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 231
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 231
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 MARCH 19, 1998
First Trust (registered trademark)
Communications Growth Trust, Series 2
Insurance Growth Trust Series
Internet Growth Trust, Series 4
Media & Entertainment Growth Trust, Series 2
Medical Growth Trust Series
Value Equity Trust Series
The Trusts. FT 250 consists of the underlying separate unit investment
trusts set forth above. The various trusts are sometimes collectively
referred to herein as the "Trusts" and individually as a "Trust."
The objective of each Trust is to provide for potential capital
appreciation by investing the Trust's portfolio in common stocks (the
"Equity Securities") of companies in the respective industries
represented by each Trust. See "Schedule of Investments" for each Trust.
Each Trust has a mandatory termination date ("Mandatory Termination
Date" or "Trust Ending Date") as set forth under "Summary of Essential
Information" for each Trust. There is, of course, no guarantee that the
objective of the Trusts will be achieved.
Each Unit of a Trust represents an undivided fractional interest in all
the Equity Securities deposited in such Trust. The Equity Securities
deposited in each 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 Trusts.
Such deposits of additional Equity Securities will be done in such a
manner that the original proportionate relationship amongst the
individual issues of the Equity Securities in each Trust 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,
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 Equity Securities deposited in
the Trusts 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 a Trust?"
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.
Nike Securities L.P.
Sponsor of First Trust (registered trademark)
1-800-621-9533
The date of this Prospectus is _____, 1998
Page 1
Public Offering Price. The Public Offering Price per Unit of each Trust
during the initial offering period is equal to the aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities in such 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 such
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), subject to a reduction
beginning _____, 1999. A pro rata share of accumulated dividends, if
any, in the Income Account of a Trust is included in the Public Offering
Price. Upon completion of the deferred sales charge period, the
secondary market Public Offering Price per Unit for a 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 a Trust is $1,000
($500 for Individual Retirement Accounts or other retirement plans). The
sales charge of a Trust is reduced on a graduated scale for sales
involving at least $50,000. See "Public Offering-How is the Public
Offering Price Determined?"
UNITS OF THE TRUSTS 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.
Dividend and Capital Distributions. Distributions of dividends and
capital, if any, received by a Trust, net of expenses of such 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" for
each Trust. 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 respective
Trust. See "What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?"
Additionally, upon termination of the Trusts, the Trustee will
distribute, upon surrender of Units for redemption, to each Unit holder
his pro rata share of a 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, the Sponsor intends to maintain a market
for Units of the Trusts and offer to repurchase such Units at prices
which are based on the aggregate underlying value of Equity Securities
in such Trusts (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 such Trusts. 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 Trusts (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 such Trusts. 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 a
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 a Trust. A
Unit holder tendering 2,500 Units or more of a Trust for redemption may
request a distribution of shares of Equity Securities (reduced by
customary transfer and registration charges) (an "In-Kind Distribution")
in lieu of payment in cash. See "Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units be
Redeemed?" 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?"
Page 2
Termination. Commencing no later than the Mandatory Termination Date,
Equity Securities will begin to be sold as prescribed by the Sponsor.
The Trustee will provide written notice of any termination of the Trusts
to Unit holders which will specify when Unit holders may surrender their
certificates for cancellation and will include with such notice a form
to enable Unit holders to elect an In-Kind Distribution if such Unit
holder owns at least 2,500 Units of a 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 holders not electing a distribution of shares of Equity
Securities will receive a cash distribution within a reasonable time
after a Trust is terminated. See "Rights of Unit Holders-How are Income
and Capital Distributed?" and "Other Information-How May the Indenture
be Amended or Terminated?"
Risk Factors. An investment in a 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, changes in interest rates and economic recession.
Volatility in the market price of the Equity Securities in a Trust also
changes the value of the Units of the Trusts. Unit holders tendering
Units for redemption during periods of market volatility may receive
redemption proceeds which are more or less than they paid for the Units.
The Trusts' portfolios are not managed and Equity Securities will not be
sold by the Trusts regardless of market fluctuations, although certain
Equity Securities may be sold under certain limited circumstances. For
further information concerning these risk factors as well as a
discussion of additional risks specific to each Trust, 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
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
Evaluator: First Trust Advisors L.P.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Communications Insurance
Growth Trust Growth Trust Growth Trust
Series 2 Series 1 Series 4
____________ __________ ____________
<S> <C> <C> <C>
General Information
Initial Number of Units (1)
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit (1) 1/ 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) $10.000 $10.000 $10.000
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price per Unit $ $ $
Redemption Price per Unit (based on aggregate underlying
value of Equity Securities less deferred sales charge) (4) $ $ $
CUSIP Number
Trustee's Annual Feeper Unit outstanding $ ___ $ ___ $ ___
Evaluator's Annual Fee per Unit outstanding (5) $ ___ $ ___ $ ___
Maximum Supervisory Fee per Unit outstanding (6) $ ___ $ ___ $ ___
Estimated Annual Amortization of Organizational and
Offering Costs per Unit outstanding (7) $ $ $
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
First Settlement Date _____, 1998
Mandatory Termination Date _____, 2003
Discretionary Liquidation Amount A 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 such
Trust during the initial offering period.
Income Distribution Record Date Fifteenth day of each June and December commencing _____, 1998.
Income Distribution Date (8) 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 a 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 listed Equity Security 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. 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) The Evaluator's Fee is 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.
(6) The Supervisory Fee is payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor. In
addition, the Sponsor will be reimbursed for bookkeeping and other
administrative expenses currently at a maximum annual rate of $_____ per
Unit per Trust.
(7) Each 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
five years). See "What are the Expenses and Charges?" and "Statements of
Net Assets." Historically, the sponsors of unit investment trusts have
paid all the costs of establishing such trusts.
(8) 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 $1.00 per 100 Units. Notwithstanding, distributions of funds in
the Capital Account, if any, will be made in December of each year.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 4
Summary of Essential Information
At the Opening of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit
of the Equity Securities-_____, 1998
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
Evaluator: First Trust Advisors L.P.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Media &
Entertainment Medical
Growth Trust Growth Value Equity
Series 2 Trust Series Trust Series
_____________ _____________ _____________
<S> <C> <C> <C>
General Information
Initial Number of Units (1)
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit (1) 1/ 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) $10.000 $10.000 $10.000
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price per Unit $ $ $
Redemption Price per Unit (based on aggregate underlying
value of Equity Securities less deferred sales charge) (4) $ $ $
CUSIP Number
Trustee's Annual Fee per Unit outstanding $ ___ $ ___ $ ___
Evaluator's Annual Fee per Unit outstanding (5) $ ___ $ ___ $ ___
Maximum Supervisory Fee per Unit outstanding (6) $ ___ $ ___ $ ___
Estimated Annual Amortization of Organizational
and Offering Costs per Unit outstanding (7) $ $ $
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
First Settlement Date _____, 1998
Mandatory Termination Date _____, 2003
Discretionary Liquidation Amount A 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 such
Trust during the initial offering period.
Income Distribution Record Date Fifteenth day of each June and December commencing _____, 1998.
Income Distribution Date (8) 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 a 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 listed Equity Security 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. 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) The Evaluator's Fee is 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.
(6) The Supervisory Fee is payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor. In
addition, the Sponsor will be reimbursed for bookkeeping and other
administrative expenses currently at a maximum annual rate of $_____ per
Unit per Trust.
(7) Each 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
five years). See "What are the Expenses and Charges?" and "Statements of
Net Assets." Historically, the sponsors of unit investment trusts have
paid all the costs of establishing such trusts.
(8) 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 $1.00 per 100 Units. Notwithstanding, distributions of funds in
the Capital Account, if any, will be made in December of each year.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 5
FEE TABLES
These Fee Tables are 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 Trusts
have a term of approximately five years and are unit investment trusts
rather than mutual funds, this information is presented to permit a
comparison of fees.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMUNICATIONS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
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 expenses 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 Communications Growth Trust, Series 2 has an estimated
operating expense ratio of ___% and a 5% annual return on the investment
throughout the periods $ $ $
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INSURANCE GROWTH TRUST SERIES
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 expenses and evaluation fees %
Other operating expenses %
________ ________
Total % $
======== ========
</TABLE>
page 6
<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 Insurance Growth Trust Series has an estimated operating
expense ratio of % and a 5% annual return on the investment throughout the
periods $ $ $
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTERNET GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 4
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 expenses 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 Internet Growth Trust, Series 4 has an estimated operating
expense ratio of % and a 5% annual return on the investment throughout the
periods $ $ $
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
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 expenses and evaluation fees %
Other operating expenses %
________ ________
Total % $
======== ========
</TABLE>
Page 7
<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 Media & Entertainment Growth Trust, Series 2 has an estimated
operating expense ratio of % and a 5% annual return on the investment
throughout the periods $ $ $
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MEDICAL GROWTH TRUST SERIES
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 expenses 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 Medical Growth Trust Series has an estimated operating expense
ratio of % and a 5% annual return on the investment throughout the periods $ $ $
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE EQUITY TRUST SERIES
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 expenses and evaluation fees %
Other operating expenses %
________ ________
Total % $
======== ========
</TABLE>
Page 8
<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 Value Equity Trust Series 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 exceeds $10.00 per Unit, the deferred sales
charge will be less than 3.5%. Units purchased subsequent to the initial
deferred sales charge payment will also be subject to the remaining
deferred sales charge payments not yet collected.
</FN>
</TABLE>
The examples assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and
utilize a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by Securities and
Exchange Commission regulations applicable to mutual funds. For purposes
of the examples, 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
examples 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
examples.
Page 9
COMMUNICATIONS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
INSURANCE GROWTH TRUST SERIES
INTERNET GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 4
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
MEDICAL GROWTH TRUST SERIES
VALUE EQUITY TRUST SERIES
FT 250
What is the FT Series?
FT 250 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 FT Series was previously known as The First Trust Special
Situations Trust Series. This Series consists of the underlying separate
unit investment trusts set forth above. The Trusts were created under
the laws of the State of New York pursuant to a Trust Agreement (the
"Indenture"), dated the Initial Date of Deposit, with Nike Securities
L.P. as Sponsor, The Chase Manhattan Bank as Trustee, 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 common stocks (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 Trusts, the
Trustee delivered to the Sponsor documents evidencing the entire
ownership of the Trusts.
Communications Growth Trust, Series 2
The objective of the Communications Growth Trust (the "Communications
Trust") is to provide investors with the potential for above-average
capital appreciation through an investment in a diversified portfolio of
common stocks of communications companies which the Sponsor believes are
positioned to take advantage of the convergence of many types of
communications around the world. The Communications Trust's portfolio is
diversified across domestic and international companies involved in
computer networking, communications equipment, communications services
and wireless communications. A diversified portfolio helps to offset the
risks normally associated with such an investment, although it does not
eliminate them entirely. The companies selected for the Communications
Trust have been researched and evaluated using database screening
techniques, fundamental analysis and the judgment of the Sponsor's
research analysts. In general, the Sponsor believes these companies have
above-average growth prospects for both sales and earnings, established
market shares for their services and lower-than-average levels of debt.
In the Sponsor's opinion, the communications industry is expected to
benefit from the convergence of a variety of industries including
entertainment, media and publishing. Companies well-positioned within
the communications industry are poised for both increased revenue and
earnings growth potential over the next several years. The
Telecommunications Act of 1996 broke down many regulatory barriers in
the United States, making it possible for companies once precluded from
offering multiple communication services to now do so. Cable companies,
for instance, can now offer telephone services while telephone companies
can offer video services. Increased competition and opportunities will
arise as telephone companies are able to offer both long-distance and
local services. Governments worldwide are moving toward democracy and
economies based on market-oriented policies. As part of this process,
communications systems are shifting from government-owned monopolies to
publicly-owned market-based companies. This worldwide deregulation is
likely to accelerate global demand for communications services. Due to
the fast pace of technological advances, domestic and global demand for
communications services and equipment is increasing. Recent advances,
such as wireless phones, fiber optics and the Internet, are allowing
businesses, individuals and governments greater access to a variety of
communications services at lower costs. This increased access, in turn,
is fueling the demand for products from manufacturers of communications
Page 10
equipment and computer networks. In addition, future technological
advances will only serve to further lower communications-related costs
and to stimulate demand.
