<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 28, 1999
SECURITIES ACT FILE NO. 333-82001
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-09317
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM N-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 [ ]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [ ]
AND/OR
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
AMENDMENT NO. 5 [X]
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
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MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
------------------------
800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY 08536
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (609) 282-2800
TERRY K. GLENN
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD
PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY 08536
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
------------------------
COPIES TO:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
MICHAEL J. HENNEWINKEL, ESQ. FRANK P. BRUNO, ESQ.
FUND ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P. BROWN & WOOD LLP
P.O. BOX 9011 ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048-0557
</TABLE>
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Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon as practicable after the
effective date of this Registration Statement.
------------------------
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), other than securities offered only in
connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following
box. [ ]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434
under the Securities Act, please check the following box. [X]
------------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PROPOSED
PROPOSED MAXIMUM
AMOUNT MAXIMUM AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF BEING OFFERING PRICE OFFERING REGISTRATION
SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED REGISTERED PER UNIT PRICE FEE(1)
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Auction Market Preferred Stock................... 1,560 Shares $25,000 $39,000,000 $10,842
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</TABLE>
(1) Transmitted to the designated lockbox at Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh, PA, $278
was previously paid, $10,564 was transmitted in connection with this filing.
------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY THE EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATE THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON
SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY
DETERMINE.
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<PAGE> 2
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED.
WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 28, 1999
PROSPECTUS
$39,000,000
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
AUCTION MARKET PREFERRED STOCK ["AMPS(R)"]
1,560 SHARES, SERIES A
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE $25,000 PER SHARE
------------------------
MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc. (the "Fund") is a recently
organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that seeks
to provide shareholders with current income exempt from Federal income tax and
New York State and New York City personal income taxes. The Fund seeks to
achieve its objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of long-term,
investment grade municipal obligations the interest on which, in the opinion of
bond counsel to the issuer, is exempt from Federal income tax and New York State
and New York City personal income taxes. The Fund intends to invest in municipal
obligations that are rated investment grade or, if unrated, are considered by
the Fund's investment adviser to be of comparable quality. Under normal
circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in municipal
obligations with remaining maturities of one year or more that are covered by
insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of principal at maturity and interest.
------------------------
This prospectus contains information you should know before investing,
including information about risks. Please read it before you invest and keep it
for future reference. This Fund's statement of additional information contains
further information about the Fund and is incorporated by reference (legally
considered to be part of this prospectus). You may request a free copy by
writing or calling the Fund at (800) 637-3863.
------------------------
INVESTING IN THE AMPS INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS, WHICH ARE DESCRIBED IN THE
"RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 5 OF THIS
PROSPECTUS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER SHARE TOTAL
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<S> <C> <C>
Public Offering Price........... $25,000.00 $39,000,000
Sales Load...................... $ $
Proceeds, before expenses, to
Fund.......................... $ $
</TABLE>
The public offering price per share will be increased by the amount of
accumulated dividends, if any, from the date the shares are first issued.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offence.
One certificate for the shares of AMPS will be ready for delivery to the
nominee of The Depository Trust Company on or about August , 1999.
- ---------------
(R) Registered trademark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
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The date of this prospectus is August , 1999.
<PAGE> 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
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PAGE
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Offering Summary............................................ 3
Risk Factors and Special Considerations..................... 5
The Fund.................................................... 7
Use of Proceeds............................................. 7
Capitalization.............................................. 8
Portfolio Composition....................................... 8
Investment Objective and Policies........................... 9
Description of AMPS......................................... 16
The Auction................................................. 23
Rating Agency Guidelines.................................... 33
Investment Advisory and Management Arrangements............. 34
Taxes....................................................... 35
Description of Capital Stock................................ 37
Custodian................................................... 39
Underwriting................................................ 39
Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Registrar..... 40
Legal Opinions.............................................. 40
Experts..................................................... 40
Year 2000 Issues............................................ 40
Table of Contents of Statement of Additional Information.... 42
Glossary.................................................... 43
</TABLE>
------------------------
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND CAN BE REVIEWED AND COPIED AT THE SEC'S PUBLIC
REFERENCE ROOM IN WASHINGTON, D.C. CALL 1-800-SEC-0330 FOR INFORMATION ON THE
OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC REFERENCE ROOM. THIS INFORMATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON
THE SEC'S INTERNET SITE AT http://www.sec.gov AND COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED UPON
PAYMENT OF A DUPLICATING FEE BY WRITING THE PUBLIC REFERENCE SECTION OF THE SEC,
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549-6009.
------------------------
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We
have not, and the underwriter has not, authorized any other person to provide
you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or
inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the
underwriter is not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction
where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information
appearing in this prospectus is accurate as of the date on the front cover of
this prospectus only. Our business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects may have changed since that date.
2
<PAGE> 4
OFFERING SUMMARY
This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the detailed
information included in this prospectus and the statement of additional
information.
THE OFFERING The Fund is offering a total of 1,560 shares of Auction Market
Preferred Stock, Series A at a purchase price of $25,000 per
share plus accumulated dividends, if any, from the date the
shares are first issued. The shares of AMPS are being offered by
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as
underwriter.
The AMPS will be shares of preferred stock of the Fund that
entitle their holders to receive cash dividends at an annual
rate that may vary for the successive dividend periods. In
general, except as described below, each dividend period
following the initial dividend period will be seven days. The
applicable dividend for a particular dividend period will be
determined by an auction conducted on the business day next
preceding the start of that dividend period.
Investors and potential investors in shares of AMPS may
participate in auctions for the AMPS through their
broker-dealers.
Generally, AMPS investors will not receive certificates
representing ownership of their shares. Ownership of AMPS will
be maintained in book-entry form by the securities depository
(The Depository Trust Company) or its nominee for the account of
the investor's agent member (generally the investor's
broker-dealer). The investor's agent member, in turn, will
maintain records of such investor's beneficial ownership of
AMPS.
DIVIDENDS AND
DIVIDEND
PERIODS Dividends on the shares of AMPS will be cumulative from the date
the shares are first issued and payable beginning on August ,
1999. Thereafter, in the case of dividend periods that are not
special dividend periods, dividends generally will be payable on
each succeeding Friday. After the initial dividend period, each
dividend period for the shares of AMPS will generally consist of
seven days; provided, however, that before any auction, the Fund
may decide, subject to certain limitations and only if it gives
notice to holders, to declare a special dividend period of up to
five years.
Dividends for the shares of AMPS will be paid through the
securities depository (The Depository Trust Company) on each
dividend payment date.
The cash dividend rate on shares of AMPS for the initial
dividend period ending August , 1999 will be %
annualized. For each subsequent dividend period, the auction
agent (IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company) will hold an auction
to determine the cash dividend rate on the shares of AMPS.
DETERMINATION
OF MAXIMUM
DIVIDEND RATES Generally, the applicable dividend rate for any dividend period
for shares of AMPS will be subject to a maximum applicable rate.
The maximum applicable rate for shares of AMPS will depend on
the credit rating assigned to the shares and on the length of
the dividend period. There is no minimum applicable dividend
rate for any dividend period.
3
<PAGE> 5
ASSET
MAINTENANCE Under the Fund's Articles Supplementary creating the AMPS, the
Fund must maintain
- asset coverage of the AMPS as required by the rating agencies
rating the AMPS, and
- asset coverage of the AMPS of at least 200% as required by the
Investment Company Act of 1940.
The Fund estimates that, based on the composition of its
portfolio at July 23, 1999, asset coverage of the AMPS as
required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 would be
approximately 249% immediately after the Fund issues the shares
of AMPS offered by this prospectus representing approximately
40% of the Fund's capital.
MANDATORY
REDEMPTION If the required asset coverage is not maintained or, when
necessary, restored, the Fund must redeem shares of AMPS at the
price of $25,000 per share plus accumulated but unpaid dividends
thereon (whether or not earned or declared). The provisions of
the Investment Company Act of 1940 may restrict the Fund's
ability to make such a mandatory redemption.
OPTIONAL
REDEMPTION The Fund may, at its option, choose to redeem all or a portion
of the shares of AMPS on any dividend payment date at the price
of $25,000 per share, plus accumulated but unpaid dividends
thereon (whether or not earned or declared) plus any applicable
premium.
LIQUIDATION
PREFERENCE The liquidation preference (that is, the amount the Fund must
pay to AMPS shareholders if the Fund is liquidated) of each
share of AMPS will be $25,000, plus an amount equal to
accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or
declared).
RATINGS The AMPS will be issued with a rating of "aaa" from Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. and AAA from Standard & Poor's.
VOTING RIGHTS The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires that the holders of
AMPS and any other preferred stock, voting as a separate class,
have the right to elect at least two directors at all times and
to elect a majority of the directors at any time when dividends
on the AMPS or any other preferred stock are unpaid for two full
years. The Fund's charter and the Investment Company Act of 1940
require holders of AMPS and any other preferred stock to vote as
a separate class on certain other matters.
4
<PAGE> 6
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
New York Municipal Bonds. The Fund intends to invest the majority of its
portfolio in New York municipal bonds. As a result, the Fund is more exposed to
risks affecting issuers of New York municipal bonds than is a municipal bond
fund that invests more widely.
Interest Rate and Credit Risk. The Fund invests in municipal bonds, which
are subject to interest rate and credit risk. Interest rate risk is the risk
that prices of municipal bonds generally increase when interest rates decline
and decrease when interest rates increase. Prices of longer term securities
generally change more in response to interest rate changes than prices of
shorter term securities. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will be unable
to pay the interest or principal when due. The degree of credit risk depends on
both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation.
Non-diversification. The Fund is registered as a "non-diversified"
investment company. This means that the Fund may invest a greater percentage of
its assets in a single issuer than a diversified investment company. Even as a
non-diversified fund, the Fund must meet the diversification requirements of
applicable Federal income tax laws. Since the Fund may invest a relatively high
percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, the Fund may be more
exposed to the effects of any single economic, political or regulatory
occurrence than a more widely-diversified fund. Even as a non-diversified fund,
the Fund must still meet the diversification requirements of applicable Federal
income tax laws.
Rating Categories. The Fund intends to invest in municipal bonds that are
rated investment grade by Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or
Fitch IBCA, Inc. It may also invest in unrated municipal bonds that the Fund's
investment adviser believes are of comparable quality. Obligations rated in the
lowest investment grade category have certain speculative characteristics.
Private Activity Bonds. The Fund may invest in certain tax-exempt
securities classified as "private activity bonds." These bonds may subject
certain investors in the Fund to a Federal alternative minimum tax.
Portfolio Insurance. The Fund will be subject to certain restrictions on
investments imposed by guidelines of the insurance companies issuing the
portfolio insurance. The Fund does not expect these guidelines to prevent the
Fund's investment adviser from managing the Fund's portfolio in accordance with
the Fund's investment objective and policies.
Indexed and Inverse Floating Rate Securities. The Fund may invest in
securities whose potential returns are directly related to changes in an
underlying index or interest rate, known as indexed securities. The return on
indexed securities will rise when the underlying index or interest rate rises
and fall when the index or interest rate falls. The Fund may also invest in
securities whose return is inversely related to changes in an interest rate
(inverse floaters). In general, income on inverse floaters will decrease when
short term interest rates increase and increase when short term interest rates
decrease. Investments in inverse floaters may subject the Fund to the risks of
reduced or eliminated interest payments and losses of principal. In addition,
certain indexed securities and inverse floaters may increase or decrease in
value at a greater rate than the underlying interest rate, which effectively
leverages the Fund's investment. As a result, the market value of such
securities
5
<PAGE> 7
will generally be more volatile than that of fixed rate, tax exempt securities.
Both indexed securities and inverse floaters are derivative securities and can
be considered speculative.
Options and Futures Transactions. The Fund may seek to hedge its portfolio
against changes in interest rates using options and financial futures contracts.
The Fund's hedging transactions are designed to reduce volatility, but come at
some cost. For example, the Fund may try to limit its risk of loss from a
decline in price of a portfolio security by purchasing a put option. However,
the Fund must pay for the option, and the price of the security may not in fact
drop. In large part, the success of the Fund's hedging activities depends on its
ability to forecast movements in securities prices and interest rates. The Fund
does not, however, intend to enter into options and futures transactions for
speculative purposes. The Fund is not required to hedge its portfolio and may
choose not to do so. The Fund cannot guarantee that any hedging strategies it
uses will work.
Antitakeover Provisions. The Fund's charter includes provisions that could
limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or
to change the composition of its Board of Directors. Such provisions could
discourage a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund.
Investment Considerations. Investors in AMPS should consider the following
factors:
- The credit ratings of the AMPS could be reduced while an investor holds
the AMPS.
- Neither broker-dealers nor the Fund are obligated to purchase shares of
AMPS in an auction or otherwise nor is the Fund required to redeem shares
of AMPS in the event of a failed auction.
- If sufficient bids do not exist in an auction, the applicable dividend
rate will be the maximum applicable dividend rate, and in such event,
owners of AMPS wishing to sell will not be able to sell all, and may not
be able to sell any, AMPS in the auction. As a result, investors may not
have liquidity of investment.
Secondary Market. The broker-dealers intend to maintain a secondary
trading market in the AMPS outside of auctions; however, they have no obligation
to do so and there can be no assurance that a secondary market for the AMPS will
develop or, if it does develop, that it will provide holders with a liquid
trading market. The AMPS will not be registered on any stock exchange or on any
automated quotation system. An increase in the level of interest rates likely
will have an adverse effect on the secondary market price of the AMPS, and a
selling shareholder may have to sell AMPS between auctions at a price per share
of less than $25,000.
6
<PAGE> 8
THE FUND
MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc. (the "Fund") is a recently
organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund
was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on April 5, 1999, and
has registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund's principal office is located at 800
Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536, and its telephone number is
(609) 282-2800.
The Fund commenced operations on July 23, 1999 upon the closing of an
initial public offering of its 3,900,000 shares of common stock. The proceeds of
such offering were approximately $58,355,000 after the payment of offering
expenses. In connection with the initial public offering of the Fund's common
stock, the underwriter was granted an option to purchase up to an additional
585,000 shares to cover over-allotments.
The Board of Directors of the Fund may at any time consider a merger,
consolidation or other form of reorganization of the Fund with one or more other
closed-end investment companies advised by the Fund's investment adviser with
similar investment objectives and policies as the Fund. Any such merger,
consolidation or other form of reorganization would require the prior approval
of the Board of Directors and the stockholders of the Fund. See "Description of
Capital Stock -- Certain Provisions of the Charter."
USE OF PROCEEDS
The estimated net proceeds of this offering will be $38,572,500 after the
payment of offering expenses (estimated to be $135,000) and the sales load.
The net proceeds of the offering will be invested in accordance with the
Fund's investment objective and policies during a period estimated not to exceed
three months from the offer and sale of such shares of AMPS depending on market
conditions and the availability of appropriate securities. Pending such
investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in short-term
tax-exempt securities. See "Investment Objective and Policies."
7
<PAGE> 9
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the unaudited capitalization of the Fund as
of July 23, 1999 and as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of the shares of
AMPS offered hereby.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
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<S> <C> <C>
Shareholders' equity:
Capital Stock (200,000,000 shares authorized)
Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share (no shares issued;
1,560 shares of AMPS issued and outstanding, as adjusted,
at $25,000 per share liquidation preference).............. -- $39,000,000
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (3,906,667 shares
issued and outstanding)................................... $ 390,667 390,667
Capital in excess of par value attributable to Common
Stock..................................................... 58,068,407 57,640,907
Undistributed investment income--net........................ 24,193 24,193
Unrealized depreciation on investments--net................. (83,270) (83,270)
----------- -----------
Net assets.................................................. $58,399,997 $96,972,497
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
As of July 23, 1999, approximately 85.6% of the market value of the Fund's
portfolio was invested in long-term municipal obligations and approximately
14.4% of the market value of the Fund's portfolio was invested in short-term
municipal obligations. The following table sets forth certain information with
respect to the composition of the Fund's investment portfolio as of July 23,
1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF VALUE
S&P* MOODY'S* ISSUES (IN THOUSANDS) PERCENT
- ---- -------- --------- -------------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AAA Aaa 10 $34,996 60.3%
AA Aa 2 7,239 12.5
A A 2 7,449 12.8
A-1 VMIG1 2 6,400 11.0
NR P-1 1 2,000 3.4
-- ------- -----
Total........... 17 $58,084 100.0%
== ======= =====
</TABLE>
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* Ratings: Using the higher of Standard & Poor's ("S&P") or Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") ratings on the Fund's municipal obligations. See
"Schedule of Investments." S&P rating categories may be modified further by a
plus (+) or minus (-) in AA, A, BBB, BB, B and C ratings. Moody's rating
categories may be modified further by a 1, 2 or 3 in Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B
ratings.
8
<PAGE> 10
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The Fund's investment objective is to provide shareholders with current
income exempt from Federal income tax and New York State and New York City
personal income taxes. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by
investing primarily in a portfolio of long-term, investment grade municipal
obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of New York, its political
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, and other qualifying issuers, each
of which pays interest which, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, is
exempt from Federal income tax and New York State and New York City personal
income taxes ("New York Municipal Bonds"). The Fund intends to invest
substantially all (at least 80%) of its assets in New York Municipal Bonds,
except at times when the Fund's investment adviser, Fund Asset Management, L.P.
(the "Investment Adviser"), considers that New York Municipal Bonds of
sufficient quality and quantity are unavailable for investment at suitable
prices by the Fund. To the extent the Investment Adviser considers that suitable
New York Municipal Bonds are not available for investment, the Fund may purchase
other long-term municipal obligations exempt from Federal but not New York State
and New York City personal income taxes ("Municipal Bonds"). The Fund will
maintain at least 65% of its assets in New York Municipal Bonds and at least 80%
of its assets in New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds, except during
interim periods pending investment of the net proceeds of public offerings of
the Fund's securities and during temporary defensive periods. Under normal
circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in municipal
obligations with remaining maturities of one year or more that are covered by
insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of principal at maturity and interest.
The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy that may not be changed
without a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, as
defined in the statement of additional information under "Investment
Restrictions." There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the
Fund will be realized. At times the Fund may seek to hedge its portfolio through
the use of options and futures transactions to reduce volatility in the net
asset value of its shares of common stock.
The Fund ordinarily does not intend to realize significant interest income
that is subject to Federal income tax and New York State and New York City
personal income taxes. The Fund may invest all or a portion of its assets in
certain tax-exempt securities classified as "private activity bonds" (in
general, bonds that benefit non-governmental entities), that may subject certain
investors in the Fund to a Federal alternative minimum tax.
The Fund also may invest in securities not issued by or on behalf of a
state or territory or by an agency or instrumentality thereof, if the Fund
nevertheless believes such securities pay interest or distributions that are
exempt from Federal income taxation ("Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities").
Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities may include securities issued by other
investment companies that invest in New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal
Bonds, to the extent such investments are permitted by the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Other Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt
Securities could include trust certificates or other instruments evidencing
interests in one or more long-term New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds.
Certain Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities may be characterized as derivative
instruments. Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities are considered "New York
Municipal Bonds" or "Municipal Bonds" for purposes of the Fund's investment
objective and policies.
9
<PAGE> 11
The investment grade New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds in which
the Fund will primarily invest are those New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal
Bonds that are rated at the date of purchase in the four highest rating
categories of Standard & Poor's ("S&P"), Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's") or Fitch IBCA, Inc. ("Fitch") or, if unrated, are considered to be
of comparable quality by the Investment Adviser. In the case of long-term debt,
the investment grade rating categories are AAA through BBB for S&P, Aaa through
Baa for Moody's and AAA through BBB for Fitch. In the case of short-term notes,
the investment grade rating categories are SP-l+ through SP-3 for S&P, MIG-1
through MIG-3 for Moody's and F-1+ through F-3 for Fitch. In the case of
tax-exempt commercial paper, the investment grade rating categories are A-1+
through A-3 for S&P, Prime-1 through Prime-3 for Moody's and F-l+ through F-3
for Fitch. Obligations ranked in the lowest investment grade rating category
(BBB, SP-3 and A-3 for S&P; Baa, MIG-3 and Prime-3 for Moody's; and BBB and F-3
for Fitch), while considered "investment grade," may have certain speculative
characteristics. There may be sub-categories or gradations indicating relative
standing within the rating categories set forth above. Appendix B to the
statement of additional information contains a description of S&P's, Moody's and
Fitch's ratings of New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds. In assessing
the quality of New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds with respect to the
foregoing requirements, the Investment Adviser will take into account the
portfolio insurance as well as the nature of any letters of credit or similar
credit enhancement to which particular Municipal Bonds are entitled and the
creditworthiness of the insurance company or financial institution that provided
such insurance or credit enhancement. Consequently, if New York Municipal Bonds
or Municipal Bonds are covered by insurance policies issued by insurers whose
claims-paying ability is rated AAA by S&P or Fitch or Aaa by Moody's, the
Investment Adviser may consider such municipal obligations to be equivalent to
AAA- or Aaa-rated securities, as the case may be, even though such New York
Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds would generally be assigned a lower rating if
the rating were based primarily upon the credit characteristics of the issuers
without regard to the insurance feature. The insured New York Municipal Bonds
and Municipal Bonds must also comply with the standards applied by the insurance
carriers in determining eligibility for portfolio insurance.
The Fund's investments may also include variable rate demand obligations
("VRDOs") and VRDOs in the form of participation interests ("Participating
VRDOs") in variable rate tax-exempt obligations held by a financial institution,
typically a commercial bank. The VRDOs in which the Fund may invest are
tax-exempt obligations, in the opinion of counsel to the issuer, that contain a
floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and a right of demand on
the part of the holder thereof to receive payment of the unpaid principal
balance plus accrued interest on a short notice period not to exceed seven days.
Participating VRDOs provide the Fund with a specified undivided interest (up to
100%) in the underlying obligation and the right to demand payment of the unpaid
principal balance plus accrued interest on the Participating VRDOs from the
financial institution on a specified number of days' notice, not to exceed seven
days. There is, however, the possibility that because of default or insolvency,
the demand feature of VRDOs or Participating VRDOs may not be honored. The Fund
has been advised by its counsel that the Fund should be entitled to treat the
income received on Participating VRDOs as interest from tax-exempt obligations.
The average maturity of the Fund's portfolio securities will vary based
upon the Investment Adviser's assessment of economic and market conditions. The
net asset value of the shares of
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common stock of a closed-end investment company, such as the Fund, which invests
primarily in fixed-income securities, changes as the general levels of interest
rates fluctuate. When interest rates decline, the value of a fixed-income
portfolio generally can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates
rise, the value of a fixed-income portfolio generally can be expected to
decline. Prices of longer-term securities generally fluctuate more in response
to interest rate changes than do short-term or medium-term securities. These
changes in net asset value are likely to be greater in the case of a fund having
a leveraged capital structure, such as that used by the Fund.
The Fund intends to invest primarily in long-term New York Municipal Bonds
and Municipal Bonds with a maturity of more than ten years. Also, the Fund may
invest in intermediate-term New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds with a
maturity of between three years and ten years. The Fund may invest in
short-term, tax-exempt securities, short-term U.S. Government securities,
repurchase agreements or cash. Such short-term securities or cash will not
exceed 20% of its total assets except during interim periods pending investment
of the net proceeds of public offerings of the Fund's securities or in
anticipation of the repurchase or redemption of the Fund's securities and
temporary periods when, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, prevailing
market or economic conditions warrant. The Fund does not ordinarily intend to
realize significant interest income that is subject to Federal income tax and
New York State and New York City personal income taxes. For a more complete
description of New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds, see "Investment
Objectives and Policies" in the statement of additional information.
The Fund is classified as non-diversified within the meaning of the 1940
Act, which means that the Fund is not limited by the 1940 Act in the proportion
of its assets that it may invest in securities of a single issuer. However, the
Fund's investments will be limited so as to qualify the Fund for special tax
treatment afforded regulated investment companies under the Federal tax laws.
See "Taxes" herein and in the statement of additional information. To qualify,
among other requirements, the Fund will limit its investments so that, at the
close of each quarter of the taxable year, (i) not more than 25% of the market
value of the Fund's total assets will be invested in the securities (other than
U.S. Government securities) of a single issuer, and (ii) with respect to 50% of
the market value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the market value of
its total assets will be invested in the securities (other than U.S. Government
securities) of a single issuer. A fund that elects to be classified as
"diversified" under the 1940 Act must satisfy the foregoing 5% requirement with
respect to 75% of its total assets. To the extent that the Fund assumes large
positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, the Fund's yield may
fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified company as a result of
changes in the financial condition or in the market's assessment of the issuers.
PORTFOLIO INSURANCE
Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be
invested in New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds either (i) insured
under an insurance policy purchased by the Fund or (ii) insured under an
insurance policy obtained by the issuer thereof or any other party. The Fund
will seek to limit its investments to municipal obligations insured under
insurance policies issued by insurance carriers that have total admitted assets
(unaudited) of at least $75,000,000 and capital and surplus (unaudited) of at
least $50,000,000 and insurance claims-paying ability ratings of AAA from S&P or
Fitch or Aaa from Moody's. There can be no assurance that insurance from
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<PAGE> 13
insurance carriers meeting these criteria will be available. See Appendix C to
the statement of additional information for a brief description of S&P's,
Fitch's and Moody's insurance claims-paying ability ratings. Currently, it is
anticipated that a majority of the insured New York Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds in the Fund's portfolio will be insured by the following
insurance companies that satisfy the foregoing criteria: Ambac Assurance
Corporation, Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, Financial Security Assurance
and MBIA Insurance Corporation. The Fund also may purchase New York Municipal
Bonds and Municipal Bonds covered by insurance issued by any other insurance
company that satisfies the foregoing criteria. It is anticipated that initially
a majority of insured New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds held by the
Fund will be insured under policies obtained by parties other than the Fund.
The Fund may purchase, but has no obligation to purchase, separate
insurance policies (the "Policies") from insurance companies meeting the
criteria set forth above that guarantee the payment of principal and interest on
specified eligible New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds purchased by the
Fund. A New York Municipal Bond or a Municipal Bond will be eligible for
coverage if it meets certain requirements of the insurance company set forth in
a Policy. In the event interest or principal on an insured New York Municipal
Bond or Municipal Bond is not paid when due, the insurer will be obligated under
its Policy to make such payment not later than 30 days after it has been
notified by, and provided with documentation from, the Fund that such nonpayment
has occurred.
The Policies will be effective only as to insured New York Municipal Bonds
and Municipal Bonds beneficially owned by the Fund. In the event of a sale of
any New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds held by the Fund, the issuer of
the relevant Policy will be liable only for those payments of interest and
principal that are then due and owing. The Policies will not guarantee the
market value of the insured New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds or the
value of the shares of the Fund.
The insurer will not have the right to withdraw coverage on securities
insured by their Policies and held by the Fund so long as such securities remain
in the Fund's portfolio. In addition, the insurer may not cancel its Policies
for any reason except failure to pay premiums when due. The Board of Directors
of the Fund will reserve the right to terminate any of the Policies if it
determines that the benefits to the Fund of having its portfolio insured under
such policy are not justified by the expense involved.
The premiums for the Policies are paid by the Fund and the yield on the
Fund's portfolio is reduced thereby. The Investment Adviser estimates that the
cost of the annual premiums for the Policies currently ranges from approximately
.02 of 1% to .15 of 1% of the principal amount of the New York Municipal Bonds
and Municipal Bonds covered by such Policies. The estimate is based on the
expected composition of the Fund's portfolio of New York Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds. In instances in which the Fund purchases New York Municipal
Bonds and Municipal Bonds insured under policies obtained by parties other than
the Fund, the Fund does not pay the premiums for such policies; rather, the cost
of such policies may be reflected in the purchase price of the New York
Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds.
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<PAGE> 14
It is the intention of the Investment Adviser to retain any insured
securities that are in default or in significant risk of default and to place a
value on the insurance, which ordinarily will be the difference between the
market value of the defaulted security and the market value of similar
securities which are not in default. In certain circumstances, however, the
Investment Adviser may determine that an alternative value for the insurance,
such as the difference between the market value of the defaulted security and
its par value, is more appropriate. The Investment Adviser will be unable to
manage the portfolio to the extent it holds defaulted securities, which may
limit its ability in certain circumstances to purchase other New York Municipal
Bonds and Municipal Bonds. See "Net Asset Value" in the statement of additional
information for a more complete description of the Fund's method of valuing
defaulted securities and securities that have a significant risk of default.
There can be no assurance that insurance with the terms and issued by
insurance carriers meeting the criteria described above will continue to be
available to the Fund. In the event the Board of Directors determines that such
insurance is unavailable or that the cost of such insurance outweighs the
benefits to the Fund, the Fund may modify the criteria for insurance carriers or
the terms of the insurance, or may discontinue its policy of maintaining
insurance for all or any of the New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds
held in the Fund's portfolio. Although the Investment Adviser periodically
reviews the financial condition of each insurer, there can be no assurance that
the insurers will be able to honor their obligations under the circumstances.
The portfolio insurance reduces financial or credit risk (i.e., the
possibility that the owners of the insured New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal
Bonds will not receive timely scheduled payments of principal or interest).
However, the insured New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds are subject to
market risk (i.e., fluctuations in market value as a result of changes in
prevailing interest rates and other market conditions).
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BONDS
The Fund ordinarily will invest at least 80% of its total assets in New
York Municipal Bonds, and therefore it is more susceptible to factors adversely
affecting issuers of New York Municipal Bonds than is a municipal bond mutual
fund that is not concentrated in issuers of New York Municipal Bonds to this
degree. As of June 18, 1999, Moody's, S&P and Fitch rated New York City's
general obligation bonds A3, A-, and A, respectively. As of June 15, 1999,
Moody's and S&P rated New York State's outstanding general obligation bonds A2
and A, respectively. Because the Fund's portfolio will comprise investment grade
securities, the Fund is expected to be insulated from the market and credit
risks that may exist in connection with investments in non-investment grade New
York Municipal Bonds. There is no assurance that a particular rating will
continue for any given period of time or that any such rating will not be
revised downward or withdrawn entirely if, in the judgment of the agency
originally establishing the rating, circumstances so warrant. The value of
Municipal Bonds generally may be affected by uncertainties in the municipal
markets as a result of legislation or litigation changing the taxation of
Municipal Bonds or the rights of Municipal Bond holders in the event of a
bankruptcy. Municipal bankruptcies are rare, and certain provisions of the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code governing such bankruptcies are unclear. Further, the
application of state law to Municipal Bond issuers could produce varying results
among the states or among Municipal Bond issuers within a state. These
uncertainties could have a significant impact on the prices of the
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<PAGE> 15
Municipal Bonds or the New York Municipal Bonds in which the Fund invests. The
Investment Adviser does not believe that the current economic conditions in New
York will have a significant adverse effect on the Fund's ability to invest
prudently in New York Municipal Bonds. For a discussion of economic and other
conditions in the State of New York, see Appendix A, "Economic and Other
Conditions in New York" to the statement of additional information.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund has adopted certain other policies as set forth below:
Borrowings. The Fund is authorized to borrow money in amounts of up to 5%
of the value of its total assets at the time of such borrowings; provided,
however, that the Fund is authorized to borrow moneys in amounts of up to
33 1/3% of the value of its total assets at the time of such borrowings to
finance the repurchase of its own common stock pursuant to tender offers or
otherwise to redeem or repurchase shares of preferred stock or for temporary,
extraordinary or emergency purposes. Borrowings by the Fund (commonly known, as
with the issuance of preferred stock, as "leveraging") create an opportunity for
greater total return since the Fund will not be required to sell portfolio
securities to repurchase or redeem shares but, at the same time, increase
exposure to capital risk. In addition, borrowed funds are subject to interest
costs that may offset or exceed the return earned on the borrowed funds.
When-Issued Securities and Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Fund may
purchase or sell New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds on a delayed
delivery basis or on a when-issued basis at fixed purchase or sale terms. These
transactions arise when securities are purchased or sold by the Fund with
payment and delivery taking place in the future. The purchase will be recorded
on the date the Fund enters into the commitment, and the value of the obligation
will thereafter be reflected in the calculation of the Fund's net asset value.
The value of the obligation on the delivery day may be more or less than its
purchase price. A separate account of the Fund will be established with its
custodian consisting of cash, cash equivalents or liquid securities having a
market value at all times at least equal to the amount of the commitment.
Indexed and Inverse Floating Obligations. The Fund may invest in New York
Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds yielding a return based on a particular
index of value or interest rates. For example, the Fund may invest in New York
Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds that pay interest based on an index of
Municipal Bond interest rates. The principal amount payable upon maturity of
certain New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds also may be based on the
value of an index. To the extent the Fund invests in these types of Municipal
Bonds, the Fund's return on such New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds
will be subject to risk with respect to the value of the particular index. Also,
the Fund may invest in so-called "inverse floating obligations" or "residual
interest bonds" on which the interest rates typically vary inversely with a
short-term floating rate (which may be reset periodically by a dutch auction, a
remarketing agent, or by reference to a short-term tax-exempt interest rate
index). The Fund may purchase in the secondary market synthetically-created
inverse floating rate bonds evidenced by custodial or trust receipts. Generally,
income on inverse floating rate bonds will decrease when short-term interest
rates increase, and will increase when short-term interest rates decrease. Such
securities have the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage, since
they may increase or decrease in value in response
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<PAGE> 16
to changes, as an illustration, in market interest rates at a rate that is a
multiple (typically two) of the rate at which fixed-rate, long-term, tax-exempt
securities increase or decrease in response to such changes. As a result, the
market values of such securities generally will be more volatile than the market
values of fixed-rate tax-exempt securities. To seek to limit the volatility of
these securities, the Fund may purchase inverse floating obligations with
shorter-term maturities or limitations on the extent to which the interest rate
may vary. The Investment Adviser believes that indexed and inverse floating
obligations represent a flexible portfolio management instrument for the Fund
that allows the Investment Adviser to vary the degree of investment leverage
relatively efficiently under different market conditions.
Call Rights. The Fund may purchase a New York Municipal Bond or Municipal
Bond issuer's right to call all or a portion of such New York Municipal Bond or
Municipal Bond for mandatory tender for purchase (a "Call Right"). A holder of a
Call Right may exercise such right to require a mandatory tender for the
purchase of related New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds, subject to
certain conditions. A Call Right that is not exercised prior to the maturity of
the related New York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond will expire without value.
The economic effect of holding both the Call Right and the related New York
Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond is identical to holding a New York Municipal
Bond or Municipal Bond as a non-callable security.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may invest in New York Municipal Bonds,
Municipal Bonds and U.S. Government securities pursuant to repurchase
agreements. Repurchase agreements may be entered into only with a member bank of
the Federal Reserve System or a primary dealer in U.S. Government securities or
an affiliate thereof. Under such agreements, the seller agrees, upon entering
into the contract, to repurchase the security at a mutually agreed-upon time and
price, thereby determining the yield during the term of the agreement. The Fund
may not invest in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days if such
investments, together with all other illiquid investments, would exceed 15% of
the Fund's net assets. In the event of default by the seller under a repurchase
agreement, the Fund may suffer time delays and incur costs or possible losses in
connection with the disposition of the underlying securities.
In general, for Federal, New York State and New York City income tax
purposes, repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized loans secured by
the securities "sold." Therefore, amounts earned under such agreements will not
be considered tax-exempt interest.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may hedge all or a portion of its portfolio investments against
fluctuations in interest rates through the use of options and certain financial
futures contracts and options thereon. While the Fund's use of hedging
strategies is intended to reduce the volatility of the net asset value of the
common stock, the net asset value of the common stock will fluctuate. There can
be no assurance that the Fund's hedging transactions will be effective. For so
long as the AMPS are rated by Moody's and S&P, the Fund's use of options and
financial futures contracts will be subject to the limitations described under
"Rating Agency Guidelines" herein and in the statement of additional
information. Furthermore, the Fund may only engage in hedging activities from
time to time and may not necessarily be engaging in hedging activities when
movements in interest rates occur. The Fund has no obligation to enter into
hedging transactions and may choose not to do so.
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<PAGE> 17
Certain Federal income tax requirements may limit the Fund's ability to
engage in hedging transactions. Gains from transactions in options and futures
contracts distributed to shareholders will be taxable as ordinary income or, in
certain circumstances, as long-term capital gains to shareholders. See
"Taxes -- Tax Treatment of Options and Futures Transactions" in the statement of
additional information. In addition, in order to obtain ratings of the preferred
stock from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
("NRSROs"), the Fund may be required to limit its use of hedging techniques in
accordance with the specified guidelines of such rating organizations.
For a description of the options and futures transactions in which the Fund
may engage, limitations on the Fund's use of such transactions and risks
associated with these transactions, see "Investment Objective and
Policies -- Options and Futures Transactions" in the statement of additional
information. The investment policies with respect to the hedging transactions of
the Fund are not fundamental policies and may be modified by the Board of
Directors of the Fund without the approval of the Fund's shareholders.
DESCRIPTION OF AMPS
GENERAL
Certain of the capitalized terms used herein are defined in the Glossary
that appears at the back of this prospectus.
The AMPS will be shares of preferred stock that entitle their holders to
receive dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of
funds legally available therefor, at a rate per annum that may vary for the
successive Dividend Periods. After the Initial Dividend Period, each Subsequent
Dividend Period for the shares of AMPS generally will be a 7-Day Dividend
Period; provided, however, that prior to any Auction, the Fund may elect,
subject to certain limitations described herein, upon giving notice to holders
thereof, a Special Dividend Period. The Applicable Rate for a particular
Dividend Period will be determined by an Auction conducted on the Business Day
before the start of such Dividend Period. Beneficial Owners and Potential
Beneficial Owners of shares of AMPS may participate in Auctions therefor,
although, except in the case of a Special Dividend Period, Beneficial Owners
desiring to continue to hold all of their shares of AMPS regardless of the
Applicable Rate resulting from Auctions need not participate. For an explanation
of Auctions and the method of determining the Applicable Rate, see "The Auction"
herein and in the statement of additional information.
The following is a brief description of the terms of the shares of AMPS.
This description does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified
in its entirety by reference to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and
Articles Supplementary, including the provisions thereof establishing the AMPS.
The Fund's Articles of Incorporation and the form of Articles Supplementary
establishing the terms of the AMPS have been filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part.
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<PAGE> 18
DIVIDENDS
General. The holders of shares of AMPS will be entitled to receive, when,
as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Fund, out of funds legally
available therefor, cumulative cash dividends on their shares, at the Applicable
Rate determined as set forth below under "Determination of Dividend Rate,"
payable on the respective dates set forth below. Dividends on the shares of AMPS
so declared and payable shall be paid (i) in preference to and in priority over
any dividends so declared and payable on the Common Stock, and (ii) to the
extent permitted under the Code and to the extent available, out of net
tax-exempt income earned on the Fund's investments. Generally, dividends on
shares of AMPS, to the extent that they are derived from interest paid on
Municipal Bonds, will be exempt from Federal income taxes, subject to possible
application of the alternative minimum tax. See "Taxes" in the statement of
additional information.
Dividends on the shares of AMPS will accumulate from the date on which the
Fund originally issues the shares of AMPS (the "Date of Original Issue") and
will be payable on the dates described below. Dividends on shares of AMPS with
respect to the Initial Dividend Period shall be payable on the Initial Dividend
Payment Date. Following the Initial Dividend Payment Date for the shares of
AMPS, dividends on the shares of AMPS will be payable, at the option of the
Fund, either (i) with respect to any 7-Day Dividend Period and any Short Term
Dividend Period of 35 or fewer days, on the day next succeeding the last day
thereof or (ii) with respect to any Short Term Dividend Period of more than 35
days and with respect to any Long Term Dividend Period, monthly on the first
Business Day of each calendar month during such Short Term Dividend Period or
Long Term Dividend Period and on the day next succeeding the last day thereof
(each such date referred to in clause (i) or (ii) being referred to herein as a
"Normal Dividend Payment Date"), except that if such Normal Dividend Payment
Date is not a Business Day, the Dividend Payment Date shall be the first
Business Day next succeeding such Normal Dividend Payment Date. Thus, following
the Initial Dividend Payment Date for the shares of AMPS, dividends generally
will be payable (in the case of Dividend Periods which are not Special Dividend
Periods) on each succeeding Friday. Although any particular Dividend Payment
Date may not occur on the originally scheduled date because of the exceptions
discussed above, the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date, subject to such
exceptions, will occur on the next following originally scheduled date. If for
any reason a Dividend Payment Date cannot be fixed as described above, then the
Board of Directors shall fix the Dividend Payment Date. The Board of Directors
by resolution prior to authorization of a dividend by the Board of Directors may
change a Dividend Payment Date if such change does not adversely affect the
contract rights of the holders of shares of AMPS set forth in the Charter. The
Initial Dividend Period, 7-Day Dividend Periods and Special Dividend Periods are
hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Dividend Periods." Each dividend payment
date determined as provided above is hereinafter referred to as a "Dividend
Payment Date."
Prior to each Dividend Payment Date, the Fund is required to deposit with
the Auction Agent sufficient funds for the payment of declared dividends. The
Fund does not intend to establish any reserves for the payment of dividends.
Each dividend will be paid to the record holder of the AMPS, which holder
is expected to be the nominee of the Securities Depository. See "The
Auction -- Securities Depository." The Securities Depository will credit the
accounts of the Agent Members of the Existing Holders in
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<PAGE> 19
accordance with the Securities Depository's normal procedures which provide for
payment in same-day funds. The Agent Member of an Existing Holder will be
responsible for holding or disbursing such payments on the applicable Dividend
Payment Date to such Existing Holder in accordance with the instructions of such
Existing Holder. Dividends in arrears for any past Dividend Period may be
declared and paid at any time, without reference to any regular Dividend Payment
Date, to the nominee of the Securities Depository. Any dividend payment made on
shares of AMPS first shall be credited against the earliest declared but unpaid
dividends accumulated with respect to such shares of AMPS.
Holders of shares of AMPS will not be entitled to any dividends, whether
payable in cash, property or stock, in excess of full cumulative dividends
except as described under "Additional Dividends" and "Non-Payment Period; Late
Charge." No interest will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or
payments on the shares of AMPS which may be in arrears.
The amount of cash dividends per share of AMPS payable (if declared) on the
Initial Dividend Payment Date, each Dividend Payment Date of each 7-Day Dividend
Period and each Dividend Payment Date of each Short Term Dividend Period shall
be computed by multiplying the Applicable Rate for such Dividend Period by a
fraction, the numerator of which will be the number of days in such Dividend
Period or part thereof that such share was outstanding and for which dividends
are payable on such Dividend Payment Date and the denominator of which will be
365, multiplying the amount so obtained by $25,000, and rounding the amount so
obtained to the nearest cent. During any Long Term Dividend Period, the amount
of cash dividends per share of AMPS payable (if declared) on any Dividend
Payment Date shall be computed by multiplying the Applicable Rate for such
Dividend Period by a fraction, the numerator of which will be such number of
days in such part of such Dividend Period that such share was outstanding and
for which dividends are payable on such Dividend Payment Date and the
denominator of which will be 360, multiplying the amount so obtained by $25,000,
and rounding the amount so obtained to the nearest cent.
Notification of Dividend Period. With respect to each Dividend Period that
is a Special Dividend Period, the Fund, at its sole option and to the extent
permitted by law, by telephonic and written notice (a "Request for Special
Dividend Period") to the Auction Agent and to each Broker-Dealer, may request
that the next succeeding Dividend Period for the shares of AMPS will be a number
of days (other than seven), evenly divisible by seven, and not fewer than seven
nor more than 364 in the case of a Short Term Dividend Period or one whole year
or more but not greater than five years in the case of a Long Term Dividend
Period, specified in such notice, provided that the Fund may not give a Request
for Special Dividend Period (and any such request shall be null and void)
unless, for any Auction occurring after the initial Auction, Sufficient Clearing
Bids were made in the last occurring Auction and unless full cumulative
dividends, any amounts due with respect to redemptions, and any Additional
Dividends payable prior to such date have been paid in full. Such Request for
Special Dividend Period, in the case of a Short Term Dividend Period, shall be
given on or prior to the second Business Day but not more than seven Business
Days prior to an Auction Date for the AMPS and, in the case of a Long Term
Dividend Period, shall be given on or prior to the second Business Day but not
more than 28 days prior to an Auction Date for the AMPS. Upon receiving such
Request for Special Dividend Period, the Broker-Dealers jointly shall determine
whether, given the factors set forth below, it is advisable that the Fund issue
a Notice of
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<PAGE> 20
Special Dividend Period for a series of AMPS as contemplated by such Request for
Special Dividend Period and the Optional Redemption Price of the AMPS during
such Special Dividend Period and the Specific Redemption Provisions and shall
give the Fund and the Auction Agent written notice (a "Response") of such
determination by no later than the second Business Day prior to such Auction
Date. In the event the Response indicates that it is advisable that the Fund
give a notice of a Special Dividend Period for the AMPS, the Fund, by no later
than the second Business Day prior to such Auction Date may give a notice (a
"Notice of Special Dividend Period") to the Auction Agent, the Securities
Depository and each Broker-Dealer. See "Description of AMPS --
Dividends -- Notification of Dividend Period" in the statement of additional
information for a detailed description of these procedures.
Determination of Dividend Rate. The dividend rate on shares of AMPS during
the period from and including the Date of Original Issue to but excluding the
Initial Dividend Payment Date (the "Initial Dividend Period") will be the rate
per annum set forth above under "Offering Summary." Commencing on the Initial
Dividend Payment Date for AMPS, the Applicable Rate on the shares of such series
of AMPS for each Subsequent Dividend Period, which Subsequent Dividend Period
shall be a period commencing on and including a Dividend Payment Date and ending
on and including the calendar day prior to the next Dividend Payment Date (or
last Dividend Payment Date in a Dividend Period if there is more than one
Dividend Payment Date), shall be equal to the rate per annum that results from
the Auction with respect to such Subsequent Dividend Period. The Initial
Dividend Period and Subsequent Dividend Period for AMPS is referred to herein as
a "Dividend Period." Cash dividends shall be calculated as set forth above under
"Dividends -- General."
Restrictions on Dividends and Other Payments. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund
may not declare dividends or make other distributions on shares of Common Stock
or purchase any such shares if, at the time of the declaration, distribution or
purchase, as applicable (and after giving effect thereto), asset coverage (as
defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to the outstanding shares of AMPS would be
less than 200% (or such other percentage as in the future may be required by
law). The Fund estimates that, based on the composition of its portfolio at July
23, 1999, asset coverage with respect to shares of AMPS would be approximately
249% immediately after the issuance of the shares of AMPS offered hereby. Under
the Code, the Fund, among other things, must distribute at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income each year in order to maintain its
qualification for tax treatment as a regulated investment company. The foregoing
limitations on dividends, distributions and purchases under certain
circumstances may impair the Fund's ability to maintain such qualification. See
"Taxes" in the statement of additional information.
Upon any failure to pay dividends on shares of AMPS for two years or more,
the holders of the shares of AMPS will acquire certain additional voting rights.
See "Voting Rights" below. Such rights shall be the exclusive remedy of the
holders of shares of AMPS upon any failure to pay dividends on shares of the
Fund.
Additional Dividends. If the Fund retroactively allocates any net capital
gains or other income subject to regular Federal income taxes to shares of AMPS
without having given advance notice thereof to the Auction Agent as described
under "The Auction -- Auction Date; Advance Notice of Allocation of Taxable
Income; Inclusion of Taxable Income in Dividends" below, which may only happen
when such allocation is made as a result of the redemption of all or a portion
of the
19
<PAGE> 21
outstanding shares of AMPS or the liquidation of the Fund (the amount of such
allocation referred to herein as a "Retroactive Taxable Allocation"), the Fund,
within 90 days (and generally within 60 days) after the end of the Fund's fiscal
year for which a Retroactive Taxable Allocation is made, will provide notice
thereof to the Auction Agent and to each holder of shares (initially Cede as
nominee of the Securities Depository) during such fiscal year at such holder's
address as the same appears or last appeared on the stock books of the Fund. The
Fund, within 30 days after such notice is given to the Auction Agent, will pay
to the Auction Agent (who then will distribute to such holders of shares of
AMPS), out of funds legally available therefor, an amount equal to the aggregate
Additional Dividend (as defined below) with respect to all Retroactive Taxable
Allocations made to such holders during the fiscal year in question. See "Taxes"
in the statement of additional information.
An "Additional Dividend" means payment to a present or former holder of
shares of AMPS of an amount which, when taken together with the aggregate amount
of Retroactive Taxable Allocations made to such holder with respect to the
fiscal year in question, would cause such holder's dividends in dollars (after
Federal, New York State and New York City income tax consequences) from the
aggregate of both the Retroactive Taxable Allocations and the Additional
Dividend to be equal to the dollar amount of the dividends which would have been
received by such holder if the amount of the aggregate Retroactive Taxable
Allocations had been excludable from the gross income of such holder. Such
Additional Dividend shall be calculated (i) without consideration being given to
the time value of money; (ii) assuming that no holder of shares of AMPS is
subject to the Federal alternative minimum tax with respect to dividends
received from the Fund; and (iii) assuming that each Retroactive Taxable
Allocation would be taxable in the hands of each holder of shares of AMPS at the
greater of: (a) the maximum combined marginal regular Federal, New York State
and New York City individual income tax rate applicable to ordinary income or
capital gains depending on the taxable character of the distribution (including
any surtax); or (b) the maximum combined marginal regular Federal, New York
State and New York City corporate income tax rate applicable to ordinary income
or capital gains depending on the taxable character of the distribution (taking
into account in both (a) and (b) the Federal income tax deductibility of state
taxes paid or incurred but not any phase out of, or provision limiting, personal
exemptions, itemized deductions, or the benefit of lower tax brackets and
assuming the taxability of Federally tax-exempt dividends to corporations for
New York State and New York City income tax purposes). Although the Fund
generally intends to designate any Additional Dividend as an exempt-interest
dividend to the extent permitted by applicable law, it is possible that all or a
portion of any Additional Dividend will be taxable to the recipient thereof. See
"Taxes -- Tax Treatment of Additional Dividends" in the statement of additional
information. The Fund will not pay a further Additional Dividend with respect to
any taxable portion of an Additional Dividend.
If the Fund does not give advance notice of the amount of taxable income to
be included in a dividend on shares of AMPS in the related Auction, the Fund may
include such taxable income in a dividend on shares of AMPS if it increases the
dividend by an additional amount calculated as if such income were a Retroactive
Taxable Allocation and the additional amount were an Additional Dividend and
notifies the Auction Agent of such inclusion at least five days prior to the
applicable Dividend Payment Date. See "The Auction -- Auction
Procedures -- Auction Date; Advance Notice of Allocation of Taxable Income;
Inclusion of Taxable Income in Dividends" below.
20
<PAGE> 22
ASSET MAINTENANCE
The Fund will be required to satisfy two separate asset maintenance
requirements under the terms of the Articles Supplementary. These requirements
are summarized below.
1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage. The Fund will be required under the Articles
Supplementary to maintain, with respect to shares of AMPS, as of the last
Business Day of each month in which any shares of AMPS are outstanding, asset
coverage of at least 200% with respect to senior securities which are stock,
including the shares of AMPS (or such other asset coverage as in the future may
be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior
securities which are stock of a closed-end investment company as a condition of
paying dividends on its common stock) ("1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage"). If the
Fund fails to maintain 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage and such failure is not
cured as of the last Business Day of the following month (the "1940 Act Cure
Date"), the Fund will be required under certain circumstances to redeem certain
of the shares of AMPS. See "Redemption" below.
The 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage immediately following the issuance of AMPS
offered hereby (after giving effect to the deduction of the sales load and
offering expenses for the shares of AMPS) will be computed as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Value of Fund assets less 96,972,497
liabilities not constituting -----------
senior securities = $$39,000,000 = 249%
-----------------------------
Senior securities
representing indebtedness
plus liquidation value of the
shares of AMPS
</TABLE>
AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount. So long as shares of AMPS are outstanding,
the Fund will be required under the Articles Supplementary to maintain as of
each Business Day (a "Valuation Date") S&P Eligible Assets and Moody's Eligible
Assets each having in the aggregate a Discounted Value at least equal to the
AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount. The AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount includes the
sum of (i) the aggregate liquidation value of AMPS then outstanding and (ii)
certain accrued and projected payment obligations of the Fund. See "Description
of AMPS -- Asset Maintenance -- AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount" in the statement
of additional information. If the Fund fails to meet such requirement as of any
Valuation Date and such failure is not cured on or before the sixth Business Day
after such Valuation Date (the "AMPS Basic Maintenance Cure Date"), the Fund
will be required under certain circumstances to redeem certain of the shares of
AMPS. Upon any failure to maintain the required Discounted Value, the Fund will
use its best efforts to alter the composition of its portfolio to reattain a
Discounted Value at least equal to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount on or prior
to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Cure Date. See "Redemption" herein and in the
statement of additional information.
21
<PAGE> 23
REDEMPTION
Optional Redemption. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and under
Maryland law, upon giving a Notice of Redemption, as provided in the statement
of additional information, the Fund, at its option, may redeem shares of AMPS,
in whole or in part, out of funds legally available therefor, at the Optional
Redemption Price per share on any Dividend Payment Date; provided that no share
of AMPS may be redeemed at the option of the Fund during (a) the Initial
Dividend Period with respect to the shares of AMPS or (b) a Non-Call Period to
which such share is subject. "Optional Redemption Price" means $25,000 per share
of AMPS plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not
earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption plus any applicable
redemption premium, if any, attributable to the designation of a Premium Call
Period. In addition, holders of AMPS may be entitled to receive Additional
Dividends in the event of redemption of such AMPS to the extent provided herein.
See "Dividends -- Additional Dividends" above. The Fund has the authority to
redeem the AMPS for any reason and may redeem all or part of the outstanding
shares of AMPS if it anticipates that the Fund's leveraged capital structure
will result in a lower rate of return to holders of common stock for any
significant period of time than that obtainable if the Common Stock were
unleveraged.
Mandatory Redemption. The Fund will be required to redeem, out of funds
legally available therefor, at the Mandatory Redemption Price per share, shares
of AMPS to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and Maryland law, on a date
fixed by the Board of Directors, if the Fund fails to maintain S&P Eligible
Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets each with an aggregate Discounted Value equal
to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount or to satisfy the 1940 Act
AMPS Asset Coverage and such failure is not cured on or before the AMPS Basic
Maintenance Cure Date or the 1940 Act Cure Date (herein collectively referred to
as a "Cure Date"), as the case may be. "Mandatory Redemption Price" means
$25,000 per share of AMPS plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid
dividends (whether or not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption.
In addition, holders of AMPS may be entitled to receive Additional Dividends in
the event of redemption of such AMPS to the extent provided herein. See
"Dividends -- Additional Dividends" above.
For a discussion of the allocation procedures to be used if fewer than all
of the outstanding AMPS are to be redeemed and for a discussion of other
redemption procedures, see "Description of AMPS -- Redemption" in the statement
of additional information.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, whether
voluntary or involuntary, the holders of shares of AMPS will be entitled to
receive, out of the assets of the Fund available for distribution to
shareholders, before any distribution or payment is made upon any shares of
common stock or any other capital stock of the Fund ranking junior in right of
payment upon liquidation of AMPS, $25,000 per share together with the amount of
any dividends accumulated but unpaid (whether or not earned or declared) thereon
to the date of distribution, and after such payment the holders of AMPS will be
entitled to no other payments except for any Additional Dividends. If such
assets of the Fund shall be insufficient to make the full liquidation payment on
the outstanding shares of AMPS and liquidation payments on any other outstanding
class or series of preferred stock
22
<PAGE> 24
of the Fund ranking on a parity with the AMPS as to payment upon liquidation,
then such assets will be distributed among the holders of AMPS and the holders
of shares of such other class or series ratably in proportion to the respective
preferential amounts to which they are entitled. After payment of the full
amount of liquidation distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of
AMPS will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of
assets by the Fund except for any Additional Dividends. A consolidation, merger
or share exchange of the Fund with or into any other entity or entities or a
sale, whether for cash, shares of stock, securities or properties, of all or
substantially all or any part of the assets of the Fund shall not be deemed or
construed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund.
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus and the statement of
additional information and except as otherwise required by applicable law,
holders of shares of AMPS will be entitled to one vote per share on each matter
submitted to a vote of stockholders and will vote together with holders of
shares of common stock as a single class.
The 1940 Act and the Articles Supplementary require that the holders of
preferred stock, including the AMPS, voting as a separate class, have the rights
to elect two of the Fund's Directors at all times and to elect a majority of the
Directors at any time that two full years' dividends on the AMPS are unpaid. The
holders of AMPS will vote as a separate class or classes on certain other
matters as required under the Articles Supplementary, the 1940 Act and Maryland
law. See "Description of AMPS -- Voting Rights" in the statement of additional
information.
THE AUCTION
GENERAL
Holders of the shares of AMPS will be entitled to receive cumulative cash
dividends on their shares when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of
the Fund, out of funds legally available therefor, on the Initial Dividend
Payment Date with respect to the Initial Dividend Period and, thereafter, on
each Dividend Payment Date with respect to a Subsequent Dividend Period
(generally a period of seven days subject to certain exceptions set forth under
"Description of AMPS -- Dividends -- General") at the rate per annum equal to
the Applicable Rate for each such Dividend Period.
The provisions of the Articles Supplementary establishing the terms of the
shares of AMPS offered hereby will provide that the Applicable Rate for the
shares of AMPS for each Dividend Period after the Initial Dividend Period
therefor will be equal to the rate per annum that the Auction Agent advises has
resulted on the Business Day preceding the first day of such Dividend Period due
to implementation of the auction procedures set forth in the Articles
Supplementary (the "Auction Procedures") in which persons determine to hold or
offer to purchase or sell shares of AMPS. The Auction Procedures are attached as
Appendix E to the statement of additional information.
Each periodic operation of such procedures with respect to the shares of
AMPS is referred to hereinafter as an "Auction." If, however, the Fund should
fail to pay or duly provide for the full
23
<PAGE> 25
amount of any dividend on shares of AMPS or the redemption price of shares of
AMPS of such series called for redemption, the Applicable Rate for shares of
AMPS will be determined as set forth under "Description of
AMPS -- Dividends -- Non-Payment Period; Late Charge" in the statement of
additional information.
Auction Agent Agreement. The Fund will enter into an agreement (the
"Auction Agent Agreement") with IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company (together
with any successor bank or trust company or other entity entering into a similar
agreement with this Fund, the "Auction Agent"), which provides, among other
things, that the Auction Agent will follow the Auction Procedures for the
purpose of determining the Applicable Rate for the AMPS. The Fund will pay the
Auction Agent compensation for its services under the Auction Agent Agreement.
Broker-Dealer Agreements. The Auction Agent will enter into agreements
with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"),
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Lehman Government Securities Incorporated and Salomon
Smith Barney Inc. and may enter into similar agreements (collectively, the
"Broker-Dealer Agreements") with one or more other broker-dealers (collectively,
the "Broker-Dealers") selected by the Fund, which provide for the participation
of such Broker-Dealers in Auctions. Merrill Lynch is an affiliate of the
Investment Adviser in that they share a common parent, ML & Co.
Securities Depository. The Depository Trust Company initially will act as
the Securities Depository for the Agent Members with respect to the shares of
AMPS. One or more registered certificates for all of the shares of AMPS
initially will be registered in the name of Cede, as nominee of the Securities
Depository. The certificate will bear a legend to the effect that such
certificate is issued subject to the provisions restricting transfers of shares
of AMPS contained in the Articles Supplementary. Cede initially will be the
holder of record of all shares of AMPS, and Beneficial Owners will not be
entitled to receive certificates representing their ownership interest in such
shares. The Securities Depository will maintain lists of its participants and
will maintain the positions (ownership interests) of shares of AMPS held by each
Agent Member, whether as the Beneficial Owner thereof for its own account or as
nominee for the Beneficial Owner thereof. Payments made by the Fund to holders
of AMPS will be duly made by making payments to the nominee of the Securities
Depository.
AUCTION PROCEDURES
The following is a brief discussion of the procedures to be used in
conducting Auctions. This summary is qualified by reference to the Auction
Procedures set forth in Appendix E to the statement of additional information.
The Settlement Procedures to be used with respect to Auctions are set forth in
Appendix D to the statement of additional information.
