EQUITY INVESTOR FUND SEL S&P INDUST PORT 1997 SE E DEF ASSET
497, 1997-07-22
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                                        DEFINED ASSET FUNDSSM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

EQUITY INVESTOR FUND          The objective of this Defined Fund is total return
SELECT S&P INDUSTRIAL         through a combination of capital appreciation and
PORTFOLIO                     current dividend income. The Fund follows a
1997 SERIES E                 strategy of investing for a period of about one
(A UNIT INVESTMENT            year in a portfolio of 15 stocks, selected from a
TRUST)                        pre-screened subset of the Standard & Poor's
- ------------------------------Industrial Index (the 'Index Subset'), with the
                              highest dividend yields three business days prior
                              to the date of this Prospectus. The Standard &
                              Poor's Industrial Index consists of the stocks
                              comprising the industrial sector of the S&P 500
                              Composite Stock Price Index, which represent about
                              75 percent of the S&P 500 (exclusive of the
                              utility, financial and transportation sectors).
                              The value of units will fluctuate with the value
                              of the common stocks in the Portfolio and no
                              assurance can be given that dividends will be paid
                              or that the units will appreciate in value.
                              Minimum purchase: $250.

 

                               -------------------------------------------------
                               THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
                               DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
                               COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
SPONSORS:                      HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
Merrill Lynch,                 COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
Pierce, Fenner & Smith         OF THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
Incorporated                   CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Smith Barney Inc.              Inquiries should be directed to the Trustee at
PaineWebber Incorporated       1-800-221-7771.
Prudential Securities          Prospectus dated July 21, 1997.
Incorporated                   INVESTORS SHOULD READ THIS PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.      AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

 
<PAGE>
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Def ined Asset FundsSM
Defined Asset Funds is America's oldest and largest family of unit investment
trusts, with over $115 billion sponsored over the last 25 years. Each Defined
Asset Fund is a portfolio of preselected securities. The portfolio is divided
into 'units' representing equal shares of the underlying assets. Each unit
receives an equal share of income and principal distributions.
 
Defined Asset Funds offer several defined 'distinctives'. You know in advance
what you are investing in and that changes in the portfolio are limited - a
defined portfolio. Most defined bond funds pay interest monthly - defined
income. The portfolio offers a convenient and simple way to invest - simplicity
defined.
 
Your financial professional can help you select a Defined Asset Fund to meet
your personal investment objectives. Our size and market presence enable us to
offer a wide variety of investments. The Defined Asset Funds family offers:
 
  o Municipal bond portfolios
o Corporate bond portfolios
o Government bond portfolios
o Equity portfolios
o International bond and equity portfolios
 
The terms of Defined Funds are as short as one year or as long as 30 years.
Special defined bond funds are available including: insured funds, double and
triple tax-free funds and funds with 'laddered maturities' to help protect
against changing interest rates. Defined Asset Funds are offered by prospectus
only.
- ---------------------------------------------------
Defining the Strategy
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
This Select Portfolio follows a simple strategy; buy approximately equal amounts
of the 15 highest dividend-yielding common stocks (Strategy Stocks) in a
pre-screened subset of the Standard & Poor's Industrial Index (the Index Subset)
and hold them for about one year. At the end of the year, the Portfolio will be
liquidated and the Strategy reapplied to select a new portfolio. Each Select S&P
Industrial Portfolio is designed to be part of a longer term strategy and the
Sponsors believe that more consistent results are likely if the strategy is
followed for at least three to five years. So long as the Sponsors continue to
offer new portfolios, investors will have the option to reinvest into a new
portfolio each year at a reduced sales charge. The Sponsors reserve the right,
however, not to offer new portfolios.
 
The 15 common stocks in the Portfolio were selected through the following
four-step process. Beginning with the stocks in the Standard & Poor's Industrial
Index, any stock also included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is
eliminated from the list of stocks to prevent duplication of stocks in other
funds offered by the Sponsors. Second, any stock not ranked either A or A+ by
Standard & Poor's Earnings and Dividend Rankings for Common Stocks ('Common
Stock Rankings') is also removed. Next, the remaining stocks are ranked by
market capitalization from highest to lowest and the lowest 25 percent are
eliminated. From the remaining stocks (the Index Subset), the 15 stocks with the
highest dividend yields were selected for the Portfolio. (See Portfolio
Selection in Part B.)
 
The Strategy provides a disciplined approach to investing, based on a buy and
hold philosophy, which ignores market timing and rejects active management. The
Sponsors anticipate that the Portfolio will remain unchanged over its one-year
life despite any adverse developments concerning an issuer, an industry or the
economy or stock market generally.
- ---------------------------------------------------
Defining Your Portfolio
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
Based upon the principal business of each issuer and current market values, the
following industries are represented in the Portfolio:
 
                                                                     APPROXIMATE
 
                                                           PORTFOLIO PERCENTAGE
 
  / / Food Processing                                                        20%
/ / Telecommunications                                                       13%
/ / Retail                                                                   13%
 
  / / Auto/Truck Equipment                                                    7%
 
  / / Cosmetics & Toiletries                                                  7%
 
  / / Brewery                                                                 7%
/ / Oil                                                                       7%
/ / Office Automation & Equipment                                             7%
 
  / / Medical--Drugs                                                          7%
/ / Electric Products                                                         6%
 
  / / Food--Retail                                                            6%
- ---------------------------------------------------
Defining Your Risks
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
The Strategy Stocks, as the 15 highest yielding stocks in the Index Subset,
generally share attributes that have caused them to have lower prices or higher
yields relative to the other stocks in the Index Subset. The Strategy Stocks
may, for example, be experiencing financial difficulty, or be out of favor in
the market because of weak performance, poor earnings forecasts or negative
publicity; or they may be reacting to general market cycles. The Strategy could,
therefore, be considered contrarian in nature. The Portfolio does not reflect
any investment recommendations of the Sponsors and one or more of the stocks in
the Portfolio may, from time to time, be subject to sell recommendations from
one or more of the Sponsors.
 
The Portfolio is not an appropriate investment for those who are not comfortable
with the Strategy or for those who are unable or unwilling to assume the risk
involved generally with an equity investment. It may not be appropriate for
investors seeking either preservation of capital or high current income.
 
There can be no assurance that the market factors that caused the relatively low
prices and high yields of the Strategy Stocks will change, that any negative
conditions adversely affecting the stock price will not deteriorate, that the
dividend rates on the Strategy Stocks will be maintained or that share prices
will not decline further during the life of the Portfolio, or that the Strategy
Stocks will continue to be included in the Standard & Poor's Industrial Index.
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
Unit price fluctuates with the value of the Portfolio, and the value of the
Portfolio could be affected by changes in the financial condition of the
issuers, changes in the various industries represented in the Portfolio,
movements in stock prices generally, the impact of purchase and sale of
securities for the Portfolio (especially during the primary offering period of
units and during the rollover period) and other factors. Additionally, equity
markets have been at historically high levels and no assurance can be given that
these levels will continue. There is no guarantee that the objective of the
Portfolio will be achieved. Also, the return on an investment in the Portfolio
will be lower than the hypothetical returns on Strategy Stocks because the
Portfolio has sales charges, brokerage commissions and expenses, purchases
Strategy Stocks at different prices and is not fully invested at all times and
because of other factors described under Performance Information.
 
Unlike a mutual fund, the Portfolio is not actively managed and the Sponsors
receive no management fee. Therefore, any adverse financial condition of an
issuer or any market movement in the price of a security will not require the
sale of securities from the Portfolio. Although the Sponsors may instruct the
Trustee to sell securities under certain limited circumstances, given the
investment philosophy of the Portfolio, the Sponsors are not likely to do so.
The Portfolio may continue to purchase or hold securities originally selected
even though the market value and yields on the securities may have changed or
the securities may no longer be included in the Standard & Poor's Industrial
Index.
 
In addition, the Portfolio is considered to be 'concentrated' in stocks of
companies in the food industry (see Risk Factors--The Food Industry in Part B).
One issuer is a foreign issuer (see Risk Factors-- Foreign Issuers in Part B).
- ---------------------------------------------------
Defining Your Investment
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE PER 1,000 UNITS                  $1,000.00
 
The Public Offering Price as of July 18, 1997, the business day prior to the
initial date of deposit is based on the aggregate value of the underlying
securities ($646,312.50) and any cash held to purchase securities, divided by
the number of units outstanding (652,840) times 1,000, plus the initial sales
charge. The Public Offering Price on any subsequent date will vary. The
underlying securities are valued by the Trustee on the basis of their closing
sale prices at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on every business day.
 
SALES CHARGES
 
The total sales charge for this investment combines an initial up-front sales
charge and a deferred sales charge that will be deducted from the net asset
value of the Portfolio monthly beginning September 15, 1997 and thereafter on
the 1st of each month through June 1, 1998.
 
ROLLOVER OPTION
 
When this Select S&P Industrial Portfolio is about to terminate, you may have
the option to roll your proceeds into the next portfolio of the then current
Strategy Stocks. If you hold your Units with one of the Sponsors and notify your
financial adviser by July 24, 1998, your units will be redeemed and your
proceeds will be reinvested in units of a new Select S&P Industrial Portfolio
1998 Series. If you decide not to roll over your proceeds, you will receive a
cash distribution after the Fund terminates. Of course you can sell or redeem
your Units at any time prior to termination.
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
 
You will receive distributions of any dividend income, net of expenses, on the
25th of September and November 1997, and on the 25th of February and May 1998,
if you own units on the 10th of those months.
 
REINVESTMENT OPTION
 
You can elect to automatically reinvest your distributions into additional units
of the Portfolio subject only to the deferred sales charge remaining at the time
of reinvestment. Reinvesting helps to compound your income for a greater total
return.
 
TAXES
 
In the opinion of counsel, you will be considered to have received all the
dividends paid on your pro rata portion of each security in the Portfolio when
those dividends are received by the Portfolio, even though a portion of the
dividend payments may be used to pay expenses of the Portfolio and regardless of
whether you reinvest your dividends in the Portfolio.
 
TAX BASIS REPORTING
 
The proceeds received when you sell this investment will reflect the deduction
of the deferred sales charge and the charge for organizational expenses. In
addition, the annual statement and the relevant tax reporting forms you receive
at year-end will be based upon the amount paid to you (net of the deferred sales
charge and the charge for organizational expenses). Accordingly, you should not
increase your basis in your units by the deferred sales charge and the charge
for organizational expenses.
 
