SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Amendment No. 1 to
FORM S-6
For Registration Under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities
of Unit Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2
A. Exact Name of Trust: FT 281
B. Name of Depositor: NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
C. Complete Address of Depositor's 1001 Warrenville Road
Principal Executive Offices: Lisle, Illinois 60532
D. Name and Complete Address of
Agents for Service: NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
Attention: James A. Bowen
Suite 300
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
CHAPMAN & CUTLER
Attention: Eric F. Fess
111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
E. Title of Securities
Being Registered: An indefinite number of
Units pursuant to Rule
24f-2 promulgated under
the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended.
F. Approximate Date of Proposed
Sale to the Public: ____ Check if it is
proposed that this filing
will become effective on
_____ at ____ p.m.
pursuant to Rule 487.
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on
such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective
date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall
thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement
shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 15, 1998
AS AMENDED DECEMBER 23, 1998
Strategic Technical Analysis Recommendations Trust Series
The Trust. FT 281 (the "Trust") is a unit investment trust consisting of
a portfolio of common stocks of companies that are attractive
structurally, fundamentally and technically, in the opinion of Joseph H.
Barthel, Senior Vice President and Director of Investment Strategy for
Fahnestock & Co., Inc. (the "Equity Securities").
The objective of the Trust is to provide the potential for above-average
capital appreciation and risk reduction through diversification by
investing the Trust's portfolio in the Equity Securities. See "Schedule
of Investments." The Trust has a mandatory termination date (the
"Mandatory Termination Date" or "Trust Ending Date") of approximately
fifteen months from the date of this Prospectus as set forth under
"Summary of Essential Information." There is, of course, no guarantee
that the objective of the Trust will be achieved.
Each Unit of the Trust represents an undivided fractional interest in
all the Equity Securities deposited in the Trust. The Equity Securities
deposited in the Trust's portfolio have no fixed maturity date and the
value of these underlying Equity Securities will fluctuate with changes
in the values of stocks in general but may decline more than or not
increase as much as stocks in general. See "Portfolio."
The Sponsor may, from time to time during a period of up to
approximately 360 days after the Initial Date of Deposit, deposit
additional Equity Securities in the Trust or cash (including a letter of
credit) with instructions to purchase additional Equity Securities in
the Trust. Such deposits of additional Equity Securities or cash will,
therefore, be done in such a manner that the original proportionate
relationship among the number of shares of the individual issues of the
Equity Securities shall be maintained. Any deposit by the Sponsor of
additional Equity Securities, or the purchase of additional Equity
Securities pursuant to a cash deposit, will duplicate, as nearly as is
practicable, the original proportionate share relationship established
on the Initial Date of Deposit, and not the actual proportionate share
relationship on the subsequent Date of Deposit, because the two may
differ. Any such difference may be due to the sale, redemption or
liquidation of any of the Equity Securities deposited in the Trust on
the Initial, or any subsequent, Date of Deposit. Moreover, because of
fluctuations in the price of the Equity Securities, the proportionate
value relationship among the Equity Securities on any subsequent Date of
Deposit will probably be different from that established on the Initial
Date of Deposit. See "What is the FT Series?" and "Rights of Unit
Holders-How May Equity Securities be Removed from the Trust?"
Public Offering Price. The Public Offering Price per Unit of the Trust
during the initial offering period is equal to the aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities in the Trust (generally determined by the
closing sale prices of the listed Equity Securities and the ask prices
of over-the-counter traded Equity Securities) plus or minus a pro rata
share of cash, if any, in the Capital and Income Accounts of the Trust,
plus an initial sales charge equal to the difference between the maximum
sales charge of 2.95% of the Public Offering Price and the maximum
remaining deferred sales charge, initially $.195 per Unit, divided by
the number of Units in the Trust outstanding. Commencing July 20, 1999,
and on the twentieth day of each month thereafter (or if such day is not
a business day, on the preceding business day) through November 19,
1999, a deferred sales charge of $.039 will be assessed per Unit per
month. Units purchased subsequent to the initial deferred sales charge
payment will be subject to the initial sales charge and the remaining
deferred sales charge payments. The deferred sales charge will be paid
from funds in the Capital Account, if sufficient, or from the periodic
sale of Equity Securities. The total maximum sales charge
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD
NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE
ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,
SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR
QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE.
Fahnestock & Co., Inc.
The date of this Prospectus is ____________, 1999
Page 1
assessed to Unit holders on a per Unit basis will be 2.95% of the Public
Offering Price (equivalent to 2.98% of the net amount invested,
exclusive of the deferred sales charge). A pro rata share of accumulated
dividends, if any, in the Income Account is included in the Public
Offering Price. In addition, a portion of the Public Offering Price on
Units purchased prior to the earlier of six months after the Initial
Date of Deposit or the end of the initial offering period also consists
of Equity Securities in an amount sufficient to pay for all or a portion
of the costs incurred in establishing the Trust. The organizational and
offering costs will be deducted from the assets of the Trust as of the
earlier of six months after the Initial Date of Deposit or the end of
the initial offering period. Upon completion of the deferred sales
charge period, the secondary market Public Offering Price per Unit will
not include deferred payments, but will instead include only a one-time
initial sales charge of 2.95% of the Public Offering Price (equivalent
to 3.04% of the net amount invested). The minimum amount which an
investor may purchase in the Trust is $1,000 ($500 for Individual
Retirement Account or other retirement plans). The sales charge for the
Trust is reduced on a graduated scale for sales involving at least
$100,000. See "Public Offering-How is the Public Offering Price
Determined?"
UNITS OF THE TRUST ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED BY,
ANY BANK, AND UNITS ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY
THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION AND INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISK
INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
Dividend and Capital Distributions. Cash dividends received by the Trust
will be paid on each December 31 and June 30 to Unit holders of record
on December 15 and June 15, respectively, and again as part of the final
liquidation distribution. Distributions of funds in the Capital Account,
if any, will be made as part of the final liquidation distribution, and
in certain circumstances, earlier. Any distribution of income and/or
capital will be net of expenses of the Trust. See "What is the Federal
Tax Status of Unit Holders?" Additionally, upon termination of the
Trust, the Trustee will distribute, upon surrender of Units, to each
remaining Unit holder (other than a Rollover Unit holder as defined
below) his or her pro rata share of such Trust's assets, less expenses,
in the manner set forth under "Rights of Unit Holders-How are Income and
Capital Distributed?" For distributions to Rollover Unit holders, see
"Rights of Unit Holders-Special Redemption, Liquidation and Investment
in a New Trust." Any Unit holder may elect to have each distribution of
income or capital on his or her Units, other than the final liquidating
distribution, automatically reinvested in additional Units of the Trust
subject only to remaining deferred sales charge payments. See "Rights of
Unit Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?"
Secondary Market for Units. While under no obligation to do so, the
Sponsor intends to, and the Underwriter may, maintain a market for Units
of the Trust and offer to repurchase such Units at prices which are
based on the aggregate underlying value of Equity Securities in the
Trust (generally determined by the closing sale prices of listed Equity
Securities and the bid prices of over-the-counter traded Equity
Securities) plus or minus cash, if any, in the Capital and Income
Accounts of the Trust. If a secondary market is maintained during the
initial offering period, the prices at which Units will be repurchased
will be based upon the aggregate underlying value of the Equity
Securities in the Trust (generally determined by the closing sale prices
of listed Equity Securities and the ask prices of over-the-counter
traded Equity Securities) plus or minus cash, if any, in the Capital and
Income Accounts of the Trust. If a secondary market is not maintained, a
Unit holder may redeem Units through redemption at prices based upon the
aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities in the Trust
(generally determined by the closing sale prices of listed Equity
Securities and either the ask prices (during the initial offering
period) or the bid prices (subsequent to the initial offering period) of
over-the-counter traded Equity Securities) plus or minus a pro rata
share of cash, if any, in the Capital and Income Accounts of the Trust.
A Unit holder tendering 2,500 Units or more of the Trust for redemption
may request a distribution of shares of Equity Securities (reduced by
customary transfer and registration charges) (an "In-Kind Distribution")
in lieu of payment in cash. Any deferred sales charge remaining on Units
at the time of their sale or redemption will be collected at that time.
See "Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?"
Special Redemption, Liquidation and Investment in a New Trust. The
Sponsor intends to create a separate series of the Strategic Technical
Analysis Recommendations Trust Series (the "2000 Trust") in conjunction
with the termination of this series of the Trust. The portfolio of the
2000 Trust will contain equity securities of companies which the Sponsor
believes have the potential to provide above-average capital
Page 2
appreciation and risk reduction through diversification during the term
of the 2000 Trust. Unit holders who wish to have the proceeds from their
Units invested in the 2000 Trust must specify by ____________, 2000 (the
"Rollover Notification Date") their intention to become "Rollover Unit
holders." Rollover Unit holders' Units will be redeemed in-kind on the
Rollover Notification Date and the distributed Equity Securities sold by
the Trustee, in its capacity as Distribution Agent, during the Special
Redemption and Liquidation Period. The proceeds of the redemption will
then be invested in Units of the 2000 Trust at a reduced sales charge,
if such Trust is offered. Units purchased other than with redemption
proceeds will be subject to the full sales charge. The Sponsor may stop
creating new Units of the 2000 Trust at any time in its sole discretion
without regard to whether all the proceeds to be invested have been
invested. Cash which has not been invested on behalf of the Rollover
Unit holders in the 2000 Trust will be distributed at the end of the
Special Redemption and Liquidation Period. The Sponsor, however,
anticipates that sufficient Units can be created, although moneys in the
Trust may not be fully invested on the next business day. Rollover Unit
holders will receive credit for the amount of dividends in the Income
Account of the Trust which will be included in the reinvestment in Units
of the 2000 Trust. The exchange option described above is subject to
modification, termination or suspension.
Termination. The Trust will terminate approximately fifteen months after
the Initial Date of Deposit regardless of market conditions at that
time. Commencing no later than the Mandatory Termination Date, Equity
Securities will begin to be sold as prescribed by the Sponsor. The
Trustee shall provide written notice thereof to all Unit holders and
will include with such notice a form to enable Unit holders to elect a
distribution of shares of Equity Securities (reduced by customary
transfer and registration charges) if such Unit holder owns at least
2,500 Units of the Trust, rather than to receive payment in cash for
such Unit holder's pro rata share of the amounts realized upon the
disposition by the Trustee of Equity Securities. To be effective, the
election form, together with surrendered certificates and other
documentation required by the Trustee, must be returned to the Trustee
at least ten business days prior to the Mandatory Termination Date of
the Trust. Unit holders not electing the "Rollover Option" or a
distribution of shares of the Equity Securities will receive a cash
distribution within a reasonable time after the Trust is terminated. See
"Rights of Unit Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?" and
"Other Information-How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated?"
Risk Factors. An investment in the Trust should be made with an
understanding of the risks associated therewith, including, among other
factors, the possible deterioration of either the financial condition of
the issuers of the Equity Securities or the general condition of the
stock market, changes in interest rates or an economic recession. The
Trust's portfolio is not managed and Equity Securities will not be sold
by the Trust regardless of market fluctuations, although some Equity
Securities may be sold under certain limited circumstances. Finally, the
results of ownership of Units will differ from the results of ownership
of the underlying Equity Securities of the Trust for various reasons,
including the timing of the purchase and sale (or redemption) of Units
of the Trust, sales charges and expenses of the Trust and taxes. See
"Portfolio-Risk Factors."
Page 3
Summary of Essential Information
At the Opening of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit
of the Equity Securities-____________, 1999
Underwriter: Fahnestock & Co., Inc.
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
Evaluator: First Trust Advisors L.P.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
General Information
<S> <C>
Initial Number of Units (1)
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit (1) 1/
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Offering Price Evaluation of Equity Securities in Portfolio (2) $
Aggregate Offering Price Evaluation of Equity Securities per Unit $ .295
Maximum Sales Charge 2.95% of the Public Offering Price per Unit
(2.98% of the net amount invested, exclusive of the deferred sales charge) (3) $
Less Deferred Sales Charge per Unit $ (.195)
Public Offering Price per Unit (3) $ 10.000
Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price per Unit (4) $ 9.900
Redemption Price per Unit (based on aggregate underlying value of
Equity Securities less the deferred sales charge) (4) $ 9.900
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Cash CUSIP Number 30264R 876
Reinvestment CUSIP Number 30264R 884
Security Code
First Settlement Date February 1, 1999
Rollover Notification Date ____________, 2000
Special Redemption and Liquidation Period During the period from ____________, 20__ to ____________, 20__.
Mandatory Termination Date April 27, 2000
Discretionary Liquidation Amount The Trust may be terminated if the value of the Equity Securities is less
than the lower of $2,000,000 or 20% of the total value of Equity
Securities deposited in the Trust during the initial offering period.
Trustee's Annual Fee $ per Unit outstanding.
Evaluator's Annual Fee $ per Unit outstanding, payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor.
Evaluations for purposes of sale, purchase or redemption of Units are
made as of the close of trading (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the
New York Stock Exchange on each day on which it is open.
Portfolio Supervisor's Annual Fee (5) $ per Unit outstanding, payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor.
Estimated Organizational and
Offering Costs (6) $ per Unit.
Income Distribution Record Date Fifteenth day of June and December, commencing June 15, 1999.
Income Distribution Date (7) Last day of June and December, commencing June 30, 1999.
______________
<FN>
(1) As of the close of business on the Initial Date of Deposit, the
number of Units of the Trust may be adjusted so that the Public Offering
Price per Unit will equal approximately $10.00. Therefore, to the extent
of any such adjustment, the fractional undivided interest per Unit will
increase or decrease accordingly, from the amounts indicated above.
(2) Each listed Equity Security is valued at the last closing sale price
or if no such price exists or the Equity Security is not so listed at
the closing ask price thereof.
(3) The maximum sales charge consists of an initial sales charge and a
deferred sales charge. See "Fee Table" and "Public Offering" for
additional information regarding these charges. On the Initial Date of
Deposit there will be no accumulated dividends in the Income Account.
Anyone ordering Units after such date will pay a pro rata share of any
accumulated dividends in such Income Account. The Public Offering Price
as shown reflects the value of the Equity Securities at the opening of
business on the Initial Date of Deposit and establishes the original
proportionate share relationship among the individual Equity Securities.
No sales to investors will be executed at this price. Additional Equity
Securities will be deposited during the day of the Initial Date of
Deposit which will be valued as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time and sold to
investors at a Public Offering Price per Unit based on this valuation.
(4) The Sponsor's Initial Repurchase Price per Unit and the Redemption
Price per Unit set forth above and until the earlier of six months after
the Initial Date of Deposit or the end of the initial offering period
include estimated organizational and offering costs per Unit. After such
date, the Sponsor's Repurchase Price and Redemption Price per Unit will
not include such estimated organizational and offering costs. See
"Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?"
(5) In addition, the Sponsor will be reimbursed by the Trustee for
bookkeeping and other administrative expenses currently at a maximum
annual rate of $____ per Unit.
