AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 14, 1999
Securities Act File No. __________
Investment Company Act File No. 811-8621
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM N-14
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.
(CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX OR BOXES)
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MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
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(609) 282-2800
(AREA CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER)
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800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD
PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY 08536
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES:
NUMBER, STREET, CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE)
--------------
TERRY K. GLENN
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC.
800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD, PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY 08536
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
(NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
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Copies to:
FRANK P. BRUNO, ESQ. MICHAEL J. HENNEWINKEL, ESQ.
BROWN & WOOD LLP MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER 800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD
NEW YORK, NY 10048-0557 PLAINSBORO, NJ 08536
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING: As soon as practicable after
the Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act of 1933.
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- -------------------- -------------------
PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
AMOUNT BEING OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE OFFERING REGISTRATION
TITLE OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED REGISTERED (1) PER UNIT (1) PRICE (1) FEE(3)
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- -------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock ($.10 par value)................ 11,833,889 $ 13.78 $163,070,990 $45,334
Auction Market Preferred Stock, Series C..... 2,400 $25,000 (2) $60,000,000 $16,680
Auction Market Preferred Stock, Series D..... 1,880 $25,000 (2) $47,000,000 $13,066
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- -------------------- -------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the filing fee.
(2) Represents the liquidation preference of a share of preferred stock after
the reorganization.
(3) Paid by wire transfer to the designated lockbox of the Securities and
Exchange Commission in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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.
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<PAGE>
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC.
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
PURSUANT TO RULE 481(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM N-14 PROXY STATEMENT AND
ITEM NO PROSPECTUS CAPTION
PART A
- ------
<S> <C> <C>
Item 1. Beginning of Registration Statement and
Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus
Registration Statement Cover Page; Proxy Statement and
Prospectus Cover Page
Item 2. Beginning and Outside Back Cover Page of
Prospectus.......................... Table of Contents
Item 3. Fee Table, Synopsis Information and Risk
Factors............................. Summary; Risk Factors and Special Considerations
Item 4. Information about the Transaction... Summary; Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
Item 5. Information about the Registrant.... Proxy Statement and Prospectus Cover Page; Summary;
Comparison of the Funds; Additional Information
Item 6. Information about the Company Being
Acquired............................ Proxy Statement and Prospectus Cover Page; Summary;
Comparison of the Funds; Additional Information
Item 7. Voting Information.................. Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders;
Introduction; Summary; Comparison of the Funds;
Information Concerning the Special Meeting; Additional
Information
Item 8. Interest of Certain Persons and Experts Not Applicable
Item 9. Additional Information Required for
Reoffering by Persons Deemed to be
Underwriters........................ Not Applicable
PART B
- ------
Item 10. Cover Page.......................... Cover Page
Item 11. Table of Contents................... Table of Contents
Item 12. Additional Information about the
Registrant.......................... Exhibit I - Information Pertaining to Each Fund
Item 13. Additional Information about the Company
Being Acquired...................... Exhibit I - Information Pertaining to Each Fund
Item 14. Financial Statements................ Financial Statements
</TABLE>
PART C
- -------
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate Item, so numbered, in Part C to this Registration Statement.
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC.
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND II, INC.
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND III, INC
P.O. BOX 9011
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
--------------------
TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 15, 1999
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC.
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND II, INC.
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND III, INC.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meetings of stockholders (the
"Meetings") of MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc. ("New Jersey
Insured"), MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc. ("New Jersey Insured
II") and MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc. ("New Jersey Insured
III") will be held at the offices of Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P., 800
Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey on Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at
12:00 p.m. Eastern time (for New Jersey Insured), 12:15 p.m. Eastern time (for
New Jersey Insured II) and 12:30 p.m. Eastern time (for New Jersey Insured III)
for the following purposes:
(1) To approve or disapprove an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the
"Agreement and Plan of Reorganization") contemplating (i) the acquisition of
substantially all of the assets and the assumption of substantially all of the
liabilities of New Jersey Insured II by New Jersey Insured, in exchange solely
for an equal aggregate value of newly-issued shares of New Jersey Insured
Common Stock and shares of a newly-created series of Auction Market Preferred
Stock ("AMPS") of New Jersey Insured to be designated Series C ("New Jersey
Insured Series C AMPS") and the distribution by New Jersey Insured II of such
New Jersey Insured Common Stock to the holders of Common Stock of New Jersey
Insured II and such New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS to the holders of Series A
and Series B AMPS of New Jersey Insured II; and (ii) the acquisition of
substantially all of the assets and the assumption of substantially all of the
liabilities of New Jersey Insured III by New Jersey Insured, in exchange solely
for an equal aggregate value of newly-issued shares of New Jersey Insured
Common Stock and shares of a newly-created series of AMPS of New Jersey Insured
to be designated Series D ("New Jersey Insured Series D AMPS") and the
distribution by New Jersey Insured III of such New Jersey Insured Common Stock
to the holders of Common Stock of New Jersey Insured III and such New Jersey
Insured Series D AMPS to the holders of Series A AMPS of New Jersey Insured
III. A vote in favor of this proposal also will constitute a vote in favor of
the liquidation and dissolution of each of New Jersey Insured II and New Jersey
Insured III and the termination of their respective registration under the
Investment Company Act of 1940;
(2) To elect a Board of Directors of each of New Jersey Insured, New
Jersey Insured II and New Jersey Insured III to serve for the ensuing year;
(3) (a) For the stockholders of New Jersey Insured and New Jersey
Insured II only: To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify the selection of
Ernst & Young LLP to serve as independent auditors of each of New Jersey
Insured and New Jersey Insured II for the respective Fund's current fiscal
year; and
(b) For the stockholders of New Jersey Insured III only: To consider
and act upon a proposal to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP to
serve as independent auditors of New Jersey Insured III for the Fund's current
fiscal year; and
(4) To transact such other business as properly may come before the
Meetings or any adjournment thereof.
The Boards of Directors of New Jersey Insured, New Jersey Insured II and
New Jersey Insured III have fixed the close of business on October 20, 1999 as
the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of,
and to vote at, the Meetings or any adjournment thereof.
A complete list of the stockholders of New Jersey Insured, New Jersey
Insured II and New Jersey Insured III entitled to vote at the Meetings will be
available and open to the examination of any stockholder of New Jersey Insured,
New Jersey Insured II or New Jersey Insured III, respectively, for any purpose
germane to the Meetings during ordinary business hours from and after December
1, 1999, at the offices of New Jersey Insured, 800 Scudders Mill Road,
Plainsboro, New Jersey.
<PAGE>
You are cordially invited to attend the Meetings. STOCKHOLDERS WHO DO NOT
EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS IN PERSON ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, DATE AND
SIGN THE ENCLOSED FORM OF PROXY APPLICABLE TO THEIR FUND AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY
IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED FOR THAT PURPOSE. The enclosed proxy is being
solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of New Jersey Insured, New Jersey
Insured II or New Jersey Insured III, as applicable.
By Order of the Boards of Directors
WILLIAM E. ZITELLI
Secretary of MuniHoldings New Jersey
Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings New
Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc. and
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund
III, Inc.
Plainsboro, New Jersey
Dated: , 1999
<PAGE>
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not use this propsectus to sell securities until the registration statement
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus
is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy
these securities in any State where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS DATED SEPTEMBER 14, 1999
PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC.
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND II, INC.
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND III, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
(609) 282-2800
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ANNUAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
--------------------
DECEMBER 15, 1999
This Joint Proxy Statement and Prospectus is furnished to you as a
stockholder of one of the funds listed above. An Annual Meeting of the
stockholders of each of these funds will be held on December 15, 1999 to
consider several items that are listed below and discussed in greater detail
elsewhere in this Proxy Statement and Prospectus. The Board of Directors of
each of the funds is requesting its stockholders to submit a proxy to be used
at the Annual Meeting to vote the shares held by the stockholder submitting the
proxy.
The proposals to be considered at the Annual Meetings are:
1. To approve or disapprove an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
among the funds;
2. To elect a Board of Directors for each of the funds;
3. To ratify the selection of the independent auditors of each of the
funds; and
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Annual Meetings or any adjournment thereof.
The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization that you are being asked to
consider involves a transaction that will be referred to in this Proxy
Statement and Prospectus as the Reorganization. The Reorganization involves the
combination of three funds into one. The three funds are:
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc. ("New Jersey Insured"), which
will be the surviving fund
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc. ("New Jersey Insured II")
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc. ("New Jersey Insured III")
New Jersey Insured II and New Jersey Insured III are sometimes referred to
herein collectively as the "Acquired Funds" and, together with New Jersey
Insured, as the "Funds."
In the Reorganization, New Jersey Insured will acquire substantially all
of the assets and assume substantially all of the liabilities of each of the
Acquired Funds solely in exchange for shares of its Common Stock, par value
$.10 per share, and shares of two newly-created series of its Auction Market
Preferred Stock ("AMPS"), with a par value of $.10 per share and a liquidation
preference of $25,000 per share. The Acquired Funds will distribute the Common
Stock and AMPS received in the Reorganization to their respective stockholders
and will then liquidate and dissolve and terminate their registration under the
Investment Company Act. New Jersey Insured will continue to operate as a
registered closed-end investment company with the investment objective and
policies described in this Proxy Statement and Prospectus.
In the Reorganization, New Jersey Insured will issue shares of its Common
Stock and AMPS to each of the Acquired Funds based on the value of the assets
transferred to New Jersey Insured by that Acquired Fund. These shares will then
be distributed by each Acquired Fund to its stockholders based on the value of
the shares held by each stockholder just prior to the Reorganization. A holder
of Common Stock of an Acquired Fund will receive Common Stock of New Jersey
Insured and a holder of AMPS of an Acquired Fund will receive shares of one of
the newly-created series of AMPS of New Jersey Insured.
This Proxy Statement and Prospectus serves as a prospectus of New Jersey
Insured in connection with the issuance of New Jersey Insured Common Stock and
two newly-created series of New Jersey Insured AMPS in the Reorganization.
-------------------
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved
these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Proxy Statement and
Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
-------------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS IS ________, 1999.
The Proxy Statement and Prospectus sets forth information about New Jersey
Insured, New Jersey Insured II and New Jersey Insured III that stockholders of
the Funds should know before considering the Reorganization and should be
retained for future reference. Each of the Funds has authorized the
solicitation of proxies in connection with the Reorganization solely on the
basis of this Proxy Statement and Prospectus and the accompanying documents.
The address of the principal executive offices of New Jersey Insured, New
Jersey Insured II and New Jersey Insured III is 800 Scudders Mill Road,
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536, and the telephone number is (609) 282-2800.
The Common Stock of each of the Funds is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbols "MVJ" (New Jersey Insured), "MWJ" (New
Jersey Insured II) and "MNJ" (New Jersey Insured III). Subsequent to the
Reorganization, shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock will continue to be
listed on the NYSE under the symbol "MVJ". Reports, proxy materials and other
information concerning any of the Funds may be inspected at the offices of the
NYSE, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTION..................................................................14
ITEM 1. THE REORGANIZATION...................................................15
SUMMARY..................................................................15
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS..................................29
New Jersey Municipal Bonds...............................................29
Interest Rate and Credit Risk............................................29
Non-diversification......................................................29
Rating Categories........................................................29
Private Activity Bonds...................................................30
Portfolio Insurance......................................................30
Leverage.................................................................30
Portfolio Management.....................................................31
Inverse Floating Obligations.............................................32
Options and Futures Transactions.........................................32
Antitakeover Provisions..................................................32
Ratings Considerations...................................................32
COMPARISON OF THE FUNDS..................................................33
Financial Highlights.....................................................33
Investment Objective and Policies........................................40
Portfolio Insurance......................................................43
Description of New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds............45
Special Considerations Relating to New Jersey Municipal Bonds............46
Other Investment Policies................................................47
Information Regarding Options and Futures Transactions...................48
Investment Restrictions..................................................52
Rating Agency Guidelines.................................................54
Portfolio Composition....................................................55
Portfolio Transactions...................................................57
Portfolio Turnover.......................................................59
Net Asset Value..........................................................59
Capital Stock............................................................60
Management of the Funds..................................................63
Code of Ethics...........................................................65
Voting Rights............................................................65
Stockholder Inquiries....................................................67
Dividends and Distributions..............................................67
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.....................................68
Mutual Fund Investment Option............................................71
Liquidation Rights of Holders of AMPS....................................71
Tax Rules Applicable to the Funds and their Stockholders.................71
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION.....................................78
General..................................................................78
Procedure................................................................79
Terms of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization........................80
Potential Benefits to Common Stockholders of the
Funds as a Result of the Reorganization..................................82
Surrender and Exchange of Stock Certificates.............................84
Tax Consequences of the Reorganization...................................86
Capitalization...........................................................88
ITEM 2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS................................................90
To Be Elected by Stockholders of New Jersey Insured
and Each of the Acquired Funds...........................................90
Committee and Board Meetings.............................................92
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.....92
Interested Persons.......................................................92
Compensation of Directors................................................92
Officers of the Funds....................................................93
item 3. SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS....................................94
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE ANNUAL MEETINGS....................................94
Date, Time and Place of Meetings.........................................94
Solicitation, Revocation and Use of Proxies..............................95
Record Date and Outstanding Shares.......................................95
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management...........95
Voting Rights and Required Vote..........................................96
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION........................................................97
Year 2000 Issues.........................................................99
CUSTODIAN.....................................................................99
TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND REGISTRAR.......................99
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS............................................................100
LEGAL OPINIONS...............................................................100
EXPERTS......................................................................100
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS........................................................100
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................................F-1
EXHIBIT I INFORMATION PERTAINING TO EACH FUND.........................I-1
EXHIBIT II AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION.......................II-1
EXHIBIT III ECONOMIC AND OTHER CONDITIONS IN NEW JERSEY...............III-1
EXHIBIT IV RATINGS OF MUNICIPAL BONDS AND COMMERCIAL PAPER............IV-1
EXHIBIT V PORTFOLIO INSURANCE.........................................V-1
<PAGE>
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement and Prospectus is furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Boards of Directors of New Jersey
Insured, New Jersey Insured II and New Jersey Insured III for use at the
Meetings to be held at the offices of Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P.
("MLAM"), 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey on December 15, 1999,
at the time specified for each Fund in Exhibit I to this Proxy Statement and
Prospectus. The mailing address for each of the Funds is P.O. Box 9011,
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011. The approximate mailing date of this Proxy
Statement and Prospectus is November ___, 1999.
Any person giving a proxy may revoke it at any time prior to its exercise
by executing a superseding proxy, by giving written notice of the revocation to
the Secretary of New Jersey Insured, New Jersey Insured II or New Jersey
Insured III, as applicable, at the address indicated above or by voting in
person at the appropriate Meeting. All properly executed proxies received prior
to the Meetings will be voted at the Meetings in accordance with the
instructions marked thereon or otherwise as provided therein. Unless
instructions to the contrary are marked, proxies will be voted "FOR" each of
the following items: (1) to approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
among New Jersey Insured, New Jersey Insured II and New Jersey Insured III (the
"Agreement and Plan of Reorganization"); (2) to elect a Board of Directors of
each Fund to serve for the ensuing year; and (3) to ratify the selection of
independent auditors for each of the Funds for its current fiscal year.
With respect to Item 1, assuming a quorum is present at the Meetings,
approval of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization will require the
affirmative vote of stockholders representing (i) a majority of the outstanding
shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock and New Jersey Insured AMPS, voting
together as a single class, and a majority of the outstanding shares of New
Jersey Insured AMPS, Series A and B, voting together as a single class, (ii) a
majority of the outstanding shares of New Jersey Insured II Common Stock and
New Jersey Insured II AMPS, voting together as a single class, and a majority
of the outstanding shares of New Jersey Insured II AMPS, Series A and B, voting
together as a single class and (iii) a majority of the outstanding shares of
New Jersey Insured III Common Stock and New Jersey Insured III AMPS, voting
together as a single class, and a majority of the outstanding shares of New
Jersey Insured III AMPS, Series A, voting separately as a class. Because of the
requirement that the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization be approved by
stockholders of all three Funds, the Reorganization will not take place if
stockholders of any one Fund do not approve the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization.
With respect to Item 2, holders of shares of AMPS of each of the Funds are
entitled to elect two Directors of that Fund, and holders of shares of AMPS and
Common Stock, voting together as a single class, are entitled to elect the
remaining Directors of that Fund. Assuming a quorum is present at the Meetings,
election of the two Directors of each Fund to be elected by the holders of
AMPS, voting separately as a class, will require the affirmative vote of a
plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares of a Fund's AMPS,
represented at the Meeting and entitled to vote; and election of the remaining
Directors of each Fund will require the affirmative vote of a plurality of the
votes cast by the holders of shares of that Fund's Common Stock and AMPS,
represented at the Meeting and entitled to vote, voting together as a single
class.
With respect to Item 3, assuming a quorum is present at the Meetings,
approval of the ratification of the selection of independent auditors of a Fund
will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the
holders of shares of Common Stock and AMPS of that Fund represented at the
Meeting in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote, voting together as a
single class.
The Board of Directors of each of the Funds has fixed the close of
business on October 20, 1999 as the record date (the "Record Date") for the
determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
Meetings or any adjournment thereof. Stockholders on the Record Date will be
entitled to one vote for each share held, with no shares having cumulative
voting rights. At the Record Date, each Fund had outstanding the number of
shares of Common Stock and AMPS indicated in Exhibit I. To the knowledge of the
management of each of the Funds, no person owned beneficially more than 5% of
the respective outstanding shares of either class of capital stock of any Fund
at the Record Date.
The Boards of Directors of the Funds know of no business other than that
discussed in Items 1, 2, and 3 above that will be presented for consideration
at the Meetings. If any other matter is properly presented, it is the intention
of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote in accordance with their
best judgment.
ITEM 1. THE REORGANIZATION
SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN
THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO THE MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT
AND PROSPECTUS AND IN THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION ATTACHED HERETO
AS EXHIBIT II.
IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS, THE TERM "REORGANIZATION" REFERS
COLLECTIVELY TO (I) THE ACQUISITION OF SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE ASSETS AND THE
ASSUMPTION OF SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE LIABILITIES OF NEW JERSEY INSURED II BY
NEW JERSEY INSURED AND THE SUBSEQUENT DISTRIBUTION OF NEW JERSEY INSURED COMMON
STOCK AND NEW JERSEY INSURED SERIES C AMPS TO THE HOLDERS OF NEW JERSEY INSURED
II COMMON STOCK AND NEW JERSEY INSURED II AMPS, SERIES A AND SERIES B,
RESPECTIVELY; (II) THE ACQUISITION OF SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OF THE ASSETS AND THE
ASSUMPTION OF SUBSTANTIALLY ALL THE LIABILITIES OF NEW JERSEY INSURED III BY
NEW JERSEY INSURED AND THE SUBSEQUENT DISTRIBUTION OF NEW JERSEY INSURED COMMON
STOCK AND NEW JERSEY INSURED SERIES D AMPS TO THE HOLDERS OF NEW JERSEY INSURED
III COMMON STOCK AND NEW JERSEY INSURED III AMPS, SERIES A, RESPECTIVELY; AND
(III) THE SUBSEQUENT DEREGISTRATION AND DISSOLUTION OF EACH OF NEW JERSEY
INSURED II AND NEW JERSEY INSURED III.
At meetings of the Boards of Directors of each of the Funds, the Board of
Directors of each of the Funds unanimously approved the Reorganization.
Subject to obtaining the necessary approvals from the stockholders of each of
the Funds, the Board of Directors of each Acquired Fund also deemed advisable
the deregistration of the Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "Investment Company Act") and its dissolution under the laws of
the State of Maryland. The Reorganization requires approval of the stockholders
of each of the three Funds. The Reorganization will not take place if the
stockholders of any one Fund do not approve the Agreement and the Plan of
Reorganization.
Each of the Funds seeks to provide stockholders with current income exempt
from Federal income tax and New Jersey personal income taxes. Each of the Funds
seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in a portfolio
of long-term, investment grade municipal obligations, the interest on which, in
the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, is exempt from Federal income tax
and New Jersey personal income taxes. Under normal circumstances, at least 80%
of each Fund's total assets will be invested in municipal obligations with
remaining maturities of one year or more that are covered by insurance
guaranteeing the timely payment of principal at maturity and interest.
Each of the Funds is a non-diversified, leveraged, closed-end management
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act. If the
stockholders of the Funds approve the Reorganization, (i) New Jersey Insured
Common Stock and New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS will be issued to New Jersey
Insured II in exchange for the assets of New Jersey Insured II; (ii) New Jersey
Insured Common Stock and New Jersey Insured Series D AMPS will be issued to New
Jersey Insured III in exchange for the assets of New Jersey Insured III; and
(iii) New Jersey Insured II and New Jersey Insured III will distribute these
shares to their respective stockholders as provided in the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization. After the Reorganization, each of New Jersey Insured II and
New Jersey Insured III will terminate its registration under the Investment
Company Act and its incorporation under Maryland law.
Based upon their evaluation of all relevant information, the Directors of
each Fund have determined that the Reorganization will potentially benefit the
holders of Common Stock of that Fund. Specifically, after the Reorganization,
stockholders of each of the Acquired Funds will remain invested in a closed-end
fund with an investment objective and policies substantially similar to the
Acquired Fund's investment objective and policies and that uses substantially
the same management personnel. In addition, it is anticipated that common
stockholders of each of the Funds will be subject to a reduced overall
operating expense ratio based on the anticipated pro forma combined total
operating expenses and the total combined assets of the surviving fund after
the Reorganization. It is not anticipated that the Reorganization will directly
benefit the holders of shares of AMPS of any of the Funds; however, the
Reorganization will not adversely affect the holders of shares of any series of
AMPS of any of the Funds and the expenses of the Reorganization will not be
borne by the holders of shares of AMPS of any of the Funds.
If all of the requisite approvals are obtained, it is anticipated that the
Reorganization will occur as soon as practicable after such approval, provided
that the Funds have obtained prior to that time a favorable private letter
ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") concerning the tax
consequences of the Reorganization as set forth in the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization or an opinion of counsel to the same effect. Under the Agreement
and Plan of Reorganization, however, the Board of Directors of any Fund may
cause the Reorganization to be postponed or abandoned in certain circumstances
should such Board determine that it is in the best interests of the
stockholders of that Fund to do so. The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
may be terminated, and the Reorganization abandoned, whether before or after
approval by the Funds' stockholders, at any time prior to the Exchange Date (as
defined below), (i) by mutual consent of the Boards of Directors of all of the
Funds or (ii) by the Board of Directors of any Fund if any condition to that
Fund's obligations has not been fulfilled or waived by such Fund's Board of
Directors.
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA FEE TABLE FOR COMMON STOCKHOLDERS OF NEW JERSEY INSURED,
NEW JERSEY INSURED II, NEW JERSEY INSURED III AND
THE COMBINED FUND AS OF JUNE 30, 1999 (UNAUDITED)(A)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACTUAL
----------------------------------------------
NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY PRO FORMA
INSURED INSURED II INSURED III COMBINED
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stockholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Load (as a percentage of
offering price)........................... None(b) None(b) None(b) None(c)
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees........... None None None None
Annual Expenses (as a percentage of net
assets attributable to Common Stock at June
30, 1999) (d)
Investment Advisory Fees(e)............... 0.92% 0.95% 0.90% 0.92%
Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds....... None None None None
Other Expenses............................ 0.43% 0.48% 0.47% 0.32%
----- ----- ----- -----
Total Annual Expenses (e)................. 1.35% 1.43% 1.37% 1.24%
===== ===== ===== =====
- ----------------------
(a) No information is presented with respect to AMPS because no Fund's
operating expenses or expenses of the Reorganization will be borne by the
holders of AMPS of any of the Funds. Generally, AMPS are sold at a fixed
liquidation preference of $25,000 per share and investment return is set
at an auction.
(b) Shares of Common Stock purchased in the secondary market may be subject to
brokerage commissions or other charges.
(c) No sales load will be charged on the issuance of shares in the
Reorganization. Shares of Common Stock are not available for purchase from
the Funds but may be purchased through a broker-dealer subject to
individually negotiated commission rates.
(d) The pro forma annual operating expenses for the combined fund are
projections for a 12-month period.
(e) Based on average net assets of each Fund and the combined fund, excluding
assets attributable to AMPS. If assets attributable to AMPS are included,
the Investment Advisory Fee for each Fund and the combined fund would be
0.55% and the Total Annual Expenses would be 0.81%, 0.83%, 0.83% and
0.74%.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXAMPLE:
CUMULATIVE EXPENSES PAID ON SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
FOR THE PERIODS INDICATED:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
------ ------- ------- --------
An investor would pay the following expenses on a
$1,000 investment, assuming (1) the operating
expense ratio for each Fund (as a percentage of net
assets attributable to Common Stock) set forth in
the table above and (2) a 5% annual return throughout
the period:
New Jersey Insured............................. $14 $43 $74 $162
New Jersey Insured II.......................... $15 $45 $78 $171
New Jersey Insured III......................... $14 $43 $75 $165
Combined Fund*................................. $13 $39 $68 $150
</TABLE>
- --------
* Assumes that the Reorganization had taken place on June 30, 1999.
The foregoing Fee Table is intended to assist investors in understanding
the costs and expenses that a common stockholder of each of the Funds will bear
directly or indirectly as compared to the costs and expenses that would be
borne by such investors taking into account the Reorganization. THE EXAMPLE SET
FORTH ABOVE ASSUMES THAT SHARES OF COMMON STOCK WERE PURCHASED IN THE INITIAL
OFFERINGS AND THE REINVESTMENT OF ALL DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS AND USES A 5%
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN AS MANDATED BY SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE
"SEC") REGULATIONS. THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES OR ANNUAL
RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE ASSUMED FOR PURPOSES OF THE
EXAMPLE. See "Comparison of the Funds" and "The Reorganization - Potential
Benefits to Common Stockholders of the Funds as a Result of the
Reorganization."
<PAGE>
BUSINESS OF NEW JERSEY INSURED........New Jersey Insured was incorporated
under the laws of the State of
Maryland on January 27, 1998 and
commenced operations on March 11,
1998. New Jersey Insured is a
non-diversified, leveraged,
closed-end management investment
company whose investment objective
is to provide stockholders with
current income exempt from Federal
income tax and New Jersey personal
income taxes. New Jersey Insured
seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing primarily in
a portfolio of long-term investment
grade obligations, the interest on
which, in the opinion of bond
counsel to the issuer, is exempt
from Federal income taxes and New
Jersey personal income taxes ("New
Jersey Municipal Bonds"). Under
normal circumstances, at least 80%
of New Jersey Insured's total
assets will be invested in
municipal obligations with
remaining maturities of one year or
more that are covered by insurance
guaranteeing the timely payment of
principal at maturity and interest.
See "Comparison of the Funds -
Investment Objectives and
Policies."
New Jersey Insured has outstanding
Common Stock and two series of
AMPS, designated Series A and
Series B, which shall be referred
to herein collectively as "New
Jersey Insured AMPS." As of August
31, 1999, New Jersey Insured had
net assets of $168,109,949.
BUSINESS OF NEW JERSEY INSURED II.....New Jersey Insured II was incorporated
under the laws of the State of
Maryland on August 17, 1998 and
commenced operations on September
25, 1998. New Jersey Insured II is
a non-diversified, leveraged,
closed-end management investment
company whose investment objective
is to provide stockholders with
current income exempt from Federal
income taxes and New Jersey
personal income taxes. New Jersey
Insured II seeks to achieve its
investment objective by investing
primarily in a portfolio of New
Jersey Municipal Bonds. Under
normal circumstances, at least 80%
of New Jersey Insured II's total
assets will be invested in
municipal obligations with
remaining maturities of one year or
more that are covered by insurance
guaranteeing the timely payment of
principal at maturity and interest.
See "Comparison of the Funds -
Investment Objectives and
Policies."
New Jersey Insured II has outstanding
Common Stock and two series of
AMPS, designated Series A and
Series B, which shall be referred
to herein collectively as "New
Jersey Insured II AMPS." As of
August 31, 1999, New Jersey Insured
II had net assets of $139,171,657.
BUSINESS OF NEW JERSEY INSURED III....New Jersey Insured III was incorporated
under the laws of the State of
Maryland on November 30, 1998 and
commenced operations on January 29,
1999. New Jersey Insured III is a
non-diversified, leveraged,
closed-end management investment
company whose investment objective
is to provide stockholders with
current income exempt from Federal
income taxes and New Jersey
personal income taxes. New Jersey
Insured III seeks to achieve its
investment objective by investing
primarily in a portfolio of New
Jersey Municipal Bonds. Under
normal circumstances, at least 80%
of New Jersey Insured III's total
assets will be invested in
municipal obligations with
remaining maturities of one year or
more that are covered by insurance
guaranteeing the timely payment of
principal at maturity and interest.
See "Comparison of the Funds -
Investment Objectives and
Policies."
New Jersey Insured III has outstanding
Common Stock and one series of
AMPS, designated Series A (the "New
Jersey Insured III AMPS"). As of
August 31, 1999, New Jersey Insured
III had net assets of $116,882,446.
COMPARISON OF THE FUNDS...............INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES. The
Funds have substantially similar
investment objectives and policies.
All three Funds seek to provide
current income exempt from Federal
income tax and New Jersey personal
income taxes and seek to invest
substantially all (at least 80%) of
their assets in New Jersey
Municipal Bonds, except when there
is an insufficient supply of New
Jersey Municipal Bonds at
reasonable prices. Each Fund is
subject to the requirement that 80%
of its assets be invested in
municipal obligations covered by
insurance. See "Comparison of the
Funds - Investment Objectives and
Policies."
CAPITAL STOCK. Each Fund has
outstanding both Common Stock and
AMPS. The Common Stock of each of
the Funds is traded on the NYSE. As
of August 31, 1999, (i) the net
asset value per share of New Jersey
Insured Common Stock was $14.30 and
the market price per share was
$13.125; (ii) the net asset value
per share of New Jersey Insured II
Common Stock was $12.87 and the
market price per share was $12.125;
and (iii) the net asset value per
share of New Jersey Insured III
Common Stock was $13.19 and the
market price per share was $12.50.
The AMPS of each of the Funds have
a liquidation preference of $25,000
per share and are sold principally
at auctions. See "Comparison of the
Funds--Capital Stock."
Auctions generally have been held and
will be held every seven days for
each series of AMPS of each of the
Funds unless the applicable Fund
elects, subject to certain
limitations, to have a special
dividend period. In connection with
the Reorganization, a holder of
AMPS of an Acquired Fund may
receive New Jersey Insured AMPS
with a dividend payment date and an
auction date that fall on a day of
the week that is different from the
schedule of the AMPS of the
Acquired Fund that he or she holds.
See "Comparison of the
Funds--Capital Stock." The
following table provides
information about the dividend
rates for each series of AMPS of
each of the Funds as of a recent
auction.
Dividend
Auction Date Fund Series Rate
------------ ------------------ ------ --------
September 3, 1999 New Jersey Insured A 3.40
September 2, 1999 New Jersey Insured B 2.90
September 7, 1999 New Jersey Insured II A 3.40
September 3, 1999 New Jersey Insured II B 3.29
September 1, 1999 New Jersey Insured III A 3.15
ADVISORY FEES. The investment adviser
for each of the Funds is Fund Asset
Management, L.P. ("FAM"). FAM is an
affiliate of MLAM, and both FAM and
MLAM are owned and controlled by
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML &
Co."). The principal business
address of FAM is 800 Scudders Mill
Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536.
The Asset Management Group of ML &
Co. (which includes FAM) acts as
investment adviser for over 100
other registered investment
companies and also offers portfolio
management and portfolio analysis
services to individuals and
institutional accounts.
FAM is responsible for the management
of each Fund's investment portfolio
and for providing administrative
services to each Fund. Robert A.
DiMella and Robert D. Sneeden serve
as the portfolio managers for New
Jersey Insured. Robert A. DiMella
and Roberto W. Roffo serve as the
portfolio managers for New Jersey
Insured II and New Jersey Insured
III. After the Reorganization
Messrs. DiMella and Sneeden will
serve as the portfolio managers of
the combined fund.
Pursuant to separate investment
advisory agreements between each
Fund and FAM, each Fund pays FAM a
monthly fee at the annual rate of
0.55% of such Fund's average weekly
net assets, including assets
acquired from the sale of AMPS.
Subsequent to the Reorganization,
FAM will continue to receive
compensation at the rate of 0.55%
of the average weekly net assets,
including assets acquired from the
sale of AMPS, of the combined fund.
See "Comparison of the Funds -
Management of the Funds."
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FEES. The Bank of New
York is the custodian, transfer
agent, dividend disbursing agent
and registrar for the Common Stock
of New Jersey Insured. State Street
Bank and Trust Company is the
custodian, transfer agent, dividend
disbursing agent and registrar for
the Common Stock of New Jersey
Insured II and New Jersey Insured
III. The Bank of New York is the
transfer agent, dividend disbursing
agent, registrar and auction agent
for each Fund's AMPS. The principal
business addresses are as follows:
The Bank of New York, 90 Washington
Street, New York, New York 10286
(for its custodial services) and
101 Barclay Street, New York, New
York 10286 (for its transfer agency
services) and; State Street Bank
and Trust Company, 225 Franklin
Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02110. See "Comparison of the
Funds-- Management of the Funds."
OVERALL EXPENSE RATIO. As of June 30,
1999, the overall annualized
operating expense ratio for New
Jersey Insured was 1.35%, based on
average net assets of approximately
$101.8 million excluding AMPS, and
0.81%, based on average net assets
of approximately $169.8 million
including AMPS; the overall
annualized operating expense ratio
for New Jersey Insured II was
1.43%, based on average net assets
of approximately $83.4 million
excluding AMPS, and 0.83%, based on
average net assets of approximately
$143.4 million including AMPS; and
the overall annualized operating
expense ratio for New Jersey
Insured III was 1.37%, based on
average net assets of approximately
$73.2 million excluding AMPS, and
0.83%, based on average net assets
of approximately $120.2 million
including AMPS. If the
Reorganization had taken place on
June 30, 1999, the overall
operating expense ratio for the
combined fund on a pro forma basis
would have been 1.24%, based on
average net assets of approximately
$258.5 million excluding AMPS, and
0.74%, based on average net assets
of approximately $433.5 million
including AMPS.
PURCHASES AND SALES OF COMMON STOCK AND
AMPS. Purchase and sale procedures
for the Common Stock of each of the
Funds are identical, and investors
typically purchase and sell shares
of Common Stock of the Funds
through a registered broker-dealer
on the NYSE, thereby incurring a
brokerage commission set by the
broker-dealer. Alternatively,
investors may purchase or sell
shares of Common Stock of the Funds
through privately negotiated
transactions with existing
stockholders.
Purchase and sale procedures for the
AMPS of each of the Funds also are
identical. Such AMPS generally are
purchased and sold at separate
auctions conducted on a regular
basis by The Bank of New York, as
the auction agent for each Fund's
AMPS (the "Auction Agent"). Unless
otherwise permitted by the Funds,
existing and potential holders of
AMPS only may participate in
auctions through their
broker-dealers. Broker-dealers
submit the orders of their
respective customers who are
existing and potential holders of
AMPS to the Auction Agent. On or
prior to each auction date for the
AMPS (the business day next
preceding the first day of each
dividend period), each holder may
submit orders to buy, sell or hold
AMPS to its broker-dealer. Outside
of these auctions, shares of AMPS
may be purchased or sold through
broker-dealers for the AMPS in a
secondary trading market maintained
by the broker-dealers. However,
there can be no assurance that a
secondary market will develop or if
it does develop, that it will
provide holders with a liquid
trading market for the AMPS of any
of the Funds.
RATINGS OF AMPS. The AMPS of each Fund
have been assigned a rating of AAA
from Standard & Poor's ("S&P") and
"aaa" from Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's"). See
"Comparison of the Funds - Rating
Agency Guidelines."
PORTFOLIO INSURANCE. Each of the Funds
has a similar policy with respect
to obtaining insurance for
portfolio securities. Under normal
circumstances, at least 80% of each
Fund's assets will be invested in
municipal obligations either (i)
insured under an insurance policy
purchased by the Fund or (ii)
insured under an insurance policy
obtained by the issuer thereof or
any other party. See "Comparison of
the Funds - Investment Objectives
and Policies--Portfolio Insurance."
RATINGS OF MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. Each
of the Funds will invest only in
municipal obligations that at the
time of purchase are considered
investment grade.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS. The portfolio
transactions in which the Funds may
engage are similar, as are the
procedures for such transactions.
See "Comparison of the Funds -
Portfolio Transactions."
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. The
methods of dividend payment and
distributions are similar for all
of the Funds, both with respect to
the Common Stock and the AMPS of
each Fund. See "Comparison of the
Funds - Dividends and
Distributions."
NET ASSET VALUE. The net asset value
per share of Common Stock of each
Fund is determined after the close
of business on the NYSE (generally,
4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the
last business day of each week. For
purposes of determining the net
asset value of a share of Common
Stock of each Fund, the value of
the securities held by the Fund
plus any cash or other assets
(including interest accrued but not
yet received) minus all liabilities
(including accrued expenses) and
the aggregate liquidation value of
the outstanding shares of AMPS of
the Fund is divided by the total
number of shares of Common Stock of
the Fund outstanding at such time.
Expenses, including fees payable to
FAM, are accrued daily. See
"Comparison of the Funds - Net
Asset Value."
VOTING RIGHTS. The corresponding voting
rights of the holders of shares of
each Fund's Common Stock are
substantially similar. Likewise,
the corresponding voting rights of
the holders of shares of each
Fund's AMPS are substantially
similar. See "Comparison of the
Funds - Capital Stock."
STOCKHOLDER SERVICES. An automatic
dividend reinvestment plan is
available to holders of shares of
each Fund's Common Stock. The plans
are similar for the three Funds.
See "Comparison of the Funds -
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment
Plan." Other stockholder services,
including the provision of annual
and semi-annual reports, are the
same for the three Funds.
<PAGE>
OUTSTANDING SECURITIES OF NEW JERSEY INSURED,
NEW JERSEY INSURED II AND NEW JERSEY INSURED III AS OF AUGUST 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT OUTSTANDING
AMOUNT HELD BY FUND EXCLUSIVE OF AMOUNT
AMOUNT FOR ITS OWN SHOWN IN PREVIOUS
TITLE OF CLASS AUTHORIZED ACCOUNT COLUMN
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------ ---------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
New Jersey Insured
Common Stock....................... 199,997,280 -0- 7,000,496
AMPS............................... 2,720 -0- 2,720
New Jersey Insured II
Common Stock....................... 199,997,600 -0- 6,151,635
AMPS............................... 2,400 -0- 2,400
New Jersey Insured III
Common Stock....................... 199,998,120 -0- 5,297,667
AMPS............................... 1,880 -0- 1,880
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
TAX CONSIDERATIONS....................The Funds have jointly requested a
private letter ruling from the IRS
with respect to the Reorganization
to the effect that, among other
things, no Fund will recognize gain
or loss on the transaction and the
stockholders of the Acquired Funds
will not recognize gain or loss on
the exchange of their shares for
New Jersey Insured Common Stock
(except to the extent that a common
stockholder in an Acquired Fund
receives cash representing an
interest in less than a full share
of New Jersey Insured Common Stock
in the Reorganization) or New
Jersey Insured AMPS. The
consummation of the Reorganization
is subject to the receipt of such
ruling or of an opinion of counsel
to the same effect. The
Reorganization will not affect the
status of New Jersey Insured as a
regulated investment company (a
"RIC") under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"). Each of the Acquired Funds
will liquidate pursuant to the
Reorganization. See "Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization--Tax
Consequences of the
Reorganization."
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Since each of the three Funds invests primarily in a portfolio of New
Jersey Municipal Bonds, any risks inherent in such investments are equally
applicable to all three Funds and will be similarly pertinent to the combined
fund after the Reorganization. It is expected that the Reorganization itself
will not adversely affect the rights of holders of shares of Common Stock or of
any series of AMPS of any of the Funds or create additional risks.
NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL BONDS
Each of the Funds ordinarily invests at least 80% of its portfolio in New
Jersey Municipal Bonds. As a result, each Fund is more exposed to risks
affecting issuers of New Jersey Municipal Bonds than is a municipal bond fund
that invests more widely. See "Comparison of the Funds--Special Considerations
Relating to New Jersey Municipal Bonds" and Exhibit III-"Economic and Other
Conditions in New Jersey." If a Fund invests less than 80% of its assets in New
Jersey Municipal Bonds, the income provided by that Fund may not be exempt from
New Jersey personal income tax.
INTEREST RATE AND CREDIT RISK
Each Fund invests in municipal bonds that are subject to interest rate and
credit risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of municipal bonds
generally increase when interest rates decline and decrease when interest rates
increase. Prices of longer-term securities generally change more in response to
interest rate changes than prices of shorter-term securities. Credit risk is
the risk that the issuer will be unable to pay the interest or principal when
due. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the
issuer and the terms of the obligation.
NON-DIVERSIFICATION
Each Fund is registered as a "non-diversified" investment company. This
means that each Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a single
issuer than a diversified investment company. Since a Fund may invest a
relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the
Fund may be more exposed to the effects of any single economic, political or
regulatory occurrence than a more widely-diversified fund. Even as a
non-diversified fund, each Fund must still meet the diversification
requirements of applicable Federal income tax law.
RATING CATEGORIES
The Funds intend to invest in municipal bonds that are rated investment
grade by S&P, Moody's or Fitch IBCA, Inc. ("Fitch") or are considered by FAM to
be of comparable quality. Obligations rated in the lowest investment grade
category may have certain speculative characteristics.
PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS
Each Fund may invest in certain tax-exempt securities classified as
"private activity bonds." These bonds may subject certain investors in a Fund
to the Federal alternative minimum tax.
PORTFOLIO INSURANCE
Each of the Funds is subject to certain investment restrictions imposed by
guidelines of the insurance companies that issue portfolio insurance. The Funds
do not believe these guidelines prevent FAM from managing the Funds' portfolios
in accordance with the Funds' investment objective and policies.
LEVERAGE
Use of leverage, through the issuance of AMPS, involves certain risks to
holders of Common Stock of each of the Funds. For example, each Fund's issuance
of AMPS may result in higher volatility of the net asset value of its Common
Stock and potentially more volatility in the market value of its Common Stock.
In addition, changes in the short-term and medium-term dividend rates on, and
the amount of taxable income allocable to, the AMPS will affect the yield to
holders of Common Stock. Under certain circumstances when a Fund is required to
allocate taxable income to holders of AMPS, the Fund may be required to make an
additional distribution to such holders in an amount approximately equal to the
tax liability resulting from that allocation (an "Additional Distribution").
Leverage will allow holders of each Fund's Common Stock to realize a higher
current rate of return than if the Fund were not leveraged as long as the Fund,
while accounting for its costs and operating expenses, is able to realize a
higher net return on its investment portfolio than the then-current dividend
rate (and any Additional Distribution) paid on the AMPS. Similarly, since a pro
rata portion of each Fund's net realized capital gains is generally payable to
holders of the Fund's Common Stock, the use of leverage will increase the
amount of such gains distributed to holders of the Fund's Common Stock.
However, short-term, medium-term and long-term interest rates change from time
to time as do their relationships to each other (i.e., the slope of the yield
curve) depending upon such factors as supply and demand forces, monetary and
tax policies and investor expectations. Changes in any or all of such factors
could cause the relationship between short-term, medium-term and long-term
rates to change (i.e., to flatten or to invert the slope of the yield curve) so
that short-term and medium-term rates may substantially increase relative to
the long-term obligations in which each Fund may be invested. To the extent
that the current dividend rate (and any Additional Distribution) on the AMPS
approaches the net return on a Fund's investment portfolio, the benefit of
leverage to holders of Common Stock will be decreased. If the current dividend
rate (and any Additional Distribution) on the AMPS were to exceed the net
return on a Fund's portfolio, holders of Common Stock would receive a lower
rate of return than if the Fund were not leveraged. Similarly, since both the
costs of issuing AMPS and any decline in the value of a Fund's investments
(including investments purchased with the proceeds from any AMPS offering) will
be borne entirely by holders of the Fund's Common Stock, the effect of leverage
in a declining market would result in a greater decrease in net asset value to
holders of Common Stock than if the Fund were not leveraged. If a Fund is
liquidated, holders of that Fund's AMPS will be entitled to receive liquidating
distributions before any distribution is made to holders of Common Stock of
that Fund.
In an extreme case, a decline in net asset value could affect each Fund's
ability to pay dividends on its Common Stock. Failure to make such dividend
payments could adversely affect the Fund's qualification as a RIC under the
Federal tax laws. See "Comparison of the Funds--Tax Rules Applicable to the
Funds and their Stockholders." However, each Fund intends to take all measures
necessary to make Common Stock dividend payments. If a Fund's current
investment income is ever insufficient to meet dividend payments on either the
Common Stock or the AMPS, the Fund may have to liquidate certain of its
investments. In addition, each Fund has the authority to redeem its AMPS for
any reason and may redeem all or part of its AMPS under the following
circumstances:
o if the Fund anticipates that its leveraged capital structure will
result in a lower rate of return for any significant amount of time
to holders of the Common Stock than the Fund can obtain if the Common
Stock were not leveraged,
o if the asset coverage for the AMPS declines below 200%, either as a
result of a decline in the value of the Fund's portfolio investments
or as a result of the repurchase of Common Stock in tender offers, or
otherwise, or
o in order to maintain the asset coverage established by Moody's and
S&P in rating the AMPS.
Redemption of the AMPS or insufficient investment income to make dividend
payments, may reduce the net asset value of the Common Stock and require the
Fund to liquidate a portion of its investments at a time when it may be
disadvantageous to do so.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
The portfolio management strategies of the Funds are the same. In the
event of an increase in short-term or medium-term rates or other change in
market conditions to the point where a Fund's leverage could adversely affect
holders of Common Stock as noted above, or in anticipation of such changes,
each Fund may attempt to shorten the average maturity of its investment
portfolio, which would tend to offset the negative impact of leverage on
holders of its Common Stock. Each Fund also may attempt to reduce the degree to
which it is leveraged by redeeming AMPS pursuant to the provisions of the
Fund's Articles Supplementary establishing the rights and preferences of the
AMPS or otherwise purchasing shares of AMPS. Purchases and sales or redemptions
of AMPS, whether on the open market or in negotiated transactions, are subject
to limitations under the Investment Company Act. If market conditions
subsequently change, each Fund may sell previously unissued shares of AMPS or
shares of AMPS that the Fund previously issued but later repurchased or
redeemed.
INVERSE FLOATING OBLIGATIONS
A Fund's investments in "inverse floating obligations" or "residual
interest bonds" provide investment leverage because their market value
increases or decreases in response to market changes at a greater rate than
fixed rate, long term tax exempt securities. The market values of such
securities are more volatile than the market values of fixed rate, tax exempt
securities.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
Each Fund may engage in certain options and futures transactions to reduce
its exposure to interest rate movements. If a Fund incorrectly forecasts market
values, interest rates or other factors, that Fund's performance could suffer.
Each Fund also may suffer a loss if the other party to the transaction fails to
meet its obligations. The Funds are not required to use hedging and may choose
not to do so.
ANTITAKEOVER PROVISIONS
The Articles of Incorporation of each of the Funds (in each case the
"Charter") include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or
persons to acquire control of that Fund or to change the composition of its
Board of Directors. Such provisions could limit the ability of stockholders to
sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a
third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund.
RATINGS CONSIDERATIONS
The Funds have received ratings of their AMPS of AAA from S&P and "aaa"
from Moody's. In order to maintain these ratings, the Funds are required to
maintain portfolio holdings meeting specified guidelines of such rating
agencies. These guidelines may impose asset coverage requirements that are more
stringent than those imposed by the Investment Company Act.
As described by Moody's and S&P, a preferred stock rating is an assessment
of the capacity and willingness of an issuer to pay preferred stock
obligations. The ratings of the AMPS are not recommendations to purchase, hold
or sell shares of AMPS, inasmuch as the ratings do not comment as to market
price or suitability for a particular investor, nor do the rating agency
guidelines address the likelihood that a holder of shares of AMPS will be able
to sell such shares in an auction. The ratings are based on current information
furnished to Moody's and S&P by the Funds and FAM and information obtained from
other sources. The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result
of changes in, or the unavailability of, such information. The Common Stock of
the Funds has not been rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating
organization.
The Board of Directors of each of the Funds, without stockholder approval,
may amend, alter or repeal certain definitions or restrictions which have been
adopted by the Fund pursuant to the rating agency guidelines, in the event the
Fund receives confirmation from the rating agencies that any such amendment,
alteration or repeal would not impair the ratings then assigned to shares of
AMPS.
<PAGE>
COMPARISON OF THE FUNDS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
New Jersey Insured
The financial information in the table below has been audited in
conjunction with the annual audits of the financial statements of the Fund
by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors. The following per share data and
ratios have been derived from information provided in the financial statements
of the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Period
For the Year Ended March 11, 1998+
July 31, 1999 to July 31, 1998
------------------ -----------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE:
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
- ---------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period........... $ 15.09 $ 15.00
----------- ----------
Investment income - net........................ 1.09 .46
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments - net.......................... (.54) .16
------------- ----------
Total from investment operations............... .55 .62
------------- ----------
Less dividends and distributions to Common Stock
shareholders:
Investment income - net................. (.81) (.26)
Realized gain on investments - net...... (.04) --
------------ ----------
Total dividends and distributions to Common Stock
shareholders................................... (.85) (.26)
------------ -------------
Capital charge resulting from issuance of Common
Stock.......................................... -- (.03)
------------ -------------
Effect of Preferred Stock activity: ++
Dividends and distributions to Preferred
Stock shareholders:
Investment income - net................. (.30) (.12)
Realized gain on investments - net...... (.02) --
Capital charge resulting from issuance of
Preferred Stock......................... -- (.12)
-------------- -------------
Total effect of Preferred Stock activity....... (.32) (.24)
-------------- ------------
Net asset value, end of period................. $ 14.47 $ 15.09
============== ============
Market price per share, end of period.......... $ 13.4375 $ 15.375
============== ============
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
Based on market price per share................ ============== 4.29%#
=============
Based on net asset value per share............. ============== 2.35%#
=============
RATIOS BASED ON AVERAGE NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE
TO COMMON STOCK:***
Total expenses, net of reimbursement***........ 1.22% .29%*
============== ==============
Total expenses***.............................. 1.31% 1.21%*
============== ==============
Total investment income-net***................. 7.32% 8.13%*
============== ==============
Amount of Dividends to Preferred
Stockholders................................... 1.93% 2.13%*
============== =============
Investment income-net, to Common
Stockholders................................... 5.39% 6.00%*
============== =============
RATIOS BASED ON TOTAL AVERAGE NET ASSETS+++***
Expenses, net of reimbursement................. .75% .18%*
============== =============
Expenses....................................... .80% .76%*
============== =============
Investment income - net........................ 4.48% 5.13%*
============== =============
RATIOS BASED ON AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF
PREFERRED STOCK:
Dividends to Preferred Stockholders............ 3.04% 3.64%*
============== ==============
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, net of Preferred Stock, end of period
(in thousands)................................. $ 101,300 $ 104,967
============== =============
Preferred Stock outstanding, end of period (in
thousands)..................................... $ 68,000 $ 68,000
============== =============
Portfolio turnover............................. 64.93% 32.46%
============== =============
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE ON PREFERRED STOCK OUTSTANDING
Investment income - net........................
Series A................................ $ 763 $ 317
============== =============
Series B................................ $ 766 $ 300
============== ==============
LEVERAGE:
Asset coverage per $1,000...................... $ 2,490 $ 2,544
============== ==============
</TABLE>
- -----------
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns based on market value, which can be significantly
greater or lesser than the net asset value, may result in substantially
different returns. Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales
loads.
*** Does not reflect the effect of dividends to Preferred Stockholders.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ The Fund's Preferred Stock was issued on March 19, 1998.
+++ Includes Common and Preferred Stock avergage net assets.
# Aggregate total investment return.
<PAGE>
New Jersey Insured II
The financial information in the table below has been audited
in conjunction with the annual audit of the financial statements of the Fund
by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors. The following per share data and
ratios have been derived from information provided in the financial statements
of the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Period
September 25, 1998+ to
May 31, 1999
-----------------------
<S> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE:
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period......... $ 15.00
----------
Investment income - net...................... .73
Realized and unrealized loss on
investments - net....................... (.78)
----------
Total from investment operations............. (.05)
----------
Less dividends to Common
Stock shareholders:
Investment income - net................. (.47)
----------
Capital charge resulting from issuance of
Common Stock............................ (.03)
----------
Effect of Preferred Stock activity:++
Dividends to Preferred
Stock shareholders:
Investment income - net................. (.19)
Capital charge resulting from issuance
of Preferred Stock...................... (.10)
----------
Total effect of Preferred Stock activity..... (.29)
Net asset value, end of period............... $ 14.16
==========
Market price per share, end of period........ $ 2.9375
==========
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
Based on market price per share.............. (10.88)%#
==========
Based on net asset value per share........... (2.46)%#
==========
RATIOS BASED ON AVERAGE NET ASSETS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK:***
Total expenses net of reimbursement*** .66%*
==========
Total expenses*** 1.29%*
==========
Total Investment income - net*** 7.49%*
==========
Amount of Dividends to Preferred
Stockholders................................. 1.99%*
==========
Investment income - net, to Common
Stockholders................................. 5.50%*
==========
RATIOS BASED ON TOTAL AVERAGE NET ASSETS: +++***
Expenses, net of reimbursement............... .41%*
==========
Total Expenses............................... .80%*
==========
Total Investment income - net................ 4.65%*
==========
RATIOS BASED ON AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF PREFERRED STOCK:
Dividends to Preferred Stockholders.......... 3.26%*
==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, net of Preferred Stock, end of period (in thousands) $ 87,095
==========
Preferred Stock outstanding, end of period (in thousands) $ 60,000
==========
Portfolio turnover........................... 92.47%
==========
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE ON PREFERRED STOCK OUTSTANDING:
Investment income - net......................
Series A................................ $ 489
==========
Series B................................ $ 506
==========
LEVERAGE:
Asset coverage per $1,000.................... $ 2,452
==========
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns based on market value, which can be
significantly greater or lesser than the net asset value, may result in
substantially different returns. Total investment returns exclude the
effects of sales loads.
*** Does not reflect the effect of dividends to Preferred Stockholders.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ The Fund's Preferred Stock was issued on October 19, 1998.
+++ Includes Common and Preferred Stock average net assets.
# Aggregate total investment return.
<PAGE>
New Jersey Insured III
The financial information in the table below, except for the leverage
information, which is unaudited and has been provided by FAM, has been audited
in conjunction with the annual audit of the financial statements of the Fund by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors. The following per share data and
ratios have been derived from information provided in the financial statements
of the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Period
January 29, 1999+ to
September 30, 1999
<S> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE:
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period.........
Investment income - net......................
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments - net.......................
Total from investment operations.............
Less dividends and distributions to Common Stock shareholders:
Investment income - net.................
Realized gain on investment - net.......
Total dividends and distributions to Common Stock
shareholders............................
Capital charge resulting from issuance of Common
Stock...................................
Effect of Preferred Stock activity:++
Dividends and distributions to Preferred Stock
shareholders:
Investment income - net.................
Realized gain on investments - net......
Capital charge resulting from issuance of
Preferred Stock.........................
Total effect of Preferred Stock activity.....
Net asset value, end of period...............
Market price per share, end of period........
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
Based on market price per share..............
Based on net asset value per share...........
RATIOS BASED ON AVERAGE NET ASSETS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK:***
Amount of Dividends to Preferred
Stockholders.................................
Investment Income Net, to
Common Stockholders..........................
RATIOS BASED ON TOTAL AVERAGE
NET ASSETS...................................
Expenses, net of reimbursement...............
Expenses.....................................
Investment income - net......................
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, net of Preferred Stock, end of period (in thousands)
Preferred Stock outstanding, end of period (in thousands)
Portfolio turnover...........................
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE ON PREFERRED STOCK OUTSTANDING:
Investment income - net......................
LEVERAGE:
Asset coverage per $1,000....................
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns based on market value, which can be significantly
greater or less than the net asset value, may result in substantially
different returns. Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales
loads.
*** Does not reflect the effect of dividends to Preferred Stockholders.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ The Fund's Preferred Stock was issued on February 22, 1999.
# Aggregate total investment return.
<PAGE>
PER SHARE DATA FOR COMMON STOCK*
TRADED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE (UNAUDITED)
NEW JERSEY INSURED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIUM (DISCOUNT) TO NET
MARKET PRICE($)** NET ASSET VALUE($) ASSET VALUE(%)
-------------------- ------------------ -----------------------
QUARTER ENDED* HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
------------------ ------ ----- ------- ----- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
April 30, 1998+................ 15.1875 14.75 15.11 14.63 1.59 (1.67)
July 31, 1998.................. 15.6875 15.00 15.20 15.05 2.58 (4.99)
October 31, 1998............... 16.125 15.375 16.06 15.41 2.29 (2.61)
January 31, 1999............... 15.3125 14.625 15.54 15.24 5.05 (5.03)
April 30, 1999................. 14.9375 14.50 15.46 15.31 (0.03) (6.03)
July 31, 1999.................. 13.625 13.25 14.63 14.47 (0.41) (9.42)
</TABLE>
NEW JERSEY INSURED II
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIUM (DISCOUNT) TO
MARKET PRICE($)** NET ASSET VALUE($) NET ASSET VALUE(%)
--------------------- ------------------ ----------------------
QUARTER ENDED* HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
------------------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
November 30, 1998++............ 16.25 15.6875 14.79 14.59 8.77 (0.53)
February 28, 1999.............. 14.9375 14.4375 14.77 14.57 9.61 (1.40)
May 31, 1999................... 14.4375 12.8125 14.45 14.15 2.67 (8.63)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
NEW JERSEY INSURED III
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIUM (DISCOUNT) TO NET
MARKET PRICE($)** NET ASSET VALUE($) ASSET VALUE(%)
-------------------- ------------------ -------------------------
QUARTER ENDED* HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
------------------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
March 31, 1999+++.............. 15.5625 15.00 15.10 14.86 3.96 (0.33)
June 30, 1999.................. 14.9375 13.375 14.73 14.42 2.97 (7.38)
</TABLE>
- --------------------
* Calculations are based upon shares of Common Stock outstanding at the end
of each quarter.
** As reported in the consolidated transaction operating system.
+ For the period March 11, 1998 to April 30, 1998.
++ For the period September 25, 1998 to November 30, 1998.
+++ For the period January 29, 1999 to February 28, 1999.
As indicated in the tables above, for the periods shown the Common Stock
of the Funds generally has traded at prices close to net asset value, with
premiums or discounts to net asset value of less than 10% being reflected in
the market value of the shares from time to time. Although there is no reason
to believe that this pattern should be affected by the Reorganization, it is
not possible to predict whether shares of the surviving fund will trade at a
premium or discount to net asset value following the Reorganization, or what
the extent of any such premium or discount might be.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The structure, organization and investment policies of the Funds are
substantially similar, with the differences among the three Funds set forth
below. Each Fund seeks as a fundamental investment objective current income
exempt from Federal income tax and New Jersey personal income taxes. The
investment objective of each Fund is a fundamental policy that may not be
changed without a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities.
Each Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily
in a portfolio of New Jersey Municipal Bonds. At all times, at least 80% of
each Fund's total assets will be invested in New Jersey Municipal Bonds except
during interim periods pending investment of the net proceeds of public
offerings of its securities and during temporary defensive periods. At times,
each Fund may seek to hedge its portfolio through the use of futures and
options transactions to reduce volatility in the net asset value of its shares
of Common Stock. Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of each Fund's total
assets will be invested in municipal obligations with remaining maturities of
one year or more that are covered by insurance guaranteeing the timely payment
of principal at maturity and interest.
Ordinarily, none of the Funds intends to realize significant investment
income subject to Federal income tax and New Jersey personal income taxes. To
the extent FAM considers that suitable New Jersey Municipal Bonds are not
available for investment, the Funds may purchase other long-term municipal
obligations exempt from Federal income tax, but not New Jersey personal income
tax ("Municipal Bonds"). Each Fund may invest all or a portion of its assets in
certain tax-exempt securities classified as "private activity bonds" (in
general, bonds that benefit non-governmental entities) that may subject certain
investors in the Fund to an alternative minimum tax.
Each Fund also may invest in securities not issued by or on behalf of a
state or territory or by an agency or instrumentality thereof, if the Fund
nevertheless believes such securities pay interest or distributions that are
exempt from Federal income taxation ("Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities").
Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities may include securities issued by other
investment companies that invest in New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal
Bonds, to the extent such investments are permitted by the Investment Company
Act. Other Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities could include trust certificates
or other instruments evidencing interests in one or more long-term New Jersey
Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds. Certain Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities
may be characterized as derivative instruments. Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt
Securities will be considered "New Jersey Municipal Bonds" or "Municipal Bonds"
for purposes of a Fund's investment objective and policies.
The investment grade New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds in
which each Fund primarily invests are those New Jersey Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds that are rated at the date of purchase in the four highest
rating categories of S&P, Moody's or Fitch or, if unrated, are considered to be
of comparable quality by FAM. In the case of long-term debt, the investment
grade rating categories are AAA through BBB for S&P and Fitch and Aaa through
Baa for Moody's. In the case of short-term notes, the investment grade rating
categories are SP-1 + through SP-3 for S&P, MIG-1 through MIG-3 for Moody's and
F-1+ through F-3 for Fitch. In the case of tax-exempt commercial paper, the
investment grade rating categories are A-1+ through A-3 for S&P, Prime-1
through Prime-3 for Moody's and F-1+ through F-3 for Fitch. Obligations ranked
in the lowest investment grade rating category (BBB, SP-3 and A-3 for S&P; Baa,
MIG-3 and Prime-3 for Moody's; and BBB and F-3 for Fitch), while considered
"investment grade," may have certain speculative characteristics. There may be
sub-categories or gradations indicating relative standing within the rating
categories set forth above. In assessing the quality of New Jersey Municipal
Bonds and Municipal Bonds with respect to the foregoing requirements, FAM takes
into account the portfolio insurance as well as the nature of any letters of
credit or similar credit enhancement to which particular New Jersey Municipal
Bonds and Municipal Bonds are entitled and the creditworthiness of the
insurance company or financial institution that provided such insurance or
credit enhancements. Consequently, if New Jersey Municipal Bonds or Municipal
Bonds are covered by insurance policies issued by insurers whose claims-paying
ability is rated AAA by S&P or Fitch or Aaa by Moody's, FAM may consider such
municipal obligations to be equivalent to AAA- or Aaa- rated securities, as the
case may be, even though such New Jersey Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds
would generally be assigned a lower rating if the rating were based primarily
upon the credit characteristics of the issuers without regard to the insurance
feature. The insured New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds must also
comply with the standards applied by the insurance carriers in determining
eligibility for portfolio insurance. See Exhibit IV -- "Ratings of Municipal
Bonds and Commercial Paper" and Exhibit V -- "Portfolio Insurance."
Each of the Funds may invest in variable rate demand obligations ("VRDOs")
and VRDOs in the form of participation interests ("Participating VRDOs") in
variable rate tax-exempt obligations held by a financial institution, typically
a commercial bank. The VRDOs in which each Fund may invest are tax-exempt
obligations, in the opinion of counsel to the issuer, that contain a floating
or variable interest rate adjustment formula and a right of demand on the part
of the holder thereof to receive payment of the unpaid principal balance plus
accrued interest on a short notice period not to exceed seven days.
Participating VRDOs provide each Fund with a specified undivided interest (up
to 100%) in the underlying obligation and the right to demand payment of the
unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest on the Participating VRDOs from
the financial institution on a specified number of days' notice, not to exceed
seven days. There is, however, the possibility that because of default or
insolvency, the demand feature of VRDOs or Participating VRDOs may not be
honored. Each Fund has been advised by its counsel that the Fund should be
entitled to treat the income received on Participating VRDOs as interest from
tax-exempt obligations for Federal income tax purposes.
The average maturity of each Fund's portfolio securities varies based upon
FAM's assessment of economic and market conditions. The net asset value of the
shares of common stock of a closed-end investment company, such as each Fund,
which invests primarily in fixed-income securities, changes as the general
levels of interest rates fluctuate. When interest rates decline, the value of a
fixed income portfolio can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates
rise, the value of a fixed income portfolio can be expected to decline. Prices
of longer-term securities generally fluctuate more in response to interest rate
changes than do short-term or medium-term securities. These changes in net
asset value are likely to be greater in the case of a fund having a leveraged
capital structure, such as that used by the Funds.
Each Fund intends to invest primarily in long-term New Jersey Municipal
Bonds and Municipal Bonds with a maturity of more than ten years. However, each
Fund may also invest in intermediate-term New Jersey Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds with a maturity of between three years and ten years. Each Fund
may also invest in short-term tax-exempt securities, short-term U.S. Government
securities, repurchase agreements or cash. Such short-term securities or cash
will not exceed 20% of each Fund's total assets except during interim periods
pending investment of the net proceeds from public offerings of the Fund's
securities or in anticipation of the repurchase or redemption of the Fund's
securities and temporary periods when, in the opinion of FAM, prevailing market
or economic conditions warrant. The Funds do not ordinarily intend to realize
significant interest income that is subject to Federal income tax and New
Jersey personal income taxes.
Each Fund is classified as non-diversified within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act, which means that the Fund is not limited by such Act in
the proportion of its total assets that it may invest in securities of a single
issuer. However, each Fund's investments are limited so as to qualify the Fund
for the special tax treatment afforded RICs under the Federal tax laws. To
qualify, among other requirements, each Fund limits its investments so that, at
the close of each quarter of the taxable year, (i) not more than 25% of the
market value of the Fund's total assets will be invested in the securities
(other than U.S. Government securities) of a single issuer, and (ii) with
respect to 50% of the market value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the
market value of its total assets will be invested in the securities (other than
U.S. Government securities) of a single issuer. A fund that elects to be
classified as "diversified" under the Investment Company Act must satisfy the
foregoing 5% requirement with respect to 75% of its total assets. To the extent
that any Fund assumes large positions in the securities of a small number of
issuers, the Fund's yield may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a
diversified company as a result of changes in the financial condition or in the
market's assessment of the issuers.
PORTFOLIO INSURANCE
Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the assets of each of the
Funds will be invested in New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds either
(i) insured under an insurance policy purchased by the Fund, or (ii) insured
under an insurance policy obtained by the issuer thereof or any other party.
The Funds will seek to limit their investments to municipal obligations insured
under insurance policies issued by insurance carriers that have total admitted
assets (unaudited) of at least $75,000,000 and capital and surplus (unaudited)
of at least $50,000,000 and insurance claims-paying ability ratings of AAA from
S&P or Fitch, or Aaa from Moody's. There can be no assurance that insurance
from insurance carriers meeting these criteria will be available. See Exhibit V
to this Proxy Statement and Prospectus for a brief description of insurance
claims-paying ability ratings of S&P, Moody's and Fitch. Currently, it is
anticipated that a majority of the insured New Jersey Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds in each Fund's portfolio will be insured by the following
insurance companies which satisfy the foregoing criteria: AMBAC Indemnity
Corporation, Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, Financial Security Assurance
and Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation. Each Fund also may purchase
New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds covered by insurance issued by
any other insurance company that satisfies the foregoing criteria. A majority
of insured New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds held by each Fund
will be insured under policies obtained by parties other than the Fund.
Each Fund may purchase, but has no obligation to purchase, separate
insurance policies (the "Policies") from insurance companies meeting the
criteria set forth above that guarantee payment of principal and interest on
specified eligible New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds purchased by
the Funds. A New Jersey Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond will be eligible for
coverage if it meets certain requirements of the insurance company set forth in
a Policy. In the event interest or principal of an insured New Jersey Municipal
Bond or Municipal Bond is not paid when due, the insurer will be obligated
under its Policy to make such payment not later than 30 days after it has been
notified by, and provided with documentation from, the Fund that such
nonpayment has occurred.
The Policies will be effective only as to insured New Jersey Municipal
Bonds and Municipal Bonds beneficially owned by a Fund. In the event of a sale
of any New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds held by a Fund, the
issuer of the relevant Policy will be liable only for those payments of
interest and principal that are then due and owing. The Policies will not
guarantee the market value of an insured New Jersey Municipal Bond or Municipal
Bond or the value of the shares of a Fund.
The insurer will not have the right to withdraw coverage on securities
insured by its Policies and held by a Fund so long as such securities remain in
the Fund's portfolio. In addition, the insurer may not cancel its Policies for
any reason except failure to pay premiums when due. The Board of Directors of
each Fund reserves the right to terminate any of the Policies if it determines
that the benefits to the Fund of having its portfolio insured under such Policy
are not justified by the expense involved.
The premiums for the Policies are paid by the Fund and the yield on its
portfolio is reduced thereby. FAM estimates that the cost of the annual
premiums for the Policies of each Fund currently range from approximately .02
of 1% to .15 of 1% of the principal amount of the New Jersey Municipal Bonds
and Municipal Bonds covered by such Policies. The estimate is based on the
expected composition of each Fund's portfolio of New Jersey Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds. Additional information regarding the Policies is set forth in
Exhibit V to this Proxy Statement and Prospectus. In instances in which a Fund
purchases New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds insured under policies
obtained by parties other than the Fund, the Insured Fund does not pay the
premiums for such policies; rather, the cost of such policies may be reflected
in the purchase price of the New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds.
It is the intention of FAM to retain any insured securities that are in
default or in significant risk of default and to place a value on the
insurance, which ordinarily will be the difference between the market value of
the defaulted security and the market value of similar securities which are not
in default. In certain circumstances, however, FAM may determine that an
alternate value for the insurance, such as the difference between the market
value of the defaulted security and its par value, is more appropriate. FAM's
ability to manage the portfolio of a Fund may be limited to the extent it holds
defaulted securities, which may limit its ability in certain circumstances to
purchase other New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds. See "Net Asset
Value" below for a more complete description of each Fund's method of valuing
defaulted securities and securities that have a significant risk of default.
There can be no assurance that insurance with the terms and issued by
insurance carriers meeting the criteria described above will continue to be
available to each Fund. In the event the Board of Directors of a Fund
determines that such insurance is unavailable or that the cost of such
insurance outweighs the benefits to the Fund, the Fund may modify the criteria
for insurance carriers or the terms of the insurance, or may discontinue its
policy of maintaining insurance for all or any of the New Jersey Municipal
Bonds and Municipal Bonds held in the Fund's portfolio. Although FAM
periodically reviews the financial condition of each insurer, there can be no
assurance that the insurers will be able to honor their obligations under all
circumstances.
The portfolio insurance reduces financial or credit risk (i.e., the
possibility that the owners of the insured New Jersey Municipal Bonds or
Municipal Bonds will not receive timely scheduled payments of principal or
interest). However, the insured New Jersey Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds
are subject to market risk (i.e., fluctuations in market value as a result of
changes in prevailing interest rates).
DESCRIPTION OF NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL BONDS AND MUNICIPAL BONDS
New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds include debt obligations
issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including construction of a
wide range of public facilities, refunding of outstanding obligations and
obtaining funds for general operating expenses and loans to other public
institutions and facilities. In addition, certain types of private activity
bonds ("PABs") are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to finance
various privately operated facilities, including, among other things, airports,
public ports, mass commuting facilities, multi family housing projects, as well
as facilities for water supply, gas, electricity, sewage or solid waste
disposal. For purposes of this Proxy Statement and Prospectus, such obligations
are Municipal Bonds if the interest paid thereon is exempt from Federal income
tax and are New Jersey Municipal Bonds if the interest thereon is exempt from
Federal income tax and exempt from New Jersey personal income tax, even though
such bonds may be industrial development bonds or PABs as discussed below.
Also, for purposes of this Proxy Statement and Prospectus, Non-Municipal
Tax-Exempt Securities as discussed above will be considered New Jersey
Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds.
The two principal classifications of New Jersey Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds are "general obligation" bonds and "revenue" bonds, which
latter category includes PABs and, for bonds issued on or before August 15,
1986, industrial development bonds or "IDBs." General obligation bonds (other
than those of the State of New Jersey which has limited taxing powers) are
typically secured by the issuer's pledge of faith, credit and taxing power for
the repayment of principal and the payment of interest. Revenue or special
obligation bonds are typically payable only from the revenues derived from a
particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds
of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source such as from the user
of the facility being financed. PABs are in most cases revenue bonds and do not
generally constitute the pledge of the credit or taxing power of the issuer of
such bonds. The repayment of principal and the payment of interest on such IDBs
depends solely on the ability of the user of the facility financed by the bonds
to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal
property so financed as security for such payment. New Jersey Municipal Bonds
and Municipal Bonds may also include "moral obligation" bonds, which are
normally issued by special purpose public authorities. If an issuer of moral
obligation bonds is unable to meet its obligations, the repayment of such bonds
becomes a moral commitment but not a legal obligation of the state or
municipality in question.
Each Fund may purchase New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds
classified as PABs. Interest received on certain PABs is treated as an item of
"tax preference" for purposes of the Federal alternative minimum tax and may
impact the overall tax liability of certain investors in the Fund. There is no
limitation on the percentage of each Fund's assets that may be invested in New
Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds the interest on which is treated as
an item of "tax preference" for purposes of the Federal alternative minimum
tax. See "Comparison of the Funds--Tax Rules Applicable to the Funds and Their
Stockholders."
Also included within the general category of New Jersey Municipal Bonds
and/or Municipal Bonds are certificates of participation ("COPs") executed and
delivered for the benefit of government authorities or entities to finance the
acquisition or construction of equipment, land and/or facilities. COPs
represent participations in a lease, an installment purchase contract or a
conditional sales contract (hereinafter collectively referred to as "lease
obligations") relating to such equipment, land or facilities. Although lease
obligations typically do not constitute general obligations of the issuer for
which the issuer's unlimited taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation
frequently is backed by the issuer's covenant to budget for, appropriate and
make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease
obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses, which provide that the issuer
has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future
years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. Although
"non-appropriation" lease obligations are secured by the lease property,
disposition of the property in the event of foreclosure might prove difficult.
Federal tax legislation has limited and may continue to limit the types
and volume of such bonds the interest on which is excludable from income for
Federal income tax purposes. Such legislation may affect the availability of
New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds for investment by the Fund.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL BONDS
Each Fund ordinarily will invest at least 80% of its total assets in New
Jersey Municipal Bonds and, therefore, is more susceptible to factors adversely
affecting issuers of New Jersey Municipal Bonds than is a municipal bond fund
that is not concentrated in issuers of New Jersey Municipal Bonds to this
degree. FAM does not believe that current economic conditions in New Jersey
will have a significant adverse effect on each Fund's ability to invest in
high-quality New Jersey Municipal Bonds. Currently, New Jersey's general
obligation bonds are rated AA+ by S&P, Aa1 by Moody's and AA+ by Fitch. See
Exhibit III, "Economic and Other Conditions in New Jersey" and Exhibit IV,
"Ratings of Municipal Bonds and Commercial Paper."
<PAGE>
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Funds have adopted certain other policies as set forth below:
BORROWINGS. Each Fund is authorized to borrow amounts of up to 5% of the
value of its total assets at the time of such borrowings; provided, however,
that each Fund is authorized to borrow moneys in amounts of up to 331/3% of the
value of its total assets at the time of such borrowings to finance the
repurchase of its own common stock pursuant to tender offers or otherwise to
redeem or repurchase shares of preferred stock or for temporary, extraordinary
or emergency purposes. Borrowings by each Fund (commonly known, as with the
issuance of preferred stock, as "leveraging") create an opportunity for greater
total return since the Fund will not be required to sell portfolio securities
to repurchase or redeem shares but, at the same time, increase exposure to
capital risk. In addition, borrowed funds are subject to interest costs that
may offset or exceed the return earned on the borrowed funds.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS. Each Fund may
purchase or sell New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds on a delayed
delivery basis or on a when-issued basis at fixed purchase or sale terms. These
transactions arise when securities are purchased or sold by a Fund with payment
and delivery taking place in the future. The purchase will be recorded on the
date that the Fund enters into the commitment, and the value of the obligation
thereafter will be reflected in the calculation of the Fund's net asset value.
The value of the obligation on the delivery day may be more or less than its
purchase price. A separate account of the Fund will be established with its
custodian consisting of cash, cash equivalents or liquid securities having a
market value at all times at least equal to the amount of the commitment.
INDEXED AND INVERSE FLOATING OBLIGATIONS. Each Fund may invest in New
Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds yielding a return based on a
particular index of value or interest rates. For example, each Fund may invest
in New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds that pay interest based on an
index of Municipal Bond interest rates. The principal amount payable upon
maturity of certain New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds also may be
based on the value of an index. To the extent a Fund invests in these types of
Municipal Bonds, the Fund's return on such New Jersey Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds will be subject to risk with respect to the value of the
particular index. Also, a Fund may invest in so-called "inverse floating
obligations" or "residual interest bonds" on which the interest rates typically
vary inversely with a short-term floating rate (which may be reset periodically
by a dutch auction, a remarketing agent, or by reference to a short-term
tax-exempt interest rate index). Each Fund may purchase synthetically-created
inverse floating obligations evidenced by custodial or trust receipts.
Generally, income on inverse floating obligations will decrease when short-term
rates increase, and will increase when short-term rates decrease. Such
securities have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage, since
they may increase or decrease in value in response to changes, as an
illustration, in market interest rates at a rate that is a multiple (typically
two) of the rate at which fixed-rate, long-term, tax-exempt securities increase
or decrease in response to such changes. As a result, the market values of such
securities generally will be more volatile than the market values of fixed-rate
tax-exempt securities. To seek to limit the volatility of these securities, a
Fund may purchase inverse floating obligations with shorter-term maturities or
limitations on the extent to which the interest rate may vary. FAM believes
that indexed and inverse floating obligations represent a flexible portfolio
management instrument for the Funds that allows FAM to vary the degree of
investment leverage relatively efficiently under different market conditions.
CALL RIGHTS. Each of the Funds may purchase a New Jersey Municipal Bond or
Municipal Bond issuer's rights to call all or a portion of such New Jersey
Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond for mandatory tender for purchase (a "Call
Right"). A holder of a Call Right may exercise such right to require a
mandatory tender for the purchase of related New Jersey Municipal Bonds or
Municipal Bonds, subject to certain conditions. A Call Right that is not
exercised prior to the maturity of the related New Jersey Municipal Bond or
Municipal Bond will expire without value. The economic effect of holding both
the Call Right and the related New Jersey Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond is
identical to holding a New Jersey Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond as a
non-callable security.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Funds may invest in securities pursuant to
repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements may be entered into only with a
member bank of the Federal Reserve System or a primary dealer in U.S.
Government securities or an affiliate thereof. Under such agreements, the
seller agrees, upon entering into the contract, to repurchase the security at a
mutually agreed-upon time and price, thereby determining the yield during the
term of the agreement. The Funds may not invest in repurchase agreements
maturing in more than seven days if such investments, together with all other
illiquid investments, would exceed 15% of the Fund's net assets. In the event
of default by the seller under a repurchase agreement, the Funds may suffer
time delays and incur costs or possible losses in connection with the
disposition of the underlying securities.
In general, for Federal and New Jersey income tax purposes, repurchase
agreements are treated as collateralized loans secured by the securities
"sold." Therefore, amounts earned under such agreements will not be considered
tax-exempt interest.
INFORMATION REGARDING OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
Each Fund may hedge all or a portion of its portfolio investments against
fluctuations in interest rates through the use of options and certain financial
futures contracts and options thereon. While each Fund's use of hedging
strategies is intended to reduce the volatility of the net asset value of the
common stock, the net asset value of the common stock will fluctuate. There can
be no assurance that a Fund's hedging transactions will be effective. In
addition, because of the leveraged nature of the Common Stock, hedging
transactions will result in a larger impact on the net asset value of the
Common Stock than would be the case if the Common Stock were not leveraged.
Furthermore, a Fund may only engage in hedging activities from time to time and
may not necessarily be engaging in hedging activities when movements in
interest rates occur. No Fund has an obligation to enter into hedging
transactions and each may choose not to do so.
