SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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 240
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 240
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 28, 1998
Midwest Financial Institutions Trust, Series 3
The Trust. FT 240 (the "Trust") is a unit investment trust consisting of
a portfolio of common stocks issued by financial institutions having
operations located primarily in the Midwest (the "Equity Securities").
However, up to 15% of the portfolio may be from financial institutions
having operations located primarily outside of the Midwest region.
The objective of the Trust is to provide for above-average capital
appreciation potential by investing 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 an initial sales charge equal to the difference between the maximum
sales charge of ___% of the Public Offering Price and the maximum
remaining deferred sales charge, initially $____ per Unit. Commencing on
______, 1998, and on the twentieth day of each month thereafter (or if
such date is not a business day, on the preceding business day) through
______, 1998, a deferred sales charge of $ will be assessed per Unit
per month. Units purchased subsequent to the initial deferred sales
charge payment but still during the initial offering period will be
subject to the initial sales charge and the remaining deferred sales
charge payments not yet collected. The deferred sales charge will be
paid from funds in the Income and/or Capital Accounts, if sufficient, or
from the periodic sale of Equity Securities. The total maximum sales
charge assessed to Unit holders on a per Unit basis will be ___% of the
Public Offering Price (equivalent to %
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.
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
The date of this Prospectus is , 1998
Page 1
of the net amount invested, exclusive of the deferred sales charge),
subject to a reduction beginning ______, 1999. A pro rata share of
accumulated dividends, if any, in the Income Account is included in the
Public Offering Price. Upon completion of the deferred sales charge
period, the secondary market Public Offering Price per Unit for the
Trust will not include deferred payments, but will instead include only
a one-time initial sales charge of ___% of the Public Offering Price
(equivalent to % of the net amount invested), which will be reduced by
1/2 of 1% on each _______, commencing ______, 1999 to a minimum sales
charge of 3.0%. The minimum amount which an investor may purchase of the
Trust is _______ or $1,500. 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
______ 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. Any
deferred sales charge remaining on Units at the time of their sale or
redemption will be collected at that time. 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 specify when Unit holders may surrender their
certificates for cancellation and will include a form to enable Unit
holders to elect an In-Kind Distribution if such Unit holder owns at
least ______ 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 surrendered certificates and other
documentation required by the Trustee, must be returned to the Trustee
at least ten business days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date. Unit
Page 2
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 on banks. 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 3
Summary of Essential Information
At the Opening of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit
of the Equity Securities- , 1998
Underwriter: Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
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 $
Maximum Sales Charge of ___% of the Public Offering Price per Unit
( % of the net amount invested, exclusive of the deferred sales charge) (3) $
Less Deferred Sales Charge per Unit $ ( )
Public Offering Price per Unit (3) $
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 ________
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 Date Fifteenth day of each June and December commencing ______, 1998.
Income Distribution Date (7) Last day of each June and December commencing ______, 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) The maximum sales charge consists of an initial sales charge and a
deferred sales charge. See "Fee Table" and "Public Offering" for
additional information regarding these charges. During the initial
offering period, Units purchased subsequent to the initial deferred
sales charge payment will be subject to the initial sales charge and the
remaining deferred sales charge payments not yet collected. These
deferred sales charge payments will be paid from funds in the Income
and/or Capital Accounts, if sufficient, or from the periodic sale of
Equity Securities. Commencing on ______, 1998, the secondary market
sales charge will not include the deferred sales charge payments but
will instead include only a one-time initial sales charge of ___% of the
Public Offering Price and will decrease by 1/2 of 1% on each subsequent
_______, commencing ______, 1999 to a minimum sales charge of 3.0% as
described under "Public Offering." 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 4
FEE TABLE
This Fee Table is intended to help you to understand the costs and
expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. See "Public
Offering" and "What are the Expenses and Charges?" Although the Trust
has a term of approximately four years and is a unit investment trust
rather than a mutual fund, this information is presented to permit a
comparison of fees.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount
per Unit
________
<S> <C> <C>
Unit Holder Transaction Expenses
Initial sales charge imposed on purchase
(as a percentage of public offering price) %(a) $
Deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of public offering price) %(b)
________ ________
% $
======== ========
Estimated Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Trustee's fee % $
Portfolio supervision, bookkeeping, administrative, amortization
of organizational and offering costs and evaluation fees %
Other operating expenses %
________ ________
Total % $
======== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Example
_______
Cumulative Expenses Paid for Period:
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years
________ ________ ________
<S> <C> <C> <C>
An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming the Midwest Financial Institutions, Series 3 has an
estimated operating expense ratio of ____% and a 5% annual return on
the investment throughout the periods $ $ $
___________
<FN>
(a) The Initial Sales Charge is actually the difference between the
maximum total sales charge of ___% and the maximum remaining deferred
sales charge (initially $ per Unit) and would exceed 1.0% if the Public
Offering Price exceeds $10.00 per Unit.
