<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 29, 1997
SECURITIES ACT FILE NO. 2-80150
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-3595
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [ ]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 19 [X]
AND/OR
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
AMENDMENT NO. 20 [X]
(CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX OR BOXES)
------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD
PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY 08536
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
</TABLE>
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE (609) 282-2800
ARTHUR ZEIKEL
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC.
800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD, PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
(NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
------------------------
COPIES TO:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
COUNSEL FOR THE FUND: PHILIP L. KIRSTEIN, ESQ.
BROWN & WOOD LLP MERRILL LYNCH ASSET
ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER MANAGEMENT
NEW YORK, NY 10048-0557 P.O. BOX 9011
ATTENTION: THOMAS R. SMITH, JR., ESQ. PRINCETON, NJ 08543-9011
FRANK P. BRUNO, ESQ.
</TABLE>
------------------------
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[X] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for
a previously filed post-effective amendment.
------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HAS REGISTERED AN INDEFINITE NUMBER OF ITS SHARES OF STOCK
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 PURSUANT TO RULE 24F-2 UNDER THE INVESTMENT
COMPANY ACT OF 1940. THE NOTICE REQUIRED BY SUCH RULE FOR THE REGISTRANT'S MOST
RECENT FISCAL YEAR WAS FILED ON JUNE 25, 1997.
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================================================
AMOUNT OF PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED
TITLE OF SECURITIES SHARES BEING OFFERING PRICE MAXIMUM AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
BEING REGISTERED REGISTERED PER UNIT OFFERING PRICE REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shares of common stock (par
value $.10 per share)........ 5,800,997 $5.68 $329,997* $100
===================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
*(1) The calculation of the maximum aggregate offering price is made pursuant to
Rule 24e-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(2) The total amount of securities redeemed or repurchased during Registrant's
previous fiscal year was 41,927,330 shares of Common Stock.
(3) 36,184,431 of the shares described in (2) above have been used for
reduction pursuant to Rule 24e-2(a) or Rule 24f-2(c) under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 in previous filings during Registrant's current fiscal
year.
(4) 5,742,899 of the shares redeemed during Registrant's previous fiscal year
are being used for the reduction of the registration fee in this amendment
to the Registration Statement.
================================================================================
<PAGE> 2
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC.
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM N-1A
------------------------
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-1A ITEM NO. LOCATION
- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
PART A
Item 1. Cover Page............................... Cover Page
Item 2. Synopsis................................. Fee Table
Item 3. Condensed Financial Information.......... Financial Highlights
Item 4. General Description of Registrant........ Risk Factors and Special
Considerations; Investment Objective
and Policies; Additional Information
Item 5. Management of the Fund................... Fee Table; Management of the Company;
Inside Back Cover Page
Item 5A. Management's Discussion of Fund
Performance............................ Not Applicable
Item 6. Capital Stock and Other Securities....... Cover Page; Additional Information
Item 7. Purchase of Securities Being Offered..... Cover Page; Fee Table; Merrill Lynch
Select Pricing(SM) System; Purchase
of Shares; Shareholder Services;
Additional Information; Inside Back
Cover Page
Item 8. Redemption or Repurchase................. Fee Table; Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System; Shareholder
Services; Purchase of Shares;
Redemption of Shares
Item 9. Pending Legal Proceedings................ Not Applicable
PART B
Item 10. Cover Page............................... Cover Page
Item 11. Table of Contents........................ Back Cover Page
Item 12. General Information and History.......... General Information
Item 13. Investment Objectives and Policies....... Investment Objective and Policies
Item 14. Management of the Fund................... Management of the Company
Item 15. Control Persons and Principal Holders of
Securities............................. Management of the Company
Item 16. Investment Advisory and Other Services... Management of the Company; Purchase of
Shares; General Information
Item 17. Brokerage Allocation and Other
Practices.............................. Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
Item 18. Capital Stock and Other Securities....... General Information
Item 19. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of
Securities Being Offered............... Purchase of Shares; Redemption of
Shares; Determination of Net Asset
Value; Shareholder Services; General
Information
Item 20. Tax Status............................... Dividends, Distributions and Taxes
Item 21. Underwriters............................. Purchase of Shares
Item 22. Calculation of Performance Data.......... Performance Data
Item 23. Financial Statements..................... Financial Statements
PART C
</TABLE>
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate Item, so numbered, in Part C to this Registration Statement.
<PAGE> 3
PROSPECTUS
JULY 29, 1997
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011 - PHONE NO. (609) 282-2800
------------------------
Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a non-diversified,
open-end investment company that seeks long-term capital appreciation through
worldwide investment in equity securities of companies that, in the opinion of
management, derive or are expected to derive a substantial portion of their
sales from products and services in healthcare. The Company will pursue its
investment objective by investing in a global portfolio of securities of
companies in various stages of development. It is presently contemplated that
the Company's assets will be primarily invested in the United States, Japan and
Western Europe. Until the Company changed its investment objective on April 27,
1992, the Company was known as Sci/Tech Holdings, Inc. For more information on
the Company's investment objective and policies, please see "Investment
Objective and Policies" on page 13.
------------------------
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System, the Company offers
four classes of shares, each with a different combination of sales charges,
ongoing fees and other features. The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System
permits an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that the investor
believes is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of time
the investor expects to hold the shares and other relevant circumstances. See
"Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System" on page 3.
Shares may be purchased directly from Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), P.O. Box 9081, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081 [(609)
282-2800], or from securities dealers that have entered into selected dealer
agreements with the Distributor, including Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"). The minimum initial purchase is $1,000, and the
minimum subsequent purchase is $50, except that for retirement plans the minimum
initial purchase is $100 and the minimum subsequent purchase is $1, and for
participants in certain fee-based programs, the minimum initial purchase is $500
and the minimum subsequent purchase is $50. Merrill Lynch may charge its
customers a processing fee (presently $5.35) for confirming purchases and
repurchases. Purchases and redemptions made directly through the Company's
transfer agent are not subject to the processing fee. See "Purchase of Shares"
and "Redemption of Shares."
------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
------------------------
This Prospectus is a concise statement of information about the Company
that is relevant to making an investment in the Company. This Prospectus should
be retained for future reference. A statement containing additional information
about the Company, dated July 29, 1997 (the "Statement of Additional
Information"), has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") and is available, without charge, by calling or by writing the
Company at the above telephone number or address. The Statement of Additional
Information is hereby incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT--INVESTMENT ADVISER
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.--DISTRIBUTOR
<PAGE> 4
FEE TABLE
A general comparison of the sales arrangements and other nonrecurring and
recurring expenses applicable to shares of the Company follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A(a) Class B(b) Class C Class D
---------- ----------------------------- ------------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of offering
price)................................ 5.25%(c) None None 5.25%(c)
Sales Charge Imposed on Dividend
Reinvestments......................... None None None None
Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage
of original purchase price or
redemption proceeds, whichever is
lower)................................ None(d) 4.0% during the first year, 1.0% for one None(d)
decreasing 1.0% annually year(f)
thereafter to 0.0% after the
fourth year(e)
Exchange Fee............................ None None None None
ANNUAL COMPANY OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A
PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
Investment Advisory Fees(g)............. 1.00% 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
12b-1 Fees(h):
Account Maintenance Fees.............. None 0.25% 0.25% 0.25%
Distribution Fees..................... None 0.75% 0.75% None
(Class B shares convert to
Class D shares automatically
after approximately eight
years and cease being subject
to distribution fees)
Other Expenses:
Custodial Fees...................... 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03%
Shareholder Servicing Costs(i)...... 0.25% 0.29% 0.31% 0.25%
Other............................... 0.12% 0.12% 0.12% 0.12%
----- ----- ----- -----
Total Other Expenses........... 0.40% 0.44% 0.46% 0.40%
----- ----- ----- -----
1.40% 2.44% 2.46% 1.65%
Total Company Operating Expenses........ ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Class A shares are sold to a limited group of investors including existing
Class A shareholders, certain retirement plans and certain participants in
fee-based programs. See "Purchase of Shares--Initial Sales Charge
Alternatives-- Class A and Class D Shares"--page 25 and "Shareholder
Services--Fee-Based Programs"--page 36.
(b) Class B shares convert to Class D shares automatically approximately eight
years after initial purchase. See "Purchase of Shares--Deferred Sales Charge
Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares"--page 27.
(c) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over, and waived for purchases of Class
A shares by certain retirement plans in connection with certain fee-based
programs. Class A or Class D purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be
subject to an initial sales charge. See "Purchase of Shares--Initial Sales
Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares"--page 25.
(d) Class A and Class D shares are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSC"), except that certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that
are not subject to an initial sales charge may instead be subject to a CDSC
of 1.0% of amounts redeemed within the first year after purchase. Such CDSC
may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs. See
"Shareholder Services--Fee-Based Programs"--page 36.
(e) The CDSC may be modified in connection with certain fee-based programs. See
"Shareholder Services--Fee-Based Programs"--page 36.
(f) The CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs. See
"Shareholder Services--Fee-Based Programs"--page 36.
(g) See "Management of the Company--Advisory and Management Arrangements"--page
21.
(h) See "Purchase of Shares--Distribution Plans"--page 30.
(i) See "Management of the Company--Transfer Agency Services"--page 22.
2
<PAGE> 5
EXAMPLE:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CUMULATIVE EXPENSES PAID
FOR THE PERIOD OF:
----------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
------ ------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000
investment including the maximum $52.50 initial sales charge
(Class A and Class D shares only) and assuming (1) the Total
Company Operating Expenses for each class set forth on page 2;
(2) a 5% annual return throughout the periods and (3)
redemption at the end of the period (including any applicable
CDSC for Class B and Class C shares):
Class A..................................................... $ 66 $ 94 $ 125 $212
Class B..................................................... $ 65 $ 96 $ 130 $259*
Class C..................................................... $ 35 $ 77 $ 131 $280
Class D..................................................... $ 68 $ 102 $ 137 $238
An investor would pay the following expenses on the same $1,000
investment assuming no redemption at the end of the period:
Class A..................................................... $ 66 $ 94 $ 125 $212
Class B..................................................... $ 25 $ 76 $ 130 $259*
Class C..................................................... $ 25 $ 77 $ 131 $280
Class D..................................................... $ 68 $ 102 $ 137 $238
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Assumes conversion to Class D shares approximately eight years after purchase.
The foregoing Fee Table is intended to assist investors in understanding
the costs and expenses that a shareholder in the Company will bear directly or
indirectly. The Example set forth above assumes reinvestment of all dividends
and distributions and utilizes a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by
Commission regulations. THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN, AND ACTUAL EXPENSES OR ANNUAL
RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE ASSUMED FOR PURPOSES OF THE
EXAMPLE. Class B and Class C shareholders who hold their shares for an extended
period of time may pay more in Rule 12b-1 distribution fees than the economic
equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges permitted under the Conduct
Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD").
Merrill Lynch may charge its customers a processing fee (presently $5.35) for
confirming purchases and repurchases. Purchases and redemptions made directly
through the Company's transfer agent are not subject to the processing fee. See
"Purchase of Shares" and "Redemption of Shares."
MERRILL LYNCH SELECT PRICING(SM) SYSTEM
The Company offers four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System. The shares of each class may be purchased at a price equal
to the next determined net asset value per share subject to the sales charges
and ongoing fee arrangements described below. Shares of Class A and Class D are
sold to investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives, and shares of
Class B and Class C are sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge
alternatives. The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System is used by more than
50 registered investment companies advised by Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
L.P. ("MLAM" or the "Investment Adviser") or its affiliate, Fund Asset
Management, L.P. ("FAM"). Funds advised by MLAM or FAM that utilize the Merrill
Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System are referred to herein as "MLAM-advised mutual
funds."
Each Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D share of the Company represents
an identical interest in the investment portfolio of the Company and has the
same rights, except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear the expenses
of the ongoing account maintenance fees and Class B and Class C shares bear the
expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and the additional incremental
transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements. The
CDSCs, distribution and account maintenance fees that are imposed
3
<PAGE> 6
on Class B and Class C shares, and account maintenance fees that are imposed on
Class D shares, are imposed directly against those classes and not against all
assets of the Company and, accordingly, such charges will not affect the net
asset value of any other class nor have any impact on investors choosing another
sales charge option. Dividends paid by the Company for each class of shares will
be calculated in the same manner at the same time and will differ only to the
extent that account maintenance and distribution fees and any incremental
transfer agency costs relating to a particular class are borne exclusively by
that class. Each class has different exchange privileges. See "Shareholder
Services--Exchange Privilege."
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the initial
sales charges with respect to the Class A and Class D shares are the same as
those of the deferred sales charges and distribution fees with respect to the
Class B and Class C shares in that the sales charges and distribution fees
applicable to each class provide for the financing of the distribution of the
shares of the Company. The distribution-related revenues paid with respect to
one class will not be used to finance the distribution expenditures of another
class. Sales personnel may receive different compensation for selling different
classes of shares.
The following table sets forth a summary of the distribution arrangements
for each class of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System,
followed by a more detailed description of each class and a discussion of the
factors that investors should consider in determining the method of purchasing
shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System that the investor
believes is most beneficial under his or her particular circumstances. More
detailed information as to each class of shares is set forth under "Purchase of
Shares."
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
===========================================================================================================
ACCOUNT
MAINTENANCE DISTRIBUTION
CLASS SALES CHARGE(1) FEE FEE CONVERSION FEATURE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Maximum 5.25% initial sales
charge(2)(3) No No No
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B CDSC for a period of four years,
at a rate of 4.0% during the
first year, decreasing 1.0% B shares convert to D shares
annually to 0.0%(4) 0.25% 0.75% automatically after approximately
eight years(5)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC for one year(6) 0.25% 0.75% No
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D Maximum 5.25% initial sales
charge(3) 0.25% No No
===========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Initial sales charges are imposed at the time of purchase as a percentage of
the offering price. CDSCs are imposed if the redemption occurs within the
applicable CDSC time period. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal
to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the shares being
redeemed.
(2) Offered only to eligible investors. See "Purchase of Shares--Initial Sales
Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares-- Eligible Class A
Investors."
(3) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more, and waived for purchases of Class
A shares by certain retirement plans and participants in connection with
certain fee-based programs. Class A and Class D share purchases of
$1,000,000 or more may not be subject to an initial sales charge but instead
may be subject to a 1.0% CDSC if redeemed within one year. Such CDSC may be
waived in connection with certain fee-based programs. A 0.75% sales charge
for 401(k) purchases over $1,000,000 will apply. See "Class A" and "Class D"
below.
(4) The CDSC may be modified in connection with certain fee-based programs.
(5) The conversion period for dividend reinvestment shares and certain
retirement plans was modified. Also, Class B shares of certain other
MLAM-advised mutual funds into which exchanges may be made have a ten year
conversion period. If Class B shares of the Company are exchanged for Class
B shares of another MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period
applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and
the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the holding
period for the shares acquired.
(6) The CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs.
4
<PAGE> 7
Class A: Class A shares incur an initial sales charge when they are purchased
and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance fees. Class A
shares of the Company are offered to a limited group of investors and
also will be issued upon reinvestment of dividends on outstanding Class
A shares. Investors who currently own Class A shares of the Company in
a shareholder account are entitled to purchase additional Class A
shares in that account. Other eligible investors include certain
retirement plans and participants in certain fee-based programs. In
addition, Class A shares will be offered at net asset value to Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co.") and its subsidiaries (the term
"subsidiaries," when used herein with respect to ML & Co., includes
MLAM, FAM and certain other entities directly or indirectly wholly
owned and controlled by ML & Co.) and their directors and employees and
to members of the Boards of MLAM-advised mutual funds. The maximum
initial sales charge of 5.25% is reduced for purchases of $25,000 and
over, and waived for purchases by certain retirement plans and
participants in connection with certain fee-based programs. Purchases
of $1,000,000 or more may not be subject to an initial sales charge but
if the initial sales charge is waived, such purchases may be subject to
a 1.0% CDSC if the shares are redeemed within one year after purchase.
Such CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs.
Sales charges also are reduced under a right of accumulation that takes
into account the investor's holdings of all classes of all MLAM-advised
mutual funds. See "Purchase of Shares--Initial Sales Charge
Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares."
Class B: Class B shares do not incur a sales charge when they are purchased, but
they are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25% and an
ongoing distribution fee of 0.75% of the Company's average net assets
attributable to Class B shares, and a CDSC if they are redeemed within
four years of purchase. Such CDSC may be modified in connection with
certain fee-based programs. Approximately eight years after issuance,
Class B shares will convert automatically into Class D shares of the
Company, which are subject to an account maintenance fee but no
distribution fee; Class B shares of certain other MLAM-advised mutual
funds into which exchanges may be made convert into Class D shares
automatically after approximately ten years. If Class B shares of the
Company are exchanged for Class B shares of another MLAM-advised mutual
fund, the conversion period applicable to the Class B shares acquired
in the exchange will apply, and the holding period for the shares
exchanged will be tacked onto the holding period for the shares
acquired. Automatic conversion of Class B shares into Class D shares
will occur at least once a month on the basis of the relative net asset
values of the shares of the two classes on the conversion date, without
the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. Conversion of
Class B shares to Class D shares will not be deemed a purchase or sale
of the shares for Federal income tax purposes. Shares purchased through
reinvestment of dividends on Class B shares also will convert
automatically to Class D shares. The conversion period for dividend
reinvestment shares, and the conversion and holding periods for certain
retirement plans, is modified as described under "Purchase of
Shares--Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C
Shares--Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares."
Class C: Class C shares do not incur a sales charge when they are purchased, but
they are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25% and an
ongoing distribution fee of 0.75% of the Company's average net assets
attributable to Class C shares. Class C shares are also subject to a
1.0% CDSC if they are redeemed within one year of purchase. Such CDSC
may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs. Although
Class C shares are subject to a CDSC for only one year (as compared to
four years for Class B), Class C shares have no conversion feature
5
<PAGE> 8
and, accordingly, an investor who purchases Class C shares will be
subject to distribution fees that will be imposed on Class C shares for
an indefinite period subject to annual approval by the Company's Board
of Directors and regulatory limitations.
Class D: Class D shares incur an initial sales charge when they are purchased
and are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25% of the
Company's average net assets attributable to Class D shares. Class D
shares are not subject to an ongoing distribution fee or any CDSC when
they are redeemed. The maximum initial sales charge of 5.25% is reduced
for purchases of $25,000 and over. Purchases of $1,000,000 or more may
not be subject to an initial sales charge but if the initial sales
charge is waived, such purchases may be subject to a 1.0% CDSC if the
shares are redeemed within one year after purchase. Such CDSC may be
waived in connection with certain fee-based programs. The schedule of
initial sales charges and reductions for Class D shares is the same as
the schedule for Class A shares, except that there is no waiver for
purchases by retirement plans in connection with certain fee-based
programs. Class D shares also will be issued upon conversion of Class B
shares as described above under "Class B." See "Purchase of
Shares--Initial Sales Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares."
The following is a discussion of the factors that an investor should
consider in determining the method of purchasing shares under the Merrill Lynch
Select Pricing(SM) System that the investor believes is most beneficial under
his or her particular circumstances.
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives. Investors who prefer an initial sales
charge alternative may elect to purchase Class D shares or, if an eligible
investor, Class A shares. Investors choosing the initial sales charge
alternative who are eligible to purchase Class A shares should purchase Class A
shares rather than Class D shares because there is an account maintenance fee
imposed on Class D shares. Investors qualifying for significantly reduced
initial sales charges may find the initial sales charge alternative particularly
attractive because similar sales charge reductions are not available with
respect to the deferred sales charges imposed in connection with purchases of
Class B or Class C shares. Investors not qualifying for reduced initial sales
charges who expect to maintain their investment for an extended period of time
also may elect to purchase Class A or Class D shares, because over time the
accumulated ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees on Class B or
Class C shares may exceed the initial sales charge and, in the case of Class D
shares, the account maintenance fee. Although some investors that previously
purchased Class A shares may no longer be eligible to purchase Class A shares of
other MLAM-advised mutual funds, those previously purchased Class A shares,
together with Class B, Class C and Class D share holdings, will count toward a
right of accumulation that may qualify the investor for reduced initial sales
charges on new initial sales charge purchases. In addition, the ongoing Class B
and Class C account maintenance and distribution fees will cause Class B and
Class C shares to have higher expense ratios, pay lower dividends and have lower
total returns than the initial sales charge shares. The ongoing Class D account
maintenance fees will cause Class D shares to have a higher expense ratio, pay
lower dividends and have a lower total return than Class A shares.
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives. Because no initial sales charges are
deducted at the time of purchase, Class B and Class C shares provide the benefit
of putting all of the investor's dollars to work from the time the investment is
made. The deferred sales charge alternatives may be particularly appealing to
investors who do not qualify for a reduction in initial sales charges. Both
Class B and Class C shares are subject to ongoing account maintenance fees and
distribution fees; however, the ongoing account maintenance and distribution
fees potentially may be offset to the extent any return is realized on the
additional funds
6
<PAGE> 9
initially invested in Class B or Class C shares. In addition, Class B shares
will be converted into Class D shares of the Company after a conversion period
of approximately eight years, and thereafter investors will be subject to lower
ongoing fees.
Certain investors may elect to purchase Class B shares if they determine it
to be most advantageous to have all their funds invested initially and intend to
hold their shares for an extended period of time. Investors in Class B shares
should take into account whether they intend to redeem their shares within the
CDSC period and, if not, whether they intend to remain invested until the end of
the conversion period and thereby take advantage of the reduction in ongoing
fees resulting from the conversion into Class D shares. Other investors,
however, may elect to purchase Class C shares if they determine that it is
advantageous to have all their assets invested initially and they are uncertain
as to the length of time they intend to hold their assets in MLAM-advised mutual
funds. Although Class C shareholders are subject to a shorter CDSC period at a
lower rate, they forego the Class B conversion feature, making their investment
subject to account maintenance and distribution fees for an indefinite period of
time. In addition, while both Class B and Class C distribution fees are subject
to the limitations on asset-based sales charges imposed by the NASD, the Class B
distribution fees are further limited under a voluntary waiver of asset-based
sales charges. See "Purchase of Shares--Limitations on the Payment of Deferred
Sales Charges."
7
<PAGE> 10
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial information in the table below has been audited in conjunction
with the annual audits of the financial statements of the Company by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors. Financial statements and the independent
auditors' report thereon for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997 are included
in the Statement of Additional Information. Further information about the
performance of the Company is contained in the Company's most recent annual
report to shareholders, which may be obtained, without charge, by calling or by
writing the Company at the telephone number or address on the front cover of
this Prospectus.
The following per share data and ratios have been derived from information
provided in the financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE
FIVE-
MONTH
PERIOD
FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, ENDED
------------------------------------------------------------------- APRIL 30,
1997+ 1996+ 1995+ 1994+ 1993 1992+++
--------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value:
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period............ $ 5.27 $ 3.81 $ 3.87 $ 3.59 $ 3.63 $ 9.19
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Investment income (loss)--net.................. .02 (.01) (.01) (.02) .02 --
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency
transactions-- net........................... .40 1.67 .22 .31 (.06) .88
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Total from investment operations................ .42 1.66 .21 .29 (.04) .88
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Return of capital--net......................... -- -- -- -- -- (3.97)
Investment income--net......................... -- -- -- (.01) -- --
Realized gain on investments--net.............. (.64) (.20) (.27) -- -- (2.47)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Total dividends and distributions............... (.64) (.20) (.27) (.01) -- (6.44)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Net asset value, end of period.................. $ 5.05 $ 5.27 $ 3.81 $ 3.87 $ 3.59 $ 3.63
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ========
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
Based on net asset value per share.............. 8.55% 44.01% 6.47% 8.19% (1.10%) 10.96%#
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses........................................ 1.40% 1.53% 1.79% 1.55% 1.85% 1.56%*
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ========
Investment income (loss)--net................... .32% (.23%) (.21%) (.48%) .48% (.16%)*
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)........ $ 121,529 $ 132,083 $ 69,650 $ 70,753 $ 63,528 $ 61,132
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ========
Portfolio turnover.............................. 125.94% 133.50% 196.91% 133.58% 103.06% 147.63%
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ========
Average commission rate paid##.................. $ .0803 $ .0977 -- -- -- --
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ========
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
---------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE
EIGHT-
FOR THE MONTH
YEAR PERIOD
ENDED ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
NOV. 30, NOV. 30, ----------------------------------
1991 1990++ 1990 1989 1988
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value:
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period............ $ 7.94 $ 9.13 $ 9.61 $ 10.55 $ 13.75
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Investment income (loss)--net.................. .03 .05 .05 .15 .05
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency
transactions-- net........................... 2.08 (.75) .96 (.12) .11
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations................ 2.11 (.70) 1.01 .03 .16
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Return of capital--net......................... -- -- -- -- --
Investment income--net......................... (.03) (.08) (.07) (.15) (.01)
Realized gain on investments--net.............. (.83) (.41) (1.42) (.82) (3.35)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions............... (.86) (.49) (1.49) (.97) (3.36)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period.................. $ 9.19 $ 7.94 $ 9.13 $ 9.61 $ 10.55
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
Based on net asset value per share.............. 29.44% (8.75%)# 11.36% 0.36% 2.02%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses........................................ 1.61% 1.77%* 1.61% 1.46% 1.41%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income (loss)--net................... .27% .62%* .78% 1.07% .48%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)........ $ 125,979 $ 114,852 $ 140,635 $ 170,742 $ 238,606
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover.............................. 206.29% 159.11% 122.57% 113.85% 107.52%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Average commission rate paid##.................. -- -- -- -- --
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effect of sales loads.
+ Calculation is based on the average number of shares outstanding during the
period.
++ The Company changed its fiscal year from March 31 to November 30.
+++ The Company changed its fiscal year from November 30 to April 30.
# Aggregate total investment return.
## For fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995, the Company is
required to disclose its average commission rate per share for purchases and
sales of equity securities. The "Average commission rate paid" includes
commissions paid in foreign currencies, which have been converted into U.S.
dollars using the prevailing exchange rate on the date of the transaction.
Such conversions may significantly affect the rate shown.
8
<PAGE> 11
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE FOR THE
YEAR ENDED FIVE-MONTH
APRIL 30, PERIOD++++
----------------------------------------------------- ENDED
1997+ 1996+ 1995+ 1994+ 1993+ APRIL 30, 1992+
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value:
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..... $ 4.67 $ 3.43 $ 3.55 $ 3.31 $ 3.38 $ 9.01
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Investment loss--net.................... (.03) (.05) (.04) (.05) (.01) (.02)
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency
transactions--net..................... .35 1.49 .19 .29 (.06) .83
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations......... .32 1.44 .15 .24 (.07) .81
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
Return of capital--net.................. -- -- -- -- -- (3.97)
Investment income--net.................. -- -- -- -- -- --
Realized gain on investments--net....... (.59) (.20) (.27) -- -- (2.47)
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions........ (.59) (.20) (.27) -- -- (6.44)
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period........... $ 4.40 $ 4.67 $ 3.43 $ 3.55 $ 3.31 $ 3.38
======== ======== ======= ======= ======= =======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
Based on net asset value per share....... 7.44% 42.46% 5.29% 7.25% (2.07%) 10.26%#
======== ======== ======= ======= ======= =======
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses, net of reimbursement........... 2.44% 2.55% 2.85% 2.56% 2.89% 2.58%*
======== ======== ======= ======= ======= =======
Expenses................................. 2.44% 2.55% 2.85% 2.56% 2.89% 2.58%*
======== ======== ======= ======= ======= =======
Investment loss--net..................... (.72%) (1.24%) (1.29%) (1.52%) (.41%) (1.02%)*
======== ======== ======= ======= ======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(in thousands).......................... $178,025 $207,413 $79,485 $63,692 $33,071 $ 5,356
======== ======== ======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio turnover....................... 125.94% 133.50% 196.91% 133.58% 103.06% 147.63%
======== ======== ======= ======= ======= =======
Average commission rate paid##........... $ .0803 $ .0977 -- -- -- --
======== ======== ======= ======= ======= =======
<CAPTION>
CLASS B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE EIGHT- MONTH+++ FOR THE OCT. 21,
YEAR ENDED PERIOD ENDED YEAR ENDED 1988++ TO
NOV. 30, 1991 NOV. 30, 1990 MARCH 31, 1990+ MARCH 31, 1989+
------------- -------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value:
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..... $ 7.84 $ 9.05 $ 9.57 $ 10.24
------- ------- ------- -------
Investment loss--net.................... (.03) (.01) (.06) (.02)
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency
transactions--net..................... 2.03 (.75) .97 (.06)
------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations......... 2.00 (.76) .91 (.08)
------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
Return of capital--net.................. -- -- -- --
Investment income--net.................. -- (.04) (.01) (.06)
Realized gain on investments--net....... (.83) (.41) (1.42) (.53)
------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions........ (.83) (.45) (1.43) (.59)
------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period........... $ 9.01 $ 7.84 $ 9.05 $ 9.57
======= ======= ======= =======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
Based on net asset value per share....... 28.30% (9.37%)# 10.23% 2.43%#
======= ======= ======= =======
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses, net of reimbursement........... 2.63% 2.82%* 2.60% 2.38%*
======= ======= ======= =======
Expenses................................. 2.63% 2.82%* 2.68% 2.38%*
======= ======= ======= =======
Investment loss--net..................... (.79%) (.36%)* (.31%) (.33%)*
======= ======= ======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(in thousands).......................... $ 6,007 $ 3,222 $ 2,412 $ 342
======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio turnover....................... 206.29% 159.11% 122.57% 113.85%
======= ======= ======= =======
Average commission rate paid##........... -- -- -- --
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
- ---------------
+ Calculation is based on the average number of shares outstanding during the
period.
++ Commencement of Operations.
+++ The Company changed its fiscal year from March 31 to November 30.
++++ The Company changed its fiscal year from November 30 to April 30.
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effect of sales loads.
# Aggregate total investment return.
## For fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995, the Company is
required to disclose its average commission rate per share for purchases and
sales of equity securities. The "Average commission rate paid" includes
commissions paid in foreign currencies, which have been converted into U.S.
dollars using the prevailing exchange rate on the date of the transaction.
Such conversions may significantly affect the rate shown.
9
<PAGE> 12
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C++ CLASS D++
--------------------------------------- ------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD
FOR THE YEAR OCTOBER 21, FOR THE YEAR
ENDED APRIL 30, 1994+ ENDED APRIL 30,
--------------------- TO APRIL 30, ------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1997 1996
--------- --------- --------------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value:
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period.............. $ 4.68 $ 3.43 $ 3.27 $ 5.13 $ 3.72
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Investment loss--net............................. (.04) (.05) (.04) --### (.02)
Realized and unrealized gain on investments
and foreign currency transactions--net......... .35 1.50 .20 .39 1.63
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations.................. .31 1.45 .16 .39 1.61
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less distributions from realized gain on
investments--net................................. (.59) (.20) -- (.63) (.20)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period.................... $ 4.40 $ 4.68 $ 3.43 $ 4.89 $ 5.13
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
Based on net asset value per share................ 7.28% 42.76% 4.89%# 8.11% 43.74%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses.......................................... 2.46% 2.52% 3.28%* 1.65% 1.75%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Investment income (loss)--net..................... (.76%) (1.19%) (2.13%)* .06% (.44%)
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in thousands).......... $ 17,762 $ 20,761 $ 1,816 $ 18,318 $ 21,564
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio turnover................................ 125.94% 133.50% 196.91% 125.94% 133.50%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Average commission rate paid##.................... $ .0803 $ .0977 -- $ .0803 $ .0977
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
OCTOBER 21, 1994+
TO APRIL 30,
1995
-----------------
<S> <C><C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value:
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period.............. $ 3.61
-------
Investment loss--net............................. (.02)
Realized and unrealized gain on investments
and foreign currency transactions--net......... .13
-------
Total from investment operations.................. .11
-------
Less distributions from realized gain on
investments--net................................. --
-------
Net asset value, end of period.................... $ 3.72
=======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
Based on net asset value per share................ 3.05%#
=======
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses.......................................... 2.44%*
=======
Investment income (loss)--net..................... (1.23%)*
=======
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in thousands).......... $ 4,386
=======
Portfolio turnover................................ 196.91%
=======
Average commission rate paid##.................... --
=======
</TABLE>
- ---------------
+ Commencement of Operations.
++ Calculation is based on the average number of shares outstanding during the
period.
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effect of sales loads.
# Aggregate total investment return.
## For fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995, the Company is
required to disclose its average commission rate per share for purchases and
sales of equity securities. The "Average commission rate paid" includes
commissions paid in foreign currencies, which have been converted into U.S.
dollars using the prevailing exchange rate on the date of the transaction.
Such conversions may significantly affect the rate shown.
### Amount is less than $.01 per share.
10
<PAGE> 13
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
International Investments. Investments on an international basis involve
certain risks not typically involved in domestic investments, including
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, future political and economic
developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign
governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments. Securities
prices in different countries are subject to different economic, financial,
political and social factors. The Company may invest heavily in securities
denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and changes in
foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of securities in the
portfolio and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments so far
as U.S. investors are concerned. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates
relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Company's
assets denominated in those currencies and the Company's yield on such assets.
The rates of exchange between the dollar and other currencies are determined by
forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. These forces are,
in turn, affected by the international balance of payments, the level of
interest and inflation rates and other economic and financial conditions,
government intervention, speculation and other factors. Moreover, individual
foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in
such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
Also, many of the securities held by the Company will not be registered with the
Commission nor will the issuers thereof be subject to the Commission's reporting
requirements.
With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of
expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability
or diplomatic developments that could affect investments in those countries.
There may be less publicly available information about foreign companies than
about U.S. companies, and foreign companies may not be subject to accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those
to which U.S. companies are subject. In addition, certain foreign investments
may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. See "Additional
Information--Taxes."
Foreign financial markets, while generally growing in trading volume,
typically have substantially less volume than U.S. markets, and securities of
many foreign companies are less liquid and their prices more volatile than
securities of comparable domestic companies. The foreign markets also have
different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have
been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of
securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the
Company are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the
Company to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could
cause the Company to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to
dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement problems either could result
in losses to the Company due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio
security or, if the Company has entered into a contract to sell the security,
could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Brokerage commissions and
other transaction costs on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher
than in the United States. There is generally less governmental supervision and
regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers in foreign countries than there is
in the United States.
11
<PAGE> 14
Investments in Healthcare. Healthcare oriented investment companies such
as the Company, as with other sector funds, may be subject to rapidly changing
asset inflows and outflows. Moreover, the Company's investments in securities of
healthcare related companies present certain risks that may not exist to the
same degree as in other types of investments. While the Company will invest in
the securities of entities in several different industries considered by
management of the Company to be healthcare related, many of those entities share
common characteristics that may affect an investment in the Company. For
example, industries throughout the healthcare field include many smaller and
less seasoned companies. These types of companies may present greater
opportunities for capital appreciation, but may also involve greater risks. Such
companies may have limited product lines, markets, or financial resources, or
may depend on a limited management group. In addition, the securities of smaller
companies may be subject to more volatile market movements than the securities
of larger, more established companies. The companies in which the Company
invests are also strongly affected by worldwide scientific or technological
developments and are companies whose products may rapidly fall into
obsolescence. Even though such companies may be involved in different aspects of
the more general healthcare area, the Company's focus on this area increases the
degree to which it may be affected by new developments. Many of such companies
may offer products or services that are subject to governmental regulation and
may, therefore, be affected adversely by governmental policies.
A number of legislative proposals concerning healthcare have been
introduced in the U.S. Congress in recent years or have been reported to be
under consideration. These proposals span a wide range of topics, including cost
controls, national health insurance, incentives for competition in the provision
of health care services, tax incentives and penalties related to health care
insurance premiums, and promotion of prepaid healthcare plans. The Company is
unable to predict the effect of any of these proposals, if enacted.
Other Considerations. The operating expense ratio of the Company can be
expected to be higher than that of an investment company investing exclusively
in U.S. securities because of the higher expenses incurred by the Company, in
such areas as custodial costs and advisory fees. The Company operates as a
non-diversified investment company. See "Investment Objective and
Policies--Other Investment Practices--Non-Diversified Status." To the extent
that the Company assumes large positions in the securities of a small number of
issuers, the Company's total return may fluctuate to a greater degree than that
of a diversified company as a result of changes in the financial condition or in
the market's assessment of the issuers. Other special considerations are that
the Company may invest up to 15% of its total assets in illiquid securities
(including venture capital investments), that certain foreign investments may be
subject to foreign withholding taxes and that the Company may invest more than
5% of its assets in securities issued or guaranteed by certain foreign
governments.