Certain Federal income tax requirements may limit a Fund's ability to
engage in hedging transactions. Gains from transactions in options and futures
contracts distributed to stockholders will be taxable as ordinary income or, in
certain circumstances, as long-term capital gains to stockholders. In addition,
in order to obtain ratings of the AMPS from one or more NRSROs, a Fund may be
required to limit its use of hedging techniques in accordance with the
specified guidelines of such rating organizations. See "Rating Agency
Guidelines" below.
The following is a description of the options and futures transactions in
which each Fund may engage, limitations on the Fund's use of such transactions
and risks associated with these transactions. The investment policies with
respect to the hedging transactions of a Fund are not fundamental policies and
may be modified by the Board of Directors of the Fund without the approval of
the Fund's stockholders.
WRITING COVERED CALL OPTIONS. Each Fund is authorized to write (i.e.,
sell) covered call options with respect to New Jersey Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds it owns, thereby giving the holder of the option the right to
buy the underlying security covered by the option from the Fund at the stated
exercise price until the option expires. Each Fund writes only covered call
options, which means that so long as the Fund is obligated as the writer of a
call option, it will own the underlying securities subject to the option. The
Fund may not write covered call options on underlying securities in an amount
exceeding 15% of the market value of its total assets.
Each Fund receives a premium from writing a call option, which increases
the Fund's return on the underlying security in the event the option expires
unexercised or is closed out at a profit. By writing a call, a Fund limits its
opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying
security above the exercise price of the option for as long as the Fund's
obligation as a writer continues. Covered call options serve as a partial hedge
against a decline in the price of the underlying security. Each Fund may engage
in closing transactions in order to terminate outstanding options that it has
written.
PURCHASE OF OPTIONS. Each Fund may purchase put options in connection with
its hedging activities. By buying a put, the Fund has a right to sell the
underlying security at the exercise price, thus limiting its risk of loss
through a decline in the market value of the security until the put expires.
The amount of any appreciation in the value of the underlying security will be
partially offset by the amount of the premium paid for the put option and any
related transaction costs. Prior to its expiration, a put option may be sold in
a closing sale transaction; profit or loss from the sale will depend on whether
the amount received is more or less than the premium paid for the put option
plus the related transaction costs. A closing sale transaction cancels out the
Fund's position as the purchaser of an option by means of an offsetting sale of
an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has purchased. In
certain circumstances, the Fund may purchase call options on securities held in
its portfolio on which it has written call options, or on securities which it
intends to purchase. A Fund will not purchase options on securities if, as a
result of such purchase, the aggregate cost of all outstanding options on
securities held by the Fund would exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund's
total assets.
FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS. Each Fund is authorized to
purchase and sell certain financial futures contracts and options thereon
solely for the purposes of hedging its investments in New Jersey Municipal
Bonds and Municipal Bonds against declines in value and hedging against
increases in the cost of securities it intends to purchase. A financial futures
contract obligates the seller of a contract to deliver and the purchaser of a
contract to take delivery of the type of financial instrument covered by the
contract or, in the case of index-based financial futures contracts, to make
and accept a cash settlement, at a specific future time for a specified price.
A sale of financial futures contracts may provide a hedge against a decline in
the value of portfolio securities because such depreciation may be offset, in
whole or in part, by an increase in the value of the position in the financial
futures contracts or options. A purchase of financial futures contracts may
provide a hedge against an increase in the cost of securities intended to be
purchased, because such appreciation may be offset, in whole or in part, by an
increase in the value of the position in the financial futures contracts.
The purchase or sale of a financial futures contract differs from the
purchase or sale of a security in that no price or premium is paid or received.
Instead, an amount of cash or securities acceptable to the broker equal to
approximately 5% of the contract amount must be deposited with the broker. This
amount is known as initial margin. Subsequent payments to and from the broker,
called variation margin, are made on a daily basis as the price of the
financial futures contract fluctuates making the long and short positions in
the financial futures contract more or less valuable.
Each Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts based on The
Bond Buyer Municipal Bond Index, a price-weighted measure of the market value
of 40 large tax-exempt issues, and purchase and sell put and call options on
such financial futures contracts for the purpose of hedging New Jersey
Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds that the Fund holds or anticipates
purchasing against adverse changes in interest rates. Each Fund also may
purchase and sell financial futures contracts on U.S. Government securities and
purchase and sell put and call options on such financial futures contracts for
such hedging purposes. With respect to U.S. Government securities, currently
there are financial futures contracts based on long-term U.S. Treasury bonds,
U.S. Treasury notes, GNMA Certificates and three-month U.S. Treasury bills.
Subject to policies adopted by its Board of Directors, each Fund also may
engage in transactions in other financial futures contracts, such as financial
futures contracts on other municipal bond indices that may become available, if
FAM should determine that there is normally sufficient correlation between the
prices of such financial futures contracts and the New Jersey Municipal Bonds
and Municipal Bonds in which the Fund invests to make such hedging appropriate.
OVER-THE-COUNTER OPTIONS. Each Fund may engage in options and futures
transactions on exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets ("OTC options").
In general, exchange-traded contracts are third-party contracts (i.e.,
performance of the parties' obligations is guaranteed by an exchange or
clearing corporation) with standardized strike prices and expiration dates. OTC
option transactions are two-party contracts with price and terms negotiated by
the buyer and seller.
RESTRICTIONS ON OTC OPTIONS. Each Fund will engage in transactions in OTC
options only with banks or dealers that have capital of at least $50 million or
whose obligations are guaranteed by an entity having capital of at least $50
million. Certain OTC options and assets used to cover OTC options written by
the Funds are considered to be illiquid. The illiquidity of such options or
assets may prevent a successful sale of such options or assets, result in a
delay of sale, or reduce the amount of proceeds that otherwise might be
realized.
RISK FACTORS IN FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS THEREON. Use of
futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in
the price of financial futures contracts and movements in the price of the
security that is the subject of the hedge. If the price of the financial
futures contract moves more or less than the price of the security that is the
subject of the hedge, a Fund will experience a gain or loss that will not be
completely offset by movements in the price of such security. There is a risk
of imperfect correlation where the securities underlying financial futures
contracts have different maturities, ratings, geographic compositions or other
characteristics different from those of the security being hedged. In addition,
the correlation may be affected by additions to or deletions from the index
that serves as a basis for a financial futures contract. Finally, in the case
of financial futures contracts on U.S. Government securities and options on
such financial futures contracts, the anticipated correlation of price
movements between the U.S. Government securities underlying the futures or
options and New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds may be adversely
affected by economic, political, legislative or other developments which have a
disparate impact on the respective markets for such securities.
Under regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the futures
trading activities described herein will not result in a Fund being deemed a
"commodity pool," as defined under such regulations, provided that the Fund
adheres to certain restrictions. In particular, the Fund may purchase and sell
financial futures contracts and options thereon (i) for bona fide hedging
purposes, without regard to the percentage of the Fund's assets committed to
margin and option premiums, and (ii) for non-hedging purposes, if, immediately
thereafter the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits on the Fund's
existing futures positions and option premiums entered into for non-hedging
purposes do not exceed 5% of the market value of the liquidation value of the
Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized
losses on any such transactions. Margin deposits may consist of cash or
securities acceptable to the broker and the relevant contract market.
When a Fund purchases a financial futures contract, or writes a put option
or purchases a call option thereon, it will maintain an amount of cash, cash
equivalents (e.g., commercial paper and daily tender adjustable notes) or
liquid securities in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian, so that
the amount so segregated plus the amount of initial and variation margin held
in the account of its broker equals the market value of the financial futures
contract, thereby ensuring that the use of such financial futures contract is
unleveraged.
Although certain risks are involved in options and futures transactions,
FAM believes that, because each Fund will engage in options and futures
transactions only for hedging purposes, the options and futures portfolio
strategies of a Fund will not subject the Fund to the risks associated with
speculation in options and futures transactions.
The volume of trading in the exchange markets with respect to New Jersey
Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bond options may be limited, and it is impossible
to predict the amount of trading interest that may exist in such options. In
addition, there can be no assurance that viable exchange markets will continue
to be available.
Each Fund intends to enter into options and futures transactions, on an
exchange or in the over-the-counter market, only if there appears to be a
liquid secondary market for such options or futures. There can be no assurance,
however, that a liquid secondary market will exist at any specific time. Thus,
it may not be possible to close an option or futures transaction. The inability
to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on a
Fund's ability to hedge effectively its portfolio. There is also the risk of
loss by a Fund of margin deposits or collateral in the event of bankruptcy of a
broker with which the Fund has an open position in an option or financial
futures contract.
The liquidity of a secondary market in a financial futures contract may be
adversely affected by "daily price fluctuation limits" established by commodity
exchanges that limit the amount of fluctuation in a financial futures contract
price during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in the
contract, no trades may be entered into at a price beyond the limit, thus
preventing the liquidation of open futures positions. Prices have in the past
reached or exceeded the daily limit on a number of consecutive trading days.
If it is not possible to close a financial futures position entered into
by a Fund, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments
of variation margin in the event of adverse price movements. In such a
situation, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio
securities to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be
disadvantageous to do so.
The successful use of these transactions also depends on the ability of
FAM to forecast correctly the direction and extent of interest rate movements
within a given time frame. To the extent these rates remain stable during the
period in which a financial futures contract is held by a Fund or move in a
direction opposite to that anticipated, the Fund may realize a loss on the
hedging transaction that is not fully or partially offset by an increase in the
value of portfolio securities. As a result, the Fund's total return for such
period may be less than if it had not engaged in the hedging transaction.
Furthermore, the Fund will only engage in hedging transactions from time to
time and may not necessarily be engaging in hedging transactions when movements
in interest rates occur.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Funds have identical investment restrictions. The following are
fundamental investment restrictions of each Fund and may not be changed without
the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock and the outstanding shares of AMPS and any other preferred stock, voting
together as a single class, and a majority of the outstanding shares of AMPS
and any other preferred stock, voting separately as a class. (For this purpose
and under the Investment Company Act, "majority" means for each such class the
lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of each class of capital stock represented at a
meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares of each class of
capital stock are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares
of each class of capital stock.) No Fund may:
1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management.
2. Purchase or sell real estate, commodities or commodity contracts;
provided, that the Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or
interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or
interests therein, and the Fund may purchase and sell financial futures
contracts and options thereon.
3. Issue senior securities or borrow money except as permitted by Section
18 of the Investment Company Act.
4. Underwrite securities of other issuers except insofar as the
Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Securities Act") in selling portfolio securities.
5. Make loans to other persons, except that the Fund may purchase
New Jersey Municipal Bonds, Municipal Bonds and other debt securities and enter
into repurchase agreements in accordance with its investment objective,
policies and limitations.
6. Invest more than 25% of its total assets (taken at market value
at the time of each investment) in securities of issuers in a single industry;
provided, that for purposes of this restriction, states, municipalities and
their political subdivisions are not considered to be part of any industry.
Additional investment restrictions adopted by each Fund, which may be
changed by the Board of Directors without stockholder approval, provide that no
Fund may:
a. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to
the extent that such purchases are permitted by applicable law. Applicable law
currently prohibits the Fund from purchasing the securities of other investment
companies except if immediately thereafter not more than (i) 3% of the total
outstanding voting stock of such company is owned by the Fund, (ii) 5% of the
Fund's total assets, taken at market value, would be invested in any one such
company, (iii) 10% of the Fund's total assets, taken at market value, would be
invested in such securities, and (iv) the Fund, together with other investment
companies having the same investment adviser and companies controlled by such
companies, owns not more than 10% of the total outstanding stock of any one
closed-end investment company.
b. Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or in any manner transfer, as
security for indebtedness, any securities owned or held by the Fund except as
may be necessary in connection with borrowings mentioned in investment
restriction (3) above or except as may be necessary in connection with
transactions in financial futures contracts and options thereon.
c. Purchase any securities on margin, except that the Fund may
obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of
purchases and sales of portfolio securities (the deposit or payment by the Fund
of initial or variation margin in connection with financial futures contracts
and options thereon is not considered the purchase of a security on margin).
d. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position or
invest in put, call, straddle or spread options, except that the Fund may
write, purchase and sell options and futures on New Jersey Municipal Bonds,
Municipal Bonds, U.S. Government obligations and related indices or otherwise
in connection with bona fide hedging activities and may purchase and sell Call
Rights to require mandatory tender for the purchase of related New Jersey
Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds.
If a percentage restriction on the investment or use of assets set forth
above is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in
percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation.
For so long as shares of AMPS are rated by Moody's, no Fund will change
these additional investment restrictions unless it receives written
confirmation from Moody's that engaging in such transactions would not impair
the rating then assigned to the shares of AMPS by Moody's.
FAM and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill
Lynch") are owned and controlled by Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co.").
Because of the affiliation of Merrill Lynch with FAM, each Fund is prohibited
from engaging in certain transactions involving Merrill Lynch except pursuant
to an exemptive order or otherwise in compliance with the provisions of the
Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. Included among
such restricted transactions will be purchases from or sales to Merrill Lynch
of securities in transactions in which it acts as principal. An exemptive order
has been obtained that permits the Funds to effect principal transactions with
Merrill Lynch in high quality, short-term, tax-exempt securities subject to
conditions set forth in such order. The Funds may consider in the future
requesting an order permitting other principal transactions with Merrill Lynch,
but there can be no assurance that such application will be made and, if made,
that such order would be granted.
RATING AGENCY GUIDELINES
Each Fund intends that, so long as shares of its AMPS are outstanding, the
composition of its portfolio will reflect guidelines established by Moody's and
S&P in connection with the Fund's receipt of a rating for such shares on or
prior to their date of original issue of at least "aaa" from Moody's and AAA
from S&P. Moody's and S&P, which are nationally recognized statistical rating
organizations, issue ratings for various securities reflecting the perceived
creditworthiness of such securities. The guidelines for rating AMPS have been
developed by Moody's and S&P in connection with issuances of asset-backed and
similar securities, including debt obligations and variable rate preferred
stock, generally on a case-by-case basis through discussions with the issuers
of these securities. The guidelines are designed to ensure that assets
underlying outstanding debt or preferred stock will be varied sufficiently and
will be of sufficient quality and amount to justify investment-grade ratings.
The guidelines do not have the force of law but have been adopted by each Fund
in order to satisfy current requirements necessary for Moody's and S&P to issue
the above-described ratings for shares of AMPS, which ratings generally are
relied upon by institutional investors in purchasing such securities. The
guidelines provide a set of tests for portfolio composition and asset coverage
that supplement (and in some cases are more restrictive than) the applicable
requirements under the Investment Company Act.
Each Fund may, but is not required to, adopt any modifications to these
guidelines that hereafter may be established by Moody's or S&P. Failure to
adopt any such modifications, however, may result in a change in the ratings
described above or a withdrawal of the ratings altogether. In addition, any
rating agency providing a rating for the shares of AMPS, at any time, may
change or withdraw any such rating. As set forth in the Articles Supplementary
of each Fund, the Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, may modify
certain definitions or restrictions that have been adopted by the Fund pursuant
to the rating agency guidelines, provided the Board of Directors has obtained
written confirmation from Moody's and S&P that any such change would not impair
the ratings then assigned by Moody's and S&P to the AMPS. See "The
Reorganization--Risk Factors and Special Considerations--Ratings
Considerations."
For so long as any shares of a Fund's AMPS are rated by Moody's or S&P, as
the case may be, a Fund's use of options and financial futures contracts and
options thereon will be subject to certain limitations mandated by the rating
agencies.
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
There are small differences in concentration among the categories of
issuers of the New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds held in the
portfolios of the Funds. For New Jersey Insured, as of August 31, 1999, the
highest concentration of New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds was in
Education, Transportation and Hospitals/Healthcare, accounting for 18%, 13%,
and 12% of the Fund's portfolio, respectively; for New Jersey Insured II, the
highest concentration was in Hospitals/Healthcare, Water and Sewer Utilities,
and Education, accounting for 16%, 13% and 16% of the Fund's portfolio,
respectively; and for New Jersey Insured III, the highest concentration was in
Education, Housing and Hospitals/Healthcare, accounting for 15%, 14% and
14% of the Fund's portfolio, respectively.
Although the investment portfolios of all three Funds must satisfy the
same standards of credit quality, the actual securities owned by each Fund are
different, as a result of which there are certain differences in the
composition of the three investment portfolios. The tables below set forth
ratings information for the New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds held
by each Fund, as of a certain date.
NEW JERSEY INSURED
As of August 31, 1999, approximately 96% of the market value of New
Jersey Insured's portfolio was invested in long-term municipal obligations and
approximately 1% of the market value of New Jersey Insured's portfolio was
invested in short-term municipal obligations. The following table sets forth
certain information with respect to the composition of New Jersey Insured's
long-term municipal obligation investment portfolio as of August 31, 1999.
NUMBER OF VALUE
S&P* MOODY'S* ISSUES (IN THOUSANDS) PERCENT
- ------ -------- ------ -------------- --------
AAA Aaa 44 $ 137,895 85.0%
A A 3 9,189 5.7
BBB Baa 5 15,019 9.3
---- ------- -----
52 $ 162,103 100.0%
==== ======= =====
- ----------------
* Ratings: Using the higher of S&P's or Moody's rating on the Fund's
municipal obligations, S&P's rating categories may be modified further by
a plus (+) or minus (-) in AA, A and BBB ratings. Moody's rating
categories may be modified further by a 1, 2 or 3 in Aa, A and Baa
ratings. See Exhibit IV --"Ratings of Municipal Bonds and Commercial
Paper."
NEW JERSEY INSURED II
As of August 31, 1999, approximately 98% of the market value of New Jersey
Insured II's portfolio was invested in long-term municipal obligations and
approximately 1% of the market value of New Jersey Insured II's portfolio was
invested in short-term municipal obligations. The following table sets forth
certain information with respect to the composition of New Jersey Insured II's
long-term municipal obligation investment portfolio as of August 31, 1999.
NUMBER OF VALUE
S&P* MOODY'S* ISSUES (IN THOUSANDS) PERCENT
---- -------- --------- -------------- -------
AAA Aaa 44 $131,223 96.1%
BBB Baa 1 5,368 3.9
---- -------- -----
45 $136,591 100.0%
==== ======== ======
* Ratings: Using the higher of S&P's or Moody's rating on the Fund's
municipal obligations, S&P's rating categories may be modified further by a
plus (+) or minus (-) in AA, A and BBB ratings. Moody's rating categories
may be modified further by a 1, 2 or 3 in Aa, A and Baa ratings. See
Exhibit IV --"Ratings of Municipal Bonds and Commercial Paper."
NEW JERSEY INSURED III
As of August 31, 1999, approximately 95% of the market value of New Jersey
Insured III's portfolio was invested in long-term municipal obligations and
approximately 1% of the market value of New Jersey Insured III's portfolio was
invested in short-term municipal obligations. The following table sets forth
certain information with respect to the composition of New Jersey Insured III's
long-term municipal obligation investment portfolio as of August 31, 1999.
NUMBER OF VALUE
S&P* MOODY'S* ISSUES (IN THOUSANDS) PERCENT
---- -------- --------- -------------- -------
AAA Aaa 39 $105,990 95.7%
AA Aa 1 4,791 4.3
----- -------- ------
40 $110,781 100.0%
===== ======== ======
* Ratings: Using the higher of S&P's or Moody's rating on the Fund's
municipal obligations, S&P's rating categories may be modified further by
a plus (+) or minus (-) in AA, A and BBB ratings. Moody's rating
categories may be modified further by a 1, 2 or 3 in Aa, A and Baa
ratings. See Exhibit IV --"Ratings of Municipal Bonds and Commercial
Paper."
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
The procedures for engaging in portfolio transactions are the same for
each of the Funds. Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors of
each Fund, FAM is primarily responsible for the execution of each Fund's
portfolio transactions. In executing such transactions, FAM seeks to obtain the
best results for each Fund, taking into account such factors as price
(including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of
order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved
and the firm's risk in positioning a block of securities. While FAM generally
seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, the Funds do not necessarily pay
the lowest commission or spread available.
None of the Funds has any obligation to deal with any broker or dealer in
the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. Subject to obtaining the
best price and execution, securities firms that provide supplemental investment
research to FAM, including Merrill Lynch, may receive orders for transactions
by a Fund. Information so received will be in addition to, and not in lieu of,
the services required to be performed by FAM under its investment advisory
agreements with the Funds, and the expenses of FAM will not necessarily be
reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information.
Each Fund invests in securities that are primarily traded in the
over-the-counter markets, and each Fund normally deals directly with the
dealers who make markets in the securities involved, except in those
circumstances where better prices and execution are available elsewhere. Under
the Investment Company Act, except as permitted by exemptive order, persons
affiliated with a Fund are prohibited from dealing with the Fund as principals
in the purchase and sale of securities. Since transactions in the
over-the-counter markets usually involve transactions with dealers acting as
principals for their own account, the Funds do not deal with affiliated
persons, including Merrill Lynch and its affiliates, in connection with such
transactions, except that, pursuant to an exemptive order obtained by FAM, a
Fund may engage in principal transactions with Merrill Lynch in high quality,
short-term, tax-exempt securities. An affiliated person of a Fund may serve as
its broker in over-the-counter transactions conducted on an agency basis.
The Funds also may purchase tax-exempt debt instruments in individually
negotiated transactions with the issuers. Because an active trading market may
not exist for such securities, the prices that the Funds may pay for these
securities or receive on their resale may be lower than that for similar
securities with a more liquid market.
The Board of Directors of each Fund has considered the possibility of
recapturing for the benefit of the Funds brokerage commissions, dealer spreads
and other expenses of possible portfolio transactions, such as underwriting
commissions, by conducting portfolio transactions through affiliated entities,
including Merrill Lynch. For example, brokerage commissions received by Merrill
Lynch could be offset against the investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to
FAM. After considering all factors deemed relevant, the Directors of each Fund
made a determination not to seek such recapture. The Directors will reconsider
this matter from time to time.
Periodic auctions are conducted for the AMPS of each of the Funds by the
Auction Agent for the Funds. The auctions require the participation of one or
more broker-dealers, each of whom enters into an agreement with the Auction
Agent. After each auction, the Auction Agent pays a service charge, from funds
provided by the issuing Fund, to each broker-dealer at the annual rate of .25%,
calculated on the basis of the purchase price of shares of the relevant AMPS
placed by such broker-dealer at such auction.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Generally, no Fund purchases securities for short-term trading profits.
However, any of the Funds may dispose of securities without regard to the time
that they have been held when such action, for defensive or other reasons,
appears advisable to FAM. (The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by
dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the
particular fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio
securities owned by a Fund during the particular fiscal year. For purposes of
determining this rate, all securities whose maturities at the time of
acquisition are one year or less are excluded.) A high portfolio turnover rate
results in greater transaction costs, which are borne directly by the Fund, and
also has certain tax consequences for stockholders. The portfolio turnover rate
for each of the Funds for the periods indicated is set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
New Jersey Insured Period March 11, Year
1998+ Ended July 31, 1999
to July 31, 1998
-------------------- --------------------------
32.46% 64.93%
New Jersey Insured II Period September
25, 1998+
to May 31, 1999
--------------------
92.47%
New Jersey Insured III Period January 29,
1999+ to September
30, 1999
--------------------
___%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
+ Commencement of operations
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of Common Stock of each Fund is determined
after the close of business on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on
the last business day in each week. For purposes of determining the net asset
value of a share of Common Stock of each Fund, the value of the securities held
by the Fund plus any cash or other assets (including interest accrued but not
yet received) minus all liabilities (including accrued expenses) and the
aggregate liquidation value of the outstanding shares of AMPS is divided by the
total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at such time. Expenses,
including the fees payable to FAM, are accrued daily.
The New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds in which each Fund
invests are traded primarily in the over-the-counter markets. In determining
net asset value, each Fund uses the valuations of portfolio securities
furnished by a pricing service approved by its Board of Directors. The pricing
service typically values portfolio securities at the bid price or the yield
equivalent when quotations are readily available. New Jersey Municipal Bonds
and Municipal Bonds for which quotations are not readily available are valued
at fair market value on a consistent basis as determined by the pricing service
using a matrix system to determine valuations. The procedures of the pricing
service and its valuations are reviewed by the officers of each Fund under the
general supervision of the Board of Directors of the Fund. The Board of
Directors of each Fund has determined in good faith that the use of a pricing
service is a fair method of determining the valuation of portfolio securities.
Positions in futures contracts are valued at closing prices for such contracts
established by the exchange on which they are traded, or if market quotations
are not readily available, are valued at fair value on a consistent basis using
methods determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of each Fund.
Each Fund determines and makes available for publication the net asset
value of its Common Stock weekly. Currently, the net asset values of shares of
publicly traded closed-end investment companies investing in debt securities
are published in BARRON'S, the Monday edition of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, and
the Monday and Saturday editions of THE NEW YORK TIMES.
CAPITAL STOCK
Each of the Funds has outstanding both Common Stock and AMPS. The Common
Stock of each of the Funds is traded on the NYSE. The shares of New Jersey
Insured Common Stock commenced trading on the NYSE on March 12, 1998. As of
August 31, 1999, the net asset value per share of New Jersey Insured Common
Stock was $14.30 and the market price per share was $13.125. The shares of New
Jersey Insured II Common Stock commenced trading on the NYSE on September 28,
1998. As of August 31, 1999, the net asset value per share of New Jersey
Insured II Common Stock was $12.87 and the market price per share was $12.125.
The shares of New Jersey Insured III Common Stock commenced trading on the NYSE
on February 8, 1999. As of August 31, 1999, the net asset value per share of
New Jersey Insured III Common Stock was $13.19 and the market price per share
was $12.50.
Each Fund is authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of capital stock, all
of which shares initially were classified as Common Stock. The Board of
Directors of each Fund is authorized to classify or reclassify any unissued
shares of capital stock by setting or changing the preferences, conversion or
other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends,
qualifications, or terms or conditions of redemption. In connection with each
respective Fund's offering of shares of AMPS, New Jersey Insured reclassified
2,720 shares of unissued capital stock as AMPS, New Jersey Insured II
reclassified 2,400 shares of unissued capital stock as AMPS and New Jersey
Insured III reclassified 1,880 shares of unissued capital stock as AMPS.
COMMON STOCK
Holders of each Fund's Common Stock are entitled to share equally in
dividends declared by the Fund's Board of Directors payable to holders of the
Common Stock and in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to
holders of the Common Stock after payment of the preferential amounts payable
to holders of any outstanding preferred stock. See "Voting Rights" and
"Liquidation Rights of Holders of AMPS" below. Holders of a Fund's Common Stock
do not have preemptive or conversion rights and shares of a Fund's Common Stock
are not redeemable. The outstanding shares of Common Stock of each Fund are
fully paid and nonassessable.
So long as any shares of a Fund's AMPS or any other preferred stock are
outstanding, holders of the Fund's Common Stock will not be entitled to receive
any dividends of or other distributions from the Fund unless all accumulated
dividends on outstanding shares of the Fund's AMPS and any other preferred
stock have been paid, and unless asset coverage (as defined in the Investment
Company Act) with respect to such AMPS and any other preferred stock would be
at least 200% after giving effect to such distributions.
PREFERRED STOCK
The AMPS of each of the Funds have a similar structure. The AMPS of each
Fund are shares of preferred stock of the Fund that entitle their holders to
receive dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of
funds legally available therefor, at a rate per annum that may vary for the
successive dividend periods. The AMPS of all of the Funds have liquidation
preferences of $25,000 per share; none of the Fund's AMPS are traded on any
stock exchange or over-the-counter. Each Fund's AMPS can be purchased at an
auction or through broker-dealers who maintain a secondary market in the AMPS.
Auctions generally have been held and will be held every seven days
for the AMPS of each of the Funds, unless the applicable Fund elects, subject
to certain limitations, to declare a special dividend period. The following
table provides information about the dividend rates for each series of AMPS of
each of the Funds as of a recent auction.
Dividend
Auction Date Fund Series Rate
----------------- ---------------------- ------- --------
September 3, 1999 New Jersey Insured A 3.40%
September 2, 1999 New Jersey Insured B 2.90
September 7, 1999 New Jersey Insured II A 3.40
September 3, 1999 New Jersey Insured II B 3.29
September 1, 1999 New Jersey Insured III A 3.15
Under the Investment Company Act, each Fund is permitted to have
outstanding more than one series of preferred stock as long as no single series
has priority over another series as to the distribution of assets of the Fund
or the payment of dividends. Holders of a Fund's preferred stock do not have
preemptive rights to purchase any shares of AMPS or any other preferred stock
that might be issued. The net asset value per share of a Fund's AMPS equals its
liquidation preference plus accumulated dividends per share.
The redemption provisions pertaining to the AMPS of each Fund are
substantially similar. It is anticipated that shares of AMPS of each Fund will
generally be redeemable at the option of the Fund at a price equal to their
liquidation preference of $25,000 plus accumulated but unpaid dividends
(whether or not earned or declared) to the date of redemption plus, under
certain circumstances, a redemption premium. Shares of AMPS will also be
subject to mandatory redemption at a price equal to their liquidation
preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends to the date of redemption upon
the occurrence of certain specified events, such as the failure of the Fund to
maintain the asset coverage for the AMPS specified by Moody's and S&P in
connection with their issuance of ratings on the AMPS.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER
Each Fund's Charter includes provisions that could have the effect of
limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the
Fund or to change the composition of its Board of Directors and could have the
effect of depriving stockholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a
premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from
seeking to obtain control of the Fund. A Director may be removed from office
with or without cause by vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the votes
entitled to be voted on the matter. A Director elected by all of the holders of
capital stock may be removed only by action of such holders, and a Director
elected by the holders of AMPS and any other preferred stock may be removed
only by action of the holders of AMPS and any other preferred stock.
In addition, the Charter of each Fund requires the favorable vote of the
holders of at least 66 2/3% of all of the Fund's shares of capital stock, then
entitled to be voted, voting as a single class, to approve, adopt or authorize
the following:
o a merger or consolidation or statutory share exchange of the Fund
with any other corporation or entity,
o a sale of all or substantially all of the Fund's assets (other than
in the regular course of the Fund's investment activities), or
o a liquidation or dissolution of the Fund,
unless such action has been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative
vote of at least two-thirds of the total number of Directors fixed in
accordance with the by-laws, in which case the affirmative vote of a majority
of all of the votes entitled to be cast by stockholders of the Fund, voting as
a single class, is required. Such approval, adoption or authorization of the
foregoing also would require the favorable vote of at least a majority of the
Fund's shares of preferred stock then entitled to be voted thereon, including
the AMPS, voting as a separate class.
In addition, conversion of a Fund to an open-end investment company would
require an amendment to the Fund's Charter. The amendment would have to be
declared advisable by the Board of Directors prior to its submission to
stockholders. Such an amendment would require the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 66 2/3% of the Fund's outstanding shares of capital stock
(including the AMPS and any other preferred stock) entitled to be voted on the
matter, voting as a single class (or a majority of such shares if the amendment
was previously approved, adopted or authorized by at least two-thirds of the
total number of Directors fixed in accordance with the by-laws), and the
affirmative vote of at least a majority of outstanding shares of preferred
stock of a Fund (including the AMPS), voting as a separate class. Such a vote
also would satisfy a separate requirement in the Investment Company Act that
the change be approved by the stockholders. Stockholders of an open-end
investment company may require the company to redeem their shares of common
stock at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under
the Investment Company Act) at their net asset value, less such redemption
charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of a redemption. All
redemptions will be made in cash. If the Fund is converted to an open-end
investment company, it could be required to liquidate portfolio securities to
meet requests for redemption and the Common Stock no longer would be listed on
a stock exchange. Conversion to an open-end investment company would also
require redemption of all outstanding shares of preferred stock (including the
AMPS) and would require changes in certain of the Fund's investment policies
and restrictions, such as those relating to the issuance of senior securities,
the borrowing of money and the purchase of illiquid securities.
The Board of Directors of each Fund has determined that the 66 2/3% voting
requirements described above, which are greater than the minimum requirements
under Maryland law or the Investment Company Act, are in the best interests of
stockholders generally. Reference should be made to the Charter of each Fund on
file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. The Board of Directors of each of the Funds
currently consists of the same seven persons, five of whom are not "interested
persons," as defined in the Investment Company Act, of any of those Funds.
Terry K. Glenn serves as a Director and President of each of the Funds, and
Arthur Zeikel serves as a Director of each of the Funds. The Directors of each
Fund are responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of the Fund
and perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies
by the Investment Company Act and under applicable Maryland law. The Funds have
the same slate of officers with a few exceptions. For further information
regarding the Directors and officers of each Fund, see "Proposal (2): Election
of Directors" and Exhibit I -- "Information Pertaining to Each Fund."
Robert A. DiMella and Robert D. Sneeden serve as the portfolio managers
for New Jersey Insured. Robert A. DiMella and Roberto W. Roffo serve as the
portfolio managers for New Jersey Insured II and New Jersey Insured III.
Messrs. DiMella and Sneeden will continue to serve as the portfolio managers of
the combined fund after the Reorganization. The portfolio managers are
primarily responsible for the management of the applicable Fund's portfolio.
Biographical information about Messrs. DiMella, Sneeden and Roffo is contained
in Exhibit I -- "Information Pertaining to Each Fund."
MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS. FAM, which is owned and controlled
by ML & Co., serves as the investment adviser for each of the Funds pursuant to
separate investment advisory agreements that, except for their termination
dates, are identical. FAM provides each Fund with the same investment advisory
and management services. The Asset Management Group of ML & Co. (which includes
FAM) acts as the investment adviser to more than 100 other registered
investment companies and offers services to individuals and institutional
accounts. As of ________, the Asset Management Group had a total of
approximately $_____ billion in investment company and other portfolio assets
under management (approximately $_______ billion of which were invested in
municipal securities). This amount includes assets managed for certain
affiliates of FAM. FAM is a limited partnership, the partners of which are ML &
Co. and Princeton Services, Inc. The principal business address of FAM is 800
Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536.
Each Fund's investment advisory agreement with FAM provides that, subject
to the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Fund, FAM is responsible
for the actual management of the Fund's portfolio. The responsibility for
making decisions to buy, sell or hold a particular security for each Fund rests
with FAM, subject to review by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
FAM provides the portfolio management for each of the Funds. Such
portfolio management considers analyses from various sources (including
brokerage firms with which each Fund does business), makes the necessary
investment decisions, and places orders for transactions accordingly. FAM also
is responsible for the performance of certain administrative and management
services for each Fund.
For the services provided by FAM under each Fund's investment advisory
agreement, the Fund pays a monthly fee at an annual rate of .55 of 1% of the
Fund's average weekly net assets (i.e., the average weekly value of the total
assets of the Fund, including assets acquired from the sale of preferred stock,
minus the sum of accrued liabilities of the Fund and accumulated dividends on
its shares of preferred stock). For purposes of this calculation, average
weekly net assets are determined at the end of each month on the basis of the
average net assets of the Fund for each week during the month. The assets for
each weekly period are determined by averaging the net assets at the last
business day of a week with the net assets at the last business day of the
prior week.
Each Fund's investment advisory agreement obligates FAM to provide
investment advisory services and to pay all compensation of and furnish office
space for officers and employees of the Fund connected with investment and
economic research, trading and investment management of the Fund, as well as
the compensation of all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated persons of FAM
or any of its affiliates. Each Fund pays all other expenses incurred in the
operation of the Fund, including, among other things, expenses for legal and
auditing services, taxes, costs of printing proxies, listing fees, stock
certificates and stockholder reports, charges of the custodian and the transfer
agent, dividend disbursing agent and registrar, fees and expenses with respect
to the issuance of AMPS, SEC fees, fees and expenses of unaffiliated Directors,
accounting and pricing costs, insurance, interest, brokerage costs, litigation
and other extraordinary or non-recurring expenses, mailing and other expenses
properly payable by the Fund. FAM provides accounting services to each Fund,
and each Fund reimburses FAM for its respective costs in connection with such
services.
Unless earlier terminated as described below, the investment advisory
agreement between each Fund and FAM will continue from year to year if approved
annually (a) by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Fund's Common Stock and AMPS, voting together as a
single class, and (b) by a majority of the Directors of the Fund who are not
parties to such contract or "interested persons," as defined in the Investment
Company Act, of any such party. The contract is not assignable and it may be
terminated without penalty on 60 days' written notice at the option of either
party thereto or by the vote of the stockholders of the Fund.
Securities held by a Fund may also be held by, or be appropriate
investments for, other funds or investment advisory clients for which FAM or
its affiliates act as an adviser. Because of different objectives or other
factors, a particular security may be bought for an advisory client when other
clients are selling the same security. If purchases or sales of securities by
FAM for a Fund or other funds for which it acts as investment adviser or for
advisory clients arise for consideration at or about the same time,
transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the
respective funds and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all. Transactions
effected by FAM (or its affiliates) on behalf of more than one of its clients
during the same period may increase the demand for securities being purchased
or the supply of securities being sold, causing an adverse effect on price.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Board of Directors of each of the Funds has adopted a Code of Ethics
pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act that incorporates the
Code of Ethics of FAM (together, the "Codes"). The Codes significantly restrict
the personal investing activities of all employees of FAM and, as described
below, impose additional, more onerous, restrictions on Fund investment
personnel.
The Codes require that all employees of FAM preclear any personal
securities investment (with limited exceptions, such as U.S. Government
securities). The preclearance requirement and associated procedures are
designed to identify any substantive prohibition or limitation applicable to
the proposed investment. The substantive restrictions applicable to all
employees of FAM include a ban on acquiring any securities in a "hot" initial
public offering and a prohibition from profiting on short-term trading
securities. In addition, no employee may purchase or sell any security that at
the time is being purchased or sold (as the case may be), or to the knowledge
of the employee is being considered for purchase or sale, by any fund advised
by FAM. Furthermore, the Codes provide for trading "blackout periods" that
prohibit trading by investment personnel of each of the Funds within periods of
trading by the Fund in the same (or equivalent) security (15 or 30 days
depending upon the transaction).
VOTING RIGHTS
Voting rights are identical for the holders of shares of each Fund's
Common Stock. Holders of each Fund's Common Stock are entitled to one vote for
each share held and will vote with the holders of any outstanding shares of the
Fund's AMPS or other preferred stock on each matter submitted to a vote of
holders of Common Stock, except as set forth below.
Stockholders of each Fund are entitled to one vote for each share held.
The shares of each Fund's Common Stock, AMPS and any other preferred stock do
not have cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than
50% of the shares of a Fund's Common Stock, AMPS and any other preferred stock
voting for the election of Directors can elect all of the Directors standing
for election by such holders, and, in such event, the holders of the remaining
shares of a Fund's Common Stock, AMPS and any other preferred stock will not be
able to elect any of such Directors.
Voting rights of the holders of each Fund's AMPS are identical. Except as
otherwise indicated below, and except as otherwise required by applicable law,
holders of shares of a Fund's AMPS will be entitled to one vote per share on
each matter submitted to a vote of the Fund's stockholders and will vote
together with the holders of shares of the Fund's Common Stock as a single
class.
In connection with the election of a Fund's Directors, holders of shares
of a Fund's AMPS, voting separately as a class, shall be entitled at all times
to elect two of the Fund's Directors, and the remaining Directors will be
elected by holders of shares of the Fund's Common Stock and shares of the
Fund's AMPS and any other preferred stock, voting together as a single class.
In addition, if at any time dividends on outstanding shares of a Fund's AMPS
shall be unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years' dividends
thereon or if at any time holders of any shares of a Fund's preferred stock are
entitled, together with the holders of shares of the Fund's AMPS, to elect a
majority of the Directors of the Fund under the Investment Company Act, then
the number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors automatically shall
be increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two Directors
elected exclusively by the holders of shares of AMPS and any other preferred
stock as described above, would constitute a majority of the Board of Directors
as so increased by such smallest number, and at a special meeting of
stockholders which will be called and held as soon as practicable, and at all
subsequent meetings at which Directors are to be elected, the holders of shares
of the Fund's AMPS and any other preferred stock, voting separately as a class,
will be entitled to elect the smallest number of additional Directors that,
together with the two Directors which such holders in any event will be
entitled to elect, constitutes a majority of the total number of Directors of
the Fund as so increased. The terms of office of the persons who are Directors
at the time of that election will continue. If the Fund thereafter shall pay,
or declare and set apart for payment in full, all dividends payable on all
outstanding shares of AMPS and any other preferred stock for all past dividend
periods, the additional voting rights of the holders of shares of AMPS and any
other preferred stock as described above shall cease, and the terms of office
of all of the additional Directors elected by the holders of shares of AMPS and
any other preferred stock (but not of the Directors with respect to whose
election the holders of shares of Common Stock were entitled to vote or the two
Directors the holders of shares of AMPS and any other preferred stock have the
right to elect in any event) will terminate automatically.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of a Fund's AMPS, voting as a separate class, will be required to (i)
authorize, create or issue any class or series of stock ranking prior to any
series of preferred stock with respect to payment of dividends or the
distribution of assets on liquidation or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of the Charter, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as
to adversely affect any of the contract rights expressly set forth in the
Charter of holders of preferred stock.
