MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH INC
S-1/A, 2000-02-23
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
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<PAGE>


 As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2000
                                                      Registration No. 333-96061
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                --------------

                              AMENDMENT No. 2
                                       To
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     Under
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                --------------
               Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
                               Initial Depositor
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

                                --------------
                      Internet Architecture HOLDRSSM Trust
                                yet-to-be formed
                     [Issuer with respect to the receipts]
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                                    <C>
            Delaware                                6211                              13-5674085
  (State or other jurisdiction          (Primary Standard Industrial               (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)       Classification Code Number)             Identification Number)
</TABLE>

                                --------------
                                250 Vesey Street
                            New York, New York 10281
                                 (212) 449-1000
  (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                   registrant's principal executive offices)

                                   Copies to:

<TABLE>
      <S>                                                   <C>
                 Andrea L. Dulberg, Esq.                                  Andrew B. Janszky
                   Corporate Secretary                                   Shearman & Sterling
   Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated                    599 Lexington Avenue
                    250 Vesey Street                                   New York, New York 10022
                New York, New York 10281                                    (212) 848-4000
                     (212) 449-1000
         (Name, address, including zip code, and
                    telephone number,
       including area code, of agent for service)
</TABLE>
          Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public:
  As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, check the following box. [X]
     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434
under the Securities Act, please check the following box. [_]

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Title of Each Class of                Proposed Maximum Proposed Maximum   Amount of
    Securities to Be     Amount to Be   Offering Price     Aggregate     Registration
       Registered         Registered    Per Receipt(1)  Offering Price(1)    Fee(2)(3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>           <C>              <C>                <C>
Internet Architecture    1,000,000,000       $100        $1,099,000,000    $290,136
 HOLDRS................    receipts
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
    pursuant to Rule 457 under the Securities Act. 10,000,000 receipts are
    estimated to be offered in the initial offering at $100 per receipt and
    990,000,000 receipts are estimated to be offered continuously after the
    initial offering at $0.10 per receipt.
(2) This Registration Statement also registers, where required, an
    indeterminate amount of securities to be sold by Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
    Fenner & Smith Incorporated in market-making transactions.

(3) Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated previously paid on
    February 3, 2000 and on February 10, 2000, $2,640 and $287,496,
    respectively.

     The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this Registration Statement
shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to such
Section 8(a), may determine.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We     +
+have filed a registration statement relating to these receipts with the       +
+Securities and Exchange Commission. We cannot sell these receipts until the   +
+registration statement becomes effective. This prospectus is not an offer to  +
+sell these receipts and we are not soliciting offers to buy these receipts in +
+any state where such offer or sale is not permitted.                          +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                             Subject to Completion

              Preliminary Prospectus dated February 23, 2000

PROSPECTUS
- ------------
                                H O L D R S /SM/
                             INTERNET ARCHITECTURE

                       1,000,000,000 Depositary Receipts
                     Internet Architecture HOLDRS SM Trust

    The Internet Architecture HOLDRSSM Trust will issue Depositary Receipts
called Internet Architecture HOLDRSSM representing your undivided beneficial
ownership in the U.S.-traded common stock of a group of specified companies
that, among other things, develop and market computer, Internet hardware and
other related products designed to enhance the speed and efficiency of
connections within and to the Internet, connections within a company's internal
networks and end user access to networks. The Bank of New York will be the
trustee. You only may acquire, hold or transfer Internet Architecture HOLDRS in
a round-lot amount of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS or round-lot multiples.
Internet Architecture HOLDRS are separate from the underlying deposited common
stocks that are represented by the Internet Architecture HOLDRS. For a list of
the names and the number of shares of the companies that make up an Internet
Architecture HOLDR, see "Highlights of Internet Architecture HOLDRS--The
Internet Architecture HOLDRS" starting on page 10 . The trust will issue the
additional Internet Architecture HOLDRS on a continuous basis.

    Investing in Internet Architecture HOLDRS involves significant risks. See
"Risk factors" starting on page 4.

    The initial public offering price for a round-lot of 100 Internet
Architecture HOLDRS will equal the sum of the closing market price on the
primary trading market on the pricing date for each deposited share multiplied
by the share amount specified in this prospectus, plus an underwriting fee.

    Internet Architecture HOLDRS are neither interests in nor obligations of
either the initial depositor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, or The Bank of New York, as trustee.

    Before this issuance, there has been no public market for Internet
Architecture HOLDRS. Application has been made to list the Internet
Architecture HOLDRS on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "IAH".

                                  -----------

    Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Initial Price Underwriting
                                                       to Public*       Fee
                                                      ------------- ------------
     <S>                                              <C>           <C>
     Per Internet Architecture HOLDR.................                    2%
</TABLE>
    -----
    * Includes underwriting fee.

    For purchases of Internet Architecture HOLDRS in excess of      Internet
Architecture HOLDRS, the underwriting fee will be   %.

                                  -----------

                              Merrill Lynch & Co.

                                  -----------

                   The date of this Prospectus is      , 2000

"HOLDRS" and "HOLding Company Depositary ReceiptS" are service marks of Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc.
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Summary....................................................................   3
Risk Factors...............................................................   4
Highlights of Internet Architecture HOLDRS.................................   9
The Trust..................................................................  16
Description of Internet Architecture HOLDRS................................  16
Description of the Underlying Securities...................................  17
Description of the Depositary Trust Agreement..............................  19
Federal Income Tax Consequences............................................  22
ERISA Considerations.......................................................  23
Plan of Distribution.......................................................  23
Legal Matters..............................................................  24
Where You Can Find More Information........................................  25
</TABLE>

                               ----------------

      This prospectus contains information you should consider when making your
investment decision. With respect to information about Internet Architecture
HOLDRS, you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus.
We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different
information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information,
you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell Internet
Architecture HOLDRS in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not
permitted.

                                       2
<PAGE>

                                    SUMMARY

     The Internet Architecture HOLDRS trust will be formed under the
depositary trust agreement, dated as of February   , 2000 among The Bank of
New York, as trustee, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated,
other depositors and the owners of the Internet Architecture HOLDRS. The trust
is not a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act of
1940.

     The trust will hold shares of common stock issued by 20 specified
companies generally considered to be involved in various aspects of the
Internet architecture business. Companies involved in the Internet
architecture business are companies that, among other things, design, develop
and market computer, Internet hardware and other related products designed to
enhance the speed and efficiency of connections within and to the Internet,
connections within a company's internal networks and end user access to
networks. The number of shares of each common stock held by the trust with
respect to each round-lot of Internet Architecture HOLDRS is specified under
"Highlights of Internet Architecture HOLDRS--The Internet Architecture
HOLDRS." This group of common stocks is referred to as the underlying
securities. Except when a reconstitution event occurs, the underlying
securities will not change.

     Under no circumstances will a new company be added to the group of
issuers of underlying securities.

     The trust will issue Internet Architecture HOLDRS that represent your
undivided beneficial ownership interest in the shares of common stock held by
the trust on your behalf. The Internet Architecture HOLDRS are separate from
the underlying common stocks that are represented by the Internet Architecture
HOLDRS.

                                       3
<PAGE>

                                  RISK FACTORS

      An investment in Internet Architecture HOLDRS involves risks similar to
investing in each of the underlying securities outside of the Internet
Architecture HOLDRS, including the risks associated with concentrated
investments in Internet architecture companies.

General Risk Factors

    .  Loss of investment. Because the value of Internet Architecture HOLDRS
       directly relates to the value of the underlying securities, you may
       lose all or a substantial portion of your investment in the Internet
       Architecture HOLDRS if the underlying securities decline in value.

    .  Discount trading price. Internet Architecture HOLDRS may trade at a
       discount to the aggregate value of the underlying securities.

    .  Not necessarily representative of the Internet architecture
       business. While the underlying securities are common stocks of
       companies generally considered to be involved in various aspects of
       the Internet architecture business, the underlying securities and the
       Internet Architecture HOLDRS may not necessarily follow the price
       movements of the entire Internet architecture business generally. If
       the underlying securities decline in value, your investment in the
       Internet Architecture HOLDRS will decline in value even if common
       stock prices of companies involved in the Internet architecture
       business generally increase in value. Furthermore, after the initial
       deposit, one or more of the issuers of the underlying securities may
       no longer be involved in the Internet architecture business. In this
       case, the Internet Architecture HOLDRS may no longer consist of
       securities issued only by companies involved in the Internet
       architecture business.