TERMINATION DATE
 
The Portfolio will terminate by August 21, 1998. The final distribution will be
made within a reasonable time afterward. The Portfolio may be terminated earlier
if its value is less than 40% of the value of the securities when deposited.
 
SPONSORS' PROFIT OR LOSS
 
The Sponsors' profit or loss from the Portfolio will include the receipt of
applicable sales charges, fluctuations in the Public Offering Price or secondary
market price of units, a loss of $700.00 on the initial deposit of the
securities and a gain or loss on subsequent deposits of securities (see
Sponsors' and Underwriters' Portfolio in Part B).
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
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Defining Your Costs
- ---------------------------------------------------
 
SALES CHARGE
 
First-time investors pay a maximum sales charge of 2.75% of the offering price,
of which $17.50 per 1,000 units is deferred. For example, on a $1,000
investment, 2.75% less $17.50 (or about 1%) is deducted when they buy and the
remaining $990 is invested in the Strategy Stocks. The initial sales charge is
reduced on purchases of $50,000 or more, as described in Part B. In addition, a
deferred sales charge of $1.75 per 1,000 units will be deducted from the
Portfolio's net asset value each month over the last ten months of the
Portfolio's life ($17.50 total). This deferred method of payment keeps more of
your money invested over a longer period of time. If you roll the proceeds of
your investment into a new portfolio, you will not be subject to the 1% initial
charge, just the $17.50 deferred fee. Although this is a unit investment trust
rather than a mutual fund, the following information is presented to permit a
comparison of fees and an understanding of the direct or indirect costs and
expenses that you pay.
 

                            As a %
                          of Initial
                            Public
                           Offering     Amount per
                             Price      1,000 Units
                          -----------   -----------
Initial Sales Charge              1.00% $      10.00
Deferred Sales Charge
  per Year                        1.75%        17.50
                          -----------   -----------
Maximum Sales Charge              2.75% $      27.50
                          -----------   -----------
                          -----------   -----------
Maximum Sales Charge
  Imposed per Year on
  Reinvested Dividends           1.575% $      15.75

 
ESTIMATED ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
 

                            As a %
                            of Net      Amount per
                            Assets      1,000 Units
                          -----------   -----------
Trustee's Fee                     .069% $       0.68
Portfolio Supervision,
  Bookkeeping and
  Administrative Fees             .046% $       0.45
Organizational Expenses           .084% $       0.83
Other Operating
  Expenses                        .053% $       0.53
                          -----------   -----------
TOTAL                             .252% $       2.49

 
These estimates do not include the costs of purchasing and selling the
underlying Strategy Stocks.
 
This Portfolio (and therefore the investors) will bear all or a portion of its
organizational costs--including costs of preparing the registration statement,
the trust indenture and other closing documents, registering units with the SEC
and the states and the initial audit of the Portfolio--as is common for mutual
funds.
 
COSTS OVER TIME
 
You would pay the following cumulative expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
a 5% annual return on the investment throughout the indicated periods and
redemption at the end of the period:
 

1 Year   3 Years   5 Years   10 Years
 $30       $73      $118       $242

 
Although each Series has a term of only one year and is a unit investment trust
rather than a mutual fund, this information is presented to permit a comparison
of fees, assuming the principal amount and distributions are rolled over each
year into a new Series subject only to the deferred sales charge and fund
expenses.
 
The example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and uses a
5% annual rate of return as mandated by SEC regulations applicable to mutual
funds. For purposes of the example, the deferred sales charge imposed on
reinvestment of dividends is not reflected until the year following payment of
the dividend; the cumulative expenses would be higher if sales charges on
reinvested dividends were reflected in the year of reinvestment.
 
Reductions to the repurchase and cash redemption prices in the secondary market
to recoup the costs of liquidating securities to meet redemption (described
below) have not been reflected. The example should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses or annual rates of return; the actual
expenses and annual rates of return may be more or less than the example.
 
REDEEMING OR SELLING YOUR INVESTMENT
 
You may redeem or sell your units at any time prior to the termination of the
Portfolio. Your price will be based on the then current net asset value. The
redemption and secondary market repurchase price as of July 18, 1997 was $972.50
per 1,000 units ($27.50 per 1,000 units less than the Public Offering Price).
This price reflects deductions of the deferred sales charge which declines over
the last ten months of the Portfolio ($17.50 initially). If you sell your units
before the termination of the Portfolio, you will pay the remaining balance of
the deferred sales charge. After the initial offering period, the repurchase and
cash redemption prices for units will be reduced to reflect the estimated costs
of liquidating securities to meet the redemption, currently estimated at $1.11
per 1,000 units. If you reinvest in the new Series, you will pay your share of
any brokerage commissions on the sale of underlying securities when your units
are liquidated during the rollover.
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Defined Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Equity Investor Fund
 
Select S&P Industrial Portfolio 1997 Series E                      July 21, 1997
 
Defined Asset Funds
 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       CURRENT          PRICE
                                       TICKER       PERCENTAGE      DIVIDEND YIELD    PER SHARE        COST
NAME OF ISSUER                         SYMBOL      OF FUND (1)           (2)           TO FUND     TO FUND (3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>              <C>               <C>         <C>

1. Alltel Corporation                    AT                  6.42%              3.44% $ 31.9375   $     41,518.75
2. SBC Communications, Inc.             SBC                  6.99               3.17    56.4375         45,150.00
3. General Mills, Inc.                  GIS                  6.81               3.13    67.7500         44,037.50
4. Genuine Parts Company                GPC                  6.63               2.91    32.9375         42,818.75
5. International Flavors &
   Fragrances, Inc.                     IFF                  6.95               2.88    49.9375         44,943.75
6. Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.              WIN                  6.38               2.72    37.5000         41,250.00
7. Royal Dutch Petroleum Company+        RD                  6.61               2.72    53.3750         42,700.00
8. Heinz (H.J.) Company                 HNZ                  6.76               2.52    46.0000         43,700.00
9. The Limited, Inc.                    LTD                  6.33               2.35    20.4375         40,875.00
10. May Department Stores Company       MAY                  6.81               2.32    51.8125         44,040.63
11. Pitney Bowes, Inc.                  PBI                  6.79               2.19    73.1875         43,912.50
12. Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.      BUD                  6.69               2.11    45.5000         43,225.00
13. American Home Products
   Corporation                          AHP                  6.73               2.07    79.0625         43,484.37
14. Kellogg Company                      K                   6.62               1.96    85.5000         42,750.00
15. Emerson Electric Company            EMR                  6.48               1.93    55.8750         41,906.25
                                                  --------------                                  --------------
                                                           100.00%                                $    646,312.50
                                                  --------------                                  --------------
                                                  --------------                                  --------------
</TABLE>

- ----------------------------
 
(1) Based on Cost to Fund.
 
(2) Current Dividend Yield for each security was calculated by annualizing the
    last monthly, quarterly or semi-annual ordinary dividend received on the
    security and dividing the result by its market value as of the close of
   trading on July 18, 1997.
 
(3) Valuation by the Trustee made on the basis of closing sale prices at the
    evaluation time on July 18, 1997, the business day prior to the initial date
    of deposit. The value of the Securities on any subsequent business day will
    vary.
 
 + This issuer is located in The Netherlands; the current semi-annual dividend
   per share will be subject to withholding taxes of The Netherlands (see Risk
   Factors--Foreign Issuers in Part B).
 
                          ----------------------------
 
The securities were acquired on July 18, 1997 and are represented entirely by
contracts to purchase the securities. Any of the Sponsors may have acted as
underwriters, managers or co-managers of a public offering of the securities in
this Fund during the last three years. Affiliates of the Sponsors may serve as
specialists in the securities in this Fund on one or more stock exchanges and
may have a long or short position in any of these securities or in options on
any of them, and may be on the opposite side of public orders executed on the
floor of an exchange where the securities are listed. An officer, director or
employee of any of the Sponsors may be an officer or director of one or more of
the issuers of the securities in the Fund. A Sponsor may trade for its own
account as an odd-lot dealer, market maker, block positioner and/or arbitrageur
in any of the securities or in options on them. Any Sponsor, its affiliates,
directors, elected officers and employee benefits programs may have either a
long or short position in any securities or in options on them.
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Hypothetical Performance Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The following table compares the actual performance of the Standard & Poor's
Industrial Index (the Index) with the hypothetical performance of approximately
equal amounts invested in each of the Strategy Stocks selected by applying the
screening process described above at the beginning of each year. These results
represent past performance of the Strategy (but not any Select S&P Industrial
Portfolio), and may not be indicative of future results of the Strategy or the
Portfolio. An investment in the Portfolio will not realize as high a total
return as a direct investment in the Strategy Stocks, since the Portfolio has
sales charges and expenses. If Portfolio sales charges and expenses were
deducted, the Strategy Stocks would have underperformed the Index in eight of
the last 20 years. Actual performance of a Portfolio will also differ from
quoted performance of the Strategy Stocks because the quoted performance figures
are annual figures based on closing sales prices on December 31 (or June 30, for
1997), while the Portfolios are established and liquidated at various times
during the year; the Portfolio may not be fully invested at all times; stocks
are normally purchased or sold at prices different from the closing price used
to determine the Portfolio's net asset value and stocks may not be weighted
equally at all times.
             COMPARISON OF DIVIDENDS, APPRECIATION AND TOTAL RETURN
  (FIGURES DO NOT REFLECT SALES CHARGES, COMMISSIONS, FUND EXPENSES OR TAXES)
 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            STRATEGY STOCKS(1)                              STANDARD & POOR'S INDUSTRIAL INDEX (THE INDEX)
        ----------------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------------------------------------
                             ACTUAL DIVIDEND            TOTAL                              ACTUAL DIVIDEND            TOTAL
YEAR    APPRECIATION(2)          YIELD(3)             RETURN(4)       APPRECIATION(2)          YIELD(3)             RETURN(4)
- ----    --------------    ----------------------    --------------    --------------    ----------------------    --------------
<S>     <C>               <C>                       <C>               <C>               <C>                       <C>