Auction Date; Advance Notice of Allocation of Taxable Income; Inclusion of
Taxable Income in Dividends. An Auction to determine the Applicable Rate for the
shares of AMPS offered hereby for each Dividend Period (other than the Initial
Dividend Period therefor) will be held on the first Business Day (as hereinafter
defined) preceding the first day of such Dividend Period, which first day is
also the Dividend Payment Date for the preceding Dividend Period (the date of
each Auction being referred to herein as an "Auction Date"). "Business Day"
means a day on which the New
24
<PAGE> 26
York Stock Exchange is open for trading and which is not a Saturday, Sunday or
other day on which banks in the City of New York are authorized or obligated by
law to close. Auctions for shares of AMPS for Dividend Periods after the Initial
Dividend Period normally will be held every Thursday after the preceding
Dividend Payment Date, and each subsequent Dividend Period normally will begin
on the following Friday (also a Dividend Payment Date). The Auction Date and the
first day of the related Dividend Period (both of which must be Business Days)
need not be consecutive calendar days. For example, in most cases, if the
Thursday that normally would be an Auction Date for AMPS is not a Business Day,
then such Auction Date will be the preceding Wednesday and the first day of the
related Dividend Period will continue to be the following Friday. See
"Description of AMPS -- Dividends" for information concerning the circumstances
under which a Dividend Payment Date may fall on a date other than the days
specified above, which may affect the Auction Date.
Except as noted below, whenever the Fund intends to include any net capital
gains or other income subject to regular Federal income taxes in any dividend on
shares of AMPS, the Fund will notify the Auction Agent of the amount to be so
included at least five Business Days prior to the Auction Date on which the
Applicable Rate for such dividend is to be established. Whenever the Auction
Agent receives such notice from the Fund, in turn it will notify each
Broker-Dealer, who, on or prior to such Auction Date, in accordance with its
Broker-Dealer Agreement, will notify its customers who are Beneficial Owners and
Potential Beneficial Owners believed to be interested in submitting an Order in
the Auction to be held on such Auction Date. The Fund also may include such
income in a dividend on shares of AMPS without giving advance notice thereof if
it increases the dividend by an additional amount calculated as if such income
were a Retroactive Taxable Allocation and the additional amount were an
Additional Dividend; provided that the Fund will notify the Auction Agent of the
additional amounts to be included in such dividend at least five Business Days
prior to the applicable Dividend Payment Date. See "Description of AMPS --
Dividends -- Additional Dividends" above.
Orders by Beneficial Owners, Potential Beneficial Owners, Existing Holders
and Potential Holders. On or prior to each Auction Date:
(a) each Beneficial Owner may submit to its Broker-Dealer by telephone a:
(i) Hold Order -- indicating the number of outstanding shares, if any,
of AMPS that such Beneficial Owner desires to continue to hold without
regard to the Applicable Rate for the next Dividend Period for such shares;
(ii) Bid -- indicating the number of outstanding shares, if any, of
AMPS that such Beneficial Owner desires to continue to hold, provided that
the Applicable Rate for the next Dividend Period for such shares is not
less than the rate per annum then specified by such Beneficial Owner;
and/or
(iii) Sell Order -- indicating the number of outstanding shares, if
any, of AMPS that such Beneficial Owner offers to sell without regard to
the Applicable Rate for the next Dividend Period for such shares; and
(b) Broker-Dealers will contact customers who are Potential Beneficial
Owners of shares of AMPS to determine whether such Potential Beneficial Owners
desire to submit Bids indicating the
25
<PAGE> 27
number of shares of AMPS which they offer to purchase provided that the
Applicable Rate for the next Dividend Period for such shares is not less than
the rates per annum specified in such Bids.
The communication by a Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner to a
Broker-Dealer and the communication by a Broker-Dealer, whether or not acting
for its own account, to the Auction Agent of the foregoing information is
hereinafter referred to as an "Order" and collectively as "Orders." A Beneficial
Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner placing an Order, including a
Broker-Dealer acting in such capacity for its own account, is hereinafter
referred to as a "Bidder" and collectively as "Bidders." Any Order submitted by
a Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner to its Broker-Dealer, or by a
Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent, prior to the Submission Deadline on any
Auction Date shall be irrevocable.
In an Auction, a Beneficial Owner may submit different types of Orders with
respect to shares of AMPS then held by such Beneficial Owner, as well as Bids
for additional shares of AMPS. For information concerning the priority given to
different types of Orders placed by Beneficial Owners, see "Submission of Orders
by Broker-Dealers to Auction Agent" below.
The Maximum Applicable Rate for shares of AMPS will be the Applicable
Percentage of the Reference Rate. The Auction Agent will round each applicable
Maximum Applicable Rate to the nearest one-thousandth (0.001) of one percent per
annum, with any such number ending in five ten-thousandths of one percent being
rounded upwards to the nearest one-thousandth (0.001) of one percent. The
Auction Agent will not round the applicable Reference Rate as part of its
calculation of the Maximum Applicable Rate.
The Maximum Applicable Rate for shares of AMPS will depend on the credit
rating or ratings assigned to such shares. The Applicable Percentage will be
determined based on (i) the lower of the credit rating or ratings assigned on
such date to such shares by Moody's and S&P (or if Moody's or S&P or both shall
not make such rating available, the equivalent of either or both of such ratings
by a Substitute Rating Agency or two Substitute Rating Agencies or, in the event
that only one such rating shall be available, such rating) and (ii) whether the
Fund has provided notification to the Auction Agent prior to the Auction
establishing the Applicable Rate for any dividend that net capital gains or
other taxable income will be included in such dividend on shares of AMPS as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CREDIT RATING
- ------------------------------------ APPLICABLE
REFERENCE RATE -- REFERENCE RATE -- PERCENTAGE OF
NO NOTIFICATION NOTIFICATION MOODY'S S&P
- ----------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
"aa3" or higher AA- or Higher 110% 150%
"a3" or "a1" A- to A 125% 160%
"baa3" to "baa1" BBB- to BBB+ 150% 250%
Below "baa3" Below BBB- 200% 275%
</TABLE>
There is no minimum Applicable Rate in respect of any Dividend Period.
The Fund will take all reasonable action necessary to enable S&P and
Moody's to provide a rating for the AMPS. If either S&P or Moody's, or both,
shall not make such a rating available, the Underwriter or its affiliates and
successors, after consultation with the Fund, will select another nationally
recognized statistical rating organization (a "Substitute Rating Agency") or two
other
26
<PAGE> 28
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("Substitute Rating
Agencies") to act as a Substitute Rating Agency or Substitute Rating Agencies,
as the case may be.
Any Bid by a Beneficial Owner specifying a rate per annum higher than the
Maximum Applicable Rate will be treated as a Sell Order, and any Bid by a
Potential Beneficial Owner specifying a rate per annum higher than the Maximum
Applicable Rate will not be considered. See "Determination of Sufficient
Clearing Bids, Winning Bid Rate and Applicable Rate" and "Acceptance and
Rejection of Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders and Allocation of Shares."
Neither the Fund nor the Auction Agent will be responsible for a
Broker-Dealer's failure to comply with the foregoing.
A Broker-Dealer also may hold AMPS in its own account as a Beneficial
Owner. A Broker-Dealer thus may submit Orders to the Auction Agent as a
Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner and therefore participate in an
Auction as an Existing Holder or Potential Holder on behalf of both itself and
its customers. Any Order placed with the Auction Agent by a Broker-Dealer as or
on behalf of a Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner will be treated
in the same manner as an Order placed with a Broker-Dealer by a Beneficial Owner
or a Potential Beneficial Owner. Similarly, any failure by a Broker-Dealer to
submit to the Auction Agent an Order in respect of any AMPS held by it or its
customers who are Beneficial Owners will be treated in the same manner as a
Beneficial Owner's failure to submit to its Broker-Dealer an Order in respect of
AMPS held by it, as described in the next paragraph. Inasmuch as a Broker-Dealer
participates in an Auction as an Existing Holder or a Potential Holder only to
represent the interests of a Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner,
whether it be its customers or itself, all discussion herein relating to the
consequences of an Auction for Existing Holders and Potential Holders also
applies to the underlying beneficial ownership interests represented thereby.
For information concerning the priority given to different types of Orders
placed by Existing Holders, see "Submission of Orders by Broker-Dealers to
Auction Agent." Each purchase or sale in an Auction will be settled on the
Business Day next succeeding the Auction Date at a price per share equal to
$25,000. See "Notification of Results; Settlement" below.
If one or more Orders covering in the aggregate all of the outstanding
shares of AMPS held by a Beneficial Owner are not submitted to the Auction Agent
prior to the Submission Deadline, either because a Broker-Dealer failed to
contact such Beneficial Owner or otherwise, the Auction Agent shall deem a Hold
Order (in the case of an Auction relating to a Dividend Period which is not a
Special Dividend Period of 28 days or more) and a Sell Order (in the case of an
Auction relating to a Special Dividend Period of 28 days or more) to have been
submitted on behalf of such Beneficial Owner covering the number of outstanding
shares of AMPS held by such Beneficial Owner and not subject to Orders submitted
to the Auction Agent.
If all of the outstanding shares of AMPS are subject to Submitted Hold
Orders, the Dividend Period next succeeding the Auction automatically shall be
the same length as the immediately preceding Dividend Period, and the Applicable
Rate for the next Dividend Period for all shares of AMPS will be 40% of the
Reference Rate on the date of the applicable Auction (or 60% of such rate if the
Fund has provided notification to the Auction Agent prior to the Auction
establishing the
27
<PAGE> 29
Applicable Rate for any dividend that net capital gains or other taxable income
will be included in such dividend on shares of AMPS).
For the purposes of an Auction, shares of AMPS for which the Fund shall
have given notice of redemption and deposited moneys therefor with the Auction
Agent in trust or segregated in an account at the Fund's custodian bank for the
benefit of the Auction Agent, as set forth under "Description of
AMPS -- Redemption" in the statement of additional information, will not be
considered as outstanding and will not be included in such Auction. Pursuant to
the Articles Supplementary of the Fund, the Fund will be prohibited from
reissuing and its affiliates (other than the Underwriter) will be prohibited
from transferring (other than to the Fund) any shares of AMPS they may acquire.
Neither the Fund nor any affiliate of the Fund (other than the Underwriter) may
submit an Order in any Auction, except that an affiliate of the Fund that is a
Broker-Dealer may submit an Order.
Submission of Orders by Broker-Dealers to Auction Agent. Prior to 1:00
p.m., Eastern time, on each Auction Date, or such other time on the Auction Date
as may be specified by the Auction Agent (the "Submission Deadline"), each
Broker-Dealer will submit to the Auction Agent in writing all Orders obtained by
it for the Auction to be conducted on such Auction Date, designating itself
(unless otherwise permitted by the Fund) as the Existing Holder or Potential
Holder in respect of the shares of AMPS subject to such Orders. Any Order
submitted by a Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner to its
Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent, prior to the
Submission Deadline on any Auction Date, shall be irrevocable.
If the rate per annum specified in any Bid contains more than three figures
to the right of the decimal point, the Auction Agent will round such rate per
annum up to the next highest one-thousandth (.001) of 1%.
If one or more Orders of an Existing Holder are submitted to the Auction
Agent and such Orders cover in the aggregate more than the number of outstanding
shares of AMPS held by such Existing Holder, such Orders will be considered
valid in the following order of priority:
(i) any Hold Order will be considered valid up to and including the
number of outstanding shares of AMPS held by such Existing Holder, provided
that if more than one Hold Order is submitted by such Existing Holder and
the number of shares of AMPS subject to such Hold Orders exceeds the number
of outstanding shares of AMPS held by such Existing Holder, the number of
shares of AMPS subject to each of such Hold Orders will be reduced pro rata
so that such Hold Orders, in the aggregate, will cover exactly the number
of outstanding shares of AMPS held by such Existing Holder;
(ii) any Bids will be considered valid, in the ascending order of
their respective rates per annum if more than one Bid is submitted by such
Existing Holder, up to and including the excess of the number of
outstanding shares of AMPS held by such Existing Holder over the number of
outstanding shares of AMPS subject to any Hold Order referred to in clause
(i) above (and if more than one Bid submitted by such Existing Holder
specifies the same rate per annum and together they cover more than the
remaining number of shares that can be the subject of valid Bids after
application of clause (i) above and of the foregoing portion of this clause
(ii) to any Bid or Bids specifying a lower rate or rates per annum, the
number of shares
28
<PAGE> 30
subject to each of such Bids will be reduced pro rata so that such Bids, in
the aggregate, cover exactly such remaining number of outstanding shares);
and the number of outstanding shares, if any, subject to Bids not valid
under this clause (ii) shall be treated as the subject of a Bid by a
Potential Holder; and
(iii) any Sell Order will be considered valid up to and including the
excess of the number of outstanding shares of AMPS held by such Existing
Holder over the sum of the number of shares of AMPS subject to Hold Orders
referred to in clause (i) above and the number of shares of AMPS subject to
valid Bids by such Existing Holder referred to in clause (ii) above;
provided that, if more than one Sell Order is submitted by any Existing
Holder and the number of shares of AMPS subject to such Sell Orders is
greater than such excess, the number of shares of AMPS subject to each of
such Sell Orders will be reduced pro rata so that such Sell Orders, in the
aggregate, will cover exactly the number of shares of AMPS equal to such
excess.
If more than one Bid of any Potential Holder is submitted in any Auction,
each Bid submitted in such Auction will be considered a separate Bid with the
rate per annum and number of shares of AMPS therein specified.
Determination of Sufficient Clearing Bids, Winning Bid Rate and Applicable
Rate. Not earlier than the Submission Deadline for each Auction, the Auction
Agent will assemble all Orders submitted or deemed submitted to it by the
Broker-Dealers (each such "Hold Order," "Bid" or "Sell Order" as submitted or
deemed submitted by a Broker-Dealer hereinafter being referred to as a
"Submitted Hold Order," a "Submitted Bid" or a "Submitted Sell Order," as the
case may be, or as a "Submitted Order") and will determine the excess of the
number of outstanding shares of AMPS over the number of outstanding shares of
AMPS subject to Submitted Hold Orders (such excess being referred to as the
"Available AMPS") and whether Sufficient Clearing Bids have been made in such
Auction. Sufficient Clearing Bids will have been made if the number of
outstanding shares of AMPS that are the subject of Submitted Bids of Potential
Holders with rates per annum not higher than the Maximum Applicable Rate equals
or exceeds the number of outstanding shares that are the subject of Submitted
Sell Orders (including the number of shares subject to Bids of Existing Holders
specifying rates per annum higher than the Maximum Applicable Rate).
If Sufficient Clearing Bids have been made, the Auction Agent will
determine the lowest rate per annum specified in the Submitted Bids (the
"Winning Bid Rate") which would result in the number of shares subject to
Submitted Bids specifying such rate per annum or a lower rate per annum being at
least equal to the Available AMPS. If Sufficient Clearing Bids have been made,
the Winning Bid Rate will be the Applicable Rate for the next Dividend Period
for all shares of AMPS then outstanding.
If Sufficient Clearing Bids have not been made (other than because all
outstanding shares of AMPS are the subject of Submitted Hold Orders), the
Dividend Period next following the Auction automatically will be a 7-Day
Dividend Period, and the Applicable Rate for such Dividend Period will be equal
to the Maximum Applicable Rate. If Sufficient Clearing Bids have not been made,
Beneficial Owners that have Submitted Sell Orders will not be able to sell in
the Auction all, and may not be able to sell any, shares of AMPS subject to such
Submitted Sell Orders. See
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<PAGE> 31
"Acceptance and Rejection of Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders and
Allocation of Shares." Thus, under some circumstances, Beneficial Owners may not
have liquidity of investment.
Acceptance and Rejection of Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders and
Allocation of Shares. Based on the determinations described under "Determination
of Sufficient Clearing Bids, Winning Bid Rate and Applicable Rate" and subject
to the discretion of the Auction Agent to round as described below, Submitted
Bids and Submitted Sell Orders will be accepted or rejected in the order of
priority set forth in the Auction Procedures with the result that Existing
Holders and Potential Holders of AMPS will sell, continue to hold and/or
purchase shares of AMPS as set forth below. Existing Holders that submit or are
deemed to have submitted Hold Orders will continue to hold the shares of AMPS
subject to such Hold Orders.
If Sufficient Clearing Bids have been made:
(a) each Existing Holder that placed a Submitted Bid specifying a rate
per annum higher than the Winning Bid Rate or a Submitted Sell Order will
sell the outstanding shares of AMPS subject to such Submitted Bid or
Submitted Sell Order;
(b) each Existing Holder that placed a Submitted Bid specifying a rate
per annum lower than the Winning Bid Rate will continue to hold the
outstanding shares of AMPS subject to such Submitted Bid;
(c) each Potential Holder that placed a Submitted Bid specifying a
rate per annum lower than the Winning Bid Rate will purchase the number of
shares of AMPS subject to such Submitted Bid;
(d) each Existing Holder that placed a Submitted Bid specifying a rate
per annum equal to the Winning Bid Rate will continue to hold the
outstanding shares of AMPS subject to such Submitted Bids, unless the
number of outstanding shares of AMPS subject to all such Submitted Bids of
Existing Holders is greater than the excess of the Available AMPS over the
number of shares of AMPS accounted for in clauses (b) and (c) above, in
which event each Existing Holder with such a Submitted Bid will sell a
number of outstanding shares of AMPS determined on a pro rata basis based
on the number of outstanding shares of AMPS subject to all such Submitted
Bids of such Existing Holders; and
(e) each Potential Holder that placed a Submitted Bid specifying a
rate per annum equal to the Winning Bid Rate will purchase any Available
AMPS not accounted for in clause (b), (c) or (d) above on a pro rata basis
based on the shares of AMPS subject to all such Submitted Bids of Potential
Holders.
If Sufficient Clearing Bids have not been made (other than because all
outstanding shares of AMPS are the subject of Submitted Hold Orders):
(a) each Existing Holder that placed a Submitted Bid specifying a rate
per annum equal to or lower than the Maximum Applicable Rate will continue
to hold the outstanding shares of AMPS subject to such Submitted Bid;
30
<PAGE> 32
(b) each Potential Holder that placed a Submitted Bid specifying a
rate per annum equal to or lower than the Maximum Applicable Rate will
purchase the number of shares of AMPS subject to such Submitted Bid; and
(c) each Existing Holder that placed a Submitted Bid specifying a rate
per annum higher than the Maximum Applicable Rate or a Submitted Sell Order
will sell a number of outstanding shares of AMPS determined on a pro rata
basis based on the outstanding shares of AMPS subject to all such Submitted
Bids and Submitted Sell Orders.
If as a result of the Auction Procedures described above any Existing
Holder would be entitled or required to sell, or any Potential Holder would be
entitled or required to purchase, a fraction of a share of AMPS, the Auction
Agent, in such manner as, in its sole discretion, it shall determine, will round
up or down the number of shares of AMPS being sold or purchased on such Auction
Date so that each share sold or purchased by each Existing Holder or Potential
Holder will be a whole share of AMPS. If any Potential Holder would be entitled
or required to purchase less than a whole share of AMPS, the Auction Agent, in
such manner as, in its sole discretion, it shall determine, will allocate shares
of AMPS for purchase among Potential Holders so that only whole shares of AMPS
are purchased by any such Potential Holder, even if such allocation results in
one or more of such Potential Holders not purchasing any shares of AMPS.
Notification of Results; Settlement. The Auction Agent will advise each
Broker-Dealer who submitted a Bid or Sell Order in an Auction whether such Bid
or Sell Order was accepted or rejected in whole or in part and of the Applicable
Rate for the next Dividend Period for the related shares of AMPS by telephone at
approximately 3:00 P.M., Eastern time, on the Auction Date for such Auction.
Each such Broker-Dealer that submitted an Order for the account of a customer
then will advise such customer whether such Bid or Sell Order was accepted or
rejected, will confirm purchases and sales with each customer purchasing or
selling shares of AMPS as a result of the Auction and will advise each customer
purchasing or selling shares of AMPS to give instructions to its Agent Member of
the Securities Depository to pay the purchase price against delivery of such
shares or to deliver such shares against payment therefor as appropriate. If a
customer selling shares of AMPS as a result of an Auction shall fail to instruct
its Agent Member to deliver such shares, the Broker-Dealer that submitted such
customer's Bid or Sell Order will instruct such Agent Member to deliver such
shares against payment therefor. Each Broker-Dealer that submitted a Hold Order
in an Auction on behalf of a customer also will advise such customer of the
Applicable Rate for the next Dividend Period for the AMPS. The Auction Agent
will record each transfer of shares of AMPS on the record book of Existing
Holders to be maintained by the Auction Agent.
In accordance with the Securities Depository's normal procedures, on the
day after each Auction Date, the transactions described above will be executed
through the Securities Depository, and the accounts of the respective Agent
Members at the Securities Depository will be debited and credited as necessary
to effect the purchases and sales of shares of AMPS as determined in such
Auction. Purchasers will make payment through their Agent Members in same-day
funds to the Securities Depository against delivery through their Agent Members;
the Securities Depository will make payment in accordance with its normal
procedures, which now provide for payment in same-day funds. If the procedures
of the Securities Depository applicable to AMPS shall be changed to provide for
payment in next-day funds, then purchasers may be required to make payment in
next-
31
<PAGE> 33
day funds. If the certificates for shares of AMPS are not held by the Securities
Depository or its nominee, payment will be made in same-day funds to the Auction
Agent against delivery of such certificates.
If any Existing Holder selling shares of AMPS in an Auction fails to
deliver such shares, the Broker-Dealer of any person that was to have purchased
shares of AMPS in such Auction may deliver to such person a number of whole
shares of AMPS that is less than the number of shares that otherwise was to be
purchased by such person. In such event, the number of shares of AMPS to be so
delivered will be determined by such Broker-Dealer. Delivery of such lesser
number of shares will constitute good delivery. Each Broker-Dealer Agreement
also will provide that neither the Fund nor the Auction Agent will have
responsibility or liability with respect to the failure of a Potential
Beneficial Owner, Beneficial Owner or their respective Agent Members to deliver
shares of AMPS or to pay for shares of AMPS purchased or sold pursuant to an
Auction or otherwise.
BROKER-DEALERS
General. The Broker-Dealer Agreements provide that a Broker-Dealer may
submit Orders in Auctions for its own account, unless the Fund notifies all
Broker-Dealers that they no longer may do so; provided that Broker-Dealers may
continue to submit Hold Orders and Sell Orders. If a Broker-Dealer submits an
Order for its own account in any Auction of any series of AMPS, it may have
knowledge of Orders placed through it in that Auction and therefore have an
advantage over other Bidders, but such Broker-Dealer would not have knowledge of
Orders submitted by other Broker-Dealers in that Auction.
Fees. The Auction Agent after each Auction will pay a service charge from
funds provided by the Fund to each Broker-Dealer on the basis of the purchase
price of shares of AMPS placed by such Broker-Dealer at such Auction. The
service charge (i) for any 7-Day Dividend Period shall be payable at the annual
rate of 0.25% of the purchase price of the shares of AMPS placed by such
Broker-Dealer in any such Auction and (ii) for any Special Dividend Period shall
be determined by mutual consent of the Fund and any such Broker-Dealer or
Broker-Dealers and shall be based upon a selling concession that would be
applicable to an underwriting of fixed or variable rate preferred shares with a
similar final maturity or variable rate dividend period, respectively, at the
commencement of the Dividend Period with respect to such Auction. For the
purposes of the preceding sentence, shares of AMPS will be placed by a
Broker-Dealer if such shares were (i) the subject of Hold Orders deemed to have
been made by Beneficial Owners that were acquired by such Beneficial Owners
through such Broker-Dealer or (ii) the subject of the following Orders submitted
by such Broker-Dealer: (A) a Submitted Bid of a Beneficial Owner that resulted
in such Beneficial Owner continuing to hold such shares as a result of the
Auction, (B) a Submitted Bid of a Potential Beneficial Owner that resulted in
such Potential Beneficial Owner purchasing such shares as a result of the
Auction or (C) a Submitted Hold Order.
Secondary Trading Market. The Broker-Dealers intend to maintain a
secondary trading market in the AMPS outside of Auctions; however, they have no
obligation to do so and there can be no assurance that a secondary market for
the AMPS will develop or, if it does develop, that it will provide holders with
a liquid trading market (i.e., trading will depend on the presence of willing
buyers and sellers and the trading price is subject to variables to be
determined at the time of the
32
<PAGE> 34
trade by the Broker-Dealers). The AMPS will not be registered on any stock
exchange or on any automated quotation system. An increase in the level of
interest rates, particularly during any Long-Term Dividend Period, likely will
have an adverse effect on the secondary market price of the AMPS, and a selling
shareholder may sell AMPS between Auctions at a price per share of less than
$25,000.
RATING AGENCY GUIDELINES
Certain of the capitalized terms used herein are defined in the Glossary
that appears at the end of this prospectus.
The Fund intends that, so long as shares of AMPS are outstanding, the
composition of its portfolio will reflect guidelines established by Moody's and
S&P in connection with the Fund's receipt of a rating for such shares on or
prior to their Date of Original Issue of at least "aaa" from Moody's and AAA
from S&P. Moody's and S&P, which are NRSROs, issue ratings for various
securities reflecting the perceived creditworthiness of such securities. The
guidelines described below have been developed by Moody's and S&P in connection
with issuances of asset-backed and similar securities, including debt
obligations and variable rate preferred stock, generally on a case-by-case basis
through discussions with the issuers of these securities. The guidelines are
designed to ensure that assets underlying outstanding debt or preferred stock
will be varied sufficiently and will be of sufficient quality and amount to
justify investment-grade ratings. The guidelines do not have the force of law
but have been adopted by the Fund in order to satisfy current requirements
necessary for Moody's and S&P to issue the above-described ratings for shares of
AMPS, which ratings generally are relied upon by institutional investors in
purchasing such securities. The guidelines provide a set of tests for portfolio
composition and asset coverage that supplement (and in some cases are more
restrictive than) the applicable requirements under the 1940 Act. See
"Description of AMPS -- Asset Maintenance" herein and in the statement of
additional information.
The Fund intends to maintain a Discounted Value for its portfolio at least
equal to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount. Moody's and S&P each has established
separate guidelines for determining Discounted Value. To the extent any
particular portfolio holding does not satisfy the applicable rating agency's
guidelines, all or a portion of such holding's value will not be included in the
calculation of Discounted Value (as defined by such rating agency). The Moody's
and S&P guidelines do not impose any limitations on the percentage of Fund
assets that may be invested in holdings not eligible for inclusion in the
calculation of the Discounted Value of the Fund's portfolio.
Upon any failure to maintain the required Discounted Value, the Fund will
seek to alter the composition of its portfolio to reattain a Discounted Value at
least equal to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount on or prior to the AMPS Basic
Maintenance Cure Date, thereby incurring additional transaction costs and
possible losses and/or gains on dispositions of portfolio securities. To the
extent any such failure is not cured in a timely manner, shares of AMPS will be
subject to redemption. See "Description of AMPS -- Asset Maintenance" and
"Description of AMPS -- Redemption" herein and in the statement of additional
information.
The Fund may, but is not required to, adopt any modifications to these
guidelines that hereafter may be established by Moody's or S&P. Failure to adopt
any such modifications, however, may
33
<PAGE> 35
result in a change in the ratings described above or a withdrawal of ratings
altogether. In addition, any rating agency providing a rating for the shares of
AMPS, at any time, may change or withdraw any such rating. As set forth in the
Articles Supplementary, the Board of Directors, without shareholder approval,
may modify certain definitions or restrictions that have been adopted by the
Fund pursuant to the rating agency guidelines, provided the Board of Directors
has obtained written confirmation from Moody's and S&P that any such change
would not impair the ratings then assigned by Moody's and S&P to the AMPS.
As described by Moody's and S&P, a preferred stock rating is an assessment
of the capacity and willingness of an issuer to pay preferred stock obligations.
The ratings on the AMPS are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell shares
of AMPS, inasmuch as the ratings do not comment as to market price or
suitability for a particular investor, nor do the rating agency guidelines
described above address the likelihood that a holder of shares of AMPS will be
able to sell such shares in an Auction. The ratings are based on current
information furnished to Moody's and S&P by the Fund and the Investment Adviser
and information obtained from other sources. The ratings may be changed,
suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the unavailability of, such
information. The Common Stock has not been rated by a nationally recognized
statistical rating organization.
For additional information concerning the Moody's and S&P ratings
guidelines, see "Rating Agency Guidelines" in the statement of additional
information.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
The Investment Adviser, which is owned and controlled by Merrill Lynch &
Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), a financial services holding company and the parent of
Merrill Lynch, provides the Fund with investment advisory and management
services. The Asset Management Group of ML & Co. (which includes the Investment
Adviser) acts as the investment adviser to more than 100 other registered
investment companies and offers investment advisory services to individuals and
institutional accounts. As of June 1999, the Asset Management Group had a total
of approximately $516 billion in investment company and other portfolio assets
under management (approximately $36 billion of which were invested in municipal
securities). This amount includes assets managed for certain affiliates of the
Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser is a limited partnership, the
partners of which are ML & Co. and Princeton Services. The principal business
address of the Investment Adviser is 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New
Jersey 08536.
The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that, subject to the supervision
of the Board of Directors of the Fund, the Investment Adviser is responsible for
the actual management of the Fund's portfolio. The responsibility for making
decisions to buy, sell or hold a particular security rests with the Investment
Adviser, subject to review by the Board of Directors.
The Investment Adviser provides the portfolio management for the Fund. Such
portfolio management will consider analyses from various sources (including
brokerage firms with which the Fund does business), make the necessary
investment decisions, and place orders for transactions accordingly. The
Investment Adviser will also be responsible for the performance of certain
administrative and management services for the Fund. Robert A. DiMella and
Roberto W. Roffo are
34
<PAGE> 36
the portfolio managers of the Fund and are primarily responsible for the Fund's
day-to-day management.
For the services provided by the Investment Adviser under the Investment
Advisory Agreement, the Fund will pay a monthly fee at an annual rate of 0.55 of
1% of the Fund's average weekly net assets (i.e., the average weekly value of
the total assets of the Fund, including proceeds from the issuance of shares of
preferred stock, minus the sum of accrued liabilities of the Fund and
accumulated dividends on the shares of preferred stock). For purposes of this
calculation, average weekly net assets are determined at the end of each month
on the basis of the average net assets of the Fund for each week during the
month. The assets for each weekly period are determined by averaging the net
assets at the last business day of a week with the net assets at the last
business day of the prior week.
The Investment Advisory Agreement obligates the Investment Adviser to
provide investment advisory services and to pay all compensation of and furnish
office space for officers and employees of the Fund connected with investment
and economic research, trading and investment management of the Fund, as well as
the compensation of all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated persons of the
Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates. The Fund pays all other expenses
incurred in the operation of the Fund, including, among other things, expenses
for legal and auditing services, taxes, costs of printing proxies, listing fees,
if any, stock certificates and shareholder reports, charges of the custodian and
the transfer and dividend disbursing agent and registrar, fees and expenses with
respect to the issuance of preferred stock, Securities and Exchange Commission
fees, fees and expenses of non-interested Directors, accounting and pricing
costs, insurance, interest, brokerage costs, litigation and other extraordinary
or non-recurring expenses, mailing and other expenses properly payable by the
Fund. Accounting services are provided to the Fund by the Investment Adviser,
and the Fund reimburses the Investment Adviser for its costs in connection with
such services.
TAXES
In general, dividends on the AMPS will be exempt from Federal income tax in
the hands of holders of such AMPS, subject to the possible application of the
Federal alternative minimum tax. However, the Fund is required to allocate net
capital gains and other taxable income, if any, proportionately among the common
stock and AMPS in accordance with the current position of the Internal Revenue
Service ("IRS") described under the heading "Taxes" in the statement of
additional information. The Fund may notify the Auction Agent of the amount of
any net capital gains or other anticipated taxable income to be included in any
dividend on the AMPS prior to the Auction establishing the Applicable Dividend
Rate for such dividend. The Auction Agent will in turn notify holders of the
AMPS and prospective purchasers. The amount of taxable income allocable to AMPS
will depend upon the amount of such income realized by the Fund and cannot be
determined with certainty prior to the end of the Fund's fiscal year, but it is
not generally expected to be significant.
The portion of exempt-interest dividends paid from interest received by the
Fund from New York Municipal Bonds also will be exempt from New York State and
New York City personal income taxes. However, exempt-interest dividends paid to
a corporate shareholder subject to New
35
<PAGE> 37
York State corporation franchise tax and New York City general corporation tax
will not be exempt from New York taxation. Shareholders subject to income
taxation by states other than New York will realize a lower after-tax rate of
return than New York shareholders since the dividends distributed by the Fund
generally will not be exempt, to any significant degree, from income taxation by
such other states.
Generally, within 60 days after the end of the Fund's taxable year, the
Fund will tell you the amount of exempt-interest dividends and capital gain
dividends you received that year. Capital gain dividends are taxable as
long-term capital gains to you regardless of how long you have held your shares.
The tax treatment of distributions from the Fund is the same whether you choose
to receive distributions in cash or to have them reinvested in shares of the
Fund.
If the Fund makes a Retroactive Taxable Allocation, it will pay Additional
Dividends to holders of AMPS who are subject to the Retroactive Taxable
Allocation. See "Description of AMPS -- Dividends -- Additional Dividends." The
Federal income tax consequences of Additional Dividends under existing law are
uncertain. The Fund intends to treat a holder as receiving a dividend
distribution in the amount of any Additional Dividend only as and when such
Additional Dividend is paid. An Additional Dividend generally will be designated
by the Fund as an exempt-interest dividend except as otherwise required by
applicable law. However, the IRS may assert that all or part of an Additional
Dividend is a taxable dividend either in the taxable year for which the
Retroactive Taxable Allocation is made or in the taxable year in which the
Additional Dividend is paid.
Because the Fund may from time to time invest a substantial portion of its
portfolio in municipal securities bearing income that is taxable under the
Federal alternative minimum tax, the Fund would not ordinarily be a suitable
investment for investors who are subject to the alternative minimum tax.
If at any time when AMPS are outstanding the Fund does not meet the asset
coverage requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to suspend
distributions to holders of common stock until the asset coverage is restored.
See "Description of AMPS -- Restrictions on Dividends and Other Payments." This
may prevent the Fund from meeting certain distribution requirements for
qualification as a regulated investment company ("RIC"). Upon any failure to
meet the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund, in its sole
discretion, may, and under certain circumstances will be required to, redeem
AMPS in order to maintain or restore the requisite asset coverage and avoid the
adverse consequences to the Fund and its shareholders of failing to qualify as a
RIC. See "Description of AMPS -- Redemption." There can be no assurance,
however, that any such action would achieve such objectives.
By law, the Fund must withhold 31% of your distributions and proceeds if
you have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security
number. For more information regarding the tax treatment of an investment in
AMPS, see "Taxes" in the statement of additional information.
Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the
availability of any exemptions from state or local taxes and with specific
questions as to Federal, foreign, state or local taxes.
36
<PAGE> 38
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The Fund is authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of capital stock, par
value $.10 per share, all of which shares were initially classified as common
stock. The Board of Directors is authorized, however, to classify or reclassify
any unissued shares of capital stock by setting or changing the preferences,
conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
dividends, qualifications, or terms or conditions of redemption. In this regard,
the Board of Directors has reclassified 1,560 shares of unissued common stock as
AMPS. For a description of the shares of AMPS, see "Description of AMPS" herein
and in the statement of additional information.
The following table shows the amount of (i) capital stock authorized, (ii)
capital stock held by the Fund for its own account and (iii) capital stock
outstanding for each class of authorized securities of the Fund as of July 23,
1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT HELD
BY FUND AMOUNT OUTSTANDING
AMOUNT FOR ITS OWN (EXCLUSIVE OF AMOUNT HELD BY
TITLE OF CLASS AUTHORIZED ACCOUNT FUND FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT)
-------------- ----------- ----------- ----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock............................. 199,998,440 -0- 3,906,667
Auction Market Preferred Stock........... 1,560 -0- -0-
</TABLE>
COMMON STOCK
Holders of common stock are entitled to share equally in dividends declared
by the Board of Directors payable to holders of common stock and in the net
assets of the Fund available for distribution to holders of common stock after
payment of the preferential amounts payable to holders of any outstanding
preferred stock. Neither holders of common stock nor holders of preferred stock
have pre-emptive or conversion rights and shares of common stock are not
redeemable. The outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and
non-assessable.
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held and
will vote with the holders of any outstanding shares of AMPS or other preferred
stock on each matter submitted to a vote of holders of common stock, except as
described under "Description of AMPS -- Voting Rights" herein and in the
statement of additional information.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held. The shares of
common stock, AMPS and any other preferred stock do not have cumulative voting
rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares of common
stock, AMPS and any other preferred stock voting for the election of Directors
can elect all of the Directors standing for election by such holders, and, in
such event, the holders of the remaining shares of common stock, AMPS and any
other preferred stock will not be able to elect any of such Directors.
So long as any shares of AMPS or any other preferred stock are outstanding,
holders of common stock will not be entitled to receive any dividends of or
other distributions from the Fund unless all accumulated dividends on
outstanding shares of AMPS and any other preferred stock have been paid, and
unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to such AMPS and
any other preferred stock would be at least 200% after giving effect to such
distributions. See
37
<PAGE> 39
"Description of AMPS -- Restrictions on Dividends and Other Payments" herein and
in the statement of additional information.
The Fund will send unaudited reports at least semi-annually and audited
financial statements annually to all of its shareholders.
The shares of common stock will commence trading on the American Stock
Exchange on August 2, 1999. At July 23, 1999, the net asset value per share of
common stock was $14.95.
PREFERRED STOCK
Under the Articles Supplementary, the Fund is authorized to issue an
aggregate of 2,000 shares of AMPS. See "Description of AMPS." Under the 1940
Act, the Fund is permitted to have outstanding more than one series of preferred
stock as long as no single series has priority over another series as to the
distribution of assets of the Fund or the payment of dividends. Neither holders
of common stock nor holders of preferred stock have pre-emptive rights to
purchase any shares of AMPS or any other preferred stock that might be issued.
It is anticipated that the net asset value per share of the AMPS will equal its
original purchase price per share plus accumulated dividends per share.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER
The Fund's Charter includes provisions that could have the effect of
limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund
or to change the composition of its Board of Directors and could have the effect
of depriving shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium
over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to
obtain control of the Fund. A director may be removed from office with or
without cause but only by vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the votes
entitled to be voted on the matter. A director elected by all of the holders of
capital stock may be removed only by action of such holders, and a director
elected by the holders of AMPS and any other preferred stock may be removed only
by action of AMPS and any other preferred stock.
In addition, the Charter requires the favorable vote of the holders of at
least 66 2/3% of the Fund's outstanding shares of capital stock, then entitled
to be voted, voting as a single class, to approve, adopt or authorize the
following:
- a merger or consolidation or statutory share exchange of the Fund with
any other corporation,
- a sale of all or substantially all of the Fund's assets (other than in
the regular course of the Fund's investment activities), or
- a liquidation or dissolution of the Fund,
unless such action has been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative
vote of at least two-thirds of the total number of Directors fixed in accordance
with the by-laws, in which case the affirmative vote of a majority of all of the
votes entitled to be cast by shareholders of the Fund, voting as a single class,
is required. Such approval, adoption or authorization of the foregoing would
38
<PAGE> 40
also require the favorable vote of at least a majority of the Fund's shares of
preferred stock then entitled to be voted, including the AMPS, voting as a
separate class.
In addition, conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company would
require an amendment to the Fund's Charter. The amendment would have to be
declared advisable by the Board of Directors prior to its submission to
shareholders. Such an amendment would require the favorable vote of the holders
of at least 66 2/3% of the Fund's outstanding shares of capital stock (including
the AMPS and any other preferred stock) entitled to be voted on the matter,
voting as a single class (or a majority of such shares if the amendment was
previously approved, adopted or authorized by at least two-thirds of the total
number of Directors fixed in accordance with the by-laws), and, the affirmative
vote of at least a majority of outstanding shares of preferred stock of the Fund
(including the AMPS), voting as a separate class. Such a vote also would satisfy
a separate requirement in the 1940 Act that the change be approved by the
shareholders. Shareholders of an open-end investment company may require the
company to redeem their shares of common stock at any time (except in certain
circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their net asset value,
less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of a
redemption. All redemptions will be made in cash. If the Fund is converted to an
open-end investment company, it could be required to liquidate portfolio
securities to meet requests for redemption. Conversion to an open-end investment
company would also require redemption of all outstanding shares of preferred
stock (including the AMPS) and would require changes in certain of the Fund's
investment policies and restrictions, such as those relating to the issuance of
senior securities, the borrowing of money and the purchase of illiquid
securities.
The Board of Directors has determined that the 66 2/3% voting requirements
described above, which are greater than the minimum requirements under Maryland
law or the 1940 Act, are in the best interests of shareholders generally.
Reference should be made to the Charter on file with the Commission for the full
text of these provisions.
CUSTODIAN
The Fund's securities and cash are held under a custody agreement with
State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02110.
UNDERWRITING
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (the "Underwriter") has
agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of a Purchase Agreement with the
Fund and the Investment Adviser, to purchase from the Fund all of the shares of
AMPS offered hereby. The Underwriter is committed to purchase all of such shares
if any are purchased.
The Underwriter has advised the Fund that it proposes initially to offer
the shares of AMPS to the public at the public offering price set forth on the
cover page of this prospectus, and to certain dealers at such price less a
concession not in excess of $ per share. The Underwriter may allow, and such
dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $ per share to other
dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price,
concession and discount may be changed. The sales
39
<PAGE> 41
load of $ per share is equal to % of the initial public offering price.
Investors must pay for any AMPS purchased in the initial public offering on or
before August , 1999.
The Underwriter will act in Auctions as a Broker-Dealer as set forth under
"The Auction -- General -- Broker-Dealer Agreements" and will be entitled to
fees for services as a Broker-Dealer as set forth under "The
Auction -- Broker-Dealers". The Underwriter also may provide information to be
used in ascertaining the Reference Rate.
The Fund anticipates that the Underwriter from time to time may act as a
broker in connection with the execution of the Fund's portfolio transactions.
The Fund has obtained exemptive orders permitting it to engage in certain
principal transactions with the Underwriter involving high quality, short-term,
tax-exempt securities, subject to certain conditions. See "Investment
Restrictions" and "Portfolio Transactions" in the statement of additional
information.
The Underwriter is an affiliate of the Investment Adviser.
The Fund and the Investment Adviser have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriter against certain liabilities including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and registrar for the shares
of AMPS will be IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company, One State Street, New York,
New York 10004. The transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder
servicing agent for the shares of Common Stock is State Street Bank and Trust
Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Certain legal matters in connection with the AMPS offered hereby will be
passed upon for the Fund and the Underwriter by Brown & Wood LLP, One World
Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0557.
EXPERTS
The statement of assets, liabilities and capital of the Fund as of June 16,
1999 included in the statement of additional information has been so included in
reliance on the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, and on
their authority as experts in auditing and accounting. The selection of
independent auditors is subject to ratification by shareholders of the Fund.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
Many computer systems were designed using only two digits to designate
years. These systems may not be able to distinguish the Year 2000 from the Year
1900 (commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem"). The Fund could be adversely
affected if the computer systems used by the Investment Adviser or other Fund
service providers do not properly address this problem before
40
<PAGE> 42
January 1, 2000. The Investment Adviser expects to have addressed this problem
before then, and does not anticipate that the services it provides will be
adversely affected. The Fund's other service providers have told the Investment
Adviser that they also expect to resolve the Year 2000 Problem, and the
Investment Adviser will continue to monitor the situation as the Year 2000
approaches. However, if the problem has not been fully addressed, the Fund could
be negatively affected. The Year 2000 Problem could also have a negative impact
on the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, and this could hurt the
Fund's investment returns.
41
<PAGE> 43
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies........................... 3
Investment Restrictions..................................... 7
Description of AMPS......................................... 8
The Auction................................................. 16
Rating Agency Guidelines.................................... 17
Directors and Officers...................................... 25
Investment Advisory and Management Arrangements............. 27
Portfolio Transactions...................................... 28
Taxes....................................................... 29
Net Asset Value............................................. 33
Additional Information...................................... 33
Independent Auditors' Report................................ 35
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Capital................ 36
Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)......................... 37
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Capital (Unaudited).... 39
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)................... 40
Appendix A -- Economic and Other Conditions in New York..... A-1
Appendix B -- Ratings of Municipal Bonds.................... B-1
Appendix C -- Portfolio Insurance........................... C-1
Appendix D -- Settlement Procedures......................... D-1
Appendix E -- Auction Procedures............................ E-1
</TABLE>
42
<PAGE> 44
GLOSSARY
"AA" (AA) Composite Commercial Paper Rate," on any Valuation Date, means
(i) the Interest Equivalent of the rate on commercial paper placed on behalf of
issuers whose corporate bonds are rated "AA" by S&P or "Aa" by Moody's or the
equivalent of such rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating
organization, as such rate is made available on a discount basis or otherwise by
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the Business Day immediately preceding
such date, or (ii) in the event that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York does
not make available such a rate, then the arithmetic average of the Interest
Equivalent of the rate on commercial paper placed on behalf of such issuers, as
quoted on a discount basis or otherwise by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated or its successors that are Commercial Paper Dealers, to the Auction
Agent for the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such
date. If one of the Commercial Paper Dealers does not quote a rate required to
determine the "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate, the "AA" Composite
Commercial Paper Rate will be determined on the basis of the quotation or
quotations furnished by any Substitute Commercial Paper Dealer or Substitute
Commercial Paper Dealers selected by the Fund to provide such rate or rates not
being supplied by the Commercial Paper Dealer. If the number of Dividend Period
days shall be (i) 7 or more but fewer than 49 days, such rate shall be the
Interest Equivalent of the 30-day rate on such commercial paper; (ii) 49 or more
but fewer than 70 days, such rate shall be the Interest Equivalent of the 60-day
rate on such commercial paper; (iii) 70 or more days but fewer than 85 days,
such rate shall be the arithmetic average of the Interest Equivalent of the
60-day and 90-day rates on such commercial paper; (iv) 85 or more days but fewer
than 99 days, such rate shall be the Interest Equivalent of the 90-day rate on
such commercial paper; (v) 99 or more days but fewer than 120 days, such rate
shall be the arithmetic average of the Interest Equivalent of the 90-day and
120-day rates on such commercial paper; (vi) 120 or more days but fewer than 141
days, such rate shall be the Interest Equivalent of the 120-day rate on such
commercial paper; (vii) 141 or more days but fewer than 162 days, such rate
shall be the arithmetic average of the Interest Equivalent of the 120-day and
180-day rates on such commercial paper; and (viii) 162 or more days but fewer
than 183 days, such rate shall be the Interest Equivalent of the 180-day rate on
such commercial paper.
"Additional Dividend" has the meaning set forth on page 20 of this
prospectus.
"Agent Member" means the member of the Securities Depository that will act
on behalf of a Beneficial Owner of one or more shares of AMPS or on behalf of a
Potential Beneficial Owner.
"AMPS" means the Auction Market Preferred Stock, Series A with a par value
of $.10 per share and a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share plus an
amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned
or declared), of the Fund.
"AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount" has the meaning set forth on page 21 of
this prospectus.
"AMPS Basic Maintenance Cure Date" has the meaning set forth on page 21 of
this prospectus.
"AMPS Basic Maintenance Report" has the meaning set forth on page 13 of the
statement of additional information.
43
<PAGE> 45
"Anticipation Notes" means the following New York Municipal Bonds: revenue
anticipation notes, tax anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes,
grant anticipation notes and bond anticipation notes.
"Applicable Percentage" has the meaning set forth on page 26 of this
prospectus.
"Applicable Rate" means the rate per annum at which cash dividends are
payable on shares of AMPS for any Dividend Period.
"Articles Supplementary" means the Articles Supplementary of the Fund
specifying the powers, preferences and rights of the shares of AMPS.
"Auction" means a periodic operation of the Auction Procedures.
"Auction Agent" means IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company unless and until
another commercial bank, trust company or other financial institution appointed
by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Fund or a duly authorized
committee thereof enters into an agreement with the Fund to follow the Auction
Procedures for the purpose of determining the Applicable Rate and to act as
transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent for
the AMPS.
"Auction Agent Agreement" means the agreement entered into between the Fund
and the Auction Agent which provides, among other things, that the Auction Agent
will follow the Auction Procedures for the purpose of determining the Applicable
Rate.
"Auction Date" has the meaning set forth on page 24 of this prospectus.
"Auction Procedures" means the procedures for conducting Auctions set forth
in Appendix E to the statement of additional information.
"Available AMPS" has the meaning set forth on page 29 of this prospectus.
"Beneficial Owner" means a customer of a Broker-Dealer who is listed on the
records of that Broker-Dealer (or if applicable, the Auction Agent) as a holder
of shares of AMPS or a Broker-Dealer that holds AMPS for its own account.
"Bid" has the meaning set forth on page 25 of this prospectus.
"Bidder" has the meaning set forth on page 26 of this prospectus.
"Board of Directors" or "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Fund.
"Broker-Dealer" means any broker-dealer, or other entity permitted by law
to perform the functions required of a Broker-Dealer in the Auction Procedures,
that has been selected by the Fund and has entered into a Broker-Dealer
Agreement with the Auction Agent that remains effective.
"Broker-Dealer Agreement" means an agreement entered into between the
Auction Agent and a Broker-Dealer, including Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated, pursuant to which such Broker-Dealer agrees to follow the
Auction Procedures.
"Business Day" means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading and which is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in The
City of New York are authorized or obligated by law to close.
44
<PAGE> 46
"Cede" means Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC, and in whose name the shares
of AMPS initially will be registered.
"Charter" means the Articles of Incorporation, as amended and supplemented
(including the Articles Supplementary), of the Fund.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Commercial Paper Dealers" means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated and such other commercial paper dealer or dealers as the Fund from
time to time may appoint or, in lieu thereof, their respective affiliates and
successors.
"Common stock" means the common stock, par value $.10 per share, of the
Fund.
"Date of Original Issue" means, with respect to each share of AMPS, the
date on which such share first is issued by the Fund.
"Deposit Securities" means cash and New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal
Bonds rated at least A2 (having a remaining maturity of 12 months or less), P-1,
VMIG-1 or MIG-1 by Moody's or A (having a remaining maturity of 12 months or
less), A-1+ or SP-1+ by S&P.
"Discount Factor" means a Moody's Discount Factor or an S&P Discount
Factor, as the case may be.
"Discounted Value" of any asset of the Fund means (i) with respect to an
S&P Eligible Asset, the quotient of the market value thereof divided by the
applicable S&P Discount Factor and (ii) with respect to a Moody's Eligible
Asset, the lower of par and the quotient of the market value thereof divided by
the applicable Moody's Discount Factor.
"Dividend Payment Date" has the meaning set forth on page 17 of this
prospectus.
"Dividend Periods" has the meaning set forth on page 17 of this prospectus.
"DTC" means The Depository Trust Company.
"Eligible Assets" means Moody's Eligible Assets or S&P Eligible Assets, as
the case may be.
"Existing Holder" means a Broker-Dealer or any such other person as may be
permitted by the Fund that is listed as the holder of record of shares of AMPS
in the records of the Auction Agent.
"Fitch" means Fitch IBCA, Inc. or its successors.
"Forward Commitments" has the meaning set forth on page 24 of the statement
of additional information.
"Fund" means MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc., a Maryland
corporation that is the issuer of the AMPS.
"Hold Order" has the meaning set forth on page 25 of this prospectus.
"Initial Dividend Payment Date" means the first Dividend Payment Date for
the AMPS.
45
<PAGE> 47
"Initial Dividend Period" means the period from and including the Date of
Original Issue to but excluding the Initial Dividend Payment Date for the AMPS.
"Initial Margin" means the amount of cash or securities deposited with a
broker as a margin payment at the time of purchase or sale of a financial
futures contract.
"Interest Equivalent" means a yield on a 360-day basis of a discount basis
security which is equal to the yield on an equivalent interest-bearing security.
"Investment Adviser" means Fund Asset Management, L.P.
"IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"Long Term Dividend Period" means a dividend period of one year or more but
not greater than five years.
"Mandatory Redemption Price" has the meaning set forth on page 22 of this
prospectus.
"Marginal Tax Rate" means the maximum marginal regular Federal individual
income tax rate applicable to ordinary income or the maximum marginal regular
Federal corporate income tax rate, whichever is greater.
"Maximum Applicable Rate" has the meaning set forth on page 3 of this
prospectus.
"Maximum Potential Additional Dividend Liability" has the meaning set forth
on page 12 of the statement of additional information.
"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or its successors.
"Moody's Discount Factor" has the meaning set forth on page 21 of the
statement of additional information.
"Moody's Eligible Assets" has the meaning set forth on page 20 of the
statement of additional information.
"Moody's Exposure Period" means a period that is the same length or longer
than the number of days used in calculating the cash dividend component of the
AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount and initially shall be the period commencing on
and including a given Valuation Date and ending 48 days thereafter.
"Moody's Hedging Transactions" has the meaning set forth on page 23 of the
statement of additional information.
46
<PAGE> 48
"Moody's Volatility Factor" means 272% as long as there has been no
increase enacted to the Marginal Tax Rate. If such an increase is enacted but
not yet implemented, the Moody's Volatility Factor shall be as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% CHANGE IN MOODY'S
MARGINAL TAX RATE VOLATILITY FACTOR
----------------- -----------------
<S> <C>
m 5%..................... 292%
> 5% but m 10%........... 313%
> 10% but m 15%.......... 338%
> 15% but m 20%.......... 364%
> 20% but m 25%.......... 396%
> 25% but m 30%.......... 432%
> 30% but m 35%.......... 472%
> 35% but m 40%.......... 520%
</TABLE>
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Moody's Volatility Factor may mean such
other potential dividend rate increase factor as Moody's advises the Fund in
writing is applicable.
"Municipal Bonds" has the meaning set forth on page 9 of this prospectus.
"Municipal Index" has the meaning set forth on page 19-20 of the statement
of additional information.
"New York Municipal Bonds" has the meaning set forth on page 9 of this
prospectus.
"1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time
to time.
"1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage" has the meaning set forth on page 21 of this
prospectus.
"1940 Act Cure Date" has the meaning set forth on page 21 of this
prospectus.
"Non-Call Period" has the meaning set forth under "Specific Redemption
Provisions" below.
"Non-Payment Period" has the meaning set forth on page 10 of the statement
of additional information.
"Non-Payment Period Rate" has the meaning set forth on page 11 of the
statement of additional information.
"Notice of Revocation" has the meaning set forth on page 10 of the
statement of additional information.
"Notice of Special Dividend Period" has the meaning set forth on page 18-19
of this prospectus.
"Optional Redemption Price" has the meaning set forth on page 22 of this
prospectus.
"Order" has the meaning set forth on page 26 of this prospectus.
"Policy" means an insurance policy purchased by the Fund which guarantees
the payment of principal and interest on specified New York Municipal Bonds or
Municipal Bonds during the period in which such New York Municipal Bonds or
Municipal Bonds are owned by the Fund; provided,
47
<PAGE> 49
however, that, as long as the AMPS are rated by Moody's and S&P, the Fund will
not obtain any Policy unless Moody's and S&P advise the Fund in writing that the
purchase of such Policy will not adversely affect their then-current rating on
the AMPS.
"Potential Beneficial Owner" means a customer of a Broker-Dealer or a
Broker-Dealer that is not a Beneficial Owner of shares of AMPS but that wishes
to purchase such shares, or that is a Beneficial Owner that wishes to purchase
additional shares of AMPS.
"Potential Holder" means any Broker-Dealer or any such other person as may
be permitted by the Fund, including any Existing Holder, who may be interested
in acquiring shares of AMPS (or, in the case of an Existing Holder, additional
shares of AMPS).
"Preferred stock" means preferred stock, par value $.10 per share, of the
Fund.
"Premium Call Period" has the meaning set forth under "Specific Redemption
Provisions" below.
"Receivables for New York Municipal Bonds Sold," for purposes of
determining S&P Eligible Assets, has the meaning set forth on page 17 of the
statement of additional information.
"Receivables for New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds Sold," for
purposes of determining Moody's Eligible Assets, has the meaning set forth on
page 21 of the statement of additional information.
"Reference Rate" means: (i) with respect to a Dividend Period or a Short
Term Dividend Period having 28 or fewer days, the higher of the applicable "AA"
Composite Commercial Paper Rate and the Taxable Equivalent of the Short Term
Municipal Bond Rate, (ii) with respect to any Short Term Dividend Period, having
more than 28 but fewer than 183 days, the applicable "AA" Composite Commercial
Paper Rate, (iii) with respect to any Short Term Dividend Period having 183 or
more but fewer than 364 days, the applicable U.S. Treasury Bill Rate and (iv)
with respect to any Long Term Dividend Period, the applicable U.S. Treasury Note
Rate.
"Request for Special Dividend Period" has the meaning set forth on page 18
of this prospectus.
"Response" has the meaning set forth on page 19 of this prospectus.
"Retroactive Taxable Allocation" has the meaning set forth on page 19-20 of
this prospectus.
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies,
Inc., or its successors.
"S&P Discount Factor" has the meaning set forth on page 17 of the statement
of additional information.
"S&P Eligible Assets" has the meaning set forth on page 17 of the statement
of additional information.
"S&P Exposure Period" means the maximum period of time following a
Valuation Date, including the Valuation Date and the AMPS Basic Maintenance Cure
Date, that the Fund has under the Articles Supplementary to cure any failure to
maintain, as of such Valuation Date, a Discounted Value for its portfolio at
least equal to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount.
48
<PAGE> 50
"S&P Hedging Transactions" has the meaning set forth on page 19-20 of the
statement of additional information.
"S&P Volatility Factor" means 277% or such other potential dividend rate
increase factor as S&P advises the Fund in writing is applicable.
"Securities Depository" means The Depository Trust Company and its
successors and assigns or any successor securities depository selected by the
Fund that agrees to follow the procedures required to be followed by such
securities depository in connection with shares of AMPS.
"Sell Order" has the meaning specified in Subsection 10(b)(i) of the
Auction Procedures.
"7-Day Dividend Period" means a Dividend Period consisting of seven days.
"Short Term Dividend Period" means a dividend period the number of days in
which are evenly divisible by seven, and not fewer than seven days nor more than
364 days.
"Special Dividend Period" has the meaning set forth on page 16 of this
prospectus.
"Specific Redemption Provisions" means, with respect to a Special Dividend
Period, either, or any combination of, (i) a period (a "Non-Call Period")
determined by the Board of Directors of the Fund, after consultation with the
Auction Agent and the Broker-Dealers, during which the shares of AMPS subject to
such Dividend Period shall not be subject to redemption at the option of the
Fund and (ii) a period (a "Premium Call Period"), consisting of a number of
whole years and determined by the Board of Directors of the Fund, after
consultation with the Auction Agent and the Broker-Dealers, during each year of
which the shares of AMPS subject to such Dividend Period shall be redeemable at
the Fund's option at a price per share equal to $25,000 plus accumulated but
unpaid dividends plus a premium expressed as a percentage of $25,000, as
determined by the Board of Directors of the Fund after consultation with the
Auction Agent and the Broker-Dealers.
"Submission Deadline" has the meaning set forth on page 28 of this
prospectus.
"Submitted Bid" has the meaning set forth on page 29 of this prospectus.
"Submitted Hold Order" has the meaning set forth on page 29 of this
prospectus.
"Submitted Order" has the meaning set forth on page 29 of this prospectus.
"Submitted Sell Order" has the meaning set forth on page 29 of this
prospectus.
"Subsequent Dividend Period" means each Dividend Period after the Initial
Dividend Period.
"Substitute Rating Agency" and "Substitute Rating Agencies" shall mean a
nationally recognized statistical rating organization or two nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations, respectively, selected by Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, or its respective affiliates and
successors, after consultation with the Fund, to act as a substitute rating
agency or substitute rating agencies, as the case may be, to determine the
credit ratings of the AMPS.
"Sufficient Clearing Bids" has the meaning set forth on page 29 of this
prospectus.
"Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate" on any date
means 90% of the quotient of (A) the per annum rate expressed on an interest
equivalent basis equal to the Kenny
49
<PAGE> 51
S&P 30-day High Grade Index (the "Kenny Index"), or any successor index made
available for the Business Day immediately preceding such date but in any event
not later than 8:30 A.M., Eastern time, on such date by Kenny Information
Systems Inc. or any successor thereto, based upon 30-day yield evaluations at
par of bonds the interest on which is excludable for regular Federal income tax
purposes under the Code of "high grade" component issuers selected by Kenny
Information Systems Inc. or any such successor from time to time in its
discretion, which component issuers shall include, without limitation, issuers
of general obligation bonds but shall exclude any bonds the interest on which
constitutes an item of tax preference under Section 57(a) (5) of the Code, or
successor provisions, for purposes of the "alternative minimum tax," divided by
(B) 1.00 minus the Marginal Tax Rate (expressed as a decimal); provided,
however, that if the Kenny Index is not made so available by 8:30 A.M., Eastern
time, on such date by Kenny Information Systems Inc. or any successor, the
Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate shall mean the quotient
of (A) the per annum rate expressed on an interest equivalent basis equal to the
most recent Kenny Index so made available for any preceding Business Day,
divided by (B) 1.00 minus the Marginal Tax Rate (expressed as a decimal). The
Fund may not utilize a successor index to the Kenny Index unless Moody's and S&P
provide the Fund with written confirmation that the use of such successor index
will not adversely affect the then-current respective Moody's and S&P ratings of
the AMPS.