(b) The actual fee is $ per month per Unit, irrespective of purchase or
redemption price deducted monthly commencing ______, 1998 through
______, 1998. If a Unit holder sells or redeems Units before all of
these deductions have been made, the balance of the deferred sales
charge payments remaining will be deducted from the sales or redemption
proceeds. If the Unit price is less than $10.00 per Unit, the deferred
sales charge will exceed ___%. Units purchased subsequent to the initial
deferred sales charge payment will be subject to the previously
collected deferred sales charge payments at the time of purchase and any
remaining deferred sales charge payments not yet collected.
</FN>
</TABLE>
The example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and
utilizes a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by Securities and
Exchange Commission regulations applicable to mutual funds. For purposes
of the example, the deferred sales charge imposed on reinvestment of
dividends is not reflected until the year following payment of the
dividend; the cumulative expenses would be higher if sales charges on
reinvested dividends were reflected in the year of reinvestment. The
example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses or annual rate of return; the actual expenses and annual rate
of return may be more or less than those assumed for purposes of the
example. In addition, while the Trust only has a term of approximately
four years, investors may be able to reinvest their proceeds into a
subsequently offered trust, subject to additional sales charges. In this
scenario the actual expenses incurred by an investor would exceed those
set forth above.
Page 5
MIDWEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TRUST, SERIES 3
FT 240
What is the FT Series?
FT 240 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 Series. This Series consists of an underlying
separate unit investment trust designated as: Midwest Financial
Institutions Trust, Series 3. 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 above-average capital
appreciation potential through an investment in equity securities issued
by regional financial institutions, which have operations located
primarily in the Midwest (the "Equity Securities"). However, up to 15%
of the portfolio may be from financial institutions having operations
located primarily outside of the Midwest region. In the Underwriter's
opinion, the financial institution stocks selected for deposit in the
Trust have the potential to achieve above average capital appreciation
over the life of the Trust, due to the following factors: the Midwest's
relatively stable economic environment, low relative stock valuations
of the issuing financial institutions, a strong industry earnings outlook
and continued consolidation activity in the financial institutions industry.
The Underwriter believes the Trust presents investors with an opportunity to
purchase stocks of companies in the financial institutions industry that
appear undervalued. In the opinion of the Underwriter, the attractive
valuations of the stocks in this sector should provide the Trust with
above average capital appreciation potential. Because of this capital
appreciation factor, the Underwriter suggests that investors may want to
consider this investment for their retirement planning and educational
funding needs, or to diversify their investment portfolio. As the financial
institutions industry is currently undergoing a large amount of
consolidation, the Underwriter believes investors should profit from
financial institutions becoming more efficient and from takeover
premiums paid to acquired companies. The financial industry is, however,
subject to the adverse effects of volatile interest rates, economic
recession, the potential for increased regulation and increased
competition from new entrants in the field. The Equity Securities were
chosen by the Underwriter based on factors including, but not limited to
asset quality, earnings momentum, management expertise and franchise
value.