(6) Investors will bear all or a portion of the costs incurred in
organizing the Trust (including costs of preparing the registration
statement, the Trust indenture and other closing documents, registering
Units with the Securities and Exchange Commission and states, the
initial audit of the Trust portfolio, legal fees and the initial fees
and expenses of the Trustee but not including the expenses incurred in
the printing of preliminary and final prospectuses, and expenses
incurred in the preparation and printing of brochures and other
advertising materials and any other selling expenses). Estimated
organizational and offering costs are included in the Public Offering
Price per Unit and will be deducted from the assets of the Trust at the
earlier of six months after the Initial Date of Deposit or the end of
the initial offering period. See "Public Offering" and "Statement of Net
Assets."
(7) If the 2000 Trust is offered, at the Rollover Notification Date for
Rollover Unit holders or upon termination of the Trust for other Unit
holders, amounts in the Income Account (which consist of dividends on
the Equity Securities) will be included in amounts distributed to or on
behalf of Unit holders. Distributions from the Capital Account will be
made monthly payable on the last day of the month to Unit holders of
record on the fifteenth day of such month if the amount available for
distribution equals at least $0.01 per Unit. Notwithstanding,
distributions of funds in the Capital Account, if any, will be made as
part of the final liquidation distribution.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 4
FEE TABLE
This Fee Table is intended to help you to understand the costs and
expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. See "Public
Offering" and "What are the Expenses and Charges?" Although the Trust
has a term of only approximately fifteen months and is a unit investment
trust rather than a mutual fund, this information is presented to permit
a comparison of fees, assuming the principal amount and distributions
are rolled over into a new Trust subject only to the deferred sales
charge.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount
per Unit
________
<S> <C> <C>
Unit holder Transaction Expenses
Initial sales charge imposed on purchase
(as a percentage of Public Offering Price) %(a) $
Deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of Public Offering Price) %(b)
______ ______
% $
Maximum sales charge per year imposed on ====== ======
reinvested dividends %(c) $
Organizational and Offering Costs
Estimated Organizational and Offering Costs
(as a percentage of Public Offering Price) %(d) $
======
Estimated Annual Trust Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Trustee's fee, portfolio supervision, bookkeeping, administrative
and evaluation fees %
Other operating expenses %
______ ______
Total % $
====== ======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Example
_______
Cumulative Expenses Paid for Period:
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
______ _______ _______ ________
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming the Strategic Technical Analysis Recommendations Trust
Series estimated operating expense ratio of ____% and a 5% annual
return on the investment throughout the periods $ $ $ $
The example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and
utilizes a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by Securities and
Exchange Commission regulations applicable to mutual funds. For purposes
of the example, the deferred sales charge imposed on reinvestment of
dividends is not reflected until the year following payment of the
dividend; the cumulative expenses would be higher if sales charges on
reinvested dividends were reflected in the year of reinvestment. The
example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses or annual rate of return; the actual expenses and annual rate
of return may be more or less than those assumed for purposes of the
example.
_________________
<FN>
(a) The initial sales charge is actually the difference between the
maximum total sales charge of 2.95% and the maximum remaining deferred
sales charge (initially $.195 per Unit) and would exceed 1.00% if the
Public Offering Price exceeds $10.00 per Unit.
(b) The actual fee is $.039 per month per Unit, irrespective of purchase
or redemption price deducted monthly commencing July 20, 1999 through
November 19, 1999. If a Unit holder sells or redeems Units before all of
these deductions have been made, the balance of the deferred sales
charge payments remaining will be deducted from the sales or redemption
proceeds. If the Unit price exceeds $10.00 per Unit, the deferred sales
charge will be less than 1.95%. If the Unit price is less than $10.00
per Unit, the deferred sales charge will exceed 1.95%. Units purchased
subsequent to the initial deferred sales charge payment will be subject
to only the initial sales charge and the remaining deferred sales charge
payments.
(c) Reinvested Dividends will be subject only to the deferred sales
charge remaining at the time of reinvestment. See "Rights of Unit
Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?"
(d) Investors will bear all or a portion of the costs incurred in
organizing the Trust (including costs of preparing the registration
statement, the Trust indenture and other closing documents, registering
Units with the Securities and Exchange Commission and states, the
initial audit of the Trust portfolio, legal fees and the initial fees
and expenses of the Trustee). Estimated organizational and offering
costs are included in the Public Offering Price per Unit and will be
deducted from the assets of the Trust at the earlier of six months after
the Initial Date of Deposit or the end of the initial offering period.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 5
STRATEGIC TECHNICAL ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS TRUST SERIES
FT 281
What is the FT Series?
FT 281 is one of a series of investment companies created by the Sponsor
under the name of the FT Series, all of which are generally similar but
each of which is separate and is designated by a different series
number. The FT Series was previously known as The First Trust Special
Situations Trust Series. The Trust is a unit investment trust created
under the laws of the State of New York pursuant to a Trust Agreement
(the "Indenture"), dated the Initial Date of Deposit, with Nike
Securities L.P. as Sponsor, The Chase Manhattan Bank as Trustee, and
First Trust Advisors L.P. as Portfolio Supervisor and Evaluator.
On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor deposited with the Trustee
confirmations of contracts for the purchase of the Equity Securities,
together with an irrevocable letter or letters of credit of a financial
institution in an amount at least equal to the purchase price of such
Equity Securities. In exchange for the deposit of securities or
contracts to purchase securities in the Trust, the Trustee delivered to
the Sponsor documents evidencing the entire ownership of the Trust.
The objective of the Trust is to provide the potential for above-average
capital appreciation and risk reduction through diversification.
The portfolio of the Trust was selected by Joseph H. Barthel, Senior
Vice President and Director of Investment Strategy for Fahnestock & Co.,
Inc. Mr. Barthel has worked in the investment industry for 29 years and
has been with Fahnestock & Co., Inc. (the "Underwriter") since 1991,
where he currently services approximately 300 institutional clients and
oversees the investment strategy for over 700 of Fahnestock's financial
consultants. Mr. Barthel is quoted frequently in major financial
publications and has appeared on CNN, CNBC and the Financial News
Network. He also authors Marketrends, a highly regarded market strategy
letter.
In order to select the stocks which he believes will do best in the
coming months, Mr. Barthel uses a "set of disciplines." Through his
technical analysis, he evaluates a stock's relative performance, which
indicates how the stock is performing against market indexes and against
other stocks. Technical analysis utilizes research based on trading
volume and price studies from charts and computer programs. Unlike
fundamental analysts, technical analysts generally do not concern
themselves with the financial position of a company, such as its
earnings and the strength of its balance sheet. It should be noted that
not all results are indicative of future projections and can be
misconstrued. Once he has determined each stock's relative performance,
Mr. Barthel selects what he believes are the best performing stocks
within a particular group or industry sector. He calls this method
"owning the best of the best" and believes that it offers investors the
potential for above-average performance. Mr. Barthel then adheres to the
"buy and hold" philosophy, which maintains that it is better to purchase
a well-chosen portfolio and hold it for a period of time, which
eliminates the emotion of investing, as well as the temptation to buy
and sell for reasons beyond the investor's control, such as market
volatility, interest rate fluctuation, inflation and the overall
economy, political elections or the latest investment fad. The
philosophy requires an investor to have patience, discipline and avoid
looking only for short-term appreciation. In applying his "set of
disciplines," Mr. Barthel chose a portfolio of common stocks for the
Trust which he feels are attractive structurally, fundamentally and
technically. See "Schedule of Investments" and "Portfolio-Risk Factors"
for a discussion of the risks inherent in this investment. There is,
however, no assurance that the Trust's objective will be met.
With the deposit of the Equity Securities on the Initial Date of
Deposit, the Sponsor established a percentage relationship between the
number of shares of Equity Securities in the Trust's portfolio. From
time to time following the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor,
pursuant to the Indenture, may deposit additional Equity Securities in
the Trust or cash (including a letter of credit) with instructions to
purchase additional Equity Securities in the Trust, and Units may be
continuously offered for sale to the public by means of this Prospectus,
resulting in a potential increase in the outstanding number of Units of
the Trust. Any deposit by the Sponsor of additional Equity Securities or
cash will duplicate, as nearly as is practicable, the original
Page 6
proportionate share relationship and not the actual proportionate share
relationship on the subsequent date of deposit, since the two may
differ. Any such difference may be due to the sale, redemption or
liquidation of any of the Equity Securities deposited in the Trust on
the Initial, or any subsequent, Date of Deposit. See "Rights of Unit
Holders-How May Equity Securities be Removed from the Trust?" The
original percentage relationship of each Equity Security to the Trust is
set forth herein under "Schedule of Investments." Since the prices of
the underlying Equity Securities will fluctuate daily, the ratio, on a
market value basis, will also change daily. The portion of Equity
Securities represented by each Unit will not change as a result of the
deposit of additional Equity Securities in the Trust. If the Sponsor
deposits cash, however, existing and new investors may experience a
dilution of their investment and a reduction in their anticipated income
because of fluctuations in the price of the Equity Securities and
because the Trust will pay the associated brokerage fees. To minimize
this effect, the Trust will try to purchase the Equity Securities as
close to the evaluation time or as close to the evaluation price as
possible. The Trustee may from time to time retain and pay compensation
to the Sponsor (or an affiliate of the Sponsor) to act as agent for the
Trust with respect to acquiring Equity Securities for the Trust. In
acting in such capacity, the Sponsor or its affiliate will be held
subject to the restrictions under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended.
On the Initial Date of Deposit, each Unit of the Trust represented the
undivided fractional interest in the Equity Securities deposited in the
Trust set forth under "Summary of Essential Information." To the extent
that Units of the Trust are redeemed, the aggregate value of the Equity
Securities in the Trust will be reduced and the undivided fractional
interest represented by each outstanding Unit of the Trust will be
increased proportionately. However, if additional Units are issued by
the Trust in connection with the deposit of additional Equity Securities
or cash by the Sponsor, the aggregate value of the Equity Securities in
the Trust will be increased by amounts allocable to additional Units,
and the undivided fractional interest represented by each outstanding
Unit of the Trust will be decreased proportionately. See "Rights of Unit
Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?"
What are the Expenses and Charges?
With the exception of brokerage fees discussed above and bookkeeping and
other administrative services provided to the Trust, for which the
Sponsor will be reimbursed in amounts as set forth under "Summary of
Essential Information," the Sponsor will not receive any fees in
connection with its activities relating to the Trust.
First Trust Advisors L.P., an affiliate of the Sponsor, will receive an
annual supervisory fee as set forth under "Summary of Essential
Information" for providing portfolio supervisory services for the Trust.
Such fee is based on the number of Units outstanding in the Trust on
January 1 of each year, except for the year or years in which an initial
offering period occurs, in which case the fee for a month is based on
the number of Units outstanding at the end of such month. In providing
such supervisory services, the portfolio Supervisor may purchase
research services from a variety of sources which may include the
Underwriter or dealers of the Trust.
First Trust Advisors L.P., in its capacity as the Evaluator for the
Trust, will receive an annual evaluation fee as set forth under "Summary
of Essential Information" for providing evaluation services for the
Trust. Such fee is based on the number of Units outstanding in the Trust
on January 1 of each year, except for the year or years in which an
initial offering period occurs in which case the fee for a month is
based on the largest number of Units in the Trust outstanding during the
period for which the compensation is paid.
The Trustee pays certain expenses of the Trust for which it is
reimbursed by the Trust. The Trustee will receive for its ordinary
recurring services to the Trust an annual fee as set forth in the
"Summary of Essential Information." Such fee will be based upon the
largest aggregate number of Units of the Trust outstanding at any time
during the calendar year, except during the initial offering period, in
which case the fee is calculated based on the largest number of Units
outstanding during the period for which the compensation is paid. For a
discussion of the services performed by the Trustee pursuant to its
obligations under the Indenture, reference is made to the material set
forth under "Rights of Unit Holders."
The Trustee's and the above described fees are payable from the Income
Account of the Trust to the extent funds are available and then from the
Capital Account of the Trust. Since the Trustee has the use of the funds
being held in the Capital and Income Accounts for payment of expenses
Page 7
and redemptions and since such Accounts are noninterest-bearing to Unit
holders, the Trustee benefits thereby. Part of the Trustee's
compensation for its services to the Trust is expected to result from
the use of these funds.
Each of the above mentioned fees may be increased without approval of
the Unit holders by amounts not exceeding proportionate increases under
the category "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" in the Consumer Price
Index published by the United States Department of Labor. In addition,
with respect to the fees payable to the Sponsor or an affiliate of the
Sponsor for providing bookkeeping and other administrative services,
supervisory services and evaluation services, such individual fees may
exceed the actual costs of providing such services for the Trust, but at
no time will the total amount received for such services rendered to all
unit investment trusts of which Nike Securities L.P. is the Sponsor in
any calendar year exceed the actual cost to the Sponsor or its affiliate
of supplying such services in such year.
The following additional charges are or may be incurred by the Trust:
all legal expenses of the Trustee incurred by or in connection with its
responsibilities under the Indenture; the expenses and costs of any
action undertaken by the Trustee to protect the Trust and the rights and
interests of the Unit holders; fees of the Trustee for any extraordinary
services performed under the Indenture; indemnification of the Trustee
for any loss, liability or expense incurred by it without negligence,
bad faith or willful misconduct on its part, arising out of or in
connection with its acceptance or administration of the Trust; any
offering costs incurred after the earlier of six months after the
Initial Date of Deposit or the end of the initial offering period;
indemnification of the Sponsor for any loss, liability or expense
incurred without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct in
acting as Depositor of the Trust; all taxes and other government charges
imposed upon the Securities or any part of the Trust (no such taxes or
charges are being levied or made or, to the knowledge of the Sponsor,
contemplated). The above expenses and the Trustee's annual fee, when
paid or owing to the Trustee, are secured by a lien on the Trust. In
addition, the Trustee is empowered to sell Equity Securities in the
Trust in order to make funds available to pay all these amounts if funds
are not otherwise available in the Income and Capital Accounts of the
Trust. Since the Equity Securities are all common stocks and the income
stream produced by dividend payments, if any, is unpredictable, the
Sponsor cannot provide any assurance that dividends will be sufficient
to meet any or all expenses of the Trust. As described above, if
dividends are insufficient to cover expenses, it is likely that Equity
Securities will have to be sold to meet Trust expenses. These sales may
result in capital gains or losses to Unit holders and may tend to reduce
gains or increase the losses which are ultimately received by the Unit
holders from investing in the Trust. See "What is the Federal Tax Status
of Unit Holders?"
What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?
The following is a general discussion of certain of the Federal income
tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the
Units. The summary is limited to investors who hold the Units as
"capital assets" (generally, property held for investment) within the
meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"). Unit holders should consult their tax advisors in
determining the Federal, state, local and any other tax consequences of
the purchase, ownership and disposition of Units in the Trust. For
purposes of the following discussion and opinion, it is assumed that
each Equity Security is equity for federal income tax purposes.
In the opinion of Chapman and Cutler, special counsel for the Sponsor,
under existing law:
1. The Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation for
Federal income tax purposes; each Unit holder will be treated as the
owner of a pro rata portion of each of the assets of the Trust under the
Code; and the income of the Trust will be treated as income of the Unit
holders thereof under the Code. Each Unit holder will be considered to
have received his or her pro rata share of income derived from the Trust
assets when such income is considered to be received by the Trust.
2. Each Unit holder will be considered to have received all of the
dividends paid on his or her pro rata portion of each Equity Security
when such dividends are received by the Trust regardless of whether such
dividends are used to pay a portion of the deferred sales charge. Unit
holders will be taxed in this manner regardless of whether distributions
from the Trust are actually received by the Unit holder.