"Treasury Bonds" has the meaning set forth on page 20 of the statement of
additional information.
"U.S. Treasury Bill Rate" on any date means (i) the Interest Equivalent of
the rate on the actively traded Treasury Bill with a maturity most nearly
comparable to the length of the related Dividend Period, as such rate is made
available on a discount basis or otherwise by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York in its Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities report
for such Business Day, or (ii) if such yield as so calculated is not available,
the Alternate Treasury Bill Rate on such date. "Alternate Treasury Bill Rate" on
any date means the Interest Equivalent of the yield as calculated by reference
to the arithmetic average of the bid price quotations of the actively traded
Treasury Bill with a maturity most nearly comparable to the length of the
related Dividend Period, as determined by bid price quotations as of any time on
the Business Day immediately preceding such date, obtained from at least three
recognized primary U.S. Government securities dealers selected by the Auction
Agent.
"U.S. Treasury Note Rate" on any date means (i) the yield as calculated by
reference to the bid price quotation of the actively traded, current coupon
Treasury Note with a maturity most nearly comparable to the length of the
related Dividend Period, as such bid price quotation is published on the
Business Day immediately preceding such date by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York in its Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities report
for such Business Day, or (ii) if such yield as so calculated is not available,
the Alternate Treasury Note Rate on such date. "Alternate Treasury Note Rate" on
any date means the yield as calculated by reference to the arithmetic average of
the bid price quotations of the actively traded, current coupon Treasury Note
with a maturity most nearly comparable to the length of the related Dividend
Period, as determined by the bid price quotations as of any time on the Business
Day immediately preceding such date, obtained from at least three recognized
primary U.S. Government securities dealers selected by the Auction Agent.
50
<PAGE> 52
"Valuation Date" has the meaning set forth on page 21 of this prospectus.
"Variation Margin" means, in connection with an outstanding financial
futures contract owned or sold by the Fund, the amount of cash or securities
paid to or received from a broker (subsequent to the Initial Margin payment)
from time to time as the price of such financial futures contract fluctuates.
"Winning Bid Rate" has the meaning set forth on page 29 of this prospectus.
51
<PAGE> 53
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$39,000,000
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
AUCTION MARKET PREFERRED STOCK ["AMPS(R)"]
1,560 SHARES, SERIES A
---------------------
PROSPECTUS
---------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
AUGUST , 1999
(R) Registered trademark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 54
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT
COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS
EFFECTIVE. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DATED JULY 28, 1999
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
$39,000,000
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
AUCTION MARKET PREFERRED STOCK ["AMPS(R)"]
1,560 SHARES, SERIES A
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE $25,000 PER SHARE
------------------------
MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc. (the "Fund") is a recently
organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that seeks
to provide shareholders with current income exempt from Federal income tax and
New York State and New York City personal income taxes. The Fund seeks to
achieve its objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of long-term,
investment grade municipal obligations the interest on which, in the opinion of
bond counsel to the issuer, is exempt from Federal income tax and New York State
and New York City personal income taxes. The Fund intends to invest in municipal
obligations that are rated investment grade or, if unrated, are considered by
the Fund's investment adviser to be of comparable quality. Under normal
circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in municipal
obligations with remaining maturities of one year or more that are covered by
insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of principal at maturity and interest.
There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be realized.
For more information on the Fund's investment objective and policies, see
"Investment Objective and Policies."
------------------------
Certain capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this statement of
additional information have the meaning provided in the Glossary included as
part of the prospectus.
This statement of additional information is not a prospectus, but should be
read in conjunction with the prospectus of the Fund which has been filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and can be obtained,
without charge, by calling (800) 637-3863. The prospectus is incorporated by
reference into this statement of additional information, and this statement of
additional information is incorporated by reference into the prospectus.
- ---------------
(R) Registered trademark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
------------------------
The date of this statement of additional information is August , 1999.
<PAGE> 55
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies........................... 3
Investment Restrictions..................................... 7
Description of AMPS......................................... 8
The Auction................................................. 16
Rating Agency Guidelines.................................... 17
Directors and Officers...................................... 25
Investment Advisory and Management Arrangements............. 27
Portfolio Transactions...................................... 28
Taxes....................................................... 29
Net Asset Value............................................. 33
Additional Information...................................... 33
Independent Auditors' Report................................ 35
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Capital................ 36
Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)......................... 37
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Capital (Unaudited).... 39
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)................... 40
Appendix A -- Economic and Other Conditions in New York..... A-1
Appendix B -- Ratings of Municipal Bonds.................... B-1
Appendix C -- Portfolio Insurance........................... C-1
Appendix D -- Settlement Procedures......................... D-1
Appendix E -- Auction Procedures............................ E-1
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 56
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The Fund's investment objective is to provide shareholders with current
income exempt from Federal income tax and New York State and New York City
personal income taxes. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by
investing primarily in a portfolio of long-term, investment grade municipal
obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of New York, its political
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, and other qualifying issuers, each
of which pays interest which, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, is
exempt from Federal income tax and New York State and New York City personal
income taxes ("New York Municipal Bonds"). The Fund intends to invest
substantially all (at least 80%) of its assets in New York Municipal Bonds,
except at times when the Fund's investment adviser, Fund Asset Management, L.P.
(the "Investment Adviser"), considers that New York Municipal Bonds of
sufficient quality and quantity are unavailable for investment at suitable
prices by the Fund. To the extent the Investment Adviser considers that suitable
New York Municipal Bonds are not available for investment, the Fund may purchase
other long-term municipal obligations exempt from Federal income tax but not New
York State and New York City personal income taxes ("Municipal Bonds"). The Fund
will maintain at least 65% of its assets in New York Municipal Bonds and at
least 80% of its assets in New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds, except
during interim periods pending investment of the net proceeds of public
offerings of the Fund's securities and during temporary defensive periods. Under
normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's assets will be invested in
municipal obligations with remaining maturities of one year or more that are
covered by insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of principal at maturity
and interest. The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy that may
not be changed without a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities, as defined below under "Investment Restrictions." There can be no
assurance that the investment objective of the Fund will be realized. At times
the Fund may seek to hedge its portfolio through the use of options and futures
transactions to reduce volatility in the net asset value of its shares of common
stock.
The Fund ordinarily does not intend to realize significant interest income
that is subject to Federal income tax and New York State and New York City
personal income taxes. The Fund may invest all or a portion of its assets in
certain tax-exempt securities classified as "private activity bonds" (in
general, bonds that benefit non-governmental entities) that may subject certain
investors in the Fund to a Federal alternative minimum tax.
The Fund also may invest in securities not issued by or on behalf of a
state or territory or by an agency or instrumentality thereof, if the Fund
nevertheless believes such securities pay interest or distributions that are
exempt from Federal income taxation ("Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities").
Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities may include securities issued by other
investment companies that invest in New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal
Bonds, to the extent such investments are permitted by the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Other Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt
Securities could include trust certificates or other instruments evidencing
interests in one or more long-term New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds.
Certain Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities may be characterized as derivative
instruments. Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities are considered "New York
Municipal Bonds" or "Municipal Bonds" for purposes of the Fund's investment
objective and policies.
DESCRIPTION OF NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BONDS AND MUNICIPAL BONDS
New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds include debt obligations
issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including construction of a
wide range of public facilities, refunding of outstanding obligations and
obtaining funds for general operating expenses and loans to other public
institutions and facilities. In addition, certain types of private activity
bonds ("PABs") are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to finance
various privately operated facilities, including, among other things, airports,
public ports, mass commuting facilities, multi-family housing projects as well
as facilities for water supply, gas, electricity, sewage or solid waste
disposal. For purposes of this statement of additional information, such
obligations are Municipal Bonds if the interest thereon is exempt from Federal
income tax and are New York Municipal Bonds if the interest thereon is exempt
from Federal income tax and exempt from New York State and New York City
personal income taxes, even though such bonds may be industrial development
bonds or PABs as
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<PAGE> 57
discussed below. Also, for purposes of this statement of additional information,
Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities as discussed above will be considered New
York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds.
The two principal classifications of New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal
Bonds are "general obligation" bonds and "revenue" bonds, which latter category
includes PABs and, for bonds issued on or before August 15, 1986, industrial
development bonds or "IDBs." General obligation bonds (other than those of the
State of New York which has limited taxing powers) are secured by the issuer's
pledge of faith, credit and taxing power for the repayment of principal and the
payment of interest. Revenue or special obligation bonds are payable only from
the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in
some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue
source such as from the user of the facility being financed. PABs are in most
cases revenue bonds and do not generally constitute the pledge of the credit or
taxing power of the issuer of such bonds. The repayment of principal and the
payment of interest on revenue bonds depends solely on the ability of the user
of the facility financed by the bonds to meet its financial obligations and the
pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such
payment. New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds may also include "moral
obligation" bonds, which are normally issued by special purpose public
authorities. If an issuer of moral obligation bonds is unable to meet its
obligations, the repayment of such bonds becomes a moral commitment but not a
legal obligation of the state or municipality in question.
The Fund may purchase New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds
classified as PABs. Interest received on certain PABs is treated as an item of
"tax preference" for purposes of the Federal alternative minimum tax and may
impact the overall tax liability of investors in the Fund. There is no
limitation on the percentage of the Fund's assets that may be invested in New
York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds the interest on which is treated as an
item of "tax preference" for purposes of the Federal alternative minimum tax.
See "Taxes -- General."
Also included within the general category of New York Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds are certificates of participation ("COPs") executed and
delivered for the benefit of government authorities or entities to finance the
acquisition or construction of equipment, land and/or facilities. COPs represent
participations in a lease, an installment purchase contract or a conditional
sales contract (hereinafter collectively referred to as "lease obligations")
relating to such equipment, land or facilities. Although lease obligations do
not constitute general obligations of the issuer for which the issuer's
unlimited taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation frequently is backed by
the issuer's covenant to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under
the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain
"non-appropriation" clauses which provide that the issuer has no obligation to
make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is
appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. Although "non-appropriation"
lease obligations are secured by the lease property, disposition of the property
in the event of foreclosure might prove difficult.
Federal tax legislation has limited and may continue to limit the types and
volume of bonds the interest on which is excludable from income for Federal
income tax purposes. Such legislation may affect the availability of New York
Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds for investment by the Fund.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
The following is a description of the options and futures transactions in
which the Fund may engage, limitations on the Fund's use of such transactions
and risks associated with these transactions. The investment policies with
respect to the hedging transactions of the Fund are not fundamental policies and
may be modified by the Board of Directors of the Fund without the approval of
the Fund's shareholders.
Writing Covered Call Options. The Fund may write (i.e., sell) covered call
options with respect to New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds it owns,
thereby giving the holder of the option the right to buy the underlying security
covered by the option from the Fund at the stated exercise price until the
option expires. The Fund writes only covered call options, which means that so
long as the Fund is obligated as the writer of a call option, it will own the
underlying securities subject to the option. The Fund may not write
4
<PAGE> 58
covered call options on underlying securities in an amount exceeding 15% of the
market value of its total assets.
The Fund will receive a premium from writing a call option, which increases
the Fund's return on the underlying security in the event the option expires
unexercised or is closed out at a profit. By writing a call, the Fund limits its
opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying
security above the exercise price of the option for as long as the Fund's
obligation as a writer continues. Covered call options may serve as a partial
hedge against a decline in the price of the underlying security. The Fund may
engage in closing transactions in order to terminate outstanding options that it
has written.
Purchase of Options. The Fund may purchase put options in connection with
its hedging activities. By buying a put the Fund has a right to sell the
underlying security at the exercise price, thus limiting the Fund's risk of loss
through a decline in the market value of the security until the put expires. The
amount of any appreciation in the value of the underlying security will be
partially offset by the amount of the premium paid for the put option and any
related transaction costs. Prior to its expiration, a put option may be sold in
a closing sale transaction; profit or loss from the sale will depend on whether
the amount received is more or less than the premium paid for the put option
plus the related transaction costs. A closing sale transaction cancels out the
Fund's position as the purchaser of an option by means of an offsetting sale of
an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has purchased. In
certain circumstances, the Fund may purchase call options on securities held in
its portfolio on which it has written call options or on securities that it
intends to purchase. The Fund will not purchase options on securities if, as a
result of such purchase, the aggregate cost of all outstanding options on
securities held by the Fund would exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund's
total assets.
Financial Futures Contracts and Options. The Fund is authorized to
purchase and sell certain financial futures contracts and options thereon solely
for the purpose of hedging its investments in New York Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds against declines in value and hedging against increases in the
cost of securities it intends to purchase. A financial futures contract
obligates the seller of a contract to deliver and the purchaser of a contract to
take delivery of the type of financial instrument covered by the contract or, in
the case of index-based financial futures contracts, to make and accept a cash
settlement, at a specific future time for a specified price. A sale of financial
futures contracts may provide a hedge against a decline in the value of
portfolio securities because such depreciation may be offset, in whole or in
part, by an increase in the value of the position in the financial futures
contracts. A purchase of financial futures contracts may provide a hedge against
an increase in the cost of securities intended to be purchased because such
appreciation may be offset, in whole or in part, by an increase in the value of
the position in the financial futures contracts.
The purchase or sale of a financial futures contract differs from the
purchase or sale of a security in that no price or premium is paid or received.
Instead, an amount of cash or securities acceptable to the broker equal to
approximately 5% of the contract amount must be deposited with the broker. This
amount is known as initial margin. Subsequent payments to and from the broker,
called variation margin, are made on a daily basis as the price of the financial
futures contract fluctuates making the long and short positions in the financial
futures contract more or less valuable.
The Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts based on The
Bond Buyer Municipal Bond Index, a price-weighted measure of the market value of
40 large tax-exempt issues, and purchase and sell put and call options on such
financial futures contracts for the purpose of hedging New York Municipal Bonds
and Municipal Bonds which the Fund holds or anticipates purchasing against
adverse changes in interest rates. The Fund also may purchase and sell financial
futures contracts on U.S. Government securities and purchase and sell put and
call options on such financial futures contracts for such hedging purposes. With
respect to U.S. Government securities, currently there are financial futures
contracts based on long-term U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. Treasury notes, GNMA
Certificates and three-month U.S. Treasury bills.
Subject to policies adopted by the Board of Directors, the Fund also may
engage in transactions in other financial futures contracts, such as financial
futures contracts on other municipal bond indices that may become available, if
the Investment Adviser should determine that there is normally sufficient
correlation
5
<PAGE> 59
between the prices of such financial futures contracts and the New York
Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds in which the Fund invests to make such
hedging appropriate.
Over-the-Counter Options. The Fund may engage in options and futures
transactions on exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets. In general,
exchange-traded contracts are third-party contracts (i.e., performance of the
parties' obligations is guaranteed by an exchange or clearing corporation) with
standardized strike prices and expiration dates. Over-the-counter options
transactions ("OTC options") are two-party contracts with prices and terms
negotiated by the buyer and seller. See "Restrictions on OTC Options" below for
information as to restrictions on the use of OTC options.
Restrictions on OTC Options. The Fund will engage in transactions in OTC
options only with banks or dealers that have capital of at least $50 million or
whose obligations are guaranteed by an entity having capital of at least $50
million. Certain OTC options and assets used to cover OTC options written by the
Fund may be considered to be illiquid. The illiquidity of such options or assets
may prevent a successful sale of such options or assets, result in a delay of
sale, or reduce the amount of proceeds that might otherwise be realized.
Risk Factors in Options and Futures Transactions. Utilization of futures
transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the
price of financial futures contracts and movements in the price of the security
that is the subject of the hedge. If the price of the financial futures contract
moves more or less than the price of the security that is the subject of the
hedge, the Fund will experience a gain or loss that will not be completely
offset by movements in the price of such security. There is a risk of imperfect
correlation where the securities underlying financial futures contracts have
different maturities, ratings, geographic compositions or other characteristics
than the security being hedged. In addition, the correlation may be affected by
additions to or deletions from the index that serves as a basis for a financial
futures contract. Finally, in the case of financial futures contracts on U.S.
Government securities and options on such financial futures contracts, the
anticipated correlation of price movements between the U.S. Government
securities underlying the futures or options and New York Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds may be adversely affected by economic, political, legislative or
other developments which have a disparate impact on the respective markets for
such securities.
Under regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"),
the futures trading activities described herein will not result in the Fund
being deemed a "commodity pool," as defined under such regulations, provided
that the Fund adheres to certain restrictions. In particular, the Fund may
purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon (i) for bona
fide hedging purposes, without regard to the percentage of the Fund's assets
committed to margin and option premiums, and (ii) for non-hedging purposes if,
immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits on the
Fund's existing futures positions and option premiums entered into for
non-hedging purposes does not exceed 5% of the market value of the liquidation
value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and
unrealized losses on any such transactions. Margin deposits may consist of cash
or securities acceptable to the broker and the relevant contract market.
When the Fund purchases a financial futures contract, or writes a put
option or purchases a call option thereon, it will maintain an amount of cash,
cash equivalents (e.g., commercial paper and daily tender adjustable notes) or
liquid securities in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian so that the
amount so segregated plus the amount of initial and variation margin held in the
account of its broker equals the market value of the financial futures contract,
thereby ensuring that the use of such financial futures contract is unleveraged.
Certain risks are involved in options and futures transactions. The
Investment Adviser believes, however, that, because the Fund will engage in
options and futures transactions only for hedging purposes, the Fund's options
and futures portfolio strategies will not subject the Fund to those risks
associated with speculation in options and futures transactions.
The volume of trading in the exchange markets with respect to New York
Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond options may be limited, and it is impossible to
predict the amount of trading interest that may exist in such options. In
addition, there can be no assurance that viable exchange markets will continue
to be available.
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<PAGE> 60
The Fund intends to enter into options and futures transactions, on an
exchange or in the over-the-counter market, only if there appears to be a liquid
secondary market for such options or futures. There can be no assurance,
however, that a liquid secondary market will exist at any specific time. Thus,
it may not be possible to close an options or futures transaction. The inability
to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the
Fund's ability to effectively hedge its portfolio. There is also the risk of
loss by the Fund of margin deposits or collateral in the event of bankruptcy of
a broker with which the Fund has an open position in an option or financial
futures contract.
The liquidity of a secondary market in a financial futures contract may be
adversely affected by "daily price fluctuation limits" established by commodity
exchanges that limit the amount of fluctuation in a financial futures contract
price during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in the
contract, no trades may be entered into at a price beyond the limit, thus
preventing the liquidation of open futures positions. Prices have in the past
reached or exceeded the daily limit on a number of consecutive trading days.
If it is not possible to close a financial futures position entered into by
the Fund, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of
variation margin in the event of adverse price movements. In such a situation,
if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to
meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be
disadvantageous to do so.
The successful use of these transactions also depends on the ability of the
Investment Adviser to forecast correctly the direction and extent of interest
rate movements within a given time frame. To the extent these rates remain
stable during the period in which a financial futures contract is held by the
Fund or move in a direction opposite to that anticipated, the Fund may realize a
loss on the hedging transaction that is not fully or partially offset by an
increase in the value of portfolio securities. As a result, the Fund's total
return for such period may be less than if it had not engaged in the hedging
transaction. Furthermore, the Fund will only engage in hedging transactions from
time to time and may not necessarily be engaging in hedging transactions when
movements in interest rates occur. The Fund is not required to enter into
hedging transactions and may choose not to do so.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The following are fundamental investment restrictions of the Fund and may
not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding shares of common stock and outstanding shares of AMPS and any other
preferred stock, voting together as a single class, and the majority of the
outstanding shares of AMPS and any other preferred stock, voting as a separate
class (which for this purpose and under the 1940 Act means the lesser of (i) 67%
of the shares of each class of capital stock represented at a meeting at which
more than 50% of the outstanding shares of each class of capital stock are
represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of each class of
capital stock). The Fund may not:
1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
2. Purchase or sell real estate, commodities or commodity contracts;
provided that the Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or
interests therein or issued by entities that invest in real estate or
interest therein, and the Fund may purchase and sell financial futures
contracts and options thereon.
3. Issue senior securities or borrow money except as permitted by
Section 18 of the 1940 Act.
4. Underwrite securities of other issuers except insofar as the Fund
may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
in selling portfolio securities.
5. Make loans to other persons, except that the Fund may purchase New
York Municipal Bonds, Municipal Bonds and other debt securities and enter
into repurchase agreements in accordance with its investment objective,
policies and limitations.
6. Invest more than 25% of its total assets (taken at market value at
the time of each investment) in securities of issuers in a single industry;
provided that, for purposes of this restriction, states, municipalities and
their political subdivisions are not considered to be part of any industry.
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<PAGE> 61
Additional investment restrictions adopted by the Fund, which may be
changed by the Board of Directors without shareholder approval, provide that the
Fund may not:
a. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to the
extent that such purchases are permitted by applicable law. Applicable law
currently prohibits the Fund from purchasing the securities of other
investment companies except if immediately thereafter not more than (i) 3%
of the total outstanding voting stock of such company is owned by the Fund,
(ii) 5% of the Fund's total assets, taken at market value, would be
invested in any one such company, (iii) 10% of the Fund's total assets,
taken at market value, would be invested in such securities, and (iv) the
Fund, together with other investment companies having the same investment
adviser and companies controlled by such companies, owns not more than 10%
of the total outstanding stock of any one closed-end investment company.
b. Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or in any manner transfer, as
security for indebtedness, any securities owned or held by the Fund except
as may be necessary in connection with borrowings mentioned in investment
restriction (3) above or except as may be necessary in connection with
transactions in financial futures contracts and options thereon.
c. Purchase any securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain
such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases
and sales of portfolio securities (the deposit or payment by the Fund of
initial or variation margin in connection with financial futures contracts
and options thereon is not considered the purchase of a security on
margin).
d. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position or
invest in put, call, straddle or spread options, except that the Fund may
write, purchase and sell options and futures on New York Municipal Bonds,
Municipal Bonds, U.S. Government obligations and related indices or
otherwise in connection with bona fide hedging activities and may purchase
and sell Call Rights to require mandatory tender for the purchase of
related New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds.
If a percentage restriction on the investment or use of assets set forth
above is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in
percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation.
For so long as shares of AMPS are rated by Moody's, the Fund will not
change these additional investment restrictions unless it receives written
confirmation from Moody's that engaging in such transactions would not impair
the rating then assigned to the shares of AMPS by Moody's.
The Fund has no intention to file a voluntary application for relief under
Federal bankruptcy law or any similar application under state law for so long as
the Fund is solvent and does not foresee becoming insolvent.
The Investment Adviser of the Fund and Merrill Lynch are owned and
controlled by Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."). Because of the affiliation
of Merrill Lynch with the Investment Adviser, the Fund is prohibited from
engaging in certain transactions involving Merrill Lynch except pursuant to an
exemptive order or otherwise in compliance with the provisions of the 1940 Act
and the rules and regulations thereunder. Included among such restricted
transactions will be purchases from or sales to Merrill Lynch of securities in
transactions in which it acts as principal. An exemptive order has been obtained
that permits the Fund to effect principal transactions with Merrill Lynch in
high quality, short-term, tax-exempt securities subject to conditions set forth
in such order. The Fund may consider in the future requesting an order
permitting other principal transactions with Merrill Lynch, but there can be no
assurance that such application will be made and, if made, that such order would
be granted.
DESCRIPTION OF AMPS
Certain of the capitalized terms used herein are defined in the Glossary
that appears at the back of the prospectus.
The AMPS will be shares of preferred stock that entitle their holders to
receive dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of
funds legally available therefor, at a rate per year that may vary for
8
<PAGE> 62
the successive Dividend Periods. After the Initial Dividend Period, each
Subsequent Dividend Period for the shares of AMPS generally will be a 7-Day
Dividend Period; provided, however, that prior to any Auction, the Fund may
elect, subject to certain limitations described herein, upon giving notice to
holders thereof, a Special Dividend Period. The Applicable Rate for a particular
Dividend Period will be determined by an Auction conducted on the Business Day
before the start of such Dividend Period. Beneficial Owners and Potential
Beneficial Owners of shares of AMPS may participate in Auctions therefor,
although, except in the case of a Special Dividend Period, Beneficial Owners
desiring to continue to hold all of their shares of AMPS regardless of the
Applicable Rate resulting from Auctions need not participate. For an explanation
of Auctions and the method of determining the Applicable Rate, see Appendix
E -- "Auction Procedures."
Except as otherwise required by law or unless there is no Securities
Depository, all outstanding shares of AMPS will be represented by one or more
certificates registered in the name of the nominee of the Securities Depository
(initially expected to be Cede), and no person acquiring shares of AMPS will be
entitled to receive a certificate representing such shares. See Appendix
E -- "Auction Procedures." As a result, the nominee of the Securities Depository
is expected to be the sole holder of record of the shares of AMPS. Accordingly,
each purchaser of AMPS must rely on (i) the procedures of the Securities
Depository and, if such purchaser is not a member of the Securities Depository,
such purchaser's Agent Member, to receive dividends, distributions and notices
and to exercise voting rights (if and when applicable) and (ii) the records of
the Securities Depository and, if such purchaser is not a member of the
Securities Depository, such purchaser's Agent Member, to evidence its beneficial
ownership of shares of AMPS.
When issued and sold, the shares of AMPS will have a liquidation preference
of $25,000 per share plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends
(whether or not earned or declared) and will be fully paid and non-assessable.
See "Description of AMPS -- Liquidation Rights" in the prospectus. The shares of
AMPS will not be convertible into shares of common stock or other capital stock
of the Fund, and the holders thereof will have no preemptive rights. The shares
of AMPS will not be subject to any sinking fund but will be subject to
redemption at the option of the Fund at the Optional Redemption Price on any
Dividend Payment Date (except during the Initial Dividend Period and during a
Non-Call Period) and, under certain circumstances, will be subject to mandatory
redemption by the Fund at the Mandatory Redemption Price stated in the
prospectus. See "Description of AMPS -- Redemption" in the prospectus.
In addition to serving as the Auction Agent in connection with the Auction
Procedures described in the prospectus, IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company will
be the transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent
for the shares of AMPS. The Auction Agent, however, will serve merely as the
agent of the Fund, acting in accordance with the Fund's instructions, and will
not be responsible for any evaluation or verification of any matters certified
to it.
Except in an Auction, the Fund will have the right (to the extent permitted
by applicable law) to purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of AMPS so long
as the Fund is current in the payment of dividends on AMPS and on any other
capital stock of the Fund ranking on a parity with the AMPS with respect to the
payment of dividends or upon liquidation.
The following supplements the description of the terms of the shares of
AMPS set forth in the prospectus. This description does not purport to be
complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Fund's Charter and Articles Supplementary, including the provisions thereof
establishing the AMPS. The Fund's Charter and the form of Articles Supplementary
establishing the terms of the AMPS have been filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this statement of additional information is a
part.
DIVIDENDS
General. The holders of shares of AMPS will be entitled to receive, when,
as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Fund, out of funds legally
available therefor, cumulative cash dividends on their shares, at the Applicable
Rate determined as set forth below under "Determination of Dividend Rate,"
payable on the respective dates set forth below. Dividends on the shares of AMPS
so declared and payable shall be paid (i) in preference to and in priority over
any dividends so declared and payable on the common stock, and (ii) to the
extent permitted under the Code and to the extent available, out of net
tax-exempt
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income earned on the Fund's investments. Generally, dividends on shares of AMPS,
to the extent that they are derived from interest paid on Municipal Bonds, will
be exempt from Federal income taxes, subject to possible application of the
alternative minimum tax. See "Taxes."
Notification of Dividend Period. In determining whether the Fund should
issue a Notice of Special Dividend for the shares of AMPS, the Broker-Dealers
will consider (i) existing short-term and long-term market rates and indices of
such short-term and long-term rates, (ii) existing market supply and demand for
short-term and long-term securities, (iii) existing yield curves for short-term
and long-term securities comparable to the AMPS, (iv) industry and financial
conditions which may affect the AMPS, (v) the investment objective of the Fund
and (vi) the Dividend Periods and dividend rates at which current and potential
beneficial holders of the AMPS would remain or become beneficial holders. If the
Broker-Dealers shall not give the Fund and the Auction Agent a Response by such
second Business Day or if the Response states that given the factors set forth
above it is not advisable that the Fund give a Notice of Special Dividend Period
for the AMPS, the Fund may not give a Notice of Special Dividend Period in
respect of such Request for Special Dividend Period. In the event the Response
indicates that it is advisable that the Fund give a Notice of Special Dividend
Period for the AMPS, the Fund, by no later than the second Business Day prior to
such Auction Date, may give a notice (a "Notice of Special Dividend Period") to
the Auction Agent, the Securities Depository and each Broker-Dealer, which
notice will specify (i) the duration of the Special Dividend Period, (ii) the
Optional Redemption Price as specified in the related Response and (iii) the
Specific Redemption Provisions, if any, as specified in the related Response.
The Fund also shall provide a copy of such Notice of Special Dividend Period to
Moody's and S&P. The Fund shall not give a Notice of Special Dividend Period,
and, if such Notice of Special Dividend Period shall have been given already,
shall give telephonic and written notice of its revocation (a "Notice of
Revocation") to the Auction Agent, each Broker-Dealer, and the Securities
Depository on or prior to the Business Day prior to the relevant Auction Date if
(x) either the 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage is not satisfied or the Fund shall
fail to maintain S&P Eligible Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets each with an
aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount,
in each case on each of the two Valuation Dates immediately preceding the
Business Day prior to the relevant Auction Date on an actual basis and on a pro
forma basis giving effect to the proposed Special Dividend Period (using as a
pro forma dividend rate with respect to such Special Dividend Period the
dividend rate which the Broker-Dealers shall advise the Fund is an approximately
equal rate for securities similar to the AMPS with an equal dividend period),
provided that, in calculating the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible
Assets for this purpose, the Moody's Exposure Period shall be deemed to be one
week longer, (y) sufficient funds for the payment of dividends payable on the
immediately succeeding Dividend Payment Date have not been irrevocably deposited
with the Auction Agent by the close of business on the third Business Day
preceding the related Auction Date or (z) the Broker-Dealers jointly advise the
Fund that, after consideration of the factors listed above, they have concluded
that it is advisable to give a Notice of Revocation. The Fund also shall provide
a copy of such Notice of Revocation to Moody's and S&P. If the Fund is
prohibited from giving a Notice of Special Dividend Period as a result of the
factors enumerated in clause (x), (y) or (z) above or if the Fund gives a Notice
of Revocation with respect to a Notice of Special Dividend Period, the next
succeeding Dividend Period for that series will be a 7-Day Dividend Period. In
addition, in the event Sufficient Clearing Bids are not made in any Auction or
an Auction is not held for any reason, the next succeeding Dividend Period will
be a 7-Day Dividend Period, and the Fund may not again give a Notice of Special
Dividend Period (and any such attempted notice shall be null and void) until
Sufficient Clearing Bids have been made in an Auction with respect to a 7-Day
Dividend Period.
Non-Payment Period; Late Charge. A Non-Payment Period will commence if the
Fund fails to (i) declare, prior to the close of business on the second Business
Day preceding any Dividend Payment Date, for payment on or (to the extent
permitted as described below) within three Business Days after such Dividend
Payment Date to the persons who held such shares as of 12:00 noon, Eastern time,
on the Business Day preceding such Dividend Payment Date, the full amount of any
dividend on shares of AMPS payable on such Dividend Payment Date or (ii)
deposit, irrevocably in trust, in same-day funds, with the Auction Agent by
12:00 noon, Eastern time, (A) on such Dividend Payment Date the full amount of
any cash dividend on such shares (if declared) payable on such Dividend Payment
Date or (B) on any redemption date for shares
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of AMPS called for redemption, the Mandatory Redemption Price per share of such
AMPS or, in the case of an optional redemption, the Optional Redemption Price
per share. Such Non-Payment Period will consist of the period commencing on and
including the aforementioned Dividend Payment Date or redemption date, as the
case may be, and ending on and including the Business Day on which, by 12:00
noon, Eastern time, all unpaid cash dividends and unpaid redemption prices shall
have been so deposited or otherwise shall have been made available to the
applicable holders in same-day funds, provided that a Non-Payment Period for the
shares of AMPS will not end unless the Fund shall have given at least five days'
but no more than 30 days' written notice of such deposit or availability to the
Auction Agent, the Securities Depository and all holders of shares of AMPS.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure by the Fund to deposit funds as
provided for by clause (ii) (A) or (ii) (B) above within three Business Days
after any Dividend Payment Date or redemption date, as the case may be, in each
case to the extent contemplated below, shall not constitute a "Non-Payment
Period."
The Applicable Rate for each Dividend Period for shares of AMPS, commencing
during a Non-Payment Period, will be equal to the Non-Payment Period Rate; and
each Dividend Period commencing after the first day of, and during, a
Non-Payment Period shall be a 7-Day Dividend Period. Any dividend on shares of
AMPS due on any Dividend Payment Date for such shares (if, prior to the close of
business on the second Business Day preceding such Dividend Payment Date, the
Fund has declared such dividend payable on such Dividend Payment Date to the
persons who held such shares as of 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on the Business Day
preceding such Dividend Payment Date) or redemption price with respect to such
shares not paid to such persons when due may be paid to such persons in the same
form of funds by 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on any of the first three Business
Days after such Dividend Payment Date or due date, as the case may be, provided
that such amount is accompanied by a late charge calculated for such period of
non-payment at the Non-Payment Period Rate applied to the amount of such
non-payment based on the actual number of days comprising such period divided by
365. In the case of a willful failure of the Fund to pay a dividend on a
Dividend Payment Date or to redeem any shares of AMPS on the date set for such
redemption, the preceding sentence shall not apply and the Applicable Rate for
the Dividend Period commencing during the Non-Payment Period resulting from such
failure shall be the Non-Payment Period Rate. For the purposes of the foregoing,
payment to a person in same-day funds on any Business Day at any time will be
considered equivalent to payment to that person in New York Clearing House
(next-day) funds at the same time on the preceding Business Day, and any payment
made after 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on any Business Day shall be considered to
have been made instead in the same form of funds and to the same person before
12:00 noon, Eastern time, on the next Business Day.
The Non-Payment Period Rate initially will be 200% of the applicable
Reference Rate (or 275% of such rate if the Fund has provided notification to
the Auction Agent prior to the Auction establishing the Applicable Rate for any
dividend that net capital gains or other taxable income will be included in such
dividend on shares of AMPS), provided that the Board of Directors of the Fund
shall have the authority to adjust, modify, alter or change from time to time
the initial Non-Payment Period Rate if the Board of Directors of the Fund
determines and Moody's and S&P (and any Substitute Rating Agency in lieu of
Moody's or S&P in the event either of such parties shall not rate the AMPS)
advise the Fund in writing that such adjustment, modification, alteration or
change will not adversely affect their then-current ratings on the AMPS.
Restrictions on Dividends and Other Payments. For so long as any shares of
AMPS are outstanding, the Fund will not declare, pay or set apart for payment
any dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid
in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase,
common stock or other stock, if any, ranking junior to shares of AMPS as to
dividends or upon liquidation) in respect of common stock or any other stock of
the Fund ranking junior to or on a parity with shares of AMPS as to dividends or
upon liquidation, or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire
for consideration any shares of common stock or any other such junior stock
(except by conversion into or exchange for stock of the Fund ranking junior to
AMPS as to dividends and upon liquidation) or any such parity stock (except by
conversion into or exchange for stock of the Fund ranking junior to or on a
parity with AMPS as to dividends and upon liquidation), unless (A) immediately
after such transaction, the Fund would have S&P Eligible
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<PAGE> 65
Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets each with an aggregate Discounted Value equal
to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount, and the 1940 Act AMPS
Asset Coverage (see "Asset Maintenance" and "Redemption" below) would be
satisfied, (B) full cumulative dividends on shares of AMPS due on or prior to
the date of the transaction have been declared and paid or shall have been
declared and sufficient funds for the payment thereof deposited with the Auction
Agent, (C) any Additional Dividend required to be paid on or before the date of
such declaration or payment has been paid and (D) the Fund has redeemed the full
number of shares of AMPS required to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory
redemption contained in the Articles Supplementary.
ASSET MAINTENANCE
1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage. The Fund will be required under the Articles
Supplementary to maintain, with respect to shares of AMPS, as of the last
Business Day of each month in which any shares of AMPS are outstanding, asset
coverage of at least 200% with respect to senior securities which are stock,
including the shares of AMPS (or such other asset coverage as in the future may
be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior
securities which are stock of a closed-end investment company as a condition of
paying dividends on its common stock) ("1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage"). If the
Fund fails to maintain 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage and such failure is not
cured as of the last Business Day of the following month (the "1940 Act Cure
Date"), the Fund will be required under certain circumstances to redeem certain
of the shares of AMPS. See "Redemption" in the prospectus and below.
AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount. So long as shares of AMPS are outstanding,
the Fund will be required under the Articles Supplementary to maintain as of
each Business Day (a "Valuation Date") S&P Eligible Assets and Moody's Eligible
Assets each having in the aggregate a Discounted Value at least equal to the
AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount. If the Fund fails to meet such requirement as of
any Valuation Date and such failure is not cured on or before the sixth Business
Day after such Valuation Date (the "AMPS Basic Maintenance Cure Date"), the Fund
will be required under certain circumstances to redeem certain of the shares of
AMPS. Upon any failure to maintain the required Discounted Value, the Fund will
use its best efforts to alter the composition of its portfolio to reattain a
Discounted Value at least equal to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount on or prior
to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Cure Date. See "Redemption" in the prospectus and
below.
The AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount as of any Valuation Date is defined as
the dollar amount equal to (i) the sum of (A) the product of the number of
shares of AMPS outstanding on such Valuation Date multiplied by the sum of
$25,000 and any applicable redemption premium attributable to the designation of
a Premium Call Period; (B) the aggregate amount of cash dividends (whether or
not earned or declared) that will have accumulated for each share of AMPS
outstanding to (but not including) the end of the current Dividend Period that
follows such Valuation Date in the event the then-current Dividend Period will
end within 49 calendar days of such Valuation Date or through the 49th day after
such Valuation Date in the event the then-current Dividend Period for the shares
of AMPS will not end within 49 calendar days of such Valuation Date; (C) in the
event the then-current Dividend Period will end within 49 calendar days of such
Valuation Date, the aggregate amount of cash dividends that would accumulate at
the Maximum Applicable Rate applicable to a Dividend Period of 28 or fewer days
on any shares of AMPS outstanding from the end of such Dividend Period through
the 49th day after such Valuation Date, multiplied by the larger of the Moody's
Volatility Factor and the S&P Volatility Factor determined from time to time by
Moody's and S&P, respectively (except that if such Valuation Date occurs during
a Non-Payment Period, the cash dividend for purposes of calculation would
accumulate at the then-current Non-Payment Period Rate); (D) the amount of
anticipated Fund expenses for the 90 days subsequent to such Valuation Date
(including any premiums payable with respect to a Policy); (E) the amount of the
Fund's Maximum Potential Additional Dividend Liability as of such Valuation
Date; and (F) any current liabilities as of such Valuation Date to the extent
not reflected in any of (i) (A) through (i) (E) (including, without limitation,
and immediately upon determination, any amounts due and payable by the Fund
pursuant to repurchase agreements, any amounts payable for New York Municipal
Bonds or Municipal Bonds purchased as of such Valuation Date) less (ii) either
(A) the Discounted Value of any Fund assets, or (B) the face value of any of the
Fund's assets if
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<PAGE> 66
such assets mature prior to or on the date of redemption of AMPS or payment of a
liability and are either securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government or Deposit Securities, in both cases irrevocably deposited by the
Fund for the payment of the amount needed to redeem shares of AMPS subject to
redemption or to satisfy any of (i) (B) through (i) (F). For Moody's and S&P the
Fund shall include as a liability an amount calculated semi-annually equal to
150% of the estimated cost of obtaining other insurance guaranteeing the timely
payment of interest on a Moody's Eligible Asset or S&P Eligible Asset and
principal thereof to maturity with respect to Moody's Eligible Assets and S&P
Eligible Assets that (i) are covered by a Policy which provides the Fund with
the option to obtain such other insurance and (ii) are discounted by a Moody's
Discount Factor or S&P Discount Factor, as the case may be, determined by
reference to the insurance claims-paying ability rating of the issuer of such
Policy. For purposes of the foregoing, "Maximum Potential Additional Dividend
Liability," as of any Valuation Date, means the aggregate amount of Additional
Dividends that would be due if the Fund were to make Retroactive Taxable
Allocations, with respect to any fiscal year, estimated based upon dividends
paid and the amount of undistributed realized net capital gains and other
taxable income earned by the Fund, as of the end of the calendar month
immediately preceding such Valuation Date and assuming such Additional Dividends
are fully taxable.
The Discount Factors and guidelines for determining the market value of the
Fund's portfolio holdings have been based on criteria established in connection
with rating the AMPS. These factors include, but are not limited to, the
sensitivity of the market value of the relevant asset to changes in interest
rates, the liquidity and depth of the market for the relevant asset, the credit
quality of the relevant asset (for example, the lower the rating of a debt
obligation, the higher the related discount factor) and the frequency with which
the relevant asset is marked to market. In no event shall the Discounted Value
of any asset of the Fund exceed its unpaid principal balance or face amount as
of the date of calculation. The Discount Factor relating to any asset of the
Fund and the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount, the assets eligible for inclusion in
the calculation of the Discounted Value of the Fund's portfolio and certain
definitions and methods of calculation relating thereto may be changed from time
to time by the Fund, without shareholder approval, but only in the event the
Fund receives written confirmation from S&P, Moody's and any Substitute Rating
Agency that any such changes would not impair the ratings then assigned to the
shares of AMPS by S&P or Moody's or any Substitute Rating Agency.
On or before the third Business Day after a Valuation Date on which the
Fund fails to maintain S&P Eligible Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets each with
an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than the AMPS Basic
Maintenance Amount, the Fund is required to deliver to the Auction Agent,
Moody's and S&P a report with respect to the calculation of the AMPS Basic
Maintenance Amount and the value of its portfolio holdings as of the date of
such failure (an "AMPS Basic Maintenance Report"). Additionally, on or before
the third Business Day after the first day of a Special Dividend Period, the
Fund will deliver an AMPS Basic Maintenance Report to S&P and the Auction Agent.
The Fund also will deliver an AMPS Basic Maintenance Report as of the
twenty-fifth day of the last month of each fiscal quarter of the Fund (or, if
such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day) on or before
the third Business Day after such day. Within ten Business Days after delivery
of such report relating to the twenty-fifth day of the last month of each fiscal
quarter of the Fund, the Fund will deliver a letter prepared by the Fund's
independent accountants regarding the accuracy of the calculations made by the
Fund in its most recent AMPS Basic Maintenance Report. Also, on or before 5:00
p.m., Eastern time, on the first Business Day after shares of common stock are
repurchased by the Fund, the Fund will complete and deliver to S&P and Moody's
an AMPS Basic Maintenance Report as of the close of business on such date that
common stock is repurchased. If any such letter prepared by the Fund's
independent accountants shows that an error was made in the most recent AMPS
Basic Maintenance Report, the calculation or determination made by the Fund's
independent accountants will be conclusive and binding on the Fund.
REDEMPTION
Mandatory Redemption. The number of shares of AMPS to be redeemed will be
equal to the lesser of (a) the minimum number of shares of AMPS the redemption
of which, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening of
business on the Cure Date, together with all other shares of the preferred
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<PAGE> 67
stock subject to redemption or retirement, would result in the Fund having S&P
Eligible Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets each with an aggregate Discounted
Value equal to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount or satisfaction
of the 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage, as the case may be, on such Cure Date
(provided that, if there is no such minimum number of shares the redemption of
which would have such result, all shares of AMPS then outstanding will be
redeemed), and (b) the maximum number of shares of AMPS, together with all other
shares of preferred stock subject to redemption or retirement, that can be
redeemed out of funds expected to be legally available therefor on such
redemption date. In determining the number of shares of AMPS required to be
redeemed in accordance with the foregoing, the Fund shall allocate the number
required to be redeemed which would result in the Fund having S&P Eligible
Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets each with an aggregate Discounted Value equal
to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount or satisfaction of the 1940
Act AMPS Asset Coverage, as the case may be, pro rata among shares of AMPS and
other preferred stock subject to redemption pursuant to provisions similar to
those set forth below; provided that, shares of AMPS which may not be redeemed
at the option of the Fund due to the designation of a Non-Call Period applicable
to such shares (A) will be subject to mandatory redemption only to the extent
that other shares are not available to satisfy the number of shares required to
be redeemed and (B) will be selected for redemption in an ascending order of
outstanding number of days in the Non-Call Period (with shares with the lowest
number of days to be redeemed first) and by lot in the event of shares having an
equal number of days in such Non-Call Period. The Fund is required to effect
such a mandatory redemption not later than 35 days after such Cure Date, except
that if the Fund does not have funds legally available for the redemption of all
of the required number of shares of AMPS which are subject to mandatory
redemption or the Fund otherwise is unable to effect such redemption on or prior
to 35 days after such Cure Date, the Fund will redeem those shares of AMPS which
it was unable to redeem on the earliest practicable date on which it is able to
effect such redemption.
Notice of Redemption. If shares of AMPS are to be redeemed, a notice of
redemption will be mailed to each record holder of such shares of AMPS
(initially Cede as nominee of the Securities Depository) and to the Auction
Agent not less than 17 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for the
redemption thereof. Each notice of redemption will include a statement setting
forth: (i) the redemption date, (ii) the aggregate number of shares of AMPS to
be redeemed, (iii) the redemption price, (iv) the place or places where shares
of AMPS are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price, (v) a
statement that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate
on such redemption date (except that holders may be entitled to Additional
Dividends) and (vi) the provision of the Articles Supplementary pursuant to
which such shares are being redeemed. The notice also will be published in The
Wall Street Journal. No defect in the notice of redemption or in the mailing or
publication thereof will affect the validity of the redemption proceedings,
except as required by applicable law.
In the event that less than all of the outstanding shares of AMPS are to be
redeemed, the shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or such other method
as the Fund shall deem fair and equitable, and the results thereof will be
communicated to the Auction Agent. The Auction Agent will give notice to the
Securities Depository, whose nominee will be the record holder of all shares of
AMPS, and the Securities Depository will determine the number of shares to be
redeemed from the account of the Agent Member of each Existing Holder. Each
Agent Member will determine the number of shares to be redeemed from the account
of each Existing Holder for which it acts as agent. An Agent Member may select
for redemption shares from the accounts of some Existing Holders without
selecting for redemption any shares from the accounts of other Existing Holders.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if neither the Securities Depository nor its
nominee is the record holder of all of the shares, the particular shares to be
redeemed shall be selected by the Fund by lot or by such other method as the
Fund shall deem fair and equitable.
If the Fund gives notice of redemption, and concurrently or thereafter
deposits in trust with the Auction Agent, or segregates in an account at the
Fund's custodian bank for the benefit of the Auction Agent, Deposit
Securities(with a right of substitution) having an aggregate Discounted Value
(utilizing in the case of S&P and S&P Exposure Period of 22 Business Days) equal
to the redemption payment for the shares of AMPS as to which notice of
redemption has been given, with irrevocable instructions and authority to pay
the redemption price to the record holders thereof, then upon the date of such
deposit or, if no such deposit is
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<PAGE> 68
made, upon such date fixed for redemption (unless the Fund shall default in
making payment of the redemption price), all rights of the holders of such
shares called for redemption will cease and terminate, except the right of such
holders to receive the redemption price thereof and any Additional Dividends,
but without interest, and such shares no longer will be deemed to be
outstanding. The Fund will be entitled to receive, from time to time, the
interest, if any, earned on such Deposit Securities deposited with the Auction
Agent, and the holders of any shares so redeemed will have no claim to any such
interest. Any funds so deposited which are unclaimed at the end of one year from
such redemption date will be repaid, upon demand, to the Fund, after which the
holders of the shares of AMPS of such series so called for redemption may look
only to the Fund for payment thereof.
So long as any shares of AMPS are held of record by the nominee of the
Securities Depository (initially Cede), the redemption price for such shares
will be paid on the redemption date to the nominee of the Securities Depository.
The Securities Depository's normal procedures now provide for it to distribute
the amount of the redemption price to Agent Members who, in turn, are expected
to distribute such funds to the persons for whom they are acting as agent.
Notwithstanding the provisions for redemption described above, no shares of
AMPS shall be subject to optional redemption (i) unless all dividends in arrears
on the outstanding shares of AMPS, and all capital stock of the Fund ranking on
a parity with the AMPS with respect to the payment of dividends or upon
liquidation, have been or are being contemporaneously paid or declared and set
aside for payment and (ii) if redemption thereof would result in the Fund's
failure to maintain Moody's Eligible Assets or S&P Eligible Assets with an
aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance
Amount.
VOTING RIGHTS
In connection with the election of the Fund's directors, holders of shares
of AMPS and any other preferred stock, voting as a separate class, shall be
entitled at all times to elect two of the Fund's directors, and the remaining
directors will be elected by holders of shares of common stock and shares of
AMPS and any other preferred stock, voting together as a single class. In
addition, if at any time dividends on outstanding shares of AMPS shall be unpaid
in an amount equal to at least two full years' dividends thereon or if at any
time holders of any shares of preferred stock are entitled, together with the
holders of AMPS, to elect a majority of the directors of the Fund under the 1940
Act, then the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors
automatically shall be increased by the smallest number that, when added to the
two directors elected exclusively by the holders of shares of AMPS and any other
preferred stock as described above, would constitute a majority of the Board of
Directors as so increased by such smallest number, and at a special meeting of
shareholders which will be called and held as soon as practicable, and at all
subsequent meetings at which directors are to be elected, the holders of shares
of AMPS and any other preferred stock, voting as a separate class, will be
entitled to elect the smallest number of additional directors that, together
with the two directors which such holders in any event will be entitled to
elect, constitutes a majority of the total number of directors of the Fund as so
increased. The terms of office of the persons who are directors at the time of
that election will continue. If the Fund thereafter shall pay, or declare and
set apart for payment in full, all dividends payable on all outstanding shares
of AMPS and any other preferred stock for all past Dividend Periods, the
additional voting rights of the holders of shares of AMPS and any other
preferred stock as described above shall cease, and the terms of office of all
of the additional directors elected by the holders of shares of AMPS and any
other preferred stock (but not of the directors with respect to whose election
the holders of common stock were entitled to vote or the two directors the
holders of shares of AMPS and any other preferred stock have the right to elect
in any event) will terminate automatically.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by
holders of outstanding shares of AMPS and any other preferred stock, voting as a
separate class, will be required to (i) authorize, create or issue any class or
series of stock ranking prior to the AMPS or any other series of preferred stock
with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets on
liquidation, or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to adversely
affect any of the contract rights expressly set forth in the Articles of
Incorporation of holders of shares of AMPS or any other preferred stock. To the
extent permitted under the 1940 Act, in the event shares of more
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<PAGE> 69
than one series of AMPS are outstanding, the Fund shall not approve any of the
actions set forth in clause (i) or (ii) which adversely affects the contract
rights expressly set forth in the Articles of Incorporation of a holder of
shares of a series of AMPS differently than those of a holder of shares of any
other series of AMPS without the affirmative vote of at least a majority of
votes entitled to be cast by holders of the shares of AMPS of each series
adversely affected and outstanding at such time (each such adversely affected
series voting separately as a class). The Board of Directors, however, without
shareholder approval, may amend, alter or repeal any or all of the various
rating agency guidelines described herein in the event the Fund receives
confirmation from the rating agencies that any such amendment, alteration or
repeal would not impair the ratings then assigned to shares of AMPS. Unless a
higher percentage is provided for under "Description of Capital Stock-Certain
Provisions in the Articles of Incorporation" in the prospectus, the affirmative
vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding
shares of AMPS and any other preferred stock, voting as a separate class, will
be required to approve any plan of reorganization (including bankruptcy
proceedings) adversely affecting such shares or any action requiring a vote of
security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act including, among other
things, changes in the Fund's investment objective or changes in the investment
restrictions described as fundamental policies under "Investment Objective and
Policies." The class vote of holders of shares of AMPS and any other preferred
stock described above in each case will be in addition to a separate vote of the
requisite percentage of shares of common stock and shares of AMPS and any other
preferred stock, voting together as a single class, necessary to authorize the
action in question.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any shares of AMPS if, at
or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote otherwise
would be required shall be effected, such shares shall have been (i) redeemed or
(ii) called for redemption and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in
trust to effect such redemption.
THE AUCTION
AUCTION AGENT AGREEMENT
The Auction Agent will act as agent for the Fund in connection with
Auctions. In the absence of bad faith or negligence on its part, the Auction
Agent will not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted, or for any
error of judgment made, by it in the performance of its duties under the Auction
Agent Agreement, and will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good
faith unless the Auction Agent shall have been negligent in ascertaining the
pertinent facts. Pursuant to the Auction Agent Agreement, the Fund is required
to indemnify the Auction Agent for certain losses and liabilities incurred by
the Auction Agent without negligence or bad faith on its part in connection with
the performance of its duties under such agreement.
The Auction Agent may terminate the Auction Agent Agreement upon notice to
the Fund, which termination may be no earlier than 60 days following delivery of
such notice. If the Auction Agent resigns, the Fund will use its best efforts to
enter into an agreement with a successor Auction Agent containing substantially
the same terms and conditions as the Auction Agent Agreement. The Fund may
terminate the Auction Agent Agreement, provided that prior to such termination
the Fund shall have entered into such an agreement with respect thereto with a
successor Auction Agent.
BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENTS
The Auctions require the participation of one or more broker-dealers. A
Broker-Dealer Agreement may be terminated by the Auction Agent or a
Broker-Dealer on five days' notice to the other party, provided that the
Broker-Dealer Agreement with Merrill Lynch may not be terminated without the
prior written consent of the Fund, which consent may not be unreasonably
withheld.
16
<PAGE> 70
AUCTION PROCEDURES
The Auction Procedures are set forth in Appendix E to this statement of
additional information. The Settlement Procedures to be used with respect to
Auctions are set forth in Appendix D to this statement of additional
information.
RATING AGENCY GUIDELINES
S&P AAA RATING GUIDELINES
The Discounted Value of the Fund's S&P Eligible Assets is calculated on
each Valuation Date. See "Description of AMPS -- Asset Maintenance -- AMPS Basic
Maintenance Amount." S&P Eligible Assets include cash, Receivables for New York
Municipal Bonds Sold (as defined below) and New York Municipal Bonds or
Municipal Bonds eligible for consideration under S&P's current guidelines. For
purposes of calculating the Discounted Value of the Fund's portfolio under
current S&P guidelines, the fair market value of New York Municipal Bonds or
Municipal Bonds eligible for consideration under such guidelines must be
discounted by the applicable S&P Discount Factor set forth in the table below.
The Discounted Value of a New York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond eligible for
consideration under S&P guidelines is the fair market value thereof divided by
the S&P Discount Factor. The S&P Discount Factor used to discount a particular
New York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond will be determined by reference to
(a)(i) the rating by S&P, Moody's or Fitch on such Bond or (ii) in the event the
New York Municipal Bond is insured under a Policy and the terms of the Policy
permit the Fund, at its option, to obtain other permanent insurance guaranteeing
the timely payment of interest on such New York Municipal Bond and principal
thereof to maturity, the S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating of the
issuer of the Policy or (iii) in the event the New York Municipal Bond is
insured under an insurance policy which guarantees the timely payment of
interest on such New York Municipal Bond and principal thereof to maturity, the
S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating of the issuer of the insurance policy
and (b) the S&P Exposure Period. The S&P Exposure Period is the maximum period
of time following a Valuation Date, including the Valuation Date and the AMPS
Basic Maintenance Cure Date, that the Fund has to cure any failure to maintain,
as of such Valuation Date, a Discounted Value for its portfolio at least equal
to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount.
S&P Discount Factors applicable to New York Municipal Bonds for a range of
S&P Exposure Periods are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P DISCOUNT FACTORS RATING C
------------------------------
EXPOSURE PERIOD AAA AA A BBB
--------------- --- --- --- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
45 Business Days........................................ 210% 215% 230% 270%
25 Business Days........................................ 190 195 210 250
10 Business Days........................................ 175 180 195 235
7 Business Days........................................ 170 175 190 230
3 Business Days........................................ 150 155 170 210
</TABLE>
Since the S&P Exposure Period currently applicable to the Fund is seven
Business Days, the S&P Discount Factors currently applicable to Municipal Bonds
eligible for consideration under S&P guidelines will be determined by reference
to the factors set forth opposite the exposure period line entitled "7 Business
Days." Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the S&P Discount Factor for short-term
New York Municipal Bonds will be 115%, so long as such New York Municipal Bonds
are rated A-1+ or SP-1+ by S&P and mature or have a demand feature exercisable
in 30 days or less, or 120% so long as such New York Municipal Bonds are rated
A-1 or SP-1 by S&P and mature or have a demand feature exercisable in 30 days or
less, or 125% if such New York Municipal Bonds are not rated by S&P but are
rated VMIG-1, P-1 or MIG-1 by Moody's or F-1+ by Fitch; provided, however, such
short-term New York Municipal Bonds rated by Moody's or Fitch but not rated by
S&P having a demand feature exercisable in 30 days or less must be backed by a
letter of credit, liquidity facility or guarantee from a bank or other financial
institution having a short-term rating of at least A-1+ from S&P; and further
provided that such short-term New York Municipal Bonds
17
<PAGE> 71
rated by Moody's or Fitch but not rated by S&P may comprise no more than 50% of
short-term New York Municipal Bonds that qualify as S&P Eligible Assets, (ii)
the S&P Discount Factor for Receivables for New York Municipal Bonds Sold that
are due in more than five Business Days from such Valuation Date will be the S&P
Discount Factor applicable to the New York Municipal Bonds sold, and (iii) no
S&P Discount Factor will be applied to cash or to Receivables for New York
Municipal Bonds Sold if such receivables are due within five Business Days of
such Valuation Date. "Receivables for New York Municipal Bonds Sold," for
purposes of calculating S&P Eligible Assets as of any Valuation Date, means the
book value of receivables for New York Municipal Bonds sold as of or prior to
such Valuation Date. The Fund may adopt S&P Discount Factors for Municipal Bonds
other than New York Municipal Bonds provided that S&P advises the Fund in
writing that such action will not adversely affect its then current rating on
the AMPS. For purposes of the foregoing, Anticipation Notes rated SP-1 or, if
not rated by S&P, rated VMIG-1 by Moody's or F-1+ by Fitch, which do not mature
or have a demand feature exercisable in 30 days and which do not have a long-
term rating, shall be considered to be short-term New York Municipal Bonds.
The S&P guidelines require certain minimum issue size and geographical
diversification and impose other requirements for purposes of determining S&P
Eligible Assets. In order to be considered S&P Eligible Assets, New York
Municipal Bonds must:
(i) be interest bearing and pay interest at least semi-annually;
(ii) be payable with respect to principal and interest in U.S.
dollars;
(iii) be publicly rated BBB or higher by S&P or, except in the case of
Anticipation Notes that are grant anticipation notes or bond anticipation
notes, which must be rated by S&P to be included in S&P Eligible Assets, if
not rated by S&P but rated by Moody's or Fitch, be rated at least A by
Moody's or Fitch (provided that such Moody's-rated or Fitch-rated New York
Municipal Bonds will be included in S&P Eligible Assets only to the extent
the fair market value of such New York Municipal Bonds does not exceed 50%
of the aggregate fair market value of the S&P Eligible Assets. For purposes
of determining the S&P Discount Factors applicable to any such
Moody's-rated or Fitch-rated New York Municipal Bonds, such New York
Municipal Bonds will be deemed to have an S&P rating that is one full
rating category lower than its Moody's rating or Fitch rating);
(iv) not be subject to a covered call or covered put option written by
the Fund;
(v) except for inverse floating obligations, not be part of a private
placement of Municipal Bonds; and
(vi) except for inverse floating obligations, be part of an issue with
an original issue size of at least $20 million or, if of an issue with an
original issue size below $20 million (but in no event below $10 million),
be issued by an issuer with a total of at least $50 million of securities
outstanding.