There is, of course, no guarantee that the objective of the Trust will
be achieved. See "Schedule of Investments" and "What are the Equity
Securities?-Risk Factors" for the Trust.
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 in 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
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
Page 6
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 will 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 will purchase research services the Underwriter's research
department for a fee of $.002 per Unit sold.
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. However, the Trustee may bear from its own
resources certain expenses relating to the Trust, including organization
costs and brokerage commissions.
Each of the above mentioned fees may be increased without approval of
the Unit holders by amounts not exceeding proportionate increases under
the category "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" in the Consumer Price
Index published by the United States Department of Labor. In addition,
with respect to the fees payable to the Sponsor or an affiliate of the
Sponsor for providing bookkeeping and other administrative services,
supervisory services and evaluation services, such individual fees may
exceed the actual costs of providing such services for 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
Page 7
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 received by the Trust regardless of whether such
dividends are used to pay a portion of the deferred sales charge. Unit
holders will be taxed in this manner regardless of whether distributions
from the Trust are actually received by the Unit holder or are
automatically reinvested.
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
Page 8
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 his or her 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,
any such capital gain will be short-term unless a Unit holder has held
his or her Units for more than one year.
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 and will be long-term if the Unit
holder has held his or her Units for more than one year (the date on
which the Units are acquired (i.e., the trade date) is excluded for
purposes of determining whether the Units have been held for more than
one year). 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) and, in general, will be long-term
if the Unit holder has held his or her Units for more than one year.
Unit holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the recognition
of such capital gains and losses for Federal income tax purposes.
Deferred Sales Charge. Generally, the tax basis of a Unit holder
includes sales charges, and such charges are not deductible. A portion
of the sales charge for the Trust is deferred. It is possible that for
Federal income tax purposes a portion of the deferred sales charge may
be treated as interest which would be deductible by a Unit holder
subject to limitations on the deduction of investment interest. In such
a case, the non-interest portion of the deferred sales charge would be
added to the Unit holder's tax basis in his or her Units. The deferred
sales charge could cause the Unit holder's Units to be considered to be
debt-financed under Section 246A of the Code which would result in a
small reduction of the dividends-received deduction. In any case, the
income (or proceeds from redemption) a Unit holder must take into
account for Federal income tax purposes is not reduced by amounts
deducted to pay the deferred sales charge. Unit holders should consult
their own tax advisers as to the income tax consequences of the deferred
sales charge.
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
Page 9
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
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 is defined as net long-
term capital gain over net short-term capital loss for a taxable year)
are subject to a maximum stated marginal tax rate of 28%. However, 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.
The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 (the "Tax Act") raised tax rates
on ordinary income while capital gains remain subject to a 28% maximum
stated rate for taxpayers other than corporations. Because some or all
capital gains are taxed at a comparatively lower rate under the Tax Act,
the Tax Act includes a provision that recharacterizes capital gains as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
"conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered into after
April 30, 1993. Unit holders and prospective investors should consult
with their tax advisers regarding the potential effect of this provision
on their investment in Units.
If the 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 involved including his or her pro rata portion of all the
Equity Securities represented by the Unit.
Legislative proposals have been made that would treat certain
transactions designed to reduce or eliminate risk of loss and
opportunities for gain as constructive sales for purposes of recognition
of gain (but not loss). 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 ______ 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.
Page 10
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
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 United
States Unit holders with regard to United States Federal income taxes;
Unit holders may be subject to foreign, state and local taxation. Unit
holders should consult their tax advisers regarding potential state or
local taxation with respect to the Units.
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 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 the Midwest Financial
Institutions Trust, Series 3?" 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 industry in general. Banks, thrifts and their holding
companies are especially subject to the adverse effects of economic
recession, volatile interest rates, portfolio concentrations in
geographic markets and in commercial and residential real estate loans,
and competition from new entrants in their fields of business. Banks and
thrifts are highly dependent on net interest income. Recent profits have
benefitted from the relatively high yield on earning assets and
relatively low cost of funds. There is no certainty that such conditions
Page 11
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 financial
institutions. Efforts to expand the ability of federal thrifts to branch
on an interstate basis have been initially successful through
promulgation of regulations, and legislation to liberalize interstate
banking has recently been signed into law. Under the legislation, banks
will be able to purchase or establish subsidiary banks in any state, one
year after the legislation's enactment. Starting in mid-1997, banks
would be allowed to turn existing banks into branches, though states
could pass laws to permit interstate branch banking before then.