    .  No investigation of underlying securities. The underlying securities
       included in the Internet Architecture HOLDRS were selected by Merrill
       Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated based on the market
       capitalization of issuers and the market liquidity of common stocks
       in the Internet architecture business, without regard for the value,
       price performance, volatility or investment merit of the underlying
       securities. Consequently, the Internet Architecture HOLDRS trust, the
       trustee, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and
       their affiliates, have not performed any investigation or review of
       the selected companies, including the public filings by the
       companies. Investors and market participants should not conclude that
       the inclusion of a company is any form of investment recommendation
       by the trust, the trustee, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
       Incorporated, or their affiliates.

    .  Loss of diversification. As a result of business developments,
       reorganizations, or market fluctuations affecting issuers of the
       underlying securities, Internet Architecture HOLDRS may not
       necessarily continue to be a diversified investment in the Internet
       architecture business. As a result of market fluctuation and/or
       reconstitution events, Internet Architecture HOLDRS may represent a
       concentrated investment in one or more of the underlying securities
       which would reduce investment diversification and increase your
       exposure to the risks of concentrated investments.

    .  Conflicting investment choices. In order to sell one or more of the
       underlying securities individually or to participate in a tender
       offer relating to one or more of the underlying securities, you will
       be required to cancel your Internet Architecture HOLDRS and receive
       delivery of each of the underlying securities. The cancellation of
       your Internet Architecture HOLDRS will allow you to sell individual
       underlying securities or to deliver individual underlying securities
       in a tender offer. The cancellation of Internet Architecture HOLDRS
       will involve payment of a cancellation fee to the trustee.

    .  Trading halts. Trading in Internet Architecture HOLDRS may be halted
       if trading in one or more of the underlying securities is halted. If
       so, you will not be able to trade Internet

                                       4
<PAGE>

       Architecture HOLDRS even though there is trading in some of the
       underlying securities; however, you will be able to cancel your
       Internet Architecture HOLDRS to receive the underlying securities.

    .  Delisting from the American Stock Exchange. If the number of
       companies whose common stock is held in the trust falls below nine,
       the American Stock Exchange may consider delisting the Internet
       Architecture HOLDRS. If the Internet Architecture HOLDRS are delisted
       by the American Stock Exchange, a termination event will result
       unless the Internet Architecture HOLDRS are listed for trading on
       another national securities exchange or through NASDAQ within five
       business days from the date the Internet Architecture HOLDRS are
       delisted.

    .  Possible conflicts of interest. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
       Incorporated, as initial depositor, has selected the underlying
       securities and may face possible conflicts of interest in connection
       with its activities. For example, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
       Smith Incorporated and its affiliates, collectively referred to as
       Merrill Lynch, may engage in investment banking and other activities,
       may provide services to issuers of the underlying securities in
       connection with its business, or may trade in the underlying
       securities for its own account. All of these activities may result in
       conflicts of interest with respect to the financial interest of
       Merrill Lynch, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the initial
       selection of the underlying securities included in the Internet
       Architecture HOLDRS, the selection of the Internet architecture
       business, Merrill Lynch's activity in the secondary market in the
       underlying securities, and the creation and cancellation of Internet
       Architecture HOLDRS by Merrill Lynch.

    .  Temporary price increases in the underlying securities. Purchasing
       activity in the secondary trading market associated with acquiring
       the underlying securities for deposit into the trust may affect the
       market price of the deposited shares. Large volumes of purchasing
       activity, which may occur in connection with the issuance of Internet
       Architecture HOLDRS, particularly in connection with the initial
       issuance of Internet Architecture HOLDRS, could temporarily increase
       the market price of the underlying securities, resulting in a higher
       price on that date. This purchasing activity could create a temporary
       imbalance between the supply and demand of the underlying securities,
       thereby limiting the liquidity of the underlying securities due to a
       temporary increased demand for underlying securities. Consequently,
       prices for the underlying securities may decline after these
       purchases as the volume of purchases decreases. This in turn is
       likely to have an immediate, adverse effect on the trading price of
       Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

Risk Factors Specific to Companies Involved in the Internet Architecture
Business

    .  Internet architecture company stock prices have been and will likely
       continue to be extremely volatile, which will directly affect the
       price volatility of the Internet Architecture HOLDRS, and you could
       lose all or part of your investment. The trading prices of the common
       stocks of Internet architecture companies have been and are likely to
       be extremely volatile. Internet architecture companies' stock prices
       could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a variety of
       factors, including the following:

     .  actual or anticipated variations in companies' quarterly operating
        results;

     .  announcements of technological innovations or new services by
        Internet architecture companies or their competitors;

     .  changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;

     .  conditions or trends in Internet online service companies;

     .  conditions or trends in online securities trading;

     .  changes in the market valuations of the Internet or online service
        companies;

                                       5
<PAGE>

     .  developments in Internet regulations;

     .  announcements by Internet architecture companies or their
        competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships,
        joint ventures or capital commitments;

     .  unscheduled system downtime;

     .  additions or departures of key personnel; and

     .  sales of Internet architecture companies' common stock or other
        securities in the open market.

     In addition, the trading prices of Internet architecture stocks in
     general have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations in
     recent months. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or
     disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. The
     valuations of many Internet architecture stocks are extraordinarily
     high when measured by conventional valuation standards such as price
     to earnings and price to sales ratios. Some of the companies do not
     or in the future might not have earnings. As a result, these trading
     prices may decline substantially. These trading prices and valuations
     may not be sustained. Any negative change in the public's perception
     of the prospects of Internet or e-commerce companies, generally,
     could depress the stock prices of an Internet architecture company
     regardless of its operating results. Other broad market and industry
     factors may decrease the stock price of Internet architecture stocks,
     regardless of their operating results. Market fluctuations, as well
     as general political and economic conditions, such as recession or
     interest rate or currency rate fluctuations, also may decrease the
     market price of Internet stocks.

    .  The ability to maintain or increase market share depends on timely
       introduction and market acceptance of new products offered by
       Internet architecture companies. The Internet market is characterized
       by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards and
       practices, frequent new product and service introductions and
       enhancements and changing customer demands. The success of many
       Internet architecture companies will depend on their ability to adapt
       to rapidly changing technologies, to adapt their services to evolving
       industry standards and to continually improve the performance,
       features and reliability of their hardware and software products.
       They must quickly develop, introduce and deliver their products, or
       incur the risk that their competitors will introduce the same or
       similar products, or products which could make their product
       obsolete. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet,
       networking or telecommunications technologies or other technological
       changes could require substantial expenditures to modify or adapt the
       existing products offered by Internet architecture companies. Many
       Internet architecture companies may not successfully introduce new
       products, develop and maintain a loyal customer base or achieve
       general market acceptance for their products, and failure to do so
       could have a material adverse effect on their business, results of
       operations and financial condition.

    .  New laws and regulations with respect to the Internet could impede
       its commercial development and adversely affect the business of many
       Internet architecture companies. Due to the increasing popularity and
       use of the Internet and other online services, it is possible that a
       number of laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the
       Internet or other online services covering issues such as user
       privacy, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution and
       characteristics and quality of products and services. In addition,
       many Internet architecture companies develop products which interact
       with or incorporate telecommunications infrastructure which may be
       subject to regulation by the Federal Communications Commission.
       Furthermore, the growth and development of the market for online
       interaction and commerce may prompt calls for more stringent consumer
       protection laws that may impose additional burdens on companies
       conducting business online. The adoption of any additional laws or
       regulations may impede the growth of the Internet or other online
       services which could have a material adverse effect on the business,
       results of operations and financial condition of Internet
       architecture companies.

