AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 29, 2000
REGISTRATION NO. 2-85869
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 15
TO
FORM S-6
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FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933 OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT
TRUSTS REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2
-------------------------------------
A. EXACT NAME OF TRUST:
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
NEW YORK SERIES A
B. NAMES OF DEPOSITORS:
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
C. COMPLETE ADDRESSES OF DEPOSITORS' PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
FENNER & SMITH 388 GREENWICH
INCORPORATED STREET--23RD FLOOR
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS NEW YORK, NY 10013
POST OFFICE BOX 9051
PRINCETON, NJ 08543-9051
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
INCORPORATED TWO WORLD TRADE
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA CENTER--59TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10292 NEW YORK, NY 10048
</TABLE>
D. NAMES AND COMPLETE ADDRESSES OF AGENTS FOR SERVICE:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
TERESA KONCICK, ESQ.
P.O. BOX 9051
PRINCETON, NJ 08543-9051 MICHAEL KOCHMANN
388 GREENWICH ST.
NEW YORK, NY 10013
LEE B. SPENCER, JR. COPIES TO: DOUGLAS LOWE, EQ.
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA PIERRE DE SAINT PHALLE, DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
NEW YORK, NY 10292 ESQ. TWO WORLD TRADE
450 LEXINGTON AVENUE CENTER--59TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10017 NEW YORK, NY 10048
</TABLE>
The issuer has registered an indefinite number of Units under the Securities Act
of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2 and will file the Rule 24f-2 Notice for the most
recent fiscal year in March, 2000.
Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on February
29, 2000 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485. /X/
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<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--REGISTERED TRADEMARK--
------------------------------
----------------------
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
NEW YORK SERIES A
(14-DAY REPURCHASE--COLLATERAL BACKED)
(A UNIT INVESTMENT TRUST)
- PRIMARILY LONG TERM MUNICIPAL BONDS
- DESIGNED TO BE FREE OF REGULAR FEDERAL INCOME TAX
- MONTHLY DISTRIBUTIONS
SPONSORS:
MERRILL LYNCH,
PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH -----------------------------------------------------
INCORPORATED The Securities and Exchange Commission has not
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. approved or disapproved these Securities or passed
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC. upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
INC. Prospectus dated February 29, 2000.
<PAGE>
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Defined Asset Funds--Registered Trademark--
Defined Asset Funds-Registered Trademark- is America's oldest and largest family
of unit investment trusts, with over $160 billion sponsored over the last 28
years. Defined Asset Funds has been a leader in unit investment trust research
and product innovation. Our family of Funds helps investors work toward their
financial goals with a full range of quality investments, including municipal,
corporate and government bond portfolios, as well as domestic and international
equity portfolios.
Defined Asset Funds offer a number of advantages:
- A disciplined strategy of buying and holding with a long-term view is the
cornerstone of Defined Asset Funds.
- Fixed portfolio: Defined Funds follow a buy and hold investment strategy;
funds are not managed and portfolio changes are limited.
- Defined Portfolios: We choose the stocks and bonds in advance, so you know
what you're investing in.
- Professional research: Our dedicated research team seeks out stocks or bonds
appropriate for a particular fund's objectives.
- Ongoing supervision: We monitor each portfolio on an ongoing basis.
No matter what your investment goals, tolerance for risk or time horizon,
there's probably a Defined Asset Fund that suits your investment style. Your
financial professional can help you select a Defined Asset Fund that works best
for your investment portfolio.
THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS AS OF THE EVALUATION DATE,
OCTOBER 29, 1999.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CONTENTS
PAGE
---
New York Series Portfolio--
Risk/Return Summary................ 3
What You Can Expect From Your
Investment......................... 6
Monthly Income..................... 6
Return Figures..................... 6
Records and Reports................ 6
The Risks You Face................... 7
Interest Rate Risk................. 7
Call Risk.......................... 7
Reduced Diversification Risk....... 7
Liquidity Risk..................... 7
Collateral Related Risk............ 7
Concentration Risk................. 7
State Concentration Risk............. 7
Litigation and Legislation Risks... 8
Selling or Exchanging Units.......... 8
Sponsors' Secondary Market......... 8
Selling Units to the Trustee....... 9
Exchange Option.................... 9
How The Fund Works................... 10
Pricing............................ 10
Evaluations........................ 10
Income............................. 10
Placement Fee...................... 10
Expenses........................... 10
Portfolio Changes.................. 11
Fund Termination................... 11
Certificates....................... 12
Trust Indenture.................... 12
Legal Opinion...................... 13
Auditors........................... 13
Sponsors........................... 13
Trustee............................ 13
Underwriters' and Sponsors'
Profits.......................... 13
Public Distribution................ 13
Code of Ethics..................... 14
Year 2000 Issues................... 14
Taxes................................ 14
Supplemental Information............. 16
Financial Statements................. D-1
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
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NEW YORK SERIES PORTFOLIO--RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
1. WHAT ARE THE FUND'S OBJECTIVES?
- The Fund seeks interest income that is
exempt from regular federal income taxes
by investing in a fixed portfolio
consisting primarily of long term
municipal bonds with an estimated
average life of about 16 years, issued
by or on behalf of the State of New York
or its local governments and
authorities.
- The Fund seeks to reduce fluctuations in
the value of the bonds (and minimize the
risk of losing money) through the
repurchase commitments described below.
2. WHAT ARE MUNICIPAL REVENUE BONDS?
Municipal industrial development revenue
bonds are bonds issued by states,
municipalities and public authorities to
finance the cost of buying, building or
improving various projects intended to
generate revenue, such as airport,
healthcare, housing and municipal
utilities. Generally, payments on these
bonds depend solely on the revenues
generated by the project, excise taxes
or state appropriations, and are not
backed by the government's taxing power.
3. WHAT IS THE FUND'S INVESTMENT STRATEGY?
- The Fund plans to hold to maturity 74
collateralized tax-exempt municipal
bonds with an aggregate face amount of
$54,342,695.
- The Fund is a unit investment trust
which means that, unlike a mutual fund,
the Portfolio is not managed.
- The approximate percentage of the
Portfolio backed by each Seller's
repurchase commitments is:
</TABLE>
Astoria Federal 88%
The Dime Savings Bank 5%
Home Savings Bank 7%
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
- The bonds were initially acquired from
savings banks (the Sellers), which had
held the bonds in their own portfolios.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
The Portfolio consists of 100%
collateralized municipal bonds.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
- Each Seller has agreed to repurchase on
14 calendar day's notice any of the bonds
sold by it to the Fund if:
-- the Fund needs to sell bonds to meet
redemptions of units;
-- the issuer of a bond fails to make
payments when due;
-- the interest on a bond becomes
taxable; and
-- insolvency proceedings are commenced
by or against the Seller, or it fails to
meet its collateral requirements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
- Each Seller has also agreed to repurchase
its bonds on scheduled disposition dates.
- The collateral securing the Sellers'
repurchase commitments may include:
-- Ginnie Maes, Fannie Maes and Freddie
Macs;
-- mortgages;
-- municipal obligations;
-- corporate obligations;
-- U.S. government securities; and
-- cash.
- You should rely on the collateral for the
performance of the repurchase commitments
rather than on the financial position of
the Sellers.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
4. WHAT ARE THE SIGNIFICANT RISKS?
YOU CAN LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE
FUND. THIS CAN HAPPEN FOR VARIOUS
REASONS, INCLUDING:
- Rising interest rates, an issuer's
worsening financial condition or a
Seller's failure to meet its repurchase
commitments can reduce the price of your
units.
- Since the Fund is concentrated in
collateralized municipal bonds adverse
developments in this sector may affect
the value of your units.
- Assuming no changes in interest rates,
when you sell your units, they will
generally be worth less than your cost
because your cost included a sales fee.