12
<PAGE> 15
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Company is to seek long-term capital
appreciation through worldwide investment in equity securities of companies
that, in the opinion of management, derive or are expected to derive a
substantial portion of their sales from products and services in healthcare. The
Company will pursue this objective by investing in a global portfolio of
securities of companies in various stages of development. The Company may,
however, for defensive purposes, invest in non-convertible fixed income
securities, including money market securities. Current income from dividends and
interest will not be an important consideration in selecting portfolio
securities. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the
Company will be realized. The investment objective of the Company described in
the first sentence of this paragraph is a fundamental policy of the Company and
may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the
Company's outstanding voting securities.
The investment objective of the Company is based upon the belief that
advances in healthcare are providing companies throughout the world with
opportunities to develop innovative products and services and that investment in
such companies offers significant long-term growth possibilities. While the
Company will seek investments that have a healthcare orientation, it will
maintain a flexible approach as to the types of industries in which it will
invest, and it will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one
industry. Thus, the Company will invest in companies that are substantially
engaged in the design, manufacture or sale of products or services used for or
in connection with healthcare or medicine. Such companies may be in a variety of
industries and may include pharmaceutical companies; companies that design,
manufacture, sell or supply medical, dental and optical products, hardware or
services; companies involved in biotechnology, medical, diagnostic and
biochemical research and development; and companies involved in the ownership
and/or operation of healthcare facilities. The Company may invest up to 15% of
its total assets (together with all other illiquid investments) in venture
capital investments in new and early stage companies whose securities are
illiquid.
The Company will invest in a global portfolio of securities of companies
located throughout the world. While there are no prescribed limits on geographic
asset distribution, based upon the public market values and anticipated
scientific innovations, it is presently contemplated that a majority of the
Company's assets will be invested at all times in the securities of issuers
domiciled in the United States, Japan and Western Europe. Western European
countries include, among others, the United Kingdom, Germany, The Netherlands,
Switzerland, Sweden, France, Italy, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Portugal,
Austria and Spain. Under certain adverse investment conditions, the Company may
restrict the securities markets in which its assets will be invested and may
increase the proportion of assets invested in the U.S. securities markets.
Investment emphasis will be on equities, primarily common stocks and, to a
lesser extent, securities convertible into common stocks and rights to subscribe
for common stocks. The Company anticipates that under normal conditions at least
65% of its total assets will be invested in healthcare companies. The Company
reserves the right, as a temporary defensive measure and to provide for
redemptions, to hold cash or cash equivalents (in U.S. dollars or foreign
currencies) and other types of securities, the issuers of which may not be
involved in healthcare, including non-convertible preferred stocks and
investment grade debt securities and government and money market securities, in
such proportions as, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, prevailing market
or economic conditions warrant.
13
<PAGE> 16
The Company also may invest in securities subject to repurchase agreements
with banks or securities firms if the underlying securities are those that
otherwise qualify for investment by the Company and if, as a result thereof, not
more than 15% of the Company's total assets would be invested in illiquid
securities, including repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
The Company may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global
Depositary Receipts (GDRs) or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers. The Company may invest in unsponsored ADRs. The issuers of
unsponsored ADRs are not obligated to disclose material information in the
United States, and therefore, the market value of such ADRs may not reflect such
information.
HEDGING TECHNIQUES
The Company may engage in various strategies to hedge its portfolio against
investment, interest rate and currency risks. These strategies include the use
of options on portfolio securities, stock index options, stock index futures,
financial futures, currency futures, options on such futures and forward foreign
exchange transactions. The Company may enter into such transactions only in
connection with its hedging strategies. While the net asset value of the
Company's shares will fluctuate and no assurance can be given that the Company's
hedging transactions will be effective, the Investment Adviser believes that the
ability of the Company to engage in these hedging transactions will enhance the
Company's ability to reduce the volatility of the net asset value of its shares.
Furthermore, the Company will engage in hedging activities only from time to
time and may not necessarily be engaging in hedging activities when movements in
the equity markets, interest rates or currency exchange rates occur. Reference
is made to the Statement of Additional Information for further information
concerning these strategies.
Although certain risks are involved in options and futures transactions (as
discussed below in "Risk Factors in Option, Futures and Currency Transactions"),
the Investment Adviser believes that, because the Company will engage in these
transactions only for hedging purposes, the options and futures portfolio
strategies of the Company will not subject the Company to the risks frequently
associated with the speculative use of options and futures transactions. Tax
requirements may limit the Company's ability to engage in the hedging
transactions and strategies described below.
Set forth below is a description of the hedging instruments that the
Company may utilize with respect to investment, interest rate and currency
risks.
Writing Covered Call Options. The Company is authorized to purchase and
write (i.e., sell) covered call options on the securities in which it may invest
and to enter into closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such
options. A covered call option is an option where the Company, in return for a
premium, gives another party a right to buy specified securities owned by the
Company on or before a specified future date and at a specified price set at the
time of the contract. By writing covered call options, the Company gives up the
opportunity, while the option is in effect, to profit from any price increase in
the underlying security above the option exercise price.
In addition, the Company's ability to sell the underlying security will be
limited while the option is in effect unless the Company effects a closing
purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction cancels out the Company's
position as the writer of an option by means of an offsetting purchase of an
identical option
14
<PAGE> 17
prior to the expiration of the option it has written. Covered call options serve
as a partial hedge against the price of the underlying security declining.
Purchasing Put Options. The Company is authorized to purchase put options
to hedge against a decline in the market value of its securities. By buying a
put option the Company has a right to sell the underlying security at the stated
exercise price, thus limiting the Company'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 and 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 Company'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. The
Company will not purchase put options on securities (including stock index
options discussed below) if as a result of such purchase, the aggregate cost
(premiums paid) of all outstanding options on securities held by the Company
would exceed 5% of the market value of the Company's total assets.
Stock or Other Financial Index Options and Futures. The Company is
authorized to engage in transactions in stock or other financial index options
and futures (including futures on government bonds), and related options on such
futures. The Company may purchase or write put and call options on stock or
other financial indices to hedge against the risks of market-wide stock price
movements in the securities in which the Company invests. Options on indices are
similar to options on securities except that on settlement, the parties to the
contract pay or receive an amount of cash equal to the difference between the
closing value of the index on the relevant valuation date and the exercise price
of the option times a specified multiple. The Company may invest in stock or
other financial index options based on a broad market index, e.g., the S&P 500
Index, or on a narrow index representing an industry or market segment, e.g.,
the AMEX Oil & Gas Index.
The Company may also purchase and sell stock or other financial index
futures contracts and financial futures contracts ("futures contracts") as a
hedge against adverse changes in the market value of its portfolio securities as
described below. A futures contract is an agreement between two parties that
obligates the purchaser of the futures contract to buy and the seller of a
futures contract to sell a security for a set price on a future date. Unlike
most other futures contracts, a stock index futures contract does not require
actual delivery of securities but results in cash settlement based upon the
difference in value of the index between the time the contract was entered into
and the time of its settlement. The Company may effect transactions in stock
index futures contracts in connection with equity securities in which it invests
and in financial futures contracts in connection with the debt securities in
which it invests. Transactions by the Company in stock index futures and
financial futures are subject to limitations as described below under
"Restrictions on the Use of Futures Transactions."
The Company is authorized to sell futures contracts in anticipation of or
during a market decline to attempt to offset the decrease in market value of the
Company's securities portfolio that might otherwise result. When the Company is
not fully invested in any particular securities markets and anticipates a
significant market advance, it would be able to purchase futures in order to
gain rapid market exposure that may in part or entirely offset increases in the
cost of securities that the Company intends to purchase. As such purchases are
made, an equivalent amount of futures contracts will be terminated by offsetting
sales. The Company does not consider purchases of futures contracts to be a
speculative practice under these
15
<PAGE> 18
circumstances. It is anticipated that, in a substantial majority of these
transactions, the Company will purchase such securities upon termination of the
long futures position, whether the long position is the purchase of a futures
contract or the purchase of a call option or the writing of a put option on a
future, but under unusual circumstances (e.g., the Company experiences a
significant amount of redemptions), a long futures position may be terminated
without the corresponding purchase of securities.
The Company is also authorized to purchase and write call and put options
on futures contracts including financial futures and stock indices in connection
with its hedging activities. Generally, these strategies would be utilized under
the same market and market sector conditions (i.e., conditions relating to
specific types of investments) in which the Company enters into futures
transactions. The Company may purchase put options or write call options on
futures contracts and stock indices rather than selling the underlying futures
contract in anticipation of a decrease in the market value of its securities.
Similarly, the Company can purchase call options, or write put options on
futures contracts and stock indices, as a substitute for the purchase of such
futures to hedge against the increased cost resulting from an increase in the
market value of securities which the Company intends to purchase.
The Company is also authorized to engage in options and futures
transactions on U.S. and foreign exchanges and in options in the
over-the-counter markets ("OTC options"). In general, exchange traded contracts
are third-party contracts (i.e., performance of the parties' obligations is
guaranteed by an exchange or clearing corporation) with standardized strike
prices and expiration dates. OTC options transactions 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.
The Company is authorized to purchase or sell listed or over-the-counter
("OTC") foreign currency options, foreign currency futures and related options
on foreign currency futures as a short or long hedge against possible variations
in foreign exchange rates. Such transactions could be effected with respect to
hedges on non-U.S. dollar denominated securities owned by the Company, sold by
the Company but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased
by the Company. As an illustration, the Company may use such techniques to hedge
the stated value in U.S. dollars of an investment in a yen denominated security.
In such circumstances, for example, the Company can purchase a foreign currency
put option enabling it to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars at a
specified price by a future date. To the extent the hedge is successful, a loss
in the value of the yen relative to the dollar will tend to be offset by an
increase in the value of the put option. To offset, in whole or in part, the
cost of acquiring such a put option, the Company may also sell a call option
which, if exercised, requires it to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars
at a specified price by a future date (a technique called a "spread"). By
selling such a call option in this illustration, the Company gives up the
opportunity to profit without limit from increases in the relative value of the
yen to the dollar. The Investment Adviser believes that "spreads" of the type
which may be utilized by the Company constitute hedging transactions and are
consistent with the policies described above.
Certain differences exist between these foreign currency hedging
instruments. Foreign currency options provide the holder thereof the right to
buy or sell a currency at a fixed price on a future date. A futures contract on
a foreign currency is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a
specified amount of a currency for a set price on a future date. Futures
contracts and options on futures contracts are traded on boards of trade or
futures exchanges. The Company will not speculate in foreign currency options,
futures or related options. Accordingly, the Company will not hedge a currency
substantially in excess of the market value of securities which it has committed
or anticipates to purchase which are denominated in such currency,
16
<PAGE> 19
and in the case of securities which have been sold by the Company but not yet
delivered, the proceeds thereof in its denominated currency. The Company will
not incur potential net liabilities of more than 20% of its total assets from
foreign currency options, futures or related options.
Forward Foreign Exchange Transactions. The Company has authority to deal
in forward foreign exchange between currencies of the different countries in
which it will invest and multinational currency units as a hedge against
possible variations in the foreign exchange rates between these currencies. This
is accomplished through contractual agreements to purchase or sell a specified
currency at a specified future date (up to one year) and price set at the time
of the contract. The Company's dealings in forward foreign exchange will be
limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio
positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward foreign
currency with respect to specific receivables or payables of the Company
accruing in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities,
the sale and redemption of shares of the Company or the payment of dividends and
distributions by the Company. Position hedging is the sale of forward foreign
currency with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in
such foreign currency. The Company will not attempt to hedge all of its foreign
portfolio positions. If the Company enters into a position hedging transaction,
its custodian bank will place cash or liquid securities in a separate account of
the Company in an amount equal to the value of the Company's total assets
committed to the consummation of such forward contract. If the value of the
securities placed in the separate account declines, additional cash or liquid
securities will be placed in the account so that the value of the account will
equal the amount of the Company's commitment with respect to such contracts.
Restrictions on the Use of Futures Transactions. Regulations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") applicable to the Company provide
that the futures trading activities described herein will not result in the
Company being deemed a "commodity pool" as defined under such regulations if the
Company adheres to certain restrictions. In particular, the Company may purchase
and sell futures contracts and options thereon (i) for bona fide hedging
purposes and (ii) for non-hedging purposes, if the aggregate initial margin and
premiums required to establish positions in such contracts and options does not
exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Company's portfolio, after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contracts and
options.
When the Company purchases a futures contract, or writes a put option or
purchases a call option thereon, an amount of cash and cash equivalents will be
deposited in a segregated account with the Company'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 futures contract,
thereby ensuring that the use of such futures contract is unleveraged.
Restrictions on OTC Options. The Company will engage in OTC options,
including OTC stock index options, OTC foreign currency options and options on
foreign currency futures, only with member banks of the Federal Reserve System
and primary dealers in U.S. Government securities or with affiliates of such
banks or dealers which have capital of at least $50 million or whose obligations
are guaranteed by an entity having capital of at least $50 million.
The staff of the Commission has taken the position that purchased OTC
options and the assets used as cover for written OTC options are illiquid
securities. Therefore, the Company has adopted an investment policy pursuant to
which it will not purchase or sell OTC options (including OTC options on futures
contracts) if, as a result of such transaction, the sum of the market value of
OTC options currently outstanding
17
<PAGE> 20
which are held by the Company, the market value of the underlying securities
covered by OTC call options currently outstanding which were sold by the Company
and margin deposits on the Company's existing OTC options on futures contracts
exceeds 15% of the total assets of the Company, taken at market value, together
with all other assets of the Company which are illiquid or are not otherwise
readily marketable. However, if the OTC option is sold by the Company to a
primary U.S. Government securities dealer recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York and if the Company has the unconditional contractual right to
repurchase such OTC option from the dealer at a predetermined price, then the
Company will treat as illiquid such amount of the underlying securities as is
equal to the repurchase price less the amount by which the option is
"in-the-money" (i.e., current market value of the underlying security minus the
option's strike price). The repurchase price with the primary dealers is
typically a formula price which is generally based on a multiple of the premium
received for the option, plus the amount by which the option is "in-the-money".
This policy as to OTC options is not a fundamental policy of the Company and may
be amended by the Board of Directors of the Company without the approval of the
Company's shareholders. However, the Company will not change or modify this
policy prior to the change or modification by the Commission staff of its
position.
Risk Factors in Option, Futures and Currency Transactions. Utilization of
options and futures transactions to hedge the portfolio involves the risk of
imperfect correlation in movements in the price of options and futures and
movements in the price of the securities or currencies that are the subject of
the hedge. If the price of the options or futures moves more or less than the
price of the hedged securities or currencies, the Company will experience a gain
or loss that will not be completely offset by movements in the price of the
subject of the hedge. The successful use of options and futures also depends on
the Investment Adviser's ability to predict correctly price movements in the
market involved in a particular options or futures transaction. To compensate
for imperfect correlations, the Company may purchase or sell stock index options
or futures contracts in a greater dollar amount than the hedged securities if
the volatility of the hedged securities is historically greater than the
volatility of the stock index options or futures contracts. Conversely, the
Company may purchase or sell fewer stock index options or futures contracts if
the volatility of the price of the hedged securities is historically less than
that of the stock index options or futures contracts. The risk of imperfect
correlation generally tends to diminish as the maturity date of the stock index
option or futures contract approaches.
The Company intends to enter into options and futures transactions, on an
exchange or in the OTC market, only if there appears to be a liquid secondary
market for such options or futures. However, there can be no assurance that a
liquid secondary market will exist at any specific time. Thus, it may not be
possible to close an options or futures position. The inability to close options
and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the Company's ability
to effectively hedge its portfolio. There is also the risk of loss by the
Company of margin deposits or collateral in the event of bankruptcy of a broker
with whom the Company has an open position in an option, a futures contract or
related option.
The exchanges on which options on portfolio securities and currency options
are traded have generally established limitations governing the maximum number
of call or put options on the same underlying security or currency (whether or
not covered) which may be written by a single investor, whether acting alone or
in concert with others (regardless of whether such options are written on the
same or different exchanges or are held or written in one or more accounts or
through one or more brokers). "Trading limits" are imposed on the maximum number
of contracts that any person may trade on a particular trading day. The
Investment Adviser does not believe that these trading and position limits will
have any adverse impact on the portfolio strategies for hedging the Company's
portfolio.
18
<PAGE> 21
Because the Company will engage in the options and futures transactions
described above solely in connection with its hedging activities, the Investment
Adviser does not believe that such options and futures transactions necessarily
will have any significant effect on the Company's portfolio turnover.
OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES
Non-Diversified Status. The Company is classified as non-diversified
within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Investment Company Act"), which means that the Company is not limited by such
Act in the proportion of its assets that it may invest in the securities of a
single issuer. The Company's investments will be limited, however, in order to
qualify for the special tax treatment afforded a regulated investment company
("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). See
"Additional Information--Taxes." To qualify, the Company must comply with
certain requirements, including limiting 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 Company's total assets will be invested in the 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 of a single issuer, and the Company will not own more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. Foreign government securities
(unlike U.S. Government securities) are not exempt from the diversification
requirements of the Code and are considered obligations of a single issuer. A
fund that elects to be classified as "diversified" under the Investment Company
Act must satisfy the foregoing 5% and 10% requirements with respect to 75% of
its total assets. To the extent that the Company assumes large positions in the
securities of a small number of issuers, the Company's net asset value 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,
and the Company may be more susceptible to any single economic, political or
regulatory occurrence than a diversified company.
Portfolio Transactions. In executing portfolio transactions, the
Investment Adviser seeks to obtain the best net results for the Company, 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 Company does not necessarily pay the lowest
commission or spread available. The Company has no obligation to deal with any
broker or group of brokers in execution of transactions in portfolio securities.
Brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on foreign stock exchange
transactions are generally higher than in the United States, although the
Company will endeavor to achieve the best net results in effecting its portfolio
transactions. The Company may pay brokerage commissions to (i) a broker which is
an affiliated person of the Company, (ii) a broker which is an affiliated person
of such an affiliated person and (iii) a broker an affiliated person of which is
an affiliated person of the Company, its Investment Adviser or the Distributor.
The Investment Adviser may allocate brokerage transactions in a manner that
takes into account the sale of investment company securities.
Portfolio Turnover. The Company may dispose of securities without regard
to the time they have been held when such actions, for defensive or other
reasons, appear advisable to the Investment Adviser. 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 Company during the particular fiscal year.
A high portfolio turnover rate involves certain tax consequences and
19
<PAGE> 22
greater transaction costs in the form of dealer spreads and brokerage
commissions, which are borne directly by the Company.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Company may from time to time lend
securities from its portfolio, with a value not exceeding 10% of its total
assets, to banks, brokers and other financial institutions and receive
collateral in cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government
which will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 102% of the
current market value of the loaned securities. During the period of such a loan,
the Company receives the income on both the loaned securities and the collateral
and thereby increases its yield.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Company has adopted the following restrictions and policies relating to
the investment of its assets and its activities. These are fundamental policies
and may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the
Company's outstanding voting securities (which for this purpose and under the
Investment Company Act means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares represented at
a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented or
(ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares). Among its fundamental policies,
the Company may not invest more than 25% of its total assets, taken at market
value at the time of each investment, in the securities of issuers in any
particular industry (excluding the U.S. Government and its agencies or
instrumentalities). Investment restrictions and policies that are non-
fundamental policies may be changed by the Board of Directors without
shareholder approval. As a non-fundamental policy, the Company may not borrow
amounts in excess of 10% of its total assets, taken at market value, and then
only from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes,
such as the redemption of Company shares. In addition, the Company will not
purchase securities while borrowings are outstanding except to exercise prior
commitments and to exercise subscription rights. The purchase of securities
while borrowings are outstanding will have the effect of leveraging the Company.
Such leveraging or borrowing increases the Company's exposure to capital risk,
and borrowed funds are subject to interest costs which will reduce net income.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Company will not invest in securities that
cannot be readily resold because of legal or contractual restrictions or that
cannot otherwise be marketed, redeemed or put to the issuer or a third party,
including repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, if, regarding
all such securities, more than 15% of the Company's total assets taken at market
value would be invested in such securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Company may purchase without regard to this limitation securities that are not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
but that can be offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" under Rule
144A under the Securities Act, provided that the Company's Board of Directors
continuously determines, based on the trading markets for the specific Rule 144A
security, that it is liquid. The Board of Directors may adopt guidelines and
delegate to the Investment Adviser the daily function of determining and
monitoring liquidity of restricted securities. The Board has determined that
securities that are freely tradeable in their primary market offshore should be
deemed liquid. The Board, however, will retain sufficient oversight and be
ultimately responsible for the determinations.
20
<PAGE> 23
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company consists of six individuals, five of
whom are not "interested persons" of the Company as defined in the Investment
Company Act. The Board of Directors of the Company is responsible for the
overall supervision of the operations of the Company and performs the various
duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the Investment
Company Act.
The Directors of the Company are:
ARTHUR ZEIKEL*--President of the Investment Adviser and its affiliate, FAM;
President and Director of Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton Services");
Executive Vice President of ML & Co.; and Director of the Distributor.
DONALD CECIL--Special Limited Partner of Cumberland Partners (an investment
partnership).
EDWARD H. MEYER--Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Grey Advertising Inc.
CHARLES C. REILLY--Self-employed financial consultant; former President and
Chief Investment Officer of Verus Capital, Inc.; former Senior Vice President of
Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc.
RICHARD R. WEST--Dean Emeritus, New York University Leonard N. Stern School
of Business Administration.
EDWARD D. ZINBARG--Former Executive Vice President of The Prudential
Insurance Company of America.
- ---------------
* Interested person, as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Company.
ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
MLAM acts as the investment adviser to the Company. The Investment Adviser
is owned and controlled by ML & Co., a financial services holding company and
the parent of Merrill Lynch. The Investment Adviser or its affiliate, FAM, acts
as the investment adviser to more than 140 registered investment companies. As
of June 30, 1997, the Investment Adviser and FAM had a total of approximately
$256.6 billion in investment company and other portfolio assets under
management, including assets of certain affiliates.
As compensation for its services to the Company, the Investment Adviser
receives monthly compensation at the annual rate of 1.0% of the Company's
average daily net assets. This fee is higher than that paid by most mutual
funds, but the Investment Adviser believes it is justified by the special
investment focus of the Company. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the
fee paid by the Company to the Investment Adviser was $3,764,088 (based on
average net assets of approximately $376.4 million).
Subject to the direction of the Directors, the Investment Adviser is
responsible for the actual management of the Company's portfolio and constantly
reviews the Company's holdings in light of its own research analysis and that
from other relevant sources. The responsibility for making decisions to buy,
sell or hold a particular security rests with the Investment Adviser. The
Investment Adviser performs certain of the other administrative services and
provides all the office space, facilities, equipment and personnel necessary for
management of the Company.
21
<PAGE> 24
The Investment Adviser has also entered into a sub-advisory agreement with
Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited ("MLAM U.K."), a wholly owned,
indirect subsidiary of ML & Co. and an affiliate of the Investment Adviser,
pursuant to which the Investment Adviser pays MLAM U.K. a fee computed at an
annual rate to be determined from time to time between the Investment Adviser
and MLAM U.K. for providing investment advisory services to the Investment
Adviser with respect to the Company.
Jordan C. Schreiber, Vice President of the Company, is the Company's
Portfolio Manager. Mr. Schreiber has been a Vice President and Portfolio Manager
of the Investment Adviser and its predecessor since 1983. Mr. Schreiber has been
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Company's investment
portfolio since 1983.
The Company pays certain expenses incurred in its operations, including,
among other things, taxes; expenses for legal and auditing services; and costs
of printing proxies, stock certificates, shareholder reports, prospectuses and
statements of additional information. Also, accounting services are provided to
the Company by the Investment Adviser, and the Company reimburses the Investment
Adviser for its costs in connection with such services on a semi-annual basis.
For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the Company reimbursed the Investment
Adviser $103,336 for accounting services. For the same period, the ratio of
total expenses to average net assets was 1.40% for Class A shares, 2.44% for
Class B shares, 2.46% for Class C shares and 1.65% for Class D shares.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Board of Directors of the Company has adopted a Code of Ethics under
Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company 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 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 in
securities. In addition, no employee may purchase or sell any security which 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" which prohibit trading by investment personnel of the Company within
periods of trading by the Company in the same (or equivalent) security (15 or 30
days depending upon the transaction).
TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), which
is a subsidiary of ML & Co., acts as the Company's Transfer Agent pursuant to a
Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and Shareholder Servicing Agency
Agreement (the "Transfer Agency Agreement"). Pursuant to the Transfer Agency
Agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible for the issuance, transfer and
redemption of shares and the opening and maintenance of shareholder accounts.
Pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent receives an annual
fee of up to $11.00 per Class A or Class D account and up to $14.00 per Class B
or Class C account and is entitled to reimbursement for certain transaction
charges and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Transfer Agent under the
Transfer Agency Agreement. For purposes of the Transfer Agency Agreement, the
term "account" includes a shareholder account maintained directly by the
Transfer Agent and any other account representing a beneficial interest of a
person in the relevant share class or a
22
<PAGE> 25
record keeping system, provided the record keeping system is maintained by a
subsidiary of ML & Co. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the Company
paid the Transfer Agent $1,039,374 pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
The Distributor, an affiliate of both the Investment Adviser and Merrill
Lynch, acts as the distributor of the shares of the Company. Shares of the
Company are offered continuously for sale by the Distributor and other eligible
securities dealers (including Merrill Lynch). Shares of the Company may be
purchased from securities dealers or by mailing a purchase order directly to the
Transfer Agent. The minimum initial purchase is $1,000, and the minimum
subsequent purchase is $50, except that for retirement plans, the minimum
initial purchase is $100 and the minimum subsequent purchase is $1, and for
participants in certain fee-based programs, the minimum initial purchase is $500
and the minimum subsequent purchase is $50.
The Company is offering its shares in four classes at a public offering
price equal to the next determined net asset value per share plus sales charges
imposed either at the time of purchase or on a deferred basis depending upon the
class of shares selected by the investor under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System, as described below. The applicable offering price for
purchase orders is based upon the net asset value of the Company next determined
after receipt of the purchase orders by the Distributor. As to purchase orders
received by securities dealers prior to the close of business on the New York
Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") (generally, 4:00 P.M., New York time), which
includes orders received after the close of business on the previous day, the
applicable offering price will be based on the net asset value determined as of
15 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE on that day provided the
Distributor in turn receives the order from the securities dealer prior to 30
minutes after the close of business on the NYSE on that day. If the purchase
orders are not received by the Distributor prior to 30 minutes after the close
of business on the NYSE, such orders shall be deemed received on the next
business day. The Company or the Distributor may suspend the continuous offering
of the Company's shares of any class at any time in response to conditions in
the securities markets or otherwise and may thereafter resume such offering from
time to time. Any order may be rejected by the Distributor or the Company.
Neither the Distributor nor the dealers are permitted to withhold placing orders
to benefit themselves by a price change. Merrill Lynch may charge its customers
a processing fee (presently $5.35) to confirm a sale of shares to such
customers. Purchases made directly through the Transfer Agent are not subject to
the processing fee.
The Company issues four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System, which permits each investor to choose the method of
purchasing shares that the investor believes is most beneficial given the amount
of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares and
other relevant circumstances. Shares of Class A and Class D are sold to
investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives and shares of Class B
and Class C are sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge
alternatives. Investors should determine whether under their particular
circumstances it is more advantageous to incur an initial sales charge or to
have the entire initial purchase price invested in the Company with the
investment thereafter being subject to a CDSC and ongoing distribution fees. A
discussion of the factors that investors should consider in determining the
method of purchasing shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System is
set forth under "Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System" on page 3.
Each Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D share of the Company represents
identical interests in the investment portfolio of the Company and has the same
rights, except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear the expenses of the
ongoing account maintenance fees, and Class B and Class C shares bear the
expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and the additional incremental
transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements. The
CDSCs, distribution and account maintenance fees that are imposed
23
<PAGE> 26
on Class B and Class C shares, as well as the account maintenance fees that are
imposed on Class D shares, will be imposed directly against those classes and
not against all assets of the Company and, accordingly, such charges will not
affect the net asset value of any other class or have any impact on investors
choosing another sales charge option. Dividends paid by the Company for each
class of shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same time and will
differ only to the extent that account maintenance and distribution fees and any
incremental transfer agency costs relating to a particular class are borne
exclusively by that class. Class B, Class C and Class D shares each have
exclusive voting rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1 distribution plan adopted
with respect to such class pursuant to which account maintenance and/or
distribution fees are paid (except that Class B shareholders may vote upon any
material changes to expenses charged under the Class D Distribution Plan). See
"Distribution Plans" below. Each class has different exchange privileges. See
"Shareholder Services--Exchange Privilege."
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the initial
sales charges with respect to Class A and Class D shares are the same as those
of the deferred sales charges and distribution fees with respect to Class B and
Class C shares in that the sales charges and distribution fees applicable to
each class provide for the financing of the distribution of the shares of the
Company. The distribution-related revenues paid with respect to a class will not
be used to finance the distribution expenditures of another class. Sales
personnel may receive different compensation for selling different classes of
shares. Investors are advised that only Class A and Class D shares may be
available for purchase through securities dealers, other than Merrill Lynch,
which are eligible to sell shares.
The following table sets forth a summary of the distribution arrangements
for each class of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account
Maintenance Distribution
CLASS SALES CHARGE(1) Fee Fee Conversion Feature
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A Maximum 5.25% initial sales
charge(2)(3) No No No
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B CDSC for a period of four years, at a
rate of 4.0% during the first year, B shares convert to D shares
decreasing 1.0% annually to 0.0%(4) 0.25% 0.75% automatically after
approximately eight years(5)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC for one year(6) 0.25% 0.75% No
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D Maximum 5.25% initial sales charge(3) 0.25% No No
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Initial sales charges are imposed at the time of purchase as a percentage of
the offering price. CDSCs may be imposed if the redemption occurs within the
applicable CDSC time period. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal
to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the shares being
redeemed.
(2) Offered only to eligible investors. See "Initial Sales Charge
Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares--Eligible Class A Investors."
(3) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more, and waived for purchases of Class
A shares by certain retirement plans and participants in connection with
certain fee-based programs. Class A and Class D share purchases of
$1,000,000 or more may not be subject to an initial sales charge but instead
may be subject to a 1.0% CDSC if redeemed within one year. Such CDSC may be
waived in connection with certain fee-based programs. A 0.75% sales charge
for 401(k) purchases over $1,000,000 will apply.
(4) The CDSC may be modified in connection with certain fee-based programs.
(5) The conversion period for dividend reinvestment shares and certain
retirement plans was modified. Also, Class B shares of certain other
MLAM-advised mutual funds into which exchanges may be made have a ten year
conversion period. If Class B shares of the Company are exchanged for Class
B shares of another MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period
applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and
the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the holding
period for the shares acquired.
(6) The CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs.
24
<PAGE> 27
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVES--CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
Investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives who are eligible
to purchase Class A shares should purchase Class A shares rather than Class D
shares because there is an account maintenance fee imposed on Class D shares.
The public offering price of Class A and Class D shares for purchasers
choosing the initial sales charge alternatives is the next determined net asset
value plus varying sales charges (i.e., sales loads), as set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES LOAD AS DISCOUNT TO
SALES LOAD AS PERCENTAGE* OF SELECTED DEALERS
PERCENTAGE OF THE THE NET AMOUNT AS PERCENTAGE OF
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OFFERING PRICE INVESTED THE OFFERING PRICE
- ---------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $25,000............................. 5.25% 5.54% 5.00%
$25,000 but less than $50,000................. 4.75 4.99 4.50
$50,000 but less than $100,000................ 4.00 4.17 3.75
$100,000 but less than $250,000............... 3.00 3.09 2.75
$250,000 but less than $1,000,000............. 2.00 2.04 1.80
$1,000,000 and over**......................... 0.00 0.00 0.00
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
** The initial sales charge may be waived on Class A and Class D purchases of
$1,000,000 or more, and on Class A purchases by certain retirement plan
investors and in connection with certain fee-based programs. If the sales
charge is waived, in connection with a purchase of $1,000,000 or more, such
purchases may be subject to a 1.0% CDSC if the shares are redeemed within one
year after purchase. Such CDSC may be waived in connection with certain
fee-based programs. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the
lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the shares being
redeemed. A sales charge of 0.75% will be charged on purchases of $1,000,000
or more of Class A or Class D shares by certain employer-sponsored retirement
or savings plans.
The Distributor may reallow discounts to selected dealers and retain the
balance over such discounts. At times the Distributor may reallow the entire
sales charge to such dealers. Since securities dealers selling Class A and Class
D shares of the Company will receive a concession equal to most of the sales
charge, they may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act. During
the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the Company sold 10,271,437 Class A shares
for aggregate net proceeds of $53,025,059. The gross sales charges for the sale
of Class A shares of the Company for that year were $14,807, of which $1,883 and
$12,924 were received by the Distributor and Merrill Lynch, respectively. During
such period, the Distributor received no CDSCs with respect to redemption within
one year after purchase of Class A shares purchased subject to a front-end sales
charge waiver.
During the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the Company sold 4,556,042
Class D shares for aggregate net proceeds of $22,861,805. The gross sales
charges for the sale of Class D shares of the Company for that year were
$77,021, of which $3,748 and $73,273 were received by the Distributor and
Merrill Lynch, respectively. During such period, the Distributor received no
CDSCs with respect to redemption within one year after purchase of Class D
shares purchased subject to a front-end sales charge waiver.
Eligible Class A Investors. Class A shares are offered to a limited group
of investors and also will be issued upon reinvestment of dividends on
outstanding Class A shares. Investors that currently own Class A shares of the
Company in a shareholder account, including participants in the Merrill Lynch
Blueprint(SM) Program, are entitled to purchase additional Class A shares of the
Company in that account. Certain
25
<PAGE> 28
employer-sponsored retirement or savings plans, including eligible 401(k) plans,
may purchase Class A shares at net asset value provided such plans meet the
required minimum number of eligible employees or required amount of assets
advised by MLAM or any of its affiliates. Class A shares are available at net
asset value to corporate warranty insurance reserve fund programs and U.S.
branches of foreign banking institutions provided that the program or branch has
$3 million or more initially invested in MLAM-advised mutual funds. Also
eligible to purchase Class A shares at net asset value are participants in
certain investment programs including TMA(SM) Managed Trusts to which Merrill
Lynch Trust Company provides discretionary trustee services, collective
investment trusts for which Merrill Lynch Trust Company serves as trustee and
purchases made in connection with certain fee-based programs. In addition, Class
A shares are offered at net asset value to ML & Co. and its subsidiaries and
their directors and employees and to members of the Boards of MLAM-advised
investment companies, including the Company. Certain persons who acquired shares
of certain MLAM-advised closed-end funds in their initial offerings who wish to
reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of their closed-end fund shares of common
stock in shares of the Company also may purchase Class A shares of the Company
if certain conditions set forth in the Statement of Additional Information are
met. In addition, Class A shares of the Company and certain other MLAM-advised
mutual funds are offered at net asset value to shareholders of Merrill Lynch
Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. and, if certain conditions set forth in the
Statement of Additional Information are met, to shareholders of Merrill Lynch
Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund,
Inc. who wish to reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of certain of their
shares of common stock pursuant to a tender offer conducted by such funds in
shares of the Company and certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds.
Reduced Initial Sales Charges. No initial sales charges are imposed upon
Class A and Class D shares issued as a result of the automatic reinvestment of
dividends or capital gains distributions. Class A and Class D sales charges also
may be reduced under a Right of Accumulation and a Letter of Intention. Class A
shares are offered at net asset value to certain eligible Class A investors as
set forth above under "Eligible Class A Investors." See "Shareholder
Services--Fee-Based Programs."
Provided applicable threshold requirements are met, either Class A or Class
D shares are offered at net asset value to Employee Access(SM) Accounts
available through authorized employers. Subject to certain conditions Class A
and Class D shares are offered at net asset value to shareholders of Merrill
Lynch Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch High Income Municipal Bond
Fund, Inc. and Class A shares are offered at net asset value to shareholders of
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. who wish to reinvest in shares of
the Company the net proceeds from a sale of certain of their shares of common
stock, pursuant to tender offers conducted by those funds.
Class D shares are offered at net asset value without sales charge to an
investor who has a business relationship with a Merrill Lynch Financial
Consultant, if certain conditions set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information are met. Class D shares may be offered at net asset value in
connection with the acquisition of assets of other investment companies. Class D
shares are offered with reduced sales charges and, in certain circumstances, at
net asset value, to participants in the Merrill Lynch Blueprint(SM) Program.