Consolidation is likely to continue in both cases. 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 other financial institutions such as mutual funds,
credit unions, mortgage banking companies and insurance companies, and
Page 12
increased competition may result from legislative broadening of regional
and national interstate banking powers as has been recently enacted.
Among other benefits, the legislation allows banks and bank holding
companies to acquire across previously prohibited state lines and to
consolidate their various bank subsidiaries into one unit. The Sponsor
makes no prediction as to what, if any, manner of bank and thrift
regulatory actions might ultimately be adopted or what ultimate effect
such actions might have on the Trust's portfolio.
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.
The Trust consists of such of the Equity Securities listed under
"Schedule of Investments" 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, 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
Page 13
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
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.
Page 14
What are the Equity Securities Selected for the Midwest Financial
Institutions Trust, Series 3?
BANKS
THRIFTS
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.
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
Page 15
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.
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 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 Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust,
plus an initial sales charge equal to the difference between the maximum
sales charge of ___% of the Public Offering Price and the maximum
remaining deferred sales charge, initially $ per Unit. Commencing on
______, 1998, and on the twentieth day of each month thereafter (or if
such date is not a business day, on the preceding business day) through
______, 1998, a deferred sales charge of $ will be assessed per Unit
per month. Units purchased subsequent to the initial deferred sales
charge payment but still during the initial offering period will be
subject to the initial sales charge and the remaining deferred sales
charge payments not yet collected. The deferred sales charge will be
paid from funds in the Income and/or Capital Accounts, if sufficient, or
from the periodic sale of Equity Securities. The total maximum sales
charge assessed to Unit holders on a per Unit basis will be ___% of the
Public Offering Price (equivalent to % of the net amount invested,
exclusive of the deferred sales charge). Upon completion of the deferred
sales charge period, the secondary market Public Offering Price per Unit
for the Trust will not include deferred payments, but will instead
include only a one-time initial sales charge of ___% of the Public
Offering Price (equivalent to % of the net amount invested), which will
be reduced by 1/2 of 1% on each _______, commencing ______, 1999 to a
minimum sales charge of 3.0%.
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 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 Income and Capital
Accounts of the Trust divided by the number of Units of the Trust
outstanding, reduced by the deferred sales charge not yet paid. For
secondary market sales after the completion of the initial offering
period, the Sponsor's Repurchase Price is also based on 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 cash, if any, in the Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust
divided by the number of outstanding Units of the Trust. Unit holders
will also be subject to any remaining deferred sales charge payments.
The minimum amount which an investor may purchase of the Trust is
_______ or $1,500. 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) 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 16
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Units* Discount
_______________ ________
<S> <C>
10,000 to 24,999 0.50%
25,000 to 49,999 1.00%
50,000 or more 1.50%
<FN>
*The breakpoint sales charges are also applied on a dollar basis
utilizing a breakpoint equivalent in the above table of $10 per Unit and
will be applied on whichever basis is more favorable to the investor.
The breakpoints will be adjusted to take into consideration purchase
orders stated in dollars which cannot be completely fulfilled due to the
requirement that only whole Units be issued.
</FN>
</TABLE>
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 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 1.5% 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
on a national securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System,
this evaluation is generally based on the closing sale prices on that
exchange or that system (unless it is determined that these prices are
inappropriate as a basis for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale
price on that exchange or system, at the closing 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 17
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 Certificates representing 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 2.9% of the Public Offering Price, and, for secondary
market sales, 2.9% 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 3.0%. 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, exclusive of the deferred sales charge), 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 18
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. Units subject to a deferred sales
charge which are sold or tendered for redemption prior to such time as
the entire deferred sales charge on such Units has been collected will
be assessed the amount of the remaining deferred sales charge at the
time of sale or redemption.
