, that
such required payment has not been made, the Insurer on the due date of such
payment or within one business day after receipt of notice of such nonpayment,
whichever is later, will make a deposit of funds, in an account with State
Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A., in New York, New York, or its successor,
sufficient for the payment of any such insured amounts which are then due. Upon
presentment and surrender of such Bonds or presentment of such other proof of
ownership of the Bonds, together with any appropriate instruments of assignment
to evidence the assignment of the insured amounts due on the Bonds as are paid
by the Insurer, and appropriate instruments to effect the appointment of the
Insurer as agent for such owners of the Bonds in any legal proceeding related to
payment of insured amounts on the Bonds, such instruments being in a form
satisfactory to State Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A., State Street Bank and
Trust Company, N.A. shall disperse to such owners or the Paying Agent payment of
the insured amounts due on such Bonds, less any amount held by the Paying Agent
for the payment of such insured amounts and legally available therefor.
The Insurer is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA, Inc., a New York
Stock Exchange listed company. MBIA, Inc. is not obligated to pay the debts of
or claims against the Insurer. The Insurer is domiciled in the State of New York
and licensed to do business in and subject to regulation under the laws of all
50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands of the United
States and the Territory of Guam. The Insurer has two European branches, one in
the Republic of France and the other in the Kingdom of Spain. New York has laws
prescribing minimum capital requirements, limiting classes and concentrations of
investments and requiring the approval of policy rates and forms. State laws
also regulate the amount of both the aggregate and individual risks that may be
insured, the payment of dividends by the Insurer, changes in control and
transactions among affiliates. Additionally, the Insurer is required to maintain
contingency reserves on its liabilities in certain amounts and for certain
periods of time.
As of December 31, 1996 the Insurer had admitted assets of $4.4 billion
(audited), total liabilities of $3.0 billion (audited), and total capital and
surplus of $1.4 billion (audited) determined in accordance with statutory
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory
authorities. As of June 30, 1997, the Insurer had admitted assets of $4.8
billion (unaudited), total liabilities of $3.2 billion (unaudited), and total
capital and surplus of $1.6 billion (unaudited) determined in accordance with
statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory
authorities.
Furthermore, copies of the Insurer's year end financial statements prepared
in accordance with statutory accounting practices are available without charge
from the Insurer. A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MBIA, Inc. is
available from the Insurer or the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
address of the Insurer is 113 King Street, Armonk, New York 10504. The telephone
number of the Insurer is (914) 273-4545.
Moody's Investors Service rates the claims paying ability of the Insurer
"Aaa".
Standard & Poor's Ratings Service, a division of the McGraw Hill Companies,
Inc., rates the claims paying ability of the Insurer "AAA".
Fitch Investors Service, L.P., rates the claims paying ability of the
Insurer "AAA".
Each rating of the Insurer should be evaluated independently. The ratings
reflect the respective rating agency's current assessment of the
creditworthiness of the Insurer and its ability to pay claims on its policies of
insurance. Any further explanation as to the significance of the above ratings
may be obtained only from the applicable rating agency.
The above ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the Bonds,
and such ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the
rating agencies. Any downward revision or withdrawal of any of the above ratings
may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Bonds. The Insurer does
not guaranty the market price of the Bonds nor does it guaranty that the ratings
on the Bonds will not be revised or withdrawn.
TRADITIONAL TRUSTS--Insurance guaranteeing the timely payment, when due, of all
principal and interest on certain Bonds in a Traditional Trust may have been
obtained by the Sponsor, issuer or underwriter of the particular Bonds involved
or by another party. Such insurance, which provides coverage substantially the
same as that obtained with respect to Bonds in Insured Trusts as described
above, is effective so long as the insured Bond is outstanding and the insurer
remains in business. Insurance relates only to the particular Bond and not to
the Units offered hereby or to their market value. Insured Bonds have received a
rating of "Aaa" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and/or "AAA" by Standard &
Poor's Corporation in recognition of such insurance.
If a Bond in a Traditional Trust is insured, the Schedule of Investments in
Part A of this Prospectus will identify the insurer. Such insurance will be
provided by Financial Guaranty Insurance Company ("FGIC"), AMBAC Indemnity
Corporation ("AMBAC"), Bond Investors Guaranty Insurance Company, now known as
MBIA Corp. of Illinois ("BIG"), Capital Guaranty Insurance Company ("CGIC"),
Financial Security Assurance, Inc. ("FSA"), Municipal Bond Insurance
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Association (the "Association"), MBIA Insurance Corporation ("MBIA") or Connie
Lee Insurance Company ("ConnieLee"). The Sponsor to date has purchased and
presently intends to purchase insurance for Bonds in Traditional Trusts
exclusively from MBIA (see the preceding disclosure regarding MBIA). There can
be no assurance that any insurer listed therein will be able to satisfy its
commitments in the event claims are made in the future. However, Standard &
Poor's Corporation has rated the claims-paying ability of each insurer "AAA,"
and Moody's Investors Service has rated all bonds insured by each such insurer,
except ConnieLee, "Aaa." Moody's Investor's Service gives no ratings for bonds
insured by ConnieLee.
Because any such insurance will be effective so long as the insured Bonds
are outstanding, such insurance will be taken into account in determining the
market value of such Bonds and therefore some value attributable to such
insurance will be included in the value of the Units of the Trust that includes
such Bonds. The insurance does not, however, guarantee the market value of the
Bonds or of the Units.
ACCUMULATION PLAN
The Sponsor, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, is also the principal underwriter
of the Accumulation Funds listed in the following table. Each of these funds is
an open-end, diversified management investment company into which Unitholders
may choose to reinvest Trust distributions automatically, without any sales
charge. Unitholders may reinvest both interest and principal distributions or
principal distributions only. Each Accumulation Fund has investment objectives
which differ in certain respects from those of the Trusts and may invest in
securities which would not be eligible for deposit in the Trusts. The investment
adviser to each Accumulation Fund is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sponsor.
Unitholders should contact their financial adviser or the Sponsor to determine
which of the Accumulation Funds they may reinvest into, as reinvestment in
certain of the Accumulation Funds may be restricted to residents of a particular
state or states. Unitholders may obtain a prospectus for each Accumulation Fund
through their financial adviser or through the Sponsor at (800) 621-7227. For a
more detailed description, Unitholders should read the prospectus of the
Accumulation Fund in which they are interested.
The following is a complete list of the Accumulation Funds currently available,
as of the Date of Deposit of this Prospectus, to Unitholders under the
Accumulation Plan. The list of available Accumulation Funds is subject to change
without the consent of any of the Unitholders.
ACCUMULATION FUNDS
MUTUAL FUNDS
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MUNICIPAL TRUST
Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Insured Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship All-American Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST I
Nuveen Flagship Arizona Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Colorado Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Florida Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Florida Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Maryland Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship New Mexico Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Virginia Municipal Bond Fund
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST II
Nuveen California Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen California Insured Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Massachusetts Insured Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship New York Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen New York Insured Municipal Bond Fund
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NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST III
Nuveen Flagship Alabama Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Georgia Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Louisiana Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund
NUVEEN FLAGSHIP MULTISTATE TRUST IV
Nuveen Flagship Kansas Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Kentucky Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Kentucky Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Michigan Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Missouri Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Ohio Municipal Bond Fund
Nuveen Flagship Wisconsin Municipal Bond Fund
Flagship Utility Income Fund
Nuveen Growth and Income Stock Fund
Nuveen Balanced Stock and Bond Fund
Nuveen Balanced Municipal and Stock Fund
MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Nuveen California Tax-Free Money Market Fund
Nuveen Massachusetts Tax-Free Money Market Fund
Nuveen New York Tax-Free Money Market Fund
Nuveen Tax-Free Reserves, Inc.
Nuveen Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund, Inc.
Each person who purchases Units of a Trust may become a participant in the
Accumulation Plan and elect to have his or her distributions on Units of the
Trust invested directly in shares of one of the Accumulation Funds. Reinvesting
Unitholders may select any interest distribution plan. Thereafter, each
distribution of interest income or principal on the participant's Units
(principal only in the case of a Unitholder who has chosen to reinvest only
principal distributions) will, on the applicable distribution date, or the next
day on which the New York Stock Exchange is normally open ("business day") if
the distribution date is not a business day, automatically be received by the
transfer agent for each of the Accumulation Funds, on behalf of such participant
and applied on that date to purchase shares (or fractions thereof) of the
Accumulation Fund chosen at net asset value as computed as of 4:00 p.m. eastern
time on each such date. All distributions will be reinvested in the Accumulation
Fund chosen and no part thereof will be retained in a separate account. These
purchases will be made without a sales charge.
The Transfer Agent of the Accumulation Fund will mail to each participant in
the Accumulation Plan a quarterly statement containing a record of all
transactions involving purchases of Accumulation Fund shares (or fractions
thereof) with Trust interest distributions or as a result of reinvestment of
Accumulation Fund dividends. Any distribution of principal used to purchase
shares of an Accumulation Fund will be separately confirmed by the Transfer
Agent. Unitholders will also receive distribution statements from the Trustee
detailing the amounts transferred to their Accumulation Fund accounts.
Participants may at any time, by so notifying the Trustee in writing, elect
to change the Accumulation Fund into which their distributions are being
reinvested, to change from principal only reinvestment to reinvestment of both
principal and interest or vice versa, or to terminate their participation in the
Accumulation Plan altogether and receive future distributions on their Units in
cash. There will be no charge or other penalty for such change of election or
termination. The character of Trust distributions for income tax purposes will
remain unchanged even if they are reinvested in an Accumulation Fund.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR
Since our founding in 1898, Nuveen has been synonymous with investments that
withstand the test of time. Today, we offer a broad range of investments
designed for mature investors whose portfolio is the principal source of their
ongoing
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financial security. More than 1.3 million investors have entrusted Nuveen to
help them maintain the lifestyle they currently enjoy.
A value investing approach--purchasing securities of strong companies and
communities that represent good long-term value--is the cornerstone of Nuveen's
investment philosophy. It is a careful, long-term strategy that offers the
potential for attractive returns with moderated risk. Successful value investing
begins with in-depth research and a discerning eye for marketplace opportunity.
Nuveen's team of investment professionals is backed by the discipline, resources
and expertise of almost a century of investment experience, including one of the
most recognized research departments in the industry.
To meet the unique circumstances and financial planning needs of mature
investors, Nuveen offers a wide array of taxable and tax-free investment
products--including equity and fixed-income mutual funds, unit trusts,
exchange-traded funds, customized asset management services and cash management
products. Nuveen is a subsidiary of The John Nuveen Company which, in turn, is
approximately 78% owned by the St. Paul Companies, Inc. ("ST. PAUL"). St. Paul
is located in St. Paul, Minnesota and is principally engaged in providing
property-liability insurance through subsidiaries. Nuveen is a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and the Securities Industry
Association and has its principal office located in Chicago (333 West Wacker
Drive). Nuveen maintains 11 regional offices.
To help advisers and investors better understand and more efficiently use an
investment in the Trusts to reach their investment goals, the Sponsor may
advertise and create specific investment programs and systems. For example, such
activities may include presenting information on how to use an investment in the
Trusts, alone or in combination with an investment in other mutual funds or unit
investment trusts sponsored by Nuveen, to accumulate assets for future education
needs or periodic payments such as insurance premiums. The Sponsor may produce
software or additional sales literature to promote the advantages of using the
Trusts to meet these and other specific investor needs.
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DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS*
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION. A description of the applicable Standard &
Poor's Corporation rating symbols and their meanings follows:
A Standard & Poor's 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 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--This is 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 the higher rated categories.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from "AA" to "BB" 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 issuance of 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. Accordingly, the investor should exercise his own judgment with
respect to such likelihood and risk.
NOTE RATINGS: A Standard & Poor's note rating reflects the liquidity
concerns and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in 3 years or less
will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond 3 years will most
likely receive a long-term debt rating.
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1 Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
Those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety
characteristics will be given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. A brief description of the applicable
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follows:
Aaa--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be 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,
- ----------
*As published by the rating companies.
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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 fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger 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.
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.
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 move in parallel with Aaa, Aa and A obligations during periods of
economic normalcy, except in instances of oversupply.
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.
NOTE RATINGS:
MIG 1 This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or
demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2 This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are
ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. A brief description of the applicable Fitch
Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follow:
AAA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Bonds rated in the AAA and AA
categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments.
A--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit 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--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
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 have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore
impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall
below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and BBB
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within these major rating categories.
NOTE RATINGS:
FIN-1 Notes assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest
degree of assurance for timely payment.
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FIN-2 Notes assigned this rating reflect a degree of assurance for timely
payment only slightly less in degree than the highest category.
HOW THE TRUST COMPARES PERFORMANCE
The Sponsor may compare the estimated returns of the Trust with the returns
or yields of other tax-free and taxable investments, often on a taxable
equivalent basis. In addition, the Sponsor from time to time may quote various
performance measures and studies in order to compare the historical returns
available from an investment in municipal securities with investments in both
tax-free and taxable securities.
Nuveen Research prepared one such study which compared the after-tax value
of $100,000 initially invested in 1977 in various asset classes including
municipal bonds, treasury bonds and corporate bonds. As indicated in the chart
provided below, the 20-year study shows that municipal bonds significantly
outperformed corporate and treasury bonds once the effects of taxes were
factored in. In fact, over the 20-year period, municipal bond returns in dollars
were almost double those of treasury bonds.
AFTER-TAX VALUE OF $100,000 INVESTED IN 1977*
The graph appearing on this page of the Information Supplement compares
after-tax total returns of $100,000 initially in 1977 in each of the Lehman
Brothers MuniBond Index, Long-Term Treasury Index and Long-Term Corporate Index.
As indicated in the graph, such an investment in the Lehman Brothers MuniBond
Index, Long-Term Treasury Index and Long-Term Corporate Index would have
appreciated to $511,039, $274,434, and $298,682, respectively at the end of
1996. The graph assumes all proceeds of investment are reinvested at the
respective index rates at the time of reinvestment and also assumes that 20% of
the assets in each category are turned over annually and proceeds are reinvested
in the respective indexes. The tax rates assumed to generate the after-tax total
returns were based upon the income and capital gain rates applicable each year
from 1977-1996 for an investor who earned the inflation-adjusted equivalents of
$500,000 in 1996. In addition, treasury returns were "grossed up" an assumed 5%
to take into account the Treasuries' exemption from state income tax. The graph
is for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent the return or
performance of any Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust and is not intended to predict
future results.
* The graph compares after-tax total returns using the Lehman Brothers
MuniBond Index, Long-Term Treasury Index and Long-Term Corporate Index. The
graph assumes all proceeds of investment are reinvested at the respective index
rates at the time of reinvestment and also assumes that 20% of the assets in
each category are turned over annually and proceeds are reinvested in the
respective indexes. The tax rates assumed to generate the after-tax total
returns were based upon the income and capital gain rates applicable each year
from 1977-1996 for an investor who earned the inflation-adjusted equivalents of
$100,000 in 1996. In addition, treasury returns were "grossed up" an assumed 5%
to take into account the Treasuries' exemption from state income tax. The graph
is for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent the return or
performance of any Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust and is not intended to predict
future results.
A comparison of the estimated returns of the Trust and the historic
performance of municipal bonds to the returns and performance of other
investments is one element to consider in making an informed investment
decision. Taxable investments have investment characteristics that differ from
those of the Trust. U.S. Government bonds are long-term investments backed by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and are subject to federal
income tax but are exempt from state income taxes. Bank CDs are generally
short-term FDIC insured investments, which pay fixed principal and interest but
are subject to fluctuating rollover rates. Both bank CDs and corporate bonds are
generally subject to both federal and state income taxes. Money market funds are
short term investments with stable net asset values, fluctuating yields and
special features that enhance liquidity.
13
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HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME
The examples provided below illustrate how to calculate the estimated annual
income generated by a hypothetical $10,000 investment in each respective Trust.
The illustrations assume that the investment was made on the day prior to the
date of deposit by an investor electing the monthly distribution plan and that
the portfolio contains all the securities described in the portfolio. These
hypothetical examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to
reflect or predict the results of any actual investment and do not contemplate
changes to the portfolio or expenses.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:
FLORIDA INSURED TRUST 250
$10,000 DIVIDED BY $101.09 = 98.921
Investment Offering price and # of units purchased
(as of 11/18/97) accrued interest
98.921 X $4.7822 = $473.06
# of units purchased Annual income per unit annual income
(monthly plan)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:
MASSACHUSETTS INSURED TRUST 149
$10,000 DIVIDED BY $99.84 = 100.160
Investment Offering price and # of units purchased
(as of 11/18/97) accrued interest
100.160 X $4.7455 = $475.31
# of units purchased Annual income per unit annual income
(monthly plan)
</TABLE>
14
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<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:
NEW JERSEY INSURED TRUST 224
$10,000 DIVIDED BY $102.85 = 97.228
Investment Offering price and # of units purchased
(as of 11/18/97) accrued interest
97.228 X $4.8226 = $468.89
# of units purchased Annual income per unit annual income
(monthly plan)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE OF HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR ESTIMATED INCOME:
NEW YORK INSURED TRUST 274
$10,000 DIVIDED BY $102.85 = 97.228
Investment Offering price and # of units purchased
(as of 11/18/97) accrued interest
97.228 X $4.9343 = $479.75
# of units purchased Annual income per unit annual income
(monthly plan)
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
FLORIDA DISCLOSURE
ECONOMIC FACTORS--FLORIDA
POPULATION. In 1980, Florida was the seventh most populous state in the
U.S. The State has grown dramatically since then and as of April 1, 1996, ranks
fourth with an estimated population of 14.4 million. Florida's attraction, as
both a growth and retirement state, has kept net migration at an average of
224,240 new residents a year from 1987 through 1996. The U.S. average population
increase since 1984 is about 1% annually, while Florida's average annual rate of
increase is about 2.2%. Florida continues to be the fastest growing of the
eleven largest states. This strong population growth is one reason the State's
economy is performing better than the nation as a whole. In addition to
attracting senior citizens to Florida as a place for retirement, the State is
also recognized as attracting a significant number of working age individuals.
Since 1987, the prime working age population (18-44) has grown at an average
annual rate of 2.1%. The share of Florida's total working age population (18-59)
to total State population is approximately 54%. This share is not expected to
change appreciably into the twenty-first century.
INCOME. The State's personal income has been growing strongly the last
several years and has generally out performed both the U.S. as a whole and the
southeast in particular, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the
Florida Consensus Economic Estimating Conference. This is because Florida's
population has been growing at a very strong pace and, since the early 70's, the
State's economy has diversified so as to provide a broader economic base. As a
result, Florida's real per capita personal income has tracked closely with the
national average and has tracked above the southeast. From 1985 through 1995,
the State's real per capita income rose an average 5.0% a year, while the
national real per capita income increased at an average 4.9%.
Because Florida has a proportionately greater retirement age population,
property income (dividends, interest, and rent) and transfer payments (Social
Security and pension benefits, among other sources of income) are relatively
more important sources of income. For example, Florida's total wages and
salaries and other labor income in 1995 was 60.6% of total personal income,
while a similar figure for the nation was 70.8%. Transfer payments are typically
less sensitive to the business cycle than employment income and, therefore, act
as stabilizing forces in weak economic periods.
The State's per capita personal income in 1995 of $22,916 was slightly above
the national average of $22,788 and significantly ahead of that for the
southeast United States, which was $20,645. Real personal income in the State is
estimated to increase 4.2% in 1996-97 and 4.2% in 1997-98. Real personal income
per capita in the State is projected to grow at 2.3% in 1996-97 and 2.4% in
1997-98. The Florida economy appears to be performing in line with the U.S.
economy and is expected to experience steady if unspectacular growth over the
next couple years.
EMPLOYMENT. Since 1987, the State's population has increased an estimated
24%. In that same period, Florida's total non-farm employment has grown
approximately 27.5%. Since 1987 , the job creation rate in the State is more
than twice that of the nation as a whole. Contributing to this is the State's
rapid rate of growth in employment and income is international trade. Changes to
its economy have also contributed to the State's strong performance. The State
is now less dependent on employment from construction, construction related
manufacturing, and resource based manufacturing, which have declined as a
proportion of total State employment. The State's service sector employment is
nearly 87% of total non-farm employment. While the southeast and the nation have
a greater proportion of manufacturing jobs, which tend to pay higher wages,
service jobs tend to be less sensitive to swings in the business cycle. The
State has a concentration of manufacturing jobs in high-tech and high
value-added sectors, such as electrical and electronic equipment, as well as
printing and publishing. These type of manufacturing jobs tend to be less
cyclical. The State's unemployment rate throughout the 1980's tracked below the
nation's. In the nineties, the trend was reversed, until 1995 and 1996, when the
State's unemployment rate again tracked below the nation's. The average rate in
the State since 1987 is 6.2%. The national average since 1987 also is 6.2%.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Florida Department of Labor
and Employment Security, and the Florida Consensus Economic Estimating
Conference (together the "Organization") the State's unemployment rate was 5.5%
during 1996. As of February 1997, the Organization estimates that the
unemployment rate will be 5.1% for 1997 and 5.1% in 1998.
The State's economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate along with the
nation, but is expected to out perform the nation as a whole. Total non-farm
employment in Florida is expected to increase 3.1% in 1996-97 and 3.1% in
1997-98. Trade and services, the two largest, account for more than half of the
total non-farm employment. Employment in the service sectors should experience
an increase of 4.4 % in 1996-97, while growing 4.9% in 1997-98. Trade is
expected to expand 3.3% in 1997 and 3.2% in 1998. The service sector is now the
State's largest employment category.
CONSTRUCTION. The State's economy has in the past been highly dependent on
the construction industry and construction related manufacturing. This
dependency has declined in recent years and continues to do so as a result of
continued diversification of the State's economy. For example, in 1980, total
contract construction employment as a share of total non-farm employment was
about 7.5%, and in 1996, the share had edged downward to 5%. This trend is
expected
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to continue as the State's economy continues to diversify. Florida,
nevertheless, has a dynamic construction industry, with single and multi-family
housing starts accounting for about 8.1% of total U.S. housing starts in 1996
while the State's population is 5.5% of the U.S. total population. Florida's
housing starts in 1996 were 118,400.
A driving force behind the State's construction industry has been the
State's rapid rate of population growth. Although the State currently is the
fourth most populous state, its annual population growth is now projected to
slow somewhat as the number of people moving into the State is expected to grow
close to 230,000 a year throughout the 1990's. This population trend should
provide fuel for business and home builders to keep construction activity lively
in Florida for some time to come. However, other factors do influence the level
of construction in the State. For example, federal tax reform in 1986 and other
changes to the federal income tax code have eliminated tax deductions for owners
of more than two residential real estate properties and have lengthened
depreciation schedules on investment and commercial properties. Economic growth
and existing supplies of homes and buildings also contribute to the level of
construction in the State.
Single and multi-family housing starts in 1996-97 are projected to reach a
combined level of 116,100, decreasing slightly to 115,500 next year. Lingering
recessionary effects on consumers and tight credit are some of the reasons for
relatively slow core construction activity, as well as lingering effects from
the 1986 tax reform legislation discussed above. Total construction expenditures
are forecasted to increase 7.6% this year and increase 3.1% next year.
The State has continuously been dependent on the highly cyclical
construction and construction related manufacturing industries. While that
dependency has decreased, the State is still somewhat at the mercy of the
construction and construction related manufacturing industries. The construction
industry is driven to a great extent by the State's rapid growth in population.