Page 8
3. Each Unit holder will have a taxable event when the Trust disposes
of an Equity Security (whether by sale, taxable exchange, liquidation,
redemption or otherwise) or upon the sale or redemption of Units by such
Unit holder (except to the extent an In-Kind Distribution of stocks is
received by such Unit holder as described below). The price a Unit
holder pays for his or her Units, generally including sales charges, is
allocated among his or her pro rata portion of each Equity Security held
by the Trust (in proportion to the fair market values thereof on the
valuation date closest to the date the Unit holder purchases his or her
Units) in order to determine his or her tax basis for his or her pro
rata portion of each Equity Security held by the Trust. Unit holders
should consult their own tax advisors with regard to the calculation of
basis. For Federal income tax purposes, a Unit holder's pro rata portion
of dividends, as defined by Section 316 of the Code, paid by a
corporation with respect to an Equity Security held by the Trust is
taxable as ordinary income to the extent of such corporation's current
and accumulated "earnings and profits." A Unit holder's pro rata portion
of dividends paid on such Equity Security which exceed such current and
accumulated earnings and profits will first reduce a Unit holder's tax
basis in such Equity Security, and to the extent that such dividends
exceed a Unit holder's tax basis in such Equity Security shall generally
be treated as capital gain. In general, the holding period of such
capital gain will be determined by the period of time a Unit holder has
held his or her Units.
4. A Unit holder's portion of gain, if any, upon the sale or
redemption of Units or the disposition of Equity Securities held by the
Trust will generally be considered a capital gain (except in the case of
a dealer or a financial institution). A Unit holder's portion of loss,
if any, upon the sale or redemption of Units or the disposition of
Equity Securities held by the Trust will generally be considered a
capital loss (except in the case of a dealer or a financial
institution). Unit holders should consult their tax advisors regarding
the recognition of such capital gains and losses for Federal income tax
purposes. In particular, a Rollover Unit holder should be aware that a
Rollover Unit holder's loss, if any, incurred in connection with the
exchange of Units for units in a new series of the Trust (the "2000
Trust") will generally be disallowed with respect to the disposition of
any Equity Securities pursuant to such exchange to the extent that such
Unit holder is considered the owner of substantially identical
securities under the wash sale provisions of the Code taking into
account such Unit holders deemed ownership of the securities underlying
the Units in the 2000 Trust in the manner described above, if such
substantially identical securities were acquired within a period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after such disposition.
However, any gains incurred in connection with such an exchange by a
Rollover Unit holder would be recognized. Unit holders should consult
their tax advisors regarding the recognition of gains and losses for
Federal income tax purposes.
Deferred Sales Charge. Generally, the tax basis of a Unit holder
includes sales charges, and such charges are not deductible. A portion
of the sales charge for the Trust is deferred. It is possible that for
federal income tax purposes a portion of the deferred sales charge may
be treated as interest which would be deductible by a Unit holder
subject to limitations on the deduction of investment interest. In such
a case, the non-interest portion of the deferred sales charge would be
added to the Unit holder's tax basis in his or her Units. The deferred
sales charge could cause the Unit holder's Units to be considered to be
debt-financed under Section 246A of the Code which would result in a
small reduction of the dividends-received deduction. In any case, the
income (or proceeds from redemption) a Unit holder must take into
account for federal income tax purposes is not reduced by amounts
deducted to pay the deferred sales charge. Unit holders should consult
their own tax advisors as to the income tax consequences of the deferred
sales charge.
Dividends Received Deduction. A corporation that owns Units will
generally be entitled to a 70% dividends received deduction with respect
to such Unit holder's pro rata portion of dividends received by the
Trust (to the extent such dividends are taxable as ordinary income, as
discussed above, and are attributable to domestic corporations) in the
same manner as if such corporation directly owned the Equity Securities
paying such dividends (other than corporate Unit holders, such as "S"
corporations, which are not eligible for the deduction because of their
Page 9
special characteristics and other than for purposes of special taxes
such as the accumulated earnings tax and the personal holding
corporation tax). However, a corporation owning Units should be aware
that Sections 246 and 246A of the Code impose additional limitations on
the eligibility of dividends for the 70% dividends received deduction.
These limitations include a requirement that stock (and therefore Units)
must generally be held at least 46 days (as determined under Section
246(c) of the Code). Final regulations have been issued which address
special rules that must be considered in determining whether the 46-day
holding period requirement is met. Moreover, the allowable percentage of
the deduction will be reduced from 70% if a corporate Unit holder owns
certain stock (or Units) the financing of which is directly attributable
to indebtedness incurred by such corporation.
To the extent dividends received by the Trust are attributable to
foreign corporations, a corporation that owns Units will not be entitled
to the dividends received deduction with respect to its pro rata portion
of such dividends, since the dividends received deduction is generally
available only with respect to dividends paid by domestic corporations.
It should be noted that various legislative proposals that would affect
the dividends received deduction have been introduced. Unit holders
should consult with their tax advisors with respect to the limitations
on and possible modifications to the dividends received deduction.
Limitations on Deductibility of Trust Expenses by Unit Holders. Each
Unit holder's pro rata share of each expense paid by the Trust is
deductible by the Unit holder to the same extent as though the expense
had been paid directly by such Unit holder. It should be noted that as a
result of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, certain miscellaneous itemized
deductions, such as investment expenses, tax return preparation fees and
employee business expenses will be deductible by an individual only to
the extent they exceed 2% of such individual's adjusted gross income.
Unit holders may be required to treat some or all of the expenses of the
Trust as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to this limitation.
Unit holders should consult with their tax advisors regarding the
limitations on the deductibility of Trust expenses.
Recognition of Taxable Gain or Loss Upon Disposition of Securities by
the Trust or Disposition of Units. As discussed above, a Unit holder may
recognize taxable gain (or loss) when an Equity Security is disposed of
by the Trust or if the Unit holder disposes of a Unit (although losses
incurred by Rollover Unit holders may be subject to disallowance, as
discussed above). The Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform
Act of 1998 (the "1998 Tax Act") provides that for taxpayers other than
corporations, net capital gain (which is defined as net long-term
capital gain over net short-term capital loss for the taxable year)
realized from property (with certain exclusions) is subject to a maximum
marginal stated tax rate of 20% (10% in the case of certain taxpayers in
the lowest tax bracket). Capital gain or loss is long-term if the
holding period for the asset is more than one year, and is short-term if
the holding period for the asset is one year or less. The date on which
a Unit is acquired (i.e., the "trade date") is excluded for purposes of
determining the holding period of the Unit. The legislation is generally
effective retroactively for amounts properly taken into account on or
after January 1, 1998. Capital gains realized from assets held for one
year or less are taxed at the same rates as ordinary income.
In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
"conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered into after
April 30, 1993. Unit holders and prospective investors should consult
with their tax advisors regarding the potential effect of this provision
on their investment in Units.
If the Unit holder disposes of a Unit, he or she is deemed thereby to
have disposed of his or her entire pro rata interest in all assets of
the Trust involved including his or her pro rata portion of all the
Equity Securities represented by the Unit.
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997 Act") includes provisions
that treat certain transactions designed to reduce or eliminate risk of
loss and opportunities for gain (e.g., short sales, offsetting notional
principal contracts, futures or forward contracts or similar
transactions) as constructive sales for purposes of recognition of gain
(but not loss) and for purposes of determining the holding period. Unit
holders should consult their own tax advisors with regard to any such
constructive sales rules.
Special Tax Consequences of In-Kind Distributions Upon Redemption of
Units or Termination of the Trust. As discussed in "Rights of Unit
Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?", under certain
circumstances a Unit holder who owns at least 2,500 Units may request an
In-Kind Distribution upon the redemption of Units or the termination of
the Trust. The Unit holder requesting an In-Kind Distribution will be
liable for expenses related thereto (the "Distribution Expenses") and
the amount of such In-Kind Distribution will be reduced by the amount of
the Distribution Expenses. See "Rights of Unit Holders-How are Income
and Capital Distributed?" As previously discussed, prior to the
Page 10
redemption of Units or the termination of the Trust, a Unit holder is
considered as owning a pro rata portion of each of the Trust assets for
Federal income tax purposes. The receipt of an In-Kind Distribution will
result in a Unit holder receiving an undivided interest in whole shares
of stock plus, possibly, cash.
The potential tax consequences that may occur under an In-Kind
Distribution will depend on whether or not a Unit holder receives cash
in addition to Equity Securities. An "Equity Security" for this purpose
is a particular class of stock issued by a particular corporation. A
Unit holder will not recognize gain or loss if a Unit holder only
receives Equity Securities in exchange for his or her pro rata portion
in the Equity Securities held by the Trust. However, if a Unit holder
also receives cash in exchange for a fractional share of an Equity
Security held by the Trust, such Unit holder will generally recognize
gain or loss based upon the difference between the amount of cash
received by the Unit holder and his or her tax basis in such fractional
share of an Equity Security held by the Trust.
Because the Trust will own many Equity Securities, a Unit holder who
requests an In-Kind Distribution will have to analyze the tax
consequences with respect to each Equity Security owned by the Trust.
The amount of taxable gain (or loss) recognized upon such exchange will
generally equal the sum of the gain (or loss) recognized under the rules
described above by such Unit holder with respect to each Equity Security
owned by the Trust. Unit holders who request an In-Kind Distribution are
advised to consult their tax advisors in this regard.
As discussed in "Special Redemption, Liquidation and Investment in a New
Trust," a Unit holder may elect to become a Rollover Unit holder. To the
extent a Rollover Unit holder exchanges his or her Units for Units of
the 2000 Trust in a taxable transaction, such Unit holder will recognize
gains, if any, but generally will not be entitled to a deduction for any
losses recognized upon the disposition of any Equity Securities pursuant
to such exchange to the extent that such Unit holder is considered the
owner of substantially identical securities under the wash sale
provisions of the Code taking into account such Unit holder's deemed
ownership of the securities underlying the Units in the 2000 Trust in
the manner described above, if such substantially identical securities
were acquired within a period beginning 30 days before and ending 30
days after such disposition under the wash sale provisions contained in
Section 1091 of the Code. In the event a loss is disallowed under the
wash sale provisions, special rules contained in Section 1091 (d) of the
Code apply to determine the Unit holder's tax basis in the securities
acquired. Rollover Unit holders are advised to consult their tax advisors.
Computation of the Unit holder's Tax Basis. Initially, a Unit holder's
tax basis in his or her Units will generally equal the price paid by
such Unit holder for his or her Units. The cost of the Units is
allocated among the Equity Securities held in the Trust in accordance
with the proportion of the fair market values of such Equity Securities
on the valuation date nearest the date the Units are purchased in order
to determine such Unit holder's tax basis for his or her pro rata
portion of each Equity Security.
A Unit holder's tax basis in his or her Units and his or her pro rata
portion of an Equity Security held by the Trust will be reduced to the
extent dividends paid with respect to such Equity Security are received
by the Trust which are not taxable as ordinary income as described above.
General. Each Unit holder will be requested to provide the Unit holder's
taxpayer identification number to the Trustee and to certify that the
Unit holder has not been notified that payments to the Unit holder are
subject to back-up withholding. If the proper taxpayer identification
number and appropriate certification are not provided when requested,
distributions by the Trust to such Unit holder (including amounts
received upon the redemption of Units) will be subject to back-up
withholding. Distributions by the Trust will generally be subject to
United States income taxation and withholding in the case of Units held
by non-resident alien individuals, foreign corporations or other non-
United States persons. Such persons should consult their tax advisors.
In general, income that is not effectively connected to the conduct of a
trade or business within the United States that is earned by non-U.S.
Unit holders and derived from dividends of foreign corporations will not
be subject to U.S. withholding tax provided that less than 25 percent of
the gross income of the foreign corporation for a three-year period
ending with the close of its taxable year preceding payment was not
effectively connected to the conduct of a trade or business within the
United States. In addition, such earnings may be exempt from U.S.
Page 11
withholding pursuant to a specific treaty between the United States and
a foreign country. Non-U.S. Unit holders should consult their own tax
advisors regarding the imposition of U.S. withholding on distributions
from the Trust.
It should be noted that payments to the Trust of dividends on Equity
Securities that are attributable to foreign corporations may be subject
to foreign withholding taxes and Unit holders should consult their tax
advisors regarding the potential tax consequences relating to the
payment of any such withholding taxes by the Trust. Any dividends
withheld as a result thereof will nevertheless be treated as income to
the Unit holders. Because, under the grantor trust rules, an investor is
deemed to have paid directly his share of foreign taxes that have been
paid or accrued, if any, an investor may be entitled to a foreign tax
credit or deduction for United States income tax purposes with respect
to such taxes. The 1997 Act imposes a required holding period for such
credits. Investors should consult their tax advisors with respect to
foreign withholding taxes and foreign tax credits.
At the termination of the Trust, the Trustee will furnish to each Unit
holder a statement containing information relating to the dividends
received by the Trust on the Equity Securities, the gross proceeds
received by the Trust from the disposition of any Equity Security
(resulting from redemption or the sale of any Equity Security) and the
fees and expenses paid by the Trust. The Trustee will also furnish
annual information returns to Unit holders and to the Internal Revenue
Service.
Unit holders desiring to purchase Units for tax-deferred plans and IRAs
should consult their broker for details on establishing such accounts.
Units may also be purchased by persons who already have self-directed
plans established. See "Are Investments in the Trust Eligible for
Retirement Plans?"
In the opinion of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, Special Counsel to the
Trust for New York tax matters, under the existing income tax laws of
the State of New York, the Trust is not an association taxable as a
corporation and the income of the Trust will be treated as the income of
the Unit holders thereof.
The foregoing discussion relates only to the tax treatment of U.S. Unit
holders ("U.S. Unit holders") with regard to United States Federal
income tax. Unit holders may be subject to state taxation and should
consult their own tax advisors in this regard. As used herein, the term
U.S. Unit holder means an owner of a Unit of the Trust that (a) is (i)
for United States federal income tax purposes a citizen or resident of
the United States (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any
political subdivision thereof, or (iii) an estate or trust the income of
which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of
its source or (b) does not qualify as a U.S. Unit holder in paragraph
(a) but whose income from a Unit is effectively connected with such Unit
holder's conduct in a United States trade or business. The term also
includes certain former citizens of the United States whose income and
gain on the Units will be taxable. Unit holders should consult their tax
advisors regarding potential foreign, state or local taxation with
respect to Units.
Are Investments in the Trust Eligible for Retirement Plans?
Units of the Trust are eligible for purchase by Individual Retirement
Accounts, Keogh Plans, pension funds and other tax-deferred retirement
plans. Generally, the Federal income tax relating to capital gains and
income received in each of the foregoing plans is deferred until
distributions are received. Distributions from such plans are generally
treated as ordinary income but may, in some cases, be eligible for
special averaging or tax-deferred rollover treatment. Investors
considering participation in any such plan should review specific tax
laws related thereto and should consult their attorneys or tax advisors
with respect to the establishment and maintenance of any such plan. Such
plans are offered by brokerage firms and other financial institutions.
Fees and charges with respect to such plans may vary. Accordingly,
investors considering investing through a retirement plan should
consider doing so with funds already in such plan.
PORTFOLIO
What are the Equity Securities?
The Trust consists of different issues of Equity Securities which are
listed on a national securities exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market or
are traded in the over-the-counter market. See "What are the Equity
Securities Selected for the Strategic Technical Analysis Recommendations
Trust Series?" for a general description of the companies.
