SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Amendment No. 2 to
FORM S-6
For Registration Under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities
of Unit Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2
A. Exact Name of Trust: FT 239
B. Name of Depositor: NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
C. Complete Address of Depositor's 1001 Warrenville Road
Principal Executive Offices: Lisle, Illinois 60532
D. Name and Complete Address of
Agents for Service: NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
Attention: James A. Bowen
Suite 300
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
E. Title of Securities
Being Registered: An indefinite number of
Units pursuant to Rule
24f-2 promulgated under
the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended.
F. Approximate Date of Proposed
Sale to the Public: ____ Check if it is
proposed that this filing
will become effective on
_____ at ____ p.m.
pursuant to Rule 487.
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on
such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective
date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall
thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement
shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
FT 239
Cross-Reference Sheet
(Form N-8B-2 Items required by Instructions as
to the Prospectus in Form S-6)
FORM N-8B-2 FORM S-6
ITEM NUMBER HEADING IN PROSPECTUS
I. ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
1. (a) Name of trust Prospectus front cover
(b) Title of securities issued Summary of Essential
Information
2. Name and address of each Information as to
depositor Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
3. Name and address of Information as to
trustee Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
4. Name and address of Underwriting
principal underwriters
5. State of organization The FT Series
of trust
6. Execution and termination The FT Series; Other
of trust agreement Information
7. Changes of name *
8. Fiscal Year *
9. Litigation *
II. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND SECURITIES OF THE TRUST
10. (a) Registered or bearer Rights of Unit Holders
securities
(b) Cumulative or distributive
securities The FT Series
(c) Redemption Rights of Unit Holders
(d) Conversion, transfer, etc. Rights of Unit Holders
(e) Periodic payment plan
certificates *
(f) Voting rights Rights of Unit Holders;
Other Information
(g) Notice of certificate- Rights of Unit Holders;
holders Other Information
(h) Consents required Rights of Unit Holders;
Other Information
(i) Other provisions The FT Series
11. Types of securities comprising The FT Series
12. Certain information
regarding periodic payment
plan certificates *
13. (a) Load, fees, expenses, etc. Summary of Essential
Information; Public
Offering; The FT Series
(b) Certain information
regarding periodic payment
plan certificates *
(c) Certain percentages Summary of Essential
Information; The FT
Series; Public Offering
(d) Difference in price offered Public Offering
for any class of transactions
to any class or group of
individuals
(e) Certain other load fees, Rights of Unit Holders
expenses, etc. payable by
holders
(f) Certain profits receivable The FT Series
by depositor, principal
underwriters, trustee or
affiliated persons
(g) Ratio of annual charges to
income *
14. Issuance of trust's Rights of Unit Holders
securities
15. Receipt and handling of
payments from purchasers *
16. Acquisition and disposition
of underlying securities The FT Series; Rights of
Unit Holders
17. Withdrawal or redemption The FT Series; Public
Offering; Rights of Unit
Holders
18. (a) Receipt, custody and
disposition of income Rights of Unit Holders
(b) Reinvestment of
distributions Rights of Unit Holders
(c) Reserves or special funds Information as to
Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
(d) Schedule of distributions *
19. Records, accounts and
reports Rights of Unit Holders
20. Certain miscellaneous
provisions of trust
agreement
(a) Amendment Other Information
(b) Termination Other Information
(c) and (d) Trustee, removal and
successor Information as to
Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
(e) and (f) Depositor, removal Information as to
and successor Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
21. Loans to security holders *
22. Limitations on liability The FT Series;
Information as to
Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
23. Bonding arrangements Contents of Registration
Statement
24. Other material provisions
of trust agreement *
III. ORGANIZATION, PERSONNEL AND AFFILIATED PERSONS OF DEPOSITOR
25. Organization of depositor Information as to
Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
26. Fees received by depositor *
27. Business of depositor Information as to
Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
28. Certain information as to *
officials and affiliated
persons of depositor
29. Voting securities of *
depositor
30. Persons controlling *
depositor
31. Payment by depositor for *
certain services rendered
to trust
32. Payment by depositor for *
certain other services
rendered to trust
33. Remuneration of other *
persons for certain
services rendered to trust
34. Remuneration of other *
persons for certain services
rendered to trust
IV. DISTRIBUTION AND REDEMPTION
35. Distribution of trust's
securities by states Public Offering
36. Suspension of sales of
trust's securities *
37. Revocation of authority
to distribute *
38. (a) Method of distribution Public Offering
(b) Underwriting agreements Public Offering;
Underwriting
(c) Selling agreements Public Offering
39. (a) Organization of principal Information as to
underwriters Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
(b) N.A.S.D. membership of Information as to
principal underwriters Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
40. Certain fee received by See Items 13(a) and 13(e)
principal underwriters
41. (a) Business of principal Information as to
underwriters Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
(b) Branch offices of
principal underwriters *
(c) Salesmen of principal
underwriters *
42. Ownership of trust's
securities by certain
persons *
43. Certain brokerage
commissions received
by principal underwriters *
44. (a) Method of valuation Summary of Essential
Information; The FT
Series; Public Offering
(b) Schedule as to offering
price *
(c) Variation in offering Public Offering
price to certain persons
45. Suspension of redemption
rights *
46. (a) Redemption Valuation Rights of Unit Holders
(b) Schedule as to redemption
price *
47. Maintenance of position Public Offering; Rights
in underlying securities of Unit Holders
V. INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE OR CUSTODIAN
48. Organization and regulation Information as to
of trustee Sponsor, Trustee and
Evaluator
49. Fees and expenses of trustee The FT Series
50. Trustee's lien The FT Series
VI. INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INSURANCE OF HOLDERS OR
SECURITIES
51. Insurance of holders of *
trust's securities
VII. POLICY OF REGISTRANT
52. (a) Provisions of trust The FT Series; Rights
agreement with respect of Unit Holders
to selection or elimination
of underlying securities
(b) Transactions involving
elimination of underlying
securities *
(c) Policy regarding The FT Series; Rights
substitution or elimination of Unit Holders
of underlying securities
(d) Fundamental policy not
otherwise covered *
53. Tax status of Trust The FT Series
VIII. FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION
54. Trust's securities during
last ten years *
55. Certain information regarding
periodic payment plan
certificates
56. Certain information regarding
periodic payment plan
certificates
57. Certain information regarding *
periodic payment plan
certificates
58. Certain information regarding
periodic payment plan
certificates
59. Financial statements Report of Independent
(Instruction 1(b) to Auditors; Statement of
Form S-6) Net Assets
__________________________
* Inapplicable, answer negative or not required.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JANUARY 23, 1998
AS AMENDED FEBRUARY 4, 1998
RYAN BECK BANKING AND INSURANCE OPPORTUNITY TRUST,
SERIES 6
The Trust. FT 239 (the "Trust") is a unit investment trust consisting of
a portfolio of common stocks issued by financial institutions and
insurance companies which are incorporated or headquartered in the
United States (the "Equity Securities").
The objective of the Trust is to provide for a high level of potential
capital appreciation and increasing dividend income by investing the
Trust's portfolio in the Equity Securities. See "Schedule of
Investments." The Trust has a mandatory termination date ("Mandatory
Termination Date" or "Trust Ending Date") as set forth under "Summary of
Essential Information." There is, of course, no guarantee that the
objective of the Trust will be achieved.
Each Unit of the Trust represents an undivided fractional interest in
all the Equity Securities deposited in the Trust. The Equity Securities
deposited in the Trust's portfolio have no fixed maturity date and the
value of these underlying Equity Securities will fluctuate with changes
in the values of stocks in general. See "Portfolio."
The Sponsor may, from time to time during a period of up to
approximately 360 days after the Initial Date of Deposit, deposit
additional Equity Securities or cash (including a letter of credit) with
instructions to purchase additional Equity Securities in the Trust. Such
deposits of additional Equity Securities or cash will be done in such a
manner that the original proportionate relationship amongst the
individual issues of the Equity Securities shall be maintained. Any
deposit by the Sponsor of additional Equity Securities, or the purchase
of additional Equity Securities pursuant to a cash deposit, will
duplicate, as nearly as is practicable, the original proportionate
relationship established on the Initial Date of Deposit, not the actual
proportionate relationship on the subsequent date of deposit, since the
two may differ. Any such difference may be due to the sale, redemption
or liquidation of any Equity Securities deposited in the Trust on the
Initial, or any subsequent, Date of Deposit. See "What is the FT
Series?" and "Rights of Unit Holders-How May Equity Securities be
Removed from the Trust?"
Public Offering Price. The Public Offering Price per Unit of the Trust
during the initial offering period is equal to the aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities in the Trust (generally determined by the
closing sale prices of listed Equity Securities and the ask prices of
over-the-counter traded Equity Securities) plus or minus a pro rata
share of cash, if any, in the Capital and Income Accounts of the Trust,
plus a maximum sales charge of ___% (equivalent to ___% of the net
amount invested), divided by the number of Units outstanding. A pro rata
share of accumulated dividends, if any, in the Income Account is
included in the Public Offering Price. The secondary market Public
Offering Price per Unit will be based upon the aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities in the Trust (generally determined by the
closing sale prices of listed Equity Securities and the bid prices of
over-the-counter traded Equity Securities) plus or minus a pro rata
share of cash, if any, in the Capital and Income Accounts of the Trust
plus a maximum sales charge of ___% (equivalent to ___% of the net
amount invested) subject to reduction of 1/2 of 1% on each ________,
beginning ________, 1999 to a minimum sales charge of %, divided
by the number of
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD
NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE
ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,
SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR
QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE.
Ryan Beck & Co.
The date of this Prospectus is _________, 1998
Page 1
Units outstanding. The minimum amount which an investor may purchase of
the Trust is $5,000 ($2,000 for IRAs and other retirement plans). The
sales charge is reduced on a graduated scale for sales involving at
least 10,000 Units. See "Public Offering-How is the Public Offering
Price Determined?"
UNITS OF THE TRUST ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED BY,
ANY BANK, AND UNITS ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY
THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION AND INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISK
INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
Estimated Net Annual Distributions. The estimated net annual dividend
distributions to Unit holders (based on the most recent quarterly or
semi-annual ordinary dividend declared with respect to the Equity
Securities in the Trust) on the Initial Date of Deposit was $ per
Unit. The actual net annual dividend distributions per Unit will vary
with changes in fees and expenses of the Trust, with changes in
dividends received and with the sale or liquidation of Equity
Securities; therefore, there is no assurance that the net annual
dividend distributions will be realized in the future.
Dividend and Capital Distributions. Distributions of dividends and
capital, if any, received by the Trust will be paid on the Distribution
Date to Unit holders of record on the Record Date as set forth in the
"Summary of Essential Information." Distributions of funds in the
Capital Account, if any, will be made at least annually in December of
each year. Any distribution of income and/or capital will be net of the
expenses of the Trust. See "What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit
Holders?" Additionally, upon termination of the Trust, the Trustee will
distribute, upon surrender of Units for redemption, to each Unit holder
his or her pro rata share of the Trust's assets, less expenses, in the
manner set forth under "Rights of Unit Holders-How are Income and
Capital Distributed?"
Secondary Market for Units. After the initial offering period, while
under no obligation to do so, both the Sponsor and the Underwriter
intend to maintain a market for Units of the Trust and offer to
repurchase such Units at prices which are based on the aggregate
underlying value of Equity Securities in the Trust (generally determined
by the closing sale prices of listed Equity Securities and the bid
prices of over-the-counter traded Equity Securities) plus or minus cash,
if any, in the Capital and Income Accounts of the Trust. If a secondary
market is maintained during the initial offering period, the prices at
which Units will be repurchased will also be based upon the aggregate
underlying value of the Equity Securities in the Trust (generally
determined by the closing sale prices of listed Equity Securities and
the ask prices of over-the-counter traded Equity Securities) plus or
minus cash, if any, in the Capital and Income Accounts of the Trust. If
a secondary market is not maintained, a Unit holder may redeem Units
through redemption at prices based upon the aggregate underlying value
of the Equity Securities in the Trust (generally determined by the
closing sale prices of listed Equity Securities and either the ask
prices (during the initial offering period) or the bid prices
(subsequent to the initial offering period) of over-the-counter traded
Equity Securities) plus or minus a pro rata share of cash, if any, in
the Capital and Income Accounts of the Trust. A Unit holder tendering
2,500 Units or more for redemption may request a distribution of shares
of Equity Securities (reduced by customary transfer and registration
charges) (an "In-Kind Distribution") in lieu of payment in cash. See
"Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?"
Termination. Commencing no later than the Mandatory Termination Date,
Equity Securities will begin to be sold as prescribed by the Sponsor.
The Trustee shall provide written notice of any termination of the Trust
to Unit holders which will include a form to enable Unit holders to
elect an In-Kind Distribution if such Unit holder owns at least 2,500
Units of the Trust, rather than to receive payment in cash for such Unit
holder's pro rata share of the amounts realized upon the disposition by
the Trustee of Equity Securities. To be effective, the election form,
together with other documentation required by the Trustee, must be
returned to the Trustee at least ten business days prior to the
Mandatory Termination Date. Unit holders not electing a distribution of
shares of Equity Securities will receive a cash distribution within a
reasonable time after the Trust is terminated. See "Rights of Unit
Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?" and "Other Information-
How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated?"
Risk Factors. An investment in the Trust should be made with an
understanding of the risks associated therewith, including, among other
factors, the possible deterioration of either the financial condition of
the issuers of the Equity Securities or the general condition of the
stock market, volatile interest rates, economic recession or increased
regulation of financial institutions and insurance companies. The
Trust's portfolio is not managed and Equity Securities will not be sold
by the Trust regardless of market fluctuations, although some Equity
Securities may be sold under certain limited circumstances. See "What
are the Equity Securities?-Risk Factors."