There can be no assurance that population growth will continue throughout the
1990's in which case there could be an adverse impact on the State's economy
through the loss of construction and construction related manufacturing jobs.
Also, increases in interest rates could significantly adversely impact the
financing of new construction within the State, thereby adversely impacting
unemployment and other economic factors within the State. In addition, available
commercial office space has tended to remain high over the past few years. So
long as this glut of commercial rental space continues, construction of this
type of space will likely continue to remain slow.
TOURISM. Tourism is one of the State's most important industries.
Approximately 42.9 million tourists visited the State in 1995, as reported by
the Florida Department of Commerce. In terms of business activities and State
tax revenues, tourists in Florida in 1995 represented an estimated 4.5 million
additional residents. Visitors to the State tend to arrive slightly more by air
than by car. The State's tourist industry over the years has become more
sophisticated, attracting visitors year-round and, to a degree, reducing its
seasonality. Tourist arrivals are expected to increase by 3.1% this fiscal year
and 4.7% next fiscal year. Tourist arrivals to Florida by air are expected to
increase by 4.8% this year and increase by 4.5% next year, while arrivals by car
are expected to increase by 1.1% in 1996-97 and increase 4.9% in 1997-98. By the
end of the State's current fiscal year, 42.7 million domestic and international
tourists are expected to have visited the State. In 1997-98, tourist arrivals
should approximate 44.7 million.
REVENUES AND EXPENSES. Estimated fiscal year 1996-97 General Revenue plus
Working Capital and Budget Stabilization funds available to the State total
$16,617.4 million, a 6.7% increase over 1995-96. Of the total General Revenue
plus Working Capital and Budget Stabilization funds available to the State,
$15,568.7 million of that is Estimated Revenues which represents an increase of
6.3% over the previous year's Estimated Revenues. With effective General
Revenues plus Working Capital Fund and Budget Stabilization appropriations at
$15,537.2 million, unencumbered reserves at the end of 1996-97 are estimated at
$1,080.0 million. Estimated fiscal year 1997-98 General Revenue plus Working
Capital and Budget Stabilization funds available total $17,553.9 million, a 5.6%
increase over 1996-97. The $16,321.6 million in Estimated Revenues (including
recent Measures Affecting Revenues) represents an increase of 4.8% over the
previous year's Estimated Revenues. With Combined General Revenues, Working
Capital Fund, and Budget Stabilization Fund appropriations at $16,716.5 million,
unencumbered reserves as of the end of 1997-98 are estimated at $837.4 million.
In fiscal year 1995-96, approximately 66% of the State's total direct
revenue to its three operating funds was derived from State taxes and fees, with
Federal grants and other special revenue accounting for the balance. State sales
and use tax, corporate income tax, intangible personal property tax, and
beverage tax amounted to 69%, 7%, 4%, and 4%, respectively, of total General
Revenue Funds available during fiscal 1995-96. In that same year, expenditures
for education, health and welfare, and public safety amounted to approximately
51%, 31%, and 14%, respectively, of total expenditures from the General Revenue
Fund.
The State's sales and use tax (6%) currently accounts for the State's single
largest source of tax receipts. Slightly less than 10% of the State's sales and
use tax is designated for local governments and is distributed to the respective
counties in which collected for use by the counties, and the municipalities
therein. In addition to this distribution, local governments may (by referendum)
assess a 0.5% or a 1.0% discretionary sales surtax within their county. Proceeds
from this local option sales tax are earmarked for funding local infrastructure
programs and acquiring land for public recreation or conservation or protection
of natural resources as provided under applicable Florida law. Certain charter
counties have
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other taxing powers in addition, and non-consolidated counties with a population
in excess of 800,000 may levy a local option sales tax to fund indigent health
care. It alone cannot exceed 0.5% and when combined with the infrastructure
surtax cannot exceed 1.0%. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, sales and
use tax receipts (exclusive of the tax on gasoline and special fuels) totalled
$11,461 million, an increase of 7.4% over fiscal year 1994-95.
The second largest source of State tax receipts is the tax on motor fuels.
However, these revenues are almost entirely dedicated trust funds for specific
purposes and are not included in the State's General Revenue Fund.
The State imposes an alcoholic beverage, wholesale tax (excise tax) on beer,
wine, and liquor. This tax is one of the State's major tax sources, with
revenues totalling $441.5 million in fiscal year ending June 30, 1996. Alcoholic
beverage tax receipts increased about 1.0% from the previous year's total.
Ninety-eight percent of the revenues collected from this tax are deposited into
the State's General Revenue Fund.
The State imposes a corporate income tax. All receipts of the corporate
income tax are credited to the General Revenue Fund. For the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1996, receipts from this source were $1,162.7 million, an increase of
9.3% from fiscal year 1994-95.
The State imposes a documentary stamp tax on deeds and other documents
relating to realty, corporate shares, bonds, certificates of indebtedness,
promissory notes, wage assignments, and retail charge accounts. The documentary
stamp tax collections totalled $775.2 million during fiscal year 1995-96, an
11.5% increase from the previous fiscal year. For fiscal year 1995-96, 62.63% of
these taxes were deposited to the General Revenue Fund.
The State imposes a gross receipts tax on electric, natural gas, and
telecommunications services. All gross receipts utilities tax collections are
credited to the State's Public Education Capital Outlay and Debt Service Trust
Fund. In fiscal year 1994-95, this amounted to $543.3 million, an increase of
6.9% over the previous fiscal year.
The State imposes an intangible personal property tax on stocks, bonds,
including bonds secured by liens in Florida real property, notes, governmental
leaseholds, and certain other intangibles not secured by a lien on Florida real
property. The annual rate of tax is 2 mils (a mil is $1.00 of tax per $1,000.00
of property value). Second, the State imposes a non-recurring 2 mil tax on
mortgages and other obligations secured by liens on Florida real property. In
fiscal year 1995-96, total intangible personal property tax collections were
$895.9 million, a 9.5% increase from the prior year. Of the net tax proceeds,
66.5% are distributed to the General Revenue Fund.
The State's severance tax taxes oil, gas and sulphur production, as well as
the severance of phosphate rock and other solid minerals. Total collections from
severance taxes total $77.2 million during fiscal year 1995-96, up 26.1% from
the previous year. Currently, 58% of this amount is transferred to the General
Revenue Fund.
The State began its own lottery in 1988. State law requires that lottery
revenues be distributed 50% to the public in prizes, 38.0% for use in enhancing
education, and the balance, 12.0%, for costs of administering the lottery.
Fiscal year 1995-96 lottery ticket sales totalled $2.07 billion, providing
education with approximately $788.1 million.
DEBT-BALANCED BUDGET REQUIREMENT. At the end of fiscal 1996, approximately
$7.39 billion in principal amount of debt secured by the full faith and credit
of the State was outstanding. In addition, since July 1, 1996, the State issued
about $1.07 billion in principal amount of full faith and credit bonds.
The State Constitution and statutes mandate that the State budget, as a
whole, and each separate fund within the State budget, be kept in balance from
currently available revenues each fiscal year. If the Governor or Comptroller
believes a deficit will occur in any State fund, by statute, he must certify his
opinion to the Administrative Commission, which then is authorized to reduce all
State agency budgets and releases by a sufficient amount to prevent a deficit in
any fund. Additionally, the State Constitution prohibits issuance of State
obligations to fund State operations.
LITIGATION. Currently under litigation are several issues relating to State
actions or State taxes that put at risk substantial amounts of General Revenue
Fund monies. Accordingly, there is no assurance that any of such matters,
individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse affect on the
State's financial position.
Previously the State imposed a $295 fee on the issuance of certificates of
title for motor vehicles previously titled outside the State. Plaintiffs sued
the State alleging that this fee violated the Commerce Clause of the U.S.
Constitution. The Circuit Court in which the case was filed granted summary
judgment for the plaintiffs, enjoined further collection of the impact fee and
ordered refunds to all those who have paid the fee since the collection of the
fee went into effect. In the State's appeal of the lower Court's decision, the
Florida Supreme Court ruled that this fee was unconstitutional under the
Commerce Clause. Thus, the Supreme Court approved the lower court's order
enjoining further collection of the fee and requiring refund of the previously
collected fees. The State has paid refunds of approximately $188 million.
Litigation pertaining to post-judgment interest is still active.
The State maintains a bond rating of Aa, AA, and AA from Moody's Investor's
Service, Standard & Poor's Corporation, and Fitch, respectively, on the majority
of its general obligation bonds, although the rating of a particular series of
revenue bonds relates primarily to the project, facility, or other revenue
source from which such series derives funds for
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repayment. While these ratings and some of the information presented above
indicate that the State is in satisfactory economic health, there can be no
assurance that there will not be a decline in economic conditions or that
particular Florida Municipal Obligations purchased by the Fund will not be
adversely affected by any such changes.
The sources for the information presented above include official statements
and financial statements of the State of Florida. While John Nuveen & Co.,
Incorporated has not independently verified this information, John Nuveen & Co.,
Incorporated has no reason to believe that the information is not correct in all
material respects.
FLORIDA TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals that are equivalent to tax-exempt estimated current returns
under published 1997 marginal Federal tax rates*. The tables incorporate
increased tax rates for higher-income taxpayers that were included in the
Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. The tables illustrate what you would have to
earn on taxable investments to equal the tax-exempt estimated current return for
your income tax bracket. A taxpayer's marginal tax rate is affected by both his
taxable income and his adjusted gross income. Locate your adjusted gross and
your taxable income (which is your adjusted gross income reduced by any
deductions and exemptions), then locate your tax bracket based on joint or
single tax filing. Read across to the equivalent taxable estimated current
return you would need to match the tax-free income.
- ---------
* The State of Florida does not impose an income tax on individuals.
However, Florida does impose an intangible personal property tax, which is not
included in these tables because it is generally based on property value rather
than income.
COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEDERAL
FEDERAL ADJUSTED COMBINED
TAXABLE GROSS STATE AND TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
INCOME INCOME FEDERAL --------------------------------------------------------------
(1,000'S) (1,000'S) TAX RATE1 4.00% 4.25% 4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75%
------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 41.2 $ 0-121.20 15.0 % 4.71 5.00 5.29 5.59 5.88 6.18 6.47 6.76
41.2- 99.6 0-121.20 28.0 5.56 5.90 6.25 6.60 6.94 7.29 7.64 7.99
121.20-181.80 29.0 5.63 5.99 6.34 6.69 7.04 7.39 7.75 8.10
99.6-151.75 0-121.20 31.0 5.80 6.16 6.52 6.88 7.25 7.61 7.97 8.33
121.20-181.80 32.0 5.88 6.25 6.62 6.99 7.35 7.72 8.09 8.46
181.80-304.30 34.5 6.11 6.49 6.87 7.25 7.63 8.02 8.40 8.78
151.75-271.05 121.20-181.80 37.0 6.35 6.75 7.14 7.54 7.94 8.33 8.73 9.13
181.80-304.30 40.0 6.67 7.08 7.50 7.92 8.33 8.75 9.17 9.58
Over 304.30 37.0 2 6.35 6.75 7.14 7.54 7.94 8.33 8.73 9.13
Over 271.05 181.80-304.30 44.0 7.14 7.59 8.04 8.48 8.93 9.38 9.82 10.27
Over 304.30 41.0 3 6.78 7.20 7.63 8.05 8.47 8.90 9.32 9.75
</TABLE>
COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEDERAL
FEDERAL ADJUSTED COMBINED
TAXABLE GROSS STATE AND TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
INCOME INCOME FEDERAL --------------------------------------------------------------
(1,000'S) (1,000'S) TAX RATE1 4.00% 4.25% 4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75%
------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 24.65 $ 0-121.20 15.0 % 4.71 5.00 5.29 5.59 5.88 6.18 6.47 6.76
24.65- 59.75 0-121.20 28.0 5.56 5.90 6.25 6.60 6.94 7.29 7.64 7.99
59.75-124.65 0-121.20 31.0 5.80 6.16 6.52 6.88 7.25 7.61 7.97 8.33
121.20-243.70 32.5 5.93 6.30 6.67 7.04 7.41 7.78 8.15 8.52
124.65-271.05 121.20-243.70 38.0 6.45 6.85 7.26 7.66 8.06 8.47 8.87 9.27
Over 243.70 37.0 2 6.35 6.75 7.14 7.54 7.94 8.33 8.73 9.13
Over 271.05 Over 243.70 41.0 3 6.78 7.20 7.63 8.05 8.47 8.90 9.32 9.75
</TABLE>
- ------------------
1 The table reflects the effect of the limitations on itemized deductions
and the deduction for personal exemptions. They were designed to phase out
certain benefits of these deductions for higher income taxpayers. These
limitations, in effect, raise the current maximum marginal Federal tax rate to
approximately 44.15 percent for taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled to
four personal exemptions and to approximately 40.79 percent for taxpayers filing
a single return entitled to only one personal exemption. These limitations are
subject to certain maximums, which depend on the number of exemptions claimed
and the total amount of the taxpayer's itemized deductions. For example, the
limitation on itemized deductions will not cause a taxpayer to lose more than
80% of his allowable itemized deductions, with certain exceptions.
2 Federal tax rate reverts to 36.00% after the 80% cap on the limitation
on itemized deductions has been met.
3 Federal tax rate reverts to 39.60% after the 80% cap on the limitation
on itemized deductions has been met.
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APPENDIX B
MASSACHUSETTS DISCLOSURE
ECONOMIC FACTORS--MASSACHUSETTS
Except to the extent the Massachusetts Trust invests in temporary
investments, the Massachusetts Trust will invest substantially all of its net
assets in Massachusetts Municipal Obligations. The Massachusetts Trust is
therefore susceptible to political, economic or regulatory factors affecting
issuers of Massachusetts Municipal Obligations. Without intending to be
complete, the following briefly summarizes the current financial situation, as
well as some of the complex factors affecting the financial situation, in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "COMMONWEALTH"). It is derived from sources
that are generally available to investors and is based in part on information
obtained from various agencies in Massachusetts. No independent verification has
been made of the accuracy or completeness of the following information.
There can be no assurance that current or future statewide or regional
economic difficulties, and the resulting impact on Commonwealth or local
governmental finances generally, will not adversely affect the market value of
Massachusetts Obligations in the Trust or the ability of particular obligors to
make timely payments of debt service on (or relating to) those obligations.
Since 1988, there has been a significant slowdown in the Commonwealth's
economy, as indicated by a rise in unemployment, a slowing of its per capita
income growth and declining state revenues. Since fiscal 1991, the
Commonwealth's revenues for state government programs have exceeded
expenditures; however, no assurance can be given that lower than expected tax
revenues will not resume and continue.
1996 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET. On July 21, 1995, the Governor signed the
Commonwealth's budget for fiscal 1996. The fiscal 1996 budget is based on
estimated budgeted revenues and other sources of approximately $16.778 billion,
which includes fiscal 1996 tax revenues of $11.653 billion. Estimated fiscal
1996 tax revenues are approximately $490 million, or 4.3% higher than estimated
fiscal 1995 tax revenues.
Fiscal 1996 non-tax revenues are projected to total $5.158 billion,
approximately $66 million, or 1.3% less than fiscal 1995 non-tax revenues of
approximately $5.224 billion. Federal reimbursements are projected to decrease
by approximately $1 million from approximately $2.970 billion in fiscal 1995 to
approximately $2.969 billion in fiscal 1996, primarily as a result of increased
reimbursements for Medicare spending, offset by a reduction in reimbursements
received in 1995 for one-time Medicare expenses incurred in fiscal 1994 and
fiscal 1995. Fiscal 1996 departmental revenues are projected to decline by
approximately $94 million, or 7.4%, from approximately $1.273 billion in fiscal
1995 to approximately $1.179 billion in fiscal 1996. Major changes in projected
non-tax received for fiscal 1996 include a decline in motor vehicle license and
registration fees, reduction of abandoned property revenues and a decrease due
to non-recurring revenues received in fiscal 1995 from hospitals and nursing
homes as part of Medicare fiscal rate settlements and other reimbursements by
municipal hospitals to the state.
Fiscal 1996 appropriations in the Annual Appropriations Act total
approximately $16.847 billion, including approximately $25 million in
gubernatorial vetoes overridden by the legislature. In the final supplemental
budget for fiscal 1995, approved on August 24, 1995, another $71.1 million of
appropriations were continued for use in 1996.
As of February 1, 1996, the Governor had signed into law fiscal 1996
supplemental appropriations totalling approximately $23.5 million, including
approximately $12.6 million to fund higher education collective bargaining
contracts and $5.6 million for the Department of Social Services. These
appropriations were offset by approximately $10.4 million in line item
reductions, including a reduction of $9.8 million for the state's debt service
contract assistance to the MBTA. Both the House and Senate have passed
supplemental appropriation bills totalling $64.8 million primarily relating to
snow and ice removal costs incurred by both the Commonwealth and cities and
towns. The bills are currently awaiting resolution by a conference committee of
the House and Senate. On January 26, 1996 and February 9, 1996, the Governor
filed additional supplemental appropriation bills totalling approximately $7.3
million for costs relating to prison overcrowding relief as well as
reimbursement costs associated with a court settlement. No action has been taken
on these bills by either branch of the Legislature.
As of May 28, 1996, fiscal 1996 projected spending is approximately $16.963
billion, including approximately $153.2 million reserved for contingencies.
Projected revenues are approximately $16.851 billion. The fiscal 1996 tax
revenue projection is $11.684 billion, which represents an increase of
approximately $80 million from the earlier estimate, based upon tax revenue
collections through April 1996.
The fiscal 1996 budget is based on numerous spending and revenue estimates
the achievement of which cannot be assured.
1995 FISCAL YEAR. Budgeted revenues and other sources, including non-tax
revenues, collected in fiscal 1995 were approximately $16.387 billion,
approximately $837 million, or 5.4% above fiscal 1994 revenues of $15.550
billion. Fiscal 1995 tax revenues collections were approximately $11.163
billion, approximately $12 million above the Department of
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Revenue's revised fiscal year 1995 tax revenue estimate of $10.151 billion and
$556 million, or 5.2% above fiscal year tax revenues of $10.607 billion.
Budgeted expenditures and other uses of funds in fiscal 1995 were
approximately $16.251 billion, approximately $728 million, or 4.7% above fiscal
1994 budgeted expenditures and uses of $15.523 billion.
The Commonwealth ended fiscal 1995 with an operating gain of $137 million
and an ending fund balance of $726 million.
On February 10, 1995, the Governor signed into law certain reforms to the
Commonwealth's program for Aid to Families with Dependent Children ("AFDC")
which will take effect on July 1, 1995, subject to federal approval of certain
waivers. The revised program reduces AFDC benefits to able bodied recipients by
2.75%, while allowing them to keep a larger portion of their earned wages,
requires approximately 22,000 able-bodied parents of school-aged children to
work or perform community service for 20 hours per week and requires
approximately 16,000 recipients who have children between the ages of two and
six to participate in an education or training program or perform community
service. The plan also establishes a pilot program for up to 2,000 participants
that offers tax credits and wage subsidies to employers who hire welfare
recipients. Parents who find employment will be provided with extended medical
benefits and day care benefits for up to one year. The plan mandates paternal
identification, expands funding for anti-fraud initiatives, and requires parents
on AFDC to immunize their children. Parents who are disabled, caring for a
disabled child, have a child under the age of two, or are teen-agers living at
home and attending high school, will continue to receive cash assistance. Since
most provisions of the new law do not take effect until July 1, 1995, the
Executive Office for Administration projects that the reforms will not
materially affect fiscal 1995 public assistance spending. The fiscal 1995
expenditure estimate of $16.449 billion includes $247.8 million appropriated to
fund the Commonwealth's public assistance programs for the last four months of
fiscal 1995. The Commonwealth is currently evaluating the new law's impact on
fiscal 1996 projected spending for public assistance programs.
On November 8, 1994, the voters in the statewide general election approved
an initiative petition that would slightly increase the portion of the gasoline
tax revenue credited to the Highway Fund, one of the Commonwealth's three major
budgetary funds, prohibit the transfer of money from the Highway Fund to other
funds for non-highway purposes and not permit including the Highway Fund balance
in the computation "consolidated net surplus" for purposes of state finance
laws. The initiative petition also provides that no more than 15% of gasoline
tax revenues may be used for mass transportation purposes, such as expenditures
related to the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. The Executive Office of
Administration and Finance is analyzing the effect, if any, this initiative
petition, which became law on December 8, 1994, may have on the fiscal 1995
budget and it currently does not expect it to have any materially adverse
impact. This is not a constitutional amendment and is subject to amendment or
repeal by the Legislature, which may also, notwithstanding the terms of the
petition, appropriate moneys from the Highway Fund in such amounts and for such
purposes as it determines, subject only to a constitutional restriction that
such moneys be used for highways or mass transit purposes.
1994 FISCAL YEAR. Fiscal 1994 tax revenue collections were approximately
$10.607 billion, $87 million below the Department of Revenue's fiscal year 1994
tax revenue estimate of $10.694 billion and $677 million above fiscal 1993 tax
revenues of $9.930 billion. Budgeted revenues and other sources, including
non-tax revenues, collected in fiscal 1994 were approximately $15.550 billion.
Total revenues and other sources increased by approximately 5.7% from fiscal
1993 to fiscal 1994 while tax revenues increased by 6.8% for the same period.
Budgeted expenditures and other uses of funds in fiscal 1994 were approximately
$15.523 billion, which is $826.5 million or approximately 5.6% higher than
fiscal 1993 budgeted expenditures and other uses.
As of June 30, 1994, the Commonwealth showed a year-end cash position of
approximately $757 million, as compared to a projected position of $599 million.
In June, 1993, the Legislature adopted and the Governor signed into law
comprehensive education reform legislation. This legislation required an
increase in expenditures for education purposes above fiscal 1993 base spending
of $1.288 billion of approximately $175 million in fiscal 1994. The Executive
Office for Administration and Finance expects the annual increases in
expenditures above the fiscal 1993 base spending of $1.288 billion to be
approximately $396 million in fiscal 1995, $625 million in fiscal 1996 and $868
million in fiscal 1997. Additional annual increases are also expected in later
fiscal years. The fiscal 1995 budget as signed by the Governor includes $896
million in appropriations to satisfy this legislation.
1993 FISCAL YEAR. The Commonwealth's budgeted expenditures and other uses
were approximately $14.696 billion in fiscal 1993, which is approximately $1.280
billion or 9.6% higher than fiscal 1992 expenditures and other uses. Final
fiscal 1993 budgeted expenditures were $23 million lower than the initial July
1992 estimates of fiscal 1993 budgeted expenditures. Budgeted revenues and other
sources for fiscal 1993 totalled approximately $14.710 billion, including tax
revenues of $9.930 billion. Total revenues and other sources increased by
approximately 6.9% from fiscal 1992 to fiscal 1993, while tax revenues increased
by 4.7% for the same period. Overall, fiscal 1993 ended with a surplus of
revenues and
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other sources over expenditures and other uses of $13.1 million and aggregate
ending fund balances in the budgeted operating funds of the Commonwealth of
approximately $562.5 million. After payment in full of the distribution of local
aid to the Commonwealth's cities and towns ("Local Aid") and the retirement of
short term debt, the Commonwealth showed a year end cash position of
approximately $622.2 million, as compared to a projected position of $485.1
million.