See "Schedule of Investments" and "What are the Equity Securities?-Risk
Factors" for the Communications Growth Trust. There is, however, no
assurance that the objective of the Communications Growth Trust will be
achieved.
Insurance Growth Trust Series
The objective of the Insurance Growth Trust Series (the "Insurance
Growth Trust") is to provide investors with the potential for above-
average capital appreciation through an investment in a diversified
portfolio of common stocks of companies that are involved in several
lines of insurance, including financial guarantee, life and health,
multi-line, and property and casualty. A diversified portfolio helps to
offset the risks normally associated with such an investment, although
it does not eliminate them entirely. The companies selected for the
Insurance Growth Trust have been researched and evaluated using database
screening techniques, fundamental analysis, and the judgment of the
Sponsor's research analysts.
In an industry whose products are used by almost every American family,
the Sponsor believes the companies selected are ideally positioned to
take advantage of the many trends shaping the insurance industry.
Despite prospects for above-average earnings growth, the companies
chosen for the Insurance Growth Trust currently trade, on average, at
below-market price to earnings ratios. The attractive valuations
relative to earnings prospects should provide the potential for capital
appreciation in excess of market returns. In addition, insurance
companies benefit from a declining interest rate environment, as a large
portion of their assets are invested in fixed income securities which
rise in value when interest rates decline. Given the modest and
relatively stable rate of inflation in the recent past and the outlook
for continued low levels of inflation, the Sponsor believes that
interest rates will remain at their relatively low levels or perhaps
decline, maintaining a positive interest rate environment for insurance
companies.
Insurance companies are expanding their businesses by reaching customers
in new ways. In addition to selling through traditional insurance
agents, insurance is increasingly being marketed through financial
planners, banks, direct mail, telemarketing and on-line via the
Internet. By selling insurance products through new distribution
channels, the Sponsor believes that too many insurance companies
offering the same products create an environment of excess capacity.
Increased consolidation activity is expected to occur at an accelerating
rate, in order to eliminate that excess capacity. By restructuring
through mergers or acquisitions, insurers can streamline operations,
boost profits, and enhance shareholder value from any takeover premiums.
An investment in Units of the Insurance Growth Trust should be made with
an understanding of the risks involved with owning insurance companies,
including the fact that the insurance industry is subject to adverse
effects of volatile interest rates, economic recession, increased
competition, and the potential for increased regulation.
See "Schedule of Investments" and "What are the Equity Securities?-Risk
Factors" for the Insurance Growth Trust. There is, however, no assurance
that the objective of the Insurance Growth Trust will be achieved.
Internet Growth Trust, Series 4
The objective of the Internet Growth Trust, Series 4 (the "Internet
Growth Trust") is to provide investors with the potential for above-
average capital appreciation through an investment in a diversified
portfolio of common stocks of U.S.-based companies the Sponsor believes
are ideally positioned to take advantage of the rapid growth of the
Internet. The portfolio of the Internet Growth Trust is diversified
across many related sectors: information providers, communications
equipment, communications services, computer networking, computers,
semiconductors and software. Diversifying a portfolio helps to offset
the risks normally associated with equity investments, although risk
cannot be entirely eliminated. This type of diversification provides a
convenient, efficient way for the investor to own stocks in a number of
companies without considerable time and capital commitments.
In the Sponsor's opinion, the growing numbers of users and web sites
along with expanding capabilities make the Internet Growth Trust an
attractive investment opportunity. More than 58 million adults are on-
line in the U.S. alone, and the number is expected to triple by 2002. In
Page 11
fact, a new computer is added to the Internet every four seconds, and
nearly 3,000 new websites are being added every day. Rising standards of
living and more disposable income worldwide, combined with faster, more
efficient and affordable technology will dramatically expand the
potential number of users. In addition, improved security measures are
helping to increase the number of consumer transactions over the web.
Corporations have made huge strides in the way they conduct business-to-
business transactions over the Internet, making it more commercially
feasible for the mass market. Business-to-business electronic commerce
is anticipated to reach $26 billion by 2000, up from an estimated $9.5
billion in 1997. Consolidation and mergers among companies involved with
the Internet are increasing. Technological improvement like high-speed
data and video transmission through cable connections are helping to
fuel this growth. The Sponsor believes the companies selected for the
portfolio stand to benefit from the combination of increased demand,
faster and more efficient services, and more affordable equipment.
The companies selected for the Internet Growth Trust have been
researched and evaluated using database screening techniques,
fundamental analysis, and the judgment of the Sponsor's research
analysts. To help reduce risk, the Internet Growth Trust avoids small
companies, newly-issued stocks, and stocks with little or no earnings.
In general, the Sponsor believes the companies selected have above-
average growth prospects for both sales and earnings, and lower than
average debt.
The Sponsor believes that the enormous growth potential of the Internet
offers a compelling investment opportunity. However, since the Internet
is in the early stages of its development and the direction of its
evolution is unpredictable, tremendous risks exist. It is important to
note that companies engaged in business related to the Internet are
subject to fierce competition and their products and services may be
subject to rapid obsolescence.
See "Schedule of Investments" and "What are the Equity Securities?-Risk
Factors" for the Internet Growth Trust. There is, however, no assurance
that the objective of the Internet Growth Trust will be achieved.
Media & Entertainment Growth Trust, Series 2
The objective of the Media & Entertainment Growth Trust, Series 2 (the
"Media & Entertainment Growth Trust") is to provide investors with the
potential for above-average capital appreciation through an investment
in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of leading media and
entertainment companies the Sponsor believes are ideally positioned to
take advantage of the rapidly expanding global demand for media and
entertainment programming and delivery systems. A diversified portfolio
helps to offset the risks normally associated with such an investment,
although it does not eliminate them entirely. The companies selected for
the Media & Entertainment Growth Trust have been researched and
evaluated using database screening techniques, fundamental analysis, and
the judgment of the Sponsor's research analysts.
More people around the world continue to experience an increase in
disposable income. As a result, the demand for American movies, TV
programs and other entertainment products should increase. Population
growth, world trade liberalization, and an improved political climate in
many countries are also favorable factors for the global growth of media
and entertainment companies. Access to information and entertainment is
becoming easier and more affordable. As the providers of these services
try to entice new users, they will require the products provided by the
leading media and entertainment companies.
The landmark Telecommunications Act of 1996 should continue to benefit
media and entertainment companies. Relaxed restrictions on radio and
television station ownership will further encourage consolidation as
broadcast companies look to lower economies of scale. In addition,
demand for quality content will only intensify as broadcasters and cable
television companies compete for access to the best content to fill
their programming schedules.
An investment in companies in the media and entertainment industry
should be made with an understanding of the many factors which may have
an adverse impact on a particular company, or on the industry in
general. Certain of these include the cyclicality of revenues and
earnings of companies in the industry, the availability of discretionary
income of individuals, changing consumer tastes and interests, fierce
competition in the industry and changing governmental regulations.
See "Schedule of Investments" and "What are the Equity Securities?-Risk
Factors" for the Media & Entertainment Growth Trust. There is no
assurance that the objective of the Media & Entertainment Growth Trust
will be achieved.
Page 12
Medical Growth Trust Series
The objective of the Medical Growth Trust Series (the "Medical Growth
Trust") is to provide investors with the potential for above-average
capital appreciation through an investment in a diversified portfolio of
common stocks of medical companies that have active participation in the
expanding markets of proprietary medicines, biotechnology, generics,
drug delivery and medical devices. The Sponsor believes the companies
selected are positioned to take advantage of this growing industry. The
companies vary in size from blue chip to emerging growth and have
special niche qualities in marketing, manufacturing and research. This
diversification helps to offset risk, although it does not eliminate it
entirely. The companies selected for the Medical Growth Trust are
researched and evaluated using database screening techniques,
fundamental analysis and the judgment of the Sponsor's research
analysts. The Sponsor believes powerful changing economic, social and
technological forces are now taking place that could lead to a strong
future for the medical industry.
This positive outlook is supported by the increasing demand for medical-
related services and products required by an aging American population.
In the U.S., the population over 65 numbers over 30 million today, and
the impact of the aging 76 million "baby boomers" will likely have a
dramatic effect on the health care system. The pace of scientific
discoveries is accelerating as the research and development pipeline for
new medicines and technologies creates new markets and provides the
potential for sales growth. Breakthrough discoveries may have large
commercial potential, and the potential for expanded drug and medical
benefits coverage could lead to large increases in industry volume.
Industry-wide reforms continue to unfold, creating merger opportunities
for companies in the medical sector. Mergers, acquisitions and
partnerships continue to be a viable way for larger companies to fill
specific product lines, acquire new technology and benefit from
economies of scale.
It is important to note that companies engage in the medical industry
are subject to government regulation of their products and services,
increasing competition, termination of patent protection, and the risk
that technological advances will render their products or services
obsolete.
See "Schedule of Investments" and "What are the Equity Securities?-Risk
Factors" for the Medical Growth Trust Series. There is no assurance that
the objective of the Medical Growth Trust Series will be achieved.
Value Equity Trust Series
The objective of the Value Equity Trust Series (the "Value Equity
Trust") is to provide for potential capital appreciation and income
through an investment in equity securities issued by pharmaceutical
companies. See "Schedule of Investments" for the Value Equity Trust
Series.
See "Schedule of Investments" and "What are the Equity Securities?-Risk
Factors" for the Value Equity Trust Series. There is no assurance that
the objective of the Value Equity Trust will be achieved.
With the deposit of the Equity Securities on the Initial Date of
Deposit, the Sponsor established a percentage relationship between the
amounts of Equity Securities in each Trust's portfolio, as set forth
under "Schedule of Investments" for each Trust. From time to time
following the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor, pursuant to the
Indenture, may create additional Units in a Trust by depositing
additional Equity Securities or cash (including a letter of credit) with
instructions to purchase additional Equity Securities in a 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 a Trust. 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 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 a Trust on the
Initial, or any subsequent, Date of Deposit. See "Rights of Unit Holders-
How May Equity Securities be Removed from a Trust?" Since the prices of
the underlying Equity Securities will fluctuate daily, the ratio, on a
market value basis, will also change daily. The portion of Equity
Securities represented by each Unit will not change as a result of the
deposit of additional Equity Securities in a 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
Page 13
because of fluctuations in the prices of the Equity Securities between
the time of the cash deposit and the purchase of the Equity Securities
and because such Trust will pay the associated brokerage fees. To
minimize this effect, the Trusts will try to purchase the Equity
Securities as close to the evaluation time 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 a Trust with respect to
acquiring Equity Securities for a Trust. In acting in such capacity, the
Sponsor or its affiliate will be subject to the restrictions under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
On the Initial Date of Deposit, each Unit of a Trust represented the
undivided fractional interest in the Equity Securities deposited in such
Trust set forth under "Summary of Essential Information" for each Trust.
To the extent that Units of a Trust are redeemed, the aggregate value of
the Equity Securities in such Trust will be reduced and the undivided
fractional interest represented by each outstanding Unit of that Trust
will increase. However, if additional Units are issued by a Trust in
connection with the deposit of additional Equity Securities or cash by
the Sponsor, the aggregate value of the Equity Securities in that Trust
will be increased by amounts allocable to additional Units, and the
fractional undivided interest represented by each Unit of that 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 brokerage fees discussed above and bookkeeping and
other administrative services provided to each 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 a 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 each Trust. Such fee is based on the number of
Units outstanding in a Trust on January 1 of each year except for the
year or years in which an initial offering period occurs in which case
the fee for a month is based on the number of Units outstanding at the
end of such month. In providing such supervisory services, the Portfolio
Supervisor may purchase research services from a variety of sources
which may include dealers of the Trusts.