Page 2
Summary of Essential Information
At the Opening of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit
of the Equity Securities-_________, 1998
Underwriter: Ryan, Beck & Co.
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
Evaluator: First Trust Advisors L.P.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
General Information
<S> <C>
Initial Number of Units (1)
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit (1) 1/
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Offering Price Evaluation of Equity Securities in Portfolio (2) $
Aggregate Offering Price Evaluation of Equity Securities per Unit $
Sales Charge of ___% of the Public Offering Price per Unit
(___% of the net amount invested) $
Public Offering Price per Unit (3) $10.000
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price per Unit $
Redemption Price per Unit (based on aggregate underlying value of Equity Securities) (4) $
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
CUSIP Number
First Settlement Date _______, 1998
Mandatory Termination Date _______, 2002
Discretionary Liquidation Amount The Trust may be terminated if the value thereof is less than the
lower of $2,000,000 or 20% of the total value of Equity Securities
deposited in the Trust during the initial offering period.
Trustee's Annual Fee $___ per Unit outstanding.
Evaluator's Annual Fee $___ per Unit outstanding, payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor.
Evaluations for purposes of sale, purchase or redemption of Units are
made as of the close of trading (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on
the New York Stock Exchange on each day on which it is open.
Supervisory Fee (5) Maximum of $___ per Unit outstanding annually payable to an affiliate
of the Sponsor.
Estimated Annual Amortization of
Organizational and Offering Costs (6) $___ per Unit.
Income Distribution Record Dates Fifteenth day of each February, May, August and November commencing
May 15, 1998.
Income Distribution Dates (7) Last day of each February, May, August and November commencing May 29,
1998.
____________
<FN>
(1) As of the close of business on the Initial Date of Deposit, the
number of Units of the Trust may be adjusted so that the Public Offering
Price per Unit will equal approximately $10.00. Therefore, to the extent
of any such adjustment, the fractional undivided interest per Unit will
increase or decrease accordingly, from the amounts indicated above.
(2) Each Equity Security listed on a national securities exchange or The
Nasdaq Stock Market is valued at the last closing sale price, or if no
such price exists or if the Equity Security is not so listed, at the
closing ask price thereof.
(3) On the Initial Date of Deposit there will be no accumulated dividends
in the Income Account. Anyone ordering Units after such date will pay a
pro rata share of any accumulated dividends in such Income Account. The
Public Offering Price as shown reflects the value of the Equity
Securities at the opening of business on the Initial Date of Deposit and
establishes the original proportionate relationship amongst the
individual securities. No sales to investors will be executed at this
price. Additional Equity Securities will be deposited during the day of
the Initial Date of Deposit which will be valued as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time and sold to investors at a Public Offering Price per Unit based on
this valuation.
(4) See "Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?"
(5) In addition, the Sponsor will be reimbursed for bookkeeping and other
administrative expenses currently at a maximum annual rate of
$___________ per Unit.
(6) The Trust (and therefore Unit holders) will bear all or a portion of
its organizational and offering costs (including costs of preparing the
registration statement, the trust indenture and other closing documents,
registering Units with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
states, the initial audit of the Trust portfolio, legal fees and the
initial fees and expenses of the Trustee but not including the expenses
incurred in the printing of preliminary and final prospectuses, and
expenses incurred in the preparation and printing of brochures and other
advertising materials and any other selling expenses) as is common for
mutual funds. Total organizational and offering expenses will be charged
off over a period not to exceed the life of the Trust (approximately
four years). See "What are the Expenses and Charges?" and "Statement of
Net Assets."
(7) Distributions from the Capital Account will be made monthly payable
on the last day of the month to Unit holders of record on the fifteenth
day of such month if the amount available for distribution equals at
least $0.01 per Unit. Notwithstanding, distributions of funds in the
Capital Account, if any, will be made in December of each year.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 3
RYAN BECK BANKING AND INSURANCE OPPORTUNITY TRUST, SERIES 6
FT 239
What is the FT Series?
FT 239 is one of a series of investment companies created by the Sponsor
under the name of the FT Series, all of which are generally similar but
each of which is separate and is designated by a different series number
(the "Trust"). The FT Series was previously known as The First Trust
Special Situations Trust. This Series consists of an underlying separate
unit investment trust designated as: Ryan Beck Banking and Insurance
Opportunity Trust, Series 6. The Trust was created under the laws of the
State of New York pursuant to a Trust Agreement (the "Indenture"), dated
the Initial Date of Deposit, with Nike Securities L.P. as Sponsor, The
Chase Manhattan Bank as Trustee and First Trust Advisors L.P. as
Portfolio Supervisor and Evaluator.
On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor deposited with the Trustee
confirmations of contracts for the purchase of the Equity Securities,
together with an irrevocable letter or letters of credit of a financial
institution in an amount at least equal to the purchase price of such
securities. In exchange for the deposit of securities or contracts to
purchase securities in the Trust, the Trustee delivered to the Sponsor
documents evidencing the entire ownership of the Trust.
The objective of the Trust is to provide for a high level of potential
capital appreciation and increasing dividend income. In the opinion of
Ryan, Beck & Co. (the "Underwriter"), these benefits may stem from the
following factors: strong fundamentals, industry takeover activity and
favorable interest rate and market conditions. The Equity Securities
have been selected for the Trust by the Underwriter's experienced
research analysts based upon their comprehensive understanding of the
fundamental factors influencing financial institutions and insurance
companies. The factors considered in choosing the financial institutions
and insurance companies for the Trust include expected earnings growth,
dividend potential, low relative valuations, asset quality, franchise
strength and possible acquisition value.
The financial services sector can be expected to benefit as more
individuals invest and save for the future. Due to the strong U.S.
economy, the Underwriter believes that financial institutions' earnings
will continue to be positively impacted as businesses and consumers
increase their borrowings. In the opinion of the Underwriter, the
economic expansion will also continue to benefit insurance companies
through increased demand for personal and commercial insurance products.
Insurance companies with product and/or distribution niches may realize
additional earnings potential.
Both the financial institutions industry and the insurance industry
continue to experience significant consolidation activity. In Ryan
Beck's opinion, certain of the Equity Securities selected for the Trust,
because of attractive fundamentals and franchises, may be potential
acquirors and/or acquisition targets. Investors may benefit from
companies expanding their earnings potential through acquisitions, and
the resulting efficiency gains and market share expansion. Investors may
also benefit from takeover premiums if certain companies in the Trust
are acquired.
It is important to note, however, that financial institutions and
insurance companies are subject to the adverse effects of volatile
interest rates, economic recession, potential asset quality problems,
increased competition from new entrants and potential increased
regulation of financial institution and insurance companies.
See "Schedule of Investments" and "What are the Equity Securities?-Risk
Factors" for the Trust. There is, of course, no guarantee that the
objective of the Trust will be achieved.
With the deposit of the Equity Securities on the Initial Date of
Deposit, the Sponsor established a percentage relationship between the
amounts of individual Equity Securities in the Trust's portfolio. From
time to time following the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor,
pursuant to the Indenture, may create additional Units of the Trust by
depositing additional Equity Securities or cash (including a letter of
credit) with instructions to purchase additional Equity Securities in
the Trust. Units may be continuously offered for sale to the public by
Page 4
means of this Prospectus, resulting in a potential increase in the
outstanding number of Units of the Trust. Any deposit by the Sponsor of
additional Equity Securities or cash will duplicate, as nearly as is
practicable, the original proportionate relationship and not the actual
proportionate relationship on the subsequent date of deposit, since the
two may differ. Any such difference may be due to the sale, redemption
or liquidation of any of the Equity Securities deposited in the Trust on
the Initial, or any subsequent, Date of Deposit. See "Rights of Unit
Holders-How May Equity Securities be Removed from the Trust?" The
original percentage relationship of each Equity Security to the Trust is
set forth herein under "Schedule of Investments." Since the prices of
the underlying Equity Securities will fluctuate daily, the ratio, on a
market value basis, will also change daily. The portion of Equity
Securities represented by each Unit will not change as a result of the
deposit of additional Equity Securities in the Trust. If the Sponsor
deposits cash, however, existing and new investors may experience a
dilution of their investment and a reduction in their anticipated income
because of fluctuations in the price of the Equity Securities and
because the Trust will pay the associated brokerage fees. To minimize
this effect, the Trust will try to purchase the Equity Securities as
close to the evaluation time or as close to the evaluation price as
possible. The Trustee may from time to time retain and pay compensation
to the Sponsor (or an affiliate of the Sponsor) to act as agent for the
Trust with respect to acquiring Equity Securities for the Trust. In
acting in such capacity, the Sponsor or its affiliate will be held
subject to the restrictions under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended.
On the Initial Date of Deposit, each Unit of the Trust represented the
undivided fractional interest in the Equity Securities as set forth
under "Summary of Essential Information." To the extent that Units of
the Trust are redeemed, the aggregate value of the Equity Securities in
the Trust will be reduced and the undivided fractional interest
represented by each outstanding Unit of the Trust will increase.
However, if additional Units are issued by the Trust in connection with
the deposit of additional Equity Securities or cash by the Sponsor, the
aggregate value of the Equity Securities in the Trust will be increased
by amounts allocable to additional Units, and the fractional undivided
interest represented by each Unit of the Trust will be decreased
proportionately. See "Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?"
What are the Expenses and Charges?
With the exception of the brokerage fees discussed above and bookkeeping
and other administrative services provided to the Trust, for which the
Sponsor may be reimbursed in amounts as set forth under "Summary of
Essential Information," the Sponsor will not receive any fees in
connection with its activities relating to the Trust.
First Trust Advisors L.P., an affiliate of the Sponsor, will receive an
annual supervisory fee, which is not to exceed the amount set forth
under "Summary of Essential Information," for providing portfolio
supervisory services for the Trust. Such fee is based on the number of
Units outstanding in the Trust on January 1 of each year, except for the
year or years in which an initial offering period occurs, in which case
the fee for a month is based on the number of Units outstanding at the
end of such month. In providing such supervisory services, the Portfolio
Supervisor may purchase research services from a variety of sources
which may include underwriters or dealers of the Trust.
Subsequent to the initial offering period, First Trust Advisors L.P., in
its capacity as Evaluator for the Trust, will receive a fee as indicated
in the "Summary of Essential Information."
The Trustee pays certain expenses of the Trust for which it is
reimbursed by the Trust. The Trustee will receive for its ordinary
recurring services to the Trust an annual fee as set forth in "Summary
of Essential Information." Such fee will be based upon the largest
aggregate number of Units of the Trust outstanding at any time during
the year. For a discussion of the services performed by the Trustee
pursuant to its obligations under the Indenture, reference is made to
the material set forth under "Rights of Unit Holders."
The Trustee's and above described fees are payable from the Income
Account of the Trust to the extent funds are available, and then from
the Capital Account of the Trust. Since the Trustee has the use of the
funds being held in the Capital and Income Accounts for payment of
expenses and redemptions and since such Accounts are noninterest-bearing
to Unit holders, the Trustee benefits thereby. Part of the Trustee's
compensation for its services to the Trust is expected to result from
the use of these funds.
Each of the above mentioned fees may be increased without approval of
the Unit holders by amounts not exceeding proportionate increases under
the category "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" in the Consumer Price
Page 5
Index published by the United States Department of Labor. In addition,
with respect to the fees payable to the Sponsor or an affiliate of the
Sponsor for providing bookkeeping and other administrative services,
supervisory services and evaluation services, such individual fees may
exceed the actual costs of providing such services for the Trust, but at
no time will the total amount received for such services rendered to all
unit investment trusts of which Nike Securities L.P. is the Sponsor in
any calendar year exceed the actual cost to the Sponsor or its affiliate
of supplying such services in such year.
Certain or all of the expenses incurred in establishing the Trust,
including costs of preparing the registration statement, the trust
indenture and other closing documents, registering Units with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and registering or qualifying the
Units with the states, the initial audit of the Trust's portfolio, legal
fees, the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee and any other out-of-
pocket expenses, will be paid by the Trust and charged off over a period
not to exceed the life of the Trust (approximately four years). The
following additional charges are or may be incurred by the Trust: all
legal and annual auditing expenses of the Trustee incurred by or in
connection with its responsibilities under the Indenture; the expenses
and costs of any action undertaken by the Trustee to protect the Trust
and the rights and interests of the Unit holders; fees of the Trustee
for any extraordinary services performed under the Indenture;
indemnification of the Trustee for any loss, liability or expense
incurred by it without negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on
its part, arising out of or in connection with its acceptance or
administration of the Trust; indemnification of the Sponsor for any
loss, liability or expense incurred without gross negligence, bad faith
or willful misconduct in acting as Depositor of the Trust; all taxes and
other government charges imposed upon the Equity Securities or any part
of the Trust (no such taxes or charges are being levied or made or, to
the knowledge of the Sponsor, contemplated). The above expenses and the
Trustee's annual fee, when paid or owing to the Trustee, are secured by
a lien on the Trust. In addition, the Trustee is empowered to sell
Equity Securities in the Trust in order to make funds available to pay
all these amounts if funds are not otherwise available in the Income and
Capital Accounts of the Trust. Since the Equity Securities are all
common stocks and the income stream produced by dividend payments is
unpredictable, the Sponsor cannot provide any assurance that dividends
will be sufficient to meet any or all expenses of the Trust. As
described above, if dividends are insufficient to cover expenses, it is
likely that Equity Securities will have to be sold to meet Trust
expenses. These sales may result in capital gains or losses to Unit
holders. See "What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?"
The Indenture requires the Trust to be audited on an annual basis at the
expense of the Trust by independent auditors selected by the Sponsor. So
long as the Sponsor is making a secondary market for the Units, the
Sponsor is required to bear the cost of such annual audits to the extent
such cost exceeds $0.0050 per Unit. Unit holders of the Trust covered by
an audit may obtain a copy of the audited financial statements upon
request.