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
- The Fund could receive early returns of
principal if mortgages underlying some
of the bonds are prepaid, if it becomes
necessary to liquidate the collateral or
if bonds are called or sold before they
mature. If this happens your income will
decline and you may not be able to
reinvest the money you receive at as
high a yield or as long a maturity.
- 13% of the bonds are currently callable.
ALSO, THE PORTFOLIO IS CONCENTRATED IN
BONDS OF NEW YORK SO IT IS LESS
DIVERSIFIED THAN A NATIONAL FUND AND IS
SUBJECT TO RISKS PARTICULAR TO NEW YORK
WHICH ARE BRIEFLY DESCRIBED UNDER STATE
CONCENTRATION RISKS LATER IN THIS
PROSPECTUS.
5. IS THIS FUND APPROPRIATE FOR YOU?
Yes, if you want federally tax-free
income. You will benefit from a
professionally selected and supervised
portfolio whose risk is reduced by
investing in bonds backed by
collateralized repurchase commitments.
The Fund is NOT appropriate for you if
you want a speculative investment that
changes to take advantage of market
movements, if you do not want a
tax-advantaged investment or if you
cannot tolerate any risk.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
DEFINING YOUR INCOME
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
WHAT YOU MAY EXPECT (Payable on the 25th day
of the month to holders of record on the
10th day of the month):
Regular Monthly Income per unit $ 1.88
Annual Income per unit: $22.65
THESE FIGURES ARE ESTIMATES DETERMINED ON THE
EVALUATION DAY; ACTUAL PAYMENTS MAY VARY.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
6. WHAT ARE THE FUND'S FEES AND EXPENSES?
This table shows the costs and expenses you may pay,
directly or indirectly, when you invest in the Fund.
INVESTOR FEES
Maximum Sales Fee (Load) on
new purchases none
ESTIMATED ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT
PER UNIT
--------
<C> <S> <C>
$0.02
Other Operating Expenses
$0.26
Portfolio Supervision
Bookeeping and Administrative
Fees (including updating
expenses)
$0.04
Evaluator's Fee
-----
$0.32
TOTAL
</TABLE>
The Sponsor historically paid updating expenses.
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
7. IS THE FUND MANAGED?
Unlike a mutual fund, the Fund is not
managed and bonds are not sold because of
market changes. Rather, experienced
Defined Asset Funds financial analysts
regularly review the bonds in the Fund.
The Fund may sell a bond if certain
adverse credit or other conditions exist.
8. HOW DO I BUY UNITS?
The minimum investment is one unit.
You can buy units from any of the
Sponsors and other broker-dealers. The
Sponsors are listed later in this
prospectus. Some banks may offer units
for sale through special arrangements
with the Sponsors, although certain legal
restrictions may apply.
UNIT PRICE PER UNIT $355.42
(as of October 29, 1999)
Unit price is based on the net asset
value of the Fund plus the sales fee. An
amount equal to any principal cash, as
well as net accrued but undistributed
interest on the unit, is added to the
unit price. An independent evaluator
prices the bonds at 3:30 p.m. Eastern
time every business day. Unit price
changes every day with changes in the
prices of the bonds in the Fund.
9. HOW DO I SELL UNITS?
You may sell your units at any time to
any Sponsor or the Trustee for the net
asset value determined at the close of
business on the date of sale. You will
not pay any other fee when you sell your
units.
10. HOW ARE DISTRIBUTIONS MADE AND TAXED?
The Fund pays income monthly.
In the opinion of bond counsel when each
bond was issued, interest on the bonds in
this Fund is generally 100% exempt from
regular federal income tax.
You will also receive principal payments
if bonds are sold or called or mature,
when the cash available is more than
$5.00 per unit. You will be subject to
tax on any gain realized by the Fund on
the disposition of bonds.
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
11. WHAT OTHER SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
REINVESTMENT
You will receive your income in cash
unless you choose to compound your
income by reinvesting at no sales fee in
the Municipal Fund Investment
Accumulation Program, Inc. This Program
is an open-end mutual fund with a
comparable investment objective. Income
from this Program will generally be
subject to state and local income taxes.
FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ABOUT THE
PROGRAM, INCLUDING CHARGES AND FEES, ASK
THE TRUSTEE FOR THE PROGRAM'S
PROSPECTUS. READ IT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU
INVEST. THE TRUSTEE MUST RECEIVE YOUR
WRITTEN ELECTION TO REINVEST AT LEAST 10
DAYS BEFORE THE RECORD DAY OF AN INCOME
PAYMENT.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES
You may exchange units of this Fund for
units of certain other Defined Asset
Funds. You may also exchange into this
Fund from certain other funds. We charge
a reduced sales fee on most exchanges.
</TABLE>
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TAX-FREE VS. TAXABLE INCOME: A COMPARISON OF TAXABLE AND TAX-FREE YIELDS
FOR NEW YORK CITY RESIDENTS
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMBINED
EFFECTIVE
TAXABLE INCOME 2000* TAX RATE TAX-FREE YIELD OF
SINGLE RETURN JOINT RETURN % 4% 4.5% 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
IS EQUIVALENT TO A TAXABLE YIELD OF
<CAPTION>
TAXABLE INCOME 2000* TAX-FREE YIELD OF
SINGLE RETURN 7% 8%
<S> <C> <C> <C>
IS EQUIVALENT TO A
TAXABLE YIELD OF
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 43,850 23.94 5.26 5.92 6.57 7.23 7.89 8.55 9.20
$ 0- 26,250 23.99 5.26 5.92 6.58 7.24 7.89 8.55 9.21
$ 26,251- 63,550 $ 43,851-105,950 35.65 6.22 6.99 7.77 8.55 9.32 10.10 10.88
$ 63,551-132,600 $105,951-161,450 38.33 6.49 7.30 8.11 8.92 9.73 10.54 11.35
$132,601-288,350 $161,451-288,350 42.80 6.99 7.87 8.74 9.62 10.49 11.36 12.24
OVER $288,350 OVER $288,350 46.02 7.41 8.34 9.26 10.19 11.12 12.04 12.97
<S> <C> <C>
9.86 10.52
$ 0- 26,250 9.87 10.52
$ 26,251- 63,550 11.66 12.43
$ 63,551-132,600 12.16 12.97
$132,601-288,350 13.11 13.99
OVER $288,350 13.89 14.82
</TABLE>
FOR NEW YORK STATE RESIDENTS
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMBINED
EFFECTIVE
TAXABLE INCOME 2000* TAX RATE TAX-FREE YIELD OF
SINGLE RETURN JOINT RETURN % 4% 4.5% 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
IS EQUIVALENT TO A TAXABLE YIELD OF
<CAPTION>
TAXABLE INCOME 2000* TAX-FREE YIELD OF
SINGLE RETURN 7% 8%
<S> <C> <C> <C>
IS EQUIVALENT TO A
TAXABLE YIELD OF
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0- 26,250 $ $0- 43,850 20.82 5.05 5.68 6.31 6.95 7.58 8.21 8.84
$ 26,251- 63,550 $ 43,851-105,950 32.93 5.96 6.71 7.46 8.20 8.95 9.69 10.44
$ 63,551-132,600 $105,951-161,450 35.73 6.22 7.00 7.78 8.56 9.34 10.11 10.89
$132,601-288,350 $161,451-288,350 40.38 6.71 7.55 8.39 9.23 10.06 10.90 11.74
OVER $288,350 OVER $288,350 43.74 7.11 8.00 8.89 9.78 10.66 11.55 12.44
<S> <C> <C>
$ 0- 26,250 9.47 10.10
$ 26,251- 63,550 11.18 11.93
$ 63,551-132,600 11.67 12.45
$132,601-288,350 12.58 13.42
OVER $288,350 13.33 14.22
</TABLE>
To compare the yield of a taxable security with the yield of a tax-free
security, find your taxable income and read across. The table incorporates 2000
federal and applicable State (and City) income tax rates and assumes that all
income would otherwise be taxed at the investor's highest tax rate. Yield
figures are for example only.