Subsequent to the initial offering period, First Trust Advisors L.P., in
its capacity as the Evaluator for the Trusts, will receive a fee as
indicated in the "Summary of Essential Information."
The Trustee pays certain expenses of each Trust for which it is
reimbursed by such Trust. The Trustee will receive for its ordinary
recurring services to each Trust an annual fee set forth in each
"Summary of Essential Information," which is based upon the largest
aggregate number of Units of each 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 the above described fees are payable from the Income
Account of a Trust to the extent funds are available and then from the
Capital Account of such Trust. Since 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 each Trust is expected to result from
the use of these funds.
Each of the above mentioned fees may be increased without approval of
the Unit holders by amounts not exceeding proportionate increases under
the category "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" in the Consumer Price
Index published by the United States Department of Labor. In addition,
with respect to the fees payable to the Sponsor or an affiliate of the
Sponsor for providing bookkeeping and other administrative services,
supervisor services and evaluation services, such individual fees may
exceed the actual costs of providing such services for a Trust, but at
no time will the total amount received for such services rendered to all
unit investment trusts of which Nike Securities L.P. is the Sponsor in
any calendar year exceed the actual cost to the Sponsor or its affiliate
of supplying such services in such year.
Expenses incurred in establishing the Trusts, including costs of
preparing the registration statement, the trust indenture and other
closing documents, registering Units with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and states, the initial audit of each Trust's portfolio and
Page 14
the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee and any other out-of-pocket
expenses, will be paid by each Trust and charged off over a period not
to exceed the life of the Trust (approximately five years). The
following additional charges are or may be incurred by a 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 a 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 a 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 such Trust; all taxes and
other government charges imposed upon the Securities or any part of a
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 each Trust. In addition, the Trustee is empowered to sell
Equity Securities in a Trust in order to make funds available to pay all
these amounts if funds are not otherwise available in the Income and
Capital Accounts of such 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 a Trust. As described
above, if dividends are insufficient to cover expenses, it is likely
that Equity Securities will have to be sold to meet such 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 each Trust to be audited on an annual basis at
the expense of such Trusts 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 a Trust
covered by an audit may obtain a copy of the audited financial
statements upon request.
What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?
This 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 Trusts. 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. Each 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 a Trust under the
Code; and the income of each Trust will be treated as income of the Unit
holders thereof under the Code. Each Unit holder will be considered to
have received his pro rata share of the income derived from each Equity
Security when such income is considered to be received by a 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 a 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 such Trust are actually received by the Unit holder or are
automatically reinvested.
3. Each Unit holder will have a taxable event when a 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, generally including sales charges, is
allocated among his or her pro rata portion of each Equity Security held
by a Trust (in proportion to the fair market values thereof on the
valuation date closest to the date the Unit holder purchases his or her
Units) in order to determine the tax basis for his or her pro rata
portion of each Equity Security held by such Trust. It should be noted
that certain legislative proposals have been made which could affect the
Page 15
calculation of basis for Unit holders holding securities that are
substantially identical to the Equity Securities. Unit holders should
consult their own tax advisers 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 a Trust is taxable as
ordinary income to the extent of such corporation's current and
accumulated "earnings and profits." A Unit holder's pro rata portion of
dividends paid on such Equity Security which exceed such current and
accumulated earnings and profits will first reduce a Unit holder's tax
basis in such Equity Security, and to the extent that such dividends
exceed a Unit holder's tax basis in such Equity Security shall generally
be treated as capital gain. In general, the holding period for such
capital gain will be determined by the period of time a Unit holder has
held his or her Units.
4. A Unit holder's portion of gain, if any, upon the sale or
redemption of Units or the disposition of Equity Securities held by a
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) as excluded for
purposes of determining if 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 a
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 Trusts 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 should 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 a Trust
(to the extent such dividends are taxable as ordinary income, as
discussed above, and are attributable to domestic corporations) in the
same manner as if such corporation directly owned the Equity Securities
paying such dividends (other than corporate Unit holders, such as "S"
corporations, which are not eligible for the deduction because of their
special characteristics and other than for purposes of special taxes
such as the accumulated earnings tax and the personal holding
corporation tax). However, a corporation owning Units should be aware
that Sections 246 and 246A of the Code impose additional limitations on
the eligibility of dividends for the 70% dividends received deduction.
These limitations include a requirement that stock (and therefore Units)
must generally be held at least 46 days (as determined under Section
246(c) of the Code). Final regulations have been issued which address
special rules that must be considered in determining whether the 46-day
holding period requirement is met. Moreover, the allowable percentage of
the deduction will be reduced from 70% if a corporate Unit holder owns
certain stock (or Units) the financing of which is directly attributable
to indebtedness incurred by such corporation.
It should be noted that various legislative proposals that would affect
the dividends received deduction have been introduced. Unit holders
should consult with their tax advisers with respect to the limitations
on and possible modifications to the dividends received deduction.
To the extent dividends received by a Trust are attributable to foreign
corporations, a corporation that owns Units will not be entitled to the
dividends received deduction with respect to its pro rata portion of
such dividends, since the dividends received deduction is generally
available only with respect to dividends paid by domestic corporations.
Page 16
Limitations on Deductibility of a Trust's Expenses by Unit Holders. Each
Unit holder's pro rata share of each expense paid by a 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 a
Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to this limitation.
Recognition of Taxable Gain or Loss Upon Disposition of Securities by a
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 a Trust or if the Unit holder disposes of a Unit. The Taxpayer Relief
Act of 1997 (the "1997 Act") provides that for taxpayers other than
corporations, net capital gain (which is defined as net long-term
capital gain over net short-term capital loss for the taxable year) is
subject to a maximum marginal stated tax rate of either 28% or 20%,
depending upon the holding periods of the capital assets. Capital gain
or loss is long-term if the holding period for the asset is more than
one year, and is short-term if the holding period for the asset is one
year or less. The date on which a Unit is acquired (i.e., the "trade
date") is excluded for purposes of determining the holding period of the
Unit. Generally, capital gains realized from assets held for more than
one year but not more than 18 months are taxed at a maximum marginal
stated tax rate of 28% and capital gains realized from assets (with
certain exclusions) held for more than 18 months are taxed at a maximum
marginal stated tax rate of 20% (10% in the case of certain taxpayers in
the lowest tax bracket). Further, capital gains realized from assets
held for one year or less are taxed at the same rates as ordinary
income. Legislation is currently pending that provides the appropriate
methodology that should be applied in netting the realized capital gains
and losses. Such legislation is proposed to be effective retroactively
for tax years ending after May 6, 1997. The Internal Revenue Service has
released preliminary guidance which provides that, in general, pass-
through entities may designate their capital gain dividends as either a
20% rate gain distribution or a 28% rate gain, depending on the nature
of the gain received by the pass-through entity. It should be noted that
legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that affect tax
rates and could affect relative differences at which ordinary income and
capital gains are taxed.
In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
considered "conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered
into after April 30, 1993. Unit holders and prospective investors should
consult with their tax advisers regarding the potential effect of this
provision on their investment in Units.
If the Unit holder disposes of a Unit, he is deemed thereby to have
disposed of his or her entire pro rata interest in all assets of a Trust
involved including his or her pro rata portion of all the Equity
Securities represented by the Unit.
The 1997 Act includes provisions that treat certain transactions
designed to reduce or eliminate risk of loss and opportunities for gain
(e.g., short sales, offsetting notional principal contracts, futures or
forward contracts or similar transactions) as constructive sales for
purposes of recognition of gain (but not loss) and for purposes of
determining the holding period. Unit holders should consult their own
tax advisers with regard to any constructive sale rules.
Special Tax Consequences of In-Kind Distributions Upon Redemption of
Units or Termination of a Trust. As discussed in "Rights of Unit Holders-
How are Income and Capital Distributed?", under certain circumstances a
Unit holder who owns at least 2,500 Units of a 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 a Trust, a Unit holder is considered as
owning a pro rata portion of each of a 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 with respect to each Equity Security owned by a Trust will
depend on whether or not a Unit holder receives cash in addition to
Page 17
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 a Trust. However, if a Unit holder also receives cash
in exchange for a fractional share of an Equity Security held by a
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 tax basis in such fractional share of an Equity Security held by
such Trust.
Because a 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 a 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 a Trust. Unit holders who request an In-Kind Distribution are
advised to consult their tax advisers in this regard.
Computation of the Unit Holder's Tax Basis. Initially, a Unit holder's
tax basis in his or her Units will generally equal the price paid by
such Unit holder for his or her Units. The cost of the Units is
allocated among the Equity Securities held in a 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 Units and his or her pro rata portion
of an Equity Security held by a Trust will be reduced to the extent
dividends paid with respect to such Equity Security are received by a
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 a Trust to such Unit holder (including amounts received
upon the redemption of Units) will be subject to back-up withholding.
Distributions by a Trust (generally other than those that are not
treated as United States source income, if any) 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.
In general, income that is not effectively connected to the conduct of a
trade or business within the United States that is earned by non-U.S.
Unit holders and derived from dividends of foreign corporations will not
be subject to U.S. withholding tax provided that less than 25 percent of
the gross income of the foreign corporation for a three-year period
ending with the close of its taxable year preceding payment was not
effectively connected to the conduct of a trade or business within the
United States. In addition, such earnings may be exempt from U.S.
withholding pursuant to a specific treaty between the United States and
a foreign country. Non-U.S. Unit holders should consult their own tax
advisers regarding the imposition of U.S. withholding on distributions
from the Trusts.
It should be noted that payments to the Trusts of dividends on Equity
Securities that are attributable to foreign corporations may be subject
to foreign withholding taxes and Unit holders should consult their tax
advisers regarding the potential tax consequences relating to the
payment of any such withholding taxes by the Trusts. Any dividends
withheld as a result thereof will nevertheless be treated as income to
the Unit holders. Because, under the grantor trust rules, an investor is
deemed to have paid directly his share of foreign taxes that have been
paid or accrued, if any, an investor may be entitled to a foreign tax
credit or deduction for United States purposes with respect to such
taxes. The 1997 Act imposes a required holding period for such credits.
Investors should consult their tax advisers with respect to foreign
withholding taxes and foreign tax credits.
At the termination of a Trust, the Trustee will furnish to each Unit
holder a statement containing information relating to the dividends
received by the particular Trust on the Equity Securities, the gross
proceeds received by such Trust from the disposition of any Equity
Security (resulting from redemption or the sale of any Equity Security)
and the fees and expenses paid by the Trust. The Trustee will also
furnish annual information returns to Unit holders and to the Internal
Revenue Service.
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.
Page 18
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 Trusts Eligible for
Retirement Plans?"
The foregoing discussion relates only to the tax treatment of U.S. Unit
holders ("U.S. Unit holders") with regard to federal and certain aspects
of New York State and City income taxes. Unit holders may be subject to
taxation in New York or in other jurisdictions and should consult their
own tax advisers in this regard. As used herein, the term "U.S. Unit
holder" means an owner of a Unit in the Trusts that (a) is (i) for
United States federal income tax purposes a citizen or resident of the
United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity created
or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any
political subdivision thereof, or (iii) an estate or trust the income of
which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of
its source or (b) does not qualify as a U.S. Unit holder in paragraph
(a) but whose income from a Unit is effectively connected with such Unit
holder's conduct of a United States trade or business. The term also
includes certain former citizens of the United States whose income and
gain on the Units will be taxable.
In the opinion of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, Special Counsel to the
Trusts 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 Trusts Eligible for Retirement Plans?