1977              -9.14%                     4.80%            -4.34%           -12.34%                     4.14%            -8.20%
1978               2.14                      5.90              8.04              2.38                      5.12              7.50
1979              21.57                      6.61             28.18             12.88                      5.52             18.40
1980              13.28                      6.76             20.04             27.62                      5.36             32.98
1981               2.92                      6.72              9.64            -11.22                      4.53             -6.69
1982              20.47                      7.12             27.59             14.95                      5.19             20.14
1983              19.40                      7.05             26.45             18.15                      4.64             22.79
1984               8.21                      6.01             14.22              0.06                      4.03              4.09
1985              25.41                      6.23             31.64             25.86                      4.22             30.08
1986              25.25                      5.19             30.44             15.07                      3.47             18.54
1987               0.41                      4.12              4.53              5.90                      3.23              9.13
1988              39.12                      4.44             43.56             12.38                      3.42             15.80
1989              32.00                      4.99             36.99             25.59                      3.71             29.30
1990              -1.11                      4.11              3.00             -3.98                      3.14             -0.84
1991              24.46                      4.27             28.73             27.17                      3.22             30.39
1992               9.82                      3.54             13.36              2.99                      2.64              5.63
1993               0.47                      3.82              4.29              6.44                      2.46              8.90
1994               9.05                      4.23             13.28              1.35                      2.40              3.75
1995              33.97                      4.28             38.25             31.72                      2.54             34.26
1996              10.74                      3.36             14.10             20.62                      2.08             22.70
1997              17.09                      1.55             18.64             19.88                      0.90             20.78
(through 6/30)

</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------
 
(1) The Strategy Stocks for any given year were selected by ranking the dividend
    yields for each of the stocks in the Index Subset as of the beginning of
    that year, based upon an annualization of the last monthly or quarterly
    dividend declared, or the addition of the last interim and final dividends
    for stocks making semi-annual dividend distributions (which would have been
    declared in the preceding year) divided by that stock's market value on the
    first trading day that year on the New York Stock Exchange.
 
(2) Appreciation for the Strategy Stocks is calculated by subtracting the market
    value of these stocks at the opening value on the first trading day on the
    New York Stock Exchange in a given year from the market value of those
    stocks at the closing value on the last trading day in the period, and
    dividing the result by the market value of the stocks at the opening value
    on the first trading day in that year. Appreciation for the Index is
    calculated by subtracting the opening value of the Index on the first
    trading day in each year from the closing value of the Index on the last
    trading day in the period, and dividing the result by the opening value of
    the Index on the first trading day in that year.
 
(3) Actual Dividend Yield for the Strategy Stocks is calculated by adding the
    total dividends received on the stocks in the year and dividing the result
    by the market value of the stocks on the first trading day in that year.
    Actual Dividend Yield for the Index is calculated by taking the total
    dividends credited to the Index and dividing the result by the opening value
    of the Index on the first trading day of the year.
 
(4) Total Return represents the sum of Appreciation and Actual Dividend Yield.
    Individual year Total Returns do not take into consideration any
    reinvestment of dividend income.
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
The table below compares hypothetical performance of approximately equal amounts
invested in each of the Strategy Stocks (but not any Select Portfolio) at the
beginning of each year with the actual performance of the S&P 500 Composite
Stock Price Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average for those years (or
quarter). These results represent past performance of the Strategy Stocks and
may not be indicative of future results of the Strategy or any Portfolio. For
additional differences between Strategy Stock performance and Select Portolios
see the discussion preceding the table on page A-6.
                         COMPARISON OF TOTAL RETURNS(1)
  (FIGURES DO NOT REFLECT SALES CHARGES, COMMISSIONS, FUND EXPENSES OR TAXES)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

               STRATEGY                                            DOW JONES
YEAR           STOCKS(2)           S&P 500 INDEX(3)       INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE (DJIA)(4)
- ----       -----------------       ----------------       ----------------------------
<S>        <C>                     <C>                    <C>

1977                    -4.34%                 -7.19%                            -12.71%
1978                     8.04                   6.39                               2.69
1979                    28.18                  18.02                              10.52
1980                    20.04                  31.50                              21.41
1981                     9.64                  -4.83                              -3.40
1982                    27.59                  20.26                              25.79
1983                    26.45                  22.27                              25.68
1984                    14.22                   5.95                               1.06
1985                    31.64                  31.43                              32.78
1986                    30.44                  18.37                              26.91
1987                     4.53                   5.67                               6.02
1988                    43.56                  16.58                              15.95
1989                    36.99                  31.11                              31.71
1990                     3.00                  -3.20                              -0.57
1991                    28.73                  30.51                              23.93
1992                    13.36                   7.67                               7.34
1993                     4.29                   9.97                              16.72
1994                    13.28                   1.30                               4.95
1995                    38.25                  37.10                              36.48
1996                    14.10                  22.69                              28.57
1997                    18.64                  20.51                              20.02
(through 6/30)

</TABLE>
- ----------------------------
 
(1) Total Return represents the change in stock prices or index value for the
    year (or quarter) plus the amount of dividends that would have been received
    (not reinvested), divided by the initial price or opening index value for
    that year (or quarter).
 
(2) The Strategy Stocks for any given period were selected by ranking the
    dividend yields for each of the stocks in the Index Subset as of the
    beginning of that year, based upon an annualization of the last monthly or
    quarterly dividend declared, or the addition of the last interim and final
    dividends for stocks making semi-annual dividend distributions (which would
    have been declared in the preceding year) divided by that stock's market
    value on the first trading day that year on the New York Stock Exchange.
 
(3) An unmanaged index of 500 stocks compiled by Standard & Poor's Corporation.
 
(4) An unmanaged index of 30 stocks compiled by Dow Jones & Company, Inc. The
    name 'Dow Jones Industrial Average' is the property of Dow Jones & Company,
    Inc.
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
The Sponsors, Trustee and Holders of Equity Investor Fund, Select S&P Industrial
Portfolio 1997 Series E, Defined Asset Funds (the 'Fund'):
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the related defined
portfolio included in the prospectus of the Fund as of July 21, 1997. This
financial statement is the responsibility of the Trustee. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on this financial statement 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 statement is free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. Our procedures included
confirmation of an irrevocable letter of credit deposited for the purchase of
securities, as described in the statement of condition, with the Trustee. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by the Trustee, 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 financial statement referred to above presents fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of July 21, 1997 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, N.Y.
July 21, 1997
 
                   STATEMENT OF CONDITION AS OF JULY 21, 1997
 
TRUST PROPERTY
 

Investments--Contracts to purchase Securities(1).........$         646,312.50
Organizational Costs(2)..................................          332,000.00
                                                         --------------------
        Total............................................$         978,312.50
                                                         --------------------
                                                         --------------------
LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF HOLDERS
    Accrued Liability(2).................................$         332,000.00
                                                         --------------------
    Subtotal                                                       332,000.00
                                                         --------------------
Interest of Holders of 652,840 Units of fractional
  undivided interest outstanding:(3)
  Cost to investors(4)...................................$         652,840.00
  Gross underwriting commissions(5)......................           (6,527.50)
                                                         --------------------
    Subtotal                                                       646,312.50
                                                         --------------------
        Total............................................$         978,312.50
                                                         --------------------
                                                         --------------------

 
- ------------
 
        (1) Aggregate cost to the Fund of the securities listed under Defined
Portfolio determined by the Trustee at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on July 18, 1997.
The contracts to purchase securities are collateralized by an irrevocable letter
of credit which has been issued by San Paolo Bank, New York Branch, in the
amount of $647,012.50 and deposited with the Trustee. The amount of the letter
of credit includes $646,312.50 for the purchase of securities.
 
        (2) This represents a portion of the Fund's organizational costs which
will be deferred and amortized over the life of the Fund. Organizational costs
have been estimated based on projected total assets of $400 million. To the
extent the Fund is larger or smaller, amounts may vary.
 
        (3) Because the value of securities at the evaluation time on the
Initial Date of Deposit may differ from the amounts shown in this statement of
condition, the number of Units offered on the Initial Date of Deposit will be
adjusted from the initial number of Units to maintain the $1,000 per 1,000 Units
offering price only for that day. The Public Offering Price on any subsequent
business day will vary.
 
        (4) Aggregate public offering price computed on the basis of the value
of the underlying securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on July 18, 1997.
 
        (5) Assumes the maximum initial sales charge per 1,000 units of 1.00% of
the Public Offering Price. A deferred sales charge of $1.75 per 1,000 Units per
month is payable on September 15, 1997 and thereafter on the 1st day of each
month through June 1, 1998. Distributions will be made to an account maintained
by the Trustee from which the deferred sales charge obligation of the investors
to the Sponsors will be satisfied. If units are redeemed prior to June 1, 1998,
the remaining portion of the distribution applicable to such units will be
transferred to such account on the redemption date.
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
                             DEFINED ASSET FUNDSSM
                               PROSPECTUS--PART B
              EQUITY INVESTOR FUND SELECT S&P INDUSTRIAL PORTFOLIO
             FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE FUND MAY BE OBTAINED
     WITHIN FIVE DAYS OF WRITING OR CALLING THE TRUSTEE AT THE ADDRESS AND
        TELEPHONE NUMBER SET FORTH ON THE BACK COVER OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                                     Index
 

                                              PAGE
                                              ----
Fund Description...........................      1
Risk Factors...............................      3
How to Buy Units...........................      4
How to Redeem or Sell Units................      5
Income, Distributions and Reinvestment.....      7
Portfolio Expenses.........................      8
Taxes......................................      8
                                              PAGE
                                              ----
Records and Reports........................     10
Trust Indenture............................     10
Miscellaneous..............................     11
Exchange Option............................     13
Supplemental Information...................     14
Appendix A--The S&P Earnings and Dividend
  Rankings for Common Stocks...............    a-1

 
FUND DESCRIPTION
 
THE STRATEGY
 
    The Fund seeks total return by acquiring the 15 highest dividend yielding
stocks in a pre-screened subset of the Standard & Poor's Industrial Index* as of
the date indicated in Part A, and holding them for about one year. This
investment strategy is based on three time-tested investment principles: time in
the market is more important than timing the market; the stocks to buy are the
ones everyone else is selling; and dividends can be an important part of total
return. Because issuers of the Index Subset stocks tend to be highly
capitalized, established companies, they are generally able to survive adverse
developments. An investment in the Fund can be cost-efficient, avoiding the
odd-lot costs of buying small quantities of securities directly. Purchasing a
portfolio of these stocks as opposed to one or two provides a more diversified
holding. There is only one investment decision instead of 15, four quarterly
dividends instead of 60. Investments in a number of companies with high
dividends relative to their stock prices is designed to increase the Fund's
potential for higher returns. Investing in these stocks of the Index Subset may
be effective as well as conservative because regular dividends are common for
established companies and dividends have accounted for a substantial portion of
the total return on stocks of the Index Subset as a group. The Fund's return
will consist of a combination of capital appreciation and current dividend
income. The Fund will terminate in about one year, when investors may choose to
either receive the distribution in cash or reinvest in the next Series (if
available) at a reduced sales charge. There can be no assurance that the
dividend rates on the Strategy Stocks will be maintained. Reduction or
elimination of a dividend could adversely affect the stock price as well.
 