*Based upon net amount subject to federal income tax after deductions and
exemptions. This table does not reflect the possible effect of other tax
factors, such as alternative minimum tax, personal exemptions, the phase out of
exemptions, itemized deductions or the possible partial disallowance of
deductions. Consequently, investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers
in this regard.
5
<PAGE>
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR INVESTMENT
MONTHLY INCOME
The Fund will pay you regular monthly income. Your monthly income may vary
because of:
- elimination of one or more bonds from the Fund's portfolio because of calls,
redemptions or sales;
- a change in the Fund's expenses; or
- the failure by a bond's issuer to pay interest.
Changes in interest rates generally will not affect your income because the
portfolio is fixed.
Along with your income, you will receive your share of any available bond
principal.
RETURN FIGURES
We cannot predict your actual return, which will vary with unit price, how long
you hold your investment and changes in the portfolio, interest income and
expenses.
ESTIMATED CURRENT RETURN equals the estimated annual cash to be received from
the bonds in the Fund less estimated annual Fund expenses, divided by the Unit
Price (including the maximum sales fee):
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Estimated Annual Estimated
Interest Income - Annual Expenses
- -------------------------------------
Unit Price
</TABLE>
ESTIMATED LONG TERM RETURN is a measure of the estimated return over the
estimated life of the Fund. Unlike Estimated Current Return, Estimated Long Term
Return reflects maturities, discounts and premiums of the bonds in the Fund. It
is an average of the yields to maturity (or in certain cases, to an earlier call
date) of the individual bonds in the portfolio, adjusted to reflect the Fund's
maximum sales fee and estimated expenses. We calculate the average yield for the
portfolio by weighting each bond's yield by its market value and the time
remaining to the call or maturity date.
Yields on individual bonds depend on many factors including general conditions
of the bond markets, the size of a particular offering and the maturity and
quality rating of the particular issues. Yields can vary among bonds with
similar maturities, coupons and ratings.
These return quotations are designed to be comparative rather than predictive.
RECORDS AND REPORTS
You will receive:
- - a monthly statement of income payments and any principal payments;
- - a notice from the Trustee when new bonds are deposited in exchange or
substitution for bonds originally deposited;
- - an annual report on Fund activity; and
- - annual tax information. THIS WILL ALSO BE SENT TO THE IRS. YOU MUST REPORT THE
AMOUNT OF TAX-EXEMPT INTEREST RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR.
You may request:
- - copies of bond evaluations to enable you to comply with federal and state tax
reporting requirements; and
- - audited financial statements of the Fund.
You may inspect records of Fund transactions at the Trustee's office during
regular business hours.
6
<PAGE>
THE RISKS YOU FACE
INTEREST RATE RISK
Investing involves risks, including the risk that your investment will decline
in value if interest rates rise. Generally, bonds with longer maturities will
change in value more than bonds with shorter maturities. Bonds in the Fund are
more likely to be called when interest rates decline. This would result in early
returns of principal to you and may result in early termination of the Fund. Of
course, we cannot predict how interest rates may change.
CALL RISK
Some of the bonds in this Fund are currently callable by the issuer.
If the bonds are called, your income will decline and you may not be able to
reinvest the money you receive at as high a yield or as long a maturity. An
early call at par of a premium bond will reduce your return.
REDUCED DIVERSIFICATION RISK
If many investors sell their units, the Fund will have to sell bonds. This could
reduce the diversification of your investment and increase your share of Fund
expenses.
LIQUIDITY RISK
You can always sell back your units, but we cannot assure you that a liquid
trading market will always exist for the bonds in the portfolio, especially
since current law may restrict the Fund from selling bonds to any Sponsor. The
bonds will generally trade in the over-the-counter market. The value of the
bonds, and of your investment, may be reduced if trading in bonds is limited or
absent.
COLLATERAL RELATED RISK
The Sponsors believe that the collateral is reasonably adequate to support the
repurchase commitments without regard to the ability of the Sellers to meet
these commitments.
You could have all or part of the principal amount of your investment returned
early if insolvency proceedings are commenced by or against a Seller. In that
case, the collateral agent will automatically foreclose on the collateral and,
if necessary, liquidate it and use the proceeds to purchase bonds from the Fund.
You would then receive your share of the proceeds.
The Sponsors have agreed that their sole recourse in the event a Seller fails to
repurchase the bonds as agreed, including as a result of the Seller's
insolvency, will be to exercise available remedies with respect to the
collateral on deposit with the Fund. If the collateral is not enough to cover
the costs resulting from the Seller's default, the Sponsors will be unable to
pursue any deficiency judgment against the Seller.
CONCENTRATION RISK
When a certain type of bond makes up 25% or more of the portfolio, it is said to
be "concentrated" in that bond type, which makes the Portfolio less diversified.
STATE CONCENTRATION RISK
NEW YORK RISKS
GENERALLY
For decades, New York's economy has trailed the rest of the nation. Both the
state and New York City have experienced long-
7
<PAGE>
term structural imbalances between revenues and expenses, and have repeatedly
relied substantially on non-recurring measures to achieve budget balance. The
pressures that contribute to budgetary problems at both the state and local
level include:
- the high combined state and local tax burden;
- a decline in manufacturing jobs, leading to above-average unemployment;
- sensitivity to the financial services industry; and
- dependence on federal aid.
STATE GOVERNMENT
The State government frequently has difficulty approving budgets on time. Budget
gaps of $3 billion and $5 billion are projected for the next two years. The
State's general obligation bonds are rated A by Standard & Poor's and A2 by
Moody's. There is $37 billion of state-related debt outstanding.
NEW YORK CITY GOVERNMENT
Even though the City had budget surpluses each year from 1981, budget gaps of
about $2 billion are projected for the 2001 and 2002 fiscal years. New York City
faces fiscal pressures from:
- aging public facilities that need repair or replacement;
- welfare and medical costs;
- expiring labor contracts; and
- a high and increasing debt burden.
The City requires substantial state aid, and its fiscal strength depends heavily
on the securities industry. Its general obligation bonds are rated A- by
Standard & Poor's and A3 by Moody's. $30.7 billion of combined City, MAC and PBC
debt is outstanding, and the City proposes $23 billion of financing over fiscal
1999-2003.
LITIGATION AND LEGISLATION RISKS
We do not know of any pending litigation that might have a material adverse
effect upon the Fund.
Future tax legislation could affect the value of the portfolio by:
- limiting real property taxes,
- reducing tax rates,
- imposing a flat or other form of tax, or
- exempting investment income from tax.
SELLING OR EXCHANGING UNITS
You can sell your units at any time for a price based on net asset value. Your
net asset value is calculated each business day by:
- ADDING the value of the bonds, net accrued interest, cash and any other Fund
assets;
- SUBTRACTING accrued but unpaid Fund expenses, unreimbursed Trustee advances,
cash held to buy back units or for distribution to investors and any other
Fund liabilities; and
- DIVIDING the result by the number of outstanding units.
Your net asset value when you sell may be more or less than your cost because of
sales fees, market movements and changes in the portfolio.
SPONSORS' SECONDARY MARKET
While we are not obligated to do so, we will buy back units at net asset value
without
8
<PAGE>
any other fee or charge. We may resell the units to other buyers or to the
Trustee. You should consult your financial professional for current market
prices to determine if other broker-dealers or banks are offering higher prices.
We have maintained the secondary market continuously for over 25 years, but we
could discontinue it without prior notice for any business reason.
