<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDSSM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY INVESTOR FUND The objective of this Defined Fund is capital
FOCUS SERIES appreciation by investing for a period of about
1999 YEAR AHEAD one year in a portfolio consisting primarily of
PORTFOLIO liquid, domestic common stocks. These stocks were
(A UNIT INVESTMENT selected for potential growth in 1999 by the
TRUST) Merrill Lynch Global Research and Economics group.
- ------------------------------Current dividend income is not an objective of the
Fund.
The Fund is not an appropriate investment for
investors seeking preservation of capital.
The value of units will fluctuate with the value
of the common stocks in the Portfolio and there
can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its
objective.
Minimum purchase: $250.
-------------------------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Inquiries should be directed to the Trustee at
SPONSOR: 1-800-323-1508.
Merrill Lynch, Prospectus dated December 11, 1998.
Pierce, Fenner & Smith INVESTORS SHOULD READ THIS PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY
Incorporated AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defined Asset FundsSM
Defined Asset Funds is America's oldest and largest family of unit investment
trusts, with over $115 billion sponsored in the last 25 years. Each Defined
Asset Fund is a portfolio of preselected securities. The portfolio is divided
into 'units' representing equal shares of the underlying assets. Each unit
receives an equal share of income and principal distributions.
Defined Asset Funds offer several defined 'distinctives'. You know in advance
what you are investing in and that changes in the portfolio are limited - a
defined portfolio. Most defined bond funds pay interest monthly - defined
income. The portfolio offers a convenient and simple way to invest - simplicity
defined.
Your financial professional can help you select a Defined Asset Fund to meet
your personal investment objectives. Our size and market presence enable us to
offer a wide variety of investments. The Defined Asset Funds family offers:
o Municipal bond portfolios
o Corporate bond portfolios
o Government bond portfolios
o Equity portfolios
o International bond and equity portfolios
The terms of Defined Funds are as short as one year or as long as 30 years.
Special defined bond funds are available including: insured funds, double and
triple tax-free funds and funds with 'laddered maturities' to help protect
against changing interest rates. Defined Asset Funds are offered by prospectus
only.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Defined Year Ahead Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
The Portfolio contains 15 common stocks selected for capital appreciation. This
Focus Series permits investors to buy and hold the Portfolio for approximately
one year. At the end of the year, the Portfolio will be liquidated and a similar
selection process applied to select a new Portfolio. Each Focus Portfolio is
designed to be part of a longer term strategy and the Sponsor believes that more
consistent results are likely if the strategy is followed for at least three to
five years.
So long as the Sponsor continues to offer new portfolios, investors will have
the option to reinvest into a new portfolio each year at a reduced sales charge.
The Sponsor reserves the right, however, not to offer a new portfolio.
The Securities were selected by the Merrill Lynch Global Research and Economics
group, one of the top-ranked equity research teams, for their potential growth
over the coming year.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Defining Your Portfolio
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
The Portflio is diversified among a wide variety of industries and is not
considered to be concentrated in any single industry.
Based upon the principal business of each issuer and current market values, the
following industry sectors are represented in the Portfolio:
APPROXIMATE
PORTFOLIO PERCENTAGE
/ / Medical--Drugs/Instruments 13%
/ / Computer Services/Software 13
/ / Retail 13
/ / Aerospace/Defense Equipment 7
/ / Airlines 7
/ / Brewery 7
/ / Electric Company 7
/ / Financial Services 7
/ / Insurance 7
/ / Oil--Exploration/Production 7
/ / Cable/Telecommunications 6
/ / Diversified Operations 6
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Defining Your Risks
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
There can be no assurance that the Portfolio will meet its objective over its
one-year life or that portfolios selected through this process during
consecutive one-year periods will meet their objectives. In addition, the
opinions of Merrill Lynch research analysts may change during the year. The
Portfolio is not appropriate for investors who are unable or unwilling to assume
the risk involved generally with an equity investment and who are seeking
preservation of capital or high current income. The Portfolio is not designed to
be a complete investment program.
Unit price fluctuates with the value of the Portfolio, which could be affected
by changes in the financial condition of the issuers, changes in the various
industries represented in the Portfolio, the impact of the Sponsor's purchase
and sale of securities for the Portfolio, movements in stock prices generally
and other factors. (See Risk Factors in Part B.)
Unlike a mutual fund, the Portfolio is not actively managed and the Sponsor
receives no management fee. Therefore, the adverse financial condition of an
issuer, changes in research analysts' opinions or any market movement in the
price of a security will not require the sale of securities from the Portfolio
or mean that the Sponsor will not continue to purchase the security in order to
create additional Units; however, the Sponsor may instruct the Trustee to sell
securities under certain limited circumstances. (See Portfolio Supervision in
Part B.)
A-2
<PAGE>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Defining Your Investment
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE PER 1,000 UNITS $999.97
The Public Offering Price as of December 10, 1998, the business day prior to the
initial date of deposit, is based on the aggregate value of the underlying
securities ($415,096.88) and any cash held to purchase securities, divided by
the number of units outstanding (419,289) times 1,000, plus the initial sales
charge. The Public Offering Price includes the estimated organization costs of
$1.27 per 1,000 Units, to which no sales charge has been applied. Units offered
on the Initial Date of Deposit will also be priced at $999.97 per 1,000 Units
although the aggregate value of the underlying securities, cash amount and
number of Units may vary. The Public Offering Price on any subsequent date will
vary. The underlying securities are valued by the Trustee on the basis of their
closing sale prices at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on every business day.
SALES CHARGES
The total sales charge for this investment combines an initial up-front sales
charge and a deferred sales charge that will be deducted from the net asset
value of the Portfolio on March 1 and 15, 1999 and thereafter on the 1st of each
month through November 1, 1999.
ROLLOVER/EXCHANGE OPTION
You may exchange your units of this Portfolio for units of any other Focus or
Select Series, or certain other selected Defined Assset Funds, any time prior to
termination of this Portfolio. If you continue to hold your units, when this
Year Ahead Portfolio is about to be liquidated, you may have the option to roll
your proceeds into the next Year Ahead portfolio. If you hold your Units with
one of the Sponsors and notify your financial adviser by December 10, 1999, your
units will be redeemed and certain distributed securities plus the proceeds from
the sale of the remaining securities will be reinvested in units of the next
Year Ahead Portfolio. If you decide not to roll over your proceeds, you will
receive a cash distribution (or, if you so elect, an in-kind distribution) after
the Portfolio terminates. Of course you can sell or redeem your Units at any
time prior to termination.
DISTRIBUTIONS
You will receive distributions of dividend income, net of expenses, on the 25th
day of October 1999, if you own Units on the 10th of that month.
REINVESTMENT OPTION
You can elect to automatically reinvest your distributions into additional units
of the Portfolio subject only to the deferred sales charge remaining at the time
of reinvestment. Reinvesting helps to compound your income for a greater total
return.
TAXES
In the opinion of counsel, you will be considered to have received all the
dividends paid on your pro rata portion of each security in the Portfolio when
those dividends are received by the Portfolio, even though a portion of the
dividend payments may be used to pay expenses of the Portfolio and regardless of
whether you reinvest your dividends in the Portfolio. (See Taxes in Part B.)
TAX BASIS REPORTING
The proceeds received when you sell this investment will reflect the deduction
of the deferred sales charge and the charge for organizational expenses. In
addition, the annual statement and the relevant tax reporting forms you receive
at year-end will be based upon the amount paid to you (net of the deferred sales
charge and the charge for organizational expenses). Accordingly, you should not
increase your basis in your units by the deferred sales charge and the charge
for organizational expenses.
TERMINATION DATE
The Portfolio will terminate by January 21, 2000. The final distribution will be
made within a reasonable time afterward. The Portfolio may be terminated earlier
if its value is less than 40% of the value of the securities when deposited.