What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?
This is a general discussion of certain of the Federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Units.
The summary is limited to investors who hold the Units as "capital
assets" (generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of
Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"). Unit
holders should consult their tax advisers in determining the Federal,
state, local and any other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership
and disposition of Units in the Trust. For purposes of the following
discussion and opinion, it is assumed that each Equity Security is
equity for Federal income tax purposes.
In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, special counsel for the Sponsor,
under existing law:
1. The Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation for
Federal income tax purposes; each Unit holder will be treated as the
owner of a pro rata portion of each of the assets of the Trust under the
Code; and the income of the Trust will be treated as income of the Unit
holders thereof under the Code. Each Unit holder will be considered to
have received his or her pro rata share of the income derived from each
Equity Security when such income is considered to be received by the
Trust.
2. Each Unit holder will be considered to have received all of the
dividends paid on his or her pro rata portion of each Equity Security
when such dividends are considered to be received by the Trust. Unit
holders will be taxed in this manner regardless of whether distributions
from such Trust are actually received by the Unit holder.
Page 6
3. Each Unit holder will have a taxable event when the Trust disposes
of an Equity Security (whether by sale, taxable exchange, liquidation,
redemption, or otherwise) or upon the sale or redemption of Units by
such Unit holder (except to the extent an In-Kind distribution of stocks
is received by such Unit holder as described below). The price a Unit
holder pays for his or her Units is allocated among the pro rata portion
of each Equity Security held by the Trust (in proportion to the fair
market values thereof on the valuation date closest to the date the Unit
holder purchases his or her Units) in order to determine the tax basis
for his or her pro rata portion of each Equity Security held by such
Trust. It should be noted that certain legislative proposals have been
made which could affect the calculation of basis for Unit holders
holding securities that are substantially identical to the Equity
Securities. Unit holders should consult their own tax advisors with
regard to calculation of basis. For Federal income tax purposes, a Unit
holder's pro rata portion of dividends, as defined by Section 316 of the
Code, paid by a corporation with respect to an Equity Security held by
the Trust is taxable as ordinary income to the extent of such
corporation's current and accumulated "earnings and profits." A Unit
holder's pro rata portion of dividends paid on such Equity Security
which exceed such current and accumulated earnings and profits will
first reduce a Unit holder's tax basis in such Equity Security, and to
the extent that such dividends exceed a Unit holder's tax basis in such
Equity Security shall generally be treated as capital gain. In general,
the holding period for such capital gain will be determined by the
period of time a Unit holder has held his or her Units.
4. A Unit holder's portion of gain, if any, upon the sale or
redemption of Units or the disposition of Equity Securities held by the
Trust will generally be considered a capital gain except in the case of
a dealer or a financial institution. A Unit holder's portion of loss, if
any, upon the sale or redemption of Units or the disposition of Equity
Securities held by the Trust will generally be considered a capital loss
(except in the case of a dealer or a financial institution). Unit
holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the recognition of
such capital gains and losses for Federal income tax purposes.
Dividends Received Deduction. A corporation that owns Units will
generally be entitled to a 70% dividends received deduction with respect
to such Unit holder's pro rata portion of dividends received by the
Trust (to the extent such dividends are taxable as ordinary income, as
discussed above, and are attributable to domestic corporations) in the
same manner as if such corporation directly owned the Equity Securities
paying such dividends (other than corporate Unit holders, such as "S"
corporations, which are not eligible for the deduction because of their
special characteristics and other than for purposes of special taxes
such as the accumulated earnings tax and the personal holding
corporation tax). However, a corporation owning Units should be aware
that Sections 246 and 246A of the Code impose additional limitations on
the eligibility of dividends for the 70% dividends received deduction.
These limitations include a requirement that stock (and therefore Units)
must generally be held at least 46 days (as determined under Section
246(c) of the Code). Final regulations have been issued which address
special rules that must be considered in determining whether the 46-day
holding period requirement is met. Moreover, the allowable percentage of
the deduction will be reduced from 70% if a corporate Unit holder owns
certain stock (or Units) the financing of which is directly attributable
to indebtedness incurred by such corporation.
It should be noted that various legislative proposals that would affect
the dividends received deduction have been introduced. Unit holders
should consult with their tax advisers with respect to the limitations
on and possible modifications to the dividends received deduction.
Limitations on Deductibility of the Trust's Expenses by Unit Holders.
Each Unit holder's pro rata share of each expense paid by the Trust is
deductible by the Unit holder to the same extent as though the expense
had been paid directly by such Unit holder. It should be noted that as a
result of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, certain miscellaneous itemized
deductions, such as investment expenses, tax return preparation fees and
employee business expenses will be deductible by an individual only to
the extent they exceed 2% of such individual's adjusted gross income.
Unit holders may be required to treat some or all of the expenses of the
Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to this limitation.
Recognition of Taxable Gain or Loss Upon Disposition of Securities by
Page 7
the Trust or Disposition of Units. As discussed above, a Unit holder may
recognize taxable gain (or loss) when an Equity Security is disposed of
by the Trust or if the Unit holder disposes of a Unit. For taxpayers
other than corporations, net capital gains (which are defined as net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss for the taxable
year) are subject to a maximum marginal stated tax rate of either 28% or
20%, depending upon the holding period of the capital assets. In
particular, net capital gain, excluding net gain from property held more
than one year but not more than 18 months and gain on certain other
assets, is subject to a maximum marginal stated tax rate of 20% (10% in
the case of certain taxpayers in the lowest tax bracket). Net capital
gain that is not taxed at the maximum marginal stated tax rate of 20%
(or 10%) as described in the preceding sentence, is generally subject to
a maximum marginal stated tax rate of 28%. The date on which a Unit is
acquired (i.e., the "trade date") is excluded for purposes of
determining the holding period of the Unit. It should be noted that
legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that affect tax
rates and could affect relative differences at which ordinary income and
capital gains are taxed.
In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
considered "conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered
into after April 30, 1993. Unit holders and prospective investors should
consult with their tax advisers regarding the potential effect of this
provision on their investment in Units.
If a Unit holder disposes of a Unit, he or she is deemed thereby to have
disposed of his or her entire pro rata interest in all assets of the
Trust including his or her pro rata portion of all the Equity Securities
represented by the Unit.
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997 Tax Act") includes provisions
that treat certain transactions designed to reduce or eliminate risk of
loss and opportunities for gain (e.g., short sales, off-setting notional
principal contracts, futures or forward contracts, or similar
transactions) as constructive sales for purposes of recognition of gain
(but not loss) and for purposes of determining the holding period. Unit
holders should consult their own tax advisors with regard to any such
constructive sale rules.
Special Tax Consequences of In-Kind Distributions Upon Redemption of
Units or Termination of the Trust. As discussed in "Rights of Unit
Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?", under certain
circumstances a Unit holder who owns at least 2,500 Units of the Trust
may request an In-Kind Distribution upon the redemption of Units or the
termination of the Trust. The Unit holder requesting an In-Kind
Distribution will be liable for expenses related thereto (the
"Distribution Expenses") and the amount of such In-Kind Distribution
will be reduced by the amount of the Distribution Expenses. See "Rights
of Unit Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?" As previously
discussed, prior to the redemption of Units or the termination of the
Trust, a Unit holder is considered as owning a pro rata portion of each
of the Trust's assets for Federal income tax purposes. The receipt of an
In-Kind Distribution will result in a Unit holder receiving an undivided
interest in whole shares of stock plus, possibly, cash.
The potential tax consequences that may occur under an In-Kind
Distribution will depend on whether or not a Unit holder receives cash
in addition to Equity Securities. An "Equity Security" for this purpose
is a particular class of stock issued by a particular corporation. A
Unit holder will not recognize gain or loss if a Unit holder only
receives Equity Securities in exchange for his or her pro rata portion
in the Equity Securities held by the Trust. However, if a Unit holder
also receives cash in exchange for a fractional share of an Equity
Security held by the Trust, such Unit holder will generally recognize
gain or loss based upon the difference between the amount of cash
received by the Unit holder and his or her tax basis in such fractional
share of an Equity Security held by the Trust.
Because the Trust will own many Equity Securities, a Unit holder who
requests an In-Kind Distribution will have to analyze the tax
consequences with respect to each Equity Security owned by the Trust.
The amount of taxable gain (or loss) recognized upon such exchange will
generally equal the sum of the gain (or loss) recognized under the rules
described above by such Unit holder with respect to each Equity Security
owned by the Trust. Unit holders who request an In-Kind Distribution are
advised to consult their tax advisers in this regard.
Computation of the Unit Holder's Tax Basis. Initially, a Unit holder's
tax basis in his or her Units will generally equal the price paid by
such Unit holder for his or her Units. The cost of the Units is
allocated among the Equity Securities held in the Trust in accordance
with the proportion of the fair market values of such Equity Securities
as of the valuation date nearest the date the Units are purchased in
Page 8
order to determine such Unit holder's tax basis for his or her pro rata
portion of each Equity Security.
A Unit holder's tax basis in his or her Units and his or her pro rata
portion of an Equity Security held by the Trust will be reduced to the
extent dividends paid with respect to such Equity Security are received
by the Trust which are not taxable as ordinary income as described above.
General. Each Unit holder will be requested to provide the Unit holder's
taxpayer identification number to the Trustee and to certify that the
Unit holder has not been notified that payments to the Unit holder are
subject to back-up withholding. If the proper taxpayer identification
number and appropriate certification are not provided when requested,
distributions by the Trust to such Unit holder (including amounts
received upon the redemption of Units) will be subject to back-up
withholding. Distributions by the Trust will generally be subject to
United States income taxation and withholding in the case of Units held
by non-resident alien individuals, foreign corporations or other non-
United States persons. Such persons should consult their tax advisers.
Unit holders will be notified annually of the amounts of dividends
includable in the Unit holder's gross income and amounts of Trust
expenses which may be claimed as itemized deductions.
Unit holders desiring to purchase Units for tax-deferred plans and IRAs
should consult their broker for details on establishing such accounts.
Units may also be purchased by persons who already have self-directed
plans established. See "Are Investments in the Trust Eligible for
Retirement Plans?"
The foregoing discussion relates only to the tax treatment of U.S. Unit
holders ("U.S. Unit holders") with regard to federal and certain aspects
of New York State and City income taxes. Unit holders may be subject to
taxation in New York or in other jurisdictions and should consult their
own tax advisers in this regard. As used herein, the term "U.S. Unit
holder" means an owner of a Unit in the Trusts that (a) is (i) for
United States federal income tax purposes a citizen or resident of the
United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity created
or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any
political subdivision thereof, or (iii) an estate or trust the income of
which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of
its source or (b) does not qualify as a U.S. Unit holder in paragraph
(a) but whose income from a Unit is effectively connected with such Unit
holder's conduct of a United States trade or business. The term also
includes certain former citizens of the United States whose income and
gain on the Units will be taxable.
In the opinion of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, Special Counsel to the
Trust for New York tax matters, under the existing income tax laws of
the State of New York, each Trust is not an association taxable as a
corporation and the income of such Trusts will be treated as the income
of the Unit holders thereof.
Are Investments in the Trust Eligible for Retirement Plans?
Units of the Trust are eligible for purchase by Individual Retirement
Accounts, Keogh Plans, pension funds and other tax-deferred retirement
plans. Generally, the Federal income tax relating to capital gains and
income received in each of the foregoing plans is deferred until
distributions are received. Distributions from such plans are generally
treated as ordinary income but may, in some cases, be eligible for
special averaging or tax-deferred rollover treatment. Investors
considering participation in any such plan should review specific tax
laws related thereto and should consult their attorneys or tax advisers
with respect to the establishment and maintenance of any such plan. Such
plans are offered by brokerage firms and other financial institutions.
Fees and charges with respect to such plans may vary.
PORTFOLIO
What are the Equity Securities?
The Trust consists of different issues of Equity Securities issued by
financial institutions and insurance companies and are listed on a
national securities exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market or traded in the
over-the-counter market. See "What are the Equity Securities Selected
for Ryan Beck Banking and Insurance Opportunity Trust, Series 6?" for a
general description of the companies.
Risk Factors. An investment in Units of the Trust should be made with an
understanding of the problems and risks inherent in the financial
institutions and insurance industries in general.
Financial Institutions. Financial institutions, banks, thrifts and their
holding companies are especially subject to the adverse effects of
economic recession, volatile interest rates, portfolio concentrations in
geographic markets and in commercial and residential real estate loans,
Page 9
and competition from new entrants in their fields of business. Banks and
thrifts are highly dependent on net interest income. Recent profits have
benefitted from a favorable interest rate environment allowing for a
relatively high yield on earning assets and relatively low cost of
funds. There is no certainty that such conditions will continue,
especially in a rising interest rate environment. Commercial loan demand
for banks has not been robust and an increasing number of commercial
loans have been securitized, which may have a potentially adverse effect
on the market share of the commercial banking system. Bank and thrift
institutions have received significant consumer mortgage fee income as a
result of activity in mortgage and refinance markets. As initial home
purchasing and refinancing activity subsides, this income is expected to
diminish to a lower level. Economic conditions in the real estate
markets, which have been weak in the recent past, can have a substantial
effect upon banks and thrifts because they generally have a portion of
their assets invested in loans secured by real estate, as has recently
been the case for a number of banks and thrifts with respect to
commercial real estate in the northeastern and southwestern regions of
the United States. Banks, thrifts and their holding companies are
subject to extensive federal regulation and, when such institutions are
state-chartered, to state regulation as well. Such regulations impose
strict capital requirements and limitations on the nature and extent of
business activities that banks and thrifts may pursue. Furthermore, bank
regulators have a wide range of discretion in connection with their
supervisory and enforcement authority and may substantially restrict the
permissible activities of a particular institution if deemed to pose
significant risks to the soundness of such institution or the safety of
the federal deposit insurance fund. Regulatory actions, such as
increases in the minimum capital requirements applicable to banks and
thrifts and increases in deposit insurance premiums required to be paid
by banks and thrifts to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC"), can negatively impact earnings and the ability of a company to
pay dividends. Neither federal insurance of deposits nor governmental
regulations, however, insures the solvency or profitability of banks or
their holding companies, or insures against any risk of investment in
the securities issued by such institutions.