                                       6
<PAGE>


    .  Some of the companies involved in the Internet architecture business
       are also engaged in other lines of business unrelated to Internet
       architecture, and they may experience problems with these lines of
       business which could adversely affect their operating
       results. Several of the companies which comprise the Internet
       Architecture HOLDRS have lines of business that do not relate to
       Internet architecture and which may present additional risks not
       mentioned in this prospectus. The operating results of Internet
       architecture companies may fluctuate as a result of these additional
       risks and events in the industries of these other lines of business.
       There can be no assurance that, despite a company's possible success
       in the Internet architecture business, the other lines of business in
       which these companies are engaged will not have an adverse effect on
       the company's business or financial conditions.

    .  The international operations of many Internet architecture companies
       expose them to risks associated with instability and changes in
       economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations,
       changes in foreign regulations and other risks inherent to
       international business. Many Internet architecture companies have
       international operations and derive substantial revenue from
       international sales. The risks of international business that the
       companies are exposed to include the following:

     .  general economic, social and political conditions;

     .  the difficulty of enforcing intellectual property rights,
        agreements and collecting receivables through certain foreign
        legal systems;

     .  differing tax rates, tariffs, exchange controls or other similar
        restrictions;

     .  currency fluctuations; and

     .  changes in, and compliance with, domestic and foreign laws and
        regulations which impose a range of restrictions on operations,
        trade practices, foreign trade and international investment
        decisions.

    .  Many Internet architecture companies rely on a single supplier or a
       limited number of suppliers for the components used in their products
       and if quality components are not delivered on a timely basis, these
       companies will not be able to deliver their products on a timely
       schedule which could adversely affect their financial
       condition. Reliance on a single supplier or limited number of
       suppliers subjects many Internet architecture companies to risks of
       delivery delays, price increases, receipt of non-conforming or poor
       quality components and inability to obtain long-term supplies of
       components. Any reduction or interruption in these third parties'
       supply or manufacturing would adversely affect an Internet
       architecture company's ability to deliver its products and meet
       customer needs. There can be no assurance that Internet architecture
       companies will not encounter problems with suppliers, which may harm
       their reputation and adversely affect their operations and financial
       condition.

    .  If Internet use fails to grow and be accepted as a medium for online
       commerce and communication demand for some of the products and
       services of Internet architecture companies will decline. Future
       revenues and any future profits of many Internet architecture
       companies depend upon the widespread acceptance and use of the
       Internet and other online services as an effective medium of
       communication and commerce by consumers. Rapid growth in the use of
       and interest in the Internet and other online services is a
       relatively recent phenomenon. There is no assurance that acceptance
       and use will continue to develop or that a sufficiently broad base of
       consumers will adopt, and continue to use, the Internet and other
       online services. For many Internet architecture companies to grow,
       customers must continue to accept and use new ways of conducting
       business and exchanging information on the Internet.

    .  Failure to integrate acquisitions could disrupt operations and
       prevent the realization of intended benefits. Many Internet
       architecture companies are active acquirers of other companies as
       part

                                       7
<PAGE>

       of their business plans. There can be no assurance that Internet
       architecture companies will be able to integrate these acquired
       companies, which may result in failure to realize expected cost
       savings, increases in revenue and other projected benefits from such
       integration. There can also
       no be no assurance that Internet architecture companies will be able
       to attract and retain qualified personnel from acquired businesses or
       be successful in integrating such personnel. Further, Internet
       architecture companies may suffer material adverse short and long-
       term effects on operating results and financial condition as a result
       of such acquisitions.

    .  Unanticipated high inventory levels could increase the costs of many
       Internet architecture companies. Many Internet architecture companies
       maintain medium to high levels of inventory and a decrease in market
       demand or an increase in supply, among other factors, could result in
       higher inventory levels which could adversely affect the
       profitability of these Internet architecture companies.

    .  Many Internet architecture companies are dependent on their ability
       to continue to attract and retain highly-skilled technical and
       managerial personnel to develop and generate their business. The
       success of many Internet architecture companies is highly dependent
       of the experience, abilities and continued services of key executive
       officers and key technical personnel. If these companies lose the
       services of any of these officers or key technical personnel, their
       future success could be undermined. Competition for personnel is
       intense. There is no certainty that any of these Internet
       architecture companies will be able to continue to attract and retain
       qualified personnel.

    .  Some Internet architecture companies have a history of incurring
       losses which may make it difficult for these companies to fund their
       future operations. Some Internet architecture companies, such as
       Cobalt Networks, Inc., Foundry Networks, Inc., Juniper Networks, Inc.
       and Sycamore Networks, Inc., have incurred significant losses since
       their inception and they may continue to incur losses for the
       foreseeable future. Many of these Internet architecture companies
       will also continue to incur losses as additional costs are incurred
       to develop new products and services, expand marketing and sales
       operations in existing and new markets and develop administrative
       facilities. If Internet architecture companies do not achieve and
       sustain profitability, their ability to respond effectively to market
       conditions, to make capital expenditures and to take advantage of
       business opportunities could be adversely affected.

                                       8
<PAGE>

                   HIGHLIGHTS OF INTERNET ARCHITECTURE HOLDRS

      This discussion highlights information regarding Internet Architecture
HOLDRS; we present certain information more fully in the rest of this
prospectus. You should read the entire prospectus carefully before you purchase
Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

Issuer.......................    Internet Architecture HOLDRS Trust.

The trust....................    The Internet Architecture HOLDRS Trust will
                                 be formed under the depositary trust
                                 agreement, dated as of February   , 2000
                                 among The Bank of New York, as trustee,
                                 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                                 Incorporated, other depositors and the owners
                                 of the Internet Architecture HOLDRS. The
                                 trust is not a registered investment company
                                 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Initial depositor............    Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                                 Incorporated.

Trustee......................    The Bank of New York, a New York state-
                                 chartered banking organization, will be the
                                 trustee and receive compensation as set forth
                                 in the depositary trust agreement.

Purpose of Internet
 Architecture
 HOLDRS......................    Internet Architecture HOLDRS are designed to
                                 achieve the following:

                                 Diversification. Internet Architecture HOLDRS
                                 are designed to allow you to diversify your
                                 investment in the Internet architecture
                                 business through a single, exchange-listed
                                 instrument representing your undivided
                                 beneficial ownership of the underlying
                                 securities.

                                 Flexibility. The beneficial owners of
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDRS have undivided
                                 beneficial ownership interests in each of the
                                 underlying securities represented by the
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDRS, and can cancel
                                 their Internet Architecture HOLDRS to receive
                                 each of the underlying securities represented
                                 by the Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

                                 Transaction costs. The expenses associated
                                 with trading Internet Architecture HOLDRS are
                                 expected to be less than trading each of the
                                 underlying securities separately.

Trust assets.................    The trust will hold shares of common stock
                                 issued by specified companies involved in the
                                 Internet architecture business. Except when a
                                 reconstitution event occurs, the group of
                                 companies will not change. Reconstitution
                                 events are described in this prospectus under
                                 the heading "Description of the depositary
                                 trust agreement--Reconstitution events."
                                 Under no circumstances will the common stock
                                 of a new company be added to the common
                                 stocks underlying the Internet Architecture
                                 HOLDRS.

                                 The trust's assets may increase or decrease
                                 as a result of in-kind deposits and
                                 withdrawals of the underlying securities
                                 during the life of the trust.


                                       9
<PAGE>

The Internet Architecture        The trust will issue Internet Architecture
HOLDRS.......................    HOLDRS that represent your undivided
                                 beneficial ownership interest in the shares
                                 of U.S.-traded common stock held by the trust
                                 on your behalf. The Internet Architecture
                                 HOLDRS themselves are separate from the
                                 underlying securities that are represented by
                                 the Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

                                 The specific share amounts for each round-lot
                                 of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS will be
                                 determined on the pricing date so that the
                                 initial issue price will be approximately
                                 $90-$100 per Internet Architecture HOLDR and
                                 the initial weightings of each underlying
                                 security included in the Internet
                                 Architecture HOLDRS approximates the relative
                                 market capitalizations of the specified
                                 companies (based on the closing market prices
                                 of the underlying securities on the trading
                                 day immediately preceding the pricing date),
                                 subject to a maximum weight of 20%. For
                                 purposes of this preliminary prospectus, the
                                 indicative share amounts and the indicative
                                 weightings of each underlying security, based
                                 on market capitalizations as of February 7,
                                 2000, are set forth in the table below;
                                 however, such share amounts and weightings
                                 are expected to change during the period
                                 between February 7, 2000 and the pricing
                                 date.