STOCKHOLDER INQUIRIES
Stockholder inquiries with respect to any of the Funds may be addressed to
such Fund by telephone at (609) 282-2800 or at the address set forth on the
cover page of this Proxy Statement and Prospectus.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Funds' current policies with respect to dividends and distributions
relating to shares of their Common Stock are identical. Each Fund intends to
distribute all of its net investment income. Dividends from such net investment
income are declared and paid monthly to holders of a Fund's Common Stock.
Monthly distributions to holders of a Fund's Common Stock normally consist of
substantially all of the net investment income remaining after the payment of
dividends on the Fund's AMPS. All net realized long-term or short-term capital
gains, if any, are distributed at least annually, pro rata to holders of shares
of a Fund's Common Stock and AMPS. While any shares of a Fund's AMPS are
outstanding, the Fund may not declare any cash dividend or other distribution
on the Fund's Common Stock, unless at the time of such declaration (1) all
accumulated dividends on the Fund's AMPS have been paid, and (2) the net asset
value of the Fund's portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such
dividend or other distribution) is at least 200% of the liquidation value of
the Fund's outstanding shares of AMPS. This limitation on a Fund's ability to
make distributions on its Common Stock under certain circumstances could impair
the ability of the Fund to maintain its qualification for taxation as a
regulated investment company under the Federal tax laws which would have an
adverse impact on stockholders. See "Comparison of the Funds--Tax Rules
Applicable to the Funds and their Stockholders."
Similarly, the Funds' current policies with respect to dividends and
distributions on shares of their AMPS are identical. The holders of shares of a
Fund's AMPS are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of
Directors of the Fund, out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash
dividends on their shares. Dividends on a Fund's shares of AMPS so declared and
payable shall be paid (i) in preference to and in priority over any dividends
so declared and payable on the Fund's Common Stock, and (ii) to the extent
permitted under the Code and to the extent available, out of net tax-exempt
income earned on the Fund's investments. Dividends for each Fund's AMPS are
paid through The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") (or a successor securities
depository) on each dividend payment date. DTC's normal procedures now provide
for it to distribute dividends in same-day funds to agent members, who in turn
are expected to distribute such dividends to the person for whom they are
acting as agent in accordance with the instructions of such person. Prior to
each dividend payment date, the relevant Fund is required to deposit with the
Auction Agent sufficient funds for the payment of such declared dividends. None
of the Funds intends to establish any reserves for the payment of dividends,
and no interest will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payment
on the shares of a Fund's AMPS which may be in arrears.
Dividends paid by each Fund, to the extent paid from tax-exempt income
earned on New Jersey Municipal Bonds, are exempt from Federal income tax and
New Jersey personal income taxes, subject to the possible application of the
alternative minimum tax. However, each Fund is required to allocate net capital
gains and other income subject to regular Federal income tax and personal
income taxes, if any, proportionately between shares of its Common Stock and
shares of its AMPS in accordance with the current position of the IRS described
herein. See "Tax Rules Applicable to the Funds and their Stockholders" below.
Each Fund notifies the Auction Agent of the amount of any net capital gains or
other taxable income to be included in any dividend on shares of AMPS prior to
the auction establishing the applicable rate for such dividend. The Auction
Agent in turn notifies each broker-dealer whenever it receives any such notice
from a Fund, and each broker-dealer then notifies its customers who are holders
of the Fund's AMPS. Each Fund also may include such income in a dividend on
shares of its AMPS without giving advance notice thereof if it increases the
dividend by an additional amount to offset the tax effect thereof. The amount
of taxable income allocable to shares of a Fund's AMPS will depend upon the
amount of such income realized by the Fund and other factors, but generally is
not expected to be significant.
For information concerning the manner in which dividends and distributions
to holders of each Fund's Common Stock may be reinvested automatically in
shares of the Fund's Common Stock, see "Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan"
below. Dividends and distributions will be subject to the tax treatment
discussed below, whether they are reinvested in shares of a Fund or received in
cash.
If any Fund retroactively allocates any net capital gains or other income
subject to regular Federal income tax and New Jersey personal income taxes to
shares of its AMPS without having given advance notice thereof as described
above, which only may happen when such allocation is made as a result of the
redemption of all or a portion of the outstanding shares of its AMPS or the
liquidation of the Fund, the Fund will make certain payments to holders of
shares of its AMPS to which such allocation was made to offset substantially
the tax effect thereof. In no other instances will the Fund be required to make
payments to holders of shares of its AMPS to offset the tax effect of any
reallocation of net capital gains or other taxable income.
AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
Pursuant to each Fund's Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (each, a
"Plan"), unless a holder of a Fund's Common Stock elects otherwise, all
dividend and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested by either
The Bank of New York or State Street Bank and Trust Company, as applicable, as
agent for stockholders in administering the Plan (as applicable, the "Plan
Agent"), in additional shares of the Fund's Common Stock. The Bank of New York
is the Plan Agent for New Jersey Insured and will be the Plan Agent following
the Reorganization. Holders of a Fund's Common Stock who elect not to
participate in the Plan receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed
directly to the stockholder of record (or, if the shares are held in street or
other nominee name, then to such nominee) by The Bank of New York or State
Street Bank and Trust Company, as applicable, as dividend paying agent. Such
stockholders may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all
distributions of dividends and capital gains in cash by sending written
instructions to The Bank of New York or State Street Bank and Trust Company, as
applicable, as dividend paying agent, at the address set forth below.
Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or
resumed at any time without penalty by written notice if received by the Plan
Agent not less than ten days prior to any dividend record date; otherwise, such
termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently
declared dividend or capital gains distribution.
Whenever a Fund declares an ordinary income dividend or a capital gain
dividend (collectively referred to as "dividends") payable either in shares or
in cash, non-participants in the Plan receive cash, and participants in the
Plan receive the equivalent in shares of the Fund's Common Stock. The shares
are acquired by the Plan Agent for the participant's account, depending upon
the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of additional
unissued but authorized shares of the Fund's Common Stock from the Fund
("newly-issued shares") or (ii) by purchase of outstanding shares of the Fund's
Common Stock on the open market ("open-market purchases"), on the NYSE or
elsewhere. If on the payment date for the dividend, the net asset value per
share of the Fund's Common Stock is equal to or less than the market price per
share of the Fund's Common Stock plus estimated brokerage commissions (such
condition being referred to herein as "market premium"), the Plan Agent invests
the dividend amount in newly-issued shares on behalf of the participant. The
number of newly-issued shares of the Fund's Common Stock to be credited to the
participant's account is determined by dividing the dollar amount of the
dividend by the net asset value per share on the date the shares are issued,
provided that the maximum discount from the then-current market price per share
on the date of issuance may not exceed 5%. If on the dividend payment date, the
net asset value per share is greater than the market value (such condition
being referred to herein as "market discount"), the Plan Agent invests the
dividend amount in shares acquired on behalf of the participant in open-market
purchases.
In the event of a market discount on the dividend payment date, the Plan
Agent has until the last business day before the next date on which the shares
trade on an "ex-dividend" basis or in no event more than 30 days after the
dividend payment date (the "last purchase date") to invest the dividend amount
in shares acquired in open-market purchases. Each Fund intends to pay monthly
income dividends. Therefore, the period during which open-market purchases can
be made exists only from the payment date on the dividend through the date
before the next "ex-dividend" date, which typically is approximately ten days.
If, before the Plan Agent has completed its open-market purchases, the market
price of a share of a Fund's Common Stock exceeds the net asset value per
share, the average per share purchase price paid by the Plan Agent may exceed
the net asset value of the Fund's shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer
shares than if the dividend had been paid in newly-issued shares on the
dividend payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty with respect to
open-market purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Agent is unable to
invest the full dividend amount in open-market purchases during the purchase
period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase
period, the Plan Agent ceases making open-market purchases and invests the
uninvested portion of the dividend amount in newly-issued shares at the close
of business on the last purchase date.
The Plan Agent maintains all stockholders' accounts in the Plan and
furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the account, including
information needed by stockholders for tax records. Shares in the account of
each Plan participant are held by the Plan Agent in non-certificated form in
the name of the participant, and each stockholder's proxy includes those shares
purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The Plan Agent will forward all
proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote proxies for shares held
pursuant to the Plan in accordance with the instructions of the participants.
In the case of stockholders such as banks, brokers or nominees which hold
shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer
the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by
the record stockholders as representing the total amount registered in the
record stockholder's name and held for the account of beneficial owners who are
to participate in the Plan.
There are no brokerage charges with respect to shares issued directly by
any Fund as a result of dividends or capital gains distributions payable either
in shares or in cash. However, each participant pays a pro rata share of
brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent's open-market
purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions does not relieve
participants of any Federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or
required to be withheld) on such dividends. See "Comparison of the Funds--Tax
Rules Applicable to the Funds and their Stockholders."
Stockholders participating in the Plan may receive benefits not available
to stockholders not participating in the Plan. If the market price (plus
commissions) of a Fund's shares of Common Stock is higher than the net asset
value of such shares, participants in the Plan receive shares of the Fund's
Common Stock at less than they otherwise could purchase them and have shares
with a cash value greater than the value of any cash distribution they would
have received on their shares. If the market price plus commissions is lower
than the net asset value of such shares, participants receive distributions of
shares with a net asset value greater than the value of any cash distribution
they would have received on their shares. However, there may be insufficient
shares available in the market to make distributions of shares at prices below
the net asset value. Also, since the Funds normally do not redeem their shares,
the price on resale may be more or less than the net asset value. See
"Comparison of the Funds--Tax Rules Applicable to the Funds and their
Stockholders" for a discussion of the tax consequences of the Plan.
Each Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate its Plan. There is no
direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, each Fund reserves
the right to amend its Plan to include a service charge payable by the
participants.
After the Reorganization, a holder of shares of an Acquired Fund who has
elected to receive dividends in cash will continue to receive dividends in
cash; all other holders will have their dividends automatically reinvested in
shares of the combined fund. However, if a stockholder owns shares in an
Acquired Fund and in New Jersey Insured, after the Reorganization, the
stockholder's election with respect to the dividends of New Jersey Insured will
control unless the stockholder specifically elects a different option at that
time. Following the Reorganization, all correspondence should be directed to
the Plan Agent, The Bank of New York, at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York
10286.
MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENT OPTION
A holder of Common Stock of any Fund, who purchased his or her shares
through Merrill Lynch in the Fund's initial public offering, has the right to
reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of such shares in Class D shares of
certain Merrill Lynch-sponsored open-end funds without the imposition of an
initial sales charge, if certain conditions are satisfied. A holder of Common
Stock of an Acquired Fund who qualifies for this option will have the same
option with respect to the shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock received
in the Reorganization.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF AMPS
Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of any Fund, whether
voluntary or involuntary, the holders of shares of the Fund's AMPS will be
entitled to receive, out of the assets of the Fund available for distribution
to stockholders, before any distribution or payment is made upon any shares of
the Fund's Common Stock or any other capital stock of the Fund ranking junior
in right of payment upon liquidation to AMPS, $25,000 per share together with
the amount of any dividends accumulated but unpaid (whether or not earned or
declared) thereon to the date of distribution, and after such payment the
holders of AMPS will be entitled to no other payments except for any additional
dividends. If such assets of the Fund shall be insufficient to make the full
liquidation payment on the AMPS and liquidation payments on any other
outstanding class or series of preferred stock of the Fund ranking on a parity
with the AMPS as to payment upon liquidation, then such assets will be
distributed among the holders of shares of AMPS and the holders of shares of
such other class or series ratably in proportion to the respective preferential
amounts to which they are entitled. After payment of the full amount of
liquidation distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of shares of a
Fund's AMPS will not be entitled to any further participation in any
distribution of assets by the Fund except for any additional dividends. A
consolidation, merger or share exchange of a Fund with or into any other entity
or entities or a sale, whether for cash, shares of stock, securities or
properties, of all or substantially all or any part of the assets of the Fund
shall not be deemed or construed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Fund for this purpose.
TAX RULES APPLICABLE TO THE FUNDS AND THEIR STOCKHOLDERS
The tax consequences of investing in shares of Common Stock or AMPS of
each of the Funds are identical. Each of the Funds has elected and qualified
for the special tax treatment afforded RICs under the Code. As a result, in any
taxable year in which they distribute an amount equal to at least 90% of
taxable net income and 90% of tax-exempt net income (see below), the Funds (but
not their stockholders) are not subject to Federal income tax to the extent
that they distribute their net investment income and net realized capital
gains. In all taxable years through the taxable year of the Reorganization,
each Fund has distributed substantially all of its income. New Jersey Insured
intends to continue to distribute substantially all of its income following the
Reorganization. Under present New Jersey law, a RIC, such as each Fund, pays a
flat tax of $250 per year. Each Fund might be subject to the New Jersey
corporation business (franchise) tax for any taxable year in which it does not
qualify as a RIC.
Each Fund is qualified to pay "exempt-interest dividends" as defined in
Section 852(b)(5) of the Code. Under such section, if, at the close of each
quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets
consists of obligations exempt from Federal income tax ("tax-exempt
obligations") under Section 103(a) of the Code (relating generally to
obligations of a state or local governmental unit), the Fund is qualified to
pay exempt-interest dividends to its stockholders. Exempt-interest dividends
are dividends or any part thereof paid by a Fund which are attributable to
interest on tax-exempt obligations and designated by a Fund as exempt-interest
dividends in a written notice mailed to stockholders within 60 days after the
close of its taxable year. To the extent that the dividends distributed to a
Fund's stockholders are derived from interest income exempt from Federal income
tax under Code Section 103(a) and are properly designated as exempt-interest
dividends, they are excludable from a stockholder's gross income for Federal
income tax purposes. Exempt-interest dividends are included, however, in
determining the portion, if any, of a person's social security benefits and
railroad retirement benefits subject to Federal income taxes. A tax adviser
should be consulted with respect to whether exempt-interest dividends retain
the exclusion under Code Section 103(a) if a stockholder would be treated as a
"substantial user" or "related person" under Code Section 147(a) with respect
to property financed with the proceeds from an issue of "industrial development
bonds" or "private activity bonds," if any, held by a Fund.
The portion of exempt-interest dividends properly identified in a year-end
statement as directly attributable to interest on New Jersey Municipal Bonds
and the portion of distributions attributable to gains from New Jersey
Municipal Bonds ("New Jersey exempt-interest dividends") also will be exempt
from New Jersey personal income tax. In order to pass through tax-exempt
interest for New Jersey personal income tax purposes, each Fund, among other
requirements, must have not less than 80% of the aggregate principal amount of
its investments invested in New Jersey Municipal Bonds at the close of each
quarter of the tax year (the "80% Test"). For purposes of calculating whether
the 80% Test is satisfied, financial options, futures, forward contracts and
similar financial instruments relating to interest-bearing obligations are
excluded from the principal amount of the Fund's investments. Each Fund intends
to comply with this requirement so as to enable it to pass through interest
exempt from both Federal income tax and New Jersey personal income tax. In the
event a Fund does not so comply, distributions by that Fund may be taxable to
stockholders for New Jersey personal income tax purposes. However, regardless
of whether the Fund meets the 80% Test, all distributions attributable to
interest earned on Federal obligations will be exempt from New Jersey personal
income tax. Stockholders subject to income taxation by states other than New
Jersey will realize a lower after-tax rate of return than New Jersey
stockholders since the dividends distributed by a Fund will generally not be
exempt, to any significant degree, from income taxation by such other states.
Each Fund will inform stockholders annually as to the portion of the Fund's
distributions that constitutes exempt-interest dividends and the portion that
is exempt from New Jersey personal income tax. To the extent attributable to
exempt-interest dividends, interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to
purchase or carry Fund shares is not deductible for Federal income tax purposes
and is not deductible for New Jersey personal income tax purposes.
Exempt-interest dividends and gains paid to a corporate stockholder will
be subject to New Jersey corporation business (franchise) tax and, if
applicable, the New Jersey corporation income tax. Accordingly, investors in
each Fund, including, in particular, corporate investors that may be subject to
the New Jersey corporation business (franchise) tax and, if applicable, the New
Jersey corporation income tax, should consult their tax advisors with respect
to the application of such taxes to an investment in each Fund, to the receipt
of Fund dividends and as to their New Jersey tax situation in general.
On February 21, 1997, the Tax Court of New Jersey ruled against the
Director of the Division of Taxation holding against the New Jersey requirement
that fund investors pay state taxes on interest their funds earned from U.S.
government securities if the 80% Test was not met. As a result of the court
decision, the State of New Jersey could be forced to pay substantial amounts in
tax refunds to state residents who are mutual fund investors. At this time, the
effect of this litigation cannot be evaluated.
The IRS, in a revenue ruling, held that certain AMPS would be treated as
stock for Federal income tax purposes. The terms of the currently outstanding
AMPS of each of the Funds, as well as the Series C and D AMPS to be issued by
New Jersey Insured, are substantially similar, but not identical, to the AMPS
discussed in the revenue ruling. In the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to
all three Funds, the shares of each Fund's currently outstanding AMPS, as well
as the Series C and D AMPS to be issued by New Jersey Insured, constitute
stock, and distributions with respect to shares of such AMPS (other than
distributions in redemption of shares of AMPS subject to Section 302(b) of the
Code) will constitute dividends to the extent of current and accumulated
earnings and profits as calculated for Federal income tax purposes.
Nevertheless, the IRS could take a contrary position, asserting, for example,
that the shares of AMPS constitute debt. If this position were upheld, the
discussion of the treatment of distributions below would not apply to holders
of shares of AMPS. Instead, distributions by each Fund to holders of shares of
its AMPS would constitute interest, whether or not they exceed the earnings and
profits of the Fund, would be included in full in the income of the recipient
and taxed as ordinary income. Counsel believes that such a position, if
asserted by the IRS, would be unlikely to prevail.
To the extent that a Fund's distributions are derived from interest on its
taxable investments or from an excess of net short-term capital gains over net
long-term capital losses ("ordinary income dividends"), such distributions are
considered taxable ordinary income for Federal income tax purposes.
Distributions, if any, from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net
short-term capital losses derived from the sale of securities or from certain
transactions in futures or options ("capital gain dividends") are taxable as
long-term capital gains for Federal income tax purposes, regardless of the
length of time the stockholder has owned Fund shares. Certain categories of
capital gains are taxable at different rates for Federal income tax purposes.
Generally not later than 60 days after the close of its taxable year, a Fund
provides its stockholders with a written notice designating the amounts of any
exempt-interest dividends and capital gain dividends, as well as any amount of
capital gain dividends in the different categories of capital gain referred to
above. Distributions by a Fund, whether from exempt-interest income, ordinary
income or capital gains, are not eligible for the dividends received deduction
for corporations under the Code.
All or a portion of a Fund's gain from the sale or redemption of
tax-exempt obligations purchased at a market discount will be treated as
ordinary income rather than capital gain. This rule may increase the amount of
ordinary income dividends received by stockholders. Any loss upon the sale or
exchange of Fund shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term
capital loss to the extent of exempt-interest dividends received by the
stockholder. In addition, such loss is disallowed to the extent of any capital
gain dividends received by the stockholder. Distributions in excess of a Fund's
earnings and profits first will reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder's
shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute
capital gains to such holder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset).
If a Fund pays a dividend in January which was declared in the previous
October, November or December to stockholders of record on a specified date in
one of such months, then such dividend is treated for tax purposes as paid by
the Fund and received by its stockholders on December 31 of the year in which
such dividend was declared.
The IRS has taken the position in a revenue ruling that if a RIC has two
or more classes of shares it may designate distributions made to each class in
any year as consisting of no more than such class' proportionate share of
particular types of income, including exempt-interest dividends and capital
gain dividends. A class's proportionate share of a particular type of income is
determined according to the percentage of total dividends paid by the RIC
during such year that was paid to such class. Consequently, when Common Stock
and one or more series of AMPS are outstanding, each Fund intends to designate
distributions made to the classes as consisting of particular types of income
in accordance with each class's proportionate share of such income. After the
Reorganization, New Jersey Insured will, likewise, so designate distributions
with respect to its Common Stock and its AMPS, Series A, B, C and D. Each Fund
may notify the Auction Agent of the amount of any net capital gains and other
taxable income to be included in any dividend on shares of its AMPS prior to
the auction establishing the applicable rate for such dividend. Except for the
portion of any dividend that a Fund informs the Auction Agent will be treated
as capital gains or other taxable income, the dividends paid on the shares of
AMPS constitute exempt-interest dividends. Alternatively, each Fund may include
such income in a dividend on shares of its AMPS without giving advance notice
thereof if it increases the dividend by an additional amount to offset the tax
effect thereof. The amount of net capital gains and ordinary income allocable
to shares of a Fund's AMPS (the "taxable distribution") depends upon the amount
of such gains and income realized by the Fund and the total dividends paid by
the Fund on shares of its Common Stock and shares of its AMPS during a taxable
year, but the taxable distribution generally is not significant.
In the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to all three Funds, under
current law the manner in which each Fund allocates, and New Jersey Insured
will allocate, items of tax-exempt income, net capital gains, and other taxable
income, if any, among shares of Common Stock and outstanding AMPS (including,
for New Jersey Insured Series A and B AMPS and the newly issued series of AMPS)
will be respected for Federal income tax purposes. However, the tax treatment
of additional dividends may affect a Fund's calculation of each class'
allocable share of capital gains and other taxable income. In addition, there
is currently no direct guidance from the IRS or other sources specifically
addressing whether a Fund's method for allocating tax-exempt income, net
capital gains and other taxable income among shares of Common Stock and the
outstanding series of AMPS will be respected for Federal income tax purposes,
and it is possible that the IRS could disagree with counsel's opinion and
attempt to reallocate a Fund's net capital gains or other taxable income. In
the event of a reallocation, some of the dividends identified by a Fund as
exempt-interest dividends to holders of shares of its AMPS could be
recharacterized as additional capital gains or other taxable income. In the
event of such recharacterization, a Fund is not required to make payments to
such stockholders to offset the tax effect of such reallocation. In addition, a
reallocation could cause a Fund to be liable for income tax and excise tax on
all reallocated taxable income. Brown & Wood LLP has advised each Fund that, in
its opinion, if the IRS were to challenge in court a Fund's allocations of
income and gain, the IRS would be unlikely to prevail. The opinion of Brown &
Wood LLP, however, represents only its best legal judgment and is not binding
on the IRS or the courts.
The Code requires a RIC to pay a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the extent
it does not distribute during each calendar year 98% of its ordinary income,
determined on a calendar year basis, and 98% of its capital gains, determined
in general, on an October 31 year-end, plus certain undistributed amounts from
previous years. The required distributions, however, are based only on the
taxable income of a RIC. The excise tax, therefore, generally does not apply to
the tax-exempt income of RICs, such as the Funds, that pay exempt-interest
dividends.
The Code subjects interest received on certain otherwise tax-exempt
securities to an alternative minimum tax. The alternative minimum tax applies
to interest received on "private activity bonds" issued after August 7, 1986.
"Private activity bonds" are bonds which, although tax-exempt, are used for
purposes other than those generally performed by governmental units and which
benefit non-governmental entities (e.g., bonds used for industrial development
or housing purposes). Income received on such bonds is classified as an item of
"tax preference" which could subject investors in such bonds, including
stockholders of the Funds, to an increased alternative minimum tax. Each Fund
purchases such "private activity bonds" and reports to stockholders within 60
days after calendar year-end the portion of its dividends declared during the
year which constitutes an item of tax preference for alternative minimum tax
purposes. The Code further provides that corporations are subject to an
alternative minimum tax based, in part, on certain differences between taxable
income as adjusted for other tax preferences and the corporation's "adjusted
current earnings" which more closely reflect a corporation's economic income.
Because an exempt-interest dividend paid by a Fund is included in adjusted
current earnings, a corporate stockholder may be required to pay an alternative
minimum tax on exempt-interest dividends paid by such Fund.
The Funds may invest in instruments the return on which includes
nontraditional features such as indexed principal or interest payments
("nontraditional instruments"). These instruments may be subject to special tax
rules under which a Fund may be required to accrue and distribute income before
amounts due under the obligations are paid. In addition, it is possible that
all or a portion of the interest payments on such nontraditional instruments
could be recharacterized as taxable ordinary income.
If at any time when shares of AMPS are outstanding a Fund does not meet
the asset coverage requirements of the Investment Company Act, the Fund will be
required to suspend distributions to holders of Common Stock until the asset
coverage is restored. See "Dividends and Distributions." This may prevent such
Fund from distributing at least 90% of its net investment income and may,
therefore, jeopardize the Fund's qualification for taxation as a RIC. If a Fund
were to fail to qualify as a RIC, some or all of the distributions paid by the
Fund would be fully taxable to stockholders for Federal income tax and New
Jersey personal income tax purposes. Upon any failure to meet the asset
coverage requirements of the Investment Company Act, a Fund, in its sole
discretion, may redeem shares of AMPS in order to maintain or restore the
requisite asset coverage and avoid the adverse consequences to the Fund and its
stockholders of failing to qualify as a RIC. There can be no assurance,
however, that any such action would achieve such objectives.
As noted above, a Fund must distribute annually at least 90% of its net
taxable and tax-exempt interest income. A distribution will only be counted for
this purpose if it qualifies for the dividends paid deduction under the Code.
Some types of preferred stock that the Funds have issued and that New Jersey
Insured contemplates issuing may raise an issue as to whether distributions on
such preferred stock are "preferential" under the Code and, therefore, not
eligible for the dividends paid deduction. Counsel has advised the Funds that
the outstanding preferred stock and the preferred stock to be issued by New
Jersey Insured will not result in the payment of a preferential dividend. If a
Fund ultimately relies solely on a legal opinion when it issues such preferred
stock, there is no assurance that the IRS would agree that dividends on the
preferred stock are not preferential. If the IRS successfully disallowed the
dividends paid deduction for dividends the Funds on the preferred stock, the
Funds could be disqualified as RICs. In this case, dividends paid by the Funds
on the Common Stock and the AMPS would not be exempt from Federal income taxes.
Additionally, the Funds would be subject to the alternative minimum tax.
Under certain circumstances when a Fund is required to allocate taxable
income to the AMPS, it will pay Additional Distributions to holders of shares
of AMPS. The Federal income tax consequences of Additional Distributions under
existing law are uncertain. The Funds treat and New Jersey Insured intends to
continue to treat a holder as receiving a dividend distribution in the amount
of any Additional Distribution only as and when such Additional Distribution is
paid. An Additional Distribution generally is designated by a Fund as an
exempt-interest dividend except as otherwise required by applicable law.
However, the IRS may assert that all or part of an Additional Distribution is a
taxable dividend either in the taxable year for which the allocation of taxable
income is made or in the taxable year in which the Additional Distribution is
paid.
The value of shares acquired pursuant to a Fund's dividend reinvestment
plan is generally excluded from gross income to the extent that the cash amount
reinvested would be excluded from gross income. If, when a Fund's shares are
trading at a premium over net asset value, the Fund issues shares pursuant to
the dividend reinvestment plan that have a greater fair market value than the
amount of cash reinvested, it is possible that all or a portion of such
discount (which may not exceed 5% of the fair market value of the Fund's
shares) could be viewed as a taxable distribution. If the discount is viewed as
a taxable distribution, it is also possible that the taxable character of this
discount would be allocable to all of the stockholders, including stockholders
who do not participate in the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. Thus,
stockholders who do not participate in the dividend reinvestment plan, as well
as dividend reinvestment plan participants, might be required to report as
ordinary income a portion of their distributions equal to the allocable share
of the discount.
Under certain provisions of the Code, some stockholders may be subject to
a 31% withholding tax on certain ordinary income dividends and on capital gain
dividends and redemption payments ("backup withholding"). Generally,
stockholders subject to backup withholding will be those for whom no taxpayer
identification number is on file with a Fund or who, to the Fund's knowledge,
have furnished an incorrect number. When establishing an account, an investor
must certify under penalty of perjury that such number is correct and that such
stockholder is not otherwise subject to backup withholding.
Ordinary income dividends paid to stockholders who are nonresident aliens
or foreign entities are subject to a 30% United States withholding tax under
existing provisions of the Code applicable to foreign individuals and entities
unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided
under applicable treaty law. Nonresident stockholders are urged to consult
their own tax advisers concerning the applicability of the United States
withholding tax.
The Code provides that every stockholder required to file a tax return
must include for information purposes on such return the amount of
exempt-interest dividends received from all sources (including the Funds)
during the taxable year.
TAX TREATMENT OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS. Each Fund may purchase
or sell municipal bond index financial futures contracts and interest rate
financial futures contracts on U.S. Government securities. Each Fund may also
purchase and write call and put options on such financial futures contracts. In
general, unless an election is available to a Fund or an exception applies,
such options and financial futures contracts that are "Section 1256 contracts"
will be "marked to market" for Federal income tax purposes at the end of each
taxable year, i.e., each such option or financial futures contract will be
treated as sold for its fair market value on the last day of the taxable year,
and any gain or loss attributable to Section 1256 contracts will be 60%
long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of these rules
to Section 1256 contracts held by a Fund may alter the timing and character of
distributions to stockholders. The mark-to-market rules outlined above,
however, will not apply to certain transactions entered into by a Fund solely
to reduce the risk of changes in price or interest rates with respect to its
investments.
Code Section 1092, which applies to certain "straddles," may affect the
taxation of a Fund's sales of securities and transactions in financial futures
contracts and related options. Under Section 1092, a Fund may be required to
postpone recognition for tax purposes of losses incurred in certain sales of
securities and certain closing transactions in financial futures contracts or
the related options.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code and Treasury Regulations and New Jersey personal income
tax, corporation business (franchise) tax and the corporation income tax laws
presently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to
the pertinent Code sections, the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder
and the New Jersey personal income tax, corporation business (franchise) tax
and the corporation income tax laws. The Code and the Treasury Regulations, as
well as the New Jersey personal income tax, corporation business (franchise and
the corporation income tax laws, are subject to change by legislative, judicial
or administrative action either prospectively or retroactively.
Stockholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to Federal, foreign, state or local tax consequences of an
investment in a Fund.
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
GENERAL
Under the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (attached hereto as Exhibit
II), (i) New Jersey Insured will acquire substantially all of the assets, and
will assume substantially all of the liabilities, of New Jersey Insured II, in
exchange solely for shares of an equal aggregate value of New Jersey Insured
Common Stock and New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS to be issued by New Jersey
Insured and (ii) New Jersey Insured will acquire substantially all of the
assets, and will assume substantially all of the liabilities, of New Jersey
Insured III, in exchange solely for shares of an equal aggregate value of New
Jersey Insured Common Stock and New Jersey Insured Series D AMPS to be issued
by New Jersey Insured. The number of shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock
issued to each Acquired Fund will have an aggregate net asset value equal to
the aggregate net asset value of the shares of Common Stock of that Acquired
Fund (except that cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional shares), and the
number of shares of New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS and New Jersey Insured
Series D AMPS issued to New Jersey Insured II and New Jersey Insured III,
respectively, will have an aggregate liquidation preference and value equal to
the aggregate liquidation preference and value of each such Fund's AMPS. Upon
receipt by the Acquired Funds of such shares, the Acquired Funds will (i)
distribute the shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock to the holders of New
Jersey Insured II Common Stock and New Jersey Insured III Common Stock, as
applicable, in exchange for their shares of Common Stock in the Acquired Funds
and (ii) distribute the shares of New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS to the
holders of New Jersey Insured II AMPS and the shares of New Jersey Insured
Series D AMPS to the holders of New Jersey Insured III AMPS, in exchange for
their shares of AMPS in the Acquired Funds. New Jersey Insured will file
Articles Supplementary establishing the powers, rights and preferences of the
New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS and the New Jersey Insured Series D AMPS with
the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the "Maryland
Department") prior to the closing of the Reorganization. As soon as practicable
after the date that the Reorganization takes place (the "Exchange Date"), each
of the Acquired Funds will file Articles of Dissolution with the Maryland
Department to effect the formal dissolution of such Funds, and will dissolve.
Each of the Acquired Funds will distribute the shares of New Jersey
Insured Common Stock and the shares of New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS or New
Jersey Insured Series D AMPS received by it pro rata to its holders of record
of Common Stock and AMPS, as applicable, in exchange for such stockholders'
shares in the Acquired Funds. Such distribution would be accomplished by
opening new accounts on the books of New Jersey Insured in the names of the
common and preferred stockholders of each of the Acquired Funds and
transferring to those stockholder accounts the New Jersey Insured Common Stock
or New Jersey Insured AMPS previously credited on those books to the accounts
of the Acquired Funds. Each newly-opened account on the books of New Jersey
Insured for the previous holders of Common Stock of the Acquired Funds would
represent the respective pro rata number of shares of New Jersey Insured Common
Stock (rounded down, in the case of fractional shares, to the next largest
number of whole shares) due such holder of Common Stock. No fractional shares
of New Jersey Insured Common Stock will be issued. In lieu thereof, New Jersey
Insured's transfer agent, The Bank of New York, will aggregate all fractional
shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock and sell the resulting whole shares
on the NYSE for the account of all holders of fractional interests, and each
such holder will be entitled to the pro rata share of the proceeds from such
sale upon surrender of the Common Stock certificates of the applicable Acquired
Fund. Similarly, each newly-opened account on the books of New Jersey Insured
for the previous holders of AMPS of an Acquired Fund would represent the
respective pro rata number of shares of New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS or New
Jersey Insured Series D AMPS due such holder of AMPS. See "Surrender and
Exchange of Stock Certificates" below for a description of the procedures to be
followed by the stockholders of the Acquired Funds to obtain their New Jersey
Insured Common Stock (and cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any). Because
AMPS are held in "street name" by the Depository Trust Company, all transfers
are accomplished by book entry.
Accordingly, as a result of the Reorganization, every holder of Common
Stock of an Acquired Fund would own shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock
that (except for cash payments received in lieu of fractional shares) would
have an aggregate net asset value immediately after the Exchange Date equal to
the aggregate net asset value of that stockholder's Common Stock immediately
prior to the Exchange Date. Since the New Jersey Insured Common Stock would be
issued at net asset value and the shares of Common Stock of the Acquired Funds
would be valued at net asset value for the purposes of the exchange, the
holders of Common Stock of each of the Funds will not be diluted as a result of
the Reorganization. Similarly, since the New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS and
New Jersey Insured Series D AMPS would be issued at a liquidation preference
and value per share equal to the liquidation preference and value per share of
the AMPS of the Acquired Funds, holders of AMPS of each of the Funds will not
be diluted as result of the Reorganization. However, as a result of the
Reorganization, a stockholder of any of the Funds likely will hold a reduced
percentage of ownership in the larger combined entity than he or she did in any
of the constituent Funds.
PROCEDURE
At a meeting of the Board of Directors of each of the Funds, the Board of
Directors of each of the Funds, including all of the Directors who are not
"interested persons," as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the
applicable Fund, [unanimously] approved the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization and the submission of such Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
to the stockholders of each of the Funds for approval.
Also, the Board of Directors of New Jersey Insured approved the filing of
Articles Supplementary establishing the powers, rights and preferences of the
New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS and the New Jersey Insured Series D AMPS in
order that they may be distributed to holders of AMPS of each of the Acquired
Funds as part of the Reorganization.
As a result of such Board approvals, the Funds have jointly filed this
proxy statement with the SEC soliciting a vote of the stockholders of each of
the Funds to approve the Reorganization. The costs of such solicitation are to
be paid by New Jersey Insured after the Reorganization so as to be borne
equally and exclusively on a per share basis by the holders of Common Stock of
each of the Funds. Annual meetings of stockholders of the Funds will be held on
December 15, 1999. If the stockholders of all three Funds approve the
Reorganization, the Reorganization will take place as soon as practicable after
such approval, provided that the Funds have obtained prior to that time a
favorable private letter ruling from the IRS concerning the tax consequences of
the Reorganization as set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization or
an opinion of counsel to the same effect.
THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF NEW JERSEY INSURED, NEW JERSEY INSURED II AND
NEW JERSEY INSURED III RECOMMEND THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE RESPECTIVE FUNDS
APPROVE THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION.
TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE SIGNIFICANT TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT AND
PLAN OF REORGANIZATION. THIS SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE
TO THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT II.
VALUATION OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES. The respective assets of each of the
Funds will be valued on the business day prior to the Exchange Date (the
"Valuation Date"). The valuation procedures are the same for all three Funds:
net asset value per share of the Common Stock of each Fund will be determined
after the close of business on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on
the Valuation Date. For the purpose of determining the net asset value of a
share of Common Stock of each Fund, the value of the securities held by the
issuing Fund plus any cash or other assets (including interest accrued but not
yet received) minus all liabilities (including accrued expenses) and the
aggregate liquidation value of the outstanding shares of AMPS of the issuing
Fund is divided by the total number of shares of Common Stock of the issuing
Fund outstanding at such time. Daily expenses, including the fees payable to
FAM, will accrue on the Valuation Date.
The New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds in which each Fund
invests are traded primarily in the over-the-counter markets. In determining
net asset value on the Valuation Date, each Fund will use the valuations of
portfolio securities furnished by a pricing service approved by the Boards of
Directors of the Funds. The pricing service typically values portfolio
securities at the bid price or the yield equivalent when quotations are readily
available. New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds for which quotations
are not readily available will be valued at fair market value on a consistent
basis as determined by the pricing service using a matrix system to determine
valuations. The Boards of Directors of the Funds have determined in good faith
that the use of a pricing service is a fair method of determining the valuation
of portfolio securities. Positions in financial futures contracts will be
valued on the Valuation Date at closing prices for such contracts established
by the exchange on which they are traded, or if market quotations are not
readily available, will be valued at fair value on a consistent basis using
methods determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
DISTRIBUTION OF NEW JERSEY INSURED COMMON STOCK, NEW JERSEY INSURED SERIES
C AMPS AND NEW JERSEY INSURED SERIES D AMPS. On the Exchange Date, New Jersey
Insured will issue to each Acquired Fund a number of shares of New Jersey
Insured Common Stock the aggregate net asset value of which will equal the
respective aggregate net asset value of shares of Common Stock of the Acquired
Fund on the Valuation Date. Each holder of Common Stock of an Acquired Fund
will receive the number of shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock
corresponding to his or her proportionate interest in the respective aggregate
net asset value of the Common Stock of the Acquired Fund, as applicable.
On the Exchange Date, New Jersey Insured also will issue (i) to New Jersey
Insured II a number of shares of New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS, the
aggregate liquidation preference and value of which will equal the aggregate
liquidation preference and value of New Jersey Insured II AMPS on the Valuation
Date and (ii) to New Jersey Insured III a number of shares of New Jersey
Insured Series D AMPS, the aggregate liquidation preference and value of which
will equal the aggregate liquidation preference and value of New Jersey Insured
III AMPS on the Valuation Date. Each holder of AMPS of an Acquired Fund will
receive the number of shares of New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS or New Jersey
Insured Series D AMPS corresponding to his or her proportionate interest in the
aggregate liquidation preference and value of the AMPS of the Acquired Fund. No
sales charge or fee of any kind will be charged to stockholders of the Acquired
Funds in connection with their receipt of New Jersey Insured Common Stock or
AMPS in the Reorganization. Holders of certain series of AMPS of the Acquired
Funds will find that the auction date and dividend payment date for the New
Jersey Insured AMPS received in the Reorganization fall on different days of
the week than the auction date and dividend payment date of the AMPS currently
held. Any such change in the auction date and dividend payment date will not
adversely affect the value of a holder's AMPS. It is anticipated that (i) the
auction for New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS will be held on Tuesday; the New
Jersey Insured II Series A AMPS are auctioned on Tuesday, but the New Jersey
Insured II Series B AMPS are auctioned on Friday; and (ii) the auction for New
Jersey Insured Series D AMPS will be held on Wednesday; the New Jersey Insured
III Series A AMPS are also auctioned on Wednesday. The auction procedures for
all of the AMPS are substantially the same. As a result of the Reorganization,
the last dividend period for the AMPS of each Acquired Fund prior to the
Exchange Date may be shorter than the dividend period for such AMPS determined
as set forth in the applicable Articles Supplementary.