    The Standard & Poor's Industrial Index is a capitalization-weighted index
designed to measure the performance of the industrial sector of the S&P 500
Composite Stock Price Index. Standard & Poor's, a leading financial information
and investment research company since 1860, offers financial research,
benchmarks and market data.
- --------------
 
    *  'Standard & Poor's R', 'S&PR' and 'S&P 500R' are trademarks of The
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by the Agent for the
Sponsors. The Fund is not sponsored, managed, sold or promoted by Standard &
Poor's. Standard & Poor's is not affiliated with any of the Sponsors.
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO SELECTION
 
    The Portfolio contains 15 common stocks selected through the following
four-step process. Beginning with the stocks in the Standard & Poor's Industrial
Index, any stock also included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is
eliminated from the list of stocks. Second, any stock not ranked either A or A+
by Standard & Poor's Common Stock Rankings is also removed (see a description of
the Common Stock Rankings in Appendix A). Next, the remaining stocks are ranked
by market capitalization from highest to lowest and the lowest 25 percent are
eliminated. The remaining stocks, which then comprise the Index Subset, are
ranked by dividend yield and the 15 highest-yielding stocks are selected for the
Portfolio. 'Highest dividend yield' is calculated for each Security by
annualizing the last quarterly or semi-annual ordinary dividend distributed on
the Security and dividing the result by its closing sales price. This yield is
historical and there is no assurance that any dividends will be declared or paid
in the future on the Securities. No leverage or borrowing is used nor does the
Portfolio contain other kinds of securities to enhance yield.
 
    The Strategy selection process is a straightforward, objective, mathematical
application which may cause the Portfolio to own a stock that the Sponsors or
Standard & Poor's do not recommend for purchase and, in fact, the Sponsors or
Standard & Poor's may have sell recommendations on a number of the stocks in the
Portfolio at the time the stocks are selected for inclusion in the Portfolio.
Various theories attempt to explain why a common stock is among the 15 highest
yielding stocks in the Index Subset at any given time: the issuer may be in
financial difficulty or out of favor in the market because of weak earnings or
performance or forecasts or negative publicity; uncertainties relating to
pending or threatened litigation or pending or proposed legislation or
government regulation; the stock may be a cyclical stock reacting to national
and international economic developments; or the market may be anticipating a
reduction in or the elimination of the issuer's dividend. Some of the foregoing
factors may be relevant to only a segment of an issuer's overall business yet
the publicity may be strong enough to outweigh otherwise solid business
performance. In addition, companies in certain industries have historically paid
relatively high dividends. While indexing attempts to mirror major market
trends, the Portfolio's screening process selects stocks from a major index for
a combination of value, capital appreciation potential and current dividend
income. This can help individual investors who lack the time or knowledge to
select a portfolio of stocks on their own. Because of the screening process, the
research is done for you. Because of the fund structure, you do not need to make
buy and sell decisions.
 
    Investors should be aware that the Fund may not be able to buy each Security
at the same time because of availability of the Security, any restrictions
applicable to the Fund relating to the purchase of the Security by reason of the
federal securities laws or otherwise. Any monies allocated to the purchase of a
Security will generally be held for the purchase of the Security.
 
    The deposit of the Securities in the Fund on the initial date of deposit
established a proportionate relationship among the number of shares of each
Security. During the 90-day period following the initial date of deposit the
Sponsors may deposit additional Securities in order to create new Units,
maintaining to the extent possible that original proportionate relationship.
Deposits of additional Securities subsequent to the 90-day period must generally
replicate exactly the proportionate relationship among the number of shares of
each Security at the end of the initial 90-day period. The ability to acquire
each Security at the same time will generally depend upon the Security's
availability and any restrictions on the purchase of that Security under the
federal securities laws or otherwise.
 
    Additional Units may also be created by the deposit of cash (including a
letter of credit) with instructions to purchase additional Securities. This
practice could cause both existing and new investors to experience a dilution of
their investments and a reduction in their anticipated income because of price
fluctuations in the Securities between the time of the cash deposit and the
actual purchase of the additional Securities and because the associated
brokerage fees will be an expense of the Portfolio. To minimize the risk of
price fluctuations when purchasing Securities, the Portfolio will try to
purchase Securities as close to the Evaluation Time or at prices as close to the
evaluated prices as possible. The Portfolio may also enter into program trades
with unaffiliated broker/dealers, which will have the effect of increasing
brokerage commissions while reducing market risk. Portfolio investors may
benefit from reduced commissions and institutional prices available to the
Portfolio.
 
    Because each Defined Asset Fund is a preselected portfolio, you know the
securities before you invest. Of course, the Portfolio will change somewhat over
time, as Securities are purchased upon creation of additional Units, as
securities are sold to meet Unit redemptions or in other limited circumstances.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO SUPERVISION
 
    The Portfolio follows a buy and hold investment strategy in contrast to the
frequent portfolio changes of a managed fund based on economic, financial and
market analyses. Although the Portfolio is regularly reviewed, because of the
Strategy, the Portfolio is unlikely to sell any of the Securities, other than to
satisfy redemptions of units, or to cease buying additional shares in connection
with the issuance of Additional Units. More specifically, adverse developments
concerning a Security including the adverse financial condition of the issuer, a
failure to maintain a current dividend rate, the institution of legal
proceedings against the issuer, a default under certain documents materially and
adversely affecting the future declaration of dividends, or a decline in the
price or the occurrence of other market or credit factors (including a public
tender offer or a merger or acquisition transaction) that might otherwise make
retention of the Security detrimental to the interest of investors, will
generally not cause the Fund to dispose of a Security or cease buying it.
Furthermore, the Portfolio will likely continue to hold a Security and purchase
additional shares notwithstanding its ceasing to be included among the 15
highest dividend yielding stocks in the Index Subset or even its deletion from
the Standard & Poor's Industrial Index.
 
RISK FACTORS
 
    An investment in the Fund entails certain risks, including the risk that the
value of your investment will decline if the financial condition of the issuers
of the Securities becomes impaired or if the general condition of the stock
market worsens. The rights of holders of common stocks to receive payments from
the issuer are generally inferior to the rights of creditors of, or holders of
debt obligations or preferred stocks issued by, the issuer. Moreover, because
common stocks do not represent an obligation of the issuer they do not offer any
assurance of income or provide the degree of protection of capital provided by
debt securities. Common stocks in general are susceptible to general stock
market movements and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market
confidence in and perceptions of the issuers change. Equity markets can be
affected by unpredictable factors including expectations regarding government,
economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic
expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic or banking
crises. The Sponsors cannot predict the direction or scope of any of these
factors. Additionally, equity markets have been at historically high levels and
no assurance can be given that these levels will continue. There can be no
assurance that the Portfolio will be effective in achieving its objective over
the one-year life of the Fund or that future portfolios selected through this
process during consecutive one-year periods will meet their objectives. The
Portfolio is not designed to be a complete investment program.
 
THE FOOD INDUSTRY
 
    Investment in stocks of the food industry, including manufacturers of
packaged foods, processors of agricultural products and food distributors,
should be made with an understanding of the many factors that may have an
adverse impact on the value of the stocks of these companies and their ability
to pay dividends. These factors include the sensitivity of revenues, earnings,
and financial condition to economic conditions, changing consumer demands or
preferences, fluctuations in the prices of agricultural commodities,
fluctuations in the cost of other raw materials such as packaging, and the
effects of inflation on pricing flexibility. The revenues and earnings of these
companies can also be affected by extensive competition that can result in lost
sales or in lower margins resulting from efforts to maintain market share. Food
companies are also subject to regulation under various federal laws--such as the
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act--as well as state, local and foreign laws and
regulations. Costs associated with complying with changing regulatory
restrictions, such as food labeling requirements, could adversely affect
earnings. Food companies are also becoming increasingly exposed to risks
associated with international operation, including foreign currency fluctuations
and future political and economic developments in other countries. Other risk
factors include potential deterioration in financial condition resulting from
litigation related to product liability, accidents, or trademark or patent
disputes; unfunded pension liability; changing accounting standards, such as
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 106, which requires accrual
accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions; and leveraged
buyouts, takeovers, or recapitalizations.
 
FOREIGN ISSUERS
 
    Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves risks that are different
from investments in securities of domestic issuers. These risks may include
future political and economic developments, the possibility of exchange controls
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
or other governmental restrictions on the payment of dividends, less publicly
available information and the absence of uniform accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards, practices and requirements.
 
LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION
 
    The Sponsors do not know of any pending litigation as of the initial date of
deposit that might reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the Fund, although pending litigation may have a material adverse effect on the
value of Securities in the Fund. In addition, at any time after the initial date
of deposit, litigation may be initiated on a variety of grounds, or legislation
may be enacted, affecting the Securities in the Portfolio or the issuers of the
Securities. Changing approaches to regulation, particularly with respect to the
environment or with respect to the petroleum or tobacco industry, may have a
negative impact on certain companies represented in the Portfolio. There can be
no assurance that future litigation, legislation, regulation or deregulation
will not have a material adverse effect on the Portfolio or will not impair the
ability of the issuers of the Securities to achieve their business goals. From
time to time Congress considers proposals to reduce the rate of the
dividends-received deduction. This type of legislation, if enacted into law,
would adversely affect the after-tax return to investors who can take advantage
of the deduction. See Taxes.
 
