AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 10, 2000
REGISTRATION NO. 2-57971
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-------------------------------------
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 23
TO
FORM S-6
-------------------------------------
FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933 OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT
TRUSTS REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2
-------------------------------------
A. EXACT NAME OF TRUST:
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES--65
B. NAME OF DEPOSITOR:
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INC.
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
C. COMPLETE ADDRESSES OF DEPOSITORS' PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES:
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
POST OFFICE BOX 9051
PRINCETON, NJ 08543-9051
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES
INCORPORATED
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
NEW YORK, NY 10292 DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
TWO WORLD TRADE
CENTER--59TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10048
</TABLE>
D. NAMES AND COMPLETE ADDRESSES OF AGENTS FOR SERVICE:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
LEE B. SPENCER, JR. TERESA KONCICK, ESQ. DOUGLAS LOWE, ESQ.
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA P.O. BOX 9051 DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
NEW YORK, NY 10292 PRINCETON, NJ 08543-9051 TWO WORLD TRADE
CENTER--59TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10048
COPIES TO:
PIERRE DE SAINT PHALLE,
ESQ.
450 LEXINGTON AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10017
</TABLE>
The issuer has registered an indefinite number of Units under the Securities Act
of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2 and filed the Rule 24f-2 Notice for the most
recent fiscal year on March 10, 2000.
Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on May 19,
2000 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485. /X/
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<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--REGISTERED TRADEMARK--
----------------------------------------------------
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES--65
(A UNIT INVESTMENT TRUST)
- PORTFOLIO OF LONG TERM MUNICIPAL BONDS
- DESIGNED FOR INCOME FREE FROM REGULAR FEDERAL
INCOME TAX
- MONTHLY INCOME DISTRIBUTIONS
SPONSORS:
MERRILL LYNCH, -----------------------------------------------------
PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH The Securities and Exchange Commission has not
INCORPORATED approved or disapproved these Securities or passed
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any
INCORPORATED representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC. Prospectus dated May 19, 2000.
<PAGE>
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Defined Asset Funds--Registered Trademark--
Defined Asset Funds-Registered Trademark- is America's oldest and largest family
of unit investment trusts, with over $160 billion sponsored over the last 28
years. Defined Asset Funds has been a leader in unit investment trust research
and product innovation. Our family of Funds helps investors work toward their
financial goals with a full range of quality investments, including municipal,
corporate and government bond portfolios, as well as domestic and international
equity portfolios.
Defined Asset Funds offer a number of advantages:
- A disciplined strategy of buying and holding with a long-term view is the
cornerstone of Defined Asset Funds.
- Fixed portfolio: Defined Funds follow a buy and hold investment strategy;
funds are not managed and portfolio changes are limited.
- Defined Portfolios: We choose the stocks and bonds in advance, so you know
what you're investing in.
- Professional research: Our dedicated research team seeks out stocks or bonds
appropriate for a particular fund's objectives.
- Ongoing supervision: We monitor each portfolio on an ongoing basis.
No matter what your investment goals, tolerance for risk or time horizon,
there's probably a Defined Asset Fund that suits your investment style. Your
financial professional can help you select a Defined Asset Fund that works best
for your investment portfolio.
THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS AS OF THE EVALUATION DATE,
FEBRUARY 29, 2000.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CONTENTS
PAGE
----
Risk/Return Summary.................. 3
What You Can Expect From Your
Investment......................... 7
Monthly Income..................... 7
Return Figures..................... 7
Records and Reports................ 7
The Risks You Face................... 8
Interest Rate Risk................. 8
Call Risk.......................... 8
Reduced Diversification Risk....... 8
Liquidity Risk..................... 8
Concentration Risk................. 8
Bond Quality Risk.................. 8
Insurance Related Risk............. 9
Litigation and Legislation Risks... 9
Selling or Exchanging Units.......... 9
Sponsors' Secondary Market......... 9
Selling Units to the Trustee....... 9
Exchange Option.................... 10
How The Fund Works................... 10
Pricing............................ 10
Evaluations........................ 10
Income............................. 11
Expenses........................... 11
Portfolio Changes.................. 12
Fund Termination................... 12
Certificates....................... 12
Trust Indenture.................... 12
Legal Opinion...................... 13
Auditors........................... 13
Sponsors........................... 13
Trustee............................ 13
Underwriters' and Sponsors'
Profits.......................... 14
Public Distribution................ 14
Code of Ethics..................... 14
Year 2000 Issues................... 14
Taxes................................ 14
Supplemental Information............. 15
Financial Statements................. D-1
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
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RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
1. WHAT IS THE FUND'S OBJECTIVE?
The Fund seeks interest income that is
exempt from regular federal income taxes
by investing in a fixed portfolio
consisting primarily of municipal
revenue bonds.
2. WHAT ARE MUNICIPAL REVENUE BONDS?
Municipal revenue bonds are bonds issued
by states, municipalities and public
authorities to finance the cost of
buying, building or improving various
projects intended to generate revenue,
such as airports, health care
facilities, housing and municipal
electric, water and sewer utilities.
Generally, payments on these bonds
depend solely on the revenues generated
by the projects, excise taxes or state
appropriations, and are not backed by
the government's taxing power.
3. WHAT IS THE FUND'S INVESTMENT STRATEGY?
- The Fund plans to hold to maturity 7
long-term tax-exempt municipal bonds
with a current aggregate face amount of
$5,195,000. The Fund is a unit
investment trust which means that,
unlike a mutual fund, the Fund's
portfolio is not managed.
- When the bonds were initially deposited
(February 10, 1977), they were rated A
or better by Standard & Poor's, Moody's
or Fitch, or in the opinion of the agent
for the Sponsors had similar credit
quality to bonds rated A or better. THE
CREDIT QUALITY OF THE BONDS MAY
CURRENTLY BE LOWER.
- The Fund is concentrated in refunded
bonds.
- Many of the bonds can be called at a
premium declining over time to par
value. Some bonds may be called earlier
at par for extraordinary reasons.
The Portfolio consists of municipal
bonds of the following types:
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
- General Obligation 7%
<C> <S>
- Housing 21%
- Refunded Bonds 72%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
4. WHAT ARE THE SIGNIFICANT RISKS?
YOU CAN LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE
FUND. THIS CAN HAPPEN FOR VARIOUS
REASONS, INCLUDING:
- Rising interest rates, an issuer's
worsening financial condition or a drop
in bond ratings can reduce the price of
your units.