Notwithstanding the foregoing:
(i) New York Municipal Bonds of any one issuer or guarantor (excluding
bond insurers) will be considered S&P Eligible Assets only to the extent
the fair market value of such Bonds does not exceed 10% of the aggregate
fair market value of the S&P Eligible Assets, provided that 2% is added to
the applicable S&P Discount Factor for every 1% by which the fair market
value of such New York Municipal Bonds exceeds 5% of the aggregate fair
market value of the S&P Eligible Assets;
(ii) New York Municipal Bonds of any one issue type category (as
described below) will be considered S&P Eligible Assets only to the extent
the market value of such New York Municipal Bonds does not exceed 25% of
the aggregate market value of S&P Eligible Assets, except that New York
Municipal Bonds falling within the utility issue type category will be
broken down into three sub-categories (as described below) and such New
York Municipal Bonds will be considered S&P Eligible Assets to the extent
the market value of such New York Municipal Bonds in each such sub-category
does not exceed 25% of the aggregate market value of S&P Eligible Assets,
except that New York Municipal Bonds falling within the transportation
issue type category will be broken down into two sub-categories (as
described below) and such New York Municipal Bonds will be considered S&P
Eligible Assets to the
18
<PAGE> 72
extent the market value of such Bonds in both sub-categories combined (as
described below) does not exceed 40% of the aggregate market value of S&P
Eligible Assets and except that New York Municipal Bonds falling within the
general obligation issue type category will be considered S&P Eligible
Assets to the extent the market value of such New York Municipal Bonds does
not exceed 50% of the aggregate market value of S&P Eligible Assets. For
purposes of the issue type category requirement described above, New York
Municipal Bonds will be classified within one of the following categories:
health care issues, housing issues, educational facilities issues, student
loan issues, transportation issues, industrial development bond issues,
utility issues, general obligation issues, lease obligations, escrowed
bonds and other issues not falling within one of the aforementioned
categories. The general obligation issue type category includes any issuer
that is directly or indirectly guaranteed by the State of New York or its
political subdivisions. Utility issuers are included in the general
obligation issue type category if the issuer is directly or indirectly
guaranteed by the State of New York or its political subdivisions. For
purposes of the issue type category requirement described above, New York
Municipal Bonds in the utility issue type category will be classified
within one of the three following sub-categories: (1) electric, gas and
combination issues (if the combination issue includes an electric issue),
(2) water and sewer utilities and combination issues (if the combination
issue does not include an electric issue), and (3) irrigation, resource
recovery, solid waste and other utilities, provided that New York Municipal
Bonds included in this sub-category (3) must be rated by S&P in order to be
included in S&P Eligible Assets. For purposes of the issue type category
requirement described above, New York Municipal Bonds in the transportation
issue type category will be classified within one of the two following
sub-categories: (1) streets and highways, toll roads, bridges and tunnels,
airports and multi-purpose port authorities (multiple revenue streams
generated by toll roads, airports, real estate, bridges) or (2) mass
transit, parking, seaports and others. Exposure to transportation
sub-category (1) in the preceding sentence is limited to 25% of the
aggregate market value of S&P Eligible Assets, provided, however, exposure
to transportation sub-category (2) in the preceding sentence can exceed the
25% limit to the extent that exposure to transportation sub-category (2) is
reduced, for a total exposure up to and not exceeding 40% of the aggregate
market value of S&P Eligible Assets for the transportation issue type
category; and
(iii) New York Municipal Bonds which are escrow bonds or defeased
bonds may compose up to 100% of the aggregate market value of S&P Eligible
Assets if such New York Municipal Bonds initially are assigned a rating by
S&P in accordance with S&P's legal defeasance criteria or rerated by S&P as
economic defeased escrow bonds and assigned an AAA rating. New York
Municipal Bonds may be rated as escrow bonds by another nationally
recognized rating agency or rerated as an escrow bond and assigned the
equivalent of an S&P AAA rating, provided that such equivalent rated New
York Municipal Bonds are limited to 50% of the aggregate market value of
S&P Eligible Assets and are deemed to have an AA S&P rating for purposes of
determining the S&P Discount Factor applicable to such New York Municipal
Bonds. The limitations on New York Municipal Bonds of any one issuer in
clause (i) above is not applicable to escrow bonds, however, economically
defeased bonds that are either initially rated or rerated by S&P or another
nationally recognized rating agency and assigned the same rating level as
the issuer of the New York Municipal Bonds will remain in its original
issue type category set forth in clause (ii) above. New York Municipal
Bonds that are legally defeased and secured by securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government are not required to meet the
minimum issuance size requirement set forth above.
The Fund may include Municipal Bonds other than New York Municipal Bonds as
S&P Eligible Assets pursuant to guidelines and restrictions to be established by
S&P, provided that S&P advises the Fund in writing that such action will not
adversely affect its then-current rating on the AMPS.
As discussed herein, the Fund may engage in options or futures
transactions. For so long as any shares of AMPS are rated by S&P, the Fund will
not purchase or sell financial futures contracts, write, purchase or sell
options on financial futures contracts or write put options (except covered put
options) or call options (except covered call options) on portfolio securities
unless it receives written confirmation from S&P that engaging in such
transactions will not impair the ratings then assigned to the shares of AMPS by
S&P, except that the Fund may purchase or sell financial futures contracts based
on the Bond Buyer Municipal Bond Index (the
19
<PAGE> 73
"Municipal Index") or United States Treasury Bonds or Notes ("Treasury Bonds")
and write, purchase or sell put and call options on such contracts (collectively
"S&P Hedging Transactions"), subject to the following limitations:
(i) the Fund will not engage in any S&P Hedging Transaction based on
the Municipal Index (other than transactions that terminate a financial
futures contract or option held by the Fund by the Fund's taking an
opposite position thereto ("Closing Transactions")), that would cause the
Fund at the time of such transaction to own or have sold the least of (A)
more than 1,000 outstanding financial futures contracts based on the
Municipal Index, (B) outstanding financial futures contracts based on the
Municipal Index exceeding in number 25% of the quotient of the fair market
value of the Fund's total assets divided by $1,000 or (C) outstanding
financial futures contracts based on the Municipal Index exceeding in
number 10% of the average number of daily traded financial futures
contracts based on the Municipal Index in the 30 days preceding the time of
effecting such transaction as reported by The Wall Street Journal;
(ii) the Fund will not engage in any S&P Hedging Transaction based on
Treasury Bonds (other than Closing Transactions) that would cause the Fund
at the time of such transaction to own or have sold the lesser of (A)
outstanding financial futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds exceeding
in number 50% of the quotient of the fair market value of the Fund's total
assets divided by $100,000 ($200,000 in the case of the two-year United
States Treasury Note) or (B) outstanding financial futures contracts based
on Treasury Bonds exceeding in number 10% of the average number of daily
traded financial futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds in the 30 days
preceding the time of effecting such transaction as reported by The Wall
Street Journal;
(iii) the Fund will engage in Closing Transactions to close out any
outstanding financial futures contract that the Fund owns or has sold or
any outstanding option thereon owned by the Fund in the event (A) the Fund
does not have S&P Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value equal
to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount on two consecutive
Valuation Dates and (B) the Fund is required to pay Variation Margin on the
second such Valuation Date;
(iv) the Fund will engage in a Closing Transaction to close out any
outstanding financial futures contract or option thereon in the month prior
to the delivery month under the terms of such financial futures contract or
option thereon unless the Fund holds the securities deliverable under such
terms; and
(v) when the Fund writes a financial futures contract or an option
thereon, it will either maintain an amount of cash, cash equivalents or
high grade (rated A or better by S&P) fixed-income securities in a
segregated account with the Fund's custodian, so that the amount so
segregated plus the amount of Initial Margin and Variation Margin held in
the account of or on behalf of the Fund's broker with respect to such
financial futures contract or option equals the fair market value of the
financial futures contract or option, or, in the event the Fund writes a
financial futures contract or option thereon that requires delivery of an
underlying security, it shall hold such underlying security in its
portfolio.
For purposes of determining whether the Fund has S&P Eligible Assets with a
Discounted Value that equals or exceeds the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount, the
Discounted Value of cash or securities held for the payment of Initial Margin or
Variation Margin shall be zero and the aggregate Discounted Value of S&P
Eligible Assets shall be reduced by an amount equal to (i) 30% of the aggregate
settlement value, as marked to market, of any outstanding financial futures
contracts based on the Municipal Index that are owned by the Fund plus (ii) 25%
of the aggregate settlement value, as marked to market, of any outstanding
financial futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds which contracts are owned by
the Fund.
MOODY'S "aaa" RATING GUIDELINES
The Discounted Value of the Fund's Moody's Eligible Assets is calculated on
each Valuation Date. See "Description of AMPS -- Asset Maintenance -- AMPS Basic
Maintenance Amount". Moody's Eligible Assets include cash, Receivables for New
York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds (as defined below), and New York
Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds eligible for consideration under Moody's
guidelines. For
20
<PAGE> 74
purposes of calculating the Discounted Value of the Fund's portfolio under
current Moody's guidelines, the fair market value of Municipal Bonds eligible
for consideration under such guidelines must be discounted by the applicable
Moody's Discount Factor set forth in the table below. The Discounted Value of a
Municipal Bond eligible for consideration under Moody's guidelines is the lower
of par and the quotient of the fair market value thereof divided by the Moody's
Discount Factor. The Moody's Discount Factor used to discount a particular New
York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond will be determined by reference to (a) (i)
the rating by Moody's or S&P on such Bond or (ii) in the event the Moody's
Eligible Asset is insured under a Policy and the terms of the Policy permit the
Fund, at its option, to obtain other insurance guaranteeing the timely payment
of interest on such Moody's Eligible Asset and principal thereof to maturity,
the Moody's insurance claims-paying ability rating of the issuer of the Policy
or (iii) in the event the Moody's Eligible Asset is insured under an insurance
policy which guarantees the timely payment of interest on such Moody's Eligible
Asset and principal thereof to maturity, the Moody's insurance claims-paying
ability rating of the issuer of the insurance policy (provided that for purposes
of clauses (ii) and (iii) if the insurance claims-paying ability of an issuer of
a Policy or insurance policy is not rated by Moody's but is rated by S&P, such
issuer shall be deemed to have a Moody's insurance claims-paying ability rating
which is two full categories lower than the S&P insurance claims-paying ability
rating) and (b) the Moody's Exposure Period. Moody's Discount Factors for a
range of Moody's Exposure Periods are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MOODY'S DISCOUNT FACTORS RATING CATEGORY
----------------------------------------------------------------
MOODY'S EXPOSURE PERIOD Aaa(1) Aa(1) A(1) Baa(1) OTHER(2) VMIG-1(3) SP-1+(3)
----------------------- ------ ----- ---- ------ -------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
7 weeks or less........................... 151% 159% 168% 202% 229% 136% 148%
8 weeks or less but greater than seven
weeks................................... 154 164 173 205 235 137 149
9 weeks or less but greater than eight
weeks................................... 158 169 179 209 242 138 150
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Moody's rating.
(2) New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds not rated by Moody's but rated
BBB or BBB+ by S&P.
(3) New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds rated MIG-1, VMIG-1 or P-1 or,
if not rated by Moody's, rated SP-1+ or A-1+ by S&P which do not mature or
have a demand feature at par exercisable within the Moody's Exposure Period
and which do not have a long-term rating. For the purposes of the definition
of Moody's Eligible Assets, these securities will have an assumed rating of
A by Moody's.
provided, however, in the event a Moody's Discount Factor applicable to a
Moody's Eligible Asset is determined by reference to an insurance claims-paying
ability rating in accordance with clause (a)(ii) or (a)(iii), such Moody's
Discount Factor shall be increased by an amount equal to 50% of the difference
between (a) the percentage set forth in the foregoing table under the applicable
rating category and (b) the percentage set forth in the foregoing table under
the rating category which is one category lower than the applicable rating
category.
Since the Moody's Exposure Period currently is 49 days, the Moody's
Discount Factors currently applicable to Municipal Bonds eligible for
consideration under Moody's guidelines will be determined by reference to the
factors set forth opposite the exposure period line entitled "7 weeks or less."
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a 102% Moody's Discount Factor will be
applied to short-term New York Municipal Bonds and short-term Municipal Bonds,
so long as such New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds are rated at least
MIG-1, VMIG-1 or P-1 by Moody's and mature or have a demand feature at par
exercisable within the Moody's Exposure Period, and the Moody's Discount Factor
for such Bonds will be 125% if such Bonds are not rated by Moody's but are rated
A-1+, SP-1+ or AA by S&P and mature or have a demand feature at par exercisable
within the Moody's Exposure Period, and (ii) no Moody's Discount Factor will be
applied to cash or to Receivables for New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal
Bonds Sold. "Receivables for New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds Sold,"
for purposes of calculating Moody's Eligible Assets as of any Valuation Date,
means no more than the aggregate of the following: (i) the book value of
receivables for New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds sold as of or prior
to such Valuation Date if such receivables are due within five Business Days of
such Valuation Date, and if the trades which generated such receivables are (A)
settled through clearing house firms with respect to which the Fund has received
prior written
21
<PAGE> 75
authorization from Moody's or (B) with counterparties having a Moody's long-term
debt rating of at least Baa3; and (ii) the Moody's Discounted Value of New York
Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds sold as of or prior to such Valuation Date
that generated receivables, if such receivables are due within five Business
Days of such Valuation Date but do not comply with either of conditions (A) or
(B) of the preceding clause (i).
The Moody's guidelines impose certain requirements as to minimum issue
size, issuer diversification and geographical concentration, as well as other
requirements for purposes of determining whether New York Municipal Bonds or
Municipal Bonds constitute Moody's Eligible Assets, as set forth in the table
below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MAXIMUM STATE
MINIMUM MAXIMUM MAXIMUM MAXIMUM COUNTY OR TERRITORY
ISSUE SIZE UNDERLYING ISSUE TYPE CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION
RATING ($ MILLIONS) OBLIGOR (%)(1) CONCENTRATION (%)(1)(4) (%)(1)(5)
------ ------------ -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Aaa....................... 10 100 100 100 100
Aa........................ 10 20 60 60 60
A......................... 10 10 40 40 40
Baa....................... 10 6 20 20 20
Other(2).................. 10 4 12 12 12
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The referenced percentages represent maximum cumulative totals for the
related rating category and each lower rating category.
(2) New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds not rated by Moody's but rated
BBB or BBB+ by S&P.
(3) Does not apply to general obligation bonds.
(4) Applicable to general obligation bonds only.
(5) Does not apply to New York Municipal Bonds. Territorial bonds (other than
those issued by Puerto Rico and counted collectively) are each limited to
10% of Moody's Eligible Assets. For diversification purposes, Puerto Rico
will be treated as a state.
For purposes of the maximum underlying obligor requirement described above,
any New York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond backed by the guaranty, letter of
credit or insurance issued by a third party will be deemed to be issued by such
third party if the issuance of such third party credit is the sole determinant
of the rating on such Bond. For purposes of the issue type concentration
requirement described above, New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds will
be classified within one of the following categories: health care issues
(teaching and non-teaching hospitals, public and private), housing issues
(single- and multi-family), educational facilities issues (public and private
schools), student loan issues, resource recovery issues, transportation issues
(mass transit, airport and highway bonds), industrial revenue/pollution control
bond issues, utility issues (including water, sewer and electricity), general
obligation issues, lease obligations/certificates of participation, escrowed
bonds and other issues ("Other Issues") not falling within one of the
aforementioned categories (includes special obligations to crossover, excise and
sales tax revenue, recreation revenue, special assessment and telephone revenue
bonds). In no event shall (a) more than 10% of Moody's Eligible Assets consist
of student loan issues, (b) more than 10% of Moody's Eligible Assets consist of
recovery issues or (c) more than 10% of Moody's Eligible Assets consist of Other
Issues.
Current Moody's guidelines also require that New York Municipal Bonds or
Municipal Bonds constituting Moody's Eligible Assets pay interest in cash, be
publicly rated Baa or higher by Moody's or, if not rated by Moody's but rated by
S&P, that they be rated at least BBB by S&P, not have suspended ratings by
Moody's and be part of an issue of New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds
of at least $10,000,000. For purposes of determining the Moody's Discount
Factors applicable to any such S&P-rated New York Municipal Bonds or S&P-rated
Municipal Bonds, such New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds (excluding any
short-term Municipal Bonds) will be deemed to have a Moody's rating that is one
full rating category lower than its S&P rating. When the Fund sells a New York
Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond and agrees to repurchase it at a future date,
the Discounted Value of such Municipal Bond will constitute a Moody's Eligible
Asset and the amount the Fund is required to pay upon repurchase of such bond
will count as a liability for purposes of calculating the AMPS Basic Maintenance
Amount. For so long as the AMPS are
22
<PAGE> 76
rated by Moody's, the Fund will not enter into any such reverse repurchase
agreements unless it has received written confirmation from Moody's that such
transactions would not impair the rating then assigned the AMPS by Moody's. When
the Fund purchases a New York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond and agrees to
sell it at a future date to another party, cash receivable by the Fund thereby
will constitute a Moody's Eligible Asset if the long-term debt of such other
party is rated at least A2 by Moody's and such agreement has a term of 30 days
or less; otherwise the Discounted Value of such Bond will constitute a Moody's
Eligible Asset.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an asset will not be considered a Moody's
Eligible Asset if it is (i) held in a margin account, (ii) subject to any
material lien, mortgage, pledge, security interest or security agreement of any
kind, (iii) held for the purchase of a security pursuant to a Forward Commitment
or (iv) irrevocably deposited by the Fund for the payment of dividends or
redemption.
For so long as shares of AMPS are rated by Moody's, in managing the Fund's
portfolio, the Investment Adviser will not alter the composition of the Fund's
portfolio if, in the reasonable belief of the Investment Adviser, the effect of
any such alteration would be to cause the Fund to have Moody's Eligible Assets
with an aggregate Discounted Value, as of the immediately preceding Valuation
Date, less than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount as of such Valuation Date;
provided, however, that in the event that, as of the immediately preceding
Valuation Date, the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible Assets
exceeded the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount by five percent or less, the
Investment Adviser will not alter the composition of the Fund's portfolio in a
manner reasonably expected to reduce the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's
Eligible Assets unless the Fund shall have confirmed that, after giving effect
to such alteration, the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible Assets
would exceed the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount.
For so long as any shares of AMPS are rated by Moody's, the Fund will not
buy or sell financial futures contracts, write, purchase or sell call options on
financial futures contracts or purchase put options on financial futures
contracts or write call options (except covered call options) on portfolio
securities unless it receives written confirmation from Moody's that engaging in
such transactions would not impair the ratings then assigned to the shares of
AMPS by Moody's, except that the Fund may purchase or sell exchange-traded
financial futures contracts based on the Municipal Index or Treasury Bonds, and
purchase, write or sell exchange-traded put options on such financial futures
contracts, and purchase, write or sell exchange-traded call options on such
financial futures contracts (collectively "Moody's Hedging Transactions"),
subject to the following limitations:
(i) the Fund will not engage in any Moody's Hedging Transaction based
on the Municipal Index (other than Closing Transactions) that would cause
the Fund at the time of such transaction to own or have sold (A)
outstanding financial futures contracts based on the Municipal Index
exceeding in number 10% of the average number of daily traded financial
futures contracts based on the Municipal Index in the 30 days preceding the
time of effecting such transaction as reported by The Wall Street Journal
or (B) outstanding financial futures contracts based on the Municipal Index
having fair market value exceeding 50% of the fair market value of all
Municipal Bonds constituting Moody's Eligible Assets owned by the Fund
(other than Moody's Eligible Assets already subject to a Moody's Hedging
Transaction);
(ii) the Fund will not engage in any Moody's Hedging Transaction based
on Treasury Bonds (other than Closing Transactions) that would cause the
Fund at the time of such transaction to own or have sold (A) outstanding
financial futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds having an aggregate
Market Value exceeding 20% of the aggregate Market Value of Moody's
Eligible Assets owned by the Fund and rated Aa by Moody's (or, if not rated
by Moody's but rated by S&P, rated AAA by S&P) or (B) outstanding financial
futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds having an aggregate fair market
value exceeding 40% of the aggregate fair market value of all Municipal
Bonds constituting Moody's Eligible Assets owned by the Fund (other than
Moody's Eligible Assets already subject to a Moody's Hedging Transaction)
and rated Baa or A by Moody's (or, if not rated by Moody's but rated by
S&P, rated A or AA by S&P) (for purposes of the foregoing clauses (i) and
(ii), the Fund shall be deemed to own the number of financial futures
contracts that underlie any outstanding options written by the Fund);
23
<PAGE> 77
(iii) the Fund will engage in Closing Transactions to close out any
outstanding financial futures contract based on the Municipal Index if the
amount of open interest in the Municipal Index as reported by The Wall
Street Journal is less than 5,000;
(iv) the Fund will engage in a Closing Transaction to close out any
outstanding financial futures contract by no later than the fifth Business
Day of the month in which such contract expires and will engage in a
Closing Transaction to close out any outstanding option on a financial
futures contract by no later than the first Business Day of the month in
which such option expires;
(v) the Fund will engage in Moody's Hedging Transactions only with
respect to financial futures contracts or options thereon having the next
settlement date or the settlement date immediately thereafter;
(vi) the Fund will not engage in options and futures transactions for
leveraging or speculative purposes and will not write any call options or
sell any financial futures contracts for the purpose of hedging the
anticipated purchase of an asset prior to completion of such purchase; and
(vii) the Fund will not enter into an option or futures transaction
unless, after giving effect thereto, the Fund would continue to have
Moody's Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or
greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount.
For purposes of determining whether the Fund has Moody's Eligible Assets
with an aggregate Discounted Value that equals or exceeds the AMPS Basic
Maintenance Amount, the Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible Assets that the
Fund is obligated to deliver or receive pursuant to an outstanding futures
contract or option shall be as follows: (i) assets subject to call options
written by the Fund that are either exchange-traded and "readily reversible" or
that expire within 49 days after the date as of which such valuation is made
shall be valued at the lesser of (A) Discounted Value and (B) the exercise price
of the call option written by the Fund; (ii) assets subject to call options
written by the Fund not meeting the requirements of clause (i) of this sentence
shall have no value; (iii) assets subject to put options written by the Fund
shall be valued at the lesser of (A) the exercise price and (B) the Discounted
Value of the subject security; (iv) futures contracts shall be valued at the
lesser of (A) settlement price and (B) the Discounted Value of the subject
security, provided that, if a contract matures within 49 days after the date as
of which such valuation is made, where the Fund is the seller the contract may
be valued at the settlement price and where the Fund is the buyer the contract
may be valued at the Discounted Value of the subject securities; and (v) where
delivery may be made to the Fund with any security of a class of securities, the
Fund shall assume that it will take delivery of the security with the lowest
Discounted Value.
For purposes of determining whether the Fund has Moody's Eligible Assets
with an aggregate Discounted Value that equals or exceeds the AMPS Basic
Maintenance Amount, the following amounts shall be subtracted from the aggregate
Discounted Value of the Moody's Eligible Assets held by the Fund: 10% of the
exercise price of a written call option; (ii) the exercise price of any written
put option; (iii) where the Fund is the seller under a financial futures
contract, 10% of the settlement price of the financial futures contract; (iv)
where the Fund is the purchaser under a financial futures contract, the
settlement price of assets purchased under such financial futures contract; (v)
the settlement price of the underlying financial futures contract if the Fund
writes put options on a financial futures contract; and (vi) 105% of the fair
market value of the underlying financial futures contracts if the Fund writes
call options on a financial futures contract and does not own the underlying
contract.
For so long as any shares of AMPS are rated by Moody's, the Fund will not
enter into any contract to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future
date beyond customary settlement time (other than such contracts that constitute
Moody's Hedging Transactions), except that the Fund may enter into such
contracts to purchase newly-issued securities on the date such securities are
issued ("Forward Commitments"), subject to the following limitations:
(i) the Fund will maintain in a segregated account with its custodian
cash, cash equivalents or short term, fixed-income securities rated P-1,
MIG-1 or VMIG-1 by Moody's and maturing prior to the date of the Forward
Commitment with a fair market value that equals or exceeds the amount of
the Fund's
24
<PAGE> 78
obligations under any Forward Commitments to which it is from time to time
a party or long-term, fixed income securities with a Discounted Value that
equals or exceeds the amount of the Fund's obligations under any Forward
Commitment to which it is from time to time a party, and
(ii) the Fund will not enter into a Forward Commitment unless, after
giving effect thereto, the Fund would continue to have Moody's Eligible
Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than the AMPS
Basic Maintenance Amount.
For purposes of determining whether the Fund has Moody's Eligible Assets
with an aggregate Discounted Value that equals or exceeds the AMPS Basic
Maintenance Amount, the Discounted Value of all Forward Commitments to which the
Fund is a party and of all securities deliverable to the Fund pursuant to such
Forward Commitments shall be zero.
For so long as shares of AMPS are rated by S&P or Moody's, the Fund, unless
it has received written confirmation from S&P and/or Moody's, as the case may
be, that such action would not impair the ratings then assigned to the AMPS by
S&P and/or Moody's, as the case may be, will not (i) borrow money except for the
purpose of clearing transactions in portfolio securities (which borrowings under
any circumstances shall be limited to the lesser of $10 million and an amount
equal to 5% of the fair market value of the Fund's assets at the time of such
borrowings and which borrowings shall be repaid within 60 days and not be
extended or renewed and shall not cause the aggregate Discounted Value of
Moody's Eligible Assets and S&P Eligible Assets to be less than the AMPS Basic
Maintenance Amount), (ii) engage in short sales of securities, (iii) lend any
securities, (iv) issue any class or series of stock ranking prior to or on a
parity with the AMPS with respect to the payment of dividends or the
distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Fund,
(v) reissue any AMPS previously purchased or redeemed by the Fund, (vi) merge or
consolidate into or with any other corporation or entity, (vii) change the
Fund's pricing service or (viii) engage in reverse repurchase agreements.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Information about the Directors, executive officers and the portfolio
managers of the Fund, including their ages and their principal occupations
during the last five years is set forth below. Unless otherwise noted, the
address of each Director, executive officer and portfolio manager is 800
Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536.
TERRY K. GLENN (58) -- President and Director (1)(2) -- Executive Vice
President of the Investment Adviser and Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P.
("MLAM") (which terms as used herein include their corporate predecessors) since
1983; Executive Vice President and Director of Princeton Services, Inc.
("Princeton Services") since 1993; President of Princeton Funds Distributor,
Inc. ("PFD") since 1986 and Director thereof since 1991; President of Princeton
Administrators, L.P. since 1988.
JAMES H. BODURTHA (55) -- Director (2) -- 36 Popponesset Road, Cotuit,
Massachusetts 02635. Director and Executive Vice President, The China Business
Group, Inc. since 1996; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, China Enterprise
Management Corporation from 1993 to 1996; Chairman, Berkshire Corporation since
1980; Partner, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey from 1980 to 1993.
HERBERT I. LONDON (60) -- Director(2) -- 113-115 University Place, New
York, New York 10003. John M. Olin Professor of Humanities, New York University
since 1993 and Professor thereof since 1980; President, Hudson Institute since
1997 and Trustee since 1980; Dean, Gallatin Division of New York University from
1976 to 1993; Distinguished Fellow, Herman Kahn Chair, Hudson Institute from
1984 to 1985; Director, Damon Corporation from 1991 to 1995; Overseer, Center
for Naval Analyses from 1983 to 1993; Limited Partner, Hypertech LP in 1996.
ROBERT R. MARTIN (72) -- Director(2) -- 513 Grand Hill, St. Paul, Minnesota
55102. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kinnard Investments, Inc. from 1990
to 1993; Executive Vice President, Dain Bosworth from 1974 to 1989; Director,
Carnegie Capital Management from 1977 to 1985 and Chairman thereof in 1979;
Director, Securities Industry Association from 1981 to 1982 and Public
Securities Association
25
<PAGE> 79
from 1979 to 1980; Chairman of the Board, WTC Industries, Inc. in 1994; Trustee,
Northland College since 1992.
JOSEPH L. MAY (69) -- Director (2) -- 424 Church Street, Suite 2000,
Nashville, Tennessee 37219. Attorney in private practice since 1984; President,
May and Athens Hosiery Mills Division, Wayne-Gossard Corporation from 1954 to
1983; Vice President, Wayne-Gossard Corporation from 1972 to 1983; Chairman, The
May Corporation (personal holding company) from 1972 to 1983; Director, Signal
Apparel Co. from 1972 to 1989.
ANDRE F. PEROLD (47) -- Director (2) -- Morgan Hall, Soldiers Field,
Boston, Massachusetts 02163. Professor, Harvard Business School since 1989 and
Associate Professor from 1983 to 1989; Trustee, The Common Fund since 1989;
Director, Quantec Limited since 1991 and TIBCO from 1994 to 1996.
ARTHUR ZEIKEL (66) -- Director(1)(2) -- Chairman of the Investment Adviser
and MLAM from 1997 to 1999; President of the Investment Adviser and MLAM from
1977 to 1997; Chairman of Princeton Services from 1997 to 1999, Director thereof
from 1993 to 1999 and President thereof from 1993 to 1997; Executive Vice
President of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. from 1990 to 1999.
VINCENT R. GIORDANO (54) -- Senior Vice President (1)(2) -- Senior Vice
President of the Investment Adviser and MLAM since 1984; Senior Vice President
of Princeton Services since 1993.
KENNETH A. JACOB (48) -- Vice President (1)(2) -- First Vice President of
MLAM since 1997; Vice President of MLAM from 1984 to 1997, Vice President of the
Investment Adviser since 1984.
ROBERT A. DIMELLA, CFA (32) -- Vice President and Portfolio
Manager(1)(2) -- Vice President of MLAM since 1997; Assistant Vice President of
MLAM from 1995 to 1997; Assistant Portfolio Manager of MLAM from 1993 to 1995.
ROBERTO W. ROFFO (33) -- Vice President and Portfolio Manager
(1)(2) -- Vice President of MLAM since 1996 and a Portfolio Manager with MLAM
since 1992.
DONALD C. BURKE (38) -- Vice President and Treasurer (1)(2) -- Senior Vice
President and Treasurer of the Investment Adviser and MLAM since 1999; Senior
Vice President and Treasurer of Princeton Services since 1999; Vice President of
PFD since 1999; First Vice President of MLAM from 1997 to 1999; Vice President
of MLAM from 1990 to 1997; Director of Taxation of MLAM since 1990.
ALICE A. PELLEGRINO (39) -- Secretary (1)(2) -- Vice President of MLAM
since 1999; Attorney with MLAM since 1997; Associate with Kirkpatrick & Lockhart
LLP from 1992 to 1997.
- ---------------
(1) Interested person, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Fund.
(2) Such Director or officer is a director, trustee or officer of one or more
additional investment companies for which the Investment Adviser or its
affiliate, MLAM, acts as investment adviser or manager.
In connection with the election of the Fund's Directors, holders of shares
of AMPS and other preferred stock, voting as a separate class, are entitled to
elect two of the Fund's Directors, and the remaining Directors will be elected
by holders of common stock and preferred stock voting together as a single
class. Messrs. May and Perold have been designated as the Directors to be
elected by holders of the preferred stock. See "Description of Capital Stock" in
the prospectus.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Fund, the Investment
Adviser pays all compensation of officers and employees of the Fund as well as
the fees of all Directors who are affiliated persons of ML & Co. or its
subsidiaries.
The Fund pays each Director not affiliated with the Investment Adviser
(each a "non-affiliated Director") a fee of $2,500 per year plus $250 per
meeting attended, and pays all Directors' out-of-pocket expenses relating to
attendance at meetings. The Fund also pays members of the Board's audit and
nominating committee (the "Committee"), which consists of all the non-affiliated
Directors, an annual fee of $500 plus $125 per Committee meeting attended.
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<PAGE> 80
The following table sets forth compensation to be paid by the Fund to the
non-affiliated Directors projected through the end of the Fund's first full
fiscal year and for the calendar year ended December 31, 1998 the aggregate
compensation paid by all investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser
and its affiliate, MLAM ("FAM/MLAM Advised Funds"), to the non-affiliated
Directors.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PENSION OR TOTAL COMPENSATION
RETIREMENT FROM FUND AND
BENEFITS FAM/MLAM
AGGREGATE ACCRUED AS ADVISED
COMPENSATION PART OF FUNDS PAID TO
NAME OF DIRECTOR FROM FUND FUND EXPENSE DIRECTORS
---------------- ------------ ---------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
James H. Bodurtha(1).............................. $4,500 None $163,500
Herbert I. London(1).............................. $4,500 None $163,500
Robert R. Martin(1)............................... $4,500 None $163,500
Joseph L. May(1).................................. $4,500 None $163,500
Andre F. Perold(1)................................ $4,500 None $163,500
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) In addition to the Fund, the Directors serve on the boards of other FAM/MLAM
Advised Funds as follows: Mr. Bodurtha (29 registered investment companies
consisting of 47 portfolios); Mr. London (29 registered investment companies
consisting of 47 portfolios); Mr. Martin (29 registered investment companies
consisting of 47 portfolios); Mr. May (29 registered investment companies
consisting of 47 portfolios); and Mr. Perold (29 registered investment
companies consisting of 47 portfolios).
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with the
Investment Adviser. The Fund pays the Investment Adviser a monthly fee at an
annual rate of 0.55 of 1% of the Fund's average weekly net assets (i.e., the
average weekly value of the total assets of the Fund, including proceeds from
the issuance of shares of preferred stock, minus the sum of accrued liabilities
of the Fund and accumulated dividends on the shares of preferred stock).
The Investment Advisory Agreement obligates the Investment Adviser to
provide investment advisory services and to pay all compensation of and furnish
office space for officers and employees of the Fund connected with investment
and economic research, trading and investment management of the Fund, as well as
the compensation of all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated persons of the
Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates. The Fund pays all other expenses
incurred in the operation of the Fund, including, among other things, expenses
for legal and auditing services, taxes, costs of printing proxies, listing fees,
if any, stock certificates and shareholder reports, charges of the custodian and
the transfer and dividend disbursing agent and registrar, fees and expenses with
respect to the issuance of preferred stock, Securities and Exchange Commission
fees, fees and expenses of non-interested Directors, accounting and pricing
costs, insurance, interest, brokerage costs, litigation and other extraordinary
or non-recurring expenses, mailing and other expenses properly payable by the
Fund. Accounting services are provided to the Fund by the Investment Adviser,
and the Fund reimburses the Investment Adviser for its costs in connection with
such services.
Unless earlier terminated as described below, the Investment Advisory
Agreement will remain in effect for a period of two years from the date of
execution and will remain in effect from year to year thereafter if approved
annually (a) by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Fund and (b) by a majority of the Directors who are
not parties to such contract or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of any such party. Such contract is not assignable and may be terminated without
penalty on 60 days' written notice at the option of either party thereto or by
the vote of the shareholders of the Fund.
Securities held by the Fund may also be held by, or be appropriate
investments for, other funds or investment advisory clients for which the
Investment Adviser or its affiliates act as an adviser. Because of different
objectives or other factors, a particular security may be bought for an advisory
client when other clients are selling the same security. If purchases or sales
of securities by the Investment Adviser for the Fund or other funds for which it
acts as investment adviser or for other advisory clients arise for consideration
at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be made, insofar
as feasible, for the respective funds
27
<PAGE> 81
and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all. Transactions effected by the
Investment Adviser (or its affiliates) on behalf of more than one of its clients
during the same period may increase the demand for securities being purchased or
the supply of securities being sold, causing an adverse effect on price.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Board of Directors of the Fund has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to
Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that incorporates the Code of Ethics of the
Investment Adviser (together, the "Codes"). The Codes significantly restrict the
personal investing activities of all employees of the Investment Adviser and, as
described below, impose additional, more onerous, restrictions on Fund
investment personnel.
The Codes require that all employees of the Investment Adviser preclear any
personal securities investment (with limited exceptions, such as U.S. Government
securities). The preclearance requirement and associated procedures are designed
to identify any substantive prohibition or limitation applicable to the proposed
investment. The substantive restrictions applicable to all employees of the
Investment Adviser include a ban on acquiring any securities in a "hot" initial
public offering and a prohibition from profiting on short-term trading
securities. In addition, no employee may purchase or sell any security that at
the time is being purchased or sold (as the case may be), or to the knowledge of
the employee is being considered for purchase or sale, by any fund advised by
the Investment Adviser. Furthermore, the Codes provide for trading "blackout
periods" that prohibit trading by investment personnel of the Fund within
periods of trading by the Fund in the same (or equivalent) security (15 or 30
days depending upon the transaction).
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors of the Fund, the
Investment Adviser is primarily responsible for the execution of the Fund's
portfolio transactions. In executing such transactions, the Investment Adviser
seeks to obtain the best results for the Fund, taking into account such factors
as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size
of order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm
involved and the firm's risk in positioning a block of securities. While the
Investment Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, the
Fund does not necessarily pay the lowest commission or spread available.
The Fund has no obligation to deal with any broker or dealer in the
execution of transactions in portfolio securities. Subject to providing the best
price and execution, securities firms that provide investment research to the
Investment Adviser, including Merrill Lynch, may receive orders for transactions
by the Fund. Research information provided to the Investment Adviser by
securities firms is supplemental. It does not replace or reduce the level of
service performed by the Investment Adviser and the expenses of the Investment
Adviser will not necessarily be reduced because it receives supplemental
research information.
The Fund invests in securities traded in the over-the-counter markets, and
the Fund intends to deal directly with dealers who make markets in the
securities involved, except in those circumstances where better prices and
execution are available elsewhere. Under the 1940 Act, except as permitted by
exemptive order, persons affiliated with the Fund, including Merrill Lynch, are
prohibited from dealing with the Fund as principal in the purchase and sale of
securities. Since transactions in the over-the-counter market usually involve
transactions with dealers acting as principals for their own accounts, the Fund
does not deal with Merrill Lynch and its affiliates in connection with such
transactions except that, pursuant to exemptive orders obtained by the
Investment Adviser, the Fund may engage in principal transactions with the
Underwriter in high quality, short-term, tax-exempt securities. See "Investment
Restrictions." However, affiliated persons of the Fund, including Merrill Lynch,
may serve as its brokers in certain over-the-counter transactions conducted on
an agency basis.
The Fund also may purchase tax-exempt debt instruments in individually
negotiated transactions with the issuer. Because an active trading market may
not exist for such securities, the prices that the Fund may pay for these
securities or receive on their resale may be lower than that for similar
securities with a more liquid market.
28
<PAGE> 82
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund may dispose of securities without regard to the time they have
been held when such action, for defensive or other reasons, appears advisable to
the Investment Adviser. While it is not possible to predict turnover rates with
any certainty, presently it is anticipated that the Fund's annual portfolio
turnover rate, under normal circumstances should be less than 100%. (The
portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or
sales of portfolio securities for the particular fiscal year by the monthly
average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the
particular fiscal year. For purposes of determining this rate, all securities
whose maturities at the time of acquisition are one year or less are excluded.)
A high portfolio turnover rate has certain tax consequences and results in
greater transaction costs, which are borne directly by the Fund.
TAXES
GENERAL
The Fund intends to elect and to qualify for the special tax treatment
afforded regulated investment companies ("RICs") under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). As long as it so qualifies, in any taxable
year in which it distributes at least 90% of its taxable net income and 90% of
its tax-exempt net income (see below), the Fund (but not its shareholders) will
not be subject to Federal income tax to the extent that it distributes its net
investment income and net realized capital gains. The Fund intends to distribute
substantially all of such income.
The Code requires a RIC to pay a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the extent
the RIC does not distribute, during each calendar year, 98% of its ordinary
income, determined on a calendar year basis, and 98% of its capital gains,
determined, in general, on an October 31 year-end, plus certain undistributed
amounts from previous years. The required distributions, however, are based only
on the taxable income of a RIC. The excise tax, therefore, generally will not
apply to the tax-exempt income of a RIC, such as the Fund, that pays
exempt-interest dividends.
The Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"), in a revenue ruling, held that
certain auction rate preferred stock would be treated as stock for Federal
income tax purposes. The terms of the AMPS are substantially similar, but not
identical, to the auction rate preferred stock discussed in the revenue ruling,
and in the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the Fund, the shares of AMPS
will constitute stock of the Fund and distributions with respect to shares of
AMPS (other than distributions in redemption of shares of AMPS subject to
Section 302(b) of the Code) will constitute dividends to the extent of the
Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits as calculated for Federal
income tax purposes. Nevertheless, it is possible that the IRS might take a
contrary position, asserting, for example, that the shares of AMPS constitute
debt of the Fund. If this position were upheld, the discussion of the treatment
of distributions below would not apply. Instead, distributions by the Fund to
holders of shares of AMPS would constitute interest, whether or not they
exceeded the earnings and profits of the Fund, would be included in full in the
income of the recipient and would be taxed as ordinary income. Counsel believes
that such a position, if asserted by the IRS, would be unlikely to prevail.
The Fund intends to qualify to pay "exempt-interest dividends" as defined
in Section 852(b)(5) of the Code. Under such section if, at the close of each
quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets
consists of obligations exempt from Federal income tax ("tax-exempt
obligations") under Section 103(a) of the Code (relating generally to
obligations of a state or local governmental unit), the Fund shall be qualified
to pay exempt-interest dividends to its shareholders. Exempt-interest dividends
are dividends or any part thereof paid by the Fund which are attributable to
interest on tax-exempt obligations and designated by the Fund as exempt-interest
dividends in a written notice mailed to the Fund's shareholders within 60 days
after the close of its taxable year. To the extent that the dividends
distributed to the Fund's shareholders are derived from interest income exempt
from tax under Code Section 103(a) and are properly designated as
exempt-interest dividends, they will be excludable from a shareholder's gross
income for Federal tax purposes. Exempt-interest dividends are included,
however, in determining the portion, if any, of a person's social
29
<PAGE> 83
security and railroad retirement benefits subject to Federal income taxes. Each
shareholder is advised to consult a tax adviser with respect to whether
exempt-interest dividends retain the exclusion under Code Section 103(a) if such
shareholder would be treated as a "substantial user" or "related person" under
Code Section 147(a) with respect to property financed with the proceeds of an
issue of "industrial development bonds" or "private activity bonds," if any,
held by the Fund.
The portion of exempt-interest dividends paid from interest received by the
Fund from New York Municipal Bonds also will be exempt from New York State and
New York City personal income tax. However, exempt-interest dividends paid to a
corporate shareholder subject to New York State corporation franchise tax and
New York City general corporation tax. Shareholders subject to income taxation
by states other than New York and/or by cities other than New York City will
realize a lower after-tax rate of return than New York State and/or New York
City shareholders since the dividends distributed by the Fund generally will not
be exempt, to any significant degree, from income taxation by such other states
and/or cities. The Fund will inform shareholders annually as to the portion of
the Fund's distributions which constitutes exempt-interest dividends and the
portion which is exempt from New York State and New York City personal income
taxes. Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry Fund
shares is not deductible for Federal income tax purposes or New York State and
New York City personal income tax purposes to the extent attributable to
exempt-interest dividends.
To the extent that the Fund's distributions are derived from interest on
its taxable investments or from an excess of net short-term capital gains over
net long-term capital losses ("ordinary income dividends"), such distributions
are considered ordinary income for Federal income tax purposes. Distributions,
if any, from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term
capital losses derived from the sale of securities or from certain transactions
in futures or options ("capital gain dividends") are taxable as long-term
capital gains for Federal income tax purposes, regardless of the length of time
the shareholder has owned Fund shares and, for New York State and New York City
personal income tax purposes, are treated as capital gains which are taxed at
ordinary income tax rates. Certain categories of capital gains are taxable at
different rates. Generally not later than 60 days after the close of its taxable
year, the Fund will provide its shareholders with a written notice designating
the amounts of any exempt-interest dividends and capital gain dividends, as well
as any amount of capital gain dividends in the different categories of capital
gain referred to above. Distributions by the Fund, whether from exempt-interest
income or capital gains, are not eligible for the dividends received deduction
allowed to corporations under the Code.
All or a portion of the Fund's gain from the sale or redemption of
tax-exempt obligations purchased at a market discount will be treated as
ordinary income rather than capital gain. This rule may increase the amount of
ordinary income dividends received by shareholders. Distributions in excess of
the Fund's earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a
holder's shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will
constitute capital gains to such holder (assuming the shares are held as a
capital asset). Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares held for six
months or less will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends
received by the shareholder. In addition, any such loss that is not disallowed
under the rule stated above will be treated as long-term capital loss to the
extent of any capital gain dividends received by the shareholder. If the Fund
pays a dividend in January which was declared in the previous October, November
or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months,
then such dividend will be treated for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund
and received by its shareholders on December 31 of the year in which such
dividend was declared.
The IRS has taken the position in a revenue ruling that if a RIC has two or
more classes of shares, it may designate distributions made to each class in any
year as consisting of no more than such class's proportionate share of
particular types of income, including exempt interest and net long-term capital
gains. A class's proportionate share of a particular type of income is
determined according to the percentage of total dividends paid by the RIC during
such year that was paid to such class. Thus, the Fund is required to allocate a
portion of its net capital gains and other taxable income to the shares of AMPS.
The Fund generally will notify the Auction Agent of the amount of any net
capital gains and other taxable income to be included in any dividend on shares
of AMPS prior to the Auction establishing the Applicable Rate for such dividend.
Except for the portion of any dividend that it informs the Auction Agent will be
treated as capital gains or other taxable
30
<PAGE> 84
income, the Fund anticipates that the dividends paid on the shares of AMPS will
constitute exempt-interest dividends. The amount of net capital gains and
ordinary income allocable to shares of AMPS (the "taxable distribution") will
depend upon the amount of such gains and income realized by the Fund and the
total dividends paid by the Fund on shares of Common Stock and shares of AMPS
during a taxable year, but the taxable distribution generally is not expected to
be significant.
In the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the Fund, under current law
the manner in which the Fund intends to allocate items of tax-exempt income, net
capital gains and other taxable income, if any, among shares of Common Stock and
shares of AMPS will be respected for Federal income tax purposes. However, the
tax treatment of Additional Dividends may affect the Fund's calculation of each
class' allocable share of capital gains and other taxable income. See "Tax
Treatment of Additional Dividends." In addition, there is currently no direct
guidance from the IRS or other sources specifically addressing whether the
Fund's method for allocating tax-exempt income, net capital gains and other
taxable income among shares of common stock and shares of AMPS will be respected
for Federal income tax purposes, and it is possible that the IRS could disagree
with counsel's opinion and attempt to reallocate the Fund's net capital gains or
other taxable income. In the event of a reallocation, some of the dividends
identified by the Fund as exempt-interest dividends to holders of shares of AMPS
may be recharacterized as additional capital gains or other taxable income. In
the event of such recharacterization, the Fund would not be required to make
payments to such shareholders to offset the tax effect of such reallocation. In
addition, a reallocation may cause the Fund to be liable for income tax and
excise tax on any reallocated taxable income. Brown & Wood LLP has advised the
Fund that, in its opinion, if the IRS were to challenge in court the Fund's
allocations of income and gain, the IRS would be unlikely to prevail. A holder
should be aware, however, that the opinion of Brown & Wood LLP represents only
its best legal judgment and is not binding on the IRS or the courts.
The Code subjects interest received on certain otherwise tax-exempt
securities to a Federal alternative minimum tax. The Federal alternative minimum
tax applies to interest received on "private activity bonds" issued after August
7, 1986. Private activity bonds are bonds which, although tax-exempt, are used
for purposes other than those generally performed by governmental units and
which benefit non-governmental entities (e.g., bonds used for industrial
development or housing purposes). Income received on such bonds is classified as
an item of "tax preference," which could subject certain investors in such
bonds, including shareholders of the Fund, to an increased Federal alternative
minimum tax. The Fund intends to purchase such "private activity bonds" and will
report to shareholders within 60 days after calendar year-end the portion of its
dividends declared during the year which constitutes an item of tax preference
for Federal alternative minimum tax purposes. The Code further provides that
corporations are subject to a Federal alternative minimum tax based, in part, on
certain differences between taxable income as adjusted for other tax preferences
and the corporation's "adjusted current earnings," which more closely reflect a
corporation's economic income. Because an exempt-interest dividend paid by the
Fund will be included in adjusted current earnings, a corporate shareholder may
be required to pay a Federal alternative minimum tax on exempt-interest
dividends paid by the Fund.
The Fund may invest in instruments the return on which includes
nontraditional features such as indexed principal or interest payments
("nontraditional instruments"). These instruments may be subject to special tax
rules under which the Fund may be required to accrue and distribute income
before amounts due under the obligations are paid. In addition, it is possible
that all or a portion of the interest payments on such nontraditional
instruments could be recharacterized as taxable ordinary income.
If at any time when shares of AMPS are outstanding the Fund does not meet
the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to
suspend distributions to holders of Common Stock until the asset coverage is
restored. See "Description of AMPS -- Dividends -- Restrictions on Dividends and
Other Payments." This may prevent the Fund from distributing at least 90% of its
net income, and may, therefore, jeopardize the Fund's qualification for taxation
as a RIC. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC, some or all of the
distributions paid by the Fund would be fully taxable for Federal income tax and
New York State and New York City personal income tax purposes. Upon any failure
to meet the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund, in its sole
discretion, may, and under certain circumstances will be required to, redeem
shares of AMPS in order to maintain or restore the requisite asset coverage and
avoid the
31
<PAGE> 85
adverse consequences to the Fund and its shareholders of failing to qualify as a
RIC. See "Description of AMPS -- Redemption." There can be no assurance,
however, that any such action would achieve such objectives.
As noted above, the Fund must distribute annually at least 90% of its net
taxable and tax-exempt interest income. A distribution will only be counted for
this purpose if it qualifies for the dividends paid deduction under the Code.
Some types of preferred stock that the Fund currently contemplates issuing may
raise an issue as to whether distributions on such preferred stock are
"preferential" under the Code and therefore not eligible for the dividends paid
deduction. The Fund intends to issue preferred stock that counsel advises will
not result in the payment of a preferential dividend and may seek a private
letter ruling from the IRS to that effect. If the Fund ultimately relies solely
on a legal opinion when it issues such preferred stock, there is no assurance
that the IRS would agree that dividends on the preferred stock are not
preferential. If the IRS successfully disallowed the dividends paid deduction
for dividends on the preferred stock, the Fund could lose the benefit of the
special treatment afforded RICs under the Code. In this case, dividends paid by
the Fund would not be exempt from Federal income taxes. Additionally, the Fund
would be subject to the alternative minimum tax.
Under certain Code provisions, some taxpayers may be subject to a 31%
withholding tax on certain ordinary income dividends and on capital gain
dividends and redemption payments ("backup withholding"). Generally,
shareholders subject to backup withholding will be those for whom no certified
taxpayer identification number is on file with the Fund or who, to the Fund's
knowledge, have furnished an incorrect number. When establishing an account, an
investor must certify under penalty of perjury that such number is correct and
that such investor is not otherwise subject to backup withholding.
Ordinary income dividends paid to shareholders who are nonresident aliens
or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% United States withholding tax under
existing provisions of the Code applicable to foreign individuals and entities
unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided
under applicable treaty law. Nonresident shareholders are urged to consult their
own tax advisers concerning the applicability of the United States withholding
tax.
The Code provides that every shareholder required to file a tax return must
include for information purposes on such return the amount of exempt-interest
dividends received from all sources (including the Fund) during the taxable
year.
TAX TREATMENT OF ADDITIONAL DIVIDENDS
If the Fund makes a Retroactive Taxable Allocation, it will pay Additional
Dividends to holders of shares of AMPS who are subject to the Retroactive
Taxable Allocation. See "Description of AMPS -- Dividends -- Additional
Dividends" in the prospectus. The Federal income tax consequences of Additional
Dividends under existing law are uncertain. The Fund intends to treat a holder
as receiving a dividend distribution in the amount of any Additional Dividend
only as and when such Additional Dividend is paid. An Additional Dividend
generally will be designated by the Fund as an exempt-interest divided except as
otherwise required by applicable law. However, the IRS may assert that all or
part of an Additional Dividend is a taxable dividend either in the taxable year
for which the Retroactive Taxable Allocation is made or in the taxable year in
which the Additional Dividend is paid.
TAX TREATMENT OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may purchase or sell municipal bond index financial futures
contracts and interest rate financial futures contracts on U.S. Government
securities. The Fund may also purchase and write call and put options on such
financial futures contracts. In general, unless an election is available to the
Fund or an exception applies, such options and financial futures contracts that
are "Section 1256 contracts" will be "marked to market" for Federal income tax
purposes at the end of each taxable year, i.e., each such option or financial
futures contract will be treated as sold for its fair market value on the last
day of the taxable year, and any gain or loss attributable to Section 1256
contracts will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss.
Application of these rules to Section 1256 contracts held by the Fund may alter
the timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The mark-to-market
rules outlined above, however, will not apply to certain
32
<PAGE> 86
transactions entered into by the Fund solely to reduce the risk of changes in
price or interest rates with respect to its investments.
Code Section 1092, which applies to certain "straddles," may affect the
taxation of the Fund's sales of securities and transactions in financial futures
contracts and related options. Under Section 1092, the Fund may be required to
postpone recognition for tax purposes of losses incurred in certain sales of
securities and certain closing transactions in financial futures contracts or
the related options.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code and Treasury Regulations and New York State and New York
City tax laws presently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should
be made to the pertinent Code sections, the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder and the applicable New York State and New York City tax laws. The
Code and the Treasury Regulations, as well as the New York State and New York
City tax laws, are subject to change by legislative, judicial or administrative
action either prospectively or retroactively.
Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to Federal, foreign, state or local taxes.
NET ASSET VALUE
Net asset value per share of common stock is determined as of 15 minutes
after the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE")
(generally, the NYSE closes at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the last Business Day
of each week. For purposes of determining the net asset value of a share of
common stock, the value of the securities held by the Fund plus any cash or
other assets (including interest accrued but not yet received) minus all
liabilities (including accrued expenses) and the aggregate liquidation value of
the outstanding shares of AMPS is divided by the total number of shares of
common stock outstanding at such time. Expenses, including the fees payable to
the Investment Adviser, are accrued daily.
The New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds in which the Fund invests
are traded primarily in the over-the-counter markets. In determining net asset
value, the Fund utilizes the valuations of portfolio securities furnished by a
pricing service approved by the Board of Directors. The pricing service
typically values portfolio securities at the bid price or the yield equivalent
when quotations are readily available. New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal
Bonds for which quotations are not readily available are valued at fair market
value on a consistent basis as determined by the pricing service using a matrix
system to determine valuations. The procedures of the pricing service and its
valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Fund under the general
supervision of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has determined in
good faith that the use of a pricing service is a fair method of determining the
valuation of portfolio securities. Positions in futures contracts are valued at
closing prices for such contracts established by the exchange on which they are
traded, or if market quotations are not readily available, are valued at fair
value on a consistent basis using methods determined in good faith by the Board
of Directors.
The Fund determines and makes available for publication the net asset value
of its common stock weekly. Currently, the net asset values of shares of
publicly traded closed-end investment companies investing in debt securities are
published in Barron's, the Monday edition of The Wall Street Journal, and the
Monday and Saturday editions of The New York Times.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and the 1940 Act and in accordance therewith is required to
file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Commission. Any
such reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied
at the public reference facilities of the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary
Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following
regional offices of the Commission: Regional Office, at Seven World Trade
Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048; Pacific Regional Office, at 5670
Wilshire Boulevard, 11th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90036; and Midwest
Regional Office, at Northwestern Atrium
33
<PAGE> 87
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511.
Copies of such materials can be obtained from the public reference section of
the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. The Commission maintains a Web site at http://www.sec.gov containing
reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding
registrants, including the Fund, that file electronically with the Commission.
Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Fund can also be
inspected at the offices of the American Stock Exchange, 9801 Washingtonian
Boulevard, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878.
Additional information regarding the Fund and the shares of AMPS is
contained in the Registration Statement on Form N-2, including amendments,
exhibits and schedules thereto, relating to such shares filed by the Fund with
the Commission in Washington, D.C. This statement of additional information and
the prospectus do not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement, including any amendments, exhibits and schedules
thereto. For further information with respect to the Fund and the shares offered
hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement. Statements contained in
this statement of additional information and the prospectus as to the contents
of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and
in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference. A copy of the Registration
Statement may be inspected without charge at the Commission's principal office
in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from
the Commission upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the Commission.
34
<PAGE> 88
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Shareholder
MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and capital of
MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc. as of June 16, 1999. This financial
statement is the responsibility of the Fund's management. 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. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such statement of assets, liabilities and capital referred to
above presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc. as of June 16, 1999 in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
July 19, 1999
35
<PAGE> 89
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
JUNE 16, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Cash................................................... $100,005
Offering costs (Note 1)................................ 115,000
--------
Total assets...................................... 215,005
--------
LIABILITIES:
Liabilities and accrued expenses (Note 1).............. 115,000
--------
NET ASSETS.................................................. $100,005
========
CAPITAL
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share; 200,000,000
shares authorized; 6,667 shares issued and outstanding
(Note 1).............................................. $ 667
Paid-in Capital in excess of par....................... 99,338
--------
Total Capital-Equivalent to $15.00 net asset value per
share of Common Stock (Note 1)........................ $100,005
========
</TABLE>
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION
The Fund was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on April
5, 1999 as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company and has
had no operations other than the sale to Fund Asset Management, L.P. (the
"Investment Adviser") of an aggregate of 6,667 shares of Common Stock for
$100,005 on June 16, 1999. The General Partner of the Investment Adviser is an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
The Investment Adviser, on behalf of the Fund, will incur organization
costs estimated at $26,250. Direct costs relating to the public offering of the
Fund's shares will be charged to capital at the time of issuance of shares.
NOTE 2. MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
The Fund has engaged the Investment Adviser to provide investment advisory
and management services to the Fund. The Investment Adviser will receive a
monthly fee for advisory services, at an annual rate of 0.55 of 1% of the Fund's
average weekly net assets, including any proceeds from the issuance of Preferred
Stock. The Investment Adviser or an affiliate will pay Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated a commission in the amount of 2.00% of the price to
the public in connection with the initial public offering of the Fund's Common
Stock.
NOTE 3. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" and as such
(and by complying with the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended) will not be subject to Federal income tax on taxable income
(including realized capital gains) that is distributed to shareholders.
36
<PAGE> 90
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)
JULY 23, 1999
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P MOODY'S FACE VALUE
RATINGS RATINGS AMOUNT ISSUE (NOTE 1a)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NEW YORK--99.5%
Long Island Power Authority, New York, Electric System
Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series A(d):
AAA Aaa $4,500 5.25% due 12/01/2026..................................... $ 4,366
AAA Aaa 4,500 5.50% due 12/01/2029..................................... 4,533
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,900 Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, Commuter
Facilities Revenue Bonds, Series C-1, 5.375% due
7/01/2027(b)........................................... 4,834
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,800 Nassau County, New York, GO, Series B, 5.25% due
6/01/2024(a)........................................... 4,695
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ NR* 1,700 Nassau County, New York, IDA, Civic Facility Revenue
Refunding and Improvement Bonds (Cold Spring Harbor),
VRDN, 3% due 1/01/2034(e).............................. 1,700
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 New York City, New York, Cultural Resources Trust Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Museum of Modern Art), Series A, 5.50%
due 1/01/2021(a)....................................... 3,013
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 885 New York City, New York, IDA, Civic Facility Revenue
Bonds (Anti-Defamation League Foundation), Series A,
5.50% due 6/01/2022(d)................................. 889
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A- A2 3,400 New York City, New York, IDA, Special Facilities Revenue
Bonds (British Airways PLC Project), AMT, 5.25% due
12/01/2032............................................. 3,168
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York City, New York, Municipal Water Finance
Authority, Water and Sewer System Revenue Refunding
Bonds:
AAA Aaa 4,600 Series A, 5.50% due 6/15/2023(a)......................... 4,615
AAA Aaa 1,500 Series F, 5.50% due 6/15/2023(d)......................... 1,504
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* VMIG1+ 4,700 New York City, New York, Transitional Finance Authority
Revenue Bonds (Future Tax Secured), VRDN, Series C,
3.05% due 5/01/2028(e)................................. 4,700
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 4,500 New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Bonds (City
University Systems Consolidation), Third Generation,
Series 1, 5.375% due 7/01/2025(a)...................... 4,441
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA NR* 2,565 New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Bonds (St.