LIFE OF THE FUND; FUND TERMINATION
 
    The size and composition of the Portfolio will be affected by the level of
redemptions of Units that may occur from time to time. Principally, this will
depend upon the number of investors seeking to sell or redeem their Units or
participating in a rollover. The Portfolio will be terminated no later than the
mandatory termination date specified in Part A of the Prospectus. It will
terminate earlier upon the disposition of the last Security or upon the consent
of investors holding 51% of the Units. The Portfolio may also be terminated
earlier by the Sponsors once its total assets have fallen below the minimum
value specified in Part A of the Prospectus. A decision by the Sponsors to
terminate the Portfolio early, which will likely be made following the rollover,
will be based on factors such as the size of the Portfolio relative to its
original size, the ratio of Portfolio expenses to income, and the cost of
maintaining a current prospectus.
 
    Notice of impending termination will be provided to investors and thereafter
units will no longer be redeemable. On or shortly before termination, the
Trustee will seek to dispose of any Securities remaining in the Portfolio
although any Security unable to be sold at a reasonable price may continue to be
held by the Trustee in a liquidating trust pending its final disposition. A
proportional share of the expenses associated with termination, including
brokerage costs in disposing of Securities, will be borne by investors remaining
at that time. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds those
investors are to receive in any final distribution.
 
HOW TO BUY UNITS
 
    Units are available from any of the Sponsors at the Public Offering Price.
The Public Offering Price varies each Business Day with changes in the value of
the Portfolio and other assets and liabilities of the Fund.
 
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE
 
    Units are charged a combination of Initial and Deferred Sales Charges equal,
in the aggregate, to a maximum charge of 2.75% of the public offering price or,
for quantity purchases of units of all Select Portfolios by an investor and the
investor's spouse and minor children, or by a single trust estate or fiduciary
account, made on a single day, the following percentages of the public offering
price:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                               APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE
                                                                             (GROSS UNDERWRITING PROFIT)
                                                                             ---------------------------
                                                                               AS % OF
                                                                               PUBLIC       AS % OF NET
                                                                              OFFERING         AMOUNT
AMOUNT PURCHASED                                                                PRICE         INVESTED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------   -----------    ------------
<S>                                                                          <C>            <C>

Less than $50,000.........................................................           2.75%          2.778%
$50,000 to $99,999........................................................           2.50           2.519
$100,000 to $249,999......................................................           2.00           2.005
$250,000 to $999,999......................................................           1.75           1.750
$1,000,000 or more........................................................           1.00           1.000
</TABLE>

 
                                       4
<PAGE>
    The Deferred Sales Charge is a monthly charge of $1.75 per 1,000 units and
is accrued in ten monthly installments commencing on the date indicated in part
A of this Prospectus. Units redeemed or repurchased prior to the accrual of the
final Deferred Sales Charge installment will have the amount of any remaining
installments deducted from the redemption or repurchase proceeds or deducted in
calculating an in-kind distribution, although this deduction will be waived in
the event of the death or disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of
1986) of an investor. The Initial Sales Charge is equal to the aggregate sales
charge, determined as described above, less the aggregate amount of any
remaining installments of the Deferred Sales Charge.
 
    It is anticipated that Securities will not be sold to pay the Deferred Sales
Charge until after the date of the last installment. Investors will be at risk
for market price fluctuations in the Securities from the several installment
accrual dates to the dates of actual sale of Securities to satisfy this
liability.
 
    Employees of certain Sponsors and Sponsor affiliates and non-employee
directors of Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. may purchase Units subject only to the
Deferred Sales Charge.
 
EVALUATIONS
 
    Evaluations are determined by the Trustee on each Business Day. This
excludes Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays as observed by the New
York Stock Exchange: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. If the Securities are
listed on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market,
evaluations are generally based on closing sales prices on that exchange or that
system (unless the Trustee deems these prices inappropriate) or, if closing
sales prices are not available, at the mean between the closing bid and offer
prices. If the Securities are not listed or if listed but the principal market
is elsewhere, the evaluation is generally determined based on sales prices of
the Securities on the over-the-counter market or, if sales prices in that market
are not available, on the basis of the mean between current bid and offer prices
for the Securities or for comparable securities or by appraisal or by any
combination of these methods. Neither the Sponsors nor the Trustee guarantee the
enforceability, marketability or price of any Securities.
 
NO CERTIFICATES
 
    All investors are required to hold their Units in uncertifcated form and in
'street name' by their broker, dealer or financial institution at the Depository
Trust Company ('DTC').
 
HOW TO REDEEM OR SELL UNITS
 
    You can redeem your Units at any time for net asset value. In addition, the
Sponsors have maintained an uninterrupted secondary market for Units for over 20
years and will ordinarily buy back Units at net asset value. The following
describes these two methods to redeem or sell Units in greater detail.
 
REDEEMING UNITS
 
    You can always redeem your Units for net asset value. This can be done by
contacting your broker, dealer or financial institution that holds your Units in
street name. In certain instances, additional documents may be required such as
a trust instrument, certificate of corporate authority, certificate of death or
appointment as executor, administrator or guardian.
 
    Within seven days after the receipt of your request (and any necessary
documents), a check will be mailed to you in an amount equal to the net asset
value of your Units. Because of the sales charge, market movements or changes in
the Portfolio, net asset value at the time you redeem your Units may be greater
or less than the original cost of your Units. Net asset value is calculated each
Business Day by adding the value of the Securities, declared but unpaid
dividends on the Securities, cash and the value of any other Fund assets;
deducting unpaid taxes or other governmental charges, accrued but unpaid Fund
expenses and any remaining Deferred Sales Charges, unreimbursed Trustee
advances, cash held to redeem Units or for distribution to investors and the
value of any other Fund liabilities; and dividing the result by the number of
outstanding Units. After the initial offering period, net asset value will be
reduced to reflect the cost to the Fund of liquidating Securities to pay the
redemption price.
 
    As long as the Sponsors are maintaining a secondary market for Units (as
described below), the Trustee will not actually redeem your Units but will sell
them to the Sponsors for net asset value. If the Sponsors are not maintaining a
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
secondary market, the Trustee will redeem your Units for net asset value or will
sell your Units in the over-the-counter market if the Trustee believes it will
obtain a higher net price for your Units. If the Trustee is able to sell the
Units for a net price higher than net asset value, you will receive the net
proceeds of the sale.
 
    If cash is not available in the Fund's Income and Capital Accounts to pay
redemptions, the Trustee may sell Securities selected by the Agent for the
Sponsors based on market and credit factors determined to be in the best
interest of the Fund. These sales are often made at times when the Securities
would not otherwise be sold and may result in lower prices than might be
realized otherwise and may also reduce the size and diversity of the Fund. If
Securities are being sold during a time when additional Units are being created
by the purchase of additional Securities (as described under Portfolio
Selection), Securities will be sold in a manner designed to maintain, to the
extent practicable, the proportionate relationship among the number of shares of
each Security in the Portfolio.
 
    Any investor owning Units representing Securities with a value of at least
$500,000 who redeems those Units prior to the rollover notification date
indicated in Part A of the Prospectus may, in lieu of cash redemption, request
distribution in kind of an amount and value of Securities per Unit equal to the
otherwise applicable Redemption Price per Unit. Generally, whole shares of each
Security together with cash from the Capital Account equal to any fractional
shares to which the investor would be entitled (less any Deferred Sales Charge
payable) will be paid over to a distribution agent and either held for the
account of the investor or disposed of in accordance with instructions of the
investor. Any brokerage commissions on sales of Securities in connection with
in-kind redemptions will be borne by the redeeming investors. The in-kind
redemption option is subject to all applicable legal restrictions and may be
terminated by the Sponsors at any time upon prior notice to investors.
 
    Redemptions may be suspended or payment postponed (i) if the New York Stock
Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), (ii) if
the SEC determines that trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted or
that an emergency exists making disposal or evaluation of the Securities not
reasonably practicable or (iii) for any other period permitted by SEC order.
 
SPONSORS' SECONDARY MARKET FOR UNITS
 
    The Sponsors, while not obligated to do so, will buy back Units at net asset
value without any other fee or charge as long as they are maintaining a
secondary market for Units. Because of the sales charge, market movements or
changes in the portfolio, net asset value at the time you sell your Units may be
greater or less than the original cost of your Units. The Sponsors may resell
the Units to other buyers or redeem the Units by tendering them to the Trustee.
You should consult your financial professional for current market prices to
determine if other broker-dealers or banks are offering higher prices for Units.
 
    The Sponsors may discontinue the secondary market for Units without prior
notice if the supply of Units exceeds demand or for other business reasons.
Regardless of whether the Sponsors maintain a secondary market, you have the
right to redeem your Units for net asset value with the Trustee at any time, as
described above.
 
ROLLOVER
 
    In lieu of redeeming their Units or receiving liquidation proceeds upon the
termination of the Fund, investors who hold their Units with one of the Sponsors
may elect, by contacting their financial adviser prior to the rollover
notification date indicated in Part A, to apply their proportional interest in
the Securities and other assets of the Fund toward the purchase of units of a
new Select S&P Industrial Portfolio 1998 Series (if available). The 1998 Series
will invest in the 15 highest yielding stocks in the S&P Industrial Index Subset
as of that time and it is expected that the terms of the 1998 Series, including
this rollover feature, will be substantially the same as those of the Fund.
 
    A rollover of an investor's units is accomplished by the in-kind redemption
of his Units of the Fund followed by the sale of the underlying Securities by a
distribution agent on behalf of participating investors and the reinvestment of
the sale proceeds (net of brokerage fees, governmental charges and other sale
expenses) in units of the 1998 Series at their net asset value.
 
    The Sponsors intend to sell the distributed Securities, on behalf of the
distribution agent, as quickly as practicable and then to create units of the
1998 Series as quickly as possible, subject in both cases to the Sponsors'
sensitivity that the concentrated sale and purchase of large volumes of
securities may affect market prices in a manner adverse to
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
the interest of investors. Accordingly, the Sponsors may, in their sole
discretion, undertake a more gradual sale of the distributed Securities and a
more gradual creation of units of the 1998 Series to help mitigate any negative
market price consequences caused by this large volume of securities trades. In
order to minimize potential losses caused by market movement during the rollover
period, the Sponsors may enter into program trades, which might increase
brokerage commissions payable by investors. There can be no assurance, however,
that any trading procedures will be successful or might not result in less
advantageous prices. Pending the investment of rollover proceeds in the
securities to comprise the 1998 Series, those moneys may be uninvested for up to
several days. For those Securities in the Portfolio that will also be in the
portfolio of the 1998 Series, a direct sale of those securities between the two
funds is now permitted pursuant to an SEC exemptive order. These sales will be
effected at the securities' closing sale prices on the exchanges where they are
principally traded, free of any brokerage costs.
 