- Assuming no changes in interest rates,
when you sell your units, they will
generally be worth less than your cost
because your cost included a sales fee.
- The Fund will receive early returns of
principal if bonds are called or sold
before they mature. If this happens your
income will decline and you may not be
able to reinvest the money you receive
at as high a yield or as long a
maturity.
- The Fund is also concentrated in bonds
of West Virginia state issuers and is
subject to additional risk from
decreased diversification particular to
West Virginia.
5. IS THIS FUND APPROPRIATE FOR YOU?
Yes, if you want monthly income free
from regular federal income tax. You
will benefit from a professionally
selected and supervised portfolio whose
risk is reduced by investing in bonds of
several different issuers.
The Fund is NOT appropriate for you if
you want a speculative investment that
changes to take advantage of market
movements, if you do not want a
tax-advantaged investment or if you
cannot tolerate any risk.
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
DEFINING YOUR INCOME
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
WHAT YOU MAY EXPECT (Payable on the 25th day
of each month):
Regular Monthly Income per unit $ 2.70
Annual Income per unit $32.42
RECORD DAY: 10th day of each month
THESE FIGURES ARE ESTIMATES ON THE EVALUATION DATE;
ACTUAL PAYMENTS MAY VARY.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
6. WHAT ARE THE FUND'S FEES AND EXPENSES?
This table shows the costs and expenses
you may pay, directly or indirectly,
when you invest in the Fund.
INVESTOR FEES
Maximum Sales Fee (Load) on new
purchases (as a percentage of
$1,000 invested) 2.90%
Employees of some of the Sponsors and
their affiliates may be charged a
reduced sales fee of no less than $5.00
per Unit.
The maximum sales fee is reduced if you
invest at least $100,000, as follows:
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YOUR MAXIMUM
SALES FEE
IF YOU INVEST: WILL BE:
-------------- ------------
<C> <S> <C>
Less than $100,000 2.90%
$100,000 to $249,999 2.65%
$250,000 to $499,999 2.40%
$500,000 to $999,999 2.15%
$1,000,000 and over 1.90%
Maximum Exchange Fee 1.90%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
$0.53
Trustee's Fee
$0.20
Portfolio Supervision,
Bookkeeping and
Administrative Fees
(including updating
expenses)
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
AMOUNT
PER UNIT
--------
<C> <S> <C>
$0.37
Evaluator's Fee
$0.46
Other Operating Expenses
-----
$1.56
TOTAL
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
The Sponsors historically paid updating
expenses.
7. HOW HAVE SIMILAR FUNDS PERFORMED IN THE PAST?
IN THE FOLLOWING CHART WE SHOW PAST PERFORMANCE
OF PRIOR MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES, WHICH HAD THE
SAME INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND
TYPES OF BONDS AS THIS FUND. These prior series
differed in that they charged a higher sales
fee. These prior Monthly Payment Series were
offered after 1987 and were outstanding on
March 31, 2000. OF COURSE, PAST PERFORMANCE OF
PRIOR SERIES IS NO GUARANTEE OF FUTURE RESULTS
OF THIS FUND.
AVERAGE ANNUAL COMPOUND TOTAL RETURNS
FOR PRIOR SERIES
REFLECTING ALL EXPENSES. FOR PERIODS ENDED
3/31/00.
</TABLE>
-------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
High 4.37% 5.74% 6.01% 4.70% 6.92% 6.53%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average -2.91 4.47 5.65 -0.87 5.51 6.23
Low -11.04 2.64 5.33 -8.30 3.54 5.92
</TABLE>
-----------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average
Sales fee 2.12% 5.19% 5.75%
</TABLE>
-----------------------------------------------------------
Note: All returns represent changes in unit price with distributions reinvested
into the Municipal Fund Investment Accumulation Program.
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
8. IS THE FUND MANAGED?
Unlike a mutual fund, the Fund is not managed and
bonds are not sold because of market changes. Rather,
experienced Defined Asset Funds financial analysts
regularly review the bonds in the Fund. The Fund may
sell a bond if certain adverse credit or other
conditions exist.
9. HOW DO I BUY UNITS?
The minimum investment is one unit.
You can buy units from any of the Sponsors and other
broker-dealers. The Sponsors are listed later in this
prospectus. Some banks may offer units for sale
through special arrangements with the Sponsors,
although certain legal restrictions may apply.
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
UNIT PRICE PER UNIT $569.74
(as of February 29, 2000)
Unit price is based on the net asset value of the Fund
plus the sales fee. An amount equal to any principal
cash, as well as net accrued but undistributed
interest on the unit, is added to the unit price. An
independent evaluator prices the bonds at 3:30 p.m.
Eastern time every business day. Unit price changes
every day with changes in the prices of the bonds in
the Fund.
10. HOW DO I SELL UNITS?
You may sell your units at any time to any Sponsor or
the Trustee for the net asset value determined at the
close of business on the date of sale. You will not
pay any other fee when you sell your units.
11. HOW ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE AND TAXED?
The Fund pays income monthly. In the opinion of bond
counsel when each bond was issued, interest on the
bonds in this Fund is generally 100% exempt from
regular federal income tax.
A portion of the income may also be exempt from state
and local personal income taxes, depending on where
you live.
You will also receive principal payments if bonds are
sold, called or mature, when the cash available is
more than $5.00 per unit. You will be subject to tax
on any gain realized by the Fund on the disposition of
bonds.
12. WHAT OTHER SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
REINVESTMENT
You will receive your monthly income in cash unless
you choose to compound your income by reinvesting with
no sales fee in the Municipal Fund Investment
Accumulation Program, Inc. This program is an open-end
mutual fund with a comparable investment objective.
Income from this program will generally be subject to
state and local income taxes. FOR MORE COMPLETE
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING CHARGES AND
FEES, ASK THE TRUSTEE FOR THE PROGRAM'S PROSPECTUS.
READ IT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST. THE TRUSTEE MUST
RECEIVE YOUR WRITTEN ELECTION TO REINVEST AT LEAST 10
DAYS BEFORE THE RECORD DAY OF AN INCOME PAYMENT.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES
You may exchange units of this Fund for units of
certain other Defined Asset Funds. You may also
exchange into this Fund from certain other funds. We
charge a reduced sales fee on exchanges.