EXPENSES. New Jersey Insured shall pay, subsequent to the Exchange Date,
all expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization, including, but not
limited to, all costs related to the preparation and distribution of materials
distributed to each Fund's Board of Directors, expenses incurred in connection
with the preparation of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, a
registration statement on Form N-14 and a private letter ruling request
submitted to the IRS, SEC and state securities commission filing fees and legal
and audit fees in connection with the Reorganization, costs of printing and
distributing this Proxy Statement and Prospectus, legal fees incurred preparing
each Fund's board materials, attending each Fund's board meetings and preparing
the minutes, accounting fees associated with each Fund's financial statements,
stock exchange fees, rating agency fees, portfolio transfer taxes (if any) and
any similar expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization. In this
regard, expenses of the Reorganization will be deducted from the assets of the
combined fund so as to be borne equally and exclusively on a per share basis by
the holders of Common Stock of each of the Funds. No Fund shall pay any
expenses of its respective stockholders arising out of or in connection with
the Reorganization.
REQUIRED APPROVALS. Under Articles of Incorporation of each Fund (as
amended to date and including Articles Supplementary establishing the powers,
rights and preferences of the AMPS of each Fund), relevant Maryland law and the
rules of the NYSE, stockholder approval of the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization requires the affirmative vote of stockholders representing more
than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and AMPS, voting together as
a single class, and more than 50% of the AMPS, voting separately as a class.
Because of the requirement that the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization be
approved by the stockholders of all three Funds, the Reorganization will not
take place if the stockholders of any one Fund do not approve the Agreement and
Plan of Reorganization.
DEREGISTRATION AND DISSOLUTION. Following the transfer of the assets and
liabilities of the Acquired Funds and the distribution of shares of New Jersey
Insured Common Stock, New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS and New Jersey Insured
Series D AMPS to stockholders of the Acquired Funds, in accordance with the
foregoing, each of the Acquired Funds will terminate its registration under the
Investment Company Act and its incorporation under Maryland law and will
withdraw its authority to do business in any state where it is required to do
so.
AMENDMENTS AND CONDITIONS. The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization may be
amended at any time prior to the Exchange Date with respect to any of the terms
therein. The obligations of each Fund pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization are subject to various conditions, including a registration
statement on Form N-14 being declared effective by the SEC, approval by the
stockholders of each of the Funds, a favorable IRS ruling or an opinion of
counsel being received as to tax matters, an opinion of counsel as to
securities matters being received and the continuing accuracy of various
representations and warranties of the Funds being confirmed by the respective
parties.
POSTPONEMENT, TERMINATION. Under the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization,
the Board of Directors of any of the Funds may cause the Reorganization to be
postponed or abandoned under certain circumstances should such Board determine
that it is in the best interests of the stockholders of its respective Fund to
do so. The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization may be terminated, and the
Reorganization abandoned at any time (whether before or after adoption thereof
by the stockholders of any of the Funds) prior to the Exchange Date, or the
Exchange Date may be postponed: (i) by mutual consent of the Boards of
Directors of the three Funds and (ii) by the Board of Directors of any Fund if
any condition to that Fund's obligations set forth in the Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization has not been fulfilled or waived by such Board.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS OF THE FUNDS AS A RESULT OF THE
REORGANIZATION
In approving the Reorganization, the Board of Directors of each Fund
identified certain benefits that are likely to result from the Reorganization,
including lower aggregate operating expenses per share of Common Stock, greater
efficiency and flexibility in portfolio management and a more liquid trading
market for the shares of Common Stock of the combined fund. With respect to
each of the Acquired Funds, following the Reorganization their respective
stockholders will remain invested in a closed-end fund that has investment
objectives and policies substantially similar to those of the Acquired Fund.
The Boards also considered the possible risks and costs of combining the Funds,
and examined the relative credit strength, maturity characteristics, mix of
type and purpose, and yield of the Funds' portfolios of New Jersey Municipal
Bonds and Municipal Bonds and the costs involved in a transaction such as the
Reorganization. The Boards noted the many similarities between the Funds,
including their substantially similar investment objectives and investment
policies, their use of substantially the same management personnel and their
similar portfolios of New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds. Based on
these factors, the Boards concluded that the Reorganization will potentially
benefit the stockholders of each Fund in that it (i) presents no significant
risks that would outweigh the benefits discussed above and (ii) involves
minimal costs (including relatively minor legal, accounting and administrative
costs).
The surviving fund that would result from the Reorganization would have a
larger asset base than any of the Funds has currently. Based on data presented
by FAM, the Board of each Fund believes that administrative expenses for a
larger combined fund would be less than the aggregate expenses for the
individual Funds, resulting in a lower expense ratio for common stockholders of
the combined fund and higher earnings per common share. In particular, certain
fixed costs, such as costs of printing stockholder reports and proxy
statements, legal expenses, audit fees, mailing costs and other expenses will
be spread across a larger asset base, thereby lowering the expense ratio for
the combined fund. To illustrate the potential economies of scale, the table
below shows the total annualized operating expense ratio of each Fund based on
average net assets both excluding and including assets attributable to AMPS as
of June 30, 1999:
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total annualized Average net assets Total annualized Average net assets
operating expense excluding AMPS operating expense including AMPS
ratio excluding AMPS (in millions) ratio including AMPS (in millions)
-------------------- ------------------ -------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New Jersey Insured 1.35% $101.8 0.81% $169.8
New Jersey Insured II 1.43% $ 83.4 0.83% $143.4
New Jersey Insured III 1.37% $ 73.2 0.83% $120.2
Combined Fund1 1.24% $258.5 0.74% $433.5
</TABLE>
- -----------------
1 Assumes Reorganization had taken place on June 30, 1999.
Management projections estimate that New Jersey Insured will have net
assets in excess of $433 million including assets attributable to AMPS upon
completion of the Reorganization. A larger asset base should provide benefits
in portfolio management. After the Reorganization, New Jersey Insured should be
able to purchase larger amounts of New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal
Bonds at more favorable prices than any of the Funds separately and, with this
greater purchasing power, request improvements in the terms of the New Jersey
Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds (e.g., added indenture provisions covering
call protection, sinking funds and audits for the benefit of large holders)
prior to purchase.
Based on the foregoing, the Boards concluded that the Reorganization is in
the best interests of the stockholders of each of the Funds because the
Reorganization presents no significant risks or costs (including legal,
accounting and administrative costs) that would outweigh the benefits discussed
above.
In approving the Reorganization, the Board of Directors of each Fund
determined that the Reorganization is in the best interests of that Fund and,
with respect to net asset value and liquidation preference, that the interests
of existing stockholders of that Fund would not be diluted as a result of the
Reorganization. Although the Reorganization is expected to result in a
reduction in net asset value per share of the combined fund after the
Reorganization of approximately $396,000 as a result of the estimated costs of
the Reorganization, management of each Fund advised its Board that it expects
that such costs would be recovered within [18] months after the Exchange Date
due to a decrease in the operating expense ratio.
It is not anticipated that the Reorganization directly would benefit the
holders of shares of AMPS of any of the Funds; however, the Reorganization will
not adversely affect the holders of shares of AMPS of any of the Funds and the
expenses of the Reorganization will not be borne by the holders of shares of
AMPS of any of the Funds.
SURRENDER AND EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES
After the Exchange Date, each holder of an outstanding certificate or
certificates formerly representing shares of Common Stock of any one of the
Acquired Funds will be entitled to receive, upon surrender of his or her
certificate or certificates, a certificate or certificates representing the
number of shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock distributable with respect
to such holder's shares of Common Stock of the Acquired Fund, together with
cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Common Stock. Promptly after the
Exchange Date, the transfer agent for the New Jersey Insured Common Stock will
mail to each holder of certificates formerly representing shares of Common
Stock of an Acquired Fund a letter of transmittal for use in surrendering his
or her certificates for certificates representing shares of New Jersey Insured
Common Stock and cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Common Stock.
Shares of AMPS are held in "street name" by the Depository Trust Company,
and all transfers will be accomplished by book entry. Surrender of physical
certificates for AMPS is not required.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
If prior to the Reorganization you held: After the Reorganization, you will hold:
- ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
<S> <C>
New Jersey Insured Common Stock New Jersey Insured Common Stock
New Jersey Insured Series A AMPS New Jersey Insured Series A AMPS
New Jersey Insured Series B AMPS New Jersey Insured Series B AMPS
New Jersey Insured II Common Stock New Jersey Insured Common Stock
New Jersey Insured II Series A AMPS New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS
New Jersey Insured II Series B AMPS New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS
New Jersey Insured III Common Stock New Jersey Insured Common Stock
New Jersey Insured III Series A AMPS New Jersey Insured Series D AMPS
</TABLE>
PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME. UPON
CONSUMMATION OF THE REORGANIZATION, COMMON STOCKHOLDERS OF THE ACQUIRED FUNDS
WILL BE FURNISHED WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXCHANGING THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES FOR
NEW JERSEY INSURED STOCK CERTIFICATES AND, IF APPLICABLE, CASH IN LIEU OF
FRACTIONAL SHARES.
From and after the Exchange Date, certificates formerly representing
shares of Common Stock or AMPS of an Acquired Fund will be deemed for all
purposes to evidence ownership of the number of full shares of New Jersey
Insured Common Stock, New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS or New Jersey Insured
Series D AMPS distributable with respect to the shares of the Acquired Fund
held before the Reorganization as described above and as shown in the table
above, provided that, until such stock certificates have been so surrendered,
no dividends payable to the holders of record of Common Stock or AMPS of an
Acquired Fund as of any date subsequent to the Exchange Date will be paid to
the holders of such outstanding stock certificates. Dividends payable to
holders of record of shares of Common Stock or AMPS of New Jersey Insured, as
of any date after the Exchange Date and prior to the exchange of certificates
by any stockholder of an Acquired Fund, will be paid to such stockholder,
without interest, at the time such stockholder surrenders his or her stock
certificates for exchange.
From and after the Exchange Date, there will be no transfers on the stock
transfer books of any Acquired Fund. If, after the Exchange Date, certificates
representing shares of Common Stock or AMPS of an Acquired Fund are presented
to New Jersey Insured, they will be canceled and exchanged for certificates
representing Common Stock or AMPS of New Jersey Insured, as applicable, and
cash in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock, if any, distributable with
respect to such Common Stock or AMPS in the Reorganization.
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REORGANIZATION
GENERAL. The Reorganization has been structured with the intention that it
qualify for Federal income tax purposes as a tax-free reorganization under
Section 368(a)(1)(C) of the Code. Each of the three Funds has elected and
qualified for the special tax treatment afforded RICs under the Code, and New
Jersey Insured intends to continue to so qualify after the Reorganization. The
Funds have jointly requested a private letter ruling from the IRS that for
Federal income tax purposes: (i) the exchange of assets by each Acquired Fund
for New Jersey Insured stock, as described, will constitute a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(C) of the Code, and each of the
Acquired Funds and New Jersey Insured will be deemed a "party" to a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code; (ii) in
accordance with Section 361(a) of the Code, no gain or loss will be recognized
to the Acquired Funds as a result of the Reorganization or on the distribution
of New Jersey Insured Common Stock and New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS or New
Jersey Insured Series D AMPS to the respective stockholders of the Acquired
Funds under Section 361(c)(1) of the Code; (iii) under Section 1032 of the
Code, no gain or loss will be recognized to New Jersey Insured as a result of
the Reorganization; (iv) in accordance with Section 354(a)(1) of the Code, no
gain or loss will be recognized to the stockholders of the Acquired Funds on
the receipt of New Jersey Insured Common Stock and New Jersey Insured Series C
AMPS or New Jersey Insured Series D AMPS in exchange for their corresponding
shares of Common Stock or AMPS of an Acquired Fund (except to the extent that
common stockholders receive cash representing an interest in fractional shares
of New Jersey Insured in the Reorganization); (v) in accordance with Section
362(b) of the Code, the tax basis of the assets of the Acquired Funds in the
hands of New Jersey Insured will be the same as the tax basis of such assets in
the hands of the Acquired Fund that transferred them immediately prior to the
consummation of the Reorganization; (vi) in accordance with Section 358 of the
Code, immediately after the Reorganization, the tax basis of the New Jersey
Insured Common Stock, New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS or New Jersey Insured
Series D AMPS received by the stockholders of the Acquired Funds in the
Reorganization will be equal to the tax basis of the Common Stock or AMPS of
the Acquired Fund surrendered in exchange; (vii) in accordance with Section
1223 of the Code, a stockholder's holding period for the New Jersey Insured
Common Stock, New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS or New Jersey Insured Series D
AMPS will be determined by including the period for which such stockholder held
the Common Stock or AMPS of the Acquired Fund exchanged therefor, provided,
that such shares were held as a capital asset; (viii) in accordance with
Section 1223 of the Code, New Jersey Insured's holding period with respect to
the Acquired Funds transferred will include the period for which such assets
were held by the Acquired Fund; (ix) the payment of cash to common stockholders
of an Acquired Fund in lieu of fractional shares of New Jersey Insured Common
Stock will be treated as though the fractional shares were distributed as part
of the Reorganization and then redeemed, with the result that such stockholders
will have short- or long-term capital gain or loss to the extent that the cash
distribution differs from the stockholder's basis allocable to the New Jersey
Insured fractional shares; and (x) the taxable year of each of the Acquired
Funds will end on the effective date of the Reorganization and pursuant to
Section 381(a) of the Code and regulations thereunder, New Jersey Insured will
succeed to and take into account certain tax attributes of the Acquired Funds,
such as earnings and profits, capital loss carryovers and method of accounting.
As noted in the discussion under "Comparison of the Funds--Tax Rules
Applicable to the Funds and Their Stockholders," a Fund must distribute
annually at least 90% of its net taxable and tax-exempt income. A distribution
only will be counted for this purpose if it qualifies for the dividends paid
deduction under the Code. In the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, the issuance of
New Jersey Insured Series C AMPS and New Jersey Insured Series D AMPS pursuant
to the Reorganization in addition to the already existing New Jersey Insured
Series A AMPS and New Jersey Insured Series B AMPS will not cause distributions
on any series of New Jersey Insured AMPS to be treated as preferential
dividends ineligible for the dividends paid deduction. It is possible, however,
that the IRS may assert that, because there are several series of AMPS,
distributions on such shares are preferential under the Code and therefore not
eligible for the dividends paid deduction. If the IRS successfully disallowed
the dividends paid deduction for dividends on the AMPS, New Jersey Insured
could lose the special tax treatment afforded RICs. In this case, dividends on
the shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock and AMPS would not be exempt from
Federal income tax. Additionally, New Jersey Insured would be subject to the
alternative minimum tax and might be subject to the New Jersey corporate
business (franchise) tax.
Under Section 381(a) of the Code, New Jersey Insured will succeed to and
take into account certain tax attributes of the Acquired Funds, including, but
not limited to, earnings and profits, any net operating loss carryovers, any
capital loss carryovers and method of accounting. The Code, however, contains
special limitations with regard to the use of net operating losses, capital
losses and other similar items in the context of certain reorganizations,
including tax-free reorganizations pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(C) of the
Code, which could reduce the benefit of these attributes to New Jersey Insured.
Stockholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the effect of the
Reorganization in light of their individual circumstances. As the foregoing
relates only to Federal income tax consequences, stockholders also should
consult their tax advisers as to the foreign, state and local tax consequences
of the Reorganization.
REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY STATUS. The Funds have elected and qualified
for taxation as RICs under Sections 851-855 of the Code, and after the
Reorganization New Jersey Insured intends to continue to so qualify.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth as of July 31, 1999 (i) the capitalization
of New Jersey Insured, (ii) the capitalization of New Jersey Insured II, (iii)
the capitalization of New Jersey Insured III and (iv) the pro forma
capitalization of the combined fund as adjusted to give effect to the
Reorganization.
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA CAPITALIZATION OF NEW JERSEY INSURED, NEW JERSEY INSURED II,
NEW JERSEY INSURED III AND THE COMBINED FUND AS OF JULY 31, 1999 (UNAUDITED)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Combined
New Jersey New Jersey New Jersey Pro Forma Fund as
Insured Insured II Insured III Adjustment adjusted(a)
---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Assets:......................... $169,300,436 $142,714,787 $119,716,690 ($ 1,779,351) $429,952,562
Net Assets Attributable to
Common Stock...................... $101,300,436 $82,714,787 $72,716,690 ($ 1,779,351) $254,952,562
Net Assets Attributable to
AMPS.............................. $ 68,000,000 $60,000,000 $47,000,000 -- $175,000,000
Shares Outstanding:
Common Stock...................... 7,000,496 6,151,635 5,297,667 ( 695,904) 17,755,889
AMPS
Series A........................ 1,360 1,200 1,880 1,360
Series B........................ 1,360 1,200 1,360
Series C........................ 2,400 2,400
Series D........................ 1,880 1,880
Net Asset Value Per Share:
Common Stock...................... $ 14.47 $ 13.45 $ 13.73 -- $ 14.34
</TABLE>
- -------------
(a) The adjusted balances are presented as if the Reorganization had been
consummated on July 31, 1999 and are for informational purposes only.
Assumes distribution of undistributed net investment income and accrual of
estimated Reorganization expenses of $396,000. No assurance can be given
as to how many shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock that stockholders
of New Jersey Insured II or New Jersey Insured III will receive on the
Exchange Date, and the foregoing should not be relied upon to reflect the
number of shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock that actually will be
received on or after such date.
(b) Assumes the issuance of 10,753,393 shares of New Jersey Insured Common
Stock and two newly-created series of AMPS consisting of 2,400 Series C
shares and 1,880 Series D shares, respectively, in exchange for the net
assets of each of New Jersey Insured II and New Jersey Insured III. The
number of shares issued was based on the net asset value of each Fund, net
of distributions, on July 31, 1999.
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Meetings, the Board of Directors for each of the Funds will be
elected to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their
successors are elected and qualified. If the stockholders of all of the Funds
approve the Reorganization, then the Board of Directors of New Jersey Insured
elected at the Meetings will serve as the Board of the combined fund, until its
next Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If the stockholders of any Fund vote
against the Reorganization, then the Board of Directors of each Fund elected at
the Meetings will continue to serve until the next Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of each Fund. It is intended that all properly executed proxies
will be voted (unless such authority has been withheld in the proxy) as
follows:
(1) All proxies of the holders of shares of AMPS of any Fund, voting
separately as a class, will be voted in favor of the two persons
designated as Directors to be elected by the holders of shares of AMPS of
that Fund; and
(2) All proxies of the holders of shares of Common Stock and AMPS of
any Fund, voting together as a single class, will be voted in favor of the
five persons designated as Directors to be elected by the holders of
shares of Common Stock and AMPS of that Fund.
The Boards of Directors of the Funds know of no reason why any of these
nominees will be unable to serve, but in the event of any such unavailability,
the proxies received will be voted for such substitute nominee or nominees as
the appropriate Board of Directors may recommend.
Certain information concerning the nominees is set forth below.
Additional information concerning the nominees and other information relevant
to the election of Directors is set forth in Exhibit I.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TO BE ELECTED BY STOCKHOLDERS OF NEW JERSEY INSURED AND EACH OF THE ACQUIRED FUNDS
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING PAST
NAME AND ADDRESS AGE FIVE YEARS AND PUBLIC DIRECTORSHIPS (1)
---------------- --- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Terry K. Glenn (1)(3)*...................... 59 Executive Vice President of FAM and Merrill
P. O. Box 9011 Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM") (which terms as
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011 used herein include their corporate predecessors)
since 1983; Executive Vice President and Director of
Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton Services") since
1993; President of Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc.
("PFD") since 1986 and Director thereof since 1991;
President of Princeton Administrators, L.P.
("Princeton Administrators") since 1988.
Ronald W. Forbes (1)(2)(3).................. 59 Professor of Finance, School of Business,
1400 Washington Avenue State University of New York at Albany, since 1989;
Albany, New York 12222 Consultant, Urban Institute, Washington, D.C. since
1995.
Cynthia A. Montgomery (1)(2)(3)............. 47 Professor, Harvard Business School since
Harvard Business School 1989; Associate Professor, J.L. Kellogg Graduate
Soldiers Field Road School of Management, Northwestern University from
Boston, Massachusetts 02163 1985 to 1989; Assistant Professor, Graduate School of
Business Administration, The University of Michigan
from 1979 to 1985; Director, UNUM Corporation since
1990 and Director of Newell Co. since 1995.
Charles C. Reilly (1)(2)(3)................. 68 Self-employed financial consultant since
9 Hampton Harbor Road 1990; President and Chief Investment Officer of Verus
Hampton Bays, New York 11946 Capital, Inc. from 1979 to 1990; Senior Vice President
of Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. from 1973 to
1990; Adjunct Professor, Columbia University Graduate
School of Business from 1990 to 1991; Adjunct Professor,
Wharton School, The University of Pennsylvania from 1989 to
1990; Partner, Small Cities Cable Television from 1986 to
1997.
Kevin A. Ryan (1)(2)(3)..................... 67 Founder and current Director of The Boston
127 Commonwealth Avenue University Center for the Advancement of Ethics and
Chestnut Hill, Character; Professor of Education at Boston University
Massachusetts 02167 since 1982; formerly taught on the faculties of The
University of Chicago, Stanford University and Ohio
State University.
Richard R. West (1)(2)(3)................... 61 Professor of Finance since 1984, Dean from
Box 604 1984 to 1993, and currently Dean Emeritus of New York
Genoa, Nevada 89411 University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business
Administration; Director of Bowne & Co., Inc.
(financial printers), Vornado Realty Trust, Inc. (real
estate holding company) and Alexander's Inc. (real
estate company).
Arthur Zeikel (1)(3) *...................... 67 Chairman of FAM and MLAM from 1997 to 1999;
300 Woodland Avenue President of FAM and MLAM from 1977 to 1997; Chairman
Westfield, New Jersey 07090 of Princeton Services from 1997 to 1999 and Director
thereof from 1993 to 1999; President of Princeton
Services from 1993 to 1997; Executive Vice President
of ML & Co. from 1990 to 1999.
</TABLE>
(1) Each of the nominees is a director, trustee or member of an advisory board
of one or more additional investment companies for which FAM, MLAM or
their affiliates act as investment adviser. See "Compensation of Board
Members" in Exhibit I.
(2) Member of Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
(3) Please see Exhibit I for information, with respect to each Fund,
indicating the names of the nominees to be elected by holders of AMPS,
voting separately as a class, and the names of the nominees to be elected
by holders of Common Stock and AMPS, voting together as a single class.
* Interested person, as defined in the Investment Company Act, of each of
the Funds.
COMMITTEE AND BOARD MEETINGS
The Board of each Fund has a standing Audit Committee, which consists of
Board members who are not "interested persons" of the Fund within the meaning
of the Investment Company Act. The principal purpose of the Audit Committee is
to review the scope of the annual audit conducted by the Fund's independent
auditors and the evaluation by such auditors of the accounting procedures
followed by the Fund. The non-interested Board members have retained
independent legal counsel to assist them in connection with these duties. No
Fund's Board has a nominating committee.
During each Fund's last fiscal year, each of the Board members then in
office attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings
of the Board held during the fiscal year and, if a member, of the total number
of meetings of the Audit Committee held during the period for which he or she
served. See Exhibit I for further information about Audit Committee and Board
meetings.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), requires the officers and directors of each Fund and persons
who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Fund's equity
securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4
and 5 with the SEC and the NYSE. Officers, directors and greater than ten
percent stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Fund with
copies of all Forms 3, 4 and 5 they file.
Based solely on each Fund's review of the copies of such forms, and
amendments thereto, furnished to it during or with respect to its most recent
fiscal year, and written representations from certain reporting persons that
they were not required to file Form 5 with respect to the most recent fiscal
year, each Fund believes that all of its officers, directors, greater than ten
percent beneficial owners and other persons subject to Section 16 of the
Exchange Act because of the requirements of Section 30 of the Investment
Company Act, i.e., any advisory board member, investment adviser or affiliated
person of the Fund's investment adviser, have complied with all filing
requirements applicable to them with respect to transactions during the Fund's
most recent fiscal year, except that [ ].
INTERESTED PERSONS
Each Fund considers Mr. Zeikel and Mr. Glenn to be "interested persons" of
the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act
because of the positions each holds or has held with FAM and its affiliates.
Mr. Glenn is the President of each Fund.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
FAM, the investment adviser of each Fund, pays all compensation to all
officers of each Fund and all Directors of each Fund who are affiliated with ML
& Co. or its subsidiaries. Each Fund pays each Director not affiliated with FAM
(each a "non-affiliated Director") an annual fee plus a fee for each meeting
attended, and each Fund also pays each member of its Audit Committee, which
consists of all of the non-affiliated Directors, an annual fee plus a fee for
each meeting attended, together with such Director's out-of-pocket expenses
relating to attendance at such meetings. Information with respect to fees and
expenses paid to the non-affiliated Directors for each Fund's most recently
completed fiscal year is set forth in Exhibit I.
OFFICERS OF THE FUNDS
Information regarding the officers of each Fund is set forth in Exhibit I.
Officers of the Funds are elected and appointed by the Board and hold office
until they resign, are removed or are otherwise disqualified to serve.
<PAGE>
ITEM 3. SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors of each Fund, including a majority of the Directors
who are not interested persons of the Fund, has selected independent auditors
to examine the financial statements of the Fund for the Fund's current fiscal
year. Ernst & Young LLP ("E&Y") acts as independent auditors for New Jersey
Insured and New Jersey Insured II and is expected to act as independent
auditors for the combined fund. Deloitte & Touche LLP ("D&T") acts as
independent auditors for New Jersey Insured III. The current fiscal year for
New Jersey Insured is the fiscal year ending July 31, 2000; for New Jersey
Insured II, the fiscal year ending May 31, 2000; and for New Jersey Insured
III, the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000.
No Fund knows of any direct or indirect financial interest of such
auditors in any Fund. Such appointment is subject to ratification or rejection
by the stockholders of each respective Fund. If the stockholders of each of the
Funds approve the Reorganization, then the independent auditors selected at the
Meeting for New Jersey Insured will serve as the independent auditors of the
combined fund until its next Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If the
stockholders of any of the Funds vote against the Reorganization, then the
independent auditors of each Fund selected at the Meetings will continue to
serve as independent auditors of that Fund until the next Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of that Fund. Unless a contrary specification is made, the
accompanying proxy of each Fund will be voted in favor of ratifying the
selection of such Fund's auditors.
D&T also acts as independent auditors for ML & Co. and most of its
subsidiaries, including FAM and MLAM, and for most other investment companies
for which FAM or MLAM acts as investment adviser. Additionally, E&Y also acts
as independent auditors for several other investment companies for which FAM or
MLAM acts as investment adviser. The fees received by the independent auditors
from these other entities are substantially greater, in the aggregate, than the
total fees received by the independent auditors from each applicable Fund. The
Board of Directors of New Jersey Insured III considered the fact that D&T have
been retained as the independent auditors for ML & Co. and the other entities
described above in its evaluation of the independence of D&T with respect to
each applicable Fund. The Board of Directors of each of New Jersey Insured and
New Jersey Insured II considered the fact that E&Y have been retained as
independent auditors for the other entities described above in its evaluation
of the independence of E&Y with respect to each applicable Fund.
Representatives of the independent auditors are expected to be present at
the Meetings and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so
desire and to respond to questions from stockholders.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE ANNUAL MEETINGS
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF MEETINGS
The Meetings will be held on December 15, 1999 at the offices of MLAM, 800
Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey at the times listed on Exhibit I.
SOLICITATION, REVOCATION AND USE OF PROXIES
A stockholder executing and returning a proxy has the power to revoke it
at any time prior to its exercise by executing a superseding proxy, by giving
written notice of the revocation to the Secretary of the appropriate Fund or by
voting in person at the Meeting. Although mere attendance at the Meetings will
not revoke a proxy, a stockholder present at the Meetings may withdraw his or
her proxy and vote in person.
All shares represented by properly executed proxies, unless such proxies
previously have been revoked, will be voted at the Meetings in accordance with
the directions on the proxies; if no direction is indicated, the shares will be
voted "FOR" (i) the approval of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, (ii)
the election of the nominees to the Board of Directors and (iii) the
ratification of the selection of D&T or E&Y, as applicable, as independent
accountants. It is not anticipated that any other matters will be brought
before the Meetings. If, however, any other business properly is brought before
the Meetings, proxies will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the
persons designated on such proxies.
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
Only holders of record of shares of Common Stock or AMPS of any of the
Funds at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote at the
Meetings or any adjournment thereof. At the close of business on the Record
Date, the Funds had the number of shares outstanding indicated in Exhibit I.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
To the knowledge of the Funds, at the date hereof, no person or entity
owns beneficially 5% or more of the shares of the Common Stock or AMPS of any
Fund.
As of the Record Date, none of the nominees held shares of the Funds
except as set forth in the table below:
NOMINEE FUND AND CLASS OF SHARES NO. OF SHARES HELD*
- ------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------
- -------------------
* These holdings represent less than [ ]% of the shares of Common Stock
outstanding.
As of the Record Date, the Directors and officers of New Jersey Insured as
a group (13 persons) owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of New Jersey Insured Common Stock and [owned no] New Jersey Insured
AMPS.
As of the Record Date, the Directors and officers of New Jersey Insured II
as a group (13 persons) owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of New Jersey Insured II Common Stock and [owned no] New Jersey Insured
II AMPS.
As of the Record Date, the Directors and officers of New Jersey Insured
III as a group (13 persons) owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the
outstanding shares of New Jersey Insured III Common Stock and [owned no] New
Jersey Insured III AMPS.
On the Record Date, Mr. Glenn, a Director and an officer of each of the
Funds, Mr. Zeikel, a Director of each of the Funds, and the other Directors and
officers of each Fund owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock of ML & Co.
VOTING RIGHTS AND REQUIRED VOTE
For purposes of this Proxy Statement and Prospectus, each share of Common
Stock and AMPS of each of the Funds is entitled to one vote. Approval of the
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization requires the approval of each Fund. With
respect to each Fund, approval of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
requires the affirmative vote of stockholders representing (i) a majority of
the outstanding shares of the Fund's Common Stock and AMPS, voting together as
a single class, and (ii) a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund's
AMPS, voting separately as a class.
Under Maryland law, stockholders of a registered investment company whose
shares are traded publicly on a national securities exchange, such as each of
the Acquired Funds, are not entitled to demand the fair value of their shares
upon a transfer of assets; therefore, the common stockholders of each of the
Acquired Funds will be bound by the terms of the Reorganization, if approved at
the Meetings. However, any common stockholder of an Acquired Fund may sell his
or her shares of Common Stock at any time on the NYSE. Conversely, since the
AMPS are not traded publicly on a national securities exchange, holders of AMPS
issued by an Acquired Fund will be entitled to appraisal rights upon the
consummation of the Reorganization. As stockholders of the corporation
acquiring the assets of the Acquired Funds, neither holders of New Jersey
Insured Common Stock nor holders of New Jersey Insured AMPS are entitled to
appraisal rights under Maryland law.
Under Maryland law, a holder of AMPS of any of the Acquired Funds desiring
to receive payment of the fair value of his or her stock (an "objecting
stockholder") (i) must file with the applicable Acquired Fund a written
objection to the Reorganization at or before the Meeting, (ii) must not vote in
favor of the Reorganization, and (iii) must make written demand on New Jersey
Insured for payment of his or her stock, stating the number and class of shares
for which he or she demands payment, within 20 days after the Maryland
Department of Assessments and Taxation accepts for filing the Articles of
Transfer with respect to the Reorganization (New Jersey Insured is required
promptly to give written notice to all objecting stockholders of the date that
the Articles of Transfer are accepted for record). An objecting stockholder who
fails to adhere to this procedure will be bound by the terms of the
Reorganization. An objecting stockholder ceases to have any rights of a
stockholder except the right to receive fair value for his or her shares and
has no right to receive any dividends or distribution payable to such holders
on a record date after the close of business on the date on which fair value is
to be determined, which, for these purposes, will be the date of the Meeting. A
demand for payment of fair market value may not be withdrawn, except upon the
consent of New Jersey Insured. Within 50 days after the Articles of Transfer
have been accepted for filing, an objecting stockholder who has not received
payment for his or her shares may petition a court located in Baltimore,
Maryland for an appraisal to determine the fair market value of his or her
stock.
For purposes of each Meeting, a quorum consists of one-third of the shares
entitled to vote at the Meeting, present in person or by proxy. If, by the time
scheduled for each Meeting, a quorum of the applicable Fund's stockholders is
not present, or if a quorum is present but sufficient votes in favor of the
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization are not received from the stockholders of
the applicable Fund, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more
adjournments of the Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies from
stockholders. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares of the applicable Fund present in person or by proxy and
entitled to vote at the session of the Meeting to be adjourned. The persons
named as proxies will vote in favor of any such adjournment if they determine
that adjournment and additional solicitation are reasonable and in the
interests of the applicable Fund's stockholders.
With respect to the election of Directors, assuming a quorum is present,
holders of shares of a Fund's AMPS, voting separately as a class, are entitled
to elect two Directors of the Fund and holders of shares of a Fund's Common
Stock and AMPS, voting together as a single class, are entitled to elect the
remaining Directors of that Fund. With respect to each Fund, assuming a quorum
is present, (x) election of the two Directors of the Fund to be elected by the
holders of shares of that Fund's AMPS, voting separately as a class, will
require the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of
that Fund's AMPS, represented at the Meeting and entitled to vote, voting
together as a single class; and (y) election of the remaining Directors of the
Fund will require the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by the
holders of that Fund's Common Stock and AMPS, represented at the Meetings and
entitled to vote, voting together as a single class.
Assuming a quorum is present, approval of the ratification of the
selection of the independent auditors of each Fund, will require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of that Fund's
Common Stock and AMPS represented at the Meetings and entitled to vote, voting
together as a single class.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The expenses of preparation, printing and mailing of the enclosed form of
proxy, the accompanying Notice and this Proxy Statement and Prospectus will be
borne by New Jersey Insured, the surviving fund after the Reorganization, so as
to be borne equally and exclusively on a per share basis by the holders of
Common Stock of each of the Funds. If the Reorganization is not approved, these
expenses will be allocated among the Funds according to the net asset value of
the Common Stock of each Fund on the Meeting date.
The Funds likewise will reimburse banks, brokers and others for their
reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy solicitation materials to the
beneficial owners of shares of each of the Funds and certain persons that the
Funds may employ for their reasonable expenses in assisting in the solicitation
of proxies from such beneficial owners of shares of capital stock of the Funds.
In order to obtain the necessary quorum at the Meetings, supplementary
solicitation may be made by mail, telephone, telegraph or personal interview by
officers of the Funds. Each of the Funds has retained [name, address] to aid in
the solicitation of proxies, at a cost to be borne by each of the Funds of
approximately $________, plus out-of-pocket expenses.
Broker-dealer firms, including Merrill Lynch, holding Fund shares in
"street name" for the benefit of their customers and clients will request the
instructions of such customers and clients on how to vote their shares on each
proposal before the Meetings. The Funds understand that, under the rules of the
NYSE, such broker-dealer firms may, without instructions from their customers
and clients, grant authority to the proxies designated to vote on the election
of the Directors of each Fund Item 2 and the ratification of the selection of
independent auditors for each Fund Item 3 if no instructions have been received
prior to the date specified in the broker-dealer firm's request for voting
instructions. With respect to shares of Common Stock of each Fund,
broker-dealer firms, including Merrill Lynch, will not be permitted to grant
voting authority without instructions with respect to the approval of the
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization Item 1. Shares of AMPS of a Fund held in
"street name," however, may be voted without instructions under certain
conditions by broker-dealer firms with respect to Item 1 and counted for
purposes of establishing a quorum of that Fund if no instructions are received
one business day before the Meeting or, if adjourned, one business day before
the day to which the Meeting is adjourned. With respect to each Fund, these
conditions include, among others, that (i) at least 30% of that Fund's AMPS
outstanding have voted on Item 1, (ii) less than 10% of that Fund's AMPS
outstanding have voted against Item 1 and (iii) holders of that Fund's Common
Stock have voted to approve Item 1. In such instances, the broker-dealer firm
will vote that Fund's shares of AMPS on Item 1 in the same proportion as the
votes cast by all holders of that Fund's AMPS who voted on Item 1. The Funds
will include shares held of record by broker-dealers as to which such authority
has been granted in its tabulation of the total number of shares present for
purposes of determining whether the necessary quorum of stockholders of each
Fund exists. Proxies that are returned to a Fund but that are marked "abstain"
or on which a broker-dealer has declined to vote on any proposal ("broker
non-votes") will be counted as present for the purposes of determining a
quorum. Merrill Lynch has advised the Funds that it intends to vote shares held
in its name for which no instructions are received, except as limited by
agreement or applicable law, on Items 2 and 3 (with respect to Common Stock and
AMPS) and on Item 1 (with respect to AMPS only) in the same proportion as the
votes received from beneficial owners of those shares for which instructions
have been received, whether or not held in nominee name. Abstentions and broker
non-votes will not be counted as votes cast. Abstentions and broker non-votes,
therefore, will not have an effect on the vote on Items 2 and 3. Abstentions
and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against Item 1.
This Proxy Statement and Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits relating
thereto which New Jersey Insured has filed with the Commission under the
Securities Act and the Investment Company Act, to which reference is hereby
made.
The Funds are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act and the Investment Company Act and in accordance therewith are required to
file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Any such
reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at
the public reference facilities of the SEC at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following regional
offices of the SEC: Regional Office, at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300,
New York, New York 10048; Pacific Regional Office, at 5670 Wilshire Boulevard,
11th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90036; and Midwest Regional Office, at
Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such materials can be obtained from the public
reference section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549,
at prescribed rates. The SEC maintains a Web site at http://www.sec.gov
containing reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants, including the Funds, that file electronically with the
SEC. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Funds can
also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
Many computer systems were designed using only two digits to designate
years. These systems may not be able to distinguish the Year 2000 from the Year
1900 (commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem"). The Funds could be adversely
affected if the computer systems used by FAM or other Fund service providers do
not properly address this problem before January 1, 2000. FAM expects to have
addressed this problem before then, and does not anticipate that the services
it provides will be adversely affected. The Fund's other service providers have
told FAM that they also expect to resolve the Year 2000 Problem, and FAM will
continue to monitor the situation as the Year 2000 approaches. However, if the
problem has not been fully addressed, the Funds could be negatively affected.
The Year 2000 Problem could also have a negative impact on the issuers of
securities in which the Funds invest, and this could hurt the Funds' investment
returns.
CUSTODIAN
The Bank of New York acts as the custodian for cash and securities of New
Jersey Insured. The principal business address of The Bank of New York in such
capacity is 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286. State Street Bank
and Trust Company acts as the custodian for cash and securities of New Jersey
Insured II and New Jersey Insured III. The principal business address of State
Street Bank and Trust Company in such capacity is One Heritage Drive, P2N,
North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171.
TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The Bank of New York serves as the transfer agent, dividend disbursing
agent and registrar with respect to the Common Stock of New Jersey Insured,
pursuant to a registrar, transfer agency and service agreements with each of
the Funds. The principal business address of The Bank of New York in such
capacity is 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286.
State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the transfer agent, dividend
disbursing agent and registrar with respect to the Common Stock of New Jersey
Insured II and New Jersey Insured III, pursuant to a separate registrar,
transfer agency and service agreement with each of the Funds. The principal
business address of State Street Bank and Trust Company in such capacity is 225
Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
The Bank of New York serves as the transfer agent, dividend disbursing
agent, registrar and auction agent to New Jersey Insured, New Jersey Insured II
and New Jersey Insured III, in connection with their respective AMPS, pursuant
to separate registrar, transfer agency, dividend disbursing agency and service
agreements with each of the Funds. The principal business address of The Bank
of New York in such capacity is 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material legal proceedings to which any Fund is a party.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Reorganization will be passed
upon for the Funds by Brown & Wood LLP, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, have audited the financial
statements and financial highlights of New Jersey Insured as of July 31, 1999
and New Jersey Insured II as of May 31, 1999 as set forth in their reports which
appear in this Proxy Statement and Prospectus. Our financial statements and
financial highlights are included in reliance upon their reports, given on their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
E&Y will serve as the independent auditors for the combined fund after the
reorganization. The principal business address of Ernst & Young LLP is 99 Wood
Avenue South, Iselin, New Jersey 08830.