                                 After the pricing date, the share amounts
                                 will not change, except for changes due to
                                 corporate events, such as stock splits or
                                 reverse stock splits on the underlying
                                 securities, or reconstitution events.
                                 However, the weightings are expected to
                                 change substantially over time because of
                                 price fluctuations.

                                 The following chart provides the

                                 .  names of the 20 issuers of the underlying
                                    securities represented by the Internet
                                    Architecture HOLDRS,

                                 .  stock ticker symbols,

                                 .  indicative share amounts represented by a
                                    round-lot of 100 Internet Architecture
                                    HOLDRS (as of February 7, 2000),

                                 .  indicative weightings as of February 7,
                                    2000, and

                                 .  principal market on which the shares of
                                    common stock of the selected companies are
                                    traded.

                                       10
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Indicative            Primary
                                                       Share    Indicative Trading
                    Name of Company           Ticker  Amounts   Weightings Market
                    ----------------          ------ ---------- ---------- -------
                    <S>                       <C>    <C>        <C>        <C>
                    CISCO SYSTEMS, INC.        CSCO      14       19.41%   NASDAQ
                    INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
                     MACHINES CORPORATION       IBM      14       17.68%     NYSE
                    HEWLETT-PACKARD
                     COMPANY                    HWP       8       11.40%     NYSE
                    SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.     SUNW      12       11.38%   NASDAQ
                    EMC CORPORATION/MA          EMC       8       10.15%     NYSE
                    DELL COMPUTER
                     CORPORATION               DELL      20        8.35%   NASDAQ
                    COMPAQ COMPUTER
                     CORPORATION                CPQ      13        3.93%     NYSE
                    SYCAMORE NETWORKS, INC.    SCMR       3        3.20%   NASDAQ
                    JUNIPER NETWORKS, INC.     JNPR       1        1.93%   NASDAQ
                    3COM CORPORATION           COMS       3        1.88%   NASDAQ
                    FOUNDRY NETWORKS, INC.     FDRY       1        1.44%   NASDAQ
                    GATEWAY, INC.               GTW       2        1.39%     NYSE
                    NETWORK APPLIANCE, INC.    NTAP       1        1.39%   NASDAQ
                    APPLE COMPUTER, INC.       AAPL       1        1.26%   NASDAQ
                    COBALT NETWORKS, INC.      COBT       1        1.08%   NASDAQ
                    SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY, INC.    SEG       2        0.99%     NYSE
                    EXTREME NETWORKS, INC.     EXTR       1        0.98%   NASDAQ
                    CIENA CORPORATION          CIEN       1        0.89%   NASDAQ
                    UNISYS CORPORATION          UIS       2        0.72%     NYSE
                    ADAPTEC, INC.              ADPT       1        0.56%   NASDAQ
</TABLE>

                                 The actual share amounts and weightings will
                                 be determined on the pricing date and will
                                 appear in the final prospectus delivered in
                                 connection with sales of the Internet
                                 Architecture HOLDRS. These companies
                                 generally are considered to be 20 of the
                                 largest and most liquid companies with U.S.-
                                 traded common stock involved in the Internet
                                 architecture business, as measured by market
                                 capitalization and trading volume on February
                                 7, 2000. The market capitalization of a
                                 company is determined by multiplying the
                                 price of its common stock by the number of
                                 outstanding shares of its common stock.

                                 The trust only will issue and cancel, and you
                                 only may obtain, hold, trade or surrender,
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDRS in a round-lot
                                 of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS and
                                 round-lot multiples. The trust will only
                                 issue Internet Architecture HOLDRS upon the
                                 deposit of the whole shares represented by a
                                 round-lot of 100 Internet Architecture
                                 HOLDRS. In the event that a fractional share
                                 comes to be represented by a round-lot of
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDRS, the trust may
                                 require a minimum of more than one round-lot
                                 of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS for an
                                 issuance so that the trust will always
                                 receive whole share amounts for issuance of
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

                                 The number of outstanding Internet
                                 Architecture HOLDRS will increase and
                                 decrease as a result of in-kind deposits and
                                 withdrawals of the underlying securities. The
                                 trust will stand ready to issue additional
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDRS on a

                                       11
<PAGE>

                                 continuous basis when an investor deposits
                                 the required shares of common stock with the
                                 trustee.

Public offering price........    The initial public offering price for 100
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDRS will equal the
                                 sum of the closing market price on the
                                 primary trading market on the pricing date
                                 for each underlying security multiplied by
                                 the share amount to be determined on the
                                 pricing date, plus an underwriting fee. It is
                                 expected that the initial public offering
                                 price will be approximately $90-$100 per
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDR.

Purchases....................    After the initial offering, you may acquire
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDRS in two ways:

                                 .  through an in-kind deposit of the required
                                    number of shares of common stock of the
                                    underlying issuers with the trustee, or

                                 .  through a cash purchase in the secondary
                                    trading market.

Underwriting fees............    If you purchase Internet Architecture HOLDRS
                                 in the initial public offering, you will pay
                                 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                                 Incorporated, in its role as underwriter, an
                                 underwriting fee equal to:

                                 .  For purchases of      Internet
                                    Architecture HOLDRS or fewer, 2%.

                                 .  For purchases in excess of      Internet
                                    Architecture HOLDRS,   %.

                                 You will not be charged any issuance fee or
                                 other sales commission in connection with
                                 purchases of Internet Architecture HOLDRS
                                 made in the initial public offering.

Issuance and cancellation        After the initial offering, if you wish to
fees.........................    create Internet Architecture HOLDRS by
                                 delivering to the trust the requisite shares
                                 of common stock represented by a round-lot of
                                 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS, The Bank of
                                 New York as trustee will charge you an
                                 issuance fee of up to $10.00 for each round-
                                 lot of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS. If
                                 you wish to cancel your Internet Architecture
                                 HOLDRS and withdraw your underlying
                                 securities, The Bank of New York as trustee
                                 will charge you a cancellation fee of up to
                                 $10.00 for each round-lot of 100 Internet
                                 Architecture HOLDRS.

Commissions..................    If you choose to deposit underlying
                                 securities in order to receive Internet
                                 Architecture HOLDRS after the conclusion of
                                 the initial public offering, you will not be
                                 charged the underwriting fee. However, in
                                 addition to the issuance fee charged by the
                                 trustee described above, you will be
                                 responsible for paying any sales commission
                                 associated with your purchase of the
                                 underlying securities that is charged by your
                                 broker, whether it be Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
                                 Fenner & Smith Incorporated or another
                                 broker.

Custody fees.................
                                 The Bank of New York, as trustee and as
                                 custodian, will charge you a quarterly
                                 custody fee of $2.00 for each round-lot of

                                       12
<PAGE>

                                 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS, to be
                                 deducted from any cash dividend or other cash
                                 distributions on underlying securities
                                 received by the trust. With respect to the
                                 aggregate custody fee payable in any calendar
                                 year for each Internet Architecture HOLDR,
                                 the Trustee will waive that portion of the
                                 fee which exceeds the total cash dividends
                                 and other cash distributions received, or to
                                 be received, and payable with respect to such
                                 calendar year.

Rights relating to Internet
 Architecture HOLDRS.........
                                 You have the right to withdraw the underlying
                                 securities upon request by delivering a
                                 round-lot or integral multiple of a round-lot
                                 of Internet Architecture HOLDRS to the
                                 trustee, during the trustee's business hours,
                                 and paying the cancellation fees, taxes, and
                                 other charges. You should receive the
                                 underlying securities no later than the
                                 business day after the trustee receives a
                                 proper notice of cancellation. The trustee
                                 will not deliver fractional shares of
                                 underlying securities. To the extent that any
                                 cancellation of Internet Architecture HOLDRS
                                 would otherwise require the delivery of a
                                 fractional share, the trustee will sell such
                                 share in the market and the trust, in turn,
                                 will deliver cash in lieu of such share.
                                 Except with respect to the right to vote for
                                 dissolution of the trust, the Internet
                                 Architecture HOLDRS themselves will not have
                                 voting rights.