1992 FISCAL YEAR. The Commonwealth's budgeted expenditures and other uses
were approximately $13.4 billion in fiscal 1992, which is $238.7 million or 1.7%
lower than fiscal 1991 budgeted expenditures. Final fiscal 1992 budgeted
expenditures were $300 million more than the initial July 1991 estimates of
budgetary expenditures, due in part to increases in certain human services
programs, including an increase of $268.7 million for the Medicaid program and
$50.0 million for mental retardation consent decree requirements. Budgeted
revenues and other sources for fiscal 1992 totalled approximately $13.7 billion
(including tax revenues of approximately $9.5 billion), reflecting an increase
of approximately 0.7% from fiscal 1991 to 1992 and an increase of 5.4% in tax
revenues for the same period. Overall, fiscal 1992 is estimated to have ended
with an excess of revenues and other sources over expenditures and other uses of
$312.3 million. After payment in full of Local Aid in the amount of $514.0
million due on June 30, 1992, retirement of the Commonwealth's outstanding
commercial paper (except for approximately $50 million of bond anticipation
notes) and certain other short term borrowings, as of June 30, 1992, the end of
fiscal 1992, the Commonwealth showed a year-end cash position of approximately
$731 million, as compared with the Commonwealth's cash balance of $182.3 million
at the end of fiscal 1991.
1991 FISCAL YEAR. Budgeted expenditures for fiscal 1991 were approximately
$13.659 billion, as against budgeted revenues and other sources of approximately
$13.634 billion. The Commonwealth suffered an operating loss of approximately
$21.2 million. Application of the adjusted fiscal 1990 fund balances of $258.3
million resulted in a fiscal 1991 budgetary surplus of $237.1 million. State law
requires that approximately $59.2 million of the fiscal year ending balances of
$237.1 million be placed in the Stabilization Fund, a reserve from which funds
can be appropriated (i) to make up any difference between actual state revenues
in any fiscal year in which actual revenues fall below the allowable amount,
(ii) to replace state and local losses by federal funds or (iii) for any event,
as determined by the legislature, which threatens the health, safety or welfare
of the people or the fiscal stability of the Commonwealth or any of its
political subdivisions.
Upon taking office in January 1991, the new Governor proposed a series of
legislative and administrative actions, including withholding of allotments
under Section 9C of Chapter 29 of the General Laws, intended to eliminate the
projected deficits. The new Governor's review of the Commonwealth's budget
indicated projected spending of approximately $14.1 billion with an estimated
$850 million in budget balancing measures that would be needed prior to the
close of fiscal 1991. At that time, estimated tax revenues were revised to
approximately $8.8 billion, $903 million less than was estimated at the time the
fiscal 1991 budget was adopted. The Legislature adopted a number of the
Governor's recommendations and the Governor took certain administrative actions
not requiring legislative approval, including the adoption of a state employee
furlough program. It is estimated by the Commonwealth that spending reductions
achieved through savings initiatives and withholding of allotments total
approximately $484.3 million in aggregate for fiscal 1991. However, these
savings and reductions may be impacted negatively by litigation pursued by third
parties concerning the Governor's actions under Section 9C of Chapter 29 of the
General Laws and with regard to the state employee furlough program.
In addition, the new administration in May 1991 filed an amendment to its
Medicaid state plan that enables it to claim 50% federal reimbursement on
uncompensated care payments for certain hospitals in the Commonwealth. As a
result, in fiscal 1991, the Commonwealth obtained additional non-tax revenues in
the form of federal reimbursements equal to approximately $513 million on
account of uncompensated care payments. This reimbursement claim was based upon
recent amendments of federal law contained in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Act of 1990 and, consequently, on relatively undeveloped federal laws,
regulations and guidelines. At the request of the federal Health Care Financing
Administration, the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department
of Health and Human Services has commenced an audit of the reimbursement. The
administration, which had reviewed the matter with the Health Care Financing
Administration prior to claiming the reimbursement, believes that the
Commonwealth will prevail in the audit. If the Commonwealth does not prevail,
the Commonwealth would have the right to contest an appeal, but could be
required to pay all or part of Medicaid reimbursements with interest and to have
such amount deducted from future reimbursement payments.
EMPLOYMENT. Reversing a trend of relatively low unemployment during the
early and mid 1980's, the Massachusetts unemployment rate beginning in 1990
increased significantly to where the Commonwealth's unemployment rate exceeded
the national unemployment rate. During 1990, the Massachusetts unemployment rate
increased from 4.5% in January to 6.1% in July to 6.7% in August. During 1991,
the Massachusetts unemployment rate averaged 9.0% while the average United
States unemployment rate was 6.7%. The Massachusetts unemployment rate during
1992 averaged 8.5% while the average United States unemployment rate was 7.4%.
Since 1993, the average monthly unemployment rate has
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declined steadily. The Massachusetts unemployment rate in February 1996 was
5.0%, as compared with the United States unemployment rate of 5.5% for the same
period. Other factors which may significantly and adversely affect the
employment rate in the Commonwealth include reductions in federal government
spending on defense-related industries. Due to this and other considerations,
there can be no assurance that unemployment in the Commonwealth will not
increase in the future.
DEBT RATINGS. S&P currently rates the Commonwealth's uninsured general
obligation bonds at A+. At the same time, S&P currently rates state and agency
notes at SP1. From 1989 through 1992, the Commonwealth had experienced a steady
decline in its S&P rating, with its decline beginning in May 1989, when S&P
lowered its rating on the Commonwealth's general obligation bonds and other
Commonwealth obligations from AA+ to AA and continuing a series of further
reductions until March 1992, when the rating was affirmed at BBB.
Moody's currently rates the Commonwealth's uninsured general obligation
bonds at A1. From 1989 through 1992, the Commonwealth had experienced a steady
decline in its rating by Moody's since May 1989. In May 1989, Moody's lowered
its rating on the Commonwealth's notes from MIG-1 to MIG-2, and its rating on
the Commonwealth's commercial paper from P-1 to P-2. On June 21, 1989, Moody's
reduced the Commonwealth's general obligation rating from Aa to A. On November
15, 1989, Moody's reduced the rating on the Commonwealth's general obligations
from A to Baa1, and on March 9, 1990, Moody's reduced the rating of the
Commonwealth's general obligation bonds from Baa1 to Baa.
There can be no assurance that these ratings will continue.
In recent years, the Commonwealth and certain of its public bodies and
municipalities have faced serious financial difficulties which have affected the
credit standing and borrowing abilities of Massachusetts and its respective
entities and may have contributed to higher interest rates on debt obligations.
The continuation of, or an increase in, such financial difficulties could result
in declines in the market values of, or default on, existing obligations
including Massachusetts Obligations in the Trust. Should there be during the
term of the Trust a financial crisis relating to Massachusetts, its public
bodies or municipalities, the market value and marketability of all outstanding
bonds issued by the Commonwealth and its public authorities or municipalities
including the Massachusetts Obligations in the Trust and interest income to the
Trust could be adversely affected.
TOTAL BOND AND NOTE LIABILITIES. The total general obligation bond
indebtedness of the Commonwealth (including Dedicated Income Tax Debt and
Special Obligation Debt) as of April 1, 1996 was approximately $10.093 billion.
There were also outstanding approximately $240 million in general obligation
notes and other short term general obligation debt. The total bond and note
liabilities of the Commonwealth as of April 1, 1996, including guaranteed bond
and contingent liabilities, was approximately $13.818 billion.
DEBT SERVICE. During the 1980s, capital expenditures were increased
substantially, which has had a short term impact on the cash needs of the
Commonwealth and also accounts for a significant rise in debt service during
that period. In November, 1988, the Executive Office for Administration and
Finance established an administrative limit on state-financed capital spending
in the Capital Projects Fund of $925 million per fiscal year. Capital
expenditures were $847.0 million, $694.1 million, $575.9 million, $760.6 million
and $902.2 million in fiscal 1991, fiscal 1992, fiscal 1993, fiscal 1994 and
fiscal 1995, respectively. Commonwealth-financed capital expenditures are
projected to be approximately $898.0 million in fiscal 1996. Debt service
expenditures for fiscal 1991, fiscal 1992, fiscal 1993, fiscal 1994 and fiscal
1995 were $942.3 million, $898.3 million, $1.140 billion, $1.149 billion, and
$1.231 billion, respectively, and are projected to be approximately $1.199
billion for fiscal 1996. The amounts represented do not include debt service on
notes issued to finance certain Medicare-related liabilities, certain debt
service contract assistance payment to Massachusetts Bay Transportation
Authority ($205.5 million projected in fiscal 1996), the Massachusetts
Convention Center ($24.6 million projected in fiscal 1996), the Massachusetts
Government Land Bank ($6.0 million projected in fiscal 1996), the Massachusetts
Water Pollution Abatement Trust ($16.6 million projected in fiscal 1996), and
grants to municipalities under the school building assistance program to defray
a portion of the debt service costs on local school bonds ($174.5 million
projected in fiscal 1996).
In January 1990, legislation was passed to impose a limit on debt service
beginning in fiscal 1991, providing that no more than 10% of the total
appropriations in any fiscal year may be expended for payment of interest and
principal on general obligation debt (excluding the Fiscal Recovery Bonds). The
percentage of total appropriations expended from the budgeted operating funds
for debt service (excluding debt service on Fiscal Recovery Bonds) for fiscal
1994 is 5.6%, which is projected to increase to 5.9% in fiscal 1995.
CERTAIN LIABILITIES. Among the material future liabilities of the
Commonwealth are significant unfunded general liabilities of its retirement
systems and a program to fund such liabilities; a program whereby, starting in
1978, the Commonwealth began assuming full financial responsibility for all
costs of the administration of justice within the Commonwealth; continuing
demands to raise aggregate aid to cities, towns, schools and other districts and
transit
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authorities above current levels; and Medicaid expenditures which have increased
each year since the program was initiated. The Commonwealth has signed consent
decrees to continue improving mental health care and programs for the mentally
retarded in order to meet federal standards, including those governing receipt
of federal reimbursements under various programs, and the parties in those cases
have worked cooperatively to resolve the disputed issues.
As a result of comprehensive legislation approved in January, 1988, the
Commonwealth is required, beginning in fiscal 1989 to fund future pension
liabilities currently and to amortize the Commonwealth's unfunded liabilities
over 40 years. The funding schedule must provide for annual payments in each of
the ten years ending fiscal 1998 which are at least equal to the total estimated
pay-as-you-go pension costs in each year. As a result of this requirement, the
funding requirements for fiscal 1996, 1997, and 1998 are estimates to be
increased to approximately $1.007 billion, $1.061 billion and $1.128 billion,
respectively.
LITIGATION. The Commonwealth is engaged in various lawsuits involving
environmental and related laws, including an action brought on behalf of the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency alleging violations of the Clean Water Act
and seeking to enforce the clean-up of Boston Harbor. The MWRA, successor in
liability to the Metropolitan District Commission, has assumed primary
responsibility for developing and implementing a court-approved plan for the
construction of the treatment facilities necessary to achieve compliance with
federal requirements. Under the Clean Water Act, the Commonwealth may be liable
for costs of compliance in these or any other Clean Water cases if the MWRA or a
municipality is prevented from raising revenues necessary to comply with a
judgment. The MWRA currently projects that the total cost of construction of the
treatment facilities required under the court's order is approximately $3.557
billion in current dollars, with approximately $1.046 billion to be spent on or
after June 30, 1995. On October 18, 1995, the court entered an order which
reduced the MWRA's obligation to build certain additional secondary treatment
facilities, which is estimated by the MWRA will save ratepayers approximately
$165 million.
The Department of Public Welfare has been sued for the alleged unlawful
denial of personal care attendant services to certain disabled Medicaid
recipients. The Superior Court has denied the plaintiff's motion for preliminary
injunction and has also denied the plaintiff's motion for class certification.
If the plaintiffs were to prevail on their claims and the Commonwealth were
required to provide all of the services sought by the plaintiffs to all
similarly situated persons, it would substantially increase the annual cost to
the Commonwealth if these services are eventually required. The Department of
Public Welfare currently estimates this increase to be as much as $200 million
per year.
There are also actions pending in which recipients of human services
benefits, such as welfare recipients, the mentally retarded, the elderly, the
handicapped, children, residents of state hospitals and inmates of corrections
institutions, seek expanded levels of services and benefits and in which
providers of services to such recipients challenge the rates at which they are
reimbursed by the Commonwealth. To the extent that such actions result in
judgments requiring the Commonwealth to provide expanded services or benefits or
pay increased rates, additional operating and capital expenditures might be
needed to implement such judgments.
In 1995, the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital ("Spaulding") filed an action
to enforce an agreement to acquire its property by eminent domain in connection
with the Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel Project. If successful, Spaulding
could recover the fair market value of its property in addition to its
relocation costs with respect to its personal property. The Commonwealth
estimates its potential liability at approximately $50 million.
The Commonwealth faces an additional potential liability of approximately
$40 million in connection with a taking by the Massachusetts Highway Department
related to the relocation of Northern Avenue in Boston.
In addition, there are several tax matters in litigation which could result
in significant refunds to taxpayers if decisions unfavorable to the Commonwealth
are rendered. In BAYBANK, ET AL. V. COMMISSIONER OF REVENUE, the banks challenge
the inclusion of income from tax exempt obligations in the measure of the bank
excise tax. The Appellate Tax Board issued findings of fact and a report in
favor of the Commissioner of Revenue on September 30, 1993. The case is pending
before the Supreme Judicial Court. The potential liability is approximately $55
million, including similarly situated banks and tax years after 1990.
In NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES V. COMMONWEALTH, the
Superior Court declared that a line item in the Commonwealth's general
appropriations act for fiscal 1994 that increased the state employees'
percentage share of their group health insurance premiums from 10% to 15%
violated the terms of several collective bargaining agreements, and therefore
was invalid under the United States Constitution as regards employees covered by
the agreements. On February 9, 1995, the Supreme Judicial Court vacated the
Superior Court's decision and declared that the fiscal 1994 line item did not
violate the contracts clause. In June, 1995, the United States Supreme Court
denied the plaintiff's writ of certiorari. Several other unions have filed a
companion suit asserting that the premium increase similarly violated other
collective bargaining agreements. The latter suit is in its initial stages.
Prior to the Supreme Judicial Court's decision the Commonwealth's aggregate
liability is estimated to be approximately $32 million.
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A variety of other civil suits pending against the Commonwealth may also
affect its future liabilities. These include challenges to the Commonwealth's
allocation of school aid under Section 9C of Chapter 29 of the General Laws and
to adopt a state employee furlough program. No prediction is possible as to the
ultimate outcome of these proceedings.
On March 22, 1995, the Supreme Judicial Court held in PERINI CORPORATION V.
COMMISSION OF REVENUES that certain deductions from the net worth measure of the
Massachusetts corporate excise tax violate the Commerce Clause of the United
States Constitution. On October 2, 1995, the United States Supreme Court denied
the Commonwealth's petition for writ of certiorari. The Department of Revenue
estimates that tax revenues in the amount of $40 to $55 million may be abated as
a result of the Supreme Judicial Court's decision.
Many factors, in addition to those cited above, have or may have a bearing
upon the financial condition of the Commonwealth, including social and economic
conditions, many of which are not within the control of the Commonwealth.
EXPENDITURE AND TAX LIMITATION MEASURES. Limits have been established on
state tax revenues by legislation approved by the Governor on October 25, 1986
and by an initiative petition approved by the voters on November 4, 1986. The
Executive Office for Administration and Finance currently estimates that state
tax revenues will not reach the limit imposed by either the initiative petition
or the legislative enactment in fiscal 1992.
Proposition 2 1/2, passed by the voters in 1980, led to large reductions in
property taxes, the major source of income for cities and towns, and large
increases in state aid to offset such revenue losses. According to the Executive
Office for Administration and Finance, all of the 351 cities and towns have now
achieved a property tax level of no more than 2.5% of full property values.
Under the terms of Proposition 2 1/2, the property tax levy can now be increased
annually for all cities and towns, almost all by 2.5% of the prior fiscal year's
tax levy plus 2.5% of the value of new properties and of significant
improvements to property. Legislation has also been enacted providing for
certain local option taxes. A voter initiative petition approved at the
statewide general election in November, 1990 further regulates the distribution
of Local Aid of no less than 40% of collections from individual income taxes,
sales and use taxes, corporate excise taxes, and the balance of the state
lottery fund. If implemented in accordance with its terms (including
appropriation of the necessary funds), the petition as approved would shift
several hundred million dollars to direct Local Aid.
OTHER TAX MEASURES. To provide revenue to pay debt service on both the
deficit and Medicaid-related borrowings and to fund certain direct Medicaid
expenditures, legislation was enacted imposing an additional tax on certain
types of personal income for 1989 and 1990 taxable years at rates of 0.375% and
0.75% respectively, effectively raising the tax rate of 1989 from 5% to 5.375%
and for 1990 to 5.75%. Recent legislation has effectively further increased tax
rates to 5.95% for tax year 1990 to 6.25% for tax year 1991 and returning to
5.95% for tax year 1992 and subsequent tax years. The tax is applicable to all
personal income except income derived from dividends, capital gains,
unemployment compensation, alimony, rent, interest, pensions, annuities and
IRA/Keogh distributions. The income tax rate on other interest (excluding
interest on obligations of the United States and of the Commonwealth and its
subdivisions), dividends and net capital gains (after a 50% reduction) was
increased from 10% to 12% for tax year 1990 and subsequent years, by recently
enacted legislation.
ESTATE TAX REVISIONS. The fiscal 1993 budget included legislation which
gradually phases out the current Massachusetts estate tax and replaces it with a
"sponge tax" in 1997. The "sponge tax" is based on the maximum amount of the
credit for state taxes allowed for federal estate tax purposes. The estate tax
is phased out by means of annual increases in the basic exemption from the
current $200,000 level. The exemption is increased to $300,000 for 1993,
$400,000 for 1994, $500,000 for 1995 and $600,000 for 1996. In addition, the
legislation includes a full marital deduction starting July 1, 1994. Currently
the marital deduction is limited to 50% of the Massachusetts adjusted gross
estate. The static fiscal impact of the phase out of the estate tax was
estimated to be approximately $24.8 million in fiscal 1994 and is estimated to
be approximately $72.5 million in fiscal 1995.
OTHER ISSUERS OF MASSACHUSETTS OBLIGATIONS. There are a number of state
agencies, instrumentalities and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth that
issue Municipal Obligations, some of which may be conduit revenue obligations
payable from payments from private borrowers. These entities are subject to
various economic risks and uncertainties, and the credit quality of the
securities issued by them may vary considerably from the credit quality of
obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth. The brief
summary above does not address, nor does it attempt to address, any difficulties
and the financial situations of those other issuers of Massachusetts
Obligations.
MASSACHUSETTS TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals that are equivalent to tax-exempt estimated current returns
under combined Federal and state taxes, using published 1997 marginal Federal
tax rates and marginal state tax rates currently available and scheduled to be
in effect. The tables incorporate increased tax rates for higher-income
taxpayers that were included in the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. The
combined state and Federal tax brackets shown reflect the fact that state tax
payments are currently deductible for Federal tax purposes. The
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Massachusetts state tax rate shown is the rate at which interest is taxed.
Certain other types of income are taxed at other rates. The tables do not
reflect any local taxes or any taxes other than personal income taxes. The
tables illustrate what you would have to earn on taxable investments to equal
the tax-exempt estimated current return for your income tax bracket. A
taxpayer's marginal tax rate is affected by both his taxable income and his
adjusted gross income. Locate your adjusted gross and your taxable income (which
is your adjusted gross income reduced by any deductions and exemptions), then
locate your tax bracket based on joint or single tax filing. Read across to the
equivalent taxable estimated current return you would need to match the tax-free
income.
COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEDERAL
FEDERAL ADJUSTED COMBINED
TAXABLE GROSS STATE AND TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
INCOME INCOME FEDERAL --------------------------------------------------------------
(1,000'S) (1,000'S) TAX RATE1 4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00% 6.25%
------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 41.2 $ 0-121.20 25.0 % 6.00 6.33 6.67 7.00 7.33 7.67 8.00 8.33
41.2- 99.6 0-121.20 36.5 7.09 7.48 7.87 8.27 8.66 9.06 9.45 9.84
121.20-181.80 37.5 7.20 7.60 8.00 8.40 8.80 9.20 9.60 10.00
99.6-151.75 0-121.20 39.5 7.44 7.85 8.26 8.68 9.09 9.50 9.92 10.33
121.20-181.80 40.0 7.50 7.92 8.33 8.75 9.17 9.58 10.00 10.42
181.80-304.30 42.5 7.83 8.26 8.70 9.13 9.57 10.00 10.43 10.87
151.75-271.05 121.20-181.80 44.5 8.11 8.56 9.01 9.46 9.91 10.36 10.81 11.26
181.80-304.30 47.5 8.57 9.05 9.52 10.00 10.48 10.95 11.43 11.90
Over 304.30 44.5 2 8.11 8.56 9.01 9.46 9.91 10.36 10.81 11.26
Over 271.05 181.80-304.30 51.0 9.18 9.69 10.20 10.71 11.22 11.73 12.24 12.76
Over 304.30 48.0 3 8.65 9.13 9.62 10.10 10.58 11.06 11.54 12.02
</TABLE>
COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEDERAL
FEDERAL ADJUSTED COMBINED
TAXABLE GROSS STATE AND TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
INCOME INCOME FEDERAL --------------------------------------------------------------
(1,000'S) (1,000'S) TAX RATE1 4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00% 6.25%
------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 24.65 $ 0-121.20 25.0 % 6.00 6.33 6.67 7.00 7.33 7.67 8.00 8.33
24.65- 59.75 0-121.20 36.5 7.09 7.48 7.87 8.27 8.66 9.06 9.45 9.84
59.75-124.65 0-121.20 39.5 7.44 7.85 8.26 8.68 9.09 9.50 9.92 10.33
121.20-243.70 40.5 7.56 7.98 8.40 8.82 9.24 9.66 10.08 10.50
124.65-271.05 121.20-243.70 45.5 8.26 8.72 9.17 9.63 10.09 10.55 11.01 11.47
Over 243.70 44.5 2 8.11 8.56 9.01 9.46 9.91 10.36 10.81 11.26
Over 271.05 Over 243.70 48.0 3 8.65 9.13 9.62 10.10 10.58 11.06 11.54 12.02
</TABLE>
- ------------------
1 The table reflects the effect of the limitations on itemized deductions
and the deduction for personal exemptions. They were designed to phase out
certain benefits of these deductions for higher income taxpayers. These
limitations, in effect, raise the current maximum marginal combined state and
Federal tax rate to approximately 50.85 percent for taxpayers filing a joint
return and entitled to four personal exemptions and to approximately 47.90
percent for taxpayers filing a single return entitled to only one personal
exemption. These limitations are subject to certain maximums, which depend on
the number of exemptions claimed and the total amount of the taxpayer's itemized
deductions. For example, the limitation on itemized deductions will not cause a
taxpayer to lose more than 80% of his allowable itemized deductions, with
certain exceptions.
2 Combined state and Federal tax rate reverts to 43.68% after the 80% cap
on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
3 Combined state and Federal tax rate reverts to 46.85% after the 80% cap
on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
B-7
<PAGE>
APPENDIX C
NEW JERSEY DISCLOSURE
ECONOMIC FACTORS--NEW JERSEY
As described above, the New Jersey Insured Trust consists of a portfolio of
New Jersey Bonds. The Trust is therefore susceptible to political, economic or
regulatory factors affecting issuers of the New Jersey Bonds. The following
information provides only a brief summary of some of the complex factors
affecting the financial situation in New Jersey (the "State") and is derived
from sources that are generally available to investors and is believed to be
accurate. It is based in part on information obtained from various State and
local agencies in New Jersey. No independent verification has been made of any
of the following information.