RIGHTS OF UNIT HOLDERS
How is Evidence of Ownership Issued and Transferred?
The Trustee is authorized to treat as the record owner of Units that
person who is registered as such owner on the books of the Trustee.
Ownership of Units may be evidenced by registered certificates executed
by the Trustee and the Sponsor. Delivery of certificates representing
Units ordered for purchase is normally made three business days
following such order or shortly thereafter. Certificates are
transferable by presentation and surrender to the Trustee properly
endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer. Certificates to be redeemed must be properly endorsed or
accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer. A Unit
holder must sign exactly as his or her name appears on the face of the
certificate with the signature guaranteed by a participant in the
Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other
signature guaranty program in addition to, or in substitution for,
STAMP, as may be accepted by the Trustee. In certain instances, the
Trustee may require additional documents such as, but not limited to,
trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor or
administrator or certificates of corporate authority. Record ownership
may occur before settlement.
Certificates will be issued in fully registered form, transferable only
on the books of the Trustee in denominations of one Unit or any multiple
thereof, numbered serially for purposes of identification.
Unit holders may elect to hold their Units in uncertificated form. The
Trustee will maintain an account for each such Unit holder and will
credit each such account with the number of Units purchased by that Unit
holder. Within two business days of the issuance or transfer of Units
held in uncertificated form, the Trustee will send to the registered
owner of Units a written initial transaction statement containing a
description of the Trust; the number of Units issued or transferred; the
name, address and taxpayer identification number, if any, of the new
registered owner; a notation of any liens and restrictions of the issuer
and any adverse claims to which such Units are or may be subject or a
statement that there are no such liens, restrictions or adverse claims;
and the date the transfer was registered. Uncertificated Units are
transferable through the same procedures applicable to Units evidenced
by certificates (described above), except that no certificate need be
presented to the Trustee and no certificate will be issued upon the
transfer unless requested by the Unit holder. A Unit holder may at any
time request the Trustee to issue certificates for Units.
Although no such charge is now made or contemplated, a Unit holder may
be required to pay $2.00 to the Trustee per certificate reissued or
transferred and to pay any governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection with each such transfer or exchange. For new certificates
issued to replace destroyed, stolen or lost certificates, the Unit
holder may be required to furnish indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee
and pay such expenses as the Trustee may incur. Mutilated certificates
must be surrendered to the Trustee for replacement.
Page 19
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?"
It is anticipated that the deferred sales charge will be collected from
the Capital Account and that amounts in the Capital Account will be
sufficient to cover the cost of the deferred sales charge. However, to
the extent that amounts in the Capital Account are insufficient to
satisfy the then current deferred sales charge obligation, Equity
Securities may be sold to meet such shortfall. Distributions of amounts
necessary to pay the deferred portion of the sales charge will be made
to an account designated by the Sponsor for purposes of satisfying Unit
holders' deferred sales charge obligations.
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
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. Not less than 60 days prior to the Mandatory
Termination 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 whole shares of Equity
Securities (an "In-Kind Distribution"), if such Unit holder owns at
least ______ Units of the Trust, rather than receive payment in cash for
such Unit holder's pro rata share of the amounts realized upon the
disposition by the Trustee of Equity Securities. An In-Kind Distribution
will be reduced by customary transfer and registration charges. To be
effective, the election form, together with surrendered certificates and
other documentation required by the Trustee, must be returned to the
Trustee at least five business days prior to the Mandatory Termination
Date of the Trust. A Unit holder may, of course, at any time after the
Equity Securities are distributed sell all or a portion of the shares.
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
Page 20
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, the certificates representing the Units to be redeemed, or in
the case of uncertificated Units, delivery of a request for redemption,
duly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer with
signature guaranteed as explained above (or by providing satisfactory
indemnity, as in connection with lost, stolen or destroyed
certificates), and payment of applicable governmental charges, if any.