SPONSOR'S PROFIT OR LOSS
The Sponsor's profit or loss from the Portfolio will include the receipt of
applicable sales charges, fluctuations in the Public Offering Price or secondary
market price of units, a loss of $327.50 on the initial deposit of the
securities and a gain or loss on subsequent deposits of securities (see
Sponsor's and Underwriters' Profits in Part B).
A-3
<PAGE>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Defining Your Costs
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
SALES CHARGE
First-time investors pay a maximum sales charge of 2.75% of the offering price,
of which $17.50 per 1,000 Units is deferred. For example, on a $1,000
investment, 2.75% less $17.50 (or about 1%) is deducted when they buy, and the
remaining $990 is invested in the Portfolio. In addition, a deferred sales
charge of $1.75 per 1,000 units will be deducted from the Portfolio's net asset
value over the last nine months of the Portfolio ($17.50 total). This deferred
method of payment keeps more of your money invested over a longer period of
time. If you roll the proceeds of your investment into a new portfolio, you will
not be subject to the 1% initial charge, just the $17.50 deferred fee. Although
this is a unit investment trust rather than a mutual fund, the following
information is presented to permit a comparison of fees and an understanding of
the direct or indirect costs and expenses that you pay.
As a %
of Initial
Public Amount per
Offering Price 1,000 Units
--------------- --------------
Maximum Initial Sales Charge 1.00% $ 10.00
Deferred Sales Charge 1.75% 17.50
--------------- --------------
2.75% $ 27.50
--------------- --------------
--------------- --------------
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on
Reinvested Dividends 0.175% $ 1.75
ORGANIZATION COSTS
Investors will bear all or a portion of the expenses incurred in organizing the
Portfolio--including costs of preparing the registration statement, the trust
indenture and other closing documents, registering units with the SEC and the
states and the initial audit of the Portfolio--as is common for mutual funds.
Estimated organization costs shown below are included in the public offering
price and will be deducted from the assets of the Portfolio as of the close of
the initial offering period.
Amount per
1,000 Units
---------------
Estimated Organization Costs $ 1.27
ESTIMATED ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
As a % Amount per
of Net Assets 1,000 Units
----------------- --------------
Trustee's Fee .084% $ 0.83
Portfolio Supervision,
Bookkeeping and Administrative
Fees .045% $ 0.45
Other Operating Expenses .017% $ 0.17
----------------- --------------
TOTAL .146% $ 1.45
These estimates do not include the costs of purchasing and selling the
underlying Stocks.
COSTS OVER TIME
You would pay the following cumulative expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
5% annual return on the investment throughout the indicated periods and
redemption at the end of the period:
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$31 $73 $119 $245
Although each Series has a term of only one year 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 each
year into a new portfolio subject only to the deferred sales charge and fund
expenses.
The example assumes reinvestment of any dividends and distributions and uses a
5% annual rate of return as mandated by SEC regulations applicable to mutual
funds.
Reductions to the repurchase and cash redemption prices in the secondary market
to recoup the costs of liquidating securities to meet redemption (described
below) have not been reflected. The example should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses or annual rates of return; the actual
expenses and annual rates of return may be more or less than the example.
REDEEMING OR SELLING YOUR INVESTMENT
You may redeem or sell your units at any time prior to the termination of the
Portfolio. Your price will be based on the then current net asset value. The
redemption and secondary market repurchase price as of December 10, 1998 was
$972.50 per 1,000 units ($17.50 per 1,000 units less than the net asset value).
This price reflects deductions of the deferred sales charge which declines over
the life of the Portfolio ($17.50 initially). If you redeem or sell your units
before the termination of the Portfolio, you will pay the remaining balance of
the deferred sales charge. As of the close of the initial public offering period
these prices will be reduced to reflect the estimated organization costs shown
above. After the initial offering period, the repurchase and cash redemption
prices for units will be reduced to reflect the estimated costs of liquidating
securities to meet the redemption, currently estimated at $0.81 per 1,000 units.
If you reinvest in the new portfolio, you will pay your share of any brokerage
commissions on the sale of underlying securities when your units are liquidated
during the rollover.
A-4
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defined Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity Investor Fund Focus Series
1999 Year Ahead Portfolio December 11, 1998
Defined Asset Funds
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE
TICKER PERCENTAGE PER SHARE COST
NAME OF ISSUER SYMBOL OF FUND (1) TO FUND TO FUND (2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1. Albertson's, Inc. ABS 6.82% $ 62.9375 $ 28,321.87
2. AMR Corporation AMR 6.78 62.5000 28,125.00
3. Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. BUD 6.64 61.2500 27,562.50
4. Burlington Resources, Inc. BR 6.65 36.8125 27,609.37
5. Comcast Corporation CMCSK 6.50 53.9375 26,968.75
6. Computer Sciences Corporation CSC 6.41 66.5625 26,625.00
7. Fannie Mae FNM 6.66 69.0625 27,625.00
8. General Electric Company GE 6.39 88.4375 26,531.25
9. Johnson & Johnson JNJ 6.66 79.0000 27,650.00
10. Office Depot, Inc. ODP 6.66 32.5000 27,625.00
11. Oracle Corporation ORCL 6.31 34.9375 26,203.13
12. Orbital Sciences Corporation ORB 6.92 38.3125 28,734.38
13. Pfizer, Inc. PFE 6.85 113.8125 28,453.13
14. Texas Utilities Company TXU 6.76 46.7500 28,050.00
15. UNUM Corporation UNM 6.99 52.7500 29,012.50
--------------- -----------------
100.00% $ 415,096.88
--------------- -----------------
--------------- -----------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------------
(1) Based on Cost to Portfolio.
(2) Valuation by the Trustee made on the basis of closing sale prices at the
evaluation time on December 10, 1998, the business day prior to the initial
date of deposit. The value of the securities on any subsequent date will
vary.
------------------------------------
The securities were acquired on December 10, 1998 and are represented entirely
by contracts to purchase the securities. The Sponsor may have acted as
underwriter, manager or comanager of a public offering of the securities in this
Portfolio during the last three years. Affiliates of the Sponsor may serve as
specialists during the last three years. Affiliates of the Sponsor may serve as
specialists in the securities in this Portfolio on one or more stock exchanges
and may have a long or short position in any of these securities or in options
on any of them, and may be on the opposite side of public orders executed on the
floor of an exchange where the securities are listed. An officer, director or
employee of the Sponsor may be an officer or director of one or more of the
issuers of the securities in the Portfolio. The Sponsor may trade for its own
account as an odd-lot dealer, market maker, block positioner and/or arbitrageur
in any of the securities or in options on them. The Sponsor, its affiliates,
directors, elected officers and employee benefits programs may have either a
long or short position in any securities or in options on them.
A-5
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Sponsor, Trustee and Holders of Equity Investor Fund Focus Series, 1999 Year
Ahead Portfolio, Defined Asset Funds (the 'Fund'):
We have audited the accompanying statement of condition and the defined
portfolio included in the prospectus of the Fund as of December 11, 1998. This
financial statement is the responsibility of the Trustee. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on this financial statement 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 financial statement is free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. Our procedures included
confirmation of an irrevocable letter of credit deposited for the purchase of
securities, as described in the statement of condition, with the Trustee. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by the Trustee, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statement referred to above presents fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 11,
1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, N.Y.