Page 12
What are the Equity Securities Selected for the Strategic Technical
Analysis Recommendations Trust Series?
The Sponsor has obtained the foregoing descriptions from sources it
deems reliable. The Sponsor has not independently verified the provided
information either in terms of accuracy or completeness.
Risk Factors
An investment in Units of the Trust should be made with an understanding
of the problems and risks such an investment may entail.
The Trust consists of such of the Equity Securities listed under
"Schedule of Investments" as may continue to be held from time to time
in the Trust and any additional Equity Securities acquired and held by
the Trust pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture together with cash
held in the Income and Capital Accounts. Due to the relatively short
duration of the Trust, there is no guarantee that the Trust's objective
will be achieved or that the Trust will provide for capital appreciation
in excess of the Trust's expenses. Neither the Sponsor nor the Trustee
shall be liable in any way for any failure in any of the Equity
Securities. However, should any contract for the purchase of any of the
Equity Securities initially deposited hereunder fail, the Sponsor will,
unless substantially all of the moneys held in the Trust to cover such
purchase are reinvested in substitute Equity Securities in accordance
with the Indenture, refund the cash and sales charge attributable to
such failed contract to all Unit holders on the next distribution date.
Because certain of the Equity Securities from time to time may be sold
under certain circumstances described herein, and because the proceeds
from such events will be distributed to Unit holders and will not be
reinvested, no assurance can be given that the Trust will retain for any
length of time its present size and composition. Although the Portfolio
is not managed, the Sponsor may instruct the Trustee to sell Equity
Securities under certain limited circumstances. Pursuant to the
Indenture and with limited exceptions, the Trustee may sell any
securities or other property acquired in exchange for Equity Securities
such as those acquired in connection with a merger or other transaction.
See "Rights of Unit Holders-How May Equity Securities be Removed from
the Trust?" Equity Securities, however, will not be sold by the Trust to
take advantage of market fluctuations or changes in anticipated rates of
appreciation or depreciation.
Whether or not the Equity Securities are listed on a national securities
exchange, the principal trading market for the Equity Securities may be
in the over-the-counter market. As a result, the existence of a liquid
trading market for the Equity Securities may depend on whether dealers
will make a market in the Equity Securities. There can be no assurance
that a market will be made for any of the Equity Securities, that any
market for the Equity Securities will be maintained or of the liquidity
of the Equity Securities in any markets made. In addition, the Trust may
be restricted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 from selling
Equity Securities to the Sponsor. The price at which the Equity
Securities may be sold to meet redemptions, and the value of the Trust,
will be adversely affected if trading markets for the Equity Securities
are limited or absent.
An investment in Units should be made with an understanding of the risks
which an investment in common stocks entails, including the risk that
the financial condition of the issuers of the Equity Securities or the
general condition of the common stock market may worsen and the value of
the Equity Securities and therefore the value of the Units may decline.
Common stocks are especially susceptible to general stock market
movements and to volatile increases and decreases of value as market
confidence in and perceptions of the issuers change. These perceptions
are based on unpredictable factors including expectations regarding
government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and
interest rates, economic expansion or contraction, and global or
regional political, economic or banking crises. Shareholders of common
stocks have rights to receive payments from the issuers of those common
Page 13
stocks that are generally subordinate to those of creditors of, or
holders of debt obligations or preferred stocks of, such issuers.
Shareholders of common stocks of the type held by the Trust have a right
to receive dividends only when and if, and in the amounts, declared by
the issuer's board of directors and have a right to participate in
amounts available for distribution by the issuer only after all other
claims on the issuer have been paid or provided for. Common stocks do
not represent an obligation of the issuer and, therefore, do not offer
any assurance of income or provide the same degree of protection of
capital as do debt securities. The issuance of additional debt
securities or preferred stock will create prior claims for payment of
principal, interest and dividends which could adversely affect the
ability and inclination of the issuer to declare or pay dividends on its
common stock or the rights of holders of common stock with respect to
assets of the issuer upon liquidation or bankruptcy. The value of common
stocks is subject to market fluctuations for as long as the common
stocks remain outstanding, and thus the value of the Equity Securities
in the Portfolio may be expected to fluctuate over the life of the Trust
to values higher or lower than those prevailing on the Initial Date of
Deposit.
Holders of common stocks incur more risk than holders of preferred
stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of
the entity, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the
issuer in comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt
obligations or preferred stocks issued by, the issuer. Cumulative
preferred stock dividends must be paid before common stock dividends and
any cumulative preferred stock dividend omitted is added to future
dividends payable to the holders of cumulative preferred stock.
Preferred stockholders are also generally entitled to rights on
liquidation which are senior to those of common stockholders.
Certain of the Equity Securities in the Trust are in ADR or GDR form.
ADRs, which evidence American Depositary Receipts and GDRs, which
evidence Global Depositary Receipts, represent common stock deposited
with a custodian in a depositary. American Depositary Shares and Global
Depositary Shares (collectively, the "Depositary Receipts") are issued
by a bank or trust company to evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign corporation. These instruments may not
necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into
which they may be converted. For purposes of the discussion herein, the
terms ADR and GDR generally include American Depositary Shares and
Global Depositary Shares, respectively.
Depositary Receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. In an unsponsored
facility, the depositary initiates and arranges the facility at the
request of market makers and acts as agent for the Depositary Receipts
holder, while the company itself is not involved in the transaction. In
a sponsored facility, the issuing company initiates the facility and
agrees to pay certain administrative and shareholder-related expenses.
Sponsored facilities use a single depositary and entail a contractual
relationship between the issuer, the shareholder and the depositary;
unsponsored facilities involve several depositaries with no contractual
relationship to the company. The depositary bank that issues Depositary
Receipts generally charges a fee, based on the price of the Depositary
Receipts, upon issuance and cancellation of the Depositary Receipts.
This fee would be in addition to the brokerage commissions paid upon the
acquisition or surrender of the security. In addition, the depositary
bank incurs expenses in connection with the conversion of dividends or
other cash distributions paid in local currency into U.S. dollars and
such expenses are deducted from the amount of the dividend or
distribution paid to holders, resulting in a lower payout per underlying
shares represented by the Depositary Receipts than would be the case if
the underlying share were held directly. Certain tax considerations,
including tax rate differentials and withholding requirements, arising
from applications of the tax laws of one nation to nationals of another
and from certain practices in the Depositary Receipts market may also
exist with respect to certain Depositary Receipts. In varying degrees,
any or all of these factors may affect the value of the Depositary
Receipts compared with the value of the underlying shares in the local
market. In addition, the rights of holders of Depositary Receipts may be
different than those of holders of the underlying shares, and the market
for Depositary Receipts may be less liquid than that for the underlying
shares. Depositary Receipts are registered securities pursuant to the
Securities Act of 1933 and may be subject to the reporting requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
For the Equity Securities that are Depositary Receipts, currency
fluctuations will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the local
Page 14
currency price of the underlying domestic share and, as a result, are
likely to affect the value of the Depositary Receipts and consequently
the value of the Equity Securities. The foreign issuers of securities
that are Depositary Receipts may pay dividends in foreign currencies
which must be converted into dollars. Most foreign currencies have
fluctuated widely in value against the United States dollar for many
reasons, including supply and demand of the respective currency, the
soundness of the world economy and the strength of the respective
economy as compared to the economies of the United States and other
countries. Therefore, for any securities of issuers (whether or not they
are in Depositary Receipt form) whose earnings are stated in foreign
currencies, or which pay dividends in foreign currencies or which are
traded in foreign currencies, there is a risk that their United States
dollar value will vary with fluctuations in the United States dollar
foreign exchange rates for the relevant currencies.
Unit holders will be unable to dispose of any of the Equity Securities
in the Portfolio, as such, and will not be able to vote the Equity
Securities. As the holder of the Equity Securities, the Trustee will
have the right to vote all of the voting stocks in the Trust and will
vote such stocks in accordance with the instructions of the Sponsor.
Investors should note that because the Underwriter uses the list of
Equity Securities which comprises the portfolio in its independent
capacity as an investment advisor to individuals, mutual funds, employee
benefit plans and other institutions and persons and distributes this
information to various individuals and entities, the Underwriter may
recommend or effect from time to time the purchase or sale of one or
more of the Equity Securities. This may have an effect on the prices of
the Equity Securities which is adverse to the interests of the
purchasers of Units of the Trust. Additionally, this may have an impact
on the price paid by the Trust for the Equity Securities as well as the
price received upon redemption of the Units or upon the termination of
the Trust. Investors should also note that Equity Securities will not be
removed from the Trust and additional Units of the Trust may be created
even if the Underwriter no longer believes certain or all of the Equity
Securities have the potential to provide high current income, capital
appreciation and/or increasing dividend income over the life of the
Trust or issues a sell recommendation regarding any of the Equity
Securities included in the Trust.
The Underwriter has acquired or may acquire the Equity Securities for
the Sponsor and thereby may benefit. The Underwriter in its general
securities business acts as agent or principal in connection with the
purchase and sale of securities, including the Equity Securities in the
Trust, and may act as a market maker in certain of the Equity
Securities. The Underwriter also from time to time may issue reports on
and make recommendations relating to Equity Securities, which may
include the Equity Securities. The Underwriter may have acted as
underwriter, manager or co-manager of a public offering of securities
for certain of the issuers of the Equity Securities during the last
three years.
What are Some Additional Considerations for Investors?
Investors should be aware of certain other considerations before making
a decision to invest in the Trust.
The value of the Equity Securities will fluctuate over the life of the
Trust and may be more or less than the value at the time they were
deposited in the Trust. The Equity Securities may appreciate or
depreciate in value (or pay dividends) depending on the full range of
economic and market influences affecting these securities, including the
impact of the Sponsor's purchase and sale of the Equity Securities
(especially during the initial offering period of Units of the Trust and
during the Special Redemption and Liquidation Period) and other factors.
Neither the Sponsor nor the Trustee shall be liable in any way for any
default, failure or defect in any Equity Security. In the event of a
notice that any Equity Security will not be delivered ("Failed Contract
Obligations") to the Trust, the Sponsor is authorized under the
Indenture to direct the Trustee to acquire other Equity Securities
("Replacement Securities"). Any Replacement Security will be identical
to those which were the subject of the failed contract obligation. The
Replacement Securities must be purchased within 20 days after delivery
of the notice of a failed contract and the purchase price may not exceed
the amount of funds reserved for the purchase of the Failed Contract
Obligations.
If the right of limited substitution described in the preceding
paragraphs is not utilized to acquire Replacement Securities in the
event of a failed contract, the Sponsor will refund the sales charge
Page 15
attributable to such Failed Contract Obligations to all Unit holders of
the Trust and the Trustee will distribute the principal attributable to
such Failed Contract Obligations not more than 120 days after the date
on which the Trustee received a notice from the Sponsor that a
Replacement Security would not be deposited in the Trust. In addition,
Unit holders should be aware that, at the time of receipt of such
principal, they may not be able to reinvest such proceeds in other
securities at a yield equal to or in excess of the yield which such
proceeds would have earned for Unit holders of the Trust.
The Indenture also authorizes the Sponsor to increase the size of the
Trust and the number of Units thereof by the deposit of additional
Equity Securities or cash (including a letter of credit) with
instructions to purchase additional Equity Securities in the Trust and
the issuance of a corresponding number of additional Units. If the
Sponsor deposits cash, however, existing and new investors may
experience a dilution of their investment and a reduction in their
anticipated income because of fluctuations in the prices of the Equity
Securities between the time of the cash deposit and the purchase of the
Equity Securities and because the Trust will pay the associated
brokerage fees.
The Trust consists of the Equity Securities listed under "Schedule of
Investments" (or contracts to purchase such Equity Securities) as may
continue to be held from time to time in the Trust and any additional
Equity Securities acquired and held by the Trust pursuant to the
provisions of the Indenture (including provisions with respect to
deposits into the Trust of Equity Securities or cash in connection with
the issuance of additional Units).
Once all of the Equity Securities in the Trust are acquired, the Trustee
will have no power to vary the investments of the Trust, i.e., the
Trustee will have no managerial power to take advantage of market
variations to improve a Unit holder's investment, and may dispose of
Equity Securities only under limited circumstances. See "Rights of Unit
Holders-How May Equity Securities be Removed from the Trust?"
Like other investment companies, financial and business organizations
and individuals around the world, the Trust could be adversely affected
if the computer systems used by the Sponsor, Evaluator, Portfolio
Supervisor or Trustee or other service providers to the Trust do not
properly process and calculate date-related information and data from
and after January 1, 2000. This is commonly known as the "Year 2000
Problem." The Sponsor, Evaluator, Portfolio Supervisor and Trustee are
taking steps that they believe are reasonably designed to address the
Year 2000 Problem with respect to computer systems that they use and to
obtain reasonable assurances that comparable steps are being taken by
the Trust's other service providers. At this time, however, there can be
no assurance that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse
impact to the Trust.
The Year 2000 Problem is expected to impact corporations, which may
include issuers of the Securities contained in the Trust, to varying
degrees based upon various factors, including, but not limited to, their
industry sector and degree of technological sophistication. The Sponsor
is unable to predict what impact, if any, the Year 2000 Problem will
have on issuers of the Securities contained in the Trust.
To the best of the Sponsor's knowledge, there is no litigation pending
as of the Initial Date of Deposit in respect of any Equity Security
which might reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the Trust. At any time after the Initial Date of Deposit, litigation may
be instituted on a variety of grounds with respect to the Equity
Securities. The Sponsor is unable to predict whether any such litigation
will be instituted, or if instituted, whether such litigation might have
a material adverse effect on the Trust.
Legislation. From time to time Congress considers proposals to reduce
the rate of the dividends-received deductions. Enactment into law of a
proposal to reduce the rate would adversely affect the after-tax return
to investors who can take advantage of the deduction. Unit holders are
urged to consult their own tax advisors. Further, at any time after the
Initial Date of Deposit, legislation may be enacted that could
negatively affect the Equity Securities in the Trust or the issuers of
the Equity Securities. Changing approaches to regulation, particularly
with respect to the environment or with respect to the petroleum
industry, may have a negative impact on certain companies represented in
the Trust. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation
or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Trust or
will not impair the ability of the issuers of the Equity Securities to
achieve their business goals.
Page 16
PUBLIC OFFERING
How is the Public Offering Price Determined?