No redemption fee will be charged. On the third business day following
such tender, the Unit holder will be entitled to receive in cash an
amount for each Unit equal to the Redemption Price per Unit next
computed after receipt by the Trustee of such tender of Units. The "date
of tender" is deemed to be the date on which Units are received by the
Trustee (if such day is a day 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. Units
tendered for redemption prior to such time as the entire deferred sales
charge on such Units has been collected will be assessed the amount of
remaining deferred sales charge at the time of redemption.
Any Unit holder tendering ______ 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 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.
Page 21
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 will be determined on the basis of the
aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities in the Trust
(generally determined by the closing sale prices of the listed Equity
Securities and either the ask prices (during the initial offering
period) or the bid prices (subsequent to the initial offering period) of
the over-the-counter traded Equity Securities) 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 on a national
securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System, this
evaluation is generally based on the closing sale prices on that
exchange or that system (unless it is determined that these prices are
inappropriate as a basis for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale
price on that exchange or system, at the closing bid prices. If the
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 bid prices on the over-the-counter
market (unless these prices are inappropriate as a basis for
evaluation). If current bid prices are unavailable, the evaluation is
generally determined (a) on the basis of current bid prices for
comparable securities, (b) by appraising the value of the Equity
Securities on the bid side of the market or (c) by any combination of
the above.
The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any
period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than
for customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which the
Securities and Exchange Commission determines that trading on the New
York Stock Exchange is restricted or any emergency exists, as a result
of which disposal or evaluation of the Securities is not reasonably
practicable, or for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange
Commission may by order permit. Under certain extreme circumstances, the
Sponsor may apply to the Securities and Exchange Commission for an order
permitting a full or partial suspension of the right of Unit holders to
redeem their Units. The Trustee is not liable to any person in any way
for any loss or damage which may result from any such suspension or
postponement.
How May Units be Purchased by the Sponsor?
The Trustee shall notify the Sponsor of any tender of Units for
redemption. If the Sponsor's bid in the secondary market at that time
equals or exceeds the Redemption Price per Unit, it may purchase such
Units by notifying the Trustee before 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same
business day and by making payment therefor to the Unit holder not later
than the day on which the Units would otherwise have been redeemed by
the Trustee. Units held by the Sponsor may be tendered to the Trustee
for redemption as any other Units. In the event the Sponsor does not
purchase Units, the Trustee may sell Units tendered for redemption in
the over-the-counter market, if any, as long as the amount to be
received by the Unit holder is equal to the amount he or she would have
received on redemption of the Units.
The offering price of any Units acquired by the Sponsor will be in
accord with the Public Offering Price described in the then effective
prospectus describing such Units. Any profit or loss resulting from the
resale or redemption of such Units will belong to the Sponsor.
Page 22
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?
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated ("Stifel, Nicolaus"), the
largest subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. (a holding company publicly
traded on the New York Stock Exchange and headquartered in St. Louis,
Missouri), provides brokerage, trading, investment advisory, and other
related financial services to individual and institutional investors
through a network of 41 offices in 12 states.
With over 100 years of service in the financial services industry,
Stifel, Nicolaus has created a tradition of enhancing customer knowledge
of investment products and their application in meeting financial
objectives.
The Financial Institutions Group at Stifel, Nicolaus includes eight
senior professionals providing specialized services to the bank and
thrift industry. Their expertise focuses on research, consulting,
valuations, merger and acquisition activities, public and private
financing, and investment services.
The research team for the Midwest Financial Institutions Trust, Series 3
is led by Joseph A. Stieven, Senior Vice President and Director of the
Financial Institutions Research Group. Mr. Stieven is nationally
recognized as a leading regional bank and thrift analyst, and is widely
quoted throughout numerous national and regional business publications.
Prior to joining Stifel, Nicolaus in 1985, Mr. Stieven was a financial
Page 23
analyst/examiner in the Banking Supervisory and Regulations Department
with The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. This is the sixth unit
investment trust led by Mr. Stieven since January 1993.