James Mercy Hospital), 5.40% due 2/01/2038(c).......... 2,496
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A- Baa3 4,500 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority,
Electric Facilities Revenue Bonds (LILCO Project), AMT,
Series B, 5.30% due 11/01/2023......................... 4,281
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* P1 2,000 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority,
PCR, Refunding (Niagara Mohawk Corporation Project),
FLOATS, Series A, 3.05% due 3/01/2027(e)............... 2,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,100 New York State Mortgage Agency & Homeowner Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series 83, 5.55% due 10/01/2027(d).... 2,106
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
37
<PAGE> 91
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P MOODY'S FACE VALUE
RATINGS RATINGS AMOUNT ISSUE (NOTE 1a)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NR* Aa2 $4,750 New York State Mortgage Agency Revenue Refunding Bonds,
AMT, Series 82, 5.65% due 4/01/2030.................... $ 4,743
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST--$58,167)--99.5%.............................................. 58,084
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES--0.5%................................................... 316
-------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS--100.0% ......................................................... $58,400
=======
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Not Rated.
(a) AMBAC Insured.
(b) FGIC Insured.
(c) FHA Insured.
(d) MBIA Insured.
(e) The interest rate is subject to change periodically based upon
prevailing market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in
effect at July 23, 1999.
+ Highest short-term rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
PORTFOLIO
ABBREVIATIONS
To simplify the listings of MuniHoldings New York Insured
Fund IV, Inc.'s portfolio holdings in the Schedule of
Investments, we have abbreviated the names of many of the
securities according to the list below.
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)
FLOATS Floating Rate Securities
GO General Obligation Bonds
IDA Industrial Development Authority
PCR Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
38
<PAGE> 92
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
AS OF JULY 23, 1999 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments, at value (identified cost -- $58,167,392) (Note
1a)....................................................... $58,084,122
Cash........................................................ 100,005
RECEIVABLES:
Capital shares sold....................................... $58,500,000
Interest.................................................. 454,084
Investment adviser (Note 2)............................... 1,131 58,955,215
----------- -----------
Total assets................................................ 117,139,342
-----------
LIABILITIES:
Payable on securities purchased............................. 58,597,283
Accrued expenses and other liabilities...................... 142,062
-----------
Total liabilities........................................... 58,739,345
-----------
NET ASSETS:
Net assets.................................................. $58,399,997
===========
CAPITAL:
Capital Stock (200,000,000 shares authorized) (Note 4):
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (3,906,667 shares
issued and outstanding)................................... $ 390,667
Paid-in capital in excess of par............................ 58,068,407
Undistributed investment income -- net...................... 24,193
Unrealized depreciation on investments -- net............... (83,270)
-----------
Total -- Equivalent to $14.95 net asset value per share of
Common Stock.............................................. $58,399,997
===========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
39
<PAGE> 93
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified, closed-end
management investment company. Prior to commencement of operations on July 23,
1999, the Fund had no operations other than those relating to organizational
matters and the sale of 6,667 shares of Common Stock on June 16, 1999 to Fund
Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM") for $100,005. The Fund's financial statements are
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles which may
require the use of management accruals and estimates. The Fund determines and
makes available for publication the net asset value of its Common Stock on a
weekly basis. The Fund's Common Stock is listed on the American Stock Exchange
under the symbol MNW. The following is a summary of significant accounting
policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments -- Municipal bonds are traded primarily in the
over-the-counter markets and are valued at the most recent bid price or yield
equivalent as obtained by the Fund's pricing service from dealers that make
markets in such securities. Financial futures contracts and options thereon,
which are traded on exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the
close of such exchanges. Options written or purchased are valued at the last
sale price in the case of exchange-traded options. In the case of options traded
in the over-the-counter market, valuation is the last asked price (options
written) or the last bid price (options purchased). Securities with remaining
maturities of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which
approximates market value. Securities and assets for which market quotations are
not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or
under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including valuations
furnished by a pricing service retained by the Fund, which may utilize a matrix
system for valuations. The procedures of the pricing service and its valuations
are reviewed by the officers of the Fund under the general supervision of the
Board of Directors.
(b) Derivative financial instruments -- The Fund may engage in various
portfolio strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its portfolio
against adverse movements in the debt markets. Losses may arise due to changes
in the value of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the
contract.
- Financial futures contracts -- The Fund may purchase or sell financial
futures contracts and options on such futures contracts for the purpose
of hedging the market risk on existing securities or the intended
purchase of securities. Futures contracts are contracts for delayed
delivery of securities at a specific future date and at a specific price
or yield. Upon entering into a contract, the Fund deposits and maintains
as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which
the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to
receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily
fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known
as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or
losses. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or
loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the
time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
- Options -- The Fund is authorized to write covered call options and
purchase put options. When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to
the premium received by the Fund is reflected as an asset and an
equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked
to market to reflect the current market value of the option written. When
a security is purchased or sold through an exercise of an option, the
related premium paid (or received) is added to (or deducted from) the
basis of the security acquired or deducted from (or added to) the
proceeds of the security sold. When an option expires (or the Fund enters
into a closing transaction), the Fund realizes a gain or loss on the
option to the extent of the premiums received or paid (or gain or loss to
the extent the cost of the closing transaction exceeds the premium paid
or received).
Written and purchased options are non-income producing investments.
40
<PAGE> 94
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)(CONTINUED)
(c) Income taxes -- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements
of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required.
(d) Security transactions and investment income -- Security transactions
are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade dates).
Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Discounts and market
premiums are amortized into interest income. Realized gains and losses on
security transactions are determined on the identified cost basis.
(e) Dividends and distributions -- Dividends from net investment income are
declared and paid monthly. Distributions of capital gains are recorded on the
ex-dividend dates.
2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with FAM. The
general partner of FAM is Princeton Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is the
limited partner.
FAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and provides
the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services
necessary to the operations of the Fund. For such services, the Fund pays a
monthly fee at an annual rate of 0.55% of the Fund's average weekly net assets
including assets acquired through the issuance of preferred stock. For the
period ended July 23, 1999, FAM earned fees of $1,131, all of which was
voluntarily waived.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by FAM at cost.
Certain officers and/or directors of the Fund are officers and/or directors
of FAM, PSI, and/or ML & Co.
3. INVESTMENTS:
Purchases of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the period
ended July 23, 1999 were $49,767,392. There were no long term sales.
Net unrealized losses as of July 23, 1999 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNREALIZED
LOSSES
----------
<S> <C>
Long-term investments....................................... $(83,270)
--------
Total....................................................... $(83,270)
========
</TABLE>
As of July 23, 1999, net unrealized depreciation for Federal income tax
purposes aggregated $83,270, of which $11,811 related to appreciated securities
and $95,081 related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost of investments
at July 23, 1999 for Federal income tax purposes was $58,167,392.
4. CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:
The Fund is authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of capital stock,
including Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share, all of which were initially
classified as Common Stock. The Board of Directors is authorized, however, to
reclassify any unissued shares of capital stock without approval of holders of
Common Stock.
41
<PAGE> 95
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)(CONCLUDED)
COMMON STOCK
Shares issued and outstanding during the period ended July 23, 1999
increased by 3,900,000 as a result of the initial offering.
5. GENERAL:
As of July 23, 1999, the Fund had only one day of investment operations and
had not yet declared dividends (whereas it will ordinarily do so on a monthly
basis). As a result, the Fund believes that more extensive interim financial
statements would not be indicative of the Fund's current and ongoing operations.
The Fund believes that such financial statements may be misleading to potential
investors and, accordingly, believes that inclusion of such financial statements
would be inappropriate. For the period ended July 23, 1999, the Fund had net
investment income of $24,193. FAM voluntarily waived all expenses.
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APPENDIX A
ECONOMIC AND OTHER CONDITIONS IN NEW YORK
The following information is a brief summary of factors affecting the
economy of New York City (the "City") or New York State (the "State" or "New
York"). Other factors will affect issuers. The summary is based primarily upon
one or more of the most recent publicly available offering statements relating
to debt offerings of State issuers, however, it has not been updated. The Fund
has not independently verified this information.
The State, some of its agencies, instrumentalities and public authorities
and certain of its municipalities have sometimes faced serious financial
difficulties that could have an adverse effect on the sources of payment for or
the market value of the New York Municipal Bonds in which the Fund invests.
NEW YORK CITY
General. More than any other municipality, the fiscal health of the City
has a significant effect on the fiscal health of the State. The City's current
financial plan assumes that, after strong growth in 1998-1999, moderate economic
growth will exist through calendar year 2003, with moderating job growth and
wage increases.
For each of the 1981 through 1998 fiscal years, the City had an operating
surplus, before discretionary and other transfers, and achieved balanced
operating results as reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP"), after discretionary and other transfers. The City has been
required to close substantial gaps between forecast revenues and forecast
expenditures in order to maintain balanced operating results. There can be no
assurance that the City will continue to maintain balanced operating results as
required by State law without tax or other revenue increases or reductions in
City services or entitlement programs, which could adversely affect the City's
economic base.
Pursuant to the laws of the State, the Mayor is responsible for preparing
the City's financial plan, including the City's current financial plan for the
2000 through 2003 fiscal years (the "2000-2003 Financial Plan", "Financial Plan"
or "City Financial Plan"). The City's projections set forth in the City
Financial Plan are based on various assumptions and contingencies that are
uncertain and may not materialize. Changes in major assumptions could
significantly affect the City's ability to balance its budget as required by
State law and to meet its annual cash flow and financing requirements.
City's Financing Program. Implementation of the City Financial Plan is
also dependent upon the City's ability to market its securities successfully.
The City's program for financing capital projects for fiscal years 1999 through
2003 contemplates the issuance of $10.091 billion of general obligation bonds,
$5.340 billion of bonds to be issued by the New York City Transitional Finance
Authority (the "Transitional Finance Authority") and $2.8 billion of bonds to be
issued by the Tobacco Settlement Asset Securitization Corporation ("TSASC") and
paid from revenues received pursuant to a settlement of litigation with the four
leading cigarette companies. The Transitional Finance Authority and TSASC were
created to assist the City in financing its capital program while keeping City
indebtedness within the forecast level of the constitutional restrictions on the
amount of debt the City is authorized to incur. In 1997, the State enacted the
New York City Transitional Finance Authority Act (the "Finance Authority Act"),
which created the Transitional Finance Authority. In a challenge to the
constitutionality of the Finance Authority Act, the State trial court, by
summary judgment on November 25, 1997, held the Finance Authority Act to be
constitutional. On July 30, 1998, the State Appellate Division affirmed the
trial court's decision. Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal with the State's
Court of Appeals for an appeal as of right of the Appellate Division order. The
appeal as of right was dismissed on September 22, 1998. Plaintiffs subsequently
filed a motion for leave to appeal with the Court of Appeals, which motion was
denied on December 22, 1998. In March 1999, plaintiffs filed a petition for a
writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court.
Without additional borrowing capacity, under current projections the City
would reach the limit of its capacity to enter into new contractual commitments
in fiscal year 2000. If TSASC is not able to issue $2.8 billion of bonds, the
City will need to find another source of financing or substantially curtail or
halt its
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capital program. Even with the ability to issue $2.8 billion in bonds by TSASC,
the City expects that it will be required to postpone a substantial part of its
capital program from the latter part of fiscal year 2001 to fiscal year 2002. In
addition, the City issues revenue notes and tax anticipation notes to finance
its seasonal working capital requirements (See "Seasonal Financing Requirements"
within). The success of projected public sales of City bonds and notes, New York
City Municipal Water Finance Authority (the "Water Authority") bonds and
Transitional Finance Authority and other bonds will be subject to prevailing
market conditions. The City's planned capital and operating expenditures are
dependent upon the sale of its general obligation bonds and notes, as well as
Water Authority, Transitional Finance Authority and TSASC bonds.
1998 Fiscal Year. For the 1998 fiscal year, the City had an operating
surplus, before discretionary and other transfers, and achieved balanced
operating results, after discretionary and other transfers, in accordance with
GAAP. The 1998 fiscal year is the eighteenth year that the City has achieved an
operating surplus, before discretionary and other transfers, and balanced
operating results, after discretionary and other transfers.
1999 Modification and 2000-2003 Financial Plan. The most recent quarterly
modification to the City's financial plan for the 1999 fiscal year (July 1,
1998-June 30, 1999), submitted to the New York State Financial Control Board
(the "Control Board") on June 14, 1999 (the "1999 Modification"), projects a
balanced budget in accordance with GAAP for the 1999 fiscal year.
On June 14, 1999, the City released the Financial Plan for the 2000 through
2003 fiscal years, which relates to the City and certain entities which receive
funds from the City. The Financial Plan project revenues and expenditures for
the 2000 fiscal year balanced in accordance with GAAP, and project gaps of $1.8
billion, $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion for fiscal years 2001 through 2003,
respectively.
The 1999 Modification and the 2000-2003 Financial Plan includes a proposed
discretionary transfer in the 1999 fiscal year of $2.6 billion to pay debt
service due in fiscal year 2000, for budget stabilization purposes, a proposed
discretionary transfer in fiscal year 2000 to pay debt service due in fiscal
year 2001 totaling $429 million, and a proposed discretionary transfer in fiscal
year 2001 to pay debt service due in fiscal year 2002 totaling $345 million.
In addition, the Financial Plan sets forth gap-closing actions to eliminate
a previously projected gap for the 2000 fiscal year and to reduce projected gaps
for fiscal years 2001 through 2003 which include additional (i) City agency
action, (ii) Federal revenue sharing and Medicaid aid and (iii) State actions
including Medicaid cost containment initiatives. The Financial Plan also
reflects a tax reduction program, which includes the elimination of the City's
non-residents earning tax, the proposed extension of current tax reductions for
owners of cooperative and condominium apartments and a proposed income tax
credit for low income wage earners.
Assumptions. The 2000-2003 Financial Plan is based on numerous
assumptions, including the condition of the City's and the region's economies
and modest employment growth and the concomitant receipt of economically
sensitive tax revenues in the amounts projected. The 2000-2003 Financial Plan is
subject to various other uncertainties and contingencies relating to, among
other factors, the extent, if any, to which wage increases for City employees
exceed the annual wage costs assumed for the 1999 through 2003 fiscal years;
continuation of projected interest earnings assumptions for pension fund assets
and current assumptions with respect to wages for City employees affecting the
City's required pension fund contributions; the willingness and ability of the
State to provide the aid contemplated by the Financial Plan and to take various
other actions to assist the City; the ability of Health and Hospitals
Corporation (the "HHC"), the Board of Education (the "BOE") and other such
agencies to maintain balanced budgets; the willingness of the Federal government
to provide the amount of Federal aid contemplated in the Financial Plan; the
impact on City revenues and expenditures of Federal and State welfare reform and
any future legislation affecting Medicare or other entitlement programs;
adoption of the City's budgets by the City Council in substantially the forms
submitted by the Mayor; the ability of the City to implement cost reduction
initiatives, and the success with which the City controls expenditures; the
impact of conditions in the real estate market on real estate tax revenues; and
unanticipated expenditures that may be incurred as a result of the need to
maintain the City's infrastructure. Certain of these assumptions have been
questioned by the City Comptroller and other public officials.
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The Financial Plan assumes: (i) approval by the Governor and the State
Legislature of the extension of the 14% personal income tax surcharge, which is
scheduled to expire on December 31, 1999, and which is projected to provide
revenue of $572 million, $585 million, $600 million and $638 million in the 2000
through 2003 fiscal years, respectively; (ii) collection of projected rent
payments for the City's airports, totaling $355 million, $185 million and $155
million in the 2001 through 2003 fiscal years, respectively, a substantial
portion of which may depend on the successful completion of negotiations with
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (the "Port Authority") or the
enforcement of the City's rights under the existing leases through pending legal
action; (iii) State and Federal approval of the State and Federal gap-closing
actions proposed by the City in the Financial Plan; and (iv) receipt of the
tobacco settlement funds providing revenues or expenditure offsets in annual
amounts ranging between $250 million and $300 million. In addition, the economic
and financial condition of the City may be affected by various financial,
social, economic and political factors which could have a material effect on the
City.
Municipal Unions. The Financial Plan reflects the costs of the settlements
and arbitration awards with certain municipal unions and other bargaining units,
which together represent approximately 98% of the City's workforce, and assumes
that the City will reach agreement with its remaining municipal unions under
terms which are generally consistent with such settlements and arbitration
awards. These contracts are approximately five years in length and have a total
cumulative net increase of 13%. Assuming the City reaches similar settlements
with its remaining municipal unions, the cost of all settlements for all
City-funded employees would total $1.2 billion in the 1999 fiscal year and
exceed $2 billion thereafter. The Financial Plan provides no additional wage
increases for City employees after their contracts expire in fiscal years 2000
and 2001.
Intergovernmental Aid. The City depends on the State for aid both to
enable the City to balance its budget and to meet its cash requirements. There
can be no assurance that there will not be reductions in State aid to the City
from amounts currently projected; that State budgets will be adopted by the
April 1 statutory deadline, or interim appropriations enacted; or that any such
reductions or delays will not have adverse effects on the City's cash flow or
expenditures. In addition, the Federal budget negotiation process could result
in reductions or delays in the receipt of Federal grants which could have
additional adverse effects on the City's cash flow or revenues.
Year 2000 Computer Matters. The year 2000 presents potential operational
problems for computerized data files and computer programs which may recognize
the year 2000 as the year 1900, resulting in possible system failures or
miscalculations. In November 1996, the City's Year 2000 Project Office was
established to develop a project methodology, coordinate the efforts of City
agencies, review plans and oversee implementation of year 2000 projects. At that
time, the City also evaluated the capabilities of the City's Integrated
Financial Management System and Capital Projects Information System, which are
the City's central accounting, budgeting and payroll systems, identified the
potential impact of the year 2000 on these systems, and developed a plan to
replace these systems with a new system which is expected to be year 2000
compliant prior to December 31, 1999. The City has also performed an assessment
of its other mission-critical and high priority computer systems in connection
with making them year 2000 compliant, and the City's agencies have developed and
begun to implement both strategic and operational plans for non-compliant
application systems. In addition, the City Comptroller is conducting audits of
the progress of City agencies in achieving year 2000 compliance. While these
efforts may involve additional costs beyond those assumed in the Financial Plan,
the City believes, based on currently available information, that such
additional costs will not be material.
The Mayor's Office of Operations has stated that work has been completed,
and all or part of the necessary testing has been performed, on approximately
69% (current as of June 18, 1999) of the mission-critical and high priority
systems of Mayoral agencies. The City's computer systems may not all be year
2000 compliant in a timely manner and there could be an adverse impact on City
operations or revenues as a result. The City is in the process of developing
contingency plans for all mission-critical and high priority systems of Mayoral
agencies, if such systems are not year 2000 compliant by pre-determined dates.
The City is also in the process of contacting its significant third party
vendors regarding the status of their compliance. Such
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compliance is not within the City's control, and therefore the City cannot
assure that there will not be any adverse effects on the City resulting from any
failure of these third parties.
Certain Reports. The City's financial plans have been the subject of
extensive public comment and criticism. From time to time, the Control Board
staff, the Office of the State Deputy Comptroller (the "OSDC"), the City
Comptroller, the City's Independent Budget Office (the "IBO") and others issue
reports and make public statements regarding the City's financial condition,
commenting on, among other matters, the City's financial plans, projected
revenues and expenditures and actions by the City to eliminate projected
operating deficits. Some of these reports and statements have warned that the
City may have underestimated certain expenditures and overestimated certain
revenues and have suggested that the City may not have adequately provided for
future contingencies. Certain of these reports have analyzed the City's future
economic and social conditions and have questioned whether the City has the
capacity to generate sufficient revenues in the future to meet the costs of its
expenditure increases and to provide necessary services.
On May 24, 1999, the City Comptroller issued a report on the City's
financial plan as previously updated in April 1999 (the "April Financial Plan").
With respect to the 1999 fiscal year, the report identified a possible surplus
of $94 million, after $2.1 billion of discretionary transfers and subsidy
payments assumed in the April Financial Plan, due to the possibility of higher
than forecasted tax revenues. In addition, taking into account the risks and
additional resources identified in the report and the budget gaps projected in
the April Financial Plan, the report projected budget gaps of between $1.8
billion and $3.0 billion, $1.8 billion and $3.1 billion, and $2.0 billion and
$3.6 billion in fiscal years 2001 through 2003, respectively.
With respect to fiscal years 2000 through 2003, the report identified
baseline risks of between $698 million and $873 million, $1.0 billion and $2.2
billion, $978 million and $2.2 billion, and $1.1 billion and $2.7 billion,
respectively, depending upon whether the State approves the extension of the 14%
personal income tax surcharge and whether the City incurs additional labor costs
as a result of the expiration of labor contracts starting in fiscal year 2001
which, if settled at the current forecast level of inflation, would result in
additional costs totaling $345 million in fiscal year 2001, $713 million in
fiscal year 2002 and $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2003. Additional risks
identified in the report for fiscal years 2000 through 2003 include the revenues
from the nonresident earnings tax, which the State Legislature has voted to
repeal, at a potential cost to the City of between $360 million and $398 million
annually starting in fiscal year 2000; assumed payments from the Port Authority
relating to the City's claim for back rentals, which are the subject of
arbitration, State and Federal gap-closing actions proposed in the April
Financial Plan; possible increased overtime expenditures, the sale of the New
York City Coliseum in fiscal year 2001; and the write-down of outstanding
education aid receivables of approximately $100 million in each of fiscal years
2002 and 2003. The report noted that these risks may be offset by additional
resources of approximately $900 million in each of fiscal years 2000 through
2002 and approximately $800 million in fiscal year 2003. The report further
noted that expenditure growth continued to exceed revenue growth, and that
deficits could increase if the economy deteriorates. In addition, the report
noted that HHC faces a number of uncertainties that may have a negative impact
on its long-term viability, including proposed State and Federal reductions to
both Medicaid and Medicare and a significant decline in patient utilization. The
decline in utilization has been primarily reflected in Medicaid revenue which
accounts for approximately 50% of HHC's total revenues, and which has been
adversely affected by a smaller welfare population, local welfare cost
containment initiatives and greater competition for Medicaid funds among area
hospitals. The report also indicated that a possible negotiated settlement of a
class action, filed on behalf of approximately 63,000 persons challenging the
Department of Corrections policy of strip searching detainees arrested for
non-felony offenses, may expose the City to substantial costs from the
settlement of litigation.
On August 25, 1998, the City Comptroller issued a report reviewing the
current condition of the City's major physical assets and the capital
expenditures required to bring them to a state of good repair. The report's
findings relate only to current infrastructure and do not address future
capacity or technology needs. The report estimated that the expenditure of
approximately $91.83 billion would be required over the next decade to bring the
City's infrastructure to a systematic state of good repair and address new
capital needs already identified. The report stated that the City's current
Ten-Year Capital Strategy, together with funding received from other sources, is
projected to provide approximately $52.08 billion. The report noted that the
City's
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ability to meet all capital obligations is limited by law, as well as funding
capacity, and that the issue for the City is how best to set priorities and
manage limited resources.
On May 20, 1999, the staff of the OSDC issued a report on the City's
Executive Budget for fiscal year 2000. The report notes that tax revenues are
likely to be higher than forecast by the City for fiscal years 1999 and 2001 by
a total of $275 million, which may be needed to offset potential budget risks,
such as a possible delay in the receipt of the proceeds from the tobacco
settlement and shortfalls in Federal and State gap-closing aid assumed in the
April Financial Plan. With respect to the subsequent fiscal years in the April
Financial Plan, the report noted that, while the budget gaps have been reduced
to about $1.7 billion annually, they make no provision for wage increases after
the expiration of current contracts which, at the projected rate of inflation,
would increase costs by more than $1 billion by fiscal year 2003.
In addition, the report noted that it is anticipated that an independent
actuarial consulting firm reviewing the assumptions and methodologies to compute
City pension contributions will issue its report and will recommend changes,
such as a reduction in the pension fund investment earnings assumption. These
changes, in addition to those that the City Actuary may recommend, could cost in
excess of $500 million annually. In addition, the report noted that legislation
is under consideration that would increase retirement benefits for certain City
employees. Finally, the report noted that the City remains vulnerable to an
economic downturn which could result in a significant shortfall in projected
non-property tax revenues and higher pension fund contributions and public
assistance costs.
On May 27, 1999, the staff of the Control Board issued a report on the
April Financial Plan. The report noted that the City will end the 1999 fiscal
year with a substantial surplus and that the budget proposed by the Mayor for
fiscal year 2000 also appears to be balanced. However, the report noted that the
lack of a State budget leaves uncertainties as to the amount of
intergovernmental aid which will be available to the City in fiscal year 2000,
and that the proposed elimination by the State of the City's nonresident
earnings tax will require the City to make appropriate adjustments to its
revenue and expenditure forecasts. The report further noted that large gaps
still exist in subsequent fiscal years of the April Financial Plan, even before
accounting for known risks such as the impact of future collective bargaining
negotiations. Finally, the report noted that the City's business and personal
income taxes are particularly susceptible to the vagaries of the financial
markets and, if the economy falters, the City will likely experience a decline
in revenues and an increase in social service costs which will increase the
out-year gaps in the April Financial Plan.
On May 14, 1999, the IBO released a report providing its analysis of the
April Financial Plan. The report estimated a potential surplus of $356 million
in fiscal year 2000 and potential gaps of $2.3 billion, $3.0 billion and $3.1
billion for fiscal years 2001 through 2003, respectively, which reflect, among
other things, salary increases for City employees totaling $232 million, $607
million and $1.0 billion in fiscal years 2001 through 2003, respectively, which
are not included in the April Financial Plan. Uncertainties identified in the
report include Federal and State gap-closing actions assumed in the April
Financial Plan relating to Medicaid assistance or cost containment, State tort
reform legislation and State funding for low income uninsured disabled children.
The report noted that, while the strength of the local economy is helping the
City solve many of its near term budget problems, persistently large projected
out-year gaps remain a major concern for the City, and even a modest slackening
of the growth forecast for the next four years could increase projected budget
gaps.
Seasonal Financing Requirements. The City since 1981 has fully satisfied
its seasonal financing needs in the public credit markets, repaying all
short-term obligations within their fiscal year of issuance. The City issued
$500 million of short-term obligations in the 1999 fiscal year to finance the
City's cash flow needs for the 1999 fiscal year. The City issued $1.075 billion
in short-term obligations in fiscal year 1998 to finance the City's projected
cash flow needs for the 1998 fiscal year. The City issued $2.4 billion of
short-term obligations in fiscal year 1997. Seasonal financing requirements for
the 1996 fiscal year increased to $2.4 billion from $2.2 billion and $1.75
billion in the 1995 and 1994 fiscal years, respectively. The delay in the
adoption of the State's budget in certain past fiscal years has required the
City to issue short-term notes in amounts exceeding those expected early in such
fiscal years.
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Ratings. As of June 18, 1999, Moody's rated the City's outstanding general
obligation bonds A3, Standard & Poor's rated such bonds A- and Fitch rated such
bonds A. In July 1995, Standard & Poor's revised downward its ratings on
outstanding general obligation bonds of the City from A- to BBB+. In July 1998,
Standard & Poor's revised its rating of City bonds upward to A-. Moody's rating
of City bonds was revised in February 1998 to A3 from Baa1. On March 8, 1999,
Fitch revised its rating of City bonds upward to A. Such ratings reflect only
the view of Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch, from which an explanation of
the significance of such ratings may be obtained. There is no assurance that
such ratings will continue for any given period of time or that they will not be
revised downward or withdrawn entirely. Any such downward revision or withdrawal
could have an adverse effect on the market prices of City bonds.
Outstanding Indebtedness. As of March 31, 1999, the City and the Municipal
Assistance Corporation for the City of New York had respectively approximately
$26.8 and $3.2 billion of outstanding net long-term debt. As of May 19, 1999,
the Water Authority had approximately $8.7 billion aggregate principal amount of
outstanding bonds, inclusive of subordinate second resolution bonds, and a $600
million commercial paper program.
Water, Sewer and Waste. Debt service on Water Authority obligations is
secured by fees and charges collected from the users of the City's water and
sewer system. State and Federal regulations require the City's water supply to
meet certain standards to avoid filtration. The City's water supply now meets
all technical standards and the City has taken the position that increased
regulatory, enforcement and other efforts to protect its water supply, will
prevent the need for filtration. On May 6, 1997, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency granted the City a filtration avoidance waiver through April
15, 2002 in response to the City's adoption of certain watershed regulations.
The estimated incremental cost to the City of implementing this Watershed
Memorandum of Agreement, beyond investments in the watershed which were planned
independently, is approximately $400 million. The City has estimated that if
filtration of the upstate water supply system is ultimately required, the
construction expenditures required could be between $4 billion and $5 billion.
Legislation has been passed by the State which prohibits the disposal of
solid waste in any landfill located within the City after December 31, 2001. The
Financial Plan includes the estimated costs of phasing out the use of landfills
located within the City. A suit has been commenced against the City by private
individuals under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act seeking to compel
the City to take certain measures or, alternatively, to close the Fresh Kills
landfill. If as a result of such litigation, the City is required to close the
landfill earlier than required by State legislation, the City could incur
additional costs during the Financial Plan period. Pursuant to court order, the
City is currently required to recycle 2,100 tons per day of solid waste and is
required to recycle 3,400 tons per day by July 1999 and 4,250 tons per day by
July 2001. As of June 18, 1999, the City was recycling slightly over 2,100 tons
per day of solid waste. The City may seek to obtain amendments to Local Law No.
19 to modify this requirement. If the City is unable to obtain such amendments
and is required to fully implement Local Law No. 19, the City may incur
substantial costs.
Litigation. The City is a defendant in a significant number of lawsuits.
Such litigation includes, but is not limited to, routine litigation incidental
to the performance of its governmental and other functions, actions commenced
and claims asserted against the City arising out of alleged constitutional
violations, alleged torts, alleged breaches of contracts and other alleged
violations of law and condemnation proceedings and other tax and miscellaneous
actions. While the ultimate outcome and fiscal impact, if any, on the City of
the proceedings and claims are not currently predictable, adverse determination
in certain of them might have a material adverse effect upon the City's ability
to carry out the City Financial Plan. The City has estimated that its potential
future liability on account of outstanding claims against it as of June 30, 1998
amounted to approximately $3.5 billion.
NEW YORK STATE
Current Economic Outlook. The State's 1999-2000 Executive Budget
(discussed below) contains forecasts of the national and State economies which
are summarized as follows. Economic growth for the nation during both 1999 and
2000 is expected to be slower than it was during 1998. The State Division of the
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Budget projects real Gross Domestic Product ("GDP") growth of 2.4 percent in
1999, below the 1998 growth rate of 3.7 percent. In 2000, real GDP growth is
expected to continue at a similar pace, increasing by 2.3 percent. For the State
economy, continued growth is projected in 1999 and 2000 for employment, wages
and personal income, although the growth is expected to moderate from the 1998
pace. However, a continuation of international financial and economic turmoil
may result in a sharper slowdown than projected.
Overall employment growth in the State is anticipated to continue at a
modest rate, reflecting the slowing growth in the national economy, continued
spending restraint in government, and restructuring in the manufacturing, health
care, social service, and banking sectors.
Overall employment growth is projected to have been 1.9 percent in 1998,
but is expected to drop to 1.2 percent in 1999 and to 1.0 percent in 2000. On
the national level, employment growth is projected to have been 2.6 percent for
1998 and is projected to be 2.0 percent and 1.5 percent for 1999 and 2000,
respectively.
On an average annual basis, the State unemployment rate is projected to
drop from 5.7 percent in 1998 to 5.5 percent for each of 1999 and 2000. For the
nation as a whole, the unemployment rate is projected to have been 4.5 percent
for 1998, and is projected to be 4.7 percent in 1999 and 4.9 percent in 2000.
Personal income in the State is estimated to have grown by 4.9 percent in
1998, fueled in part by a continued large increase in financial sector bonus
payments at the beginning of the year, and is projected to grow by 4.2 percent
in 1999 and 4.0 percent in 2000. For the nation, personal income is estimated to
have grown by 5.0 percent in 1998, and is projected to grow by 4.5 percent and
4.3 percent, respectively, for 1999 and 2000. Increases in bonus payments in
1999 and 2000 are projected to be modest, a distinct shift from the rate of the
last few years.
Consensus Economic and Revenue Forecasting Process. On March 10, 1999, the
State Legislature and the Governor conducted a consensus economic and revenue
forecasting process as required under State law. The forecast for income growth
in 1999-2000 was increased modestly to 3.3 percent, consistent with an economic
outlook of continued but slower growth in the State's economy and moderate
inflation. The higher growth rates for the nation and State in the revised
outlook are expected to result in short- and long-term interest rates at
somewhat higher levels than had been anticipated previously. The State Division
of the Budget revised its estimate of receipts for the 1999-2000 fiscal year to
include an additional $150 million in receipts.
The 1999-2000 Fiscal Year (Executive Budget Forecast). The State as of its
May 10, 1999 Annual Information Statement Supplement had not yet adopted a
budget for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. The State, however, has enacted debt
service appropriations for State-supported, contingent contractual, and certain
other obligations for the entire 1999-2000 fiscal year. Legislation extending
certain revenue-raising authority on an interim basis and making interim
appropriations for State personal service costs, various grants to local
governments, and certain other items was submitted by the Governor and enacted
by the State Legislature through May 23, 1999. In prior years, the State has
enacted interim appropriations to continue its operations until a budget was
enacted by the Legislature.
The Governor presented his 1999-2000 Executive Budget to the Legislature on
January 27, 1999, which was subsequently amended by the Governor on February 12,
1999 (the "Executive Budget") . The Executive Budget contains financial
projections for the State's 1998-1999 through 2001-2002 fiscal years, and a
proposed Capital Program and Financing Plan for the 1999-2000 through 2003-2004
fiscal years. There can be no assurance that the Legislature will enact into law
the Executive Budget as proposed by the Governor, or that the State's adopted
budget projections will not differ materially and adversely from the projections
set forth in the Executive Budget.
The proposed 1999-2000 State Financial Plan, which reflects the Executive
Budget, is projected to have receipts in excess of disbursements on a cash basis
in the General Fund, after accounting for the transfer of available receipts
from the 1998-1999 fiscal year to the 1999-2000 fiscal year. General Fund
receipts, including transfers from other funds, are projected to be $38.81
billion, an increase of approximately $2 billion (5.5%) over estimated receipts
in the 1998-1999 fiscal year. General Fund disbursements, including transfers to
other funds, are projected to grow by 1.4 percent to approximately $37.14
billion, an increase of approximately
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$528 million over the 1998-1999 fiscal year. The State is projected to close the
1999-2000 fiscal year with a balance in the General Fund of approximately $2.47
billion.
Receipts. The forecast of General Fund receipts in fiscal year 1999-2000
reflects the next stage of the School Tax Relief (STAR) property tax reduction
program, as well as the continuing impact of earlier tax reductions. In
addition, the Executive Budget reflects several new tax reduction proposals that
are projected to have only a modest impact on receipts in 1999-2000 and
2000-2001, but are expected to reduce receipts by approximately $1 billion
annually when fully phased in at the end of the 2003-2004 fiscal year.
The largest new tax cut proposals call for further reductions in the
personal income tax to benefit middle income taxpayers. These proposals concern
increasing the income threshold where the top tax rate applies and increasing
the value of the dependent exemption. In addition the Executive Budget includes
several other targeted tax cut proposals, including: reducing certain energy
taxes; lowering the alternative minimum tax on corporations; extending the
business tax rate reductions previously enacted for general corporations to
banks and insurance companies as well as other proposals.
Personal income tax collections for the 1999-2000 fiscal year are projected
to reach approximately $22.88 billion, an increase of approximately 13.8 percent
over 1998-1999. This increase is due in part to refund reserve transactions
which serve to increase reported 1999-2000 personal income tax receipts. Growth
in 1999-2000 personal income tax receipts is partially offset by the diversion
of such receipts into the School Tax Relief Fund, which finances the STAR tax
reduction program.
User taxes and fees are projected at $7.17 billion in 1999-2000, a decrease
of approximately one percent from the 1998-1999 fiscal year. The decline in this
category reflects the incremental impact of already-enacted tax reductions, and
the diversion of additional motor vehicle registration fees to the Dedicated
Highway and Bridge Trust Fund.
Business tax receipts are expected to total approximately $4.56 billion in
1999-2000, approximately five percent below 1998-1999 results. The impact of tax
reductions scheduled in law, as well as slower growth in the underlying tax
base, explain this decline.
Receipts from other taxes, which are comprised primarily of receipts from
estate and gift taxes and pari-mutuel taxes on wagering, are expected to decline
to $990 million, approximately 11.9 percent in 1999-2000. The ongoing effect of
tax cuts already in law is the main reason for the decline.
Miscellaneous receipts are expected to total approximately $1.28 billion in
the 1999-2000 fiscal year, a decline of approximately 17.3 percent from the
1998-1999 fiscal year. Miscellaneous receipts include license revenues, income
from fees and fines, abandoned property proceeds, investment income, and a
portion of the assessments levied on medical providers.
Non-recurring Resources. The State Division of the Budget projects that
the proposed 1999-2000 Financial Plan contains only $33 million in non-recurring
resources, or less than one-tenth of one percent of General Fund disbursements.
Disbursements. Grants to Local Governments constitute approximately 67
percent of all General Fund spending, and include payments to local governments,
non-profit providers and entitlement benefits to individuals. It is projected to
be approximately $24.84 billion for the 1999-2000 fiscal year, a decrease of
approximately 0.2 percent from the level for the 1998-1999 fiscal year. Since
1994-1995, State spending on welfare has fallen approximately 32 percent, driven
by significant welfare changes initiated at the State and federal levels and a
large, steady decline in the number of people receiving benefits. Several trends
have contributed to falling caseloads, including the State's strong economic
performance over the past three years; State, federal and local welfare-to-work
initiatives that have expanded training and support services to assist
recipients in becoming self-sufficient; tightened eligibility review for
applicants; and aggressive fraud prevention measures.
State Operations reflects the costs of running the Executive, Legislative
and Judicial branches of government. It is projected to be approximately $6.89
billion for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. Spending in this category is projected to
increase approximately 3.7 percent above 1998-1999 and reflects the annualized
costs
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of 1998-1999 collective bargaining agreements, the decline in federal receipts
that offset General Fund spending for mental hygiene programs, the costs of
staffing a new State prison, and growth in the Legislative and Judiciary
budgets. The State's overall workforce is projected to remain stable at
approximately 191,200 persons.
General State Charges accounts primarily for the costs of providing fringe
benefits for State employees, including contributions to pension systems, the
employer's share of social security contributions, employer contributions toward
the cost of health insurance, and the costs of providing worker's compensation
and unemployment insurance benefits. This category also reflects certain fixed
costs such as payments in lieu of taxes and payments of judgments against the
State or its public officials. It is projected to be approximately $2.32 billion
for the 1999-2000 fiscal year, an increase of 1.4 percent over the level for the
1998-1999 fiscal year.
Transfers to Other Funds from the General Fund are made primarily to
finance certain portions of State capital projects spending and debt service on
long-term bonds where these costs are not funded from other sources. This is
projected to be approximately $3.08 billion for the 1999-2000 fiscal year, an
increase of 10.8 percent over the level for the 1998-1999 fiscal year.
The 1998-1999 Fiscal Year (unaudited results). The State ended its
1998-1999 fiscal year on March 31, 1999 in balance on a cash basis, with a
reported General Fund cash balance of $892 million. Previously the State had
projected a potential budget imbalance of up to $1.68 billion for the 1998-1999
fiscal year. (The General Fund is the principal operating fund of the State. It
is the State's largest fund and receives almost all State taxes. In the State's
1998-1999 fiscal year, the General Fund is expected to have accounted for
approximately seventy percent of total State Funds disbursements.). The closing
General Fund balance does not include $2.31 billion that the State deposited
into the tax refund reserve at the close of the 1998-1999 fiscal year to pay for
tax refunds in the 1999-2000 fiscal year. The refund reserve transaction has the
effect of decreasing reported personal income tax receipts in the 1998-1999
fiscal year, while increasing reported receipts in the 1999-2000 fiscal year.
The proposed 1999-2000 State Financial Plan assumes that $1.79 billion of the
moneys made available through this transaction will not be used to support
operations in the 1999-2000 fiscal year, but instead be reserved for use in
2000-2001 and 2001-2002 to offset the incremental loss of tax receipts from
already-enacted tax cuts that will take effect in those years.
General Fund receipts and transfers from other funds for the 1998-1999
fiscal year totaled $36.74 billion, an increase of 6.34 percent from 1997-1998
levels. General Fund disbursements and transfers to other funds totaled $36.49
billion for the 1998-1999 fiscal year, an increase of 6.23 percent from the
1997-1998 levels. Disbursements in All Governmental Funds for the 1998-1999
fiscal year totaled $70.62 billion, or 6.94 percent above the 1997-1998 fiscal
year.
Future Fiscal Years. The State Division of the Budget projects budget gaps
of approximately $1.14 billion in the 2000-2001 fiscal year and $2.07 billion in
the 2001-2002 fiscal year. These gaps were projected after assuming that the
State Legislature will enact the 1999-2000 Executive Budget and accompanying
legislation in its entirety. Both houses of the State Legislature have adopted
budget resolutions which provide an outline of their intended spending and
revenue changes to the Executive Budget. The State's Division of the Budget's
analysis of these resolutions indicates that, if enacted, they would increase
the size of the State's future budget gaps. Each gap is projected after also
assuming $500 million in unspecified annual spending efficiencies, which is
comparable to the Governor's Executive Budget assumptions in previous fiscal
years. The proposed 1999-2000 Financial Plan also assumes the use of $1.79
billion in reserves to offset the incremental loss in tax receipts resulting
from previously enacted and proposed tax reductions. The proposed 1999-2000
Financial Plan currently assumes that $589 million of the reserve will be
applied in the 2000-2001 fiscal year, with the remaining $1.2 billion used in
the 2001-2002 fiscal year.
The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) failed to ratify a tentative
agreement with the State on a new four-year labor contract. While the proposed
1999-2000 Financial Plan has reserved $100 million for possible collective
bargaining costs, no similar reserves are contained in the current out-year
projections of receipts and disbursements to cover the recurring costs of any
possible new agreements. The State is continuing negotiations with CSEA and
other unions representing State employees.
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Future Financial Plans are also likely to count on savings from
efficiencies, workforce management efforts, aggressive efforts to maximize
federal and other non-General Fund resources, and other efforts to control State
spending. Nearly all the actions proposed by the Governor to balance the
proposed 1999-2000 Financial Plan recur and grow in value in future years. The
State Division of the Budget projects that, if the projected budget gap for
2000-2001 is closed with recurring actions, the 2001-2002 budget gap would be
reduced to $963 million under projections current as of February 9, 1999. The
Governor is required by law to propose a balanced budget each year and will
propose steps necessary to address any potential remaining budget gaps in
subsequent budgets.
General Fund receipts are projected to fall to approximately $35.99 billion
in 2000-2001 reflecting the incremental impact of already enacted tax
reductions, the impact of prior tax refund reserve transactions and the
earmarking of receipts for dedicated highway purposes. Receipts are projected to
grow modestly to approximately $36.20 billion in the 2001-2002 fiscal year,
again reflecting the impact of enacted tax cuts on normal receipts growth, as
well as the incremental impact of tax reductions recommended with the Executive
Budget.
The State currently projects spending to grow by approximately $1.09
billion (2.9 percent) in 2000-2001 and an approximately additional $1.8 billion
(4.7 percent) in 2001-2002. General Fund spending increases at a higher rate in
2001-2002 than in 2000-2001, driven primarily by higher growth rates for
Medicaid, welfare, Children and Families Services, and Mental Retardation, as
well as the loss of federal money that offsets General Fund spending. Local
assistance spending accounts for most of the projected growth in General Fund
spending in the outyears, increasing by approximately $1.04 billion in 2000-2001
and approximately $1.46 billion in 2001-2002. School aid, which accounts for the
largest share of General Fund spending, is projected to grow by approximately
$612 million (6.1 percent) in 2000-2001 and $578 million (5.5 percent) in
2001-2002.
GAAP-Basis Results. On March 31, 1998, the State recorded on a GAAP-basis,
its first-ever accumulated positive balance in its General Fund. This
accumulated surplus was $567 million. This compares to accumulated deficits of
$995 million and $2.928 billion for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1997 and
March 31, 1996, respectively. The State's GAAP projections indicate that the
State will have accumulated positive General Fund balances of $1.019 billion and
$616 million, respectively, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 and the
fiscal year ending March 31, 2000.
The State reported a General Fund operating surplus of $1.56 billion for
the 1997-1998 fiscal year, as compared to an operating surplus of $1.93 billion
for the 1996-1997 fiscal year. The General Fund operating surplus is projected
to decline to $452 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999. A General
fund operating deficit of $507 million is projected for the fiscal year ending
March 31, 2000.
Special Considerations. According to the State Division of the Budget,
over the long-term uncertainties with regard to the economy present the largest
potential risk to budget balance in New York State. For example, a downturn in
the financial markets or the wider economy is possible, a risk that is
heightened by the lengthy expansion underway. The securities industry is more
important to the New York economy than the national economy, potentially
amplifying the impact of an economic downturn. A large change in stock market
performance during the forecast horizon could result in wage and unemployment
levels that are significantly different from those embodied in the State's
forecast. Merging and downsizing by firms, as a consequence of deregulation or
continued foreign competition, may also have more significant adverse effects on
employment than expected. Finally a "forecast error" of one percentage point in
the growth of receipts could cumulatively raise or lower results by over $1
billion by 2002.
The fiscal effects of tax reductions adopted in the last several fiscal
years and those proposed by the Governor in the Executive Budget are projected
to grow more substantially beyond the 1999-2000 fiscal year. The incremental
annual cost of enacted or proposed tax reductions is estimated to peak at $2.1
billion in 2000-2001, then gradually decline to about $1 billion in 2003-2004.
Owing to these and other factors, the State may face substantial potential
budget gaps in future years resulting from a significant disparity between tax
revenues from a lower recurring receipts base and the
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spending required to maintain State programs at mandated levels. Any such
recurring imbalance would be exacerbated by the use by the State of nonrecurring
resources to achieve budgetary balance in a particular fiscal year. To correct
any recurring budgetary imbalance, the State would need to take significant
actions to align recurring receipts and disbursements in future fiscal years.
Year 2000 Computer Matters. New York State is currently addressing "Year
2000" ("Y2K") data processing compliance issues. Since its inception, the
computer industry has used a two-digit date convention to represent the year. In
the year 2000, the date field will contain "00" and, as a result, many computer
systems and equipment may not be able to process dates properly or may fail
since they may not be able to distinguish between the years 1900 and 2000. The
Y2K issue not only affects computer programs, but also the hardware, software
and networks on which they operate. In addition, any system or equipment that is
dependent on an embedded chip, such as telecommunication equipment and security
systems, may also be adversely affected.
In April 1999 the State Comptroller released an audit on the State's Y2K
compliance. The audit, which reviewed the State's Y2K compliance activities
through October 1998, found that the State had made progress in achieving Y2K
compliance, but needed to improve its activities in several areas, including
data interchanges and contingency planning.
The Office for Technology ("OFT") will continue monitoring compliance
progress for the State's mission-critical and high-priority systems and is
reporting compliance progress to the Governor's office on a quarterly basis.
Mission-critical systems are those that may impact the public health, safety and
welfare of the State and its citizens, and for which failure could have a
material and adverse impact on State operations. High-priority systems are
critical for a State agency to fulfill its mission or deliver services. OFT
reported that as of March 31, 1999, the State had completed 97 percent of
overall compliance efforts for its mission-critical systems; 38 systems are now
Y2K compliant. As of March 31, 1999, the State had completed 80 percent of
overall compliance efforts on the high-priority systems; 208 systems are now Y2K
compliant. Compliance testing is expected to be completed by the end of calendar
year 1999. The State is also procuring independent validation and verification
services from a qualified vendor to perform an automated review of corrected
programming code and a testing process review for all mission-critical systems.
The State is also addressing a number of other issues related to bringing
its mission-critical systems into compliance, including: testing throughout 1999
of over 800 data exchange interfaces with federal, State, local and private data
partners; completing an inventory of priority equipment and systems that may
depend on embedded chips and may therefore need remediation in 1999; and
contacting critical vendors and supply partners to obtain Y2K compliance status
information and assurances. Since problems could be identified during the
compliance testing phase that could produce compliance delays, the State
agencies were required to complete contingency plans for priority systems and
business processes by the first quarter of calendar year 1999. OFT, as of the
second quarter of calendar year 1999, has been reviewing the status of agency
contingency planning during the first quarter. The agency plans were scheduled
to be tested throughout the second quarter of calendar year 1999 and integrated
into the State Emergency Response Plan and coordinated by the State Emergency
Management Office. In addition, the State Public Service Commission has ordered
that all State-regulated utilities complete Y2K activities for mission-critical
systems, including contingency plans, by July 1, 1999 and is requiring utilities
to provide monthly progress reports. The State has also been working with local
governments since December 1996 to raise awareness, promote action and provide
assistance with Y2K compliance.
While the State is taking what it believes to be appropriate action to
address Y2K compliance, there can be no guarantee that all of the State's
systems and equipment will be Y2K compliant and that there will not be an
adverse impact upon State operations or finances as a result. Since Y2K
compliance by outside parties is beyond the State's control to remediate, the
failure of outside parties to achieve Y2K compliance could have an adverse
impact on State operations or finances as well.
Prior Fiscal Years (Cash Basis). The State ended its 1997-1998 fiscal year
balanced on a cash basis, with a reported General Fund cash surplus of $2.04
billion resulting from revenue growth and lower spending on welfare, Medicaid,
and other entitlement programs. General Fund receipts and transfers from other
funds
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for the 1997-1998 fiscal year (including net tax refund reserve account
activity) totaled $34.55 billion, an annual increase of $1.51 billion, or 4.57
percent over the 1996-1997 fiscal year. General Fund disbursements and transfers
to other funds were $34.35 billion, an annual increase of $1.45 billion or 4.41
percent. The State closed a budget gap of approximately $2.3 billion for the
1997-1998 fiscal year. Gap-closing actions included cost containment in State
Medicaid, the use of the $1.4 billion 1996-1997 fiscal year budget surplus to
finance 1997-1998 fiscal year spending, control on State agency spending and
other actions.
The State ended its 1996-1997 fiscal year balanced on a cash basis, with a
1996-1997 General Fund cash surplus as reported by the State Division of the
Budget of approximately $1.4 billion that was used to finance the 1997-1998
Financial Plan. The surplus resulted primarily from higher-than-expected
revenues and lower-than-expected spending for social service programs. General
Fund receipts and transfers from other funds for the 1996-1997 fiscal year
totaled $33.04 billion, an increase of 0.7 percent from the 1995-1996 fiscal
year (excluding deposits into the tax refund reserve account). General Fund
disbursements and transfers to other funds totaled $32.90 billion for the
1996-1997 fiscal year, an increase of 0.7 percent from the 1995-1996 fiscal
year.
The State ended its 1995-1996 fiscal year in balance, with a reported
1995-1996 General Fund cash surplus of $445 million. General Fund receipts and
transfers from other funds totaled $32.81 billion, a decrease of 1.1 percent
from the 1994-1995 levels. General Fund disbursements and transfers to other
funds totaled $32.68 billion for the 1995-1996 fiscal year, a decrease of 2.2
percent from the 1994-1995 levels. Prior to adoption of the State's 1995-1996
fiscal year budget, the State had projected a potential budget gap of
approximately $5 billion, which was closed primarily through spending
reductions, cost containment measures, State agency actions and local assistance
reforms.
The State ended its 1994-1995 fiscal year with the General Fund in balance.
General Fund receipts and transfers from other funds totaled $33.16 billion, an
increase of 2.9 percent from the 1993-1994 levels. General Fund disbursements
and transfers to other funds totaled $33.40 billion, an increase of 4.7 percent
from the 1993-1994 levels.
Local Government Assistance Corporation. In 1990, as part of a State
fiscal reform program, legislation was enacted creating the Local Government
Assistance Corporation (the "LGAC"), a public benefit corporation empowered to
issue long-term obligations to fund certain payments to local governments
traditionally funded through the State's annual seasonal borrowing. As of June
1995, LGAC had issued bonds to provide net proceeds of $4.7 billion completing
the program. The impact of LGAC's borrowing is that the State is able to meet
its cash flow needs without relying on short-term seasonal borrowing. Provisions
prohibiting the State from returning to a reliance upon cash flow manipulation
to balance its budget will remain in bond covenants until the LGAC bonds are
retired.
Financing Activities. State financing activities include general
obligation debt of the State and State-guaranteed debt, to which the full faith
and credit of the State has been pledged, as well as lease-purchase and
contractual-obligation financings, moral obligation financings and other
financings through public authorities and municipalities, where the State's
obligation to make payments for debt service is generally subject to annual
appropriation by the State Legislature.
As of March 31, 1998, the total amount of outstanding general obligation
debt was approximately $5.033 billion, including $293.6 million in bond
anticipation notes. The total amount of moral obligation debt was approximately
$1.390 billion (down from $3.272 billion as of March 31, 1997), and $24.015
billion of bonds issued primarily in connection with lease-purchase and
contractual-obligation financing of State capital programs were outstanding.
For purposes of analyzing the financial condition of the State, debt of the
State and of certain public authorities may be classified as State-supported
debt, which includes general obligation debt of the State and lease purchase and
contractual obligations of public authorities (and municipalities) where debt
service is paid from State appropriations (including dedicated tax sources, and
other revenues such as patient charges and dormitory facilities rentals). In
addition, a broader classification, referred to as State-related debt, includes
State-supported debt, as well as certain types of contingent obligations,
including moral obligation financing,
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certain contingent contractual-obligation financing arrangements, and
State-guaranteed debt, where debt service is expected to be paid from other
sources and State appropriations are contingent in that they may be made and
used only under certain circumstances.
The total amount of State-supported debt outstanding grew from 3.4 percent
of personal income in the State in the 1988-1989 fiscal year to 6.1 percent for
the 1997-1998 fiscal year while State-related debt outstanding declined from 6.8
percent to 6.6 percent of personal income for the same period. Thus, State-
supported debt grew at a faster rate than personal income while State-related
obligations grew at a slower rate. At the end of the 1997-1998 fiscal year,
there was $37 billion of outstanding State-related debt and $34.25 billion of
outstanding State-supported debt.
Public Authorities. The fiscal stability of the State is related, in part,
to the fiscal stability of its public authorities. Public authorities are not
subject to the constitutional restrictions on the incurring of debt which apply
to the State itself, and may issue bonds and notes within the amounts of, and as
otherwise restricted by, their legislative authorization. As of December 31,
1997, there were 17 public authorities that had outstanding debt of $100 million
or more, and the aggregate outstanding debt, including refunding bonds, of all
State public authorities was $84 billion, up from $75.4 billion as of September
30, 1996. The State's access to the public credit markets could be impaired and
the market price of its outstanding debt may be adversely affected if any of its
public authorities were to default on their respective obligations.
Ratings. As of March 9, 1999, Moody's and Standard & Poor's rated the
State's outstanding general obligation bonds A2 and A, respectively. Standard &
Poor's revised its ratings upward from A- to A on August 28, 1997. Ratings
reflect only the respective views of such organizations, and explanation of the
significance of such ratings must be obtained from the rating agency furnishing
the same. There is no assurance that a particular rating will continue for any
given period of time or that any such rating will not be revised downward or
withdrawn entirely if, in the judgment of the agency originally establishing the
rating, circumstances so warrant. A downward revision or withdrawal of such
ratings may have an effect on the market price of the New York Municipal Bonds
in which the Fund invests.
Litigation. The State is a defendant in numerous legal proceedings
including, but not limited to, claims asserted against the State arising from
alleged torts, alleged breaches of contracts, condemnation proceedings and other
alleged violations of State and Federal laws. State programs are frequently
challenged on State and Federal constitutional grounds. Adverse developments in
legal proceedings or the initiation of new proceedings could affect the ability
of the State to maintain a balanced State Financial Plan in any given fiscal
year. There can be no assurance that an adverse decision in one or more legal
proceedings would not exceed the amount the State reserves for the payment of
judgments or materially impair the State's financial operations. In its audited
financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998, the State
reported its estimated liability for awarded and anticipated unfavorable
judgments at $872 million.
Other Localities. Certain localities in addition to the City could have
financial problems leading to requests for additional State assistance during
the State's 1999-2000 fiscal year and thereafter. The potential impact on the
State of such actions by localities is not included in the projections of the
State receipts and disbursements in the State's 1999-2000 fiscal year.
Fiscal difficulties experienced by the City of Yonkers ("Yonkers") resulted
in the creation of the Financial Control Board for Yonkers (the "Yonkers Board")
by the State in 1984. On June 30, 1998, Yonkers satisfied the statutory
conditions for ending the supervision of its finances by the Yonkers Board.
Pursuant to State law, the control board's powers over Yonkers' finances lapsed
after the satisfaction of these conditions, on December 31, 1998.
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APPENDIX B
RATINGS OF MUNICIPAL BONDS
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.'S ("MOODY'S") MUNICIPAL BOND
RATINGS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Aaa Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best
quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk
and are generally referred to as "gilt edge." Interest
payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as
can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by
all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise
what are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated
lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may
not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
be other elements present which make the long-term risks
appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade
obligations. Factors giving security to principal and
interest are considered adequate, but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
sometime in the future.
Baa Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor
poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security
appear adequate for the present, but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack
outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well.
Ba Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative
elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured.
Often the protection of interest and principal payments may
be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during
both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.
B Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of
the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and
principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the
contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues
may be in default or there may be present elements of danger
with respect to principal or interest.
Ca Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in
default or have other marked shortcomings.
C Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds
and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor
prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
</TABLE>
Note: These bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B groups which Moody's
believes possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the
symbols Aa1, Al, Baal, Bal and B1.
Short-term Notes: The three ratings of Moody's for short-term notes are
MIG 1/VMIG 1, MIG 2/VMIG 2, and MIG 3/VMIG 3; MIG 1/VMIG 1 denotes "best
quality, enjoying strong protection from established cash flows"; MIG 2/VMIG 2
denotes "high quality" with "ample margins of protection"; MIG 3/VMIG 3
instruments are of "favorable quality . . . but . . . lacking the undeniable
strength of the preceding grades."
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<PAGE> 110
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in
excess of nine months. Moody's employs the following three designations, all
judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of
rated issuers:
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Prime-l repayment capacity
will often be evidenced by the following characteristics: leading market
positions in well established industries; high rates of return on funds
employed; conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on debt
and ample asset protection; broad margins in earning coverage of fixed financial
charges and high internal cash generation; and with established access to a
range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. The effects of
industry characteristics and market composition may be more pronounced.
Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes to the level of
debt protection measurements and the requirement for relatively high financial
leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S, A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC.
("STANDARD & POOR'S"), MUNICIPAL DEBT RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's municipal debt rating is a current assessment of the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation,
a specific class of financial obligations or a specific program. It takes into
consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of
credit enhancement on the obligation.
The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a
financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or
suitability for a particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources Standard & Poor's considers
reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any
rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The
ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or
unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
I. Likelihood of default-capacity and willingness of the obligor as to
the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance
with the terms of the obligation;
II. Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
III. Protection afforded to, and relative position of, the obligation
in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the
laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AAA Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard
& Poor's. Capacity of the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA Debt rated "AA" differs from the highest-rated issues only
in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A Debt rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions
than debt in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's
capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation
is still strong.
BBB Debt rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity
of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
BB Debt rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC" and "C" are regarded as
B having significant speculative characteristics. "BB"
CCC indicates the least degree of speculation and "C" the
CC highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely
C have some quality and protective characteristics, these may
be outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures
to adverse conditions.
D Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating
category is used when payments on an obligation are not made
on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not
expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such
payments will be made during such grace period. The "D"
rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy
petition or the taking of similar action if payments on an
obligation are jeopardized.
</TABLE>
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by
the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than
365 days. Ratings are graded into several categories, ranging from "A-l" for the
highest quality obligations to "D" for the lowest. These categories are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
A-1 This designation indicates that the degree of safety
regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined
to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are
denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation
is satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is
not as high as for issues designated "A-1."
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for
timely payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations
carrying the higher designations.
B Issues rated "B" are regarded as having only speculative
capacity for timely payment.
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with
a doubtful capacity for payment.
D Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating
category is used when interest payments or principal
payments are not made on the date due, even if the
applicable grace period has not expired unless Standard &
Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such
grace period.
c The "c" subscript is used to provide additional information
to investors that the bank may terminate its obligation to
purchase tendered bonds if the long-term credit rating of
the issuer is below an investment-grade level and/or the
issuer's bonds are deemed taxable.
</TABLE>
B-3
<PAGE> 112
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
p The letter "p" indicates that the rating is provisional. A
provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the
project financed by the debt being rated and indicates that
payment of the debt service requirements is largely or
entirely dependent upon the successful, timely completion of
the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit
quality subsequent to completion of the project, makes no
comment on the likelihood of or the risk of default upon
failure of such completion. The investor should exercise his
own judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.