Additional information concerning these reduced initial sales charges is
set forth in the Statement of Additional Information.
26
<PAGE> 29
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVES--CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
Investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives should consider
Class B shares if they intend to hold their shares for an extended period of
time and Class C shares if they are uncertain as to the length of time they
intend to hold their assets in MLAM-advised mutual funds.
The public offering price of Class B and Class C shares for investors
choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives is the next determined net asset
value per share without the imposition of a sales charge at the time of
purchase. As discussed below, Class B shares are subject to a four-year CDSC,
which declines each year, while Class C shares are subject only to a one-year
1.0% CDSC. On the other hand, approximately eight years after Class B shares are
issued, such Class B shares, together with shares issued upon dividend
reinvestment with respect to those shares, are automatically converted into
Class D shares of the Company and thereafter will be subject to lower continuing
fees. See "Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares" below. Both Class B
and Class C shares are subject to an account maintenance fee of 0.25% of net
assets and a distribution fee of 0.75% of net assets as discussed below under
"Distribution Plans."
Class B and Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge so that
the Company will receive the full amount of the investor's purchase payment.
Merrill Lynch compensates its financial consultants for selling Class B and
Class C shares at the time of purchase from its own funds. See "Distribution
Plans" below.
Proceeds from the CDSC and the distribution fee are paid to the Distributor
and are used in whole or in part by the Distributor to defray the expenses of
dealers (including Merrill Lynch) related to providing distribution-related
services to the Company in connection with the sale of the Class B and Class C
shares, such as the payment of compensation to financial consultants for selling
Class B and Class C shares, from its own funds. The combination of the CDSC and
the ongoing distribution fee facilitates the ability of the Company to sell the
Class B and Class C shares without a sales charge being deducted at the time of
purchase. The proceeds from the account maintenance fees are used to compensate
Merrill Lynch for providing continuing account maintenance activities.
Approximately eight years after issuance, Class B shares will convert
automatically into Class D shares of the Company, which are subject to an
account maintenance fee but no distribution fee; Class B shares of certain other
MLAM-advised mutual funds into which exchanges may be made convert into Class D
shares automatically after approximately ten years. If Class B shares of the
Company are exchanged for Class B shares of another MLAM-advised mutual fund,
the conversion period applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange
will apply, and the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto
the holding period for the shares acquired.
Imposition of the CDSC and the distribution fee on Class B and Class C
shares is limited by the NASD asset-based sales charge rule. See "Limitations on
the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges" below. The proceeds from the ongoing
account maintenance fee are used to compensate Merrill Lynch for providing
continuing account maintenance activities. Class B shareholders of the Company
exercising the exchange privilege described under "Shareholder
Services--Exchange Privilege" will continue to be subject to the Company's CDSC
schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the Class
B shares acquired as a result of the exchange.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges--Class B Shares. Class B shares that are
redeemed within four years of purchase may be subject to a CDSC at the rates set
forth below charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. The
charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the proceeds of
redemption or the cost of the shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no CDSC will
be imposed on increases in
27
<PAGE> 30
net asset value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no CDSC will be
assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions.
The following table sets forth the rates of the Class B CDSC:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B CDSC
AS A PERCENTAGE
OF DOLLAR AMOUNT
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE SUBJECT TO
PAYMENT MADE CHARGE
--------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
0-1..................................................... 4.00%
1-2..................................................... 3.00
2-3..................................................... 2.00
3-4..................................................... 1.00
4 and thereafter........................................ 0.00
</TABLE>
For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the Distributor received CDSCs of
$774,273 with respect to redemptions of Class B shares, all of which were paid
to Merrill Lynch.
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the
calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest possible
rate being charged. Therefore, it will be assumed that the redemption is first
of shares held for over four years or shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment
of dividends or distributions and then of shares held longest during the
four-year period. The charge will not be applied to dollar amounts representing
an increase in the net asset value since the time of purchase. A transfer of
shares from a shareholder's account to another account will be assumed to be
made in the same order as a redemption.
To provide an example, assume an investor purchases 100 shares at $10 per
share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the third year after purchase, the net asset
value per share is $12 and, during such time, the investor has acquired 10
additional shares through dividend reinvestment. If at such time the investor
makes his or her first redemption of 50 shares (proceeds of $600), 10 shares
will not be subject to the CDSC because of dividend reinvestment. With respect
to the remaining 40 shares, the CDSC is applied only to the original cost of $10
per share and not to the increase in net asset value of $2 per share. Therefore,
$400 of the $600 redemption proceeds will be charged at a rate of 2.0% (the
applicable rate in the third year after purchase for shares purchased after
October 21, 1994).
The Class B CDSC is waived on redemptions of shares in connection with
certain post-retirement withdrawals from an Individual Retirement Account
("IRA") or other retirement plan or following the death or disability (as
defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) of a shareholder. The
Class B CDSC also is waived on redemptions of shares by certain eligible 401(a)
and eligible 401(k) plans. The CDSC also is waived for any Class B shares that
are purchased by eligible 401(k) or eligible 401(a) plans that are rolled over
into a Merrill Lynch or Merrill Lynch Trust Company custodied IRA and held in
such account at the time of redemption. The Class B CDSC is also waived for any
Class B shares purchased within eligible Employee Access(SM) Accounts. The Class
B CDSC also is waived for any Class B shares which are purchased by a Merrill
Lynch rollover IRA that was funded by a rollover from a terminated 401(k) plan
managed by the MLAM Private Portfolio Group and held in such account at the time
of redemption. Additional information concerning the waiver of the Class B CDSC
is set forth in the Statement of Additional Information. The terms
28
<PAGE> 31
of the CDSC may be modified in connection with certain fee-based programs. See
"Shareholder Services-- Fee-Based Programs."
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges--Class C Shares. Class C shares that are
redeemed within one year after purchase may be subject to a 1.0% CDSC charged as
a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. The charge will be assessed
on an amount equal to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of
the shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no Class C CDSC will be imposed on
increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no
Class C CDSC will be assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends
or capital gains distributions. The CDSC may be waived in connection with
certain fee-based programs. See "Shareholder Services--Fee-Based Programs." For
the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the Distributor received CDSCs of $21,653
with respect to redemptions of Class C shares, all of which were paid to Merrill
Lynch.
In determining whether a Class C CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the
calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest possible
rate being charged. Therefore, it will be assumed that the redemption is first
of shares held for over one year or shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment of
dividends or distributions and then of shares held longest during the one-year
period. The charge will not be applied to dollar amounts representing an
increase in the net asset value since the time of purchase. A transfer of shares
from a shareholder's account to another account will be assumed to be made in
the same order as a redemption.
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares. After approximately eight
years (the "Conversion Period"), Class B shares will be converted automatically
into Class D shares of the Company. Class D shares are subject to an ongoing
account maintenance fee of 0.25% of the Class D net assets but are not subject
to the distribution fee that is borne by Class B shares. Automatic conversion of
Class B shares into Class D shares will occur at least once each month (on the
"Conversion Date") on the basis of the relative net asset values of the shares
of the two classes on the Conversion Date, without the imposition of any sales
load, fee or other charge. Conversion of Class B shares to Class D shares will
not be deemed a purchase or sale of the shares for Federal income tax purposes.
In addition, shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends on Class B
shares also will convert automatically to Class D shares. The Conversion Date
for dividend reinvestment shares will be calculated taking into account the
length of time the shares underlying such dividend reinvestment shares were
outstanding. If at a Conversion Date the conversion of Class B shares to Class D
shares of the Company in a single account will result in less than $50 worth of
Class B shares being left in the account, all of the Class B shares of the
Company held in the account on the Conversion Date will be converted to Class D
shares of the Company.
Share certificates for Class B shares of the Company to be converted must
be delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion
Date applicable to those shares. In the event such certificates are not received
by the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date, the
related Class B shares will convert to Class D shares on the next scheduled
Conversion Date after such certificates are delivered.
In general, Class B shares of equity MLAM-advised mutual funds will convert
approximately eight years after initial purchase, and Class B shares of taxable
and tax-exempt fixed income MLAM-advised mutual funds will convert approximately
ten years after initial purchase. If, during the Conversion Period, a
29
<PAGE> 32
shareholder exchanges Class B shares with an eight-year Conversion Period for
Class B shares with a ten-year Conversion Period, or vice versa, the Conversion
Period applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and
the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the holding
period for the shares acquired.
The Conversion Period is modified for shareholders who purchased Class B
shares through certain retirement plans which qualified for a waiver of the CDSC
normally imposed on purchases of Class B shares ("Class B Retirement Plans").
When the first share of any MLAM-advised mutual fund purchased by a Class B
Retirement Plan has been held for ten years (i.e., ten years from the date the
relationship between MLAM-advised mutual funds and the Class B Retirement Plan
was established), all Class B shares of all MLAM-advised mutual funds held in
that Class B Retirement Plan will be converted into Class D shares of the
appropriate funds. Subsequent to such conversion, that Class B Retirement Plan
will be sold Class D shares of the appropriate funds at net asset value per
share.
The Conversion Period also may be modified for retirement plan investors
who participate in certain fee-based programs. See "Shareholder
Services--Fee-Based Programs."
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Company has adopted separate distribution plans for Class B, Class C
and Class D shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act (each
a "Distribution Plan") with respect to the account maintenance and/or
distribution fees paid by the Company to the Distributor with respect to such
classes. The Class B and Class C Distribution Plans provide for the payment of
account maintenance fees and distribution fees, and the Class D Distribution
Plan provides for the payment of account maintenance fees.
The Distribution Plans for Class B, Class C and Class D shares each provide
that the Company pays the Distributor an account maintenance fee relating to the
shares of the relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate
of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Company attributable to shares
of the relevant class in order to compensate the Distributor and Merrill Lynch
(pursuant to a sub-agreement) in connection with account maintenance activities.
The Distribution Plans for Class B and Class C shares each provide that the
Company also pays the Distributor a distribution fee relating to the shares of
the relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.75%
of the average daily net assets of the Company attributable to the shares of the
relevant class in order to compensate the Distributor and Merrill Lynch
(pursuant to a sub-agreement) for providing shareholder and distribution
services, and bearing certain distribution-related expenses of the Company,
including payments to financial consultants for selling Class B and Class C
shares of the Company. The Distribution Plans relating to Class B and Class C
shares are designed to permit an investor to purchase Class B and Class C shares
through dealers without the assessment of an initial sales charge and at the
same time permit the dealer to compensate its financial consultants in
connection with the sale of the Class B and Class C shares. In this regard, the
purpose and function of the ongoing distribution fees and the CDSC are the same
as those of the initial sales charge with respect to the Class A and Class D
shares of the Company in that the deferred sales charges provide for the
financing of the distribution of the Company's Class B and Class C shares.
For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the Company paid the Distributor
$2,009,526 pursuant to the Class B Distribution Plan (based on average net
assets subject to such Class B Distribution Plan of
30
<PAGE> 33
approximately $201.0 million), all of which was paid to Merrill Lynch for
providing account maintenance and distribution-related activities and services
in connection with Class B shares. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the
Company paid the Distributor $216,019 pursuant to the Class C Distribution Plan
(based on average net assets subject to such Class C Distribution Plan of
approximately $21.6 million), all of which was paid to Merrill Lynch for
providing account maintenance and distribution-related activities and services
in connection with Class C shares. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the
Company paid the Distributor $52,139 pursuant to the Class D Distribution Plan
(based on average net assets subject to such Class D Distribution Plan of
approximately $20.9 million) all of which was paid to Merrill Lynch for
providing account maintenance activities in connection with Class D shares.
The payments under the Distribution Plans are based on a percentage of
average daily net assets attributable to the shares regardless of the amount of
expenses incurred, and accordingly, distribution-related revenues from the
Distribution Plans may be more or less than distribution-related expenses.
Information with respect to the distribution-related revenues and expenses is
presented to the Directors for their consideration in connection with their
deliberations as to the continuance of the Class B and Class C Distribution
Plans. This information is presented annually as of December 31 of each year on
a "fully allocated accrual" basis and quarterly on a "direct expense and
revenue/cash" basis. On the fully allocated accrual basis, revenues consist of
the account maintenance fees, distribution fees, CDSCs and certain other related
revenues, and expenses consist of financial consultant compensation, branch
office and regional operation center selling and transaction processing
expenses, advertising, sales promotion and marketing expenses, corporate
overhead and interest expense. On the direct expense and revenue/cash basis,
revenues consist of the account maintenance fees, distribution fees and CDSCs,
and the expenses consist of financial consultant compensation.
As of December 31, 1996, with respect to Class B shares, the fully
allocated accrual expenses incurred by the Distributor and Merrill Lynch for the
period since October 21, 1988 (commencement of operations) exceeded fully
allocated accrual revenues for such period by approximately $1,596,000 (.79% of
Class B net assets at that date). As of April 30, 1997, with respect to Class B
shares, direct cash revenues for the period since October 21, 1988 (commencement
of operations) exceeded direct cash expenses by approximately $3,580,371 (2.01%
of Class B net assets at that date). As of December 31, 1996, with respect to
Class C shares, the fully allocated accrual expenses incurred by the Distributor
and Merrill Lynch for the period since October 21, 1994 (commencement of
operations) exceeded fully allocated accrual revenues for such period by
approximately $43,000 (.19% of Class C net assets at that date). As of April 30,
1997, with respect to Class C shares, direct cash revenues for the period since
October 21, 1994 (commencement of operations) exceeded direct cash expenses by
approximately $227,209 (1.28% of Class C net assets at that date).
The Company has no obligation with respect to distribution and/or account
maintenance-related expenses incurred by the Distributor and Merrill Lynch in
connection with Class B, Class C and Class D shares, and there is no assurance
that the Directors of the Company will approve the continuance of the
Distribution Plans from year to year. However, the Distributor intends to seek
annual continuation of the Distribution Plans. In their review of the
Distribution Plans, the Directors will be asked to take into consideration
expenses incurred in connection with the account maintenance and/or distribution
of each class of shares separately. The initial sales charges, the account
maintenance fee, the distribution fee and/or the CDSCs received with respect to
one class will not be used to subsidize the sale of shares of another class.
Payments of the distribution fee on Class B shares will terminate upon
conversion of those Class B shares into
31
<PAGE> 34
Class D shares as set forth under "Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives--Class B
and Class C Shares-- Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares."
LIMITATIONS ON THE PAYMENT OF DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
The maximum sales charge rule in the Conduct Rules of the NASD imposes a
limitation on certain asset-based sales charges such as the distribution fee and
the CDSC borne by the Class B and Class C shares but not the account maintenance
fee. The maximum sales charge rule is applied separately to each class. As
applicable to the Company, the maximum sales charge rule limits the aggregate of
distribution fee payments and CDSCs payable by the Company to (1) 6.25% of
eligible gross sales of Class B shares and Class C shares, computed separately
(defined to exclude shares issued pursuant to dividend reinvestments and
exchanges) plus (2) interest on the unpaid balance for the respective class,
computed separately, at the prime rate plus 1% (the unpaid balance being the
maximum amount payable minus amounts received from the payment of the
distribution fee and the CDSC). In connection with the Class B shares, the
Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive interest charges on the unpaid
balance in excess of 0.50% of eligible gross sales. Consequently, the maximum
amount payable to the Distributor (referred to as the "voluntary maximum") in
connection with the Class B shares is 6.75% of eligible gross sales. The
Distributor retains the right to stop waiving interest charges at any time. To
the extent payments would exceed the voluntary maximum, the Company will not
make further payments of the distribution fee with respect to Class B shares,
and any CDSCs will be paid to the Company rather than to the Distributor;
however, the Company will continue to make payments of the account maintenance
fee. In certain circumstances the amount payable pursuant to the voluntary
maximum may exceed the amount payable under the NASD formula. In such
circumstances payment in excess of the amount payable under the NASD formula
will not be made.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The Company is required to redeem for cash all shares of the Company on
receipt of a written request in proper form. The redemption price is the net
asset value per share next determined after the initial receipt of proper notice
of redemption. Except for any CDSC which may be applicable, there will be no
charge for redemption if the redemption request is sent directly to the Transfer
Agent. Shareholders liquidating their holdings will receive upon redemption all
dividends reinvested through the date of redemption. The value of shares at the
time of redemption may be more or less than the shareholder's cost, depending on
the market value of the securities held by the Company at such time.
REDEMPTION
A shareholder wishing to redeem shares may do so without charge by
tendering the shares directly to the Transfer Agent, Merrill Lynch Financial
Data Services, Inc., P.O. Box 45289, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289.
Redemption requests delivered other than by mail should be delivered to Merrill
Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc., 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Jacksonville,
Florida 32246-6484. Proper notice of redemption in the case of shares deposited
with the Transfer Agent may be accomplished by a written letter requesting
redemption. Proper notice of redemption in the case of shares for which
certificates have been issued may be accomplished by a written letter as noted
above accompanied by certificates for the shares to be redeemed. Redemption
requests should not be sent to the Company. The redemption request in either
event requires the signatures of all persons in whose names the shares are
registered, signed exactly as their names
32
<PAGE> 35
appear on the Transfer Agent's register or on the certificate, as the case may
be. The signatures on the notice must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor
institution" (including, for example, Merrill Lynch branch offices and certain
other financial institutions) as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the existence and validity of which
may be verified by the Transfer Agent through the use of industry publications.
Notarized signatures are not sufficient. In certain instances, the Transfer
Agent may require additional documents, such as, but not limited to, trust
instruments, death certificates, appointments as executor or administrator, or
certificates of corporate authority. For shareholders redeeming directly with
the Transfer Agent, payment will be mailed within seven days of receipt of a
proper notice of redemption.
At various times the Company may be requested to redeem shares for which it
has not yet received good payment. The Company may delay or cause to be delayed
the mailing of a redemption check until such time as good payment (e.g., cash or
certified check drawn on a U.S. bank) has been collected for the purchase of
such shares. Normally, this delay will not exceed 10 days.
REPURCHASE
The Company also will repurchase shares through a shareholder's listed
securities dealer. The Company normally will accept orders to repurchase shares
by wire or telephone from dealers for their customers at the net asset value
next computed after receipt of the orders by the dealer, provided that the
request for repurchase is received by the dealer prior to the close of business
on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 P.M., New York time) on the day received and such
request is received by the Company from such dealer not later than 30 minutes
after the close of business on the NYSE on the same day. Dealers have the
responsibility of submitting such repurchase requests to the Company not later
than 30 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE in order to obtain that
day's closing price.
The foregoing repurchase arrangements are for the convenience of
shareholders and do not involve a charge by the Company (other than any
applicable CDSC). Securities firms that do not have selected dealer agreements
with the Distributor, however, may impose a transaction charge on the
shareholder for transmitting the notice of repurchase to the Company. Merrill
Lynch may charge its customers a processing fee (presently $5.35) to confirm a
repurchase of shares to such customers. Repurchases directly through the
Transfer Agent are not subject to the processing fee. The Company reserves the
right to reject any order for repurchase, which right of rejection might
adversely affect shareholders seeking redemption through the repurchase
procedure. However, a shareholder whose order for repurchase is rejected by the
Company may redeem shares as set forth above.
Redemption payments will be made within seven days of the proper tender of
the certificates, if any, and stock power or letter requesting redemption, in
each instance with signatures guaranteed as noted above.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE--CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
Shareholders who have redeemed their Class A or Class D shares have a
privilege to reinstate their accounts by purchasing Class A or Class D shares,
as the case may be, of the Company at net asset value without a sales charge up
to the dollar amount redeemed. The reinstatement privilege may be exercised by
sending a notice of exercise along with a check for the amount to be reinstated
to the Transfer Agent within 30 days after the date the request for redemption
was accepted by the Transfer Agent or the Distributor.
33
<PAGE> 36
Alternatively, the reinstatement privilege may be exercised through the
investor's Merrill Lynch financial consultant within 30 days after the date the
request for redemption was accepted by the Transfer Agent or the Distributor.
The reinstatement will be made at the net asset value per share next determined
after the notice of reinstatement is received and cannot exceed the amount of
the redemption proceeds.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Company offers a number of shareholder services and investment plans
described below which are designed to facilitate investment in shares of the
Company. Certain of such services are not available to investors who place
purchase orders for the Company's shares through the Merrill Lynch Blueprint(SM)
Program. Full details as to each of such services, copies of the various plans
described below and instructions as to how to participate in the various
services or plans, or to change options with respect thereto, can be obtained
from the Company, the Distributor or Merrill Lynch. Certain of these services
are available only to U.S. investors.
INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
Each shareholder whose account is maintained at the Transfer Agent has an
Investment Account and will receive statements, at least quarterly, from the
Transfer Agent. These statements will serve as transaction confirmations for
automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of ordinary income dividends
and long-term capital gain distributions. The statements will also show any
other activity in the account since the preceding statement. Shareholders will
receive separate transaction confirmations for each purchase or sale transaction
other than automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of ordinary
income dividends and long-term capital gain distributions. A shareholder may
make additions to his or her Investment Account at any time by mailing a check
directly to the Transfer Agent. Shareholders also may maintain their accounts
through Merrill Lynch. Upon the transfer of shares out of a Merrill Lynch
brokerage account, an Investment Account in the transferring shareholder's name
will be opened automatically, without charge, at the Transfer Agent.
Shareholders considering transferring their Class A or Class D shares from
Merrill Lynch to another brokerage firm or financial institution should be aware
that, if the firm to which the Class A or Class D shares are to be transferred
will not take delivery of shares of the Company, a shareholder either must
redeem the Class A or Class D shares (paying any applicable CDSC) so that the
cash proceeds can be transferred to the account at the new firm or such
shareholder must continue to maintain an Investment Account at the Transfer
Agent for those Class A or Class D shares. Shareholders interested in
transferring their Class B or Class C shares from Merrill Lynch and who do not
wish to have an Investment Account maintained for such shares at the Transfer
Agent may request their new brokerage firm to maintain such shares in an account
registered in the name of the brokerage firm for the benefit of the shareholder
at the Transfer Agent. If the new brokerage firm is willing to accommodate the
shareholder in this manner, the shareholder must request that he or she be
issued certificates for such shares and then must turn the certificates over to
a new firm for re-registration as described in the preceding sentence.
Shareholders considering transferring a tax-deferred retirement account such as
an IRA from Merrill Lynch to another brokerage firm or financial institution
should be aware that, if the firm to which the retirement account is to be
transferred will not take delivery of shares of the Company, a shareholder must
either redeem the shares (paying any applicable CDSC) so that the cash proceeds
can be
34
<PAGE> 37
transferred to the account at the new firm or such shareholder must continue to
maintain a retirement account at Merrill Lynch for those shares.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS
A Class A or Class D shareholder may elect to receive systematic withdrawal
payments from his or her Investment Account in the form of payments by check or
through automatic payment by direct deposit to his or her bank account on either
a monthly or quarterly basis. A Class A or Class D shareholder whose shares are
held within a CMA(R), CBA(R) or Retirement Account may elect to have shares
redeemed on a monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis through
the Systematic Redemption Program, subject to certain conditions.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS
Regular additions of Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D shares may be
made to an investor's Investment Account by prearranged charges of $50 or more
to his or her regular bank account. Investors who maintain CMA(R) or CBA(R)
accounts may arrange to have periodic investments made in the Company in their
CMA(R) or CBA(R) accounts or in certain related accounts in amounts of $100 or
more through the CMA(R) or CBA(R) Automated Investment Program.
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
All dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested
in full and fractional shares of the Company, without sales charge, at the net
asset value per share next determined after the close of business on the NYSE on
the ex-dividend date of such dividend or distribution. A shareholder may at any
time, by written notification to Merrill Lynch if the shareholder's account is
maintained with Merrill Lynch or by written notification or telephone call
(1-800-MER-FUND) to the Transfer Agent if the shareholder's account is
maintained with the Transfer Agent, elect to have subsequent dividends, or both
dividends and capital gains distributions, paid in cash rather than reinvested,
in which event payment will be mailed on or about the payment date. Cash
payments can also be directly deposited to the shareholder's bank account. No
CDSC will be imposed on redemption of shares issued as a result of the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
U.S. shareholders of each class of shares of the Company have an exchange
privilege with certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds. There is currently no
limitation on the number of times a shareholder may exercise the exchange
privilege. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated in accordance
with the rules of the Commission.
Under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System, Class A shareholders may
exchange Class A shares of the Company for Class A shares of a second
MLAM-advised mutual fund if the shareholder holds any Class A shares of the
second fund in his or her account in which the exchange is made at the time of
the exchange or is otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second
fund. If the Class A shareholder wants to exchange Class A shares for shares of
a second MLAM-advised mutual fund, and the shareholder does not hold Class A
shares of the second fund in his or her account at the time of the exchange and
is not otherwise eligible to acquire Class A shares of the second fund, the
shareholder will receive Class D shares of the second fund as a result of the
exchange. Class D shares also may be exchanged for Class A shares of a second
MLAM-advised mutual fund at any time as long as, at the time of the exchange,
the shareholder holds
35
<PAGE> 38
Class A shares of the second fund in the account in which the exchange is made
or is otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second fund.
Exchanges of Class A and Class D shares are made on the basis of the
relative net asset values per Class A or Class D share, respectively, plus an
amount equal to the difference, if any, between the sales charge previously paid
on the Class A or Class D shares being exchanged and the sales charge payable at
the time of the exchange on the shares being acquired.
Class B, Class C and Class D shares are exchangeable with shares of the
same class of other MLAM-advised mutual funds.
Shares of the Company that are subject to a CDSC are exchangeable on the
basis of relative net asset value per share without the payment of any CDSC that
might otherwise be due upon redemption of the shares of the Company. For
purposes of computing the CDSC that may be payable upon a disposition of the
shares acquired in the exchange, the holding period for the previously owned
shares of the Company is "tacked" to the holding period for the newly acquired
shares of the other fund.
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares also are exchangeable for
shares of certain MLAM-advised money market funds specifically designated as
available for exchange by holders of Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D
shares. The period of time that Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D shares are
held in a money market fund, however, will not count toward satisfaction of the
holding period requirement for reduction of any CDSC imposed on such shares, if
any, and, with respect to Class B shares, toward satisfaction of the Conversion
Period.
Class B shareholders of the Company exercising the exchange privilege will
continue to be subject to the Company's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher
than the CDSC schedule relating to the new Class B shares. In addition, Class B
shares of the Company acquired through use of the exchange privilege will be
subject to the Company's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC
schedule relating to the Class B shares of the MLAM-advised mutual fund from
which the exchange has been made.
Exercise of the exchange privilege is treated as a sale of the exchanged
shares and a purchase of the acquired shares for Federal income tax purposes.
For further information, see "Shareholder Services-- Exchange Privilege" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
FEE-BASED PROGRAMS
Certain Merrill Lynch fee-based programs, including pricing alternatives
for securities transactions (each referred to in this paragraph as a "Program"),
may permit the purchase of Class A shares at net asset value. Under specified
circumstances, participants in certain Programs may deposit other classes of
shares which will be exchanged for Class A shares. Initial or deferred sales
charges otherwise due in connection with such exchanges may be waived or
modified, as may the Conversion Period applicable to the deposited shares.
Termination of participation in a Program may result in the redemption of shares
held therein or the automatic exchange thereof to another class at net asset
value, which may be shares of a money market fund. In addition, upon termination
of participation in a Program, shares that have been held for less than
specified periods within such Program may be subject to a fee based upon the
current value of such shares. These Programs also generally prohibit such shares
from being transferred to another account at Merrill Lynch, to another
broker-dealer or to the Transfer Agent. Except in limited circumstances (which
may also involve an
36
<PAGE> 39
exchange as described above), such shares must be redeemed and another class of
shares purchased (which may involve the imposition of initial or deferred sales
charges and distribution and account maintenance fees) in order for the
investment not to be subject to Program fees. Additional information regarding a
specific Program (including charges and limitations on transferability
applicable to shares that may be held in such Program) is available in such
Program's client agreement and from Merrill Lynch Investor Services at (800)
MER-FUND or (800) 637-3863.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time the Company may include its average annual total return
for various specified time periods in advertisements or information furnished to
present or prospective shareholders. Average annual total return is computed
separately for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares in accordance with a
formula specified by the Commission.
Average annual total return quotations for the specified periods will be
computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return (based on net
investment income and any capital gains or losses on portfolio investments over
such periods) that would equate the initial amount invested to the redeemable
value of such investment at the end of each period. Average annual total return
will be computed assuming all dividends and distributions are reinvested and
taking into account all applicable recurring and nonrecurring expenses,
including any CDSC that would be applicable to a complete redemption of the
investment at the end of the specified period such as in the case of Class B and
Class C shares and the maximum sales charge in the case of Class A and Class D
shares. Dividends paid by the Company with respect to all shares, to the extent
any dividends are paid, will be calculated in the same manner at the same time
on the same day and will be in the same amount, except that account maintenance
and distribution fees and any incremental transfer agency costs relating to each
class of shares will be borne exclusively by that class. The Company will
include performance data for all classes of shares of the Company in any
advertisement or information including performance data of the Company.
The Company also may quote total return and aggregate total return
performance data for various specified time periods. Such data will be
calculated substantially as described above, except that (1) the rates of return
calculated will not be average annual rates, but rather actual annual,
annualized or aggregate rates of return, and (2) the maximum applicable sales
charges will not be included with respect to annual or annualized rates of
return calculations. Aside from the impact on the performance data calculations
of including or excluding the maximum applicable sales charges, actual annual or
annualized total return data generally will be lower than average annual total
return data since the average annual rates of return reflect compounding;
aggregate total return data generally will be higher than average annual total
return data since the aggregate rates of return reflect compounding over longer
periods of time. In advertisements distributed to investors whose purchases are
subject to reduced sales charges in the case of Class A and Class D shares or
waiver of the CDSC in the case of Class B and Class C shares (such as investors
in certain retirement plans), performance data may take into account the
reduced, and not the maximum, sales charge or may not take into account the CDSC
and therefore may reflect greater total return since, due to the reduced sales
charges or waiver of the CDSC, a lower amount of expenses may be deducted. See
"Purchase of Shares." The Company's total return may be expressed either as a
percentage or as a dollar amount in order to illustrate the effect of such total
return on a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Company at the beginning of
each specified period.
37
<PAGE> 40
Total return figures are based on the Company's historical performance and
are not intended to indicate future performance. The Company's total return will
vary depending on market conditions, the securities comprising the Company's
portfolio, the Company's operating expenses and the amount of realized and
unrealized net capital gains or losses during the period. The value of an
investment in the Company will fluctuate, and an investor's shares, when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
On occasion, the Company may compare its performance to the Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, or
performance data published by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar
Publications, Inc., Money Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Business Week, CDA
Investment Technology, Inc., Forbes Magazine, Fortune Magazine or other industry
publications. In addition, from time to time the Company may include the
Company's risk-adjusted performance ratings assigned by Morningstar
Publications, Inc. in advertising or supplemental sales literature. As with
other performance data, performance comparisons should not be considered
indicative of the Company's relative performance for any future period.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
It is the Company's intention to distribute all its net investment income,
if any. Dividends from such net investment income will be paid at least
annually. All net realized long- or short-term capital gains, if any, will be
distributed to the Company's shareholders at least annually. The per share
dividends and distributions on each class of shares will be reduced as a result
of any account maintenance, distribution and transfer agency fees applicable to
that class. See "Additional Information--Determination of Net Asset Value."
Dividends and distributions will be reinvested automatically in shares of the
Company at net asset value without a sales charge. However, a shareholder whose
account is maintained at the Transfer Agent or whose account is maintained
through Merrill Lynch may elect in writing to receive any such dividends or
distributions, or both, in cash. Dividends and distributions are taxable to
shareholders as discussed below whether they are reinvested in shares of the
Company or received in cash. From time to time, the Company may declare a
special distribution at or about the end of the calendar year in order to comply
with Federal tax requirements that certain percentages of its ordinary income
and capital gains be distributed during the calendar year.
Gains or losses attributable to foreign currency gains or losses from
certain forward contracts may increase or decrease the amount of the Company's
income available for distribution to shareholders. If such losses exceed other
income during a taxable year, (a) the Company would not be able to make any
ordinary income dividend distributions, and (b) all or a portion of
distributions made before the losses were realized but in the same taxable year
would be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders, rather than as
an ordinary income dividend, thereby reducing each shareholder's tax basis in
Company shares for Federal income tax purposes and resulting in a capital gain
for any shareholder who received a distribution greater than the shareholder's
tax basis in Company shares (assuming that the shares were held as a capital
asset). For a detailed discussion of the Federal tax considerations relevant to
foreign currency transactions, see "Additional Information--Taxes."
38
<PAGE> 41
TAXES
The Company intends to continue to qualify for the special tax treatment
afforded regulated investment companies ("RICs") under the Code. As long as it
so qualifies, the Company (but not its shareholders) will not be subject to
Federal income tax on the part of its net ordinary income and net realized
capital gains which it distributes to Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D
shareholders (together, the "shareholders"). The Company intends to distribute
substantially all of such income.
Dividends paid by the Company from its ordinary income or from an excess of
net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses (together
referred to hereafter as "ordinary income dividends") are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions made from an excess of net
long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses (including gains or
losses from certain transactions in futures and options) ("capital gain
dividends") are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless
of the length of time the shareholder has owned Company shares. Any loss upon
the sale or exchange of Company shares held for six months or less, however,
will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain
dividends received by the shareholder. Distributions in excess of the Company'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).
Dividends are taxable to shareholders even though they are reinvested in
additional shares of the Company. Not later than 60 days after the close of its
taxable year, the Company will provide its shareholders with a written notice
designating the amounts of any ordinary income dividends or capital gain
dividends. A portion of the Company's ordinary income dividends may be eligible
for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code, if
certain requirements are met. If the Company 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 Company and received by its
shareholders on December 31 of the year in which such dividend was declared.
Ordinary income dividends paid to shareholders who are nonresident aliens
or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% U.S. 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 U.S. withholding tax.
Dividends and interest received by the Company may give rise to withholding
and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain
countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders may be
able to claim U.S. foreign tax credits with respect to such taxes, subject to
certain conditions and limitations contained in the Code. For example, certain
retirement accounts cannot claim foreign tax credits on investments in foreign
securities held in the Company. If more than 50% in value of the Company's total
assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign
corporations, the Company will be eligible, and intends, to file an election
with the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to which shareholders of the Company
will be required to include their proportionate shares of such withholding taxes
in their U.S. income tax returns as gross income, treat such proportionate
shares as taxes paid by them, and deduct such proportionate shares in computing
their taxable incomes or, alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits against
their U.S. income taxes. No deductions for foreign taxes, however, may be
claimed by noncorporate shareholders who do not itemize deductions. A
shareholder that is a nonresident alien individual
39
<PAGE> 42
or a foreign corporation may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the income
resulting from the Company's election described in this paragraph but may not be
able to claim a credit or deduction against such U.S. tax for the foreign taxes
treated as having been paid by such shareholder. The Company will report
annually to its shareholders the amount per share of such withholding taxes.
Under certain provisions of the Code, some shareholders may be subject to a
31% withholding tax on ordinary income dividends, 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 Company or who, to the Company'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.
Under Code Section 988, foreign currency gains or losses from certain debt
instruments, from certain forward contracts, from futures contracts that are not
"regulated futures contracts", and from unlisted options will generally be
treated as ordinary income or loss. Such Code Section 988 gains or losses will
generally increase or decrease the amount of the Company's investment company
taxable income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income.
Additionally, if Code Section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable
income during a taxable year, the Company would not be able to make any ordinary
income dividend distributions, and all or a portion of distributions made before
the losses were realized but in the same taxable year would be recharacterized
as a return of capital to shareholders, thereby reducing the basis of each
shareholder's Company shares, and resulting in a capital gain for any
shareholder who received a distribution greater than such shareholder's basis in
Company shares (assuming the shares were held as a capital asset).
No gain or loss will be recognized by Class B shareholders on the
conversion of their Class B shares into Class D shares. A shareholder's basis in
the Class D shares acquired will be the same as such shareholder's basis in the
Class B shares converted, and the holding period of the acquired Class D shares
will include the holding period for the converted Class B shares.
If a shareholder exercises an exchange privilege within 90 days of
acquiring the shares, then the loss the shareholder can recognize on the
exchange will be reduced (or the gain increased) to the extent any sales charge
paid to the Company on the exchanged shares reduces any sales charge the
shareholder would have owed upon purchase of the new shares in the absence of
the exchange privilege. Instead, such sales charge will be treated as an amount
paid for the new shares.
A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Company will be
disallowed if other Company shares are acquired (whether through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days
before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In
such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations presently in effect. For the
complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and
the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder. The Code and the Treasury
regulations are subject to change by legislative, judicial or administrative
action either prospectively or retroactively.