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
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TAX-FREE VS. TAXABLE INCOME: A COMPARISON OF TAXABLE AND TAX-FREE YIELDS
<TABLE>
EFFECTIVE
TAXABLE INCOME 2000* % TAX TAX-FREE YIELD OF
SINGLE RETURN JOINT RETURN BRACKET 3% 3.5% 4% 4.5% 5% 5.5% 6%
IS EQUIVALENT TO A TAXABLE YIELD OF
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 0- 26,250 $ 0- 43,850 15.00 3.53 4.12 4.71 5.29 5.88 6.47 7.06
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 26,251- 63,550 $ 43,851-105,950 28.00 4.17 4.86 5.56 6.25 6.94 7.64 8.33
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 63,551-132,600 $105,951-161,450 31.00 4.35 5.07 5.80 6.52 7.25 7.97 8.70
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$132,601-288,350 $161,451-288,350 36.00 4.69 5.47 6.25 7.03 7.81 8.59 9.38
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OVER $288,350 OVER $288,350 39.60 4.97 5.79 6.62 7.45 8.28 9.11 9.93
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<S> <C>
TAXABLE INCOME 20
SINGLE RETURN 6.5%
IS
EQUIVALENT
TO A
TAXABLE
YIELD OF
- -----------------
$ 0- 26,250 7.65
- -----------------
$ 26,251- 63,550 9.03
- -----------------
$ 63,551-132,600 9.42
--------
- -----------------
$132,601-288,350 10.16
--------
- -----------------
OVER $288,350 10.76
--------
- -----------------
</TABLE>
To compare the yield of a taxable security with the yield of a federally
tax-free security, find your taxable income and read across. The table
incorporates 2000 federal income tax rates and assumes that all income would
otherwise be taxed at a U.S. investor's highest tax rate. Yield figures are for
example only.
*Based upon net amount subject to federal income tax after deductions and
exemptions. This table does not reflect the possible effect of other tax
factors, such as alternative minimum tax, personal exemptions, the phase-out of
exemptions, itemized deductions, the possible partial disallowance of deductions
or state and local taxation. Consequently, investors are urged to consult their
own tax advisers in this regard.
6
<PAGE>
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR INVESTMENT
MONTHLY INCOME
The Fund will pay you regular monthly income. Your monthly income may vary
because of:
- elimination of one or more bonds from the Fund's portfolio because of calls,
redemptions or sales;
- a change in the Fund's expenses; or
- the failure by a bond's issuer to pay interest.
Changes in interest rates generally will not affect your monthly income because
the portfolio is fixed.
Along with your monthly income, you will receive your share of any available
bond principal.
RETURN FIGURES
We cannot predict your actual return, which will vary with unit price, how long
you hold your investment and changes in the portfolio, interest income and
expenses.
ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN equals the estimated annual cash to be received from
the bonds in the Fund less estimated annual Fund expenses, divided by the Unit
Price (including the maximum sales fee):
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Estimated Annual Estimated
Interest Income - Annual Expenses
- -------------------------------------
Unit Price
</TABLE>
ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN is a measure of the estimated return over the
estimated life of the Fund. Unlike Estimated Current Return, Estimated Long Term
Return reflects maturities, discounts and premiums of the bonds in the Fund. It
is an average of the yields to maturity (or in certain cases, to an earlier call
date) of the individual bonds in the portfolio, adjusted to reflect the Fund's
maximum sales fee and estimated expenses. We calculate the average yield for the
portfolio by weighting each bond's yield by its market value and the time
remaining to the call or maturity date.
Yields on individual bonds depend on many factors including general conditions
of the bond markets, the size of a particular offering and the maturity and
quality rating of the particular issues. Yields can vary among bonds with
similar maturities, coupons and ratings.
These return quotations are designed to be comparative rather than predictive.
RECORDS AND REPORTS
You will receive:
- - a monthly statement of income payments and any principal payments;
- - a notice from the Trustee when new bonds are deposited in exchange or
substitution for bonds originally deposited;
- - an annual report on Fund activity; and
- - annual tax information. THIS WILL ALSO BE SENT TO THE IRS. YOU MUST REPORT THE
AMOUNT OF TAX-EXEMPT INTEREST RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR.
You may request:
- - copies of bond evaluations to enable you to comply with federal and state tax
reporting requirements; and
- - audited financial statements of the Fund.
You may inspect records of Fund transactions at the Trustee's office during
regular business hours.
7
<PAGE>
THE RISKS YOU FACE
INTEREST RATE RISK
Investing involves risks, including the risk that your investment will decline
in value if interest rates rise. Generally, bonds with longer maturities will
change in value more than bonds with shorter maturities. Bonds in the Fund are
more likely to be called when interest rates decline. This would result in early
returns of principal to you and may result in early termination of the Fund. Of
course, we cannot predict how interest rates may change.
CALL RISK
Many bonds can be prepaid or "called" by the issuer before their stated
maturity. For example, some bonds may be required to be called pursuant to
mandatory sinking fund provisions.
Also, an issuer might call its bonds during periods of falling interest rates,
if the issuer's bonds have a coupon higher than current market rates.
An issuer might call its bonds in extraordinary cases, including if:
- it no longer needs the money for the original purpose;
- the project is condemned or sold;
- the project is destroyed and insurance proceeds are used to redeem the
bonds;
- any related credit support expires and is not replaced; or
- interest on the bonds become taxable.
If the bonds are called, your income will decline and you may not be able to
reinvest the money you receive at as high a yield or as long a maturity. An
early call at par of a premium bond will reduce your return.
REDUCED DIVERSIFICATION RISK
If many investors sell their units, the Fund will have to sell bonds. This could
reduce the diversification of your investment and increase your share of Fund
expenses.
LIQUIDITY RISK
The bonds will generally trade in the over-the-counter market. We cannot assure
you that a liquid trading market will exist, especially since current law may
restrict the Fund from selling bonds to any Sponsor. The value of the bonds, and
of your investment, may be reduced if trading in bonds is limited or absent.
CONCENTRATION RISK
When a certain type of bond makes up 25% or more of the portfolio, the Fund is
said to be "concentrated" in that bond type, which makes the Fund less
diversified.
Here is what you should know about the Fund's concentration in refunded bonds.