Units are offered at the Public Offering Price. During the initial
offering period, the Public Offering Price is based on the aggregate
underlying value of the Equity Securities in the Trust (generally
determined by the closing sale prices of listed Equity Securities and
the ask prices of over-the-counter traded Equity Securities) plus or
minus a pro rata share of cash, if any, in the Income and Capital
Accounts of such Trust, plus an initial sales charge equal to the
difference between the maximum sales charge of 2.95% of the Public
Offering Price and the maximum remaining deferred sales charge,
initially $.195 per Unit for the Trust, divided by the number of Units
of the Trust outstanding. Commencing July 20, 1999, and on the twentieth
day of each month thereafter (or if such day is not a business day, on
the preceding business day) through November 19, 1999, Unit holders will
be assessed a deferred sales charge of $.039 per Unit per month. Units
purchased subsequent to the initial deferred sales charge payment will
be subject to the initial sales charge and the remaining deferred sales
charge payments. The deferred sales charge will be paid from funds in
the Capital Account, if sufficient, or from the periodic sale of Equity
Securities. The total maximum sales charge assessed to Unit holders on a
per Unit basis will be 2.95% of the Public Offering Price (equivalent to
2.98% of the net amount invested, exclusive of the deferred sales
charge). In addition, a portion of the Public Offering Price on Units
purchased prior to the earlier of six months after the Initial Date of
Deposit or the end of the initial offering period also consists of
Equity Securities in an amount sufficient to pay for all or a portion of
the costs incurred in establishing the Trust, including the costs of
preparing the registration statement, the Indenture and other closing
documents, registering Units with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and states, the initial audit of the Trust portfolio, legal fees and the
initial fees and expenses of the Trustee. The organizational and
offering costs will be deducted from the assets of the Trust as of the
earlier of six months after the Initial Date of Deposit or the end of
the initial offering period. Upon completion of the deferred sales
charge period, the secondary market Public Offering Price will not
include deferred payments, but will instead include only one-time
initial sales charge of 2.95% of the Public Offering Price (equivalent
to 3.04% of the net amount invested).
During the initial offering period, the Sponsor's Repurchase Price is
based on the aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities in the
Trust (generally determined by the closing sale prices of listed Equity
Securities and the ask prices of over-the-counter traded Equity
Securities), plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income and Capital
Accounts of the Trust, plus, until the earlier of six months after the
Initial Date of Deposit or the end of the initial offering period,
estimated organizational and offering costs, divided by the number of
Units of the Trust outstanding, and reduced by the deferred sales charge
not yet paid. During the secondary market, the Sponsor's Repurchase
Price is also based on the aggregate underlying value of the Equity
Securities in the Trust (generally determined by the closing sale prices
of listed Equity Securities and the bid prices of over-the-counter
traded Equity Securities), plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income and
Capital Accounts of the Trust, divided by the number of outstanding
Units of the Trust.
The minimum amount an investor may purchase in the Trust is $1,000 ($500
for Individual Retirement Account or other retirement plans). The
Sponsor reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any order for
the purchase of Units. The applicable sales charge of the Trust for
primary market sales is reduced by a discount as indicated below for
volume purchases as a percentage of the Public Offering Price (except
for sales made pursuant to a "wrap fee account" or similar arrangements
as set forth below):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Maximum
Transaction Sales Net Dealer
at Public Offering Price* Discount Charge Concession
_________________________ ________ _______ __________
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 100,000 but less than $250,000 0.25% 2.70% 1.85%
$ 250,000 but less than $1,000,000 0.50% 2.45% 1.60%
$1,000,000 but less than $5,000,000 1.95% 1.00% 0.50%
$5,000,000 or more 2.45% 0.50% 0.25%
<FN>
*The breakpoint sales charges are also applied on a Unit basis utilizing
a breakpoint equivalent in the above table of $10 per Unit and will be
applied on whichever basis is more favorable to the investor. The
breakpoints will be adjusted to take into consideration purchase orders
stated in dollars which cannot be completely fulfilled due to the
requirement that only whole Units be issued.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 17
Any such reduced sales charge shall be the responsibility of the selling
Underwriter, broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent. The reduced
sales charge structure will apply on all purchases of Units in the Trust
by the same person on any one day from the Underwriter or any one
broker/dealer, bank or other selling agent. The sales charge reduction
for quantity purchases will not apply to Rollover Unit holders. All
Units of the Trust will be subject to the applicable deferred sales
charge per Unit regardless of volume purchase discounts. Investors who,
as a result of volume purchase discounts, are eligible to purchase Units
subject to a maximum sales charge of less than the applicable maximum
deferred sales charge amount will be credited the difference between
this maximum sales charge and the deferred sales charge at the time of
purchase. Additionally, Units purchased in the name of the spouse of a
purchaser or in the name of a child of such purchaser under 21 years of
age will be deemed, for the purposes of calculating the applicable sales
charge, to be additional purchases by the purchaser. The reduced sales
charges will also be applicable to a trustee or other fiduciary
purchasing securities for a single trust estate or single fiduciary
account. The purchaser must inform the Underwriter, broker/dealer, bank
or other selling agent of any such combined purchase prior to the sale
in order to obtain the indicated discount. Employees, officers and
directors (including their immediate family members, defined as spouses,
children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, mothers-in-
law, fathers-in-law, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, and trustees,
custodians or fiduciaries for the benefit of such persons) of the
Underwriter, Sponsor, broker/dealers, banks or other selling agents and
their subsidiaries and affiliates, and vendors providing services to the
Sponsor will be able to purchase Units at the Public Offering Price,
less the applicable dealer concession.
Units may be purchased in the primary or secondary market at the Public
Offering Price less the concession the Sponsor typically allows to
dealers and other selling agents (see "Public Offering-How are Units
Distributed?") for purchases by investors who purchase Units through
registered investment advisors, certified financial planners or
registered broker/dealers who in each case either charge periodic fees
for financial planning, investment advisory or asset management
services, or provide such services in connection with the establishment
of an investment account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" charge is
imposed.
Had the Units of the Trust been available for sale on the business day
prior to the Initial Date of Deposit, the Public Offering Price would
have been as indicated in "Summary of Essential Information." The Public
Offering Price of Units on the date of the prospectus or during the
initial offering period may vary from the amount stated under "Summary
of Essential Information" in accordance with fluctuations in the prices
of the underlying Equity Securities. During the initial offering period,
the aggregate value of the Units of the Trust shall be determined on the
basis of the aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities therein
plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income and Capital Accounts of the
Trust. The aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities during
the initial offering period will be determined in the following manner:
if the Equity Securities are listed, this evaluation is generally based
on the closing sale prices on that exchange or that system (unless it is
determined that these prices are inappropriate as a basis for valuation)
or, if there is no closing sale price on that exchange or system, at the
closing ask prices. If the Equity Securities are not so listed or, if so
listed and the principal market therefor is other than on the exchange,
the evaluation shall generally be based on the current ask prices on the
over-the-counter market (unless it is determined that these prices are
inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If current ask prices are
unavailable, the evaluation is generally determined (a) on the basis of
current ask prices for comparable securities, (b) by appraising the
value of the Equity Securities on the ask side of the market or (c) by
any combination of the above.
The Evaluator on each business day will appraise or cause to be
appraised the value of the underlying Equity Securities in the Trust as
of the Evaluation Time and will adjust the Public Offering Price of the
Units commensurate with such valuation. Such Public Offering Price will
be effective for all orders received prior to the Evaluation Time on
each such day. Orders received by the Trustee or Sponsor for purchases,
sales or redemptions after that time, or on a day which is not a
business day, will be held until the next determination of price. The
term "business day," as used herein and under "Rights of Unit Holders-
How May Units be Redeemed?", shall exclude Saturdays, Sundays and the
following holidays as observed by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.: New
Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
After the completion of the initial offering period, the secondary
market Public Offering Price will be equal to the aggregate underlying
value of the Equity Securities therein, plus or minus cash, if any, in
the Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust plus the applicable sales
Page 18
charge. The aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities for
secondary market sales is calculated in the same manner as described
above for sales made during the initial offering period with the
exception that bid prices are used instead of ask prices.
Although payment is normally made three business days following the
order for purchase (the "date of settlement"), payment may be made prior
thereto. A person will become owner of Units on the date of settlement
provided payment has been received. Cash, if any, made available to the
Sponsor prior to the date of settlement for the purchase of Units may be
used in the Sponsor's business and may be deemed to be a benefit to the
Sponsor, subject to the limitations of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. Delivery of Certificates representing Units so ordered will be
made three business days following such order or shortly thereafter. See
"Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?" for information
regarding the ability to redeem Units ordered for purchase.
How are Units Distributed?
During the initial offering period (i) for Units issued on the Initial
Date of Deposit and (ii) for additional Units issued after such date as
additional Equity Securities or cash are deposited by the Sponsor, Units
will be distributed to the public at the then current Public Offering
Price. The initial offering period may be up to approximately 360 days.
Units reacquired by the Sponsor during the initial offering period may
be resold at the then current Public Offering Price.
Upon completion of the initial offering period, Units repurchased in the
secondary market (see "Public Offering-Will There be a Secondary
Market?") may be offered by this prospectus at the secondary market
Public Offering Price determined in the manner described above.
It is the intention of the Sponsor to qualify Units of the Trust for
sale in a number of states. Sales will be made to dealers and others at
prices which represent a concession or agency commission of 2.1% of the
Public Offering Price for primary and secondary market sales. Dealers
and others will receive a concession or agency commission of $.11 per
Unit on purchases by Rollover Unit holders. In addition, dealers and
others will receive a maximum concession of up to $.11 per Unit on
purchases of Units resulting from the automatic reinvestment of income
or capital distributions into additional Units. Such concession will
vary based upon the month of the Trust's Initial Date of Deposit.
The Sponsor reserves the right to change the amount of the concession or
agency commission from time to time. In the event the Sponsor
reacquires, or the Trustee redeems, Units from brokers, dealers and
others while a market is being maintained for such Units, such entities
agree to repay immediately to the Sponsor any such concession or agency
commission relating to such reacquired Units. Certain commercial banks
may be making Units of the Trust available to their customers on an
agency basis. A portion of the sales charge paid by these customers is
retained by or remitted to the banks in the amounts indicated above.
Under the Glass-Steagall Act, banks are prohibited from underwriting
Trust Units; however, the Glass-Steagall Act does permit certain agency
transactions and the banking regulators have not indicated that these
particular agency transactions are not permitted under such Act. In
Texas and in certain other states, any banks making Units available must
be registered as broker/dealers under state law.
What are the Sponsor's and Underwriter's Profits?
The Underwriter of the Trust will receive a gross sales commission equal
to 2.95% of the Public Offering Price of the Units (equivalent to 2.98%
of the net amount invested, exclusive of the deferred sales charge),
less any reduced sales charge as described under "Public Offering-How is
the Public Offering Price Determined?" See "Public Offering-How are
Units Distributed?" for information regarding the receipt of the excess
gross sales commissions by the Sponsor from the Underwriter and
additional concessions available to the Underwriter, dealers and other
selling agents. In addition, the Sponsor may be considered to have
realized a profit or to have sustained a loss, as the case may be, in
the amount of any difference between the cost of the Equity Securities
to the Trust (which is based on the Evaluator's determination of the
aggregate offering price of the underlying Equity Securities of the
Trust on the Initial Date of Deposit as well as subsequent deposits) and
the cost of such Equity Securities to the Sponsor. See Note (2) of
"Schedule of Investments." During the initial offering period, the
dealers and other selling agents also may realize profits or sustain
Page 19
losses as a result of fluctuations after the Initial Date of Deposit in
the Public Offering Price received by the dealers and other selling
agents upon the sale of Units.
In maintaining a market for the Units, the Sponsor or Underwriter will
also realize profits or sustain losses in the amount of any difference
between the price at which Units are purchased and the price at which
Units are resold (which price includes a sales charge of 2.95%) or
redeemed. The secondary market public offering price of Units may be
greater or less than the cost of such Units to the Sponsor or Underwriter.
Will There be a Secondary Market?
After the initial offering period, although it is not obligated to do
so, the Sponsor intends to maintain a market for the Units and
continuously offer to purchase Units at prices, subject to change at any
time, based upon the aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities
in the Trust plus or minus cash, if any, in the Income and Capital
Accounts of the Trust. All expenses incurred in maintaining a secondary
market, other than the fees of the Evaluator and the costs of the
Trustee in transferring and recording the ownership of Units, will be
borne by the Sponsor. If the supply of Units exceeds demand, or for some
other business reason, the Sponsor or Underwriter may discontinue
purchases of Units at such prices. IF A UNIT HOLDER WISHES TO DISPOSE OF
HIS OR HER UNITS, HE OR SHE SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE SPONSOR OR UNDERWRITER
AS TO CURRENT MARKET PRICES PRIOR TO MAKING A TENDER FOR REDEMPTION TO
THE TRUSTEE. Units sold or tendered for redemption prior to such time as
the entire deferred sales charge on such Units has been collected will
be assessed the amount of the remaining deferred sales charge at the
time of sale or redemption.
RIGHTS OF UNIT HOLDERS
How is Evidence of Ownership Issued and Transferred?
The Trustee is authorized to treat as the record owner of Units that
person who is registered as such owner on the books of the Trustee.
Ownership of Units may be evidenced by registered certificates executed
by the Trustee and the Sponsor. Delivery of certificates representing
Units ordered for purchase is normally made three business days
following such order or shortly thereafter. Certificates are
transferable by presentation and surrender to the Trustee properly
endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer. Certificates to be redeemed must be properly endorsed or
accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer. A Unit
holder must sign exactly as his or her name appears on the face of the
certificate with signature guaranteed by a participant in the Securities
Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other signature
guaranty program in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, as may
be accepted by the Trustee. In certain instances the Trustee may require
additional documents such as, but not limited to, trust instruments,
certificates of death, appointments as executor or administrator or
certificates of corporate authority.
Certificates will be issued in fully registered form, transferable only
on the books of the Trustee in denominations of one Unit or any multiple
thereof, numbered serially for purposes of identification.
Unit holders may elect to hold their Units in uncertificated (book
entry) form. The Trustee will maintain an account for each such Unit
holder and will credit each such account with the number of Units
purchased by that Unit holder. Within two business days of the issuance
or transfer of Units held in uncertificated form, the Trustee will send
to the registered owner of Units a written initial transaction statement
containing a description of the Trust; the number of Units issued or
transferred; the name, address and taxpayer identification number, if
any, of the new registered owner; a notation of any liens and
restrictions of the issuer and any adverse claims to which such Units
are or may be subject or a statement that there are no such liens,
restrictions or adverse claims; and the date the transfer was
registered. Uncertificated (book entry) Units are transferable through
the same procedures applicable to Units evidenced by certificates
(described above), except that no certificate need be presented to the
Trustee and no certificate will be issued upon the transfer unless
requested by the Unit holder. A Unit holder may at any time request the
Trustee to issue certificates for Units.
Although no such charge is now made or contemplated, a Unit holder may
be required to pay $2.00 to the Trustee per certificate reissued or
transferred and to pay any governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection with each such transfer or exchange. For new certificates
Page 20
issued to replace destroyed, stolen or lost certificates, the Unit
holder may be required to furnish indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee
and pay such expenses as the Trustee may incur. Mutilated certificates
must be surrendered to the Trustee for replacement.
How are Income and Capital Distributed?
The Trustee will distribute any net income received with respect to any
of the Equity Securities on or about the Income Distribution Dates to
Unit holders of record on the preceding Income Distribution Record Date.
See "Summary of Essential Information." Persons who purchase Units will
commence receiving distributions only after such person becomes a record
owner. Notification to the Trustee of the transfer of Units is the
responsibility of the purchaser, but in the normal course of business
such notice is provided by the selling broker/dealer. Proceeds received
on the sale of any Equity Securities in the Trust, to the extent not
used to meet redemptions of Units, pay the deferred sales charge or pay
expenses, will, however, be distributed on the last day of each month to
Unit holders of record on the fifteenth day of such month if the amount
available for distribution equals at least $0.01 per Unit. The Trustee
is not required to pay interest on funds held in the Capital Account of
the Trust (but may itself earn interest thereon and therefore benefit
from the use of such funds). Notwithstanding, distributions of funds in
the Capital Account, if any, will be made as part of the final
liquidation distribution, and in certain circumstances, earlier. See
"What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?"