Units of the Trusts are eligible for purchase by Individual Retirement
Accounts, Keogh Plans, pension funds and other tax-deferred retirement
plans. Generally, the Federal income tax relating to capital gains and
income received in each of the foregoing plans is deferred until
distributions are received. Distributions from such plans are generally
treated as ordinary income but may, in some cases, be eligible for
special averaging or tax-deferred rollover treatment. Investors
considering participation in any such plan should review specific tax
laws related thereto and should consult their attorneys or tax 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 Trusts consist of different issues of Equity Securities which 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 Communications Growth Trust, Series 2?," "What
are the Equity Securities Selected for Insurance Growth Trust Series?,"
"What are the Equity Securities Selected for Internet Growth Trust,
Series 4?," "What are the Equity Securities Selected for Media &
Entertainment Growth Trust, Series 2?" "What are the Equity Securities
Selected for Medical Growth Trust Series?" and "What are the Equity
Securities Selected for Value Equity Trust Series?" for a general
description of the companies.
Risk Factors. An investment in Units of the Trusts should be made with
an understanding of the problems and risks such an investment may entail.
Communications Growth Trust, Series 2. An investment in Units of the
Communications Growth Trust should be made with an understanding of the
problems and risks inherent in the communications sector in general.
The market for high-technology communications products and services is
characterized by rapidly changing technology, rapid product
obsolescence, cyclical market patterns, evolving industry standards and
frequent new product introductions. The success of the issuers of the
Equity Securities depends in substantial part on the timely and
successful introduction of new products and services. An unexpected
change in one or more of the technologies affecting an issuer's products
or in the market for products based on a particular technology could
have a material adverse affect on an issuer's operating results.
Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the issuers of the Equity
Securities will be able to respond in a timely manner to compete in the
rapidly developing marketplace.
The communications industry is subject to governmental regulation.
However, as market forces develop, the government will continue to
deregulate the communications industry, promoting vigorous economic
Page 19
competition and resulting in the rapid development of new communications
technologies. The products and services of communications companies may
be subject to rapid obsolescence. These factors could affect the value
of the Trust's Units. For example, while telephone companies in the
United States are subject to both state and federal regulations
affecting permitted rates of returns and the kinds of services that may
be offered, the prohibition against phone companies delivering video
services has been lifted. This creates competition between phone
companies and cable operators and encourages phone companies to
modernize their communications infrastructure. Certain types of
companies represented in the Trust's portfolio are engaged in fierce
competition for a share of the market of their products. As a result,
competitive pressures are intense and the stocks are subject to rapid
price volatility.
Many communications companies rely on a combination of patents,
copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect
their proprietary rights in their products and technologies. There can
be no assurance that the steps taken by the issuers of the Equity
Securities to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to
prevent misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will
not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent
or superior to such issuers' technology.
Insurance Growth Trust, Series 1. An investment in Units of the
Insurance Growth Trust should be made with an understanding of the
problems and risks inherent in the insurance sector in general.
Companies involved in the insurance industry are engaged in
underwriting, reinsuring, selling, distributing or placing of property
and casualty, life or health insurance. Other growth areas within the
insurance industry include brokerage, reciprocals, claims processors and
multiline insurance companies. Multiline insurance companies provide
property and casualty coverage, as well as life and health insurance.
The Trust may also invest in diversified financial companies with
subsidiaries (including insurance brokerage, reciprocals and claims
processors) engaged in underwriting, reinsuring, selling, distributing
or placing insurance with independent third parties.
Insurance company profits are affected by interest rate levels, general
economic conditions, and price and marketing competition. Property and
casualty insurance profits may also be affected by weather catastrophes
and other disasters. Life and health insurance profits may be affected
by mortality and morbidity rates. Individual companies may be exposed to
material risks including reserve inadequacy and the inability to collect
from reinsurance carriers. Insurance companies are subject to extensive
governmental regulation, including the imposition of maximum rate
levels, which may not be adequate for some lines of business. Proposed
or potential tax law changes may also adversely affect insurance
companies' policy sales, tax obligations, and profitability. In addition
to the foregoing, profit margins of these companies continue to shrink
due to the commoditization of traditional businesses, new competitors,
capital expenditures on new technology and the pressures to compete
globally.
In addition to the normal risks of business, companies involved in the
insurance industry are subject to significant risk factors, including
those applicable to regulated insurance companies, such as: (i) the
inherent uncertainty in the process of establishing property-liability
loss reserves, particularly reserves for the cost of environmental,
asbestos and mass tort claims, and the fact that ultimate losses could
materially exceed established loss reserves which could have a material
adverse effect on results of operations and financial condition; (ii)
the fact that insurance companies have experienced, and can be expected
in the future to experience, catastrophe losses which could have a
material adverse impact on their financial condition, results of
operations and cash flow; (iii) the inherent uncertainty in the process
of establishing property-liability loss reserves due to changes in loss
payment patterns caused by new claims settlement practices; (iv) the
need for insurance companies and their subsidiaries to maintain
appropriate levels of statutory capital and surplus, particularly in
light of continuing scrutiny by rating organizations and state insurance
regulatory authorities, and in order to maintain acceptable financial
strength or claims-paying ability rating; (v) the extensive regulation
and supervision to which insurance companies' subsidiaries are subject,
various regulatory initiatives that may affect insurance companies, and
regulatory and other legal actions; (vi) the adverse impact that
increases in interest rates could have on the value of an insurance
company's investment portfolio and on the attractiveness of certain of
its products; (vii) the need to adjust the effective duration of the
assets and liabilities of life insurance operations in order to meet the
anticipated cash flow requirements of its policyholder obligations; and
(vii) the uncertainty involved in estimating the availability of
reinsurance and the collectibility of reinsurance recoverables.
Page 20
The state insurance regulatory framework has, during recent years, come
under increased federal scrutiny, and certain state legislatures have
considered or enacted laws that alter and, in many cases, increase state
authority to regulate insurance companies and insurance holding company
systems. Further, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
("NAIC") and state insurance regulators are re-examining existing laws
and regulations, specifically focusing on insurance companies,
interpretations of existing laws and the development of new laws. In
addition, Congress and certain federal agencies have investigated the
condition of the insurance industry in the United States to determine
whether to promulgate additional federal regulation. The Underwriter is
unable to predict whether any state or federal legislation will be
enacted to change the nature or scope of regulation of the insurance
industry, or what effect, if any, such legislation would have on the
industry.
All insurance companies are subject to state laws and regulations that
require diversification of their investment portfolios and limit the
amount of investments in certain investment categories. Failure to
comply with these laws and regulations would cause non-conforming
investments to be treated as non-admitted assets for purposes of
measuring statutory surplus and, in some instances, would require
divestiture.
Environmental pollution clean-up is the subject of both federal and
state regulation. By some estimates, there are thousands of potential
waste sites subject to clean up. The insurance industry is involved in
extensive litigation regarding coverage issues. The Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
("Superfund") and comparable state statutes ("mini-Superfund") govern
the clean-up and restoration by "Potentially Responsible Parties"
("PRP's"). Superfund and the mini-Superfunds ("Environmental Clean-up
Laws or "ECLs") establish a mechanism to pay for clean-up of waste sites
if PRP's fail to do so, and to assign liability to PRP's. The extent of
liability to be allocated to a PRP is dependent on a variety of factors.
Further, the number of waste sites subject to clean-up is unknown. Very
few sites have been subject to clean-up to date. The extent of clean-up
necessary and the assignment of liability has not been established. The
insurance industry is disputing many such claims. Key coverage issues
include whether Superfund response costs are considered damages under
the policies, when and how coverage is triggered, applicability of
pollution exclusions, the potential for joint and several liability and
definition of an occurrence. Similar coverage issues exist for clean up
and waste sites not covered under Superfund. To date, courts have been
inconsistent in their rulings on these issues. An insurer's exposure to
liability with regard to its insureds which have been, or may be, named
as PRPs is uncertain. Superfund reform proposals have been introduced in
Congress, but none have been enacted. There can be no assurance that any
Superfund reform legislation will be enacted or that any such
legislation will provide for a fair, effective and cost-efficient system
for settlement of Superfund related claims.
Proposed federal legislation which would permit banks greater
participation in the insurance business could, if enacted, present an
increased level of competition for the sale of insurance products. In
addition, while current federal income tax law permits the tax-deferred
accumulation of earnings on the premiums paid by an annuity owner and
holders of certain savings-oriented life insurance products, no
assurance can be given that future tax law will continue to allow such
tax deferrals. If such deferrals were not allowed, consumer demand for
the affected products would be substantially reduced. In addition,
proposals to lower the federal income tax rates through a form of flat
tax or otherwise could have, if enacted, a negative impact on the demand
for such products.
Internet Growth Trust, Series 4. An investment in Units of the Internet
Growth Trust should be made with an understanding of the problems and
risks inherent in the technology sector in general.
Technology companies generally include companies involved in the
development, design, manufacture and sale of computers, computer-related
equipment, computer networks, communications systems, telecommunications
products, electronic products and other related products, systems and
services. The market for these products, especially those specifically
related to the Internet, is characterized by rapidly changing
technology, rapid product obsolescence, cyclical market patterns,
evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions. The
success of the issuers of the Equity Securities depends in substantial
part on the timely and successful introduction of new products. An
unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting an
issuer's products or in the market for products based on a particular
technology could have a material adverse affect on an issuer's operating
results. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the issuers of the
Equity Securities will be able to respond in a timely manner to compete
in the rapidly developing marketplace.
Page 21
Based on trading history of technology stocks, factors such as
announcements of new products or development of new technologies and
general conditions of the industry have caused and are likely to cause
the market price of high-technology common stocks to fluctuate
substantially. In addition, technology company stocks have experienced
extreme price and volume fluctuations that often have been unrelated to
the operating performance of such companies. This market volatility may
adversely affect the market price of the Equity Securities and therefore
the ability of a Unit holder to redeem Units at a price equal to or
greater than the original price paid for such Units.
Some key components of certain products of technology issuers are
currently available only from single sources. There can be no assurance
that in the future suppliers will be able to meet the demand for
components in a timely and cost effective manner. Accordingly, an
issuer's operating results and customer relationships could be adversely
affected by either an increase in price for, or an interruption or
reduction in supply of, any key components. Additionally, many
technology issuers are characterized by a highly concentrated customer
base consisting of a limited number of large customers who may require
product vendors to comply with rigorous industry standards. Any failure
to comply with such standards may result in a significant loss or
reduction of sales. Because many products and technologies of technology
companies are incorporated into other related products, such companies
are often highly dependent on the performance of the personal computer,
electronics and telecommunications industries. There can be no assurance
that these customers will place additional orders, or that an issuer of
Equity Securities will obtain orders of similar magnitude as past orders
from other customers. Similarly, the success of certain technology
companies is tied to a relatively small concentration of products or
technologies. Accordingly, a decline in demand of such products,
technologies or from such customers could have a material adverse impact
on issuers of the Equity Securities.
Many technology companies rely on a combination of patents, copyrights,
trademarks and trade secret laws to establish and protect their
proprietary rights in their products and technologies. There can be no
assurance that the steps taken by the issuers of the Equity Securities
to protect their proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent
misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not
independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or
superior to such issuers' technology. In addition, due to the increasing
public use of the Internet, it is possible that other laws and
regulations may be adopted to address issues such as privacy, pricing,
characteristics, and quality of Internet products and services. For
example, recent proposals would prohibit the distribution of obscene,
lascivious or indecent communications on the Internet. The adoption of
any such laws could have a material adverse impact on the securities in
the Trust.
Media & Entertainment Growth Trust, Series 2. An investment in Units of
the Media & Entertainment Growth Trust should be made with an
understanding of the problems and risks inherent in the advertising,
broadcasting, cable television, entertainment and publishing sectors in
general. An investment in companies in the media and entertainment
industry should be made with an understanding of the many factors which
may have an adverse impact on a particular company, or on the industry
in general. Certain of these include the cyclicality of revenues and
earnings of companies in the industry, the availability of discretionary
income of individuals, changing consumer tastes and interests, fierce
competition in the industry and increasing governmental regulations.