December 11, 1998
STATEMENT OF CONDITION AS OF DECEMBER 11, 1998
TRUST PROPERTY
Investments--Contracts to purchase Securities(1).........$ 415,096.88
--------------------
Total.........................................$ 415,096.88
--------------------
--------------------
LIABILITY AND INTEREST OF HOLDERS
Reimbursement of Sponsor for organization
expenses(2)..........................................$ 532.50
--------------------
Subtotal...............................................$ 532.50
--------------------
Interest of Holders of 419,289 Units of fractional
undivided interest outstanding(3):
Cost to investors(4)...................................$ 419,276.42
Gross underwriting commissions(5) and organization
expenses(2).......................................... (4,712.04)
--------------------
Subtotal...............................................$ 414,564.38
--------------------
Total.........................................$ 415,096.88
--------------------
--------------------
- ---------------
(1) Aggregate cost to the Fund of the securities listed under Defined
Portfolio determined by the Trustee at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on December 10,
1998. The contracts to purchase securities are collateralized by an irrevocable
letter of credit which has been issued by DBS Bank, New York Branch, in the
amount of $415,424.38 and deposited with the Trustee. The amount of the letter
of credit includes $415,096.88 for the purchase of securities.
(2) A portion of the Public Offering Price consists of securities in
an amount sufficient to pay all or a portion of the costs incurred in
establishing the Portfolio. These costs have been estimated at $1.27 per 1,000
Units. A distribution will be made as of the close of the initial offering
period to an account maintained by the Trustee from which the organizational
expenses obligation of the investors to the Sponsor will be satisfied.
(3) Because the value of securities at the evaluation time on the
Initial Date of Deposit may differ from the amounts shown in this statement of
condition, the number of Units offered on the Initial Date of Deposit will be
adjusted to maintain the $999.97 per 1,000 Units offering price.
(4) Aggregate public offering price computed on the basis of the
value of the underlying securities at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on December 10,
1998.
(5) Assumes the maximum initial sales charge per 1,000 units of 1.00%
of the Public Offering Price. A deferred sales charge of $1.75 per 1,000 Units
is payable on March 1 and 15, 1999 and thereafter on the 1st day of each month
through November 1, 1999. Distributions will be made on behalf of investors to
an account maintained by the Trustee from which the deferred sales charge
obligation of the investors to the Sponsor will be satisfied. If units are
redeemed prior to November 1, 1999, the remaining portion of the distribution
applicable to such units will be transferred to such account on the redemption
date.
A-6
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDSSM
PROSPECTUS--PART B
EQUITY INVESTOR FUND FOCUS SERIES 1999 YEAR AHEAD PORTFOLIO
FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE FUND MAY BE OBTAINED
WITHIN FIVE DAYS BY WRITING OR CALLING THE TRUSTEE AT THE ADDRESS AND
TELEPHONE NUMBER SET FORTH ON THE BACK COVER OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
INDEX
PAGE
---------
PORTFOLIO DESCRIPTION............................................ 1
RISK FACTORS..................................................... 2
HOW TO BUY UNITS................................................. 3
HOW TO REDEEM OR SELL UNITS...................................... 4
TRUST TERMINATION................................................ 5
ROLLOVER......................................................... 5
INCOME, DISTRIBUTIONS AND REINVESTMENT........................... 6
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES............................................... 7
TAXES............................................................ 7
RECORDS AND REPORTS.............................................. 9
TRUST INDENTURE.................................................. 10
MISCELLANEOUS.................................................... 10
EXCHANGE OPTION.................................................. 12
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION......................................... 13
PORTFOLIO DESCRIPTION
THE YEAR AHEAD PORTFOLIO
This Focus Series seeks capital appreciation and is designed to permit an
investor to buy and hold a portfolio consisting primarily of domestic equity
securities for a period of approximately one year. At the end of the year a
similar selection process is applied and the investor may reinvest in a new
portfolio, if available.
Investors should be aware that the Portfolio may not be able to buy each
Security at the same time because of availability of the Security, any
restrictions applicable to the Portfolio relating to the purchase of the
Security by reason of the federal securities laws or otherwise. Any monies
allocated to the purchase of a Security will generally be held for the purchase
of the Security.
The deposit of the Securities in the Portfolio on the initial date of
deposit established a proportionate relationship among the number of shares of
each Security. During the 90-day period following the initial date of deposit
the Sponsor may deposit additional Securities in order to create new Units,
maintaining to the extent practicable that original proportionate relationship.
Deposits of additional Securities subsequent to the 90-day period must generally
replicate exactly the proportionate relationship among the number of shares of
each Security in the Portfolio at the end of the initial 90-day period. The
ability to acquire each Security at the same time will generally depend upon the
Security's availability and any restrictions on the purchase of that Security
under the federal securities laws or otherwise.
Additional Units may also be created by the deposit of cash (including a
letter of credit) with instructions to purchase additional Securities. This
practice could cause both existing and new investors to experience a dilution of
their investments and a reduction in their anticipated income because of price
fluctuations in the Securities between the time of the cash deposit and the
actual purchase of the additional Securities and because the associated
brokerage fees will be an expense of the Portfolio. To minimize the risk of
price fluctuations when purchasing Securities, the Portfolio will try to
purchase Securities as close to the evaluation time or at prices as close to the
evaluated prices as possible. The Portfolio may also enter into program trades
with unaffiliated broker/dealers, which will have the effect of increasing
brokerage commissions, while reducing market risk.
1
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO SUPERVISION
The Portfolio follows a buy and hold investment strategy in contrast to the
frequent portfolio changes of a managed fund based on economic, financial and
market analyses. Otherwise, although the Portfolio is regularly reviewed,
because of the strategy, the Portfolio is unlikely to sell any of the
Securities, other than to satisfy redemption of Units, or to cease buying
additional shares in connection with the issuance of Additional Units. More
specifically, adverse developments concerning a Security, including the adverse
financial condition of the issuer, the institution of legal proceedings against
the issuer, failure to maintain a current dividend rate, a default under certain
documents materially and adversely affecting the future declaration of dividends
or a decline in the price or the occurrence of other market or credit factors
(including a public tender offer or a merger or acquisition transaction) that
might otherwise make retention of the Security detrimental to the interest of
investors, will generally not cause the Portfolio to dispose of a Security or
cease buying it. Furthermore, the Portfolio will likely continue to hold a
Security and purchase additional shares even though a research analyst's opinion
may have changed subsequent to the initial date of deposit.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the Portfolio entails certain risks, including the risk
that the value of your investment will decline if the financial condition of the
issuers of the Securities becomes impaired or if the general condition of the
stock market worsens. The rights of holders of common stocks to receive payments
from the issuer are generally inferior to the rights of creditors of, or holders
of debt obligations or preferred stocks issued by, the issuer. Moreover, because
common stocks do not represent an obligation of the issuer they do not offer any
assurance of income or provide the degree of protection of capital provided by
debt securities. Common stocks in general are susceptible to general stock
market movements and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market
confidence in and perceptions of issuers change. Equity markets can be affected
by 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.
The Sponsor cannot predict the direction or scope of any of these factors. There
can be no assurance that the Portfolio will be effective in achieving its
objective over the one-year life of the Fund or that future portfolios selected
through this process during consecutive one-year periods will meet their
objectives. The Portfolio is not designed to be a complete investment program.
YEAR 2000 RISKS
Many computer systems were designed using only two digits to designate
years. These systems may not be able to distinguish the Year 2000 from the Year
1900 (commonly known as the 'Year 2000 Problem'). The Portfolio could be
adversely affected if the computer systems used by issuers of the Securities do
not properly address this problem prior to January 1, 2000.
LIQUIDITY
Whether or not the Securities are listed on a national securities exchange,
the principal trading market for the Securities may be in the over-the-counter
market. As a result, the existence of a liquid trading market for the Securities
may depend on whether dealers will make a market in the Securities. There can be
no assurance that a market will be made for any of the Securities, that any
market for the Securities will be maintained or of the liquidity of the
Securities in any markets made. In addition, the Portfolio may be restricted
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 from selling Securities to the Sponsor.
The price at which the Securities may be sold to meet redemptions and the value
of the Portfolio will be adversely affected if trading markets for the
Securities are limited or absent.
LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION
The Sponsor does not know of any pending litigation as of the initial date
of deposit that might reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
on the Portfolio, although pending litigation may have a material adverse effect
on the value of Securities in the Portfolio. In addition, at any time after the
initial date of deposit, litigation may be initiated on a variety of grounds, or
legislation may be enacted, affecting the Securities in the Portfolio or the
issuers of the Securities. Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative
impact on certain companies represented in the Portfolio. There can be no
assurance that future litigation, legislation, regulation or deregulation will
not have a material adverse effect on the Portfolio or will not impair the
ability of the issuers of the Securities to achieve their
2
<PAGE>
business goals. From time to time Congress considers proposals to reduce the
rate of the dividends-received deduction. This type of legislation, if enacted
into law, would adversely affect the after-tax return to investors who can take
advantage of the deduction. See Taxes.
LIFE OF THE FUND
The size and composition of the Portfolio will be affected by the level of
redemptions of Units that may occur from time to time. Principally, this will
depend upon the number of investors seeking to sell or redeem their Units or
participating in a rollover. The Portfolio will be terminated no later than the
mandatory termination date specified in Part A of the Prospectus. It will
terminate earlier upon the disposition of the last Security or upon the consent
of investors holding 51% of the Units. The Portfolio may also be terminated
earlier by the Sponsor once its total assets have fallen below the minimum value
specified in Part A of the Prospectus. A decision by the Sponsor to terminate
the Portfolio early, which will likely be made following the rollover, will be
based on factors such as the size of the Portfolio relative to its original
size, the ratio of Portfolio expenses to income, and the cost of maintaining a
current prospectus. See Trust Termination.
HOW TO BUY UNITS
Units are available from the Sponsor, Underwriter and other broker-dealers
at the Public Offering Price. The Public Offering Price varies each Business Day
with changes in the value of the Portfolio and other assets and liabilities of
the Portfolio.
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE
Units are charged a combination of Initial and Deferred Sales Charges
equal, in the aggregate, to a maximum charge of 2.75% of the public offering
price or, for quantity purchases of units of all Focus and Select Portfolios by
an investor and the investor's spouse and minor children, or by a single trust
estate or fiduciary account, made on a single day, the following percentages of
the public offering price:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE
(GROSS UNDERWRITING PROFIT)
------------------------------------
AS % OF PUBLIC AS % OF NET
AMOUNT PURCHASED OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000............................................................................ 2.75% 2.778%
$50,000 to $99,999........................................................................... 2.50 2.519
$100,000 to $249,999......................................................................... 2.00 2.005
$250,000 to $999,999......................................................................... 1.75 1.750
$1,000,000 or more........................................................................... 1.00 1.000
</TABLE>
In addition, a portion of the Public Offering Price also consists of securities
in an amount sufficient to pay for all or a portion of the costs incurred in
establishing the Portfolio, including the cost of the initial preparation of
documents relating to the Portfolio, federal and state registration fees, and
the initial fees and expenses of the Trustee, legal expenses and any other
out-of-pocket expenses. The estimated organziation costs will be deducted from
the assets of the Portfolio as of the close of the initial offering period.
The Deferred Sales Charge is a monthly charge of $1.75 per 1,000 units and
is accrued in ten monthly installments commencing on the date indicated in part
A of this Prospectus. Units redeemed or repurchased prior to the accrual of the
final Deferred Sales Charge installment will have the amount of any remaining
installments deducted from the redemption or repurchase proceeds or deducted in
calculating an in-kind redemption, although this deduction will be waived in the
event of the death or disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of
1986) of an investor. The Initial Sales Charge is equal to the aggregate sales
charge, determined as described above, less the aggregate amount of any
remaining installments of the Deferred Sales Charge (see Rollover below).
It is anticipated that Securities will not be sold to pay the Deferred
Sales Charge until after the date of the last installment. Investors will be at
risk for market price fluctuations in the Securities from the several
installment accrual dates to the dates of actual sale of Securities to satisfy
this liability.
Employees of the Sponsor and Sponsor affiliates and non-employee directors
of Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. may purchase Units subject only to the Deferred
Sales Charge.
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EVALUATIONS
Evaluations are determined by the Trustee on each Business Day. This
excludes Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays as observed by the New
York Stock Exchange: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents'
Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and
Christmas. If the Securities are listed on a national securities exchange or the
Nasdaq National Market, evaluations are generally based on closing sales prices
on that exchange or system (unless the Trustee deems these prices inappropriate)
or, if closing sales prices are not available, at the mean between the closing
bid and offer prices. If the Securities are not listed or if listed but the
principal market is elsewhere, the evaluation is generally determined based on
sales prices of the Securities on the over-the-counter market or, if sales
prices in that market are not available, on the basis of the mean between
current bid and offer prices for the Securities or for comparable securities or
by appraisal or by any combination of these methods. Neither the Sponsor nor the
Trustee guarantees the enforceability, marketability or price of any Securities.
NO CERTIFICATES
All investors are required to hold their Units in uncertificated form and
in 'street name' by their broker, dealer or financial institution at the
Depository Trust Company ('DTC').
HOW TO REDEEM OR SELL UNITS
You can redeem your Units at any time for net asset value. In addition, the
Sponsor has maintained an uninterrupted secondary market for Units for over 20
years and will ordinarily buy back Units at net asset value. The following
describes these two methods to redeem or sell Units in greater detail.
REDEEMING UNITS WITH THE TRUSTEE
You can always redeem your Units for net asset value. This can be done by
contacting your broker, dealer or financial institution that holds your Units in
street name. In certain instances, additional documents may be required such as
a trust instrument, certificate of corporate authority, certificate of death or
appointment as executor, administrator or guardian.
Within seven days after the receipt of your request (and any necessary
documents), a check will be mailed to you in an amount equal to the net asset
value of your Units. Because of the sales charge, market movements or changes in
the Portfolio, net asset value at the time you redeem your Units may be greater
or less than the original cost of your Units. Net asset value is calculated each
Business Day by adding the value of the Securities, declared but unpaid
dividends on the Securities, cash and the value of any other Portfolio assets;
deducting unpaid taxes or other governmental charges, accrued but unpaid
Portfolio expenses and any remaining deferred sales charges, unreimbursed
Trustee advances, cash held to redeem Units or for distribution to investors and
the value of any other Portfolio liabilities; and dividing the result by the
number of outstanding Units. After the initial offering period, net asset value
will be reduced to reflect the cost of liquidating Securities to pay the
redemption price.
As long as the Sponsor is maintaining a secondary market for Units (as
described below), the Trustee will not actually redeem your Units but will sell
them to the Sponsor for net asset value. If the Sponsor is not maintaining a
secondary market, the Trustee will redeem your Units for net asset value or will
sell your Units in the over-the-counter market if the Trustee believes it will
obtain a higher net price for your Units. If the Trustee is able to sell the
Units for a net price higher than net asset value, you will receive the net
proceeds of the sale.
If cash is not available in the Income and Capital Accounts to pay
redemptions, the Trustee may sell Securities selected by the Sponsor based on
market and credit factors determined to be in the best interest of the
Portfolio. These sales are often made at times when the Securities would not
otherwise be sold and may result in lower prices than might be realized
otherwise and may also reduce the size and diversity of the Portfolio. If
Securities are being sold during a time when additional Units are being created
by the purchase of additional Securities (as described under Portfolio
Selection), Securities will be sold in a manner designed to maintain, to the
extent practicable, the proportionate relationship among the number of shares of
each Security in the Portfolio.
Any investor and related accounts owning Units representing Securities with
a value of at least $250,000 who redeems those Units prior to the rollover
notification date indicated in Part A of the Prospectus may, in lieu of cash
redemption, request distribution in kind of an amount and value of Securities
per Unit equal to the otherwise applicable Redemption Price per Unit. Generally,
whole shares of each Security together with cash from the Capital Account
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equal to any fractional shares to which the investor would be entitled (less any
Deferred Sales Charge payable) will be paid over to a distribution agent and
either held for the account of the investor or disposed of in accordance with
instructions of the investor. Any brokerage commissions on sales of Securities
in connection with in-kind redemptions will be borne by the redeeming investors.