The statutory requirements applicable to and regulatory supervision of
banks, thrifts and their holding companies have increased significantly
and have undergone substantial change in recent years. To a great
extent, these changes are embodied in the Financial Institutions Reform,
Recovery and Enforcement Act; enacted in August 1989, the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, the Resolution
Trust Corporation Refinancing, Restructuring, and Improvement Act of
1991 and the regulations promulgated under these laws. Many of the
regulations promulgated pursuant to these laws have only recently been
finalized and their impact on the business, financial condition and
prospects of the Equity Securities in the Trust's portfolio cannot be
predicted with certainty. Periodic efforts by recent Administrations to
introduce legislation broadening the ability of banks to compete with
new products have not been successful, but if enacted could lead to more
failures as a result of increased competition and added risks. Failure
to enact such legislation, on the other hand, may lead to declining
earnings and an inability to compete with unregulated competitors.
Efforts to expand the ability of federal thrifts to branch on an
interstate basis have been initially successful through promulgation of
regulations, and legislation to liberalize interstate banking has
recently been signed into law. Ongoing consolidation of the industry is
likely to increase as a result. The Securities and Exchange Commission
and the Financial Accounting Standards Board require the expanded use of
market value accounting by banks and have imposed rules requiring market
accounting for investment securities held in trading accounts or
available for sale. Adoption of additional such rules may result in
increased volatility in the reported health of the industry, and
mandated regulatory intervention to correct such problems. Additional
legislative and regulatory changes may be forthcoming. For example, the
bank regulatory authorities have proposed substantial changes to the
Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws, rules and regulations,
and there can be no certainty as to the effect, if any, that such
changes would have on the Equity Securities in the Trust's portfolio. In
addition, from time to time the deposit insurance system is reviewed by
Congress and federal regulators, and proposed reforms of that system
could, among other things, further restrict the ways in which deposited
monies can be used by banks or reduce the dollar amount or number of
deposits insured for any depositor. Such reforms could reduce
profitability as investment opportunities available to bank institutions
become more limited and as consumers look for savings vehicles other
than bank deposits. Banks and thrifts face significant competition from
Page 10
other service companies such as mutual funds, credit unions, mortgage
banking companies and insurance companies, and increased competition may
result from legislative broadening of regional and national interstate
banking powers as has been recently enacted. Among other benefits,
recent legislation allows banks and bank holding companies to acquire
across previously prohibited state lines and to consolidate their
various bank subsidiaries into one unit. The Sponsor makes no prediction
as to what, if any, manner of bank and thrift regulatory actions might
ultimately be adopted or what ultimate effect such actions might have on
the Trust's portfolio.
The Federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 generally prohibits a bank
holding company from (1) acquiring, directly or indirectly, more than 5%
of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities of a bank or
bank holding company, (2) acquiring control of a bank or another bank
holding company, (3) acquiring all or substantially all the assets of a
bank, or (4) merging or consolidating with another bank holding company,
without first obtaining Federal Reserve Board ("FRB") approval. In
considering an application with respect to any such transaction, the FRB
is required to consider a variety of factors, including the potential
anti-competitive effects of the transaction, the financial condition and
future prospects of the combining and resulting institutions, the
managerial resources of the resulting institution, the convenience and
needs of the communities the combined organization would serve, the
record of performance of each combining organization under the Community
Reinvestment Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the
prospective availability to the FRB of information appropriate to
determine ongoing regulatory compliance with applicable banking laws. In
addition, the federal Change In Bank Control Act and various state laws
impose limitations on the ability of one or more individuals or other
entities to acquire control of banks or bank holding companies.
The FRB has issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends
by bank holding companies. In the policy statement, the FRB expressed
its view that a bank holding company experiencing earnings weaknesses
should not pay cash dividends which exceed its net income or which could
only be funded in ways that would weaken its financial health, such as
by borrowing. The FRB also may impose limitations on the payment of
dividends as a condition to its approval of certain applications,
including applications for approval of mergers and acquisitions. The
Sponsor makes no prediction as to the effect, if any, such laws will
have on the Equity Securities or whether such approvals, if necessary,
will be obtained.
Insurance Companies. Companies involved in the insurance industry are
engaged in underwriting, reinsuring, selling, distributing or placing of
property and casualty, life or health insurance. Other growth areas
within the insurance industry include brokerage, reciprocals, claims
processors and multiline insurance companies. Multiline insurance
companies provide property and casualty coverage, as well as life and
health insurance. The Trust may also invest in diversified financial
companies with subsidiaries (including insurance brokerage, reciprocals
and claims processors) engaged in underwriting, reinsuring, selling,
distributing or placing insurance with independent third parties.
Insurance company profits are affected by interest rate levels, general
economic conditions, and price and marketing competition. Property and
casualty insurance profits may also be affected by weather catastrophes
and other disasters. Life and health insurance profits may be affected
by mortality and morbidity rates. Individual companies may be exposed to
material risks including reserve inadequacy and the inability to collect
from reinsurance carriers. Insurance companies are subject to extensive
governmental regulation, including the imposition of maximum rate
levels, which may not be adequate for some lines of business. Proposed
or potential tax law changes may also adversely affect insurance
companies' policy sales, tax obligations, and profitability. In addition
to the foregoing, profit margins of these companies continue to shrink
due to the commoditization of traditional businesses, new competitors,
capital expenditures on new technology and the pressures to compete
globally.
In addition to the normal risks of business, companies involved in the
insurance industry are subject to significant risk factors, including
those applicable to regulated insurance companies, such as: (i) the
inherent uncertainty in the process of establishing property-liability
loss reserves, particularly reserves for the cost of environmental,
asbestos and mass tort claims, and the fact that ultimate losses could
materially exceed established loss reserves which could have a material
adverse effect on results of operations and financial condition; (ii)
the fact that insurance companies have experienced, and can be expected
in the future to experience, catastrophe losses which could have a
Page 11
material adverse impact on their financial condition, results of
operations and cash flow; (iii) the inherent uncertainty in the process
of establishing property-liability loss reserves due to changes in loss
payment patterns caused by new claims settlement practices; (iv) the
need for insurance companies and their subsidiaries to maintain
appropriate levels of statutory capital and surplus, particularly in
light of continuing scrutiny by rating organizations and state insurance
regulatory authorities, and in order to maintain acceptable financial
strength or claims-paying ability rating; (v) the extensive regulation
and supervision to which insurance companies' subsidiaries are subject,
various regulatory initiatives that may affect insurance companies, and
regulatory and other legal actions; (vi) the adverse impact that
increases in interest rates could have on the value of an insurance
company's investment portfolio and on the attractiveness of certain of
its products; (vii) the need to adjust the effective duration of the
assets and liabilities of life insurance operations in order to meet the
anticipated cash flow requirements of its policyholder obligations; and
(vii) the uncertainty involved in estimating the availability of
reinsurance and the collectibility of reinsurance recoverables.
The state insurance regulatory framework has, during recent years, come
under increased federal scrutiny, and certain state legislatures have
considered or enacted laws that alter and, in many cases, increase state
authority to regulate insurance companies and insurance holding company
systems. Further, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
("NAIC") and state insurance regulators are re-examining existing laws
and regulations, specifically focusing on insurance companies,
interpretations of existing laws and the development of new laws. In
addition, Congress and certain federal agencies have investigated the
condition of the insurance industry in the United States to determine
whether to promulgate additional federal regulation. The Underwriter is
unable to predict whether any state or federal legislation will be
enacted to change the nature or scope of regulation of the insurance
industry, or what effect, if any, such legislation would have on the
industry.
All insurance companies are subject to state laws and regulations that
require diversification of their investment portfolios and limit the
amount of investments in certain investment categories. Failure to
comply with these laws and regulation would cause non-conforming
investments to be treated as non-admitted assets for purposes measuring
statutory surplus and, in some instances, would require divestiture.
Environmental pollution clean-up is the subject of both federal and
state regulation. By some estimates, there are thousands of potential
waste sites subject to clean up. The insurance industry is involved in
extensive litigation regarding coverage issues. The Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
("Superfund") and comparable state statutes ("mini-Superfund") govern
the clean-up and restoration by "Potentially Responsible Parties"
("PRP's"). Superfund and the mini-Superfunds ("Environmental Clean-up
Laws or "ECLs") establish a mechanism to pay for clean-up of waste sites
if PRP's fail to do so, and to assign liability to PRP's. The extent of
liability to be allocated to a PRP is dependent on a variety of factors.
Further, the number of waste sites subject to clean-up is unknown. Very
few sites have been subject to clean-up to date. The extent of clean-up
necessary and the assignment of liability has not been established. The
insurance industry is disputing many such claims. Key coverage issues
include whether Superfund response costs are considered damages under
the policies, when and how coverage is triggered, applicability of
pollution exclusions, the potential for joint and several liability and
definition of an occurrence. Similar coverage issues exist for clean up
and waste sites not covered under Superfund. To date, courts have been
inconsistent in their rulings on these issues. An insurer's exposure to
liability with regard to its insureds which have been, or may be, named
as PRPs is uncertain. Superfund reform proposals have been introduced in
Congress, but none have been enacted. There can be no assurance that any
Superfund reform legislation will be enacted or that any such
legislation will provide for a fair, effective and cost-efficient system
for settlement of Superfund related claims.
Proposed federal legislation which would permit banks greater
participation in the insurance business could, if enacted, present an
increased level of competition for the sale of insurance products. In
addition, while current federal income tax law permits the tax-deferred
accumulation of earnings on the premiums paid by an annuity owner and
holders of certain savings-oriented life insurance products, no
assurance can be given that future tax law will continue to allow such
tax deferrals. If such deferrals were not allowed, consumer demand for
the affected products would be substantially reduced. In addition,
proposals to lower the federal income tax rates through a form of flat
tax or otherwise could have, if enacted, a negative impact on the demand
for such products.
General. The Trust consists of such of the Equity Securities listed
under "Schedule of Investments" as may continue to be held from time to
Page 12
time in the Trust and any additional Equity Securities acquired and held
by the Trust pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture, together with
cash held in the Income and Capital Accounts. Neither the Sponsor nor
the Trustee shall be liable in any way for any failure in any of the
Equity Securities. However, should any contract for the purchase of any
of the Equity Securities initially deposited hereunder fail, the Sponsor
will, unless substantially all of the moneys held in the Trust to cover
such purchase are reinvested in substitute Equity Securities in
accordance with the Indenture, refund the cash and sales charge
attributable to such failed contract to all Unit holders on the next
distribution date.
Because certain of the Equity Securities from time to time may be sold
under certain circumstances described herein, and because the proceeds
from such events will be distributed to Unit holders and will not be
reinvested, no assurance can be given that the Trust will retain for any
length of time its present size and composition. Although the Portfolio
is not managed, the Sponsor may instruct the Trustee to sell Equity
Securities under certain limited circumstances. Pursuant to the
Indenture and with limited exceptions, the Trustee may sell or keep any
securities or other property acquired in exchange for Equity Securities
such as those acquired in connection with a merger or other transaction.
See "Rights of Unit Holders-How May Equity Securities be Removed from
the Trust?" Equity Securities, however, will not be sold by the Trust to
take advantage of market fluctuations or changes in anticipated rates of
appreciation or depreciation.
Whether or not the Equity Securities are listed on a national securities
exchange, the principal trading market for the Equity Securities may be
in the over-the-counter market. As a result, the existence of a liquid
trading market for the Equity Securities may depend on whether dealers
will make a market in the Equity Securities. There can be no assurance
that a market will be made for any of the Equity Securities, that any
market for the Equity Securities will be maintained or of the liquidity
of the Equity Securities in any markets made. In addition, the Trust may
be restricted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 from selling
Equity Securities to the Sponsor. The price at which the Equity
Securities may be sold to meet redemptions and the value of the Trust
will be adversely affected if trading markets for the Equity Securities
are limited or absent.
An investment in Units should be made with an understanding of the risks
which an investment in common stocks entails, including the risk that
the financial condition of the issuers of the Equity Securities or the
general condition of the common stock market may worsen, and the value
of the Equity Securities and therefore the value of the Units may
decline. Common stocks are especially susceptible to general stock
market movements and to volatile increases and decreases of value as
market confidence in and perceptions of the issuers change. These
perceptions are based on unpredictable factors, including expectations
regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation
and interest rates, economic expansion or contraction, and global or
regional political, economic or banking crises. Shareholders of common
stocks have rights to receive payments from the issuers of those common
stocks that are generally subordinate to those of creditors of, or
holders of debt obligations or preferred stocks of, such issuers.
Shareholders of common stocks of the type held by the Trust have a right
to receive dividends only when and if and in the amounts declared by the
issuer's board of directors, and they have a right to participate in
amounts available for distribution by the issuer only after all other
claims on the issuer have been paid or provided for. Common stocks do
not represent an obligation of the issuer and, therefore, do not offer
any assurance of income or provide the same degree of protection of
capital as do debt securities. The issuance of additional debt
securities or preferred stock will create prior claims for payment of
principal, interest and dividends which could adversely affect the
ability and inclination of the issuer to declare or pay dividends on its
common stock or the rights of holders of common stock with respect to
assets of the issuer upon liquidation or bankruptcy. The value of common
stocks is subject to market fluctuations for as long as the common
stocks remain outstanding, and thus the value of the Equity Securities
in the Portfolio may be expected to fluctuate over the life of the Trust
to values higher or lower than those prevailing on the Initial Date of
Deposit.