New Jersey is the ninth largest state in population and the fifth smallest
in land area. With an average of 1,071 people per square mile, it is the most
densely populated of all the states. The State's economic base is diversified,
consisting of a variety of manufacturing, construction and service industries,
supplemented by rural areas with selective commercial agriculture. Historically,
New Jersey's average per capita income has been well above the national average,
and in 1995 the State ranked second among the states in per capita personal
income ($29,248).
The New Jersey Economic Policy Council, a statutory arm of the New Jersey
Department of Commerce and Economic Development, has reported in NEW JERSEY
ECONOMIC INDICATORS, a monthly publication of the New Jersey Department of
Labor, Division of Labor Market and Demographic Research, that in 1988 and 1989
employment in New Jersey's manufacturing sector failed to benefit from the
export boom experienced by many Midwest states and the State's service sectors,
which had fueled the State's prosperity since 1982, lost momentum. In the
meantime, the prolonged fast growth in the State in the mid 1980s resulted in a
tight labor market situation, which has led to relatively high wages and housing
prices. This means that, while the incomes of New Jersey residents are
relatively high, the State's business sector has become more vulnerable to
competitive pressures.
The onset of the national recession (which officially began in July 1990
according to the National Bureau of Economic Research) caused an acceleration of
New Jersey's job losses in construction and manufacturing. In addition, the
national recession caused an employment downturn in such previously growing
sectors as wholesale trade, retail trade, finance, utilities and trucking and
warehousing. Reflecting the downturn, the rate of unemployment in the State rose
from a low of 3.6% during the first quarter of 1989 to an estimated 5.2% in
August 1997, which is higher than the national average of 4.9% in August 1997.
Economic recovery is likely to be slow and uneven in New Jersey, with
unemployment receding at a correspondingly slow pace, due to the fact that some
sectors may lag due to continued excess capacity. In addition, employers even in
rebounding sectors can be expected to remain cautious about hiring until they
become convinced that improved business will be sustained. Also, certain firms
will continue to merge or downsize to increase profitability.
DEBT SERVICE. The primary method for State financing of capital projects is
through the sale of the general obligation bonds of the State. These bonds are
backed by the full faith and credit of the State tax revenues and certain other
fees are pledged to meet the principal and interest payments and if provided,
redemption premium payments, if any, required to repay the bonds. As of June 30,
1996, there was a total authorized bond indebtedness of approximately $10.31
billion, of which $3.69 billion was issued and outstanding, $4.76 billion was
retired (including bonds for which provision for payment has been made through
the sale and issuance of refunding bonds) and $1.86 billion was unissued. The
appropriation for the debt service obligation on such outstanding indebtedness
is $446.9 million for Fiscal Year 1997.
NEW JERSEY'S BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION SYSTEM. The State operates on a fiscal
year beginning July 1 and ending June 30. At the end of Fiscal Year 1993, there
was a surplus in the State's general fund (the fund into which all State
revenues not otherwise restricted by statute are deposited and from which
appropriations are made) of $937.4 million. At the end of Fiscal Year 1994,
there was a surplus in the general fund of $926.0 million. At the end of Fiscal
Year 1995, there was a surplus in the general fund of $569.2 million. It is
estimated that New Jersey closed its Fiscal Year 1996 with a surplus of $442
million and Fiscal Year 1997 with a surplus of $276.2 million.
In order to provide additional revenues to balance future budgets, to
redistribute school aid and to contain real property taxes, on June 27, 1990,
and July 12, 1990, Governor Florio signed into law legislation which was
estimated to raise approximately $2.8 billion in additional taxes (consisting of
$1.5 billion in sales and use taxes and $1.3 billion in income taxes), the
biggest tax hike in New Jersey history. There can be no assurance that receipts
and collections of such taxes will meet such estimates.
The first part of the tax hike took effect on July 1, 1990, with the
increase in the State's sales and use tax rate from 6% to 7% and the elimination
of exemptions for certain products and services not previously subject to the
tax, such as telephone calls, paper products (which has since been reinstated),
soaps and detergents, janitorial services, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
At the time of enactment, it was projected that these taxes would raise
approximately $1.5
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billion in additional revenue. Projections and estimates of receipts from sales
and use taxes, however, have been subject to variance in recent fiscal years.
The second part of the tax hike took effect on January 1, 1991, in the form
of an increased state income tax on individuals. At the time of enactment, it
was projected that this increase would raise approximately $1.3 billion in
additional income taxes to fund a new school aid formula, a new homestead rebate
program and state assumption of welfare and social services costs. Projections
and estimates of receipts from income taxes, however, have also been subject to
variance in recent fiscal years. Under the legislation, income tax rates
increased from their previous range of 2% to 3.5% to a new range of 2% to 7%,
with the higher rates applying to married couples with incomes exceeding $70,000
who file joint returns, and to individuals filing single returns with incomes of
more than $35,000.
The Florio administration had contended that the income tax package will
help reduce local property tax increases by providing more state aid to
municipalities. Under the income tax legislation the State will assume
approximately $289 million in social services costs that previously were paid by
counties and municipalities and funded by property taxes. In addition, under the
new formula for funding school aid, an extra $1.1 billion is proposed to be sent
by the State to school districts beginning in 1991, thus reducing the need for
property tax increases to support education programs.
Effective July 1, 1992, the State's sales and use tax rate decreased from 7%
to 6%. Effective January 1, 1994, an across-the-board 5% reduction in the income
tax rates was enacted and effective January 1, 1995, further reductions ranging
from 1% up to 10% in income tax rates took effect. Governor Whitman recently
signed into law further reductions up to 15% for some taxpayers effective
January 1, 1996, completing her campaign promise to reduce income taxes by up to
30% within three years for most taxpayers.
In June 1997, Governor Whitman signed the New Jersey Legislature's $16.8
billion budget for Fiscal Year 1998. The balanced budget, which includes $442
million in surplus, is $800 million more than the 1997 budget. Whether the State
can achieve a balanced budget depends on its ability to enact and implement
expenditure reductions and to collect estimated tax revenues.
LITIGATION. The State is a party in numerous legal proceedings pertaining to
matters incidental to the performance of routine governmental operations. Such
litigation includes, but is not limited to, claims asserted against the State
arising from alleged torts, alleged breaches of contracts, condemnation
proceedings and other alleged violations of State and Federal laws. Included in
the State's outstanding litigation are cases challenging the following: the
funding of teachers' pension funds; the hospital assessment authorized by the
Health Care Reform Act of 1992; the State's role in a consent order concerning
the construction of a resource facility in Passaic County; the State's actions
regarding alleged chromium contamination of State-owned property in Hudson
County; the constitutionality of annual A-901 hazardous and solid waste
licensure renewal fees collected by the Department of Environmental Protection
and Energy; the State's funding formula that attempts to close the spending gap
between poor urban school districts and wealthy suburban districts; the use by
the State of assessments on certain insurers to retire debt of the Market
Transition Fund, the manner in which mental health services are provided to
inmates with serious mental disorders who are confined within the facilities of
the Department of Corrections; the spousal impoverishment provisions of the
Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act; Medicaid hospital reimbursements since
February, 1995; and the efforts to revitalize Atlantic City through the design
and construction of a highway and tunnel. Adverse judgments in these and other
matters could have the potential for either a significant loss of revenue or a
significant unanticipated expenditure by the State.
At any given time, there are various numbers of claims and cases pending
against the State, State agencies and employees seeking recovery of monetary
damages that are primarily paid out of the fund created pursuant to the New
Jersey Tort Claims Act. In addition, at any given time, there are various
numbers of contract claims against the State and State agencies seeking recovery
of monetary damages. The State is unable to estimate its exposure for these
claims.
DEBT RATINGS. For many years prior to 1991, both Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. and Standard and Poor's Corporation had rated New Jersey general obligation
bonds "Aaa" and "AAA," respectively. On July 3, 1991, however, Standard and
Poor's Corporation downgraded New Jersey general obligation bonds to "AA+." On
June 4, 1992, Standard and Poor's Corporation placed New Jersey general
obligation bonds on CreditWatch with negative implications, citing as its
principal reason for its caution the unexpected denial by the Federal Government
of New Jersey's request for $450 million in retroactive Medicaid payments for
psychiatric hospitals. These funds were critical to closing a $1 billion gap in
the State's $15 billion budget for fiscal year 1992 which ended on June 30,
1992. Under New Jersey state law, the gap in the current budget must be closed
before the new budget year began on July 1, 1992. Standard and Poor's
Corporation suggested the State could close fiscal 1992's budget gap and help
fill fiscal 1993's hole by a reversion of $700 million of pension contributions
to its general fund under a proposal to change the way the State calculates its
pension liability. On July 6, 1992, Standard and Poor's Corporation reaffirmed
its "AA+" rating for New Jersey general obligation bonds and removed the debt
from its CreditWatch list, although it stated that New Jersey's long-term
financial outlook was negative. Standard and Poor's Corporation was concerned
that the State was entering the 1993 fiscal year that began July 1, 1992, with a
slim $26 million surplus and remained concerned about whether the sagging State
economy would recover quickly
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enough to meet lawmakers' revenue projections. It also remained concerned about
the recent federal ruling leaving in doubt how much the State was due in
retroactive Medicaid reimbursements and a ruling by a federal judge, now on
appeal, of the State's method for paying for uninsured hospital patients.
However, on July 27, 1994, S&P announced that it was changing the State's
outlook from negative to stable due to a brightening of the State's prospects as
a result of Governor Whitman's effort to trim spending and cut taxes, coupled
with an improving economy. S&P reaffirmed its "AA+" rating at the same time.
On August 24, 1992, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. downgraded New Jersey
general obligation bonds to "Aa1", stating that the reduction reflected a
developing pattern of reliance on nonrecurring measures to achieve budgetary
balance, four years of financial operations marked by revenue shortfalls and
operating deficits, and the likelihood that serious financial pressures would
persist. On August 5, 1994, Moody's reaffirmed its "Aa1" rating, citing on the
positive side New Jersey's broad-based economy, high income levels, history of
maintaining a positive financial position and moderate (albeit rising) debt
ratios, and, on the negative side, a continued reliance on one-time revenues and
a dependence on pension-related savings to achieve budgetary balance.
NEW JERSEY TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals that are equivalent to tax-exempt estimated current returns
under combined Federal and state taxes, using published 1997 marginal Federal
tax rates and marginal state tax rates currently available and scheduled to be
in effect. The tables incorporate increased tax rates for higher-income
taxpayers that were included in the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. The
table assumes that federal taxable income is equal to state income subject to
tax, and for cases in which more than one state rate falls within a Federal
bracket, the state rate corresponding to the highest income within that Federal
bracket is used. The combined state and Federal tax brackets shown reflect the
fact that state tax payments are currently deductible for Federal tax purposes.
The tables do not reflect any local taxes or any taxes other than personal
income taxes. The tables illustrate what you would have to earn on taxable
investments to equal the tax-exempt estimated current return for your income tax
bracket. A taxpayer's marginal tax rate is affected by both his taxable income
and his adjusted gross income. Locate your adjusted gross and your taxable
income (which is your adjusted gross income reduced by any deductions and
exemptions), then locate your tax bracket based on joint or single tax filing.
Read across to the equivalent taxable estimated current return you would need to
match the tax-free income.
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COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEDERAL
FEDERAL ADJUSTED COMBINED
TAXABLE GROSS STATE AND TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
INCOME INCOME FEDERAL --------------------------------------------------------------
(1,000'S) (1,000'S) TAX RATE1 4.25% 4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00%
------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 41.2 $ 0-121.20 16.5 % 5.09 5.39 5.69 5.99 6.29 6.59 6.89 7.19
41.2- 99.6 0-121.20 32.0 6.25 6.62 6.99 7.35 7.72 8.09 8.46 8.82
121.20-181.80 33.0 6.34 6.72 7.09 7.46 7.84 8.21 8.58 8.96
99.6-151.75 0-121.20 35.5 6.59 6.98 7.36 7.75 8.14 8.53 8.91 9.30
121.20-181.80 36.5 6.69 7.09 7.48 7.87 8.27 8.66 9.06 9.45
181.80-304.30 38.5 6.91 7.32 7.72 8.13 8.54 8.94 9.35 9.76
151.75-271.05 121.20-181.80 41.0 7.20 7.63 8.05 8.47 8.90 9.32 9.75 10.17
181.80-304.30 44.0 7.59 8.04 8.48 8.93 9.38 9.82 10.27 10.71
Over 304.30 41.0 2 7.20 7.63 8.05 8.47 8.90 9.32 9.75 10.17
Over 271.05 181.80-304.30 47.5 8.10 8.57 9.05 9.52 10.00 10.48 10.95 11.43
Over 304.30 44.5 3 7.66 8.11 8.56 9.01 9.46 9.91 10.36 10.81
</TABLE>
COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEDERAL
FEDERAL ADJUSTED COMBINED
TAXABLE GROSS STATE AND TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
INCOME INCOME FEDERAL --------------------------------------------------------------
(1,000'S) (1,000'S) TAX RATE1 4.25% 4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00%
------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 24.65 $ 0-121.20 16.0 % 5.06 5.36 5.65 5.95 6.25 6.55 6.85 7.14
24.65- 59.75 0-121.20 32.0 6.25 6.62 6.99 7.35 7.72 8.09 8.46 8.82
59.75-124.65 0-121.20 35.5 6.59 6.98 7.36 7.75 8.14 8.53 8.91 9.30
121.20-243.70 37.0 6.75 7.14 7.54 7.94 8.33 8.73 9.13 9.52
124.65-271.05 121.20-243.70 42.0 7.33 7.76 8.19 8.62 9.05 9.48 9.91 10.34
Over 243.70 41.0 2 7.20 7.63 8.05 8.47 8.90 9.32 9.75 10.17
Over 271.05 Over 243.70 44.5 3 7.66 8.11 8.56 9.01 9.46 9.91 10.36 10.81
</TABLE>
- ------------------
1 The table reflects the effect of the limitations on itemized deductions
and the deduction for personal exemptions. They were designed to phase out
certain benefits of these deductions for higher income taxpayers. These
limitations, in effect, raise the current maximum marginal combined Federal and
state tax rate to approximately 47.71 percent for taxpayers filing a joint
return and entitled to four personal exemptions and to approximately 44.56
percent for taxpayers filing a single return entitled to only one personal
exemption. These limitations are subject to certain maximums, which depend on
the number of exemptions claimed and the total amount of the taxpayer's itemized
deductions. For example, the limitation on itemized deductions will not cause a
taxpayer to lose more than 80% of his allowable itemized deductions, with
certain exceptions.
2 Combined Federal and state tax rate reverts to 40.08% after the 80% cap
on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
3 Combined Federal and state tax rate reverts to 43.45% after the 80% cap
on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
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<PAGE>
APPENDIX D
NEW YORK DISCLOSURE
ECONOMIC FACTORS--NEW YORK
The Portfolio of the New York Insured Trust includes obligations issued by
New York State (the "State"), by its various public bodies (the "Agencies"),
and/or by other entities located within the State, including the City of New
York (the "City").
Some of the more significant events and conditions relating to the financial
situation in New York are summarized below. This section provides only a brief
summary of the complex factors affecting the financial situation in New York and
is derived from sources that are generally available to investors and is
believed to be accurate. It is based in part on Official Statements and
prospectuses issued by, and on other information reported by the State, the City
and the Agencies in connection with the issuance of their respective securities.
There can be no assurance that current or future statewide or regional
economic difficulties, and the resulting impact on State or local government
finances generally, will not adversely affect the market value of New York
Municipal Obligations held in the portfolio of the Trust or the ability of
particular obligors to make timely payments of debt service on (or relating to)
those obligations.
(1) THE STATE: The State has historically been one of the wealthiest states
in the nation. For decades, however, the State economy has grown more slowly
than that of the nation as a whole, gradually eroding the State's relative
economic affluence. Statewide, urban centers have experienced significant
changes involving migration of the more affluent to the suburbs and an influx of
generally less affluent residents. Regionally, the older Northeast cities have
suffered because of the relative success that the South and the West have had in
attracting people and business. The City has also had to face greater
competition as other major cities have developed financial and business
capabilities which make them less dependent on the specialized services
traditionally available almost exclusively in the City.
The State has for many years had a very high state and local tax burden
relative to other states. The burden of State and local taxation, in combination
with the many other causes of regional economic dislocation, has contributed to
the decisions of some businesses and individuals to relocate outside, or not
locate within, the State.
SLOWDOWN OF REGIONAL ECONOMY. A national recession commenced in mid-1990.
The downturn continued throughout the State's 1990-91 fiscal year and was
followed by a period of weak economic growth during the 1991 calendar year. For
calendar year 1992, the national economy continued to recover, although at a
rate below all post-war recoveries. For calendar year 1993, the economy grew
faster than in 1992, but still at a very moderate rate, as compared to other
recoveries. Moderate economic growth continued in calendar year 1994. The State
has projected the rate of economic growth to slow within New York during 1995,
as the expansion of the national economy moderates. Economic recovery started
considerably later in the State than in the nation as a whole due in part to the
significant retrenchment in the banking and financial services industries,
downsizing by several major corporations, cutbacks in defense spending, and an
oversupply of office buildings. Many uncertainties exist in forecasts of both
the national and State economies and there can be no assurance that the State
economy will perform at a level sufficient to meet the State's projections of
receipts and disbursements.
1995-96 FISCAL YEAR. The Governor issued a proposed Executive Budget for
the 1995-96 fiscal year (the "Proposed Budget") on February 1, 1995, which
projected a balanced general fund and receipts and disbursements of $32.5
billion and $32.4 billion, respectively. As of May 29, 1995, the State
legislature had not yet enacted, nor had the Governor and the legislature
reached an agreement on, the budget for the 1995-96 fiscal year which commenced
on April 1, 1995. The delay in the enactment of the budget may negatively affect
certain proposed actions and reduce projected savings.
The Proposed Budget and the 1995-96 Financial Plan provide for the closing
of a projected $4.7 billion budget gap in the 1995-96 fiscal year by
cost-containment savings in social welfare programs, savings from State agency
restructurings, freezing the level of some categories of local aid and new
revenue measures.
The State's proposed budget and the 1995-96 Plan may be impacted negatively
by uncertainties relating to the economy and tax collections, although recent
signs of improvement in the national economy could lead to short-term increases
in State receipts.
1994-1995 FISCAL YEAR. The State Legislature enacted the State's 1994-95
fiscal year budget on June 7, 1994, more than two months after the start of that
fiscal year. As of February 1, 1995, the updated 1994-95 State Financial Plan
(the "Plan") projected total general fund receipts and disbursements of $33.3
billion and $33.5 billion, respectively, representing reductions in receipts and
disbursements of $1 billion and $743 million, respectively, from the amount set
forth in the 1994-95 budget. The Plan projected for a General Fund balance of
approximately $157 million at the close of the 1994-95 fiscal year.
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<PAGE>
1993-94 FISCAL YEAR. The State ended the 1993-94 fiscal year with an
operating surplus of approximately $1.0 billion.
FUTURE FISCAL YEARS. There can be no assurance that the State will not face
substantial potential budget gaps in the future resulting from a significant
disparity between tax revenues projected from a lower recurring receipts base
and the spending required to maintain State programs at current levels. To
address any potential budgetary imbalance, the State may need to take
significant actions to align recurring receipts and disbursements.
INDEBTEDNESS. As of March 31, 1994, the total amount of long-term State
general obligation debt authorized but unissued stood at $2.0 billion. As of the
same date, the State had approximately $5.4 billion in general obligation bonds
including $224 million of Bond Anticipation Notes outstanding.
The State originally projected that its borrowings for capital purposes
during the State's 1994-95 fiscal year would consist of $374 million in general
obligation bonds and bond anticipation notes and $140 million in general
obligation commercial paper. The Legislature has authorized the issuance of up
to $69 million in certificates of participation in pools of leases for equipment
and real property to be utilized by State agencies. Through March 15, 1995, the
State had issued in excess of $590 million of its general obligation bonds
(including $430 million of refunding bonds). The projections of the State
regarding its borrowings for any fiscal year are subject to change if actual
receipts fall short of State projections or if other circumstances require.
In June 1990, legislation was enacted creating the "New York Local
Government Assistance Corporation" ("LGAC"), a public benefit corporation
empowered to issue long-term obligations to fund certain payments to local
governments traditionally funded through the State's annual seasonal borrowing.
As of March 31, 1994, LGAC has issued its bonds to provide net proceeds of $4.5
billion. The LGAC was authorized to provide net proceeds of $315 million, during
the State's 1994-95 fiscal year. The LGAC issued $347 million of bonds on March
1, 1995 providing the authorized net proceeds.
Financing of capital programs by other public authorities of the State is
also obtained from lease-purchase and contractual-obligation financing
arrangements, the debt service for which is paid from State appropriations. As
of March 31, 1994, there were $16.6 billion of such other financing arrangements
outstanding and additional financings of this nature by public authorities are
projected to total $2.4 billion during the 1994-95 fiscal year. In addition,
certain agencies had issued and outstanding approximately $7.3 billion of "moral
obligation financings" as of March 31, 1994, which are to be repaid from project
revenues. While there has never been a default on moral obligation debt of the
State, the State would be required to make up any shortfall in debt service.
RATINGS. The $850 million in TRANS issued by the State in April 1993 were
rated SP-1-Plus by S&P and MIG-1 by Moody's which represent the highest ratings
given by such agencies and the first time the State's TRANS have received these
ratings since its May 1989 TRANS issuance. Both agencies cited the State's
improved fiscal position as a significant factor in the upgrading of the April
1993 TRANS.
Moody's rating of the State's general obligation bonds stood at A on
February 28, 1994, and S&P's rating stood at A- with a positive outlook on
February 28, 1994, an improvement from S&P's stable outlook from April 1993
through February 1994 and negative outlook prior to April 1993. Previously,
Moody's lowered its rating to A on June 6, 1990, its rating having been A1 since
May 27, 1986. S&P lowered its rating from A to A- on January 13, 1992. S&P's
previous ratings were A from March 1990 to January 1992, AA- from August 1987 to
March 1990 and A+ from November 1982 to August 1987.
Moody's maintained its A rating and S&P continued its A- rating in
connection with the State's issuance of $537 million of its general obligation
bonds in March 1995.
(2) THE CITY AND THE MUNICIPAL ASSISTANCE CORPORATION ("MAC"): The City
accounts for approximately 40% of the State's population and personal income,
and the City's financial health affects the State in numerous ways.
In response to the City's fiscal crisis in 1975, the State took a number of
steps to assist the City in returning to fiscal stability. Among other actions,
the State Legislature (i) created MAC to assist with long-term financing for the
City's short-term debt and other cash requirements and (ii) created the State
Financial Control Board (the "Control Board") to review and approve the City's
budgets and City four-year financial plans (the financial plans also apply to
certain City-related public agencies (the "Covered Organizations")).
In recent years, the rate of economic growth in the City slowed
substantially as the City's economy entered a recession. While by some measures
the City's economy may have begun to recover, a number of factors, including
poor performance by the City's financial services companies, may prevent a
significant improvement in the City's economy and may in fact negatively impact
upon the City's finances by reducing tax receipts. The City Comptroller has
issued reports concluding that the recession of the City's economy may be
ending, but there is little prospect of any significant improvement in the near
term.