Ordinary income and capital gain dividends may also be subject to state and
local taxes.
40
<PAGE> 43
Certain states exempt from state income taxation dividends paid by RICs
which are derived from interest on U.S. Government obligations. State law varies
as to whether dividend income attributable to U.S. Government obligations is
exempt from state income tax.
Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to Federal, foreign, state or local taxes. Foreign investors should
consider applicable foreign taxes in their evaluation of an investment in the
Company.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
Net asset value per share for all classes of the Company is determined once
daily as of 15 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE (generally, 4:00
P.M., New York time), on each day during which the NYSE is open for trading or
on such other day that there is sufficient trading in portfolio securities that
the net asset value of the Company's shares may be materially affected. Any
assets or liabilities initially expressed in terms of non-U.S. dollar currencies
are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates as quoted by one
or more banks or dealers on the day of valuation.
The net asset value is computed by dividing the sum of the value of the
securities held by the Company plus any cash or other assets (including interest
and dividends accrued but not yet received) minus all liabilities (including
accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding at such time,
rounded to the nearest cent. Expenses, including the fee payable to the
Investment Adviser and any account maintenance and/or distribution fees payable
to the Distributor, are accrued daily. The per share net asset value of Class A
shares generally will be higher than the per share net asset value of shares of
the other classes, reflecting the daily expense accruals of the account
maintenance, distribution and higher transfer agency fees applicable with
respect to Class B and Class C shares and the daily expense accruals of the
account maintenance fees applicable with respect to Class D shares; in addition,
the per share net asset value of Class D shares generally will be higher than
the per share net asset value of Class B and Class C shares, reflecting the
daily expense accruals of the distribution and higher transfer agency fees
applicable with respect to Class B and Class C shares. It is expected, however,
that the per share net asset value of the classes will tend to converge
(although not necessarily meet) immediately after the payment of dividends or
distributions, which will differ by approximately the amount of the expense
accrual differentials between the classes.
Portfolio securities that are traded on stock exchanges are valued at the
last sale price (regular way) on the exchange on which such securities are
traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued
or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. In cases where
securities are traded on more than one exchange, the securities are valued on
the exchange designated by or under the authority of the Board of Directors as
the primary market. Securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the last
available bid price in the OTC market prior to the time of valuation. Securities
which are traded both in the OTC market and on a stock exchange are valued
according to the broadest and most representative market. When the Company
writes an option, the amount of the premium received is recorded on the books of
the Company as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability
is subsequently valued to reflect the current market value of the option
written, based upon the last sale price in the case of exchange-traded options
or, in the case of options traded in the OTC market, the last asked price.
Options purchased by the Company are valued at their last sale price in the case
of exchange-traded options or, in the case of options traded in the OTC market,
the last bid price. Other investments, including futures contracts and related
options, are stated at market
41
<PAGE> 44
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 Company.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY
Until April 27, 1992, the Company was known as Sci/Tech Holdings, Inc.
("Sci/Tech"), a Merrill Lynch sponsored diversified, open-end investment
company. Sci/Tech invested primarily in the equity securities of companies
engaged in science and technology. After receiving the approval of its
shareholders, Sci/Tech transferred all of its technology oriented securities and
certain other assets (and certain of its liabilities) in exchange for all the
shares of Merrill Lynch Technology Fund, Inc. ("Technology Fund") (other than
shares held by Technology Fund's investment adviser representing Technology
Fund's seed capital), which Sci/Tech distributed pro rata to its shareholders
(the "Reorganization"). As part of the Reorganization, Sci/Tech shareholders
approved a change in its investment objective and certain other matters.
The Company was incorporated under Maryland law on October 29, 1982. At the
date of this Prospectus, it has an authorized capital of 400,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, divided into four classes, designated
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Common Stock, each of which consists of
100,000,000 shares. Shares of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Common Stock
represent interests in the same assets of the Company and are identical in all
respects except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear certain expenses
related to the account maintenance associated with such shares, and Class B and
Class C shares bear certain expenses related to the distribution of such shares.
Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to
account maintenance and distribution expenditures, as applicable. See "Purchase
of Shares." The Company has received an order from the Commission permitting the
issuance and sale of multiple classes of Common Stock. The Directors of the
Company may classify and reclassify the shares of the Company into additional
classes of Common Stock at a future date.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and
fractional votes for fractional shares held and will vote on the election of
Directors and any other matters submitted to a shareholder vote. The Company
does not intend to hold meetings of shareholders in any year in which the
Investment Company Act does not require shareholders to act on any of the
following matters: (i) election of Directors; (ii) approval of an investment
advisory agreement; (iii) approval of a distribution agreement; and (iv)
ratification of selection of independent auditors. Voting rights for Directors
are not cumulative. Shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable and have no
preemptive rights. Shares have the conversion rights described in this
Prospectus. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to participate equally in
dividends and distributions declared by the Company and in the net assets of the
Company upon liquidation or dissolution after satisfaction of outstanding
liabilities, except that as noted above, the Class B, Class C and Class D shares
bear certain additional expenses. Shareholders may, in accordance with Maryland
law, cause a meeting of shareholders to be held for the purpose of voting on the
removal of Directors at the request of 25% of the outstanding shares of the
Company. A Director may be removed at a special meeting of shareholders by a
vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast for the election of
Directors.
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS
Only one copy of each shareholder report and certain shareholder
communications will be mailed to each identified shareholder regardless of the
number of accounts such shareholder has. If a shareholder wishes to
42
<PAGE> 45
receive separate copies of each report and communication for each of the
shareholder's related accounts, the shareholder should notify in writing:
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, FL 32232-5289
The written notification should include the shareholder's name, address,
tax identification number and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
and/or mutual fund account numbers. If you have any questions regarding this,
please call your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant or Merrill Lynch Financial
Data Services, Inc. at 1-800-637-3863.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
Shareholder inquiries may be addressed to the Company at the address or
telephone number set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
43
<PAGE> 46
[This page is intentionally left blank.]
<PAGE> 47
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC. -- AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART 1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: THIS FORM MAY NOT BE USED FOR PURCHASES THROUGH THE MERRILL LYNCH
BLUEPRINT(SM) Program. You may request a Merrill Lynch Blueprint(SM)
Program application by calling (800) 637-3766.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SHARE PURCHASE APPLICATION
I, being of legal age, wish to purchase: (choose one)
[ ] Class A shares [ ] Class B shares [ ] Class C shares [ ] Class D shares
of Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc. and establish an Investment Account as
described in the Prospectus. In the event that I am not eligible to purchase
Class A shares, I understand that Class D shares will be purchased.
Basis for establishing an Investment Account:
A. I enclose a check for $.......... payable to Merrill Lynch Financial
Data Services, Inc. as an initial investment (minimum $1,000). I understand
that this purchase will be executed at the applicable offering price next to
be determined after this Application is received by you.
B. I already own shares of the following Merrill Lynch mutual funds that
would qualify for the Right of Accumulation as outlined in the Statement of
Additional Information: (Please list all funds. Use a separate sheet of paper
if necessary.)
1. .................................. 4. ..................................
2. .................................. 5. ..................................
3. .................................. 6. ..................................
Name............................................................................
First Name Initial Last Name
Name of Co-Owner (if any).......................................................
First Name Initial Last Name
Address.........................................................................
............................................................. Date.............
(Zip Code)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Occupation ......................................... Name and Address of Employer.................................................
.............................................................................
................................................... .............................................................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner (if any)
</TABLE>
(In the case of co-owner, a joint tenancy with rights of survivorship will be
presumed unless otherwise specified.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTION OPTION
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ordinary Income Dividends Long-Term Capital Gains
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
SELECT [ ] Reinvest SELECT [ ] Reinvest
ONE: [ ] Cash ONE: [ ] Cash
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
</TABLE>
If no election is made, dividends and capital gains will be automatically
reinvested at net asset value without a sales charge.
IF CASH, SPECIFY HOW YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO YOU:
[ ] Check or [ ] Direct Deposit to bank account
IF DIRECT DEPOSIT TO BANK ACCOUNT IS SELECTED, PLEASE COMPLETE BELOW:
I hereby authorize payment of dividend and capital gain distributions by direct
deposit to my bank account and, if necessary, debit entries and adjustments for
any credit entries made to my account in accordance with the terms I have
selected on the Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc. Authorization Form.
SPECIFY TYPE OF ACCOUNT (check one): [ ] checking [ ] savings
Name on your account............................................................
Bank Name.......................................................................
Bank Number .............................. Account Number.......................
Bank Address....................................................................
I agree that this authorization will remain in effect until I provide written
notification to Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. amending or
terminating this service.
Signature of Depositor..........................................................
Signature of Depositor ................................ Date....................
(if joint account, both must sign)
NOTE: If direct deposit to bank account is selected, your blank, unsigned check
marked "VOID" or a deposit slip from your savings account should accompany this
application.
A-1
<PAGE> 48
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC. -- AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART
1) -- (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number
Under penalty of perjury, I certify (1) that the number set forth above is my
correct Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number and (2) that I
am not subject to backup withholding (as discussed under "Additional
Information--Taxes") either because I have not been notified that I am subject
thereto as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has notified me that I am no longer subject
thereto.
INSTRUCTION: YOU MUST STRIKE OUT THE LANGUAGE IN (2) ABOVE IF YOU HAVE BEEN
NOTIFIED THAT YOU ARE SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING DUE TO UNDERREPORTING AND IF
YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE IRS THAT BACKUP WITHHOLDING HAS BEEN
TERMINATED. THE UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZES THE FURNISHING OF THIS CERTIFICATION TO
OTHER MERRILL LYNCH SPONSORED MUTUAL FUNDS.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
............................................................. ............................................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner (if any)
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. LETTER OF INTENTION--CLASS A AND D SHARES ONLY (See terms and conditions in
the Statement of Additional Information)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
......................, 19 . . . .
Dear Sir/Madam: Date of initial purchase
</TABLE>
Although I am not obligated to do so, I intend to purchase shares of Merrill
Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc. or any other investment company with an initial
sales charge or deferred sales charge for which Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor,
Inc. acts as distributor over the next 13 month period which will equal or
exceed:
[ ] $25,000 [ ] $50,000 [ ] $100,000 [ ] $250,000 [ ] $1,000,000
Each purchase will be made at the then reduced offering price applicable to
the amount checked above, as described in the Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund,
Inc. Prospectus.
I agree to the terms and conditions of this Letter of Intention. I hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc., my
attorney, with full power of substitution, to surrender for redemption any or
all shares of Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc. held as security.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
By:.............................................................. ...............................................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner
(If registered in joint names, both must sign)
</TABLE>
In making purchases under this letter, the following are the related accounts
on which reduced offering prices are to apply:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(1) Name ................................................... (2) Name....................................................
Account Number ............................................ Account Number..............................................
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. FOR DEALER ONLY
Branch Office, Address, Stamp
===============================================
===============================================
This form when completed should be mailed to:
Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc.
c/o Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289
We hereby authorize Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. to act as our agent in
connection with transactions under this authorization form and agree to notify
the Distributor of any purchases or sales made under a Letter of Intention,
Automatic Investment Plan or Systematic Withdrawal Plan. We guarantee the
Shareholder's signature.
...............................................................
Dealer Name and Address
By .............................................................................
Authorized Signature of Dealer
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
- --------- ------------
..............................
- --------- ------------
Branch-Code F/C No. F/C Last Name
- --------- ---------------
- --------- ---------------
Dealer's Customer A/C No.
</TABLE>
A-2
<PAGE> 49
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC. -- AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART 2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: THIS FORM IS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THE SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN OR THE
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN ONLY.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
------------------------------------
Name of Owner.......................................................................
------------------------------------
Social Security No.
or Taxpayer Identification Number
Name of Co-Owner (if any)...........................................................
Address.............................................................................
.................................................................................... Account Number......................
(if existing account)
Name of Owner.......................................................................
Name of Co-Owner (if any)...........................................................
Address.............................................................................
....................................................................................
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN--CLASS A AND D SHARES ONLY (See terms and
conditions in the Statement of Additional Information)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: $10,000 for monthly disbursements, $5,000 for
quarterly, of [ ] Class A or [ ] Class D shares in Merrill Lynch Healthcare
Fund, Inc. at cost or current offering price. Withdrawals to be made either
(check one) [ ] Monthly on the 24th day of each month, or [ ] Quarterly on the
24th day of March, June, September and December. If the 24th falls on a weekend
or holiday, the next succeeding business day will be utilized. Begin systematic
withdrawal on ________________ or as soon as possible thereafter.
(month)
SPECIFY HOW YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR WITHDRAWAL PAID TO YOU (CHECK ONE):
[ ] $________ or [ ] ____% of the current value of
[ ] Class A or [ ] Class D shares in the account.
SPECIFY WITHDRAWAL METHOD: [ ] check or [ ] direct deposit to bank account
(check one and complete part (a) or (b) below):
DRAW CHECKS PAYABLE (CHECK ONE)
(a) I hereby authorize payment by check
[ ] as indicated in Item 1.
[ ] to the order of..........................................................
Mail to (check one)
[ ] the address indicated in Item 1.
[ ] Name (please print)......................................................
Address.........................................................................
...........................................................................
Signature of Owner..............................................................
Date............................................................................
Signature of Co-Owner (if any)..................................................
(B) I HEREBY AUTHORIZE PAYMENT BY DIRECT DEPOSIT TO BANK ACCOUNT AND IF
NECESSARY, DEBIT ENTRIES AND ADJUSTMENTS FOR ANY CREDIT ENTRIES MADE TO MY
ACCOUNT. I AGREE THAT THIS AUTHORIZATION WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL I PROVIDE
WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC. AMENDING OR
TERMINATING THIS SERVICE.
Specify type of account (check one): [ ] checking [ ] savings
Name on your Account............................................................
Bank Name.......................................................................
Bank Number .............................................................
Account Number..................................................................
Bank Address....................................................................
......................................................................
Signature of Depositor..........................................................
Date............................................................................
Signature of Depositor..........................................................
(If joint account, both must sign)
NOTE: IF DIRECT DEPOSIT IS ELECTED, YOUR BLANK, UNSIGNED CHECK MARKED "VOID" OR
A DEPOSIT SLIP FROM YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT SHALL ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION.
A-3
<PAGE> 50
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC. -- AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART
2) -- (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. APPLICATION FOR AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
I hereby request that Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. draw an
automated clearing house ("ACH") debit on my checking account described below
each month to purchase: (choose one)
[ ] Class A shares [ ] Class B shares [ ] Class C shares [ ] Class D shares
of Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc. subject to the terms set forth below. In
the event that I am not eligible to purchase Class A shares, I understand that
Class D shares will be purchased.
MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
You are hereby authorized to draw an ACH debit each month on my bank account for
investment in Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc., as indicated below:
Amount of each check or ACH debit $..........................................
Account Number...............................................................
Please date and invest ACH debits on the 20th of each month
beginning ________________ or as soon thereafter as possible.
(month)
I agree that you are drawing these ACH debits voluntarily at my request and
that you shall not be liable for any loss arising from any delay in preparing or
failure to prepare any such check or debit. If I change banks or desire to
terminate or suspend this program, I agree to notify you promptly in writing. I
hereby authorize you to take any action to correct erroneous ACH debits of my
bank account or purchases of fund shares including liquidating shares of the
fund and credit my bank account. I further agree that if a check or debit is not
honored upon presentation, Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. is
authorized to discontinue immediately the Automatic Investment Plan and to
liquidate sufficient shares held in my account to offset the purchase made with
the returned check or dishonored debit.
................. .......................................
Date Signature of Depositor
.......................................
Signature of Depositor
(If joint account, both must sign)
AUTHORIZATION TO HONOR ACH DEBITS DRAWN
BY MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
To..........................................................................Bank
(Investor's Bank)
Bank Address....................................................................
City .......... State .......... Zip............................................
As a convenience to me, I hereby request and authorize you to pay and charge to
my account ACH debits drawn on my account by and payable to Merrill Lynch
Financial Data Services, Inc. I agree that your rights in respect to each such
debit shall be the same as if it were a check drawn on you and signed personally
by me. This authority is to remain in effect until revoked by me in writing.
Until you receive such notice, you shall be fully protected in honoring any such
debit. I further agree that if any such debit be dishonored, whether with or
without cause and whether intentionally or inadvertently, you shall be under no
liability.
................. .......................................
Date Signature of Depositor
................. .......................................
Bank Account Signature of Depositor
Number (If joint account, both must sign)
NOTE: IF AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN IS ELECTED, YOUR BLANK, UNSIGNED CHECK MARKED
"VOID" SHOULD ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION.
A-4
<PAGE> 51
[This page is intentionally left blank.]
<PAGE> 52
[This page is intentionally left blank.]
<PAGE> 53
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Merrill Lynch Asset Management
Administrative Offices:
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
DISTRIBUTOR
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.
Administrative Offices:
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9081
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081
TRANSFER AGENT
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc.
Administrative Offices:
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289
CUSTODIAN
The Chase Manhattan Bank
Global Securities Services
4 Chase MetroTech Center, 18th Floor
Brooklyn, New York 11245
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
117 Campus Drive
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
COUNSEL
Brown & Wood LLP
One World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0557
<PAGE> 54
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, THE INVESTMENT ADVISER OR THE
DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY STATE IN
WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
-------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Fee Table................................ 2
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM)
System................................. 3
Financial Highlights..................... 8
Risk Factors and Special
Considerations......................... 11
Investment Objective and Policies........ 13
Hedging Techniques..................... 14
Other Investment Practices............. 19
Investment Restrictions................ 20
Management of the Company................ 21
Board of Directors..................... 21
Advisory and Management Arrangements... 21
Code of Ethics......................... 22
Transfer Agency Services............... 22
Purchase of Shares....................... 23
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives--
Class A and Class D Shares........... 25
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives--
Class B and Class C Shares........... 27
Distribution Plans..................... 30
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred
Sales Charges........................ 32
Redemption of Shares..................... 32
Redemption............................. 32
Repurchase............................. 33
Reinstatement Privilege--
Class A and Class D Shares........... 33
Shareholder Services..................... 34
Investment Account..................... 34
Systematic Withdrawal Plans............ 35
Automatic Investment Plans............. 35
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and
Distributions........................ 35
Exchange Privilege..................... 35
Fee-Based Programs..................... 36
Performance Data......................... 37
Additional Information................... 38
Dividends and Distributions............ 38
Taxes.................................. 39
Determination of Net Asset Value....... 41
Organization of the Company............ 42
Shareholder Reports.................... 42
Shareholder Inquiries.................. 43
Authorization Form....................... A-1
</TABLE>
Code #10166-0797
[MERRILL LYNCH LOGO]
MERRILL LYNCH
HEALTHCARE FUND, INC.
[MERRILL LYNCH COMPASS]
PROSPECTUS
July 29, 1997
Distributor:
Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc.
This prospectus should be
retained for future reference.
<PAGE> 55
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011 - PHONE NO. (609) 282-2800
-------------------------
Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is a non-diversified,
open-end investment company that seeks long-term capital appreciation through
worldwide investment in equity securities of companies that, in the opinion of
management, derive or are expected to derive a substantial portion of their
sales from products and services in healthcare. The Company will pursue its
investment objective by investing in a global portfolio of securities of
companies in various stages of development. It is presently contemplated that
the Company's assets will be primarily invested in the United States, Japan and
Western Europe. Until the Company changed its investment objective on April 27,
1992, the Company was known as Sci/Tech Holdings, Inc.
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System, the Company offers
four classes of shares each with a different combination of sales charges,
ongoing fees and other features. The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System
permits an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that the investor
believes is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of time
the investor expects to hold the shares and other relevant circumstances.
-------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information of the Company is not a prospectus
and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Company, dated July
29, 1997 (the "Prospectus"), which has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and can be obtained, without charge, by
calling or by writing the Company at the above telephone number or address. This
Statement of Additional Information has been incorporated by reference into the
Prospectus.
-------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT -- INVESTMENT ADVISER
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. -- DISTRIBUTOR
-------------------------
The date of this Statement of Additional Information is July 29, 1997
<PAGE> 56
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Company is to seek long-term capital
appreciation through worldwide investment in equity securities of companies
that, in the opinion of management, derive or are expected to derive a
substantial portion of their sales from products and services in healthcare.
Reference is made to "Investment Objective and Policies" in the Prospectus for a
discussion of the investment objective and policies of the Company.
HEALTHCARE
The Company will invest in companies that are substantially engaged in the
design, manufacture or sale of products or services used for or in connection
with healthcare or medicine. Such companies may be in a variety of industries
and may include pharmaceutical companies; companies that design, manufacture,
sell or supply medical, dental and optical products, hardware or services;
companies involved in biotechnology, medical diagnostic, and biochemical
research and development; and companies involved in the ownership and/or
operation of healthcare facilities. While rapid changes in healthcare present
attractive opportunities for investment in companies in this field, such
companies may face the risk that their products or services may not prove to be
commercially successful or may be rendered obsolete by further scientific and
technological developments. The value of the Company's investment in a company
whose products are not commercially successful or are rendered obsolete may
decrease substantially. See "Risk Factors and Special Considerations" in the
Prospectus.
INTERNATIONAL DIVERSIFICATION
The securities markets of many countries have at times in the past moved
relatively independently of one another due to different economic, financial,
political and social factors. When such lack of correlation, or negative
correlation, in movements of these securities markets occurs, it may reduce risk
for the Company's portfolio as a whole. This negative correlation also may
offset unrealized gains the Company has derived from movements in a particular
market. To the extent the various markets move independently, total portfolio
volatility is reduced when the various markets are combined into a single
portfolio. Of course, movements in the various securities markets may be offset
by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Exchange rates frequently move
independently of securities markets in a particular country. As a result, gains
in a particular securities market may be affected by changes in exchange rates.
TYPES OF PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
The Company will attempt to maximize opportunity and reduce risk by
investing in a portfolio of companies in different stages of development.
Portfolio companies will range from large, well-established companies to
medium-sized companies and smaller, less seasoned companies in an earlier stage
of development.
Investments in larger companies present certain advantages attributable to
their greater financial resources: more extensive research and development,
manufacturing, marketing and service capabilities, more stability and greater
depth of management and technical personnel. Investments in smaller, less
seasoned companies may present greater opportunities for growth but also involve
greater risks than customarily are associated with more established companies.
The securities of smaller companies may be subject to more
2
<PAGE> 57
abrupt or erratic market movements than larger, more established companies.
These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources,
or they may be dependent upon a limited management group. Their securities may
be traded only in the over-the-counter ("OTC") market or on a regional
securities exchange and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of
trading on a national securities exchange. As a result, the disposition by the
Company of portfolio securities to meet redemptions or otherwise may require the
Company to sell these securities at a discount from market prices or during
periods when such disposition is not desirable or to make many small sales over
a lengthy period of time.
The Company may invest up to 15% of its total assets (together with all
other illiquid investments) in illiquid venture capital investments in new and
early-stage companies whose securities are not publicly traded. Venture capital
investments may present significant opportunities for capital appreciation but
involve a high degree of business and financial risk that can result in
substantial losses and should be considered as speculative investments. The
Company's venture capital investments may include limited partnership interests.
The disposition of U.S. venture capital investments normally will be restricted
under Federal securities laws. Generally, restricted securities may be sold only
in privately negotiated transactions or in public offerings registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Company also may
be subject to restrictions contained in the securities laws of other countries
in disposing of portfolio securities. As a result, the Company may be unable to
dispose of such investments at times when such disposition ordinarily would be
deemed appropriate due to investment or liquidity considerations. Alternatively,
the Company may be forced to dispose of such investments at less than their fair
market value. Where registration is required, the Company may be obligated to
pay part or all of the expenses of such registration. Market quotations may not
be readily available for such securities and, for purposes of determining the
offering and redemption prices of Company shares, these investments will be
valued at fair value. See "Determination of Net Asset Value."
OTHER FACTORS
The Company may invest in securities subject to repurchase agreements with
banks or securities firms, which are instruments under which the purchaser
(i.e., the Company) acquires a debt security and the seller agrees, at the time
of sale, to repurchase the obligation at a mutually agreed upon time and price,
thereby determining the yield during the purchaser's holding period. The
underlying securities are limited to those which otherwise qualify for
investment by the Company. In the event of default by the seller under a
repurchase agreement, the Company may suffer time delays and incur costs or
losses in connection with the disposition of the underlying securities. The
Company will not enter into a repurchase agreement if, as a result thereof, more
than 15% of its total assets would be subject to repurchase agreements maturing
in more than seven days.
The Company may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global
Depositary Receipts (GDRs) or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers. These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same
currency as the securities into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts
typically issued by an American bank or trust company which evidence ownership
of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs are receipts
issued in Europe which evidence a similar ownership arrangement. GDRs are
receipts issued globally, typically by banking institutions, and evidence a
similar ownership arrangement. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed
for use in the U.S. securities markets and EDRs, in bearer
3
<PAGE> 58
form, are designed for use in European securities markets. GDRs are tradeable
both in the U.S. and Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. The
Company may invest in unsponsored ADRs. The issuers of unsponsored ADRs are not
obligated to disclose material information in the U.S. and, therefore, there may
not be a correlation between such information and the market value of such ADRs.
The Investment Adviser will effect portfolio transactions without regard to
holding period if, in its judgment, such transactions are advisable in light of
a change in circumstances of a particular company or within a particular
industry or in general market, economic or financial conditions. As a result of
the investment policies described in the Prospectus, under certain market
conditions the Company's portfolio turnover may be higher than that of other
investment companies; however, it is extremely difficult to predict portfolio
turnover rates with any degree of accuracy. The portfolio turnover rate is
calculated by dividing the lesser of the Company's annual sales or purchases of
portfolio securities (exclusive of purchases or sales of U.S. Government
securities and of all other securities whose maturities at the time of
acquisition were one year or less) by the monthly average value of the
securities in the portfolio during the year. For the fiscal years ended April
30, 1996 and 1997 the Company's portfolio turnover rate was 133.50% and 125.94%,
respectively. The Company is, however, subject to the Federal income tax
requirement that less than 30% of the Company's gross income be derived from
gains from the sale or other disposition of securities held for less than three
months. See "Investment Objective and Policies--Other Investment
Practices--Portfolio Turnover" in the Prospectus.
HEDGING TECHNIQUES
Reference is made to the discussion under the caption "Investment Objective
and Policies--Hedging Techniques" in the Prospectus for information with respect
to various portfolio strategies involving options and futures. The Company may
seek to hedge its portfolio against movements in the equity markets, interest
rates and exchange rates between currencies through the use of options and
futures transactions and forward foreign exchange transactions. The Company has
authority to write (i.e., sell) covered call options on its portfolio
securities, purchase put options on securities and engage in transactions in
stock index options, stock index futures and financial futures, and related
options on such futures. The Company may also deal in forward foreign exchange
transactions and forward currency options and futures and related options on
such futures. The Company is authorized to enter into such options and futures
transactions either on exchanges or in the OTC markets. Each of such portfolio
strategies is described in the Prospectus. Although certain risks are involved
in options and futures transactions (as discussed in the Prospectus and below),
the Investment Adviser believes that, because the Company will only engage in
these transactions for hedging purposes, the options and futures portfolio
strategies of the Company will not subject the Company to the risks frequently
associated with the speculative use of options and futures transactions. While
the Company's use of hedging strategies is intended to reduce the volatility of
the net asset value of its shares, the net asset value of the Company's shares
will fluctuate. There can be no assurance that the Company's hedging
transactions will be effective. The following is further information relating to
portfolio strategies involving options and futures the Company may utilize.
Hedging Investment and Interest Rate Risks. The Company may write (i.e.,
sell) covered call options on the equity securities in which it may invest and
may enter into closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such
options. Covered call options serve as a partial hedge against the decline in
price of the underlying security. A covered call option is an option where the
Company, in return for a premium, gives
4
<PAGE> 59
another party a right to buy specified securities owned by the Company on or
before a specified future date and at a specified price set at the time of the
contract. By writing covered call options, the Company gives up the opportunity,
while the option is in effect, to profit from any price increase in the
underlying security above the option exercise price. In addition, the Company's
ability to sell the underlying security will be limited while the option is in
effect unless the Company effects a closing purchase transaction. A closing
purchase transaction cancels out the Company's position as the writer of an
option by means of an offsetting purchase of an identical option prior to the
expiration of the option it has written. The writer of a covered call option has
no control over when he or she may be required to sell his or her securities
since he or she may be assigned an exercise notice at any time prior to the
termination of his or her obligation as a writer. If an option expires
unexercised, the writer realizes a gain in the amount of the premium. Such a
gain, of course, may be offset by a decline in the market value of the
underlying security during the option period. If a call option is exercised, the
writer realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security.
The Company may also purchase put options to hedge against a decline in the
market value of its equity holdings. By buying a put, the Company has a right to
sell the underlying security at the exercise price, thus limiting the Company's
risk of loss through a decline in the market value of the security until the put
option expires. The amount of any appreciation in the value of the underlying
security will be offset partially 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 and 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 cost. A closing sale transaction
cancels out the Company'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.
The Company also may engage in transactions in stock index options and
futures, financial futures in U.S. and foreign agency and government securities
and corporate debt securities, and related options on such futures. A futures
contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a security or, in
the case of an index-based futures contract, to make and accept a cash
settlement for a set price on a future date. A majority of transactions in
futures contracts, however, do not result in the actual delivery of the
underlying instrument or cash settlement, but are settled through liquidation,
i.e., by entering into an offsetting transaction. Futures contracts have been
designed by boards of trade which have been designated "contracts markets" by
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC").
The purchase or sale of a 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 and the relevant contract
market, which varies, but is typically between 2% and 15% of the value of the
futures contract, must be deposited with the broker. This amount is known as
"initial margin" and represents a "good faith" deposit assuring the performance
of both the purchaser and seller under the futures contract. Subsequent payments
to and from the broker, called "variation margin", are required to be made on a
daily basis as the price of the futures contract fluctuates, making the long and
short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known
as "marking to the market". At any time prior to the settlement date of the
futures contract, the position may be closed out by taking an opposite position
which will operate to terminate the position in the futures contract. A final
determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to
be paid to or released by the broker, and the purchaser realizes a loss or gain.
In addition, a nominal commission is paid on each completed sale transaction.
5
<PAGE> 60
The Company has received an order from the Commission exempting it from the
provisions of Section 17(f) and Section 18(f) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"), in connection with its strategy
of investing in futures contracts. Section 17(f) relates to the custody of
securities and other assets of an investment company and may be deemed to
prohibit certain arrangements between the Company and commodities brokers with
respect to initial and variation margin. Section 18(f) of the Investment Company
Act prohibits an open-end investment company such as the Company from issuing a
"senior security" other than a borrowing from a bank. The staff of the
Commission has in the past indicated that a futures contract may be a "senior
security" under the Investment Company Act.
Risk Factors in Options and Futures Transactions. Utilization of options
and futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements
in the prices of options and futures contracts and movements in the prices of
the securities or currencies which are the subject of the hedge. If the price of
the options and futures contract moves more or less than the prices of the
hedged securities or currencies, the Company will experience a gain or loss
which will not be completely offset by movements in the prices of the subject of
the hedge. The successful use of options and futures also depends on the
Investment Adviser's ability to predict correctly price movements in the market
involved in a particular options or futures transaction.
Prior to exercise or expiration, an exchange-traded option position can
only be terminated by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. This
requires a secondary market on an exchange for call or put options of the same
series. The Company will enter into an option or futures transaction on an
exchange only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market for such options
or futures. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market
will exist for any particular call or put option or futures contract at any
specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close an option or futures
position. In the case of a futures position or an option on a futures position
written by the Company, in the event of adverse price movements, the Company
would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin.
In such situations, if the Company 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. In addition, the Company may be required to
take or make delivery of the security or currency underlying futures contracts
it holds. The inability to close options and futures positions also could have
an adverse impact on the Company's ability to effectively hedge its portfolio.
There is also the risk of loss by the Company of margin deposits in the event of
bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Company has an open position in a futures
contract or related option. The risk of loss from investing in futures
transactions is theoretically unlimited.
The exchanges on which the Company intends to conduct options transactions
have generally established limitations governing the maximum number of call or
put options on the same underlying currency (whether or not covered) which may
be written by a single investor, whether acting alone or in concert with others
(regardless of whether such options are written on the same or different
exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or through one or more
brokers). "Trading limits" are imposed on the maximum number of contracts which
any person may trade on a particular trading day. An exchange may order the
liquidation of positions found to be in violation of these limits, and it may
impose other sanctions or restrictions. The Investment Adviser does not believe
that these trading and position limits will have any adverse impact on the
portfolio strategies for hedging the Company's portfolio effectively.
6
<PAGE> 61
Hedging Foreign Currency Risks. Generally, the foreign exchange
transactions of the Company will be conducted on a spot, i.e., cash, basis at
the spot rate then prevailing for purchasing or selling currency in the foreign
exchange market. This rate under normal market conditions differs from the
prevailing exchange rate in an amount generally less than 1/10 of 1% due to the
costs of converting from one currency to another. However, the Company has
authority to deal in forward foreign exchange between currencies of Far Eastern,
European and Western Pacific countries and the dollar as a hedge against
possible variations in the foreign exchange rate between these currencies. This
is accomplished through contractual agreements to purchase or to sell a
specified currency at a specified future date and price set at the time of the
contract. The Company's dealings in forward foreign exchange will be limited to
hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio positions.
Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward foreign currency with
respect to specific receivables or payables of the Company accruing in
connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities, the sale and
redemption of shares of the Company or the payment of dividends and
distributions by the Company. Position hedging is the sale of forward foreign
currency with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in
such foreign currency. The Company will not speculate in forward foreign
exchange. All dealings in forward exchange will be limited to contracts
involving currencies of Far Eastern, European and Western Pacific countries and
the dollar. The Company may not position hedge with respect to the currency of a
particular country to an extent greater than the aggregate market value (at the
time of making such sale) of the securities held in its portfolio denominated or
quoted in that particular foreign currency. If the Company enters into a
position hedging transaction, its custodian will place cash or liquid debt
securities in a separate account of the Company in an amount equal to the value
of the Company's total assets committed to the consummation of such forward
contract. If the value of the securities placed in the separate account
declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in the account so that
the value of the account will equal the amount of the Company's commitment with
respect to such contracts. The Company will not attempt to hedge all of its
portfolio positions and will enter into such transaction only to the extent, if
any, deemed appropriate by the Investment Adviser of the Company. The Company
will not enter into a position hedging commitment if, as a result thereof, the
Company would have more than 15% of the value of its assets committed to such
contracts. The Company will not enter into a forward contract with a term of
more than one year.
As discussed in the Prospectus, the Company may also purchase or sell
listed or OTC foreign currency options, foreign currency futures and related
options on foreign currency futures as a short or long hedge against possible
variations in foreign exchange rates.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the price of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also preclude the
opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover,
it may not be possible for the Company to hedge against a devaluation that is so
generally anticipated that the Company is not able to contract to sell the
currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. It is possible
that, under certain circumstances, the Company may have to limit its currency
transactions to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"); in this regard, the Company
presently intends to limit its gross income from currency hedging transactions
to less than 10% of its gross income in any taxable year until such time as the
Company determines that income from the transaction is not subject to this
restriction. The cost to the Company of engaging in foreign currency
transactions varies with such factors as the currencies involved, the length of
the contract period and the market conditions then
7
<PAGE> 62
prevailing. Since transactions in foreign currency exchange usually are
conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.
The U.S. Government has from time to time in the past imposed restrictions,
through taxation and otherwise, on foreign investments by U.S. investors such as
the Company. If such restrictions should be reinstituted, it might become
necessary for the Company to invest all or substantially all of its assets in
U.S. securities. In such event, the Company would review its investment
objective and investment policies to determine whether changes are appropriate.
The Company's ability and decisions to purchase or sell portfolio
securities may be affected by laws or regulations relating to the convertibility
and repatriation of assets. Because the shares of the Company are redeemable on
a daily basis in U.S. dollars, the Company intends to manage its portfolio so as
to give reasonable assurance that it will be able to obtain U.S. dollars to the
extent necessary to meet anticipated redemptions. Under present conditions, it
is not believed that these considerations will have any significant effect on
its portfolio strategy.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Non-Diversified Status. The Company is classified as non-diversified within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act, which means that the Company is not
limited by such Act in the proportion of its assets that it may invest in
securities of a single issuer. The Company's investments will be limited,
however, in order to qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
investment companies under the Code. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
To qualify, the Company will comply with certain requirements, including
limiting 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 Company's total assets
will be invested in the 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 of a single issuer,
and the Company will not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities
of a single issuer. A fund which elects to be classified as "diversified" under
the Investment Company Act must satisfy the foregoing 5% and 10% requirements
with respect to 75% of its total assets. To the extent that the Company assumes
large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, the Company's
net asset value 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, and the Company may be more susceptible to any single
economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified company.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
In addition to the investment restrictions set forth in the Prospectus, the
Company has adopted a number of fundamental and non-fundamental restrictions and
policies relating to the investment of its assets and its activities. The
fundamental policies set forth below may not be changed without the approval of
the holders of a majority of the Company's outstanding voting securities (which
for this purpose and under the Investment Company Act means the lesser of (i)
67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the
outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding
shares).