Certain of these companies may derive a significant portion of their
revenues from the discretionary income of individuals, which may be
adversely affected by economic downturns which reduce the amount of
personal income available for non-essential items. Many of the products
offered by the companies in the entertainment industry are subject to
the risks of rapid obsolescence and changing consumer tastes and
interests. In addition, certain types of companies are subject to
various government regulations. For example, cable and
telecommunications companies are subject to state and federal
regulations, affecting the price of their services and the kinds of
service which they may offer. Certain media communications companies are
subject to Federal Communications Commission regulations. As a result of
the foregoing, the Equity Securities in the Trust may be subject to
rapid price volatility. The Sponsor is unable to predict what impact the
foregoing factors will have on the Equity Securities during the life of
the Trust.
Medical Growth Trust Series. An investment in Units of the Medical
Page 22
Growth Trust Series should be made with an understanding of the problems
and risks inherent in the medical sector in general.
Medical companies have risks unique to their sector of the healthcare
field. These companies are subject to governmental regulation of their
products and services, a factor which could have a significant and
possibly unfavorable effect on the price and availability of such
products or services. Furthermore, such companies face the risk of
increasing competition from new products or services, generic drug
sales, termination of patent protection for drug or medical supply
products and the risk that technological advances will render their
products obsolete. The research and development costs of bringing a drug
to market are substantial, and include lengthy governmental review
processes with no guarantee that the product will ever come to market.
Many of these companies may have losses and not offer certain products
for several years. Such companies may also have persistent losses during
a new product's transition from development to production, and revenue
patterns may be erratic.
As the population of the United States ages, the companies involved in
the healthcare field will continue to search for and develop new drugs,
medical products and medical services through advanced technologies and
diagnostics. On a worldwide basis, such companies are involved in the
development and distributions of drugs, vaccines, medical products and
medical services. These activities may make the healthcare and medical
services sector very attractive for investors seeking the potential for
growth in their investment portfolio. However, there are no assurances
that the Trust's objective will be met.
Legislative initiatives concerning healthcare are proposed in Congress
from time to time. These proposals span a wide range of topics,
including cost and price controls (which might include a freeze on the
prices of prescription drugs), national health insurance, incentives for
competition in the provision of healthcare services, tax incentives and
penalties related to healthcare insurance premiums and promotion of pre-
paid healthcare plans. The Sponsor is unable to predict the effect of
any of these proposals, if enacted, on the issuers of Equity Securities
in the Trust.
Certain of the Equity Securities in the Trust are issued by small-cap
companies (market capitalization between $100 million and $1 billion).
While historically small-cap company stocks have outperformed the stocks
of large companies, the former have customarily involved more investment
risk as well. Small-cap companies may have limited product lines,
markets or financial resources; may lack management depth or experience;
and may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic
developments than large companies. Some of the companies in which the
Trust may invest may distribute, sell or produce products which have
recently been brought to market and may be dependent on key personnel.
The prices of small company securities are often more volatile than
prices associated with large company issues, and can display abrupt or
erratic movements at times, due to limited trading volumes and less
publicly available information. Also, because small cap companies
normally have fewer shares outstanding and these shares trade less
frequently than large companies, it may be more difficult for the Trust
to buy and sell significant amounts of such shares without an
unfavorable impact on prevailing market prices. The securities of small
companies are often traded over-the-counter and may not be traded in the
volumes typical on a national securities exchange.
Value Equity Trust Series. An investment in Units of the Value Equity
Trust
General. Each Trust consists of such Equity Securities listed under the
"Schedule of Investments" for each Trust as may continue to be held from
time to time in a Trust and any additional Equity Securities acquired
and held by the Trusts 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 a
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 a 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
Page 23
Securities under certain limited circumstances. 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 a Trust, they may be accepted for
deposit in such Trust and either sold by the Trustee or held in the
Trust pursuant to the direction of the Sponsor (who may rely on the
advice of the Portfolio Supervisor). See "Rights of Unit Holders-How May
Equity Securities be Removed from a Trust?" Equity Securities, however,
will not be sold by a Trust to take advantage of market fluctuations or
changes in anticipated rates of appreciation or depreciation.
Whether or not the 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, a Trust may
be restricted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 from selling
Equity Securities to the Sponsor. The price at which the Equity
Securities may be sold to meet redemptions, and the value of a 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.
The past market and earnings performance of the Equity Securities
included in the Trusts is not predictive of their future performance.
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 a Trust have a right
to receive dividends only when and if, and in the amounts, declared by
the issuer's board of directors and have a right to participate in
amounts available for distribution by the issuer only after all other
claims on the issuer have been paid or provided for. Common stocks do
not represent an obligation of the issuer and, therefore, do not offer
any assurance of income or provide the same degree of protection of
capital as do debt securities. The issuance of additional debt
securities or preferred stock will create prior claims for payment of
principal, interest and dividends which could adversely affect the
ability and inclination of the issuer to declare or pay dividends on its
common stock or the rights of holders of common stock with respect to
assets of the issuer upon liquidation or bankruptcy. The value of common
stocks is subject to market fluctuations for as long as the common
stocks remain outstanding, and thus the value of the Equity Securities
in the Portfolio may be expected to fluctuate over the life of a 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.
Certain of the Equity Securities in one or more of the Trusts are of
foreign issuers, and therefore, an investment in such a Trust involves
some investment risks that are different in some respects from an
investment in a trust that invests entirely in securities of domestic
issuers. Those investment risks include future political and
governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment or
receipt of payment of dividends on the relevant Equity Securities,
currency exchange rate fluctuations, exchange control policies, and the
Page 24
limited liquidity and small market capitalization of such foreign
countries' securities markets. In addition, for foreign issuers that are
not subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, there may be less publicly available information than is
available from a domestic issuer. Also, foreign issuers are not
necessarily subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those
applicable to domestic issuers. However, due to the nature of the
issuers of the Equity Securities included in the Trust, the Sponsor
believes that adequate information will be available to allow the
Portfolio Supervisor to provide portfolio surveillance.
Certain of the Equity Securities in one or more of the Trusts are in ADR
or GDR form. ADRs, which evidence American Depositary Receipts and GDRs,
which evidence Global Depositary Receipts, represent common stock
deposited with a custodian in a depositary. American Depositary Shares
and Global Depositary Shares (collectively, the "Depositary Receipts")
are issued by a bank or trust company to evidence ownership of
underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. These instruments
may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
securities into which they may be converted. For purposes of the
discussion herein, the terms ADR and GDR generally include American
Depositary Shares and Global Depositary Shares, respectively.
Depositary Receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. In an unsponsored
facility, the depositary initiates and arranges the facility at the
request of market makers and acts as agent for the Depositary Receipts
holder, while the company itself is not involved in the transaction. In
a sponsored facility, the issuing company initiates the facility and
agrees to pay certain administrative and shareholder-related expenses.
Sponsored facilities use a single depositary and entail a contractual
relationship between the issuer, the shareholder and the depositary;
unsponsored facilities involve several depositaries with no contractual
relationship to the company. The depositary bank that issues Depositary
Receipts generally charges a fee, based on the price of the Depositary
Receipts, upon issuance and cancellation of the Depositary Receipts.
This fee would be in addition to the brokerage commissions paid upon the
acquisition or surrender of the security. In addition, the depositary
bank incurs expenses in connection with the conversion of dividends or
other cash distributions paid in local currency into U.S. dollars and
such expenses are deducted from the amount of the dividend or
distribution paid to holders, resulting in a lower payout per underlying
shares represented by the Depositary Receipts than would be the case if
the underlying share were held directly. Certain tax considerations,
including tax rate differentials and withholding requirements, arising
from applications of the tax laws of one nation to nationals of another
and from certain practices in the Depositary Receipts market may also
exist with respect to certain Depositary Receipts. In varying degrees,
any or all of these factors may affect the value of the Depositary
Receipts compared with the value of the underlying shares in the local
market. In addition, the rights of holders of Depositary Receipts may be
different than those of holders of the underlying shares, and the market
for Depositary Receipts may be less liquid than that for the underlying
shares. Depositary Receipts are registered securities pursuant to the
Securities Act of 1933 and may be subject to the reporting requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
For the Equity Securities that are Depositary Receipts, currency
fluctuations will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the local
currency price of the underlying domestic share and, as a result, are
likely to affect the value of the Depositary Receipts and consequently
the value of the Equity Securities. The foreign issuers of securities
that are Depositary Receipts may pay dividends in foreign currencies
which must be converted into dollars. Most foreign currencies have
fluctuated widely in value against the United States dollar for many
reasons, including supply and demand of the respective currency, the
soundness of the world economy and the strength of the respective
economy as compared to the economies of the United States and other
countries. Therefore, for any securities of issuers (whether or not they
are in Depositary Receipt form) whose earnings are stated in foreign
currencies, or which pay dividends in foreign currencies or which are
traded in foreign currencies, there is a risk that their United States
dollar value will vary with fluctuations in the United States dollar
foreign exchange rates for the relevant currencies.
Unit holders will be unable to dispose of any of the Equity Securities
in a 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 a Trust and will vote
such stocks in accordance with the instructions of the Sponsor.
Page 25
What are the Equity Securities Selected for Communications Growth Trust,
Series 2?
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What are the Equity Securities Selected for Insurance Growth Trust
Series 1?
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What are the Equity Securities Selected for Internet Growth Trust,
Series 4?
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What are the Equity Securities Selected for Media & Entertainment Growth
Trust, Series 2?
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What are the Equity Securities Selected for Medical Growth Trust Series?
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Page 26
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What are the Equity Securities Selected for Value Equity Trust Series?
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What are Some Additional Considerations for Investors?
Investors should be aware of certain other considerations before making
a decision to invest in the Trusts.
The value of the Equity Securities will fluctuate over the life of a
Trust and may be more or less than the price at which they were
deposited in such 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.
Neither the Sponsor nor the Trustee shall 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 a 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
paragraph 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
a 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 a 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 a Trust.
The Indenture also authorizes the Sponsor to increase the size of a
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 such Trust and
the issuance of a corresponding number of additional Units. If the
Sponsor deposits cash, existing and new investors could experience a
dilution of their investments and a reduction in anticipated income
because of fluctuations in the prices of the Equity Securities between
the time of the cash deposit and the actual purchase of the Equity
Securities and because the Trusts will pay the brokerage fees associated
therewith.
Each Trust consists of the Equity Securities listed under "Schedule of
Investments" for each Trust (or contracts to purchase such Securities)
as may continue to be held from time to time in such Trust and any
additional Equity Securities acquired and held by such Trust pursuant to
the provisions of the Indenture (including provisions with respect to
deposits into such Trust of Equity Securities in connection with the
issuance of additional Units).
Page 27
Once all of the Equity Securities in a Trust are acquired, the Trustee
will have no power to vary the investments of such 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 Units
Holders-How May Equity Securities be Removed from a Trust?"
Like other investment companies, financial and business organizations
and individuals around the world, the Trusts could be adversely affected
if the computer systems used by the Sponsor, Evaluator, Portfolio
Supervisor or Trustee or other service providers to the Trusts do not
properly process and calculate date-related information and data
involving dates of January 1, 2000 and thereafter. This is commonly
known as the "Year 2000 Problem." The Sponsor, Evaluator, Portfolio
Supervisor and Trustee are taking steps that they believe are reasonably
designed to address the Year 2000 Problem with respect to computer
systems that they use and to obtain reasonable assurances that
comparable steps are being taken by each Trust's other service
providers. At this time, however, there can be no assurance that these
steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact to the Trusts.
The Year 2000 Problem is expected to impact corporations, which may
include issuers of the Equity Securities contained in the Trusts to
varying degrees based upon various factors, including, but not limited
to, their industry sector and degree of technological sophistication.
The Sponsor is unable to predict what impact, if any, the Year 2000
Problem will have on issuers of the Equity Securities contained in the
Trusts.