Rights relating to the
 underlying securities.......
                                 You have the right to:

                                 .  Receive all shareholder disclosure
                                    materials, including annual and quarterly
                                    reports, distributed by the issuers of the
                                    underlying securities.

                                 .  Receive all proxy materials distributed by
                                    the issuers of the underlying securities
                                    and will have the right to instruct the
                                    trustee to vote the underlying securities
                                    or may attend shareholder meetings
                                    yourself.

                                 .  Receive dividends and other distributions
                                    on the underlying securities, if any are
                                    declared and paid to the trustee by an
                                    issuer of the underlying securities, net
                                    of any applicable taxes or fees.

                                 If you wish to participate in a tender offer
                                 for underlying securities, you must obtain
                                 the underlying securities by surrendering
                                 your Internet Architecture HOLDRS and
                                 receiving all of your underlying securities.
                                 For specific information about obtaining your
                                 underlying securities, you should read the
                                 discussion under the caption "Description of
                                 the depositary trust agreement."

Reconstitution events........    A. If an issuer of underlying securities no
                                    longer has a class of common stock
                                    registered under section 12 of the
                                    Securities Exchange Act of 1934, then its
                                    securities will no longer be an underlying
                                    security and the trustee will distribute
                                    the

                                       13
<PAGE>

                                    shares of that company to the owners of
                                    the Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

                                 B. If the SEC finds that an issuer of
                                    underlying securities should be registered
                                    as an investment company under the
                                    Investment Company Act of 1940, and the
                                    trustee has actual knowledge of the SEC
                                    finding, then the trustee will distribute
                                    the shares of that company to the owners
                                    of the Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

                                 C. If the underlying securities of an issuer
                                    cease to be outstanding as a result of a
                                    merger, consolidation or other corporate
                                    combination, the trustee will distribute
                                    the consideration paid by and received
                                    from the acquiring company to the
                                    beneficial owners of Internet Architecture
                                    HOLDRS, unless the merger, consolidation
                                    or other corporate combination is between
                                    companies that are already included in the
                                    Internet Architecture HOLDRS and the
                                    consideration paid is additional
                                    underlying securities. In this case, the
                                    additional underlying securities will be
                                    deposited into the trust.

                                 D. If an issuer's underlying securities are
                                    delisted from trading on a national
                                    securities exchange or NASDAQ and are not
                                    listed for trading on another national
                                    securities exchange or through NASDAQ
                                    within five business days from the date
                                    such securities are delisted.

                                 If a reconstitution event occurs, the trustee
                                 will deliver the underlying security to you
                                 as promptly as practicable after the date
                                 that the trustee has knowledge of the
                                 occurrence of a reconstitution event.

Termination events...........    A. The Internet Architecture HOLDRS are
                                    delisted from the American Stock Exchange
                                    and are not listed for trading on another
                                    national securities exchange or through
                                    NASDAQ within five business days from the
                                    date the Internet Architecture HOLDRS are
                                    delisted.

                                 B. The trustee resigns and no successor
                                    trustee is appointed within 60 days from
                                    the date the trustee provides notice to
                                    Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                                    Incorporated, as initial depositor, of its
                                    intent to resign.

                                 C. 75% of beneficial owners of outstanding
                                    Internet Architecture HOLDRS vote to
                                    dissolve and liquidate the trust.

                                 If a termination event occurs, the trustee
                                 will distribute the underlying securities to
                                 you as promptly as practicable after the
                                 termination event.

Federal income tax               The federal income tax laws will treat a U.S.
consequences.................    holder of Internet Architecture HOLDRS as
                                 directly owning the underlying securities.
                                 The Internet Architecture HOLDRS themselves
                                 will not result in any federal tax
                                 consequences separate from the tax

                                       14
<PAGE>

                                 consequences associated with ownership of the
                                 underlying securities.

Listing......................    Application has been made to list the
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDRS on the American
                                 Stock Exchange under the symbol "IAH".
                                 Trading will take place only in round-lots of
                                 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS and round-
                                 lot multiples. A minimum of 150,000 Internet
                                 Architecture HOLDRS will be required to be
                                 outstanding when trading begins.

Trading......................    Investors only will be able to acquire, hold,
                                 transfer and surrender a round-lot of 100
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDRS. Bid and ask
                                 prices, however, will be quoted per single
                                 Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

Clearance and settlement.....    The trust will issue Internet Architecture
                                 HOLDRS in book-entry form. Internet
                                 Architecture HOLDRS will be evidenced by one
                                 or more global certificates that the trustee
                                 will deposit with The Depository Trust
                                 Company, referred to as DTC. Transfers within
                                 DTC will be in accordance with DTC's usual
                                 rules and operating procedures. For further
                                 information see "Description of Internet
                                 Architecture HOLDRS."

                                       15
<PAGE>

                                   THE TRUST

      General. This discussion highlights information about the Internet
Architecture HOLDRS trust. You should read this information, information about
the depositary trust agreement as well as the depositary trust agreement before
you purchase Internet Architecture HOLDRS. The material terms of the depositary
trust agreement are described in this prospectus under the heading "Description
of the depositary trust agreement."

      The Internet Architecture HOLDRS trust. The trust will be formed pursuant
to the depositary trust agreement, dated as of February   , 2000. The Bank of
New York will be the trustee. The Internet Architecture HOLDRS trust is not a
registered investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

      The Internet Architecture HOLDRS trust is intended to hold deposited
shares for the benefit of owners of Internet Architecture HOLDRS. The trustee
will perform only administrative and ministerial acts. The property of the
trust will consist of the underlying securities and all monies or other
property, if any, received by the trustee. The trust will terminate on December
31, 2040, or earlier if a termination event occurs.

                  DESCRIPTION OF INTERNET ARCHITECTURE HOLDRS

      The trust will issue Internet Architecture HOLDRS under the depositary
trust agreement described in this prospectus under the heading "Description of
the depositary trust agreement." After the initial offering, the trust may
issue additional Internet Architecture HOLDRS on a continuous basis when an
investor deposits the requisite underlying securities with the trustee.

      You may only acquire, hold, trade and surrender Internet Architecture
HOLDRS in a round-lot of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS and round-lot
multiples. The trust will only issue Internet Architecture HOLDRS upon the
deposit of the whole shares of underlying securities that are represented by a
round-lot of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS. In the event of a stock split,
reverse stock split, or other distribution by the issuer of an underlying
security that results in a fractional share becoming represented by a round-lot
of Internet Architecture HOLDRS, the trust may require a minimum of more than
one round-lot of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS for an issuance so that the
trust will always receive whole share amounts for issuance of Internet
Architecture HOLDRS.

      Internet Architecture HOLDRS will represent your individual and undivided
beneficial ownership interest in the common stock of the specified underlying
securities. The 20 companies selected as part of this receipt program are
listed above in the section entitled "Highlights of Internet Architecture
HOLDRS--The Internet Architecture HOLDRS."

      Beneficial owners of Internet Architecture HOLDRS will have the same
rights and privileges as they would have if they beneficially owned the
underlying securities outside of the trust. These include the right of
investors to instruct the trustee to vote the common stock, and to receive
dividends and other distributions on the underlying securities, if any are
declared and paid to the trustee by an issuer of an underlying security, as
well as the right to cancel Internet Architecture HOLDRS to receive the
underlying securities. See "Description of the depositary trust agreement."
Internet Architecture HOLDRS are not intended to change your beneficial
ownership in the underlying securities under federal securities laws, including
Sections 13(d) and 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

      The trust will not publish or otherwise calculate the aggregate value of
the underlying securities represented by a receipt. Internet Architecture
HOLDRS may trade in the secondary market at prices that are lower than the
aggregate value of the corresponding underlying securities. If, in such case,
an owner of Internet Architecture HOLDRS wishes to realize the dollar value of
the underlying securities, that owner will have to cancel the Internet
Architecture HOLDRS. Such cancellation will require payment of fees and
expenses as described in "Description of the depositary trust agreement--
Withdrawal of underlying securities."

                                       16
<PAGE>

      Internet Architecture HOLDRS will be evidenced by one or more global
certificates that the trustee will deposit with DTC and register in the name of
Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC. Internet Architecture HOLDRS will be available
only in book-entry form. Owners of Internet Architecture HOLDRS may hold their
Internet Architecture HOLDRS through DTC, if they are participants in DTC, or
indirectly through entities that are participants in DTC.