SELLING UNITS TO THE TRUSTEE
Regardless of whether we maintain a secondary market, you can sell your units to
the Trustee at any time by sending the Trustee a letter (with any outstanding
certificates if you hold Unit certificates). You must properly endorse your
certificates (or execute a written transfer instrument with signatures
guaranteed by an eligible institution). Sometimes, additional documents are
needed such as a trust document, certificate of corporate authority, certificate
of death or appointment as executor, administrator or guardian.
Within seven days after your request and the necessary documents are received,
the Trustee will mail a check to you. Contact the Trustee for additional
information.
As long as we are maintaining a secondary market, the Trustee will sell your
units to us at a price based on net asset value. If there is no secondary
market, the Trustee may sell your units in the over-the-counter market for a
higher price, but it is not obligated to do so. In that case, you will receive
the net proceeds of the sale.
If the Fund does not have cash available to pay you for units you are selling,
the agent for the Sponsors will select bonds to be sold. Bonds will be selected
based on market and credit factors. These sales could be made at times when the
bonds would not otherwise be sold and may result in your receiving less than the
unit par value and also reduce the size and diversity of the Fund.
There could be a delay in paying you for your units:
- if the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and
holiday closings);
- if the SEC determines that trading on the New York Stock Exchange is
restricted or that an emergency exists making sale or evaluation of the
bonds not reasonably practicable; and
- for any other period permitted by SEC order.
EXCHANGE OPTION
You may exchange units of certain Defined Asset Funds for units of this Fund
with no sales fee. You may exchange units of this Fund for units of certain
other Defined Asset Funds at a reduced sales fee if your investment goals
change. To exchange units, you should talk to your financial professional about
what funds are exchangeable, suitable and currently available.
Normally, an exchange is taxable and you must recognize any gain or loss on the
exchange. However, the IRS may try to disallow a loss if the portfolios of the
two funds are not materially different; you should consult your own tax adviser.
9
<PAGE>
We may amend or terminate this exchange option at any time without notice.
HOW THE FUND WORKS
PRICING
The price of a unit includes interest accrued on the bonds, less expenses, from
the initial most recent Record Day up to, but not including, the settlement
date, which is usually three business days after the purchase date of the unit.
A portion of the price of a unit consists of cash so that the Trustee can
provide you with regular monthly income. When you sell your units you will
receive your share of this cash.
EVALUATIONS
An independent Evaluator values the bonds on each business day (excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays as observed by the New York Stock
Exchange: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Bond values are based on current bid or offer prices for the bonds or comparable
bonds. In the past, the difference between bid and offer prices of publicly
offered tax-exempt bonds has ranged from 0.5% of face amount on actively traded
issues to 3.5% on inactively traded issues; the difference has averaged between
1 and 2%.
INCOME
The Trustee credits interest to an Income Account and other receipts to a
Capital Account. The Trustee may establish a Reserve Account by withdrawing from
these accounts amounts it considers appropriate to pay any material liability.
These accounts do not bear interest.
PLACEMENT FEE
The Sponsors receive a quarterly placement fee from each Seller equal to an
annual percentage ranging from 0.487% to 0.75% of the outstanding principal
amount of bonds sold by that Seller and held by the Fund.
EXPENSES
The Trustee is paid monthly. It also benefits when it holds cash for the Fund in
non-interest bearing accounts. The Trustee may also receive additional amounts:
- to reimburse the Trustee for the Fund's operating expenses;
- for extraordinary services and costs of indemnifying the Trustee and the
Sponsors;
- costs of actions taken to protect the Fund and other legal fees and
expenses;
- expenses for keeping the Fund's registration statement current; and
- Fund termination expenses and any governmental charges.
The Sponsors are currently reimbursed up to 55 CENTS per $1,000 face amount
annually for providing portfolio supervisory, bookkeeping and administrative
services and for any other expenses properly chargeable to the Fund. Legal,
typsesetting, electronic filing and regulatory filing fees and expenses
associated with updating the Fund's registration statement yearly are also now
chargeable to the Fund. While this fee may exceed the amount of these costs and
10
<PAGE>
expenses attributable to this Fund, the total of these fees for all Series of
Defined Asset Funds will not exceed the aggregate amount attributable to all of
these Series for any calendar year. The Fund also pays the Evaluator's fees.
The Trustee's, Sponsors' and Evaluator's fees may be adjusted for inflation
without investors' approval.
The Sponsors will pay advertising and selling expenses at no charge to the Fund.
If Fund expenses exceed initial estimates, the Fund will owe the excess. The
Trustee has a lien on Fund assets to secure reimbursement of Fund expenses and
may sell bonds if cash is not available.
PORTFOLIO CHANGES
The Sponsors and Trustee are not liable for any default or defect in a bond; if
a contract to buy any bond.
Unlike a mutual fund, the portfolio is designed to remain intact and we may keep
bonds in the portfolio even if their credit quality declines or other adverse
financial circumstances occur. However, we may sell a bond in certain cases if
we believe that certain adverse credit conditions exist or if a bond becomes
taxable.
If we maintain a secondary market in units but are unable to sell the units that
we buy in the secondary market, we will redeem units, which may affect the
composition of the portfolio. Units offered in the secondary market may not
represent the same face amount of bonds that they did originally.
We decide whether or not to offer units for sale that we acquire in the
secondary market after reviewing:
- diversity of the portfolio;
- size of the Fund relative to its original size;
- ratio of Fund expenses to income;
- current and long-term returns;
- degree to which units may be selling at a premium over par; and
- cost of maintaining a current prospectus.
FUND TERMINATION
The Fund will terminate following the stated maturity or sale of the last bond
in the portfolio. The Fund may also terminate earlier with the consent of
investors holding 51% of the units or if total assets of the Fund have fallen
below 40% of the face amount of bonds deposited. We will decide whether to
terminate the Fund early based on the same factors used in deciding whether or
not to offer units in the secondary market.
When the Fund is about to terminate you will receive a notice, and you will be
unable to sell your units after that time. On or shortly before termination, we
will sell any remaining bonds, and you will receive your final distribution. Any
bond that cannot be sold at a reasonable price may continue to be held by the
Trustee in a liquidating trust pending its final sale.
You will pay your share of the expenses associated with termination, including
brokerage costs in selling bonds. This may reduce the amount you receive as your
final distribution.
11
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATES
Certificates for units are issued on request. You may transfer certificates by
complying with the requirements for redeeming certificates, described above. You
can replace lost or mutilated certificates by delivering satisfactory indemnity
and paying the associated costs.
TRUST INDENTURE
The Fund is a "unit investment trust" governed by a Trust Indenture, a contract
among the Sponsors, the Trustee and the Evaluator, which sets forth their duties
and obligations and your rights. A copy of the Indenture is available to you on
request to the Trustee. The following summarizes certain provisions of the
Indenture.
The Sponsors and the Trustee may amend the Indenture without your consent:
- to cure ambiguities;
- to correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision;
- to make any amendment required by any governmental agency; or
- to make other changes determined not to be materially adverse to your best
interest (as determined by the Sponsors).
Investors holding 51% of the units may amend the Indenture. Every investor must
consent to any amendment that changes the 51% requirement. No amendment may
reduce your interest in the Fund without your written consent.
The Trustee may resign by notifying the Sponsors. The Sponsors may remove the
Trustee without your consent if:
- it fails to perform its duties and the Sponsors determine that its
replacement is in your best interest; or
- it becomes incapable of acting or bankrupt or its affairs are taken over by
public authorities.
Investors holding 51% of the units may remove the Trustee. The Evaluator may
resign or be removed by the Sponsors and the Trustee without the consent of
investors. The resignation or removal of either becomes effective when a
successor accepts appointment. The Sponsors will try to appoint a successor
promptly; however, if no successor has accepted within 30 days after notice of
resignation, the resigning Trustee or Evaluator may petition a court to appoint
a successor.