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
a 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 a Trust.
Legislation. From time to time Congress considers proposals to reduce
the rate of the dividends-received deductions. Enactment into law of a
proposal to reduce the rate would adversely affect the after-tax return
to investors who can take advantage of the deduction. Unit holders are
urged to consult their own tax advisors. Further, at any time after the
Initial Date of Deposit, legislation may be enacted that could
negatively affect the Equity Securities in a Trust or the issuers of the
Equity Securities. Changing approaches to regulation, particularly with
respect to any of the industry sectors represented in a Trust, may have
a negative impact on certain companies represented in a Trust. There can
be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will
not have a material adverse effect on the Trusts or will not impair the
ability of the issuers of the Equity Securities to achieve their
business goals.
PUBLIC OFFERING
How is the Public Offering Price Determined?
Units are offered at the Public Offering Price. During the initial
offering period, the Public Offering Price is based on the aggregate
underlying value of the Equity Securities in a 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 a 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) subject to reduction beginning
_____, 1999.
During the initial offering period, the Sponsor's Repurchase Price is
based on the aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities in a
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 a Trust divided by the number of Units of a Trust
Page 28
outstanding, reduced by the deferred sales charge not yet paid. For
secondary market sales after the completion of the deferred sales charge
period, the Public Offering Price is also based on the aggregate
underlying value of the Equity Securities in a 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 a Trust, plus
a one-time initial sales charge of __% of the Public Offering Price
(equivalent to ____% of the net amount invested) divided by the number
of outstanding Units of a Trust and will be reduced by 1/2 of 1% on each
subsequent _____, commencing _____, 1999 to a minimum sales charge of 3.0%.
The minimum amount which an investor may purchase of a Trust is $1,000
($500 for Individual Retirement Accounts or other retirement plans). The
applicable sales charge for the Trusts for both primary and secondary
market sales is reduced by a discount as indicated below for aggregate
volume purchases of the Trusts (except for sales made pursuant to a
"wrap fee account" or similar arrangements as set forth below):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Primary and Secondary
_____________________
Percent of Percent of
Dollar Amount of Transaction Offering Net Amount
at Public Offering Price* Price Invested
____________________________ __________ __________
<S> <C> <C>
$ 50,000 but less than $100,000 0.25% 0.2506%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 0.50% 0.5025%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 1.00% 1.0101%
$500,000 or more 2.00% 2.0408%
___________
<FN>
* The breakpoint sales charges are also applied on a Unit basis
utilizing a breakpoint equivalent in the above table of $10 per Unit and
will be applied on whichever basis is more favorable to the investor.
The breakpoints will be adjusted to take into consideration purchase
orders stated in dollars which cannot be completely fulfilled due to the
requirement that only whole Units be issued.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Any such reduced sales charge shall be the responsibility of the selling
broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent. The reduced sales charge
structure will apply on all purchases of Units of a Trust by the same
person on any one day from any one broker/dealer, bank or other selling
agent. An investor may aggregate purchases of Units of Trusts contained
in this Prospectus and other trusts sponsored by Nike Securities L.P.
which are currently in the initial offering period and which have
substantially the same sales load and years to maturity as the Trusts
for purposes of qualifying for volume purchase discounts listed above.
Unit holders of other unit investment trusts in which the Sponsor acted
as sole Principal Underwriter and which at the time of their creation
had substantially the same sales load and approximately a five-year term
("Eligible Sector Trusts") may utilize their redemption or termination
proceeds from the Eligible Sector Trusts to acquire Units of the Trusts
during the initial offering period subject only to the remaining
deferred sales charge to be collected on such Units. Unit holders who
redeem Units of the Eligible Sector Trusts should note that they will be
assessed the amount of any remaining deferred sales charges on such
units at the time of redemption. Additionally, Units purchased in the
name of the spouse of a purchaser or in the name of a child of such
purchaser under 21 years of age will be deemed, for the purposes of
calculating the applicable sales charge, to be additional purchases by
the purchaser. The reduced sales charges will also be applicable to a
trustee or other fiduciary purchasing securities for a single trust
estate or single fiduciary account. The purchaser must inform the
broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent of any such combined purchase
prior to the sale in order to obtain the indicated discount. In
addition, with respect to the employees, officers and directors
(including their immediate family members, defined as spouses, children,
grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-law, fathers-
in-law, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, and trustees, custodians or
fiduciaries for the benefit of such persons) of the Sponsor and
broker/dealers, banks or other selling agents and their subsidiaries and
vendors providing services to the Sponsor, Units may be purchased at the
Public Offering Price less the concession the Sponsor typically allows
to dealers and other selling agents.
Units may be purchased in the primary or secondary market at the Public
Offering Price less the concession the Sponsor typically allows to
dealers and other selling agents (see "Public Offering-How are Units
Distributed?") for purchases by investors who purchase Units through
Page 29
registered investment advisers, certified financial planners or
registered broker/dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees
for financial planning, investment advisory or asset management
services, or provide such services in connection with the establishment
of an investment account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is
imposed.
Had the Units of the Trusts 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 a 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 a
Trust. The aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities during
the initial offering period will be determined in the following manner:
if the Equity Securities are listed, this evaluation is generally based
on the closing sale prices on that exchange (unless it is determined
that these prices are inappropriate as a basis for valuation) or, if
there is no closing sale price on that exchange, at the closing ask
prices. If the Equity Securities are not so listed or, if so listed and
the principal market therefor is other than on the exchange, the
evaluation shall generally be based on the current ask prices on the
over-the-counter market (unless it is determined that these prices are
inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If current ask prices are
unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a) on the basis of
current ask prices for comparable securities, (b) by appraising the
value of the Equity Securities on the ask side of the market or (c) by
any combination of the above.
After the completion of the initial offering period, the secondary
market Public Offering Price will be equal to the aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities therein, plus or minus cash, if any, in
the Income and Capital Accounts of a 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
thereto. A person will become owner of the Units on the date of
settlement provided payment has been received. Cash, if any, made
available to the Sponsor prior to the date of settlement for the
purchase of Units may be used in the Sponsor's business and may be
deemed to be a benefit to the Sponsor, subject to the limitations of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Delivery of Certificates representing
Units so ordered will be made 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 or cash 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
or cash in a 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 a Trust plus or
minus a pro rata share of cash, if any in the Income and Capital
Accounts of such 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 Trusts 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 3.2% of the Public Offering Price, and, for secondary
market sales, 3.2% of the Public Offering Price (or 65% of the then
current maximum sales charge after _____, 1999). Dealers and other
selling agents will be allowed a concession or agency commission on the
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sale of Units purchased with redemption or termination proceeds from
Eligible Sector Trusts equal to (i) $.22 per Unit on Units sold subject
to a deferred sales charge of $.35 per Unit or (ii) 63% of the then
current maximum remaining deferred sales charge on Units sold subject to
a deferred sales charge of less than $.35 per Unit. Volume concessions
or agency commissions of an additional 0.30% of the Public Offering
Price on all purchases of Units of the Trusts will be given to any
broker/dealer or bank who has aggregate purchases of Trust Units from
the Sponsor on the Initial Date of Deposit of at least $100,000 or
$250,000 of any one of such Trusts on any day thereafter or who was
entitled to receive such additional volume concession or agency
commission in connection with the sale of Units of the Trusts contained
in FT___. In addition, dealers and other selling agents will receive an
additional volume concession or agency commission with respect to sales
of Units of each individual Trust in the amounts set forth below:
Additional
Total Sales per Trust Concession
_____________________ __________
$1,000,000 but less than $2,000,000 .10%
$2,000,000 but less than $3,000,000 .15%
$3,000,000 but less than $10,000,000 .20%
$10,000,000 or more .30%
Effective on each _____, commencing _____, 1999, the sales charge will
be reduced by 1/2 of 1% to a minimum sales charge of 3.0%. However,
resales of Units of a 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 a 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.
From time to time the Sponsor may implement programs under which
broker/dealers, banks or other selling agents of a Trust may receive
nominal awards from the Sponsor for each of their registered
representatives who have sold a minimum number of UIT Units during a
specified time period. In addition, at various times the Sponsor may
implement other programs under which the sales force of a broker/dealer,
bank or other selling agent may be eligible to win other nominal awards
for certain sales efforts, or under which the Sponsor will reallow to
any such dealer that sponsors sales contests or recognition programs
conforming to criteria established by the Sponsor, or participates in
sales programs sponsored by the Sponsor, an amount not exceeding the
total applicable sales charges on the sales generated by such person at
the public offering price during such programs. Also, the Sponsor in its
discretion may from time to time pursuant to objective criteria
established by the Sponsor pay fees to qualifying dealers for certain
services or activities which are primarily intended to result in sales
of Units of a Trust. Such payments are made by the Sponsor out of its
own assets, and not out of the assets of a Trust. These programs will
not change the price Unit holders pay for their Units or the amount that
the Trusts 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 Trusts 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 Trusts. 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 Trusts are described more fully elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
Information on percentage changes in the dollar value of Units, on the
basis of changes in Unit price may be included from time to time in
advertisements, sales literature, reports and other information
furnished to current or prospective Unit holders. Total return figures
Page 31
are not averaged, and may not reflect deduction of the sales charge,
which would decrease the return. Average annualized return figures
reflect deduction of the maximum sales charge. No provision is made for
any income taxes payable.
Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Each Trust's
portfolio is not managed. Unit price and return fluctuate with the value
of the common stocks in a Trust's portfolio, so there may be a gain or
loss when Units are sold.
Each Trust's 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 a Trust's
relative performance for any future period.
What are the Sponsor's Profits?
The Sponsor of the Trusts 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 described under "Public Offering-How is the Public
Offering Price Determined?" See "Public Offering-How are Units
Distributed?" for information regarding the receipt of additional
concessions available to dealers and other selling agents. 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 Trusts (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 Note (2) of "Schedule of Investments" for
each Trust. During the initial offering period, the 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 dealers and other selling agents upon the sale of
Units.
In maintaining a market for the Units, the Sponsor 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 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.
Will There be a Secondary Market?
After the initial offering period, although not obligated to do so, the
Sponsor intends to maintain a market for the Units and continuously
offer to purchase Units at prices, subject to change at any time, based
upon the aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities in a Trust
plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income and Capital Accounts of such
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 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 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
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transferable by presentation and surrender to the Trustee properly
endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer. Certificates to be redeemed must be properly endorsed or
accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer. A Unit
holder must sign exactly as his name appears on the face of the
certificate with the signature guaranteed by a participant in the
Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other
signature guaranty program in addition to, or in substitution for,
STAMP, as may be accepted by the Trustee. In certain instances the
Trustee may require additional documents such as, but not limited to,
trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor or
administrator or certificates of corporate authority. 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 their respective Trust; the number of Units issued or
transferred; the name, address and taxpayer identification number, if
any, of the new registered owner; a notation of any liens and
restrictions of the issuer and any adverse claims to which such Units
are or may be subject or a statement that there are no such liens,
restrictions or adverse claims; and the date the transfer was
registered. Uncertificated Units are transferable through the same
procedures applicable to Units evidenced by certificates (described
above), except that no certificate need be presented to the Trustee and
no certificate will be issued upon the transfer unless requested by the
Unit holder. A Unit holder may at any time request the Trustee to issue
certificates for Units.
Although no such charge is now made or contemplated, a Unit holder may
be required to pay $2.00 to the Trustee per certificate reissued or
transferred and to pay any governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection with each such transfer or exchange. For new certificates
issued to replace destroyed, stolen or lost certificates, the Unit
holder may be required to furnish indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee
and pay such expenses as the Trustee may incur. Mutilated certificates
must be surrendered to the Trustee for replacement.
How are Income and Capital Distributed?