    Investors participating in the rollover may realize taxable capital gains
from the rollover but will not be entitled to a deduction for certain capital
losses realized on the rollover and, because of the rollover procedures, will
not receive a cash distribution with which to pay those taxes. Investors who do
not participate will continue to hold their Units until the termination of the
Fund; however, depending upon the extent of participation in the rollover, the
aggregate size of the Fund may be sharply reduced resulting in a significant
increase in per Unit expenses.
 
    The Sponsors may, in their sole discretion and without penalty or liability
to investors, decide not to sponsor a new 1998 Series or to modify the terms of
the rollover. Prior notice of any decision would be provided to investors.
 
    The Division of Investment Management of the SEC is of the view that the
rollover option constitutes an 'exchange offer', for the purposes of Section
11(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, and would therefore be prohibited
absent an exemptive order. The Sponsors have received exemptive orders under
Section 11(c) which they believe permit them to offer the rollover, but no
assurance can be given that the SEC will concur with the Sponsors' position and
additional regulatory approvals may be required.
 
INCOME, DISTRIBUTIONS AND REINVESTMENT
 
INCOME AND DISTRIBUTIONS
 
    The annual income per Unit, after deducting estimated annual Fund expenses
per Unit, will depend primarily upon the amount of dividends declared and paid
by the issuers of the Securities and changes in the expenses of the Fund and, to
a lesser degree, upon the level of purchases of additional Securities and sales
of Securities. There is no assurance that dividends on the Securities will
continue at their current levels or be declared at all.
 
    Each Unit receives an equal share of distributions of dividend income net of
estimated expenses. Because dividends on the Securities are not received at a
constant rate throughout the year, any distribution may be more or less than the
amount then credited to the Income Account. Dividends received are credited to
an Income Account and other receipts to a Capital Account. A Reserve Account may
be created by withdrawing from the Income and Capital Accounts amounts
considered appropriate by the Trustee to reserve for any material amount that
may be payable out of the Fund. Funds held by the Trustee in the various
accounts do not bear interest. In addition, distributions of amounts necessary
to pay the Deferred Sales Charge will be made from the Capital Account to an
account maintained by the Trustee for purposes of satisfying investors' sales
charge obligations. Although the Sponsors may collect the Deferred Sales Charge
monthly, to keep Units more fully invested the Sponsors currently do not
anticipate sales of Securities to pay the deferred sales charge until after the
rollover notification date. Proceeds of the disposition of any Securities not
used to pay Deferred Sales Charge or to redeem Units will be held in the Capital
Account and distributed on the final Distribution Day or following liquidation
of the Fund.
 
REINVESTMENT
 
    Income and principal distributions on Units may be reinvested by
participating in the Fund's reinvestment plan. Under the plan, the Units
acquired for investors will be either Units already held in inventory by the
Sponsors or new Units created by the Sponsors' deposit of additional Securities,
contracts to purchase additional Securities or cash (or a bank letter of credit
in lieu of cash) with instructions to purchase additional Securities. Deposits
or purchases of additional Securities will generally be made so as to maintain
the then existing proportionate relationship among the number of shares of each
Security in the Fund. Units acquired by reinvestment will not be subject to the
initial sales charge but will be subject to any remaining installments of
Deferred Sales Charge. The Sponsors reserve the right to
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
amend, modify or terminate the reinvestment plan at any time without prior
notice. Investors holding Units in 'street name' should contact their broker,
dealer or financial institution if they wish to participate in the reinvestment
plan.
 
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
 
    Estimated annual Fund expenses are listed in Part A of the Prospectus; if
actual expenses exceed the estimate, the excess will be borne by the Fund. The
estimated expenses do not include the brokerage commissions payable by the Fund
in purchasing and selling Securities. S&P receives a minimal annual fee from the
Fund to cover the license by Standard & Poor's to the Agent for the Sponsors of
the use of the trademarks and trade names 'Standard & Poor's', 'S&P' and other
trademarks and trade names as well as the license by Standard & Poor's to the
Agent for the Sponsors of the S&P Industrial Index and Common Stock Rankings in
connection with selection of Strategy Stocks. The Trustee's Fee shown in Part A
of this Prospectus assumes that the Portfolio will reach a size estimated by the
Sponsors and is based on a sliding fee scale that reduces the per 1,000 Units
Trustee's fee as the size of the Portfolio increases. The Trustee's annual fee
is payable in monthly installments. The Trustee also benefits when it holds cash
for the Fund in non-interest bearing accounts. Possible additional charges
include Trustee fees and expenses for extraordinary services, costs of
indemnifying the Trustee and the Sponsors, costs of action taken to protect the
Fund and other legal fees and expenses, Fund termination expenses and any
governmental charges. The Trustee has a lien on Fund assets to secure
reimbursement of these amounts and may sell Securities for this purpose if cash
is not available. The Sponsors receive an annual fee currently estimated at
$0.35 per 1,000 Units to reimburse them for the cost of providing Portfolio
supervisory services to the Fund. While the fee may exceed their costs of
providing these services to the Fund, the total supervision fees from all Series
of Equity Investor Fund will not exceed their costs for these services to all of
those Series during any calendar year. The Sponsors may also be reimbursed for
their costs of providing bookkeeping and administrative services to Defined
Asset Funds, currently estimated at $0.10 per 1,000 Units. The Trustee's and
Sponsors' fees may be adjusted for inflation without investors' approval.
 
    Expenses incurred in establishing the Fund, including the cost of the
initial preparation of documents relating to the Fund, Federal and State
registration fees, the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee, legal expenses
and any other out-of-pocket expenses will be paid by the Fund and amortized over
the life of the Fund. Advertising and selling expenses will be paid from the
Underwriting Account at no charge to the Fund. Defined Asset Funds can be a
cost-effective way to purchase and hold investments. Annual operating expenses
are generally lower than for managed funds. Because Defined Asset Funds have no
management fees, limited transaction costs and no ongoing marketing expenses,
operating expenses are generally less than 0.25% a year. When compounded
annually, small differences in expense ratios can make a big difference in your
investment results.
 
TAXES
 
    The following discussion addresses only the tax consequences of Units held
as capital assets and does not address the tax consequences of Units held by
dealers, financial institutions or insurance companies.
 
    In the opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell, special counsel for the Sponsors,
under existing law:
 
       The Fund is not an association taxable as a corporation for federal
    income tax purposes. Each investor will be considered the owner of a pro
    rata portion of each Security in the Fund under the grantor trust rules of
    Sections 671-679 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
    'Code'). Each investor will be considered to have received all of the
    dividends paid on his pro rata portion of each Security when such dividends
    are received by the Fund, regardless of whether such dividends are used to
    pay a portion of Fund expenses or whether they are automatically reinvested
    (see Reinvestment Plan).
 
       Amounts considered to have been received by an investor from domestic
    corporations that constitute dividends for federal income tax purposes will
    generally qualify for the dividends-received deduction, which is currently
    70%, for corporate investors. Depending upon the particular corporate
    investor's circumstances, limitations on the availability of the
    dividends-received deduction may be applicable. Further, Congress from time
    to time considers proposals that would adversely affect the after-tax return
    to investors that can take advantage of the deduction. For example, in June,
    1997, the House and Senate passed a bill that, as proposed by the Clinton
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    Administration, would require the holding period for the dividends-received
    deduction (during which the investor's position may not be hedged) to be
    satisfied immeditately proximate to each ex-dividend date. Investors are
    urged to consult their own tax advisers in this regard.
 
       An individual investor who itemizes deductions will be entitled to deduct
    his pro rata share of current ongoing expenses paid by the Fund only to the
    extent that this amount together with the investor's other miscellaneous
    deductions exceeds 2% of his adjusted gross income. In addtion, the Code
    further restricts the ability of an individual investor with an adjusted
    gross income in excess of a specified amount (for 1997, $121,200 or $60,600
    for a married person filing a separate return) to claim itemized deductions
    (including his pro rata share of Fund expenses).
 
       The investor's basis in his Units will equal the cost of his Units,
    including the initial sales charge. A portion of the sales charge is
    deferred until the termination of the Fund or the redemption of the Units.
    The proceeds received by an investor upon such event will reflect deduction
    of the deferred amount (the 'Deferred Sales Charge') and a charge for
    organizational expenses. The annual statement and the relevant tax reporting
    forms received by investors will be based upon the amounts paid to them, net
    of the Deferred Sales Charge and the charge for organizational expenses.
    Accordingly, investors should not increase their basis in their Units by the
    Deferred Sales Charge amount or any amount used to pay organizational
    expenses.
 
       An investor will generally recognize capital gain or loss when the
    investor disposes of his Units (by sale, redemption or otherwise) or when
    the Trustee disposes of the Securities from the Fund. However, deductions
    will be disallowed for such losses realized by investors who invest in a new
    1998 Series ('rollover investor') within 30 days after incurring such losses
    to the extent that the securities in that series are substantially identical
    to the old Securities. Furthermore, an investor will generally not recognize
    gain or loss upon the distribution of a pro rata amount of each of the
    Securities by the Trustee to an investor (or to his agent) in redemption of
    Units, except to the extent of cash received in lieu of fractional shares.
    The redeeming investor's basis for such Securities will be equal to his
    basis for the same Securities (previously represented by his Units) prior to
    such redemption, and his holding period for such Securities will include the
    period during which he held his Units.
 
       Net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net
    short-term capital losses) may be taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income
    for certain individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers. A capital gain or
    loss is long-term if the asset is held for more than one year and short-term
    if held for one year or less. The deduction of capital losses is subject to
    limitations. The lower net capital gain tax rate will be unavailable to
    those noncorporate investors who, as of the Mandatory Termination Date (or
    earlier termination of the Fund), have held their units for less than a year
    and a day. Similarly, with respect to noncorporate rollover investors, this
    lower rate will be unavailable if, as of the beginning of the rollover
    period, those investors have held their shares for less than a year and a
    day.
 
       Under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, the Fund is
    not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of the Fund will
    be treated as the income of the investors in the same manner as for federal
    income tax purposes.
 