FISCAL YEAR 1996 AND THE 1995-1998 FINANCIAL PLAN. On February 14, 1995,
the Mayor released his preliminary $30.5 billion budget for fiscal year 1996,
which included $2.7 billion of deficit reduction measures. The Mayor is seeking
a
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$1.2 billion reduction in mandated welfare and Medicaid expenditures from the
State, a $569 million reduction in expenditures by city agencies and the Board
of Education budget, $600 million in personnel related savings partly through
the elimination of 15,000 jobs within 18 months, and other measures.
The 1995-1998 Financial Plan (the "Plan"), which was submitted to the
Control Board on February 23, 1995, projected budget gaps of $3.2 billion and
$3.8 billion for fiscal years 1997 and 1998, respectively. The City Comptroller
warned on March 7, 1995 that the budget gap for fiscal year 1996 could increase
by $500 million to as much as $3.2 billion. The Control Board reported on March
17, 1995 that the proposed budget for fiscal year 1996 relies heavily on risky
assumptions such as $600 million in savings to be negotiated with City unions
and $1.4 billion in savings dependent on State legislative approval.
The City successfully negotiated concessions with a number of unions in
order to ensure that the fiscal year 1995 budget remained in balance. The Mayor
has indicated that to avoid additional lay-offs, higher than the number referred
to above, reductions will be necessary in the benefit plans of City employees to
close the budget gaps for fiscal years 1996 and thereafter. Union leadership has
publicly opposed such "givebacks". With respect to fiscal year 1995 the City was
also successful in obtaining additional funds and relief from certain mandated
expenditures from the State for various programs, including Medicaid. However,
the amount of gap closing measures requiring State action set forth in the Plan
is well in excess of proposed assistance to the City outlined in the Governor's
Proposed Budget.
The Mayor has directed City agencies to identify an additional $300 million
in cuts for fiscal year 1996 because of anticipated shortfalls of as much as
$500 million in State aid and budgetary actions. An extended delay by the State
in adopting its 1995-96 fiscal year budget would negatively impact upon the
City's financial condition and ability to close budget gaps for fiscal years
1996 and thereafter.
Given the foregoing factors, there can be no assurance that the City will
continue to maintain a balanced budget, or that it can maintain a balanced
budget without additional tax or other revenue increases or reductions in City
services, which could adversely affect the City's economic base.
Pursuant to State law, the City prepares a four-year annual financial plan,
which is reviewed and revised on a quarterly basis and which includes the City's
capital, revenue and expense projections. The City is required to submit its
financial plans to review bodies, including the Control Board. If the City were
to experience certain adverse financial circumstances, including the occurrence
or the substantial likelihood and imminence of the occurrence of an annual
operating deficit of more than $100 million or the loss of access to the public
credit markets to satisfy the City's capital and seasonal financial
requirements, the Control Board would be required by State law to exercise
certain powers, including prior approval of City financial plans, proposed
borrowings and certain contracts.
The City depends on the State for State aid both to enable the City to
balance its budget and to meet its cash requirements. If the State experiences
revenue shortfalls or spending increases beyond its projections during its
1995-96 fiscal year or subsequent years, such developments could result in
reductions in projected State aid to the City. In addition, there can be no
assurance that State budgets in the 1996-97 or future fiscal years will be
adopted by the April 1 statutory deadline and that there will not be adverse
effects on the City's cash flow and additional City expenditures as a result of
such delays.
The City projections set forth in the Plan are based on various assumptions
and contingencies which are uncertain and which may not materialize. Changes in
major assumptions could significantly affect the City's ability to balance its
budget as required by State law and to meet its annual cash flow and financing
requirements. Such assumptions and contingencies include the timing of any
regional and local economic recovery, the absence of wage increases in excess of
the increases assumed in its financial plan, employment growth, provision of
State and Federal aid and mandate relief, State legislative approval of future
State budgets, levels of education expenditures as may be required by State law,
adoption of future City budgets by the New York City Council, and approval by
the Governor or the State Legislature and the cooperation of MAC with respect to
various other actions proposed in the Plan.
The City's ability to maintain a balanced operating budget is dependant on
whether it can implement necessary service and personnel reduction programs
successfully. As discussed above, the City must identify additional expenditure
reductions and revenue sources to achieve balanced operating budgets for fiscal
years 1996 and thereafter. Any such proposed expenditure reductions will be
difficult to implement because of their size and the substantial expenditure
reductions already imposed on City operations in the past two years.
Attaining a balanced budget is also dependent upon the City's ability to
market its securities successfully in the public credit markets. The City's
financing program for fiscal years 1995 through 1998 contemplates capital
spending of $16.4 billion, which will be financed through issuance of $10.7
billion of general obligation bonds and the balance through Water Authority
Revenue Bonds and Covered Organization obligations, and will be utilized
primarily to reconstruct and rehabilitate the City's infrastructure and physical
assets and to make capital investments. A significant portion of such bond
financing is used to reimburse the City's general fund for capital expenditures
already incurred. In addition, the City
D-3
<PAGE>
issues revenue and tax anticipation notes to finance its seasonal working
capital requirements. The terms and success of projected public sales of City
general obligation bonds and notes will be subject to prevailing market
conditions at the time of the sale, and no assurance can be given that the
credit markets will absorb the projected amounts of public bond and note sales.
In addition, future developments concerning the City and public discussion of
such developments, the City's future financial needs and other issues may affect
the market for outstanding City general obligation bonds and notes. If the City
were unable to sell its general obligation bonds and notes, it would be
prevented from meeting its planned operating and capital expenditures.
FISCAL YEAR 1995. New York City adopted its fiscal year 1995 budget on June
21, 1994, which provided for spending of $31.6 billion and closed a budget gap
of $2.3 billion. However, following adoption of the fiscal year 1995 budget,
additional unexpected budget gaps totaling approximately $2.0 billion were
identified. The widening of the budget gap for fiscal year 1995 resulted from
shortfalls in tax revenues and State and federal aid. The Mayor and the City
Council were unable to reach agreement on additional cuts proposed by the Mayor
in October 1994. The City Council passed its own budget cut proposal in November
1994. The Mayor vetoed the City Council version, the City Council overrode his
veto and the Mayor implemented his original plan. A state court held in December
1994 that neither budget cut proposal could be implemented. The Mayor then
elected not to spend certain funds in order to keep the budget in balance.
FISCAL YEARS 1990 THROUGH 1994. The City achieved balanced operating
results as reported in accordance with GAAP for its fiscal years 1990 through
1994. The City was required to close substantial budget gaps in these fiscal
years to maintain balanced operating results.
The City is a defendant in a significant number of lawsuits. Such litigation
includes, but is not limited to, actions commenced and claims asserted against
the City arising out of alleged constitutional violations, torts, breaches of
contracts, and other violations of law and condemnation proceedings. While the
ultimate outcome and fiscal impact, if any, on the proceedings and claims are
not currently predictable, adverse determinations in certain of them might have
a material adverse effect upon the City's ability to carry out its financial
plan. As of June 30, 1994, the City estimated its potential future liability to
be $2.6 billion.
On January 30, 1995, Robert L. Schulz and other defendants commenced a
federal district court action seeking among other matters to cancel the issuance
on January 31, 1995 of $659 million of City bonds. While the federal courts have
rejected requests for temporary restraining orders and expedited appeals, the
case is still pending. The City has indicated that it believes the action to be
without merit as it relates to the City, but there can be no assurance as to the
outcome of the litigation and an adverse ruling or the granting of a permanent
injunction would have a negative impact on the City's financial condition and
its ability to fund its operations.
RATINGS. As of the date of this prospectus, Moody's rating of the City's
general obligation bonds stood at Baa1 and S&P's rating stood at BBB+. On
February 11, 1991, Moody's had lowered its rating from A. S&P's lowered its
rating from A- on July 10, 1995 after placing the City on "negative credit
watch" in January 1995.
On March 13, 1995, Moody's confirmed its Baa1 rating in connection with a
scheduled March 1995 sale of $795 million of the City's general obligation
bonds.
In dropping the City's rating in July 1995, S&P's cited the "sluggish"
economy and the poor outlook for job growth, as well as the continued use of
"one-time measures" to close budget gaps. The lowered rating could increase the
City's borrowing costs by forcing it to offer higher interest rates on its bonds
thereby adding further pressures to the City's budget problems. In addition, the
lowered rating may prevent certain institutional investors from purchasing the
City's bonds reducing demand for future offerings, which could also force the
City to increase interest rates on its bonds.
On October 12, 1993, Moody's increased its rating of the City's issuance of
$650 million of Tax Anticipation Notes ("TANs") to MIG-1 from MIG-2. Prior to
that date, on May 9, 1990, Moody's revised downward its rating on outstanding
City revenue anticipation notes from MIG-1 to MIG-2 and rated the $900 million
Notes then being sold MIG-2. S&P's rating of the October 1993 TANS issue
increased to SP-1 from SP-2. Prior to that date, on April 29, 1991, S&P revised
downward its rating on City revenue anticipation notes from SP-1 to SP-2.
As of December 31, 1994, the City and MAC had, respectively, $22.5 billion
and $4.1 billion of outstanding net long-term indebtedness.
(3) THE STATE AGENCIES: Certain Agencies of the State have faced substantial
financial difficulties which could adversely affect the ability of such Agencies
to make payments of interest on, and principal amounts of, their respective
bonds. The difficulties have in certain instances caused the State (under
so-called "moral obligation" provisions which are non-binding statutory
provisions for State appropriations to maintain various debt service reserve
funds) to appropriate funds on behalf of the Agencies. Moreover, it is expected
that the problems faced by these Agencies will continue and will require
increasing amounts of State assistance in future years. Failure of the State to
appropriate necessary amounts or to take other action to permit those Agencies
having financial difficulties to meet their obligations could result in a
default by one or more of the Agencies. Such default, if it were to occur, would
be likely to have a significant adverse effect on
D-4
<PAGE>
investor confidence in, and therefore the market price of, obligations of the
defaulting Agencies. In addition, any default in payment on any general
obligation of any Agency whose bonds contain a moral obligation provision could
constitute a failure of certain conditions that must be satisfied in connection
with Federal guarantees of City and MAC obligations and could thus jeopardize
the City's long-term financing plans.
As of September 30, 1993, the State reported that there were eighteen
Agencies that each had outstanding debt of $100 million or more and an aggregate
of $63.5 billion of outstanding debt, some of which was state-supported, state-
related debt.
(4) STATE LITIGATION: The State is a defendant in numerous legal proceedings
pertaining to matters incidental to the performance of routine governmental
operations. Such litigation includes, but is not limited to, claims asserted
against the State arising from alleged torts, alleged breaches of contracts,
condemnation proceedings and other alleged violations of State and Federal laws.
Included in the State's outstanding litigation are a number of cases challenging
the constitutionality or the adequacy and effectiveness of a variety of
significant social welfare programs primarily involving the State's mental
hygiene programs. Adverse judgments in these matters generally could result in
injunctive relief coupled with prospective changes in patient care which could
require substantial increased financing of the litigated programs in the future.
The State is also engaged in a variety of claims wherein significant
monetary damages are sought. Actions commenced by several Indian nations claim
that significant amounts of land were unconstitutionally taken from the Indians
in violation of various treaties and agreements during the eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries. The claimants seek recovery of approximately six million
acres of land as well as compensatory and punitive damages.
The State has entered into a settlement agreement with Delaware,
Massachusetts and all other parties with respect to STATE OF DELAWARE V. STATE
OF NEW YORK, an action by Delaware and other states to recover unclaimed
property from New York-based brokers, which has escheated to the State pursuant
to its ABANDONED PROPERTY LAW. Annual payments under this settlement will be
made through the State's 2002-03 fiscal year in amounts not exceeding $48.4
million in any fiscal year subsequent to the State's 1994-95 fiscal year.
In SCHULZ V. STATE OF NEW YORK, commenced May 24, 1993 ("SCHULZ 1993"),
petitioners have challenged the constitutionality of mass transportation bonding
programs of the New York State Thruway Authority and the Metropolitan
Transportation Authority. On May 24, 1993, the Supreme Court, Albany County,
temporarily enjoined the State from implementing those bonding programs.
Petitioners in SCHULZ asserted that issuance of bonds by the two Authorities
is subject to approval by statewide referendum. By decision dated October 21,
1993, the Appellate Division, Third Department, affirmed the order of the
Supreme Court, Albany County, granting the State's motion for summary judgment,
dismissing the complaint and vacating the temporary restraining order. On June
30, 1994, the Court of Appeals, the State's highest court, upheld the decisions
of the Supreme Court and Appellate Division in SCHULZ, Plaintiffs' motion for
reargument was denied by the Court of Appeals on September 1, 1994 and their
writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied on January 23, 1995.
Adverse developments in the foregoing proceedings or new proceedings could
adversely affect the financial condition of the State in the future.
(5) OTHER MUNICIPALITIES: Certain localities in addition to New York City
could have financial problems leading to requests for additional State
assistance. The potential impact on the State of such actions by localities is
not included in projections of State receipts and expenditures in the State's
1994-95 fiscal years.
Fiscal difficulties experienced by the City of Yonkers ("Yonkers") resulted
in the creation of the Financial Control Board for the City of Yonkers (the
"Yonkers Board") by the State in 1984. The Yonkers Board is charged with
oversight of the fiscal affairs of Yonkers. Future actions taken by the Governor
or the State Legislature to assist Yonkers could result in allocation of State
resources in amounts that cannot yet be determined.
Municipalities and school districts have engaged in substantial short-term
and long-term borrowings. In 1992, the total indebtedness of all localities in
the State was approximately $35.2 billion, of which $19.5 billion was debt of
New York City (excluding $5.9 billion in MAC debt). State law requires the
Comptroller to review and make recommendations concerning the budgets of those
local government units other than New York City authorized by State law to issue
debt to finance deficits during the period that such deficit financing is
outstanding. Seventeen localities had outstanding indebtedness for state
financing at the close of their fiscal year ending in 1992.
Certain proposed Federal expenditure reductions could reduce, or in some
cases eliminate, Federal funding of some local programs and accordingly might
impose substantial increased expenditure requirements on affected localities. If
the State, New York City or any of the Agencies were to suffer serious financial
difficulties jeopardizing their respective access to the public credit markets,
the marketability of notes and bonds issued by localities within the State,
including notes or
D-5
<PAGE>
bonds in the New York Insured Trust, could be adversely affected. Localities
also face anticipated and potential problems resulting from certain pending
litigation, judicial decisions, and long-range economic trends. The longer-range
potential problems of declining urban population, increasing expenditures, and
other economic trends could adversely affect localities and require increasing
State assistance in the future.
(6) OTHER ISSUERS OF NEW YORK MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. There are a number of
other agencies, instrumentalities and political subdivisions of the State that
issue Municipal Obligations, some of which may be conduit revenue obligations
payable from payments from private borrowers. These entities are subject to
various economic risks and uncertainties, and the credit quality of the
securities issued by them may vary considerably from the credit quality of
obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the State.
D-6
<PAGE>
NEW YORK TAXABLE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN TABLE
The following tables show the approximate taxable estimated current returns
for individuals that are equivalent to tax-exempt estimated current returns
under combined Federal and state taxes, using published 1997 marginal Federal
tax rates and marginal state tax rates currently available and scheduled to be
in effect. The tables incorporate increased tax rates for higher-income
taxpayers that were included in the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. The
tables assume that federal taxable income is equal to state and city income
subject to tax and that federal adjusted gross income is equal to state and city
adjusted gross income, and for cases in which more than one state rate falls
within a Federal bracket, the state rate corresponding to the highest income
within that Federal bracket is used. The combined state and Federal tax brackets
shown reflect the fact that state tax payments are currently deductible for
Federal tax purposes. The tables do not reflect any local taxes, other than New
York City in Chart II, or any taxes other than personal income taxes. The tables
illustrate what you would have to earn on taxable investments to equal the
tax-exempt estimated current return for your income tax bracket. A taxpayer's
marginal tax rate is affected by both his taxable income and his adjusted gross
income. Locate your adjusted gross and your taxable income (which is your
adjusted gross income reduced by any deductions and exemptions), then locate
your tax bracket based on joint or single tax filing. Read across to the
equivalent taxable estimated current return you would need to match the tax-free
income.
I. COMBINED FEDERAL AND NEW YORK STATE INCOME TAXES
COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEDERAL
FEDERAL ADJUSTED COMBINED
TAXABLE GROSS STATE AND TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
INCOME INCOME FEDERAL --------------------------------------------------------------
(1,000'S) (1,000'S) TAX RATE1 4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00% 6.25%
------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 41.2 $ 0-100.00 21.0 % 5.70 6.01 6.33 6.65 6.96 7.28 7.59 7.91
100.00-121.20 22.0 5.77 6.09 6.41 6.73 7.05 7.37 7.69 8.01
41.2- 99.6 0-100.00 33.0 6.72 7.09 7.46 7.84 8.21 8.58 8.96 9.33
100.00-121.20 34.0 6.82 7.20 7.58 7.95 8.33 8.71 9.09 9.47
121.20-150.00 35.0 6.92 7.31 7.69 8.08 8.46 8.85 9.23 9.62
150.0-181.80 34.0 6.82 7.20 7.58 7.95 8.33 8.71 9.09 9.47
99.6-151.75 0-100.00 35.5 6.98 7.36 7.75 8.14 8.53 8.91 9.30 9.69
100.0-121.20 37.0 7.14 7.54 7.94 8.33 8.73 9.13 9.52 9.92
121.20-150.00 38.0 7.26 7.66 8.06 8.47 8.87 9.27 9.68 10.08
150.00-181.80 36.5 7.09 7.48 7.87 8.27 8.66 9.06 9.45 9.84
181.80-304.30 39.0 7.38 7.79 8.20 8.61 9.02 9.43 9.84 10.25
151.75-271.05 121.20-150.00 42.5 7.83 8.26 8.70 9.13 9.57 10.00 10.43 10.87
150.00-181.80 41.5 7.69 8.12 8.55 8.97 9.40 9.83 10.26 10.68
181.80-304.30 44.5 8.11 8.56 9.01 9.46 9.91 10.36 10.81 11.26
Over 304.30 41.5 2 7.69 8.12 8.55 8.97 9.40 9.83 10.26 10.68
Over 271.05 181.80-304.30 48.0 8.65 9.13 9.62 10.10 10.58 11.06 11.54 12.02
Over 304.30 45.0 3 8.18 8.64 9.09 9.55 10.00 10.45 10.91 11.36
</TABLE>
COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEDERAL
FEDERAL ADJUSTED COMBINED
TAXABLE GROSS STATE AND TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
INCOME INCOME FEDERAL --------------------------------------------------------------
(1,000'S) (1,000'S) TAX RATE1 4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00% 6.25%
------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 24.65 $ 0-100.00 21.0 % 5.70 6.01 6.33 6.65 6.96 7.28 7.59 7.91
100.00-121.20 21.5 5.73 6.05 6.37 6.69 7.01 7.32 7.64 7.96
24.65- 59.75 0-100.00 33.0 6.72 7.09 7.46 7.84 8.21 8.58 8.96 9.33
100.00-121.20 33.5 6.77 7.14 7.52 7.89 8.27 8.65 9.02 9.40
59.75-124.65 0-100.00 35.5 6.98 7.36 7.75 8.14 8.53 8.91 9.30 9.69
100.00-121.20 36.5 7.09 7.48 7.87 8.27 8.66 9.06 9.45 9.84
121.20-150.00 38.0 7.26 7.66 8.06 8.47 8.87 9.27 9.68 10.08
150.00-243.70 37.5 7.20 7.60 8.00 8.40 8.80 9.20 9.60 10.00
124.65-271.05 121.20-150.00 42.5 7.83 8.26 8.70 9.13 9.57 10.00 10.43 10.87
150.00-243.70 42.0 7.76 8.19 8.62 9.05 9.48 9.91 10.34 10.78
Over 243.70 41.5 2 7.69 8.12 8.55 8.97 9.40 9.83 10.26 10.68
Over 271.05 Over 243.70 45.0 3 8.18 8.64 9.09 9.55 10.00 10.45 10.91 11.36
</TABLE>
D-7
<PAGE>
II. COMBINED FEDERAL, NEW YORK STATE AND NEW YORK CITY INCOME TAXES
COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR JOINT TAXPAYERS WITH FOUR PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEDERAL COMBINED
FEDERAL ADJUSTED STATE,
TAXABLE GROSS LOCAL TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
INCOME INCOME AND FEDERAL --------------------------------------------------------------
(1,000'S) (1,000'S) TAX RATE1 4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00% 6.25%
------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 41.2 $ 0-100.00 24.5 % 5.96 6.29 6.62 6.95 7.28 7.62 7.95 8.28
100.00-121.20 26.0 6.08 6.42 6.76 7.09 7.43 7.77 8.11 8.45
41.2- 99.6 0-100.00 36.0 7.03 7.42 7.81 8.20 8.59 8.98 9.38 9.77
100.00-121.20 37.5 7.20 7.60 8.00 8.40 8.80 9.20 9.60 10.00
121.20-150.00 38.5 7.32 7.72 8.13 8.54 8.94 9.35 9.76 10.16
150.0-181.80 37.0 7.14 7.54 7.94 8.33 8.73 9.13 9.52 9.92
99.6-151.75 0-100.00 39.0 7.38 7.79 8.20 8.61 9.02 9.43 9.84 10.25
100.0-121.20 40.0 7.50 7.92 8.33 8.75 9.17 9.58 10.00 10.42
121.20-150.00 41.0 7.63 8.05 8.47 8.90 9.32 9.75 10.17 10.59
150.00-181.80 40.0 7.50 7.92 8.33 8.75 9.17 9.58 10.00 10.42
181.80-304.30 42.0 7.76 8.19 8.62 9.05 9.48 9.91 10.34 10.78
151.75-271.05 121.20-150.00 45.5 8.26 8.72 9.17 9.63 10.09 10.55 11.01 11.47
150.00-181.80 44.5 8.11 8.56 9.01 9.46 9.91 10.36 10.81 11.26
181.80-304.30 47.0 8.49 8.96 9.43 9.91 10.38 10.85 11.32 11.79
Over 304.30 44.5 2 8.11 8.56 9.01 9.46 9.91 10.36 10.81 11.26
Over 271.05 181.80-304.30 50.5 9.09 9.60 10.10 10.61 11.11 11.62 12.12 12.63
Over 304.30 47.5 3 8.57 9.05 9.52 10.00 10.48 10.95 11.43 11.90
</TABLE>
COMBINED MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS WITH ONE PERSONAL EXEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEDERAL COMBINED
FEDERAL ADJUSTED STATE,
TAXABLE GROSS LOCAL TAX-FREE ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN
INCOME INCOME AND FEDERAL --------------------------------------------------------------
(1,000'S) (1,000'S) TAX RATE1 4.50% 4.75% 5.00% 5.25% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00% 6.25%
------------- ------------- ----------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 24.65 $ 0-100.00 24.5 % 5.96 6.29 6.62 6.95 7.28 7.62 7.95 8.28
100.00-121.20 25.0 6.00 6.33 6.67 7.00 7.33 7.67 8.00 8.33
24.65- 59.75 0-100.00 36.0 7.03 7.42 7.81 8.20 8.59 8.98 9.38 9.77
100.00-121.20 36.5 7.09 7.48 7.87 8.27 8.66 9.06 9.45 9.84
59.75-124.65 0-100.00 39.0 7.38 7.79 8.20 8.61 9.02 9.43 9.84 10.25
100.00-121.20 39.5 7.44 7.85 8.26 8.68 9.09 9.50 9.92 10.33
121.20-150.00 41.0 7.63 8.05 8.47 8.90 9.32 9.75 10.17 10.59
150.00-243.70 40.5 7.56 7.98 8.40 8.82 9.24 9.66 10.08 10.50
124.65-271.05 121.20-150.00 45.5 8.26 8.72 9.17 9.63 10.09 10.55 11.01 11.47
150.00-243.70 45.0 8.18 8.64 9.09 9.55 10.00 10.45 10.91 11.36
Over 243.70 44.5 2 8.11 8.56 9.01 9.46 9.91 10.36 10.81 11.26
Over 271.05 Over 243.70 47.5 3 8.57 9.05 9.52 10.00 10.48 10.95 11.43 11.90
</TABLE>
- ------------------
1 The table reflects the effect of the federal limitations on itemized
deductions (and the corresponding state limitations) and the deductions for
personal exemptions. They were designed to phase out certain benefits of these
deductions for higher income taxpayers. These limitations, in effect, raise the
marginal combined Federal and state tax rate to approximately 48.09 percent for
taxpayers filing a joint return and entitled to four personal exemptions and to
approximately 44.97 percent for taxpayers filing a single return entitled to
only one personal exemption and, in effect raise the marginal combined State,
New York City and Federal tax rate to approximately 50.65 percent for taxpayers
filing a joint return and entitled to four personal exemptions and to
approximately 47.69 percent, for taxpayers filing a single return entitled to
only one personal exemption. These limitations are subject to certain maximums,
which depend on the number of exemptions claimed and the total amount of the
taxpayer's itemized deductions. For example, the limitation on itemized
deductions will not cause a taxpayer to lose more than 80% of his allowable
Federal or state itemized deductions, with certain exceptions. The table also
reflects the New York State supplemental income tax based upon a taxpayer's New
York State taxable income and New York State adjusted gross income. This
supplemental tax results in an increased marginal state income tax rate to the
extent a taxpayer's New York State adjusted gross income ranges between $100,000
and $150,000. Although the table does reflect the effect of the state limitation
on itemized deductions that corresponds to the federal limitation, it does not
reflect additional limitations under which a New York taxpayer could lose up to
an additional 50 percent of his otherwise allowable itemized deductions, because
the affect of this limitation varies according to the particular amount of his
itemized deductions. The application of this limit may result in a higher tax
rate than indicated in the table for joint taxpayers with a New York adjusted
gross income of $200,000 to $250,000 or $475,000 to $525,000 or single taxpayers
with a New York adjusted gross income of $100,000 to $150,000 or $475,000 to
$525,000. The table assumes that a taxpayer's New York adjusted gross income
equals his Federal adjusted gross income. The table does not reflect the
treatment of various state and city tax credits that could affect the tax rate
of particular New York taxpayers.