The Trustee will distribute any net income received with respect to any
of the securities in a Trust on or about the Income Distribution Dates
to Unit holders of record on the preceding Income Distribution Record
Date. See "Summary of Essential Information." 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 a Trust will be computed as
of the fifteenth day of each month. Proceeds received on the sale of any
Equity Securities in a 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 $1.00 per
100 Units. The Trustee is not required to pay interest on funds held in
the Capital Account of a Trust (but may itself earn interest thereon and
therefore benefit from the use of such funds). 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
a Trust if the Trustee has not been furnished the Unit holder's tax
identification number in the manner required by such regulations. Any
amount so withheld is transmitted to the Internal Revenue Service and
may be recovered by the Unit holder only when filing a tax return. Under
Page 33
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 each Trust is terminated, each Unit
holder will, upon surrender of his Units for redemption, receive: (i)
the pro rata share of the amounts realized upon the disposition of
Equity Securities, unless he 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 a Trust,
less expenses of such Trust.
The Trustee will credit to the Income Account of a 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 each
Trust.
The Trustee may establish reserves (the "Reserve Account") within each
Trust for state and local taxes, if any, and any governmental charges
payable out of a Trust.
What Reports will Unit Holders Receive?
The Trustee shall furnish Unit holders in connection with each
distribution a statement of the amount of income, if any, and the amount
of other receipts, if any, which are being distributed, expressed in
each case as a dollar amount per Unit. Within a reasonable period of
time after the end of each calendar year, the Trustee shall furnish to
each person who at any time during the calendar year was a Unit holder
of a Trust the following information in reasonable detail: (1) a summary
of transactions in such Trust for such year; (2) any Equity Securities
sold during the year and the Equity Securities held at the end of such
year by such 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 Trusts furnished to it by the Evaluator.
How May Units be Redeemed?
A Unit holder may redeem all or a portion of his Units by tender to the
Trustee at its unit investment trust office in the City of New York of
the certificates representing the Units to be redeemed, or in the case
of uncertificated Units, delivery of a request for redemption, duly
endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer with signature
guaranteed as explained above (or by providing satisfactory indemnity,
as in connection with lost, stolen or destroyed certificates), and
payment of applicable governmental charges, if any. No redemption fee
will be charged. On the third business day following such tender, the
Unit holder will be entitled to receive in cash an amount for each Unit
equal to the Redemption Price per Unit next computed after receipt by
the Trustee of such tender of Units. The "date of tender" is deemed to
be the date on which Units are received by the Trustee (if such day is a
day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading), except
that as regards Units received after 4:00 p.m. Eastern time (or as of
any earlier closing time on a day on which the New York Stock Exchange
is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier time), the date of
tender is the next day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading and such Units will be deemed to have been tendered to the
Trustee on such day for redemption at the redemption price computed on
that day. Units so redeemed shall be cancelled. 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 the
remaining deferred sales charge at the time of redemption.
Any Unit holder tendering 2,500 Units or more of a Trust for redemption
may request by written notice submitted at the time of tender from the
Trustee in lieu of a cash redemption a distribution of shares of 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 ("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
Page 34
registration charges. The tendering Unit holder will receive his 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. See "What is the Federal Tax
Status of Unit Holders?" 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 a Trust to the extent that funds are
available for such purpose, or from the Capital Account. All other
amounts paid on redemption shall be withdrawn from the Capital Account
of each Trust.
The Trustee is empowered to sell Equity Securities of each Trust in
order to make funds available for redemption. To the extent that Equity
Securities are sold, the size and diversity of each 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 a Trust plus or
minus cash, if any, in the Income and Capital Accounts of such Trust.
The Redemption Price per Unit is the pro rata share of each Unit
determined by the Trustee by adding: (1) the cash on hand in a Trust
other than cash deposited in a Trust to purchase Equity Securities not
applied to the purchase of such Equity Securities; (2) the aggregate
value of the Equity Securities held in a Trust, as determined by the
Evaluator on the basis of the aggregate underlying value of the Equity
Securities in such 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 a Trust, including but not limited to fees and
expenses of the Trustee (including legal and auditing fees), the
Evaluator and supervisory fees, if any; (4) cash held for distribution
to Unit holders of record of a Trust as of the business day prior to the
evaluation being made; and (5) other liabilities incurred by a Trust;
and finally dividing the results of such computation by the number of
Units of the Trust outstanding as of the date thereof. The redemption
price per Unit will be assessed the amount, if any, of the remaining
deferred sales charge at the time of redemption.
The aggregate value of the Equity Securities used to calculate the
Redemption Price per Unit will be determined in the following manner: if
the Equity Securities are listed, this evaluation is generally based on
the closing sale prices on that exchange (unless it is determined that
these prices are inappropriate as a basis for valuation) or, if there is
no closing sale price on that exchange, at the closing ask prices
(during the initial offering period) or the closing bid prices
(subsequent to the initial offering period). If the Equity Securities
are not so listed or, if so listed and the principal market therefor is
other than on the exchange, the evaluation shall generally be based on
the current ask or bid prices (as appropriate) on the over-the-counter
market (unless these prices are inappropriate as a basis for
evaluation). If current ask or bid prices (as appropriate) are
unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a) on the basis of
current ask or bid prices (as appropriate) for comparable securities,
(b) by appraising the value of the Equity Securities on the ask or bid
side of the market (as appropriate) or (c) by any combination of the
above.
The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any
period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than
for customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which the
Securities and Exchange Commission determines that trading on the New
York Stock Exchange is restricted or any emergency exists, as a result
of which disposal or evaluation of the Securities is not reasonably
practicable, or for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange
Page 35
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 would have
received on redemption of the Units.
The offering price of any Units acquired by the Sponsor will be in
accord with the Public Offering Price described in the then effective
prospectus describing such Units. Any profit or loss resulting from the
resale or redemption of such Units will belong to the Sponsor.
How May Equity Securities be Removed from a Trust?
The Portfolios of the Trusts are 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,
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 a Trust.
Except as stated under "Portfolio-What are Some Additional
Considerations for Investors?" for Failed Contract Obligations, the
acquisition by a 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 a Trust, they may be accepted for deposit in a
Trust and either sold by the Trustee or held in a 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 a Trust in exchange for Equity
Securities) by the Trustee are credited to the Capital Account of a
Trust for distribution to Unit holders or to meet redemptions. The
Trustee may, from time to time, retain and pay compensation to the
Sponsor (or an affiliate of the Sponsor) to act as agent for the Trusts
with respect to selling Equity Securities from the Trusts. 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 a 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 a 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. The Sponsor
may consider sales of Units of unit investment trusts which it sponsors
Page 36
in making recommendations to the Trustee as to the selection of
broker/dealers to execute the Trusts' portfolio transactions.
INFORMATION AS TO SPONSOR, TRUSTEE AND EVALUATOR
Who is the Sponsor?
Nike Securities L.P., the Sponsor, specializes in the underwriting,
trading and distribution of unit investment trusts and other securities.
Nike Securities L.P., an Illinois limited partnership formed in 1991,
acts as Sponsor for successive series of The First Trust Combined
Series, 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, 1997, the total
partners' capital of Nike Securities L.P. was $11,724,071 (audited).
(This paragraph relates only to the Sponsor and not to the Trusts or to
any series thereof or to any other dealer. 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 Trusts
may call the Customer Service Help Line at 1-800-682-7520. The Trustee
is subject to supervision by the Superintendent of Banks of the State of
New York, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
The Trustee, whose duties are ministerial in nature, has not
participated in the selection of the 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 37
The Trustee shall not be liable for any taxes or other governmental
charges imposed upon or in respect of the Securities or upon the
interest thereon or upon it as Trustee under the Indenture or upon or in
respect of 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 a Trust shall terminate upon the Mandatory
Termination Date indicated herein under "Summary of Essential
Information." A Trust may be liquidated at any time by consent of 100%
of the Unit holders of a Trust or by the Trustee when the value of the
Equity Securities owned by a 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 primary offering period,
or in the event that Units of a Trust not yet sold aggregating more than
60% of the Units of such Trust are tendered for redemption by a
broker/dealer, including the Sponsor. If a Trust is liquidated because
of the redemption of unsold Units of such Trust by a broker/dealer, the
Sponsor will refund to each purchaser of Units of such Trust the entire
sales charge paid by such purchaser. In the event of termination,
written notice thereof will be sent by the Trustee to all Unit holders
of such 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 a Trust. The
Sponsor will determine the manner, timing and execution of the sale of
the Equity Securities. Written notice of any termination of a Trust
specifying the time or times at which Unit holders may surrender their
certificates for cancellation shall be given by the Trustee to each Unit
holder at his address appearing on the registration books of the Trust
maintained by the Trustee. At least 60 days prior to the Mandatory
Termination Date of a Trust the Trustee will provide written notice
thereof to all Unit holders and will include with such notice a form to
Page 38
enable Unit holders to elect a distribution of shares of Equity
Securities (reduced by customary transfer and registration charges), if
such Unit holder owns at least 2,500 Units of such 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 a Trust. Unit holders not
electing or eligible to receive 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 a Trust is
terminated. Regardless of the distribution involved, the Trustee will
deduct from the funds of such 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 a
Trust in connection with 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 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 Trusts.
Experts
The statements of net assets, including the schedules of investments, of
the Trusts at the opening of business on the Initial Date of Deposit
appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement, have been
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in
their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein and in the Registration
Statement, and are included in reliance upon such report given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Page 39
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Sponsor, Nike Securities L.P., and Unit Holders
FT 250
We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets, including the
schedules of investments, of FT 250, comprised of Communications Growth
Trust, Series 2, Insurance Growth Trust Series, Internet Growth Trust,
Series 4, Media & Entertainment Growth Trust, Series 2, Medical Growth
Trust Series and Value Equity Trust Series, Series __ as of the opening
of business on _____, 1998. These statements of net assets are the
responsibility of the Trusts' Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these statements 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 statements of net assets
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
statements of net assets. Our procedures included confirmation of the
letter of credit allocated among the Trusts 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 statements of net assets. We believe that our audit
of the statements of net assets provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the statements of net assets referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of FT 250,
comprised of Communications Growth Trust, Series 2, Insurance Growth
Trust Series, Internet Growth Trust, Series 4, Media & Entertainment
Growth Trust, Series 2, Medical Growth Trust Series and Value Equity
Trust Series, Series __, at the opening of business on _____, 1998 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
_____, 1998
Page 40
Statements of Net Assets
FT 250
At the Opening of Business on the
Initial Date of Deposit-_____, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Communications Insurance Internet
Growth Trust, Growth Trust, Growth Trust,
Series 2 Series 1 Series 4
_____________ _____________ ____________
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NET ASSETS
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" for each Trust is based on their aggregate underlying value.
(2) An irrevocable letter of credit totaling $________ issued by The
Chase Manhattan Bank, which will be allocated among each of the six
Trusts in FT 250, has been deposited with the Trustee as collateral,
which is sufficient to cover the monies necessary for the purchase of
the Equity Securities pursuant to contracts for the purchase of such
Equity Securities.
(3) Each Trust will bear all or a portion of its estimated
organizational and offering costs which will be deferred and charged off
over a period not to exceed the life of the Trust (approximately five
years). The estimated organizational and offering costs are based on
________ Units of each Trust expected to be issued. To the extent the
number of Units issued is larger or smaller, the estimate will vary.
(4) Represents the amount of mandatory distributions from each Trust
($___ per Unit), payable to the Sponsor in five 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 41
Statements of Net Assets (con't.)
FT 250
At the Opening of Business on the
Initial Date of Deposit-_____, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Media &
Entertainment Medical
Growth Trust Growth Value Equity
Series 2 Trust Series Trust Series
____________ _____________ _____________
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NET ASSETS
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" for each Trust is based on their aggregate underlying value.
(2) An irrevocable letter of credit totaling $__________ issued by The
Chase Manhattan Bank, which will be allocated among each of the six
Trusts in FT 250, has been deposited with the Trustee as collateral,
which is sufficient to cover the monies necessary for the purchase of
the Equity Securities pursuant to contracts for the purchase of such
Equity Securities.