Any Sponsor may resign as long as one Sponsor with a net worth of $2 million
remains and agrees to the resignation. The remaining Sponsors and the Trustee
may appoint a replacement. If there is only one Sponsor and it fails to perform
its duties or becomes bankrupt the Trustee may:
- remove it and appoint a replacement Sponsor;
- liquidate the Fund; or
- continue to act as Trustee without a Sponsor.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated acts as agent for the
Sponsors.
The Trust Indenture contains customary provisions limiting the liability of the
Trustee, the Sponsors and the Evaluator.
12
<PAGE>
LEGAL OPINION
Davis Polk & Wardwell, 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, as
counsel for the Sponsors, has given an opinion that the units are validly
issued. Special counsel located in the relevant states have given state and
local tax opinions.
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 2 World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281,
independent accountants, audited the Statement of Condition included in this
prospectus.
SPONSORS
The Sponsors are:
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED (a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.)
P.O. Box 9051,
Princeton, NJ 08543-9051
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC. (a principal operating subsidiary of Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter & Co.)
Two World Trade Center--59th Floor,
New York, NY 10048
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. (an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Citigroup
Inc.)
388 Greenwich Street--23rd Floor,
New York, NY 10013
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED (an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Prudential Insurance Company of America)
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10292
Each Sponsor is a Delaware corporation and it, or its predecessor, has acted as
sponsor to many unit investment trusts. As a registered broker-dealer each
Sponsor buys and sells securities (including investment company shares) for
others (including investment companies) and participates as an underwriter in
various selling groups.
TRUSTEE
The Chase Manhattan Bank, Unit Investment Trust Department, 4 New York
Plaza--6th Floor, New York, New York 10004, is the Trustee. It is supervised by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System and New York State banking authorities.
UNDERWRITERS' AND SPONSORS' PROFITS
Underwriters receive sales charges when they sell units. The Sponsors also
realized a profit or loss on the initial date of deposit of the bonds. Any cash
made available by you to the Sponsors before the settlement date for those units
may be used in the Sponsors' businesses to the extent permitted by federal law
and may benefit the Sponsors.
A Sponsor or Underwriter may realize profits or sustain losses on bonds in the
Fund which were acquired from underwriting syndicates of which it was a member.
In maintaining a secondary market, the Sponsors will also realize profits or
sustain losses in the amount of any difference between the prices at which they
buy units and the prices at which they resell or redeem them.
13
<PAGE>
PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
The Sponsors do not intend to qualify units for sale in any foreign countries.
This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell units in any country where
units cannot lawfully be sold.
CODE OF ETHICS
Merrill Lynch, as agent for the Sponsors, has adopted a code of ethics requiring
preclearance and reporting of personal securities transactions by its employees
with access to information on portfolio transactions. The goal of the code is to
prevent fraud, deception or misconduct against the Fund and to provide
reasonable standards of conduct.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
Many computer systems were designed in such a way that they may be unable to
distinguish between the year 2000 and the year 1900 (commonly known as the "Year
2000 Problem"). To date we are not aware of any major operational difficulties
resulting from the computer system changes necessary to prepare for the Year
2000. However, there can be no assurance that the Year 2000 Problem will not
adversely affect the issuers of the securities contained in the Portfolio. We
cannot predict whether any impact will be material to the Portfolio as a whole.
TAXES
The following summary describes some of the important income tax consequences of
holding units. It assumes that you are not a dealer in securities, financial
institution, insurance company or other investor with special circumstances. You
should consult your own tax adviser about your particular circumstances.
At the date of issue of each bond, counsel for the issuer delivered an opinion
to the effect that interest on the bond is exempt from regular federal income
tax. However, interest may be subject to state and local taxes and may be taken
into account in determining your preference items for alternative minimum tax
purposes. Neither we nor our counsel have reviewed the issuance of the bonds,
related proceedings or the basis for the opinions of counsel for the issuers. We
cannot assure you that the issuers (or other users) have complied or will comply
with any requirements necessary for a bond to be tax-exempt. If any of the bonds
were determined not to be tax-exempt, you could be required to pay income tax
for current and prior years, and if the Fund were to sell the bond, it might
have to sell it at a substantial discount.
In the opinion of our counsel, under existing law:
GENERAL TREATMENT OF THE FUND AND YOUR INVESTMENT
The Fund will not be taxed as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, and
you will be considered to own directly your share of each bond in the Fund.
Our counsel is of the opinion that the Fund (and therefore the investors, as
discussed below) will be treated as owning the bonds, notwithstanding the
Sellers' repurchase commitments. However, because there are no regulations,
published rulings or judicial
14
<PAGE>
decisions that characterize for federal income tax purposes repurchase
commitments like the Sellers' with respect to the bonds, it is not certain that
the IRS will agree with the conclusions of our counsel. Therefore, it is
possible that the IRS may take actions that might result in the Fund (and
therefore the investors) not being treated as owning the bonds for federal
income tax purposes.
GAIN OR LOSS UPON DISPOSITION
When all or part of your share of a bond is disposed of (for example, when the
Fund sells, exchanges or redeems a bond or when you sell or exchange your
units), you will generally recognize capital gain or loss. While not free from
doubt, the opinion of our counsel is that any capital gain or loss derived from
the Fund will be short-term capital gain or loss regardless of the time that you
have held your Units.
YOUR BASIS IN THE BONDS
You may be required to allocate a portion of your cost for your Units to the
Sellers' repurchase commitment with respect to the bonds. When all or part of
your pro rata portion of a bond is disposed of (and the commitment with respect
to that bond simultaneously is disposed of, lapses or is exercised), both your
basis in your pro rata portion of the bond and your basis in your pro rata
portion of the commitment will be taken into account in determining your overall
net income or loss from the disposition. In some cases, this overall net income
or loss may consist of ordinary income attributable to market discount on the
pro rata portion of the bond and of capital loss attributable to the commitment.
The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. You should
consult your tax adviser in this regard.
If your basis for your pro rata portion of a bond (after giving effect to any
required allocation to the commitment) exceeds the redemption price at maturity
of that bond, you may be considered to have purchased your pro rata portion of
the bond at a "bond premium," which must be amortized.
EXPENSES
If you are not a corporate investor, you will not be entitled to a deduction for
your share of fees and expenses of the Fund. Also, if you borrowed money in
order to purchase or carry your units, you will not be able to deduct the
interest on this borrowing for federal income tax purposes. The IRS may treat
your purchase of units as made with borrowed money even if the money is not
directly traceable to the purchase of units.
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
Under the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, the Fund will not
be taxed as a corporation. If you are a New York taxpayer, your income from the
Fund will not be tax-exempt in New York except to the extent that the income is
earned on bonds that are tax-exempt for New York purposes. Depending on where
you live, your income from the Fund may be subject to state and local taxation.
You should consult your tax adviser in this regard.
15
<PAGE>
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
You can receive at no cost supplemental information about the Fund by calling
the Trustee. The supplemental information includes more detailed risk disclosure
about the types of bonds that may be in the Fund's portfolios, general risk
disclosure concerning any insurance securing certain bonds, and general
information about the structure and operation of the Fund. The supplemental
information is also available from the SEC.
16
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Sponsors, Trustee and Holders
of Defined Asset Funds - Municipal Investment Trust Fund,
New York Series - A:
We have audited the accompanying statement of condition of
Defined Asset Funds - Municipal Investment Trust Fund, New
York Series - A, including the portfolio, for the period
May 1, 1999 to October 31, 1999 and the related statements
of operations and of changes in net assets for the years
ended April 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Trustee. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures
in the financial statements. Securities owned at October 31,
1999, as shown in such portfolio, were confirmed to us by
The Chase Manhattan Bank, the Trustee. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by the Trustee, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Defined Asset Funds - Municipal
Investment Trust Fund, New York Series - A at October 31,
1999 and the results of its operations and changes in its
net assets for the above-stated periods in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, N.Y.