The financial highlights New Jersey Insured III included in this Proxy
Statement and Prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of
D&T, independent auditors for that Fund, given on their authority as experts in
auditing and accounting. The principal business address of D&T is 117 Campus
Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
If a stockholder of any of the Funds intends to present a proposal at the
2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of any of the Funds, all of which are
anticipated to be held in December 2000, and desires to have the proposal
included in the Fund's proxy statement and form of proxy for that meeting, the
stockholder must deliver the proposal to the offices of the appropriate Fund by
__________.
By Order of the Boards of Directors
WILLIAM E. ZITELLI
Secretary of MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured
Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings New Jersey
Insured Fund II, Inc. and MuniHoldings
New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc.
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Audited Financial Statements for MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc. for
the Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 1999 -- TO BE ADDED BY AMENDMENt
Audited Financial Statements for MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc.
for the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 1999-- TO BE ADDED BY AMENDMENt
Unaudited Financial Statements for MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III,
Inc. for the Six-Month Period Ended March 31, 1999 -- TO BE ADDED BY
AMENDMENT
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Combined Fund on a Pro Forma Basis, as F-2
of July 31, 1999......................................................
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC., MUNIHOLDINGS
NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND II, INC., AND MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED
FUND III, INC. AS OF JULY 31,1999 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY
INSURED INSURED II INSURED III
------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments, at value* (Note 1a) $168,126,988 $ 141,184,561 $ 118,592,933
Cash 0 0 1,797,589
Receivables:
Securities sold 6,645,022 200,412 0
Interest 2,071,399 1,640,741 1,412,377
Variation margin (Note 1b) 76,656 352,764 296,370
Prepaid expenses and other assets 24,620 13,878 19,000
------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
Total assets 176,944,685 143,392,356 122,118,269
------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
LIABILITIES:
Payables:
Securities purchased 7,182,302 0 2,003,973
Custodian bank (Note 1g) 67,970 229,900 146,604
Offering costs (Note 1e) 60,000 101,129 196,487
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f) 173,330 166,125 0
Investment adviser (Note 2) 75,189 46,575 10,224
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 85,458 133,840 44,291
------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
Total liabilities 7,644,249 677,569 2,401,579
------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
NET ASSETS:
Net Assets $169,300,436 $ 142,714,787 $ 119,716,690
=================== ====================== ====================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Table continued...)
PRO FORMA
FOR
ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED FUND
----------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments, at value* (Note 1a) $427,904,482
Cash 1,797,589
Receivables:
Securities sold 6,845,434
Interest 5,124,517
Variation margin (Note 1b) 725,790
Prepaid expenses and other assets 57,498
----------------- -------------------
Total assets 0 442,455,310
----------------- -------------------
LIABILITIES:
Payables:
Securities purchased 9,186,275
Custodian bank (Note 1g) 444,474
Offering costs (Note 1e) 357,616
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f) 1,559,377(1) 1,898,832
Investment adviser (Note 2) 131,988
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 219,974(2) ( 483,563
----------------- -------------------
Total liabilities 1,779,351 12,502,748
----------------- -------------------
NET ASSETS:
Net Assets $ (1,779,351) $429,952,562
================= ===================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Stock (200,000,000 shares authorized)
Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share of
AMPS** issued and outstanding+ at $25,000 per
share liquidation preference $ 68,000,000 $ 60,000,000 $ 47,000,000
Common Stock par value $.10 per share issued
and outstanding++ 700,050 615,164 529,767
Paid-in capital in excess of par 103,388,100 90,851,406 78,216,291
Undistributed (accumulated) investment income
(loss) - net 683,924 455,375 420,078
Undistributed (accumulated) realized
capital gains (losses) on
investments-net 0 (2,874,919) (1,749,826)
Accumulated distributions in excess of realized
capital gains on investments-net (Note 1f) (226,339) 0 0
Unrealized depreciation on investments-net (3,245,299) (6,332,239) (4,699,620)
------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
Total Capital+++ $169,300,436 $ 142,714,787 $ 119,716,690
=================== ====================== ====================
- -----------------------------------
* IDENTIFIED COST $171,486,819 $147,584,925 $123,351,303
=================== ====================== ====================
+ SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING 2,720 2,400 1,880
=================== ====================== ====================
++ SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING 7,000,496 6,151,635 5,297,667
=================== ====================== ====================
+++ NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE OF
COMMON STOCK $14.47 $13.45 $13.73
=================== ====================== ====================
</TABLE>
(Table continued...)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Stock (200,000,000 shares authorized)
Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share of
AMPS** issued and outstanding+ at $25,000 per
share liquidation preference $175,000,000
Common Stock par value $.10 per share issued
and outstanding++ (69,592) 1,775,389
Paid-in capital in excess of par (150,382) 272,305,415
Undistributed (accumulated) investment income
(loss) - net (1,559,377) 0
Undistributed (accumulated) realized
capital gains (losses) on
investments-net (4,624,745)
Accumulated distributions in excess of realized
capital gains on investments-net (Note 1f) (226,339)
Unrealized depreciation on investments-net (14,277,158)
----------------- -------------------
Total Capital+++ $ (1,779,351) $429,952,562
================= ===================
- -----------------------------------
* IDENTIFIED COST - $442,423,047
================= ===================
+ SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING - 7,000
================= ===================
++ SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING (695,909) 17,753,889
================= ===================
+++ NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE OF
COMMON STOCK - $14.34
================= ===================
</TABLE>
**AUCTION MARKET PREFERRED STOCK.
(1) Assumes the distribution of undistributed investment income.
(2) Reflects the charge for estimated Reorganization expenses of $691,000 and
anticipated savings of the Reorganization.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC., MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY
INSURED FUND II, INC., AND MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND III, INC.
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY
NEW JERSEY INSURED INSURED I INSURED III
FOR THE PERIOD FOR THE PERIOD FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 1, 1998 SEPTEMBER 25, 1998+ JANUARY 29, 1999+
TO JULY 31, 1999 TO JULY 31,1999 TO JULY 31, 1999 ADJUSTMENTS
------------------- ---------------------- -------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (NOTE 1D):
Interest and amortization of premium and
discount earned $9,187,631 $6,169,909 $2,924,830 0
------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fees (Note 2) 882,358 655,724 295,620
Commission fees 174,189 117,583 53,125
Professional fees 82,666 45,577 21,295 (66,338)(2)
Accounting services (Note 2) 52,712 41,465 17,520 (45,797)(2)
Transfer agent fees 31,777 33,721 13,547
Directors' fees and expenses 19,489 21,541 13,702 (35,243)(2)
Printing and shareholder reports 23,544 13,846 8,349 (12,539)(2)
Listing fees 17,123 13,743 7,743 (16,109)(2)
Custodian fees 13,805 8,893 4,046
Pricing fees 8,664 3,354 3,330
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1e) 4,066 2,454 0
Organization expense 0 1,889 0
Other 8,663 7,226 3,795 691,000(1)
Total expenses before reimbursement 1,319,056 967,016 442,072 514,974
Reimbursement of expenses (Note 2) (6,548) (409,241) (283,714) 0
---------------- ---------------------- ---------------- ------------
Total expenses after reimbursement 1,312,508 557,775 158,358 514,974
---------------- ---------------------- ---------------- ------------
Investment income - net 7,875,123 5,612,134 2,766,472 (514,974)
---------------- ---------------------- ---------------- ------------
REALIZED & UNREALIZED GAINS(LOSS) ON
INVESTMENTS - NET (NOTES 1B & 1D)
Realized gain (loss) on investments-net 325,337 (2,874,919) (1,749,825) 0
Change in unrealized
appreciation/depreciation on investments -
net (4,373,964) (6,332,239) (4,699,621) 0
================ ====================== ================ ============
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS 3,826,496 (3,595,024) (3,682,974) (514,974)
================ ====================== ================ ============ ==
</TABLE>
(Table continued...)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
FOR
COMBINED FUND
---------------
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (NOTE 1D):
Interest and amortization of premium and
discount earned $18,282,370
--------------
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fees (Note 2) 1,833,702
Commission fees 344,897
Professional fees (83,200
Accounting services (Note 2) (65,900
Transfer agent fees 79,045
Directors' fees and expenses (19,489
Printing and shareholder reports (33,200
Listing fees (22,500
Custodian fees 26,744
Pricing fees 15,348
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1e) 6,520
Organization expense 1,889
Other 710,684
Total expenses before reimbursement 3,243,118
Reimbursement of expenses (Note 2) (699,503)
--------------
Total expenses after reimbursement 2,543,615
--------------
Investment income - net 15,738,755
--------------
REALIZED & UNREALIZED GAINS(LOSS) ON
INVESTMENTS - NET (NOTES 1B & 1D)
Realized gain (loss) on investments-net (4,299,407)
Change in unrealized
appreciation/depreciation on investments -
net (15,405,824)
==============
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS (3,966,476)
==============
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Annualized for New Jersey Insured Fund II and New Jersey Insured Fund III.
(1) Reflects the charge for estimated Reorganization expenses of $691,000.
(2) Reflects the anticipated savings of the Reorganization.
<PAGE>
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC., MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY
INSURED FUND II, INC. AND MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND III, INC.
NOTES TO PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc. (the "Fund", which term as used
herein shall refer to MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc. after giving
effect to the Reorganization) is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940 as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund's
pro forma financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles which may require the use of management accruals
and estimates. These pro forma unaudited financial statements reflect all
adjustments which are, in the opinion of management necessary to a fair
statement of the results for the interim period presented. All such adjustments
are of a normal recurring nature. The Fund will determine and make available
for publication the net asset value of its Common Shares on a weekly basis. The
Fund's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
MWJ. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by
the Fund.
(a) VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS - Municipal bonds are traded primarily in the
over-the-counter markets and are valued at the most recent bid price or yield
equivalent as obtained by the Fund's pricing service from dealers that make
markets in such securities. Financial futures contracts and options thereon,
which are traded on exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the
close of such exchanges. Options written or purchased are valued at the last
sale price in the case of exchange-traded options. In the case of options
traded in the over-the-counter market, valuation is the last asked price
(options written) or the last bid price (options purchased). Securities with
remaining maturities of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which
approximates market value. Securities and assets for which market quotations
are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith
by or under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including
valuations furnished by a pricing service retained by the Fund, which may
utilize a matrix system for valuations. The procedures of the pricing service
and its valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Fund under the general
supervision of the Board of Directors.
(b) DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - The Fund may engage in various
portfolio strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its portfolio
against adverse movements in the debt markets. Losses may arise due to changes
in the value of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the
contract.
o FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS - The Fund may purchase or sell financial
futures contracts and options on such futures contracts for the purpose of
hedging the market risk on existing securities or the intended purchase of
securities. Futures contracts are contracts for delayed delivery of
securities at a specific future date and at a specific price or yield.
Upon entering into a contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as
collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the
transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to
receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily
fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known
as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or
losses. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or
loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time
it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
o OPTIONS - The Fund is authorized to write covered call options and
purchase put options. When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to
the premium received by the Fund is reflected as an asset and an
equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked
to market to reflect the current market value of the option written.
When a security is purchased or sold through an exercise of an option,
the related premium paid (or received) is added to (or deducted from) the
basis of the security acquired or deducted from (or added to) the proceeds of
the security sold. When an option expires (or the Fund enters into a closing
transaction), the Fund realizes a gain or loss on the option to the extent of
the premiums received or paid (or gain or loss to the extent the cost of the
closing transaction exceeds the premium paid or received).
Written and purchased options are non-income producing investments.
(c) INCOME TAXES - It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements
of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and
to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required.
(d) SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME - Security transactions
are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade dates).
Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Discounts and market
premiums are amortized into interest income. Realized gains and losses on
security, transactions are determined on the identified cost basis.
(e) DEFERRED ORGANIZATION AND OFFERING EXPENSES - Deferred organization
expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period not exceeding
five years. In accordance with Statement of Position 98-5, any unamortized
organization expenses will be expensed on the first day of the next fiscal
year beginning after December 15, 1998. This charge will not have any material
impact on the operations of the Fund. Direct expenses relating to the public
offering of the Fund's Common and Preferred shares were charged to capital at
the time of issuance of the shares.
(f) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS - Dividends from net investment income
are declared and paid monthly. DistributIon of capital gains are recorded on
the ex-dividend dates. Distributions in excess of realized capital gains on
investments are due primarily to differing tax treatments for post-October
losses.
(g) CUSTODIAN BANK- The MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc. and
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc. II, RECORDED an amount payable to
the Custodian bank reflecting an overnight overdraft, which resulted from
timing differences of security transaction settlements.
2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with FAM. The
general partner of FAM is Princeton Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is the
limited partner.
FAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and provides
the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services
necessary to the operations of the Fund. For such services, the Fund pays a
monthly fee at an annual rate of 0.55% of the Fund's average weekly net assets,
including proceeds from the issuance of Preferred Stock.
For Muniholdings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc., FAM earned fees of
$882,358 for the period August 1, 1998 to July 31, 1999, of which $6,548 was
voluntarily waived. For MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc., II, FAM
earned fees of $655,724 for the period September 25, 1998 to July 31, 1999, of
which $327,632 was voluntarily waived. In addition FAM also reimbursed the Fund
$81,609 in additional expenses. For MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc.,
III, FAM earned fees of $295,620 for the period January 29, 1999 to July 31,
1999, of which $283,714 was voluntarily waived.
Accounting Services are provided to the Fund by FAM at cost.
Certain Officers and/or directors of the Fund are officers and/or
directors of FAM, PSI, and/or ML & Co.
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA COMBINED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS FOR
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC. IN THOUSANDS)
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC., II AND MUNIHOLDINGS
NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC., III JULY 31, 1999 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MUNIHOLDINGS
S&P MOODY'S FACE NEW JERSEY
RATINGS RATINGS AMOUNT ISSUE INSURED FUND++
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NEW JERSEY - 94.8%
Atlantic City, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Revenue Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 1,605 5% due 6/01/2022 --
AAA Aaa 2,695 5% due 6/01/2029 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 2,000 Bayonne, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Water System
Revenue Bonds, 5% due 1/01/2028(e)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bernards Township, New Jersey, School District GO:
AA A1 3,205 5.30% due 1/01/2022 $3,185
AA A1 3,370 5.30% due 1/01/2023 3,347
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Horse Pike, New Jersey, Regional School District, GO(b):
AAA Aaa 2,370 4.75% due 12/01/2014 --
AAA Aaa 1,175 4.75% due 12/01/2017 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,350 Brick Township, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Revenue
Refunding Bonds, 5% due 12/01/2016(b) 3,251
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 Camden County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Health System-Catholic Heath East), Series B, 5.25% due
11/15/2011(a) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,040 Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, New Jersey, Parking Fee
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5.25% due 10/01/2017(d) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,000 Delaware River and Bay Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.25% due
1/01/2026(b) 6,843
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 8,900 Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Revenue
Bonds (Port District Project), Series B, 5% due 1/01/2026(e) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,845 East Orange, New Jersey, Board of Education COP, 0% due
8/01/2025(d) 675
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 5,000 Essex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (County Jail and Youth House Project), 5.35% due
12/01/2024(a) 4,972
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR Aaa 2,000 Essex County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority, Solid Waste Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series A, 5% due 4/01/2022(d) 1,911
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freehold Township, New Jersey, Board of Education, GO:
AAA NR* 1,455 5.40% due 7/15/2024(d) 1,460
AAA NR* 1,540 5.40% due 7/15/2025(d) 1,545
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 3,195 Hudson County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Facility Lease
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Hudson County Lease Project), 5.25% due
10/01/2012(b) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,550 Hudson County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Hudson County Lease Project), 5.40% due
10/01/2025(b) 2,554
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,460 Jersey City, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer
Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5.25% due 12/01/2012(d) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 2,825 Lacey Municipal Utilities Authority, New Jersey Water Revenue
Refunding Bonds, 5.20% due 12/01/2024(e) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Lenape, New Jersey, Regional High School District, GO, 5% due
4/01/2020(b) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metuchen, New Jersey, School District GO:
AAA NR* 1,185 5.20% due 9/15/2023 1,164
AAA NR* 1,245 5.20% due 9/15/2024 1,221
AAA NR* 1,315 5.20% due 9/15/2025 1,289
AAA NR* 1,385 5.20% due 9/15/2026 1,354
AAA NR* 1,460 5.20% due 9/15/2027 1,427
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middlesex County, New Jersey, COP:
AAA Aaa 4,855 5.25% due 6/15/2023(e) 4,796
AAA Aaa 8,575 5.30% due 6/15/2029(e) 8,486
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,250 Middlesex County, New Jersey, COP, Refunding, 5% due 2/15/2019(e) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 8,060 Middlesex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Utility System
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Perth Amboy Franchise Project), Series A,
5% due 9/01/2029(a) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montgomery Township, New Jersey, Board of Education, COP(e):
NR* Aaa 2,000 4.75% due 9/01/2018 --
NR* Aaa 1,100 4.875% due 9/01/2023 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moorestown Township, New Jersey, School District, GO (b):
AAA Aaa 1,180 4.90% due 1/01/2021 --
AAA Aaa 1,315 4.95% due 1/01/2023 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 5,000 Mount Holly, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer
Revenue Bonds, 4.75% due 12/01/2028(e) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Brunswick, New Jersey, Housing Authority, Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Rutgers University)(b)
AAA Aaa 1,405 5% due 7/01/2013 --
AAA Aaa 5,015 4.625% due 7/01/2024 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB- NR* 10,000 New Jersey EDA, First Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds (Fellowship
Village), Series A, 5.50% due 1/01/2025 3,731
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1+ 1,100 New Jersey EDA, Natural Gas Facilities Revenue Bonds (NUI
Corporation Project), VRDN, AMT, Series A, 3.30% due 6/01/2026(a)(g) 700
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,975 New Jersey EDA, Natural Gas Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (NUI
Corporation Projects), AMT, Series A, 5.70% due 6/01/2032(e) 5,094
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,400 New Jersey EDA Revenue Refunding Bonds (Educational Testing
Service), Series A, 4.75% due 5/15/2025(e) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 13,000 New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue Bonds (American Water
Company Inc.), AMT, Series A, 5.25% due 7/01/2038(b) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue
Bonds, RITR, AMT (F):
AAA Aaa 8,960 Series 34, 7.52% due 5/01/2032(b) 8,700
AAA Aaa 9,900 Series 35, 7.47% due 2/01/2038(e) 7,023
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (United
Water New Jersey Inc. Project) (a):
AAA Aaa+ 2,000 AMT, 5% due 11/01/2028 --
A-1+ VMIG1+ 200 VRDN, Series A, 2.95% due 11/01/2026(g) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 5,000 New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue Bonds
(Catholic Health East), Series E, 4.75% due 11/15/2029(a) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
AAA Aaa 3,270 (AHS Hospital Corporation), Series A, 5.375% due 7/01/2019(a) 3,260
AAA Aaa 6,750 (Atlantic Health Systems Hospital Corporation ), Series A, 5%
due 7/01/2027(a) --
AAA Aaa 2,750 (Barnert Hospital), 5% due 8/01/2025(c)(e) --
AAA Aaa 2,750 (Cathedral Health Services), 5.25% due 8/01/2021(c)(e) 2,680
AAA Aaa 5,500 (Centrastate Medical Center Obligation Group), 4.50% due
7/01/2028(a) --
BBB NR* 3,075 (Chrisitian Heatlh Care Center), Series A, 5.50% due 7/01/2018 2,909
AAA Aaa 2,125 (Hackensack University Medical Center), Series A, 5% due
1/01/2028 (e) --
AAA Aaa 6,750 (JFK Medicial Center-Hartwyck), 5% due 7/01/2025(e) --
AAA Aaa 3,000 (Medical Center at Princeton Obligation Group), 5% due
7/01/2023(a) --
AAA Aaa 7,140 (Meridan Health System Obligation Group), 5.375% due
7/01/2024(d) --
AAA Aaa 2,000 (Meridan Health System Obligation Group), 5.25% due
7/01/2029(d) 1,930
NR* Aaa 605 (Saint Barnabas Medicial Center), Series A, 5% due
7/01/2023(e) --
BBB Baa2 6,130 (Saint Elizabeth Hospital Obligation Group), 6% due 7/01/2027 6,139
AAA Aaa 1,570 (Shorline Behavioral Health Center), 5.50% due 7/01/2017(e) 1,579
AAA Aaa 3,270 (Shorline Behavioral Health Center), 5.50% due 7/01/2027(e) 3,275
AAA Aaa 4,605 (Virtua Health Inc. Issue), 5.25% due 7/01/2014(d) 2,323
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,640 New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Convention Center,
Luxury Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5% due 9/01/2017(e) 6,432
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds
AA+ Aaa 2,825 (Institute for Advanced Study), Series G, 5% due 7/01/2028
AAA Aaa 5,200 (The College of New Jersey), Series A, 5.125% due
7/01/2006(e)(h) 5,417
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities
Authority Revenue Bonds
(University of Medical Dentistry of New
Jersey), Series C (a):
AAA Aaa 1,000 5.20% due 12/01/2019 --
AAA Aaa 2,700 5.125% due 12/01/2029 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
BBB Baa2 2,030 (Monmouth University), Series C, 5.75% due 7/01/2017 2,034
BBB Baa2 2,000 (Monmouth University), Series C, 5.80% due 7/01/2022 2,000
AAA Aaa 2,730 (Ramapo College), Series G, 4.625% due 7/01/2028(a) --
AAA Aaa 2,850 (University of Medicine & Dentistry), Series B, 5.25% due
12/01/2021(a) 2,817
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Higher Education Assistance Authority, Student Loan
Revenue Bonds, AMT, Series A (e)
AAA NR* 1,185 5.05% due 6/01/2012 --
AAA NR 1,000 5.10% due 6/01/2013 --
AAA NR* 1,535 5.125% due 6/01/2014 --
AAA NR 11,230 5.25% due 6/01/2018 2,658
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Revenue Bonds,
Home Buyer(e):
AAA Aaa 6,195 AMT, Series K, 6.375% due 10/01/2026 4,433
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series M, 6.95% due 10/01/2022 --
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series M, 7% due 10/01/2026 --
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series U, 5.60% due 10/01/2012 2,032
AAA Aaa 2,820 AMT, Series U, 5.65% due 10/01/2013 2,899
AAA Aaa 7,800 AMT, Series U, 5.85% due 4/01/2029 5,138
AAA Aaa 3,000 Series L, 6.65% due 10/01/2014
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Home Buyer(e):
AAA Aaa 2,440 AMT, Series S, 5.95% due 10/01/2017 --
AAA Aaa 6,680 AMT, Series X, 5.25% due 10/01/2018 --
AAA Aaa 2,500 AMT, Series X, 5.35% due 4/01/2029 --
AAA Aaa 3,000 Series V, 5.25% due 4/01/2026 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,500 New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, M/F Housing
Revenue Bonds, RITR, AMT, Series 110, 6.765% due 11/01/2030(d)(f) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,500 New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority Revenue Bonds,
Transportation System, Series A 4.50% due 6/15/2019(d): --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 1,200 North Hudson, New Jersey, Sewer Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.125%
due 8/01/2022(b) 1,163
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,045 Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Refunding (Board of Education), GO, 5.25%
due 8/01/2019(e) 2,030
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,000 Plainfield, New Jersey Municipal Utilities Authority, Solid Waste
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 4.75% due 12/15/2023(d) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,000 Plainfield, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer Revenue
Bonds, Series A, 4.75% due 12/15/2023(d) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 3,280 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, RIB, Series
50, 7.269% due 1/15/2032(e)(f) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-1+ VMIG1+ 3,900 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Versatile Structure Obligation), VRDN,
Series 3, 3.25% due 6/01/2020(g) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rancocas Valley, New Jersey, Regional High School District, GO(b):
AAA Aaa 1,000 5.30% due 2/01/2022 --
AAA Aaa 1,105 5.30% due 2/01/2024 --
AAA Aaa 1,220 5.30% due 2/01/2026 --
AAA Aaa 1,345 5.30% due 2/01/2028 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rutgers State University, New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Series A:
AA A1 3,500 5.20% due 5/01/2027 3,395
AAA Aaa 8,500 4.75% due 5/01/2029(a) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Salem County New Jersey Industrial Pollution Control Financing
Authority Revenue Refunding Pollution Control Public Service
Electric & Gas Series C, 5.55% due 11/01/2033(e) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Jersey Transportation Authority, New Jersey, Transportation
System Revenue Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 4,000 5% due 11/01/2017 --
AAA Aaa 7,935 5.125% due 11/01/2022 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Jersey Transportation Authority, New Jersey, Transportation
System Revenue Refunding Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 1,765 5% due 11/01/2019 1,700
AAA Aaa 6,325 5% due 11/01/2029 5,985
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,260 Sparta Township, New Jersey, School District, GO, Refunding, 5%
due 9/01/2020(e) 4,099
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds, AMT(a):
AAA Aaa 5,500 County Deficiency, AMT, Series A-2, 5% due 6/15/2028 --
AAA Aaa 3,000 Senior Lease (Ogden Martin), AMT, Series A, 5% due 6/01/2014 --
AAA Aaa 3,100 Sub-Lease (Ogden Martin), Series A, 5.35% due 6/01/2023 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds, County Deficiency:
AAA Aaa 4,500 AMT, Series A-2, 5% due 6/15/2028(a) --
AA+ Aaa 3,250 Series C-1, 5% due 6/15/2028 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 6,880 Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority, RITR, Series 38,
7.32% due 6/01/2020(f) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wall Township, New Jersey, School District, GO(d):
AAA Aaa 2,250 4.50% due 7/15/2018 --
AAA Aaa 2,640 4.75% due 7/15/2022 --
AAA Aaa 1,685 4.75% due 7/15/2023 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Winslow Township, New Jersey, School District, GO(b):
AAA NR* 1,430 5.20% due 8/01/2018 1,418
AAA NR* 1,500 5.20% due 8/01/2019 1,483
NEW YORK - 1.3%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 5,000 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Bonds (JFK International Air Terminal Project), AMT, Series
6,, 5.75% due 12/01/2025(e) 5,089
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-1+ VMIG-1+ 400 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Versatile Structure Obligation), VRDN,
Series 3, 3.25% due 6/01/2020(g) 400
PENNSYLVANIA - 0.7%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,795 Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series B 5.25% due 1/01/2009(a): --
PUERTO RICO - 2.8%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,000 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, Infrastrure Financing Authority, Special
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5% due 7/01/2028(a) 5,651
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,000 Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue Bonds, Series --
DD, 5% due 7/01/2028(e)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,095 Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Revenue Bonds (Government
Facilities), Series B, 5% due 7/01/2027 (a) 1,031
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST - $442,453) - 99.1% 168,127
VARIATION MARGIN ON FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS+++ - 0.2% 77
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES - 0.2% 1,096
----------------
NET ASSETS - 100.0% $169,300
================
</TABLE>
(Table continued...)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MUNIHOLDINGS
NEW JERSEY
S&P MOODY'S FACE INSURED FUND
RATINGS RATINGS AMOUNT ISSUE II++
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NEW JERSEY - 94.8%
Atlantic City, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Revenue Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 1,605 5% due 6/01/2022 $1,533
AAA Aaa 2,695 5% due 6/01/2029 2,551
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 2,000 Bayonne, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Water System
Revenue Bonds, 5% due 1/01/2028(e) 1,896
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bernards Township, New Jersey, School District GO:
AA A1 3,205 5.30% due 1/01/2022 --
AA A1 3,370 5.30% due 1/01/2023 --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Horse Pike, New Jersey, Regional School District, GO(b):
AAA Aaa 2,370 4.75% due 12/01/2014 2,261
AAA Aaa 1,175 4.75% due 12/01/2017 1,097
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,350 Brick Township, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Revenue
Refunding Bonds, 5% due 12/01/2016(b) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 Camden County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Health System-Catholic Heath East), Series B, 5.25% due
11/15/2011(a) 1,008
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,040 Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, New Jersey, Parking Fee
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5.25% due 10/01/2017(d) 7,007
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,000 Delaware River and Bay Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.25% due
1/01/2026(b) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 8,900 Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Revenue
Bonds (Port District Project), Series B, 5% due 1/01/2026(e) 8,449
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,845 East Orange, New Jersey, Board of Education COP, 0% due
8/01/2025(d) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 5,000 Essex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (County Jail and Youth House Project), 5.35% due
12/01/2024(a) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR Aaa 2,000 Essex County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority, Solid Waste Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series A, 5% due 4/01/2022(d) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freehold Township, New Jersey, Board of Education, GO:
AAA NR* 1,455 5.40% due 7/15/2024(d) --
AAA NR* 1,540 5.40% due 7/15/2025(d) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 3,195 Hudson County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Facility Lease
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Hudson County Lease Project), 5.25% due
10/01/2012(b) 3,233
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,550 Hudson County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Hudson County Lease Project), 5.40% due
10/01/2025(b) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,460 Jersey City, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer
Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5.25% due 12/01/2012(d) 1,488
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 2,825 Lacey Municipal Utilities Authority, New Jersey Water Revenue
Refunding Bonds, 5.20% due 12/01/2024(e) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Lenape, New Jersey, Regional High School District, GO, 5% due
4/01/2020(b) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metuchen, New Jersey, School District GO:
AAA NR* 1,185 5.20% due 9/15/2023
AAA NR* 1,245 5.20% due 9/15/2024
AAA NR* 1,315 5.20% due 9/15/2025
AAA NR* 1,385 5.20% due 9/15/2026
AAA NR* 1,460 5.20% due 9/15/2027 --
--
--
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middlesex County, New Jersey, COP:
AAA Aaa 4,855 5.25% due 6/15/2023(e)
AAA Aaa 8,575 5.30% due 6/15/2029(e)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,250 Middlesex County, New Jersey, COP, Refunding, 5% due 2/15/2019(e) 4,081
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 8,060 Middlesex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Utility System
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Perth Amboy Franchise Project), Series A,
5% due 9/01/2029(a) 2,423
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montgomery Township, New Jersey, Board of Education, COP(e):
NR* Aaa 2,000 4.75% due 9/01/2018 1,858
NR* Aaa 1,100 4.875% due 9/01/2023 1,020
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moorestown Township, New Jersey, School District, GO (b):
AAA Aaa 1,180 4.90% due 1/01/2021 1,109
AAA Aaa 1,315 4.95% due 1/01/2023 1,243
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 5,000 Mount Holly, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer
Revenue Bonds, 4.75% due 12/01/2028(e) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Brunswick, New Jersey, Housing Authority, Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Rutgers University)(b)
AAA Aaa 1,405 5% due 7/01/2013 1,388
AAA Aaa 5,015 4.625% due 7/01/2024 --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB- NR* 10,000 New Jersey EDA, First Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds (Fellowship
Village), Series A, 5.50% due 1/01/2025 5,596
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1+ 1,100 New Jersey EDA, Natural Gas Facilities Revenue Bonds (NUI
Corporation Project), VRDN, AMT, Series A, 3.30% due 6/01/2026(a)(g) 200
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,975 New Jersey EDA, Natural Gas Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (NUI
Corporation Projects), AMT, Series A, 5.70% due 6/01/2032(e) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,400 New Jersey EDA Revenue Refunding Bonds (Educational Testing
Service), Series A, 4.75% due 5/15/2025(e) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 13,000 New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue Bonds (American Water
Company Inc.), AMT, Series A, 5.25% due 7/01/2038(b) 6,709
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue
Bonds, RITR, AMT (F):
AAA Aaa 8,960 Series 34, 7.52% due 5/01/2032(b) --
AAA Aaa 9,900 Series 35, 7.47% due 2/01/2038(e) 2,373
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (United
Water New Jersey Inc. Project) (a):
AA Aaa+ 2,000 AMT, 5% due 11/01/2028 --
A-1+ VMIG1+ 200 VRDN, Series A, 2.95% due 11/01/2026(g) 200
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA Aaa 5,000 New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue Bonds
(Catholic Health East), Series E, 4.75% due 11/15/2029(a) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
AA Aaa 3,270 (AHS Hospital Corporation), Series A, 5.375% due 7/01/2019(a) --
AA Aaa 6,750 (Atlantic Health Systems Hospital Corporation ), Series A, 5%
due 7/01/2027(a) 6,344
AA Aaa 2,750 (Barnert Hospital), 5% due 8/01/2025(c)(e) --
AA Aaa 2,750 (Cathedral Health Services), 5.25% due 8/01/2021(c)(e) --
AA Aaa 5,500 (Centrastate Medical Center Obligation Group), 4.50% due
7/01/2028(a) 2,956
BB NR* 3,075 (Chrisitian Heatlh Care Center), Series A, 5.50% due 7/01/2018 --
AA Aaa 2,125 (Hackensack University Medical Center), Series A, 5% due
1/01/2028 (e) --
AA Aaa 6,750 (JFK Medicial Center-Hartwyck), 5% due 7/01/2025(e) 6,357
AA Aaa 3,000 (Medical Center at Princeton Obligation Group), 5% due
7/01/2023(a) 2,840
AA Aaa 7,140 (Meridan Health System Obligation Group), 5.375% due
7/01/2024(d) 3,515
AA Aaa 2,000 (Meridan Health System Obligation Group), 5.25% due
7/01/2029(d) --
R* Aaa 605 (Saint Barnabas Medicial Center), Series A, 5% due
7/01/2023(e) 573
BB Baa2 6,130 (Saint Elizabeth Hospital Obligation Group), 6% due 7/01/2027 --
AA Aaa 1,570 (Shorline Behavioral Health Center), 5.50% due 7/01/2017(e) --
AA Aaa 3,270 (Shorline Behavioral Health Center), 5.50% due 7/01/2027(e) --
AA Aaa 4,605 (Virtua Health Inc. Issue), 5.25% due 7/01/2014(d) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,640 New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Convention Center,
Luxury Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5% due 9/01/2017(e) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds
AA+ Aaa 2,825 (Institute for Advanced Study), Series G, 5% due 7/01/2028 2,660
AAA Aaa 5,200 (The College of New Jersey), Series A, 5.125% due
7/01/2006(e)(h) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities
Authority Revenue Bonds
(University of Medical Dentistry of New
Jersey), Series C (a):
AAA Aaa 1,000 5.20% due 12/01/2019 --
AAA Aaa 2,700 5.125% due 12/01/2029 --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
BBB Baa2 2,030 (Monmouth University), Series C, 5.75% due 7/01/2017 --
BBB Baa2 2,000 (Monmouth University), Series C, 5.80% due 7/01/2022 --
AAA Aaa 2,730 (Ramapo College), Series G, 4.625% due 7/01/2028(a) 2,375
AAA Aaa 2,850 (University of Medicine & Dentistry), Series B, 5.25% due
12/01/2021(a) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Higher Education Assistance Authority, Student Loan
Revenue Bonds, AMT, Series A (e)
AAA NR* 1,185 5.05% due 6/01/2012 --
AAA NR 1,000 5.10% due 6/01/2013 --
AAA NR* 1,535 5.125% due 6/01/2014 1,501
AAA NR 11,230 5.25% due 6/01/2018 3,895
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Higher Education Assistance Authority, Student Loan
Revenue Bonds, AMT, Series A (e)
AAA NR* 1,185 5.05% due 6/01/2012 --
AAA NR 1,000 5.10% due 6/01/2013 --
AAA NR* 1,535 5.125% due 6/01/2014 1,501
AAA NR 11,230 5.25% due 6/01/2018 3,895
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Revenue Bonds,
Home Buyer(e):
AAA Aaa 6,195 AMT, Series K, 6.375% due 10/01/2026 --
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series M, 6.95% due 10/01/2022 --
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series M, 7% due 10/01/2026 --
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series U, 5.60% due 10/01/2012 --
AAA Aaa 2,820 AMT, Series U, 5.65% due 10/01/2013 --
AAA Aaa 7,800 AMT, Series U, 5.85% due 4/01/2029 --
AAA Aaa 3,000 Series L, 6.65% due 10/01/2014 2,878
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Home Buyer(e):
AAA Aaa 2,440 AMT, Series S, 5.95% due 10/01/2017 1,271
AAA Aaa 6,680 AMT, Series X, 5.25% due 10/01/2018 --
AAA Aaa 2,500 AMT, Series X, 5.35% due 4/01/2029 1,461
AAA Aaa 3,000 Series V, 5.25% due 4/01/2026 2,924
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,500 New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, M/F Housing
Revenue Bonds, RITR, AMT, Series 110, 6.765% due 11/01/2030(d)(f) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,500 New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority Revenue Bonds,
Transportation System, Series A 4.50% due 6/15/2019(d): --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 1,200 North Hudson, New Jersey, Sewer Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.125%
due 8/01/2022(b) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,045 Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Refunding (Board of Education), GO, 5.25%
due 8/01/2019(e) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,000 Plainfield, New Jersey Municipal Utilities Authority, Solid Waste
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 4.75% due 12/15/2023(d) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,000 Plainfield, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer Revenue
Bonds, Series A, 4.75% due 12/15/2023(d) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 3,280 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, RIB, Series
50, 7.269% due 1/15/2032(e)(f) 3,147
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-1+ VMIG1+ 3,900 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Versatile Structure Obligation), VRDN,
Series 3, 3.25% due 6/01/2020(g) 2,100
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rancocas Valley, New Jersey, Regional High School District, GO(b):
AAA Aaa 1,000 5.30% due 2/01/2022 996
AAA Aaa 1,105 5.30% due 2/01/2024 --
AAA Aaa 1,220 5.30% due 2/01/2026 1,211
AAA Aaa 1,345 5.30% due 2/01/2028 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rutgers State University, New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Series A:
AA A1 3,500 5.20% due 5/01/2027 --
AAA Aaa 8,500 4.75% due 5/01/2029(a) 2,696
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Salem County New Jersey Industrial Pollution Control Financing
Authority Revenue Refunding Pollution Control Public Service
Electric & Gas Series C, 5.55% due 11/01/2033(e) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Jersey Transportation Authority, New Jersey, Transportation
System Revenue Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 4,000 5% due 11/01/2017 3,883
AAA Aaa 7,935 5.125% due 11/01/2022 1,841
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Jersey Transportation Authority, New Jersey, Transportation
System Revenue Refunding Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 1,765 5% due 11/01/2019 --
AAA Aaa 6,325 5% due 11/01/2029 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,260 Sparta Township, New Jersey, School District, GO, Refunding, 5%
due 9/01/2020(e) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds, AMT(a):
AAA Aaa 5,500 County Deficiency, AMT, Series A-2, 5% due 6/15/2028 5,149
AAA Aaa 3,000 Senior Lease (Ogden Martin), AMT, Series A, 5% due 6/01/2014 2,896
AAA Aaa 3,100 Sub-Lease (Ogden Martin), Series A, 5.35% due 6/01/2023 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds, County Deficiency:
AAA Aaa 4,500 AMT, Series A-2, 5% due 6/15/2028(a) --
AA+ Aaa 3,250 Series C-1, 5% due 6/15/2028 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 6,880 Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority, RITR, Series 38,
7.32% due 6/01/2020(f) 6,923