Refunded bonds are typically:
- backed by direct obligations of the U.S. government; or
- in some cases, backed by obligations guaranteed by the U.S. government and
placed in escrow with an independent trustee;
- noncallable prior to maturity; but
- sometimes called for redemption prior to maturity.
Changes to the portfolio from bond redemptions, maturities and sales may affect
the Fund's concentration over time.
BOND QUALITY RISK
A reduction in a bond's rating may decrease its value and, indirectly, the value
of your investment in the Fund.
8
<PAGE>
INSURANCE RELATED RISK
Some bonds may be backed by insurance companies (as shown under Portfolio).
Insurance policies generally make payments only according to a bond's original
payment schedule and do not make early payments when a bond defaults or becomes
taxable. Although the federal government does not regulate the insurance
business, various state laws and federal initiatives and tax law changes could
significantly affect the insurance business. The claims-paying ability of the
insurance companies is generally rated A or better by Standard & Poor's or
another nationally recognized rating organization. The insurance company ratings
are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the rating agencies.
LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION RISKS
We do not know of any pending litigation that might have a material adverse
effect upon the Fund.
Future tax legislation could affect the value of the portfolio by:
- limiting real property taxes,
- reducing tax rates,
- imposing a flat or other form of tax, or
- exempting investment income from tax.
SELLING OR EXCHANGING UNITS
You can sell your units at any time for a price based on net asset value. Your
net asset value is calculated each business day by:
- ADDING the value of the bonds, net accrued interest, cash and any other Fund
assets;
- SUBTRACTING accrued but unpaid Fund expenses, unreimbursed Trustee advances,
cash held to buy back units or for distribution to investors and any other
Fund liabilities; and
- DIVIDING the result by the number of outstanding units.
Your net asset value when you sell may be more or less than your cost because of
sales fees, market movements and changes in the portfolio.
SPONSORS' SECONDARY MARKET
While we are not obligated to do so, we will buy back units at net asset value
without any other fee or charge. We may resell the units to other buyers or to
the Trustee. You should consult your financial professional for current market
prices to determine if other broker-dealers or banks are offering higher prices.
We have maintained a secondary market continuously for over 28 years, but we
could discontinue it without prior notice for any business reason.
SELLING UNITS TO THE TRUSTEE
Regardless of whether we maintain a secondary market, you can sell your units to
the Trustee at any time by sending the Trustee a letter (with any outstanding
certificates if you hold unit certificates). You must properly endorse your
certificates (or execute a written transfer instrument with signatures
guaranteed by an eligible institution). Sometimes, additional documents are
needed such as a trust document, certificate of corporate authority, certificate
of death or appointment as executor, administrator or guardian.
Within seven days after your request and the necessary documents are received,
the Trustee will mail a check to you. Contact the Trustee for additional
information.
9
<PAGE>
As long as we are maintaining a secondary market, the Trustee will sell your
units to us at a price based on net asset value. If there is no secondary
market, the Trustee may sell your units in the over-the-counter market for a
higher price, but it is not obligated to do so. In that case, you will receive
the net proceeds of the sale.
If the Fund does not have cash available to pay you for units you are selling,
the agent for the Sponsors will select bonds to be sold. Bonds will be selected
based on market and credit factors. These sales could be made at times when the
bonds would not otherwise be sold and may result in your receiving less than the
unit par value and also reduce the size and diversity of the Fund.
There could be a delay in paying you for your units:
- if the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and
holiday closings);
- if the SEC determines that trading on the New York Stock Exchange is
restricted or that an emergency exists making sale or evaluation of the
bonds not reasonably practicable; and
- for any other period permitted by SEC order.
EXCHANGE OPTION
You may exchange units of certain Defined Asset Funds for units of this Fund at
a maximum exchange fee of 1.90%. You may exchange units of this Fund for units
of certain other funds at a reduced sales fee if your investment goals change.
To exchange units, you should talk to your financial professional about what
funds are exchangeable, suitable and currently available.
Normally, an exchange is taxable and you must recognize any gain or loss on the
exchange. However, the IRS may try to disallow a loss if the portfolios of the
two funds are not materially different; you should consult your own tax adviser.
We may amend or terminate this exchange option at any time without notice.
HOW THE FUND WORKS
PRICING
The price of a unit includes interest accrued on the bonds, less expenses, from
the most recent Record Day up to, but not including, the settlement date, which
is usually three business days after the purchase date of the unit.
A portion of the price of a unit consists of cash so that the Trustee can
provide you with regular monthly income. When you sell your units you will
receive your share of this cash.
EVALUATIONS
An independent Evaluator values the bonds on each business day (excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays as observed by the New York Stock
Exchange: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Bond values are based on current bid or offer prices for the bonds or comparable
bonds. In the past, the difference between bid and offer prices of publicly
offered tax-exempt bonds has ranged from 0.5% of face amount on actively traded
issues to 3.5% on inactively traded issues; the difference has averaged between
1 and 2%.
10
<PAGE>
INCOME
The Trustee credits interest to an Income Account and other receipts to a
Capital Account. The Trustee may establish a Reserve Account by withdrawing from
these accounts amounts it considers appropriate to pay any material liability.
These accounts do not bear interest.
EXPENSES
The Trustee is paid monthly. It also benefits when it holds cash for the Fund in
non-interest bearing accounts. The Trustee may also receive additional amounts:
- to reimburse the Trustee for the Fund's operating expenses;
- for extraordinary services and costs of indemnifying the Trustee and the
Sponsors;
- costs of actions taken to protect the Fund and other legal fees and
expenses;
- expenses for keeping the Fund's registration statement current; and
- Fund termination expenses and any governmental charges.
The Sponsors are currently reimbursed up to 55 CENTS per $1,000 face amount
annually for providing portfolio supervisory, bookkeeping and administrative
services and for any other expenses properly chargeable to the Fund. Legal,
typesetting, electronic filing and regulatory filing fees and expenses
associated with updating the Portfolio's registration statement yearly are also
now chargeable to the Portfolio. While this fee may exceed the amount of these
costs and expenses attributable to this Fund, the total of these fees for all
Series of Defined Asset Funds will not exceed the aggregate amount attributable
to all of these Series for any calendar year. The Fund also pays the Evaluator's
fees.
The Trustee's, Sponsors' and Evaluator's fees may be adjusted for inflation
without investors' approval.
The Sponsors will pay advertising and selling expenses at no charge to the Fund.