Continuance of the ratings is contingent upon Standard &
Poor's receipt of an executed copy of the escrow agreement
or closing documentation confirming investments and cash
flows.
r The "r" highlights derivative, hybrid, and certain other
obligations that Standard & Poor's believes may experience
high volatility or high variability in expected returns as a
result of noncredit risks. Examples of such obligations are
securities with principal or interest return indexed to
equities, commodities, or currencies; certain swaps and
options; and interest-only and principal-only mortgage
securities. The absence of an "r" symbol should not be taken
as an indication that an obligation will exhibit no
volatility or variability in total return.
</TABLE>
A commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase or sell a
security. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard &
Poor's by the issuer or obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it
considers reliable. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a
result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information.
A Standard & Poor's note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market
access risks unique to such notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely
receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely
receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making
that assessment.
-- Amortization schedule-the larger the final maturity relative to other
maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
-- Source of payment-the more dependent the issue is on the market for its
refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Note rating symbols are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue
determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt
service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest with
some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes
over the term of the notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
</TABLE>
DESCRIPTION OF FITCH IBCA, INC.'S ("FITCH") INVESTMENT GRADE BOND RATINGS
Fitch investment grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security. The rating
represents Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to meet the obligations of
a specific debt issue or class of debt in a timely manner.
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor,
as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the issuer's
future financial strength and credit quality.
Fitch ratings do not reflect any credit enhancement that may be provided by
insurance policies or financial guarantees unless otherwise indicated.
Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily
identical credit quality since the rating categories do not fully reflect small
differences in the degrees of credit risk.
B-4
<PAGE> 113
Fitch ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any security.
Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any
security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of
payments made in respect of any security.
Fitch ratings are based on information obtained from issuers, other
obligors, underwriters, their experts, and other sources Fitch believes to be
reliable. Fitch does not audit or verify the truth or accuracy of such
information. Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of
changes in, or the unavailability of, information or for other reasons.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AAA Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest
credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong
ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is
unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high
credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal is very strong, although not quite as strong
as bonds rated "AAA." Because bonds rated in the "AAA" and
"AA" categories are not significantly vulnerable to
foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these
issuers is generally rated "F-1+."
A Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay
principal is considered to be strong, but may be more
vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory
credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse
changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however,
are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and
therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the
ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is
higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
</TABLE>
Plus (+) or Minus (-): Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol
to indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus
and minus signs, however, are not used in the "AAA" category.
NR
Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
CONDITIONAL
A conditional rating is premised on the successful completion of a project
or the occurrence of a specific event.
SUSPENDED
A rating is suspended when Fitch deems the amount of information available
from the issuer to be inadequate for rating purposes.
WITHDRAWN
A rating will be withdrawn when an issue matures or is called or refinanced
and, at Fitch's discretion, when an issuer fails to furnish proper and timely
information.
FITCHALERT
Ratings are placed on FitchAlert to notify investors of an occurrence that
is likely to result in a rating change and the likely direction of such change.
These are designated as "Positive," indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative,"
for potential downgrade, or "Evolving," where ratings may be raised or lowered.
FitchAlert is relatively short-term, and should be resolved within three to 12
months.
B-5
<PAGE> 114
RATINGS OUTLOOK
An outlook is used to describe the most likely direction of any rating
change over the intermediate term. It is described as "Positive" or "Negative."
The absence of a designation indicates a stable outlook.
DESCRIPTION OF FITCH'S SPECULATIVE GRADE BOND RATINGS
Fitch speculative grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security. The ratings
("BB" to "C") represent Fitch's assessment of the likelihood of timely payment
of principal and interest in accordance with the terms of obligation for bond
issues not in default. For defaulted bonds, the rating ("DDD" to "D") is an
assessment of the ultimate recovery value through reorganization or liquidation.
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor,
as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the issuer's
future financial strength.
Bonds that have the rating are of similar but not necessarily identical
credit quality since rating categories cannot fully reflect the differences in
degrees of credit risk.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
BB Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to
pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time
by adverse economic changes. However, business and financial
alternatives can be identified which could assist the
obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this
class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the
probability of continued timely payment of principal and
interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of safety and
the need for reasonable business and economic activity
throughout the life of the issue.
CCC Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if
not remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet
obligations requires an advantageous business and economic
environment.
CC Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of
interest and/or principal seems probable over time.
C Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or
principal.
DDD Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments.
DD Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on
D the basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or
reorganization of the obligor. "DDD" represents the highest
potential for recovery on these bonds, and "D" represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
</TABLE>
Plus (+) or Minus (-): Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol
to indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus
and minus signs, however, are not used in the "DDD," "DD," or "D" categories.
DESCRIPTION OF FITCH'S SHORT-TERM RATINGS
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on
demand or have original maturities of up to three years, including commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment
notes.
The short-term rating places greater emphasis than a long-term rating on
the existence of liquidity necessary to meet the issuer's obligations in a
timely manner.
Fitch short-term ratings are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
F-1+ Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this
rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
assurance for timely payment.
F-1 Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating
reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in
degree than issues rated "F-1+."
</TABLE>
B-6
<PAGE> 115
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
F-2 Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a
satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the
margin of safety is not as great as for issues assigned "F-
1+" and "F-1" ratings.
F-3 Fair Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
characteristics suggesting that the degree of assurance for
timely payment is adequate; however, near-term adverse
changes could cause these securities to be rated below
investment grade.
F-S Weak Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
characteristics suggesting a minimal degree of assurance for
timely payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse
changes in financial and economic conditions.
D Default. Issues assigned this rating are in actual or
imminent payment default.
LOC The symbol "LOC" indicates that the rating is based on a
letter of credit issued by a commercial bank.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 116
APPENDIX C
PORTFOLIO INSURANCE
Set forth below is further information with respect to the insurance
policies (the "Policies") that the Fund may obtain from several insurance
companies with respect to insured New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds
held by the Fund. The Fund has no obligation to obtain any such Policies, and
the terms of any Policies actually obtained may vary significantly from the
terms discussed below.
In determining eligibility for insurance, insurance companies will apply
their own standards. These standards correspond generally to the standards such
companies normally use in establishing the insurability of new issues of New
York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds and are not necessarily the criteria
that would be used in regard to the purchase of such bonds by the Fund. The
Policies do not insure (i) municipal securities ineligible for insurance and
(ii) municipal securities no longer owned by the Fund.
The Policies do not guarantee the market value of the insured New York
Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds or the value of the shares of the Fund. In
addition, if the provider of an original issuance insurance policy is unable to
meet its obligations under such policy or if the rating assigned to the
insurance claims-paying ability of any such insurer deteriorates, the insurance
company will not have any obligation to insure any issue held by the Fund that
is aversely affected by either of the above described events. In addition to the
payment of premium, the policies may require that the Fund notify the insurance
company as to all New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds in the Fund's
portfolio and permit the insurance company to audit their records. The insurance
premiums will be payable monthly by the Fund in accordance with a premium
schedule to be furnished by the insurance company at the time the Policies are
issued. Premiums are based upon the amounts covered and the composition of the
portfolio.
The Fund will seek to utilize insurance companies that have insurance
claims-paying ability ratings of AAA from Standard & Poor's ("S&P") or Fitch
IBCA, Inc. ("Fitch") or Aaa from Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's"). There
can be no assurance however, that insurance from insurance carriers meeting
these criteria will be at all times available.
An S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating is an assessment of an
operating insurance company's financial capacity to meet obligations under an
insurance policy in accordance with the terms. An insurer with an insurance
claims-paying ability rating of AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P.
Capacity to honor insurance contracts is considered by S&P to be extremely
strong and highly likely to remain so over a long period of time. A Fitch
insurance claims-paying ability rating provides an assessment of an insurance
company's financial strength and, therefore, its ability to pay policy and
contract claims under the terms indicated. An insurer with an insurance
claims-paying ability rating of AAA has the highest rating assigned by Fitch.
The ability to pay claims is adjudged by Fitch to be extremely strong for
insurance companies with this highest rating. In the opinion of Fitch,
foreseeable business and economic risk factors should not have any material
adverse impact on the ability of these insurers to pay claims. In Fitch's
opinion, profitability, overall balance sheet strength, capitalization and
liquidity are all at very secure levels and are unlikely to be affected by
potential adverse underwriting, investment or cyclical events. A Moody's
insurance claims-paying ability rating is an opinion of the ability of an
insurance company to repay punctually senior policyholder obligations and
claims. An insurer with an insurance claims-paying ability rating of Aaa is
considered by Moody's to be of the best quality. In the opinion of Moody's, the
policy obligations of an insurance company with an insurance claims-paying
ability rating of Aaa carry the smallest degree of credit risk and, while the
financial strength of these companies is likely to change, such changes as can
be visualized are most unlikely to impair the company's fundamentally strong
position.
An insurance claims-paying ability rating of S&P, Fitch or Moody's does not
constitute an opinion on any specific contract in that such an opinion can only
be rendered upon the review of the specific insurance contract. Furthermore, an
insurance claims-paying ability rating does not take into account deductibles,
surrender or cancellation penalties or the timeliness of payment; nor does it
address the ability of a company to meet nonpolicy obligations (i.e., debt
contracts).
C-1
<PAGE> 117
The assignment of ratings by S&P, Fitch or Moody's to debt issues that are
fully or partially supported by insurance policies, contracts or guarantees is a
separate process from the determination of claims-paying ability ratings. The
likelihood of a timely flow of funds from the insurer to the trustee for the
bondholders is a key element in the rating determination for such debt issues.
C-2
<PAGE> 118
APPENDIX D
SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES
The following summary of Settlement Procedures sets forth the procedures
expected to be followed in connection with the settlement of each Auction and
will be incorporated by reference in the Auction Agent Agreement and each
Broker-Dealer Agreement. Nothing contained in this Appendix D constitutes a
representation by the Fund that in each Auction each party referred to herein
actually will perform the procedures described herein to be performed by such
party. Capitalized terms used herein shall have the respective meanings
specified in the glossary of this Prospectus or Appendix D hereto, as the case
may be.
(a) On each Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall notify by telephone or
through the Auction Agent's Processing System the Broker-Dealers that
participated in the Auction held on such Auction Date and submitted an Order on
behalf of any Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner of:
(i) the Applicable Rate fixed for the next succeeding Dividend Period;
(ii) whether Sufficient Clearing Bids existed for the determination of
the Applicable Rate;
(iii) if such Broker-Dealer (a "Seller's Broker-Dealer") submitted a
Bid or a Sell Order on behalf of a Beneficial Owner, the number of shares,
if any, of AMPS to be sold by such Beneficial Owner;
(iv) if such Broker-Dealer (a "Buyer's Broker-Dealer") submitted a Bid
on behalf of a Potential Beneficial Owner, the number of shares, if any, of
AMPS to be purchased by such Potential Beneficial Owner;
(v) if the aggregate number of shares of AMPS to be sold by all
Beneficial Owners on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer submitted a Bid or a
Sell Order exceeds the aggregate number of shares of AMPS to be purchased
by all Potential Beneficial Owners on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer
submitted a Bid, the name or names of one or more Buyer's Broker-Dealers
(and the name of the Agent Member, if any, of each such Buyer's
Broker-Dealer) acting for one or more purchasers of such excess number of
shares of AMPS and the number of such shares to be purchased from one or
more Beneficial Owners on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer acted by one or
more Potential Beneficial Owners on whose behalf each of such Buyer's
Broker-Dealers acted;
(vi) if the aggregate number of shares of AMPS to be purchased by all
Potential Beneficial Owners on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer submitted a
Bid exceeds the aggregate number of shares of AMPS to be sold by all
Beneficial Owners on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer submitted a Bid or a
Sell Order, the name or names of one or more Seller's Broker-Dealers (and
the name of the Agent Member, if any, of each such Seller's Broker-Dealer)
acting for one or more sellers of such excess number of shares of AMPS and
the number of such shares to be sold to one or more Potential Beneficial
Owners on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer acted by one or more Beneficial
Owners on whose behalf each of such Seller's Broker-Dealers acted; and
(vii) the Auction Date of the next succeeding Auction with respect to
the AMPS.
(b) On each Auction Date, each Broker-Dealer that submitted an Order on
behalf of any Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner shall:
(i) in the case of a Broker-Dealer that is a Buyer's Broker-Dealer,
instruct each Potential Beneficial Owner on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer
submitted a Bid that was accepted, in whole or in part, to instruct such
Potential Beneficial Owner's Agent Member to pay to such Broker-Dealer (or
its Agent Member) through the Securities Depository the amount necessary to
purchase the number of shares of AMPS to be purchased pursuant to such Bid
against receipt of such shares and advise such Potential Beneficial Owner
of the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend Period;
(ii) in the case of a Broker-Dealer that is a Seller's Broker-Dealer,
instruct each Beneficial Owner on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer submitted
a Sell Order that was accepted, in whole or in part, or a Bid that was
accepted, in whole or in part, to instruct such Beneficial Owner's Agent
Member to deliver
D-1
<PAGE> 119
to such Broker-Dealer (or its Agent Member) through the Securities
Depository the number of shares of AMPS to be sold pursuant to such Order
against payment therefor and advise any such Beneficial Owner that will
continue to hold shares of AMPS of the Applicable Rate for the next
succeeding Dividend Period;
(iii) advise each Beneficial Owner on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer
submitted a Hold Order of the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding
Dividend Period;
(iv) advise each Beneficial Owner on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer
submitted an Order of the Auction Date for the next succeeding Auction; and
(v) advise each Potential Beneficial Owner on whose behalf such
Broker-Dealer submitted a Bid that was accepted, in whole or in part, of
the Auction Date for the next succeeding Auction.
(c) On the basis of the information provided to it pursuant to (a) above,
each Broker-Dealer that submitted a Bid or a Sell Order on behalf of a Potential
Beneficial Owner or a Beneficial Owner shall, in such manner and at such time or
times as in its sole discretion it may determine, allocate any funds received by
it pursuant to (b)(i) above and any shares of AMPS received by it pursuant to
(b)(ii) above among the Potential Beneficial Owners, if any, on whose behalf
such Broker-Dealer submitted Bids, the Beneficial Owners, if any, on whose
behalf such Broker-Dealer submitted Bids that were accepted or Sell Orders, and
any Broker-Dealer or Broker-Dealers identified to it by the Auction Agent
pursuant to (a)(v) or (a)(vi) above.
(d) On each Auction Date:
(i) each Potential Beneficial Owner and Beneficial Owner shall
instruct its Agent Member as provided in (b)(i) or (ii) above, as the case
may be;
(ii) each Seller's Broker-Dealer which is not an Agent Member of the
Securities Depository shall instruct its Agent Member to (A) pay through
the Securities Depository to the Agent Member of the Beneficial Owner
delivering shares to such Broker-Dealer pursuant to (b)(ii) above the
amount necessary to purchase such shares against receipt of such shares,
and (B) deliver such shares through the Securities Depository to a Buyer's
Broker-Dealer (or its Agent Member) identified to such Seller's
Broker-Dealer pursuant to (a)(v) above against payment therefor; and
(iii) each Buyer's Broker-Dealer which is not an Agent Member of the
Securities Depository shall instruct its Agent Member to (A) pay through
the Securities Depository to a Seller's Broker-Dealer (or its Agent Member)
identified pursuant to (a)(vi) above the amount necessary to purchase the
shares to be purchased pursuant to (b)(i) above against receipt of such
shares, and (B) deliver such shares through the Securities Depository to
the Agent Member of the purchaser thereof against payment therefor.
(e) On the day after the Auction Date:
(i) each Bidder's Agent Member referred to in (d)(i) above shall
instruct the Securities Depository to execute the transactions described in
(b)(i) or (ii) above, and the Securities Depository shall execute such
transactions;
(ii) each Seller's Broker-Dealer or its Agent Member shall instruct
the Securities Depository to execute the transactions described in (d)(ii)
above, and the Securities Depository shall execute such transactions; and
(iii) each Buyer's Broker-Dealer or its Agent Member shall instruct
the Securities Depository to execute the transactions described in (d)(iii)
above, and the Securities Depository shall execute such transactions.
(f) If a Beneficial Owner selling shares of AMPS in an Auction fails to
deliver such shares (by authorized book-entry), a Broker-Dealer may deliver to
the Potential Beneficial Owner on behalf of which it submitted a Bid that was
accepted a number of whole shares of AMPS that is less than the number of shares
D-2
<PAGE> 120
that otherwise was to be purchased by such Potential Beneficial Owner. In such
event, the number of shares of AMPS to be so delivered shall be determined
solely by such Broker-Dealer. Delivery of such lesser number of shares shall
constitute good delivery. Notwithstanding the foregoing terms of this paragraph
(f), any delivery or non-delivery of shares which shall represent any departure
from the results of an Auction, as determined by the Auction Agent, shall be of
no effect unless and until the Auction Agent shall have been notified of such
delivery or non-delivery in accordance with the provisions of the Auction Agent
Agreement and the Broker-Dealer Agreements.
D-3
<PAGE> 121
APPENDIX E
AUCTION PROCEDURES
The following procedures will be set forth in provisions of the Articles
Supplementary relating to the AMPS, and will be incorporated by reference in the
Auction Agent Agreement and each Broker-Dealer Agreement. The terms not defined
below are defined in the forepart of this Prospectus. Nothing contained in this
Appendix E constitutes a representation by the Fund that in each Auction each
party referred to herein actually will perform the procedures described herein
to be performed by such party.
PARAGRAPH 10(a) CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Paragraph 10, the following terms shall have the following
meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:
(i) "AMPS" shall mean the shares of AMPS being auctioned pursuant to
this Paragraph 10.
(ii) "Auction Date" shall mean the first Business Day preceding the
first day of a Dividend Period.
(iii) "Available AMPS" shall have the meaning specified in Paragraph
10(d)(i) below.
(iv) "Bid" shall have the meaning specified in Paragraph 10(b)(i)
below.
(v) "Bidder" shall have the meaning specified in Paragraph 10(b)(i)
below.
(vi) "Hold Order" shall have the meaning specified in Paragraph
10(b)(i) below.
(vii) "Maximum Applicable Rate" for any Dividend Period will be the
Applicable Percentage of the Reference Rate. The Applicable Percentage will
be determined based on (i) the lower of the credit rating or ratings
assigned on such date to such shares by Moody's and S&P (or if Moody's or
S&P or both shall not make such rating available, the equivalent of either
or both of such ratings by a Substitute Rating Agency or two Substitute
Rating Agencies or, in the event that only one such rating shall be
available, such rating) and (ii) whether the Fund has provided modification
to the Auction Agent prior to the Auction establishing the Applicable Rate
for any dividend that net capital gains or other taxable income will be
included in such dividend on shares of AMPS as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPLICABLE APPLICABLE
REFERENCE RATE -- REFERENCE RATE -- PERCENTAGE OF PERCENTAGE OF
NO NOTIFICATION NOTIFICATION MOODY'S S&P
- ----------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
"aa3" or higher AA- or Higher 110% 150%
"a3" or "a1" A- to A+ 125% 160%
"baa3" to "baa1" BBB- to BBB+ 150% 250%
Below "baa3" Below BBB- 200% 275%
</TABLE>
The Fund shall take all reasonable action necessary to enable S&P and
Moody's to provide a rating for the AMPS. If either S&P or Moody's shall not
make such a rating available, or if neither S&P nor Moody's shall make such a
rating available, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or its
affiliates and successors, after consultation with the Fund, shall select a
nationally recognized statistical rating organization or two nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations to act as a Substitute Rating Agency
or Substitute Rating Agencies, as the case may be.
(viii) "Order" shall have the meaning specified in Paragraph 10(b)(i)
below.
(ix) "Sell Order" shall have the meaning specified in Paragraph
10(b)(i) below.
(x) "Submission Deadline" shall mean 1:00 p.m., Eastern time, on any
Auction Date or such other time on any Auction Date as may be specified by
the Auction Agent from time to time as the time by which each Broker-Dealer
must submit to the Auction Agent in writing all Orders obtained by it for
the Auction to be conducted on such Auction Date.
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<PAGE> 122
(xi) "Submitted Bid" shall have the meaning specified in Paragraph
10(d)(i) below.
(xii) "Submitted Hold Order" shall have the meaning specified in
Paragraph 10(d)(i) below.
(xiii) "Submitted Order" shall have the meaning specified in Paragraph
10(d)(i) below.
(xiv) "Submitted Sell Order" shall have the meaning specified in
Paragraph 10(d)(i) below.
(xv) "Sufficient Clearing Bids" shall have the meaning specified in
Paragraph 10(d)(i) below.
(xvi) (xvi) "Winning Bid Rate" shall have the meaning specified in
Paragraph 10(d)(i) below.
PARAGRAPH 10(b) ORDERS BY BENEFICIAL OWNERS, POTENTIAL BENEFICIAL OWNERS,
EXISTING HOLDERS AND POTENTIAL HOLDERS.
(i) Unless otherwise permitted by the Fund, Beneficial Owners and Potential
Beneficial Owners may only participate in Auctions through their Broker-Dealers.
Broker-Dealers will submit the Orders of their respective customers who are
Beneficial Owners and Potential Beneficial Owners to the Auction Agent,
designating themselves as Existing Holders in respect of shares subject to
Orders submitted or deemed submitted to them by Beneficial Owners and as
Potential Holders in respect of shares subject to Orders submitted to them by
Potential Beneficial Owners. A Broker-Dealer may also hold shares of AMPS in its
own account as a Beneficial Owner. A Broker-Dealer may thus submit Orders to the
Auction Agent as a Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner and
therefore participate in an Auction as an Existing Holder or Potential Holder on
behalf of both itself and its customers. On or prior to the Submission Deadline
on each Auction Date:
(A) each Beneficial Owner may submit to its Broker-Dealer information
as to:
(1) the number of outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS held by such
Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner desires to continue to hold
without regard to the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend
Period;
(2) the number of outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS held by such
Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner desires to continue to
hold, provided that the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend
Period shall not be less than the rate per annum specified by such
Beneficial Owner, and/or
(3) the number of outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS held by such
Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner offers to sell without
regard to the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend Period;
and
(B) each Broker-Dealer, using a list of Potential Beneficial Owners
that shall be maintained in good faith for the purpose of conducting a
competitive Auction, shall contact Potential Beneficial Owners, including
Persons that are not Beneficial Owners, on such list to determine the
number of outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS which each such Potential
Beneficial Owner offers to purchase, provided that the Applicable Rate for
the next succeeding Dividend Period shall not be less than the rate per
annum specified by such Potential Beneficial Owner.
For the purposes hereof, the communication by a Beneficial Owner or
Potential Beneficial Owner to a Broker-Dealer, or the communication by a
Broker-Dealer acting for its own account to the Auction Agent, of information
referred to in clause (A) or (B) of this Paragraph 10(b)(i) is hereinafter
referred to as an "Order" and each Beneficial Owner and each Potential
Beneficial Owner placing an Order, including a Broker-Dealer acting in such
capacity for its own account, is hereinafter referred to as a "Bidder"; an Order
containing the information referred to in clause (A)(1) of this Paragraph
10(b)(i) is hereinafter referred to as a "Hold Order"; an Order containing the
information referred to in clause (A)(2) or (B) of this Paragraph 10(b)(i) is
hereinafter referred to as a "Bid"; and an Order containing the information
referred to in clause (A)(3) of this Paragraph 10(b)(i) is hereinafter referred
to as a "Sell Order." Inasmuch as a Broker-Dealer participates in an Auction as
an Existing Holder or a Potential Holder only to represent the interests of a
Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner, whether it be its customers or
itself, all
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<PAGE> 123
discussion herein relating to the consequences of an Auction for Existing
Holders and Potential Holders also applies to the underlying beneficial
ownership interests represented.
(ii) (A) A Bid by an Existing Holder shall constitute an irrevocable
offer to sell:
(1) the number of outstanding shares of AMPS specified in such Bid
if the Applicable Rate determined on such Auction Date shall be less
than the rate per annum specified in such Bid; or
(2) such number or a lesser number of outstanding shares of AMPS to
be determined as set forth in Paragraph 10(e)(i)(D) if the Applicable
Rate determined on such Auction Date shall be equal to the rate per
annum specified therein; or
(3) a lesser number of outstanding shares of AMPS to be determined
as set forth in Paragraph 10(e)(ii)(C) if such specified rate per annum
shall be higher than the Maximum Applicable Rate and Sufficient Clearing
Bids do not exist.
(B) A Sell Order by an Existing Holder shall constitute an irrevocable
offer to sell:
(1) the number of outstanding shares of AMPS specified in such Sell
Order, or
(2) such number or a lesser number of outstanding shares of AMPS to
be determined as set forth in Paragraph 10(e)(ii)(C) if Sufficient
Clearing Bids do not exist.
(C) A Bid by a Potential Holder shall constitute an irrevocable offer
to purchase:
(1) the number of outstanding shares of AMPS specified in such Bid
if the Applicable Rate determined on such Auction Date shall be higher
than the rate per annum specified in such Bid; or
(2) such number or a lesser number of outstanding shares of AMPS to
be determined as set forth in Paragraph 10(e)(i)(E) if the Applicable
Rate determined on such Auction Date shall be equal to the rate per
annum specified therein.
PARAGRAPH 10(c) SUBMISSION OF ORDERS BY BROKER-DEALERS TO AUCTION AGENT.
(i) Each Broker-Dealer shall submit in writing or through the Auction
Agent's Auction Processing System to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission
Deadline on each Auction Date all Orders obtained by such Broker-Dealer,
designating itself (unless otherwise permitted by the Fund) as an Existing
Holder in respect of shares subject to Orders submitted or deemed submitted to
it by Beneficial Owners and as a Potential Holder in respect of shares subject
to Orders submitted to it by Potential Beneficial Owners, and specifying with
respect to each Order:
(A) the name of the Bidder placing such Order (which shall be the
Broker-Dealer unless otherwise permitted by the Fund);
(B) the aggregate number of outstanding shares of AMPS that are the
subject of such Order;
(C) to the extent that such Bidder is an Existing Holder
(1) the number of outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS subject to
any Hold Order placed by such Existing Holder;
(2) the number of outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS subject to
any Bid placed by such Existing Holder and the rate per annum specified
in such Bid; and
(3) the number of outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS subject to
any Sell Order placed by such Existing Holder; and
(D) to the extent such Bidder is a Potential Holder, the rate per
annum specified in such Potential Holder's Bid.
(ii) If any rate per annum specified in any Bid contains more than three
figures to the right of the decimal point, the Auction Agent shall round such
rate up to the next highest one-thousandth (.001) of 1%.
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<PAGE> 124
(iii) If an Order or Orders covering all of the outstanding shares of AMPS
held by an Existing Holder are not submitted to the Auction Agent prior to the
Submission Deadline, the Auction Agent shall deem a Hold Order (in the case of
an Auction relating to a Dividend Period which is not a Special Dividend Period
of 28 days or more) and a Sell Order (in the case of an Auction relating to a
Special Dividend Period of 28 days or more) to have been submitted on behalf of
such Existing Holder covering the number of outstanding shares of AMPS held by
such Existing Holder and not subject to Orders submitted to the Auction Agent.
(iv) If one or more Orders on behalf of an Existing Holder covering in the
aggregate more than the number of outstanding shares of AMPS held by such
Existing Holder are submitted to the Auction Agent, such Orders shall be
considered valid as follows and in the following order of priority:
(A) any Hold Order submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder shall
be considered valid up to and including the number of outstanding shares of
AMPS held by such Existing Holder; provided that if more than one Hold
Order is submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder and the number of
shares of AMPS subject to such Hold Orders exceeds the number of
outstanding shares of AMPS held by such Existing Holder, the number of
shares of AMPS subject to each of such Hold Orders shall be reduced pro
rata so that such Hold Orders, in the aggregate, cover exactly the number
of outstanding shares of AMPS held by such Existing Holder;
(B) any Bids submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder shall be
considered valid, in the ascending order of their respective rates per
annum if more than one Bid is submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder,
up to and including the excess of the number of outstanding shares of AMPS
held by such Existing Holder over the number of shares of AMPS subject to
any Hold Order referred to in Paragraph 10(c)(iv)(A) above (and if more
than one Bid submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder specifies the same
rate per annum and together they cover more than the remaining number of
shares that can be the subject of valid Bids after application of Paragraph
10(c)(iv)(A) above and of the foregoing portion of this Paragraph
10(c)(iv)(B) to any Bid or Bids specifying a lower rate or rates per annum,
the number of shares subject to each of such Bids shall be reduced pro rata
so that such Bids, in the aggregate, cover exactly such remaining number of
shares); and the number of shares, if any, subject to Bids not valid under
this Paragraph 10(c)(iv)(B) shall be treated as the subject of a Bid by a
Potential Holder; and
(C) any Sell Order shall be considered valid up to and including the
excess of the number of outstanding shares of AMPS held by such Existing
Holder over the number of shares of AMPS subject to Hold Orders referred to
in Paragraph 10(c)(iv)(A) and Bids referred to in Paragraph 10(c)(iv)(B);
provided that if more than one Sell Order is submitted on behalf of any
Existing Holder and the number of shares of AMPS subject to such Sell
Orders is greater than such excess, the number of shares of AMPS subject to
each of such Sell Orders shall be reduced pro rata so that such Sell
Orders, in the aggregate, cover exactly the number of shares of AMPS equal
to such excess.
(v) If more than one Bid is submitted on behalf of any Potential Holder,
each Bid submitted shall be a separate Bid with the rate per annum and number of
shares of AMPS therein specified.
(vi) Any Order submitted by a Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial
Owner to its Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent, prior to
the Submission Deadline on any Auction Date shall be irrevocable.
PARAGRAPH 10(d) DETERMINATION OF SUFFICIENT CLEARING BIDS, WINNING BID RATE
AND APPLICABLE RATE.
(i) Not earlier than the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date, the
Auction Agent shall assemble all Orders submitted or deemed submitted to it by
the Broker-Dealers (each such Order as submitted or deemed submitted by a
Broker-Dealer being hereinafter referred to individually as a "Submitted Hold
Order,"
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<PAGE> 125
a "Submitted Bid" or a "Submitted Sell Order," as the case may be, or as a
"Submitted Order") and shall determine:
(A) the excess of the total number of outstanding shares of AMPS over
the number of outstanding shares of AMPS that are the subject of Submitted
Hold Orders (such excess being hereinafter referred to as the "Available
AMPS");
(B) from the Submitted Orders whether the number of outstanding shares
of AMPS that are the subject of Submitted Bids by Potential Holders
specifying one or more rates per annum equal to or lower than the Maximum
Applicable Rate exceeds or is equal to the sum of:
(1) the number of outstanding shares of AMPS that are the subject
of Submitted Bids by Existing Holders specifying one or more rates per
annum higher than the Maximum Applicable Rate, and
(2) the number of outstanding shares of AMPS that are subject to
Submitted Sell Orders (if such excess or such equality exists (other
than because the number of outstanding shares of AMPS in clauses (1) and
(2) above are each zero because all of the outstanding shares of AMPS
are the subject of Submitted Hold Orders), such Submitted Bids by
Potential Holders hereinafter being referred to collectively as
"Sufficient Clearing Bids"); and
(C) if Sufficient Clearing Bids exist, the lowest rate per annum
specified in the Submitted Bids (the "Winning Bid Rate") that if:
(1) each Submitted Bid from Existing Holders specifying the Winning
Bid Rate and all other submitted Bids from Existing Holders specifying
lower rates per annum were rejected, thus entitling such Existing
Holders to continue to hold the shares of AMPS that are the subject of
such Submitted Bids, and
(2) each Submitted Bid from Potential Holders specifying the
Winning Bid Rate and all other Submitted Bids from Potential Holders
specifying lower rates per annum were accepted, thus entitling the
Potential Holders to purchase the shares of AMPS that are the subject of
such Submitted Bids, would result in the number of shares subject to all
Submitted Bids specifying the Winning Bid Rate or a lower rate per annum
being at least equal to the Available AMPS.
(ii) Promptly after the Auction Agent has made the determinations pursuant
to Paragraph 10(d)(i), the Auction Agent shall advise the Fund of the Maximum
Applicable Rate and, based on such determinations, the Applicable Rate for the
next succeeding Dividend Period as follows:
(A) if Sufficient Clearing Bids exist, that the Applicable Rate for
the next succeeding Dividend Period shall be equal to the Winning Bid Rate;
(B) if Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist (other than because all
of the outstanding shares of AMPS are the subject of Submitted Hold
Orders), that the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend Period
shall be equal to the Maximum Applicable Rate; or
(C) if all of the outstanding shares of AMPS are the subject of
Submitted Hold Orders, that the Dividend Period next succeeding the Auction
automatically shall be the same length as the immediately preceding
Dividend Period and the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend
Period shall be equal to 40% of the Reference Rate (or 60% of such rate if
the Fund has provided notification to the Auction Agent prior to the
Auction establishing the Applicable Rate for any dividend that net capital
gains or other taxable income will be included in such dividend on shares
of AMPS) on the date of the Auction.
PARAGRAPH 10(e) ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION OF SUBMITTED BIDS AND SUBMITTED
SELL ORDERS AND ALLOCATION OF SHARES.
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<PAGE> 126
Based on the determinations made pursuant to Paragraph 10(d)(i), the
Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders shall be accepted or rejected and the
Auction Agent shall take such other action as set forth below:
(i) If Sufficient Clearing Bids have been made, subject to the
provisions of Paragraph 10(e)(iii) and Paragraph 10(e)(iv), Submitted Bids
and Submitted Sell Orders shall be accepted or rejected in the following
order of priority and all other Submitted Bids shall be rejected:
(A) the Submitted Sell Orders of Existing Holders shall be accepted
and the Submitted Bid of each of the Existing Holders specifying any
rate per annum that is higher than the Winning Bid Rate shall be
accepted, thus requiring each such Existing Holder to sell the
outstanding shares of AMPS that are the subject of such Submitted Sell
Order or Submitted Bid;
(B) the Submitted Bid of each of the Existing Holder specifying any
rate per annum that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate shall be
rejected, thus entitling each such Existing Holder to continue to hold
the outstanding shares of AMPS that are the subject of such Submitted
Bid;
(C) the Submitted Bid of each of the Potential Holders specifying
any rate per annum that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate shall be
accepted;
(D) the Submitted Bid of each of the Existing Holders specifying a
rate per annum that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate shall be rejected,
thus entitling each such Existing Holder to continue to hold the
outstanding shares of AMPS that are the subject of such Submitted Bid,
unless the number of outstanding shares of AMPS subject to all such
Submitted Bids shall be greater than the number of outstanding shares of
AMPS ("Remaining Shares") equal to the excess of the Available AMPS over
the number of outstanding shares of AMPS subject to Submitted Bids
described in Paragraph 10(e)(i)(B) and Paragraph 10(e)(i)(C), in which
event the Submitted Bids of each such Existing Holder shall be accepted,
and each such Existing Holder shall be required to sell outstanding
shares of AMPS, but only in an amount equal to the difference between
(1) the number of outstanding shares of AMPS then held by such Existing
Holder subject to such Submitted Bid and (2) the number of shares of
AMPS obtained by multiplying (x) the number of Remaining Shares by (y) a
fraction the numerator of which shall be the number of outstanding
shares of AMPS held by such Existing Holder subject to such Submitted
Bid and the denominator of which shall be the sum of the numbers of
outstanding shares of AMPS subject to such Submitted Bids made by all
such Existing Holders that specified a rate per annum equal to the
Winning Bid Rate; and
(E) the Submitted Bid of each of the Potential Holders specifying a
rate per annum that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate shall be accepted
but only in an amount equal to the number of outstanding shares of AMPS
obtained by multiplying (x) the difference between the Available AMPS
and the number of outstanding shares of AMPS subject to Submitted Bids
described in Paragraph 10(e)(i)(B), Paragraph 10(e)(i)(C) and Paragraph
10(e)(i)(D) by (y) a fraction the numerator of which shall be the number
of outstanding shares of AMPS subject to such Submitted Bid and the
denominator of which shall be the sum of the number of outstanding
shares of AMPS subject to such Submitted Bids made by all such Potential
Holders that specified rates per annum equal to the Winning Bid Rate.
(ii) If Sufficient Clearing Bids have not been made (other than
because all of the outstanding shares of AMPS are subject to Submitted Hold
Orders), subject to the provisions of Paragraph 10(e)(iii), Submitted
Orders shall be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order of
priority and all other Submitted Bids shall be rejected:
(A) the Submitted Bid of each Existing Holder specifying any rate
per annum that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Applicable Rate
shall be rejected, thus entitling such Existing Holder to continue to
hold the outstanding shares of AMPS that are the subject of such
Submitted Bid;
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<PAGE> 127
(B) the Submitted Bid of each Potential Holder specifying any rate
per annum that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Applicable Rate
shall be accepted, thus requiring such Potential Holder to purchase the
outstanding shares of AMPS that are the subject of such Submitted Bid;
and
(C) the Submitted Bids of each Existing Holder specifying any rate
per annum that is higher than the Maximum Applicable Rate shall be
accepted and the Submitted Sell Orders of each Existing Holder shall be
accepted, in both cases only in an amount equal to the difference
between (1) the number of outstanding shares of AMPS then held by such
Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order
and (2) the number of shares of AMPS obtained by multiplying (x) the
difference between the Available AMPS and the aggregate number of
outstanding shares of AMPS subject to Submitted Bids described in
Paragraph 10(e)(ii)(A) and Paragraph 10(e)(ii)(B) by (y) a fraction the
numerator of which shall be the number of outstanding shares of AMPS
held by such Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid or Submitted
Sell Order and the denominator of which shall be the number of
outstanding shares of AMPS subject to all such Submitted Bids and
Submitted Sell Orders.
(iii) If, as a result of the procedures described in Paragraph
10(e)(i) or Paragraph 10(e)(ii), any Existing Holder would be entitled or
required to sell, or any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to
purchase, a fraction of a share of AMPS on any Auction Date, the Auction
Agent shall, in such manner as in its sole discretion it shall determine,
round up or down the number of shares of AMPS to be purchased or sold by
any Existing Holder or Potential Holder on such Auction Date so that each
outstanding share of AMPS purchased or sold by each Existing Holder or
Potential Holder on such Auction Date shall be a whole share of AMPS.
(iv) If, as a result of the procedures described in Paragraph
10(e)(i), any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase
less than a whole share of AMPS on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent, in
such manner as in its sole discretion it shall determine, shall allocate
shares of AMPS for purchase among Potential Holders so that only whole
shares of AMPS are purchased on such Auction Date by any Potential Holder,
even if such allocation results in one or more of such Potential Holders
not purchasing any shares of AMPS on such Auction Date.
(v) Based on the results of each Auction, the Auction Agent shall
determine, with respect to each Broker-Dealer that submitted Bids or Sell
Orders on behalf of Existing Holders or Potential Holders, the aggregate
number of the outstanding shares of AMPS to be purchased and the aggregate
number of outstanding shares of AMPS to be sold by such Potential Holders
and Existing Holders and, to the extent that such aggregate number of
outstanding shares to be purchased and such aggregate number of outstanding
shares to be sold differ, the Auction Agent shall determine to which other
Broker-Dealer or Broker-Dealers acting for one or more purchasers such
Broker-Dealer shall deliver, or from which other Broker-Dealer or
Broker-Dealers acting for one or more sellers such Broker-Dealer shall
receive, as the case may be, outstanding shares of AMPS.
PARAGRAPH 10(f) MISCELLANEOUS.
The Fund may interpret the provisions of this Paragraph 10 to resolve any
inconsistency or ambiguity, remedy any formal defect or make any other change or
modification that does not substantially adversely affect the rights of
Beneficial Owners of AMPS. A Beneficial Owner or an Existing Holder (A) may
sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of shares of AMPS only pursuant to a Bid or
Sell Order in accordance with the procedures described in this Paragraph 10 or
to or through a Broker-Dealer, provided that in the case of all transfers other
than pursuant to Auctions such Beneficial Owner or Existing Holder, its
Broker-Dealer, if applicable, or its Agent Member advises the Auction Agent of
such transfer and (B) except as otherwise required by law, shall have the
ownership of the shares of AMPS held by it maintained in book entry form by the
Securities Depository in the account of its Agent Member, which in turn will
maintain records of such Beneficial Owner's beneficial ownership. Neither the
Fund nor any Affiliate (other than Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated) shall submit an Order in any Auction. Any Beneficial Owner that is
an Affiliate (other than Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated)
shall not sell, transfer or otherwise
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dispose of shares of AMPS to any Person other than the Fund. All of the
outstanding shares of AMPS of a Series shall be represented by a single
certificate registered in the name of the nominee of the Securities Depository
unless otherwise required by law or unless there is no Securities Depository. If
there is no Securities Depository, at the Fund's option and upon its receipt of
such documents as it deems appropriate, any shares of AMPS may be registered in
the Stock Register in the name of the Beneficial Owner thereof and such
Beneficial Owner thereupon will be entitled to receive certificates therefor and
required to deliver certificates thereof or upon transfer or exchange thereof.
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<PAGE> 129
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(1) Financial Statements
Independent Auditors' Report
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Capital as of June 16, 1999
Schedule of Investments as of July 23, 1999 (unaudited)
Financial Statements as of July 23, 1999 (unaudited)
(2) Exhibits:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
(a)(1) -- Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.(a)
(2) -- Form of Articles Supplementary creating the Series A AMPS.
(b) -- By-Laws of the Registrant.(a)
(c) -- Not applicable.
(d)(1) -- Portions of the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and the
Articles Supplementary of the Registrant defining the rights
of holders of shares of the Registrant.(b)
(2) -- Form of specimen certificates for the AMPS of the
Registrant.(e)
(e) -- Form of Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.(c)
(f) -- Not applicable.
(g) -- Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant
and Fund Asset Management, L.P.(c)
(h)(1) -- Form of Purchase Agreement for the AMPS.(e)
(2) -- Merrill Lynch Standard Dealer Agreement.(c)
(i) -- Not applicable.
(j) -- Form of Custodian Contract between the Registrant and State
Street Bank and Trust Company.(d)
(k)(1) -- Form of Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and
Shareholder Servicing Agency Agreement between the
Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company.(d)
(2) -- Form of Auction Agent Agreement between the Registrant and
IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company.(e)
(3) -- Form of Broker-Dealer Agreement.(e)
(4) -- Form of Letter of Representations.(e)
(l) -- Opinion and Consent of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the
Registrant.
(m) -- Not applicable.
(n) -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors for
the Registrant.
(o) -- Not applicable.
(p) -- Certificate of Fund Asset Management, L.P.(d)
(q) -- Not applicable.
(r) -- Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Reference is made to the Registrant's registration statement on Form N-2,
File No. 333-77517 (the "Common Stock Registration Statement") filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on April 30, 1999.
(b) Reference is made to Article V, Article VI (sections 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6),
Article VII, Article VIII, Article X, Article XI, Article XII and Article
XIII of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation, previously filed as
Exhibit (a) to the Common Stock Registration Statement; and to Article II,
Article III (sections 1, 2, 3, 5 and 17), Article VI, Article VII, Article
XII, Article XIII and Article XIV of the Registrant's By-Laws, previously
filed as Exhibit (b) to the Common Stock Registration Statement. Reference
is also made to the Form of Articles Supplementary filed hereto as Exhibit
(a)(2).
(c) Reference is made to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's
Common Stock Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on May 18, 1999.
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<PAGE> 130
(d) Reference is made to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Registrant's Common
Stock Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 20, 1999.
(e) Reference is made to the Registrant's registration statement on Form N-2,
File Nos. 333-82001 and 811-09317 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 30, 1999.
ITEM 25. MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS.
See Exhibit (h).
ITEM 26. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in
connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Registration fees........................................... $ 10,842
Printing.................................................... 54,000
Legal fees and expenses..................................... 35,000
Rating Agency fees.......................................... 35,000
Miscellaneous............................................... 158
--------
Total............................................. $135,000
========
</TABLE>
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* To be provided by amendment.
ITEM 27. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
The information in the Prospectus under the captions "Investment Advisory
and Management Arrangements" and "Description of Capital Stock-Common Stock" and
in Note 1 to the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Capital is incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 28. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
RECORD HOLDERS
TITLE OF CLASS AT JULY 23, 1999
-------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
Common Stock, $.10 par value................................ 2
Preferred Stock, $.10 par value............................. 0
</TABLE>
ITEM 29. INDEMNIFICATION.
Section 2-418 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Maryland,
Article VI of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
filed as Exhibit (a)(2) to the Common Stock Registration Statement, Article VI
of the Registrant's By-Laws, filed as Exhibit (b) to the Common Stock
Registration Statement, and the Investment Advisory Agreement, filed as Exhibit
(g) to the Common Stock Registration Statement, provide for indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), may be provided to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the Registrant, pursuant to the foregoing provisions or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in connection with any successful defense
of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
Reference is made to Section 7 of the Purchase Agreement, a form of which
is filed as Exhibit (h)(1) hereto, for provisions relating to the
indemnification of the underwriter.
ITEM 30. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER.
Fund Asset Management, L.P. (the "Investment Adviser") acts as investment
adviser for the following open-end registered investment companies: CBA Money
Fund, CMA Government Securities Fund, CMA Money Fund, CMA Multi-State Municipal
Series Trust, CMA Tax-Exempt Fund, CMA Treasury Fund, The
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<PAGE> 131
Corporate Fund Accumulation Program, Inc., Financial Institutions Series Trust,
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch California Municipal Series
Trust, Merrill Lynch Corporate Bond Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Corporate High
Yield Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Emerging Tigers Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Federal Securities Trust, Merrill Lynch Funds for Institutions Series, Merrill
Lynch Multi-State Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, Merrill Lynch
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust, Merrill Lynch Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Phoenix Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch World Income Fund, Inc., and The Municipal Fund Accumulation
Program, Inc., and for the following closed-end registered investment companies:
Apex Municipal Fund, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc., Corporate High Yield
Fund II, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund III, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund, Inc.,
Debt Strategies Fund II, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund III, Inc., Income
Opportunities Fund 1999, Inc., Income Opportunities Fund 2000, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc., MuniAssets Fund, Inc., MuniEnhanced Fund,
Inc., MuniHoldings Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings
California Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings California Insured Fund II, Inc.,
MuniHoldings California Insured Fund III, Inc., MuniHoldings California Insured
Fund IV, Inc., MuniHoldings California Insured Fund V, Inc., MuniHoldings
Florida Insured Fund, MuniHoldings Florida Insured Fund II, MuniHoldings Florida
Insured Fund III, MuniHoldings Florida Insured Fund IV, MuniHoldings Florida
Insured Fund V, MuniHoldings Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings Insured Fund II,
Inc., MuniHoldings Insured Fund III, Inc., MuniHoldings Michigan Insured Fund,
Inc., MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings New Jersey
Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc.,
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund IV, Inc., MuniHoldings New York Fund, Inc.,
MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund II,
Inc., MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund III, Inc., MuniHoldings New York
Insured Fund IV, Inc., MuniHoldings Pennsylvania Insured Fund, MuniInsured Fund,
Inc., MuniVest Florida Fund, MuniVest Fund, Inc., MuniVest Fund II, Inc.,
MuniVest Michigan Insured Fund, Inc., MuniVest New Jersey Fund, Inc., MuniVest
Pennsylvania Insured Fund, MuniYield Arizona Fund, Inc., MuniYield California
Fund, Inc., MuniYield California Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield California
Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniYield Florida Fund, MuniYield Florida Insured Fund,
MuniYield Fund, Inc., MuniYield Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield Michigan Fund,
Inc., MuniYield Michigan Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield New Jersey Fund, Inc.,
MuniYield New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc.,
MuniYield New York Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniYield Pennsylvania Fund, MuniYield
Quality Fund, Inc., MuniYield Quality Fund II, Inc., Senior High Income
Portfolio, Inc., and Worldwide DollarVest Fund, Inc.
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM"), an affiliate of the
Investment Adviser, acts as the investment adviser for the following open-end
registered investment companies: Merrill Lynch Adjustable Rate Securities Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Americas Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Builder
Program, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Income
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Capital Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Convertible Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Developing Capital Markets Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Disciplined Equity Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Dragon Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
EuroFund, Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Bond
Fund for Investment and Retirement, Merrill Lynch Global Allocation Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Global Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Holdings, Merrill
Lynch Global Resources Trust, Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Global Technology Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Utility Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Global Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Growth Fund, Merrill Lynch
Healthcare Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Intermediate Government Bond Fund, Merrill
Lynch International Equity Fund, Merrill Lynch Latin America Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Middle East/Africa Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Municipal Series Trust,
Merrill Lynch Pacific Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust, Merrill
Lynch Real Estate Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Retirement Series Trust, Merrill
Lynch Series Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Short-Term Global Income Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Strategic Dividend Fund, Merrill Lynch Technology Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Money Fund, Merrill Lynch U.S.A. Government
Reserves, Merrill Lynch Utility Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Variable Series
Funds, Inc. and Hotchkis and Wiley Funds (advised by Hotchkis and Wiley, a
division of MLAM); and for the following closed-end registered investment
companies: Merrill Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch
Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.,
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<PAGE> 132
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund II, Inc. MLAM also acts as sub-adviser
to Merrill Lynch World Strategy Portfolio and Merrill Lynch Basic Equity
Portfolio, two investment portfolios of EQ Advisors Trust.
The address of each of these registered investment companies is P.O. Box
9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011, except that the address of Merrill Lynch
Funds for Institutions Series and Merrill Lynch Intermediate Government Bond
Fund is One Financial Center, 23rd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2665. The
address of the Investment Adviser, MLAM, Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton
Services") and Princeton Administrators, L.P. is also P.O. Box 9011, Princeton,
New Jersey 08543-9011. The address of Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD")
and of Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor ("MLFD") is P.O. Box 9081, Princeton, New
Jersey 08543-9081. The address of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co.") is
World Financial Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York
10281-1201.
Set forth below is a list of each executive officer and partner of the
Investment Adviser indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment
of a substantial nature in which each such person or entity has been engaged for
the past two years for his or her or its own account or in the capacity of
director, officer, employee, partner or trustee. In addition, Mr. Glenn is
President and Mr. Burke is Treasurer of all or substantially all of the
investment companies described in the first two paragraphs of this Item 30 and
also hold the same positions with all or substantially all of the investment
companies advised by MLAM as they do with those advised by the Investment
Adviser. Messrs. Giordano, Doll and Monagle are officers of one or more of such
companies.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,
NAME INVESTMENT ADVISER PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
---- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ML&Co.................................. Limited Partner Financial Services Holding
Company; Limited Partner of FAM
Princeton Services..................... General Partner General Partner of MLAM Chairman
of MLAM; President of the
Investment Adviser and MLAM from
1977 to 1997; Chairman and
Director of Princeton Services;
President of Princeton Services
from 1993 to 1997; Executive Vice
President of ML & Co.
Jeffrey M. Peek........................ President President of MLAM; President and
Director of Princeton Services;
Executive Vice President of ML &
Co.; Managing Director and Co-Head
of the Investment Banking Division
of Merrill Lynch in 1997
Terry K. Glenn......................... Executive Vice President Executive Vice President of MLAM;
Executive Vice President and
Director of Princeton Services;
President and Director of PFD;
Director of Financial Data
Services, Inc.; President of
Princeton Administrators, L.P.
Gregory A. Bundy....................... Chief Operating Officer and Chief Operating Officer and
Managing Director Managing Director of MLAM; Chief
Operating Officer and Managing
Director of Princeton Services;
Co-CEO of Merrill Lynch Australia
from 1997 to 1999
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 133
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,
NAME INVESTMENT ADVISER PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
---- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Donald C. Burke........................ Senior Vice President and Senior Vice President, Treasurer
Treasurer and Director of Taxation of MLAM;
Senior Vice President and
Treasurer of Princeton Services;
Vice President of PFD; First Vice
President of MLAM from 1997 to
1999; Vice President of MLAM from
1990 to 1997
Michael G. Clark....................... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services; Treasurer and Director
of PFD; First Vice President of
MLAM from 1997 to 1999; Vice
President of MLAM from 1996 to
1997
Robert C. Doll......................... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services; Chief Investment Officer
of Oppenheimer Funds, Inc., in
1999 and Executive Vice President
thereof from 1991 to 1999
Linda L. Federici...................... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Vincent R. Giordano.................... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Michael J. Hennewinkel................. Senior Vice President, Senior Vice President, General
General Counsel and Counsel and Secretary of MLAM;
Secretary Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Philip L. Kirstein..................... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President, General
Counsel, Director and Secretary of
Princeton Services
Ronald M. Kloss........................ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Debra W. Landsman-Yaros................ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services; Vice President of PFD
Joseph T. Monagle, Jr. ................ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Brian A. Murdock....................... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Gregory D. Upah........................ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of MLAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 134
ITEM 31. LOCATION OF ACCOUNT AND RECORDS.
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Rules
promulgated thereunder are maintained at the offices of the Registrant (800
Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536), its investment adviser (800
Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536), and its custodian and
transfer agent.
ITEM 32. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 33. UNDERTAKINGS.
Registrant undertakes:
(1) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as a part of
a registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A under the Securities Act of
1933 and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to
Rule 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of the
registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
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<PAGE> 135
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the Township of Plainsboro, and State of New Jersey, on the 28th
day of July, 1999.
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV,
INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ TERRY K. GLENN
------------------------------------
(Terry K. Glenn, President)
Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Terry K. Glenn,
Donald C. Burke or Alice A. Pellegrino or any of them, as attorney-in-fact, to
sign on his or her behalf, individually and in each capacity stated below, any
amendment to this Registration Statement (including post-effective amendments)
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date(s) indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURES TITLE DATE
---------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ TERRY K. GLENN President (Principal Executive July 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------- Officer) and Director
(Terry K. Glenn)
/s/ DONALD C. BURKE Treasurer (Principal Financial and July 28, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------- Accounting Officer)
(Donald C. Burke)
/s/ JAMES H. BODURTHA Director July 28, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
(James H. Bodurtha)
/s/ HERBERT I. LONDON Director July 28, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
(Herbert I. London)
/s/ ROBERT R. MARTIN Director July 28, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
(Robert R. Martin)
/s/ JOSEPH L. MAY Director July 28, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
(Joseph L. May)
/s/ ANDRE F. PEROLD Director July 28, 1999
- ---------------------------------------------------
(Andre F. Perold)
Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
(Arthur Zeikel)
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 136
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBITS DESCRIPTION
- -------- -----------
<S> <C>
(a)(2) Form of Articles Supplementary creating the Series A AMPS
(l) Opinion and Consent of Brown & Wood LLP
(n) Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors for
the Registrant
(r) Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC.
Articles Supplementary creating one series of
Auction Market Preferred Stock(R) ("AMPS(R)")
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC., a Maryland corporation
having its principal Maryland office in the City of Baltimore (the
"Corporation"), certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of
Maryland that:
FIRST: Pursuant to authority expressly vested in the Board of Directors
of the Corporation by article fifth of its Charter, the Board of Directors has
reclassified 1,560 authorized and unissued shares of common stock of the
Corporation as preferred stock of the Corporation and has authorized the
issuance of one series of preferred stock, par value $.10 per share, liquidation
preference $25,000 per share plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid
dividends (whether or not earned or declared) thereon, to be designated: Auction
Market Preferred Stock, Series A.
SECOND: The preferences, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
dividends, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption, of the shares
of such series of preferred stock are as follows:
- ---------------------
(R) Registered trademark of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
<PAGE> 2
DESIGNATION
A series of 1,560 shares of preferred stock, par value $.10 per share,
liquidation preference $25,000 per share plus an amount equal to accumulated but
unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) thereon, is hereby
designated "Auction Market Preferred Stock, Series A." Each share of Auction
Market Preferred Stock, Series A (sometimes referred to herein as "AMPS") shall
be issued on a date to be determined by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation or pursuant to their delegated authority; have an Initial Dividend
Rate and an Initial Dividend Payment Date as shall be determined in advance of
the issuance thereof by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or pursuant to
their delegated authority; and have such other preferences, voting powers,
limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of
redemption as are set forth in these Articles Supplementary. The Auction Market
Preferred Stock, Series A shall constitute a separate series of preferred stock
of the Corporation, and each share of Auction Market Preferred Stock, Series A
shall be identical.
1. Definitions. (a) Unless the context or use indicates another
or different meaning or intent, in these Articles Supplementary the following
terms have the following meanings, whether used in the singular or plural:
"'AA' Composite Commercial Paper Rate," on any date of
determination, means (i) the Interest Equivalent of the rate on commercial paper
placed on behalf of issuers whose corporate bonds are rated "AA" by S&P or "Aa"
by Moody's or the equivalent of such rating by another nationally recognized
rating agency, as such rate is made available on a discount basis or otherwise
by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the Business Day immediately
preceding such date, or (ii) in the event that the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York does not
2
<PAGE> 3
make available such a rate, then the arithmetic average of the Interest
Equivalent of the rate on commercial paper placed on behalf of such issuers, as
quoted on a discount basis or otherwise by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated or its successors that are Commercial Paper Dealers, to the Auction
Agent for the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such
date. If one of the Commercial Paper Dealers does not quote a rate required to
determine the "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate, the "AA" Composite
Commercial Paper Rate will be determined on the basis of the quotation or
quotations furnished by any Substitute Commercial Paper Dealer or Substitute
Commercial Paper Dealers selected by the Corporation to provide such rate or
rates not being supplied by the Commercial Paper Dealer. If the number of
Dividend Period days shall be (i) 7 or more but fewer than 49 days, such rate
shall be the Interest Equivalent of the 30-day rate on such commercial paper;
(ii) 49 or more but fewer than 70 days, such rate shall be the Interest
Equivalent of the 60-day rate on such commercial paper; (iii) 70 or more days
but fewer than 85 days, such rate shall be the arithmetic average of the
Interest Equivalent on the 60-day and 90-day rates on such commercial paper;
(iv) 85 or more days but fewer than 99 days, such rate shall be the Interest
Equivalent of the 90-day rate on such commercial paper; (v) 99 or more days but
fewer than 120 days, such rate shall be the arithmetic average of the Interest
Equivalent of the 90-day and 120-day rates on such commercial paper; (vi) 120 or
more days but fewer than 141 days, such rate shall be the Interest Equivalent of
the 120-day rate on such commercial paper; (vii) 141 or more days but fewer than
162 days, such rate shall be the arithmetic average of the Interest Equivalent
of the 120-day and 180-day rates on such commercial paper; and (viii) 162 or
more days but fewer than 183 days, such rate shall be the Interest Equivalent of
the 180-day rate on such commercial paper.
3
<PAGE> 4
"Accountant's Confirmation" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 7(c)
of these Articles Supplementary.
"Additional Dividend" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 2(e) of
these Articles Supplementary.
"Adviser" means the Corporation's investment adviser which initially
shall be Fund Asset Management, L.P.
"Affiliate" means any Person, other than Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith Incorporated or its successors, known to the Auction Agent to be
controlled by, in control of, or under common control with, the Corporation.
"Agent Member" means a member of the Securities Depository that will
act on behalf of a Beneficial Owner of one or more shares of AMPS or a Potential
Beneficial Owner.
"AMPS" means the Auction Market Preferred Stock, Series A.
"AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount," as of any Valuation Date, means the
dollar amount equal to (i) the sum of (A) the product of the number of shares of
AMPS and Other AMPS Outstanding on such Valuation Date multiplied by the sum of
(a) $25,000 and (b) any applicable redemption premium attributable to the
designation of a Premium Call Period; (B) the aggregate amount of cash dividends
(whether or not earned or declared) that will have accumulated for each share of
AMPS and Other AMPS Outstanding, in each case, to (but not including) the end of
the current Dividend Period that follows such Valuation Date in the event the
then current Dividend Period will end within 49 calendar days of such Valuation
Date or
4
<PAGE> 5
through the 49th day after such Valuation Date in the event the then current
Dividend Period will not end within 49 calendar days of such Valuation Date; (C)
in the event the then current Dividend Period will end within 49 calendar days
of such Valuation Date, the aggregate amount of cash dividends that would
accumulate at the Maximum Applicable Rate applicable to a Dividend Period of 28
or fewer days on any shares of AMPS and Other AMPS Outstanding from the end of
such Dividend Period through the 49th day after such Valuation Date, multiplied
by the larger of the Moody's Volatility Factor and the S&P Volatility Factor,
determined from time to time by Moody's and S&P, respectively (except that if
such Valuation Date occurs during a Non-Payment Period, the cash dividend for
purposes of calculation would accumulate at the then current Non-Payment Period
Rate); (D) the amount of anticipated expenses of the Corporation for the 90 days
subsequent to such Valuation Date (including any premiums payable with respect
to a Policy); (E) the amount of the Corporation's Maximum Potential Additional
Dividend Liability as of such Valuation Date; and (F) any current liabilities as
of such Valuation Date to the extent not reflected in any of (i)(A) through
(i)(E) (including, without limitation, and immediately upon determination, any
amounts due and payable by the Corporation pursuant to repurchase agreements and
any amounts payable for New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds purchased as
of such Valuation Date) less (ii) either (A) the Discounted Value of any of the
Corporation's assets, or (B) the face value of any of the Corporation's assets
if such assets mature prior to or on the date of redemption of AMPS or payment
of a liability and are either securities issued or guaranteed by the United
States Government or Deposit Securities, in both cases irrevocably deposited by
the Corporation for the payment of the amount needed to redeem shares of AMPS
subject to redemption or to satisfy any of (i)(B) through (i)(F). For Moody's
and S&P, the Corporation shall include as a liability an amount calculated
semi-annually equal to
5
<PAGE> 6
150% of the estimated cost of obtaining other insurance guaranteeing the timely
payment of interest on a Moody's Eligible Asset or S&P Eligible Asset and
principal thereof to maturity with respect to Moody's Eligible Assets and S&P
Eligible Assets that (i) are covered by a Policy which provides the Corporation
with the option to obtain such other insurance and (ii) are discounted by a
Moody's Discount Factor or a S&P Discount Factor, as the case may be, determined
by reference to the insurance claims-paying ability rating of the issuer of such
Policy.