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wall Township, New Jersey, School District, GO(d):
AAA Aaa 2,250 4.50% due 7/15/2018 2,014
AAA Aaa 2,640 4.75% due 7/15/2022 2,414
AAA Aaa 1,685 4.75% due 7/15/2023 --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Winslow Township, New Jersey, School District, GO(b):
AAA NR* 1,430 5.20% due 8/01/2018 --
AAA NR* 1,500 5.20% due 8/01/2019 --
NEW YORK - 1.3%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 5,000 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Bonds (JFK International Air Terminal Project), AMT, Series
6,, 5.75% due 12/01/2025(e) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-1+ VMIG-1+ 400 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Versatile Structure Obligation), VRDN,
Series 3, 3.25% due 6/01/2020(g) --
PENNSYLVANIA - 0.7%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,795 Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series B 5.25% due 1/01/2009(a): --
PUERTO RICO - 2.8%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,000 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, Infrastrure Financing Authority, Special
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5% due 7/01/2028(a) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,000 Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue Bonds, Series
DD, 5% due 7/01/2028(e) 5,642
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,095 Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Revenue Bonds (Government
Facilities), Series B, 5% due 7/01/2027 (a) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST - $442,453) - 99.1%
VARIATION MARGIN ON FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS+++ - 0.2% 141,185
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES - 0.2% 353
1,177
NET ASSETS - 100.0% ------------
$142,715
============
</TABLE>
(Table continued...)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MUNIHOLDINGS
S&P MOODY'S FACE NEW JERSEY
RATINGS RATINGS AMOUNT ISSUE INSURED FUND
III+
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NEW JERSEY - 94.8%
Atlantic City, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Revenue Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 1,605 5% due 6/01/2022 --
AAA Aaa 2,695 5% due 6/01/2029 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 2,000 Bayonne, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Water System
Revenue Bonds, 5% due 1/01/2028(e) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bernards Township, New Jersey, School District GO:
AA A1 3,205 5.30% due 1/01/2022 --
AA A1 3,370 5.30% due 1/01/2023 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Horse Pike, New Jersey, Regional School District, GO(b):
AAA Aaa 2,370 4.75% due 12/01/2014 --
AAA Aaa 1,175 4.75% due 12/01/2017 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,350 Brick Township, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Revenue
Refunding Bonds, 5% due 12/01/2016(b) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 Camden County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Health System-Catholic Heath East), Series B, 5.25% due
11/15/2011(a) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,040 Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, New Jersey, Parking Fee
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5.25% due 10/01/2017(d) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,000 Delaware River and Bay Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.25% due
1/01/2026(b) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 8,900 Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Revenue
Bonds (Port District Project), Series B, 5% due 1/01/2026(e) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,845 East Orange, New Jersey, Board of Education COP, 0% due
8/01/2025(d) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 5,000 Essex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (County Jail and Youth House Project), 5.35% due
12/01/2024(a) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR Aaa 2,000 Essex County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority, Solid Waste Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series A, 5% due 4/01/2022(d) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freehold Township, New Jersey, Board of Education, GO:
AAA NR* 1,455 5.40% due 7/15/2024(d) --
AAA NR* 1,540 5.40% due 7/15/2025(d) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 3,195 Hudson County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Facility Lease
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Hudson County Lease Project), 5.25% due
10/01/2012(b) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,550 Hudson County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Hudson County Lease Project), 5.40% due
10/01/2025(b) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,460 Jersey City, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer
Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5.25% due 12/01/2012(d) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 2,825 Lacey Municipal Utilities Authority, New Jersey Water Revenue
Refunding Bonds, 5.20% due 12/01/2024(e) $2,759
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Lenape, New Jersey, Regional High School District, GO, 5% due
4/01/2020(b) 2,888
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metuchen, New Jersey, School District GO:
AAA NR* 1,185 5.20% due 9/15/2023
AAA NR* 1,245 5.20% due 9/15/2024
AAA NR* 1,315 5.20% due 9/15/2025 --
AAA NR* 1,385 5.20% due 9/15/2026 --
AAA NR* 1,460 5.20% due 9/15/2027 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middlesex County, New Jersey, COP:
AAA Aaa 4,855 5.25% due 6/15/2023(e) --
AAA Aaa 8,575 5.30% due 6/15/2029(e) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,250 Middlesex County, New Jersey, COP, Refunding, 5% due 2/15/2019(e) 5,206
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 8,060 Middlesex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Utility System
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Perth Amboy Franchise Project), Series A,
5% due 9/01/2029(a) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montgomery Township, New Jersey, Board of Education, COP(e):
NR* Aaa 2,000 4.75% due 9/01/2018 --
NR* Aaa 1,100 4.875% due 9/01/2023 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moorestown Township, New Jersey, School District, GO (b):
AAA Aaa 1,180 4.90% due 1/01/2021 --
AAA Aaa 1,315 4.95% due 1/01/2023 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 5,000 Mount Holly, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer
Revenue Bonds, 4.75% due 12/01/2028(e) 4,504
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Brunswick, New Jersey, Housing Authority, Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Rutgers University)(b)
AAA Aaa 1,405 5% due 7/01/2013 --
AAA Aaa 5,015 4.625% due 7/01/2024 4,436
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB- NR* 10,000 New Jersey EDA, First Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds (Fellowship
Village), Series A, 5.50% due 1/01/2025
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1+ 1,100 New Jersey EDA, Natural Gas Facilities Revenue Bonds (NUI
Corporation Project), VRDN, AMT, Series A, 3.30% due 6/01/2026(a)(g) 200
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,975 New Jersey EDA, Natural Gas Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (NUI
Corporation Projects), AMT, Series A, 5.70% due 6/01/2032(e) 3,031
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,400 New Jersey EDA Revenue Refunding Bonds (Educational Testing
Service), Series A, 4.75% due 5/15/2025(e) 3,987
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 13,000 New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue Bonds (American Water
Company Inc.), AMT, Series A, 5.25% due 7/01/2038(b) 5,751
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue
Bonds, RITR, AMT (F):
AAA Aaa 8,960 Series 34, 7.52% due 5/01/2032(b) --
AAA Aaa 9,900 Series 35, 7.47% due 2/01/2038(e) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (United
Water New Jersey Inc. Project) (a):
AA Aaa+ 2,000 AMT, 5% due 11/01/2028 1,872
A-1+ VMIG1+ 200 VRDN, Series A, 2.95% due 11/01/2026(g) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA Aaa 5,000 New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue Bonds
(Catholic Health East), Series E, 4.75% due 11/15/2029(a) 4,456
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
AA Aaa 3,270 (AHS Hospital Corporation), Series A, 5.375% due 7/01/2019(a) --
AA Aaa 6,750 (Atlantic Health Systems Hospital Corporation ), Series A, 5%
due 7/01/2027(a) --
AA Aaa 2,750 (Barnert Hospital), 5% due 8/01/2025(c)(e) 2,590
AA Aaa 2,750 (Cathedral Health Services), 5.25% due 8/01/2021(c)(e) --
AA Aaa 5,500 (Centrastate Medical Center Obligation Group), 4.50% due
7/01/2028(a) 1,689
BB NR* 3,075 (Chrisitian Heatlh Care Center), Series A, 5.50% due 7/01/2018 --
AA Aaa 2,125 (Hackensack University Medical Center), Series A, 5% due
1/01/2028 (e) 1,996
AA Aaa 6,750 (JFK Medicial Center-Hartwyck), 5% due 7/01/2025(e) --
AA Aaa 3,000 (Medical Center at Princeton Obligation Group), 5% due
7/01/2023(a) --
AA Aaa 7,140 (Meridan Health System Obligation Group), 5.375% due
7/01/2024(d) 3,514
AA Aaa 2,000 (Meridan Health System Obligation Group), 5.25% due
7/01/2029(d) --
R* Aaa 605 (Saint Barnabas Medicial Center), Series A, 5% due
7/01/2023(e) --
BB Baa2 6,130 (Saint Elizabeth Hospital Obligation Group), 6% due 7/01/2027 --
AA Aaa 1,570 (Shorline Behavioral Health Center), 5.50% due 7/01/2017(e) --
AA Aaa 3,270 (Shorline Behavioral Health Center), 5.50% due 7/01/2027(e) --
AA Aaa 4,605 (Virtua Health Inc. Issue), 5.25% due 7/01/2014(d) 2,079
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,640 New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Convention Center,
Luxury Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5% due 9/01/2017(e) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds
AA+ Aaa 2,825 (Institute for Advanced Study), Series G, 5% due 7/01/2028 --
AAA Aaa 5,200 (The College of New Jersey), Series A, 5.125% due
7/01/2006(e)(h) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities
Authority Revenue Bonds
(University of Medical Dentistry of New
Jersey), Series C (a):
AAA Aaa 1,000 5.20% due 12/01/2019 992
AAA Aaa 2,700 5.125% due 12/01/2029 2,597
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
BBB Baa2 2,030 (Monmouth University), Series C, 5.75% due 7/01/2017 --
BBB Baa2 2,000 (Monmouth University), Series C, 5.80% due 7/01/2022 --
AAA Aaa 2,730 (Ramapo College), Series G, 4.625% due 7/01/2028(a) --
AAA Aaa 2,850 (University of Medicine & Dentistry), Series B, 5.25% due
12/01/2021(a) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Higher Education Assistance Authority, Student Loan
Revenue Bonds, AMT, Series A (e)
AAA NR* 1,185 5.05% due 6/01/2012 1,163
AAA NR 1,000 5.10% due 6/01/2013 980
AAA NR* 1,535 5.125% due 6/01/2014 --
AAA NR 11,230 5.25% due 6/01/2018 4,382
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Revenue Bonds,
Home Buyer(e):
AAA Aaa 6,195 AMT, Series K, 6.375% due 10/01/2026 2,114
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series M, 6.95% due 10/01/2022 2,152
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series M, 7% due 10/01/2026 2,154
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series U, 5.60% due 10/01/2012 --
AAA Aaa 2,820 AMT, Series U, 5.65% due 10/01/2013 --
AAA Aaa 7,800 AMT, Series U, 5.85% due 4/01/2029 --
AAA Aaa 3,000 Series L, 6.65% due 10/01/2014 3,228
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Home Buyer(e):
AAA Aaa 2,440 AMT, Series S, 5.95% due 10/01/2017 1,271
AAA Aaa 6,680 AMT, Series X, 5.25% due 10/01/2018 6,537
AAA Aaa 2,500 AMT, Series X, 5.35% due 4/01/2029 974
AAA Aaa 3,000 Series V, 5.25% due 4/01/2026 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,500 New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, M/F Housing
Revenue Bonds, RITR, AMT, Series 110, 6.765% due 11/01/2030(d)(f) 2,283
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,500 New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority Revenue Bonds,
Transportation System, Series A 4.50% due 6/15/2019(d): 2,219
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 1,200 North Hudson, New Jersey, Sewer Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.125%
due 8/01/2022(b) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,045 Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Refunding (Board of Education), GO, 5.25%
due 8/01/2019(e) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,000 Plainfield, New Jersey Municipal Utilities Authority, Solid Waste
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 4.75% due 12/15/2023(d) 910
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,000 Plainfield, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer Revenue
Bonds, Series A, 4.75% due 12/15/2023(d) 910
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 3,280 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, RIB, Series
50, 7.269% due 1/15/2032(e)(f) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-1+ VMIG1+ 3,900 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Versatile Structure Obligation), VRDN,
Series 3, 3.25% due 6/01/2020(g) 1,800
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rancocas Valley, New Jersey, Regional High School District, GO(b):
AAA Aaa 1,000 5.30% due 2/01/2022 --
AAA Aaa 1,105 5.30% due 2/01/2024 1,100
AAA Aaa 1,220 5.30% due 2/01/2026 --
AAA Aaa 1,345 5.30% due 2/01/2028 1,335
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rutgers State University, New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Series A:
AA A1 3,500 5.20% due 5/01/2027 --
AAA Aaa 8,500 4.75% due 5/01/2029(a) 4,936
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Salem County New Jersey Industrial Pollution Control Financing
Authority Revenue Refunding Pollution Control Public Service
Electric & Gas Series C, 5.55% due 11/01/2033(e) 3,012
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Jersey Transportation Authority, New Jersey, Transportation
System Revenue Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 4,000 5% due 11/01/2017 --
AAA Aaa 7,935 5.125% due 11/01/2022 5,847
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Jersey Transportation Authority, New Jersey, Transportation
System Revenue Refunding Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 1,765 5% due 11/01/2019 --
AAA Aaa 6,325 5% due 11/01/2029 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,260 Sparta Township, New Jersey, School District, GO, Refunding, 5%
due 9/01/2020(e) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds, AMT(a):
AAA Aaa 5,500 County Deficiency, AMT, Series A-2, 5% due 6/15/2028 --
AAA Aaa 3,000 Senior Lease (Ogden Martin), AMT, Series A, 5% due 6/01/2014 --
AAA Aaa 3,100 Sub-Lease (Ogden Martin), Series A, 5.35% due 6/01/2023 3,050
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds, County Deficiency:
AAA Aaa 4,500 AMT, Series A-2, 5% due 6/15/2028(a) 4,213
AA+ Aaa 3,250 Series C-1, 5% due 6/15/2028 3,065
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 6,880 Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority, RITR, Series 38,
7.32% due 6/01/2020(f) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wall Township, New Jersey, School District, GO(d):
AAA Aaa 2,250 4.50% due 7/15/2018 --
AAA Aaa 2,640 4.75% due 7/15/2022 --
AAA Aaa 1,685 4.75% due 7/15/2023 1,537
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Winslow Township, New Jersey, School District, GO(b):
AAA NR* 1,430 5.20% due 8/01/2018 --
AAA NR* 1,500 5.20% due 8/01/2019 --
NEW YORK - 1.3%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 5,000 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Bonds (JFK International Air Terminal Project), AMT, Series
6,, 5.75% due 12/01/2025(e) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-1+ VMIG-1+ 400 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Versatile Structure Obligation), VRDN,
Series 3, 3.25% due 6/01/2020(g) --
PENNSYLVANIA - 0.7%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,795 Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series B 5.25% due 1/01/2009(a): 2,874
PUERTO RICO - 2.8%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,000 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, Infrastrure Financing Authority, Special
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5% due 7/01/2028(a) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,000 Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue Bonds, Series
DD, 5% due 7/01/2028(e) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,095 Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Revenue Bonds (Government
Facilities), Series B, 5% due 7/01/2027 (a) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST - $442,453) - 99.1% 118,593
VARIATION MARGIN ON FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS+++ - 0.2% 296
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES - 0.2% 828
----------
NET ASSETS - 100.0% $119,717
==========
</TABLE>
(Table continued...)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
S&P MOODY'S FACE FOR COMBINED
RATINGS RATINGS AMOUNT ISSUE FUNDS++
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NEW JERSEY - 94.8%
Atlantic City, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Revenue Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 1,605 5% due 6/01/2022 $1,533
AAA Aaa 2,695 5% due 6/01/2029 2,551
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 2,000 Bayonne, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Water System
Revenue Bonds, 5% due 1/01/2028(e) 1,896
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bernards Township, New Jersey, School District GO:
AA A1 3,205 5.30% due 1/01/2022 3,185
AA A1 3,370 5.30% due 1/01/2023 3,346
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black Horse Pike, New Jersey, Regional School District, GO(b):
AAA Aaa 2,370 4.75% due 12/01/2014 2,261
AAA Aaa 1,175 4.75% due 12/01/2017 1,097
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,350 Brick Township, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Revenue
Refunding Bonds, 5% due 12/01/2016(b) 3,251
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 Camden County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Health System-Catholic Heath East), Series B, 5.25% due
11/15/2011(a) 1,008
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,040 Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, New Jersey, Parking Fee
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5.25% due 10/01/2017(d) 7,007
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,000 Delaware River and Bay Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.25% due
1/01/2026(b) 6,843
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 8,900 Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Revenue
Bonds (Port District Project), Series B, 5% due 1/01/2026(e) 8,449
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,845 East Orange, New Jersey, Board of Education COP, 0% due
8/01/2025(d) 675
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 5,000 Essex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (County Jail and Youth House Project), 5.35% due
12/01/2024(a) 4,972
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR Aaa 2,000 Essex County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority, Solid Waste Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series A, 5% due 4/01/2022(d) 1,911
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freehold Township, New Jersey, Board of Education, GO:
AAA NR* 1,455 5.40% due 7/15/2024(d) 1,460
AAA NR* 1,540 5.40% due 7/15/2025(d) 1,545
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 3,195 Hudson County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Facility Lease
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Hudson County Lease Project), 5.25% due
10/01/2012(b) 3,233
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,550 Hudson County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Hudson County Lease Project), 5.40% due
10/01/2025(b) 2,554
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,460 Jersey City, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer
Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5.25% due 12/01/2012(d) 1,488
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 2,825 Lacey Municipal Utilities Authority, New Jersey Water Revenue
Refunding Bonds, 5.20% due 12/01/2024(e) 2,759
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Lenape, New Jersey, Regional High School District, GO, 5% due
4/01/2020(b) 2,888
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metuchen, New Jersey, School District GO:
AAA NR* 1,185 5.20% due 9/15/2023 1,164
AAA NR* 1,245 5.20% due 9/15/2024 1,221
AAA NR* 1,315 5.20% due 9/15/2025 1,289
AAA NR* 1,385 5.20% due 9/15/2026 1,354
AAA NR* 1,460 5.20% due 9/15/2027 1,427
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middlesex County, New Jersey, COP:
AAA Aaa 4,855 5.25% due 6/15/2023(e) 4,796
AAA Aaa 8,575 5.30% due 6/15/2029(e) 8,486
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,250 Middlesex County, New Jersey, COP, Refunding, 5% due 2/15/2019(e) 4,081
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 8,060 Middlesex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Utility System
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Perth Amboy Franchise Project), Series A,
5% due 9/01/2029(a) 7,629
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montgomery Township, New Jersey, Board of Education, COP(e):
NR* Aaa 2,000 4.75% due 9/01/2018 1,858
NR* Aaa 1,100 4.875% due 9/01/2023 1,020
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moorestown Township, New Jersey, School District, GO (b):
AAA Aaa 1,180 4.90% due 1/01/2021 1,109
AAA Aaa 1,315 4.95% due 1/01/2023 1,243
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 5,000 Mount Holly, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer
Revenue Bonds, 4.75% due 12/01/2028(e) 4,504
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Brunswick, New Jersey, Housing Authority, Lease Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Rutgers University)(b)
AAA Aaa 1,405 5% due 7/01/2013 1,388
AAA Aaa 5,015 4.625% due 7/01/2024 4,436
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB- NR* 10,000 New Jersey EDA, First Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds (Fellowship
Village), Series A, 5.50% due 1/01/2025 9,327
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1+ 1,100 New Jersey EDA, Natural Gas Facilities Revenue Bonds (NUI
Corporation Project), VRDN, AMT, Series A, 3.30% due 6/01/2026(a)(g) 1,100
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 7,975 New Jersey EDA, Natural Gas Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (NUI
Corporation Projects), AMT, Series A, 5.70% due 6/01/2032(e) 8,125
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,400 New Jersey EDA Revenue Refunding Bonds (Educational Testing
Service), Series A, 4.75% due 5/15/2025(e) 3,987
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 13,000 New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue Bonds (American Water
Company Inc.), AMT, Series A, 5.25% due 7/01/2038(b) 12,460
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue
Bonds, RITR, AMT (F):
AAA Aaa 8,960 Series 34, 7.52% due 5/01/2032(b) 8,700
AAA Aaa 9,900 Series 35, 7.47% due 2/01/2038(e) 9,396
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (United
Water New Jersey Inc. Project) (a):
AAA Aaa+ 2,000 AMT, 5% due 11/01/2028 1,872
A-1+ VMIG1+ 200 VRDN, Series A, 2.95% due 11/01/2026(g) 200
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 5,000 New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue Bonds
(Catholic Health East), Series E, 4.75% due 11/15/2029(a) 4,456
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
AAA Aaa 3,270 (AHS Hospital Corporation), Series A, 5.375% due 7/01/2019(a) 3,260
AAA Aaa 6,750 (Atlantic Health Systems Hospital Corporation ), Series A, 5%
due 7/01/2027(a) 6,344
AAA Aaa 2,750 (Barnert Hospital), 5% due 8/01/2025(c)(e) 2,590
AAA Aaa 2,750 (Cathedral Health Services), 5.25% due 8/01/2021(c)(e) 2,680
AAA Aaa 5,500 (Centrastate Medical Center Obligation Group), 4.50% due
7/01/2028(a) 4,645
BBB NR* 3,075 (Chrisitian Heatlh Care Center), Series A, 5.50% due 7/01/2018 2,909
AAA Aaa 2,125 (Hackensack University Medical Center), Series A, 5% due
1/01/2028 (e) 1,996
AAA Aaa 6,750 (JFK Medicial Center-Hartwyck), 5% due 7/01/2025(e) 6,357
AAA Aaa 3,000 (Medical Center at Princeton Obligation Group), 5% due
7/01/2023(a) 2,840
AAA Aaa 7,140 (Meridan Health System Obligation Group), 5.375% due
7/01/2024(d) 7,029
AAA Aaa 2,000 (Meridan Health System Obligation Group), 5.25% due
7/01/2029(d) 1,930
NR* Aaa 605 (Saint Barnabas Medicial Center), Series A, 5% due
7/01/2023(e) 573
BBB Baa2 6,130 (Saint Elizabeth Hospital Obligation Group), 6% due 7/01/2027 6,139
AAA Aaa 1,570 (Shorline Behavioral Health Center), 5.50% due 7/01/2017(e) 1,579
AAA Aaa 3,270 (Shorline Behavioral Health Center), 5.50% due 7/01/2027(e) 3,275
AAA Aaa 4,605 (Virtua Health Inc. Issue), 5.25% due 7/01/2014(d) 4,402
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,640 New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Convention Center,
Luxury Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5% due 9/01/2017(e) 6,432
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds
AA+ Aaa 2,825 (Institute for Advanced Study), Series G, 5% due 7/01/2028 2,660
AAA Aaa 5,200 (The College of New Jersey), Series A, 5.125% due
7/01/2006(e)(h) 5,417
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities
Authority Revenue Bonds
(University of Medical Dentistry of New
Jersey), Series C (a):
AAA Aaa 1,000 5.20% due 12/01/2019 992
AAA Aaa 2,700 5.125% due 12/01/2029 2,597
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue
Refunding Bonds:
BBB Baa2 2,030 (Monmouth University), Series C, 5.75% due 7/01/2017 2,034
BBB Baa2 2,000 (Monmouth University), Series C, 5.80% due 7/01/2022 2,000
AAA Aaa 2,730 (Ramapo College), Series G, 4.625% due 7/01/2028(a) 2,375
AAA Aaa 2,850 (University of Medicine & Dentistry), Series B, 5.25% due
12/01/2021(a) 2,817
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Higher Education Assistance Authority, Student Loan
Revenue Bonds, AMT, Series A (e)
AAA NR* 1,185 5.05% due 6/01/2012 1,163
AAA NR 1,000 5.10% due 6/01/2013 980
AAA NR* 1,535 5.125% due 6/01/2014 1,501
AAA NR 11,230 5.25% due 6/01/2018 10,935
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Revenue Bonds,
Home Buyer(e):
AAA Aaa 6,195 AMT, Series K, 6.375% due 10/01/2026 6,547
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series M, 6.95% due 10/01/2022 2,152
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series M, 7% due 10/01/2026 2,154
AAA Aaa 2,000 AMT, Series U, 5.60% due 10/01/2012 2,032
AAA Aaa 2,820 AMT, Series U, 5.65% due 10/01/2013 2,899
AAA Aaa 7,800 AMT, Series U, 5.85% due 4/01/2029 8,016
AAA Aaa 3,000 Series L, 6.65% due 10/01/2014 3,228
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Home Buyer(e):
AAA Aaa 2,440 AMT, Series S, 5.95% due 10/01/2017 2,542
AAA Aaa 6,680 AMT, Series X, 5.25% due 10/01/2018 6,537
AAA Aaa 2,500 AMT, Series X, 5.35% due 4/01/2029 2,435
AAA Aaa 3,000 Series V, 5.25% due 4/01/2026 2,924
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,500 New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, M/F Housing
Revenue Bonds, RITR, AMT, Series 110, 6.765% due 11/01/2030(d)(f) 2,283
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,500 New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority Revenue Bonds,
Transportation System, Series A 4.50% due 6/15/2019(d): 2,219
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 1,200 North Hudson, New Jersey, Sewer Authority Revenue Bonds, 5.125%
due 8/01/2022(b) 1,163
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,045 Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Refunding (Board of Education), GO, 5.25%
due 8/01/2019(e) 2,030
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,000 Plainfield, New Jersey Municipal Utilities Authority, Solid Waste
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 4.75% due 12/15/2023(d) 910
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,000 Plainfield, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer Revenue
Bonds, Series A, 4.75% due 12/15/2023(d) 910
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 3,280 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, RIB, Series
50, 7.269% due 1/15/2032(e)(f) 3,147
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-1+ VMIG1+ 3,900 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Versatile Structure Obligation), VRDN,
Series 3, 3.25% due 6/01/2020(g) 3,900
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rancocas Valley, New Jersey, Regional High School District, GO(b):
AAA Aaa 1,000 5.30% due 2/01/2022 996
AAA Aaa 1,105 5.30% due 2/01/2024 1,100
AAA Aaa 1,220 5.30% due 2/01/2026 1,211
AAA Aaa 1,345 5.30% due 2/01/2028 1,335
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rutgers State University, New Jersey, Revenue Bonds, Series A:
AA A1 3,500 5.20% due 5/01/2027 3,395
AAA Aaa 8,500 4.75% due 5/01/2029(a) 7,632
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Salem County New Jersey Industrial Pollution Control Financing
Authority Revenue Refunding Pollution Control Public Service
Electric & Gas Series C, 5.55% due 11/01/2033(e) 3,012
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Jersey Transportation Authority, New Jersey, Transportation
System Revenue Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 4,000 5% due 11/01/2017 3,883
AAA Aaa 7,935 5.125% due 11/01/2022 7,688
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Jersey Transportation Authority, New Jersey, Transportation
System Revenue Refunding Bonds(a):
AAA Aaa 1,765 5% due 11/01/2019 1,700
AAA Aaa 6,325 5% due 11/01/2029 5,985
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,260 Sparta Township, New Jersey, School District, GO, Refunding, 5%
due 9/01/2020(e) 4,099
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds, AMT(a):
AAA Aaa 5,500 County Deficiency, AMT, Series A-2, 5% due 6/15/2028 5,149
AAA Aaa 3,000 Senior Lease (Ogden Martin), AMT, Series A, 5% due 6/01/2014 2,896
AAA Aaa 3,100 Sub-Lease (Ogden Martin), Series A, 5.35% due 6/01/2023 3,050
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds, County Deficiency:
AAA Aaa 4,500 AMT, Series A-2, 5% due 6/15/2028(a) 4,213
AA+ Aaa 3,250 Series C-1, 5% due 6/15/2028 3,065
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 6,880 Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority, RITR, Series 38,
7.32% due 6/01/2020(f) 6,923
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wall Township, New Jersey, School District, GO(d):
AAA Aaa 2,250 4.50% due 7/15/2018 2,014
AAA Aaa 2,640 4.75% due 7/15/2022 2,414
AAA Aaa 1,685 4.75% due 7/15/2023 1,537
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Winslow Township, New Jersey, School District, GO(b):
AAA NR* 1,430 5.20% due 8/01/2018 1,418
AAA NR* 1,500 5.20% due 8/01/2019 1,483
NEW YORK - 1.3%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 5,000 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Bonds (JFK International Air Terminal Project), AMT, Series
6,, 5.75% due 12/01/2025(e) 5,089
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-1+ VMIG-1+ 400 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Versatile Structure Obligation), VRDN,
Series 3, 3.25% due 6/01/2020(g) 400
PENNSYLVANIA - 0.7%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,795 Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series B 5.25% due 1/01/2009(a): 2,874
PUERTO RICO - 2.8%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,000 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, Infrastrure Financing Authority, Special
Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5% due 7/01/2028(a) 5,651
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 6,000 Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue Bonds, Series
DD, 5% due 7/01/2028(e) 5,642
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,095 Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Revenue Bonds (Government
Facilities), Series B, 5% due 7/01/2027 (a) 1,031
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST - $442,453) - 99.1% 427,905
VARIATION MARGIN ON FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS+++ - 0.2% 726
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES - 0.2% 1,027
--------------
NET ASSETS - 100.0% $429,657
==============
</TABLE>
(a) AMBAC Insured.
(b) FGIC Insured.
(c) FHA Insured.
(d) FSA Insured.
(e) MBIA Insured.
(f) The interest rate is subject to change periodically and inversely based
upon prevailing market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in
effect at July 31, 1999.
(g) The interest rate is subject to change periodically based upon prevailing
market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in effect at July 31,
1999.
(h) Prerefunded
(i) All or a portion of security held as collateral in connection with
financial futures contracts
* Not Rated.
+ Highest short-term rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
++ Value as discussed in the Notes to Pro Forma Financial Statements.
+++ Financial futures contracts sold as of July 31, 1999 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number Value
of Contracts Issue Expiration Date (Notes 1a & 1b)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
618 US Treasury Bonds September 1999 $71,051
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD
(TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE - $71,292) $71,051
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
PORTFOLIO
ABBREVIATIONS
To simplify the listings of MuniHoldings New Jersey
Insured Fund, Inc.'s portfolio holdings in the
Schedule of Investments, we have abbreviated the
names of many of the securities according to the list
below.
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)
COP Certificates of Participation
EDA Economic Development Authority
GO General Obligation Bonds
RITR Residual Interest Trust Receipts
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT I
INFORMATION PERTAINING TO EACH FUND
o GENERAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE FUNDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEFINED TERM FISCAL STATE OF MEETING
FUND USED IN EXHIBIT I YEAR END ORGANIZATION TIME
---- ----------------- -------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc.............. New Jersey Insured 7/31 MD 12:00 p.m.
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc........... New Jersey Insured II 5/31 MD 12:15 p.m.
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc.......... New Jersey Insured III 9/30 MD 12:30 p.m.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK
OUTSTANDING AS OF
THE RECORD DATE
----------------------------------------------
FUND COMMON STOCK AMPS
-------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
New Jersey Insured......................................................... 2,720
New Jersey Insured II...................................................... 2,400
New Jersey Insured III..................................................... 1,880
o INFORMATION PERTAINING TO OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR IN WHICH EACH NOMINEE OF EACH FUND BECAME A MEMBER OF THE BOARD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND FORBES GLENN MONTGOMERY REILLY RYAN WEST ZEIKEL
----
----------- --------- ---------------- ---------- -------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New Jersey Insured........ 1998 1999 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998
New Jersey Insured II..... 1998 1999 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998
New Jersey Insured III.... 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Set forth in the table below, with respect to each Fund, are the names of
the nominees to be elected by holders of AMPS, voting separately as a class,
and the names of the nominees to be elected by holders of shares of Common
Stock and AMPS, voting together as a single class.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NOMINEES TO BE ELECTED BY
NOMINEES TO BE HOLDERS OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND
FUND ELECTED BY HOLDERS OF AMPS AMPS
---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New Jersey Insured................. Charles C. Reilly Richard R. West Ronald W. Forbes Kevin A. Ryan
Terry K. Glenn Arthur Zeikel
Cynthia A. Montgomery
New Jersey Insured II.............. Charles C. Reilly Richard R. West Ronald W. Forbes Kevin A. Ryan
Terry K. Glenn Arthur Zeikel
Cynthia A. Montgomery
New Jersey Insured III............ Charles C. Reilly Richard R. West Ronald W. Forbes Kevin A. Ryan
Terry K. Glenn Arthur Zeikel
Cynthia A. Montgomery
</TABLE>
Set forth in the table below is information regarding board and committee
meetings held and the aggregate fees and expenses paid by the Fund to
non-affiliated Board members during each Fund's most recently completed fiscal
year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BOARD AUDIT COMMITTEE
-------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
# PER AGGREGATE
MEETINGS ANNUAL PER MEETING # MEETINGS ANNUAL MEETING FEES AND
FUND HELD* FEE ($) FEE ($)*** HELD FEE ($)** FEE ($)*** EXPENSES ($)
---- ----------- ----------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New Jersey Insured [4] 200 4 800 [ ]
2,000
New Jersey Insured II [4] 200 4 800 [ ]
2,000
New Jersey Insured III [4] 200 4 800 [ ]
</TABLE>
- ------------
* Includes meetings held via teleconferencing equipment.
** The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an annual fee of $1,000.
*** The fee is payable for each meeting attended in person. A fee is not paid
for telephonic meetings.
Set forth in the table below is information regarding compensation paid by
the Fund to the non-affiliated Board members for the most recently completed
fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPENSATION FROM EACH FUND ($)*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND FORBES MONTGOMERY REILLY RYAN WEST
---- ------------ ------------- ------- -------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New Jersey Insured..........
New Jersey Insured II.......
New Jersey Insured III......
</TABLE>
- ------------
* No pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of Fund expenses.
<PAGE>
Set forth in the table below is information regarding the aggregate
compensation paid by all registered investment companies advised by FAM and its
affiliate, MLAM ("FAM/MLAM Advised Funds"), including the Funds, to the
non-affiliated Board members for the year ended December 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM FAM/MLAM ADVISED FUNDS
NAME OF BOARD MEMBER PAID TO BOARD MEMBERS ($)(*)
- ---------------------- --------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Ronald W. Forbes.................... 192,567
Cynthia A. Montgomery............... 192,567
Charles C. Reilly................... 362,858
Kevin A. Ryan....................... 192,567
Richard R. West..................... 346,125
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* The Directors serve on the boards of FAM/MLAM-advised funds as follows:
Mr. Forbes (41 registered investment companies consisting of 54
portfolios); Ms. Montgomery (41 registered investment companies consisting
of 54 portfolios); Mr. Reilly (60 registered investment companies
consisting of 73 portfolios); Mr. Ryan (41 registered investment companies
consisting of 54 portfolios); and Mr. West (62 registered investment
companies consisting of 86 portfolios).
<PAGE>
Set forth in the table below is information about the officers of each of
the Funds.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OFFICER SINCE
--------------------------------------
NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY
NAME AND BIOGRAPHY AGE OFFICE INSURED INSURED II INSURED III
- ------------------ --- ------ ---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Terry K. Glenn............................................ 59 President 1998* 1998* 1998*
Executive Vice President of MLAM and FAM since 1983;
Executive Vice President and Director of Princeton
Services, Inc. ("Princeton Services") since 1993;
President of Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD").
since 1986 and Director thereof since 1991; President
of Princeton Administrators, L.P. since 1988.
Vincent R. Giordano....................................... 55 Senior Vice 1998 1998 1998
Senior Vice President of FAM and MLAM since 1984; President
Portfolio Manager of FAM and MLAM since 1977; Senior Vice
President of Princeton Services since 1993.
Kenneth A. Jacob.......................................... 48 Vice 1998 1998 1998
First Vice President of MLAM since 1997; Vice President President
of MLAM from 1984 to 1997; Vice President of FAM since
1984.
Donald C. Burke........................................... 39 Vice 1998 1998 1998
Senior Vice President and Treasurer of MLAM and FAM President 1999 1999 1999
since 1999; Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Treasurer
Princeton Services since 1999; Vice President of PFD
since 1999; First Vice President of MLAM from 1997 to 1999;
Vice President of MLAM from 1990 to 1997; Director of
Taxation of MLAM since 1990.
Robert A. DiMella, CFA.................................... 33 Vice 1998 1998 1998
Vice President of MLAM since 1997; Assistant Vice President
President of MLAM from 1995 to 1997; Assistant
Portfolio Manager of MLAM from 1993 to 1995.
Roberto W. Roffo.......................................... 33 Vice -- 1998 1998
Vice President of MLAM since 1996; Portfolio Manager President
with MLAM since 1992.
Robert D. Sneeden......................................... 46 Vice 1998 -- --
Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager of MLAM President
since 1994; Vice President of Lehman Brothers from 1990
to 1994.
William E. Zitelli, Jr.................................... 31 Secretary 1999 1999 1999
Attorney associated with MLAM since 1998; Attorney
associated with Pepper Hamilton LLP from 1997 to 1998;
Attorney associated with Reboul, MacMurray, Hewitt,
Maynard and Kristol from 1994 to 1997.
</TABLE>
-------------------------------------------
* Mr. Glenn was elected President of each Fund in 1999. Prior to that he
served as Executive Vice President of each Fund.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT III
ECONOMIC AND OTHER CONDITIONS IN NEW JERSEY
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS A BRIEF SUMMARY OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE
ECONOMY OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE
DESCRIPTION OF SUCH FACTORS. OTHER FACTORS WILL AFFECT ISSUERS. THE SUMMARY IS
BASED PRIMARILY UPON ONE OR MORE OF THE MOST RECENT PUBLICLY AVAILABLE OFFERING
STATEMENTS RELATING TO DEBT OFFERINGS OF NEW JERSEY ISSUERS, HOWEVER, IT HAS
NOT BEEN UPDATED NOR WILL IT BE UPDATED DURING THE YEAR. THE FUND HAS NOT
INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED THE INFORMATION.
New Jersey (sometimes referred to herein as the "State") personal income
tax rates were reduced so that beginning with the tax year 1996, personal
income tax rates are, depending upon a taxpayer's level of income and filing
status, 30%, 15% or 9% lower than 1993 tax rates.
The State operates on a fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30.
For example, "Fiscal Year 2000" refers to the State's fiscal year beginning
July 1, 1999 and ending June 30, 2000.
The General Fund is the fund into which all State revenues, not otherwise
restricted by statute, are deposited and from which appropriations are made.
The largest part of the total financial operations of the State is accounted
for in the General Fund. Revenues received from taxes and unrestricted by
statute, most federal revenues, and certain miscellaneous revenue items are
recorded in the General Fund.
The State's undesignated General Fund balance was $442 million for Fiscal
Year 1996, $281 million for Fiscal Year 1997 and $228 million for Fiscal Year
1998. For the Fiscal Year 1999 and the Fiscal Year 2000, the balance in the
undesignated General Fund is estimated to be $207 million and $171 million,
respectively.
The State finances certain capital projects primarily through the sale of
the general obligation bonds of the State. These bonds are backed by the full
faith and credit of the State. Certain state tax revenues and certain other
fees are pledged to meet the principal payments, interest payments and
redemption premium payments, if any, required to fully pay the bonds. No
general obligation debt can be issued by the State without prior voter
approval, except that no voter approval is required for any law authorizing the
creation of a debt for the purpose of refinancing all or a portion of
outstanding debt of the State, so long as such law requires that the
refinancing provide a debt service savings.
The State of New Jersey has implemented a plan to address the Year 2000
data processing problem and ensure the continuation of government operations
into the Year 2000 and beyond. Planning for the Year 2000 commenced in 1997
with the requirement that the various State departments submit comprehensive
three year action plans identifying all year 2000 impacts, strategies and
timeframes for addressing these impacts and estimates of cost. The State
imposed a moratorium during Fiscal Year 1998 on all non-year 2000 related data
processing activities to ensure availability of resources for Year 2000
compliance. Agencies were directed to review current and ongoing technology
initiatives in light of the moratorium and suspend all those that are not
considered mission critical. This moratorium will remain in effect until each
agency can certify that it is Year 2000 compliant. As of May 31, 1999, the
testing, validation and implementation of 83% of all centrally maintained State
systems was complete. Departmental systems are in varying stages of
implementation. The total estimated cost to the State to achieve Year 2000
compliance is $120 million of which approximately $81.1 million of expenditures
were incurred as of May 31, 1999. Colleges and universities, authorities,
municipal, county and local sub-divisions will address Year 2000 issues
separately.
The State's economic base is diversified, consisting of a variety of
manufacturing, construction and service industries, supplemented by rural areas
with selective commercial agriculture.
During 1998 a continuation of the national business expansion, a strong
business climate in New Jersey and positive developments in surrounding
metropolitan areas were major sources of State economic growth.
Average employment in 1998 increased by 76.5 thousand jobs compared to
1997. Job gains were spread across a number of industries with particularly
strong growth in business services (20,900) and in wholesale and retail trade
(18,000).
For the last decade, New Jersey's job growth has been concentrated in five
clusters of economic activity - high technology, health, financial,
entertainment and logistics. One of every three of the State's workers are in
these sectors, and as a whole these sectors accounted for a 19% increase in
employment over the past decade compared to a 4% employment growth for all
other State industries.
Personal income in New Jersey, spurred by strong labor markets increased
by 5.4% in 1998, a rate comparable to the national rate of increase. As a
result, retail sales rose by an estimated 6.2%. Low inflation, now less than
2%, continues to benefit New Jersey consumers and businesses and low interest
rates boost housing and consumer durable goods expenditures. Home building had
its best year of the decade.
Joblessness fell in terms of both its absolute level and its rate, and by
the end of 1998, New Jersey's unemployment rate was at or below that of the
nation.
The outlook for 1999/2000 is for continued, although more moderate
economic growth. Job gains in the State may be constrained at times by labor
shortages in skilled technical areas, will be in the 50,000 range and personal
income growth will slow to an average of 4.3%.