February 6, 2000
D - 1.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
STATEMENT OF CONDITION
As of October 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
TRUST PROPERTY:
Investment in marketable securities -
at value (cost $ 54,342,695 )(Note 1)........ $54,389,359
Accrued interest ............................... 265,313
Proceeds receivable from sale of securities .... 4,691
Cash - income .................................. 1,253,440
Cash - principal ............................... 312,978
-----------
Total trust property ......................... 56,225,781
LESS LIABILITY:
Advance from Trustee ........................... 771,719
Accrued Sponsors' fees ......................... 26,045
Trustee's fees and expenses payable ............ 209
Income Payments payable ........................ 8,018 805,991
----------- -----------
NET ASSETS, REPRESENTED BY:
154,572 units of fractional undivided
interest outstanding (Note 3)................ $54,707,027
Undistributed net investment income ............ 712,763 $55,419,790
----------- ===========
UNIT VALUE ($ 55,419,790 / 154,572 units )........ $ 358.54
===========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
D - 2.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
May 1, 1999
to
October 31, Years Ended April 30,
1999 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Interest income ........................ $ 1,809,172 $ 3,690,218 $ 3,772,362 $ 4,113,926
Trustee's fees and expenses ............ (4,386) (7,676) (11,360) (11,457)
Sponsors' fees ......................... (17,568) (24,838) (19,929) (6,618)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income .................. 1,787,218 3,657,704 3,741,073 4,095,851
-------------------------------------------------------------------
UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION
OF INVESTMENT ....................... (6,297) (814) (1,701) (10,870)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS .............. $ 1,780,921 $ 3,656,890 $ 3,739,372 $ 4,084,981
===================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
D - 3.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
May 1, 1999
to
October 31, Years Ended April 30,
1999 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income .................. $ 1,787,218 $ 3,657,704 $ 3,741,073 $ 4,095,851
Unrealized depreciation
of investments ....................... (6,297) (814) (1,701) (10,870)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from operations ............ 1,780,921 3,656,890 3,739,372 4,084,981
--------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO HOLDERS (Note 2):
Income ................................ (1,788,398) (3,663,356) (3,746,825) (4,110,070)
Principal .............................. (857,871) (1,341,666) (1,244,305) (9,248,043)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions .................... (2,646,269) (5,005,022) (4,991,130) (13,358,113)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS ............... (865,348) (1,348,132) (1,251,758) (9,273,132)
NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD ........ 56,285,138 57,633,270 58,885,028 68,158,160
--------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS AT END OF PERIOD .............. $55,419,790 $56,285,138 $57,633,270 $58,885,028
====================================================================
PER UNIT:
Income distributions during
period ............................... $ 11.57 $ 23.70 $ 24.24 $ 26.59
====================================================================
Principal distributions during
period ............................... $ 5.55 $ 8.68 $ 8.05 $ 59.83
====================================================================
Net asset value at end of
period ............................... $ 358.54 $ 364.14 $ 372.86 $ 380.96
====================================================================
TRUST UNITS:
Outstanding at end of period ........... 154,572 154,572 154,572 154,572
====================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
D - 4.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a Unit
Investment Trust. The following is a summary of significant accounting
policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its
financial statements. The policies are in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
(A) Securities are stated at value as determined by the
Evaluator based on bid side evaluations for the securities.
(B) The Fund is not subject to income taxes. Accordingly, no
provision for such taxes is required.
(C) Interest income is recorded as earned.
2. DISTRIBUTIONS
A distribution of net investment income is made to Holders each month.
Receipts other than interest, after deductions for redemptions and
applicable expenses, are also distributed periodically.
3. NET CAPITAL
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cost of 154,572 units at Date of Deposit ................... $159,353,282
Less sales charge .......................................... 4,780,910
-----------
Net amount applicable to Holders ........................... {1,000.0024066} 154,572,372
Realized gain on securities sold or redeemed ............... 872,009
Principal distributions .................................... (100,784,018)
Unrealized appreciation of investments...................... 46,664
-----------
Net capital applicable to Holders .......................... $54,707,027
===========
</TABLE>
4. INCOME TAXES
As of October 31, 1999, unrealized appreciation of investments, based on
cost for Federal income tax purposes, aggregated $46,664, all of which
related to appreciated securities. The cost of investment securities for
Federal income tax purposes was $54,342,695 at October 31, 1999.
D - 5.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
PORTFOLIO
As of October 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating {PE VER C.} Optional
Portfolio No. and Title of of Face Disposition Redemption
Securities Issues(1) Amount Coupon Dates (4) Provisions(3) Cost Value(2)
---------- --------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New York City Hsg. Dev. Corp.
Multi-Family Hsg. Ltd. Oblig. Bonds
(Various Ser.):
1 Rosalie Manning Apartments NR $ 45,112 7.034 % 2016 05/15/00 $ 45,112 $ 45,158
@ 105.000
2 Strycker's Bay Apartments NR 89,510 7.034 2016 05/15/00 89,510 89,600
@ 105.000
3 Scott Tower NR 119,872 7.000 2016 None 119,872 119,991
4 Tri-Faith House NR 65,305 7.000 2017 01/15/00 65,305 65,370
@ 105.000
5 Washington Square East NR 83,279 7.000 2017 01/15/00 83,279 83,362
@ 105.000
6 Woodstock Terrace NR 111,105 7.034 2017 None 111,105 111,217
7 Town House West NR 147,284 6.500 2016 01/15/00 147,284 147,404
@ 105.000
8 University River View NR 768,695 6.500 2015 None 768,695 769,325
9 Westview Housing NR 212,188 6.500 2015 None 212,188 212,362
10 Westwood House NR 202,853 6.500 2016 None 202,853 203,020
</TABLE>
D - 6.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
PORTFOLIO
As of October 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating {PE VER C.} Optional
Portfolio No. and Title of of Face Dispositon Redemption
Securities Issues(1) Amount Coupon Dates (4) Provisions(3) Cost Value(2)
---------- --------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
11 Westside Manor NR $ 560,903 6.500 % 2016 05/15/00 $ 560,903 $ 561,363
@ 105.000
12 West Village NR 1,878,688 6.500 2011 05/15/00 1,878,688 1,880,229
@ 105.000
13 Atlantic Plaza Towers NR 269,788 7.034 2017 None 269,788 270,061
14 Cadman Plaza North NR 90,819 7.000 2016 None 90,819 90,908
15 Contello III NR 55,727 7.000 2016 None 55,727 55,782
16 Crown Gardens NR 308,358 7.250 2017 01/15/00 308,358 308,691
@ 105.000
17 Esplinade Gardens NR 631,013 7.000 2017 01/15/00 631,013 631,638
@ 105.000
18 Governeaur Gardens NR 300,793 7.034 2017 None 300,793 301,097
19 Lincoln-Amsterdam NR 314,994 7.250 2016 05/15/00 314,994 315,334
@ 105.000
20 Riverside Park NR 1,186,165 7.250 2016 05/15/00 1,186,165 1,187,446
@ 105.000
21 R.N.A. House NR 80,335 7.000 2016 None 80,335 80,415
</TABLE>
D - 7.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
PORTFOLIO