Holders of common stocks incur more risk than holders of preferred
stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of
the entity, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the
issuer in comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt
Page 13
obligations or preferred stocks issued by, the issuer. Cumulative
preferred stock dividends must be paid before common stock dividends,
and any cumulative preferred stock dividend omitted is added to future
dividends payable to the holders of cumulative preferred stock.
Preferred stockholders are also generally entitled to rights on
liquidation which are senior to those of common stockholders.
Unit holders will be unable to dispose of any of the Equity Securities
in the Portfolio, as such, and will not be able to vote the Equity
Securities. As the holder of the Equity Securities, the Trustee will
have the right to vote all of the voting stocks in the Trust and will
vote such stocks in accordance with the instructions of the Sponsor.
Investors should note that because the Underwriter uses the list of
Equity Securities which comprises the portfolio in its independent
capacity as an investment advisor to individuals, mutual funds, employee
benefit plans and other institutions and persons and distributes this
information to various individuals and entities, the Underwriter may
recommend or effect from time to time the purchase or sale of one or
more of the Equity Securities. This may have an effect on the prices of
the Equity Securities which is adverse to the interests of the
purchasers of Units of the Trust. Additionally, this may have an impact
on the price paid by the Trust for the Equity Securities as well as the
price received upon redemption of the Units or upon the termination of
the Trust. Investors should also note that Equity Securities will not be
removed from the Trust and additional Units of the Trust may be created
even if the Underwriter no longer believes certain or all of the Equity
Securities have the potential to provide capital appreciation and
increasing dividend income over the life of the Trust or issues a sell
recommendation regarding any of the Equity Securities included in the
Trust.
The Underwriter has acquired or may acquire the Equity Securities for
the Sponsor and thereby may benefit. The Underwriter in its general
securities business acts as agent or principal in connection with the
purchase and sale of equity securities, including the Equity Securities
in the Trust, and may act as a market maker in certain of the Equity
Securities. The Underwriter also from time to time may issue reports on
and make recommendations relating to equity securities, which may
include the Equity Securities. The Underwriter has performed investment
banking services for certain of the issuers of the Equity Securities.
What are the Equity Securities Selected for Ryan Beck Banking and
Insurance Opportunity Trust, Series 6?
[To be completed by Amendment]
What are Some Additional Considerations for Investors?
Investors should be aware of certain other considerations before making
a decision to invest in the Trust.
The value of the Equity Securities will fluctuate over the life of the
Trust and may be more or less than the price at which they were
deposited in the Trust. The Equity Securities may appreciate or
depreciate in value (or pay dividends), depending on the full range of
economic and market influences affecting these securities.
The Sponsor and the Trustee shall not be liable in any way for any
default, failure or defect in any Security. In the event of a notice
that any Equity Security will not be delivered ("Failed Contract
Obligations") to the Trust, the Sponsor is authorized under the
Indenture to direct the Trustee to acquire other Equity Securities
("Replacement Securities"). Any Replacement Security will be identical
to those which were the subject of the failed contract. The Replacement
Securities must be purchased within 20 days after delivery of the notice
of a failed contract, and the purchase price may not exceed the amount
of funds reserved for the purchase of the Failed Contract Obligations.
If the right of limited substitution described in the preceding
paragraphs is not utilized to acquire Replacement Securities in the
event of a failed contract, the Sponsor will refund the sales charge
attributable to such Failed Contract Obligations to all Unit holders of
the Trust, and the Trustee will distribute the principal attributable to
such Failed Contract Obligations not more than 120 days after the date
on which the Trustee received a notice from the Sponsor that a
Replacement Security would not be deposited in the Trust. In addition,
Unit holders should be aware that, at the time of receipt of such
principal, they may not be able to reinvest such proceeds in other
securities at a yield equal to or in excess of the yield which such
proceeds would have earned for Unit holders of the Trust.
Page 14
The Indenture also authorizes the Sponsor to increase the size of the
Trust and the number of Units thereof by the deposit of additional
Equity Securities or cash (including a letter of credit) with
instructions to purchase additional Equity Securities in the Trust and
the issuance of a corresponding number of additional Units. If the
Sponsor deposits cash, however, existing and new investors may
experience a dilution of their investment and a reduction in their
anticipated income because of fluctuations in the prices of the Equity
Securities between the time of the cash deposit and the purchase of the
Equity Securities and because the Trust will pay the associated
brokerage fees.
The Trust consists of the Equity Securities listed under "Schedule of
Investments" (or contracts to purchase such Securities) as may continue
to be held from time to time in the Trust and any additional Equity
Securities acquired and held by the Trust pursuant to the provisions of
the Indenture (including provisions with respect to deposits into the
Trust of Equity Securities or cash in connection with the issuance of
additional Units).
Once all of the Equity Securities in the Trust are acquired, the Trustee
will have no power to vary the investments of the Trust, i.e., the
Trustee will have no managerial power to take advantage of market
variations to improve a Unit holder's investment, and may dispose of
Equity Securities only under limited circumstances. See "Rights of Unit
Holders-How May Equity Securities be Removed from the Trust?"
To the best of the Sponsor's knowledge, there is no litigation pending
as of the Initial Date of Deposit in respect of any Equity Security
which might reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the Trust. At any time after the Initial Date of Deposit, litigation may
be instituted on a variety of grounds with respect to the Equity
Securities. The Sponsor is unable to predict whether any such litigation
will be instituted, or if instituted, whether such litigation might have
a material adverse effect on the Trust.
Legislation. From time to time Congress considers proposals to reduce
the rate of the dividends-received deductions. Enactment into law of a
proposal to reduce the rate would adversely affect the after-tax return
to investors who can take advantage of the deduction. Unit holders are
urged to consult their own tax advisers. Further, at any time after the
Initial Date of Deposit, legislation may be enacted that could
negatively affect the Equity Securities in the Trust or the issuers of
the Equity Securities. There can be no assurance that future
legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse
effect on the Trust or will not impair the ability of the issuers of the
Equity Securities to achieve their business goals.
PUBLIC OFFERING
How is the Public Offering Price Determined?
Units are offered at the Public Offering Price. During the initial
offering period, the Public Offering Price is based on the aggregate
underlying value of the Equity Securities in the Trust (generally
determined by the closing sales prices of listed Equity Securities and
the ask prices of over-the-counter traded Equity Securities), plus or
minus cash, if any, in the Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust,
plus a sales charge of ___% (equivalent to ___% of the net amount
invested), divided by the number of Units outstanding, subject to
reduction of 1/2 of 1% on each ________, beginning ________, 1999, to a
minimum sales charge of ______%.
During the initial offering period, the Sponsor's Repurchase Price is
based on the aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities in the
Trust (generally determined by the closing sales prices of listed Equity
Securities and the ask prices of over-the-counter traded Equity
Securities), plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income and Capital
Accounts of the Trust divided by the number of Units of the Trust
outstanding. For secondary market sales after the completion of the
initial offering period, the Public Offering Price is also based on the
aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities in the Trust
(generally determined by the closing sales prices of listed Equity
Securities and the bid prices of over-the-counter traded Equity
Securities), plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income and Capital
Accounts of the Trust, plus a maximum sales charge of ___% of the Public
Offering Price (equivalent to ___% of the net amount invested) divided
by the number of outstanding Units of the Trust.
The minimum amount which an investor may purchase of the Trust is $5,000
($2,000 for IRAs and other retirement plans). The applicable sales
charge for both primary and secondary market sales is reduced by a
discount as indicated below for volume purchases as a percentage of the
Public Offering Price (except for sales made pursuant to a "wrap fee
account" or similar arrangements as set forth below):
Page 15
Number of Units* Discount
________________ ________
10,000 to 24,999 0.50%
25,000 to 49,999 1.00%
50,000 or more 1.50%
* The breakpoint sales charges are also applied on a dollar basis
utilizing a breakpoint equivalent in the above table of $10.00 per Unit
and will be applied on whichever basis is more favorable to the
investor. The breakpoints will be adjusted to take into consideration
purchase orders stated in dollars which cannot be completely fulfilled
due to the requirement that only whole Units be issued.
Any such reduced sales charge shall be the responsibility of the selling
Underwriter, broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent. The reduced
sales charge structure will apply on all purchases of Units in the Trust
by the same person on any one day from the Underwriter or any one
broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent. Additionally, Units
purchased in the name of the spouse of a purchaser or in the name of a
child of such purchaser under 21 years of age will be deemed, for the
purposes of calculating the applicable sales charge, to be additional
purchases by the purchaser. The reduced sales charges will also be
applicable to a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing securities for a
single trust estate or single fiduciary account. The purchaser must
inform the Underwriter, broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent of
any such combined purchase prior to the sale, in order to obtain the
indicated discount. In addition, with respect to the employees, officers
and directors (including their immediate family members, defined as
spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings,
mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, and
trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for the benefit of such persons) of
the Sponsor, Underwriter and broker/dealers, banks or other selling
agents and their subsidiaries, the sales charge is reduced by 2.0% of
the Public Offering Price for purchases of Units during the primary and
secondary public offering periods.
Investors who purchase Units through registered broker/dealers who
charge periodic fees for financial planning, investment advisory or
asset management services or provide such services in connection with
the establishment of an investment account for which a comprehensive
"wrap fee" charge is imposed may purchase Units in the primary or
secondary market at the Public Offering Price, less the concession the
Sponsor typically would allow such broker/dealer. See "Public Offering-
How are Units Distributed?"
Had the Units of the Trust been available for sale on the business day
prior to the Initial Date of Deposit, the Public Offering Price would
have been as indicated in "Summary of Essential Information." The Public
Offering Price of Units on the date of the prospectus or during the
initial offering period may vary from the amount stated under "Summary
of Essential Information" in accordance with fluctuations in the prices
of the underlying Equity Securities. During the initial offering period,
the aggregate value of the Units of the Trust shall be determined on the
basis of the aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities therein
plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income and Capital Accounts of the
Trust. The aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities will be
determined in the following manner: if the Equity Securities are listed,
this evaluation is generally based on the closing sale prices on that
exchange (unless it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as
a basis for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on that
exchange, at the closing ask prices. If the Equity Securities are not so
listed or, if so listed and the principal market therefor is other than
on the exchange, the evaluation shall generally be based on the current
ask prices on the over-the-counter market (unless it is determined that
these prices are inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If current
ask prices are unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a)
on the basis of current ask prices for comparable securities, (b) by
appraising the value of the Equity Securities on the ask side of the
market or (c) by any combination of the above.
After the completion of the initial offering period, the secondary
market Public Offering Price will be equal to the aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities therein, plus or minus cash, if any, in
the Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust plus the applicable sales
charge. The aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities for
secondary market sales is calculated in the same manner as described
above for sales made during the initial offering period with the
exception that bid prices are used instead of ask prices.
Although payment is normally made three business days following the
order for purchase (the "date of settlement"), payment may be made prior
Page 16
thereto. A person will become owner of Units on the date of settlement
provided payment has been received. Cash, if any, made available to the
Sponsor prior to the date of settlement for the purchase of Units may be
used in the Sponsor's business and may be deemed to be a benefit to the
Sponsor, subject to the limitations of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. Delivery of documentation evidencing Units so ordered will be made
three business days following such order or shortly thereafter. See
"Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?" for information
regarding the ability to redeem Units ordered for purchase.
How are Units Distributed?
During the initial offering period (i) for Units issued on the Initial
Date of Deposit and (ii) for additional Units issued after such date as
additional Equity Securities are deposited by the Sponsor, Units will be
distributed to the public at the then current Public Offering Price. The
initial offering period may be up to approximately 360 days. During such
period, the Sponsor may deposit additional Equity Securities in the
Trust and create additional Units. Units reacquired by the Sponsor
during the initial offering period (at prices based upon the aggregate
underlying value of the Equity Securities in the Trust plus or minus a
pro rata share of cash, if any in the Income and Capital Accounts of the
Trust) may be resold at the then current Public Offering Price. Upon the
termination of the initial offering period, unsold Units created or
reacquired during the initial offering period will be sold or resold at
the then current Public Offering Price.
Upon completion of the initial offering, Units repurchased in the
secondary market (see "Public Offering-Will There be a Secondary
Market?") may be offered by this prospectus at the secondary market
public offering price determined in the manner described above.
It is the intention of the Sponsor to qualify Units of the Trust for
sale in a number of states. Sales initially will be made to dealers and
other selling agents at prices which represent a concession or agency
commission of _____% of the Public Offering Price, and, for secondary
market sales, ____% of the Public Offering Price (or 65% of the then
current maximum sales charge after ________, 1999).
Effective on each ________, commencing ________, 1999, such sales charge
will be reduced by 1/2 of 1% to a minimum sales charge of _____%.
However, resales of Units of the Trust by such dealers and other selling
agents to the public will be made at the Public Offering Price described
in the prospectus. The Sponsor reserves the right to change the amount
of the concession or agency commission from time to time. Certain
commercial banks may be making Units of the Trust available to their
customers on an agency basis. A portion of the sales charge paid by
these customers is retained by or remitted to the banks in the amounts
indicated above. Under the Glass-Steagall Act, banks are prohibited from
underwriting Trust Units; however, the Glass-Steagall Act does permit
certain agency transactions and the banking regulators have not
indicated that these particular agency transactions are not permitted
under such Act. In Texas and in certain other states, any banks making
Units available must be registered as broker/dealers under state law.
What are the Sponsor's and Underwriter's Profits?