Under the fundamental investment restrictions, the Company may not:
1. Invest more than 25% of its assets, taken at market value, in the
securities of issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S.
Government and its agencies and instrumentalities).
8
<PAGE> 63
2. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
3. Purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the extent permitted
by applicable law, the Company may invest in securities directly or
indirectly secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by
companies which invest in real estate or interests therein.
4. Make loans to other persons, except that the acquisition of bonds,
debentures or other corporate debt securities and investment in government
obligations, commercial paper, pass-through instruments, certificates of
deposit, bankers acceptances, repurchase agreements or any similar
instruments shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan, and except
further that the Company may lend its portfolio securities, provided that
the lending of portfolio securities may be made only in accordance with
applicable law and the guidelines set forth in the Company's Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, as they may be amended from time to
time.
5. Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate
applicable law.
6. Borrow money, except that (i) the Company may borrow from banks (as
defined in the Investment Company Act) in amounts up to 33 1/3% of its
total assets (including the amount borrowed), (ii) the Company may borrow
up to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, (iii)
the Company may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities and (iv) the
Company may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by
applicable law. The Company may not pledge its assets other than to secure
such borrowings or, to the extent permitted by the Company's investment
policies as set forth in its Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information, as they may be amended from time to time, in connection with
hedging transactions, short sales, when-issued and forward commitment
transactions and similar investment strategies.
7. Underwrite securities of other issuers except insofar as the
Company technically may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act
in selling portfolio securities.
8. Purchase or sell commodities or contracts on commodities, except to
the extent that the Company may do so in accordance with applicable law and
the Company's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as they
may be amended from time to time, and without registering as a commodity
pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
In addition, the Company has adopted non-fundamental restrictions which may
be changed by the Board of Directors. Under the non-fundamental investment
restrictions, the Company may not:
a. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to the
extent such purchases are permitted by applicable law. As a matter of
policy, however, the Company will not purchase shares of any registered
open-end investment company or registered unit investment trust, in
reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or (G) (the "fund of funds" provisions) of
the Investment Company Act, at any time its shares are owned by another
investment company that is part of the same group of investment companies
as the Company.
b. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, except
to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Company currently does not
intend to engage in short sales, except short sales "against the box."
9
<PAGE> 64
c. Invest in securities which cannot be readily resold because of
legal or contractual restrictions or which cannot otherwise be marketed,
redeemed or put to the issuer or a third party, if at the time of
acquisition more than 15% of its total assets would be invested in such
securities. This restriction shall not apply to securities which mature
within seven days or securities which the Board of Directors of the Company
has otherwise determined to be liquid pursuant to applicable law.
Securities purchased in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act
(a "Rule 144A security") and determined to be liquid by the Company's Board
of Directors are not subject to the limitations set forth in this
investment restriction.
d. Notwithstanding fundamental investment restriction (6) above,
borrow amounts in excess of 10% of its total assets, taken at market value,
and then only from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary or
emergency purposes such as the redemption of Company shares. In addition,
the Company will not purchase securities while borrowings are outstanding
except to exercise prior commitments and to exercise subscription rights.
The staff of the Commission has taken the position that purchased OTC
options and the assets used as cover for written OTC options are illiquid
securities. Therefore, the Company has adopted an investment policy pursuant to
which it will not purchase or sell OTC options if, as a result of such
transaction, the sum of the market value of OTC options currently outstanding
which are held by the Company, the market value of the underlying securities
covered by OTC call options currently outstanding which were sold by the Company
and margin deposits on the Company's existing OTC options on futures contracts
exceeds 10% of the net assets of the Company, taken at market value, together
with all other assets of the Company which are illiquid or are not otherwise
readily marketable. However, if the OTC option is sold by the Company to a
primary U.S. Government securities dealer recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York and if the Company has the unconditional contractual right to
repurchase such OTC option from the dealer at a predetermined price, then the
Company will treat as illiquid such amount of the underlying securities as is
equal to the repurchase price less the amount by which the option is
"in-the-money" (i.e., current market value of the underlying securities minus
the option's strike price). The repurchase price with the primary dealers is
typically a formula price which is generally based on a multiple of the premium
received for the option, plus the amount by which the option is "in-the-money".
This policy as to OTC options is not a fundamental policy of the Company and may
be amended by the Board of Directors of the Company without the approval of the
Company's shareholders. However, the Company will not change or modify this
policy prior to the change or modification by the Commission staff of its
position.
Because of the affiliation of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") with the Company, the Company is prohibited from
engaging in certain transactions involving such firm or its affiliates except
for brokerage transactions permitted under the Investment Company Act involving
only usual and customary commissions or transactions pursuant to an exemptive
order under the Investment Company Act. See "Portfolio Transactions and
Brokerage." Without such an exemptive order, the Company would be prohibited
from engaging in portfolio transactions with Merrill Lynch or any of its
affiliates acting as principal and from purchasing securities in public
offerings which are not registered under the Securities Act in which such firm
or any of its affiliates participate as an underwriter or dealer.
The investment restrictions set forth in the Prospectus contain an
exception that permits the Company to purchase securities pursuant to the
exercise of subscription rights, subject to the condition that such purchase
will not result in the Company ceasing to be a regulated investment company
within the meaning of the Code.
10
<PAGE> 65
Japanese and European corporations frequently issue additional capital stock by
means of subscription rights offerings to existing shareholders at a price
substantially below the market price of the shares. The failure to exercise such
rights would result in the Company's interest in the issuing company being
diluted. The market for such rights is not well developed, and accordingly, the
Company may not always realize full value on the sale of rights. Therefore, the
exception applies in cases where the limits set forth in the investment
restrictions in the Prospectus would otherwise be exceeded by exercising rights
or have already been exceeded as a result of fluctuations in the market value of
the Company's portfolio securities with the result that the Company would
otherwise be forced either to sell securities at a time when it might not
otherwise have done so or to forego exercising the rights.
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Information about the Directors and executive officers of the Company,
including their ages and their principal occupations for at least the last five
years, is set forth below. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each executive
officer and Director is P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011.
ARTHUR ZEIKEL (65)--President and Director(1)(2)--President of the
Investment Adviser (which term as used herein includes its corporate
predecessors) since 1977; President of Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM")
(which term as used herein includes its corporate predecessors) since 1977;
President and Director of Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton Services") since
1993; Executive Vice President of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co.") since
1990; and Director of Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor")
since 1977.
DONALD CECIL (70)--Director(2)--1114 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York 10036. Special Limited Partner of Cumberland Partners (an investment
partnership) since 1982; Member of Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts;
Member and Chairman of Westchester County (N.Y.) Board of Transportation.
EDWARD H. MEYER (70)--Director(2)--777 Third Avenue, New York, New York
10017. President of Grey Advertising Inc. since 1968, Chief Executive Officer
since 1970 and Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1972; Director of The
May Department Stores Company, Bowne & Co., Inc. (financial printers), Ethan
Allen Interiors Inc. and Harman International Industries, Inc.
CHARLES C. REILLY (66)--Director(2)--9 Hampton Harbor Road, Hampton Bays,
New York 11946. Self-employed financial consultant since 1990; President and
Chief Investment Officer of Verus Capital, Inc. from 1979 to 1990; Senior Vice
President of Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. from 1973 to 1990; Adjunct
Professor, Columbia University Graduate School of Business from 1990 to 1991;
Adjunct Professor, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1989 to 1990;
Partner, Small Cities Cable Television since 1986.
RICHARD R. WEST (59)--Director(2)--Box 604, Genoa, Nevada 89411. Professor
of Finance since 1984, Dean from 1984 to 1993, and currently Dean Emeritus of
New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business Administration; Director
of Bowne & Co., Inc. (financial printers), Vornado, Inc. (real estate holding
company) and Alexander's, Inc. (real estate company).
11
<PAGE> 66
EDWARD D. ZINBARG (62)--Director(2)--5 Hardwell Road, Short Hills, New
Jersey 07078-2117. Executive Vice President of the Prudential Insurance Company
of America from 1988 to 1994; former Director of Prudential Reinsurance Company
and former Trustee of the Prudential Foundation.
TERRY K. GLENN (56)--Executive Vice President(1)(2)--Executive Vice
President of the Investment Adviser and FAM since 1983; Executive Vice President
and Director of Princeton Services since 1993; President of the Distributor
since 1986 and Director thereof since 1991; President of Princeton
Administrators, L.P. since 1988.
NORMAN R. HARVEY (63)--Senior Vice President(1)(2)--Senior Vice President
of the Investment Adviser and FAM since 1982.
PHILIP L. KIRSTEIN (52)--Senior Vice President(1)(2)--Senior Vice President
and General Counsel of the Investment Adviser and FAM since 1984; Senior Vice
President, General Counsel, Director and Secretary of Princeton Services since
1993; Secretary of the Investment Adviser since 1984; Secretary of FAM since
1982; Director of the Distributor.
JORDAN C. SCHREIBER (67)--Vice President(1)--Vice President and Portfolio
Manager of the Investment Adviser since 1983.
DONALD C. BURKE (37)--Vice President(1)(2)--Vice President and Director of
Taxation of the Investment Adviser since 1990.
GERALD M. RICHARD (48)--Treasurer(1)(2)--Senior Vice President and
Treasurer of the Investment Adviser and FAM since 1984; Senior Vice President
and Treasurer of Princeton Services since 1993; Vice President of the
Distributor since 1981 and Treasurer thereof since 1984.
PHILIP MANDEL (50)--Secretary(1)(2) --Vice President of the Investment
Adviser since 1997; Assistant General Counsel of Merrill Lynch from 1989 to
1997.
- ---------------
(1) Interested person, as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Company.
(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, FAM, acts as investment adviser or manager.
At June 30, 1997, the Directors and officers of the Company as a group (13
persons) owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the
Company. At such date, Mr. Zeikel, a Director and officer of the Company, and
the other officers of the Company owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares
of common stock of ML & Co.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
The Company pays each Director not affiliated with the Investment Adviser
(each, a "non-affiliated Director") a fee of $3,500 per year plus $500 per
meeting attended, together with such Director's actual out-of-pocket expenses
relating to attendance at meetings. The Company also compensates members of its
Audit and Nominating Committee (the "Committee"), which consists of all the
non-affiliated Directors, at a rate of $500 per Committee meeting attended. The
Chairman of the Committee receives an additional fee of $250 per Committee
meeting attended. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, fees and expenses
paid to non-affiliated Directors aggregated $36,811.
12
<PAGE> 67
The following table sets forth for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997,
compensation paid by the Company to the non-affiliated Directors and for the
calendar year ended December 31, 1996, the aggregate compensation paid by all
registered investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser and its
affiliate, FAM ("MLAM/FAM Advised Funds") to the non-affiliated Directors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE
PENSION OR COMPENSATION
RETIREMENT FROM COMPANY AND
BENEFITS ACCRUED OTHER MLAM/FAM
COMPENSATION AS PART OF ADVISED FUNDS PAID
NAME OF DIRECTOR FROM COMPANY COMPANY'S EXPENSES TO DIRECTOR(1)
- ----------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Donald Cecil................................... $8,500 None $268,933
Edward H. Meyer................................ $5,500 None $227,933
Charles C. Reilly.............................. $7,500 None $293,833
Richard R. West................................ $7,500 None $272,833
Edward D. Zinbarg.............................. $7,500 None $127,333
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The Directors serve on the boards of MLAM/FAM Advised Funds as follows: Mr.
Cecil (32 registered investment companies consisting of 32 portfolios); Mr.
Meyer (32 registered investment companies consisting of 32 portfolios); Mr.
Reilly (43 registered investment companies consisting of 56 portfolios); Mr.
West (44 registered investment companies consisting of 66 portfolios) and
Mr. Zinbarg (18 registered investment companies consisting of 18
portfolios).
ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Reference is made to "Management of the Company--Advisory and Management
Arrangements" in the Prospectus for certain information concerning the
management and advisory arrangements of the Company.
Securities held by the Company also may be held by, or be appropriate
investments for, other funds or other investment advisory clients for which the
Investment Adviser or its affiliates act as an adviser. Securities may be held
by, or be appropriate investments for, the Company as well as other clients of
the Investment Adviser or its affiliates. Because of different objectives or
other factors, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when
one or more clients are selling the same security. If purchases or sales of
securities by the Investment Adviser for the Company or other funds for which it
acts as investment adviser or for its 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 and clients in a manner
deemed equitable to all. To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than
one client of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates during the same period
may increase the demand for securities being purchased or supply of securities
being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price.
The Company has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with the
Investment Adviser. As discussed in the Prospectus, the Company will pay the
Investment Adviser a fee for its services at the annual rate of 1.0% of the
Company's average daily net assets. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 1995,
1996 and 1997, the investment advisory fees paid by the Company to the
Investment Adviser aggregated $1,323,449, $2,441,908 and $3,764,088,
respectively.
The Investment Advisory Agreement obligates the Investment Adviser to
provide investment advisory services and to pay compensation of and furnish
office space for officers and employees of the Company connected with investment
and economic research, trading and investment management of the Company, as
13
<PAGE> 68
well as the fees of all Directors of the Company who are affiliated persons of
the Investment Adviser. The Company pays all other expenses incurred in its
operation including, among other things, taxes; expenses for legal and auditing
services; costs of printing proxies, stock certificates, shareholders' reports
and prospectuses and statements of additional information (except to the extent
paid by the Distributor); charges of the custodian, any sub-custodian and
transfer agent; expenses of redemption of shares; Commission fees; expenses of
registering the shares under Federal, state or foreign laws; fees and expenses
of unaffiliated Directors; accounting and pricing costs (including the daily
calculation of net asset value); insurance; interest; brokerage costs;
litigation and other extraordinary or non-recurring expenses; and other expenses
properly payable by the Company. Accounting services are provided to the Company
by the Investment Adviser, and the Company reimburses the Investment Adviser for
its costs in connection with such services on a semiannual basis. For the fiscal
years ended April 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the amount of such reimbursement was
$108,303, $77,879 and $103,336, respectively. As required by the Company's
distribution agreements, its underwriters will pay certain promotional expenses
of the Company incurred in connection with the offering of its shares. Certain
expenses in connection with the distribution of Class B, Class C and Class D
shares will be financed by the Company pursuant to a distribution plan in
compliance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. See "Purchase of
Shares--Distribution Plans."
As described in the Prospectus, the Investment Adviser has also entered
into a sub-advisory agreement with Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited
("MLAM U.K.") pursuant to which MLAM U.K. provides investment advisory services
to the Investment Adviser with respect to the Company.
The Investment Adviser is a limited partnership, the partners of which are
ML & Co. and Princeton Services. ML & Co. and Princeton Services are
"controlling persons" of the Investment Adviser as defined under the Investment
Company Act because of their ownership of its voting securities or their power
to exercise a controlling influence over its management or policies.
Duration and Termination. Unless earlier terminated as described herein,
the Investment Advisory Agreement will remain in effect from year to year if
approved annually (a) by the Board of Directors of the Company or by a majority
of the outstanding shares of the Company and (b) by a majority of the Directors
who are not parties to such contract or interested persons (as defined in the
Investment Company 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 Company.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Reference is made to "Purchase of Shares" in the Prospectus for certain
information as to the purchase of Company shares.
The Company issues four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System: shares of Class A and Class D are sold to investors choosing
the initial sales charge alternatives, and shares of Class B and Class C are
sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives. Each Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D share of the Company represents identical interests
in the investment portfolio of the Company and has the same rights, except that
Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear the expenses of the ongoing account
maintenance fees, and Class B and Class C shares bear the expenses of the
ongoing distribution fees and the additional incremental transfer agency costs
resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements. Class B, Class C and
Class D shares each have exclusive voting rights with respect to the
14
<PAGE> 69
Rule 12b-1 distribution plan adopted with respect to such class pursuant to
which account maintenance and/or distribution fees are paid (except that Class B
shareholders may vote upon any material changes to expenses charged under the
Class D Distribution Plan). Each class has different exchange privileges. See
"Shareholder Services--Exchange Privilege."
The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System is used by more than 50
registered investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser or its
affiliate, FAM. Funds advised by the Investment Adviser or FAM which utilize the
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System are referred to herein as "MLAM-advised
mutual funds".
The Company has entered into separate distribution agreements with the
Distributor in connection with the continuous offering of each class of shares
of the Company (the "Distribution Agreements"). The Distribution Agreements
obligate the Distributor to pay certain expenses in connection with the offering
of each class of shares of the Company. After the prospectuses, statements of
additional information and periodic reports have been prepared, set in type and
mailed to shareholders, the Distributor pays for the printing and distribution
of copies thereof used in connection with the offering to dealers and investors.
The Distributor also pays for other supplementary sales literature and
advertising costs. The Distribution Agreements are subject to the same renewal
requirements and termination provisions as the Investment Advisory Agreement
described above.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVES--CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
The Company sells its Class A and Class D shares through the Distributor
and Merrill Lynch, as dealers. The gross sales charges for the sale of Class A
shares of the Company for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1995 were $85,949 of
which $81,092 was received by Merrill Lynch and $4,857 was received by the
Distributor. The gross sales charges for the sale of Class A shares of the
Company for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1996 were $30,539, of which $28,477
was received by Merrill Lynch and $2,062 was received by the Distributor. The
gross sales charges for the sale of Class A shares of the Company for the fiscal
year ended April 30, 1997 were $14,807, of which $12,924 was received by Merrill
Lynch and $1,883 was received by the Distributor. The gross sales charges for
the sale of Class D shares of the Company for the fiscal period October 21, 1994
(commencement of operations) to April 30, 1995 were $27,764, of which $25,916
was received by Merrill Lynch and $1,848 was received by the Distributor. The
gross sales charges for the sale of Class D shares of the Company for the fiscal
year ended April 30, 1996 were $261,644, of which $244,507 was received by
Merrill Lynch and $17,137 was received by the Distributor. The gross sales
charges for the sale of Class D shares of the Company for the fiscal year ended
April 30, 1997 were $77,021, of which $73,273 was received by Merrill Lynch and
$3,748 was received by the Distributor.
For the fiscal years ended April 30, 1995, 1996, and 1997, the Distributor
received no contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCs") with respect to
redemptions within one year after purchase of Class A or Class D shares
purchased subject to a front-end sales charge waiver.
The term "purchase" as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information refers to a single purchase by an individual, or to
concurrent purchases, which in the aggregate are at least equal to the
prescribed amounts, by an individual, his or her spouse and their children under
the age of 21 years purchasing shares for his, her or their own account and
single purchases by a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing shares for a single
trust estate or single fiduciary account (including a pension, profit-sharing or
other employee benefit trust created pursuant to a plan qualified under Section
401 of the Code) although more than one beneficiary is involved. The term
"purchase" also includes purchases by any "company," as that term is
15
<PAGE> 70
defined in the Investment Company Act, but does not include purchases by any
such company that has not been in existence for at least six months or that has
no purpose other than the purchase of shares of the Company or shares of other
registered investment companies at a discount. The term "purchase" shall not
include purchases by any group of individuals whose sole organizational nexus is
that the participants therein are credit cardholders of a company, policyholders
of an insurance company, customers of either a bank or broker-dealer or clients
of an investment adviser. The term "purchase" also includes purchases by
employee benefit plans not qualified under Section 401 of the Code, including
purchases of shares of the Company by employees or by employers on behalf of
employees, by means of a payroll deduction plan or otherwise. Purchases by such
a company or non-qualified employee benefit plan will qualify for the quantity
discounts discussed above only if the Company and the Distributor are able to
realize economies of scale in sales effort and sales related expense by means of
the company, employer or plan making the Company's Prospectus available to
individual investors or employees and forwarding investments by such persons to
the Company and by any such employer or plan bearing the expense of any payroll
deduction plan.
Closed-End Fund Investment Option. Class A shares of the Company and other
MLAM-advised mutual funds ("Eligible Class A Shares") are offered at net asset
value to shareholders of certain closed-end funds advised by MLAM or its
affiliate, FAM, who purchased such closed-end fund shares prior to October 21,
1994 (the date the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System commenced operations)
and wish to reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of their closed-end fund
shares of common stock in Eligible Class A Shares, if the conditions set forth
below are satisfied. Alternatively, closed-end fund shareholders who purchased
such shares on or after October 21, 1994, and wish to reinvest the net proceeds
from a sale of their closed-end fund shares are offered Class D shares of the
Company and other MLAM-advised mutual funds ("Eligible Class D Shares"), if the
following conditions are met. First, the sale of the closed-end fund shares must
be made through Merrill Lynch, and the net proceeds therefrom must be
immediately reinvested in Eligible Class A or Class D shares. Second, the
closed-end fund shares must either have been acquired in the initial public
offering or be shares representing dividends from shares of common stock
acquired in such offering. Third, the closed-end fund shares must have been
continuously maintained in a Merrill Lynch securities account. Fourth, there
must be a minimum purchase of $250 to be eligible for the investment option.
Shareholders of certain MLAM-advised continuously offered closed-end funds
may reinvest at net asset value the net proceeds from a sale of certain shares
of common stock of such funds in shares of the Company. Upon exercise of this
investment option, shareholders of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.
will receive Class A shares of the Company and shareholders of Merrill Lynch
Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund,
Inc. will receive Class D shares of the Company, except that shareholders
already owning Class A shares of the Company will be eligible to purchase
additional Class A shares pursuant to this option, if such additional Class A
shares will be held in the same account as the existing Class A shares and the
other requirements pertaining to the reinvestment privilege are met. In order to
exercise this investment option, a shareholder of one of the above-referenced
continuously offered closed-end funds (an "eligible fund") must sell his or her
shares of common stock of the eligible fund (the "eligible shares") back to the
eligible fund in connection with a tender offer conducted by the eligible fund
and reinvest the proceeds immediately in the designated class of shares of the
Company. This investment option is available only with respect to eligible
shares as to which no Early Withdrawal Charge or CDSC (each as defined in the
eligible fund's prospectus) is applicable. Purchase orders from eligible fund
16
<PAGE> 71
shareholders wishing to exercise this investment option will be accepted only on
the day that the related tender offer terminates and will be effected at the net
asset value of the designated class of the Company on such day.
REDUCED INITIAL SALES CHARGES
Right of Accumulation. The reduced sales charges are applicable through a
right of accumulation under which eligible investors are permitted to purchase
shares of the Company subject to an initial sales charge at the offering price
applicable to the total of (a) the public offering price of the shares then
being purchased plus (b) an amount equal to the then current net asset value or
cost, whichever is higher, of the purchaser's combined holdings of all classes
of shares of the Company and of other MLAM-advised mutual funds. For any such
right of accumulation to be made available, the Distributor must be provided at
the time of purchase, by the purchaser or the purchaser's securities dealer,
with sufficient information to permit confirmation of qualification, and
acceptance of the purchase order is subject to such confirmation. The right of
accumulation may be amended or terminated at any time. Shares held in the name
of a nominee or custodian under pension, profit-sharing, or other employee
benefit plans may not be combined with other shares to qualify for the right of
accumulation.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are applicable to a purchase
aggregating $25,000 or more of Class A or Class D shares of the Company or any
other MLAM-advised mutual funds made within a 13-month period starting with the
first purchase pursuant to a Letter of Intention in the form provided in the
Prospectus. The Letter of Intention is available only to investors whose
accounts are maintained at the Company's transfer agent. The Letter of Intention
is not available to employee benefit plans for which Merrill Lynch provides plan
participant record-keeping services. The Letter of Intention is not a binding
obligation to purchase any amount of Class A or Class D shares, but its
execution will result in the purchaser paying a lower sales charge at the
appropriate quantity purchase level. A purchase not originally made pursuant to
a Letter of Intention may be included under a subsequent Letter executed within
90 days of such purchase if the Distributor is informed in writing of this
intent within such 90-day period. The value of Class A and Class D shares of the
Company and of other MLAM-advised mutual funds presently held, at cost or
maximum offering price (whichever is higher), on the date of the first purchase
under the Letter of Intention, may be included as a credit toward completion of
such Letter, but the reduced sales charge applicable to the amount covered by
such Letter will be applied only to new purchases. If the total amount of shares
purchased does not equal the amount stated in the Letter of Intention (minimum
of $25,000), the investor will be notified and must pay, within 20 days of the
expiration of such Letter, the difference between the sales charge on the Class
A or Class D shares purchased at the reduced rate and the sales charge
applicable to the shares actually purchased through the Letter. Class A or Class
D shares equal to five percent of the intended amount will be held in escrow
during the 13-month period (while remaining registered in the name of the
purchaser) for this purpose. The first purchase under the Letter of Intention
must be at least five percent of the dollar amount of such Letter. If a purchase
during the term of such Letter would otherwise be subject to a further reduced
sales charge based on the right of accumulation, the purchaser will be entitled
on that purchase and subsequent purchases to the reduced percentage sales charge
which would be applicable to a single purchase equal to the total dollar value
of the shares then being purchased under such Letter, but there will be no
retroactive reduction of the sales charges on any previous purchase.
The value of any shares redeemed or otherwise disposed of by the purchaser
prior to termination or completion of the Letter of Intention will be deducted
from the total purchases made under such Letter. An
17
<PAGE> 72
exchange from a MLAM-advised money market fund into the Company that creates a
sales charge will count toward completing a new or existing Letter of Intention
from the Company.
Merrill Lynch Blueprint(SM) Program. Class D shares of the Company are
offered to participants in the Merrill Lynch Blueprint(SM) Program
("Blueprint"). In addition, participants in Blueprint who own Class A shares of
the Company may purchase additional Class A shares of the Company through
Blueprint. Blueprint is directed to small investors, group IRAs and participants
in certain affinity groups such as credit unions, trade associations and benefit
plans. Investors placing orders to purchase Class A or Class D shares of the
Company through Blueprint will acquire the Class A or Class D shares at net
asset value plus a sales charge calculated in accordance with the Blueprint
sales charge schedule (i.e., up to $300 at 4.25%, $300.01 up to $5,000 at 3.25%
plus $3, and $5,000.01 or more at the standard sales charge rates disclosed in
the Prospectus). In addition, Class A or Class D shares of the Company are
offered at net asset value plus a sales charge of 1/2 of 1% for corporate or
group IRA programs placing orders to purchase their Class A or Class D shares
through Blueprint. Services, including the exchange privilege, available to
Class A and Class D investors through Blueprint, however, may differ from those
available to other Class A or Class D share investors.
Class A and Class D shares are offered at net asset value, to participants
in Blueprint through the Merrill Lynch Directed IRA Rollover Program ("IRA
Rollover Program") available from Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services, a
business unit of Merrill Lynch. The IRA Rollover Program is available to
custodian rollover assets from employer-sponsored retirement and savings plans
whose trustee and/or plan sponsor has entered into a Merrill Lynch Directed IRA
Rollover Program Service Agreement.
Orders for purchases and redemptions of Class A or Class D shares of the
Company may be grouped for execution purposes which, in some circumstances, may
involve the execution of such orders two business days following the day such
orders are placed. The minimum initial purchase price is $100, with a $50
minimum for subsequent purchases through Blueprint. There are no minimum initial
or subsequent purchase requirements for participants who are part of an
automatic investment plan. Additional information concerning purchases through
Blueprint, including any fees and transaction charges, is available from Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, The Blueprint(SM) Program, P.O. Box
30441, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08989-0441.
TMA(SM) Managed Trusts. Class A shares are offered to TMA(SM) Managed
Trusts to which Merrill Lynch Trust Company provides discretionary trustee
services at net asset value.
Employee Access(SM) Accounts. Provided applicable threshold requirements
are met, either Class A or Class D shares are offered at net asset value to
Employee Access(SM) Accounts available through authorized employers. The initial
minimum for such accounts is $500 except that the initial minimum for shares
purchased for such accounts pursuant to the Automatic Investment Program is $50.
Purchase Privilege of Certain Persons. Directors of the Company, members
of the Boards of other MLAM-advised investment companies, ML & Co. and its
subsidiaries (the term "subsidiaries", when used herein with respect to
ML & Co., includes MLAM, FAM and certain other entities directly or indirectly
wholly-owned and controlled by ML & Co.) and their directors and employees, and
any trust, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for such persons may
purchase Class A shares of the Company at net asset value.
Class D shares of the Company are offered at net asset value, without a
sales charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with a Financial
Consultant who joined Merrill Lynch from another investment
18
<PAGE> 73
firm within six months prior to the date of purchase by such investor if the
following conditions are satisfied: first, the investor must advise Merrill
Lynch that it will purchase Class D shares of the Company with proceeds from a
redemption of a mutual fund that was sponsored by the financial consultant's
previous firm and was subject to a sales charge either at the time of purchase
or on a deferred basis; and second, the investor also must establish that such
redemption had been made within 60 days prior to the investment in the Company,
and the proceeds from the redemption had been maintained in the interim in cash
or a money market fund.
Class D shares of the Company are also offered at net asset value, without
a sales charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with a Merrill
Lynch Financial Consultant and who has invested in a mutual fund sponsored by a
non-Merrill Lynch company for which Merrill Lynch has served as a selected
dealer and where Merrill Lynch has either received or given notice that such
arrangement will be terminated ("notice"), if the following conditions are
satisfied: first, the investor must purchase Class D shares of the Company with
proceeds from a redemption of shares of such other mutual fund and such fund was
subject to a sales charge either at the time of purchase or on a deferred basis;
and second, such purchase of Class D shares must be made within 90 days after
such notice.
Class D shares of the Company will be offered at net asset value, without a
sales charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with a Merrill
Lynch Financial Consultant and who has invested in a mutual fund for which
Merrill Lynch has not served as a selected dealer if the following conditions
are satisfied: first, the investor must advise Merrill Lynch that it will
purchase Class D shares of the Company with proceeds from the redemption of such
shares of the other mutual funds and that such shares have been outstanding for
a period of no less than six months; and second, such purchase of Class D shares
must be made within 60 days after the redemption and the proceeds from the
redemption must be maintained in the interim in cash or a money market fund.
Acquisition of Certain Investment Companies. The public offering price of
Class D shares may be reduced to the net asset value per Class D share in
connection with the acquisition of the assets of or merger or consolidation with
a public or private investment company. The value of the assets or company
acquired in a tax-free transaction may in appropriate cases be adjusted to
reduce possible adverse tax consequences to the Company that might result from
an acquisition of assets having net unrealized appreciation that is
disproportionately higher at the time of acquisition than the realized or
unrealized appreciation of the Company. The issuance of Class D shares for
consideration other than cash is limited to bona fide reorganizations, statutory
mergers or other acquisitions of portfolio securities that (i) meet the
investment objectives and policies of the Company; (ii) are acquired for
investment and not for resale (subject to the understanding that the disposition
of the Company's portfolio securities shall at all times remain within its
control); and (iii) are liquid securities, the value of which is readily
ascertainable, that are not restricted as to transfer either by law or liquidity
of market (except that the Company may acquire through such transactions
restricted or illiquid securities to the extent the Company does not exceed the
applicable limits on acquisition of such securities set forth under "Investment
Objective and Policies" herein).
Reductions in or exemptions from the imposition of a sales load are due to
the nature of the investors and/or the reduced sales efforts that will be needed
in obtaining such investments.
19
<PAGE> 74
EMPLOYER-SPONSORED RETIREMENT OR SAVINGS PLANS AND CERTAIN OTHER ARRANGEMENTS
Certain employer-sponsored retirement or savings plans and certain other
arrangements may purchase Class A or Class D shares at net asset value, based on
the number of employees or number of employees eligible to participate in the
plan, the aggregate amount invested by the plan in specified investments and/or
the services provided by Merrill Lynch to the plan. Certain other plans may
purchase Class B shares with a waiver of the CDSC upon redemption, based on
similar criteria. Such Class B shares will convert into Class D shares
approximately ten years after the plan purchases the first share of any
MLAM-advised mutual fund. Minimum purchase requirements may be waived or varied
for such plans. Additional information regarding purchases by employer-sponsored
retirement or savings plans and certain other arrangements is available toll-
free from Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services at (800) 237-7777.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Reference is made to "Purchase of Shares--Distribution Plans" in the
Prospectus for certain information with respect to the separate distribution
plans for Class B, Class C and Class D shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act (each a "Distribution Plan") with respect to the account
maintenance and/or distribution fees paid by the Company to the Distributor with
respect to such classes.
Payments of the account maintenance fees and/or distribution fees are
subject to the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Among
other things, each Distribution Plan provides that the Distributor shall provide
and the Directors shall review quarterly reports of the disbursement of the
account maintenance fees and/or distribution fees paid to the Distributor. In
their consideration of each Distribution Plan, the Directors must consider all
factors they deem relevant, including information as to the benefits of the
Distribution Plan to the Company and its related class of shareholders. Each
Distribution Plan further provides that, so long as the Distribution Plan
remains in effect, the selection and nomination of Directors who are not
"interested persons" of the Company, as defined in the Investment Company Act
(the "Independent Directors"), shall be committed to the discretion of the
Independent Directors then in office. In approving each Distribution Plan in
accordance with Rule 12b-1, the Independent Directors concluded that there is
reasonable likelihood that such Distribution Plan will benefit the Company and
its related class of shareholders. Each Distribution Plan can be terminated at
any time, without penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Independent
Directors or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding related
class of voting securities of the Company. A Distribution Plan cannot be amended
to increase materially the amount to be spent by the Company without the
approval of the related class of shareholders, and all material amendments are
required to be approved by the vote of the Directors, including a majority of
the Independent Directors who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
such Distribution Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose.
Rule 12b-1 further requires that the Company preserve copies of each
Distribution Plan and any report made pursuant to such plan for a period of not
less than six years from the date of such Distribution Plan or such report, the
first two years in an easily accessible place.
LIMITATIONS ON THE PAYMENT OF DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
The maximum sales charge rule in the Conduct Rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") imposes a limitation on certain
asset-based sales charges such as the distribution fee and the CDSC, borne by
the Class B and Class C shares but not the account maintenance fee. The maximum
sales charge rule is applied separately to each class. As applicable to the
Company, the maximum sales charge rule limits the aggregate of distribution fee
payments and CDSCs payable by the Company to (1) 6.25% of eligible
20
<PAGE> 75
gross sales of Class B shares and Class C shares, computed separately (defined
to exclude shares issued pursuant to dividend reinvestments and exchanges), plus
(2) interest on the unpaid balance for the respective class, computed
separately, at the prime rate plus 1% (the unpaid balance being the maximum
amount payable minus amounts received from the payment of the distribution fee
and the CDSC). In connection with the Class B shares, the Distributor has
voluntarily agreed to waive interest charges on the unpaid balance in excess of
0.50% of eligible gross sales. Consequently, the maximum amount payable to the
Distributor (referred to as the "voluntary maximum") in connection with the
Class B shares is 6.75% of eligible gross sales. The Distributor retains the
right to stop waiving the interest charges at any time. To the extent payments
would exceed the voluntary maximum, the Company will not make further payments
of the distribution fee with respect to Class B shares, and any CDSCs will be
paid to the Company rather than to the Distributor; however, the Company will
continue to make payments of the account maintenance fee. In certain
circumstances the amount payable pursuant to the voluntary maximum may exceed
the amount payable under the NASD formula. In such circumstances payment in
excess of the amount payable under the NASD formula will not be made.
The following table sets forth comparative information as of April 30,
1997, with respect to the Class B and Class C shares of the Company indicating
the maximum allowable payments that can be made under the NASD maximum sales
charge rule and with respect to Class B shares the Distributor's voluntary
maximum:
DATA CALCULATED AS OF APRIL 30, 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL
DISTRIBUTION
ALLOWABLE ALLOWABLE AMOUNTS FEE AT
ELIGIBLE AGGREGATE INTEREST MAXIMUM PREVIOUSLY AGGREGATE CURRENT
GROSS SALES ON UNPAID AMOUNT PAID TO UNPAID NET ASSET
SALES(1) CHARGES BALANCE(2) PAYABLE DISTRIBUTOR(3) BALANCE LEVEL(4)
-------- --------- ---------- ------- -------------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS B SHARES, FOR THE
PERIOD OCTOBER 21, 1988
(COMMENCEMENT OF
OPERATIONS) TO APRIL 30,
1997:
Under NASD Rule as
Adopted............. $171,860 $10,741 $1,927 $12,668 $5,091 $ 7,577 $1,335
Under Distributor's
Voluntary Waiver.... $171,860 $10,741 $ 859 $11,600 $5,091 $ 6,509 $1,335
CLASS C SHARES, FOR THE
PERIOD OCTOBER 21, 1994
(COMMENCEMENT OF
OPERATIONS) TO APRIL 30,
1997:
Under NASD Rule as
Adopted............. $ 22,109 $ 1,382 $ 141 $1,523 $ 256 $ 1,267 $ 133
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Purchase price of all eligible Class B or Class C shares sold during period
indicated other than shares acquired through dividend reinvestment and the
exchange privilege.