If Fund expenses exceed initial estimates, the Fund will owe the excess. The
Trustee has a lien on Fund assets to secure reimbursement of Fund expenses and
may sell bonds if cash is not available.
PORTFOLIO CHANGES
The Sponsors and Trustee are not liable for any default or defect in a bond.
Unlike a mutual fund, the portfolio is designed to remain intact and we may keep
bonds in the portfolio even if their credit quality declines or other adverse
financial circumstances occur. However, we may sell a bond in certain cases if
we believe that certain adverse credit conditions exist or if a bond becomes
taxable.
If we maintain a secondary market in units but are unable to sell the units that
we buy in the secondary market, we will redeem units, which may affect the
composition of the portfolio. Units offered in the secondary market may not
represent the same face amount of bonds that they did originally.
We decide whether or not to offer units for sale that we acquire in the
secondary market after reviewing:
- diversity of the portfolio;
- size of the Fund relative to its original size;
- ratio of Fund expenses to income;
- current and long-term returns;
- degree to which units may be selling at a premium over par; and
- cost of maintaining a current prospectus.
11
<PAGE>
FUND TERMINATION
The Fund will terminate following the stated maturity or sale of the last bond
in the portfolio. The Fund may also terminate earlier with the consent of
investors holding 51% of the units or if total assets of the Fund have fallen
below 40% of the face amount of bonds deposited. We will decide whether to
terminate the Fund early based on the same factors used in deciding whether or
not to offer units in the secondary market.
When the Fund is about to terminate you will receive a notice, and you will be
unable to sell your units after that time. On or shortly before termination, we
will sell any remaining bonds, and you will receive your final distribution. Any
bond that cannot be sold at a reasonable price may continue to be held by the
Trustee in a liquidating trust pending its final sale.
You will pay your share of the expenses associated with termination, including
brokerage costs in selling bonds. This may reduce the amount you receive as your
final distribution.
CERTIFICATES
Certificates for units are issued on request. You may transfer certificates by
complying with the requirements for redeeming certificates, described above. You
can replace lost or mutilated certificates by delivering satisfactory indemnity
and paying the associated costs.
TRUST INDENTURE
The Fund is a "unit investment trust" governed by a Trust Indenture, a contract
among the Sponsors, the Trustee and the Evaluator, which sets forth their duties
and obligations and your rights. A copy of the Indenture is available to you on
request to the Trustee. The following summarizes certain provisions of the
Indenture.
The Sponsors and the Trustee may amend the Indenture without your consent:
- to cure ambiguities;
- to correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision;
- to make any amendment required by any governmental agency; or
- to make other changes determined not to be materially adverse to your best
interest (as determined by the Sponsors).
Investors holding 51% of the units may amend the Indenture. Every investor must
consent to any amendment that changes the 51% requirement. No amendment may
reduce your interest in the Fund without your written consent.
The Trustee may resign by notifying the Sponsors. The Sponsors may remove the
Trustee without your consent if:
- it fails to perform its duties and the Sponsors determine that its
replacement is in your best interest; or
- it becomes incapable of acting or bankrupt or its affairs are taken over by
public authorities.
Investors holding 51% of the units may remove the Trustee. The Evaluator may
resign or be removed by the Sponsors and the Trustee without the consent of
investors. The resignation or removal of either becomes effective when a
successor accepts appointment. The Sponsors will try to appoint a successor
promptly; however, if no successor has accepted within 30 days after notice of
resignation, the resigning Trustee or Evaluator may petition a court to appoint
a successor.
12
<PAGE>
Any Sponsor may resign as long as one Sponsor with a net worth of $2 million
remains and agrees to the resignation. The remaining Sponsors and the Trustee
may appoint a replacement. If there is only one Sponsor and it fails to perform
its duties or becomes bankrupt the Trustee may:
- remove it and appoint a replacement Sponsor;
- liquidate the Fund; or
- continue to act as Trustee without a Sponsor.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated acts as agent for the
Sponsors.
The Trust Indenture contains customary provisions limiting the liability of the
Trustee, the Sponsors and the Evaluator.
LEGAL OPINION
Davis Polk & Wardwell, 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, as
special counsel for the Sponsors, has given an opinion that the units are
validly issued.
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 2 World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281,
independent accountants, audited the Statement of Condition included in this
prospectus.
SPONSORS
The Sponsors are:
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED (a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.)
P.O. Box 9051,
Princeton, NJ 08543-9051
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC. (a principal operating subsidiary of Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter & Co.)
Two World Trade Center--59th Floor,
New York, NY 10048
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Prudential Insurance Company of America)
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10292
Each Sponsor is a Delaware corporation and it, or its predecessor, has acted as
sponsor to many unit investment trusts. As a registered broker-dealer each
Sponsor buys and sells securities (including investment company shares) for
others (including investment companies) and participates as an underwriter in
various selling groups.
TRUSTEE
The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street,
17 W, New York, New York 10268, is the Trustee. It is supervised by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System and New York State banking authorities.
UNDERWRITERS' AND SPONSORS' PROFITS
Underwriters receive sales charges when they sell units. The Sponsors also
realized a profit or loss on the initial deposit of the bonds. Any cash made
available by you to the Sponsors before the settlement date for those units may
be used in the Sponsors' businesses to the extent permitted by federal law and
may benefit the Sponsors.
A Sponsor or Underwriter may realize profits or sustain losses on bonds in the
Fund which were acquired from underwriting syndicates of which it was a member.
13
<PAGE>
In maintaining a secondary market, the Sponsors will also realize profits or
sustain losses in the amount of any difference between the prices at which they
buy units and the prices at which they resell or redeem them.
PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
The Sponsors do not intend to qualify units for sale in any foreign countries.
This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell units in any country where
units cannot lawfully be sold.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Fund and the Agent for the Sponsors have each adopted a code of ethics
requiring reporting of personal securities transactions by its employees with
access to information on Fund transactions. Subject to certain conditions, the
codes permit employees to invest in Fund securities for their own accounts. The
codes are designed to prevent fraud, deception and misconduct against the Fund
and to provide reasonable standards of conduct. These codes are on file with the
Commission and you may obtain a copy by contacting the Commission at the address
listed on the back cover of this prospectus.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
Many computer systems were designed in such a way that they may be unable to
distinguish between the year 2000 and the year 1900 (commonly known as the "Year
2000 Problem"). To date we are not aware of any major operational difficulties
resulting from the computer system changes necessary to prepare for the Year
2000. However, there can be no assurance that the Year 2000 Problem will not
adversely affect the issuers of the bonds contained in the Portfolio. We cannot
predict whether any impact will be material to the Fund as a whole.