As of October 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Optional
Portfolio No. and Title of of Face Disposition Redemption
Securities Issues(1) Amount Coupon Dates (4) Provisions(3) Cost Value(2)
---------- --------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
22 Forest Park Crescent NR $ 226,621 6.500 % 2015 None $ 226,621 $ 226,807
23 Glenn Gardens NR 1,097,588 6.500 2015 01/15/00 1,097,588 1,098,488
@ 105.000
24 Goddard Towers NR 424,404 6.500 2016 01/15/00 424,404 424,752
@ 105.000
25 Heywood Towers NR 715,628 6.500 2015 None 715,628 716,214
26 Hudsonview Terrace NR 1,533,774 6.500 2015 None 1,533,774 1,535,032
27 Jefferson Towers NR 288,531 6.500 2016 05/15/00 288,531 288,767
@ 105.000
28 Janel Towers NR 518,100 6.500 2015 None 518,100 518,525
29 Kingsbridge Apartments NR 265,154 6.500 2015 None 265,154 265,372
30 Keith Plaza NR 915,211 6.500 2016 None 915,211 915,961
31 Kelly Towers Project NR 607,725 6.500 2016 None 607,725 608,223
</TABLE>
D - 8.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
PORTFOLIO
As of October 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating {PE VER C.} Optional
Portfolio No. and Title of of Face Disposition Redemption
Securities Issues(1) Amount Coupon Dates (4) Provisions(3) Cost Value(2)
---------- --------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
32 Leader House NR $ 842,925 6.500 % 2016 None $ 842,925 $ 843,617
33 Montefoire Hosp. NR 981,819 6.500 2015 None 981,819 982,624
34 Middagh Street Studio NR 130,393 6.500 2016 01/15/00 130,393 130,500
@ 105.000
35 New Amsterdam House NR 877,090 6.500 2016 None 877,090 877,809
36 Noble Mansion NR 466,706 6.500 2016 05/15/00 466,706 467,089
@ 105.000
37 Prospect Towers NR 390,176 6.500 2016 None 390,176 390,496
38 Riverbend NR 1,473,484 6.500 2016 05/15/00 1,473,484 1,474,692
@ 105.000
39 Robert Fulton Terrace NR 304,586 6.500 2015 None 304,586 304,836
40 Ruppert House NR 3,091,052 6.500 2016 05/15/00 3,091,052 3,093,587
@ 105.000
41 Stevenson Commons NR 3,378,635 6.500 2016 None 3,378,635 3,381,406
</TABLE>
D - 9.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
PORTFOLIO
As of October 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating {PE VER C.} Optional
Portfolio No. and Title of of Face Disposition Redemption
Securities Issues(1) Amount Coupon Dates (4) Provisions(3) Cost Value(2)
---------- --------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
42 Seaview Towers NR $ 1,778,795 6.500 % 2016 01/15/00 $ 1,778,795 $ 1,780,253
@ 105.000
43 St. Martin Towers NR 510,674 6.500 2016 05/15/00 510,674 511,093
@ 105.000
44 Skyview Towers NR 697,014 6.500 2016 05/15/00 697,014 697,585
@ 105.000
45 Trinity House NR 452,761 6.500 2016 05/15/00 452,761 453,133
@ 105.000
46 Tivoli Towers NR 1,084,491 6.500 2016 01/15/00 1,084,491 1,085,381
@ 105.000
47 Einstein Staff Hsg. NR 1,132,566 6.500 2015 None 1,132,566 1,133,494
48 Kingsbridge Arms NR 137,138 6.500 2016 05/15/00 137,138 137,250
@ 105.000
49 Bay Towers NR 726,051 6.500 2015 None 726,051 726,646
50 Boulevard Towers I NR 434,764 6.500 2016 None 434,764 435,121
51 Brighton House NR 263,261 6.500 2016 05/15/00 263,261 263,477
@ 105.000
52 Beekman Staff NR 157,140 6.500 2015 None 157,140 157,269
</TABLE>
D -10.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
PORTFOLIO
As of October 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating {PE VER C.} Optional
Portfolio No. and Title of of Face Disposition Redemption
Securities Issues(1) Amount Coupon Dates (4) Provisions(3) Cost Value(2)
---------- --------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
53 Bethune Towers NR $ 199,698 6.500 % 2016 None $ 199,698 $ 199,862
54 Boulevard Towers II NR 896,700 6.500 2015 None 896,700 897,435
55 Bruckner Towers NR 350,089 6.500 2016 None 350,089 350,376
56 Bridgeview III NR 251,624 6.500 2015 None 251,624 251,830
57 Columbus House NR 624,203 6.500 2016 05/15/00 624,203 624,715
@ 105.000
58 Columbus Manor NR 334,152 6.500 2015 None 334,152 334,426
59 Corlear Gardens NR 173,264 6.500 2016 05/15/00 173,264 173,406
@ 105.000
60 Columbus Park NR 261,595 6.500 2016 05/15/00 261,595 261,810
@ 105.000
61 Clinton Towers NR 1,356,711 6.500 2015 None 1,356,711 1,357,823
62 Carol Gardens NR 439,692 6.500 2016 01/15/00 439,692 440,053
@ 105.000
63 Cadman Towers NR 1,252,689 6.500 2016 05/15/00 1,252,689 1,253,717
@ 105.000
64 Candia House NR 183,830 6.500 2016 None 183,830 183,981
</TABLE>
D -11.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
PORTFOLIO
As of October 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Optional
Portfolio No. and Title of of Face Disposition Redemption
Securities Issues(1) Amount Coupon Dates (4) Provisions(3) Cost Value(2)
---------- --------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
65 Cooper Gramercy NR $ 609,319 6.500 % 2015 None $ 609,319 $ 609,818
66 Court Plaza NR 686,586 6.500 2015 None 686,586 687,149
67 Dayton Towers NR 2,650,358 6.500 2016 05/15/00 2,650,358 2,652,531
@ 105.000
68 Delos House NR 203,453 6.500 2016 None 203,453 203,620
69 East Midtown Plaza NR 3,057,723 6.500 2016 05/15/00 3,057,723 3,060,230
@ 105.000
70 Essex Terrace NR 237,100 6.500 2016 01/15/00 237,100 237,294
@ 105.000
71 Fordham Towers NR 167,181 6.500 2015 None 167,181 167,317
72 Shorehill Hsg. NR 2,770,000 7.500 2006 12/01/99 2,770,000 2,773,241
@ 100.000
73 Thurlow Terrace NR 2,990,818 6.500 2017 11/01/99 2,990,818 2,993,271
@ 100.000
74 Curtis Apartments NR 1,218,867 7.250 2017 None 1,218,867 1,220,182
----------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL $54,342,695 $54,342,695 $54,389,359
=========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Portfolio.
D -12.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS - MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES - A
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
As of October 31, 1999
(1) The ratings of the Bonds are by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, or by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. if followed by "(m)", or by Fitch
Investors Service, Inc. if followed by "(f)"; "NR" indicates that this
bond is not currently rated by any of the above-mentioned rating services.
These ratings have been furnished by the Evaluator but not confirmed with
rating agencies.
(2) See Notes to Financial Statements.
(3) Optional redemption provisions, which may be exercised in whole or in
part, are initially at prices of par plus a premium, then subsequently at
prices declining to par. Certain securities may provide for redemption at
par prior or in addition to any optional or mandatory redemption dates or
maturity, for example, through the operation of a maintenance and
replacement fund, if proceeds are not able to be used as contemplated, the
project is condemned or sold or the project is destroyed and insurance
proceeds are used to redeem the securities. Many of the securities are
also subject to mandatory sinking fund redemption commencing on dates
which may be prior to the date on which securities may be optionally
redeemed. Sinking fund redemptions are at par and redeem only part of the
issue. Some of the securities have mandatory sinking funds which contain
optional provisions permitting the issuer to increase the principal amount
of securities called on a mandatory redemption date. The sinking fund
redemptions with optional provisions may, and optional refunding
redemptions generally will, occur at times when the redeemed securities
have an offering side evaluation which represents a premium over par. To
the extent that the securities were acquired at a price higher than the
redemption price, this will represent a loss of capital when compared with
the Public Offering Price of the Units when acquired. Distributions will
generally be reduced by the amount of the income which would otherwise
have been paid with respect to redeemed securities and there will be
distributed to Holders any principal amount and premium received on such
redemption after satisfying any redemption requests for Units received by
the Fund. The estimated current return may be affected by redemptions.