                    DESCRIPTION OF THE UNDERLYING SECURITIES

      Selection criteria. The underlying securities are the common stocks of a
group of 20 specified companies involved in various aspects of the Internet
architecture business and whose common stock is registered under Section 12 of
the Exchange Act. The issuers of the underlying securities are considered to be
20 of the largest capitalized, most liquid companies involved in the Internet
architecture business as measured by market capitalization and trading volume.
The following criteria were used in selecting the underlying securities on
February 7, 2000:

    .  Market capitalization equal to or greater than $2.6 billion;

    .  Average daily trading volume of at least 425,000 shares over the 60
       trading days before February 7, 2000;

    .  Average daily dollar volume (that is, the average daily trading
       volume multiplied by the average closing price over the 60 day period
       prior to February 7, 2000) of at least $70 million over the
       60 trading days before February 7, 2000; and

    .  A trading history of at least 90 calendar days.

      The market capitalization of a company is determined by multiplying the
price of its common stock by the number of shares of its common stock that are
held by stockholders. In determining whether a company was to be considered for
inclusion in the Internet Architecture HOLDRS, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated examined available public information about the company,
including analysts' reports and other independent market sources. The ultimate
determination of the inclusion of the 20 specified companies, however, rested
solely within the discretion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated.

      After the initial deposit, one or more of the issuers of the underlying
securities may no longer be substantially involved in the Internet architecture
business. In this case, the Internet Architecture HOLDRS may no longer consist
of securities issued by companies involved in the Internet architecture
business. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated will determine, in
its sole discretion, whether the issuer of a particular underlying security
remains in the Internet architecture business and will undertake to make
adequate disclosure when necessary.

      Underlying securities. For a list of the underlying securities
represented by Internet Architecture HOLDRS, please refer to "Highlights of
Internet Architecture HOLDRS--The Internet Architecture HOLDRS." If the
underlying securities change because of a reconstitution event, a revised list
of underlying securities will be set forth in a prospectus supplement and will
be available from the American Stock Exchange and through a widely-used
electronic information dissemination system such as Bloomberg or Reuters.

      No investigation. In selecting the underlying securities, the trust, the
trustee, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and any affiliate
of these entities, have not performed any investigation or review of the
selected companies, including the public filings by the companies, other than
to the extent required to determine whether the companies satisfied the stated
selection criteria. Accordingly, before you acquire Internet Architecture
HOLDRS, you should consider publicly available financial and other information
about the issuers of the underlying securities. See "Risk factors" and "Where
you can find more information." Investors and market participants should not
conclude that the inclusion of a company in the list is any form of investment
recommendation of that company by the trust, the trustee, Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and any of their affiliates.

                                       17
<PAGE>

      General background and historical information. For a brief description of
the business of each of the issuers of the underlying securities and monthly
pricing information showing the historical performance of each underlying
issuer's securities see "Annex A."

      The following table and graph set forth the composite performance of all
of the underlying securities represented by a single Internet Architecture
HOLDR based upon the indicative share amounts set forth in the table on page 11
of this preliminary prospectus, measured at the close of each business day from
November 5, 1999, the first date when all of the underlying securities were
publicly traded, to February 7, 2000. The performance table and graph data are
adjusted for any splits that may have occurred over the measurement period.
Past movements of the underlying securities are not necessarily indicative of
future values. The actual share amounts will be determined on the pricing date
and may differ from the indicative share amounts.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Internet                    Internet                  Internet                  Internet
               Architecture                Architecture              Architecture              Architecture
1999              HOLDRS    1999              HOLDRS    2000            HOLDRS    2000            HOLDRS
- ----           ------------ ----           ------------ ----         ------------ ----         ------------
<S>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
November 5..      64.63     December 1...     74.83     January 3...    88.58     February 1..    85.04
November 8..      65.89     December 2...     77.30     January 4...    83.35     February 2..    85.36
November 9..      65.40     December 3...     79.80     January 5...    83.65     February 3..    88.00
November 10..     67.16     December 6...     80.62     January 6...    80.97     February 4..    88.54
November 11..     68.22     December 7...     81.81     January 7...    83.24     February 7..    90.31
November 12..     68.73     December 8...     82.72     January 10..    86.10
November 15..     67.86     December 9...     81.55     January 11..    84.04
November 16..     69.71     December 10..     80.86     January 12..    83.38
November 17..     69.37     December 13..     81.37     January 13..    84.13
November 18..     73.25     December 14..     79.21     January 14..    86.07
November 19..     74.78     December 15..     78.52     January 18..    86.46
November 22..     74.96     December 16..     80.50     January 19..    87.60
November 23..     74.10     December 17..     80.94     January 20..    89.29
November 24..     75.81     December 20..     81.73     January 21..    90.13
November 26..     76.19     December 21..     84.06     January 24..    86.81
November 29..     76.09     December 22..     83.35     January 25..    88.67
November 30..     74.17     December 23..     84.97     January 26..    85.15
                            December 27..     84.83     January 27..    83.69
                            December 28..     84.83     January 28..    81.74
                            December 29..     85.85     January 31..    83.80
                            December 30..     86.29
                            December 31..     85.94
</TABLE>


                                  [LINE GRAPH]


                                       18
<PAGE>

                 DESCRIPTION OF THE DEPOSITARY TRUST AGREEMENT

      General. The depositary trust agreement, dated as of February   , 2000,
among Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, The Bank of New York,
as trustee, other depositors and the owners of the Internet Architecture
HOLDRS, provides that Internet Architecture HOLDRS will represent an owner's
undivided beneficial ownership interest in the common stock of the underlying
companies.

      The trustee. The Bank of New York will serve as trustee. The Bank of New
York, which was founded in 1784, was New York's first bank and is the oldest
bank in the country still operating under its original name. The Bank is a
state-chartered New York banking corporation and a member of the Federal
Reserve System. The Bank conducts a national and international wholesale
banking business and a retail banking business in the New York City, New Jersey
and Connecticut areas, and provides a comprehensive range of corporate and
personal trust, securities processing and investment services.

      Issuance, transfer and surrender of Internet Architecture HOLDRS. You may
create and cancel Internet Architecture HOLDRS only in round-lots of 100
Internet Architecture HOLDRS. You may create Internet Architecture HOLDRS by
delivering to the trustee the requisite underlying securities. The trust will
only issue Internet Architecture HOLDRS upon the deposit of the whole shares
represented by a round-lot of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS. In the event
that a fractional share comes to be represented by a round-lot of Internet
Architecture HOLDRS, the trust may require a minimum of more than one round-lot
of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS for an issuance so that the trust will
always receive whole share amounts for issuance of Internet Architecture
HOLDRS. Similarly, you must surrender Internet Architecture HOLDRS in integral
multiples of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS to withdraw deposited shares from
the trust. The trustee will not deliver fractional shares of underlying
securities, to the extent that any cancellation of Internet Architecture HOLDRS
would otherwise require the delivery of fractional shares, the trust will
deliver cash in lieu of such shares. You may request withdrawal of your
deposited shares during the trustee's normal business hours. The trustee
expects that in most cases it will deliver your deposited shares within one
business day of your withdrawal request.

      Voting rights. The trustee will deliver you proxy soliciting materials
provided by issuers of the deposited shares so as to permit you to give the
trustee instructions as to how to vote on matters to be considered at any
annual or special meetings held by issuers of the underlying securities.

      Under the depositary trust agreement, any beneficial owner of Internet
Architecture HOLDRS, other than Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated owning Internet Architecture HOLDRS for its own proprietary
account as principal, will have the right to vote to dissolve and liquidate the
trust.