It is anticipated that the deferred sales charge will be collected from
the Capital Account and that amounts in the Capital Account will be
sufficient to cover the cost of the deferred sales charge. However, to
the extent that amounts in the Capital Account are insufficient to
satisfy the then current deferred sales charge obligation, Equity
Securities may be sold to meet such shortfall. Distributions of amounts
necessary to pay the deferred portion of the sales charge will be made
to an account designated by the Sponsor for purposes of satisfying Unit
holders' deferred sales charge obligations.
Under regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the Trustee is
required to withhold a specified percentage of any distribution made by
the Trust if the Trustee has not been furnished the Unit holder's tax
identification number in the manner required by such regulations. Any
amount so withheld is transmitted to the Internal Revenue Service and
may be recovered by the Unit holder under certain circumstances by
contacting the Trustee, otherwise the amount may be recoverable only
when filing a tax return. Under normal circumstances the Trustee obtains
the Unit holder's tax identification number from the selling broker.
However, a Unit holder should examine his or her statements from the
Trustee to make sure that the Trustee has been provided a certified tax
identification number in order to avoid this possible "back-up
withholding." In the event the Trustee has not been previously provided
such number, one should be provided as soon as possible.
Within a reasonable time after the Trust is terminated, each Unit holder
who is not a Rollover Unit holder will, upon surrender of his or her
Units for redemption, receive (i) the pro rata share of the amounts
realized upon the disposition of Equity Securities, unless he or she
elects an In-Kind Distribution as described under "Other Information-How
May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated?" and (ii) a pro rata share
of any other assets of the Trust, less expenses of the Trust.
The Trustee will credit to the Income Account of the Trust any dividends
received on the Equity Securities therein. All other receipts (e.g.,
return of capital, etc.) are credited to the Capital Account of the Trust.
The Trustee may establish reserves (the "Reserve Account") within the
Trust for state and local taxes, if any, and any governmental charges
payable out of the Trust.
Distribution Reinvestment Option. Any Unit holder may elect to have each
distribution of income or capital on his or her Units, other than the
final liquidating distribution in connection with the termination of the
Trust, automatically reinvested in additional Units of the Trust. Each
person who purchases Units of the Trust may elect to become a
participant in the Distribution Reinvestment Option by notifying the
Trustee of their election. The Distribution Reinvestment Option may not
be available in all states. In order to enable a Unit holder to
participate in the Distribution Reinvestment Option with respect to a
particular distribution on his or her Units, the card must be received
by the Trustee within 10 days prior to the Record Date for such
distribution. Each subsequent distribution of income or capital on the
participant's Units will be automatically applied by the Trustee to
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purchase additional Units of a Trust. The remaining deferred sales
charge payments will be assessed on Units acquired pursuant to the
Distribution Reinvestment Option. IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT EVEN IF
DISTRIBUTIONS ARE REINVESTED, THEY ARE STILL TREATED AS DISTRIBUTIONS
FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES.
What Reports will Unit Holders Receive?
The Trustee shall furnish Unit holders in connection with each
distribution a statement of the amount of income, if any, and the amount
of other receipts, if any, which are being distributed, expressed in
each case as a dollar amount per Unit. Within a reasonable period of
time after the end of each calendar year, the Trustee shall furnish to
each person who at any time during the calendar year was a Unit holder
of the Trust the following information in reasonable detail: (1) a
summary of transactions in such Trust for such year; (2) any Equity
Securities sold during the year and the Equity Securities held at the
end of such year by such Trust; (3) the redemption price per Unit based
upon a computation thereof on the 31st day of December of such year (or
the last business day prior thereto); and (4) amounts of income and
capital distributed during such year.
In order to comply with Federal and state tax reporting requirements,
Unit holders will be furnished, upon request to the Trustee, evaluations
of the Securities in the Trust furnished to it by the Evaluator.
How May Units be Redeemed?
A Unit holder may redeem all or a portion of his or her Units by tender
to the Trustee at its unit investment trust office in the City of New
York of the certificates representing the Units to be redeemed, or in
the case of uncertificated Units, delivery of a request for redemption,
duly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer with
signature guaranteed as explained above (or by providing satisfactory
indemnity, as in connection with lost, stolen or destroyed
certificates), and payment of applicable governmental charges, if any.
No redemption fee will be charged. On the third business day following
such tender, the Unit holder will be entitled to receive in cash an
amount for each Unit equal to the Redemption Price per Unit next
computed after receipt by the Trustee of such tender of Units. The "date
of tender" is deemed to be the date on which Units are received by the
Trustee (if such day is a day in which the New York Stock Exchange is
open for trading), except that as regards Units received after 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time (or as of any earlier closing time on a day on which the
New York Stock Exchange is scheduled in advance to close at such earlier
time), the date of tender is the next day on which the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading and such Units will be deemed to have been
tendered to the Trustee on such day for redemption at the redemption
price computed on that day. Units so redeemed shall be cancelled. Units
tendered for redemption prior to such time as the entire deferred sales
charge on such Units has been collected will be assessed the amount of
the remaining deferred sales charge at the time of redemption.
Any Unit holder tendering 2,500 Units or more of the Trust for
redemption may request by written notice submitted at the time of tender
from the Trustee in lieu of a cash redemption a distribution of shares
of Equity Securities in an amount and value of Equity Securities per
Unit equal to the Redemption Price Per Unit as determined as of the
evaluation next following tender. However, no in-kind distribution
requests submitted during the nine business days prior to the Mandatory
Termination Date will be honored. To the extent possible, in-kind
distributions ("In-Kind Distributions") shall be made by the Trustee
through the distribution of each of the Equity Securities in book-entry
form to the account of the Unit holder's bank or broker/dealer at the
Depository Trust Company. An In-Kind Distribution will be reduced by
customary transfer and registration charges. The tendering Unit holder
will receive his or her pro rata number of whole shares of each of the
Equity Securities comprising a portfolio and cash from the Capital
Account equal to the fractional shares to which the tendering Unit
holder is entitled. The Trustee may adjust the number of shares of any
issue of Equity Securities included in a Unit holder's In-Kind
Distribution to facilitate the distribution of whole shares, such
adjustment to be made on the basis of the value of Equity Securities on
the date of tender. If funds in the Capital Account are insufficient to
cover the required cash distribution to the tendering Unit holder, the
Trustee may sell Equity Securities in the manner described above.
Under regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the Trustee is
required to withhold a specified percentage of the principal amount of a
Unit redemption if the Trustee has not been furnished the redeeming Unit
holder's tax identification number in the manner required by such
Page 22
regulations. For further information regarding this withholding, see
"Rights of Unit Holders-How are Income and Capital Distributed?" In the
event the Trustee has not been previously provided such number, one must
be provided at the time redemption is requested.
Any amounts paid on redemption representing income shall be withdrawn
from the Income Account of the Trust to the extent that funds are
available for such purpose, or from the Capital Account. All other
amounts paid on redemption shall be withdrawn from the Capital Account
of the Trust.
The Trustee is empowered to sell Equity Securities of the Trust in order
to make funds available for redemption. To the extent that Equity
Securities are sold, the size of the Trust will be and the diversity of
the Trust may be reduced. Such sales may be required at a time when
Equity Securities would not otherwise be sold and might result in lower
prices than might otherwise be realized.
The Redemption Price per Unit will be determined on the basis of the
aggregate underlying value of the Equity Securities in the Trust plus or
minus cash, if any, in the Income and Capital Accounts of the Trust. The
Redemption Price per Unit is the pro rata share of each Unit determined
by the Trustee by adding: (1) the cash on hand in the Trust other than
cash deposited in the Trust to purchase Equity Securities not applied to
the purchase of such Equity Securities; (2) the aggregate value of the
Equity Securities (including "when issued" contracts, if any) held in
the Trust, as determined by the Evaluator on the basis of the aggregate
underlying value of the Equity Securities in the Trust next computed;
and (3) dividends receivable on the Equity Securities trading ex-
dividend as of the date of computation; and deducting therefrom: (1)
amounts representing any applicable taxes or governmental charges
payable out of the Trust; (2) any amounts owing to the Trustee for its
advances; (3) an amount representing estimated accrued expenses of the
Trust, including but not limited to fees and expenses of the Trustee
(including legal fees), the Evaluator and supervisory fees, if any; (4)
cash held for distribution to Unit holders of record of the Trust as of
the business day prior to the evaluation being made; and (5) other
liabilities incurred by the Trust; and finally dividing the results of
such computation by the number of Units of the Trust outstanding as of
the date thereof. The Redemption Price per Unit will be assessed the
amount, if any, of the remaining deferred sales charge at the time of
redemption. Until the earlier of six months after the Initial Date of
Deposit or the end of the initial offering period, the Redemption Price
per Unit will include estimated organizational and offering costs as set
forth under "Summary of Essential Information."
The aggregate value of the Equity Securities will be determined in the
following manner: if the Equity Securities are listed on a national
securities exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market, this evaluation is
generally based on the closing sale prices on that exchange or that
market (unless it is determined that these prices are inappropriate as a
basis for valuation) or, if there is no closing sale price on that
exchange or market, at the closing ask prices (during the initial
offering period) or at the closing bid prices (subsequent to the initial
offering period). If the Equity Securities are not so listed or, if so
listed and the principal market therefore is other than on the exchange
or market, the evaluation shall generally be based on the current ask or
bid prices (as appropriate) on the over-the-counter market (unless these
prices are inappropriate as a basis for evaluation). If current ask or
bid prices (as appropriate) are unavailable, the evaluation is generally
determined (a) on the basis of current ask or bid prices (as
appropriate) for comparable securities, (b) by appraising the value of
the Equity Securities on the ask or bid side of the market (as
appropriate) or (c) by any combination of the above.
The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any
period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than
for customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which the
Securities and Exchange Commission determines that trading on the New
York Stock Exchange is restricted or any emergency exists, as a result
of which disposal or evaluation of the Securities is not reasonably
practicable, or for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange
Commission may by order permit. Under certain extreme circumstances, the
Sponsor may apply to the Securities and Exchange Commission for an order
permitting a full or partial suspension of the right of Unit holders to
redeem their Units. The Trustee is not liable to any person in any way
for any loss or damage which may result from any such suspension or
postponement.
Special Redemption, Liquidation and Investment in a New Trust
If the 2000 Trust is offered to investors, a special redemption and
liquidation will be made of all Units of the Trust held by any Unit
Page 23
holder (a "Rollover Unit holder") who affirmatively notifies the Trustee
in writing that he or she desires to participate as a Rollover Unit
holder by the Rollover Notification Date specified in the "Summary of
Essential Information."
All Units of Rollover Unit holders will be redeemed In-Kind during the
Special Redemption and Liquidation Period and the underlying Equity
Securities will be distributed to the Distribution Agent on behalf of
the Rollover Unit holders. During the Special Redemption and Liquidation
Period (as set forth in "Summary of Essential Information"), the
Distribution Agent will be required to sell all of the underlying Equity
Securities on behalf of Rollover Unit holders. The sales proceeds will
be net of brokerage fees, governmental charges or any expenses involved
in the sales.
The Distribution Agent may engage the Sponsor, as its agent, or other
brokers to sell the distributed Equity Securities. The Equity Securities
will be sold as quickly as is practicable during the Special Redemption
and Liquidation Period, subject to the Sponsor's sensitivity that the
concentrated sale of large volumes of Equity Securities may affect
market prices in a manner adverse to the interests of investors. The
Sponsor does not anticipate that the period will be longer than ten
business days, and it could be as short as one day, given that the
Equity Securities are usually highly liquid. The liquidity of any Equity
Security depends on the daily trading volume of the Equity Security and
the amount that the Sponsor has available for sale on any particular day.
The Rollover Unit holders' proceeds will be invested in the 2000 Trust,
if it is registered and offered for sale. The proceeds of redemption
available on each day will be used to buy 2000 Trust Units as the
proceeds become available at the Public Offering Price of the 2000
Trust, including the applicable sales charge (expected to be 1.95% of
the Public Offering Price per Unit).
The Sponsor intends to create 2000 Trust Units as quickly as possible,
dependent upon the availability and reasonably favorable prices of the
equity securities included in the 2000 Trust portfolio, and it is
intended that Rollover Unit holders will be given first priority to
purchase the 2000 Trust Units. There can be no assurance, however, that
the 2000 Trust will be created, or if created, as to the exact timing of
the creation of the 2000 Trust Units or the aggregate number of 2000
Trust Units which the Sponsor will create. The Sponsor may, in its sole
discretion, stop creating new Units (whether permanently or temporarily)
at any time it chooses, regardless of whether all proceeds of the
Special Redemption and Liquidation have been invested on behalf of
Rollover Unit holders. Cash which has not been invested on behalf of the
Rollover Unit holders in 2000 Trust Units will be distributed within a
reasonable time after such occurrence. However, since the Sponsor can
create Units, the Sponsor anticipates that sufficient Units can be
created, although moneys in the 2000 Trust may not be fully invested on
the next business day.
Any Rollover Unit holder may thus be redeemed out of the Trust and
become a holder of an entirely different Trust, the 2000 Trust, with a
different portfolio of equity securities. The Rollover Unit holders'
Units will be redeemed In-Kind and the distributed Equity Securities
shall be sold during the Special Redemption and Liquidation Period. In
accordance with the Rollover Unit holders' offer to purchase the 2000
Trust Units, the proceeds of the sales (and any other cash distributed
upon redemption) will be invested in the 2000 Trust, at the public
offering price.
This process of redemption, liquidation, and investment in a new Trust
is intended to allow for the fact that the portfolios selected are
chosen on the basis of growth and income potential for only one year, at
which point a new portfolio is chosen. It is contemplated that a similar
process of redemption, liquidation and investment in a new trust will be
available for the 2000 Trust and each subsequent series of the Trust,
approximately one year after that Series' creation. However, there is no
assurance that any such subsequent series of the Trust will be offered.
The Sponsor believes that the gradual redemption, liquidation and
investment in the Trust will help mitigate any negative market price
consequences stemming from the trading of large volumes of securities
and of the underlying Equity Securities in the Trust in a short,
publicized period of time. The above procedures may, however, be
insufficient or unsuccessful in avoiding such price consequences. In
fact, market price trends may make it advantageous to sell or buy more
quickly or more slowly than permitted by these procedures. Rollover Unit
holders could then receive a less favorable average Unit price than if
they bought all their Units of the Trust on any given day of the period.
It should also be noted that Rollover Unit holders may realize taxable
capital gains on the Special Redemption and Liquidation but, in certain
unlikely circumstances, will not be entitled to a deduction for certain
Page 24
capital losses and, due to the procedures for investing in the 2000
Trust, no cash would be distributed at that time to pay any taxes.
Included in the cash for the Special Redemption and Liquidation may be
an amount of cash attributable to the distribution of dividend income;
accordingly, Rollover Unit holders also will not have cash distributed
to pay any taxes. See "What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit holders?"
In addition, during this period a Unit holder will be at risk to the
extent that Equity Securities are not sold and will not have the benefit
of any stock appreciation to the extent that moneys have not been
invested; for this reason, the Sponsor will be inclined to sell and
purchase the Equity Securities in as short a period as they can without
materially adversely affecting the price of the Equity Securities.