2 Combined Federal and state tax rate reverts to 40.38% after the 80%
caps on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met. Combined state, New
York City and Federal tax rate reverts to 43.24% after the 80% cap on the
limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
3 Combined Federal and state tax rate reverts to 43.74% after the 80%
caps on the limitation on itemized deductions has been met. Combined state, New
York City and Federal tax rate reverts to 46.43% after the 80% cap on the
limitation on itemized deductions has been met.
D-8
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ELECTRONIC FILING AND PRINTED DOCUMENT.
Pursuant to Rule 499(c) (7) under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 20-11
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, Registrant hereby identifies those
differences in the foregoing document between the electronic format in which it
is filed and the printed form in which it will be circulated:
(1) The printed and distributed prospectus may be paged differently because
the printed document may contain a different amount of information on each page
from that contained in the electronic transmission.
(2) In the printed document, footnote symbols may include a "dagger" or
multiple "dagger". The "dagger" symbol is represented as # in the electronic
document.
(3) The printed and distributed prospectus will not contain the preliminary
prospectus legend included at the beginning of the first prospectus page.
<PAGE>
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
A. BONDING ARRANGEMENTS OF DEPOSITOR:
The Depositor has obtained the following Stockbrokers Blanket Bonds for its
officers, directors and employees:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INSURER/POLICY NO. AMOUNT
United Pacific Insurance Co. $10,000,000
Reliance Insurance Company
B 74 92 20
Aetna Casualty and Surety $10,000,000
08 F10618BCA
St. Paul Insurance Co. $ 6,000,000
400 HC 1051
</TABLE>
B. THIS AMENDMENT OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT COMPRISES THE FOLLOWING PAPERS AND
DOCUMENTS:
The facing sheet
The cross-reference sheet
The Prospectus
The signatures
Consents of Independent Public
Accountants and Counsel as indicated
Exhibits as listed on page S-5
C. EXPLANATORY NOTE:
This Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement contains multiple separate
prospectuses. Each prospectus will relate to an individual unit investment trust
and will consist of a Part A, a Part B and an Information Supplement. Each
prospectus will be identical with the exception of the respective Part A which
will contain the financial information specific to such underlying unit
investment trust.
D. UNDERTAKINGS:
1. With the exception of the information included in the state specific
appendices to the Information Supplement, which will vary depending upon the
make-up of a Fund or updated to reflect current events, any amendment to a
Fund's Information Supplement will be subject to the review of the staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission prior to distribution; and
2. The Information Supplement to the Trust will not include third party
financial information.
S-1
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
The Registrant, Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971 hereby identifies
Series 401, 507, 512, 515, 517, 519, 723, 814 and 823 of the Nuveen Tax-Exempt
Unit Trust (the former name of the Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust) for purposes of
the representations required by Rule 487 and represents the following:
(1) that the portfolio securities deposited in the series as to the
securities of which this Registration Statement is being filed do not differ
materially in type or quality from those deposited in such previous series;
(2) that, except to the extent necessary to identify the specific portfolio
securities deposited in, and to provide essential financial information for, the
series with respect to the securities of which this Registration Statement is
being filed, this Registration Statement does not contain disclosures that
differ in any material respect from those contained in the registration
statements for such previous series as to which the effective date was
determined by the Commission or the staff; and
(3) that it has complied with Rule 460 under the Securities Act of 1933.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant,
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971 has duly caused this Amendment of
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto
duly authorized in the City of Chicago and State of Illinois on November 19,
1997.
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 971
(Registrant)
By JOHN NUVEEN & CO. INCORPORATED
(Depositor)
By: Thomas C. Muntz
--------------------------------------
Vice President
Attest: Karen L. Healy
--------------------------------------
Assistant Secretary
S-2
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment of
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE* DATE
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Timothy T. Schwertfeger Chairman, Board of Directors )
Chief Executive Officer and )
Director )
)
Anthony T. Dean President, Chief Operating )
Officer and Director ) Larry Woods Martin
) Attorney-In-Fact**
)
John P. Amboian Chief Financial Officer and ) November 19, 1997
Executive Vice President )
)
)
O. Walter Renfftlen Vice President and Controller )
(Principal Accounting Officer) )
)
)
</TABLE>
- --------------
* The titles of the persons named herein represent their capacity in and
relationship to John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, the Depositor.
** The powers of attorney were filed on Form SE for Messrs. Renfftlen, Dean and
Schwertfeger with the Amendment to the Registration Statement on Form S-6 of
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 671 (File No. 33-49175). The Power of
Attorney for Messr. Amboian was filed with the Amendment to the Registration
statement on Form S-6 of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 823 (File No.
33-62325).
S-3
<PAGE>
971
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to the use of its name in the Prospectus
included in the Registration Statement is filed by this amendment as Exhibit 4.4
to the Registration Statement.
CONSENT OF CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
The consent of Chapman and Cutler to the use of its name in the Prospectus
included in the Registration Statement is contained in its opinions filed by
this amendment as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Registration Statement.
CONSENT OF STATE COUNSEL
The consents of special counsel to the Fund for state tax matters to the use
of their names in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement are
contained in their opinions filed by this amendment as Exhibit 3.3 to the
Registration Statement.
CONSENT OF STANDARD & POOR'S,
A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
The consent of Standard & Poor's, a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies,
to the use of its name in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement
is filed by this amendment as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement.
CONSENT OF KENNY S&P EVALUATION SERVICES
The consent of Kenny S&P Evaluation Services to the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement is filed by this amendment as
Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement.
CONSENT OF CARTER, LEDYARD & MILBURN
The consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn to the use of its name in the
Prospectus included in the Registration Statement is filed by this amendment as
Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement.
S-4
<PAGE>
LIST OF EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1.1(a) Copy of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust between John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
Depositor, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, Trustee (as Exibit 1.1 (a) to the Sponsor's
Registration Statement on Form S-6 relating to Series 823 of the Fund (file No.
33-62325) and incorporated herein by reference).
1.1(b) Trust Indenture and Agreement.
2.1 Copy of Certificate of Ownership (Included in Exhibit 1.1(a) on pages 2 to 8,
inclusive, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1 Opinion of counsel as to legality of securities being registered.
3.2 Opinion of counsel as to Federal income tax status of securities being registered.
3.3 Opinions of special state counsel to the Fund for state tax matters as to income tax
status to residents of the respective states of the units of the respective trusts and
consents to the use of their names in the Prospectus.
4.1 Consent of Standard & Poor's, a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
4.2 Consent of Kenny S&P Evaluation Services.
4.3 Consent of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn.
4.4 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
6.1 List of Directors and Officers of Depositor and other related information (incorporated
by reference to Form S-6 [File No. 33-62325] filed on September 7, 1995 on behalf of
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 823).
</TABLE>
S-5
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 1.1(B)
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 971
TRUST INDENTURE AND AGREEMENT
DATED NOVEMBER 19, 1997
This Trust Indenture and Agreement by and between John Nuveen & Co.
Incorporated, as Depositor and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee, sets forth
certain provisions in full and incorporates other provisions by reference to the
document entitled "Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust for Nuveen Tax-Free
Unit Trust, Series 823 and subsequent Series, effective September 7, 1995"
(herein called the "Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust"), and such
provisions as are set forth in full and such provisions as are incorporated by
reference constitute a single instrument. All references herein to Articles and
Sections are to Articles and Sections of the Standard Terms and Conditions of
Trust.
WITNESSETH THAT:
In consideration of the promises and of the mutual agreements herein
contained, the Depositor and the Trustee, agree as follows:
PART I
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRUST
Subject to the Provisions of Part II hereof, all the provisions contained in
the Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust are herein incorporated by reference
in their entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this instrument as fully
and to the same extent as though said provisions had been set forth in full in
this instrument.
PART II
SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRUST
The following special terms and conditions are hereby agreed to:
(a) The Bonds defined in Section 1.01(1) listed in Schedule A hereto have
been deposited in trust under this Trust Indenture and Agreement.
(b) The fractional undivided interest in and ownership of the Trust Fund
represented by each Unit for a Trust on the Initial Date of Deposit is the
amount set forth under the captions "Essential Information -- Fractional
Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit" in the Prospectus.
(c) The number of Units created of a Trust are as set forth under the
caption "Essential Information -- Number of Units" in the Prospectus for each
Trust.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Standard Terms and
Conditions of Trust, the phrase "Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust" shall be hereby
replaced with the phrase "Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust."
<PAGE>
In Witness Whereof, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, has caused this Trust
Indenture and Agreement for Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971 to be
executed by its President, one of its Vice Presidents or one of its Assistant
Vice Presidents and its corporate seal to be hereto affixed and attested by its
Secretary or its Assistant Secretary and The Chase Manhattan Bank has caused
this Trust Indenture and Agreement to be executed by one of its Vice Presidents
or Second Vice Presidents and its corporate seal to be hereto affixed and
attested to by one of its Assistant Treasurers; all as of the day, month and
year first above written.
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
Depositor
By Anna Kucinskis
Authorized Officer
(Seal)
Attest:
By Karen L. Healy
Assistant Secretary
The Chase Manhattan Bank, Trustee
By Timothy Kelley
Second Vice President
(Seal)
Attest:
By Joseph Lyons
Assistant Treasurer
SCHEDULE A TO THE TRUST INDENTURE AND AGREEMENT
SECURITIES INITIALLY DEPOSITED
IN
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 971
(Note: Incorporated herein and made a part hereof is the "Schedule of
Investments" as set forth for each Trust in the Prospectus.)
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.1
(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)
November 19, 1997
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
RE: NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 971
Gentlemen:
We have served as counsel for you, as depositor of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit
Trust, Series 971 (hereinafter referred to as the "Fund"), in connection with
the issuance under the Trust Indenture and Agreement dated the date hereof
between John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated, as Depositor, and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, as Trustee, of Units of fractional undivided interest in the one or more
Trusts of said Fund (hereinafter referred to as the "Units").
In connection therewith, we have examined such pertinent records and
documents and matters of law as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us
to express the opinions hereinafter set forth.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. The execution and delivery of the Trust Indenture and Agreement and the
establishment of book entry positions and the execution and issuance of
certificates evidencing the Units in the trusts of the Fund have been duly
authorized; and
2. The book entry positions and certificates evidencing the Units in each
Trusts of the Fund when duly established or duly executed and delivered by the
Depositor and the Trustee in accordance with the aforementioned Trust Indenture
and Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of such Trusts and
the Depositor in accordance with the terms thereof.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 333-38231) relating to the Units referred to
above and to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.
Respectfully submitted,
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.2
(ON CHAPMAN AND CUTLER LETTERHEAD)
November 19, 1997
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
RE: Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971
Gentlemen:
We have served as counsel for you, as Depositor of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit
Trust, Series 971 (the "Fund") in connection with the issuance under the Trust
Indenture and Agreement, dated the date hereof between John Nuveen & Co.
Incorporated, as Depositor, and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee, of Units
of fractional undivided interest (the "Units"), as evidenced by a book entry
position or certificate, if requested by the purchaser of Units, in the one or
more Trusts of said Fund.
We have also served as counsel for you in connection with all previous Series
of the Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust and as such have previously examined such
pertinent records and documents and matters of law as we have deemed necessary,
including (but not limited to) the Trust Indenture and Agreements with respect
to those series. We have also examined such pertinent records and documents and
matters of law as we have deemed necessary including (but not limited to) the
Trust Indenture and Agreement relating to Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series
971.
We have concluded that the Trust Indenture and Agreement for the Fund and its
counterpart in each of the prior issues of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust are in all
material respects substantially identical. For purposes of the following
opinions, it is assumed that each asset of the Trust is debt, the interest on
which is excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes.
Based upon the foregoing, and upon such matters of law as we consider to be
applicable, we are of the opinion that, under existing federal income law:
(i) Each of the Trusts will not be an association taxable as a corporation
but will be governed by the provisions of Subchapter J (relating to Trusts) of
Chapter 1, Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code").
(ii) Each Unitholder will be considered as owning a pro rata share of each
asset of the respective Trust of the Fund in the proportion that the number of
Units of such Trust held by him bears to the total number of outstanding Units
of such Trust. Under Subpart E, Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the Code, income of
each Trust will be treated as income of each Unitholder of the Trust in the
proportion described, and an item of Trust income will have the same character
in the hands of a Unitholder as it would have in the hands of the Trustee.
Accordingly, to the extent that the income of a Trust consists of interest and
original issue discount excludable from gross income under Section 103 of the
Code, such income will be excludable from Federal gross income of the
Unitholder, except in the case of a Unitholder who is a substantial user (or a
person related to such user) of a facility financed through issuance of any
industrial development bonds or certain private activity bonds held by the
Trust. In the case of such Unitholder who is a substantial user (and no other)
interest received with respect to his Units attributable to such industrial
development bonds or such private activity bonds is includable in his gross
income. To the extent the Trust holds bonds that are "specified private activity
bonds" within the meaning of Section 57(a)(5) of the Code, a Unitholder's pro
rata portion of the income on such Bonds will be included as an item of tax
preference in the computation of the alternative minimum tax applied to all
taxpayers (including non-corporate taxpayers) subject to the alternative minimum
tax. In the case of certain corporations, interest on all of the Bonds is
included in computing the alternative minimum tax pursuant to Sections 56(c) of
the Code and the branch profits tax imposed by Section 884 of the Code with
respect to U.S. branches of foreign corporations.
(iii) Gain or loss will be recognized to a Unitholder upon redemption or
sale of his Units. Such gain or loss is measured by comparing the proceeds of
such redemption or sale with the adjusted basis of the Units. If a Bond is
acquired with accrued interest, that portion of the price paid for the accrued
interest is added to the tax basis of the Bond. When this accrued interest is
received, it is treated as a return of capital and reduces the tax basis of the
Bond. If a Bond is purchased for a premium, the amount of the premium is added
to the tax basis of the Bond. Bond premium is amortized over the remaining term
of the Bond, and the tax basis of the Bond is reduced each tax year by the
amount of the premium amortized in that tax year. Unitholders must reduce the
tax basis of their Units for their share of accrued interest received by the
Trust, if any, on Bonds delivered after the Unitholders pay for their Units to
the extent that such interest accrued on such Bonds before the date the Trust
acquired ownership of the Bonds (and the amount of this reduction may exceed the
amount of accrued interest paid to the seller) and, consequently, such
Unitholders may have an increase in taxable gain or reduction in
<PAGE>
capital loss upon the disposition of such Units. Such gain or loss is measured
by comparing the proceeds of such redemption or sale with the adjusted basis of
such Units. In addition, such basis will be increased by both the Unitholder's
aliquot share of the accrued original issue discount (and market discount, if
the Unitholder elects to include market discount in income as it accrues) with
respect to each Bond held by the Trust with respect to which there was original
issue discount at the time the Bond was issued (or which was purchased with
market discount) and reduced by the annual amortization of bond premium, if any,
on Bonds held by the Trust.
(iv) If the Trustee disposes of a Trust asset (whether by sale, payment on
maturity, redemption or otherwise), gain or loss is recognized to the Unitholder
and the amount thereof is measured by comparing the Unitholder's aliquot share
of the total proceeds from the transaction with his basis for his fractional
interest in the asset disposed of. Such basis is ascertained by apportioning the
tax basis for his Units among each of the Trust assets (as of the date on which
his Units were acquired) ratably according to their values as of the valuation
date nearest the date on which he purchased such Units. A Unitholder's basis in
his Units and of his fractional interest in each Trust asset must be reduced by
the amount of his aliquot share of accrued interest received by the Trust, if
any, on Bonds delivered after the Unitholders pay for their Units to the extent
that such interest accrued on the Bonds before the Trust acquired ownership of
the Bonds (and the amount of this reduction may exceed the amount of accrued
interest paid to the seller), must be reduced by the annual amortization of bond
premium, if any, on Bonds held by the Trust; and must be increased by the
Unitholder's share of accrued original issue discount (and market discount, if
the Unitholder elects to include market discount in income as it accrues) with
respect to each Bond which, at the time the Bond was issued, had original issue
discount (or which was purchased with market discount).
(v) In the case of any Bond held by the Trust where the "stated redemption
price at maturity" exceeds the "issue price," such excess shall be original
issue discount. With respect to each Unitholder, upon the purchase of his Units
subsequent to the original issuance of Bonds held by the Trust Section
1272(a)(7) of the Code provides for a reduction in the accrued "daily portion"
of such original issue discount upon the purchase of a Bond subsequent to the
Bond's original issue, under certain circumstances. In the case of any Bond held
by the Trust the interest on which is excludable from gross income under Section
103 of the Code, any original issue discount which accrues with respect thereto
will be treated as interest which is excludable from gross income under Section
103 of the Code.
(vi) In the case of Trusts for which MBIA Insurance Corporation ("MBIA")
insurance with respect to each of the Bonds deposited therein has been obtained
by the Depositor or the issuer or underwriter of the Bonds, we have examined the
form of MBIA's policy or several policies of insurance (the "Policies") which
have been delivered to the Trustee. Assuming issuance of Policies in such form,
in our opinion, any amounts paid under said Policies representing maturing
interest on defaulted Bonds held by the Trustee will be excludable from Federal
gross income if, and to the same extent as, such interest would have been so
excludable if paid in normal course of business by the respective issuer of the
defaulted Bonds, provided that, at the time such policies are purchased, the
amounts paid for such policies are reasonable, customary and consistent with the
reasonable expectation that the issuer of the Bonds, rather than the insurer,
will pay debt service on the Bonds. Paragraph (ii) of this opinion is
accordingly applicable to Policy proceeds representing maturing interest.
(vii) Certain bonds in the portfolio of the Trust have been insured by the
issuers, underwriters, the Sponsor or others against default in the prompt
payment of principal and interest (the "Insured Bonds"). Such Bonds are so
designated on the portfolio pages in the Prospectus for each Trust. Insurance on
Insured Bonds is effective so long as such Bonds remain outstanding. For each of
these Bonds, we have been advised that the aggregate principal amount of such
Bonds listed on the portfolio page was acquired by the Trust and are part of the
series of such Bonds in the listed aggregate principal amount. Based upon the
assumption that the Insured Bonds of the Trust are part of a series covered by
an insurance policy, it is our opinion that any amounts received by the Trust
representing maturing interest on such Bonds will be excludable from Federal
gross income if, and to the same extent as, such interest would have been so
excludable if paid in normal course by the Issuer provided that, at the time
such policies are purchased, the amounts paid for such policies are reasonable,
customary and consistent with the reasonable expectation that the issuer of the
Bonds, rather than the insurer will pay debt service on the Bonds. Paragraph
(ii) of this opinion is accordingly applicable to such payment.
Because the Trusts do not include any "private activity bonds" within the
meaning of Section 57(a)(5) of the Code issued on or after August 8, 1986, none
of the Trust Fund's interest income shall be treated as an item of tax
preference when computing the alternative minimum tax. In the case of
corporations, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986, the
alternative minimum tax and the Superfund Tax depend upon the corporation's
alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the corporation's taxable
income with certain adjustments.
Pursuant to Section 56(c) of the Code, one of the adjustment items used in
computing AMTI of a corporation (other than an S Corporation, Regulated
Investment Company, Real Estate Investment Trust or
<PAGE>
REMIC) for tax years beginning in 1989 is an amount equal to 75% of the excess
of such corporation's "adjusted current earnings" over an amount equal to its
AMTI (before such adjustment item and the alternative tax net operating loss
deduction). "Adjusted current earnings" includes all tax-exempt interest,
including interest on all Bonds in the Trust, and tax-exempt original issue
discount.
Sections 1288 and 1272 of the Code provide a complex set of rules governing
the accrual of original issue discount. These rules provide that original issue
discount accrues either on the basis of a constant compound interest rate or
ratably over the term of the Bond, depending on the date the Bond was issued. In
addition, special rules apply if the purchase price of a Bond exceeds the
original issue price plus the amount of original issue discount which would have
previously accrued based upon its issue price (its "adjusted issue price"). The
application of these rules will also vary depending on the value of the bond on
the date a Unitholder acquires his Units, and the price the Unitholder pays for
his Units.
Effective for tax returns filed after December 31, 1987, all taxpayers are
required to disclose to the Internal Revenue Service the amount of tax-exempt
interest earned during the year.
Section 265 of the Code provides for a reduction in each taxable year of 100%
of the otherwise deductible interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by
financial institutions, to which either Section 585 or Section 593 of the Code
applies, to purchase or carry obligations acquired after August 7, 1986 (with
certain exceptions),
the interest on which is exempt from Federal income taxes for such taxable year.
Under rules prescribed by Section 265, the amount of interest otherwise
deductible by such financial institutions in any taxable year which is deemed to
be attributable to tax-exempt obligations acquired after August 7, 1986, will
generally be the amount that bears the same ratio to the interest deduction
otherwise allowable (determined without regard to Section 265) to the taxpayer
for the taxable year as the taxpayer's average adjusted basis (within the
meaning of Section 1016) of tax-exempt obligations acquired after August 7,
1986, bears to such average adjusted basis for all assets of the taxpayer. The
U.S. Treasury Department has proposed extending the financial institution rules
to all corporations.