The in-kind redemption option is subject to all applicable legal restrictions
and may be terminated by the Sponsor at any time upon prior notice to investors.
Redemptions may be suspended or payment postponed (i) if the New York Stock
Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), (ii) if
the SEC determines that trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted or
that an emergency exists making disposal or evaluation of the Securities not
reasonably practicable or (iii) for any other period permitted by SEC order.
SPONSOR'S SECONDARY MARKET FOR UNITS
The Sponsor, while not obligated to do so, will buy back Units at net asset
value without any other fee or charge as long as they are maintaining a
secondary market for Units. Because of the sales charge, market movements or
changes in the portfolio, net asset value at the time you sell your Units may be
greater or less than the original cost of your Units. You should consult your
financial professional for current market prices to determine if other
broker-dealers or banks are offering higher prices for Units.
The Sponsor may discontinue the secondary market for Units without prior
notice if the supply of Units exceeds demand or for other business reasons.
Regardless of whether the Sponsor maintains a secondary market, you have the
right to redeem your Units for net asset value with the Trustee at any time, as
described above.
TRUST TERMINATION
Notice of impending termination of the Portfolio will be provided to
investors. A proportional share of the expenses associated with termination,
including brokerage costs incurred in disposing of Securities, will be borne by
investors remaining at that time. These expenses will reduce the amount of cash
or Securities those investors are to receive in any final distribution.
Upon termination of the Portfolio, the Trustee will distribute the
Securities and any cash in the Portfolio to a distribution agent that will act
as agent for the investors. Unless an investor elects to receive an in-kind
distribution of Securities, as discussed below, the distribution agent will, as
promptly as practicable, sell the investor's pro rata share of the Securities
and distribute to the investor the proceeds of the sale, less brokerage and
other related expenses, and the investor's pro rata share of any cash from the
Portfolio.
Any investor holding units at the termination of the Portfolio may, by
written notice to the Trustee at least ten business days prior to termination,
elect to receive an in-kind distribution of the investor's pro rata share of the
Securities remaining in the Portfolio at that time (net of the investor's share
of expenses). Fractional shares of Securities will be sold by the distribution
agent and the net proceeds distributed to investors. Investors subsequently
selling Securities received in-kind will incur brokerage costs at that time
which may exceed the value of any tax deferral obtained through the in-kind
distribution. Securities received in an in-kind termination distribution may not
be contributed to acquire units of another Series.
ROLLOVER
In lieu of redeeming their Units or receiving liquidation proceeds upon the
termination of the Portfolio, investors may elect, by contacting their financial
adviser prior to the rollover notification date indicated in Part A, to exchange
their Units in the Portfolio for units of next year's corresponding Year Ahead
Portfolio (if available). No election to roll over may be made prior to 30 days
before the date of the rollover, and any rollover election will be revocable at
any time prior to the date of the rollover. It is expected that the terms of the
new portfolio will be substantially the same as those of the Portfolio.
The rollover of an investor's Units is intended to be effected in a manner
that will not result in the recognition of either gain or loss for U.S. federal
income tax purposes with respect to Securities that are included in the new
portfolio ('Duplicated Securities'). Units held by an investor who elects the
rollover option will be redeemed through an in-kind distribution to a
distribution agent of the investor's pro rata share of Securities. The
distribution agent will then adjust the Securities distributed to the investor
so that its composition matches the investment profile of the new
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portfolio. This adjustment will involve the sale of non-Duplicated Securities
and, possibly, of a portion of certain Duplicated Securities in order to
rebalance the portfolio, and the purchase of replacement Securities. Any excess
sales proceeds, net of sales related expenses, will be distributed to the
investor. After this adjustment the distribution agent will make an in-kind
contribution of the adjusted Securities to the new portfolio. Upon receipt of
the in-kind contribution, the trustee of the new portfolio will issue the
appropriate number of units in the new portfolio to the investor.
An investor who elects the rollover option will recognize capital gain or
loss with respect to the Securities, including fractional Securities, sold by
the distribution agent, but will not recognize gain or loss with respect to the
Duplicated Securities that are contributed in-kind to the new portfolio. The
Sponsor intends to provide investors with information that will assist them in
determining their tax liability on an eventual sale of the Duplicated
Securities.
The Sponsor intends to cause the distribution agent to sell those
Securities that will not be contributed to the new portfolio, and then to create
units of the new portfolio, in each case as quickly as possible subject to the
Sponsor's sensitivity that the concentrated sale and purchase of large volumes
of securities may affect market prices in a manner adverse to the interest of
investors. Accordingly, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, undertake a
more gradual sale of Securities and a more gradual creation of units of the new
portfolio to help mitigate any negative market price consequences caused by this
large volume of securities trades. In order to minimize potential losses caused
by market movement during the rollover period, the Sponsor may enter into
program trades, which might increase brokerage commissions payable by investors.
There can be no assurance, however, that any trading procedures will be
successful or might not result in less advantageous prices. Pending the
investment of rollover proceeds in securities to comprise the new portfolio,
those moneys may be uninvested for several days.
Investors who participate in the rollover will not be entitled to receive a
cash distribution with which to pay any taxes incurred as a result of the
rollover procedure. Investors who do not participate in the rollover or
otherwise redeem their Units continue to hold their Units until the termination
of the Portfolio; however, depending upon the extent of participation in the
rollover, the aggregate size of the Portfolio will be reduced which could result
in an increase in per Unit expenses.
The Sponsor may, in its sole discretion and without penalty or liability to
investors, decide not to sponsor a new portfolio or to modify the terms of the
rollover. Prior notice of any decision would be provided to investors.
The Division of Investment Management of the SEC is of the view that the
rollover option constitutes an 'exchange offer', for the purposes of Section
11(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, and would therefore be prohibited
absent an exemptive order. The Sponsor has received exemptive orders under
Section 11(c) which it believes permit it to offer the rollover, but no
assurance can be given that the SEC will concur with the Sponsor's position and
additional regulatory approvals may be required.
INCOME, DISTRIBUTIONS AND REINVESTMENT
INCOME AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Although current dividend income is not an objective of the Portfolio and
it is anticipated that expenses will exceed available income, the annual income
per Unit will depend primarily upon the amount of dividends declared and paid by
the issuers of the Securities and changes in the expenses of the Portfolio and,
to a lesser degree, upon the level of purchases of additional Securities and
sales of Securities. There is no assurance that dividends on the Securities will
continue at their current levels or be declared at all.
Each Unit receives an equal share of distributions of dividend income net
of estimated expenses. Because dividends on the Securities are not received at a
constant rate throughout the year, any distribution may be more or less than the
amount then credited to the Income Account. Dividends received are credited to
an Income Account and other receipts to a Capital Account. A Reserve Account may
be created by withdrawing from the Income and Capital Accounts amounts
considered appropriate by the Trustee to reserve for any material amount that
may be payable out of the Portfolio. Funds held by the Trustee in the various
accounts do not bear interest. In addition, distributions of amounts necessary
to pay the Deferred Sales Charge will be made from the Capital Account to an
account maintained by the Trustee for purposes of satisfying investors' sales
charge obligations. Although the Sponsor may collect the Deferred Sales Charge
monthly, to keep Units more fully invested the Sponsor currently does not
anticipate sales of Securities to pay the Deferred Sales Charge until after the
rollover notification date. Proceeds of the disposition of any Securities not
used to pay Deferred Sales Charge or to redeem Units will be held in the Capital
Account and distributed following liquidation of the Portfolio.