      Distributions. You will be entitled to receive, net of trustee fees,
distributions of cash, including dividends, securities or property, if any,
made with respect to the underlying securities. The trustee will use its
reasonable efforts to ensure that it distributes these distributions as
promptly as practicable after the date on which it receives the distribution.
Therefore, you may receive your distributions substantially later than you
would have had you held the underlying securities directly. You will be
obligated to pay any tax or other charge that may become due with respect to
Internet Architecture HOLDRS. The trustee may deduct the amount of any tax or
other governmental charge from a distribution before making payment to you. In
addition, the trustee will deduct its quarterly custody fee of $2.00 for each
round-lot of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS from quarterly dividends, if any,
paid to the trustee by the issuers of the underlying securities. With respect
to the aggregate custody fee payable in any calendar year for each Internet
Architecture HOLDR, the trustee will waive that portion of the fee which
exceeds the total cash dividends and other cash distributions received, or to
be received, and payable with respect to such calendar year.

      Record dates. With respect to dividend payments and voting instructions,
the trustee expects to fix the trust's record dates as close as possible to the
record date fixed by the issuer of the underlying securities.


                                       19
<PAGE>

      Shareholder communications. The trustee promptly will forward to you all
shareholder communications that it receives from issuers of the underlying
securities.

      Withdrawal of underlying securities. You may surrender your Internet
Architecture HOLDRS and receive underlying securities during the trustee's
normal business hours and upon the payment of applicable fees, taxes or
governmental charges, if any. You should receive your underlying securities no
later than the business day after the trustee receives your request. If you
surrender Internet Architecture HOLDRS in order to receive underlying
securities, you will pay to the trustee a cancellation fee of up to $10.00 per
round-lot of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

      Further issuances of Internet Architecture HOLDRS. The depositary trust
agreement provides for further issuances of Internet Architecture HOLDRS on a
continuous basis without your consent.

      Reconstitution events. The depositary trust agreement provides for the
automatic distribution of underlying securities to you in four circumstances.

    A. If an issuer of underlying securities no longer has a class of common
       stock registered under section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of
       1934, then its securities will no longer be an underlying security
       and the trustee will distribute the shares of that company to the
       owners of the Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

    B. If the SEC finds that an issuer of underlying securities should be
       registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act
       of 1940, and the trustee has actual knowledge of the SEC finding,
       then the trustee will distribute the shares of that company to the
       owners of the Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

    C. If the underlying securities of an issuer cease to be outstanding as
       a result of a merger, consolidation or other corporate combination,
       the trustee will distribute the consideration paid by and received
       from the acquiring company to the beneficial owners of Internet
       Architecture HOLDRS, unless the merger, consolidation or other
       corporate combination is between companies that are already included
       in the Internet Architecture HOLDRS and the consideration paid is
       additional underlying securities. In this case, the additional
       underlying securities will be deposited into the trust.

    D. If an issuer's underlying securities are delisted from trading on a
       national securities exchange or NASDAQ and are not listed for trading
       on another national securities exchange or through NASDAQ within 5
       business days from the date such securities are delisted.

      If a reconstitution event occurs, the trustee will deliver the underlying
security to you as promptly as practicable after the date that the trustee has
knowledge of the occurrence of a reconstitution event.

      Termination of the trust. The trust will terminate if the trustee resigns
and no successor trustee is appointed by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, as initial depositor, within 60 days from the date the trustee
provides notice to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as
initial depositor, of its intent to resign. Upon termination, the beneficial
owners of Internet Architecture HOLDRS will surrender their Internet
Architecture HOLDRS as provided in the depositary trust agreement, including
payment of any fees of the trustee or applicable taxes or governmental charges
due in connection with delivery to the owners of the underlying securities. The
trust also will terminate if Internet Architecture HOLDRS are delisted from the
American Stock Exchange and are not listed for trading on another national
securities exchange or through NASDAQ within 5 business days from the date the
Internet Architecture HOLDRS are delisted. Finally, the trust will terminate if
75% of the owners of outstanding Internet Architecture HOLDRS other than
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated vote to dissolve and
liquidate the trust.

      If a termination event occurs, the trustee will distribute the underlying
securities to you as promptly as practicable after the termination event
occurs.

                                       20
<PAGE>

      Amendment of the depositary trust agreement. The trustee and Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as initial depositor, may amend any
provisions of the depositary trust agreement without the consent of any other
depositor or any of the owners of the Internet Architecture HOLDRS. Promptly
after the execution of any amendment to the agreement, the trustee must furnish
or cause to be furnished written notification of the substance of the amendment
to each owner of Internet Architecture HOLDRS. Any amendment that imposes or
increases any fees or charges, subject to exceptions, or that otherwise
prejudices any substantial existing right of the owners of Internet
Architecture HOLDRS will not become effective until 30 days after notice of the
amendment is given to the owners of Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

      Issuance and cancellation fees. After the initial public offering, the
trust expects to issue more Internet Architecture HOLDRS. If you wish to create
Internet Architecture HOLDRS by delivering to the trust the requisite
underlying securities, the trustee will charge you an issuance fee of up to
$10.00 for each round-lot of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS. If you wish to
cancel your Internet Architecture HOLDRS and withdraw your underlying
securities, the trustee will charge you a cancellation fee of up to $10.00 for
each round-lot of 100 Internet Architecture HOLDRS issued. The trustee may
negotiate either of these fees depending on the volume, frequency and size of
the issuance or cancellation transactions.

      Commissions. If you choose to create Internet Architecture HOLDRS after
the conclusion of the initial public offering, you will not be charged the
underwriting fee. However, in addition to the issuance and cancellation fees
described above, you will be responsible for paying any sales commissions
associated with your purchase of the underlying securities that is charged by
your broker, whether it be Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
or another broker.

      Custody fees. The Bank of New York, as trustee and as custodian, will
charge you a quarterly custody fee of $2.00 for each round-lot of 100 Internet
Architecture HOLDRS to be deducted from any dividend payments or other cash
distributions on underlying securities received by the trustee. With respect to
the aggregate custody fee payable in any calendar year for each Internet
Architecture HOLDR, the Trustee will waive that portion of the fee which
exceeds the total cash dividends and other cash distributions received, or to
be received, and payable with respect to such calendar year. The trustee cannot
recapture unpaid custody fees from prior years.

      Address of the trustee. The Bank of New York, ADR Department, 101 Barclay
Street, New York, New York 10286.

      Governing law. The depositary trust agreement and Internet Architecture
HOLDRS will be governed by the laws of the State of New York. The trustee will
provide the depositary trust agreement to any owner of the underlying
securities free of charge upon written request.

      Duties and immunities of the trustee. The trustee will assume no
responsibility or liability for, and makes no representations as to, the
validity or sufficiency, or as to the accuracy of the recitals, if any, set
forth in the Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

      The trustee undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically
set forth in the depositary trust agreement. Subject to the preceding sentence,
the trustee will be liable for its own negligence or misconduct except for good
faith errors in judgment so long as the trustee was not negligent in
ascertaining the relevant facts.


                                       21
<PAGE>

                        FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

General

      The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences
relating to the Internet Architecture HOLDRS for:

    .  a citizen or resident of the United States;

    .  a corporation or partnership created or organized in the United
       States or under the laws of the United States;

    .  an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S.
       federal income tax purposes regardless of its source;

    .  or a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise
       primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or
       more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial
       decisions of the trust (each of the above, a "U.S. receipt holder");
       and

    .  any person other than a U.S. receipt holder (a "Non-U.S. receipt
       holder").

      This summary is based upon laws, regulations, rulings and decisions
currently in effect, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a
retroactive basis. The discussion does not deal with all U.S. federal income
tax consequences applicable to all categories of investors, some of which may
be subject to special rules. In addition, this summary generally is limited to
investors who will hold the Internet Architecture HOLDRS as "capital assets"
(generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. We suggest that you consult with
your own tax advisor.

Taxation of the trust

      The trust will provide for flow through tax consequences as it will be
treated as a grantor trust or custodial arrangement for United States federal
income tax purposes.

Taxation of Internet Architecture HOLDRS

      A receipt holder purchasing and owning Internet Architecture HOLDRS will
be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as directly owning a
proportionate share of the underlying securities represented by Internet
Architecture HOLDRS. Consequently, if there is a taxable cash distribution on
an underlying security, a holder will recognize income with respect to the
distribution at the time the distribution is received by the trustee, not at
the time that the holder receives the cash distribution from the trustee.