We also call attention to the fact that, under Section 265 of the Code,
interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry Units is not
deductible for Federal income tax purposes. Under rules used by the Internal
Revenue Service for determining when borrowed funds are considered used for the
purpose of purchasing or carrying particular assets, the purchase of Units may
be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though the borrowed
funds are not directly traceable to the purchase of Units. However, these rules
generally do not apply to interest paid on indebtedness incurred for
expenditures of a personal nature such as a mortgage incurred to purchase or
improve a personal residence.
"The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993" (the "Tax Act") subjects tax-exempt
bonds to the market discount rules of the Code effective for bonds purchased
after April 30, 1993. In general, market discount is the amount (if any) by
which the stated redemption price at maturity exceeds an investor's purchase
price (except to the extent that such difference, if any, is attributable to
original issue discount not yet accrued) subject to a statutory de minimis rule.
Market discount can arise based on the price a Trust pays for Bonds or the price
a Unitholder pays for his or her Units. Under the Tax Act, accretion of market
discount is taxable as ordinary income; under prior law, the accretion had been
treated as capital gain. Market discount that accretes while a Trust holds a
Bond would be recognized as ordinary income by the Unitholders when principal
payments are received on the Bond, upon sale or at redemption (including early
redemption), or upon the sale or redemption of his or her Units, unless a
Unitholder elects to include market discount in taxable income as it accrues.
We have not examined any of the Bonds to be deposited and held in the Trust
or the proceedings for the issuance thereof or the opinions of bond counsel with
respect thereto, and therefore express no opinion as to the exemption from State
income taxes of interest on the Bonds if received directly by a Unitholder.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 333-38231) relating to the Units referred to
above and to the use of our name and to the reference to our firm in said
Registration Statement and in the related Prospectus.
Respectfully submitted,
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.3
(ON CARLTON, FIELDS, WARD, EMMANUEL, SMITH & CUTLER, P.A. LETTERHEAD)
NOVEMBER 19, 1997
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971
Florida Insured Trust 250
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Attn: Gifford R. Zimmerman
Assistant General Counsel and
Vice President
Re: Florida Insured Trust 250
Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Florida counsel to Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,
Series 971 including the above-captioned trust (the "Fund") in connection with
the issuance by the Fund of units of fractional undivided interests in the Fund
(the "Units"). In that connection, you have requested our opinion as to the
application of Florida state and local taxes to the Trust (as hereinafter
defined) and to investors who purchase units in the Trust.
We have not been furnished with a copy of the Registration Statement or the
prospectus, which is a part of the Registration Statement, relating to the
issuance by the Fund of the Units. However, you have authorized us to assume
that the proposed offer and sale of the Units, including the units of the
Florida Trust, will be carried out in that same manner and upon the same terms
and conditions as those described in any prospectus for a previous Nuveen
Tax-Free Unit Trust that contained a Florida Insured Trust. In addition, you
have authorized us to assume and we have assumed that:
(a)--The Fund has been organized under a Trust Indenture and Agreement
between John Nuveen & Co., Incorporated (the "Depositor") and The Chase
Manhattan Bank (the "Trustee").
(b)--The Fund will issue the Units in several State Trusts; one of which is
the Florida Insured Trust (the "Trust").
(c)--The Units will be purchased by various investors who may be individuals
or corporations.
(d)--Each Unit of the Trust represents a fractional undivided interest in
the principal and net income of the Trust in the ratio of ten Units for each
$1,000 principal amount of the obligations initially acquired by the Trust.
(e)--Each Trust will be administered as a distinct entity with separate
certificates, investments, expenses, books, and records.
(f)--The assets of the Trust will consist solely of interest-bearing
obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of Florida, its political
subdivisions, and authorities or by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam or the
Virgin Islands.
(g)--Distributions of interest received by the Trust will be made
semi-annually, unless the Unitholder elects otherwise.
(h) The interest on all Bonds in the Trust will be exempt from Federal income
tax.(N.1)
(i)--The Bonds have been issued in strict compliance with all requirements
of Florida, Federal or territorial law.
(j)--The Fund is a registered investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended.
In rendering our opinion, you have advised us that Messrs. Chapman and
Cutler have rendered the following opinions and have authorized us to rely upon
such opinions and we have relied upon such opinions that:
(a)--The Trust will not be taxable as an association but will be governed by
the provisions of Subchapter J (relating to trusts) of Chapter 1 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(b)--Each Unitholder will be considered as owning a pro-rata share of each
asset of the Trust to which such Unit relates in the proportion that the number
of Units of the Trust held by him bears to the total number of outstanding Units
of the Trust and will be subject to Federal income tax on the income therefrom
under the provisions of Subpart E of Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(c)--The Trust will not be subject to Federal income taxes.
(d)--For Federal income tax purposes, each item of Trust income will have
the same character in the hands of a Unitholder as it would have in the hands of
the Trustee. Accordingly, to the extent that the income of the Trust consists of
<PAGE>
interest excludable from Federal gross income under Section 103 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, such income will be excludable from Federal
gross income of the Unitholders.
(e)--For Federal income tax purposes, each Unitholder will have a taxable
event when, upon redemption or sale of his Units, he receives cash or other
property. Gain or loss will be measured by comparing the proceeds of such a
redemption or sale with the Unitholder's adjusted basis for the Unit. Before
adjustment, generally this basis would be cost, if the Unitholder had purchased
his Units, plus his share of certain advances by the Trustee to the Trust and
certain accrued original issue discount. For Federal income tax purposes, if the
Trustee disposes of a Trust asset (whether by sale, payment on maturity,
retirement, or otherwise), gain or loss will be recognized by each Unitholder,
and such gain or loss is computed by measuring the Unitholder's aliquot share of
the total proceeds from the transaction against his basis for his fractional
interest in the asset disposed of (such basis being determined by apportioning
the basis for his Units among all of the Trust's assets ratably according to
their values as of the valuation date nearest the date on which he purchased the
Units). A Unitholder's basis in his Units and the basis for his fractional
interest in each Trust asset must be reduced by the amount of his aliquot share
of interest received, if any, on Bonds delivered after the Unitholder's
settlement date to the extent that such interest accrued on the Bonds during the
period from the Unitholder's settlement date to the date such Bonds are
delivered to the Trust and must be reduced annually by amortization of premiums,
if any, on obligations held by the Trust.
For the purposes of this letter:
(a)--"Florida Code" shall mean the Florida Income Tax Code, Chapter 220,
Florida Statutes, as amended. In the Florida Income Tax Code, Chapter 220,
Florida Statutes, the Florida Legistature has adopted, retroactively to January
1, 1997, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect on January
1, 1997, as the Internal Revenue Code under which a Corporate Unitholder must
compute its income for purposes of Florida corporate income taxation.
(b)--"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in
effect on January 1, 1997.
(c)--"Non-Corporate Unitholder" shall mean a Unitholder of the Florida Trust
who is an individual not subject to the income tax on corporations imposed by
the Florida Code.
(d)--"Corporate Unitholder" shall mean a Unitholder of the Florida Trust
that is a corporation subject to the income tax on corporations imposed by the
Florida Code.
(e)--"Nonbusiness Income" is defined in the Florida Code and shall mean
rents and royalties from real or tangible personal property, capital gains,
interest, dividends, and patent and copyright royalties, to the extent that they
do not arise from transactions and activities in the regular course of a
Corporate Unitholder's trade or business. The term Nonbusiness Income does not
include income from tangible and intangible property if the acquisition,
management, and disposition of the property constitute integral parts of a
Corporate Unitholder's regular trade or business operations, or any amounts
which could be included in apportionable income without violating the due
process clause of the United States Constitution. For purposes of this
definition, "income" means gross receipts less all expenses directly or
indirectly attributable thereto.
(f)--"Commercial domicile" shall mean the place that a corporation maintains
its principal place of business. The term "commercial domicile" is not
specifically defined in Florida law for Florida corporate income tax purposes.
However, the Florida Supreme Court has on at least two occasions attributed
meaning to this phrase, and recently enacted legislation amending Florida's
intangible personal property tax law defines this phrase. The Court has implied
that a corporation's commercial domicile is its principal place of business,
Department of Revenue v. Amrep Corp., 358 So.2d 1343, 1350 (Fla. 1978). The
Court also stated in another case that a particular corporation's domicile was
in New York City where its head office and the actual seat of its over-all
business government was located and from where its executive officers regularly
exercised their complete authority and controlled and directed all activities of
the corporation, wherever carried on. Gay v. Bessemer Properties, Inc., 32 So.2d
587, 591 (Fla. 1947). In recently enacted legislation, a corporation is
considered to acquire a commercial domicile in Florida "when it maintains its
chief or principal office in [Florida] where executive or management functions
are performed or where the course of business operations is determined." Section
199.175 (1)(b), Florida Statutes (1989).
Based solely upon the assumptions you have permitted us to make and the
opinions of Messrs. Chapman and Cutler upon which you have authorized us to
rely, we are of the opinion that:
(a)--For Florida state income tax purposes, the Trust will not be subject to
the income tax imposed by the Florida Code so long as the Trust has no income
subject to federal income taxation. In addition, political subdivisions of
Florida do not impose any income taxes.
(b)--Because Florida does not impose an income tax on individuals,
Non-Corporate Unitholders will not be subject to any Florida income tax on
income realized by the Trust. Each Corporate Unitholder will be subject to
Florida income taxation on its share of the income realized by the Trust
notwithstanding the tax exempt status of the interest received from any bonds
under Section 103(a) of the Code or any other federal law, unless the interest
income constitutes
<PAGE>
Nonbusiness Income. Nevertheless, any Corporate Unitholder that has its
commercial domicile in Florida will be taxable under the Florida Code on its
share of the Trust income which constitutes Nonbusiness Income.
(c)--A Non-Corporate Unitholder will not be subject to Florida income
taxation with respect to gain realized when Bonds held in the Trust are sold,
redeemed, or paid at maturity. A Corporate Unitholder will be subject to Florida
income taxation with respect to gain realized on such a sale, redemption, or
payment at maturity of a Bond held by the Trust, except to the extent that the
gain realized therefrom constitutes Nonbusiness Income. Nevertheless, to the
extent that gains realized by a Corporate Unitholder arising from a sale,
redemption, or payment at maturity constitute Nonbusiness Income, such gain will
be taxable under the Florida Code if the Corporate Unitholder's commercial
domicile is in Florida.
(d)--Any gain realized by a Non-Corporate Unitholder from the redemption,
sale, or other disposition of a Unit will not be subject to Florida income tax.
Any gain realized by a Corporate Unitholder from the redemption, sale, or other
disposition of a Unit will be subject to Florida income tax except to the extent
that the gain realized therefrom constitutes Nonbusiness Income. Nevertheless,
to the extent that gain realized by a Corporate Unitholder arising from a sale,
redemption, or other disposition of a Unit consitutes Nonbusiness Income, such
gain will be taxable under the Florida Code if the Corporate Unitholder's
commercial domicile is in Florida.
(e)--A Non-Corporate Unitholder will not be subject to Florida income
taxation with respect to amounts paid under the Municipal Bond Investors
Assurance Corporation insurance policies representing interest on defaulted
obligations held by the Trustee. A Corporate Unitholder will be subject to
Florida income taxation on its share of amounts paid under the Municipal Bond
Investors Assurance Corporation insurance policies representing maturing
interest on defaulted obligations held by the Trustee except to the extent that
such payments constitute Nonbusiness Income as defined in the Florida Code.
Nevertheless, any Corporate Unitholder that has its commercial domicile in
Florida will be taxable under the Florida Code on its share of amounts paid
under the Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation insurance policies
representing maturing interest on defaulted obligations held by the Trustee even
if such payments constitute Nonbusiness Income.
(f)--A Non-Corporate Unitholder will not be subject to Florida income
taxation with respect to gain realized with respect to amounts paid under the
Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation insurance policies representing
principal on defaulted obligations held by the Trustee. A Corporate Unitholder
will be subject to Florida income taxation with respect to gain realized on its
share of amounts paid under the Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation
insurance policies representing principal on defaulted obligations held by the
Trustee except to the extent that the gain realized constitutes Nonbusiness
Income. Nevertheless, gain realized, by any Corporate Unitholder that has its
commercial domicile in Florida, on such payments representing principal on
defaulted obligations held by the Trustee, will be taxable under the Florida
Code even if such payments constitute Nonbusiness Income.
(g)--Even if interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a Unitholder
to purchase Units in the Trust is not deductible for Federal income tax
purposes, under Code section 265(a)(2) or any other law, it will be deductible,
in effect, by Corporate Unitholders for Florida income tax purposes if interest
earned on the Units is other than Nonbusiness Income. Nevertheless, if interest
earned on the Units is Nonbusiness Income, any Corporate Unitholder that has its
commercial domicile in Florida may reduce the amount of interest included as
Nonbusiness Income by the amount of expenses directly or indirectly attributable
thereto.
(h)--Trust Units will be subject to Florida estate tax only if owned by
Florida residents and may be subjected to Florida estate tax if owned by other
decendents. However, the Florida estate tax is limited to the amount of the
credit allowable under the applicable Federal Revenue Act (currently Section
2011 (and in some cases Section 2102) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) for death taxes actually paid to the several states.
(i)--Neither the Bonds nor the Units will be subject to the Florida ad
valorem tax or Florida sales or use tax.
(j)--Because Bonds issued by the State of Florida, its political
subdivisions or by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands,
are exempt from Florida intangible personal property taxation under Chapter 199,
Florida Statutes, the Trust will not be subject to Florida intangible personal
property tax. In addition, the Unitholders will not be subject to Florida
intangible personal property tax on the Units.
(k)--The sale, redemption, or other disposition by the Trust of Bonds issued
by the State of Florida, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin
Islands, will not subject either the Trust or the Unitholders to Florida
documentary stamp tax.
(l)--The issuance and sale of the Units by the Trust will not subject either
the Trust or the Unitholders to Florida documentary stamp tax.
(m)--The transfer of Units by a Unitholder will not be subject to Florida
documentary stamp tax.
This opinion is limited to the law in effect as of the date hereof and we
assume no responsibility for changes in the law that may become effective
subsequent to the date of this opinion. Furthermore, this letter is not to be
construed as a prediction of a favorable outcome with respect to any issue for
which no favorable prediction is made herein, or as a guaranty of any tax
result, or as offering an assurance or guaranty that a Florida state or local
taxing authority might not
<PAGE>
differ with our conclusions, or raise other questions or issues upon audit, or
that such action may not be judicially sustained.
We have not examined any of the Bonds to be deposited in the Fund and held
by the Trust, and we express no opinion as to whether the interest on any such
Bonds would, in fact, be tax-exempt if directly received by a Unitholder; nor
have we made any review of the proceedings relating to the issuance of the Bonds
or the basis for the bond counsel opinions or the opinions of Messrs. Chapman
and Cutler referred to herein.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement (File No. 333-38231) and to the reference to our firm in
such Registration Statement and the Prospectus included therein. In giving such
consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons
whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
- ---------
(N.1) Section 2.01 of the Indenture provides that if the Depositor fails to
deposit Bonds, through no fault of its own, the Depositor may, as provided in
Section 3.14 of said Indenture, purchase replacement bonds (referred to as "New
Bonds") that will also be tax exempt bonds issued by the same states or their
respective political subdivisions.
Very truly yours,
CARLTON FIELDS WARD EMMANUEL SMITH & CUTLER, P.A.
By: David P. Burke
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.3
(ON EDWARDS & ANGELL LETTERHEAD)
NOVEMBER 19, 1997
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971
In care of John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Attention of Gifford R. Zimmerman, Esq.
Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary
The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Trustee of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971
Nuveen Administration Department
4 New York Plaza-Third Floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
Re: Massachusetts Insured Trust 149
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as special counsel, with respect to Massachusetts State and
local tax matters, to the above mentioned Trust(s) ("Trust(s)") of Nuveen Tax-
Free Unit Trust, Series 971 (the "Fund") concerning a Registration Statement
(No. 333-38231) on Form S-6 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Registration Statement"), covering the issuance by the Fund of Units of
fractional undivided interest in the Fund.
We have not been furnished with a copy of the Registration Statement or the
prospectus, which is a part of the Registration Statement, relating to the
issuance by the Fund of the Units. However, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated has
authorized us to assume that the proposed offer and sale of the Units will be
carried out in that same manner and upon the same terms and conditions as that
described in the prospectus for the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust, Series 351 --
Massachusetts Trust 182, dated November 6, 1985.
We have been furnished with a copy of the opinion of Chapman and Cutler on
the federal tax status of the Fund, its constituent Trusts and their
Unitholders.
In addition, we have also examined applicable Massachusetts law and a ruling
of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue dated February 7, 1985, relating to
Multi-State Series 162.
Based on the foregoing it is our opinion that under existing law and
administration of the affairs of the Trust(s):
A.--For Massachusetts income tax purposes, each Trust will be treated as a
corporate trust under Section 8 of Chapter 62 of the Massachusetts General Laws
("M.G.L.") and not as a grantor trust under Section 10(e) of M.G.L. Chapter 62.
B.--The Trust(s) will not be held to be engaging in business in
Massachusetts within the meaning of said Section 8 and will, therefore, not be
subject to Massachusetts income tax.
C.--Unitholders who are subject to Massachusetts income taxation under
M.G.L. Chapter 62 will not be required to include their respective shares of the
earnings of or distributions from the Trust(s) in their Massachusetts gross
income to the extent that such earnings or distributions represent tax-exempt
interest excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes received
by the Trust(s) on obligations issued by Massachusetts, its counties,
municipalities, authorities, political subdivisions or instrumentalities or by
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or other
possessions of the United States within the meaning of Section 103(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Obligations").
D.--In the case of a Massachusetts Insured Trust, Unitholders who are
subject to Massachusetts income taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 62 will not be
required to include their respective shares of the earnings of or distributions
from such Trust in their Massachsetts gross income to the extent that such
earnings or distributions are derived from the proceeds of insurance obtained by
the Sponsor of such Trust or by the issuer or underwriter of an obligation held
by such Trust that represent maturing interest on defaulted obligations held by
the Trustee, if and to the same extent that such earnings or distributions would
have been excludable from the gross income of such Unitholders if derived from
interest paid by the issuer of the defaulted obligation.
<PAGE>
E.--Unitholders which are corporations subject to taxation under M.G.L.
Chapter 63 will be required to include their respective shares of the earnings
of or distributions from the Trust(s) in their Massachusetts gross income to the
extent that such earnings or distributions represent interest from bonds, notes
or indebtedness of any state, including Massachusetts, except for interest which
is specifically exempted from such tax by the acts authorizing issuance of said
Obligations.
F.--Each Trust's capital gains and/or capital losses which are includable in
the federal gross income of Unitholders who are subject to Massachusetts income
taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 62, or Unitholders which are corporations subject
to Massachusetts taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 63 will be included as capital
gains and/or losses in the Unitholders' Massachusetts gross income, except for
capital gain which is specifically exempted from taxation under such Chapters by
the acts authorizing issuance of said Obligations.
G.--Unitholders which are corporations subject to tax under M.G.L. Chapter
63 and which are tangible property corporations will not be required to include
the Units when determining the value of their tangible property; such
Unitholders which are intangible property corporations will be required to
include the Units when determining their net worth.
H.--Gains or losses realized on sales or redemptions of Units by Unitholders
who are subject to Massachusetts income taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 62 or
Unitholders which are corporations subject to Massachusetts taxation under
M.G.L. Chapter 63 will be includable in their Massachusetts gross income. In
determining such gain or loss Unitholders will, to the same extent required for
Federal tax purposes, have to adjust their tax bases for their Units for accrued
interest received, if any, on Obligations delivered to the Trustee after the
Unitholders pay for their Units, for amortization of premiums, if any, on
Obligations held by the Trust(s), and for accrued original issue discount with
respect to each Obligation which, at the time the Obligation was issued, had
original issue discount.
I.--The Units of the Trust(s) are not subject to any property tax levied by
Massachusetts or any political subdivision thereof, nor to any income tax levied
by any such political subdivision. They are includable in the gross estate of a
deceased Unitholder who is a resident of Massachusetts for purposes of the
Massachusetts Estate Tax.
The foregoing opinions are based upon present provisions of federal and
Massachusetts law, administrative interpretations thereof and court decisions.
With respect to Unitholders which are corporations subject to Massachusetts
taxation under M.G.L. Chapter 63, no opinion is rendered on the includability of
their respective shares of the earnings of or distributions from the Trust(s) in
their Massachusetts gross income to the extent that such earnings or
distributions represent interest from bonds, notes, or indebtedness of Puerto
Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or other
possessions of the United States within the meaning of Section 103(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm in such Registration
Statement and the Prospectus included therein.
Very truly yours,
EDWARDS & ANGELL
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.3
(ON PITNEY, HARDIN, KIPP & SZUCH LETTERHEAD)
NOVEMBER 19, 1997
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
RE: Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971
New Jersey Insured Trust 224
Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel, with respect to New Jersey state tax
matters, to Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971 (the "Fund") concerning a
Registration Statement (No. 333-38231) on Form S-6 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, covering the issuance by the Fund of units of fractional
undivided interest (the "Units") in several state trusts (the "State Trusts"),
one of which is the above-captioned trust ("New Jersey Trust"). Such Units will
be purchased by various investors ("Unitholders").
The Fund is organized under a Trust Indenture and Agreement (the
"Indenture") of even date herewith between John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated (the
"Depositor") and The Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Trustee"). Each Unit of the New
Jersey Trust represents a fractional undivided interest in the principal and net
income of the New Jersey Trust in the ratio of ten Units for each one thousand
dollars ($1,000) of principal amount of the obligations initially acquired by
the New Jersey Trust. The New Jersey Trust will be administered as a distinct
entity with separate certificates, investments, expenses, books and records.
In acting as special counsel, we have examined such documents and records
with respect to the immediately preceding series of Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust
- -Series which included a State Trust consisting primarily of Bonds (herein
defined) (the "Prior Series") as we deem necessary, including, but not limited
to, the Trust Indenture and Agreement (the "Prior Series Indenture") and the
Prospectus. You have advised that the Indenture is identical in all material
respects to the Prior Series Indenture. You have also advised that the opinion
of Messrs. Chapman and Cutler with respect to the Federal income tax status of
the Fund, its constituent State Trusts and its Unitholders is in all material
respects identical to the opinion issued by Messrs. Chapman and Cutler for the
Prior Series.
We note that the assets of the New Jersey Trust will consist of
interest-bearing obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of New Jersey,
and counties, municipalities, authorities and other political subdivisions
thereof, and certain territories of the United States including Puerto Rico,
Guam, the Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands (the "Bonds").
Distributions of the interest received by the New Jersey Trust will be made to
each Unitholder semi-annually unless the Unitholder elects to receive such
distributions on a monthly or quarterly basis. In the opinion of bond counsel to
each issuer, the interest on all Bonds in the New Jersey Trust is exempt from
Federal income tax under existing law.
We understand that on this date (the "Date of Deposit") the Depositor has
deposited with the Trustee the total principal amount of interest-bearing
obligations and/or contracts for the purchase thereof together with an
irrevocable letter of credit in the amount required for the purchase price and
accrued interest, if any, and an insurance policy or policies purchased by the
Depositor and issued by the Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation (the
"Insurer") evidencing the insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of principal
and interest of some of the obligations comprising the corpus of the Fund, as
more fully set forth in the Preliminary Prospectus. All other obligations
included in the deposit described above will be covered by insurance obtained by
the issuer of such obligations from the Insurer guaranteeing timely payment of
principal and interest. Such insurance will provide that the amount paid by the
Insurer in respect of any Bond may not exceed the amount of principal and
interest due on the Bond and such payment will in no event relieve the issuer
from its continuing obligation to pay such defaulted principal and interest in
accordance with the terms of the obligation.