(3) Each Trust will bear all or a portion of its estimated
organizational and offering costs which will be deferred and charged off
over a period not to exceed the life of the Trust (approximately five
years). The estimated organizational and offering costs are based on
________ Units of each Trust expected to be issued. To the extent the
number of Units issued is larger or smaller, the estimate will vary.
(4) Represents the amount of mandatory distributions from each Trust
($___ per Unit), payable to the Sponsor in five 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 42
Schedule of Investments
COMMUNICATIONS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
FT 250
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 Offerin per Securities
of Shares Name of Issuer of Equity Securities (1) Price (3) Share to Trust (2)
_________ _______________________________________ ____________ ______ __________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
% $ $
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
______ _________
Total Investments 100% $
====== =========
____________
<FN>
(1) All Equity Securities are represented by regular way contracts to
purchase such Equity Securities for the performance of which an
irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited with the Trustee. The
contracts to purchase Equity Securities were entered into by the Sponsor
on _____, 1998.
(2) The cost of the Equity Securities to the Trust represents the
aggregate underlying value with respect to the Equity Securities
acquired (generally determined by the last sale prices of the listed
Equity Securities and the ask prices of the over-the-counter traded
Equity Securities on the business day preceding the Initial Date of
Deposit). The valuation of the Equity Securities has been determined by
the Evaluator, an affiliate of the Sponsor. The aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities on the Initial Date of Deposit was $ .
Cost and loss to Sponsor relating to the Equity Securities sold to the
Trust were $________ and $____, respectively.
(3) The portfolio may contain additional Equity Securities each of which
will not exceed approximately % of the Aggregate Offering Price.
Although it is not the Sponsor's intention, certain of the Equity
Securities listed above may not be included in the final portfolio.
Also, the percentages of the Aggregate Offering Price for the Equity
Securities are approximate amounts and may vary in the final portfolio.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 43
Schedule of Investments
INSURANCE GROWTH TRUST SERIES 1
FT 250
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)
_________ _______________________________________ ____________ ______ ___________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
% $ $
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
______ _________
Total Investments 100% $
====== =========
_______________
<FN>
(1) All Equity Securities are represented by regular way contracts to
purchase such Equity Securities for the performance of which an
irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited with the Trustee. The
contracts to purchase Equity Securities were entered into by the Sponsor
on _____, 1998.
(2) The cost of the Equity Securities to the Trust represents the
aggregate underlying value with respect to the Equity Securities
acquired (generally determined by the last sale prices of the listed
Equity Securities and the ask prices of the over-the-counter traded
Equity Securities on the business day preceding the Initial Date of
Deposit). The valuation of the Equity Securities has been determined by
the Evaluator, an affiliate of the Sponsor. The aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities on the Initial Date of Deposit was $ .
Cost and loss to Sponsor relating to the Equity Securities sold to the
Trust were $__________ and $___, respectively.
(3) The portfolio may contain additional Equity Securities each of which
will not exceed approximately % of the Aggregate Offering Price.
Although it is not the Sponsor's intention, certain of the Equity
Securities listed above may not be included in the final portfolio.
Also, the percentages of the Aggregate Offering Price for the Equity
Securities are approximate amounts and may vary in the final portfolio.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 44
Schedule of Investments
INTERNET GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 4
FT 250
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)
_________ _______________________________________ ____________ ______ ____________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
% $ $
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
______ _________
Total Investments 100% $
====== =========
_______________
<FN>
(1) All Equity Securities are represented by regular way contracts to
purchase such Equity Securities for the performance of which an
irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited with the Trustee. The
contracts to purchase Equity Securities were entered into by the Sponsor
on _____, 1998.
(2) The cost of the Equity Securities to the Trust represents the
aggregate underlying value with respect to the Equity Securities
acquired (generally determined by the last sale prices of the listed
Equity Securities and the ask prices of the over-the-counter traded
Equity Securities on the business day preceding the Initial Date of
Deposit). The valuation of the Equity Securities has been determined by
the Evaluator, an affiliate of the Sponsor. The aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities on the Initial Date of Deposit was $ .
Cost and loss to Sponsor relating to the Equity Securities sold to the
Trust were $________ and $___, respectively.
(3) The portfolio may contain additional Equity Securities each of which
will not exceed approximately % of the Aggregate Offering Price.
Although it is not the Sponsor's intention, certain of the Equity
Securities listed above may not be included in the final portfolio.
Also, the percentages of the Aggregate Offering Price for the Equity
Securities are approximate amounts and may vary in the final portfolio.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 45
Schedule of Investments
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
FT 250
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)
_________ _____________________________________ ____________ ______ ___________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
% $ $
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
______ _________
Total Investments 100% $
====== =========
____________
<FN>
(1) All Equity Securities are represented by regular way contracts to
purchase such Equity Securities for the performance of which an
irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited with the Trustee. The
contracts to purchase Equity Securities were entered into by the Sponsor
on _____, 1998.
(2) The cost of the Equity Securities to the Trust represents the
aggregate underlying value with respect to the Equity Securities
acquired (generally determined by the last sale prices of the listed
Equity Securities and the ask prices of the over-the-counter traded
Equity Securities on the business day preceding the Initial Date of
Deposit). The valuation of the Equity Securities has been determined by
the Evaluator, an affiliate of the Sponsor. The aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities on the Initial Date of Deposit was $ .
Cost and loss to Sponsor relating to the Equity Securities sold to the
Trust were $_______ and $___, respectively.
(3) The portfolio may contain additional Equity Securities each of which
will not exceed approximately % of the Aggregate Offering Price.
Although it is not the Sponsor's intention, certain of the Equity
Securities listed above may not be included in the final portfolio.
Also, the percentages of the Aggregate Offering Price for the Equity
Securities are approximate amounts and may vary in the final portfolio.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 46
Schedule of Investments
MEDICAL GROWTH TRUST SERIES
FT 250
At the Opening of Business on the
Initial Date of Deposit-_____, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Approximate
Percentage Market Cost of
Number of Aggregate Value Equity
of Ticker Symbol and Offering per Securities
Shares Name of Issuer of Equity Securities (1) Price (3) Share to Trust (2)
______ _______________________________________ ____________ ______ ___________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
% $ $
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
______ _________
Total Investments 100% $
====== =========
___________________
<FN>
(1) All Equity Securities are represented by regular way contracts to
purchase such Equity Securities for the performance of which an
irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited with the Trustee. The
contracts to purchase Equity Securities were entered into by the Sponsor
on _____, 1998.
(2)The cost of the Equity Securities to the Trust represents the
aggregate underlying value with respect to the Equity Securities
acquired (generally determined by the last sale prices of the listed
Equity Securities and the ask prices of the over-the-counter traded
Equity Securities on the business day preceding the Initial Date of
Deposit). The valuation of the Equity Securities has been determined by
the Evaluator, an affiliate of the Sponsor. The aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities on the Initial Date of Deposit was $ .
Cost and loss to Sponsor relating to the Equity Securities sold to the
Trust were $____ and $___, respectively.
(3) The portfolio may contain additional Equity Securities each of which
will not exceed approximately % of the Aggregate Offering Price.
Although it is not the Sponsor's intention, certain of the Equity
Securities listed above may not be included in the final portfolio.
Also, the percentages of the Aggregate Offering Price for the Equity
Securities are approximate amounts and may vary in the final portfolio.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 47
Schedule of Investments
VALUE EQUITY TRUST SERIES
FT 250
At the Opening of Business on the
Initial Date of Deposit-_____, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Approximate
Percentage Market Cost of
Number of Aggregate Value Equity
of Ticker Symbol and Offering per Securities
Shares Name of Issuer of Equity Securities (1) Price (3) Share to Trust (2)
______ _______________________________________ ____________ ______ ___________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
% $ $
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
______ _________
Total Investments 100% $
====== =========
_________________
<FN>
(1) All Equity Securities are represented by regular way contracts to
purchase such Equity Securities for the performance of which an
irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited with the Trustee. The
contracts to purchase Equity Securities were entered into by the Sponsor
on _____, 1998.
(2) The cost of the Equity Securities to the Trust represents the
aggregate underlying value with respect to the Equity Securities
acquired (generally determined by the last sale prices of the listed
Equity Securities and the ask prices of the over-the-counter traded
Equity Securities on the business day preceding the Initial Date of
Deposit). The valuation of the Equity Securities has been determined by
the Evaluator, an affiliate of the Sponsor. The aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities on the Initial Date of Deposit was $ .
Cost and loss to Sponsor relating to the Equity Securities sold to the
Trust were $____ and $___, respectively.
(3) The portfolio may contain additional Equity Securities each of which
will not exceed approximately % of the Aggregate Offering Price.
Although it is not the Sponsor's intention, certain of the Equity
Securities listed above may not be included in the final portfolio.
Also, the percentages of the Aggregate Offering Price for the Equity
Securities are approximate amounts and may vary in the final portfolio.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 48
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Page 51
CONTENTS:
Summary of Essential Information:
Communications Growth Trust, Series 2 4
Insurance Growth Trust Series 1 4
Internet Growth Trust, Series 4 4
Media & Entertainment Growth Trust, Series 2 5
Medical Growth Trust Series 5
Value Equity Trust Series 5
FT 250:
What is the FT Series? 10
What are the Expenses and Charges? 14
What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders? 15
Are Investments in the Trusts Eligible for
Retirement Plans? 19
Portfolio:
What are the Equity Securities? 19
Risk Factors 19
What are the Equity Securities Selected for:
Communications Growth Trust, Series 2? 19
Insurance Growth Trust Series1? 20
Internet Growth Trust, Series 4? 21
Media & Entertainment Growth Trust, Series 2? 22
Medical Growth Trust Series? 22
Value Equity Trust Series? 23
What are Some Additional Considerations for
Investors? 27
Public Offering:
How is the Public Offering Price Determined? 28
How are Units Distributed? 30
What are the Sponsor's Profits? 32
Will There be a Secondary Market? 32
Rights of Unit Holders:
How is Evidence of Ownership Issued and Transferred? 32
How are Income and Capital Distributed? 33
What Reports will Unit Holders Receive? 34
How May Units be Redeemed? 34
How May Units be Purchased by the Sponsor? 36
How May Equity Securities be Removed from a Trust? 36
Information as to Sponsor, Trustee and Evaluator:
Who is the Sponsor? 37
Who is the Trustee? 37
Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee 37
Who is the Evaluator? 38
Other Information:
How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated? 38
Legal Opinions 39
Experts 39
Report of Independent Auditors 40
Statements of Net Assets:
Communications Growth Trust, Series 2 41
Insurance Growth Trust Series 1 41
Internet Growth Trust, Series 4 41
Media & Entertainment Growth Trust, Series 2 42
Medical Growth Trust Series 42
Value Equity Trust Series 42
Schedules of Investments:
Communications Growth Trust, Series 2 43
Insurance Growth Trust Series 1 44
Internet Growth Trust, Series 4 45
Media & Entertainment Growth Trust, Series 2 46
Medical Growth Trust Series 47
Value Equity Trust Series 47
_____________
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE FUND
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
FIRST TRUST (registered trademark)
COMMUNICATIONS GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
INSURANCE GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 1
INTERNET GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 4
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT GROWTH TRUST, SERIES 2
MEDICAL GROWTH TRUST SERIES
VALUE EQUITY TRUST SERIES
Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 300
Lisle, Illinois 60532
1-630-241-4141
Trustee:
The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
1-800-682-7520
_____, 1998
PLEASE RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Page 52
MEMORANDUM
Re: FT 250
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
246, which is the current fund, and FT 250, 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
246 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 250 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
March 19, 1998.
FT 250
(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 March 19, 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.
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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.
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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 250 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.
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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.
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