TAXES
The following summary describes some of the important income tax consequences of
holding units. It assumes that you are not a dealer, financial institution,
insurance company or other investor with special circumstances or subject to
special rules. You should consult your own tax adviser about your particular
circumstances.
At the date of issue of each bond, counsel for the issuer delivered an opinion
to the effect that interest on the bond is exempt from regular federal income
tax. However, interest may be subject to state and local taxes and may be taken
into account in determining your preference items for alternative minimum tax
purposes. Neither we nor our counsel have reviewed the issuance of the bonds,
related proceedings or the basis for the opinions of counsel for the issuers. We
cannot assure you that the issuer (or other users) have complied or will comply
with any requirements necessary for a bond to be tax-exempt. If any of the bonds
were determined not to be tax-exempt, you could be required to pay income tax
for current and prior years, and if the Fund were to sell the bond, it might
have to sell it at a substantial discount.
In the opinion of our counsel, under existing law:
GENERAL TREATMENT OF THE FUND AND YOUR INVESTMENT
The Fund will not be taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, and
you will be considered to own directly your share of each bond in the Fund.
14
<PAGE>
GAIN OR LOSS UPON DISPOSITION
When all or part of your share of a bond is disposed of (for example, when the
Fund sells, exchanges or redeems a bond or when you sell or exchange your
units), you will generally recognize capital gain or loss. Your gain, however,
will generally be ordinary income to the extent of any accrued "market
discount". Generally you will have market discount to the extent that your basis
in a bond when you purchase a unit is less than its stated redemption price at
maturity (or, if it is an original issue discount bond, the issue price
increased by original issue discount that has accrued on the bond before your
purchase). You should consult your tax adviser in this regard.
If your net long-term capital gains exceed your net short-term capital losses,
the excess may be subject to tax at a lower rate than ordinary income. Any
capital gain from the Fund will be long-term if you are considered to have held
your investment on each bond for more than one year and short-term otherwise. If
you are an individual and sell your units after holding them for more than one
year, you may be entitled to a 20% maximum federal tax rate on any resulting
gains. Because the deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations,
you may not be able to deduct all of your capital losses. Consult your tax
adviser in this regard.
YOUR BASIS IN THE BONDS
Your aggregate basis in the bonds will be equal to the cost of your units,
including any sales charges you pay, adjusted to reflect any accruals of
"original issue discount," "acquisition premium" and "bond premium". You should
consult your tax adviser in this regard.
EXPENSES
If you are not a corporate investor, you will not be entitled to a deduction for
your share of fees and expenses of the Fund. Also, if you borrowed money in
order to purchase or carry your units, you will not be able to deduct the
interest on this borrowing for federal income tax purposes. The IRS may treat
your purchase of units as made with borrowed money even if the money is not
directly traceable to the purchase of units.
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
Under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, the Fund will not
be taxed as a corporation. If you are a New York taxpayer, your income from the
Fund will not be tax-exempt in New York except to the extent that the income is
earned on bonds that are tax-exempt for New York purposes. Depending on where
you live, your income from the Fund may be subject to state and local taxation.
You should consult your tax adviser in this regard.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
You can receive at no cost supplemental information about the Fund by calling
the Trustee. The supplemental information includes more detailed risk disclosure
about the types of bonds that may be in the Fund's portfolio, general risk
disclosure concerning any insurance securing certain bonds, and general
information about the structure and operation of the Fund. The supplemental
information is also available from the SEC.
15
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES - 65
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Sponsors, Trustee and Holders
of Defined Asset Funds - Municipal Investment Trust Fund,
Monthly Payment Series - 65:
We have audited the accompanying statement of condition of Defined Asset Funds -
Municipal Investment Trust Fund, Monthly Payment Series - 65, including the
portfolio, as of February 29, 2000 and the related statements of operations and
of changes in net assets for the years ended February 29, 2000, February 28,
1999 and 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trustee.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Securities owned at February 29, 2000, as shown in such portfolio,
were confirmed to us by The Bank of New York, the Trustee. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by the Trustee, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Defined Asset Funds - Municipal
Investment Trust Fund, Monthly Payment Series - 65 at February 29, 2000 and the
results of its operations and changes in its net assets for the above-stated
years in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, N.Y.
April 20, 2000
D - 1
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES - 65
STATEMENT OF CONDITION
AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 2000
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
TRUST PROPERTY:
Investment in marketable securities - at value
(cost $5,066,670)(Note 1)...................... $5,284,547
Accrued interest receivable...................... 79,301
Cash............................................. 56,909
-------------
Total trust property................. 5,420,757
LESS LIABILITY - Accrued expenses.................. 4,194
-------------
NET ASSETS, REPRESENTED BY:
9,473 units of fractional undivided
interest outstanding (Note 3).................. $5,289,548
Undistributed net investment income.............. 127,015
-------------
$5,416,563
=============
UNIT VALUE ($5,416,563/9,473 units)................ $571.79
=============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
D - 2
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES - 65
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
February 29, Years Ended February 28,
2000 1999 1998
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Interest income........................... $352,275 $387,774 $427,518
Trustee's fees and expenses............... (13,982) (12,739) (16,645)
Sponsors' fees............................ (1,724) (1,039) (1,108)
-----------------------------------------
Net investment income..................... 336,569 373,996 409,765
-----------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
ON INVESTMENTS:
Realized gain on securities sold
or redeemed............................. 23,774 18,995 28,244
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
of investments.......................... (303,229) (20,774) 67,208
-----------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments.......................... (279,455) (1,779) 95,452
-----------------------------------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS........................... $ 57,114 $372,217 $505,217
=========================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
D - 3
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES - 65
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Year Ended
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
February 29, Years Ended February 28,
2000 1999 1998
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income....................... $ 336,569 $ 373,996 $ 409,765
Realized gain on securities sold
or redeemed............................... 23,774 18,995 28,244
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
of investments............................ (303,229) (20,774) 67,208
-----------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations........................... 57,114 372,217 505,217
-----------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO HOLDERS (Note 2):
Income...................................... (353,020) (374,368) (412,710)
Principal................................... (357,903) (269,946) (233,959)
-----------------------------------------
Total distributions......................... (710,923) (644,314) (646,669)
-----------------------------------------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS - Redemptions of
743, 437 and 607 units, respectively........ (447,409) (284,974) (405,292)
-----------------------------------------
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS.................... (1,101,218) (557,071) (546,744)
NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR............... 6,517,781 7,074,852 7,621,596
-----------------------------------------
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR..................... $5,416,563 $6,517,781 $7,074,852
=========================================
PER UNIT:
Income distributions during year............ $35.45 $35.85 $37.36
=========================================
Principal distributions during year......... $36.47 $25.97 $21.20
=========================================
Net asset value at end of year.............. $571.79 $638.00 $664.12
=========================================
TRUST UNITS OUTSTANDING AT END OF YEAR........ 9,473 10,216 10,653
=========================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
D - 4
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES - 65
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a Unit
Investment Trust. The following is a summary of significant accounting
policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its
financial statements. The policies are in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
(a) Securities are stated at value as determined by the Evaluator
based on bid side evaluations for the securities.