The Underwriter of the Trust will receive a gross sales commission equal
to ___% of the Public Offering Price of the Units (equivalent to ___% of
the net amount invested), less any reduced sales charge as described
under "Public Offering-How is the Public Offering Price Determined?" See
"Underwriting" for information regarding the receipt of the excess gross
sales commissions by the Sponsor from the Underwriter and additional
concessions available to the Underwriter, dealers and others. In
addition, the Sponsor may be considered to have realized a profit or to
have sustained a loss, as the case may be, in the amount of any
difference between the cost of the Equity Securities to the Trust (which
is based on the Evaluator's determination of the aggregate offering
price of the underlying Equity Securities of such Trust on the Initial
Date of Deposit as well as subsequent deposits) and the cost of such
Equity Securities to the Sponsor. See "Underwriting" and Note (2) of
"Schedule of Investments." During the initial offering period, the
Sponsor, Underwriter, dealers and other selling agents also may realize
profits or sustain losses as a result of fluctuations after the Initial
Date of Deposit in the Public Offering Price received by the Sponsor,
Underwriter, dealers and other selling agents upon the sale of Units.
In maintaining a market for the Units, the Sponsor and Underwriter will
also realize profits or sustain losses in the amount of any difference
between the price at which Units are purchased and the price at which
Page 17
Units are resold (which price includes a sales charge of ___% subject to
reduction beginning ________, 1999) or redeemed. The secondary market
public offering price of Units may be greater or less than the cost of
such Units to the Sponsor or the Underwriter.
Will There be a Secondary Market?
After the initial offering period, although not obligated to do so, both
the Sponsor and the Underwriter intend to maintain a market for the
Units and continuously offer to purchase Units at prices, subject to
change at any time, based upon the aggregate underlying value of the
Equity Securities in the Trust plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income
and Capital Accounts of the Trust. All expenses incurred in maintaining
a secondary market, other than the fees of the Evaluator and the costs
of the Trustee in transferring and recording the ownership of Units,
will be borne by the Sponsor. If the supply of Units exceeds demand, or
for some other business reason, the Sponsor or Underwriter may
discontinue purchases of Units at such prices. IF A UNIT HOLDER WISHES
TO DISPOSE OF HIS OR HER UNITS, HE OR SHE SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE UNDERWRITER
OR SPONSOR AS TO CURRENT MARKET PRICES PRIOR TO MAKING A TENDER FOR
REDEMPTION TO THE TRUSTEE.
RIGHTS OF UNIT HOLDERS
How is Evidence of Ownership Issued and Transferred?
The Trustee is authorized to treat as the record owner of Units that
person who is registered as such owner on the books of the Trustee.
Unit holders will hold their Units in uncertificated form (i.e., book
entry). The Trustee will maintain an account for each such Unit holder
and will credit each such account with the number of Units purchased by
that Unit holder. Within two business days of the issuance or transfer
of Units, the Trustee will send to the registered owner of Units a
written initial transaction statement containing a description of the
Trust; the number of Units issued or transferred; the name, address and
taxpayer identification number, if any, of the new registered owner; a
notation of any liens and restrictions of the issuer and any adverse
claims to which such Units are or may be subject or a statement that
there are no such liens, restrictions or adverse claims; and the date
the transfer was registered. Units are transferable by presentation to
the Trustee of a written instrument or instruments of transfer. A Unit
holder must sign the instrument or instruments of transfer exactly as
his or her name appears on the records of the Trustee with the signature
guaranteed by a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion
Program ("STAMP") or such other signature guaranty program in addition
to, or in substitution for, STAMP, as may be accepted by the Trustee. In
certain instances, the Trustee may require additional documents such as,
but not limited to, trust instruments, certificates of death,
appointments as executor or administrator or certificates of corporate
authority.
Although no such charge is now made or contemplated, a Unit holder may
be required to pay any governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection with the transfer or exchange of Units.
How are Income and Capital Distributed?
The Trustee will distribute any net income received with respect to any
of the securities in the Trust on or about the Income Distribution Dates
to Unit holders of record on the preceding Income Record Date. See
"Summary of Essential Information." Persons who purchase Units will
commence receiving distributions only after such person becomes a record
owner. Notification to the Trustee of the transfer of Units is the
responsibility of the purchaser, but in the normal course of business
such notice is provided by the selling broker/dealer. The pro rata share
of cash in the Capital Account of the Trust will be computed as of the
fifteenth day of each month. Proceeds received on the sale of any Equity
Securities in the Trust, to the extent not used to meet redemptions of
Units or pay expenses, will, however, be distributed on the last day of
each month to Unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such month
if the amount available for distribution equals at least $0.01 per Unit.
The Trustee is not required to pay interest on funds held in the Capital
Account of the Trust (but may itself earn interest thereon and therefore
benefit from the use of such funds). Notwithstanding, distributions of
funds in the Capital Account, if any, will be made on the last day of
each December to Unit holders of record as of December 15. See "What is
the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?"
Under regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the Trustee is
required to withhold a specified percentage of any distribution made by
the Trust if the Trustee has not been furnished the Unit holder's tax
Page 18
identification number in the manner required by such regulations. Any
amount so withheld is transmitted to the Internal Revenue Service and
may be recovered by the Unit holder only when filing a tax return. Under
normal circumstances the Trustee obtains the Unit holder's tax
identification number from the selling broker. However, a Unit holder
should examine his or her statements from the Trustee to make sure that
the Trustee has been provided a certified tax identification number in
order to avoid this possible "back-up withholding." In the event the
Trustee has not been previously provided such number, one should be
provided as soon as possible.
Within a reasonable time after the Trust is terminated, each Unit holder
will, upon surrender of his or her Units for redemption, receive: (i) the
pro rata share of the amounts realized upon the disposition of Equity
Securities, unless he or she elects an In-Kind Distribution as described
under "Other Information-How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated?"
and (ii) a pro rata share of any other assets of the Trust, less expenses
of the Trust.
The Trustee will credit to the Income Account of the Trust any dividends
received on the Equity Securities therein. All other receipts (e.g.
return of capital, etc.) are credited to the Capital Account of the Trust.
The Trustee may establish reserves (the "Reserve Account") within the
Trust for state and local taxes, if any, and any governmental charges
payable out of the Trust.
What Reports will Unit Holders Receive?
The Trustee shall furnish Unit holders in connection with each
distribution a statement of the amount of income, if any, and the amount
of other receipts, if any, which are being distributed, expressed in
each case as a dollar amount per Unit. Within a reasonable period of
time after the end of each calendar year, the Trustee shall furnish to
each person who at any time during the calendar year was a Unit holder
of the Trust the following information in reasonable detail: (1) a
summary of transactions in the Trust for such year; (2) any Equity
Securities sold during the year and the Equity Securities held at the
end of such year by the Trust; (3) the redemption price per Unit based
upon a computation thereof on the 31st day of December of such year (or
the last business day prior thereto); and (4) amounts of income and
capital distributed during such year.
In order to comply with Federal and state tax reporting requirements,
Unit holders will be furnished, upon request to the Trustee, evaluations
of the Securities in the Trust furnished to it by the Evaluator.
How May Units be Redeemed?
A Unit holder may redeem all or a portion of his or her Units by tendering
to the Trustee, at its corporate trust office in the City of New York, a
request for redemption, duly endorsed or accompanied by proper
instruments of transfer with signature guaranteed as explained above and
payment of applicable governmental charges, if any. No redemption fee
will be charged. On the third business day following such tender, the
Unit holder will be entitled to receive in cash an amount for each Unit
equal to the Redemption Price per Unit next computed after receipt by
the Trustee of such tender of Units. The "date of tender" is deemed to
be the date on which Units are received by the Trustee (if such day is a
day in which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading), except
that as regards Units received after 4:00 p.m. Eastern time (or as of
any earlier closing time on a day on which the New York Stock Exchange
is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time), the date of
tender is the next day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading and such Units will be deemed to have been tendered to the
Trustee on such day for redemption at the redemption price computed on
that day. Units so redeemed shall be cancelled.
Any Unit holder tendering 2,500 Units or more for redemption may request
by written notice submitted at the time of tender from the Trustee, in
lieu of a cash redemption, a distribution of shares of Equity Securities
in an amount and value of Equity Securities per Unit equal to the
Redemption Price per Unit as determined as of the evaluation next
following tender. However, no In-Kind Distribution requests submitted
during the nine business days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date
will be honored. To the extent possible, In-Kind Distributions shall be
made by the Trustee through the distribution of each of the Equity
Securities in book-entry form to the account of the Unit holder's bank
or broker/dealer at the Depository Trust Company. An In-Kind
Distribution will be reduced by customary transfer and registration
charges. The tendering Unit holder will receive his or her pro rata
number of whole shares of each of the Equity Securities comprising
the portfolio and cash from the Capital Account equal to the fractional
shares to
Page 19
which the tendering Unit holder is entitled. The Trustee may adjust the
number of shares of any issue of Equity Securities included in a Unit
holder's In-Kind Distribution to facilitate the distribution of whole
shares, such adjustment to be made on the basis of the value of Equity
Securities on the date of tender. If funds in the Capital Account are
insufficient to cover the required cash distribution to the tendering
Unit holder, the Trustee may sell Equity Securities in the manner
described above.
Under regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the Trustee is
required to withhold a specified percentage of the principal amount of a
Unit redemption if the Trustee has not been furnished the redeeming Unit
holder's tax identification number in the manner required by such
regulations. For further information regarding this withholding, see
"Rights of Unit Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?" In the
event the Trustee has not been previously provided such number, one must
be provided at the time redemption is requested.
Any amounts paid on redemption representing income shall be withdrawn
from the Income Account of the Trust to the extent that funds are
available for such purpose, or from the Capital Account. All other
amounts paid on redemption shall be withdrawn from the Capital Account
of the Trust.
The Trustee is empowered to sell Equity Securities of the Trust in order
to make funds available for redemption. To the extent that Equity
Securities are sold, the size and diversity of the Trust will be
reduced. Such sales may be required at a time when Equity Securities
would not otherwise be sold and might result in lower prices than might
otherwise be realized.
The Redemption Price per Unit (as well as the secondary market Public
Offering Price) will be determined on the basis of the aggregate
underlying value of the Equity Securities in the Trust plus or minus
cash, if any, in the Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust. The
Redemption Price per Unit is the pro rata share of each Unit determined
by the Trustee by adding: (1) the cash on hand in the Trust other than
cash deposited in the Trust to purchase Equity Securities not applied to
the purchase of such Equity Securities; (2) the aggregate value of the
Equity Securities held in the Trust, as determined by the Evaluator on
the basis of the aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities in
the Trust next computed; and (3) dividends receivable on the Equity
Securities trading ex-dividend as of the date of computation; and
deducting therefrom: (1) amounts representing any applicable taxes or
governmental charges payable out of the Trust; (2) any amounts owing to
the Trustee for its advances; (3) an amount representing estimated
accrued expenses of the Trust, including but not limited to fees and
expenses of the Trustee (including legal and auditing fees), the
Evaluator and supervisory fees, if any; (4) cash held for distribution
to Unit holders of record of the Trust as of the business day prior to
the evaluation being made; and (5) other liabilities incurred by the
Trust; and finally dividing the results of such computation by the
number of Units of the Trust outstanding as of the date thereof.
The aggregate value of the Equity Securities will be determined in the
following manner: if the Equity Securities are listed, this evaluation
is generally based on the closing sale prices on that exchange (unless
it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as a basis for
valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on that exchange, at
the closing ask prices (during the initial offering period) or at the
closing bid prices (subsequent to the initial offering period). If the
Equity Securities are not so listed or, if so listed and the principal
market therefor is other than on the exchange, the evaluation shall
generally be based on the current ask or bid prices (as appropriate) on
the over-the-counter market (unless these prices are inappropriate as a
basis for evaluation). If current ask or bid prices (as appropriate) are
unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a) on the basis of
current ask or bid prices (as appropriate) for comparable securities,
(b) by appraising the value of the Equity Securities on the ask or bid
side of the market (as appropriate) or (c) by any combination of the
above.
The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any
period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than
for customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which the
Securities and Exchange Commission determines that trading on the New
York Stock Exchange is restricted or any emergency exists, as a result
of which disposal or evaluation of the Securities is not reasonably
practicable, or for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange
Commission may by order permit. Under certain extreme circumstances, the
Sponsor may apply to the Securities and Exchange Commission for an order
permitting a full or partial suspension of the right of Unit holders to
redeem their Units. The Trustee is not liable to any person in any way
for any loss or damage which may result from any such suspension or
postponement.
Page 20
How May Units be Purchased by the Sponsor or Underwriter?
The Trustee shall notify the Sponsor and Underwriter of any tender of
Units for redemption. If the Sponsor's or Underwriter's bid in the
secondary market at that time equals or exceeds the Redemption Price per
Unit, the Sponsor or the Underwriter may purchase such Units by
notifying the Trustee before 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same business
day and by making payment therefor to the Unit holder not later than the
day on which the Units would otherwise have been redeemed by the
Trustee. Units held by the Sponsor or the Underwriter may be tendered to
the Trustee for redemption as any other Units. In the event the Sponsor
or the Underwriter does not purchase Units, the Trustee may sell Units
tendered for redemption in the over-the-counter market, if any, as long
as the amount to be received by the Unit holder is equal to the amount
he would have received on redemption of the Units.
The offering price of any Units acquired by the Sponsor or the
Underwriter will be in accord with the Public Offering Price described
in the then effective prospectus describing such Units. Any profit or
loss resulting from the resale or redemption of such Units will belong
to the Sponsor or the Underwriter.
How May Equity Securities be Removed from the Trust?