       The foregoing discussion summarizes only certain U.S. federal and New
    York State and City income tax consequences of an investment in Units by
    investors who are U.S. persons, as defined in the Code. Foreign investors
    (including nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations not
    engaged in U.S. trade or business) will generally be subject to 30%
    withholding tax (or lower applicable treaty rate) on dividend distributions.
    Investors may be subject to taxation in New York or in other U.S. or foreign
    jurisdictions and should consult their own advisers in this regard.
 
                                   *  *  *  *
 
    At the termination of the Fund, the Trustee will furnish to each investor an
annual statement containing information relating to the dividends received by
the Fund on the Securities, the cash proceeds received by the Fund from the
disposition of any Security (resulting from redemption or the sale by the Fund
of any Security), and the fees and expenses paid by the Fund. The Trustee will
also furnish annual information returns to each investor and to the Internal
Revenue Service.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
RETIREMENT PLANS
 
    This Series of Equity Income Fund may be well suited for purchase by
Individual Retirement Accounts ('IRAs'), Keogh plans, pension funds and other
qualified retirement plans, certain of which are briefly described below.
Generally, capital gains and income received in each of the foregoing plans are
exempt from Federal taxation. All distributions from such plans are generally
treated as ordinary income but may, in some cases, be eligible for special 5 or
10 year averaging or tax-deferred rollover treatment. Holders of Units in IRAs,
Keogh plans and other tax-deferred retirement plans should consult their plan
custodian as to the appropriate disposition of distributions. Investors
considering participation in any of these plans should review specific tax laws
related thereto and should consult their attorneys or tax advisors with respect
to the establishment and maintenance of any of these plans. These plans are
offered by brokerage firms, including the Sponsor of this Fund, and other
financial institutions. Fees and charges with respect to such plans may vary.
 
    Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed--Keogh Plans. Units of the Fund may
be purchased by retirement plans established for self-employed individuals,
partnerships or unincorporated companies ('Keogh plans'). The assets of a Keogh
plan must be held in a qualified trust or other arrangement which meets the
requirements of the Code. Keogh plan participants may also establish separate
IRAs (see below) to which they may contribute up to an additional $2,000 per
year ($4,000 in a spousal account).
 
    Individual Retirement Account--IRA. Any individual can make use of a
qualified IRA arrangement for the purchase of Units of the Fund. Any individual
(including one covered by an employer retirement plan) can make a contribution
in an IRA equal to the lesser of $2,000 ($4,000 in a spousal account) or 100% of
earned income; such investment must be made in cash. However, the deductible
amount an individual covered by an employer retirement plan may contribute will
be reduced if the individual's adjusted gross income exceeds $25,000 (in the
case of a single individual), $40,000 (in the case of married individuals filing
a joint return) or $200 (in the case of a married individual filing a separate
return). Certain transactions which are prohibited under Section 408 of the Code
will cause all or a portion of the amount in an IRA to be deemed to the
distributed and subject to tax at that time. Unless nondeductible contributions
were made in 1987 or a later year, all distributions from an IRA will be treated
as ordinary income but generally are eligible for tax-deferred rollover
treatment. Taxable distributions made before attainment of age 59 1/2, except in
the case of the participant's death or disability or where the amount
distributed is part of a series of substantially equal periodic (at least
annual) payments that are to be made over the life expectancies of the
participant and his or her beneficiary, are generally subject to a surtax in an
amount equal to 10% of the distribution.
 
    Corporate Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans. A pension or profit-sharing plan
for employees of a corporation may purchase Units of the Fund.
 
RECORDS AND REPORTS
 
    The Trustee keeps a register of the names, addresses and holdings of all
investors. The Trustee also keeps records of the transactions of the Fund,
including a current list of the Securities and a copy of the Indenture, which
may be inspected by investors at reasonable times during business hours.
 
    With each distribution, the Trustee includes a statement of the amounts of
income and any other receipts being distributed. Following the termination of
the Fund, the Trustee sends each investor of record a statement summarizing
transactions in the Fund's accounts including amounts distributed from them,
identifying Securities sold and purchased and listing Securities held and the
number of Units outstanding at termination and stating the Redemption Price per
1,000 Units at termination, and the fees and expenses paid by the Fund, among
other matters. Fund accounts may be audited by independent accountants selected
by the Sponsors and any report of the accountants will be available from the
Trustee on request.
 
TRUST INDENTURE
 
    The Fund is a 'unit investment trust' created under New York law by a Trust
Indenture among the Sponsors and the Trustee. This Prospectus summarizes various
provisions of the Indenture, but each statement is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Indenture.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    The Indenture may be amended by the Sponsors and the Trustee without consent
by investors to cure ambiguities or to correct or supplement any defective or
inconsistent provision, to make any amendment required by the SEC or other
governmental agency or to make any other change not materially adverse to the
interest of investors (as determined in good faith by the Sponsors). The
Indenture may also generally be amended upon consent of investors holding 51% of
the Units. No amendment may reduce the interest of any investor in the Fund
without the investor's consent or reduce the percentage of Units required to
consent to any amendment without unanimous consent of investors. Investors will
be notified of the substance of any amendment.
 
    The Trustee may resign upon notice to the Sponsors. It may be removed by
investors holding 51% of the Units at any time or by the Sponsors without the
consent of investors if it becomes incapable of acting or bankrupt, its affairs
are taken over by public authorities, or if under certain conditions the
Sponsors determine in good faith that its replacement is in the best interest of
the investors. The resignation or removal becomes effective upon acceptance of
appointment by a successor; in this case, the Sponsors will use their best
efforts to appoint a successor promptly; however, if upon resignation no
successor has accepted appointment within 30 days after notification, the
resigning Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a
successor.
 
    Any Sponsor may resign so long as one Sponsor with a net worth of $2,000,000
remains. A new Sponsor may be appointed by the remaining Sponsors and the
Trustee to assume the duties of the resigning Sponsor. If there is only one
Sponsor and it fails to perform its duties or becomes incapable of acting or
bankrupt or its affairs are taken over by public authorities, the Trustee may
appoint a successor Sponsor at reasonable rates of compensation, terminate the
Indenture and liquidate the Fund or continue to act as Trustee without a
Sponsor. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated has been appointed
as Agent for the Sponsors by the other Sponsors.
 
    The Sponsors and the Trustee are not liable to investors or any other party
for any act or omission in the conduct of their responsibilities absent bad
faith, willful misfeasance, negligence (gross negligence in the case of a
Sponsor) or reckless disregard of duty. The Indenture contains customary
provisions limiting the liability of the Trustee.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
LEGAL OPINION
 
    The legality of the Units has been passed upon by Davis Polk & Wardwell, 450
Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, as special counsel for the Sponsors.
 
AUDITORS
 
    The Statement of Condition in Part A of the Prospectus was audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent accountants, as stated in their opinion. It
is included in reliance upon that opinion given on the authority of that firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
TRUSTEE
 
    The Trustee and its address are stated on the back cover of the Prospectus.
The Trustee is subject to supervision by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the New
York State banking authorities.
 
SPONSORS
 
    The Sponsors are listed on the back cover of the Prospectus. They may
include Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Co. Inc.; Smith Barney Inc., an indirect wholly-
owned subsidiary of The Travelers Inc.; PaineWebber Incorporated, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of PaineWebber Group Inc.; Prudential Securities Incorporated, an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Prudential Insurance Company of America,
and Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., a principal operating subsidiary of Morgan
Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co. Each Sponsor, or one of its predecessor
corporations, has acted as Sponsor of a number of series of unit investment
trusts. Each Sponsor has acted as principal underwriter and managing underwriter
of other investment companies. The Sponsors, in addition to participating as
members of various selling groups or as agents of other investment companies,
execute orders on behalf of investment companies for the purchase and sale of
securities of these companies and sell securities to these companies in their
capacities as brokers or dealers in securities.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
CODE OF ETHICS
 
    The Agent for the Sponsors has adopted a code of ethics requiring
preclearance and reporting of personal securities transactions by its personnel
who have access to information on Defined Asset Funds portfolio transactions.
The code is intended to prevent any act, practice or course of conduct which
would operate as a fraud or deceit on any Fund and to provide guidance to these
persons regarding standards of conduct consistent with the Agent's
responsibilities to the Funds.
 
PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
 
    During the initial offering period and thereafter to the extent additional
Units continue to be offered for sale to the public by means of this Prospectus,
Units will be distributed directly to the public by this Prospectus at the
Public Offering Price determined in the manner provided above. The Sponsors
intend to qualify Units for sale in all states in which qualification is deemed
necessary through the Underwriting Account and by dealers who are members of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.. The Sponsors do not intend to
qualify Units for sale in any foreign countries and this Prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell Units in any country where Units cannot lawfully be
sold.
 
UNDERWRITERS' AND SPONSORS' PROFITS
 
    Upon sale of the Units, the Underwriters will be entitled to receive sales
charges; each Underwriters' interest in the Underwriting Account will depend on
the number of Units acquired through the issuance of additional Units. The
Sponsors also realize a profit or loss on deposit of the Securities equal to the
difference between the cost of the Securities to the Fund (based on the
aggregate value of the Securities on their date of deposit) and the purchase
price of the Securities to the Sponsors plus commissions payable by the
Sponsors. In addition, a Sponsor or Underwriter may realize profits or sustain
losses on Securities it deposits in the Fund which were acquired from
underwriting syndicates of which it was a member. During the initial offering
period, the Underwriting Account also may realize profits or sustain losses as a
result of fluctuations after the initial date of deposit in the Public Offering
Price of the Units. In maintaining a secondary market for Units, the Sponsors
will also realize profits or sustain losses in the amount of any difference
between the prices at which they buy Units and the prices at which they resell
these Units (which include the sales charge) or the prices at which they redeem
the Units. Cash, if any, made available by buyers of Units to the Sponsors prior
to a settlement date for the purchase of Units may be used in the Sponsors'
businesses to the extent permitted by Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and may be of benefit to the Sponsors.
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
    Total returns, average annualized returns or cumulative returns for various
periods of the Strategy Stocks, the related index or the current Select S&P
Industrial Portfolio may be included from time to time in advertisements, sales
literature and reports to current or prospective investors. Total return shows
changes in Unit price during the period plus reinvestment of dividends and
capital gains, divided by the maximum public offering price. Average annualized
returns show the average return for stated periods of longer than a year. Sales
material may also include an illustration of the cumulative results of like
annual investments in Strategy Stocks during an accumulation period and like
annual withdrawals during a distribution period. Figures for actual Portfolios
(but not Strategy Stocks or the related index) reflect deduction of all
Portfolio expenses and unless otherwise stated the maximum sales charge. No
provision is made for any income taxes payable. Returns of Strategy Stocks may
also be shown in comparison to other indexes, to which may be added by year
various national and international political and economic events, milestones in
price and market indicators, and offerings of Defined Asset Funds. This
performance may also be compared for various periods with investments in
short-term U.S. Treasury securities. Investors should bear in mind that this
represents past performance and is no assurance of future results of the current
or any future Portfolio. Advertisements and other material distributed to
prospective investors may include the average annual compounded rate of return
on selected types of assets for periods of at least 10 years, as compiled by
Ibbotson Associates, compared to the rate of inflation over the same period.
 