Major caveats and uncertainties in the economic forecast for 1999/2000
have increased. The national conditions in energy, agriculture, and
manufactured exports, particularly to Asian markets, are threats to the U.S.
economy. However, these areas of economic activity are under-represented in New
Jersey and hence the State has been able to avoid the immediate and direct
effects of those problems.
Other areas of concern include possible significant shifts in consumer and
investor confidence, unstable and potentially deflationary international
economic conditions, and the prospect of leaner profits for U.S. corporations.
In addition, the restructuring of major industries will continue spurred by the
imperative of cost containment, globalization of competition and deregulation.
Thus, 1999/2000 contains more risk than the recent past, but the momentum and
measures of the State's economic health are favorable.
The New Jersey outlook is based largely on expected national economic
performance and on recent State strategic policy actions aimed at
infrastructure improvements, effective education and training of New Jersey's
workforce, and those maintaining a competitive business climate. Investments in
each of these policy areas are seen as vital to maintaining the long-term
health of the State's economy.
TORT, CONTRACT AND OTHER CLAIMS. At any given time, there are various
numbers of claims and cases pending against the State, State agencies and
employees, seeking recovery of monetary damages that are primarily paid out of
the fund created pursuant to the New Jersey Tort Claims Act (N.J.S.A. 59:1-1,
et. seq.). The State does not formally estimate its reserve representing
potential exposure for these claims and cases. The State is unable to estimate
its exposure for these claims and cases.
The State routinely receives notices of claim seeking substantial sums of
money. The majority of those claims have historically proven to be of
substantially less value than the amount originally claimed. Under the New
Jersey Tort Claims Act, any tort litigation against the State must be preceded
by a notice of claim, which affords the State the opportunity for a six-month
investigation prior to the filing of any suit against it.
In addition, at any given time, there are various numbers of contract and
other claims against the State and State agencies, including environmental
claims asserted against the State, among other parties, arising from the
alleged disposal of hazardous waste. Claimants in such matters are seeking
recovery of monetary damages or other relief which, if granted, would require
the expenditure of funds. The State is unable to estimate its exposure for
these claims.
At any given time, there are various numbers of claims and cases pending
against the University of Medicine and Dentistry and its employees, seeking
recovery of monetary damages that are primarily paid out of the Self Insurance
Reserve Fund created pursuant to the New Jersey Tort Claims Act (N.J.S.A.
59:1-1, et. seq.). An independent study estimated an aggregate potential
exposure of $87,880,000 for tort and medical malpractice claims pending as of
July 1, 1998. In addition, at any given time, there are various numbers of
contract and other claims against the University of Medicine and Dentistry,
seeking recovery of monetary damages or other relief which, if granted, would
require the expenditure of funds. The State is unable to estimate its exposure
for these claims.
BUENA REGIONAL COMMERCIAL TOWNSHIP ET AL. V. NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF
EDUCATION ET AL. This lawsuit was filed in Superior Court, Chancery Division,
Cumberland County. This lawsuit was filed December 9, 1997, on behalf of 17
rural school districts seeking the same type of relief as has been mandated to
be provided to the poor urban school districts in ABBOTT V. BURKE. The
plaintiffs requested a declaratory judgement stating that the chancery court
retain jurisdiction, pending the remanding of the matter to the Commissioner of
Education for a hearing. The petition was then amended to include three more
rural districts for a total of 20. The State and plaintiffs entered into a
consent order to transfer the matter to the Commissioner of Education for
resolution. The chancery court did not retain jurisdiction. Once the matter was
transferred to the Commissioner, plaintiffs moved to amend their pleadings and
have done so three times. With each new pleading, the State has answered with a
motion to dismiss. Decisions on the first two motions to dismiss were rendered
moot by plaintiffs' filing of a subsequent amended pleading. There has been no
decision on the last motion to dismiss filed. The State is unable at this time
to estimate its exposure for this claim and intends to defend this suit
vigorously.
Similar complaints have been filed individually by the school districts of
DOVER and PENNSVILLE. The matter concerning DOVER is presently pending before
the Commissioner of Education and the parties are awaiting a decision on the
State's motion to dismiss. PENNSVILLE is also pending before the Commissioner
of Education. The State is unable, at this time, to estimate its exposure for
these claims. The State intends to vigorously defend these matters.
VERNER STUBAUS, ET AL. V. STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ET AL. Plaintiffs, 25
middle income school districts, filed a complaint alleging that the State's
system of funding for their schools is violative of the constitutional rights
of equal protection and a thorough and efficient education. The complaint was
filed April 20, 1998. On June 23, 1998, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint
removing one and adding eighteen school district plaintiffs. The State
defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint on September 18,
1998. The motion was argued on January 29, 1999 and the court reserved its
decision. The State will vigorously defend this matter. The State is unable, at
this time, to estimate its exposure for these claims.
UNITED HOSPITALS ET AL. V. STATE OF NEW JERSEY AND WILLIAM WALDMAN. These
cases represent challenges by 19 State hospitals to Medicaid hospital
reimbursement since 1995. The matters were filed in the Appellate Division of
the Superior Court of New Jersey. The hospitals challenge all of the following:
(i) whether the State complied with certain federal requirements for Medicaid
reimbursement; (ii) whether the State's reimbursement regulations, N.J.A.C.
10:52-1 ET SEQ., including the regulations' interpretation of marginal loss are
arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable, (iii) whether the Department of Human
Services ("DHS") incorrectly calculated the rates; (iv) whether DHS denied
hospitals a meaningful appeal process; (v) whether the 1996-97 State
Appropriations Act (L.1996, c.42) violates the New Jersey Constitution with
respect to the provision for Medicaid reimbursement to hospitals; and (vi)
whether DHS violated the Medicaid State Plan, filed with the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, in implementing hospital rates since 1995. The State
intends to vigorously defend these actions.
ABBOTT DISTRICTS' EARLY CHILDHOOD PLAN APPEALS. Abbott districts, in
furtherance of the Court's decision in ABBOTT V. BURKE and DOE regulations,
have developed operational plans for the provision of early childhood programs.
In February of 1999, the Department of Education informed each of the districts
of the Department's concerns regarding each district's plan, and asked that
amended plans be submitted to the Department. The Abbott districts have filed
individual petitions of appeal with the Commissioner. Issues on appeal include
the quality of community care providers, the requirement that districts
collaborate with DHS-licensed facilities, the use of certificated teachers,
requests for full day preschool, accreditation of early childhood programs, and
as-applied constitutional challenges to N.J.A.C. 6:19A-1 ET SEQ. In response to
the filed petitions, the State has filed answers or motions in lieu of answers.
The matters are being transmitted to the Office of Administrative Law for
further proceedings. To date, thirteen districts have filed petitions.
Additionally, the Education Law Center has filed petitions on behalf of
students in each of the three State-operated school districts of Newark, Jersey
City and Paterson and on behalf of the students of West New York. The State is
unable to estimate its exposure for these claims and intends to defend the
suits vigorously.
UNITED HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC. V. FISHMAN AND GUHL. This Chapter 11 case
commenced two years ago when United Hospital closed. Through the adversary
complaint, United seeks to expunge proofs of claim filed in the Chapter 11 case
in 1997 by the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of
Human Services. United moreover asserts claims for turnover of the property of
the debtor's estate and declaratory relief. United wants the bankruptcy court
to take jurisdiction of and decide Medicaid reimbursement matters pending in
New Jersey state administrative proceedings or on appeal in the New Jersey
appellate courts. The pending Medicaid matters have an alleged potential
exposure of approximately $90 million. United also seeks turnover of monies
collected by the Department of Health and Senior Services pursuant to a
statutory charge of a $10 per adjusted hospital admission in 1995-97 and an
assessment of .53% of annual hospital operating revenue in 1994-97. The State
has filed a motion to dismiss. The State intends to vigorously defend this
action and also to oppose federal bankruptcy court jurisdiction.
Currently, the State's general obligation bonds are rated AA+ by Standard
& Poor's, Aa1 by Moody's and AA+ by Fitch IBCA. From time to time agencies may
change their ratings.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT IV
RATINGS OF MUNICIPAL BONDS AND COMMERCIAL PAPER
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.'S
("MOODY'S") MUNICIPAL BOND RATINGS
Aaa Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best
quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk
and are generally referred to as "gilt edge." Interest
payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes can
be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality
by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they
comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds.
They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater
amplitude or there may be other elements present which
make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in
Aaa securities.
A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade
obligations. Factors giving security to principal and
interest are considered adequate, but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some
time in the future.
Baa Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor
poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security
appear adequate for the present, but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack
outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well.
Ba Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative
elements; their future cannot be considered as well
assured. Often the protection of interest and principal
payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
safeguarded during both good and bad times over the
future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in
this class.
B Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of
a desirable investment. Assurance of interest and
principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the
contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such
issues may be in default or there may be present elements
of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in
default or have other marked shortcomings.
C Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of
bonds and issues so rated can be regarded as having
extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
NOTE: These bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B groups which Moody's
believes possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the
symbols Aal, Al, Baal, Bal and Bl.
SHORT-TERM NOTES: The three ratings of Moody's for short-term notes are
MIG 1/VMIG 1, MIG 2/VMIG 2, and MIG 3/VMIG 3; MIG 1 /VMIG 1 denotes "best
quality, enjoying strong protection from established cash flows"; MIG 2/VMIG 2
denotes "high quality" with "ample margins of protection"; MIG 3/VMIG 3
instruments are of "favorable quality ... but ... lacking the undeniable
strength of the preceding grades."
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in
excess of nine months. Moody's employs the following three designations, all
judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of
rated issuers:
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Prime-1 repayment capacity
will often be evidenced by the following characteristics: leading market
positions in well established industries; high rates of return on funds
employed; conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on debt
and ample asset protection; broad margins, in earning coverage of fixed
financial charges and high internal cash generation; and with established
access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate
liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. The effects of
industry characteristics and market composition may be more pronounced.
Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes to the level of
debt protection measurements and the requirement for relatively high financial
leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD &POOR'S, A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES,
INC. ("STANDARD & POOR'S"), MUNICIPAL DEBT RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's municipal debt rating is a current assessment of the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation,
a specific class of financial obligations or a specific program. It takes into
consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of
credit enhancement on the obligation.
The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a
financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or
suitability for a particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources Standard & Poor's considers
reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any
rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The
ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or
unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:
I. Likelihood of default-capacity and willingness of the obligor as
to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance
with the terms of the obligation;
II. Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
III. Protection afforded to, and relative position of, the obligation
in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the
laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
AAA Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's. Capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation is extremely strong.
AA Debt rated "AA" differs from the highest-rated issues only in
small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation is very strong.
A Debt rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects
of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB Debt rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection
parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
BB Debt rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC", and "C" are regarded as having
B significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least
CCC degree of speculation and "C" the highest degree of speculation.
CC While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
C characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or
major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
D Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is
used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even
if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard &
Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace
period. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a
bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action if payments on an
obligation are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by
the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more
than 365 days. Ratings are graded into several categories, ranging from "A-1"
for the highest quality obligations to "D" for the lowest. These categories are
as follows:
A-1 This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess
extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus
sign (+) designation.
A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as
high as for issues designated "A-1."
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for
timely payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations
carrying the higher designations.
B Issues rated "B" are regarded as having only speculative
capacity for timely payment.
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a
doubtful capacity for payment.
D Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is
used when interest payments or principal payments are not made
on the date due, even if the applicable grace period has not
expired unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments
will be made during such grace period.
c The "c" subscript is used to provide additional information to
investors that the bank may terminate its obligation to purchase
tendered bonds if the long-term credit rating of the issuer is
below an investment-grade level and/or the issuer's bonds are
deemed taxable.
p The letter "p" indicates that the rating is provisional. A
provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the
project financed by the debt being rated and indicates that
payment of the debt service requirements is largely or entirely
dependent upon the successful, timely completion of the project.
This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent
to completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood
of or the risk of default upon failure of such completion. The
investor should exercise his own judgment with respect to such
likelihood and risk.
Continuance of the ratings is contingent upon Standard &
Poor's receipt of an executed copy of the escrow agreement or
closing documentation confirming investments and cash flows.
r The "r" highlights derivative, hybrid, and certain other
obligations that Standard & Poor's believes may experience high
volatility or high variability in expected returns as a result
of noncredit risks. Examples of such obligations are securities
with principal or interest return indexed to equities,
commodities, or currencies; certain swaps and options; and
interest-only and principal-only mortgage securities. The
absence of an "r" symbol should not be taken as an indication
that an obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability in
total return.
A commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase or sell a
security. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard &
Poor's by the issuer or obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it
considers reliable. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a
result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information.
A Standard & Poor's note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market
access risks unique to such notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely
receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely
receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making
that assessment.
-- Amortization schedule--the larger the final maturity relative to other
maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
-- Source of payment--the more dependent the issue is on the market for
its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue
determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service
is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the
term of the notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest
DESCRIPTION OF FITCH IBCA, INC.'S ("FITCH") INVESTMENT GRADE BOND RATINGS
Fitch investment grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security. The rating
represents Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to meet the obligations
of a specific debt issue or class of debt in a timely manner.
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor,
as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the
issuer's future financial strength and credit quality.
Fitch ratings do not reflect any credit enhancement that may be provided
by insurance policies or financial guarantees unless otherwise indicated.
Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily
identical credit quality since the rating categories do not fully reflect small
differences in the degrees of credit risk.
Fitch ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any security.
Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any
security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of
payments made in respect of any security.
Fitch ratings are based on information obtained from issuers, other
obligors, underwriters, their experts, and other sources Fitch believes to be
reliable. Fitch does not audit or verify the truth or accuracy of such
information. Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of
changes in, or the unavailability of, information or for other reasons.
AAA Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest
credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability
to pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be
affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay
principal is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds
rated "AAA." Because bonds rated in the "AAA" and "AA"
categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is
generally rated "F-1+."
A Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay
principal is considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable
to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than
bonds with higher ratings.
BBB Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory
credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay
principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in
economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely
to have an adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore impair
timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds
will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with
higher ratings.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol
to indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus
and minus signs, however, are not used in the "AAA" category.
NR Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
CONDITIONAL
A conditional rating is premised on the successful completion of a project
or the occurrence of a specific event.
SUSPENDED
A rating is suspended when Fitch deems the amount of information available
from the issuer to be inadequate for rating purposes.
WITHDRAWN
A rating will be withdrawn when an issue matures or is called or
refinanced and, at Fitch's discretion, when an issuer fails to furnish proper
and timely information.
FITCHALERT
Ratings are placed on FitchAlert to notify investors of an occurrence that
is likely to result in a rating change and the likely direction of such change.
These are designated as "Positive," indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative,"
for potential downgrade, or "Evolving," where ratings may be raised or lowered.
FitchAlert is relatively short-term, and should be resolved within three to 12
months.
RATINGS OUTLOOK
An outlook is used to describe the most likely direction of any rating
change over the intermediate term. It is described as "Positive" or "Negative."
The absence of a designation indicates a stable outlook.
DESCRIPTION OF FITCH'S SPECULATIVE GRADE BOND RATINGS
Fitch speculative grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security. The ratings
("BB" to "C") represent Fitch's assessment of the likelihood of timely payment
of principal and interest in accordance with the terms of obligation for bond
issues not in default. For defaulted bonds, the rating ("DDD" to "D") is an
assessment of the ultimate recovery value through reorganization or
liquidation.
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor,
as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the
issuer's future financial strength.
Bonds that have the rating are of similar but not necessarily identical
credit quality since rating categories cannot fully reflect the differences in
degrees of credit risk.
BB Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay
interest and repay principal may be affected over time by
adverse economic changes. However, business and financial
alternatives can be identified which could assist the obligor in
satisfying its debt service requirements.
B Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this
class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the
probability of continued timely payment of principal and
interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of safety and the
need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout
the life of the issue.
CCC Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not
remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations
requires an advantageous business and economic environment.
CC Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest
and/or principal seems probable over time.
C Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or
principal.
DDD Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments.
DD Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on
D the basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or
reorganization of the obligor. "DDD" represents the highest
potential for recovery on these bonds, and "D" represents the
lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol
to indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus
and minus signs, however, are not used in the "DDD," "DD," or "D" categories.
DESCRIPTION OF FITCH'S SHORT-TERM RATINGS
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on
demand or have original maturities of up to three years, including commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment
notes.
The short-term rating places greater emphasis than a long-term rating on
the existence of liquidity necessary to meet the issuer's obligations in a
timely manner.
Fitch short-term ratings are as follows:
F-1+ Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating
are regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for
timely payment.
F-1 Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect
an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than
issues rated "F-l+".
F-2 Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a
satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the
margin of safety is not as great as for issues assigned "F-1+"
and "F-l" ratings.
F-3 Fair Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
characteristics suggesting that the degree of assurance for
timely payment is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes
could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.
F-S Weak Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
characteristics suggesting a minimal degree of assurance for
timely payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse changes
in financial and economic conditions.
D Default. Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent
payment default.
LOC The symbol "LOC" indicates that the rating is based on a letter
of credit issued by a commercial bank.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT V
PORTFOLIO INSURANCE
Set forth below is further information with respect to the insurance
policies (the "Policies") that the Fund may obtain from several insurance
companies with respect to insured New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal
Bonds held by the Fund. The Fund has no obligation to obtain any such Policies,
and the terms of any Policies actually obtained may vary significantly from the
terms discussed below.
In determining eligibility for insurance, insurance companies will apply
their own standards. These standards correspond generally to the standards such
companies normally use in establishing the insurability of new issues of New
Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds and are not necessarily the criteria
that would be used in regard to the purchase of such bonds by the Fund. The
Policies do not insure (i) municipal securities ineligible for insurance and
(ii) municipal securities no longer owned by the Fund.
The Policies do not guarantee the market value of the insured New Jersey
Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds or the value of the shares of the Fund. In
addition, if the provider of an original issuance insurance policy is unable to
meet its obligations under such policy or if the rating assigned to the
insurance claims-paying ability of any such insurer deteriorates, the insurance
company will not have any obligation to insure any issue held by the Fund that
is adversely affected by either of the above described events. In addition to
the payment of premium, the policies may require that the Fund notify the
insurance company as to all New Jersey Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds in
the Fund's portfolio and permit the insurance company to audit their records.
The insurance premiums will be payable monthly by the Fund in accordance with a
premium schedule to be furnished by the insurance company at the time the
Policies are issued. Premiums are based upon the amounts covered and the
composition of the portfolio.
The Fund will seek to utilize insurance companies that have insurance
claims-paying ability ratings of AAA from Standard & Poor's ("S&P") or Fitch
IBCA, Inc. ("Fitch") or Aaa from Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's").
There can be no assurance, however, that insurance from insurance carriers
meeting these criteria will be at all times available.
An S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating is an assessment of an
operating insurance company's financial capacity to meet obligations under an
insurance policy in accordance with the terms. An insurer with an insurance
claims-paying ability rating of AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P.
Capacity to honor insurance contracts is considered by S&P to be extremely
strong and highly likely to remain so over a long period of time. A Fitch
insurance claims-paying ability rating provides an assessment of an insurance
company's financial strength and, therefore, its ability to pay policy and
contract claims under the terms indicated. An insurer with an insurance
claims-paying ability rating of AAA has the highest rating assigned by Fitch.
The ability to pay claims is adjudged by Fitch to be extremely strong for
insurance companies with this highest rating. In the opinion of Fitch,
foreseeable business and economic risk factors should not have any material
adverse impact on the ability of these insurers to pay claims. In Fitch's
opinion, profitability, overall balance sheet strength, capitalization and
liquidity are all at very secure levels and are unlikely to be affected by
potential adverse underwriting, investment or cyclical events. A Moody's
insurance claims-paying ability rating is an opinion of the ability of an
insurance company to repay punctually senior policyholder obligations and
claims. An insurer with an insurance claims-paying ability rating of Aaa is
considered by Moody's to be of the best quality. In the opinion of Moody's, the
policy obligations of an insurance company with an insurance claims-paying
ability rating of Aaa carry the smallest degree of credit risk and, while the
financial strength of these companies is likely to change, such changes as can
be visualized are most unlikely to impair the company's fundamentally strong
position.
An insurance claims-paying ability rating of S&P, Fitch or Moody's does
not constitute an opinion on any specific contract in that such an opinion can
only be rendered upon the review of the specific insurance contract.
Furthermore, an insurance claims-paying ability rating does not take into
account deductibles, surrender or cancellation penalties or the timeliness of
payment; nor does it address the ability of a company to meet nonpolicy
obligations (i.e., debt contracts).
The assignment of ratings by S&P, Fitch or Moody's to debt issues that are
fully or partially supported by insurance policies, contracts or guarantees is
a separate process from the determination of claims-paying ability ratings. The
likelihood of a timely flow of funds from the insurer to the trustee for the
bondholders is a key element in the rating determination for such debt issues.
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Front]
COMMON STOCK
MUNHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
P R O X Y
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Terry K. Glenn, Patrick Sweeney and
William Zitelli as proxies, each with the power to appoint his or her
substitute, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as
designated on the reverse hereof, all of the Common Stock of MuniHoldings New
Jersey Insured Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") held of record by the undersigned on
October 20, 1999 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Fund to be held
on December 15, 1999, or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER HEREIN
DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED "FOR" ITEMS 1, 2, 3, AND 4.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Reverse]
PLEASE MARK BOXES /X/ OR [X] IN BLUE OR BLACK INK.
1. To consider and act upon a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization among the Fund, MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured
Fund II, Inc., and MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
FOR all nominees listed below WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below [_]
(except as marked to the contrary below) [_]
</TABLE>
(INSTRUCTION: TO WITHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL
NOMINEE, STRIKE A LINE THROUGH THE NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE LIST BELOW.)
RONALD W. FORBES, TERRY K. GLENN, CYNTHIA A. MONTGOMERY, KEVIN A.
RYAN, ARTHUR ZEIKEL
3. Proposal to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the
independent auditors of the Fund to serve for the current fiscal
year.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
4. In the discretion of such proxies, upon such other business as
properly may come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon.
When shares are held by joint tenants, both
should sign. When signing as attorney or as
executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as such. If
a corporation, please sign in full corporate
name by president or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized persons.
Dated: ______________________________
X __________________________________________
Signature
X __________________________________________
Signature, if held jointly
SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Front]
AUCTION MARKET
PREFERRED STOCK
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
P R O X Y
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Terry K. Glenn, Patrick Sweeney and
William Zitelli as proxies, each with the power to appoint his or her
substitute, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as
designated on the reverse hereof, all the Auction Market Preferred Stock of
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") held of record by the
undersigned on October 20, 1999 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the
Fund to be held on December 15, 1999, or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER HEREIN
DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED "FOR" ITEMS 1, 2, 3, AND 4.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Reverse]
PLEASE MARK BOXES /X/ OR [X] IN BLUE OR BLACK INK.
1. To consider and act upon a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization among the Fund, MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured
Fund II, Inc., and MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
FOR all nominees listed below WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below [_]
(except as marked to the contrary below) [_]
</TABLE>
(INSTRUCTION: TO WITHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL
NOMINEE, STRIKE A LINE THROUGH THE NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE LIST BELOW.)
RONALD W. FORBES, TERRY K. GLENN, CYNTHIA A. MONTGOMERY, CHARLES C.
REILLY, KEVIN A. RYAN, RICHARD R. WEST, ARTHUR ZEIKEL
3. Proposal to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the
independent auditors of the Fund to serve for the current fiscal
year.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
4. In the discretion of such proxies, upon such other business as
properly may come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
If the undersigned is a broker-dealer, it hereby instructs the proxies,
pursuant to Rule 452 of the New York Stock Exchange, to vote any uninstructed
Auction Market Preferred Stock, in the same proportion as votes cast by holders
of Auction Market Preferred Stock, who have responded to this proxy
solicitation.
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon.
When shares are held by joint tenants, both
should sign. When signing as attorney or as
executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as such. If
a corporation, please sign in full corporate
name by president or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized persons.
Dated: ______________________________
X __________________________________________
Signature
X __________________________________________
Signature, if held jointly
SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Front]
COMMON STOCK
MUNHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND II, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
P R O X Y
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Terry K. Glenn, Patrick Sweeney and
William Zitelli as proxies, each with the power to appoint his or her
substitute, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as
designated on the reverse hereof, all of the Common Stock of MuniHoldings New
Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc. (the "Fund") held of record by the undersigned on
October 20, 1999 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Fund to be held
on December 15, 1999, or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER HEREIN
DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED "FOR" ITEMS 1, 2, 3, AND 4.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Reverse]
PLEASE MARK BOXES /X/ OR [X] IN BLUE OR BLACK INK.
1. To consider and act upon a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization among the Fund, MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured
Fund, Inc., and MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
FOR all nominees listed below WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below [_]
(except as marked to the contrary below) [_]
</TABLE>
(INSTRUCTION: TO WITHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL
NOMINEE, STRIKE A LINE THROUGH THE NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE LIST BELOW.)
RONALD W. FORBES, TERRY K. GLENN, CYNTHIA A. MONTGOMERY, KEVIN A.
RYAN, ARTHUR ZEIKEL
3. Proposal to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the
independent auditors of the Fund to serve for the current fiscal
year.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
4. In the discretion of such proxies, upon such other business as
properly may come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon.
When shares are held by joint tenants, both
should sign. When signing as attorney or as
executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as such. If
a corporation, please sign in full corporate
name by president or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized persons.
Dated: ______________________________
X __________________________________________
Signature
X __________________________________________
Signature, if held jointly
SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Front]
AUCTION MARKET
PREFERRED STOCK
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND II, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
P R O X Y
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Terry K. Glenn, Patrick Sweeney and
William Zitelli as proxies, each with the power to appoint his or her
substitute, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as
designated on the reverse hereof, all the Auction Market Preferred Stock of
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc. (the "Fund") held of record by
the undersigned on October 20, 1999 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
the Fund to be held on December 15, 1999, or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER HEREIN
DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED "FOR" ITEMS 1, 2, 3, AND 4.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Reverse]
PLEASE MARK BOXES /X/ OR [X] IN BLUE OR BLACK INK.
1. To consider and act upon a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization among the Fund, MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured
Fund, Inc., and MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
FOR all nominees listed below WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below [_]
(except as marked to the contrary below) [_]
</TABLE>
(INSTRUCTION: TO WITHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL
NOMINEE, STRIKE A LINE THROUGH THE NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE LIST BELOW.)
RONALD W. FORBES, TERRY K. GLENN, CYNTHIA A. MONTGOMERY, CHARLES C.
REILLY, KEVIN A. RYAN, RICHARD R. WEST, ARTHUR ZEIKEL
3. Proposal to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the
independent auditors of the Fund to serve for the current fiscal
year.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
4. In the discretion of such proxies, upon such other business as
properly may come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
If the undersigned is a broker-dealer, it hereby instructs the proxies,
pursuant to Rule 452 of the New York Stock Exchange, to vote any uninstructed
Auction Market Preferred Stock, in the same proportion as votes cast by holders
of Auction Market Preferred Stock, who have responded to this proxy
solicitation.
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon.
When shares are held by joint tenants, both
should sign. When signing as attorney or as
executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as such. If
a corporation, please sign in full corporate
name by president or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized persons.
Dated: ______________________________
X __________________________________________
Signature
X __________________________________________
Signature, if held jointly
SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Front]
COMMON STOCK
MUNHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND III, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
P R O X Y
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Terry K. Glenn, Patrick Sweeney and
William Zitelli as proxies, each with the power to appoint his or her
substitute, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as
designated on the reverse hereof, all of the Common Stock of MuniHoldings New
Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc. (the "Fund") held of record by the undersigned on
October 20, 1999 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Fund to be held
on December 15, 1999, or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER HEREIN
DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED "FOR" ITEMS 1, 2, 3, AND 4.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Reverse]
PLEASE MARK BOXES /X/ OR [X] IN BLUE OR BLACK INK.
1. To consider and act upon a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization among the Fund, MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured
Fund, Inc., and MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
FOR all nominees listed below WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below [_]
(except as marked to the contrary below) [_]
</TABLE>
(INSTRUCTION: TO WITHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL
NOMINEE, STRIKE A LINE THROUGH THE NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE LIST BELOW.)
RONALD W. FORBES, TERRY K. GLENN, CYNTHIA A. MONTGOMERY, KEVIN A.
RYAN, ARTHUR ZEIKEL
3. Proposal to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the
independent auditors of the Fund to serve for the current fiscal
year.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
4. In the discretion of such proxies, upon such other business as
properly may come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon.
When shares are held by joint tenants, both
should sign. When signing as attorney or as
executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as such. If
a corporation, please sign in full corporate
name by president or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized persons.
Dated: ______________________________
X __________________________________________
Signature
X __________________________________________
Signature, if held jointly
SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Front]
AUCTION MARKET
PREFERRED STOCK
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND III, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
P R O X Y
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Terry K. Glenn, Patrick Sweeney and
William Zitelli as proxies, each with the power to appoint his or her
substitute, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as
designated on the reverse hereof, all the Auction Market Preferred Stock of
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc. (the "Fund") held of record by
the undersigned on October 20, 1999 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
the Fund to be held on December 15, 1999, or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER HEREIN
DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY
WILL BE VOTED "FOR" ITEMS 1, 2, 3, AND 4.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
<PAGE>
[Proxy Card Reverse]
PLEASE MARK BOXES /X/ OR [X] IN BLUE OR BLACK INK.
1. To consider and act upon a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan
of Reorganization among the Fund, MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured
Fund, Inc., and MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
FOR all nominees listed below WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below [_]
(except as marked to the contrary below) [_]
</TABLE>
(INSTRUCTION: TO WITHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL
NOMINEE, STRIKE A LINE THROUGH THE NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE LIST BELOW.)
RONALD W. FORBES, TERRY K. GLENN, CYNTHIA A. MONTGOMERY, CHARLES C.
REILLY, KEVIN A. RYAN, RICHARD R. WEST, ARTHUR ZEIKEL
3. Proposal to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the
independent auditors of the Fund to serve for the current fiscal
year.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
4. In the discretion of such proxies, upon such other business as
properly may come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
If the undersigned is a broker-dealer, it hereby instructs the proxies,
pursuant to Rule 452 of the New York Stock Exchange, to vote any uninstructed
Auction Market Preferred Stock, in the same proportion as votes cast by holders
of Auction Market Preferred Stock, who have responded to this proxy
solicitation.
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon.
When shares are held by joint tenants, both
should sign. When signing as attorney or as
executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as such. If
a corporation, please sign in full corporate
name by president or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized persons.
Dated: ______________________________
X __________________________________________
Signature
X __________________________________________
Signature, if held jointly
SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION.
Section 2-418 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Maryland,
Article VI of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
a form of which was previously filed as an exhibit to the Common Stock
Registration Statement (defined below); Article VI of the Registrant's By-Laws,
which was previously filed as an exhibit to the Common Stock Registration
Statement, and the Investment Advisory Agreement, a form of which was
previously filed as an exhibit to the Common Stock Registration Statement,
provide for indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), may be provided to directors,
officers and controlling persons of the Registrant, pursuant to the foregoing
provisions or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of
the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the Registrant in connection with any successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,
officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
Reference is made to (i) Section 6 of the Purchase Agreement relating to
the Registrant's Common Stock, a form of which was filed as an exhibit to the
Common Stock Registration Statement, and (ii) Section 7 of the Purchase
Agreement relating to the Registrant's AMPS, a form of which was filed as an
exhibit to the AMPS Registration Statement (defined below), for provisions
relating to the indemnification of the underwriter.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
1 (a) -- Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated January 27,
1998, (a)
(b) -- Form of Articles Supplementary creating the Series A AMPS and the
Series B AMPS.(c)
(c) -- Form of Articles Supplementary creating the Series C AMPS, the
Series D AMPS.
2 -- By-Laws of the Registrant.(a)
3 -- Not Applicable.
4 -- Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization among the
Registrant and MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc., and
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc. (included in
Exhibit I to the Proxy Statement and Prospectus contained in this
Registration Statement)
5 (a) -- Copies of instruments defining the rights of stockholders,
including the relevant portions of the Articles of Incorporation
and the By-Laws of the Registrant. (d)
(b) -- Form of specimen certificate for the Common Stock of the
Registrant. (a)
(c) -- Form of specimen certificate for the AMPS of the Registrant. (b)
6 -- Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and
Fund Asset Management, L.P. (a)
7 (a) -- Form of Purchase Agreement for the Common Stock. (a)
(b) -- Form of Purchase Agreement for the AMPS. (c)
(c) -- Form of Merrill Lynch Standard Dealer Agreement. (a)
8 -- Not applicable.
9 -- Custodian Contract between the Registrant and The Bank of
New York. (b)
10 -- Not applicable.
11 -- Opinion and Consent of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel for the
Registrant.*
12 -- Private Letter Ruling from the Internal Revenue Service.*
13 (a) -- Form of Registrar, Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between
the Registrant and The Bank of New York. (b)
(b) -- Form of Auction Agent Agreement between the Registrant and IBJ
Whitehall Bank & Trust Company. (c)
(c) -- Form of Broker-Dealer Agreement. (c)
(d) -- Form of Letter of Representations.(c)
14 (a) -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors for the
Registrant and MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc.
(b) -- Consent of Deloitte & Touch LLP, independent auditors for
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc.
15 -- Not applicable.
16 -- Power of Attorney (Included on the signature page of this
Registration Statement).
---------------
* To be filed by amendment.
(a) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-2 relating to the Registrant's Common Stock (File No. 333-45365)
(the "Common Stock Registration Statement"), filed on January 30, 1998.
(b) Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Common
Stock Registration Statement, filed on March 6, 1998.
(c) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form N-2 relating to the Registrant's Auction Market Preferred Stock (File
No. 333-46513) (the "AMPS Registration Statement"), filed on February 18,
1998.
(d) Reference is made to Article V, Article VI (sections 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6),
Article VII, Article VIII, Article X, Article XI, Article XII and Article
XIII of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation, previously filed as
Exhibit (1) to the Common Stock Registration Statement, and to Article II,
Article III (sections 1, 2, 3, 5 and 17), Article VI, Article VII, Article
XII, Article XIII and Article XIV of the Registrant's By-Laws previously
filed as Exhibit (2) to the Common Stock Registration Statement. Reference
is also made to the Form of Articles Supplementary filed as Exhibit 1(d)
to the AMPS Registration Statement and as Exhibit 1(e) hereto.
<PAGE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(1) The undersigned Registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of
the securities registered through use of a prospectus which is part of
this Registration Statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, the reoffering prospectus will contain information
called for by the applicable registration form for reofferings by persons
who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for
by other items of the applicable form.
(2) The undersigned Registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed
under paragraph (1) above will be filed as part of an amendment to the
registration statement and will not be used until the amendment is
effective, and that, in determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement for the securities offered therein, and the
offering of securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering of them.
(3) The Registrant undertakes to file, by post-effective amendment, a copy of
the Internal Revenue Service private letter ruling applied for, within a
reasonable time after receipt of such ruling.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has
been signed on behalf of the Registrant, in the Township of Plainsboro and
State of New Jersey, on the 14th day of September, 1999.
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW JERSEY INSURED FUND, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ TERRY K. GLENN
-------------------------------------
(Terry K. Glenn, President)
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Terry K.
Glenn, Donald C. Burke and William E. Zitelli, or any of them, as
attorney-in-fact, to sign on his or her behalf, individually and in each
capacity stated below, any amendments to this Registration Statement (including
post-effective amendments) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signatures Title Date
----------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
President & Director
/S/ TERRY K. GLENN (Principal Executive Officer) September 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------------
(Terry K. Glenn)
Vice President & Treasurer (Principal
/S/ DONALD C. BURKE Financial & Accounting Officer) September 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------------
(Donald C. Burke)
/S/ RONALD W. FORBES Director September 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------------
(Ronald W. Forbes)
/S/ CYNTHIA A. MONTGOMERY Director September 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------------
(Cynthia A. Montgomery)
/S/ CHARLES C. REILLY Director September 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------------
(Charles C. Reilly)
/S/ KEVIN A. RYAN Director September 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------------
(Kevin A. Ryan)
/S/ RICHARD R. WEST Director September 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------------
(Richard R. West)
/S/ ARTHUR ZEIKEL Director September 14, 1999
- ----------------------------------------
(Arthur Zeikel)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
14 (a) -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors for the
Registrant and MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 14(a)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "The
Reorganization-Comparison of the Funds-Financial Highlights", "Selection of
Independent Auditors" and "Experts" and to the use of our reports dated August
26, 1999 for MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc. and June 24, 1999 for
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc. included in the Registration
Statement (Form N-14 No. 333-0000) and related combined Preliminary Proxy
Statement and Prospectus of MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc.,
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc. and MuniHoldings New Jersey
Insured Fund III, Inc. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ernst & Young LLP
MetroPark, New Jersey
The foregoing consent is in the form that will be signed upon the
inclusion of the audited financial statements to be added by amendment.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
MetroPark, New Jersey
September 9, 1999
<PAGE>
Brown & Wood LLP
One World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0558
Telephone: (212) 839-5300
Facsimile: (212) 839-5599
September 14, 1999
VIA EDGAR
- ---------
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549
Attention: Filing Desk - Stop 1-4
Re: MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc.
------------------------------------------
Ladies and Gentlemen:
On behalf of MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), we
enclose for filing pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, (the "Securities
Act") and the Investment Company Act of 1940, each as amended, one copy of the
Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-14, together with exhibits indicated
as being filed therewith, containing the preliminary joint proxy statement and
prospectus of the Fund, MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc. ("New
Jersey II") and MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc. ("New Jersey
III" and together with the Fund and New Jersey II, the "Funds"), the forms of
proxy to be solicited by each of the Funds and the notice of meeting of the
stockholders of each of the Funds presently scheduled to be held on December
15, 1999. The Funds intend to mail copies of the definitive joint proxy
statement and prospectus, the forms of proxy and notice of meeting on or about
November 5, 1999 to the stockholders of the Funds of record on October 20,
1999.
The Pro Forma Financial Statements including (i) the Pro Forma Combined
Schedule of Investments for the Fund, New Jersey II, New Jersey III and the
combined fund as of July 31, 1999 (unaudited); (ii) the Pro Forma Combined
Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the Fund, New Jersey II, New Jersey III
and the combined fund as of July 31, 1999 (unaudited); and (iii) the Pro Forma
Combined Statement of Operations for the Fund, New Jersey II, New Jersey III and
the combined fund as of July 31, 1999 (unaudited), are contained in this
Registration Statement.
<PAGE>
Prior to this filing, a wire transfer in the amount of $75,080 in payment
of the initial registration fee was made to the Securities and Exchange
Commission's designated lockbox in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Such amount
constitutes payment of the following fees required by the Securities Act: (i)
$45,334 for the registration of 11,833,884 shares of Common Stock; (ii) $16,680
for the registration of 2,400 shares of Auction Market Preferred Stock, Series
C; and (iii) $13,066 for the registration of 1,880 shares of Auction Market
Preferred Stock, Series D.
The audited financial statements of the Fund and New Jersey II and the
unaudited interim financial statements of New Jersey III to be included in the
joint proxy statement and prospectus will be included in the Pre-Effective
Amendment to the Registration Statement that is expected to be filed immediately
prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement.
Please be advised that later in the month, eight additional Registration
Statements on Form N-14 will be filed with respect to eight similar transactions
involving the reorganization of two or more closed-end state municipal bond
funds. The transactions are all quite similar to each other and to other
reorganizations the staff has reviewed including the reorganization of MuniYield
New York Insured Fund II, Inc. and Taurus MuniNewYork Holdings, Inc. (File Nos.
333-33759 and 811-6661) declared effective on September 12, 1997 and MuniYield
California Insured Fund, Inc. and Taurus MuniCalifornia Holdings, Inc. (File
Nos.333-32915 and 811-6499) declared effective by the Commission on September
12, 1997.
If you have any questions regarding this filing, please feel free to call
the undersigned at (212) 839-5583 or Frank P. Bruno of this firm at (212)
839-5540.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Ellen W. Harris
Ellen W. Harris
Enclosure