(2) Interest is computed on a monthly basis based upon the prime rate, as
reported in The Wall Street Journal, plus 1%, as permitted under the NASD
Rule.
(3) Consists of CDSC payments, distribution fee payments and accruals. Of the
distribution fee payments made with respect to Class B shares prior to July
7, 1993, under the distribution plan in effect at that time, at the 1.00%
rate, 0.75% of average daily net assets has been treated as a distribution
fee and 0.25% of average daily net assets has been deemed to have been a
service fee and not subject to the NASD maximum sales charge rule. See
"Purchase of Shares--Distribution Plans" in the Prospectus.
(footnotes continued on following page)
21
<PAGE> 76
(4) Provided to illustrate the extent to which the current level of distribution
fee payments (not including any CDSC payments) is amortizing the unpaid
balance. No assurance can be given that payments of the distribution fee
will reach either the NASD maximum or, with respect to Class B shares, the
voluntary maximum.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Reference is made to "Redemption of Shares" in the Prospectus for certain
information as to the redemption and repurchase of Company shares.
The right to redeem shares or to receive payment with respect to any such
redemption may be suspended for more than seven days only for periods during
which trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the Commission, or the
NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings) for any
period during which an emergency exists, as defined by the Commission, as a
result of which disposal of portfolio securities or determination of the net
asset value of the Company is not reasonably practicable, and for such other
periods as the Commission may by order permit for the protection of shareholders
of the Company.
The value of shares at the time of redemption may be more or less than the
shareholder's cost, depending on the market value of the securities held by the
Company at such time.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGES--CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
As discussed in the Prospectus under "Purchase of Shares--Deferred Sales
Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares," while Class B shares redeemed
within four years of purchase are subject to a CDSC under most circumstances,
the charge is waived on redemptions of Class B shares in certain instances
including in connection with certain post-retirement withdrawals from an
Individual Retirement Account ("IRA") or other retirement plan or following the
death or disability of a Class B shareholder. Redemptions for which the waiver
applies in the case of such withdrawals are: (a) any partial or complete
redemption in connection with a tax-free distribution following retirement under
a tax-deferred retirement plan or attaining age 59 1/2 in the case of an IRA or
other retirement plan, or part of a series of equal periodic payments (not less
frequently than annually) made for the life (or life expectancy) or any
redemption resulting from the tax-free return of an excess contribution to an
IRA; or (b) any partial or complete redemption following the death or disability
(as defined in the Code) of a Class B shareholder (including one who owns the
Class B shares as joint tenant with his or her spouse) provided the redemption
is requested within one year of the death or initial determination of
disability. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the
Distributor received CDSCs of $209,909, $331,285 and $774,273, respectively,
with respect to the redemption of Class B shares, all of which were paid to
Merrill Lynch. Similarly, for the fiscal period October 21, 1994 (commencement
of operations) to April 30, 1995 and for the fiscal years ended April 30, 1996
and 1997, the Distributor received CDSCs of $151, $8,074 and $21,653,
respectively, with respect to the redemption of Class C shares, all of which
were paid to Merrill Lynch.
Merrill Lynch Blueprint(SM) Program. Class B shares are offered to certain
participants in Blueprint(SM). Blueprint is directed to small investors, group
IRAs and participants in certain affinity groups such as trade associations and
credit unions. Class B shares of the Company are offered through Blueprint only
to members of certain affinity groups. The CDSC is waived in connection with
purchase orders placed through Blueprint. Services, including the exchange
privilege, available to Class B investors through Blueprint, however, may
22
<PAGE> 77
differ from those available to other investors in Class B shares. Orders for
purchases and redemptions of Class B shares of the Company will be grouped for
execution purposes which, in some circumstances, may involve the execution of
such orders two business days following the day such orders are placed. The
minimum initial purchase price is $100, with a $50 minimum for subsequent
purchases through Blueprint. There is no minimum initial or subsequent purchase
requirement for investors who are part of the Blueprint automatic investment
plan. Additional information concerning these Blueprint programs, including any
annual fees or transaction charges, is available from Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, The Blueprint(SM) Program, P.O. Box 30441, New
Brunswick, New Jersey 08989-0441.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Reference is made to "Investment Objective and Policies--Other Investment
Practices" in the Prospectus.
Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors of the Company,
the Investment Adviser is primarily responsible for the execution of the
Company's portfolio transactions. In executing such transactions, the Investment
Adviser seeks to obtain the best net results for the Company, 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 Company does not necessarily pay the lowest commission or
spread available. The Company has no obligation to deal with any broker or group
of brokers in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. Subject to
obtaining the best price and execution, brokers who provide supplemental
investment research to the Investment Adviser may receive orders for
transactions by the Company. Information so received will be in addition to and
not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Investment Adviser
under the investment advisory agreement, and the expenses of the Investment
Adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such
supplemental information. It is possible that certain of the supplementary
investment research so received will primarily benefit one or more other
investment companies or other accounts for which investment discretion is
exercised. Conversely, the Company may be the primary beneficiary of the
research or services received as a result of portfolio transactions effected for
such other accounts or investment companies. In addition, consistent with the
Conduct Rules of the NASD and policies established by the Directors of the
Company, the Investment Adviser may consider sales of shares of the Company as a
factor in the selection of brokers or dealers to execute portfolio transactions
for the Company.
The Company anticipates that its brokerage transactions involving
securities of companies domiciled in countries other than the U.S. will be
conducted primarily on the principal stock exchanges of such countries.
Brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on foreign stock exchange
transactions are generally higher than in the U.S., although the Company will
endeavor to achieve the best net results in effecting its portfolio
transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of
foreign stock exchanges and brokers than in the U.S.
Foreign equity securities may be held by the Company in the form of ADRs,
EDRs, GDRs or securities convertible into foreign equity securities. ADRs, EDRs
and GDRs may be listed on stock exchanges or traded in OTC markets in the U.S.
or Europe, as the case may be. ADRs, like other securities traded in the U.S.,
as well as GDRs traded in the U.S., will be subject to negotiated commission
rates.
23
<PAGE> 78
The Company may invest in securities traded in the OTC markets and intends
to deal directly with the dealers who make markets in the securities involved
except in those circumstances where better prices and execution are available
elsewhere. Under the Investment Company Act, persons affiliated with the Company
are prohibited from dealing with the Company as principal in the purchase and
sale of securities unless a permissive order allowing such transactions is
obtained from the Commission. Since transactions in the OTC market usually
involve transactions with dealers acting as principal for their own account, the
Company will not deal with affiliated persons, including Merrill Lynch and its
affiliates, in connection with such transactions. However, affiliated persons of
the Company may serve as its broker in listed or OTC transactions conducted on
an agency basis provided that, among other things, the fee or commission
received by such affiliated broker is reasonable and fair compared to the fee or
commission received by non-affiliated brokers in connection with comparable
transactions. See "Investment Objective and Policies--Investment Restrictions."
The Board of Directors has considered the possibility of seeking to
recapture, for the benefit of the Company, brokerage commissions and other
expenses of possible portfolio transactions by conducting portfolio transactions
through affiliated entities. For example, brokerage commissions received by
affiliated brokers could be offset against the advisory fee paid by the Company.
After considering all factors deemed relevant, the Board of Directors made a
determination not to seek such recapture. The Board will reconsider this matter
from time to time.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, generally
prohibits members of the U.S. national securities exchanges from executing
exchange transactions for their affiliates and institutional accounts that they
manage unless the member (i) has obtained prior express authorization from the
account to effect such transactions, (ii) at least annually furnishes the
account with a statement disclosing the aggregate compensation received by the
member in effecting such transactions, and (iii) complies with any rules the
Commission has prescribed with respect to the requirements of clauses (i) and
(ii). To the extent Section 11(a) would apply to Merrill Lynch acting as a
broker for the Company in any of its portfolio transactions executed on any such
securities exchange of which it is a member, appropriate consents have been
obtained from the Company, and annual statements as to aggregate compensation
will be provided to the Company.
For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1995, the Company paid total brokerage
commissions of $673,208, of which $116,455, or 17.3%, was paid to Merrill Lynch
for effecting 20.7% of the aggregate amount of transactions in which the Company
paid brokerage commissions. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1996, the
Company paid total brokerage commissions of $908,590, of which $236,344, or
26.0%, was paid to Merrill Lynch for effecting 24.3% of the aggregate dollar
amount of transactions in which the Company paid brokerage commissions. For the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, the Company paid total brokerage commissions
of $1,399,360, of which $262,491, or 18.6%, was paid to Merrill Lynch for
effecting 17.6% of the aggregate dollar amount of transactions in which the
Company paid brokerage commissions.
24
<PAGE> 79
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the shares of the Company is determined once daily
Monday through Friday as of 15 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE
(generally, 4:00 P.M., New York time), on each day during which the NYSE is open
for trading. The NYSE is not open on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Any assets or liabilities initially
expressed in terms of non-U.S. dollar currencies are translated into U.S.
dollars at the prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more banks or dealers
on the day of valuation.
Net asset value is computed by dividing the value of the securities held by
the Company plus any cash or other assets (including interest and dividends
accrued but not yet received) minus all liabilities (including accrued expenses)
by the total number of shares outstanding at such time. Expenses, including the
fee payable to the Investment Adviser and any account maintenance and/or
distribution fees, are accrued daily. The per share net asset value of Class B,
Class C and Class D shares generally will be lower than the per share net asset
value of Class A shares reflecting the daily expense accruals of the account
maintenance, distribution and higher transfer agency fees applicable with
respect to the Class B and Class C shares and the daily expense accruals of the
account maintenance fees applicable with respect to the Class D shares;
moreover, the per share net asset value of the Class B and Class C shares
generally will be lower than the per share net asset value of the Class D shares
reflecting the daily expense accruals of the distribution fees and higher
transfer agency fees applicable with respect to the Class B and Class C shares
of the Company. It is expected, however, that the per share net asset value of
the four classes will tend to converge (although not necessarily meet)
immediately after the payment of dividends or distributions, which will differ
by approximately the amount of the expense accrual differentials between the
classes.
Portfolio securities, including ADRs, EDRs or GDRs, which are traded on
stock exchanges, are valued at the last sale price (regular way) on the exchange
on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the
securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid
price. In cases where securities are traded on more than one exchange, the
securities are valued on the exchange designated by or under the authority of
the Board of Directors as the primary market. Securities traded in the OTC
market are valued at the last available bid price in the OTC market prior to the
time of valuation. Portfolio securities which are traded both in the OTC market
and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most
representative market. When the Company writes an option, the amount of the
premium received is recorded on the books of the Company as an asset and an
equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently valued to
reflect the current market value of the option written, based upon the last sale
price in the case of exchange-traded options or, in the case of options traded
in the OTC market, the last asked price. Options purchased by the Company are
valued at their last sale price in the case of exchange-traded options or, in
the case of options traded in the OTC market, the last bid price. Other
investments, including futures contracts and related options, are stated at
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 Company. Such valuations and
procedures will be reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors.
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available
(including venture capital investments, which are subject to limitations as to
their sale) are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the
direction of the Board of Directors of the Company. Such valuations and
procedures will
25
<PAGE> 80
be reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors. The fair market value for
venture capital investments for which no market exists cannot be precisely
determined. There is a range of values which is reasonable for such investments
at any particular time. In the early stages of development, venture capital
investments will typically be valued based upon their original cost to the
Company (the "cost method"). The cost method will be utilized until significant
developments affecting the portfolio company provide a basis for use of an
appraisal valuation (the "appraisal method"). The appraisal method will be based
upon such factors affecting the portfolio company as earnings and net worth, the
market prices for similar securities of comparable companies and an assessment
of the company's future prospects. In the case of unsuccessful operations, the
appraisal may be based upon liquidation value. Valuations based on the appraisal
method are necessarily subjective. The Company will also use third party
transactions (actual or proposed) in the portfolio company's securities as the
basis of valuation (the "private market method"). The private market method will
only be used with respect to actual transactions or actual firm offers by
sophisticated, independent investors.
Generally, trading in foreign securities, as well as corporate bonds, U.S.
Government securities and money market instruments, is substantially completed
each day at various times prior to the close of business on the NYSE. The values
of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Company's shares
are determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also
generally determined prior to the close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally,
events affecting the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur
between the times at which they are determined and the close of business on the
NYSE which will not be reflected in the computation of the Company's net asset
value. If events materially affecting the value of such securities occur during
such period, then these securities will be valued at their fair value as
determined in good faith by the Directors.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Company offers a number of shareholder services described below which
are designed to facilitate investment in its shares. Certain of such services
are not available to investors who place orders for the Company's shares through
the Merrill Lynch Blueprint(SM) Program. Full details as to each of such
services, copies of the various plans described below and instructions as to how
to participate in the various services or plans, or how to change options with
respect thereto, can be obtained from the Company, the Distributor or Merrill
Lynch.
INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
Each shareholder whose account is maintained at the transfer agent has an
Investment Account and will receive statements, at least quarterly, from the
transfer agent. These statements will serve as transaction confirmations for
automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of ordinary income dividends
and long-term capital gain distributions. The statements will also show any
other activity in the account since the preceding statement. Shareholders will
receive separate transaction confirmations for each purchase or sale transaction
other than automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of ordinary
income dividends and long-term capital gain distributions. A shareholder may
make additions to his or her investment account at any time by mailing a check
directly to the Company's transfer agent.
26
<PAGE> 81
Share certificates are issued only for full shares and only upon the
specific request of the shareholder. Issuance of certificates representing all
or only part of the full shares in an Investment Account may be requested by a
shareholder directly from the Company's transfer agent.
Shareholders considering transferring their Class A or Class D shares from
Merrill Lynch to another brokerage firm or financial institution should be aware
that, if the firm to which the Class A or Class D shares are to be transferred
will not take delivery of shares of the Company, a shareholder either must
redeem the Class A or Class D shares (paying any applicable CDSC) so that the
cash proceeds can be transferred to the account at the new firm or such
shareholder must continue to maintain an Investment Account at the transfer
agent for those Class A or Class D shares. Shareholders interested in
transferring their Class B or Class C shares from Merrill Lynch and who do not
wish to have an Investment Account maintained for such shares at the transfer
agent may request their new brokerage firm to maintain such shares in an account
registered in the name of the brokerage firm for the benefit of the shareholder
at the transfer agent. If the new brokerage firm is willing to accommodate the
shareholder in this manner, the shareholder must request that he or she be
issued certificates for his or her shares, and then must turn the certificates
over to the new firm for re-registration as described in the preceding sentence.
Shareholders considering transferring a tax-deferred retirement account such as
an IRA from Merrill Lynch to another brokerage firm or financial institution
should be aware that, if the firm to which the retirement account is to be
transferred will not take delivery of shares of the Company, a shareholder must
either redeem the shares (paying any applicable CDSC) so that the cash proceeds
can be transferred to the account at the new firm, or such shareholder must
continue to maintain a retirement account at Merrill Lynch for those shares.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS
A U.S. shareholder may make additions to an Investment Account at any time
by purchasing Class A shares (if he or she is an eligible Class A investor as
described in the Prospectus) or Class B, Class C or Class D shares at the
applicable public offering price, either through the shareholder's securities
dealer or by mail directly to the transfer agent, acting as agent for such
securities dealer. Voluntary accumulation also can be made through a service
known as the Automatic Investment Plan whereby the Company is authorized through
preauthorized checks or automated clearing house debits of $50 or more to charge
the regular bank account of the shareholder on a regular basis to provide
systematic additions to the Investment Account of such shareholder. An investor
whose shares of the Company are held within a CMA(R) or CBA(R) account may
arrange to have periodic investments made in the Company in amounts of $100 or
more ($1 for retirement accounts) through the CMA(R) or CBA(R) Automated
Investment Program.
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
Unless specific instructions to the contrary are given as to the method of
payment of dividends and capital gains distributions, dividends and
distributions will automatically be reinvested in additional shares of the
Company. Such reinvestment will be at the net asset value of the shares of the
Company as of the close of business on the NYSE on the ex-dividend date of the
dividend or distribution. Shareholders may elect to receive their income
dividends or capital gains distributions, or both, in cash, in which event
payment will be mailed or direct deposited on or about the payment date.
Shareholders may, at any time, notify the transfer agent in writing or by
telephone (1-800-MER-FUND) that they no longer wish to have their dividends
and/or distributions reinvested in shares of the Company or
27
<PAGE> 82
vice versa, and commencing ten days after receipt by the transfer agent of such
notice, those instructions will be effected.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS--CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
A Class A or Class D shareholder may elect to make systematic withdrawals
from an Investment Account on either a monthly or quarterly basis as provided
below. Quarterly withdrawals are available for shareholders who have acquired
Class A or Class D shares of the Company having a value, based upon cost or the
current offering price, of $5,000 or more and monthly withdrawals are available
for shareholders with Class A or Class D shares with such a value of $10,000 or
more.
At the time of each withdrawal payment, sufficient Class A or Class D
shares are redeemed from those on deposit in the shareholder's account to
provide the withdrawal payment specified by the shareholder. The shareholder may
specify either a dollar amount or a percentage of the value of his Class A or
Class D shares. Redemptions will be made at net asset value as determined as of
15 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE (generally 4:00 P.M., New
York time) on the 24th day of each month or the 24th day of the last month of
each quarter, whichever is applicable. If the NYSE is not open for business on
such date, the Class A or Class D shares will be redeemed at the close of
business on the following business day. The check for the withdrawal payment
will be mailed, or the direct deposit of the withdrawal payment will be made, on
the next business day following redemption. When a shareholder is making
systematic withdrawals, dividends and distributions on all Class A or Class D
shares in the Investment Account are reinvested automatically in Class A or
Class D shares of the Company, respectively. A shareholder's Systematic
Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time, without charge or penalty, by the
shareholder, the Company, the Company's transfer agent or the Distributor.
Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield or income.
Each withdrawal is a taxable event. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed
reinvested dividends, the shareholder's original investment may be
correspondingly reduced. Purchase of additional Class A or Class D shares
concurrent with withdrawals are ordinarily disadvantageous to the shareholder
because of sales charges and tax liabilities. The Company will not knowingly
accept purchase orders for Class A or Class D shares of the Company from
investors who maintain a Systematic Withdrawal Plan unless such purchase is
equal to at least one year's scheduled withdrawals or $1,200, whichever is
greater. Periodic investments may not be made into an Investment Account in
which the shareholder has elected to make systematic withdrawals.
Alternatively, a Class A or Class D shareholder whose shares are held
within a CMA(R), CBA(R) or Retirement Account may elect to have shares redeemed
on a monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis through the
CMA(R) or CBA(R) Systematic Redemption Program. The minimum fixed dollar amount
redeemable is $25. The proceeds of systematic redemptions will be posted to the
shareholder's account five business days after the date the shares are redeemed.
Monthly systematic redemptions will be made at net asset value on the first
Monday of each month, bimonthly systematic redemptions will be made at net asset
value on the first Monday of every other month, and quarterly, semiannual or
annual redemptions are made at net asset value on the first Monday of months
selected at the shareholder's option. If the first Monday of the month is a
holiday, the redemption will be processed at net asset value on the next
business day. The Systematic Redemption Program is not available if Company
shares are being purchased within the account pursuant to the Automatic
Investment Program. For more information on the CMA(R) or CBA(R) Systematic
Redemption Program, eligible shareholders should contact their Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant.
28
<PAGE> 83
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
U.S. shareholders of each class of shares of the Company have an exchange
privilege with certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds. Under the Merrill Lynch
Select Pricing(SM) System, Class A shareholders may exchange Class A shares of
the Company for Class A shares of a second MLAM-advised mutual fund if the
shareholder holds any Class A shares of the second fund in his or her account in
which the exchange is made at the time of the exchange or is otherwise eligible
to purchase Class A shares of the second fund. If the Class A shareholder wants
to exchange Class A shares for shares of a second MLAM-advised mutual fund, but
does not hold Class A shares of the second fund in his or her account at the
time of the exchange and is not otherwise eligible to acquire Class A shares of
the second fund, the shareholder will receive Class D shares of the second fund
as a result of the exchange. Class D shares also may be exchanged for Class A
shares of a second MLAM-advised mutual fund at any time as long as, at the time
of the exchange, the shareholder holds Class A shares of the second fund in the
account in which the exchange is made or is otherwise eligible to purchase Class
A shares of the second fund. Class B, Class C and Class D shares will be
exchangeable with shares of the same class of other MLAM-advised mutual funds.
For purposes of computing the CDSC that may be payable upon a disposition of the
shares acquired in the exchange, the holding period for the previously owned
shares of the Company is "tacked" to the holding period of the newly acquired
shares of the other fund as more fully described below. Class A, Class B, Class
C and Class D shares also will be exchangeable for shares of certain
MLAM-advised money market funds as follows: Class A shares may be exchanged for
shares of Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust, Merrill Lynch Retirement Reserves
Money Fund (available only for exchanges within certain retirement plans),
Merrill Lynch U.S.A. Government Reserves and Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Money
Fund; Class B, Class C and Class D shares may be exchanged for shares of Merrill
Lynch Government Fund, Merrill Lynch Institutional Fund, Merrill Lynch
Institutional Tax-Exempt Fund and Merrill Lynch Treasury Fund. Shares with a net
asset value of at least $100 are required to qualify for the exchange privilege,
and any shares utilized in an exchange must have been held by the shareholder
for at least 15 days. It is contemplated that the exchange privilege may be
applicable to other new mutual funds whose shares may be distributed by the
Distributor.
Exchanges of Class A or Class D shares outstanding ("outstanding Class A or
Class D shares") for Class A or Class D shares of another MLAM-advised mutual
fund ("new Class A or Class D shares") are transacted on the basis of relative
net asset value per Class A or Class D share, respectively, plus an amount equal
to the difference, if any, between the sales charge previously paid on the
outstanding Class A or Class D shares and the sales charge payable at the time
of the exchange on the new Class A or Class D shares. With respect to
outstanding Class A or Class D shares as to which previous exchanges have taken
place, the "sales charge previously paid" shall include the aggregate of the
sales charge paid with respect to such Class A or Class D shares in the initial
purchase and any subsequent exchange. Class A or Class D shares issued pursuant
to dividend reinvestment are sold on a no-load basis in each of the funds
offering Class A or Class D shares. For purposes of the exchange privilege,
Class A and Class D shares acquired through dividend reinvestment shall be
deemed to have been sold with a sales charge equal to the sales charge
previously paid on the Class A or Class D shares on which the dividend was paid.
Based on this formula, Class A and Class D shares of the Company generally may
be exchanged into the Class A or Class D shares of the other funds or into
shares of the Class A and Class D money market funds with or without a reduced
sales charge.
In addition, each of the funds with Class B and Class C shares outstanding
("outstanding Class B or Class C shares") offers to exchange its Class B or
Class C shares for Class B or Class C shares, respectively,
29
<PAGE> 84
of another MLAM-advised mutual fund ("new Class B or Class C shares") on the
basis of relative net asset value per Class B or Class C share, without the
payment of any CDSC that might otherwise be due on redemption of the outstanding
shares. Class B shareholders of the Company exercising the exchange privilege
will continue to be subject to the Company's CDSC schedule if such schedule is
higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the new Class B shares acquired
through use of the exchange privilege. In addition, Class B shares of the
Company acquired through use of the exchange privilege will be subject to the
Company's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule
relating to the Class B shares of the fund from which the exchange has been
made. For purposes of computing the sales charge that may be payable on a
disposition of the new Class B or Class C shares, the holding period for the
outstanding Class B or Class C shares is "tacked" to the holding period of the
new Class B or Class C shares. For example, an investor may exchange Class B
shares of the Company for those of Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund, Inc.
("Special Value Fund") after having held the Company Class B shares for two and
a half years. The 2% CDSC that generally would apply to a redemption would not
apply to the exchange. Three years later the investor may decide to redeem the
Class B shares of Special Value Fund and receive cash. There will be no CDSC due
on this redemption, since by "tacking" the two and a half year holding period of
Company Class B shares to the three year holding period for the Special Value
Fund Class B shares, the investor will be deemed to have held the Special Value
Fund Class B shares for more than five years.
Shareholders also may exchange shares of the Company into shares of certain
money market funds advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, but the
period of time that Class B or Class C shares are held in a money market fund
will not count towards satisfaction of the holding period requirement for
purposes of reducing the CDSC or with respect to Class B shares, towards
satisfaction of the conversion period. However, shares of a money market fund
that were acquired as a result of an exchange for Class B or Class C shares of
the Company may, in turn, be exchanged back into Class B or Class C shares,
respectively, of any fund offering such shares, in which event the holding
period for Class B or Class C shares of the newly-acquired fund will be
aggregated with previous holding periods for purposes of reducing the CDSC.
Thus, for example, an investor may exchange Class B shares of the Company for
shares of Merrill Lynch Institutional Fund ("Institutional Fund") after having
held the Company Class B shares for two and a half years and three years later
decide to redeem the shares of Institutional Fund for cash. At the time of this
redemption, the 2% CDSC that would have been due had the Class B shares of the
Company been redeemed for cash rather than exchanged for shares of Institutional
Fund will be payable. If instead of such redemption the shareholder exchanged
such shares for Class B shares of a fund that the shareholder continued to hold
for an additional two and a half years, any subsequent redemption would not
incur a CDSC.
Before effecting an exchange, shareholders should obtain a currently
effective prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is to be made.
To exercise the exchange privilege, a shareholder should contact his or her
Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant, who will advise the Company of the exchange.
Shareholders of the Company, and shareholders of the other MLAM-advised mutual
funds, with shares for which certificates have not been issued, may exercise the
exchange privilege by wire through their securities dealers. The Company
reserves the right to require a properly completed Exchange Application. This
exchange privilege may be modified or terminated in accordance with the rules of
the Commission. The Company reserves the right to limit the number of times an
investor may exercise the exchange privilege. Certain funds may suspend the
continuous offering of their
30
<PAGE> 85
shares at any time and thereafter may resume such offering from time to time.
The exchange privilege is available only to U.S. shareholders in states where
the exchange legally may be made.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Company intends to continue to qualify for the special tax treatment
afforded regulated investment companies ("RICs") under the Code. As long as it
so qualifies, the Company (but not its shareholders) will not be subject to
Federal income tax on the part of its net ordinary income and net realized
capital gains which it distributes to Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D
shareholders (together, the "shareholders"). The Company intends to distribute
substantially all of such income.
Dividends paid by the Company from its ordinary income or from an excess of
net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses (together
referred to hereafter as "ordinary income dividends") are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions made from an excess of net
long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses (including gains or
losses from certain transactions in futures and options) ("capital gain
dividends") are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless
of the length of time the shareholder has owned Company shares. Any loss upon
the sale or exchange of Company shares held for six months or less, however,
will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain
dividends received by the shareholder. Distributions in excess of the Company'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).
Dividends are taxable to shareholders even though they are reinvested in
additional shares of the Company. Not later than 60 days after the close of its
taxable year, the Company will provide its shareholders with a written notice
designating the amounts of any ordinary income dividends or capital gain
dividends. A portion of the Company's ordinary income dividends may be eligible
for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code, if
certain requirements are met. For this purpose, the Company will allocate
dividends eligible for the dividends received deduction among the Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D shareholders according to a method (which it believes is
consistent with the Commission rule permitting the issuance and sale of multiple
classes of stock) that is based on the gross income allocable to Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D shareholders during the taxable year, or such other
method as the Internal Revenue Service may prescribe. If the Company 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 Company
and received by its shareholders on December 31 of the year in which such
dividend was declared.
Ordinary income dividends paid to shareholders who are nonresident aliens
or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% U.S. 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 U.S. withholding tax.
Under certain provisions of the Code, some shareholders may be subject to a
31% withholding tax on ordinary income dividends, 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 Company or who, to the Company's knowledge, have
furnished an
31
<PAGE> 86
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.
Dividends and interest received by the Company may give rise to withholding
and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain
countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders may be
able to claim U.S. foreign tax credits with respect to such taxes, subject to
certain conditions and limitations contained in the Code. For example, certain
retirement accounts cannot claim foreign tax credits on investments in foreign
securities held in the Company. If more than 50% in value of the Company's total
assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign
corporations, the Company will be eligible, and intends, to file an election
with the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to which shareholders of the Company
will be required to include their proportionate shares of such withholding taxes
in their U.S. income tax returns as gross income, treat such proportionate
shares as taxes paid by them and deduct such proportionate shares in computing
their taxable incomes or, alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits against
their U.S. income taxes. No deductions for foreign taxes, however, may be
claimed by noncorporate shareholders who do not itemize deductions. A
shareholder that is a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation may
be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the income resulting from the Company's
election described in this paragraph but may not be able to claim a credit or
deduction against such U.S. tax for the foreign taxes treated as having been
paid by such shareholder. The Company will report annually to its shareholders
the amount per share of such withholding taxes. For this purpose, the Company
will allocate foreign taxes and foreign source income among the Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D shareholders according to a method similar to that
described above for the allocation of dividends eligible for the dividends
received deduction.
No gain or loss will be recognized by Class B shareholders on the
conversion of their Class B shares into Class D shares. A shareholder's basis in
the Class D shares acquired will be the same as such shareholder's basis in the
Class B shares converted, and the holding period of the acquired Class D shares
will include the holding period for the converted Class B shares.
If a shareholder exercises an exchange privilege within 90 days of
acquiring the shares, then the loss the shareholder can recognize on the
exchange will be reduced (or the gain increased) to the extent any sales charge
paid to the Company on the exchanged shares reduces any sales charge the
shareholder would have owed upon purchase of the new shares in the absence of
the exchange privilege. Instead, such sales charge will be treated as an amount
paid for the new shares.
A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Company will be
disallowed if other Company shares are acquired (whether through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days
before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In
such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss.
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. While the Company intends to distribute its income
and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4%
excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Company's
taxable income and capital gains will be distributed to avoid entirely the
imposition of the tax. In
32
<PAGE> 87
such event, the Company will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which
it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements.
TAX TREATMENT OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS
The Company may write, purchase or sell options, futures and forward
foreign exchange contracts. Options and 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 futures contract will be treated
as sold for its fair market value on the last day of the taxable year. Unless
such contract is a forward foreign exchange contract, or is a non-equity option
or a regulated futures contract for a non-U.S. currency for which the Company
elects to have gain or loss treated as ordinary gain or loss under Code Section
988 (as described below), gain or loss from 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 Company may alter the timing and character of
distributions to shareholders. The mark-to-market rules outlined above, however,
will not apply to certain transactions entered into by the Company solely to
reduce the risk of changes in price or interest or currency exchange rates with
respect to its investments.
A forward foreign exchange contract that is a Section 1256 contract will be
marked to market, as described above. However, the character of gain or loss
from such a contract will generally be ordinary under Code Section 988. The
Company may, nonetheless, elect to treat the gain or loss from certain forward
foreign exchange contracts as capital. In this case, gain or loss realized in
connection with a forward foreign exchange contract that is a Section 1256
contract will be characterized as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain
or loss.
Code Section 1092, which applies to certain "straddles", may affect the
taxation of the Company's sales of securities and transactions in options,
futures and forward foreign exchange contracts. Under Section 1092, the Company
may be required to postpone recognition for tax purposes of losses incurred in
certain sales of securities and certain closing transactions in options, futures
and forward foreign exchange contracts.
One of the requirements for qualification as a RIC is that less than 30% of
the Company's gross income be derived from gains from the sale or other
disposition of securities held for less than three months. Accordingly, the
Company may be restricted in effecting closing transactions within three months
after entering into an option or futures contract.
SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
In general, gains from "foreign currencies" and from foreign currency
options, foreign currency futures and forward foreign exchange contracts
relating to investments in stock, securities or foreign currencies will be
qualifying income for purposes of determining whether the Company qualifies as a
RIC. It is currently unclear, however, who will be treated as the issuer of a
foreign currency instrument or how foreign currency options, foreign currency
futures and forward foreign exchange contracts will be valued for purposes of
the RIC diversification requirements applicable to the Company.
Under Code Section 988, special rules are provided for certain transactions
in a currency other than the taxpayer's functional currency (i.e., unless
certain special rules apply, currencies other than the U.S. dollar). In general,
foreign currency gains or losses from certain debt instruments, from certain
forward contracts, from futures contracts that are not "regulated futures
contracts", and from unlisted options will be treated as
33
<PAGE> 88
ordinary income or loss under Code Section 988. In certain circumstances, the
Company may elect capital gain or loss treatment for such transactions.
Regulated futures contracts, as described above, will be taxed under Code
Section 1256 unless application of Section 988 is elected by the Company. In
general, however, Code Section 988 gains or losses will increase or decrease the
amount of the Company's investment company taxable income available to be
distributed to shareholders as ordinary income. Additionally, if Code Section
988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income during a taxable year,
the Company would not be able to make any ordinary income dividend
distributions, and all or a portion of distributions made before the losses were
realized but in the same taxable year would be recharacterized as a return of
capital to shareholders, thereby reducing the basis of each shareholder's
Company shares and resulting in a capital gain for any shareholder who received
a distribution greater than such shareholder's basis in Company shares (assuming
the shares were held as a capital asset). These rules and the mark-to-market
rules described above, however, will not apply to certain transactions entered
into by the Company solely to reduce the risk of currency fluctuations with
respect to its investments.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations presently in effect. For the
complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and
the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder. The Code and the Treasury
regulations are subject to change by legislative, judicial or administrative
action either prospectively or retroactively.
Ordinary income and capital gain dividends may also be subject to state and
local taxes.
Certain states exempt from state income taxation dividends paid by RICs
which are derived from interest on U.S. Government obligations. State law varies
as to whether dividend income attributable to U.S. Government obligations is
exempt from state income tax.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to Federal, foreign, state or local taxes. Foreign investors should
consider applicable foreign taxes in their evaluation of an investment in the
Company.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time the Company may include its average annual total return
and other total return data in advertisements or information furnished to
present or prospective shareholders. Total return figures are based on the
Company's historical performance and are not intended to indicate future
performance. Average annual total return is determined separately for Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shares in accordance with a formula specified by
the Commission.
Average annual total return quotations for the specified periods are
computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return (based on net
investment income and any realized and unrealized capital gains or losses on
portfolio investments over such periods) that would equate the initial amount
invested to the redeemable value of such investment at the end of each period.
Average annual total return is computed assuming all dividends and distributions
are reinvested and taking into account all applicable recurring and nonrecurring
expenses, including the maximum sales charge in the case of Class A and Class D
shares and the CDSC that would be applicable to a complete redemption of the
investment at the end of the specified period in the case of Class B and Class C
shares.
The Company also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total
return and aggregate total return performance data, both as a percentage and as
a dollar amount based on a hypothetical $1,000
34
<PAGE> 89
investment for various periods other than those noted below. Such data will be
computed as described above, except that (1) as required by the periods of the
quotations, actual annual, annualized or aggregate data, rather than average
annual data, may be quoted and (2) the maximum applicable sales charge will not
be included with respect to annual or annualized rates of return calculations.
Aside from the impact on the performance data calculations of including or
excluding the maximum applicable sales charges, actual annual or annualized
total return data generally will be lower than average annual total return data
since the average rates of return reflect compounding of return; aggregate total
return data generally will be higher than average annual total return data since
the aggregate rates of return reflect compounding over longer periods of time.