    The following chart shows the average annual compounded rate of return of
selected asset classes over the 10-year and 20-year periods ending December 31,
1996, compared to the rate of inflation over the same periods. Of course, this
chart represents past performance of these investments and is no guarantee of
future results, either of these categories or of any Defined Fund. Defined Funds
also have sales charges and expenses which are not reflected in the chart.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 

Stocks (S&P 500)
20 yr                                      14.55%
10 yr                                        15.28%
Small-company stocks
20 yr                                                 17.84%
10 yr                                12.98%
Long-term corporate bonds
20 yr                      9.71%
10 yr                      9.48%
U.S. Treasury bills (short-term)
20 yr              7.28%
10 yr        5.46%
Consumer Price Index
20 yr       5.15%
10 yr  3.70%
0    2    4     6     8    10    12    14    16    18    20
 
 
      Source: Ibbotson Associates. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
 
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
 
    For decades informed investors have purchased unit investment trusts for
dependability and professional selection of investments. Defined Asset Funds'
philosophy is to allow investors to 'buy with knowledge' (because, unlike
managed funds, the portfolio is relatively fixed) and 'hold with confidence'
(because the portfolio is professionally selected and regularly reviewed).
Defined Asset Funds offers an array of simple and convenient investment choices,
suited to fit a wide variety of personal financial goals--a buy and hold
strategy for capital accumulation, such as for children's education or
retirement or regular current income consistent with the preservation of
principal. Unit investment trusts are particularly suited for investors who
prefer to seek long-term profits by purchasing and holding investments, rather
than through active trading. Few individuals have the knowledge, resources or
capital to buy and hold a diversified portfolio on their own; it would generally
take a considerable sum of money to obtain the breadth and diversity that
Defined Asset Funds offer. Your investment objectives may call for a combination
of Defined Asset Funds.
 
    Defined Asset Funds reflect a buy and hold strategy that the Sponsors
believe can be more effective and less expensive than active management. This
strategy is premised on selection criteria and procedures, diversification and
regular monitoring by investment professionals. Various advertisements and sales
literature may summarize the results of economic studies concerning how stock
movement has tended to be concentrated and how longer-term investments can tend
to reduce risk.
 
    One of the most important investment decisions you face may be how to
allocate your investments among asset classes. Diversification among different
kinds of investments can balance the risks and rewards of each one. Most
investment experts recommend stocks for long-term capital growth. Defined equity
funds offer growth potential and some protection against inflation.
 
EXCHANGE OPTION
 
    You may exchange Fund Units for units of other Select Portfolios subject
only to the remaining deferred sales charge on the units received. You may
exchange your units of any Select Portfolio, of any other Defined Asset Fund
with a regular maximum sales charge of at least 3.50%, or of any unaffiliated
unit trust with a regular maximum sales charge of at least 2.70%, for Units of
this Fund at their relative net asset values, subject only to a reduced sales
charge, or to any remaining Deferred Sales Charge, as applicable. Any number of
units can be exchanged.
 
    To make an exchange, you should contact your financial professional to find
out what suitable exchange funds are available and to obtain a prospectus. You
may acquire units of only those exchange funds in which the Sponsors are
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
maintaining a secondary market and which are lawfully for sale in the state
where you reside. An exchange is a taxable event normally requiring recognition
of any gain or loss on the units exchanged. However, the Internal Revenue
Service may seek to disallow a loss if the portfolio of the units acquired is
not materially different from the portfolio of the units exchanged; you should
consult your own tax advisor. If the proceeds of units exchanged are
insufficient to acquire a whole number of exchange fund units, you may pay the
difference in cash (not exceeding the price of a single unit acquired).
 
    As the Sponsors are not obligated to maintain a secondary market in any
series, there can be no assurance that units of a desired series will be
available for exchange. The Exchange Option may be amended or terminated at any
time without notice.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
 
    Upon writing or calling the Trustee shown on the back cover of this
Prospectus, investors will receive without charge supplemental information about
the Fund, which has been filed with the SEC. The supplemental information
includes more detailed risk factor disclosure about the types of securities that
may be part of the Portfolio and general information about the structure and
operation of the Fund.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX A
     THE STANDARD & POOR'S EARNINGS AND DIVIDEND RANKINGS FOR COMMON STOCKS
                   (AS DESCRIBED BY STANDARD & POOR'S ITSELF)
 
The investment process involves assessment of various factors--such as products
and industry position, corporate resources and financial policy--with results
that make some common stocks more highly esteemed than others. In this
assessment, Standard & Poor's believes that earnings and dividend performance is
the end result of the interplay of these factors and that, over the long run,
the record of this performance has a considerable bearing on relative quality.
The rankings, however, do not pretend to reflect all of the factors, tangible or
intangible, that bear on stock quality.
 
Relative quality of bonds or other debt, that is, degrees of protection for
principal and interest, called credit worthiness, cannot be applied to common
stocks, and therefore rankings are not to be confused with bond quality ratings
which are arrived at by a necessarily different approach.
 
Growth and stability of earnings and dividends are deemed key elements in
establishing Standard & Poor's earnings and dividend rankings for common stocks,
which are designed to capsulize the nature of this record in a single symbol. It
should be noted, however, that the process also takes into consideration certain
adjustments and modifications deemed desirable in establishing such rankings.
 
The point of departure in arriving at these rankings is a computerized scoring
system based on per-share earnings and dividend records of the most recent ten
years--a period deemed long enough to measure significant time segments of
secular growth, to capture indications of basic change in trend as they develop,
and to encompass the full peak-to-peak range of the business cycle. Basic scores
are computed for earnings and dividends, then adjusted as indicated by a set of
predetermined modifiers for growth, stability within long-term trend, and
cyclicality. Adjusted scores for earnings and dividends are then combined to
yield a final score.
 
Further, the ranking system makes allowance for the fact that, in general,
corporate size imparts certain recognized advantages from an investment
standpoint. Conversely, minimum size limits (in terms of corporate sales volume)
are set for the various rankings, but the system provides for making exceptions
where the score reflects an outstanding earnings-dividend record.
 
The final score for each stock is measures against a scoring matrix determined
by analysis of the scores of a large and representative sample of stocks. The
range of scores in the array of this sample has been aligned with the following
ladder of rankings:
 

          A - ABOVE
A + HIGHESTAVERAGE      B - LOWER
A  HIGH   B + AVERAGE   C   LOWEST
          B BELOW       D IN
          AVERAGE       REORGANIZATION

 
NR signifies no ranking because of insufficient data or because the stock is not
amenable to the ranking process.
 
The positions as determined above may be modified in some instances by special
considerations, such as natural disasters, massive strikes, and non-recurring
accounting adjustments.
 
A ranking is not a forecast of future market price performance, but is basically
an appraisal of past performance of earnings and dividends, and relative current
standing. A high-score stock may at times be so overpriced as to justify its
sale, while a low-score stock may be attractively priced for purchase. Rankings
based upon earnings and dividend records are no substitute for complete
analysis. They cannot take into account potential effects on management changes,
internal company policies not yet fully reflected in the earnings and dividend
record, public relations standing, recent competitive shifts, and a host of
other factors that may be relevant to investment status and decision.
 
THESE RANKINGS MUST NOT BE USED AS MARKET RECOMMENDATIONS.
 
Rankings are published by Standard & Poor's Equity Investor Services Group,
which is independent of, and has no access to information obtained by Standard &
Poor's Rating Services. Standard & Poor's Rating Services may from time to time
obtain information of a confidential nature.
 
                                      a-1
<PAGE>
                              Def ined
                              Asset FundsSM
 

SPONSORS:                          EQUITY INVESTOR FUND
Merrill Lynch,                     SELECT S&P INDUSTRIAL PORTFOLIO
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated1997 SERIES E
Defined Asset Funds
P.O. Box 9051
Princeton, NJ 08543-9051           This Prospectus does not contain all of the
(609) 282-8500                     information with respect to the investment
Smith Barney Inc.                  company set forth in its registration
Unit Trust Department              statement and exhibits relating thereto which
388 Greenwich Street--23rd Floor   have been filed with the Securities and
New York, NY 10013                 Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. under
(212) 816-4000                     the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
PaineWebber Incorporated           Company Act of 1940, and to which reference
1200 Harbor Boulevard              is hereby made. Copies of filed material can
Weehawken, NJ 07087                be obtained from the Public Reference Section
(201) 902-3000                     of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Prudential Securities Incorporated Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates.
One New York Plaza                 The Commission also maintains a Web site that
New York, NY 10292                 contains information statements and other
(212) 778-6164                     information regarding registrants such as
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.          Defined Asset Funds that file electronically
Two World Trade Center--59th Floor with the Commission at http://www.sec.gov.
New York, NY 10048                 ------------------------
(212) 392-2222                     No person is authorized to give any
TRUSTEE:                           information or to make any representations
The Bank of New York               with respect to this investment company not
Unit Investment Trust Department   contained in its registration statement and
Box 974 - Wall Street Division     related exhibits; and any information or
New York, NY 10268-0974            representation not contained therein must not
1-800-221-7771                     be relied upon as having been authorized.
                                   ------------------------
                                   When Units of this Fund are no longer
                                   available, or for investors who will reinvest
                                   into subsequent series of Select S&P
                                   Industrial Portfolios, this Prospectus may be
                                   used as a preliminary prospectus for a future
                                   series; in which case investors should note
                                   the following:
                                   Information contained herein is subject to
                                   amendment. A registration statement relating
                                   to securities of a future series 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 such State.

 
                                                         11305--7/97
 
                                      a-2



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