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REINVESTMENT
Any income and principal distributions on Units may be reinvested by
participating in the Portfolio's reinvestment plan. Under the plan, the Units
acquired for investors will be either Units already held in inventory by the
Sponsor or new Units created by the Sponsor's deposit of additional Securities,
contracts to purchase additional Securities or cash (or a bank letter of credit
in lieu of cash) with instructions to purchase additional Securities. Deposits
or purchases of additional Securities will generally be made so as to maintain
the then existing proportionate relationship among the number of shares of each
Security in the Fund. Units acquired by reinvestment will not be subject to the
initial sales charge but will be subject to any remaining installments of
Deferred Sales Charge. The Sponsor reserves the right to amend, modify or
terminate the reinvestment plan at any time without prior notice. Investors
holding Units in 'street name' should contact their broker, dealer or financial
institution if they wish to participate in the reinvestment plan.
PORTFOLIO EXPENSES
Estimated annual Portfolio expenses are listed in Part A of the Prospectus;
if actual expenses exceed the estimate, the excess will be borne by the
Portfolio. To the extent that expenses exceed the amount available in the Income
Account, the Trustee is authorized to sell Securities and pay the excess
expenses from the Capital Account. The estimated expenses do not include the
brokerage commissions payable by the Portfolio in purchasing and selling
Securities. The Trustee's Fee shown in Part A of this Prospectus assumes that
the Portfolio will reach a size estimated by the Sponsor and is based on a
sliding fee scale that reduces the per 1,000 Units Trustee's fee as the size of
the Portfolio increases. The Trustee's annual fee is payable in monthly
installments. The Trustee also benefits when it holds cash for the Portfolio in
non-interest bearing accounts. Possible additional charges include Trustee fees
and expenses for extraordinary services, costs of indemnifying the Trustee and
the Sponsor, costs of action taken to protect the Portfolio and other legal fees
and expenses, termination expenses and any governmental charges. The Trustee has
a lien on Portfolio assets to secure reimbursement of these amounts and may sell
Securities for this purpose if cash is not available. The Sponsor receives an
annual fee currently estimated at $0.45 per 1,000 Units to reimburse it for the
cost of providing Portfolio supervisory, bookkeeping and administrative services
properly chargeable to the Portfolio. While the fee may exceed the amount of
these costs and expenses attributable to the Portfolio, the total of these fees
from all Series of Defined Asset Funds will not exceed the aggregate amount
attributable to all of those Series during any calendar year. The Trustee's and
Sponsor's fees may be adjusted for inflation without investors' approval.
Advertising and selling expenses will be paid by the Sponsor at no charge
to the Portfolio. Defined Asset Funds can be a cost-effective way to purchase
and hold investments. Annual operating expenses are generally lower than for
managed funds. Because Defined Asset Funds have no management fees, limited
transaction costs and no ongoing marketing expenses, operating expenses are
generally less than 0.25% a year. When compounded annually, small differences in
expense ratios can make a big difference in your investment results.
TAXES
The following discussion addresses only the tax consequences of Units held
as capital assets and does not address the tax consequences of Units held by
dealers, financial institutions or insurance companies.
In the opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell, special counsel for the Sponsors,
under existing law:
The Portfolio is not an association taxable as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes. Each investor will be considered the owner of a pro
rata portion of each Security in the Portfolio under the grantor trust
rules of Sections 671-679 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the 'Code'). Each investor will be considered to have received all of the
dividends paid on his pro rata portion of each Security when such dividends
are received by the Portfolio, regardless of whether such dividends are
used to pay a portion of Portfolio expenses or whether they are
automatically reinvested (see Reinvestment Plan).
Amounts considered to have been received by a corporate investor from
domestic corporations that constitute dividends for federal income tax
purposes will generally qualify for the dividends-received deduction, which
is currently 70%. Depending upon the particular corporate investor's
circumstances, limitations on the availability of the dividends-received
deduction may be applicable. Further, Congress from time to time considers
proposals that would adversely affect the after-tax return to investors
that can take advantage of the deduction. For example, the recently enacted
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 requires that the 46-day holding period for the
dividends-received deduction must begin before and include each ex-dividend
date and excludes the
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purchase date and any days during which the investor's investment is
hedged. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers in this
regard.
An individual investor who itemizes deductions will be entitled to
deduct his pro rata share of current Portfolio expenses only to the extent
that this amount together with the investor's other miscellaneous
deductions exceeds 2% of his adjusted gross income. The Code further
restricts the ability of an individual investor with an adjusted gross
income in excess of a specified amount (for 1998, $124,500 or $62,250 for a
married person filing a separate return) to claim itemized deductions
(including his pro rata share of Portfolio expenses).
The investor's basis in his Units will equal the cost of his Units,
including the initial sales charge. A portion of the sales charge is
deferred until the termination of the Portfolio or the redemption of the
Units. The proceeds received by an investor upon such event will reflect
deduction of the deferred amount (the 'Deferred Sales Charge') and a charge
for organizational expenses. The annual statement and the relevant tax
reporting forms received by investors will be based upon the amounts paid
to them, net of the Deferred Sales Charge and the charge for organizational
expenses. Accordingly, investors should not increase their basis in their
Units by the Deferred Sales Charge amount or any amount used to pay
organizational expenses.
An investor will generally recognize capital gain or loss when the
investor disposes of his Units for cash by sale or redemption) or when the
Trustee disposes of the Securities from the Portoflio. Generally, an
investor will not recognize gain or loss upon the distribution of a pro
rata amount of each of the Securities by the Trustee to an investor (or to
his agent) in redemption of Units or upon termination of the Portfolio,
except to the extent of cash received in lieu of fractional shares. The
redeeming investor's basis for the Securities will be equal to his basis
for the same Securities (previously represented by his Units) prior to the
redemption, and his holding period for the Securities will include the
period during which he held his Units.
An investor who elects to roll over into a new portfolio (a 'rollover
investor') will not recognize gain or loss either upon the distribution of
Securities by the Trustee to the distribution agent or upon the
contribution of Duplicated Securities (as defined under Rollover) to the
new portfolio. The rollover investor will generally recognize capital gain
or loss as a consequence of the distribution agent's sale of non-Duplicated
Securities. The rollover investor's basis for the Duplicated Securities
that are contributed in-kind to the new portfolio will be equal to his
basis for the same Duplicated Securities prior to the rollover.
A capital gain or loss is long-term if the relevant asset is held for
more than one year and short-term if held for one year or less. A
noncorporate investor may be entitled to the 20% maximum federal tax for
capital gains derived from the Portfolio if he has held his Units for more
than one year, or if his holding period for contributed Duplicated
Securities (which, in the case of a rollover investor, includes the period
during which he held an interest in the same Duplicated Securities in prior
years' corresponding Year Ahead Portfolios) is greater than one year. The
deduction of capital losses is subject to limitations. Investors should
consult their tax advisers regarding these matters.
Under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, the
Portfolio is not an association taxable as a corporation and the income of
the Portfolio will be treated as the income of the investors in the same
manner as for federal income tax purposes.
The foregoing discussion summarizes only certain U.S. federal and New
York State and City income tax consequences of an investment in Units by
investors who are U.S. persons, as defined in the Code. Foreign investors
(including nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations) not
engaged in U.S. trade or business will generally be subject to 30%
withholding tax (or lower applicable treaty rate) on distributions.
Investors may be subject to taxation in New York or in other U.S. or
foreign jurisdictions and should consult their own tax advisers in this
regard.
* * * *
At the termination of the Portfolio, the Trustee will furnish to each
investor an annual statement containing information relating to the dividends
received by the Portfolio on the Securities, the cash proceeds received by the
Portfolio from the disposition of any Security (resulting from redemption or the
sale by the Portfolio of any Security), and the fees and expenses paid by the
Portfolio. The Trustee will also furnish annual information returns to each
investor and to the Internal Revenue Service.
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RETIREMENT PLANS
This Series of Equity Investor Fund may be well suited for purchase by
Individual Retirement Accounts ('IRAs'), Keogh plans, pension funds and other
qualified retirement plans, certain of which are briefly described below.