(4) Securities in the Portfolio have stated maturity dates ranging from 1999
to 2020. The sellers are obligated to purchase the securities at the
disposition dates indicated, which are earlier that the stated maturity
dates. The Trustee is required under the Indenture to sell each of the
securities on specific dates in the market if the price which can be
obtained on any such date is in excess of par or, in all other cases, to
the seller at par under the terms of the seller's repurchase commitment.
D -13.
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--REGISTERED TRADEMARK--
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
HAVE QUESTIONS ? MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
Request the most NEW YORK SERIES A
recent free Information (14 Day Repurchase--Collateral Backed)
Supplement that gives more (A Unit Investment Trust)
details about the Fund, ---------------------------------------
by calling: This Prospectus does not contain
The Chase Manhattan Bank complete information about the
1-800-323-1508 investment company filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission in
Washington, D.C. under the:
- Securities Act of 1933 (file no.
2-85869) and
- Investment Company Act of 1940 (file
no. 811-1777).
TO OBTAIN COPIES AT PRESCRIBED RATES--
WRITE: Public Reference Section of the
Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549-6009
CALL: 1-800-SEC-0330.
VISIT: http://www.sec.gov.
---------------------------------------
No person is authorized to give any
information or representations about
this Fund not contained in this
Prospectus or the Information
Supplement, and you should not rely on
any other information.
---------------------------------------
When units of this Fund are no longer
available, this Prospectus may be used
as a preliminary prospectus for a
future series, but some of the
information in this Prospectus will be
changed for that series.
UNITS OF ANY FUTURE SERIES MAY NOT BE
SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED
UNTIL THAT SERIES HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE
WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION. NO UNITS CAN BE SOLD IN ANY
STATE WHERE A SALE WOULD BE ILLEGAL.
12765--2/00
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
NEW YORK SERIES
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement on Form S-6
comprises the following papers and documents:
The facing sheet of Form S-6.
The cross-reference sheet (incorporated by reference to the Cross-Reference
Sheet to the Registration Statement of Defined Asset Funds Municipal Insured
Series, 1933 Act File No. 33-54565).
The Prospectus.
The Signatures.
The following exhibits:
1.1.1-- Form of Standard Terms and Conditions of Trust Effective as of
October 21, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1.1 to the
Registration Statement of Municipal Investment Trust Fund, Multistate
Series--48, 1933 Act File No. 33-50247).
4.1 --Consent of the Evaluator.
5.1 --Consent of independent accountants.
9.1 -- Information Supplement (incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to Exhibit 9.1 to the Registration Statement of
Municipal Investment Trust Fund, Multistate Series--409, 1933 Act File
No. 333-81777).
R-1
<PAGE>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--
MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND
NEW YORK SERIES A
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT,
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND, NEW YORK SERIES A,
CERTIFIES THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 485(B) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AMENDMENT TO THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND STATE OF NEW YORK ON THE 29TH DAY OF
FEBRUARY, 2000.
SIGNATURES APPEAR ON PAGES R-3, R-4, R-5 AND R6.
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated has signed this Registration Statement or
Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney
authorizing the person signing this Registration Statement or Amendment to the
Registration Statement to do so on behalf of such members.
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Salomon Smith Barney
Inc. has signed this Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration
Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney authorizing the person signing this
Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration Statement to do so on
behalf of such members.
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Prudential Securities
Incorporated has signed this Registration Statement or Amendment to the
Registration Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney authorizing the person
signing this Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration Statement
to do so on behalf of such members.
A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Dean Witter Reynolds
Inc. has signed this Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration
Statement pursuant to Powers of Attorney authorizing the person signing this
Registration Statement or Amendment to the Registration Statement to do so on
behalf of such members.
R-2
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
DEPOSITOR
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
By the following persons, who constitute Powers of Attorney have been filed
a majority of under
the Board of Directors of Merrill Form SE and the following 1933 Act
Lynch, Pierce, File
Fenner & Smith Incorporated: Numbers: 33-43466 and 33-51607
</TABLE>
HERBERT M. ALLISON, JR.
JOHN L. STEFFENS
By DAVID M. MEGLEN
(As authorized signatory for Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated and
Attorney-in-fact for the persons listed above)
R-3
<PAGE>
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
DEPOSITOR
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
By the following persons, who constitute a majority of Powers of Attorney
the Board of Directors of Salomon Smith Barney Inc.: have been filed
under the 1933 Act
File Numbers:
33-49753,
33-55073,
333-41765,
333-10441,
333-63417 and
333-63033
</TABLE>
MICHAEL A. CARPENTER
DERYCK C. MAUGHAN
By GINA LEMON
(As authorized signatory for
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and
Attorney-in-fact for the persons listed above)
R-4
<PAGE>
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
DEPOSITOR
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
By the following persons, who constitute a majority of Powers of Attorney
the Board of Directors of Prudential Securities have been filed
Incorporated: under Form SE and
the following 1933
Act File Numbers:
33-41631 and
333-15919
</TABLE>
ROBERT C. GOLDEN
ALAN D. HOGAN
A. LAURENCE NORTON, JR.
LELAND B. PATON
VINCENT T. PICA II
MARTIN PFINSGRAFF
HARDWICK SIMMONS
LEE B. SPENCER, JR.
BRIAN M. STORMS
By RICHARD R. HOFFMANN
(As authorized signatory for Prudential Securities
Incorporated and Attorney-in-fact for the persons
listed above)
R-5
<PAGE>
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
DEPOSITOR
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
By the following persons, who constitute Powers of Attorney have been filed
a majority of under Form SE and the following 1933
the Board of Directors of Dean Witter Act File Numbers: 33-17085,
Reynolds Inc.: 333-13039, 333-47553 and 333-89045
</TABLE>
BRUCE F. ALONSO
RICHARD M. DeMARTINI
RAYMOND J. DROP
JAMES F. HIGGINS
JOHN J. MACK
MITCHELL M. MERIN
STEPHEN R. MILLER
PHILIP J. PURCELL
JOHN H. SCHAEFER
THOMAS C. SCHNEIDER
ALAN A. SCHRODER
ROBERT G. SCOTT
By MICHAEL D. BROWNE
(As authorized signatory for
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.
and Attorney-in-fact for the persons listed above)
R-6
EXHIBIT 4.1
STANDARD & POOR'S
A DIVISION OF THE McGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
J. J. KENNY
65 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10006-2551
TELEPHONE (212) 770-4422
FAX 212/797-8681
February 29, 2000
Frank A. Ciccotto, Jr.
Vice President
Tax-Exempt Evaluations
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
Defined Asset Funds
P.O. Box 9051
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9051
The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10004
</TABLE>
RE: Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Defined Asset Funds
P.O. Box 9051
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9051
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--MUNICIPAL INVESTMENT TRUST FUND,
NEW YORK SERIES A
Gentlemen:
We have examined the post-effective Amendment to the Registration Statement
File No. 2-85869 for the above-captioned trust. We hereby acknowledge that Kenny
S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co., Inc. is currently acting
as the evaluator for the trust. We hereby consent to the use in the Amendment of
the reference to Kenny S&P Evaluation Services, a division of J. J. Kenny Co.,
Inc. as evaluator.
In addition, we hereby confirm that the ratings indicated in the
above-referenced Amendment to the Registration Statement for the respective
bonds comprising the trust portfolio are the ratings currently indicated in our
KENNYBASE database.
You are hereby authorized to file copies of this letter with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
Sincerely,
FRANK A. CICCOTTO
Vice President
Exhibit 5.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Sponsors and Trustee of
Defined Asset Funds--Municipal Investment Trust Fund--New York Put Series A
We consent to the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to Registration
Statement No. 2-85869 of our opinion dated February 6, 2000 appearing in the
Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement, and to the reference
to us under the heading "Miscellaneous--Auditors" in such Prospectus.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, N.Y.
February 29, 2000