The Portfolio of the Trust is not "managed" by the Sponsor or the
Trustee; their activities described herein are governed solely by the
provisions of the Indenture. The Indenture provides that the Sponsor may
(but need not) direct the Trustee to dispose of an Equity Security in
the event that an issuer defaults in the payment of a dividend that has
been declared, that any action or proceeding has been instituted
restraining the payment of dividends or there exists any legal question
or impediment affecting such Equity Security, that the issuer of the
Equity Security has breached a covenant which would affect the payments
of dividends, the credit standing of the issuer or otherwise impair the
sound investment character of the Equity Security, that the issuer has
defaulted on the payment on any other of its outstanding obligations, or
that the price of the Equity Security has declined to such an extent or
other such credit factors exist so that in the opinion of the Sponsor,
the retention of such Equity Securities would be detrimental to the
Trust. Except as stated under "Portfolio-What are Some Additional
Considerations for Investors?" for Failed Contract Obligations, the
acquisition by the Trust of any securities or other property other than
the Equity Securities is prohibited. Pursuant to the Indenture and with
limited exceptions, the Trustee may sell any securities or other
property acquired in exchange for Equity Securities such as those
acquired in connection with a merger or other transaction. If offered
such new or exchanged securities or property, the Trustee shall reject
the offer. However, in the event such securities or property are
nonetheless acquired by the Trust, they may be accepted for deposit in
the Trust and either sold by the Trustee or held in the Trust pursuant
to the direction of the Sponsor (who may rely on the advice of the
Portfolio Supervisor). Proceeds from the sale of Equity Securities (or
any securities or other property received by the Trust in exchange for
Equity Securities) by the Trustee are credited to the Capital Account of
the Trust for distribution to Unit holders or to meet redemptions. The
Trustee may from time to time retain and pay compensation to the Sponsor
(or an affiliate of the Sponsor) to act as agent for the Trust with
respect to selling Equity Securities from the Trust. In acting in such
capacity the Sponsor or its affiliate will be held subject to the
restrictions under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
The Trustee may also sell Equity Securities designated by the Sponsor,
or if not so directed, in its own discretion, for the purpose of
redeeming Units of the Trust tendered for redemption and the payment of
expenses.
The Sponsor, in designating Equity Securities to be sold by the Trustee,
will generally make selections in order to maintain, to the extent
practicable, the proportionate relationship among the number of shares
of individual issues of Equity Securities. To the extent this is not
practicable, the composition and diversity of the Equity Securities may
be altered. In order to obtain the best price for the Trust, it may be
necessary for the Sponsor to specify minimum amounts (generally 100
shares) in which blocks of Equity Securities are to be sold.
INFORMATION AS TO UNDERWRITER, SPONSOR, TRUSTEE AND EVALUATOR
Who is the Underwriter?
Ryan, Beck & Co. ("Ryan Beck") is one of the nation's leading investment
Page 21
banking firms providing investment banking and consulting services to
regional and community financial institutions. Ryan Beck was organized
in 1946 and has been publicly held since 1986. The firm is registered as
a broker/dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and the
Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Ryan Beck maintains sales
and research departments that specialize in the securities of the
financial services industry, including banks, thrifts and insurance
companies. Ryan Beck has positioned itself among the largest market
makers for such securities. Ryan Beck's Corporate Finance Department is
dedicated to financial institutions, and it is one of the nation's
largest such specialized groups. It provides a full range of advisory
services in connection with mergers and acquisitions, capital formation,
branch sales, bank holding company formation and development,
shareholder/investor relations and financial management issues.
The research team for the Ryan Beck Banking and Insurance Opportunity
Trust is led by Lawrence W. Cohn, CFA, Senior Vice President. Mr. Cohn
has followed the banking industry for 27 years. Before joining Ryan Beck
as Director of Research, Mr. Cohn was the senior banking analyst at
Paine Webber. Prior to joining Paine Webber, Mr. Cohn was a Managing
Director at The Chase Manhattan Bank, providing investment banking
services to commercial banks. Before joining Chase, Mr. Cohn was senior
banking analyst at Drexel Burnham Lambert, Merrill Lynch, and Dean
Witter Reynolds. In 1993, Mr. Cohn was ranked as the #1 banking analyst
by the Wall Street Journal, and he has been designated a runner-up by
Institutional Investor Magazine in its All-Starr Analyst Poll for 10
years, most recently in 1995. Mr. Cohn is a Chartered Financial Analyst
and has been a member of both the New York Society of Securities
Analysts and the Bank and Financial Analysts Association for the last 20
years.
Who is the Sponsor?
Nike Securities L.P., the Sponsor, specializes in the underwriting,
trading and distribution of unit investment trusts and other securities.
Nike Securities L.P., an Illinois limited partnership formed in 1991,
acts as Sponsor for successive series of The First Trust Combined
Series, the FT Series (formerly known as The First Trust Special
Situations Trust), The First Trust Insured Corporate Trust, The First
Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds and The First Trust GNMA. First Trust
introduced the first insured unit investment trust in 1974 and to date
more than $9 billion in First Trust unit investment trusts have been
deposited. The Sponsor's employees include a team of professionals with
many years of experience in the unit investment trust industry. The
Sponsor is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. and Securities Investor Protection Corporation and has its
principal offices at 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532;
telephone number (630) 241-4141. As of December 31, 1996, the total
partners' capital of Nike Securities L.P. was $9,005,203 (audited).
(This paragraph relates only to the Sponsor and not to the Trust or to
any series thereof or to the Underwriter. The information is included
herein only for the purpose of informing investors as to the financial
responsibility of the Sponsor and its ability to carry out its
contractual obligations. More detailed financial information will be
made available by the Sponsor upon request.)
Who is the Trustee?
The Trustee is The Chase Manhattan Bank, with its principal executive
office located at 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017 and its unit
investment trust office at 4 New York Plaza, 6th floor, New York, New
York 10004-2413. Unit holders who have questions regarding the Trust may
call the Customer Service Help Line at 1-800-682-7520. The Trustee is
subject to supervision by the Superintendent of Banks of the State of
New York, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
The Trustee, whose duties are ministerial in nature, has not
participated in the selection of the Equity Securities. For information
relating to the responsibilities of the Trustee under the Indenture,
reference is made to the material set forth under "Rights of Unit
Holders."
The Trustee and any successor trustee may resign by executing an
instrument in writing and filing the same with the Sponsor and mailing a
copy of a notice of resignation to all Unit holders. Upon receipt of
such notice, the Sponsor is obligated to appoint a successor trustee
promptly. If the Trustee becomes incapable of acting or becomes bankrupt
or its affairs are taken over by public authorities, the Sponsor may
remove the Trustee and appoint a successor as provided in the Indenture.
If upon resignation of a trustee no successor has accepted the
appointment within 30 days after notification, the retiring trustee may
Page 22
apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor. The resignation or removal of a trustee becomes effective
only when the successor trustee accepts its appointment as such or when
a court of competent jurisdiction appoints a successor trustee.
Any corporation into which a Trustee may be merged or with which it may
be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or
consolidation to which a Trustee shall be a party, shall be the
successor Trustee. The Trustee must be a banking corporation organized
under the laws of the United States or any State and having at all times
an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than
$5,000,000.
Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee
The Sponsor and the Trustee shall be under no liability to Unit holders
for taking any action or for refraining from taking any action in good
faith pursuant to the Indenture, or for errors in judgment, but shall be
liable only for their own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence (ordinary negligence in the case of the Trustee) or reckless
disregard of their obligations and duties. The Trustee shall not be
liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale by the
Trustee of any of the Equity Securities. In the event of the failure of
the Sponsor to act under the Indenture, the Trustee may act thereunder
and shall not be liable for any action taken by it in good faith under
the Indenture.
The Trustee shall not be liable for any taxes or other governmental
charges imposed upon or in respect of the Equity Securities or upon the
interest thereon or upon it as Trustee under the Indenture or upon or in
respect of the Trust which the Trustee may be required to pay under any
present or future law of the United States of America or of any other
taxing authority having jurisdiction. In addition, the Indenture
contains other customary provisions limiting the liability of the Trustee.
If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the
Indenture or becomes incapable of acting or becomes bankrupt or its
affairs are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (a)
appoint a successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the
Trustee to be reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or (b) terminate the Indenture and
liquidate the Trust as provided herein, or (c) continue to act as
Trustee without terminating the Indenture.
Who is the Evaluator?
The Evaluator is First Trust Advisors L.P., an Illinois limited
partnership formed in 1991 and an affiliate of the Sponsor. The
Evaluator's address is 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532. The
Evaluator may resign or may be removed by the Sponsor or the Trustee, in
which event the Sponsor and the Trustee are to use their best efforts to
appoint a satisfactory successor. Such resignation or removal shall
become effective upon the acceptance of appointment by the successor
Evaluator. If upon resignation of the Evaluator no successor has
accepted appointment within 30 days after notice of resignation, the
Evaluator may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor.
The Trustee, Sponsor and Unit holders may rely on any evaluation
furnished by the Evaluator and shall have no responsibility for the
accuracy thereof. Determinations by the Evaluator under the Indenture
shall be made in good faith upon the basis of the best information
available to it, provided, however, that the Evaluator shall be under no
liability to the Trustee, Sponsor or Unit holders for errors in
judgment. This provision shall not protect the Evaluator in any case of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of its obligations and duties.
OTHER INFORMATION
How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated?
The Sponsor and the Trustee have the power to amend the Indenture
without the consent of any of the Unit holders when such an amendment is
(1) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision of
the Indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other
provision contained therein, or (2) to make such other provisions as
shall not adversely affect the interest of the Unit holders (as
determined in good faith by the Sponsor and the Trustee).
The Indenture provides that the Trust shall terminate upon the Mandatory
Termination Date indicated herein under "Summary of Essential
Information." The Trust may be liquidated at any time by consent of 100%
of the Unit holders of the Trust or by the Trustee when the value of the
Equity Securities owned by the Trust as shown by any evaluation, is less
Page 23
than the lower of $2,000,000 or 20% of the total value of Equity
Securities deposited in such Trust during the initial offering period,
or in the event that Units of the Trust not yet sold aggregating more
than 60% of the Units of the Trust are tendered for redemption by the
Underwriter, including the Sponsor. If the Trust is liquidated because
of the redemption of unsold Units of the Trust by the Underwriter, the
Sponsor will refund to each purchaser of Units of the Trust the entire
sales charge and the transaction fees paid by such purchaser. In the
event of termination, written notice thereof will be sent by the Trustee
to all Unit holders of the Trust. Within a reasonable period after
termination, the Trustee will follow the procedures set forth under
"Rights of Unit Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?"
Commencing during the period beginning nine business days prior to and
no later than the Mandatory Termination Date, Equity Securities will
begin to be sold in connection with the termination of the Trust. The
Sponsor will determine the manner, timing and execution of the sale of
the Equity Securities. Written notice of any termination of the Trust
shall be given by the Trustee to each Unit holder at his or her address
appearing on the registration books of the Trust maintained by the
Trustee. At least 60 days prior to the Maturity Date of the Trust, the
Trustee will provide written notice thereof to all Unit holders and will
include with such notice a form to enable Unit holders to elect a
distribution of shares of Equity Securities (reduced by customary
transfer and registration charges), if such Unit holder owns at least
2,500 Units of the Trust, rather than to receive payment in cash for
such Unit holder's pro rata share of the amounts realized upon the
disposition by the Trustee of Equity Securities. To be effective, the
election form, together with other documentation required by the
Trustee, must be returned to the Trustee at least ten business days
prior to the Mandatory Termination Date of the Trust. Unit holders not
electing a distribution of shares of Equity Securities will receive a
cash distribution from the sale of the remaining Equity Securities
within a reasonable time after the Trust is terminated. Regardless of
the distribution involved, the Trustee will deduct from the funds of the
Trust any accrued costs, expenses, advances or indemnities provided by
the Trust Agreement, including estimated compensation of the Trustee and
costs of liquidation and any amounts required as a reserve to provide
for payment of any applicable taxes or other governmental charges. Any
sale of Equity Securities in the Trust upon termination may result in a
lower amount than might otherwise be realized if such sale were not
required at such time. In addition, to the extent that Equity Securities
are sold prior to the Mandatory Termination Date, Unit holders will not
benefit from any stock appreciation they would have received had the
Equity Securities not been sold at such time. The Trustee will then
distribute to each Unit holder his or her pro rata share of the balance
of the Income and Capital Accounts.
Legal Opinions
The legality of the Units offered hereby and certain matters relating to
Federal tax law have been passed upon by Chapman and Cutler, 111 West
Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, as counsel for the Sponsor.
Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, will act as counsel for the Trustee and as
special New York tax counsel for the Trust.
Experts
The statement of net assets, including the schedule of investments, of
the Trust at the opening of business on the Initial Date of Deposit
appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement has been audited
by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report
thereon appearing elsewhere herein and in the Registration Statement,
and is included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of
such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
UNDERWRITING
The Underwriter named below has purchased Units in the following amount:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number
Name Address of Units
______ _________ ________
<S> <C> <C>
Ryan, Beck & Co. 220 South Orange Avenue
Livingston, New Jersey 07039
========
</TABLE>
Page 24
On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Underwriter of the Trust became the
owner of the Units of the Trust and entitled to the benefits thereof, as
well as the risks inherent therein.
The Underwriter Agreement provides that a public offering of the Units
of the Trust will be made at the Public Offering Price described in the
prospectus. Units may also be sold to or through dealers and other
selling agents during the initial offering period and in the secondary
market at prices representing a concession or agency commission as
described in "Public Offering-How are Units Distributed?"