Generally, capital gains and income received in each of the foregoing plans are
exempt from federal taxation. All distributions from such plans are generally
treated as ordinary income but may, in some cases, be eligible for special 5 or
10 year averaging (prior to the year 2000) or tax-deferred rollover treatment.
Holders of Units in IRAs, Keogh plans and other tax-deferred retirement plans
should consult their plan custodian as to the appropriate disposition of
distributions. Investors considering participation in any of these plans should
review specific tax laws related thereto and should consult their attorneys or
tax advisers with respect to the establishment and maintenance of any of these
plans. These plans are generally offered by brokerage firms, including the
Sponsors of this Portfolio, and other financial institutions. Fees and charges
with respect to such plans may vary.
Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed--Keogh Plans. Units may be purchased
by retirement plans established for self-employed individuals, partnerships or
unincorporated companies ('Keogh plans'). The assets of a Keogh plan must be
held in a qualified trust or other arrangement which meets the requirements of
the Code. Keogh plan participants may also establish separate IRAs (see below)
to which they may contribute up to an additional $2,000 per year ($4,000 in a
spousal account).
Individual Retirement Account--IRA. Any individual can make use of a
qualified IRA arrangement for the purchase of Units. Any individual (including
one covered by an employer retirement plan) can make a contribution in an IRA
equal to the lesser of $2,000 ($4,000 in a spousal account) or 100% of earned
income; such investment must be made in cash. However, the deductible amount of
a contribution by an individual covered by an employer retirement plan will be
reduced if the individual's adjusted gross income exceeds $25,000 (in the case
of a single individual), $40,000 (in the case of a married individual filing a
joint return) or $200 (in the case of a married individual filing a separate
return). These income threshholds will gradually be increased by the year 2004
to $50,000 for a single individual and $80,000 for a married individual filing
jointly. Certain transactions which are prohibited under Section 408 of the Code
will cause all or a portion of the amount in an IRA to be deemed to the
distributed and subject to tax at that time. Unless nondeductible contributions
were made in 1987 or a later year, all distributions from an IRA will be treated
as ordinary income but generally are eligible for tax-deferred rollover
treatment. Taxable distributions made before attainment of age 59 1/2, except in
the case of the participant's death or disability or where the amount
distributed is part of a series of substantially equal periodic (at least
annual) payments that are to be made over the life expectancies of the
participant and his or her beneficiary, are generally subject to a surtax in an
amount equal to 10% of the distribution. The 10% surtax will be waived for
withdrawals for certain educational and first-time homebuyer expenses. Under a
special type of IRA, contributions would be non-deductible but distributions
would be tax-free if the account were held for at least five years and the
account holder was at least 59 1/2 at the time of the distribution.
Corporate Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans. A pension or profit-sharing
plan for employees of a corporation may purchase Units.
RECORDS AND REPORTS
The Trustee keeps a register of the names, addresses and holdings of all
investors. The Trustee also keeps records of the transactions of the Portfolio,
including a current list of the Securities and a copy of the Indenture, which
may be inspected by investors at reasonable times during business hours.
With each distribution, the Trustee includes a statement of the amounts of
income and any other receipts being distributed. Following the termination of
the Portfolio, the Trustee sends each investor of record a statement summarizing
transactions in the Portfolio's accounts including amounts distributed from
them, identifying Securities sold and purchased and listing Securities held and
the number of Units outstanding at termination and stating the Redemption Price
per 1,000 Units at termination, and the fees and expenses paid by the Portfolio,
among other matters. Portfolio accounts may be audited by independent
accountants selected by the Sponsors and any report of the accountants will be
available from the Trustee on request.
TRUST INDENTURE
The Portfolio is a 'unit investment trust' created under New York law by a
Trust Indenture among the Sponsors and the Trustee. This Prospectus summarizes
various provisions of the Indenture, but each statement is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the Indenture.
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The Indenture may be amended by the Sponsor and the Trustee without consent
by investors to cure ambiguities or to correct or supplement any defective or
inconsistent provision, to make any amendment required by the SEC or other
governmental agency or to make any other change not materially adverse to the
interest of investors (as determined in good faith by the Sponsors). The
Indenture may also generally be amended upon consent of investors holding 51% of
the Units. No amendment may reduce the interest of any investor in the Portfolio
without the investor's consent or reduce the percentage of Units required to
consent to any amendment without unanimous consent of investors. Investors will
be notified of the substance of any amendment.
The Trustee may resign upon notice to the Sponsor. It may be removed by
investors holding 51% of the Units at any time or by the Sponsor without the
consent of investors if it becomes incapable of acting or bankrupt, its affairs
are taken over by public authorities, or if under certain conditions the Sponsor
determines in good faith that its replacement is in the best interest of the
investors. The resignation or removal becomes effective upon acceptance of
appointment by a successor; in this case, the Sponsor will use its best efforts
to appoint a successor promptly; however, if upon resignation no successor has
accepted appointment within 30 days after notification, the resigning Trustee
may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor.
If the Sponsor fails to perform its duties or becomes incapable of acting
or bankrupt or its affairs are taken over by public authorities, the Trustee may
appoint a successor Sponsor at reasonable rates of compensation, terminate the
Indenture and liquidate the Portfolio or continue to act as Trustee without a
Sponsor.
The Sponsor and the Trustee are not liable to investors or any other party
for any act or omission in the conduct of their responsibilities absent bad
faith, willful misfeasance, negligence (gross negligence in the case of the
Sponsor) or reckless disregard of duty. The Indenture contains customary
provisions limiting the liability of the Trustee.
MISCELLANEOUS
LEGAL OPINION
The legality of the Units has been passed upon by Davis Polk & Wardwell,
450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, as special counsel for the
Sponsor.
AUDITORS
The Statement of Condition in Part A of the Prospectus was audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent accountants, as stated in their opinion. It
is included in reliance upon that opinion given on the authority of that firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
TRUSTEE
The Trustee and its address are stated on the back cover of the Prospectus.
The Trustee is subject to supervision by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and New York
State banking authorities.
SPONSOR
The Sponsor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. The
Sponsor, or one of its predecessor corporations, has acted as Sponsor of a
number of series of unit investment trusts and as principal underwriter and
managing underwriter of other investment companies. The Sponsor, in addition to
participating as a member of various selling groups or as agent of other
investment companies, executes orders on behalf of investment companies for the
purchase and sale of securities of these companies and sells securities to these
companies in its capacities as broker or dealer in securities.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
Many computer systems were designed using only two digits to designate
years. These systems may not be able to distinguish the Year 2000 from the Year
1900 (commonly known as the 'Year 2000 Problem'). Like other investment
companies and financial and business organizations, the Portfolio could be
adversely affected if the computer systems used by the Sponsor or Portfolio
service providers do not properly address this problem prior to January 1, 2000.
The Sponsor has established a dedicated group to analyze these issues and to
implement any systems modifications necessary to prepare for the Year 2000.
Currently, we do not anticipate that the transition to the 21st century will
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have any material effect on the Portfolio. The Sponsor has sought assurances
from the Portfolio's other service providers that they are taking all necessary
steps to ensure that their computer systems will accurately reflect the Year
2000, and the Sponsor will continue to monitor the situation. At this time,
however, no assurance can be given that the Portfolio's other service providers
have anticipated every step necessary to avoid any adverse effect on the
Portfolio attributable to the Year 2000 Problem.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Sponsor has adopted a code of ethics requiring preclearance and
reporting of personal securities transactions by its personnel who have access
to information on Defined Asset Funds portfolio transactions. The code is
intended to prevent any act, practice or course of conduct which would operate
as a fraud or deceit on any Fund and to provide guidance to these persons
regarding standards of conduct consistent with the Sponsor's responsibilities to
the Funds.
PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
During the initial offering period and thereafter to the extent additional
Units continue to be offered for sale to the public by means of this Prospectus,
Units will be distributed directly to the public by this Prospectus at the
Public Offering Price determined in the manner provided above or to selected
dealers who are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
at a concession not in excess of the maximum sales charge. The Sponsor intends
to qualify Units for sale in all states in which qualification is deemed
necessary through the Underwriting Account and by dealers who are members of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.. The Sponsor does not intend to
qualify Units for sale in any foreign countries and this Prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell Units in any country where Units cannot lawfully be
sold.
UNDERWRITER'S AND SPONSOR'S PROFITS
Upon sale of the Units, the Sponsor will be entitled to receive sales
charges. The Sponsor also realizes a profit or loss on deposit of the Securities
equal to the difference between the cost of the Securities to the Portfolio
(based on the aggregate value of the Securities on their date of deposit) and
the purchase price of the Securities to the Sponsor plus commissions payable by
the Sponsor. In addition, the Sponsor or Underwriter may realize profits or
sustain losses on Securities it deposits in the Portfolio which were acquired
from underwriting syndicates of which it was a member. During the initial
offering period, the Sponsor also may realize profits or sustain losses as a
result of fluctuations after the initial date of deposit in the Public Offering
Price of the Units. In maintaining a secondary market for Units, the Sponsor
will also realize profits or sustain losses in the amount of any difference
between the prices at which it buys Units and the prices at which it resells
these Units (which include the sales charge) or the prices at which it redeems
the Units. Cash, if any, made available by buyers of Units to the Sponsor prior
to a settlement date for the purchase of Units may be used in the Sponsor's
business to the extent permitted by Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and may be of benefit to the Sponsor.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Total returns, average annualized returns or cumulative returns for various
periods of the current or one or more prior Select Portfolios may be included
from time to time in advertisements, sales literature and reports to current and
prospective investors. Total return shows changes in unit price during the
period plus reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, divided by the maximum
public offering price. Average annualized returns show the average return for
stated periods for longer than a year. Figures reflect deduction of all
Portfolio expenses and, unless otherwise stated, the maximum sales charge. No
provision is made for any income taxes payable. Investors should bear in mind
that this represents past performance and is no assurance of the future results
of any current or future Portfolio.
Past performance of any series may not be indicative of results of future
series. Portfolio performance may be compared to the performance of the DJIA,
the S&P 500 Composite Price Stock Index, the S&P MidCap 400 Index, the S&P
500/Barra Growth Index, the average growth mutual fund or performance data from
publications such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar Publications,
Inc., Money Magazine, The New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, Barron's,
Business Week, CDA Investment Technology, Inc., Forbes Magazine or Fortune
Magazine.
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DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
For decades informed investors have purchased unit investment trusts for
dependability and professional selection of investments. Defined Asset Funds'
philosophy is to allow investors to 'buy with knowledge' (because, unlike
managed funds, the portfolio is generally fixed) and 'hold with confidence'
(because the portfolio is professionally selected and regularly reviewed).
Defined Asset Funds offers an array of simple and convenient investment choices,
suited to fit a wide variety of personal financial goals--a buy and hold
strategy for capital accumulation, such as for children's education or
retirement, or attractive, regular current income consistent with the
preservation of principal. Unit investment trusts are particularly suited for
the many investors who prefer to seek long-term profits by purchasing and
holding investments, rather than through active trading. Few individuals have
the knowledge, resources or capital to buy and hold a diversified portfolio on
their own; it would generally take a considerable sum of money to obtain the
breadth and diversity that Defined Asset Funds offer. Your investment objectives
may call for a combination of Defined Asset Funds.
One of the most important investment decisions you face may be how to
allocate your investments among asset classes. Diversification among different
kinds of investments can balance the risks and rewards of each one. Most
investment experts recommend stocks for long-term capital growth. Long-term
corporate bonds offer relatively high rates of interest income. By purchasing
both defined equity and defined bond funds, investors can receive attractive
current income, as well as growth potential, offering some protection against
inflation. From time to time various advertisements, sales literature, reports
and other information furnished to current or prospective investors may present
the average annual compounded rate of return of selected asset classes over
various periods of time, compared to the rate of inflation over the same
periods.
Investors may pursue investment growth to meet long-term goals such as
children's education or retirement. But they are faced with decisions of
selecting stock groups, choosing individual stocks, determining when to buy and
sell and how to reinvest sales proceeds. Growth stocks--those whose price is
expected to appreciate above average usually because of superior growth in
earnings per share--can be difficult to select successfully because their prices
tend to be more volatile than more established stocks and, by the time they are
discovered by ordinary investors, their prices may have already increased beyond
attractive levels or may be susceptible to dramatic declines if actual
performance is less than anticipated.
EXCHANGE OPTION
You may exchange units of this Portfolio for units of other Select and
Focus Series and certain other Defined Asset Funds with a combination of initial
and deferred sales charges. Select and Focus Portfolios have a sales charge for
first-time investors of 1% initially and annual deferred sales charges of $17.50
per 1,000 units. On exchanges, the initial sales charge is waived and units are
acquired subject to any remaining deferred sales charges. Investors can also
exchange units of those Portfolios and similar series of unaffiliated equity
unit investment trusts and Select Series Year Ahead Portfolios of Group One
International Trust for Portfolio Units, subject only to the Portoflio's
remaining deferred sales charges. In the future, the Exchange Option may be
extended to other series and types of trusts with similar sales charge
structures.
To make an exchange, you should contact your financial professional to find
out what suitable exchange funds are available and to obtain a prospectus. You
may acquire units of only those exchange funds in which the Sponsor is
maintaining a market and which are lawfully for sale in the state where you
reside. Except for the reduced sales charge, an exchange is a taxable event
normally requiring recognition of any gain or loss on the units exchanged.
However, the Internal Revenue Service may seek to disallow a loss if the
portfolio of the units acquired is not materially different from the portfolio
of the units exchanged; you should consult your own tax adviser. If the proceeds
of units exchanged are insufficient to acquire a whole number of exchange fund
units, you may pay the difference in cash (not exceeding the price of a single
unit acquired).
As the Sponsor is not obligated to maintain a market in any series, there
can be no assurance that units of a desired series will be available for
exchange. The Exchange Option may be amended or terminated at any time without
notice.
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Upon writing or calling the Trustee shown on the back cover of this
Prospectus, investors will receive without charge supplemental information about
the Portfolio, which has been filed with the SEC. The supplemental information
includes more detailed risk factor disclosure about the types of securities that
may be part of the Portfolio and general information about the structure and
operation of the Portfolio.
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Defined
Asset FundsSM
SPONSOR: EQUITY INVESTOR FUND
Merrill Lynch, FOCUS SERIES
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated1999 YEAR AHEAD PORTFOLIO
Defined Asset Funds
P.O. Box 9051
Princeton, NJ 08543-9051
(609) 282-8500 This Prospectus does not contain all of the
TRUSTEE: information with respect to the investment
The Chase Manhattan Bank company set forth in its registration
Customer Service Retail Department statement and exhibits relating thereto which
Bowling Green Station have been filed with the Securities and
P.O. Box 5187 Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. under
New York, NY 10274-5187 the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
1-800-323-1508 Company Act of 1940, and to which reference
is hereby made. Copies of filed material can
be obtained from the Public Reference Section
of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates.
The Commission also maintains a Web site that
contains information statements and other
information regarding registrants such as
Defined Asset Funds that file electronically
with the Commission at http://www.sec.gov.
------------------------------
No person is authorized to give any
information or to make any representations
with respect to this investment company not
contained in its registration statement and
exhibits relating thereto; and any
information or representation not contained
therein must not be relied upon as having
been authorized.
------------------------------
When Units of this Fund are no longer
available or for investors who may reinvest
into subsequent Select Year Ahead Portfolios,
this Prospectus may be used as a preliminary
prospectus for a future series, and 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 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 qualification under the securities laws of
any such State.
32717--12/98
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