Unit holders who do not inform the Distribution Agent that they wish to
have their Units so redeemed and liquidated ("Remaining Unit holders")
will continue to hold Units of the Trust as described in this Prospectus
until the Trust is terminated or until the Mandatory Termination Date
listed in the Summary of Essential Information, whichever occurs first.
These Remaining Unit holders will not realize capital gains or losses
due to the Special Redemption and Liquidation, and will not be charged
any additional sales charge. If a large percentage of Unit holders
become Rollover Unit holders, the aggregate size of the Trust will be
sharply reduced. As a consequence, expenses, if any, in excess of the
amount to be borne by the Trustee would constitute a higher percentage
amount per Unit than prior to the Special Redemption, Liquidation and
Investment in the 2000 Trust. The Trust might also be reduced below the
Discretionary Liquidation Amount listed in the Summary of Essential
Information because of the lesser number of Units in the Trust, and
possibly also due to a value reduction, however temporary, in Units
caused by the Sponsor's sales of Equity Securities; if so, the Sponsor
could then choose to liquidate the Trust without the consent of the
remaining Unit holders. See "Other Information-How May the Indenture be
Amended or Terminated?" The Equity Securities remaining in the Trust
after the Special Redemption and Liquidation Period will be sold by the
Sponsor as quickly as possible without, in its judgment, materially
adversely affecting the market price of the Equity Securities.
The Sponsor may for any reason, in its sole discretion, decide not to
sponsor the 2000 Trust or any subsequent series of the Trust, without
penalty or incurring liability to any Unit holder. If the Sponsor so
decides, the Sponsor shall notify the Unit holders before the Special
Redemption and Liquidation Period would have commenced. All Unit holders
will then be remaining Unit holders, with rights to ordinary redemption
as before. See "Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?" The
Sponsor may modify the terms of the 2000 Trust or any subsequent series
of the Trust. The Sponsor may also modify, suspend or terminate the
Rollover Option upon notice to the Unit holders of such amendment at
least 60 days prior to the effective date of such amendment.
How May Units be Purchased by the Sponsor or Underwriter?
The Trustee shall notify the Sponsor and Underwriter of any tender of
Units for redemption. If the Sponsor's or Underwriter's bid in the
secondary market at that time equals or exceeds the Redemption Price per
Unit, it may purchase such Units by notifying the Trustee before 1:00
p.m. Eastern time on the same business day and by making payment
therefor to the Unit holder not later than the day on which the Units
would otherwise have been redeemed by the Trustee. Units held by the
Sponsor or Underwriter may be tendered to the Trustee for redemption as
any other Units. In the event the Sponsor or Underwriter does not
purchase Units, the Trustee may sell Units tendered for redemption in
the over-the-counter market, if any, as long as the amount to be
received by the Unit holder is equal to the amount he or she would have
received on redemption of the Units.
The offering price of any Units acquired by the Sponsor or Underwriter
will be in accord with the Public Offering Price described in the then
effective prospectus describing such Units. Any profit or loss resulting
from the resale or redemption of such Units will belong to the Sponsor
or Underwriter.
How May Equity Securities be Removed from the Trust?
The Portfolio of the Trust is not "managed" by the Sponsor or the
Trustee. Their respective activities described herein are governed
solely by the provisions of the Indenture. The Indenture provides that
the Sponsor may (but need not) direct the Trustee to dispose of an
Equity Security in the event that an issuer defaults in the payment of a
Page 25
dividend that has been declared, that any action or proceeding has been
instituted restraining the payment of dividends or there exists any
legal question or impediment affecting such Equity Security, that the
issuer of the Equity Security has breached a covenant which would affect
the payments of dividends, the credit standing of the issuer or
otherwise impair the sound investment character of the Equity Security,
that the issuer has defaulted on the payment on any other of its
outstanding obligations, that the price of the Equity Security has
declined to such an extent or other such credit factors exist so that in
the opinion of the Sponsor, the retention of such Equity Securities
would be detrimental to the Trust. Except as stated under "Portfolio-
What are Some Additional Considerations for Investors?" for Failed
Contract Obligations, the acquisition by the Trust of any securities or
other property other than the Equity Securities is prohibited. Pursuant
to the Indenture and with limited exceptions, the Trustee may sell any
securities or other property acquired in exchange for Equity Securities
such as those acquired in connection with a merger or other transaction.
If offered such new or exchanged securities or property, the Trustee
shall reject the offer. However, in the event such securities or
property are nonetheless acquired by the Trust, they may be accepted for
deposit in the Trust and either sold by the Trustee or held in the Trust
pursuant to the direction of the Sponsor (who may rely on the advice of
the Portfolio Supervisor). Proceeds from the sale of Equity Securities
by the Trustee are credited to the Capital Account of the Trust for
distribution to Unit holders or to meet redemptions. The Trustee may
from time to time retain and pay compensation to the Sponsor (or an
affiliate of the Sponsor) to act as agent for the Trust with respect to
selling Equity Securities from the Trust. In acting in such capacity the
Sponsor or its affiliate will be held subject to the restrictions under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
The Trustee may also sell Equity Securities designated by the Sponsor,
or if not so directed, in its own discretion, for the purpose of
redeeming Units of a Trust tendered for redemption and the payment of
expenses.
The Sponsor, in designating Equity Securities to be sold by the Trustee,
will generally make selections in order to maintain, to the extent
practicable, the proportionate relationship among the number of shares
of individual issues of Equity Securities. To the extent this is not
practicable, the composition and diversity of the Equity Securities may
be altered. In order to obtain the best price for the Trust, it may be
necessary for the Sponsor to specify minimum amounts (generally 100
shares) in which blocks of Equity Securities are to be sold.
INFORMATION AS TO UNDERWRITER, SPONSOR, TRUSTEE AND EVALUATOR
Who is the Underwriter?
Fahnestock & Co., Inc.
Who is the Sponsor?
Nike Securities L.P., the Sponsor, specializes in the underwriting,
trading and distribution of unit investment trusts and other securities.
Nike Securities L.P., an Illinois limited partnership formed in 1991,
acts as Sponsor for successive series of The First Trust Combined
Series, the FT Series (formerly known as The First Trust Special
Situations Trust), The First Trust Insured Corporate Trust, The First
Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds, The First Trust GNMA, Templeton Growth
and Treasury Trust, Templeton Foreign Fund & U.S. Treasury Securities
Trust and The Advantage Growth and Treasury Securities Trust. First
Trust introduced the first insured unit investment trust in 1974 and to
date more than $20 billion in First Trust unit investment trusts have
been deposited. The Sponsor's employees include a team of professionals
with many years of experience in the unit investment trust industry. The
Sponsor is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. and Securities Investor Protection Corporation and has its
Page 26
principal offices at 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532;
telephone number (630) 241-4141. As of December 31, 1997, the total
partners' capital of Nike Securities L.P. was $11,724,071 (audited).
(This paragraph relates only to the Sponsor and not to the Trust or to
any series thereof. The information is included herein only for the
purpose of informing investors as to the financial responsibility of the
Sponsor and its ability to carry out its contractual obligations. More
detailed financial information will be made available by the Sponsor
upon request.)
Who is the Trustee?
The Trustee is The Chase Manhattan Bank, with its principal executive
office located at 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017 and its unit
investment trust office at 4 New York Plaza, 6th floor, New York, New
York 10004-2413. Unit holders who have questions regarding the Trust may
call the Customer Service Help Line at 1-800-682-7520. The Trustee is
subject to supervision by the Superintendent of Banks of the State of
New York, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
The Trustee, whose duties are ministerial in nature, has not
participated in the selection of the Equity Securities. For information
relating to the responsibilities of the Trustee under the Indenture,
reference is made to the material set forth under "Rights of Unit
Holders."
The Trustee and any successor trustee may resign by executing an
instrument in writing and filing the same with the Sponsor and mailing a
copy of a notice of resignation to all Unit holders. Upon receipt of
such notice, the Sponsor is obligated to appoint a successor trustee
promptly. If the Trustee becomes incapable of acting or becomes bankrupt
or its affairs are taken over by public authorities, the Sponsor may
remove the Trustee and appoint a successor as provided in the Indenture.
If upon resignation of a trustee no successor has accepted the
appointment within 30 days after notification, the retiring trustee may
apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor. The resignation or removal of a trustee becomes effective
only when the successor trustee accepts its appointment as such or when
a court of competent jurisdiction appoints a successor trustee.
Any corporation into which a Trustee may be merged or with which it may
be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or
consolidation to which a Trustee shall be a party, shall be the
successor Trustee. The Trustee must be a banking corporation organized
under the laws of the United States or any State and having at all times
an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than
$5,000,000.
Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee
The Sponsor and the Trustee shall be under no liability to Unit holders
for taking any action or for refraining from taking any action in good
faith pursuant to the Indenture, or for errors in judgment, but shall be
liable only for their own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence (ordinary negligence in the case of the Trustee) or reckless
disregard of their obligations and duties. The Trustee shall not be
liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale by the
Trustee of any of the Equity Securities. In the event of the failure of
the Sponsor to act under the Indenture, the Trustee may act thereunder
and shall not be liable for any action taken by it in good faith under
the Indenture.
The Trustee shall not be liable for any taxes or other governmental
charges imposed upon or in respect of the Equity Securities or upon the
interest thereon or upon it as Trustee under the Indenture or upon or in
respect of the Trust which the Trustee may be required to pay under any
present or future law of the United States of America or of any other
taxing authority having jurisdiction. In addition, the Indenture
contains other customary provisions limiting the liability of the Trustee.
If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the
Indenture or becomes incapable of acting or becomes bankrupt or its
affairs are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (a)
appoint a successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the
Trustee to be reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or (b) terminate the Indenture and
liquidate the Trust as provided herein, or (c) continue to act as
Trustee without terminating the Indenture.
Who is the Evaluator?
The Evaluator is First Trust Advisors L.P., an Illinois limited
partnership formed in 1991 and an affiliate of the Sponsor. The
Evaluator's address is 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532. The
Page 27
Evaluator may resign or may be removed by the Sponsor and the Trustee,
in which event the Sponsor and the Trustee are to use their best efforts
to appoint a satisfactory successor. Such resignation or removal shall
become effective upon the acceptance of appointment by the successor
Evaluator. If upon resignation of the Evaluator no successor has
accepted appointment within 30 days after notice of resignation, the
Evaluator may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor.
The Trustee, Sponsor and Unit holders may rely on any evaluation
furnished by the Evaluator and shall have no responsibility for the
accuracy thereof. Determinations by the Evaluator under the Indenture
shall be made in good faith upon the basis of the best information
available to it, provided, however, that the Evaluator shall be under no
liability to the Trustee, Sponsor or Unit holders for errors in
judgment. This provision shall not protect the Evaluator in any case of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of its obligations and duties.
OTHER INFORMATION
How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated?
The Sponsor and the Trustee have the power to amend the Indenture
without the consent of any of the Unit holders when such an amendment is
(1) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision of
the Indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other
provision contained therein, or (2) to make such other provisions as
shall not adversely affect the interest of the Unit holders (as
determined in good faith by the Sponsor and the Trustee).
The Indenture provides that the Trust shall terminate upon the Mandatory
Termination Date indicated herein under "Summary of Essential
Information." The Trust may be liquidated at any time by consent of 100%
of the Unit holders of the Trust or by the Trustee when the value of the
Equity Securities owned by such Trust as shown by any evaluation, is
less than the lower of $2,000,000 or 20% of the total value of Equity
Securities deposited in the Trust during the initial offering period, or
in the event that Units of the Trust not yet sold aggregating more than
60% of the Units of the Trust are tendered for redemption by an
underwriter, including the Sponsor. If the Trust is liquidated because
of the redemption of unsold Units of the Trust by an underwriter, the
Sponsor will refund to each purchaser of Units of the Trust the entire
sales charge paid by such purchaser. In the event of termination,
written notice thereof will be sent by the Trustee to all Unit holders
of the Trust. Within a reasonable period after termination, the Trustee
will follow the procedures set forth under "Rights of Unit Holders-How
are Income and Capital Distributed?" Also, because of the Special
Redemption and Liquidation in a New Trust, there is a possibility that
the Trust may be reduced below the Discretionary Liquidation Amount and
that the Trust could therefore be terminated at that time before the
Mandatory Termination Date of the Trust.
Commencing during the period beginning nine business days prior to, and
no later than, the Mandatory Termination Date, Equity Securities will
begin to be sold in connection with the termination of the Trust. The
Sponsor will determine the manner, timing and execution of the sale of
the Equity Securities. Written notice of any termination of the Trust
specifying the time or times at which Unit holders may surrender their
certificates for cancellation shall be given by the Trustee to each Unit
holder at his or her address appearing on the registration books of the
Trust maintained by the Trustee. At least 30 days prior to the Mandatory
Termination Date of the Trust the Trustee will provide written notice
thereof to all Unit holders and will include with such notice a form to
enable Unit holders to elect a distribution of shares of Equity
Securities (reduced by customary transfer and registration charges), if
such Unit holder owns at least 2,500 Units of the Trust, rather than to
receive payment in cash for such Unit holder's pro rata share of the
amounts realized upon the disposition by the Trustee of Equity
Securities. To be effective, the election form, together with
surrendered certificates and other documentation required by the
Trustee, must be returned to the Trustee at least ten business days
prior to the Mandatory Termination Date of the Trust. Qualifying Unit
holders requesting an In-Kind Distribution will receive cash in lieu of
fractional shares of the Equity Securities. A Unit holder receiving an
In-Kind Distribution may, of course, at any time after the Equity
Page 28
Securities are distributed to him or her by the Trust, sell all or a
portion of the Equity Securities. Unit holders not electing a
distribution of shares of Equity Securities and who do not elect the
Rollover Option will receive a cash distribution from the sale of the
remaining Equity Securities within a reasonable time after the Trust is
terminated. Regardless of the distribution involved, the Trustee will
deduct from the funds of the Trust any accrued costs, expenses, advances
or indemnities provided by the Indenture, including estimated
compensation of the Trustee and costs of liquidation and any amounts
required as a reserve to provide for payment of any applicable taxes or
other governmental charges. Any sale of Equity Securities in the Trust
upon termination may result in a lower amount than might otherwise be
realized if such sale were not required at such time. In addition, to
the extent that Equity Securities are sold prior to the Mandatory
Termination Date, Unit holders will not benefit from any stock
appreciation they would have received had the Equity Securities not been
sold at such time. The Trustee will then distribute to each Unit holder
his or her pro rata share of the balance of the Income and Capital
Accounts.
Legal Opinions
The legality of the Units offered hereby and certain matters relating to
Federal tax law have been passed upon by Chapman and Cutler, 111 West
Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, as counsel for the Sponsor.
Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, will act as counsel for the Trustee and as
special New York tax counsel for the Trust.
Experts
The statement of net assets, including the schedule of investments, of
the Trust at the opening of business on the Initial Date of Deposit
appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement has been audited
by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report
thereon appearing elsewhere herein and in the Registration Statement,
and is included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of
such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
UNDERWRITING
The Underwriter named below has purchased Units in the following amount:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number
Name Address of Units
____ _______ ________
<S> <C> <C>
Fahnestock & Co., Inc. 110 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005
========
</TABLE>
On the Initial Date of Deposit, the Underwriter of the Trust became the
owner of the Units of the Trust and entitled to the benefits thereof, as
well as the risks inherent therein.