The Underwriter has agreed to underwrite additional Units of the Trust
as they become available. The Sponsor will receive from the Underwriter
the difference between the gross sales commission and the Underwriter
concession listed below. The Underwriter concession will be calculated
as a percentage of the Public Offering Price per Unit according to the
following schedule:
Underwriting Concession
_____________ __________
Less than $5,000,000 3.65%
$5,000,000 but less than $10,000,000 3.75%
$10,000,000 or more 3.90%
From time to time the Sponsor may implement programs under which
Underwriters and dealers of the Trust may receive nominal awards from
the Sponsor for each of their registered representatives who have sold a
minimum number of UIT Units during a specified time period. In addition,
at various times the Sponsor may implement other programs under which
the sales force of an Underwriter or dealer may be eligible to win other
nominal awards for certain sales efforts, or under which the Sponsor
will reallow to any such Underwriter or dealer that sponsors sales
contests or recognition programs conforming to criteria established by
the Sponsor, or participates in sales programs sponsored by the Sponsor,
an amount not exceeding the total applicable sales charges on the sales
generated by such person at the public offering price during such
programs. Also, the Sponsor in its discretion may from time to time
pursuant to objective criteria established by the Sponsor pay fees to
qualifying Underwriters or dealers for certain services or activities
which are primarily intended to result in sales of Units of the Trust.
Such payments are made by the Sponsor out of its own assets, and not out
of the assets of the Trust. These programs will not change the price
Unit holders pay for their Units or the amount that the Trust will
receive from the Units sold.
The Sponsor may from time to time in its advertising and sales materials
compare the then current estimated returns on the Trust and returns over
specified periods on other similar Trusts sponsored by Nike Securities
L.P. with returns on other taxable investments such as corporate or U.S.
Government bonds, bank CDs and money market accounts or money market
funds, each of which has investment characteristics that may differ from
those of the Trust. U.S. Government bonds, for example, are backed by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and bank CDs and money
market accounts are insured by an agency of the federal government.
Money market accounts and money market funds provide stability of
principal, but pay interest at rates that vary with the condition of the
short-term debt market. The investment characteristics of the Trust are
described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Information on percentage changes in the dollar value of Units, on the
basis of changes in Unit price may be included from time to time in
advertisements, sales literature, reports and other information
furnished to current or prospective Unit holders. Total return figures
are not averaged, and may not reflect deduction of the sales charge,
which would decrease the return. Average annualized return figures
reflect deduction of the maximum sales charge. No provision is made for
any income taxes payable.
Past performance may not be indicative of future results. The Trust's
portfolio is not managed. Unit price and return fluctuate with the value
of the common stocks in the Trust's portfolio, so there may be a gain or
loss when Units are sold.
Trust performance may be compared to performance on a total return basis
with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price
Index, or performance data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and
Morningstar Publications, Inc. or from publications such as Money, The
New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, Business Week, Forbes or
Fortune. As with other performance data, performance comparisons should
not be considered representative of the Trust's relative performance for
any future period.
Page 25
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Sponsor, Nike Securities L.P., and Unit Holders
FT 239
We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets, including the
schedule of investments, of FT 239, comprised of Ryan Beck Banking and
Insurance Opportunity Trust, Series 6, at the opening of business on
_________, 1998. This statement of net assets is the responsibility of
the Trust's Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this
statement of net assets 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 statement of net assets is
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the statement
of net assets. Our procedures included confirmation of the letter of
credit held by the Trustee and deposited in the Trust on _________,
1998. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by the Sponsor, as well as evaluating the
overall presentation of the statement of net assets. We believe that our
audit of the statement of net assets provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the statement of net assets referred to above presents
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of FT 239,
comprised of Ryan Beck Banking and Insurance Opportunity Trust, Series
6, at the opening of business on _________, 1998 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
_________, 1998
Page 26
Statement of Net Assets
RYAN BECK BANKING AND INSURANCE OPPORTUNITY TRUST, SERIES 6
FT 239
At the Opening of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit-_________, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET ASSETS
<S> <C>
Investment in Equity Securities represented by purchase contracts (1) (2) $
Organizational and offering costs (3)
__________
Less accrued organizational and offering costs (3) ( )
__________
Net assets $
==========
Units outstanding
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
Cost to investors (4) $
Less sales charge (4) ( )
__________
Net Assets $
==========
</TABLE>
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
(1) Aggregate cost of the Equity Securities listed under "Schedule of
Investments" is based on their aggregate underlying value.
(2) An irrevocable letter of credit totaling $ issued
by The Chase Manhattan Bank has been deposited with the Trustee as
collateral, which is sufficient to cover the monies necessary for the
purchase of the Equity Securities pursuant to contracts for the purchase
of such Equity Securities.
(3) The Trust will bear all or a portion of its estimated organizational
and offering costs which will be deferred and charged off over a period
not to exceed the life of the Trust (approximately four years). The
estimated organizational and offering costs are based on
Units of the Trust expected to be issued. To the extent the number of
Units issued is larger or smaller, the estimate will vary.
(4) The aggregate cost to investors includes a sales charge computed at
the rate of ___% of the Public Offering Price (equivalent to ___% of the
net amount invested), assuming no reduction of sales charge for quantity
purchases.
Page 27
Schedule of Investments
RYAN BECK BANKING AND INSURANCE OPPORTUNITY TRUST
FT 239
At the Opening of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit-_________, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Approximate
Percentage Market Cost of
of Aggregate Value Equity
Number Ticker Symbol and Offering per Securities
of Shares Name of Issuer of Equity Securities (1) Price (3) Share to Trust (2)
_________ _______________________________________ ____________ _______ ___________
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
% $ $
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
________ ________
Total Investments 100% $
======== ========
____________
<FN>
(1) All Equity Securities are represented by regular way contracts to
purchase such Equity Securities for the performance of which an
irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited with the Trustee. The
contracts to purchase Equity Securities were entered into by the Sponsor
on _______, 1998.
(2) The cost of the Equity Securities to the Trust represents the
aggregate underlying value with respect to the Equity Securities
acquired (generally determined by the last sale prices of the listed
Equity Securities and the ask prices of the over-the-counter traded
Equity Securities on the business day preceding the Initial Date of
Deposit). The valuation of the Equity Securities has been determined by
the Evaluator, an affiliate of the Sponsor. The aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities on the Initial Date of Deposit was $ .
Cost and loss to Sponsor relating to the Equity Securities sold to the
Trust were $ and $ , respectively.
(3) The portfolio may contain additional Equity Securities each of which
will not exceed approximately ____% of the Aggregate Offering Price.
Although it is not the Sponsor's intention, certain of the Equity
Securities listed above may not be included in the final portfolio.
Also, the percentages of the Aggregate Offering Price for the Equity
Securities are approximate amounts and may vary in the final portfolio.
</FN>
</TABLE>
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Page 31
CONTENTS:
Summary of Essential Information:
Ryan Beck Banking and Insurance Opportunity Trust,
Series 6 3
FT 239:
What is the FT Series? 4
What are the Expenses and Charges? 5
What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders? 6
Are Investments in the Trust Eligible for
Retirement Plans? 9
Portfolio:
What are the Equity Securities? 9
Risk Factors 9
What are the Equity Securities Selected for
Ryan Beck Banking and Insurance Opportunity
Trust, Series 6 14
What are Some Additional Considerations
for Investors? 14
Public Offering:
How is the Public Offering Price Determined? 15
How are Units Distributed? 17
What are the Sponsor's and Underwriter's Profits? 17
Will There be a Secondary Market? 18
Rights of Unit Holders:
How is Evidence of Ownership Issued
and Transferred? 18
How are Income and Capital Distributed? 18
What Reports will Unit Holders Receive? 19
How May Units be Redeemed? 19
How May Units be Purchased by the Sponsor
or Underwriter? 21
How May Equity Securities be Removed
from the Trust? 21
Information as to Underwriter, Sponsor, Trustee
and Evaluator:
Who is the Underwriter? 21
Who is the Sponsor? 22
Who is the Trustee? 22
Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee 23
Who is the Evaluator? 23
Other Information:
How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated? 23
Legal Opinions 24
Experts 24
Underwriting 24
Report of Independent Auditors 26
Statement of Net Assets 27
Notes to Statement of Net Assets 27
Schedule of Investments 28
____________
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE FUND
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
Ryan, Beck & Co.
RYAN BECK BANKING AND INSURANCE OPPORTUNITY TRUST, SERIES 6
Ryan, Beck & Co.
220 South Orange Avenue
Livingston, New Jersey 07039
1-800-342-2325
603 Village Blvd.
West Palm Beach, Florida 33409
1-800-793-7226
150 Monument Road
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004
1-800-223-8969
740 Broad Street
Shrewsbury, New Jersey 07702
1-888-231-7226
Trustee:
The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
1-800-682-7520
_________, 1998
PLEASE RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Page 32
MEMORANDUM
Re: FT 239
As indicated in our cover letter transmitting the
Registration Statement on Form S-6 and other related material
under the Securities Act of 1933 to the Commission, the only
difference of consequence (except as described below) between FT
233, which is the current fund, and FT 239, the filing of which
this memorandum accompanies, is the change in the series number.
The list of securities comprising the Fund, the evaluation,
record and distribution dates and other changes pertaining
specifically to the new series, such as size and number of Units
in the Fund and the statement of condition of the new Fund, will
be filed by amendment.
1940 ACT
FORMS N-8A AND N-8B-2
These forms were not filed, as the Form N-8A and Form N-8B-2
filed in respect of Templeton Growth and Treasury Trust, Series 1
and subsequent series (File No. 811-05903) related also to the
subsequent series of the Fund.
1933 ACT
PROSPECTUS
The only significant changes in the Prospectus from the FT
233 Prospectus relate to the series number and size and the date
and various items of information which will be derived from and
apply specifically to the securities deposited in the Fund.
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ITEM A Bonding Arrangements of Depositor:
Nike Securities L.P. is covered by a Broker's Fidelity
Bond, in the total amount of $1,000,000, the insurer
being National Union Fire Insurance Company of
Pittsburgh.
ITEM B This Registration Statement on Form S-6 comprises the
following papers and documents:
The facing sheet
The Cross-Reference Sheet
The Prospectus
The signatures
Exhibits
Financial Data Schedule
S-1
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, FT 239 has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Village of Lisle
and State of Illinois on February 4, 1998.
FT 239
(Registrant)
By: NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
(Depositor)
By Robert M. Porcellino
Vice President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
this Registration Statement has been signed below by the
following person in the capacity and on the date indicated:
NAME TITLE* DATE
Robert D. Van Kampen Director of
Nike Securities February 4, 1998
Corporation, the
General Partner of
Nike Securities L.P. Robert M. Porcellino
Attorney-in-Fact**
David J. Allen Director of Nike
Securities Corporation,
the General Partner
of Nike Securities L.P.
___________________________
* The title of the person named herein represents his capacity
in and relationship to Nike Securities L.P., the Depositor.
** An executed copy of the related power of attorney was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection
with Amendment No. 1 to form S-6 of The First Trust Combined
Series 258 (File No. 33-63483) and the same is hereby
incorporated by this reference.
S-2
CONSENTS OF COUNSEL
The consents of counsel to the use of their names in the
Prospectus included in this Registration Statement will be
contained in their respective opinions to be filed as Exhibits
3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 of the Registration Statement.
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
The consent of Ernst & Young LLP to the use of its name and
to the reference to such firm in the Prospectus included in this
Registration Statement will be filed by amendment.
CONSENT OF FIRST TRUST ADVISORS L.P.
The consent of First Trust Advisors L.P. to the use of its
name in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement is
filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement.
S-3
EXHIBIT INDEX
1.1 Form of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust for The
First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 22 and
certain subsequent Series, effective November 20, 1991
among Nike Securities L.P., as Depositor, United States
Trust Company of New York as Trustee, Securities
Evaluation Service, Inc., as Evaluator, and Nike
Financial Advisory Services L.P. as Portfolio Supervisor
(incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6
[File No. 33-43693] filed on behalf of The First Trust
Special Situations Trust, Series 22).
1.1.1* Form of Trust Agreement for FT 239 among Nike Securities
L.P., as Depositor, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee
and First Trust Advisors L.P., as Evaluator and Portfolio
Supervisor.
1.2 Copy of Certificate of Limited Partnership of Nike
Securities L.P. (incorporated by reference to Amendment
No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No. 33-42683] filed on behalf of
The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 18).
1.3 Copy of Amended and Restated Limited Partnership
Agreement of Nike Securities L.P. (incorporated by
reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No.
33-42683] filed on behalf of The First Trust Special
Situations Trust, Series 18).
1.4 Copy of Articles of Incorporation of Nike Securities
Corporation, the general partner of Nike Securities L.P.,
Depositor (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1
to Form S-6 [File No. 33-42683] filed on behalf of The
First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 18).
1.5 Copy of By-Laws of Nike Securities Corporation, the
general partner of Nike Securities L.P., Depositor
(incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6
[File No. 33-42683] filed on behalf of The First Trust
Special Situations Trust, Series 18).
2.1 Copy of Certificate of Ownership (included in Exhibit 1.1
filed herewith on page 2 and incorporated herein by
reference).
3.1* Opinion of counsel as to legality of Securities being
registered.
3.2* Opinion of counsel as to Federal income tax status of
Securities being registered.
S-4
3.3* Opinion of counsel as to New York income tax status of
Securities being registered.
3.4* Opinion of counsel as to advancement of funds by Trustee.
4.1* Consent of First Trust Advisors L.P.
6.1 List of Directors and Officers of Depositor and other
related information (incorporated by reference to
Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No. 33-42683] filed on
behalf of The First Trust Special Situations Trust,
Series 18).
7.1 Power of Attorney executed by the Director listed on page
S-3 of this Registration Statement (incorporated by
reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No.
33-63483] filed on behalf of The First Trust Combined
Series 258).
___________________________________
* To be filed by amendment.
S-5