Set forth in the tables below is total return information for the Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shares of the Company for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
REDEEMABLE REDEEMABLE
EXPRESSED VALUE OF A EXPRESSED VALUE OF A
AS A PERCENTAGE HYPOTHETICAL AS A PERCENTAGE HYPOTHETICAL
BASED ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT BASED ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT
HYPOTHETICAL AT THE END HYPOTHETICAL AT THE END
PERIOD $1,000 INVESTMENT OF THE PERIOD $1,000 INVESTMENT OF THE PERIOD
- ---------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
One Year Ended April 30, 1997..... 2.85% $ 1,028.50 3.65% $ 1,036.50
Five Years Ended April 30, 1997... 11.03% $ 1,687.30 11.10% $ 1,692.60
Ten Years Ended April 30, 1997.... 9.48% $2,473.30
Inception (October 21, 1988) to
April 30, 1997.................. -- -- 11.09% $2,450.20
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
Year Ended April 30, 1997......... 8.55% $1,085.50 7.44% $1,074.40
Year Ended April 30, 1996......... 44.01% $1,440.10 42.46% $1,424.60
Year Ended April 30, 1995......... 6.47% $1,064.70 5.29% $1,052.90
Year Ended April 30, 1994......... 8.19% $1,081.90 7.25% $1,072.50
Year Ended April 30, 1993......... (1.10)% $ 989.00 (2.07)% $ 979.30
Year Ended April 30, 1992......... 13.17% $1,131.70 11.88% $1,118.80
Year Ended April 30, 1991......... 17.10% $1,171.00 15.75% $1,157.50
Year Ended April 30, 1990......... 7.46% $1,074.60 6.57% $1,065.70
Year Ended April 30, 1989......... (0.25)% $ 997.50
Inception (October 21, 1988) to
April 30, 1989.................. -- -- 4.89% $1,048.90
</TABLE>
(continued on next page)
35
<PAGE> 90
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
REDEEMABLE REDEEMABLE
EXPRESSED VALUE OF A EXPRESSED VALUE OF A
AS A PERCENTAGE HYPOTHETICAL AS A PERCENTAGE HYPOTHETICAL
BASED ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT BASED ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT
HYPOTHETICAL AT THE END HYPOTHETICAL AT THE END
PERIOD $1,000 INVESTMENT OF THE PERIOD $1,000 INVESTMENT OF THE PERIOD
- ---------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges) (continued)
Year Ended April 30, 1988......... 3.20% $1,032.00 -- --
Year Ended April 30, 1987......... 14.36% $1,143.60 -- --
Year Ended April 30, 1986......... 45.01% $1,450.10 -- --
Year Ended April 30, 1985......... (6.31)% $ 936.90 -- --
Year Ended April 30, 1984......... 6.00% $1,060.00 -- --
Inception (April 1, 1983) to
April 30, 1983.................. 1.75% $1,017.50 -- --
AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
Inception (April 1, 1983) to
April 30, 1997.................. 314.47% $4,144.70 -- --
Inception (October 21, 1988) to
April 30, 1997.................. -- -- 145.02% $2,450.20
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C SHARES CLASS D SHARES
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
REDEEMABLE REDEEMABLE
EXPRESSED VALUE OF A EXPRESSED VALUE OF A
AS A PERCENTAGE HYPOTHETICAL AS A PERCENTAGE HYPOTHETICAL
BASED ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT BASED ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT
HYPOTHETICAL AT THE END HYPOTHETICAL AT THE END
PERIOD $1,000 INVESTMENT OF THE PERIOD $1,000 INVESTMENT OF THE PERIOD
- ---------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
Year Ended April 30, 1997......... 6.33% $1,063.30 2.44% $1,024.40
Inception (October 21, 1994) to
April 30, 1997.................. 20.67% $1,606.50 17.97% $1,517.30
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
Year Ended April 30, 1997......... 7.28% $1,072.80 8.11% $1,081.10
Year Ended April 30, 1996......... 42.76% $1,427.60 43.74% $1,437.40
Inception (October 21, 1994) to
April 30, 1995.................. 4.89% $1,048.90 3.05% $1,030.50
AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
Inception (October 21, 1994) to
April 30, 1997.................. 60.65% $1,606.50 51.73% $1,517.30
</TABLE>
36
<PAGE> 91
In order to reflect the reduced sales charges, in the case of Class A or
Class D shares or the waiver of the CDSC in the case of Class B or Class C
shares, applicable to certain investors, as described under "Purchase of Shares"
and "Redemption of Shares," respectively, the total return data quoted by the
Company in advertisements directed to such investors may take into account a
reduced, and not the maximum, sales charge or may not take into account the CDSC
and therefore may reflect greater total return since, due to the reduced sales
charges or the waiver of sales charges, a lower amount of expenses may be
deducted.
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Company, previously known as Sci/Tech Holdings, Inc., was incorporated
under Maryland law on October 29, 1982. At the date of this Statement of
Additional Information, the Company has an authorized capital of 400,000,000
shares of Common Stock, par value of $0.10 per share, divided into four classes,
designated Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Common Stock, each of which
consists of 100,000,000 shares. Each share of Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class D Common Stock represents an interest in the same assets of the Company
and is identical in all respects except that the Class B, Class C and Class D
shares bear certain expenses related to the account maintenance and/or
distribution of such shares and have exclusive voting rights with respect to
matters relating to such account maintenance and/or distribution expenditures.
The Company has received an order from the Commission permitting the issuance
and sale of multiple classes of Common Stock. The Board of Directors of the
Company may classify and reclassify the shares of the Company into additional
classes of Common Stock at a future date.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and fractional
votes for fractional shares held and will vote on the election of Directors and
any other matter submitted to a shareholder vote. The Company does not intend to
hold meetings of shareholders in any year in which the Investment Company Act
does not require shareholders to act upon any of the following matters: (i)
election of Directors; (ii) approval of an investment advisory agreement; (iii)
approval of a distribution agreement; and (iv) ratification of selection of
independent auditors. Generally, under Maryland law, a meeting of shareholders
may be called for any purpose on the written request of the holders of at least
25% of the outstanding shares of the Company. Voting rights for Directors are
not cumulative. Shares issued are fully paid and nonassessable and have no
preemptive rights. Redemption and conversion rights are discussed elsewhere
herein and in the Prospectus. Each share is entitled to participate equally in
dividends and distributions declared by the Company and in the net assets of the
Company upon liquidation or dissolution after satisfaction of outstanding
liabilities. Stock certificates are issued by the transfer agent only on
specific request. Certificates for fractional shares are not issued in any case.
Shareholders may, in accordance with Maryland law, cause a meeting of
shareholders to be held for the purpose of voting on the removal of Directors at
the request of 25% of the outstanding shares of the Company. A Director may be
removed at a special meeting of shareholders by a vote of a majority of the
votes entitled to be cast for the election of Directors.
37
<PAGE> 92
COMPUTATION OF OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
An illustration of the computation of the offering price for Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D shares of the Company based on the value of the Company's
net assets on April 30, 1997, and its shares outstanding on that date is set
forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D
------------ ------------ ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Assets................................ $121,529,512 $178,024,777 $17,761,804 $18,318,052
=========== =========== ========== ==========
Number of Shares Outstanding.............. 24,063,709 40,459,694 4,037,836 3,743,169
=========== =========== ========== ==========
Net Asset Value per Share (net assets
divided by number of shares
outstanding)............................ $5.05 $4.40 $4.40 $4.89
Sales Charge (Class A and Class D shares:
5.25% of offering price; 5.54% of net
asset value)*........................... .28 ** ** .27
----- ----- ----- -----
Offering Price............................ $5.33 $4.40 $4.40 $5.16
===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
- ---------------
*Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent; assumes the maximum sales charge
is applicable.
**Class B and Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but may
be subject to a CDSC upon redemption. See "Purchase of Shares--Deferred Sales
Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares" in the Prospectus and
"Redemption of Shares--Deferred Sales Charges--Class B and Class C Shares"
herein.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 117 Campus Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, has
been selected as the independent auditors of the Company. The selection of
independent auditors is subject to approval by the independent Directors of the
Company. The independent auditors are responsible for auditing the annual
financial statements of the Company.
CUSTODIAN
The Chase Manhattan Bank, 4 Chase MetroTech Center, 18th Floor, Global
Securities Services, Brooklyn, New York 11245 (the "Custodian"), acts as the
custodian of the Company's assets. Under its contract with the Company, the
Custodian is authorized to establish separate accounts in foreign currencies and
to cause foreign securities owned by the Company to be held in its offices
outside the U.S. and with certain foreign banks and securities depositories. The
Custodian is responsible for safeguarding and controlling the Company's cash and
securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities and collecting
interest and dividends on the Company's investments.
TRANSFER AGENT
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc., 4800 Deer Lake Drive East,
Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484, acts as the Company's transfer agent (the
"Transfer Agent"). The Transfer Agent is responsible for the issuance, transfer
and redemption of shares and the opening, maintenance and servicing of
shareholder accounts. See "Management of the Company--Transfer Agency Services"
in the Prospectus.
38
<PAGE> 93
LEGAL COUNSEL
Brown & Wood LLP, One World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0557, is
counsel for the Company.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The fiscal year of the Company ends on April 30 of each year. The Company
sends to its shareholders at least semi-annually reports showing the Company's
portfolio and other information. An annual report, containing financial
statements audited by independent auditors, is sent to shareholders each year.
After the end of each year shareholders will receive Federal income tax
information regarding dividends and capital gains distributions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits
relating thereto, which the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act and the Investment
Company Act, to which reference is hereby made.
Categories in the Schedule of Investments contained in the Financial
Statements herein have been adopted by the Investment Adviser and are deemed
appropriate with respect to a specialized sector fund such as the Company.
Under a separate agreement, ML & Co. has granted the Company the right to
use the "Merrill Lynch" name and has reserved the right to withdraw its consent
to the use of such name by the Company at any time or to grant the use of such
name to any other company, and the Company has granted Merrill Lynch, under
certain conditions, the use of any other name it might assume in the future,
with respect to any corporation organized by Merrill Lynch.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
To the knowledge of the Company, no person or entity owned beneficially 5%
or more of the Company's common stock on July 15, 1997.
39
<PAGE> 94
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Shareholders,
Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, of Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc. as of April
30, 1997, the related statements of operations for the year then ended and
changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended,
and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then
ended. These financial statements and the financial highlights are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and the financial highlights based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits 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 statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at April
30, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Merrill Lynch
Healthcare Fund, Inc. as of April 30, 1997, the results of its operations, the
changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the respective
stated periods in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
June 4, 1997
40
<PAGE> 95
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MIDDLE SHARES VALUE PERCENT OF
EAST INDUSTRIES HELD INVESTMENTS COST (NOTE 1a) NET ASSETS
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
ISRAEL PHARMACEUTICAL-- 10,000 Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries,
DIVERSIFIED Inc. (ADR)(*) $ 395,000 $ 502,500 0.1%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST 395,000 502,500 0.1
NORTH
AMERICA
UNITED BIOTECHNOLOGY 140,000 (+)Aphton Corp. 3,037,750 1,960,000 0.6
STATES 50,000 (+)Arris Pharmaceutical Corp. 744,063 537,500 0.2
100,000 (+)Biochem Pharma, Inc. 2,430,000 1,787,500 0.5
80,000 (+)Centocor, Inc. 2,528,534 2,250,000 0.7
250,000 (+)Coulter Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 3,000,000 1,968,750 0.6
195,000 (+)Emisphere Technologies Inc. 2,508,753 2,827,500 0.8
20,000 (+)IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation 517,500 355,000 0.1
412,000 (+)Magainin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 4,267,913 2,987,000 0.9
30,000 (+)Neurex Corp. 501,876 330,000 0.1
30,000 (+)Protein Design Labs, Inc. 967,719 750,000 0.2
90,000 (+)Vical, Inc. 1,582,500 945,000 0.3
------------ ------------ -----
22,086,608 16,698,250 5.0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIAGNOSTICS 127,500 (+)Dianon Systems, Inc. 1,246,878 1,099,687 0.3
75,000 (+)Diatide, Inc. 637,500 450,000 0.1
147,000 (+)NeoPath, Inc. 2,558,250 2,296,875 0.7
------------ ------------ -----
4,442,628 3,846,562 1.1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE COST 100,000 Aetna Inc. 8,000,652 9,112,500 2.7
CONTAINMENT 230,000 Allegiance Corporation 4,761,492 5,088,750 1.5
200,000 Bergen Brunswig Corp. 6,447,630 6,825,000 2.0
200,000 Cardinal Health, Inc. 10,260,201 10,650,000 3.2
110,000 (+)Healthcare Compare Corp. 4,781,969 4,743,750 1.4
15,500 McKesson Corporation 696,930 1,121,812 0.3
150,000 (+)Medpartners, Inc. 3,299,493 2,737,500 0.8
50,000 (+)Pacificare Health Systems Inc.
(Preferred) 4,036,875 4,006,250 1.2
100,000 (+)Tenet Healthcare Corp. 2,177,660 2,600,000 0.8
100,000 United Healthcare Corporation 5,084,050 4,862,500 1.5
33,000 (+)Walsh International, Inc. 285,000 284,625 0.1
------------ ------------ -----
49,831,952 52,032,687 15.5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
41
<PAGE> 96
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC., APRIL 30, 1997
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NORTH AMERICA SHARES VALUE PERCENT OF
(CONCLUDED) INDUSTRIES HELD INVESTMENTS COST (NOTE 1a) NET ASSETS
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
UNITED MEDICAL 170,000 Bard (C.R.), Inc. $ 4,897,364 $ 5,397,500 1.6%
STATES SPECIALTIES 325,000 Baxter International, Inc. 13,256,699 15,559,375 4.6
(CONCLUDED) 250,000 Becton Dickinson & Company 11,017,723 11,500,000 3.4
50,000 (+)Boston Scientific Corp. 1,779,750 2,412,500 0.7
200,000 (+)Conceptus Inc. 2,345,999 1,950,000 0.6
100,000 Guidant Corp. 6,380,600 6,825,000 2.0
100,000 (+)Ilex Oncology Inc. 1,200,000 1,225,000 0.4
75,000 (+)InControl, Inc. 1,071,875 665,625 0.2
165,000 (+)KeraVision, Inc. 2,727,505 1,320,000 0.4
80,000 Medtronic, Inc. 3,084,113 5,540,000 1.7
410,000 (+)Optical Sensors, Inc. 4,727,813 2,972,500 0.9
75,000 (+)Photoelectron Corp. 637,500 328,125 0.1
600,000 (+)ReSound Corp. 6,292,805 2,400,000 0.7
40,000 Stryker Corporation 1,245,000 1,305,000 0.4
25,000 (+)Ultrafem Inc. 526,290 375,000 0.1
155,000 (+)VISX, Incorporated 3,827,500 3,487,500 1.0
70,000 (+)VidaMed, Inc. 909,584 481,250 0.2
------------ ------------ -----
65,928,120 63,744,375 19.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHARMACEUTICAL-- 30,000 American Home Products Corporation 1,664,229 1,987,500 0.6
CONSUMER 360,000 Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. 19,746,251 23,580,000 7.0
200,000 Johnson & Johnson Co. 8,583,879 12,250,000 3.7
275,000 Warner-Lambert Co. 15,402,083 26,950,000 8.0
------------ ------------ -----
45,396,442 64,767,500 19.3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHARMACEUTICAL-- 20,000 Collagen Corporation 415,700 330,000 0.1
DIVERSIFIED 100,000 Schering-Plough Corp. 7,252,119 8,000,000 2.4
------------ ------------ -----
7,667,819 8,330,000 2.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHARMACEUTICAL-- 50,000 (+)ALZA Corp. 1,289,040 1,462,500 0.4
PRESCRIPTION 120,000 Lilly (Eli) and Co. 7,559,100 10,545,000 3.1
25,000 Merck & Co., Inc. 1,713,270 2,262,500 0.7
100,000 Pfizer, Inc. 6,933,237 9,600,000 2.9
202,500 (+)SangStat Medical Corp. 6,667,346 3,442,500 1.0
620,000 (+)Sepracor Inc. 15,386,245 12,012,500 3.6
------------ ------------ -----
39,548,238 39,325,000 11.7
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN NORTH AMERICA 234,901,807 248,744,374 74.1
PACIFIC
BASIN
JAPAN PHARMACEUTICAL-- 170,000 Sankyo Company, Ltd. 4,043,277 4,555,845 1.4
PRESCRIPTION 150,000 Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd. 3,334,637 3,464,176 1.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN THE PACIFIC
BASIN 7,377,914 8,020,021 2.4
</TABLE>
42
<PAGE> 97
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WESTERN SHARES VALUE PERCENT OF
EUROPE INDUSTRIES HELD INVESTMENTS COST (NOTE 1a) NET ASSETS
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
DENMARK PHARMACEUTICAL-- 6,000 Novo Nordisk A/S (Class B) 460,157 593,663 0.2
PRESCRIPTION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS IN DENMARK 460,157 593,663 0.2
FINLAND PHARMACEUTICAL-- 200,000 Orion-yhtymae OY (Class B) 6,124,796 7,501,154 2.2
DIVERSIFIED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS IN FINLAND 6,124,796 7,501,154 2.2
GERMANY MEDICAL 40,000 Fresenius AG (Preferred) 6,773,477 8,996,420 2.7
SPECIALTIES 40,000 Fresenius AG (Preferred) (Rights)(a) 0 154,752 0.0
200,000 (+)Fresenius Medical Care AG (ADR)(*) 3,614,375 5,875,000 1.8
------------ ------------ -----
10,387,852 15,026,172 4.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHARMACEUTICAL-- 20,000 Schering AG 1,817,429 1,917,080 0.6
PRESCRIPTION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS IN GERMANY 12,205,281 16,943,252 5.1
SWEDEN MEDICAL 58,500 (+)Biora AB 481,119 552,063 0.1
SPECIALTIES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHARMACEUTICAL-- 150,000 Astra AB 'B' Free (Ordinary) 6,522,053 5,958,681 1.8
PRESCRIPTION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS IN SWEDEN 7,003,172 6,510,744 1.9
SWITZERLAND PHARMACEUTICAL-- 12,500 Novartis AG (Registered) 14,275,809 16,479,973 4.9
CONSUMER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHARMACEUTICAL-- 300 Roche Holdings AG 2,520,588 2,535,642 0.8
PRESCRIPTION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS IN SWITZERLAND 16,796,397 19,015,615 5.7
UNITED PHARMACEUTICAL-- 500,000 SmithKline Beecham Corporation
KINGDOM DIVERSIFIED PLC (ADR)(*) 5,953,002 8,050,980 2.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHARMACEUTICAL-- 30,000 Glaxo Wellcome PLC 361,210 590,974 0.2
PRESCRIPTION 130,000 (+)Pliva d.d. (GDR)(**) (b) 1,855,878 2,132,000 0.6
200,000 Zeneca Group PLC 5,005,386 6,054,272 1.8
------------ ------------ ------
7,222,474 8,777,246 2.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM 13,175,476 16,828,226 5.0
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN WESTERN EUROPE 55,765,279 67,392,654 20.1
</TABLE>
43
<PAGE> 98
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc., April 30, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHORT-TERM FACE VALUE PERCENT OF
SECURITIES AMOUNT INVESTMENTS COST (NOTE 1a) NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
COMMERCIAL $6,919,000 General Motors Acceptance Corp.,
PAPER(***) 5.68% due 5/01/1997 $ 6,919,000 $ 6,919,000 2.0%
WCP Funding Inc.:
1,630,000 5.45% due 5/05/1997 1,629,013 1,629,013 0.5
7,000,000 5.58% due 6/10/1997 6,956,600 6,956,600 2.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SHORT-TERM
SECURITIES 15,504,613 15,504,613 4.6
TOTAL INVESTMENTS $313,944,613 340,164,162 101.3
============
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (4,530,017) (1.3)
------------ -----
NET ASSETS $335,634,145 100.0%
============ =====
</TABLE>
*American Depositary Receipts (ADR).
**Global Depositary Receipts (GDR).
***Commercial Paper is traded on a discount basis; the interest rates
shown are the discount rates paid at the time of purchase by the
Company.
+Non-income producing security.
(a)The rights may be exercised until 5/19/1997
(b)The security may be offered and sold to "qualified institutional
buyers" under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
44
<PAGE> 99
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF APRIL 30, 1997
<S> <S> <C> <C>
ASSETS: Investments, at value (identified cost--$313,944,613) (Note 1a) .. $340,164,162
Foreign cash (Note 1b) ........................................... 115
Receivables:
Securities sold ................................................ $ 631,183
Dividends ...................................................... 623,111
Capital shares sold ............................................ 402,099 1,656,393
------------
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1f) ............. 30,462
------------
Total assets ..................................................... 341,851,132
------------
LIABILITIES: Payables:
Securities purchased ........................................... 4,076,321
Capital shares redeemed ........................................ 1,218,511
Investment adviser (Note 2) .................................... 274,906
Distributor (Note 2) ........................................... 164,298 5,734,036
------------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ........................... 482,951
------------
Total liabilities ................................................ 6,216,987
------------
NET ASSETS: Net assets ....................................................... $335,634,145
============
NET ASSETS Class A Shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, 100,000,000
CONSIST OF: shares authorized ................................................ $ 2,406,371
Class B Shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized ................................................ 4,045,969
Class C Shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized ................................................ 403,784
Class D Shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized ................................................ 374,317
Paid-in capital in excess of par ................................. 268,387,299
Undistributed realized capital gains on investments and foreign
currency transactions--net ....................................... 33,808,367
Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency
transactions--net ................................................ 26,208,038
------------
Net assets ....................................................... $335,634,145
============
NET ASSET Class A--Based on net assets of $121,529,512 and 24,063,709
VALUE: shares outstanding ...................................... $ 5.05
============
Class B--Based on net assets of $178,024,777 and 40,459,694
shares outstanding ...................................... $ 4.40
============
Class C--Based on net assets of $17,761,804 and 4,037,836
shares outstanding ...................................... $ 4.40
============
Class D--Based on net assets of $18,318,052 and 3,743,169
shares outstanding ...................................... $ 4.89
============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
45
<PAGE> 100
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC., APRIL 30, 1997
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1997
<S> <S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT Dividends (net of $200,042 foreign withholding tax) .............. $ 5,117,908
INCOME Interest and discount earned ..................................... 1,347,264
(NOTES 1d & 1e): ------------
Total income ..................................................... 6,465,172
------------
EXPENSES: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) ................................ $ 3,764,088
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class B (Note 2) ...... 2,009,526
Transfer agent fees--Class B (Note 2) ............................ 585,024
Transfer agent fees--Class A (Note 2) ............................ 335,270
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class C (Note 2) ...... 216,019
Printing and shareholder reports ................................. 127,541
Custodian fees ................................................... 108,657
Accounting services (Note 2) ..................................... 103,336
Registration fees (Note 1f) ...................................... 87,087
Professional fees ................................................ 78,991
Transfer agent fees--Class C (Note 2) ............................ 66,485
Transfer agent fees--Class D (Note 2) ............................ 52,595
Account maintenance fees--Class D (Note 2) ....................... 52,139
Directors' fees and expenses ..................................... 36,811
Pricing fees ..................................................... 232
Other ............................................................ 11,061
------------
Total expenses ................................................... 7,634,862
------------
Investment loss--net ............................................. (1,169,690)
------------
REALIZED & Realized gain (loss) from:
UNREALIZED GAIN Investments--net ............................................... 49,414,402
(LOSS) ON Foreign currency transactions--net ............................. (235,744) 49,178,658
INVESTMENTS & ------------
FOREIGN CURRENCY Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:
TRANSACTIONS--NET Investments--net ............................................... (19,461,787)
(NOTES 1b, 1c, Foreign currency transactions--net ............................. (14,129) (19,475,916)
1e & 3): ------------ ------------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign
currency transactions ............................................ 29,702,742
------------
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ............. $ 28,533,052
============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
46
<PAGE> 101
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,
----------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1997 1996
<S> <S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS: Investment loss--net ............................................. $ (1,169,690) $ (1,951,370)
Realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions
--net ............................................................ 49,178,658 45,694,034
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and
foreign currency transactions--net ............................... (19,475,916) 34,582,479
------------ ------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ............. 28,533,052 78,325,143
------------ ------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO Realized gain on investments--net:
SHAREHOLDERS Class A ........................................................ (16,194,846) (4,033,407)
(NOTE 1g): Class B ........................................................ (24,903,751) (5,976,897)
Class C ........................................................ (2,771,712) (376,208)
Class D ........................................................ (2,411,519) (455,478)
------------ ------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions to
shareholders ..................................................... (46,281,828) (10,841,990)
------------ ------------
CAPITAL SHARE Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital
TRANSACTIONS share transactions ............................................... (28,438,055) 159,000,753
(NOTE 4): ------------ ------------
NET ASSETS: Total increase (decrease) in net assets .......................... (46,186,831) 226,483,906
Beginning of year ................................................ 381,820,976 155,337,070
------------ ------------
End of year ...................................................... $335,634,145 $381,820,976
============ ============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
47
<PAGE> 102
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC., APRIL 30, 1997
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE FOLLOWING PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS HAVE
BEEN DERIVED FROM INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE CLASS A
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. --------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,
--------------------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE: 1997(++) 1996(++) 1995(++) 1994(++) 1993
--------------------------------------------------
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE Net asset value, beginning of year .......... $ 5.27 $ 3.81 $ 3.87 $ 3.59 $ 3.63
OPERATING -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
PERFORMANCE: Investment income (loss)--net ............... .02 (.01) (.01) (.02) .02
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency transactions
--net ....................................... .40 1.67 .22 .31 (.06)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ............ .42 1.66 .21 .29 (.04)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net .................... -- -- -- (.01) --
Realized gain on investments--net ......... (.64) (.20) (.27) -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ........... (.64) (.20) (.27) (.01) --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of year ................ $ 5.05 $ 5.27 $ 3.81 $ 3.87 $ 3.59
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
TOTAL INVESTMENT Based on net asset value per share .......... 8.55% 44.01% 6.47% 8.19% (1.10%)
RETURN:(**) ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE Expenses .................................... 1.40% 1.53% 1.79% 1.55% 1.85%
NET ASSETS: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income (loss)--net ............... .32% (.23%) (.21%) (.48%) .48%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL Net assets, end of year (in thousands) ...... $121,529 $132,083 $ 69,650 $ 70,753 $ 63,528
DATA: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover .......................... 125.94% 133.50% 196.91% 133.58% 103.06%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Average commission rate paid++++++ .......... $ .0803 $ .0977 -- -- --
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE FOLLOWING PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS HAVE
BEEN DERIVED FROM INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE CLASS B(+)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. --------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,
--------------------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE: 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
--------------------------------------------------
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE Net asset value, beginning of year .......... $ 4.67 $ 3.43 $ 3.55 $ 3.31 $ 3.38
OPERATING -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
PERFORMANCE: Investment loss--net ........................ (.03) (.05) (.04) (.05) (.01)
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency transactions
--net ....................................... .35 1.49 .19 .29 (.06)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ............ .32 1.44 .15 .24 (.07)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net .................... -- -- -- -- --
Realized gain on investments--net ......... (.59) (.20) (.27) -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ........... (.59) (.20) (.27) -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of year ................ $ 4.40 $ 4.67 $ 3.43 $ 3.55 $ 3.31
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
TOTAL INVESTMENT Based on net asset value per share .......... 7.44% 42.46% 5.29% 7.25% (2.07%)
RETURN:(**) ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE Expenses .................................... 2.44% 2.55% 2.85% 2.56% 2.89%
NET ASSETS: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment loss--net ........................ (.72%) (1.24%) (1.29%) (1.52%) (.41%)
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
48
<PAGE> 103
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B(+)
--------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30,
--------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
--------------------------------------------------
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SUPPLEMENTAL Net assets, end of year (in thousands) ...... $178,025 $207,413 $ 79,485 $ 63,692 $ 33,071
DATA: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover .......................... 125.94% 133.50% 196.91% 133.58% 103.06%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Average commission rate paid(+++) ........... $ .0803 $ .0977 -- -- --
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C(+)
--------------------------------------
THE FOLLOWING PER SHARE DATA AND
RATIOS HAVE BEEN DERIVED FROM FOR THE
INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PERIOD
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. FOR THE YEAR OCT. 21,
ENDED APRIL 30, 1994(++) TO
---------------------- APRIL 30,
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE: 1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- --------
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE Net asset value, beginning of
OPERATING period ...................................... $ 4.68 $ 3.43 $ 3.27
PERFORMANCE: -------- -------- --------
Investment loss--net......................... (.04) (.05) (.04)
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments and foreign currency
transactions--net ........................... .35 1.50 .20
-------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ............ .31 1.45 .16
-------- -------- --------
Less distributions from realized
gain on investments--net .................... (.59) (.20) --
-------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period .............. $ 4.40 $ 4.68 $ 3.43
======== ======== ========
TOTAL INVESTMENT Based on net asset value per share .......... 7.28% 42.76% 4.89%(@)
RETURN:(**) ======== ======== ========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE Expenses .................................... 2.46% 2.52% 3.28%(*)
NET ASSETS: ======== ======== ========
Investment income (loss)--net ............... (.76%) (1.19%) (2.13%)(*)
======== ======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL Net assets, end of period
DATA: (in thousands) .............................. $ 17,762 $ 20,761 $ 1,816
======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover .......................... 125.94% 133.50% 196.91%
======== ======== ========
Average commission rate paid(+++) ........... $ .0803 $ .0977 --
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS D(+)
------------------------------------------
THE FOLLOWING PER SHARE DATA AND
RATIOS HAVE BEEN DERIVED FROM FOR THE
INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE PERIOD
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. FOR THE YEAR OCT. 21,
ENDED APRIL 30, 1994(++) TO
-------------------------- APRIL 30,
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE: 1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- --------
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE Net asset value, beginning of
OPERATING period .................................... $ 5.13 $ 3.72 $ 3.61
PERFORMANCE: -------- -------- --------
Investment loss--net ...................... --(#) (.02) (.02)
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments and foreign currency
transactions--net ......................... .39 1.63 .13
-------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .......... .39 1.61 .11
-------- -------- --------
Less distributions from realized
gain on investments--net .................. (.63) (.20) --
-------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period ............ $ 4.89 $ 5.13 $ 3.72
======== ======== ========
TOTAL INVESTMENT Based on net asset value per share ........ 8.11% 43.74% 3.05%(@)
RETURN:(**) ======== ======== ========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE Expenses .................................. 1.65% 1.75% 2.44%(*)
NET ASSETS: ======== ======== ========
Investment income (loss)--net ............. .06% (.44%) (1.23%)(*)
======== ======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL Net assets, end of period
DATA: (in thousands) ............................ $ 18,318 $ 21,564 $ 4,386
======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover ........................ 125.94% 133.50% 196.91%
======== ======== ========
Average commission rate paid(++++++) ...... $ .0803 $ .0977 --
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effect of sales loads.
+ Calculation is based on average number of shares outstanding
during the period.
++ Commencement of Operations.
+++ For fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995,
the Company is required to disclose its average commission
rate per share for purchases and sales of equity securities.
The "Average Commission Rate Paid" includes commissions paid
in foreign currencies, which have been converted into US
dollars using the prevailing exchange rate on the date of
the transaction. Such conversions may significantly affect
the rate shown.
@ Aggregate total investment return.
# Amount is less than $.01 per share.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
49
<PAGE> 104
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC., APRIL 30, 1997
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc. (the "Company") is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified, open-end management
investment company. The Company offers four classes of shares under the Merrill
Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System. Shares of Class A and Class D are sold with a
front-end sales charge. Shares of Class B and Class C may be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge. All classes of shares have identical voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except
that Class B, Class C and Class D Shares bear certain expenses related to the
account maintenance of such shares, and Class B and Class C Shares also bear
certain expenses related to the distribution of such shares. Each class has
exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to its account
maintenance and distribution expenditures. The following is a summary of
significant accounting policies followed by the Company.
(a) Valuation of securities--Portfolio securities which are traded on stock
exchanges are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which such
securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are
being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. Securities
traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last available bid price
prior to the time of valuation. In cases where securities are traded on more
than one exchange, the securities are valued on the exchange designated by or
under the authority of the Board of Directors as the primary market. Securities
which are traded both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are
valued according to the broadest and most representative market. Options written
are valued at the last sale price in the case of exchange-traded options or, in
the case of options traded in the over-the-counter market, the last asked price.
Options purchased are valued at the last sale price in the case of
exchange-traded options or, in the case of options traded in the
over-the-counter market, the last bid price. Short-term securities are valued at
amortized cost, which approximates market value. Other investments, including
futures contracts and related options, are stated at market value. Securities
and assets for which market quotations are not available are valued at fair
value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Company's
Board of Directors.
(b) Foreign currency transactions--Transactions denominated in foreign
currencies are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing when recognized. Assets
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are valued at the exchange
rate at the end of the period. Foreign currency transactions are the result of
settling (realized) or valuing (unrealized) assets or liabilities expressed in
foreign currencies into US dollars. Realized and unrealized gains or losses from
investments include the effects of foreign exchange rates on investments.
(c) Derivative financial instruments--The Company may engage in various
portfolio strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its portfolio
against adverse movements in the equity, debt, and currency 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 Company may also purchase or sell interest
rate 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 Company deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin
as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to
the contract, the Company 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 Company as
unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is closed, the Company 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.
* Foreign currency options and futures--The Company may also purchase or sell
listed or over-the-counter foreign currency options, foreign currency futures
and related options on foreign currency futures as a short or long hedge against
possible variations in foreign exchange rates. Such transactions may be effected
with respect to hedges on non-US dollar denominated securities owned by the
Company, sold by the Company but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated
to be purchased by the Company.
* Forward foreign exchange contracts--The Company is authorized to enter into
forward foreign exchange contracts as a hedge against either specific
transactions or portfolio positions. Such contracts are not entered on the
Company's records. However, the effect on operations is recorded from the date
the Company enters into such contracts. Premium or discount is amortized over
the life of the contracts.
* Options--The Company is authorized to write covered put and call options and
purchase put options. When the Company writes an
50
<PAGE> 105
option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Company 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 Company enters into a closing
transaction), the Company 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.
(d) Income taxes--It is the Company'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. Under the applicable
foreign tax law, a withholding tax may be imposed on interest, dividends, and
capital gains at various rates.
(e) Security transactions and investment income--Security transactions are
recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade dates).
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Dividends from foreign
securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are subsequently recorded
when the Company has determined the ex-dividend date. Interest income (including
amortization of discount) is recognized on the accrual basis. Realized gains and
losses on security transactions are determined on the identified cost basis.
(f) Prepaid registration fees--Prepaid registration fees are charged to expense
as the related shares are issued.
(g) Dividends and distributions--Dividends and distributions paid by
the Company are recorded on the ex-dividend dates.
(h) Reclassification--Generally accepted accounting principles require that
certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences
between financial and tax reporting. Accordingly, current year's permanent
book/tax differences of $1,169,690 have been reclassified between undistributed
net realized capital gains and accumulated net investment loss. These
reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share.
2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:
The Company has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Merrill Lynch
Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM"). The general partner of MLAM is Princeton
Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch &
Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is the limited partner. The Company has also
entered into a Distribution Agreement and Distribution Plans with Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc. ("MLFD" or "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Merrill Lynch Group, Inc.
MLAM is responsible for the management of the Company's portfolio and provides,
or arranges for affiliates to provide, the administrative services necessary for
the operation of the Company. As compensation for its services to the Company,
MLAM receives monthly compensation at the annual rate of 1.0% of the average
daily net assets of the Company.
Pursuant to the distribution plans (the "Distribution Plans") adopted by the
Company in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
the Company pays the Distributor ongoing account maintenance and distribution
fees. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly at annual rates based upon the
average daily net assets of the shares as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Account Distribution
Maintenance Fee Fee
--------------- ---
<S> <C> <C>
Class B ........................... 0.25% 0.75%
Class C ........................... 0.25% 0.75%
Class D ........................... 0.25% --
</TABLE>
Pursuant to a sub-agreement with the Distributor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith Inc. ("MLPF&S"), a subsidiary of ML & Co., also provides account
maintenance and distribution services to the Company. The ongoing account
maintenance fee compensates the Distributor and MLPF&S for providing account
maintenance services to Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders. The ongoing
distribution fee compensates the Distributor and MLPF&S for providing
shareholder and distribution-related services to Class B and Class C
shareholders.
For the year ended April 30, 1997, MLFD earned underwriting discounts and direct
commissions and MLPF&S earned dealer concessions on sales of the Company's Class
A and Class D Shares as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MLFD MLPF&S
---- ------
<S> <C> <C>
Class A ..................... $1,883 $12,924
Class D ..................... $3,748 $73,273
</TABLE>
For the year ended April 30, 1997, MLPF&S received contingent deferred sales
charges of $774,273 and $21,653 relating to transactions in Class B and Class C
Shares, respectively.
51
<PAGE> 106
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
In addition, MLPF&S received $262,491 in commissions on the execution of
portfolio security transactions for the Company for the year ended April 30,
1997.
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. ("MLFDS"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ML & Co., is the Company's transfer agent.
Accounting services are provided to the Company by MLAM at cost.
Certain officers and/or directors of the Company are officers and/or directors
of MLAM, PSI, MLFDS, MLFD, and/or ML & Co.