(b) The Fund is not subject to income taxes. Accordingly, no
provision for such taxes is required.
(c) Interest income is recorded as earned.
2. DISTRIBUTIONS
A distribution of net investment income is made to Holders each month.
Receipts other than interest, after deductions for redemptions and
applicable expenses, are also distributed periodically.
3. NET CAPITAL
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cost of 9,473 units at Date of Deposit.............. $9,668,407
Less sales charge................................... 338,375
--------------
Net amount applicable to Holders.................... 9,330,032
Redemptions of units - net cost of 15,527 units
redeemed less redemption amounts.................. 2,984,443
Realized loss on securities sold or redeemed........ (1,399,106)
Principal distributions............................. (5,843,698)
Net unrealized appreciation of investments.......... 217,877
--------------
Net capital applicable to Holders................... $5,289,548
==============
</TABLE>
4. INCOME TAXES
Asof February 29, 2000, net unrealized appreciation of investments, based
on cost for Federal income tax purposes, aggregated $217,877 all of
which related to appreciated securities. The cost of investment
securities for Federal income tax purposes was $5,066,670 at February
29, 2000.
D - 5
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES - 65
PORTFOLIO
AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Optional
Portfolio No. and Title of of Face Redemption
Securities Issues(1) Amount Coupon Maturities(3) Provisions(3) Cost Value(2)
---------- --------- ------ ------ ------------- ------------- ---- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 State of California, Various AA(f) $ 190,000 3.000% 2014 12/01/02 $ 123,285 $ 147,461
Purpose General Obligation Bonds @ 100.000
150,000 3.625 2012 09/02/02 97,330 130,232
@ 100.000
2 Maryland Health and Higher AAA 575,000 6.700 2006 None 575,000 600,455
Educational Facilities Authority,
Revenue Bonds, Franklin Square
Hospital Issue, Ser. A
3 New Jersey Housing Finance Agency Aa3(m) 1,095,000 6.250 2020 Currently 1,091,715 1,095,953
Mortgage, Revenue Bonds, 1977 Issue
A (Section 8 Assisted)
4 Bucks County, PA, Water and Sewer NR 325,000 6.300 2001 None 325,000 331,321
Authority, Water and Sewer Bonds
Ser. 1977
5 West Whiteland Municipal Authority Aaa(m) 35,000 6.400 2013 None 35,497 37,036
(Chester County, Pennsylvania)
Guaranteed Sewer Revenue Bonds,
Ser. 1977
6 The Health and Educational AAA 1,080,000 6.100 2010 None 1,073,843 1,113,242
Facilities Board of the
Metropolitan Goverment of Nashville
and Davidson County, Tennessee, The
Vanderbilt University.
7 Kanawha County Building Commission AAA 1,745,000 6.600 2008 None 1,745,000 1,828,847
Hospital Revenue Bonds, Ser. 1977
(Charleston Area Medical Center
Project)-Charleston, West Virginia
-------------- -------------- --------------
TOTAL $5,195,000 $5,066,670 $5,284,547
============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Portfolio.
D - 6
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES - 65
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 2000
(1) The ratings of the bonds are by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, or by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. if followed by "(m)", or by Fitch
Investors Service, Inc. if followed by "(f)"; "NR" indicates that this
bond is not currently rated by any of the above-mentioned rating
services. These ratings have been furnished by the Evaluator but not
confirmed with the rating agencies.
(2) See Notes to Financial Statements.
(3) Optional redemption provisions, which may be exercised in whole or in
part, are initially at prices of par plus a premium, then subsequently at
prices declining to par. Certain securities may provide for redemption at
par prior or in addition to any optional or mandatory redemption dates or
maturity, for example, through the operation of a maintenance and
replacement fund, if proceeds are not able to be used as contemplated,
the project is condemned or sold or the project is destroyed and
insurance proceeds are used to redeem the securities. Many of the
securities are also subject to mandatory sinking fund redemption
commencing on dates which may be prior to the date on which securities
may be optionally redeemed. Sinking fund redemptions are at par and
redeem only part of the issue. Some of the securities have mandatory
sinking funds which contain optional provisions permitting the issuer to
increase the principal amount of securities called on a mandatory
redemption date. The sinking fund redemptions with optional provisions
may, and optional refunding redemptions generally will, occur at times
when the redeemed securities have an offering side evaluation which
represents a premium over par. To the extent that the securities were
acquired at a price higher than the redemption price, this will represent
a loss of capital when compared with the Public Offering Price of the
Units when acquired. Distributions will generally be reduced by the
amount of the income which would otherwise have been paid with respect to
redeemed securities and there will be distributed to Holders any
principal amount and premium received on such redemption after satisfying
any redemption requests for Units received by the Fund. The estimated
current return may be affected by redemptions.
D - 7
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--REGISTERED TRADEMARK--
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
HAVE QUESTIONS ? MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
Request the most recent free MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES--65
Information Supplement (A Unit Investment Trust)
that gives more details about ---------------------------------------
the Fund, by calling: This Prospectus does not contain
The Bank of New York complete information about the
1-800-221-7771 investment company filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission in
Washington, D.C. under the:
- Securities Act of 1933 (file no.
2-57971) and
- Investment Company Act of 1940 (file
no. 811-1777).