Section 2.04 of the Indenture provides that each State Trust is a separate
and distinct trust for all purposes, the assets of one State Trust may not be
commingled with the assets of any other State Trust, and that the expenses of
one State Trust shall not be charged against any other State Trust. Section 2.04
further provides that the certificates representing the ownership of an
undivided fractional interest in one State Trust shall not be exchangeable for
certificates representing the ownership of an undivided fractional interest in
any other State Trust.
The Indenture provides further, among other things, that the Trustee shall:
A.--Collect all interest and monies payable to the New Jersey Trust, and
hold the funds collected in trust on behalf of the Unitholders of the New Jersey
Trust;
<PAGE>
B.--Set aside from such funds any amounts necessary for the reimbursement of
advances and for the payment of expenses, taxes and governmental charges in
respect of the New Jersey Trust;
C.--Distribute all remaining amounts semi-annually, or monthly or quarterly
if so elected by a Unitholder, to the Unitholders in proportion to their
interest in the New Jersey Trust;
D.--Redeem any certificates tendered for redemption by a Unitholder provided
that the Trustee has notified the Depositor of the tender and the Depositor has
failed to indicate within a time specified in the Indenture that it will
purchase the tendered certificates from the tendering Unitholder;
E.--Sell or liquidate any or all Bonds at the sole direction of the
Depositor and at such price and time and in such manner as shall be determined
by the Depositor, provided that the Depositor has determined that any one or
more of certain conditions specified in the Indenture exists;
F.--In connection with an offer made by an obligor of any of the Bonds to
issue new obligations, in exchange and substitution for any issue of Bonds
pursuant to a plan for the refunding or refinancing of such Bonds, pursuant to
the sole instruction of the Depositor in writing, reject such offer and either
hold or sell such Bonds, or accept or reject such offer or to take any other
action with respect thereto as the Depositor may deem proper; and
G.--At the direction of the Depositor, acquire Replacement Bonds, as defined
in the Prospectus, to make up the original corpus of the New Jersey Trust in the
event of a failure to deliver any Bond that has been purchased for the New
Jersey Trust under a contract, including those Bonds purchased on a "when, as
and if issued" basis.
The Trustee has no power of sale except (a) on order of the Depositor as
stated herein, (b) to provide funds, not otherwise available, to pay taxes,
charges, expenses, fees or indemnities, (c) in case of default on any of the
Bonds, but only after notification of the Depositor, and provided that the
Depositor has not, within 30 days of such notification, given any instructions
to sell or to hold, or has not taken any other action in connection with, such
Bonds, or (d) for the purpose of redeeming certificates tendered by any
Unitholder. The Trustee has no power to reinvest, except as stated in Section
3.08 of the Indenture. Such limited power of reinvestment is in furtherance of
the Trustee's obligation to protect the trust assets, and does not constitute
power to vary investments.
The Indenture provides further, among other things, that the Unitholders:
A.--May tender their certificate or certificates to the Trustee for
redemption except in limited circumstances;
B.--Will not have any right to vote or in any manner otherwise control the
operation and management of the Fund, the New Jersey Trust, or the obligations
of the Depositor or Trustee;
C.--May elect to receive distributions from the New Jersey Trust on a
monthly or quarterly basis;
D.--May terminate the New Jersey Trust at any time by written consent of
100% of the Unitholders of the New Jersey Trust; and
E.--Shall be under no liability to any third persons by reason of any action
taken by the Depositor or Trustee or any other Unitholder, or any other cause
whatsoever.
You have advised that, in the opinion of Messrs. Chapman and Cutler, for
Federal income tax purposes the Fund and New Jersey Trust will not be taxable as
a corporation or association but will be governed by the provisions of
Subchapter J (relating to trusts) of Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended. Each Unitholder will be considered the owner of a pro rata
portion of the New Jersey Trust and will be subject to tax on the income
therefrom under the provisions of Subpart E of Subchapter J of Chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The New Jersey Trust itself will not
be subject to Federal income taxes. For Federal income tax purposes, each item
of trust income will have the same character in the hands of the Unitholder as
it would have in the hands of the Trustee. Accordingly, to the extent that the
income of the New Jersey Trust consists of interest excludable from gross income
under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, such income
will be excludable from Federal gross income of the Unitholder. Furthermore, any
proceeds paid under the insurance policy or policies issued to the Trustee of
the Fund with respect to each Bond which represent maturing interest on
defaulted obligations held by the Trustee will be excludable from Federal gross
income if, and to the same extent as, such interest would have been so
excludable if paid by the issuer of the defaulted obligations and the
excludability from Federal gross income of interest on Bonds which may be
insured by policies issued directly to the respective Bond issuers will not be
affected if the source of any interest payment is from policy proceeds.
Based on our examination of the Prior Series Indenture, your advice that the
Indenture is identical in all material respects to the Prior Series Indenture,
your advice that the opinion of Messrs. Chapman and Cutler with respect to the
Federal income tax status of the Fund, its constituent State Trusts and its
Unitholders dated as of the date hereof is identical in all material respects to
its counterpart in the Prior Series, and, with respect to Federal income tax
matters, with your approval, relying solely upon the opinion of Messrs. Chapman
and Cutler, and our examination of such other documents, records and matters of
law as we deem necessary, we are of the opinion that for New Jersey state and
local tax purposes:
<PAGE>
1.--The New Jersey Trust will be recognized as a trust and not an
association taxable as a corporation. The New Jersey Trust will not be subject
to the New Jersey Corporation Business Tax or the New Jersey Corporation Income
Tax.
2.--With respect to the non-corporate Unitholders who are residents of New
Jersey, the income of the New Jersey Trust which is allocable to each such
Unitholder will be treated as the income of such Unitholder under the New Jersey
Gross Income Tax. Interest on the underlying Bonds which would be exempt from
New Jersey Gross Income Tax if directly received by such Unitholder will retain
its status as tax-exempt interest when received by the New Jersey Trust and
distributed to such Unitholder. Any proceeds paid under the insurance policy or
policies issued to the Trustee of the Fund with respect to each Bond or under
individual policies obtained by issuers of Bonds which represent maturing
interest on defaulted obligations held by the Trustee will be exempt from New
Jersey Gross Income Tax if, and to the same extent as, such interest would have
been so exempt if paid by the issuer of the defaulted obligations.
3.--A non-corporate Unitholder will not be subject to the New Jersey Gross
Income Tax on any gain realized either when the New Jersey Trust disposes of a
Bond (whether by sale, exchange, redemption, or payment at maturity), when the
Unitholder redeems or sells his Units, or upon payment of any proceeds under the
insurance policy or policies issued to the Trustee of the Fund with respect to
each Bond or under individual policies obtained by issuers of Bonds which
represent maturing principal on defaulted obligations held by the Trustee. Any
loss realized on such disposition may not be utilized to offset gains realized
by such Unitholder on the disposition of assets the gain on which is subject to
the New Jersey Gross Income Tax.
4.--Units of the New Jersey Trust may be taxable on the death of a
Unitholder under the New Jersey Transfer Inheritance Tax Law or the New Jersey
Estate Tax Law.
5.--If a Unitholder is a corporation subject to the New Jersey Corporation
Business Tax or New Jersey Corporation Income Tax, interest from the Bonds in
the New Jersey Trust which is allocable to such corporation will be includable
in its entire net income for purposes of the New Jersey Corporation Business Tax
or New Jersey Corporation Income Tax, less any interest expense incurred to
carry such investment to the extent such interest expense has not been deducted
in computing Federal taxable income. Net gains derived by such corporation on
the disposition of the Bonds by the New Jersey Trust or on the disposition of
its Units will be included in its entire net income for purposes of the New
Jersey Corporation Business Tax or New Jersey Corporation Income Tax. Any
proceeds paid under the insurance policy or policies issued to the Trustee of
the Fund with respect to each Bond or under individual policies obtained by
issuers of Bonds which represent maturing interest or maturing principal on
defaulted obligations held by the Trustee will be included in its entire net
income for purposes of the New Jersey Corporation Business Tax or New Jersey
Corporation Income Tax if, and to the same extent as, such interest or proceeds
would have been so included if paid by the issuer of the defaulted obligations.
We have not examined any of the obligations to be deposited in the Fund, and
express no opinion as to whether the interest on any such obligations would in
fact be tax-exempt if directly received by a Unitholder; nor have we made any
review of the proceedings relating to the issuance of Bonds or the basis for
bond counsel opinions.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm and a summary of this
opinion included in such Registration Statement and the Prospectus included
therein. In giving such consent we do not thereby admit that we are in the
category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Except as indicated in the immediately preceding paragraph hereof and except
with our prior written consent, this opinion may not be quoted in whole or in
part or otherwise referred to in any document or instrument or be furnished to
or relied upon by any person other than the addressee and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, as Trustee (including any successor trustee).
Very truly yours,
Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.3
(ON EDWARDS & ANGELL LETTERHEAD)
NOVEMBER 19, 1997
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,
Series 971
In care of John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Attention of Gifford R. Zimmerman
Vice President, Assistant General Counsel
and Assistant Secretary
The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Trustee of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust,
Series 971
4 New York Plaza, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10004-2413
Re:--New York Insured Trust 274
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as special counsel, with respect to New York State and New
York City tax matters, to the above Trusts(s) ("New York Trust(s)") of Nuveen
Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971 (the "Fund") concerning a Registration Statement
(No. 333-38231) on Form S-6 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Registration Statement"), covering the issuance by the New York Trusts(s) of
units of fractional undivided interest in the New York Trust(s)( "Units").
We have not been furnished with a copy of the Registration Statement or the
prospectus, which is a part of the Registration Statement, relating to the
issuance by the New York Trust(s) of the Units. However, John Nuveen & Co.
Incorporated has authorized us to assume that the proposed offer and sale of the
Units will be carried out in that same manner and upon the same terms and
conditions as that described in the prospectus for the Nuveen Tax Exempt Unit
Trust, Insured Series 193, dated May 19, 1989, which we were furnished and did
examine. In the case of a Fund which contains a New York Insured Trust or New
York Intermediate Insured Trust, we also were not furnished the Insurance
Agreement (the "Policy") between the Municipal Bond Investors Assurance
Corporation (the "Insurer"), the Depositor and the Trustee. However, John Nuveen
& Co. Incorporated has authorized us to assume that the Policy will be
implemented at the closing of the Trust and be in substance and form materially
similiar to the Policy applicable to New York Insured Trust 108, which we were
furnished and did examine.
We have not been furnished with a copy of the Opinion of Chapman & Cutler on
the Federal Tax status of the Fund, its constituent Trusts and their
Unitholders. However, John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated has authorized us to assume
that such Opinion will be in substance and form materially similar to that which
was issued in connection with Nuveen Tax Exempt Unit Trust, Insured Series 193
dated May 19, 1989, which we were furnished and did examine.
Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, for purposes of New York
State and New York City franchise taxes, a New York Trust will be a trust not an
association taxable as a corporation; the proposed activities of a New York
Trust will not constitute doing business within the meaning of section 208.1 of
the New York Tax Law or section R46-3.0 of the N.Y.C. Administrative Code; a New
York Trust will not be subject to New York State or New York City franchise tax
imposed on business corporations; a New York Trust will not be subject to the
unincorporated business income tax imposed by Article 23 of the N.Y. Tax Law or
Chapter 46, Title S of the N.Y.C. Administrative Code; and the income of a New
York Trust will be treated as income of the Unitholders.
We are further of the opinion that, under existing laws and administration
of the affairs of the New York Trust(s):
(A)--Interest on obligations issued by New York State, a political
subdivision thereof, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana
Islands, or other possessions of the United States within the meaning of Section
103(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, ("Obligations") which
would be exempt from New York State or New York City personal income tax if
directly received by a Unitholder, will retain its status as tax-exempt interest
when received by a New York Trust and distributed to such Unitholder;
(B)--Interest (less amortizable premium, if any) derived from a New York
Trust by a Unitholder who is a resident of New York State (or New York City) in
respect of Obligations issued by states other than New York (or their political
subdivisions) will be subject to New York State (or New York City) personal
income tax;
<PAGE>
(C)--A Unitholder who is a resident of New York State (or New York City)
will be subject to New York State (or New York City) personal income tax with
respect to gains realized when Obligations held in the Unitholder's respective
New York Trust are sold, redeemed or paid at maturity or when the Unitholder's
Units are sold or redeemed; such gain will equal the proceeds of sale,
redemption or payment less the tax basis of the Obligation or Unit (adjusted to
reflect (a) the amortization of premium or discount (if any) on Obligations held
by the New York Trust, (b) accrued original issue discount with respect to each
Obligation which, at the time the Obligation was issued, had original issue
discount, and (c) the deposit of Obligations with accrued interest in the New
York Trust after the Unitholder's settlement date);
(D)--Interest or gain from a New York Trust derived by a Unitholder who is
not a resident of New York State (or New York City) will not be subject to New
York State (or New York City) personal income tax, unless the Units are property
employed in a business, trade, profession or occupation carried on in New York
State (or New York City);
(E)--In the case of a New York Insured Trust or New York Intermediate
Insured Trust, amounts paid under the Policies representing maturing interest on
defaulted Obligations held by the Trustee in the Trust will be excludable from
New York State and New York City income if, and to the same extent as, such
interest would have been excludable if paid by the respective issuer; and
(F)--Amounts distributable from a New York Trust which are, pursuant to a
Unitholder's election, automatically reinvested in Nuveen Municipal Bond Fund,
Inc. will be treated as if actually distributed to and reinvested by such
Unitholder.
Because of the requirement that tax cost basis be adjusted as discussed in
(C) above, under some circumstances a Unitholder may realize taxable gain when
his Units are sold or redeemed for an amount equal to or less than his original
cost.
Although interest on Obligations issued by New York (or a political
subdivision thereof) would generally be exempt from New York State and New York
City tax, a special limitation may apply with respect to private activity bonds
which are not qualified bonds within the meaning of section 103(b)(1) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The interest on such bonds, to the
extent received by a Unitholder who is a "substantial user" (or person related
to such user) of the facilities financed by such bonds, will not be exempt from
New York State and New York City tax for any period during which such bonds are
beneficially held by such "substantial user" or "related person".
As an additional matter, if borrowed funds are used to purchase Units in a
New York Trust, all (or part) of the interest on such indebtedness will not be
deductible for New York State and New York City tax purposes. The purchase of
Units may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such
funds are not directly traceable to the purchase of Units in any New York Trust.
We are further of the opinion that, for purposes of the New York State and
New York City franchise tax on corporations, Unitholders which are subject to
such tax will be required to include in their entire net income any interest or
gains distributed to them in respect of obligations of any state or political
subdivision thereof, including New York. No opinion is rendered on the
includability in entire net income of interest distributed to such Unitholders
in respect of obligations issued by Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the
Northern Mariana Islands or other possessions of the United States within the
meaning of Section 103(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
The foregoing opinions are based upon present provisions of Federal, New
York State and New York City law, administrative interpretations thereof and
court decisions.
In connection with this offering, we have not examined any of the
obligations to be deposited in the New York Trust(s), and express no opinion
whether the interest on any such obligations is, in fact, exempt from Federal,
New York State, or New York City income taxation, or that such interest would be
tax-exempt under Federal, New York State, or New York City law if directly
received by a Unitholder, nor have we made any review of the proceedings
relating to the issuance of any such obligations.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm in such Registration
Statement and the Prospectus included therein.
Very truly yours,
EDWARDS & ANGELL
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.1
(ON STANDARD & POOR'S, A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES LETTERHEAD)
November 19, 1997
John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
RE: NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 971
Gentlemen:
This is in response to your request regarding the above-captioned fund which
consists of separate underlying unit investment trusts (the "Trusts"), SEC file
# 333-38231.
We have reviewed the information presented to us and have assigned a "AAA"
rating to the units of each insured trust and a "AAA" rating to the securities
contained in each insured Trust. The ratings are direct reflections of the
portfolio of each insured trust, which will be composed solely of securities
covered by bond insurance policies that insure against default in the payment of
principal and interest on the securities contained in each insured trust for as
long as they remain outstanding. We understand that the bonds described in the
prospectus are the same as those in the attached list. Since such policies have
been issued by MBIA which has been assigned a 'AAA' claims paying ability rating
by S&P, S&P has assigned a "AAA" rating to the units of each insured trust and a
"AAA" rating to the securities contained in each insured trust.
Standard & Poor's will maintain surveillance on the "AAA" rating until
thirteen months from the initial Date of Deposit. On this date the rating will
be automatically withdrawn by Standard & Poor's unless a post effective letter
is requested by the trust.
You have permission to use the name of Standard & Poor's, a Division of The
McGraw-Hill Companies and the above-assigned rating in connection with your
dissemination of information relating to the insured trusts provided that it is
understood that the ratings are not "market" ratings nor recommendations to buy,
hold or sell the units of the insured trusts or the securities contained in the
insured trusts. Further, it should be understood the rating on the units of each
insured trust does not take into account the extent to which the trust's
expenses or portfolio asset sales for less than the trust's purchase price will
reduce payment to the unit holders of the interest and principal required to be
paid on the portfolio assets. S&P reserves the right to advise its own clients,
subscribers, and the public of the ratings. S&P relies on the sponsor and its
counsel, accountants, and other experts for the accuracy and completeness of the
information submitted in connection with the ratings. S&P does not independently
verify the truth or accuracy of any such information.
This letter evidences our consent to the use of the name of Standard &
Poor's, a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies in connection with the rating
assigned to the units of each insured trust in the registration statement or
prospectus relating to the units and the trusts. However, this letter should not
be construed as a consent by us, within the meaning of Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933, to the use of the name of Standard & Poor's, a Division
of The McGraw-Hill Companies in connection with the ratings assigned to the
securities contained in the insured trusts. You are hereby authorized to file a
copy of this letter with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Please be certain to send us three copies of your final prospectus as soon as
it becomes available. Should we not receive them within a reasonable amount of
time after the closing or should they not conform to the certification received
by us, we reserve the right to nullify the ratings.
Very truly yours,
STANDARD & POOR'S, A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
By Sanford Bragg
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.2
(On J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. Letterhead)
November 19, 1997
John Nuveen & Company
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Re: Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971
Gentlemen:
We have examined the registration statement File No. 333-38231 for the
above-captioned trust. We hereby acknowledge that Kenny S&P Evaluation Services,
a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. is currently acting as the evaluator for the
trust. We hereby consent to the use in the Registration Statement of the
reference to Kenny S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc.
as evaluator.
In addition, we hereby confirm that the ratings indicated in the Registration
Statement for the respective bonds comprising the trust portfolio are the
ratings currently indicated in our KENNYBASE database.
You are hereby authorized to file a copy of this letter with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
Sincerely,
Frank A. Ciccotto
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.3
(ON CARTER LEDYARD & MILBURN LETTERHEAD)
November 19, 1997
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971
c/o John Nuveen & Co. Incorporated,
as Depositor of
Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
RE: Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971
Dear Sirs:
We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "What is the
Tax Status of Unitholders?" in the Registration Statement and related Prospectus
of Nuveen Tax-Free Unit Trust, Series 971 for the registration of units of
fractional undivided interest in the Fund in the aggregate principal amount as
set forth in the Closing Memorandum dated today's date.
Very truly yours,
CARTER, LEDYARD & MILBURN
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of this
Registration Statement.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chicago, Illinois
November 19, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Florida
Insured Trust 250 which is incorporated in the Prospectus dated November 19,
1997 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 001
<NAME> Florida Insured
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> OCT-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,676,419
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,681,226
<RECEIVABLES> 23,695
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,707,521
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 23,695
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 23,695
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 17,500
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 0
<NET-ASSETS> 1,681,226
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 0
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 0
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 96.07
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 0
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Massachusetts Insured Trust 149 which is incorporated in the Prospectus dated
November 19, 1997 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
prospectus.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 002
<NAME> Massachusetts Insured
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> OCT-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,653,663
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,660,448
<RECEIVABLES> 16,921
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,679,869
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 16,921
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 16,921
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 17,500
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 0
<NET-ASSETS> 1,660,448
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 0
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 0
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 94.88
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 0
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the New
Jersey Insured Trust 224 which is incorporated in the Prospectus dated November
19, 1997 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 003
<NAME> New Jersey Insured
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> OCT-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,705,349
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,710,395
<RECEIVABLES> 21,855
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,734,850
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 21,855
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 21,855
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 17,500
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 0
<NET-ASSETS> 1,710,395
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 0
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 0
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 97.74
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 0
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the New York
Insured Trust 274 which is incorporated in the Prospectus dated November 19,
1997 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such prospectus.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 004
<NAME> New York Insured
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> OTHER
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> OCT-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,701,488
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,710,421
<RECEIVABLES> 17,587
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,730,508
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 17,587
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 17,587
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 17,500
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 0
<NET-ASSETS> 1,710,421
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 0
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 0
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 0
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 0
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 97.74
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 0
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MEMORANDUM
NUVEEN TAX-FREE UNIT TRUST, SERIES 971
FILE NO. 333-38231
The Prospectus and the Indenture filed with Amendment No. 1 of the
Registration Statement on Form S-6 have been revised to reflect information
regarding the execution of the Indenture and the deposit of bonds on November
19, 1997, and to set forth certain statistical data based thereon. In addition,
there are a number of other changes from the Prospectus as originally filed to
which reference is made, including the increase in the size of the Fund, a
corresponding increase in the number of Units and a change in the individual
trusts constituting the Fund. All references to the Units, prices and related
statistical data will apply to each trust of the Fund and the Units thereof
individually.
Except for such updating, an effort has been made to set forth below each of
the changes and also to reflect the same by marking the Prospectus transmitted
with the Amendment. Also, differences between the Final Prospectus relating to
the previous series of the Nuveen Tax-Exempt Unit Trust and the subject
Prospectus have been indicated.
FORM S-6
FACING SHEET. The file number is now shown.
THE PROSPECTUS
PART A-PAGE 2.--The "Estimated Long-Term Return" and "Estimated Current
Return" to Unitholders under each Trust under each of the distribution plans are
stated.
PART A-PAGES 1-2.--Essential information for each of the Trusts, including
applicable footnotes, has been completed for this Series.
PART A-PAGES 1-2.--The date of the Indenture has been inserted in Section 1
along with the size and number of Units of each of the Trusts.
PART A-PAGES 1-7 et seq.--The following information for each Trust appears on
the pages relating to such trust:
The estimated daily accrual of interest under the plans of distribution
for each of the Trusts
Data regarding the composition of the portfolio of each Trust
Disclosure regarding the states' economic and legislative matters
relevant to investors of state trusts
Concentrations of issues by purpose in each Trust
The approximate percentage of the bonds in the portfolio of each Trust
acquired in distributions where the Sponsor was either the sole
underwriter or manager or member of the underwriting syndicate
The percentage of "when issued" bonds in the portfolio of each Trust
The schedule of investments for each Trust, including the notes thereto
Descriptions of the opinions of the special tax counsel for state trusts
The Record Dates and Distribution Dates for interest distributions for
each Trust
The Statements of Condition for each Trust and the Accountant's Report
with regard thereto.
The amount of the Trustee's Fee
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
Chicago, Illinois
November 19, 1997