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
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.
Page 24
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
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
specifying the time or times at which Unit holders may surrender their
certificates for cancellation shall be given by the Trustee to each Unit
holder at his 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
Page 25
holders to elect a distribution of shares of Equity Securities (reduced
by customary transfer and registration charges), if such Unit holder
owns at least ______ 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 surrendered certificates and
other documentation required by the Trustee, must be returned to the
Trustee at least ten business days prior to the Mandatory Termination
Date 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>
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, 500 North Broadway, 16th Floor, St. Louis, MO 63102
Incorporated ========
</TABLE>
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
____________ __________
$0 to $20,000,000 3.50%
$20,000,000 and up 3.65%
Page 26
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.
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 27
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Sponsor, Nike Securities L.P., and Unit Holders
FT 240
We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets, including the
schedule of investments, of FT 240, comprised of Midwest Financial
Institutions Trust, Series 3, 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 240,
comprised of Midwest Financial Institutions Trust, Series 3, at the
opening of business on , 1998 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
, 1998
Page 28
Statement of Net Assets
MIDWEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TRUST, SERIES 3
FT 240
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) ( )
Less liability for deferred sales charge (4) ( )
____________
Net assets $
============
Units outstanding
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
Cost to investors (5) $
Less sales charge (5) ( )
____________
Net Assets $
============
<FN>
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) Represents the amount of mandatory distributions from the Trust ($
per Unit), payable to the Sponsor in seven equal monthly
installments beginning on ______, 1998, and on the twentieth day of each
month thereafter (or if such date is not a business day, on the
preceding business day) through ______, 1998. If Units are redeemed
prior to ______, 1998, the remaining amount of the deferred sales charge
applicable to such Units will be payable at the time of redemption.
(5) 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, exclusive of the deferred sales charge), assuming
no reduction of sales charge for quantity purchases.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 29
Schedule of Investments
MIDWEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TRUST, SERIES 3
FT 240
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>
BANKS
% $ $
%
%
%
%
%
%
THRIFTS
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
______ __________
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 profit 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>
Page 30
This page is intentionally left blank.
Page 31
CONTENTS:
Summary of Essential Information 4
Midwest Financial Institutions Trust, Series 3
FT 240:
What is the FT Series? 6
What are the Expenses and Charges? 7
What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders? 8
Are Investments in the Trust Eligible for
Retirement Plans? 11
Portfolio:
What are the Equity Securities? 11
Risk Factors 11
What are the Equity Securities Selected for
Midwest Financial Institutions Trust, Series 3? 15
What are Some Additional Considerations
for Investors? 15
Public Offering:
How is the Public Offering Price Determined? 16
How are Units Distributed? 18
What are the Sponsor's and Underwriter's Profits? 18
Will There be a Secondary Market? 19
Rights of Unit Holders:
How is Evidence of Ownership Issued
and Transferred? 19
How are Income and Capital Distributed? 19
What Reports will Unit Holders Receive? 20
How May Units be Redeemed? 21
How May Units be Purchased by the Sponsor? 22
How May Equity Securities be Removed
from the Trust? 22
Information as to Underwriter, Sponsor, Trustee
and Evaluator:
Who is the Underwriter? 23
Who is the Sponsor? 24
Who is the Trustee? 24
Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee 24
Who is the Evaluator? 25
Other Information:
How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated? 25
Legal Opinions 26
Experts 26
Underwriting 26
Report of Independent Auditors 28
Statement of Net Assets 29
Notes to Statement of Net Assets 29
Schedule of Investments 30
____________
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.
Stifel, Nicolaus
& Company, Incorporated
MIDWEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TRUST
SERIES 3
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
500 North Broadway, 16th Floor
St. Louis, MO 63102
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 240
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 240, 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 240 has duly caused this Registration Statement to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the Village of Lisle and State of Illinois on
January 28, 1998.
FT 240
(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 January 28, 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 240 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