"AMPS Basic Maintenance Cure Date," with respect to the failure by the
Corporation to satisfy the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount (as required by
paragraph 7(a) of these Articles Supplementary) as of a given Valuation Date,
means the sixth Business Day following such Valuation Date.
"AMPS Basic Maintenance Report" means a report signed by any of the
President, Treasurer, any Senior Vice President or any Vice President of the
Corporation which sets forth, as of the related Valuation Date, the assets of
the Corporation, the Market Value and the Discounted Value thereof (seriatim and
in aggregate), and the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount.
"Anticipation Notes" shall mean the following New York Municipal Bonds:
revenue anticipation notes, tax anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation
notes, grant anticipation notes and bond anticipation notes.
"Applicable Percentage" has the meaning set forth in paragraph
10(a)(vii) of these Articles Supplementary.
6
<PAGE> 7
"Applicable Rate" means the rate per annum at which cash dividends are
payable on the AMPS or Other AMPS, as the case may be, for any Dividend Period.
"Auction" means a periodic operation of the Auction Procedures.
"Auction Agent" means IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company unless and
until another commercial bank, trust company or other financial institution
appointed by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Corporation or a duly
authorized committee thereof enters into an agreement with the Corporation to
follow the Auction Procedures for the purpose of determining the Applicable Rate
and to act as transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and
redemption agent for the AMPS and Other AMPS.
"Auction Procedures" means the procedures for conducting Auctions set
forth in paragraph 10 of these Articles Supplementary.
"Beneficial Owner" means a customer of a Broker-Dealer who is listed on
the records of that Broker-Dealer (or, if applicable, the Auction Agent) as a
holder of shares of AMPS or a Broker-Dealer that holds AMPS for its own account.
"Broker-Dealer" means any broker-dealer, or other entity permitted by
law to perform the functions required of a Broker-Dealer in paragraph 10 of
these Articles Supplementary, that has been selected by the Corporation and has
entered into a Broker-Dealer Agreement with the Auction Agent that remains
effective.
7
<PAGE> 8
"Broker-Dealer Agreement" means an agreement between the Auction Agent
and a Broker-Dealer pursuant to which such Broker-Dealer agrees to follow the
procedures specified in paragraph 10 of these Articles Supplementary.
"Business Day" means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
is open for trading and which is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which
banks in The City of New York are authorized or obligated by law to close.
"New York Municipal Bonds" means Municipal Bonds issued by or on behalf
of the State of New York, its political subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities and by other qualifying issuers that pay interest which, in
the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, is exempt from Federal and New York
income taxes, and includes Inverse Floaters.
"Charter" means the Articles of Incorporation, as amended and
supplemented (including these Articles Supplementary), of the Corporation on
file in the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Commercial Paper Dealers" means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated and such other commercial paper dealer or dealers as the
Corporation may from time to time appoint, or, in lieu of any thereof, their
respective affiliates or successors.
"Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $.10 per share, of the
Corporation.
"Corporation" means MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc., a
Maryland corporation.
8
<PAGE> 9
"Date of Original Issue" means, with respect to any share of AMPS or
Other AMPS, the date on which the Corporation originally issues such share.
"Deposit Securities" means cash and New York Municipal Bonds and
Municipal Bonds rated at least A2 (having a remaining maturity of 12 months or
less), P-1, VMIG-1 or MIG-1 by Moody's or A (having a remaining maturity of 12
months or less), A-1+ or SP-1+ by S&P.
"Discounted Value" means (i) with respect to an S&P Eligible Asset, the
quotient of the Market Value thereof divided by the applicable S&P Discount
Factor and (ii) with respect to a Moody's Eligible Asset, the lower of par and
the quotient of the Market Value thereof divided by the applicable Moody's
Discount Factor.
"Dividend Payment Date," with respect to AMPS, has the meaning set
forth in paragraph 2(b)(i) of these Articles Supplementary and, with respect to
Other AMPS, has the equivalent meaning.
"Dividend Period" means the Initial Dividend Period, any 7-Day Dividend
Period and any Special Dividend Period.
"Existing Holder" means a Broker-Dealer or any such other Person as may
be permitted by the Corporation that is listed as the holder of record of shares
of AMPS in the Stock Books.
"Fitch" means Fitch IBCA, Inc. or its successors.
"Forward Commitment" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 8(c) of
these Articles Supplementary.
9
<PAGE> 10
"Holder" means a Person identified as a holder of record of shares of
AMPS in the Stock Register.
"Independent Accountant" means a nationally recognized accountant, or
firm of accountants, that is, with respect to the Corporation, an independent
public accountant or firm of independent public accountants under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended.
"Initial Dividend Payment Date" means the Initial Dividend Payment Date
as determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation with respect to the
AMPS or Other AMPS, as the case may be.
"Initial Dividend Period," with respect to the AMPS, has the meaning
set forth in paragraph 2(c)(i) of these Articles Supplementary and, with respect
to Other AMPS, has the equivalent meaning.
"Initial Dividend Rate," with respect to the AMPS, means the rate per
annum applicable to the Initial Dividend Period for the AMPS and, with respect
to Other AMPS, has the equivalent meaning.
"Initial Margin" means the amount of cash or securities deposited with
a broker as a margin payment at the time of purchase or sale of a futures
contract.
"Interest Equivalent" means a yield on a 360-day basis of a discount
basis security which is equal to the yield on an equivalent interest-bearing
security.
"Inverse Floaters" means trust certificates or other instruments
evidencing interests in one or more New York Municipal Bonds that qualify as S&P
Eligible Assets (and are not part of a
10
<PAGE> 11
private placement of New York Municipal Bonds and satisfy the issuer and
original size requirements of clause (vi) of the definition of S&P Eligible
Assets) the interest rates on which are adjusted at short term intervals on a
basis that is inverse to the simultaneous readjustment of the interest rates on
corresponding floating rate trust certificates or other instruments issued by
the same issuer, provided that the ratio of the aggregate dollar amount of
floating rate instruments to inverse floating rate instruments issued by the
same issuer does not exceed one to one at their time of original issuance unless
the floating rate instruments have only one reset remaining until maturity.
"Long Term Dividend Period" means a Special Dividend Period consisting
of a specified period of one whole year or more but not greater than five years.
"Mandatory Redemption Price" means $25,000 per share of AMPS plus an
amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or
declared) to the date fixed for redemption and excluding Additional Dividends.
"Marginal Tax Rate" means the maximum marginal regular Federal
individual income tax rate applicable to ordinary income or the maximum marginal
regular Federal corporate income tax rate, whichever is greater.
"Market Value" of any asset of the Corporation shall be the market
value thereof determined by the Pricing Service. Market Value of any asset shall
include any interest accrued thereon. The Pricing Service shall value portfolio
securities at the quoted bid prices or the mean between the quoted bid and asked
price or the yield equivalent when quotations are not readily available.
Securities for which quotations are not readily available shall be valued at
fair value
11
<PAGE> 12
as determined by the Pricing Service using methods which include consideration
of: yields or prices of municipal bonds of comparable quality, type of issue,
coupon, maturity and rating; indications as to value from dealers; and general
market conditions. The Pricing Service may employ electronic data processing
techniques and/or a matrix system to determine valuations. In the event the
Pricing Service is unable to value a security, the security shall be valued at
the lower of two dealer bids obtained by the Corporation from dealers who are
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and who make a
market in the security, at least one of which shall be in writing. Futures
contracts and options are valued at closing prices for such instruments
established by the exchange or board of trade on which they are traded, or if
market quotations are not readily available, are valued at fair value on a
consistent basis using methods determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors.
"Maximum Applicable Rate," with respect to AMPS, has the meaning set
forth in paragraph 10(a)(vii) of these Articles Supplementary and, with respect
to Other AMPS, has the equivalent meaning.
"Maximum Potential Additional Dividend Liability," as of any Valuation
Date, means the aggregate amount of Additional Dividends that would be due if
the Corporation were to make Retroactive Taxable Allocations, with respect to
any fiscal year, estimated based upon dividends paid and the amount of
undistributed realized net capital gains and other taxable income earned by the
Corporation, as of the end of the calendar month immediately preceding such
Valuation Date and assuming such Additional Dividends are fully taxable.
"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or its successors.
12
<PAGE> 13
"Moody's Discount Factor" means, for purposes of determining the
Discounted Value of any New York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond which
constitutes a Moody's Eligible Asset, the percentage determined by reference to
(a)(i) the rating by Moody's or S&P on such Bond or (ii) in the event the
Moody's Eligible Asset is insured under a Policy and the terms of the Policy
permit the Corporation, at its option, to obtain other insurance guaranteeing
the timely payment of interest on such Moody's Eligible Asset and principal
thereof to maturity, the Moody's insurance claims-paying ability rating of the
issuer of the Policy or (iii) in the event the Moody's Eligible Asset is insured
under an insurance policy which guarantees the timely payment of interest on
such Moody's Eligible Asset and principal thereof to maturity, the Moody's
insurance claims-paying ability rating of the issuer of the insurance policy
(provided that for purposes of clauses (ii) and (iii) if the insurance
claims-paying ability of an issuer of a Policy or insurance policy is not rated
by Moody's but is rated by S&P, such issuer shall be deemed to have a Moody's
insurance claims-paying ability rating which is two full categories lower than
the S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating) and (b) the Moody's Exposure
Period, in accordance with the table set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Category
------------------
Moody's Exposure Period Aaa* Aa* A* Baa* Other** VMIG-1*** SP-1+***
----------------------- ---- --- -- ---- ------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
7 weeks or less............... 151% 159% 168% 202% 229% 136% 148%
8 weeks or less but
greater than seven weeks...... 154 164 173 205 235 137 149
9 weeks or less but
greater than eight weeks...... 158 169 179 209 242 138 150
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Moody's rating.
** New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds not rated by Moody's but
rated BBB or BBB+ by S&P.
*** New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds rated MIG-1, VMIG-1 or P-1
or, if not rated by Moody's, rated SP-1+ or A-1+ by S&P which do not mature or
have a demand feature at par exercisable within the Moody's Exposure Period and
which do not have a long-term rating. For the purposes of the definition of
Moody's Eligible Assets, these securities will have an assumed rating of "A" by
Moody's.
13
<PAGE> 14
; provided, however, in the event a Moody's Discount Factor applicable to a
Moody's Eligible Asset is determined by reference to an insurance claims-paying
ability rating in accordance with clause (a)(ii) or (a)(iii), such Moody's
Discount Factor shall be increased by an amount equal to 50% of the difference
between (a) the percentage set forth in the foregoing table under the applicable
rating category and (b) the percentage set forth in the foregoing table under
the rating category which is one category lower than the applicable rating
category.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no Moody's Discount Factor will be
applied to short-term New York Municipal Bonds and short-term Municipal Bonds,
so long as such New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds are rated at least
MIG-1, VMIG-1 or P-1 by Moody's and mature or have a demand feature at par
exercisable within the Moody's Exposure Period, and the Moody's Discount Factor
for such Bonds will be 125% if such Bonds are not rated by Moody's but are rated
A-1+ or SP-1+ or AA by S&P and mature or have a demand feature at par
exercisable within the Moody's Exposure Period, and (ii) no Moody's Discount
Factor will be applied to cash or to Receivables for New York Municipal Bonds or
Municipal Bonds Sold. "Receivables for New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal
Bonds Sold," for purposes of calculating Moody's Eligible Assets as of any
Valuation Date, means no more than the aggregate of the following: (i) the book
value of receivables for New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds sold as of
or prior to such Valuation Date if such receivables are due within five Business
Days of such Valuation Date, and if the trades which generated such receivables
are (x) settled through clearing house firms with respect to which the
Corporation has received prior written authorization from Moody's or (y) with
counterparties having a Moody's long-term debt rating of at least Baa3; and (ii)
the Moody's Discounted Value of New York Municipal
14
<PAGE> 15
Bonds or Municipal Bonds sold as of or prior to such Valuation Date which
generated receivables, if such receivables are due within five Business Days of
such Valuation Date but do not comply with either of conditions (x) or (y) of
the preceding clause (i).
"Moody's Eligible Asset" means cash, Receivables for New York Municipal
Bonds or Municipal Bonds Sold, a New York Municipal Bond or a Municipal Bond
that (i) pays interest in cash, (ii) is publicly rated Baa or higher by Moody's
or, if not rated by Moody's but rated by S&P, is rated at least BBB by S&P
(provided that, for purposes of determining the Moody's Discount Factor
applicable to any such S&P-rated New York Municipal Bond or S&P-rated Municipal
Bond, such New York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond (excluding any short-term
New York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond) will be deemed to have a Moody's
rating which is one full rating category lower than its S&P rating), (iii) does
not have its Moody's rating suspended by Moody's; and (iv) is part of an issue
of New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds of at least $10,000,000. In
addition, New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds in the Corporation's
portfolio must be within the following diversification requirements in order to
be included within Moody's Eligible Assets:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Minimum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum
Issue Size Underlying Issue Type County State or Territory
Rating ($ Millions) Obligor (%)(1) Concentration(%)(1)(3) Concentration(%)(1)(4) Concentration (1)(5)
- ------ ------------ -------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Aaa........ 10 100 100 100 100
Aa......... 10 20 60 60 60
A.......... 10 10 40 40 40
Baa........ 10 6 20 20 20
Other(2)... 10 4 12 12 12
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) The referenced percentages represent maximum cumulative totals for the
related rating category and each lower rating category.
(2) New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds not rated by Moody's but
rated BBB or BBB+ by S&P.
(3) Does not apply to general obligation bonds.
(4) Applicable to general obligation bonds only.
(5) Does not apply to New York Municipal Bonds. Territorial bonds (other
than those issued by Puerto Rico and counted collectively) are each
limited to 10% of Moody's Eligible Assets. For diversification
purposes, Puerto Rico will be treated as a state.
15
<PAGE> 16
For purposes of the maximum underlying obligor requirement described above, any
New York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond backed by the guaranty, letter of
credit or insurance issued by a third party will be deemed to be issued by such
third party if the issuance of such third party credit is the sole determinant
of the rating on such Bond. For purposes of the issue type concentration
requirement described above, New York Municipal Bonds and Municipal Bonds will
be classified within one of the following categories: health care issues
(teaching and non-teaching hospitals, public and private), housing issues
(single- and multi-family), educational facilities issues (public and private
schools), student loan issues, resource recovery issues, transportation issues
(mass transit, airport and highway bonds), industrial revenue/pollution control
bond issues, utility issues (including water, sewer and electricity), general
obligation issues, lease obligations/certificates of participation, escrowed
bonds and other issues ("Other Issues") not falling within one of the
aforementioned categories (includes special obligations to crossover, excise and
sales tax revenue, recreation revenue, special assessment and telephone revenue
bonds). In no event shall (a) more than 10% of Moody's Eligible Assets consist
of student loan issues, (b) more than 10% of Moody's Eligible Assets consist of
resource recovery issues or (c) more than 10% of Moody's Eligible Assets consist
of Other Issues.
When the Corporation sells a New York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond
and agrees to repurchase it at a future date, the Discounted Value of such Bond
will constitute a Moody's Eligible Asset and the amount the Corporation is
required to pay upon repurchase of such Bond will count as a liability for
purposes of calculating the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount. When the Corporation
purchases a New York Municipal Bond or Municipal Bond and agrees to sell it at a
future date to another party, cash receivable by the Corporation thereby will
constitute
16
<PAGE> 17
a Moody's Eligible Asset if the long-term debt of such other party is rated at
least A2 by Moody's and such agreement has a term of 30 days or less; otherwise
the Discounted Value of such Bond will constitute a Moody's Eligible Asset.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an asset will not be considered a
Moody's Eligible Asset if it is (i) held in a margin account, (ii) subject to
any material lien, mortgage, pledge, security interest or security agreement of
any kind, (iii) held for the purchase of a security pursuant to a Forward
Commitment or (iv) irrevocably deposited by the Corporation for the payment of
dividends or redemption.
"Moody's Exposure Period" means a period that is the same length or
longer than the number of days used in calculating the cash dividend component
of the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount and shall initially be the period
commencing on and including a given Valuation Date and ending 48 days
thereafter.
"Moody's Hedging Transactions" has the meaning set forth in paragraph
8(b) of these Articles Supplementary.
"Moody's Volatility Factor" means 272% as long as there has been no
increase enacted to the Marginal Tax Rate. If such an increase is enacted but
not yet implemented, the Moody's Volatility Factor shall be as follows:
17
<PAGE> 18
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% Change in Marginal Moody's Volatility
Tax Rate Factor
-------------------- ------------------
<S> <C>
Greater Than 5% 292%
Greater Than 5% but Less Than or Equal To 10% 313%
Greater Than 10% but Less Than or Equal To 15% 338%
Greater Than 15% but Less Than or Equal To 20% 364%
Greater Than 20% but Less Than or Equal To 25% 396%
Greater Than 25% but Less Than or Equal To 30% 432%
Greater Than 30% but Less Than or Equal To 35% 472%
Greater Than 35% but Less Than or Equal To 40% 520%
</TABLE>
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Moody's Volatility Factor may mean such other
potential dividend rate increase factor as Moody's advises the Corporation in
writing is applicable.
"Municipal Bonds" means "Municipal Bonds" as defined in the
Corporation's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-77517) relating
to the AMPS on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as such
Registration Statement may be amended from time to time, as well as short-term
municipal obligations and Inverse Floaters.
"Municipal Index" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 8(a) of these
Articles Supplementary.
"1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from
time to time.
"1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage" means asset coverage, as defined in
section 18(h) of the 1940 Act, of at least 200% with respect to all outstanding
senior securities of the Corporation which are stock, including all outstanding
shares of AMPS and Other AMPS (or such other asset coverage as may in the future
be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset
18
<PAGE> 19
coverage for senior securities which are stock of a closed-end investment
company as a condition of paying dividends on its common stock).
"1940 Act Cure Date," with respect to the failure by the Corporation to
maintain the 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage (as required by paragraph 6 of these
Articles Supplementary) as of the last Business Day of each month, means the
last Business Day of the following month.
"Non-Call Period" has the meaning set forth under the definition of
"Specific Redemption Provisions".
"Non-Payment Period" means, with respect to the AMPS, any period
commencing on and including the day on which the Corporation shall fail to (i)
declare, prior to the close of business on the second Business Day preceding any
Dividend Payment Date, for payment on or (to the extent permitted by paragraph
2(c)(i) of these Articles Supplementary) within three Business Days after such
Dividend Payment Date to the Holders as of 12:00 noon, New York City time, on
the Business Day preceding such Dividend Payment Date, the full amount of any
dividend on shares of AMPS payable on such Dividend Payment Date or (ii)
deposit, irrevocably in trust, in same-day funds, with the Auction Agent by
12:00 noon, New York City time, (A) on such Dividend Payment Date the full
amount of any cash dividend on such shares payable (if declared) on such
Dividend Payment Date or (B) on any redemption date for any shares of AMPS
called for redemption, the Mandatory Redemption Price per share of such AMPS or,
in the case of an optional redemption, the Optional Redemption Price per share,
and ending on and including the Business Day on which, by 12:00 noon, New York
City time, all unpaid cash dividends and unpaid redemption prices shall have
been so deposited or shall have otherwise
19
<PAGE> 20
been made available to Holders in same-day funds; provided that, a Non-Payment
Period shall not end unless the Corporation shall have given at least five days'
but no more than 30 days' written notice of such deposit or availability to the
Auction Agent, all Existing Holders (at their addresses appearing in the Stock
Books) and the Securities Depository. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure
by the Corporation to deposit funds as provided for by clauses (ii)(A) or
(ii)(B) above within three Business Days after any Dividend Payment Date or
redemption date, as the case may be, in each case to the extent contemplated by
paragraph 2(c)(i) of these Articles Supplementary, shall not constitute a
"Non-Payment Period."
"Non-Payment Period Rate" means, initially, 200% of the applicable
Reference Rate (or 275% of such rate if the Corporation has provided
notification to the Auction Agent prior to the Auction establishing the
Applicable Rate for any dividend pursuant to paragraph 2(f) hereof that net
capital gains or other taxable income will be included in such dividend on
shares of AMPS), provided that the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall
have the authority to adjust, modify, alter or change from time to time the
initial Non-Payment Period Rate if the Board of Directors of the Corporation
determines and Moody's and S&P (and any Substitute Rating Agency in lieu of
Moody's or S&P in the event either of such parties shall not rate the AMPS)
advise the Corporation in writing that such adjustment, modification, alteration
or change will not adversely affect their then-current ratings on the AMPS.
"Normal Dividend Payment Date" has the meaning set forth in paragraph
2(b)(i) of these Articles Supplementary.
20
<PAGE> 21
"Notice of Redemption" means any notice with respect to the redemption
of shares of AMPS pursuant to paragraph 4 of these Articles Supplementary.
"Notice of Revocation" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 2(c)(iii)
of these Articles Supplementary.
"Notice of Special Dividend Period" has the meaning set forth in
paragraph 2(c)(iii) of these Articles Supplementary.
"Optional Redemption Price" means $25,000 per share plus an amount
equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) to
the date fixed for redemption and excluding Additional Dividends plus any
applicable redemption premium attributable to the designation of a Premium Call
Period.
"Other AMPS" means the auction rate preferred stock of the Corporation,
other than the AMPS.
"Outstanding" means, as of any date (i) with respect to AMPS, shares of
AMPS theretofore issued by the Corporation except, without duplication, (A) any
shares of AMPS theretofore cancelled or delivered to the Auction Agent for
cancellation, or redeemed by the Corporation, or as to which a Notice of
Redemption shall have been given and Deposit Securities shall have been
deposited in trust or segregated by the Corporation pursuant to paragraph 4(c)
and (B) any shares of AMPS as to which the Corporation or any Affiliate thereof
shall be a Beneficial Owner, provided that shares of AMPS held by an Affiliate
shall be deemed
21
<PAGE> 22
outstanding for purposes of calculating the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount and
(ii) with respect to shares of other Preferred Stock, has the equivalent
meaning.
"Parity Stock" means the AMPS and each other outstanding series of
Preferred Stock the holders of which, together with the holders of the AMPS,
shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in proportion to the
full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled, without
preference or priority one over the other.
"Person" means and includes an individual, a partnership, a
corporation, a trust, an unincorporated association, a joint venture or other
entity or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Policy" means an insurance policy purchased by the Corporation which
guarantees the payment of principal and interest on specified New York Municipal
Bonds or Municipal Bonds during the period in which such New York Municipal
Bonds or Municipal Bonds are owned by the Corporation; provided, however, that,
as long as the AMPS are rated by Moody's and S&P, the Corporation will not
obtain any Policy unless Moody's and S&P advise the Corporation in writing that
the purchase of such Policy will not adversely affect their then-current rating
on the AMPS.
"Potential Beneficial Owner" means a customer of a Broker-Dealer or a
Broker-Dealer that is not a Beneficial Owner of shares of AMPS but that wishes
to purchase such shares, or that is a Beneficial Owner that wishes to purchase
additional shares of AMPS.
22
<PAGE> 23
"Potential Holder" means any Broker-Dealer or any such other Person as
may be permitted by the Corporation, including any Existing Holder, who may be
interested in acquiring shares of AMPS (or, in the case of an Existing Holder,
additional shares of AMPS).
"Preferred Stock" means the preferred stock, par value $.10 per share,
of the Corporation, and includes AMPS and Other AMPS.
"Premium Call Period" has the meaning set forth under the definition of
"Specific Redemption Provisions."
"Pricing Service" means J.J. Kenny or any pricing service designated by
the Board of Directors of the Corporation provided the Corporation obtains
written assurance from S&P and Moody's that such designation will not impair the
rating then assigned by S&P and Moody's to the AMPS.
"Quarterly Valuation Date" means the twenty-fifth day of the last month
of each fiscal quarter of the Corporation (or, if such day is not a Business
Day, the next succeeding Business Day) in each fiscal year of the Corporation,
commencing November 25, 1999.
"Receivables for New York Municipal Bonds Sold" has the meaning set
forth under the definition of S&P Discount Factor.
"Receivables for New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds Sold" has
the meaning set forth under the definition of Moody's Discount Factor.
"Reference Rate" means: (i) with respect to a Dividend Period or a
Short Term Dividend Period having 28 or fewer days, the higher of the applicable
"AA" Composite Commercial Paper
23
<PAGE> 24
Rate and the Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate, (ii) with
respect to any Short Term Dividend Period having more than 28 but fewer than 183
days, the applicable "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate, (iii) with respect to
any Short Term Dividend Period having 183 or more but fewer than 364 days, the
applicable U.S. Treasury Bill Rate and (iv) with respect to any Long Term
Dividend Period, the applicable U.S. Treasury Note Rate.
"Request for Special Dividend Period" has the meaning set forth in
paragraph 2(c)(iii) of these Articles Supplementary.
"Response" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 2(c)(iii) of these
Articles Supplementary.
"Retroactive Taxable Allocation" has the meaning set forth in paragraph
2(e) of these Articles Supplementary.
"Right," with respect to the AMPS, has the meaning set forth in
paragraph 2(e) of these Articles Supplementary and, with respect to Other AMPS,
has the equivalent meaning.
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw Hill Companies,
Inc. or its successors.
"S&P Discount Factor" means, for purposes of determining the Discounted
Value of any New York Municipal Bond which constitutes an S&P Eligible Asset,
the percentage determined by reference to (a)(i) the rating by S&P, Moody's or
Fitch on such Bond or (ii) in the event the New York Municipal Bond is insured
under a Policy and the terms of the Policy permit the Corporation, at its
option, to obtain other permanent insurance guaranteeing the timely payment
24
<PAGE> 25
of interest on such New York Municipal Bond and principal thereof to maturity,
the S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating of the issuer of the Policy or
(iii) in the event the New York Municipal Bond is insured under an insurance
policy which guarantees the timely payment of interest on such New York
Municipal Bond and principal thereof to maturity, the S&P insurance
claims-paying ability rating of the issuer of the insurance policy and (b) the
S&P Exposure Period, in accordance with the tables set forth below:
For New York Municipal Bonds:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Category
-------------------------------------
S&P Exposure Period AAA* AA* A* BBB*
- ------------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
45 Business Days 210% 215% 230% 270%
25 Business Days 190 195 210 250
10 Business Days 175 180 195 235
7 Business Days 170 175 190 230
3 Business Days 150 155 170 210
</TABLE>
- ----------
* S&P rating.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the S&P Discount Factor for
short-term New York Municipal Bonds will be 115%, so long as such New York
Municipal Bonds are rated A-1+ or SP-1+ by S&P and mature or have a demand
feature exercisable in 30 days or less, or 120% so long as such New York
Municipal Bonds are rated A-1 or SP-1 by S&P and mature or have a demand feature
exercisable in 30 days or less, or 125% if such New York Municipal Bonds are not
rated by S&P but are rated VMIG-1, P-1 or MIG-1 by Moody's or F-1+ by Fitch;
provided, however, such short-term New York Municipal Bonds rated by Moody's or
Fitch but not rated by S&P having a demand feature exercisable in 30 days or
less must be backed by a letter of credit, liquidity facility or guarantee from
a bank or other financial institution having a short-term rating of at least
A-1+ from S&P; and further provided that such short-term New York
25
<PAGE> 26
Municipal Bonds rated by Moody's or Fitch but not rated by S&P may comprise no
more than 50% of short-term New York Municipal Bonds that qualify as S&P
Eligible Assets, (ii) the S&P Discount Factor for Receivables for New York
Municipal Bonds Sold that are due in more than five Business Days from such
Valuation Date will be the S&P Discount Factor applicable to the New York
Municipal Bonds sold, and (iii) no S&P Discount Factor will be applied to cash
or to Receivables for New York Municipal Bonds Sold if such receivables are due
within five Business Days of such Valuation Date. "Receivables for New York
Municipal Bonds Sold," for purposes of calculating S&P Eligible Assets as of any
Valuation Date, means the book value of receivables for New York Municipal Bonds
sold as of or prior to such Valuation Date. The Corporation may adopt S&P
Discount Factors for Municipal Bonds other than New York Municipal Bonds
provided that S&P advises the Corporation in writing that such action will not
adversely affect its then current rating on the AMPS. For purposes of the
foregoing, Anticipation Notes rated SP-1 or, if not rated by S&P, rated VMIG-1
by Moody's or F-1+ by Fitch, which do not mature or have a demand feature
exercisable in 30 days and which do not have a long-term rating, shall be
considered to be short-term New York Municipal Bonds.
"S&P Eligible Asset" means cash, Receivables for New York Municipal
Bonds Sold or a New York Municipal Bond that (i) is interest bearing and pays
interest at least semi-annually; (ii) is payable with respect to principal and
interest in United States Dollars; (iii) is publicly rated BBB or higher by S&P
or, except in the case of Anticipation Notes that are grant anticipation notes
or bond anticipation notes which must be rated by S&P to be included in S&P
Eligible Assets, if not rated by S&P but rated by Moody's or Fitch, is rated at
least A by Moody's or Fitch (provided that such Moody's-rated or Fitch-rated New
York Municipal Bonds will be
26
<PAGE> 27
included in S&P Eligible Assets only to the extent the Market Value of such New
York Municipal Bonds does not exceed 50% of the aggregate Market Value of the
S&P Eligible Assets; and further provided that, for purposes of determining the
S&P Discount Factor applicable to any such Moody's-rated or Fitch-rated New York
Municipal Bond, such New York Municipal Bond will be deemed to have an S&P
rating which is one full rating category lower than its Moody's rating or Fitch
rating); (iv) is not subject to a covered call or covered put option written by
the Corporation; (v) except for Inverse Floaters, is not part of a private
placement of New York Municipal Bonds; and (vi) except for Inverse Floaters, is
part of an issue of New York Municipal Bonds with an original issue size of at
least $20 million or, if of an issue with an original issue size below $20
million (but in no event below $10 million), is issued by an issuer with a total
of at least $50 million of securities outstanding. Notwithstanding the
foregoing:
(1) New York Municipal Bonds of any one issuer or guarantor
(excluding bond insurers) will be considered S&P Eligible Assets only to the
extent the Market Value of such New York Municipal Bonds does not exceed 10% of
the aggregate Market Value of the S&P Eligible Assets, provided that 2% is added
to the applicable S&P Discount Factor for every 1% by which the Market Value of
such New York Municipal Bonds exceeds 5% of the aggregate Market Value of the
S&P Eligible Assets;
(2) New York Municipal Bonds of any one issue type category
(as described below) will be considered S&P Eligible Assets only to the extent
the Market Value of such Bonds does not exceed 25% of the aggregate Market Value
of S&P Eligible Assets, except that New York Municipal Bonds falling within the
utility issue type category will be broken down into three sub-categories (as
described below) and such New York Municipal Bonds will be
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<PAGE> 28
considered S&P Eligible Assets to the extent the Market Value of such Bonds in
each such sub-category does not exceed 25% of the aggregate Market Value of S&P
Eligible Assets, except that New York Municipal Bonds falling within the
transportation issue type category will be broken down into two sub-categories
(as described below) and such New York Municipal Bonds will be considered S&P
Eligible Assets to the extent the Market Value of such Bonds in both
sub-categories combined (as described below) does not exceed 40% of the
aggregate Market Value of S&P Eligible Assets and except that New York Municipal
Bonds falling within the general obligation issue type category will be
considered S&P Eligible Assets to the extent the Market Value of such Bonds does
not exceed 50% of the aggregate Market Value of S&P Eligible Assets. For
purposes of the issue type category requirement described above, New York
Municipal Bonds will be classified within one of the following categories:
health care issues, housing issues, educational facilities issues, student loan
issues, transportation issues, industrial development bond issues, utility
issues, general obligation issues, lease obligations, escrowed bonds and other
issues not falling within one of the aforementioned categories. The general
obligation issue type category includes any issuer that is directly or
indirectly guaranteed by the State of New York or its political subdivisions.
Utility issuers are included in the general obligation issue type category if
the issuer is directly or indirectly guaranteed by the State of New York or its
political subdivisions. For purposes of the issue type category requirement
described above, New York Municipal Bonds in the utility issue type category
will be classified within one of the three following sub-categories: (i)
electric, gas and combination issues (if the combination issue includes an
electric issue), (ii) water and sewer utilities and combination issues (if the
combination issue does not include an electric issue), and (iii) irrigation,
resource recovery, solid waste and other utilities, provided that New York
Municipal Bonds included in
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<PAGE> 29
this sub-category (iii) must be rated by S&P in order to be included in S&P
Eligible Assets. For purposes of the issue type category requirement described
above, New York Municipal Bonds in the transportation issue type category will
be classified within one of the two following sub-categories: (i) streets and
highways, toll roads, bridges and tunnels, airports and multi-purpose port
authorities (multiple revenue streams generated by toll roads, airports, real
estate, bridges), (ii) mass transit, parking, seaports and others. Exposure to
transportation sub-category (i) in the preceding sentence is limited to 25% of
the aggregate Market Value of S&P Eligible Assets, provided, however, exposure
to transportation sub-category (ii) in the preceding sentence can exceed the 25%
limit to the extent that exposure to transportation sub-category (ii) is
reduced, for a total exposure up to and not exceeding 40% of the aggregate
Market Value of S&P Eligible Assets for the transportation issue type category;
and
(3) New York Municipal Bonds which are escrow bonds or
defeased bonds may compose up to 100% of the aggregate Market Value of S&P
Eligible Assets if such Bonds initially are assigned a rating by S&P in
accordance with S&P's legal defeasance criteria or rerated by S&P as economic
defeased escrow bonds and assigned an AAA rating. New York Municipal Bonds may
be rated as escrow bonds by another nationally recognized rating agency or
rerated as an escrow bond and assigned the equivalent of an S&P AAA rating,
provided that such equivalent rated Bonds are limited to 50% of the aggregate
Market Value of S&P Eligible Assets and are deemed to have an AA S&P rating for
purposes of determining the S&P Discount Factor applicable to such New York
Municipal Bonds. The limitations on New York Municipal Bonds of any one issuer
in clause (1) above is not applicable to escrow bonds, however, economically
defeased bonds that are either initially rate or rerated by S&P or another
nationally
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<PAGE> 30
recognized rating agency and assigned the same rating level as the issuer of the
Bonds will remain in its original issue type category set forth in clause (2)
above. New York Municipal Bonds that are legally defeased and secured by
securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government are not required
to meet the minimum issuance size requirement set forth above.
The Corporation may include Municipal Bonds other than New York
Municipal Bonds as S&P Eligible Assets pursuant to guidelines and restrictions
to be established by S&P provided that S&P advises the Corporation in writing
that such action will not adversely affect its then current rating on the AMPS.
"S&P Exposure Period" means the maximum period of time following a
Valuation Date, including the Valuation Date and the AMPS Basic Maintenance Cure
Date, that the Corporation has under these Articles Supplementary to cure any
failure to maintain, as of such Valuation Date, the Discounted Value for its
portfolio at least equal to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount (as described in
paragraph 7(a) of these Articles Supplementary).
"S&P Hedging Transactions" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 8(a)
of these Articles Supplementary.
"S&P Volatility Factor" means 277% or such other potential dividend
rate increase factor as S&P advises the Corporation in writing is applicable.
"Securities Depository" means The Depository Trust Company or any
successor company or other entities elected by the Corporation as securities
depository for the shares of
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<PAGE> 31
AMPS that agrees to follow the procedures required to be followed by such
securities depository in connection with the shares of AMPS.
"Service" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"7-Day Dividend Period" means a Dividend Period consisting of seven
days.
"Short Term Dividend Period" means a Special Dividend Period consisting
of a specified number of days (other than seven) evenly divisible by seven and
not fewer than seven nor more than 364.
"Special Dividend Period" means a Dividend Period consisting of (i) a
specified number of days (other than seven), evenly divisible by seven and not
fewer than seven nor more than 364 or (ii) a specified period of one whole year
or more but not greater than five years (in each case subject to adjustment as
provided in paragraph 2(b)(i)).
"Specific Redemption Provisions" means, with respect to a Special
Dividend Period either, or any combination of, (i) a period (a "Non-Call
Period") determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, after
consultation with the Auction Agent and the Broker-Dealers, during which the
shares of AMPS subject to such Dividend Period shall not be subject to
redemption at the option of the Corporation and (ii) a period (a "Premium Call
Period"), consisting of a number of whole years and determined by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation, after consultation with the Auction Agent and the
Broker-Dealers, during each year of which the shares of AMPS subject to such
Dividend Period shall be redeemable at the Corporation's option at a price per
share equal to $25,000 plus accumulated but unpaid dividends
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<PAGE> 32
plus a premium expressed as a percentage of $25,000, as determined by the Board
of Directors of the Corporation after consultation with the Auction Agent and
the Broker-Dealers.
"Stock Books" means the books maintained by the Auction Agent setting
forth at all times a current list, as determined by the Auction Agent, of
Existing Holders of the AMPS.
"Stock Register" means the register of Holders maintained on behalf of
the Corporation by the Auction Agent in its capacity as transfer agent and
registrar for the AMPS.
"Subsequent Dividend Period," with respect to AMPS, has the meaning set
forth in paragraph 2(c)(i) of these Articles Supplementary and, with respect to
Other AMPS, has the equivalent meaning.
"Substitute Commercial Paper Dealers" means such Substitute Commercial
Paper Dealer or Dealers as the Corporation may from time to time appoint or, in
lieu of any thereof, their respective affiliates or successors.
"Substitute Rating Agency" and "Substitute Rating Agencies" mean a
nationally recognized statistical rating organization or two nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations, respectively, selected by Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or its affiliates and successors,
after consultation with the Corporation, to act as the substitute rating agency
or substitute rating agencies, as the case may be, to determine the credit
ratings of the shares of AMPS.
"Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate" on any date
means 90% of the quotient of (A) the per annum rate expressed on an interest
equivalent basis equal to the
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Kenny S&P 30-day High Grade Index (the "Kenny Index") or any successor index,
made available for the Business Day immediately preceding such date but in any
event not later than 8:30 A.M., New York City time, on such date by Kenny
Information Systems Inc. or any successor thereto, based upon 30-day yield
evaluations at par of bonds the interest on which is excludable for regular
Federal income tax purposes under the Code of "high grade" component issuers
selected by Kenny Information Systems Inc. or any such successor from time to
time in its discretion, which component issuers shall include, without
limitation, issuers of general obligation bonds but shall exclude any bonds the
interest on which constitutes an item of tax preference under Section 57(a)(5)
of the Code, or successor provisions, for purposes of the "alternative minimum
tax," divided by (B) 1.00 minus the Marginal Tax Rate (expressed as a decimal);
provided, however, that if the Kenny Index is not made so available by 8:30
A.M., New York City time, on such date by Kenny Information Systems Inc. or any
successor, the Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate shall
mean the quotient of (A) the per annum rate expressed on an interest equivalent
basis equal to the most recent Kenny Index so made available for any preceding
Business Day, divided by (B) 1.00 minus the Marginal Tax Rate (expressed as a
decimal). The Corporation may not utilize a successor index to the Kenny Index
unless Moody's and S&P provide the Corporation with written confirmation that
the use of such successor index will not adversely affect the then-current
respective Moody's and S&P ratings of the AMPS.
"Treasury Bonds" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 8(a) of these
Articles Supplementary.
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"U.S. Treasury Bill Rate" on any date means (i) the Interest Equivalent
of the rate on the actively traded Treasury Bill with a maturity most nearly
comparable to the length of the related Dividend Period, as such rate is made
available on a discount basis or otherwise by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York in its Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities report
for such Business Day, or (ii) if such yield as so calculated is not available,
the Alternate Treasury Bill Rate on such date. "Alternate Treasury Bill Rate" on
any date means the Interest Equivalent of the yield as calculated by reference
to the arithmetic average of the bid price quotations of the actively traded
Treasury Bill with a maturity most nearly comparable to the length of the
related Dividend Period, as determined by bid price quotations as of any time on
the Business Day immediately preceding such date, obtained from at least three
recognized primary U.S. Government securities dealers selected by the Auction
Agent.
"U.S. Treasury Note Rate" on any date means (i) the yield as calculated
by reference to the bid price quotation of the actively traded, current coupon
Treasury Note with a maturity most nearly comparable to the length of the
related Dividend Period, as such bid price quotation is published on the
Business Day immediately preceding such date by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York in its Composite 3:30 P.M. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities report
for such Business Day, or (ii) if such yield as so calculated is not available,
the Alternate Treasury Note Rate on such date. "Alternate Treasury Note Rate" on
any date means the yield as calculated by reference to the arithmetic average of
the bid price quotations of the actively traded, current coupon Treasury Note
with a maturity most nearly comparable to the length of the related Dividend
Period, as determined by the bid price quotations as of any time on the Business
Day
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<PAGE> 35
immediately preceding such date, obtained from at least three recognized primary
U.S. Government securities dealers selected by the Auction Agent.
"Valuation Date" means, for purposes of determining whether the
Corporation is maintaining the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount, each Business Day
commencing with the Date of Original Issue.
"Variation Margin" means, in connection with an outstanding futures
contract owned or sold by the Corporation, the amount of cash or securities paid
to or received from a broker (subsequent to the Initial Margin payment) from
time to time as the price of such futures contract fluctuates.
(b) The foregoing definitions of Accountant's Confirmation, AMPS Basic
Maintenance Amount, AMPS Basic Maintenance Cure Date, AMPS Basic Maintenance
Report, Deposit Securities, Discounted Value, Independent Accountant, Initial
Margin, Inverse Floaters, Market Value, Maximum Potential Additional Dividend
Liability, Moody's Discount Factor, Moody's Eligible Asset, Moody's Exposure
Period, Moody's Hedging Transactions, Moody's Volatility Factor, S&P Discount
Factor, S&P Eligible Asset, S&P Exposure Period, S&P Hedging Transactions, S&P
Volatility Factor, Valuation Date and Variation Margin have been determined by
the Board of Directors of the Corporation in order to obtain a "aaa" rating from
Moody's and a AAA rating from S&P on the AMPS on their Date of Original Issue;
and the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall have the authority, without
shareholder approval, to amend, alter or repeal from time to time the foregoing
definitions and the restrictions and guidelines set forth thereunder if Moody's
and S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency advises the
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<PAGE> 36
Corporation in writing that such amendment, alteration or repeal will not
adversely affect their then current ratings on the AMPS.
2. Dividends. (a) The Holders shall be entitled to receive, when, as
and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, out of funds
legally available therefor, cumulative dividends each consisting of (i) cash at
the Applicable Rate, (ii) a Right to receive cash as set forth in paragraph 2(e)
below, and (iii) any additional amounts as set forth in paragraph 2(f) below,
and no more, payable on the respective dates set forth below. Dividends on the
shares of AMPS so declared and payable shall be paid (i) in preference to and in
priority over any dividends declared and payable on the Common Stock, and (ii)
to the extent permitted under the Code and to the extent available, out of net
tax-exempt income earned on the Corporation's investments. To the extent
permitted under the Code, dividends on shares of AMPS will be designated as
exempt-interest dividends. For the purposes of this section, the term "net
tax-exempt income" shall exclude capital gains of the Corporation.
(b) (i) Cash dividends on shares of AMPS shall accumulate from the Date
of Original Issue and shall be payable, when, as and if declared by the Board of
Directors, out of funds legally available therefor, commencing on the Initial
Dividend Payment Date with respect to the AMPS. Following the Initial Dividend
Payment Date for the AMPS, dividends on the AMPS will be payable, at the option
of the Corporation, either (i) with respect to any 7-Day Dividend Period and any
Short Term Dividend Period of 35 or fewer days, on the day next succeeding the
last day thereof or (ii) with respect to any Short Term Dividend Period of more
than 35 days and with respect to any Long Term Dividend Period, monthly on the
first Business Day of each calendar month during such Short Term Dividend Period
or Long Term Dividend Period and on
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<PAGE> 37
the day next succeeding the last day thereof (each such date referred to in
clause (i) or (ii) being herein referred to as a "Normal Dividend Payment
Date"), except that if such Normal Dividend Payment Date is not a Business Day,
then the Dividend Payment Date shall be the first Business Day next succeeding
such Normal Dividend Payment Date. Although any particular Dividend Payment Date
may not occur on the originally scheduled date because of the exceptions
discussed above, the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date, subject to such
exceptions, will occur on the next following originally scheduled date. If for
any reason a Dividend Payment Date cannot be fixed as described above, then the
Board of Directors shall fix the Dividend Payment Date. The Board of Directors
by resolution prior to authorization of a dividend by the Board of Directors may
change a Dividend Payment Date if such change does not adversely affect the
contract rights of the Holders of shares of AMPS set forth in the Charter. The
Initial Dividend Period, 7-Day Dividend Periods and Special Dividend Periods are
hereinafter sometimes referred to as Dividend Periods. Each dividend payment
date determined as provided above is hereinafter referred to as a "Dividend
Payment Date."
(ii) Each dividend shall be paid to the Holders as they appear
in the Stock Register as of 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Business Day
preceding the Dividend Payment Date. Dividends in arrears for any past Dividend
Period may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any regular
Dividend Payment Date, to the Holders as they appear on the Stock Register on a
date, not exceeding 15 days prior to the payment date therefor, as may be fixed
by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
(c) (i) During the period from and including the Date of Original
Issue to but excluding the Initial Dividend Payment Date for the AMPS (the
"Initial Dividend Period"), the
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Applicable Rate shall be the Initial Dividend Rate. Commencing on the Initial
Dividend Payment Date, the Applicable Rate for each subsequent dividend period
(hereinafter referred to as a "Subsequent Dividend Period"), which Subsequent
Dividend Period shall commence on and include a Dividend Payment Date and shall
end on and include the calendar day prior to the next Dividend Payment Date (or
last Dividend Payment Date in a Dividend Period if there is more than one
Dividend Payment Date), shall be equal to the rate per annum that results from
implementation of the Auction Procedures.
The Applicable Rate for each Dividend Period commencing during a
Non-Payment Period shall be equal to the Non-Payment Period Rate; and each
Dividend Period, commencing after the first day of, and during, a Non-Payment
Period shall be a 7-Day Dividend Period. Except in the case of the willful
failure of the Corporation to pay a dividend on a Dividend Payment Date or to
redeem any shares of AMPS on the date set for such redemption, any amount of any
dividend due on any Dividend Payment Date (if, prior to the close of business on
the second Business Day preceding such Dividend Payment Date, the Corporation
has declared such dividend payable on such Dividend Payment Date to the Holders
of such shares of AMPS as of 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Business Day
preceding such Dividend Payment Date) or redemption price with respect to any
shares of AMPS not paid to such Holders when due may be paid to such Holders in
the same form of funds by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on any of the first
three Business Days after such Dividend Payment Date or due date, as the case
may be, provided that, such amount is accompanied by a late charge calculated
for such period of non-payment at the Non-Payment Period Rate applied to the
amount of such non-payment based on the actual number of days comprising such
period divided by 365. In the case of a willful
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failure of the Corporation to pay a dividend on a Dividend Payment Date or to
redeem any shares of AMPS on the date set for such redemption, the preceding
sentence shall not apply and the Applicable Rate for the Dividend Period
commencing during the Non-Payment Period resulting from such failure shall be
the Non-Payment Period Rate. For the purposes of the foregoing, payment to a
person in same-day funds on any Business Day at any time shall be considered
equivalent to payment to such person in New York Clearing House (next-day) funds
at the same time on the preceding Business Day, and any payment made after 12:00
noon, New York City time, on any Business Day shall be considered to have been
made instead in the same form of funds and to the same person before 12:00 noon,
New York City time, on the next Business Day.
(ii) The amount of cash dividends per share of AMPS payable
(if declared) on the Initial Dividend Payment Date, each 7-Day Dividend Period
and each Dividend Payment Date of each Short Term Dividend Period shall be
computed by multiplying the Applicable Rate for such Dividend Period by a
fraction, the numerator of which will be the number of days in such Dividend
Period or part thereof that such share was outstanding and the denominator of
which will be 365, multiplying the amount so obtained by $25,000, and rounding
the amount so obtained to the nearest cent. During any Long Term Dividend
Period, the amount of cash dividends per share of AMPS payable (if declared) on
any Dividend Payment Date shall be computed by multiplying the Applicable Rate
for such Dividend Period by a fraction, the numerator of which will be such
number of days in such part of such Dividend Period that such share was
outstanding and for which dividends are payable on such Dividend Payment Date
and the denominator of which will be 360, multiplying the amount so obtained by
$25,000, and rounding the amount so obtained to the nearest cent.
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(iii) With respect to each Dividend Period that is a Special
Dividend Period, the Corporation may, at its sole option and to the extent
permitted by law, by telephonic and written notice (a "Request for Special
Dividend Period") to the Auction Agent and to each Broker-Dealer, request that
the next succeeding Dividend Period for the AMPS be a number of days (other than
seven), evenly divisible by seven, and not fewer than seven nor more than 364 in
the case of a Short Term Dividend Period or one whole year or more but not
greater than five years in the case of a Long Term Dividend Period, specified in
such notice, provided that the Corporation may not give a Request for Special
Dividend Period of greater than 28 days (and any such request shall be null and
void) unless, for any Auction occurring after the initial Auction, Sufficient
Clearing Bids were made in the last occurring Auction and unless full cumulative
dividends, any amounts due with respect to redemptions, and any Additional
Dividends payable prior to such date have been paid in full. Such Request for
Special Dividend Period, in the case of a Short Term Dividend Period, shall be
given on or prior to the second Business Day but not more than seven Business
Days prior to an Auction Date for the AMPS and, in the case of a Long Term
Dividend Period, shall be given on or prior to the second Business Day but not
more than 28 days prior to an Auction Date for the AMPS. Upon receiving such
Request for Special Dividend Period, the Broker-Dealer(s) shall jointly
determine whether, given the factors set forth below, it is advisable that the
Corporation issue a Notice of Special Dividend Period for the AMPS as
contemplated by such Request for Special Dividend Period and the Optional
Redemption Price of the AMPS during such Special Dividend Period and the
Specific Redemption Provisions and shall give the Corporation and the Auction
Agent written notice (a "Response") of such determination by no later than the
second Business Day prior to such Auction Date. In making such determination the
Broker-Dealer(s) will consider (1) existing
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short-term and long-term market rates and indices of such short-term and
long-term rates, (2) existing market supply and demand for short-term and
long-term securities, (3) existing yield curves for short-term and long-term
securities comparable to the AMPS, (4) industry and financial conditions which
may affect the AMPS, (5) the investment objective of the Corporation, and (6)
the Dividend Periods and dividend rates at which current and potential
beneficial holders of the AMPS would remain or become beneficial holders. If the
Broker-Dealer(s) shall not give the Corporation and the Auction Agent a Response
by such second Business Day or if the Response states that given the factors set
forth above it is not advisable that the Corporation give a Notice of Special
Dividend Period for the AMPS, the Corporation may not give a Notice of Special
Dividend Period in respect of such Request for Special Dividend Period. In the
event the Response indicates that it is advisable that the Corporation give a
Notice of Special Dividend Period for the AMPS, the Corporation may by no later
than the second Business Day prior to such Auction Date give a notice (a "Notice
of Special Dividend Period") to the Auction Agent, the Securities Depository and
each Broker-Dealer which notice will specify (i) the duration of the Special
Dividend Period, (ii) the Optional Redemption Price as specified in the related
Response and (iii) the Specific Redemption Provisions, if any, as specified in
the related Response. The Corporation also shall provide a copy of such Notice
of Special Dividend Period to Moody's and S&P. The Corporation shall not give a
Notice of Special Dividend Period and, if the Corporation has given a Notice of
Special Dividend Period, the Corporation is required to give telephonic and
written notice of its revocation (a "Notice of Revocation") to the Auction
Agent, each Broker-Dealer, and the Securities Depository on or prior to the
Business Day prior to the relevant Auction Date if (x) either the 1940 Act AMPS
Asset Coverage is not satisfied or the Corporation shall fail to
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maintain S&P Eligible Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets each with an aggregate
Discounted Value at least equal to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount, in each
case on each of the two Valuation Dates immediately preceding the Business Day
prior to the relevant Auction Date on an actual basis and on a pro forma basis
giving effect to the proposed Special Dividend Period (using as a pro forma
dividend rate with respect to such Special Dividend Period the dividend rate
which the Broker-Dealers shall advise the Corporation is an approximately equal
rate for securities similar to the AMPS with an equal dividend period), provided
that, in calculating the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible Assets
for this purpose, the Moody's Exposure Period shall be deemed to be one week
longer, (y) sufficient funds for the payment of dividends payable on the
immediately succeeding Dividend Payment Date have not been irrevocably deposited
with the Auction Agent by the close of business on the third Business Day
preceding the related Auction Date or (z) the Broker-Dealer(s) jointly advise
the Corporation that after consideration of the factors listed above they have
concluded that it is advisable to give a Notice of Revocation. The Corporation
also shall provide a copy of such Notice of Revocation to Moody's and S&P. If
the Corporation is prohibited from giving a Notice of Special Dividend Period as
a result of any of the factors enumerated in clause (x), (y) or (z) above or if
the Corporation gives a Notice of Revocation with respect to a Notice of Special
Dividend Period for the AMPS, the next succeeding Dividend Period will be a
7-Day Dividend Period. In addition, in the event Sufficient Clearing Bids are
not made in the applicable Auction or such Auction is not held for any reason,
such next succeeding Dividend Period will be a 7-Day Dividend Period and the
Corporation may not again give a Notice of Special Dividend Period for the AMPS
(and any such attempted notice shall be null and void) until Sufficient Clearing
Bids have been made in an Auction with respect to a 7-Day Dividend Period.
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(d) (i) Holders shall not be entitled to any dividends, whether payable
in cash, property or stock, in excess of full cumulative dividends and
applicable late charges, as herein provided, on the shares of AMPS (except for
Additional Dividends as provided in paragraph 2(e) hereof and additional
payments as provided in paragraph 2(f) hereof). Except for the late charge
payable pursuant to paragraph 2(c)(i) hereof, no interest, or sum of money in
lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment on the
shares of AMPS that may be in arrears.
(ii) For so long as any share of AMPS is Outstanding, the
Corporation shall not declare, pay or set apart for payment any dividend or
other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in shares of, or
options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase, Common Stock or other
stock, if any, ranking junior to the shares of AMPS as to dividends or upon
liquidation) in respect of the Common Stock or any other stock of the
Corporation ranking junior to or on a parity with the shares of AMPS as to
dividends or upon liquidation, or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of the Common Stock or any other
such junior stock (except by conversion into or exchange for stock of the
Corporation ranking junior to the shares of AMPS as to dividends and upon
liquidation) or any other such Parity Stock (except by conversion into or
exchange for stock of the Corporation ranking junior to or on a parity with the
shares of AMPS as to dividends and upon liquidation), unless (A) immediately
after such transaction, the Corporation shall have S&P Eligible Assets and
Moody's Eligible Assets each with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or
greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount and the Corporation shall
maintain the 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage, (B) full cumulative dividends on
shares of AMPS and shares of Other AMPS
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due on or prior to the date of the transaction have been declared and paid or
shall have been declared and sufficient funds for the payment thereof deposited
with the Auction Agent, (C) any Additional Dividend required to be paid under
paragraph 2(e) below on or before the date of such declaration or payment has
been paid and (D) the Corporation has redeemed the full number of shares of AMPS
required to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory redemption contained
herein.
(e) Each dividend shall consist of (i) cash at the Applicable Rate,
(ii) an uncertificated right (a "Right") to receive an Additional Dividend (as
defined below), and (iii) any additional amounts as set forth in paragraph 2(f)
below. Each Right shall thereafter be independent of the share or shares of AMPS
on which the dividend was paid. The Corporation shall cause to be maintained a
record of each Right received by the respective Holders. A Right may not be
transferred other than by operation of law. If the Corporation retroactively
allocates any net capital gains or other income subject to regular Federal
income taxes to shares of AMPS without having given advance notice thereof to
the Auction Agent as described in paragraph 2(f) hereof solely by reason of the
fact that such allocation is made as a result of the redemption of all or a
portion of the outstanding shares of AMPS or the liquidation of the Corporation
(the amount of such allocation referred to herein as a "Retroactive Taxable
Allocation"), the Corporation will, within 90 days (and generally within 60
days) after the end of the Corporation's fiscal year for which a Retroactive
Taxable Allocation is made, provide notice thereof to the Auction Agent and to
each holder of a Right applicable to such shares of AMPS (initially Cede & Co.
as nominee of The Depository Trust Company) during such fiscal year at such
holder's address as the same appears or last appeared on the Stock Books of the
Corporation. The Corporation will, within 30
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days after such notice is given to the Auction Agent, pay to the Auction Agent
(who will then distribute to such holders of Rights), out of funds legally
available therefor, an amount equal to the aggregate Additional Dividend with
respect to all Retroactive Taxable Allocations made to such holders during the
fiscal year in question.
An "Additional Dividend" means payment to a present or former holder of
shares of AMPS of an amount which, when taken together with the aggregate amount
of Retroactive Taxable Allocations made to such holder with respect to the
fiscal year in question, would cause such holder's dividends in dollars (after
Federal and New York income tax consequences) from the aggregate of both the
Retroactive Taxable Allocations and the Additional Dividend to be equal to the
dollar amount of the dividends which would have been received by such holder if
the amount of the aggregate Retroactive Taxable Allocations would have been
excludable from the gross income of such holder. Such Additional Dividend shall
be calculated (i) without consideration being given to the time value of money;
(ii) assuming that no holder of shares of AMPS is subject to the Federal
alternative minimum tax with respect to dividends received from the Corporation;
and (iii) assuming that each Retroactive Taxable Allocation would be taxable in
the hands of each holder of shares of AMPS at the greater of: (x) the maximum
combined marginal regular Federal and New York individual income tax rate
applicable to ordinary income or capital gains depending on the taxable
character of the distribution (including any surtax); or (y) the maximum
combined marginal regular Federal and New York corporate income tax rate
applicable to ordinary income or capital gains depending on the taxable
character of the distribution (taking into account in both (x) and (y) the
Federal income tax deductibility of state taxes paid or incurred but not any
phase out of, or provision limiting, personal exemptions,
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<PAGE> 46
itemized deductions, or the benefit of lower tax brackets and assuming the
taxability of Federally tax-exempt dividends for corporations for New York state
income tax purposes).
(f) Except as provided below, whenever the Corporation intends to
include any net capital gains or other income subject to regular Federal income
taxes in any dividend on shares of AMPS, the Corporation will notify the Auction
Agent of the amount to be so included at least five Business Days prior to the
Auction Date on which the Applicable Rate for such dividend is to be
established. The Corporation may also include such income in a dividend on
shares of AMPS without giving advance notice thereof if it increases the
dividend by an additional amount calculated as if such income was a Retroactive
Taxable Allocation and the additional amount was an Additional Dividend,
provided that the Corporation will notify the Auction Agent of the additional
amounts to be included in such dividend at least five Business Days prior to the
applicable Dividend Payment Date.
(g) No fractional shares of AMPS shall be issued.
3. Liquidation Rights. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Holders shall be
entitled to receive, out of the assets of the Corporation available for
distribution to shareholders, before any distribution or payment is made upon
any Common Stock or any other capital stock ranking junior in right of payment
upon liquidation to the AMPS, the sum of $25,000 per share plus accumulated but
unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) thereon to the date of
distribution, and after such payment the Holders will be entitled to no other
payments other than Additional Dividends as provided in paragraph 2(e) hereof.
If upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
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Corporation, the amounts payable with respect to the AMPS and any other
Outstanding class or series of Preferred Stock of the Corporation ranking on a
parity with the AMPS as to payment upon liquidation are not paid in full, the
Holders and the holders of such other class or series will share ratably in any
such distribution of assets in proportion to the respective preferential amounts
to which they are entitled. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distribution to which they are entitled, the Holders will not be entitled to any
further participation in any distribution of assets by the Corporation except
for any Additional Dividends. A consolidation, merger or statutory share
exchange of the Corporation with or into any other corporation or entity or a
sale, whether for cash, shares of stock, securities or properties, of all or
substantially all or any part of the assets of the Corporation shall not be
deemed or construed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation.
4. Redemption. (a) Shares of AMPS shall be redeemable by the
Corporation as provided below:
(i) To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and Maryland
law, upon giving a Notice of Redemption, the Corporation at its option may
redeem shares of AMPS, in whole or in part, out of funds legally available
therefor, at the Optional Redemption Price per share, on any Dividend Payment
Date; provided that no share of AMPS may be redeemed at the option of the
Corporation during (A) the Initial Dividend Period with respect to such share or
(B) a Non-Call Period to which such share is subject. In addition, holders of
AMPS which are redeemed shall be entitled to receive Additional Dividends to the
extent provided herein. The Corporation may not give a Notice of Redemption
relating to an optional redemption as described in this paragraph 4(a)(i)
unless, at the time of giving such Notice of Redemption, the
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Corporation has available Deposit Securities with maturity or tender dates not
later than the day preceding the applicable redemption date and having a value
not less than the amount due to Holders by reason of the redemption of their
shares of AMPS on such redemption date.
(ii) The Corporation shall redeem, out of funds legally
available therefor, at the Mandatory Redemption Price per share, shares of AMPS
to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and Maryland law, on a date fixed by
the Board of Directors, if the Corporation fails to maintain S&P Eligible Assets
and Moody's Eligible Assets each with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or
greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount as provided in paragraph 7(a) or
to satisfy the 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage as provided in paragraph 6 and such
failure is not cured on or before the AMPS Basic Maintenance Cure Date or the
1940 Act Cure Date (herein collectively referred to as a "Cure Date"), as the
case may be. In addition, holders of AMPS so redeemed shall be entitled to
receive Additional Dividends to the extent provided herein. The number of shares
of AMPS to be redeemed shall be equal to the lesser of (i) the minimum number of
shares of AMPS the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred immediately
prior to the opening of business on the Cure Date, together with all shares of
other Preferred Stock subject to redemption or retirement, would result in the
Corporation having S&P Eligible Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets each with an
aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance
Amount or satisfaction of the 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage, as the case may be,
on such Cure Date (provided that, if there is no such minimum number of shares
of AMPS and shares of other Preferred Stock the redemption of which would have
such result, all shares of AMPS and shares of other Preferred Stock then
Outstanding shall be redeemed), and (ii) the maximum number of shares of AMPS,
together with
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all shares of other Preferred Stock subject to redemption or retirement, that
can be redeemed out of funds expected to be legally available therefor on such
redemption date. In determining the number of shares of AMPS required to be
redeemed in accordance with the foregoing, the Corporation shall allocate the
number required to be redeemed which would result in the Corporation having S&P
Eligible Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets each with an aggregate Discounted
Value equal to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount or satisfaction
of the 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage, as the case may be, pro rata among shares
of AMPS of all series, Other AMPS and other Preferred Stock subject to
redemption pursuant to provisions similar to those contained in this paragraph
4(a)(ii); provided that, shares of AMPS which may not be redeemed at the option
of the Corporation due to the designation of a Non-Call Period applicable to
such shares (A) will be subject to mandatory redemption only to the extent that
other shares are not available to satisfy the number of shares required to be
redeemed and (B) will be selected for redemption in an ascending order of
outstanding number of days in the Non-Call Period (with shares with the lowest
number of days to be redeemed first) and by lot in the event of shares having an
equal number of days in such Non-Call Period. The Corporation shall effect such
redemption on a Business Day which is not later than 35 days after such Cure
Date, except that if the Corporation does not have funds legally available for
the redemption of all of the required number of shares of AMPS and shares of
other Preferred Stock which are subject to mandatory redemption or the
Corporation otherwise is unable to effect such redemption on or prior to 35 days
after such Cure Date, the Corporation shall redeem those shares of AMPS which it
is unable to redeem on the earliest practicable date on which it is able to
effect such redemption out of funds legally available therefor.
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(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph 4, no shares
of AMPS may be redeemed pursuant to paragraph 4(a)(i) of these Articles
Supplementary (i) unless all dividends in arrears on all remaining outstanding
shares of Parity Stock shall have been or are being contemporaneously paid or
declared and set apart for payment and (ii) if redemption thereof would result
in the Corporation's failure to maintain Moody's Eligible Assets or S&P Eligible
Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than the AMPS
Basic Maintenance Amount. In the event that less than all the outstanding shares
of AMPS are to be redeemed and there is more than one Holder, the shares of that
series of AMPS to be redeemed shall be selected by lot or such other method as
the Corporation shall deem fair and equitable.
(c) Whenever shares of AMPS are to be redeemed, the Corporation, not
less than 17 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption, shall
mail a notice ("Notice of Redemption") by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to
each Holder of shares of AMPS to be redeemed and to the Auction Agent. The
Corporation shall cause the Notice of Redemption to also be published in the
eastern and national editions of The Wall Street Journal. The Notice of
Redemption shall set forth (i) the redemption date, (ii) the amount of the
redemption price, (iii) the aggregate number of shares of AMPS to be redeemed,
(iv) the place or places where shares of AMPS are to be surrendered for payment
of the redemption price, (v) a statement that dividends on the shares to be
redeemed shall cease to accumulate on such redemption date (except that holders
may be entitled to Additional Dividends) and (vi) the provision of these
Articles Supplementary pursuant to which such shares are being redeemed. No
defect in the Notice of Redemption or in the mailing or publication thereof
shall affect the validity of the redemption proceedings, except as required by
applicable law.
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If the Notice of Redemption shall have been given as aforesaid and,
concurrently or thereafter, the Corporation shall have deposited in trust with
the Auction Agent, or segregated in an account at the Corporation's custodian
bank for the benefit of the Auction Agent, Deposit Securities (with a right of
substitution) having an aggregate Discounted Value (utilizing in the case of S&P
an S&P Exposure Period of 22 Business Days) equal to the redemption payment for
the shares of AMPS as to which such Notice of Redemption has been given with
irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the redemption price to the
Holders of such shares, then upon the date of such deposit or, if no such
deposit is made, then upon such date fixed for redemption (unless the
Corporation shall default in making the redemption payment), all rights of the
Holders of such shares as shareholders of the Corporation by reason of the
ownership of such shares will cease and terminate (except their right to receive
the redemption price in respect thereof and any Additional Dividends, but
without interest), and such shares shall no longer be deemed outstanding. The
Corporation shall be entitled to receive, from time to time, from the Auction
Agent the interest, if any, on such Deposit Securities deposited with it and the
Holders of any shares so redeemed shall have no claim to any of such interest.
In case the Holder of any shares so called for redemption shall not claim the
redemption payment for his shares within one year after the date of redemption,
the Auction Agent shall, upon demand, pay over to the Corporation such amount
remaining on deposit and the Auction Agent shall thereupon be relieved of all
responsibility to the Holder of such shares called for redemption and such
Holder thereafter shall look only to the Corporation for the redemption payment.
5. Voting Rights. (a) General. Except as otherwise provided in the
Charter or By-Laws, each Holder of shares of AMPS shall be entitled to one vote
for each share held on
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each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Corporation, and the
holders of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including AMPS, and of shares
of Common Stock shall vote together as a single class; provided that, at any
meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation held for the election of
directors, the holders of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including AMPS,
shall be entitled, as a class, to the exclusion of the holders of all other
securities and classes of capital stock of the Corporation, to elect two
directors of the Corporation. Subject to paragraph 5(b) hereof, the holders of
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation, including the holders of
outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including AMPS, voting as a single class,
shall elect the balance of the directors.
(b) Right to Elect Majority of Board of Directors. During any period in
which any one or more of the conditions described below shall exist (such period
being referred to herein as a "Voting Period"), the number of directors
constituting the Board of Directors shall be automatically increased by the
smallest number that, when added to the two directors elected exclusively by the
holders of shares of Preferred Stock, would constitute a majority of the Board
of Directors as so increased by such smallest number; and the holders of shares
of Preferred Stock shall be entitled, voting separately as one class (to the
exclusion of the holders of all other securities and classes of capital stock of
the Corporation), to elect such smallest number of additional directors,
together with the two directors that such holders are in any event entitled to
elect. A Voting Period shall commence:
(i) if at any time accumulated dividends (whether or not
earned or declared, and whether or not funds are then legally available in an
amount sufficient therefor) on the outstanding shares of AMPS equal to at least
two full years' dividends shall be due and unpaid
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and sufficient cash or specified securities shall not have been deposited with
the Auction Agent for the payment of such accumulated dividends; or
(ii) if at any time holders of any other shares of Preferred
Stock are entitled to elect a majority of the directors of the Corporation under
the 1940 Act.
Upon the termination of a Voting Period, the voting rights described in
this paragraph 5(b) shall cease, subject always, however, to the reverting of
such voting rights in the Holders upon the further occurrence of any of the
events described in this paragraph 5(b).
(c) Right to Vote with Respect to Certain Other Matters. So long as any
shares of AMPS are outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Preferred Stock
Outstanding at the time, voting separately as one class: (i) authorize, create
or issue any class or series of stock ranking prior to the AMPS or any other
series of Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the
distribution of assets on liquidation, or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of the Charter, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as
to adversely affect any of the contract rights expressly set forth in the
Charter of holders of shares of AMPS or any other Preferred Stock. To the extent
permitted under the 1940 Act, in the event shares of more than one series of
AMPS are outstanding, the Corporation shall not approve any of the actions set
forth in clause (i) or (ii) which adversely affects the contract rights
expressly set forth in the Charter of a Holder of shares of a series of AMPS
differently than those of a Holder of shares of any other series of AMPS without
the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of AMPS
of each series adversely affected and outstanding at such time (each such
adversely affected series voting
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separately as a class). The Corporation shall notify Moody's and S&P ten
Business Days prior to any such vote described in clause (i) or (ii). Unless a
higher percentage is provided for under the Charter, the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including
AMPS, voting together as a single class, will be required to approve any plan of
reorganization (including bankruptcy proceedings) adversely affecting such
shares or any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of
the 1940 Act. The class vote of holders of shares of Preferred Stock, including
AMPS, described above will in each case be in addition to a separate vote of the
requisite percentage of shares of Common Stock and shares of Preferred Stock,
including AMPS, voting together as a single class necessary to authorize the
action in question.
(d) Voting Procedures.
(i) As soon as practicable after the accrual of any right of
the holders of shares of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors as
described in paragraph 5(b) above, the Corporation shall call a special meeting
of such holders and instruct the Auction Agent to mail a notice of such special
meeting to such holders, such meeting to be held not less than 10 nor more than
20 days after the date of mailing of such notice. If the Corporation fails to
send such notice to the Auction Agent or if the Corporation does not call such a
special meeting, it may be called by any such holder on like notice. The record
date for determining the holders entitled to notice of and to vote at such
special meeting shall be the close of business on the fifth Business Day
preceding the day on which such notice is mailed. At any such special meeting
and at each meeting held during a Voting Period, such Holders, voting together
as a class (to the exclusion of the holders of all other securities and classes
of capital stock of the Corporation), shall be entitled
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to elect the number of directors prescribed in paragraph 5(b) above. At any such
meeting or adjournment thereof in the absence of a quorum, a majority of such
holders present in person or by proxy shall have the power to adjourn the
meeting without notice, other than by an announcement at the meeting, to a date
not more than 120 days after the original record date.
(ii) For purposes of determining any rights of the Holders to
vote on any matter or the number of shares required to constitute a quorum,
whether such right is created by these Articles Supplementary, by the other
provisions of the Charter, by statute or otherwise, a share of AMPS which is not
Outstanding shall not be counted.
(iii) The terms of office of all persons who are directors of
the Corporation at the time of a special meeting of Holders and holders of other
Preferred Stock to elect directors shall continue, notwithstanding the election
at such meeting by the Holders and such other holders of the number of directors
that they are entitled to elect, and the persons so elected by the Holders and
such other holders, together with the two incumbent directors elected by the
Holders and such other holders of Preferred Stock and the remaining incumbent
directors elected by the holders of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock, shall
constitute the duly elected directors of the Corporation.
(iv) Simultaneously with the expiration of a Voting Period,
the terms of office of the additional directors elected by the Holders and
holders of other Preferred Stock pursuant to paragraph 5(b) above shall
terminate, the remaining directors shall constitute the directors of the
Corporation and the voting rights of the Holders and such other holders to elect
additional
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directors pursuant to paragraph 5(b) above shall cease, subject to the
provisions of the last sentence of paragraph 5(b).
(e) Exclusive Remedy. Unless otherwise required by law, the Holders of
shares of AMPS shall not have any rights or preferences other than those
specifically set forth herein. The Holders of shares of AMPS shall have no
preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting. In the event that the
Corporation fails to pay any dividends on the shares of AMPS, the exclusive
remedy of the Holders shall be the right to vote for directors pursuant to the
provisions of this paragraph 5.
(f) Notification to S&P and Moody's. In the event a vote of Holders of
AMPS is required pursuant to the provisions of Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act,
the Corporation shall, not later than ten Business Days prior to the date on
which such vote is to be taken, notify S&P and Moody's that such vote is to be
taken and the nature of the action with respect to which such vote is to be
taken and, not later than ten Business Days after the date on which such vote is
taken, notify S&P and Moody's of the result of such vote.
6. 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage. The Corporation shall maintain, as of
the last Business Day of each month in which any share of AMPS is outstanding,
the 1940 Act AMPS Asset Coverage.
7. AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount. (a) The Corporation shall maintain,
on each Valuation Date, and shall verify to its satisfaction that it is
maintaining on such Valuation Date, (i) S&P Eligible Assets having an aggregate
Discounted Value equal to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount and
(ii) Moody's Eligible Assets having an aggregate
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Discounted Value equal to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount.
Upon any failure to maintain the required Discounted Value, the Corporation will
use its best efforts to alter the composition of its portfolio to reattain a
Discounted Value at least equal to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount on or prior
to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Cure Date.
(b) On or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third Business
Day after a Valuation Date on which the Corporation fails to satisfy the AMPS
Basic Maintenance Amount, the Corporation shall complete and deliver to the
Auction Agent, and Moody's and S&P, as the case may be, a complete AMPS Basic
Maintenance Report as of the date of such failure, which will be deemed to have
been delivered to the Auction Agent if the Auction Agent receives a copy or
telecopy, telex or other electronic transcription thereof and on the same day
the Corporation mails to the Auction Agent for delivery on the next Business Day
the complete AMPS Basic Maintenance Report. The Corporation will deliver an AMPS
Basic Maintenance Report to the Auction Agent and Moody's and S&P, as the case
may be, on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third Business Day
after a Valuation Date on which the Corporation cures its failure to maintain
Moody's Eligible Assets or S&P Eligible Assets, as the case may be, with an
aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance
Amount or on which the Corporation fails to maintain Moody's Eligible Assets or
S&P Eligible Assets, as the case may be, with an aggregate Discounted Value
which exceeds the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount by 5% or more. The Corporation
will also deliver an AMPS Basic Maintenance Report to the Auction Agent, Moody's
and S&P as of each Quarterly Valuation Date on or before the third Business Day
after such date. Additionally, on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
the third Business Day after the first day of a Special Dividend Period,
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the Corporation will deliver an AMPS Basic Maintenance Report to S&P and the
Auction Agent. The Corporation shall also provide Moody's and S&P with an AMPS
Basic Maintenance Report when specifically requested by either Moody's or S&P. A
failure by the Corporation to deliver an AMPS Basic Maintenance Report under
this paragraph 7(b) shall be deemed to be delivery of an AMPS Basic Maintenance
Report indicating the Discounted Value for S&P Eligible Assets and Moody's
Eligible Assets of the Corporation is less than the AMPS Basic Maintenance
Amount, as of the relevant Valuation Date.
(c) Within ten Business Days after the date of delivery of an AMPS
Basic Maintenance Report in accordance with paragraph 7(b) above relating to a
Quarterly Valuation Date, the Independent Accountant will confirm in writing to
the Auction Agent, S&P and Moody's (i) the mathematical accuracy of the
calculations reflected in such Report (and in any other AMPS Basic Maintenance
Report, randomly selected by the Independent Accountant, that was delivered by
the Corporation during the quarter ending on such Quarterly Valuation Date),
(ii) that, in such Report (and in such randomly selected Report), the
Corporation correctly determined the assets of the Corporation which constitute
S&P Eligible Assets or Moody's Eligible Assets, as the case may be, at such
Quarterly Valuation Date in accordance with these Articles Supplementary, (iii)
that, in such Report (and in such randomly selected Report), the Corporation
determined whether the Corporation had, at such Quarterly Valuation Date (and at
the Valuation Date addressed in such randomly selected Report) in accordance
with these Articles Supplementary, S&P Eligible Assets of an aggregate
Discounted Value at least equal to the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount and Moody's
Eligible Assets of an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the AMPS
Basic Maintenance Amount, (iv) with respect to the S&P
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ratings on New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds, the issuer name, issue
size and coupon rate listed in such Report, that the Independent Accountant has
requested that S&P verify such information and the Independent Accountant shall
provide a listing in its letter of any differences, (v) with respect to the
Moody's ratings on New York Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds, the issuer name,
issue size and coupon rate listed in such Report, that such information has been
verified by Moody's (in the event such information is not verified by Moody's,
the Independent Accountant will inquire of Moody's what such information is, and
provide a listing in its letter of any differences), (vi) with respect to the
bid or mean price (or such alternative permissible factor used in calculating
the Market Value) provided by the custodian of the Corporation's assets to the
Corporation for purposes of valuing securities in the Corporation's portfolio,
the Independent Accountant has traced the price used in such Report to the bid
or mean price listed in such Report as provided to the Corporation and verified
that such information agrees (in the event such information does not agree, the
Independent Accountant will provide a listing in its letter of such differences)
and (vii) with respect to such confirmation to Moody's, that the Corporation has
satisfied the requirements of paragraph 8(b) of these Articles Supplementary
(such confirmation is herein called the "Accountant's Confirmation").
(d) Within ten Business Days after the date of delivery to the Auction
Agent, S&P and Moody's of an AMPS Basic Maintenance Report in accordance with
paragraph 7(b) above relating to any Valuation Date on which the Corporation
failed to maintain S&P Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value and
Moody's Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater
than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount, and relating to the AMPS Basic
Maintenance Cure Date with respect to such failure, the Independent Accountant
will
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provide to the Auction Agent, S&P and Moody's an Accountant's Confirmation as to
such AMPS Basic Maintenance Report.
(e) If any Accountant's Confirmation delivered pursuant to subparagraph
(c) or (d) of this paragraph 7 shows that an error was made in the AMPS Basic
Maintenance Report for a particular Valuation Date for which such Accountant's
Confirmation as required to be delivered, or shows that a lower aggregate
Discounted Value for the aggregate of all S&P Eligible Assets or Moody's
Eligible Assets, as the case may be, of the Corporation was determined by the
Independent Accountant, the calculation or determination made by such
Independent Accountant shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding on the
Corporation, and the Corporation shall accordingly amend and deliver the AMPS
Basic Maintenance Report to the Auction Agent, S&P and Moody's promptly
following receipt by the Corporation of such Accountant's Confirmation.
(f) On or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the first Business
Day after the Date of Original Issue of the shares of AMPS, the Corporation will
complete and deliver to S&P and Moody's an AMPS Basic Maintenance Report as of
the close of business on such Date of Original Issue. Within five Business Days
of such Date of Original Issue, the Independent Accountant will confirm in
writing to S&P and Moody's (i) the mathematical accuracy of the calculations
reflected in such Report and (ii) that the aggregate Discounted Value of S&P
Eligible Assets and the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible Assets
reflected thereon equals or exceeds the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount reflected
thereon. Also, on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the first Business
Day after shares of Common Stock are repurchased by the Corporation, the
Corporation will complete and deliver to S&P and Moody's
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an AMPS Basic Maintenance Report as of the close of business on such date that
Common Stock is repurchased.
(g) For so long as shares of AMPS are rated by Moody's, in managing the
Corporation's portfolio, the Adviser will not alter the composition of the
Corporation's portfolio if, in the reasonable belief of the Adviser, the effect
of any such alteration would be to cause the Corporation to have Moody's
Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value, as of the immediately
preceding Valuation Date, less than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount as of such
Valuation Date; provided, however, that in the event that, as of the immediately
preceding Valuation Date, the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible
Assets exceeded the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount by five percent or less, the
Adviser will not alter the composition of the Corporation's portfolio in a
manner reasonably expected to reduce the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's
Eligible Assets unless the Corporation shall have confirmed that, after giving
effect to such alteration, the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible
Assets would exceed the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount.
8. Certain Other Restrictions and Requirements.
(a) For so long as any shares of AMPS are rated by S&P, the Corporation
will not purchase or sell futures contracts, write, purchase or sell options on
futures contracts or write put options (except covered put options) or call
options (except covered call options) on portfolio securities unless it receives
written confirmation from S&P that engaging in such transactions will not impair
the ratings then assigned to the shares of AMPS by S&P, except that the
Corporation may purchase or sell futures contracts based on the Bond Buyer
Municipal Bond Index (the "Municipal Index") or United States Treasury Bonds or
Notes ("Treasury Bonds")
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<PAGE> 62
and write, purchase or sell put and call options on such contracts
(collectively, "S&P Hedging Transactions"), subject to the following
limitations:
(i) the Corporation will not engage in any S&P Hedging
Transaction based on the Municipal Index (other than transactions which
terminate a futures contract or option held by the Corporation by the
Corporation's taking an opposite position thereto ("Closing Transactions")),
which would cause the Corporation at the time of such transaction to own or have
sold the least of (A) more than 1,000 outstanding futures contracts based on the
Municipal Index, (B) outstanding futures contracts based on the Municipal Index
exceeding in number 25% of the quotient of the Market Value of the Corporation's
total assets divided by $1,000 or (C) outstanding futures contracts based on the
Municipal Index exceeding in number 10% of the average number of daily traded
futures contracts based on the Municipal Index in the 30 days preceding the time
of effecting such transaction as reported by The Wall Street Journal;
(ii) the Corporation will not engage in any S&P Hedging
Transaction based on Treasury Bonds (other than Closing Transactions) which
would cause the Corporation at the time of such transaction to own or have sold
the lesser of (A) outstanding futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds
exceeding in number 50% of the quotient of the Market Value of the Corporation's
total assets divided by $100,000 ($200,000 in the case of the two-year United
States Treasury Note) or (B) outstanding futures contracts based on Treasury
Bonds exceeding in number 10% of the average number of daily traded futures
contracts based on Treasury Bonds in the 30 days preceding the time of effecting
such transaction as reported by The Wall Street Journal;
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<PAGE> 63
(iii) the Corporation will engage in Closing Transactions to
close out any outstanding futures contract which the Corporation owns or has
sold or any outstanding option thereon owned by the Corporation in the event (A)
the Corporation does not have S&P Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted
Value equal to or greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount on two
consecutive Valuation Dates and (B) the Corporation is required to pay Variation
Margin on the second such Valuation Date;
(iv) the Corporation will engage in a Closing Transaction to
close out any outstanding futures contract or option thereon in the month prior
to the delivery month under the terms of such futures contract or option thereon
unless the Corporation holds the securities deliverable under such terms; and
(v) when the Corporation writes a futures contract or option
thereon, it will either maintain an amount of cash, cash equivalents or high
grade (rated A or better by S&P), fixed-income securities in a segregated
account with the Corporation's custodian, so that the amount so segregated plus
the amount of Initial Margin and Variation Margin held in the account of or on
behalf of the Corporation's broker with respect to such futures contract or
option equals the Market Value of the futures contract or option, or, in the
event the Corporation writes a futures contract or option thereon which requires
delivery of an underlying security, it shall hold such underlying security in
its portfolio.
For purposes of determining whether the Corporation has S&P Eligible
Assets with a Discounted Value that equals or exceeds the AMPS Basic Maintenance
Amount, the Discounted Value of cash or securities held for the payment of
Initial Margin or Variation Margin shall be
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<PAGE> 64
zero and the aggregate Discounted Value of S&P Eligible Assets shall be reduced
by an amount equal to (i) 30% of the aggregate settlement value, as marked to
market, of any outstanding futures contracts based on the Municipal Index which
are owned by the Corporation plus (ii) 25% of the aggregate settlement value, as
marked to market, of any outstanding futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds
which contracts are owned by the Corporation.
(b) For so long as any shares of AMPS are rated by Moody's, the
Corporation will not buy or sell futures contracts, write, purchase or sell call
options on futures contracts or purchase put options on futures contracts or
write call options (except covered call options) on portfolio securities unless
it receives written confirmation from Moody's that engaging in such transactions
would not impair the ratings then assigned to the shares of AMPS by Moody's,
except that the Corporation may purchase or sell exchange-traded futures
contracts based on the Municipal Index or Treasury Bonds and purchase, write or
sell exchange-traded put options on such futures contracts and purchase, write
or sell exchange-traded call options on such futures contracts (collectively,
"Moody's Hedging Transactions"), subject to the following limitations:
(i) the Corporation will not engage in any Moody's Hedging
Transaction based on the Municipal Index (other than Closing Transactions) which
would cause the Corporation at the time of such transaction to own or have sold
(A) outstanding futures contracts based on the Municipal Index exceeding in
number 10% of the average number of daily traded futures contracts based on the
Municipal Index in the 30 days preceding the time of effecting such transaction
as reported by The Wall Street Journal or (B) outstanding futures contracts
based on the Municipal Index having a Market Value exceeding 50% of the Market
Value of all
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<PAGE> 65
Municipal Bonds constituting Moody's Eligible Assets owned by the Corporation
(other than Moody's Eligible Assets already subject to a Moody's Hedging
Transaction);
(ii) the Corporation will not engage in any Moody's Hedging
Transaction based on Treasury Bonds (other than Closing Transactions) which
would cause the Corporation at the time of such transaction to own or have sold
(A) outstanding futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds having an aggregate
Market Value exceeding 20% of the aggregate Market Value of Moody's Eligible
Assets owned by the Corporation and rated Aa by Moody's (or, if not rated by
Moody's but rated by S&P, rated AAA by S&P) or (B) outstanding futures contracts
based on Treasury Bonds having an aggregate Market Value exceeding 40% of the
aggregate Market Value of all Municipal Bonds constituting Moody's Eligible
Assets owned by the Corporation (other than Moody's Eligible Assets already
subject to a Moody's Hedging Transaction) and rated Baa or A by Moody's (or, if
not rated by Moody's but rated by S&P, rated A or AA by S&P) (for purposes of
the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the Corporation shall be deemed to own the
number of futures contracts that underlie any outstanding options written by the
Corporation);
(iii) the Corporation will engage in Closing Transactions to
close out any outstanding futures contract based on the Municipal Index if the
amount of open interest in the Municipal Index as reported by The Wall Street
Journal is less than 5,000;
(iv) the Corporation will engage in a Closing Transaction to
close out any outstanding futures contract by no later than the fifth Business
Day of the month in which such contract expires and will engage in a Closing
Transaction to close out any outstanding option on
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<PAGE> 66
a futures contract by no later than the first Business Day of the month in which
such option expires;
(v) the Corporation will engage in Moody's Hedging
Transactions only with respect to futures contracts or options thereon having
the next settlement date or the settlement date immediately thereafter;
(vi) the Corporation will not engage in options and futures
transactions for leveraging or speculative purposes and will not write any call
options or sell any futures contracts for the purpose of hedging the anticipated
purchase of an asset prior to completion of such purchase; and
(vii) the Corporation will not enter into an option or futures
transaction unless, after giving effect thereto, the Corporation would continue
to have Moody's Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or
greater than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount.
For purposes of determining whether the Corporation has Moody's
Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value that equals or exceeds the
AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount, the Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible Assets
which the Corporation is obligated to deliver or receive pursuant to an
outstanding futures contract or option shall be as follows: (i) assets subject
to call options written by the Corporation which are either exchange-traded and
"readily reversible" or which expire within 49 days after the date as of which
such valuation is made shall be valued at the lesser of (a) Discounted Value and
(b) the exercise price of the call option written by the Corporation; (ii)
assets subject to call options written by the Corporation not meeting the
requirements of clause (i) of this sentence shall have no value; (iii) assets
subject to
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<PAGE> 67
put options written by the Corporation shall be valued at the lesser of (A) the
exercise price and (B) the Discounted Value of the subject security; (iv)
futures contracts shall be valued at the lesser of (A) settlement price and (B)
the Discounted Value of the subject security, provided that, if a contract
matures within 49 days after the date as of which such valuation is made, where
the Corporation is the seller the contract may be valued at the settlement price
and where the Corporation is the buyer the contract may be valued at the
Discounted Value of the subject securities; and (v) where delivery may be made
to the Corporation with any security of a class of securities, the Corporation
shall assume that it will take delivery of the security with the lowest
Discounted Value.
For purposes of determining whether the Corporation has Moody's
Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value that equals or exceeds the
AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount, the following amounts shall be subtracted from
the aggregate Discounted Value of the Moody's Eligible Assets held by the
Corporation: (i) 10% of the exercise price of a written call option; (ii) the
exercise price of any written put option; (iii) where the Corporation is the
seller under a futures contract, 10% of the settlement price of the futures
contract; (iv) where the Corporation is the purchaser under a futures contract,
the settlement price of assets purchased under such futures contract; (v) the
settlement price of the underlying futures contract if the Corporation writes
put options on a futures contract; and (vi) 105% of the Market Value of the
underlying futures contracts if the Corporation writes call options on a futures
contract and does not own the underlying contract.
(c) For so long as any shares of AMPS are rated by Moody's, the
Corporation will not enter into any contract to purchase securities for a fixed
price at a future date beyond
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<PAGE> 68
customary settlement time (other than such contracts that constitute Moody's
Hedging Transactions that are permitted under paragraph 8(b) of these Articles
Supplementary), except that the Corporation may enter into such contracts to
purchase newly-issued securities on the date such securities are issued
("Forward Commitments"), subject to the following limitations:
(i) the Corporation will maintain in a segregated account with
its custodian cash, cash equivalents or short-term, fixed-income securities
rated P-1, MIG-1 or VMIG-1 by Moody's and maturing prior to the date of the
Forward Commitment with a Market Value that equals or exceeds the amount of the
Corporation's obligations under any Forward Commitments to which it is from time
to time a party or long-term fixed income securities with a Discounted Value
that equals or exceeds the amount of the Corporation's obligations under any
Forward Commitment to which it is from time to time a party; and
(ii) the Corporation will not enter into a Forward Commitment
unless, after giving effect thereto, the Corporation would continue to have
Moody's Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater
than the AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount.
For purposes of determining whether the Corporation has Moody's
Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value that equals or exceeds the
AMPS Basic Maintenance Amount, the Discounted Value of all Forward Commitments
to which the Corporation is a party and of all securities deliverable to the
Corporation pursuant to such Forward Commitments shall be zero.
(d) For so long as shares of AMPS are rated by S&P or Moody's, the
Corporation will not, unless it has received written confirmation from S&P
and/or Moody's, as the case may be, that such action would not impair the
ratings then assigned to shares of AMPS by S&P and/or
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<PAGE> 69
Moody's, as the case may be, (i) borrow money except for the purpose of clearing
transactions in portfolio securities (which borrowings shall under any
circumstances be limited to the lesser of $10 million and an amount equal to 5%
of the Market Value of the Corporation's assets at the time of such borrowings
and which borrowings shall be repaid within 60 days and not be extended or
renewed and shall not cause the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible
Assets and S&P Eligible Assets to be less than the AMPS Basic Maintenance
Amount), (ii) engage in short sales of securities, (iii) lend any securities,
(iv) issue any class or series of stock ranking prior to or on a parity with the
AMPS with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon
dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, (v) reissue any AMPS
previously purchased or redeemed by the Corporation, (vi) merge or consolidate
into or with any other corporation or entity, (vii) change the Pricing Service
or (viii) engage in reverse repurchase agreements.
(e) For so long as AMPS are rated by Moody's, the Corporation agrees to
provide Moody's with the following, unless the Corporation has received written
confirmation from Moody's that the provision of such information is no longer
required and that the current rating then assigned to the AMPS by Moody's would
not be impaired: a notification letter at least 30 days prior to any material
change in the Charter; a copy of the AMPS Basic Maintenance Report prepared by
the Corporation in accordance with these Articles Supplementary; and a notice
upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) any failure by the
Corporation to declare or pay any dividends on the AMPS or successfully remarket
the AMPS; (ii) any mandatory or optional redemption of the AMPS effected by the
Corporation; (iii) any assumption of control of the Board of Directors of the
Corporation by the holders of the AMPS; (iv) a general
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<PAGE> 70
unavailability of dealer quotes on the assets of the Corporation; (v) any
material auditor discrepancies on valuations; (vi) the dividend rate on the AMPS
equals or exceeds 95% of the Aaa Composite Commercial Paper Rate; (vii) the
occurrence of any Special Dividend Period; (viii) any change in the Maximum
Applicable Rate or the Reference Rate; (ix) the acquisition by any person of
beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the Corporation's voting stock
(inclusive of Common Stock and Preferred Stock); (x) the occurrence of any
change in Internal Revenue Service rules with respect to the payment of
Additional Dividends; (xi) any change in the Pricing Service employed by the
Corporation; (xii) any change in the Investment Adviser; (xiii) any increase of
greater than 40% to the maximum marginal Federal income tax rate applicable to
individuals or corporations; and (xiv) the maximum marginal Federal income tax
rate applicable to individuals or corporations is increased to a rate in excess
of 50%.
9. Notice. All notices or communications, unless otherwise specified in
the By-Laws of the Corporation or these Articles Supplementary, shall be
sufficiently given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by
first-class mail, postage prepaid. Notice shall be deemed given on the earlier
of the date received or the date seven days after which such notice is mailed.
10. Auction Procedures. (a) Certain definitions. As used in this
paragraph 10, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the
context otherwise requires:
(i) "AMPS" means the shares of AMPS being auctioned pursuant
to this paragraph 10.
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(ii) "Auction Date" means the first Business Day preceding the
first day of a Dividend Period.
(iii) "Available AMPS" has the meaning specified in paragraph
10(d)(i) below.
(iv) "Bid" has the meaning specified in paragraph 10(b)(i)
below.
(v) "Bidder" has the meaning specified in paragraph 10(b)(i)
below.
(vi) "Hold Order" has the meaning specified in paragraph
10(b)(i) below.
(vii) "Maximum Applicable Rate" for any Dividend Period will
be the Applicable Percentage of the Reference Rate. The Applicable Percentage
will be determined based on (i) the lower of the credit rating or ratings
assigned on such date to such shares by Moody's and S&P (or if Moody's or S&P or
both shall not make such rating available, the equivalent of either or both of
such ratings by a Substitute Rating Agency or two Substitute Rating Agencies or,
in the event that only one such rating shall be available, such rating) and (ii)
whether the Corporation has provided notification to the Auction Agent prior to
the Auction establishing the Applicable Rate for any dividend pursuant to
paragraph 2(f) hereof that net capital gains or other taxable income will be
included in such dividend on shares of AMPS as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Applicable Percentage of Applicable Percentage of
Credit Ratings Reference Rate - Reference Rate -
Moody's S&P No Notification Notification
------- --- --------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
"aa3" or higher AA- or higher 110% 150%
"a3" to "a1" A- to A+ 125% 160%
"baa3" to "baa1" BBB- to BBB+ 150% 250%
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 72
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Below "baa3" Below BBB- 200% 275%
</TABLE>
The Corporation shall take all reasonable action necessary to enable
S&P and Moody's to provide a rating for the AMPS. If either S&P or Moody's shall
not make such a rating available, or neither S&P nor Moody's shall make such a
rating available, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or its
affiliates and successors, after consultation with the Corporation, shall select
a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or two nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations to act as a Substitute Rating Agency
or Substitute Rating Agencies, as the case may be.
(viii) "Order" has the meaning specified in paragraph 10(b)(i)
below.
(ix) "Sell Order" has the meaning specified in paragraph
10(b)(i) below.
(x) "Submission Deadline" means 1:00 P.M., New York City time,
on any Auction Date or such other time on any Auction Date as may be specified
by the Auction Agent from time to time as the time by which each Broker-Dealer
must submit to the Auction Agent in writing all Orders obtained by it for the
Auction to be conducted on such Auction Date.
(xi) "Submitted Bid" has the meaning specified in paragraph
10(d)(i) below.
(xii) "Submitted Hold Order" has the meaning specified in
paragraph 10(d)(i) below.
(xiii) "Submitted Order" has the meaning specified in
paragraph 10(d)(i) below.
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(xiv) "Submitted Sell Order" has the meaning specified in
paragraph 10(d)(i) below.
(xv) "Sufficient Clearing Bids" has the meaning specified in
paragraph 10(d)(i) below.
(xvi) "Winning Bid Rate" has the meaning specified in
paragraph 10(d)(i) below.
(b) Orders by Beneficial Owners, Potential Beneficial Owners, Existing
Holders and Potential Holders.
(i) Unless otherwise permitted by the Corporation, Beneficial
Owners and Potential Beneficial Owners may only participate in Auctions through
their Broker-Dealers. Broker-Dealers will submit the Orders of their respective
customers who are Beneficial Owners and Potential Beneficial Owners to the
Auction Agent, designating themselves as Existing Holders in respect of shares
subject to Orders submitted or deemed submitted to them by Beneficial Owners and
as Potential Holders in respect of shares subject to Orders submitted to them by
Potential Beneficial Owners. A Broker-Dealer may also hold shares of AMPS in its
own account as a Beneficial Owner. A Broker-Dealer may thus submit Orders to the
Auction Agent as a Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner and
therefore participate in an Auction as an Existing Holder or Potential Holder on
behalf of both itself and its customers. On or prior to the Submission Deadline
on each Auction Date:
(A) each Beneficial Owner may submit to its Broker-Dealer
information as to:
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<PAGE> 74
(1) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS
held by such Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner
desires to continue to hold without regard to the Applicable
Rate for the next succeeding Dividend Period;
(2) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS
held by such Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner
desires to continue to hold, provided that the Applicable Rate
for the next succeeding Dividend Period shall not be less than
the rate per annum specified by such Beneficial Owner; and/or
(3) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS
held by such Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner
offers to sell without regard to the Applicable Rate for the
next succeeding Dividend Period; and
(B) each Broker-Dealer, using a list of Potential Beneficial
Owners that shall be maintained in good faith for the purpose
of conducting a competitive Auction, shall contact Potential
Beneficial Owners, including Persons that are not Beneficial
Owners, on such list to determine the number of Outstanding
shares, if any, of AMPS which each such Potential Beneficial
Owner offers to purchase, provided that the Applicable Rate
for the next succeeding Dividend Period shall not be less than
the rate per annum specified by such Potential Beneficial
Owner.
For the purposes hereof, the communication by a Beneficial Owner or
Potential Beneficial Owner to a Broker-Dealer, or the communication by a
Broker-Dealer acting for its own account to the Auction Agent, of information
referred to in clause (A) or (B) of this paragraph 10(b)(i) is hereinafter
referred to as an "Order" and each
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Beneficial Owner and each Potential Beneficial Owner placing an Order, including
a Broker-Dealer acting in such capacity for its own account, is hereinafter
referred to as a "Bidder"; an Order containing the information referred to in
clause (A)(1) of this paragraph 10(b)(i) is hereinafter referred to as a "Hold
Order"; an Order containing the information referred to in clause (A)(2) or (B)
of this paragraph 10(b)(i) is hereinafter referred to as a "Bid"; and an Order
containing the information referred to in clause (A)(3) of this paragraph
10(b)(i) is hereinafter referred to as a "Sell Order". Inasmuch as a
Broker-Dealer participates in an Auction as an Existing Holder or a Potential
Holder only to represent the interests of a Beneficial Owner or Potential
Beneficial Owner, whether it be its customers or itself, all discussion herein
relating to the consequences of an Auction for Existing Holders and Potential
Holders also applies to the underlying beneficial ownership interests
represented.
(ii) (A) A Bid by an Existing Holder shall constitute an
irrevocable offer to sell:
(1) the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS specified in such
Bid if the Applicable Rate determined on such Auction Date
shall be less than the rate per annum specified in such Bid;
or
(2) such number or a lesser number of Outstanding shares of
AMPS to be determined as set forth in paragraph 10(e)(i)(D) if
the Applicable Rate determined on such Auction Date shall be
equal to the rate per annum specified therein; or
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(3) a lesser number of Outstanding shares of AMPS to be
determined as set forth in paragraph 10(e)(ii)(C) if such
specified rate per annum shall be higher than the Maximum
Applicable Rate and Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist.
(B) A Sell Order by an Existing Holder shall constitute an
irrevocable offer to sell:
(1) the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS
specified in such Sell Order; or
(2) such number or a lesser number of Outstanding
shares of AMPS to be determined as set forth in paragraph
10(e)(ii)(C) if Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist.
(C) A Bid by a Potential Holder shall constitute an
irrevocable offer to purchase:
(1) the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS
specified in such Bid if the Applicable Rate determined on
such Auction Date shall be higher than the rate per annum
specified in such Bid; or
(2) such number or a lesser number of Outstanding
shares of AMPS to be determined as set forth in paragraph
10(e)(i)(E) if the Applicable Rate determined on such Auction
Date shall be equal to the rate per annum specified therein.
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<PAGE> 77
(c) Submission of Orders by Broker-Dealers to Auction Agent.
(i) Each Broker-Dealer shall submit in writing or through the
Auction Agent's Auction Processing System to the Auction Agent prior to the
Submission Deadline on each Auction Date all Orders obtained by such
Broker-Dealer, designating itself (unless otherwise permitted by the
Corporation) as an Existing Holder in respect of shares subject to Orders
submitted or deemed submitted to it by Beneficial Owners and as a Potential
Holder in respect of shares subject to Orders submitted to it by Potential
Beneficial Owners, and specifying with respect to each Order:
(A) the name of the Bidder placing such Order (which shall be
the Broker-Dealer unless otherwise permitted by the Corporation);
(B) the aggregate number of Outstanding shares of AMPS that
are the subject of such Order;
(C) to the extent that such Bidder is an Existing Holder:
(1) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS
subject to any Hold Order placed by such Existing Holder;
(2) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS
subject to any Bid placed by such Existing Holder and the rate
per annum specified in such Bid; and
(3) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of AMPS
subject to any Sell Order placed by such Existing Holder; and
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<PAGE> 78
(D) to the extent such Bidder is a Potential Holder, the rate
per annum specified in such Potential Holder's Bid.
(ii) If any rate per annum specified in any Bid contains more
than three figures to the right of the decimal point, the Auction Agent shall
round such rate up to the next highest one-thousandth (.001) of 1%.
(iii) If an Order or Orders covering all of the Outstanding
shares of AMPS held by an Existing Holder are not submitted to the Auction Agent
prior to the Submission Deadline, the Auction Agent shall deem a Hold Order (in
the case of an Auction relating to a Dividend Period which is not a Special
Dividend Period of 28 days or more) and a Sell Order (in the case of an Auction
relating to a Special Dividend Period of 28 days or more) to have been submitted
on behalf of such Existing Holder covering the number of Outstanding shares of
AMPS held by such Existing Holder and not subject to Orders submitted to the
Auction Agent.
(iv) If one or more Orders on behalf of an Existing Holder
covering in the aggregate more than the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS
held by such Existing Holder are submitted to the Auction Agent, such Order
shall be considered valid as follows and in the following order of priority:
(A) any Hold Order submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder
shall be considered valid up to and including the number of
Outstanding shares of AMPS held by such Existing Holder;
provided that if more than one Hold Order is submitted on
behalf of such Existing Holder and the number of shares of
AMPS subject to such Hold Orders exceeds the number of
Outstanding shares of AMPS
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<PAGE> 79
held by such Existing Holder, the number of shares of AMPS
subject to each of such Hold Orders shall be reduced pro rata
so that such Hold Orders, in the aggregate, will cover exactly
the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS held by such Existing
Holder;
(B) any Bids submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder shall
be considered valid, in the ascending order of their
respective rates per annum if more than one Bid is submitted
on behalf of such Existing Holder, up to and including the
excess of the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS held by
such Existing Holder over the number of shares of AMPS subject
to any Hold Order referred to in paragraph 10(c)(iv)(A) above
(and if more than one Bid submitted on behalf of such Existing
Holder specifies the same rate per annum and together they
cover more than the remaining number of shares that can be the
subject of valid Bids after application of paragraph
10(c)(iv)(A) above and of the foregoing portion of this
paragraph 10(c)(iv)(B) to any Bid or Bids specifying a lower
rate or rates per annum, the number of shares subject to each
of such Bids shall be reduced pro rata so that such Bids, in
the aggregate, cover exactly such remaining number of shares);
and the number of shares, if any, subject to Bids not valid
under this paragraph 10(c)(iv)(B) shall be treated as the
subject of a Bid by a Potential Holder; and
(C) any Sell Order shall be considered valid up to and
including the excess of the number of Outstanding shares of
AMPS held by such Existing Holder over the number of shares of
AMPS subject to Hold Orders referred to in paragraph
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<PAGE> 80
10(c)(iv)(A) and Bids referred to in paragraph 10(c)(iv)(B);
provided that if more than one Sell Order is submitted on
behalf of any Existing Holder and the number of shares of AMPS
subject to such Sell Orders is greater than such excess, the
number of shares of AMPS subject to each of such Sell Orders
shall be reduced pro rata so that such Sell Orders, in the
aggregate, cover exactly the number of shares of AMPS equal to
such excess.
(v) If more than one Bid is submitted on behalf of any
Potential Holder, each Bid submitted shall be a separate Bid with the rate per
annum and number of shares of AMPS therein specified.
(vi) Any Order submitted by a Beneficial Owner as a Potential
Beneficial Owner to its Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction
Agent, prior to the Submission Deadline on any Auction Date shall be
irrevocable.
(d) Determination of Sufficient Clearing Bids, Winning Bid Rate and
Applicable Rate.
(i) Not earlier than the Submission Deadline on each Auction
Date, the Auction Agent shall assemble all Orders submitted or deemed submitted
to it by the Broker-Dealers (each such Order as submitted or deemed submitted by
a Broker-Dealer being hereinafter referred to individually as a "Submitted Hold
Order", a "Submitted Bid" or a "Submitted Sell Order", as the case may be, or as
a "Submitted Order") and shall determine:
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(A) the excess of the total number of Outstanding shares of
AMPS over the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS that are
the subject of Submitted Hold Orders (such excess being
hereinafter referred to as the "Available AMPS");
(B) from the Submitted Orders whether the number of
Outstanding shares of AMPS that are the subject of Submitted
Bids by Potential Holders specifying one or more rates per
annum equal to or lower than the Maximum Applicable Rate
exceeds or is equal to the sum of:
(1) the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS that are
the subject of Submitted Bids by Existing Holders specifying
one or more rates per annum higher than the Maximum Applicable
Rate, and
(2) the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS that are
subject to Submitted Sell Orders (if such excess or such
equality exists (other than because the number of Outstanding
shares of AMPS in clause (1) above and this clause (2) are
each zero because all of the Outstanding shares of AMPS are
the subject of Submitted Hold Orders), such Submitted Bids by
Potential Holders being hereinafter referred to collectively
as "Sufficient Clearing Bids"); and
(C) if Sufficient Clearing Bids exist, the lowest rate per
annum specified in the Submitted Bids (the "Winning Bid Rate")
that if:
(1) each Submitted Bid from Existing Holders
specifying the Winning Bid Rate and all other Submitted Bids
from Existing Holders specifying lower
81
<PAGE> 82
rates per annum were rejected, thus entitling such Existing
Holders to continue to hold the shares of AMPS that are the
subject of such Submitted Bids, and
(2) each Submitted Bid from Potential Holders
specifying the Winning Bid Rate and all other Submitted Bids
from Potential Holders specifying lower rates per annum were
accepted, thus entitling the Potential Holders to purchase the
shares of AMPS that are the subject of such Submitted Bids,
would result in the number of shares subject to all Submitted
Bids specifying the Winning Bid Rate or a lower rate per annum
being at least equal to the Available AMPS.
(ii) Promptly after the Auction Agent has made the
determinations pursuant to paragraph 10(d)(i), the Auction Agent shall advise
the Corporation of the Maximum Applicable Rate and, based on such
determinations, the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend Period as
follows:
(A) if Sufficient Clearing Bids exist, that the Applicable
Rate for the next succeeding Dividend Period shall be equal to
the Winning Bid Rate;
(B) if Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist (other than
because all of the Outstanding shares of AMPS are the subject
of Submitted Hold Orders), that the Applicable Rate for the
next succeeding Dividend Period shall be equal to the Maximum
Applicable Rate; or
(C) if all of the Outstanding shares of AMPS are the subject
of Submitted Hold Orders, that the Dividend Period next
succeeding the Auction shall automatically
82
<PAGE> 83
be the same length as the immediately preceding Dividend
Period and the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding
Dividend Period shall be equal to 40% of the Reference Rate
(or 60% of such rate if the Corporation has provided
notification to the Auction Agent prior to the Auction
establishing the Applicable Rate for any dividend pursuant to
paragraph 2(f) hereof that net capital gains or other taxable
income will be included in such dividend on shares of AMPS) on
the date of the Auction.
(e) Acceptance and Rejection of Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell
Orders and Allocation of Shares. Based on the determinations made pursuant to
paragraph 10(d)(i), the Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders shall be
accepted or rejected and the Auction Agent shall take such other action as set
forth below:
(i) If Sufficient Clearing Bids have been made, subject to the
provisions of paragraph 10(e)(iii) and paragraph 10(e)(iv), Submitted Bids and
Submitted Sell Orders shall be accepted or rejected in the following order of
priority and all other Submitted Bids shall be rejected:
(A) the Submitted Sell Orders of Existing Holders shall be
accepted and the Submitted Bid of each of the Existing Holders
specifying any rate per annum that is higher than the Winning
Bid Rate shall be accepted, thus requiring each such Existing
Holder to sell the Outstanding shares of AMPS that are the
subject of such Submitted Sell Order or Submitted Bid;
83
<PAGE> 84
(B) the Submitted Bid of each of the Existing Holders
specifying any rate per annum that is lower than the Winning
Bid Rate shall be rejected, thus entitling each such Existing
Holder to continue to hold the Outstanding shares of AMPS that
are the subject of such Submitted Bid;
(C) the Submitted Bid of each of the Potential Holders
specifying any rate per annum that is lower than the Winning
Bid Rate shall be accepted;
(D) the Submitted Bid of each of the Existing Holders
specifying a rate per annum that is equal to the Winning Bid
Rate shall be rejected, thus entitling each such Existing
Holder to continue to hold the Outstanding shares of AMPS that
are the subject of such Submitted Bid, unless the number of
Outstanding shares of AMPS subject to all such Submitted Bids
shall be greater than the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS
("Remaining Shares") equal to the excess of the Available AMPS
over the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS subject to
Submitted Bids described in paragraph 10(e)(i)(B) and
paragraph 10(e)(i)(C), in which event the Submitted Bids of
each such Existing Holder shall be accepted, and each such
Existing Holder shall be required to sell Outstanding shares
of AMPS, but only in an amount equal to the difference between
(1) the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS then held by such
Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid and (2) the
number of shares of AMPS obtained by multiplying (x) the
number of Remaining Shares by (y) a fraction the numerator of
which shall be the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS held
by such Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid and the
denominator of which shall be the sum of the
84
<PAGE> 85
number of Outstanding shares of AMPS subject to such Submitted
Bids made by all such Existing Holders that specified a rate
per annum equal to the Winning Bid Rate; and
(E) the Submitted Bid of each of the Potential Holders
specifying a rate per annum that is equal to the Winning Bid
Rate shall be accepted but only in an amount equal to the
number of Outstanding shares of AMPS obtained by multiplying
(x) the difference between the Available AMPS and the number
of Outstanding shares of AMPS subject to Submitted Bids
described in paragraph 10(e)(i)(B), paragraph 10(e)(i)(C) and
paragraph 10(e)(i)(D) by (y) a fraction the numerator of which
shall be the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS subject to
such Submitted Bid and the denominator of which shall be the
sum of the number of Outstanding shares of AMPS subject to
such Submitted Bids made by all such Potential Holders that
specified rates per annum equal to the Winning Bid Rate.
(ii) If Sufficient Clearing Bids have not been made (other
than because all of the Outstanding shares of AMPS are subject to Submitted Hold
Orders), subject to the provisions of paragraph 10(e)(iii), Submitted Orders
shall be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order of priority and
all other Submitted Bids shall be rejected:
(A) the Submitted Bid of each Existing Holder specifying any
rate per annum that is equal to or lower than the Maximum
Applicable Rate shall be rejected, thus
85
<PAGE> 86
entitling such Existing Holder to continue to hold the
Outstanding shares of AMPS that are the subject of such
Submitted Bid;
(B) the Submitted Bid of each Potential Holder specifying any
rate per annum that is equal to or lower than the Maximum
Applicable Rate shall be accepted, thus requiring such
Potential Holder to purchase the Outstanding shares of AMPS
that are the subject of such Submitted Bid; and
(C) the Submitted Bids of each Existing Holder specifying any
rate per annum that is higher than the Maximum Applicable Rate
shall be accepted and the Submitted Sell Orders of each
Existing Holder shall be accepted, in both cases only in an
amount equal to the difference between (1) the number of
Outstanding shares of AMPS then held by such Existing Holder
subject to such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order and (2)
the number of shares of AMPS obtained by multiplying (x) the
difference between the Available AMPS and the aggregate number
of Outstanding shares of AMPS subject to Submitted Bids
described in paragraph 10(e)(ii)(A) and paragraph 10(e)(ii)(B)
by (y) a fraction the numerator of which shall be the number
of Outstanding shares of AMPS held by such Existing Holder
subject to such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order and the
denominator of which shall be the number of Outstanding shares
of AMPS subject to all such Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell
Orders.
(iii) If, as a result of the procedures described in paragraph
10(e)(i) or paragraph 10(e)(ii), any Existing Holder would be entitled or
required to sell, or any Potential Holder
86
<PAGE> 87
would be entitled or required to purchase, a fraction of a share of AMPS on any
Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall, in such manner as in its sole discretion
it shall determine, round up or down the number of shares of AMPS to be
purchased or sold by any Existing Holder or Potential Holder on such Auction
Date so that each Outstanding share of AMPS purchased or sold by each Existing
Holder or Potential Holder on such Auction Date shall be a whole share of AMPS.
(iv) If, as a result of the procedures described in paragraph
10(e)(i), any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase less
than a whole share of AMPS on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall, in such
manner as in its sole discretion it shall determine, allocate shares of AMPS for
purchase among Potential Holders so that only whole shares of AMPS are purchased
on such Auction Date by any Potential Holder, even if such allocation results in
one or more of such Potential Holders not purchasing any shares of AMPS on such
Auction Date.
(v) Based on the results of each Auction, the Auction Agent
shall determine, with respect to each Broker-Dealer that submitted Bids or Sell
Orders on behalf of Existing Holders or Potential Holders, the aggregate number
of Outstanding shares of AMPS to be purchased and the aggregate number of the
Outstanding shares of AMPS to be sold by such Potential Holders and Existing
Holders and, to the extent that such aggregate number of Outstanding shares to
be purchased and such aggregate number of Outstanding shares to be sold differ,
the Auction Agent shall determine to which other Broker-Dealer or Broker-Dealers
acting for one or more purchasers such Broker-Dealer shall deliver, or from
which other Broker-Dealer or Broker-Dealers acting for one or more sellers such
Broker-Dealer shall receive, as the case may be, Outstanding shares of AMPS.
87
<PAGE> 88
(f) Miscellaneous. The Corporation may interpret the provisions of this
paragraph 10 to resolve any inconsistency or ambiguity, remedy any formal defect
or make any other change or modification that does not substantially adversely
affect the rights of Beneficial Owners of AMPS. A Beneficial Owner or an
Existing Holder (A) may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of shares of AMPS
only pursuant to a Bid or Sell Order in accordance with the procedures described
in this paragraph 10 or to or through a Broker-Dealer, provided that in the case
of all transfers other than pursuant to Auctions such Beneficial Owner or
Existing Holder, its Broker-Dealer, if applicable, or its Agent Member advises
the Auction Agent of such transfer and (B) except as otherwise required by law,
shall have the ownership of the shares of AMPS held by it maintained in book
entry form by the Securities Depository in the account of its Agent Member,
which in turn will maintain records of such Beneficial Owner's beneficial
ownership. Neither the Corporation nor any Affiliate shall submit an Order in
any Auction. Any Beneficial Owner that is an Affiliate shall not sell, transfer
or otherwise dispose of shares of AMPS to any Person other than the Corporation.
All of the Outstanding shares of AMPS shall be represented by a single
certificate registered in the name of the nominee of the Securities Depository
unless otherwise required by law or unless there is no Securities Depository. If
there is no Securities Depository, at the Corporation's option and upon its
receipt of such documents as it deems appropriate, any shares of AMPS may be
registered in the Stock Register in the name of the Beneficial Owner thereof and
such Beneficial Owner thereupon will be entitled to receive certificates
therefor and required to deliver certificates therefor upon transfer or exchange
thereof.
88
<PAGE> 89
11. Securities Depository; Stock Certificates. (a) If there is a
Securities Depository, one certificate for all of the shares of AMPS of each
series shall be issued to the Securities Depository and registered in the name
of the Securities Depository or its nominee. Additional certificates may be
issued as necessary to represent shares of AMPS. All such certificates shall
bear a legend to the effect that such certificates are issued subject to the
provisions restricting the transfer of shares of AMPS contained in these
Articles Supplementary. Unless the Corporation shall have elected, during a
Non-Payment Period, to waive this requirement, the Corporation will also issue
stop-transfer instructions to the Auction Agent for the shares of AMPS. Except
as provided in paragraph (b) below, the Securities Depository or its nominee
will be the Holder, and no Beneficial Owner shall receive certificates
representing its ownership interest in such shares.
(b) If the Applicable Rate applicable to all shares of AMPS of a series
shall be the Non-Payment Period Rate or there is no Securities Depository, the
Corporation may at its option issue one or more new certificates with respect to
such shares (without the legend referred to in paragraph 11(a)) registered in
the names of the Beneficial Owners or their nominees and rescind the
stop-transfer instructions referred to in paragraph 11(a) with respect to such
shares.
89
<PAGE> 90
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED FUND IV, INC. has
caused these presents to be signed in its name and on its behalf by a duly
authorized officer, and attested by its Secretary, and the said officers of the
Corporation further acknowledge said instrument to be the corporate act of the
Corporation, and state under penalties of perjury that to the best of their
knowledge, information and belief the matters and facts herein set forth with
respect to approval are true in all material respects, all on August , 1999.
MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK INSURED
FUND IV, INC.
By ____________________________
Vice President
Attest:
____________________________
Alice A. Pellegrino
Secretary
90
<PAGE> 1
BROWN & WOOD LLP
One World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0557
Telephone (212) 839-5300
Facsimile (212) 839-5599
July 28, 1999
MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc.
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
Dear Sirs and Mesdames:
This opinion is being furnished in connection with the registration by
MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the
"Fund"), of 1,560 shares of Auction Market Preferred Stock, par value $0.10 per
share, (the "Shares"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), pursuant to the Fund's registration statement on Form N-2,
as amended (the "Registration Statement"), under the Securities Act. The Shares
will be issued pursuant to the Articles Supplementary (the "Articles
Supplementary") to be filed with the State Department of Assessments and
Taxation of Maryland (the "State Department").
As counsel for the Fund, we are familiar with the proceedings taken by it
in connection with the authorization, issuance and sale of the Shares. In
addition, we have examined and are familiar with the Articles of Incorporation
of the Fund, the By-Laws of the Fund, and such other documents as we have
deemed relevant to the matters referred to in this opinion.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares, upon
issuance and sale in the manner referred to in the Registration Statement, will
be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of preferred stock of
the Fund.
<PAGE> 2
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name in the Prospectus
constituting a part thereof.
Very Truly yours,
/s/ Brown & Wood
2
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit (n)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund IV, Inc.:
We consent to the use in Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement
No. 333-82001 of our report dated July 19, 1999 which appears in the Statement
of Additional Information which is a part of such Registration Statement and to
the reference to us under the caption "Experts" appearing in the Prospectus,
which also is a part of such Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
July 27, 1999
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<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAY-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JUL-23-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUL-23-1999
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 58167392
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 58084122
<RECEIVABLES> 58955215
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<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 3906667
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<NET-ASSETS> 58399997
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
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<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 0
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 58399997
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 0
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</TABLE>