3. INVESTMENTS:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the
year ended April 30, 1997 were $444,370,551 and $511,406,302, respectively.
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) as of April 30, 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REALIZED UNREALIZED
GAINS (LOSSES) GAINS (LOSSES)
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Long-term investments ....... $ 49,415,787 $ 26,219,549
Short-term investments ...... (1,385) --
Foreign currency
transactions................ (235,744) (11,511)
------------ -------------
Total ....................... $ 49,178,658 $ 26,208,038
============ =============
</TABLE>
As of April 30, 1997, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income tax
purposes aggregated $26,208,612, of which $49,710,014 related to appreciated
securities and $23,501,402 related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost
of investments at April 30, 1997 for Federal income tax purposes was
$313,955,550.
4. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions
was $(28,438,055) and $159,000,753 for the years ended April 30, 1997 and April
30, 1996, respectively.
Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES FOR THE YEAR DOLLAR
ENDED APRIL 30, 1997 SHARES AMOUNT
- -------------------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares sold ...................... 10,271,437 $ 53,025,059
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions ... 2,905,181 14,002,973
----------- -------------
Total issued .................... 13,176,618 67,028,032
Shares redeemed ................. (14,159,809) (72,426,600)
----------- -------------
Net decrease .................... (983,191) $ (5,398,568)
============ =============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES FOR THE YEAR DOLLAR
ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 SHARES AMOUNT
- -------------------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares sold ...................... 10,277,222 $ 49,677,305
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions .... 737,767 3,519,148
----------- --------------
Total issued ..................... 11,014,989 53,196,453
Shares redeemed .................. (4,237,137) (19,882,706)
----------- --------------
Net increase ..................... 6,777,852 $ 33,313,747
=========== =============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES FOR THE YEAR DOLLAR
ENDED APRIL 30, 1997 SHARES AMOUNT
- -------------------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares sold ...................... 10,102,582 $ 46,333,840
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions .... 5,243,741 22,076,148
------------ -------------
Total issued ..................... 15,346,323 68,409,988
Automatic conversion of shares ... (183,162) (837,767)
Shares redeemed .................. (19,079,607) (86,243,719)
------------ --------------
Net decrease ..................... (3,916,446) $ (18,671,498)
============ ==============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES FOR THE
YEAR ENDED DOLLAR
APRIL 30, 1996 SHARES AMOUNT
- -------------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares sold ...................... 31,670,575 $ 137,932,842
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions .... 1,257,829 5,333,197
------------ -------------
Total issued ..................... 32,928,404 143,266,039
Automatic conversion of shares ... (274,090) (1,131,610)
Shares redeemed .................. (11,442,314) (47,991,244)
------------ -------------
Net increase ..................... 21,212,000 $ 94,143,185
============ =============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C SHARES FOR THE YEAR DOLLAR
ENDED APRIL 30, 1997 SHARES AMOUNT
- -------------------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares sold ...................... 2,063,730 $ 9,385,246
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions .... 595,804 2,508,333
---------- -------------
Total issued ..................... 2,659,534 11,893,579
Shares redeemed .................. (3,061,290) (13,780,328)
----------- -------------
Net decrease ..................... (401,756) $ (1,886,749)
========== =============
</TABLE>
52
<PAGE> 107
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C SHARES FOR THE
YEAR ENDED DOLLAR
APRIL 30, 1996 SHARES AMOUNT
- -------------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares sold ...................... 4,706,948 $ 20,619,006
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions .... 81,297 344,700
---------- -------------
Total issued ..................... 4,788,245 20,963,706
Shares redeemed .................. (877,644) (3,793,037)
---------- -------------
Net increase ..................... 3,910,601 $ 17,170,669
========== =============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS D SHARES FOR THE YEAR DOLLAR
ENDED APRIL 30, 1997 SHARES AMOUNT
- -------------------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares sold ...................... 4,556,042 $ 22,861,805
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions .... 445,914 2,082,418
Automatic conversion of shares ... 164,859 837,767
---------- -------------
Total issued ..................... 5,166,815 25,781,990
Shares redeemed .................. (5,626,624) (28,263,230)
---------- -------------
Net decrease ..................... (459,809) $ (2,481,240)
========== =============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS D SHARES FOR THE YEAR DOLLAR
ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 SHARES AMOUNT
- -------------------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares sold ...................... 5,979,086 $ 28,807,012
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of distributions .... 85,423 396,362
Automatic conversion of shares ... 251,321 1,131,610
---------- -------------
Total issued ..................... 6,315,830 30,334,984
Shares redeemed .................. (3,290,897) (15,961,832)
---------- -------------
Net increase ..................... 3,024,933 $ 14,373,152
========== =============
</TABLE>
5. COMMITMENTS:
At April 30, 1997, the Company had entered into foreign exchange contracts under
which it had agreed to buy various foreign currencies with an approximate value
of $2,712,000.
53
<PAGE> 108
[This page is intentionally left blank.]
<PAGE> 109
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies....... 2
Healthcare............................ 2
International Diversification......... 2
Types of Portfolio Companies.......... 2
Other Factors......................... 3
Hedging Techniques.................... 4
Other Investment Policies and
Practices........................... 8
Investment Restrictions............... 8
Management of the Company............... 11
Directors and Officers................ 11
Compensation of Directors............. 12
Advisory and Management
Arrangements........................ 13
Purchase of Shares...................... 14
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives--
Class A and Class D Shares.......... 15
Reduced Initial Sales Charges......... 17
Employer-Sponsored Retirement or
Savings Plans and Certain Other
Arrangements........................ 20
Distribution Plans.................... 20
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred
Sales Charges....................... 20
Redemption of Shares.................... 22
Deferred Sales Charges--Class B and
Class C Shares...................... 22
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage.... 23
Determination of Net Asset Value........ 25
Shareholder Services.................... 26
Investment Account.................... 26
Automatic Investment Plans............ 27
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends
and Capital Gains Distributions..... 27
Systematic Withdrawal Plans--
Class A and Class D Shares.......... 28
Exchange Privilege.................... 29
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes...... 31
Tax Treatment of Options, Futures
and Forward Foreign Exchange
Transactions........................ 33
Special Rules for Certain Foreign
Currency Transactions............... 33
Performance Data........................ 34
General Information..................... 37
Description of Shares................. 37
Computation of Offering Price
per Share........................... 38
Independent Auditors.................. 38
Custodian............................. 38
Transfer Agent........................ 38
Legal Counsel......................... 39
Reports to Shareholders............... 39
Additional Information................ 39
Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners................... 39
Independent Auditors' Report............ 40
Financial Statements.................... 41
</TABLE>
Code #10255-0797
[MERRILL LYNCH LOGO]
MERRILL LYNCH
HEALTHCARE FUND, INC.
[MERRILL LYNCH COMPASS]
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
July 29, 1997
Distributor:
Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE> 110
APPENDIX FOR GRAPHIC AND IMAGE MATERIAL
Pursuant to Rule 304 of Regulation S-T, the following table presents
fair and accurate narrative descriptions of graphic and image material omitted
from this EDGAR Submission File due to ASCII-incompatibility and
cross-references this material to the location of each occurrence in the text.
DESCRIPTION OF OMITTED LOCATION OF GRAPHIC
GRAPHIC OR IMAGE OR IMAGE IN TEXT
- ---------------------- -------------------
Compass plate, circular Back cover of Prospectus and
graph paper and Merrill Lynch back cover of Statement of
logo including stylized market Additional Information
bull.
<PAGE> 111
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(a) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Contained in Part A:
Financial Highlights for each of the years in the five-year
period ended April 30, 1997, the five-month period ended April 30,
1992, the year ended November 30, 1991, the eight-month period
ended November 30, 1990 and each of the years in the three-year
period ended March 31, 1990.
Contained in Part B:
Schedule of Investments as of April 30, 1997.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of April 30, 1997.
Statement of Operations for the year ended April 30, 1997.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for each of the years in the
two-year period ended April 30, 1997.
Financial Highlights for each of the years in the five-year
period ended April 30, 1997.
(b) EXHIBITS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <C> <S>
1(a) -- Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated October 28, 1982.(a)
(b) -- Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated
November 29, 1982.(b)
(c) -- Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated
October 3, 1988.(a)
(d) -- Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated
April 27, 1992.(a)
(e) -- Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated
October 17, 1994.(a)
(f) -- Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated
October 17, 1994.(a)
2 -- By-Laws of Registrant.(a)
3 -- None.
4 -- Copies of instruments defining the rights of shareholders, including the
relevant portions of the Articles of Incorporation, as amended and supplemented
and By-Laws of the Registrant.(b)
5(a) -- Amended Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Merrill Lynch
Asset Management, L.P.(a)
(b) -- Supplement to Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, L.P.(d)
(c) -- Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. and
Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited.
6(a) -- Form of Class A Shares Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.(c)
(b) -- Class B Shares Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc.(a)
(c) -- Letter Agreement between the Registrant and Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor,
Inc. with respect to the Merrill Lynch Mutual Fund Advisor Program.(d)
(d) -- Form of Class C Shares Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.(c)
(e) -- Form of Class D Shares Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.(c)
7 -- None.
</TABLE>
C-1
<PAGE> 112
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <C> <S>
8 -- Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.(a)
9 -- Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and Shareholder Servicing Agency
Agreement between the Registrant and Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services,
Inc.(a)
10 -- Opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel for the Registrant.
11 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors for the Registrant.
12 -- None.
13 -- Certificate of Merrill Lynch Asset Management, Inc.(a)
14 -- None.
15(a) -- Class B Shares Distribution Plan and Class B Shares Distribution Plan
Sub-Agreement of the Registrant.(e)
(b) -- Form of Class C Shares Distribution Plan and Class C Shares Distribution Plan
Sub-Agreement of the Registrant.(c)
(c) -- Form of Class D Shares Distribution Plan and Class D Shares Distribution Plan
Sub-Agreement of the Registrant.(c)
16(a) -- Schedule for computation of each performance quotation provided in the
Registration Statement in response to Item 22 relating to Class A Shares.(a)
(b) -- Schedule for computation of each performance quotation provided in the
Registration Statement in response to Item 22 relating to Class B Shares.(a)
(c) -- Schedule for computation of each performance quotation provided in the
Registration Statement in response to Item 22 relating to Class C Shares.(a)
(d) -- Schedule for computation of each performance quotation provided in the
Registration Statement in response to Item 22 relating to Class D Shares.(a)
17(a) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class A Shares.
(b) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class B Shares.
(c) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class C Shares.
(d) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class D Shares.
18 -- Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3.(f)
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) Filed on August 24, 1995, as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17
to Registrant's Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, on Form N-1A (File No. 2-80150) (the "Registration Statement").
(b) Reference is made to Article V, Article VI (section 3), Article VII, Article
VIII and Article X of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation, as
amended, filed as Exhibits 1(a), 1(b), 1(c), 1(d), 1(e) and 1(f) to the
Registration Statement; and to Article II, Article III (sections 1, 3, 5, 6,
and 17), Article VI, Article VII, Article XIII and Article XIV of the
Registrant's By-Laws filed as Exhibit 2 to the Registration Statement.
(c) Filed on October 11, 1994 as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16
to the Registration Statement.
(d) Filed on August 26, 1994, as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 15
to the Registration Statement.
(e) Filed on August 27, 1993, as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14
to the Registration Statement.
(f) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13
to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, filed on January 25, 1996, relating to shares of Merrill Lynch
New York Municipal Bond Fund series of Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal
Series Trust (File No. 2-99473).
C-2
<PAGE> 113
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
Registrant is not controlled by or under common control with any other
person.
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
HOLDERS AT
TITLE OF CLASS JUNE 30, 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------
<S> <C>
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share................................. 25,427
Class B Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share................................. 21,484
Class C Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share................................. 3,099
Class D Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share................................. 2,301
</TABLE>
Note: The numbers of holders shown above includes holders of record plus
beneficial owners, whose shares are held of record by Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
Reference is made to Article VI of the Registrant's Articles of
Incorporation, Article VI of the Registrant's By-Laws, Section 2-418 of the
Maryland General Corporation Law and Section 9 of the Distribution Agreements.
Article VI of the By-Laws provides that each officer and director of the
Registrant shall be indemnified by the Registrant to the full extent permitted
under the General Laws of the State of Maryland, except that such indemnity
shall not protect any such person against any liability to the Registrant or any
stockholder thereof to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith or reckless disregard of the duties involved in
the conduct of his office. Absent a court determination that an officer or
director seeking indemnification was not liable on the merits or guilty of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office, the decision by the Registrant to
indemnify such person must be based upon the reasonable determination of
independent counsel or non-party independent directors, after review of the
facts, that such officer or director is not guilty of willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office.
Each officer and director of the Registrant claiming indemnification within
the scope of Article VI of the By-Laws shall be entitled to advances from the
Registrant for payment of the reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection
with proceedings to which he is a party in the manner and to the full extent
permitted under the General Laws of the State of Maryland; provided, however,
that the person seeking indemnification shall provide to the Registrant a
written affirmation of his good faith belief that the standard of conduct
necessary for indemnification by the Registrant has been met and a written
undertaking to repay any such advance, if it should ultimately be determined
that the standard of conduct has not been met, and provided further that at
least one of the following additional conditions is met: (a) the person seeking
indemnification shall provide a security in form and amount acceptable to the
Registrant for his undertaking; (b) the Registrant is insured against losses
arising by reason of the advance; or (c) a majority of a quorum of non-party
independent directors, or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall
determine, based on a review of facts readily available to the Registrant at the
time the advance is proposed to be made, that there is reason to believe that
the person seeking indemnification will ultimately be found to be entitled to
indemnification.
The Registrant may purchase insurance on behalf of an officer or director
protecting such person to the full extent permitted under the General Laws of
the State of Maryland from liability, arising from his activities as officer or
director of the Registrant. The Registrant, however, may not purchase insurance
on behalf of any officer or director of the Registrant that protects or purports
to protect such person from liability to the Registrant or to its stockholders
to which such officer or director would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office.
C-3
<PAGE> 114
The Registrant may indemnify, make advances or purchase insurance to the
extent provided in Article VI of the By-Laws on behalf of an employee or agent
who is not an officer or director of the Registrant.
In Section 9 of the Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares
Distribution Agreements relating to the securities being offered hereby, the
Registrant agrees to indemnify the Distributor and each person, if any, who
controls the Distributor within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act"), against certain types of civil liabilities arising in
connection with the Registration Statement or Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may
be permitted to Directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
and the principal underwriter 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 and the principal underwriter in connection with the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
Director, officer or controlling person or the principal underwriter in
connection with the shares 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.
ITEM 28. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER.
(a) Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM" or 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 Developing Capital Markets
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Dragon Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch EuroFund, Merrill
Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Fund For Tomorrow, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Global Allocation Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Bond Fund for
Investment and Retirement, Merrill Lynch Global Convertible Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Global Holdings, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Resources Trust, Merrill Lynch
Global SmallCap 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 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: Convertible Holdings, Inc., Merrill
Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch Senior Floating
Rate Fund, Inc. MLAM also acts as sub-adviser to Merrill Lynch World Strategy
Portfolio and Merrill Lynch Basic Equity Portfolio, two investment portfolios of
EQ Advisory Trust.
Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM"), an affiliate of MLAM, acts as the
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 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 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
C-4
<PAGE> 115
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., Debt Strategies Fund, Inc.,
Income Opportunities Fund 1999, Inc., Income Opportunities Fund 2000, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc., MuniAssets Fund, Inc., MuniEnhanced
Fund, Inc., MuniInsured Fund, Inc., MuniVest Fund, Inc., MuniVest Fund II, Inc.,
MuniVest Florida Fund, 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., Taurus MuniCalifornia Holdings, Inc.,
Taurus MuniNew York Holdings, Inc. and Worldwide DollarVest Fund, Inc.
The address of each of these investment companies is P.O. Box 9011,
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011, except that the address of Merrill Lynch Funds
for Institutions Series is One Financial Center, 15th Floor, Boston,
Massachusetts 02111-2646. The address of MLAM, FAM, Princeton Services, Inc.
("Princeton Services") and Princeton Administrators L.P. is also P.O. Box 9011,
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011. The address of Merrill Lynch Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("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. The address of Merrill
Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. ("MLFDS") is 4800 Deer Lake Drive East,
Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484.
Set forth below is a list of each executive officer and director 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
since May 1, 1993 for his, her or its own account or in the capacity of
director, officer, partner or trustee. In addition, Mr. Zeikel is President, Mr.
Richard is Treasurer and Mr. Glenn is Executive Vice President of substantially
all of the investment companies described in the first two paragraphs of this
Item 28 and Messrs. Giordano, Harvey, Kirstein and Monagle are directors,
trustees or officers of one or more of such companies.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,
POSITION(S) WITH PROFESSION, VOCATION
NAME INVESTMENT ADVISER OR EMPLOYMENT
- ------------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ML & Co....................... Limited Partner Financial Services Holding Company;
Limited Partner of FAM
Princeton Services............ General Partner General Partner of FAM
Arthur Zeikel................. President and Director President of FAM; President and
Director of Princeton Services;
Director of MLFD; Executive Vice
President of ML & Co.
Terry K. Glenn................ Executive Vice President Executive Vice President of FAM;
Executive Vice President and Director
of Princeton Services; President and
Director of MLFD; Director of MLFDS;
President of Princeton
Administrators, L.P.
Vincent R. Giordano........... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM; Senior
Vice President of Princeton Services
Elizabeth Griffin............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM
Norman R. Harvey.............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM; Senior
Vice President of Princeton Services
Michael J. Hennewinkel........ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM; Senior
Vice President of Princeton Services
</TABLE>
C-5
<PAGE> 116
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,
POSITION(S) WITH PROFESSION, VOCATION
NAME INVESTMENT ADVISER OR EMPLOYMENT
- ------------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Philip L. Kirstein............ Senior Vice President, Senior Vice President, General
General Counsel and Counsel and Secretary of FAM; Senior
Secretary Vice President, General Counsel,
Director and Secretary of Princeton
Services; Director of MLFD
Ronald M. Kloss............... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President and Controller
and Controller of FAM; Senior Vice President and
Controller of Princeton Services
Stephen M. M. Miller.......... Senior Vice President Executive Vice President of Princeton
Administrators, L.P.; Senior Vice
President of Princeton Services
Joseph T. Monagle, Jr......... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM; Senior
Vice President of Princeton Services
Michael L. Quinn.............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM; Senior
Vice President of Princeton Services;
Managing Director and First Vice
President of Merrill Lynch from 1989
to 1995.
Richard L. Reller............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM; Senior
Vice President of Princeton Services
Gerald M. Richard............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President and Treasurer
and Treasurer of FAM; Senior Vice President and
Treasurer of Princeton Services; Vice
President and Treasurer of MLFD
Ronald L. Welburn............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM; Senior
Vice President of Princeton Services
Anthony Wiseman............... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM; Senior
Vice President of Princeton Services
</TABLE>
(b) Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited ("MLAM U.K.") acts as
sub-adviser for the following registered investment companies: Corporate High
Yield Fund, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund II, Inc., Income Opportunities Fund
1999, Inc., Income Opportunities Fund 2000, 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 Basic
Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Capital Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Consults
International Portfolio, Merrill Lynch Corporate Bond Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Developing Capital Markets, Inc., Merrill Lynch Dragon Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Emerging Tigers Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch EuroFund, Merrill Lynch Fundamental
Growth Fund Inc., Merrill Lynch Fund For Tomorrow, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global
Allocation Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Bond Fund for Investment and
Retirement, Merrill Lynch Global Convertible Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global
Holdings, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Resources Trust, Merrill Lynch Global
SmallCap 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 International Equity Fund, Merrill Lynch Latin America
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Middle East/Africa Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Pacific
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Phoenix Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Series Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Short-Term Global Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Special Value
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Strategic Dividend Fund, Merrill Lynch Technology
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Utility Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Variable
Series Funds, Inc., Merrill Lynch World Income Fund, Inc. and Worldwide
DollarVest Fund, Inc. The address of each of these investment companies is P.O.
Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011. The address of MLAM U.K. is Milton
Gate, 1 Moor Lane, London EC2Y 9HA, England.
Set forth below is a list of each executive officer and director of MLAM
U.K. indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a
substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged since May 1, 1995,
for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or
trustee. In addition,
C-6
<PAGE> 117
Messrs. Zeikel, Albert and Richard are officers of one or more of the registered
investment companies listed in the first two paragraphs of this Item 28:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,
NAME POSITION WITH MLAM U.K. PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
- -------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Arthur Zeikel Director and Chairman President of MLAM and FAM; President and Director
of Princeton Services; Director of MLFD;
Executive Vice President of ML&Co.
Alan J. Albert Senior Managing Director Vice President of MLAM
Nicholas C.D. Hall Director Director of Merrill Lynch Europe PLC; General
Counsel of Merrill Lynch International Private
Banking Group
Gerald M. Richard Senior Vice President Senior Vice President and Treasurer of MLAM and
FAM; Senior Vice President and Treasurer of
Princeton Services; Vice President and Treasurer
of MLFD
Carol Ann Langham Company Secretary None
Debra Anne Searle Assistant Company None
Secretary
</TABLE>
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
(a) MLFD acts as the principal underwriter for the Registrant and for each
of the open-end investment companies referred to in the first two paragraphs of
Item 28 except CBA Money Fund, CMA Government Securities Fund, CMA Money Fund,
CMA Multi-State Municipal Series Trust, CMA Tax-Exempt Fund, CMA Treasury Fund,
The Corporate Fund Accumulation Program, Inc., and the Municipal Fund
Accumulation Program, Inc., and MLFD also acts as the principal underwriter for
the following closed-end investment companies: Merrill Lynch High Income
Municipal Bond Program, Inc. and Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.
(b) Set forth below is information concerning each director and officer of
MLFD. The principal business address of each such person is P.O. Box 9081,
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081, except that the address of Messrs. Aldrich,
Brady, Breen, Crook, Fatseas and Wasel is One Financial Center, 15th Floor,
Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2665.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND OFFICES
NAME WITH MLFD WITH REGISTRANT
- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------- ------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Terry K. Glenn................ President and Director Executive Vice President
Arthur Zeikel................. Director President and Director
Philip L. Kirstein............ Director Senior Vice President
William E. Aldrich............ Senior Vice President None
Robert W. Crook............... Senior Vice President None
Michael J. Brady.............. Vice President None
William M. Breen.............. Vice President None
Michael G. Clark.............. Vice President None
James T. Fatseas.............. Vice President None
Michelle T. Lau............... Vice President None
Debra W. Landsman-Yaros....... Vice President None
Gerald M. Richard............. Vice President and Treasurer Treasurer
Salvatore Venezia............. Vice President None
William Wasel................. Vice President None
Robert Harris................. Secretary None
</TABLE>
C-7
<PAGE> 118
(c) Not applicable.
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS 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
thereunder are maintained at the offices of the Registrant (800 Scudders Mill
Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536), and its transfer agent, Merrill Lynch
Financial Data Services, Inc. (4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Jacksonville, Florida
32246-6484).
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Other than as set forth under the caption "Management of the
Company--Advisory and Management Arrangements" in the Prospectus constituting
Part A of the Registration Statement and under "Management of the
Company--Advisory and Management Arrangements" in the Statement of Additional
Information constituting Part B of the Registration Statement, the Registrant is
not a party to any management-related service contract.
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) The Registrant undertakes to furnish to each person to whom a
prospectus is delivered a copy of the Registrant's latest annual report to
shareholders, upon request and without charge.
C-8
<PAGE> 119
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, THE REGISTRANT CERTIFIES THAT IT MEETS ALL OF
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT TO ITS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 485(B) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT TO ITS 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 1997.
Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc.
(Registrant)
By /s/ GERALD M. RICHARD
---------------------------------
(Gerald M. Richard, Treasurer)
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT TO ITS REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY
THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATE(S) INDICATED.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------------------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------
<C> <S> <C>
ARTHUR ZEIKEL* President and Director
- --------------------------------------------- (Principal Executive
(Arthur Zeikel) Officer)
GERALD M. RICHARD* Treasurer (Principal
- --------------------------------------------- Financial and
(Gerald M. Richard) Accounting Officer)
DONALD CECIL* Director
- ---------------------------------------------
(Donald Cecil)
EDWARD H. MEYER* Director
- ---------------------------------------------
(Edward H. Meyer)
CHARLES C. REILLY* Director
- ---------------------------------------------
(Charles C. Reilly)
RICHARD R. WEST* Director
- ---------------------------------------------
(Richard R. West)
EDWARD D. ZINBARG* Director
- ---------------------------------------------
(Edward D. Zinbarg)
*By /s/ GERALD M. RICHARD July 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
(Gerald M. Richard, Attorney-in-Fact)
</TABLE>
C-9
<PAGE> 120
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------ -----------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <C> <S> <C>
5(c) -- Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between Merrill Lynch Asset
Management, L.P. and Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited.
10 -- Opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel for the Registrant.
11 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors for the
Registrant.
17(a) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class A Shares.
(b) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class B Shares.
(c) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class C Shares.
(d) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class D Shares.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5(c)
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the day of , 199 , by and between
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership
(hereinafter referred to as "MLAM"), and MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT U.K.
LIMITED, a corporation organized under the laws of England and Wales
(hereinafter referred to as "MLAM U.K.").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC. (the "Fund") is a
Maryland corporation engaged in business as a non-diversified, open-end
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (hereinafter referred to as the "Investment Company Act"); and
WHEREAS, MLAM and MLAM U.K. are engaged principally in rendering
investment advisory services and are registered as investment advisers under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; and
WHEREAS, MLAM U.K. is regulated by the Investment Management
Regulatory Organization, a self-regulating organization recognized under the
Financial Services Act of 1986 of the United Kingdom (hereinafter referred to as
"IMRO"), and the conduct of its investment business is regulated by IMRO; and
WHEREAS, MLAM has entered into an investment advisory agreement (the
"Investment Advisory Agreement") dated April 1, 1992, pursuant to which MLAM
provides management and investment and advisory services to the Fund; and
<PAGE> 2
WHEREAS, MLAM U.K. is willing to provide investment advisory
services to MLAM in connection with the Fund's operations on the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants
hereinafter contained, MLAM U.K. and MLAM hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Duties of MLAM U.K.
MLAM hereby employs MLAM U.K. to act as investment adviser to MLAM
and to furnish, or arrange for affiliates to furnish, the investment advisory
services described below, subject to the broad supervision of MLAM and the Fund,
for the period and on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. MLAM
U.K. hereby accepts such employment and agrees during such period, at its own
expense, to render, or arrange for the rendering of, such services and to assume
the obligations herein set forth for the compensation provided for herein. MLAM
and its affiliates shall for all purposes herein be deemed a Non Private
Customer as defined under the rules promulgated by IMRO (hereinafter referred to
as the "IMRO Rules"). MLAM U.K. and its affiliates shall for all purposes herein
be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, unless otherwise expressly
provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Fund in
any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Fund.
MLAM U.K. shall have the right to make unsolicited calls on MLAM and
shall provide MLAM with such investment research, advice
2
<PAGE> 3
and supervision as the latter may from time to time consider necessary for the
proper supervision of the assets of the Fund; shall make recommendations from
time to time as to which securities shall be purchased, sold or exchanged and
what portion of the assets of the Fund shall be held in the various securities
in which the Fund invests, options, futures, options on futures or cash; all of
the foregoing subject always to the restrictions of the Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws of the Fund, as they may be amended and/or restated
from time to time, the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the
statements relating to the Fund's investment objective, investment policies and
investment restrictions as the same are set forth in the currently effective
prospectus and statement of additional information relating to the shares of the
Fund under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Prospectus" and
"Statement of Additional Information", respectively). MLAM U.K. shall make
recommendations and effect transactions with respect to foreign currency
matters, including foreign exchange contracts, foreign currency options, foreign
currency futures and related options on foreign currency futures and forward
foreign currency transactions. MLAM U.K. shall also make recommendations or take
action as to the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate
action and any other rights pertaining to the portfolio securities of the Fund
shall be exercised.
MLAM U.K. will not hold money on behalf of MLAM or the Fund, nor
will MLAM U.K. be the registered holder of the registered
3
<PAGE> 4
investments of MLAM or the Fund or be the custodian of documents or other
evidence of title.
ARTICLE II
Allocation of Charges and Expenses
MLAM U.K. assumes and shall pay for maintaining the staff and
personnel necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement and shall at
its own expense provide the office space, equipment and facilities which it is
obligated to provide under Article I hereof and shall pay all compensation of
officers of the Fund and all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated persons of
MLAM U.K.
ARTICLE III
Compensation of MLAM U.K.
For the services rendered, the facilities furnished and expenses
assumed by MLAM U.K., MLAM shall pay to MLAM U.K. a fee in an amount to be
determined from time to time by MLAM and MLAM U.K. but in no event in excess of
the amount that MLAM actually receives for providing services to the Fund
pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
Limitation of Liability of MLAM U.K.
MLAM U.K. shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake
of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission
in the performance of sub-advisory services rendered with respect to the Fund,
except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance
of
4
<PAGE> 5
its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties
hereunder. As used in this Article IV, MLAM U.K. shall include any affiliates of
MLAM U.K. performing services for MLAM contemplated hereby and directors,
officers and employees of MLAM U.K. and such affiliates.
ARTICLE V
Activities of MLAM U.K.
The services of MLAM U.K. to the Fund are not to be deemed to be
exclusive, MLAM U.K. and any person controlled by or under common control with
MLAM U.K. (for purposes of this Article V referred to as "affiliates") being
free to render services to others. It is understood that Directors, officers,
employees and shareholders of the Fund are or may become interested in MLAM U.K.
and its affiliates, as directors, officers, employees and shareholders or
otherwise and that directors, officers, employees and shareholders of MLAM U.K.
and its affiliates are or may become similarly interested in the Fund, and that
MLAM U.K. and directors, officers, employees, partners and shareholders of its
affiliates may become interested in the Fund as shareholders or otherwise.
ARTICLE VI
MLAM U.K. Statements Pursuant to IMRO Rules
Any complaints concerning MLAM U.K. should be in writing addressed
to the attention of the Managing Director of MLAM U.K. MLAM has the right to
obtain from MLAM U.K. a copy of the IMRO
5
<PAGE> 6
complaints procedure and to approach IMRO and the Investment Ombudsman directly.
MLAM U.K. may make recommendations, subject to the investment
restrictions referred to in Article I herein, regarding Investments Not Readily
Realisable (as that term is used in the IMRO Rules) or investments denominated
in a currency other than British pound sterling. There can be no certainty that
market makers will be prepared to deal in unlisted or thinly traded securities
and an accurate valuation may be hard to obtain. The value of investments
recommended by MLAM U.K. may be subject to exchange rate fluctuations which may
have favorable or unfavorable effects on investments.
MLAM U.K. may make recommendations, subject to the investment
restrictions referred to in Article I herein, regarding options, futures or
contracts for differences. Markets can be highly volatile and such investments
carry a high degree of risk of loss exceeding the original investment and any
margin on deposit.
ARTICLE VII
Duration and Termination of this Agreement
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first above
written and shall remain in force until the date of termination of the
Investment Advisory Agreement (but not later than two years after the date
hereof) and thereafter, but only so long as such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by (i) the Directors of the Fund or by the vote of a
6
<PAGE> 7
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund and (ii) a majority of
those Directors who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of
any such party cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such approval.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of
any penalty, by MLAM or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, or by MLAM U.K., on sixty days' written notice to the
other party. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment or in the event of the termination of the Investment Advisory
Agreement. Any termination shall be without prejudice to the completion of
transactions already initiated.
ARTICLE VIII
Amendments of this Agreement
This Agreement may be amended by the parties only if such amendment
is specifically approved by (i) the Directors of the Fund or by the vote of a
majority of outstanding voting securities of the Fund and (ii) a majority of
those Directors who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of
any such party cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such approval.
ARTICLE IX
Definitions of Certain Terms
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities",
"assignment", "affiliated person" and "interested person", when used in this
Agreement, shall have the respective
7
<PAGE> 8
meanings specified in the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Act.
ARTICLE X
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York and the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act.
To the extent that the applicable laws of the State of New York, or any of the
provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the Investment
Company Act, the latter shall control.
8
<PAGE> 9
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered
this Agreement as of the date first above written.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
By
----------------------------------------
Title:
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT U.K. LIMITED
By
-----------------------------------------
Title:
9
<PAGE> 1
BROWN & WOOD LLP
ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048-0557
TELEPHONE: (212) 839-5300
FACSIMILE: (212) 839-5599
July 29, 1997
Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc.
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is furnished in connection with the registration by Merrill
Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), of shares
of common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Company (the "Shares"), under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to the Company's registration
statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-80150), as amended (the "Registration
Statement"), in the amount set forth under "Amount Being Registered" on the
facing page of the Registration Statement.
As counsel for the Company, 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 Company, as amended, the By-Laws of the Company and such other documents
as we have deemed relevant to the matters referred to in this opinion.
<PAGE> 2
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 for
consideration not less than the par value thereof, will be legally issued, fully
paid and non-assessable shares of common stock.
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 and
Statement of Additional Information constituting parts thereof.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Brown & Wood LLP
2
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 11
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc.:
We consent to the use in Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to Registration
Statement No. 2-80150 of our report dated June 4, 1997 appearing in the
Statement of Additional Information, which is a part of such Registration
Statement, and to the reference to us under the caption "Financial Highlights"
appearing in the Prospectus, which also is a part of such Registration
Statement.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
July 28, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000709140
<NAME> MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 001
<NAME> CLASS A
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-1997
<PERIOD-START> MAY-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 313,944,613
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 340,164,162
<RECEIVABLES> 1,656,393
<ASSETS-OTHER> 30,577
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 341,851,132
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 4,076,321
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,140,666
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,216,987
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 275,617,740
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 24,063,709
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 25,046,900
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 33,808,367
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 26,208,038
<NET-ASSETS> 121,529,512
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 5,117,908
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,347,264
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (7,634,862)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (1,169,690)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 49,178,658
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (19,475,916)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 28,533,052
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (16,194,846)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 10,271,437
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (14,159,809)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 2,905,181
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (46,186,831)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 32,081,227
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 3,764,088
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 7,634,862
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 132,998,817
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 5.27
<PER-SHARE-NII> .02
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .40
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.64)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 5.05
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.40
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000709140
<NAME> MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 002
<NAME> CLASS B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-1997
<PERIOD-START> MAY-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 313,944,613
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 340,164,162
<RECEIVABLES> 1,656,393
<ASSETS-OTHER> 30,577
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 341,851,132
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 4,076,321
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,140,666
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,216,987
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 275,617,740
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 40,459,694
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 44,376,140
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 33,808,367
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 26,208,038
<NET-ASSETS> 178,024,777
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 5,117,908
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,347,264
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (7,634,862)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (1,169,690)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 49,178,658
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (19,475,916)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 28,533,052
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (24,903,751)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 10,102,582
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (19,262,769)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 5,243,741
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (46,186,831)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 32,081,227
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 3,764,085
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 7,634,862
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 200,952,580
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 4.67
<PER-SHARE-NII> (.03)
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .35
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.59)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 4.40
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 2.44
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000709140
<NAME> MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 003
<NAME> CLASS C
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-1997
<PERIOD-START> MAY-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 313,944,613
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 340,164,162
<RECEIVABLES> 1,656,393
<ASSETS-OTHER> 30,577
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 341,851,132
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 4,076,321
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,140,666
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,216,987
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 275,617,740
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,037,836
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4,439,592
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 33,808,367
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 26,208,038
<NET-ASSETS> 17,761,804
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 5,117,908
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,347,264
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (7,634,862)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (1,169,690)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 49,178,658
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (19,475,916)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 28,533,052
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (2,771,712)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,063,730
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (3,061,290)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 595,804
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (46,186,831)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 32,081,227
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 3,764,088
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 7,634,862
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 21,601,948
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 4.68
<PER-SHARE-NII> (.04)
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .35
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.59)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 4.40
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 2.46
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000709140
<NAME> MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 004
<NAME> CLASS D
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-1997
<PERIOD-START> MAY-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 313,944,613
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 340,164,162
<RECEIVABLES> 1,656,393
<ASSETS-OTHER> 30,577
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 341,851,132
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 4,076,321
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 2,140,666
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,216,987
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 275,617,740
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 3,743,169
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4,202,978
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 33,808,367
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 26,208,038
<NET-ASSETS> 18,318,052
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 5,117,908
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,347,264
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (7,634,862)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (1,169,690)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 49,178,658
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (19,475,658)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 28,533,052
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (2,411,519)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 4,720,901
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (5,626,624)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 445,914
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (46,186,831)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 32,081,227
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 3,764,088
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 7,634,862
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 20,855,548
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 5.13
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .39
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.63)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 4.89
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.65
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