TO OBTAIN COPIES AT PRESCRIBED RATES--
WRITE: Public Reference Section of the
Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549-6009
CALL: 1-800-SEC-0330.
VISIT: http://www.sec.gov.
---------------------------------------
No person is authorized to give any
information or representations about
this Fund not contained in this
Prospectus or the Information
Supplement, and you should not rely on
any other information.
---------------------------------------
When units of this Fund are no longer
available, this Prospectus may be used
as a preliminary prospectus for a
future series, but some of the
information in this Prospectus will be
changed for that series.
UNITS OF ANY FUTURE SERIES MAY NOT BE
SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED
UNTIL THAT SERIES HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE
WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION. NO UNITS CAN BE SOLD IN ANY
STATE WHERE A SALE WOULD BE ILLEGAL.
12229--5/00
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement on Form S-6
comprises the following papers and documents:
The facing sheet of Form S-6.
The cross-reference sheet (incorporated by reference to the Cross-Reference
Sheet to the Registration Statement of Defined Asset Funds Municipal Insured
Series, 1933 Act File No. 33-54565).
The Prospectus.
The Signatures.
The following exhibits:
1.1.1-- Form of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust Effective as of
October 21, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1.1 to the
Registration Statement of Municipal Investment Trust Fund,
Multi-state Series--48, 1933 Act File No. 33-50247).
1.11.1-- Merrill Lynch Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
1.11.1 to the Post Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration
Statement of Municipal Investment Trust Fund, Insured Series 186,
1933 Act File No. 33-49159).
1.11.2-- Municipal Investment Trust Fund Code of Ethics (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 1.11.2 to the Post Effective Amendment No. 8 to
the Registration Statement of Municipal Investment Trust Fund,
Insured Series 186, 1933 Act File No. 33-49159).
4.1 --Consent of the Evaluator.
5.1 --Consent of independent accountants.
9.1 -- Information Supplement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9.1 to
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement of Municipal Investment
Trust Fund, Multistate Series--409, 1933 Act File No. 333-81777).
R-1
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES--65
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS, MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND, MONTHLY PAYMENT
SERIES--65, CERTIFIES THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFECTIVENESS OF
THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 485(B) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AMENDMENT TO THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED THEREUNTO
DULY AUTHORIZED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND STATE OF NEW YORK ON THE 10TH DAY OF
MAY, 2000.
SIGNATURES APPEAR ON PAGES R-3, R-4 AND R-5.
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated has signed this Registration Statement or
Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney
authorizing the person signing this Registration Statement or Amendment to the
Registration Statement to do so on behalf of such members.
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Prudential Securities
Incorporated has signed this Registration Statement or Amendment to the
Registration Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney authorizing the person
signing this Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration Statement
to do so on behalf of such members.
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Dean Witter Reynolds
Inc. has signed this Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration
Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney authorizing the person signing this
Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration Statement to do so on
behalf of such members.
R-2
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
DEPOSITOR
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
By the following persons, who constitute Powers of Attorney have been filed
a majority of under
the Board of Directors of Merrill Form SE and the following 1933 Act
Lynch, Pierce, File
Fenner & Smith Incorporated: Number: 333-70593
</TABLE>
GEORGE A. SCHIERIN
JOHN L. STEFFENS
By JAY M. FIFE
(As authorized signatory for Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated and
Attorney-in-fact for the persons listed above)
R-3
<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
DEPOSITOR
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<S> <C>
By the following persons, who constitute a majority of Powers of Attorney
the Board of Directors of Prudential Securities have been filed
Incorporated: under Form SE and
the following 1933
Act File Numbers:
33-41631 and
333-15919
</TABLE>
ROBERT C. GOLDEN
ALAN D. HOGAN
A. LAURENCE NORTON, JR.
LELAND B. PATON
VINCENT T. PICA II
MARTIN PFINSGRAFF
HARDWICK SIMMONS
LEE B. SPENCER, JR.
BRIAN M. STORMS
By RICHARD R. HOFFMANN
(As authorized signatory for Prudential Securities
Incorporated and Attorney-in-fact for the persons
listed above)
R-4
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
DEPOSITOR
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<S> <C>
By the following persons, who constitute Powers of Attorney have been filed
a majority of under Form SE and the following 1933
the Board of Directors of Dean Witter Act File Numbers: 33-17085,
Reynolds Inc.: 333-13039, 333-47553 and 333-89045
</TABLE>
BRUCE F. ALONSO
RICHARD M. DeMARTINI
RAYMOND J. DROP
JAMES F. HIGGINS
JOHN J. MACK
MITCHELL M. MERIN
STEPHEN R. MILLER
PHILIP J. PURCELL
JOHN H. SCHAEFER
THOMAS C. SCHNEIDER
ALAN A. SCHRODER
ROBERT G. SCOTT
By MICHAEL D. BROWNE
(As authorized signatory for
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.
and Attorney-in-fact for the persons listed above)
R-5
EXHIBIT 4.1
STANDARD & POOR'S
A DIVISION OF THE McGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
J. J. KENNY
65 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10006-2551
TELEPHONE (212) 770-4422
FAX 212/797-8681
May 10, 2000
Frank A. Ciccotto, Jr.
Vice President
Tax-Exempt Evaluations
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<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
Defined Asset Funds
P.O. Box 9051
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9051
The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
New York, New York 10286
</TABLE>
RE: DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
MONTHLY PAYMENT SERIES--65
Gentlemen:
We have examined the post-effective Amendment to the Registration Statement
File No. 2-57971 for the above-captioned trust. We hereby acknowledge that Kenny
S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. is currently acting
as the evaluator for the trust. We hereby consent to the use in the Amendment of
the reference to Kenny S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co.,
Inc. as evaluator.
In addition, we hereby confirm that the ratings indicated in the
above-referenced Amendment to the Registration Statement for the respective
bonds comprising the trust portfolio are the ratings currently indicated in our
KENNYBASE database.
You are hereby authorized to file copies of this letter with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
Sincerely,
FRANK A. CICCOTTO
Vice President
Exhibit 5.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Sponsors and Trustee of
Defined Asset Funds--Municipal Investment Trust Fund--Monthly Payment Series--65
We consent to the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to Registration
Statement No. 2-57971 of our opinion dated April 20, 2000 appearing in the
Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement, and to the reference
to us under the heading "Miscellaneous--Auditors" in such Prospectus.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, N.Y.
May 10, 2000