The Underwriter Agreement provides that a public offering of the Units
of the Trust will be made at the Public Offering Price described in the
prospectus. Units may also be sold to or through dealers and other
selling agents during the initial offering period and in the secondary
market at prices representing a concession or agency commission as
described in "Public Offering-How are Units Distributed?"
The Underwriter has agreed to underwrite additional Units of the Trust
as they become available. The Sponsor will receive from the Underwriter
the difference between the gross sales commission and the Underwriting
concession listed below. The Underwriting concession will be calculated
as a percentage of the Public Offering Price per Unit according to the
following schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Underwriting Concession
____________ __________
<S> <C>
Less than $10,000,000 2.10%
$10,000,000 but less than $20,000,000 2.15%
$20,000,000 but less than $40,000,000 2.20%
$40,000,000 but less than $60,000,000 2.25%
$60,000,000 or more 2.30%
</TABLE>
From time to time the Sponsor may implement programs under which the
Underwriter or dealers of the Trust may receive nominal awards from the
Sponsor for each of their registered representatives who have sold a
minimum number of UIT Units during a specified time period. In addition,
at various times the Sponsor may implement other programs under which
the sales force of the Underwriter or dealers may be eligible to win
other nominal awards for certain sales efforts, or under which the
Sponsor will reallow to any such dealer that sponsors sales contests or
Page 29
recognition programs conforming to criteria established by the Sponsor,
or participates in sales programs sponsored by Sponsor, an amount not
exceeding the total applicable sales charges on the sales generated by
such person at the public offering price during such programs. Also, the
Sponsor in its discretion may from time to time pursuant to objective
criteria established by the Sponsor pay fees to the Underwriter or
qualifying dealers for certain services or activities which are
primarily intended to result in sales of Units of the Trust. Such
payments are made by the Sponsor out of its own assets, and not out of
the assets of the Trust. These programs will not change the price Unit
holders pay for their Units or the amount that the Trust will receive
from the Units sold.
The Sponsor may from time to time in its advertising and sales materials
compare the then current estimated returns on the Trust and returns over
specified periods on other similar Trusts sponsored by Nike Securities
L.P. or investment strategies utilized by the Trust (which may show
performance net of expenses and charges which the Trust would have
charged) with returns on other taxable investments such as the common
stocks comprising the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 Index,
corporate or U.S. Government bonds, bank CDs and money market accounts
or money market funds, each of which has investment characteristics that
may differ from those of the Trust. U.S. Government bonds, for example,
are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and bank
CDs and money market accounts are insured by an agency of the federal
government. Money market accounts and money market funds provide
stability of principal, but pay interest at rates that vary with the
condition of the short-term debt market. The investment characteristics
of the Trust are described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Information on percentage changes in the dollar value of Units, on the
basis of changes in Unit price may be included from time to time in
advertisements, sales literature, reports and other information
furnished to current or prospective Unit holders. Total return figures
are not averaged, and may not reflect deduction of the sales charge,
which would decrease the return. Average annualized return figures
reflect deduction of the maximum sales charge. No provision is made for
any income taxes payable.
Past performance may not be indicative of future results. The Trust's
portfolio is not managed. Unit price and return fluctuate with the value
of the common stocks in the Trust's portfolio, so there may be a gain or
loss when Units are sold.
Trust performance may be compared to performance on a total return basis
of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500 Index, or performance
data from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and Morningstar Publications,
Inc. or from publications such as Money, The New York Times, U.S. News
and World Report, Business Week, Forbes or Fortune. As with other
performance data, performance comparisons should not be considered
representative of the Trust's relative performance for any future period.
Page 30
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Sponsor, Nike Securities L.P., and Unit Holders
FT 281
We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets, including the
schedule of investments, of FT 281, comprised of the Strategic Technical
Analysis Recommendations Trust Series, as of the opening of business on
____________, 1999. This statement of net assets is the responsibility
of the Trust's Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
this statement of net assets based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statement of net assets is
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the statement
of net assets. Our procedures included confirmation of the letter of
credit held by the Trustee and deposited in the Trust on ____________,
1999. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by the Sponsor, as well as evaluating the
overall presentation of the statement of net assets. We believe that our
audit of the statement of net assets provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the statement of net assets referred to above presents
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of FT 281,
comprised of the Strategic Technical Analysis Recommendations Trust
Series, at the opening of business on ____________, 1999 in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
____________, 1999
Page 31
Statement of Net Assets
STRATEGIC TECHNICAL ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS TRUST SERIES
FT 281
At the Opening of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit-____________,
1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET ASSETS
<S> <C>
Investment in Equity Securities represented by purchase contracts (1) (2) $
Less accrued organizational and offering costs (3) ( )
Less liability for deferred sales charge (4) ( )
__________
Net assets $
==========
Units outstanding
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
Cost to investors (5) $
Less sales charge (5) ( )
Less estimated organizational and offering costs (3) ( )
__________
Net assets $
==========
<FN>
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS
(1) Aggregate cost of the Equity Securities listed under "Schedule of
Investments" is based on their aggregate underlying value.
(2) An irrevocable letter of credit totaling $200,000 issued by The
Chase Manhattan Bank has been deposited with the Trustee as collateral,
covering the monies necessary for the purchase of the Equity Securities
pursuant to purchase contracts for such Equity Securities.
(3) A portion of the Public Offering Price on Units purchased prior to
the earlier of six months after the Initial Date of Deposit or the end
of the initial offering period consists of Equity Securities in an
amount sufficient to pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in
establishing the Trust. These costs have been estimated at $
per Unit, based upon the expected number of Units of the Trust to be
created. A distribution will be made at the earlier of six months after
the Initial Date of Deposit or the end of the initial offering period to
an account maintained by the Trustee from which the organizational and
offering cost obligation of the investors to the Sponsor will be
satisfied. To the extent the number of Units of the Trust is larger or
smaller than the estimate, the actual distribution per Unit may differ
from that set forth above.
(4) Represents the amount of mandatory distributions from the Trust
($.195 per Unit), payable to the Sponsor in equal monthly installments
beginning on July 20, 1999, and on the twentieth day of each month
thereafter (or if such day is not a business day, on the preceding
business day) through November 19, 1999. If Units are redeemed prior to
November 19, 1999, the remaining amount of the deferred sales charge
applicable to such Units will be payable at the time of redemption.
(5) The aggregate cost to investors includes a maximum total sales
charge computed at the rate of 2.95% of the Public Offering Price
(equivalent to 2.98% of the net amount invested, exclusive of the
deferred sales charge) assuming no reduction of sales charge as set
forth under "Public Offering-How is the Public Offering Price Determined?"
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 32
Schedule of Investments
STRATEGIC TECHNICAL ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS TRUST SERIES
FT 281
At the Opening of Business on the Initial Date of Deposit-____________,
1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Cost of
Number Percentage Market Equity
of Ticker Symbol and of Aggregate Value per Securities
Shares Name of Issuer of Equity Securities (1) Offering Price Share to Trust (2)
______ _______________________________________ _______________ _________ ____________
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
% $ $
%
%
%
%
%
%
_____ __________
Total Investments 100% $
===== ==========
______________
<FN>
(1) All Equity Securities are represented by regular way contracts to
purchase such Equity Securities for the performance of which an
irrevocable letter of credit has been deposited with the Trustee. The
contracts to purchase the Equity Securities were entered into by the
Sponsor on ____________, 1999. The Trust has a mandatory termination
date of April 27, 2000.
(2) The cost of the Equity Securities to the Trust represents the
aggregate underlying value with respect to the Equity Securities
acquired (generally determined by the closing sale prices of listed
Equity Securities and the ask prices of over-the-counter traded Equity
Securities on the business day preceding the Initial Date of Deposit).
The valuation of the Equity Securities has been determined by the
Evaluator, an affiliate of the Sponsor. The aggregate underlying value
of the Equity Securities on the Initial Date of Deposit was $ . Cost
and loss to Sponsor relating to the Equity Securities sold to the Trust
were $ and $ , respectively.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Page 33
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Page 34
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Page 35
CONTENTS:
Summary of Essential Information:
Strategic Technical Analysis Recommendations
Trust Series 4
FT 281:
What is the FT Series? 6
What are the Expenses and Charges? 7
What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders? 8
Are Investments in the Trust Eligible for
Retirement Plans? 12
Portfolio:
What are the Equity Securities? 12
What are the Equity Securities Selected for the
Strategic Technical Analysis Recommendations
Trust Series? 13
Risk Factors 13
What are Some Additional Considerations for
Investors? 15
Public Offering:
How is the Public Offering Price Determined? 17
How are Units Distributed? 19
What are the Sponsor's and Underwriter's Profits? 19
Will There be a Secondary Market? 20
Rights of Unit Holders:
How is Evidence of Ownership Issued and Transferred? 20
How are Income and Capital Distributed? 21
What Reports will Unit Holders Receive? 22
How May Units be Redeemed? 22
Special Redemption, Liquidation and Investment in
a New Trust 23
How May Units be Purchased by the Sponsor
or Underwriter? 25
How May Equity Securities be
Removed from the Trust? 25
Information as to Underwriter, Sponsor,
Trustee and Evaluator:
Who is the Underwriter? 26
Who is the Sponsor? 26
Who is the Trustee? 27
Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee 27
Who is the Evaluator? 27
Other Information:
How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated? 28
Legal Opinions 29
Experts 29
Underwriting 29
Report of Independent Auditors 31
Statement of Net Assets 32
Notes to Statement of Net Assets 32
Schedule of Investments 33
___________
When Units of the Trust are no longer available, or for investors who
will reinvest into subsequent series of the Trust, this Prospectus may
be used as a preliminary prospectus for a future series; in which case
investors should note the following:
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT. A REGISTRATION
STATEMENT RELATING TO SECURITIES OF A FUTURE SERIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD
NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY STATE TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS
NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH STATE.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE TRUST
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
Fahnestock & CO., INC.
STRATEGIC TECHNICAL ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS TRUST SERIES
Fahnestock & Co., Inc.
110 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
Trustee:
The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
1-800-682-7520
24-Hour Pricing Line:
1-800-446-0132
____________, 1999
PLEASE RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Page 36
MEMORANDUM
Re: FT 281
As indicated in our cover letter transmitting the
Registration Statement on Form S-6 and other related material
under the Securities Act of 1933 to the Commission, the only
difference of consequence (except as described below) between FT
276, which is the current fund, and FT 281, the filing of which
this memorandum accompanies, is the change in the series number.
The list of securities comprising the Fund, the evaluation,
record and distribution dates and other changes pertaining
specifically to the new series, such as size and number of Units
in the Fund and the statement of condition of the new Fund, will
be filed by amendment.
1940 ACT
FORMS N-8A AND N-8B-2
These forms were not filed, as the Form N-8A and Form N-8B-2
filed in respect of Templeton Growth and Treasury Trust, Series 1
and subsequent series (File No. 811-05903) related also to the
subsequent series of the Fund.
1933 ACT
PROSPECTUS
The only significant changes in the Prospectus from the
Series 276 Prospectus relate to the series number and size and
the date and various items of information which will be derived
from and apply specifically to the bonds deposited in the Fund.
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ITEM A Bonding Arrangements of Depositor:
Nike Securities L.P. is covered by a Broker's Fidelity
Bond, in the total amount of $1,000,000, the insurer
being National Union Fire Insurance Company of
Pittsburgh.
ITEM B This Registration Statement on Form S-6 comprises the
following papers and documents:
The facing sheet
The Prospectus
The signatures
Exhibits
S-1
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
the Registrant, FT 281 has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Village of Lisle
and State of Illinois on December 23, 1998.
FT 281
(Registrant)
By: NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
(Depositor)
By Robert M. Porcellino
Senior Vice President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
this Registration Statement has been signed below by the
following person in the capacity and on the date indicated:
NAME TITLE* DATE
Robert D. Van Kampen Director of
Nike Securities December 23, 1998
Corporation, the
General Partner of
Nike Securities L.P. Robert M. Porcellino
Attorney-in-Fact**
David J. Allen Director of
Nike Securities
Corporation, the
General Partner of
Nike Securities L.P.
___________________________
* The title of the person named herein represents his capacity
in and relationship to Nike Securities L.P., the Depositor.
** An executed copy of the related power of attorney was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection
with Amendment No. 1 to form S-6 of The First Trust Combined
Series 258 (File No. 33-63483) and the same is hereby
incorporated by this reference.
S-2
CONSENTS OF COUNSEL
The consents of counsel to the use of their names in the
Prospectus included in this Registration Statement will be
contained in their respective opinions to be filed as Exhibits
3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 of the Registration Statement.
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
The consent of Ernst & Young LLP to the use of its name and
to the reference to such firm in the Prospectus included in this
Registration Statement will be filed by amendment.
CONSENT OF FIRST TRUST ADVISORS L.P.
The consent of First Trust Advisors L.P. to the use of its
name in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement is
filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement.
S-3
EXHIBIT INDEX
1.1 Form of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust for The
First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 22 and
certain subsequent Series, effective November 20, 1991
among Nike Securities L.P., as Depositor, United States
Trust Company of New York as Trustee, Securities
Evaluation Service, Inc., as Evaluator, and Nike
Financial Advisory Services L.P. as Portfolio Supervisor
(incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6
[File No. 33-43693] filed on behalf of The First Trust
Special Situations Trust, Series 22).
1.1.1* Form of Trust Agreement for Series 281 among Nike
Securities L.P., as Depositor, The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Trustee and First Trust Advisors L.P., as Evaluator
and Portfolio Supervisor.
1.2 Copy of Certificate of Limited Partnership of Nike
Securities L.P. (incorporated by reference to Amendment
No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No. 33-42683] filed on behalf of
The First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 18).
1.3 Copy of Amended and Restated Limited Partnership
Agreement of Nike Securities L.P. (incorporated by
reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No.
33-42683] filed on behalf of The First Trust Special
Situations Trust, Series 18).
1.4 Copy of Articles of Incorporation of Nike Securities
Corporation, the general partner of Nike Securities L.P.,
Depositor (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1
to Form S-6 [File No. 33-42683] filed on behalf of The
First Trust Special Situations Trust, Series 18).
1.5 Copy of By-Laws of Nike Securities Corporation, the
general partner of Nike Securities L.P., Depositor
(incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6
[File No. 33-42683] filed on behalf of The First Trust
Special Situations Trust, Series 18).
2.1 Copy of Certificate of Ownership (included in Exhibit 1.1
filed herewith on page 2 and incorporated herein by
reference).
3.1* Opinion of counsel as to legality of Securities being
registered.
3.2* Opinion of counsel as to Federal income tax status of
Securities being registered.
S-4
3.3* Opinion of counsel as to New York income tax status of
Securities being registered.
3.4* Opinion of counsel as to advancement of funds by Trustee.
4.1* Consent of First Trust Advisors L.P.
6.1 List of Directors and Officers of Depositor and other
related information (incorporated by reference to
Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No. 33-42683] filed on
behalf of The First Trust Special Situations Trust,
Series 18).
7.1 Power of Attorney executed by the Director listed on page
S-3 of this Registration Statement (incorporated by
reference to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 [File No.
33-63483] filed on behalf of The First Trust Combined
Series 258).
___________________________________
* To be filed by amendment.
S-5