      A receipt holder will determine its initial tax basis in each of the
underlying securities by allocating the purchase price for the Internet
Architecture HOLDRS among the underlying securities based on their relative
fair market values at the time of purchase. Similarly, when a holder sells a
receipt, it will determine the amount realized with respect to each security by
allocating the sales price among the underlying securities based on their
relative fair market values at the time of sale. A holder's gain or loss with
respect to each security will be computed by subtracting its basis in the
security from the amount realized on the security. With respect to purchases of
Internet Architecture HOLDRS for cash in the secondary market, a receipt
holder's aggregate tax basis in each of the underlying securities will be equal
to the purchase price of the Internet Architecture HOLDRS. Similarly, with
respect to sales of Internet Architecture HOLDRS for cash in the secondary
market, the amount realized with respect to a sale of Internet Architecture
HOLDRS will be equal to the aggregate amount realized with respect to each of
the underlying securities.

      The distribution of any securities by the trust upon the surrender of
Internet Architecture HOLDRS, the occurrence of a reconstitution event, or a
termination event will not be a taxable event. The receipt holders

                                       22
<PAGE>

holding period with respect to the distributed securities will include the
period that the holder held the securities through the trust.

Brokerage fees and custodian fees

      The brokerage fee incurred in purchasing a receipt will be treated as
part of the cost of the underlying securities. Accordingly, a holder includes
this fee in its tax basis in the underlying securities. A holder will allocate
the brokerage fee among the underlying securities using either a fair market
value allocation or pro rata based on the number of shares of each underlying
security. Similarly, the brokerage fee incurred in selling Internet
Architecture HOLDRS will reduce the amount realized with respect to the
underlying securities.

      A holder will be required to include in its income the full amount of
dividends paid on the underlying securities, even though the depositary trust
agreement provides that the custodian fees will be deducted directly from any
dividends paid. These custodian fees will be treated as an expense incurred in
connection with a holder's investment in the underlying securities and may be
deductible. If a holder is an individual, estate or trust, however, the
deduction of its share of custodian fees will be a miscellaneous itemized
deduction that may be disallowed in whole or in part.

Non-U.S. receipt holders

      Non-U.S. receipt holders should consult their tax advisors regarding U.S.
withholding and other taxes which may apply to an investment in the underlying
securities.

                              ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

      Any plan fiduciary which proposes to have a plan acquire Internet
Architecture HOLDRS should consult with its counsel with respect to the
potential applicability of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code to this
investment and whether any exemption would be applicable and determine on its
own whether all conditions have been satisfied. Moreover, each plan fiduciary
should determine whether, under the general fiduciary standards of investment
prudence and diversification, an acquisition of Internet Architecture HOLDRS is
appropriate for the plan, taking into account the overall investment policy of
the plan and the composition of the plan's investment portfolio.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

      In accordance with the depositary trust agreement, the trust will issue
to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated will deposit the underlying securities to
receive Internet Architecture HOLDRS. Merrill Lynch & Co., as underwriter,
proposes to offer the Internet Architecture HOLDRS to the public at the
offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. Merrill Lynch
expects the trust to deliver the initial distribution of Internet Architecture
HOLDRS against deposit of the underlying securities in New York, New York on
     , 2000. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession
and discount may be changed. The trust will continue to issue Internet
Architecture HOLDRS, in connection with deposits of underlying securities. This
offering is being made in compliance with Conduct Rule 2810 of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Accordingly, Merrill Lynch will not
make any sales to a discretionary account without the prior written approval of
a purchaser of Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

      Merrill Lynch has from time to time provided investment banking and other
financial services to certain of the issuers of the underlying securities and
expects in the future to provide these services, for which it has received and
will receive customary fees and commissions. It also may have served as
counterparty in other transactions with certain of the issuers of the
underlying securities.

                                       23
<PAGE>

      Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated may use this
prospectus, as updated from time to time, in connection with offers and sales
related to market-making transactions in the Internet Architecture HOLDRS.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated may act as principal or
agent in such transactions. Market-making sales will be made at prices related
to prevailing market prices at the time of sale.

      Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated has agreed to
indemnify the trustee against certain civil liabilities related to acts
performed or not performed by the trustee in accordance with the depositary
trust agreement or periodic reports filed or not filed with the SEC with
respect to the Internet Architecture HOLDRS. Should a court determine not to
enforce the indemnification provision, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated also has agreed to contribute to payments the trustee may be
required to make with respect to such liabilities.

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

      Legal matters, including the validity of the Internet Architecture HOLDRS
will be passed upon for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, the
initial depositor and the underwriter, by Shearman & Sterling, New York, New
York. Shearman & Sterling, as special U.S. tax counsel to the trust, also will
render an opinion regarding the material federal income tax consequences
relating to the Internet Architecture HOLDRS.

                                       24
<PAGE>

                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

      Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated has filed a
registration statement on Form S-1 with the SEC covering the Internet
Architecture HOLDRS. While this prospectus is a part of the registration
statement, it does not contain all the exhibits filed as part of the
registration statement. You should consider reviewing the full text of those
exhibits.

      The registration statement is available over the Internet at the SEC's
web sit eat http://www.sec.gov. You also may read and copy the registration
statement at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York,
New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more
information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated will not and the trust may not be
subject to the requirements of the Exchange Act and accordingly may not file
periodic reports.

      Because the common stock of the issuers of the underlying securities is
registered under the Exchange Act, the issuers of the underlying securities are
required to file periodically financial and other information specified by the
SEC. For more information about the issuers of the underlying securities,
information provided to or filed with the SEC by the issuers of the underlying
securities with respect to their registered securities can be inspected at the
SEC's public reference facilities or accessed through the SEC's web site
referenced above. In addition, information regarding the issuers of the
underlying securities may be obtained from other sources including, but not
limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated
information.

      The trust and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and its
affiliates are not affiliated with the issuers of the underlying securities,
and the issuers of the underlying securities have no obligations with respect
to Internet Architecture HOLDRS. This prospectus relates only to Internet
Architecture HOLDRS and does not relate to the common stock or other securities
of the issuers of the underlying securities. The information in this prospectus
regarding the issuers of the underlying securities has been derived from the
publicly available documents described in the preceding paragraph. We have not
participated in the preparation of these documents or made any due diligence
inquiries with respect to the issuers of the underlying securities in
connection with Internet Architecture HOLDRS. We make no representation that
these publicly available documents or any other publicly available information
regarding the issuers of the underlying securities are accurate or complete.
Furthermore, we cannot assure you that all events occurring prior to the date
of this prospectus, including events that would affect the accuracy or
completeness of the publicly available documents described in the preceding
paragraph, that would affect the trading price of the common stock of the
issuers of the underlying securities, and therefore the offering and trading
prices of the Internet Architecture HOLDRS, have been publicly disclosed.

                                       25
<PAGE>

                                    ANNEX A

      This annex forms an integral part of the prospectus.

      The following tables provide a brief description of the business of each
of the issuers of the underlying securities and set forth the split-adjusted
closing market prices, as reported on the applicable primary trading market, of
each of the underlying securities in each month during 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998,
1999 and 2000 through January 2000. All market prices in excess of one dollar
are rounded to the nearest one sixty-fourth of a dollar. An asterisk (*)
denotes that no shares of the issuer were outstanding during that month. The
historical prices of the underlying securities should not be taken as an
indication of future performance.

                            3COM CORPORATION (COMS)

      3Com Corporation develops and markets networking systems and services to
connect businesses and individuals to information found on companies' private
networks, and wide area networks which connect companies' private networks
together or to the Internet. 3Com's products include switches to control
network data traffic, network software, modems and handheld computers and
products that allow data access and communications from remote locations. 3Com
offers worldwide customer support and service for its products, including
design, installation and maintenance through telephone, Internet and on-site
assistance. 3Com primarily sells its products through third-party systems
integrators, value-added resellers, dealers and distributors.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing            Closing           Closing            Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price     1996     Price    1997     Price     1998     Price     1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------    ----    -------   ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January    22 29/32 January   45 7/8  January   67 1/8   January   33 1/16  January   47       January 50 3/4
February   26 1/16  February  48 7/8  February  33 7/64  February  35 3/4   February  31 7/16
March      28 5/16  March     39 7/8  March     32 3/4   March     35 15/16 March     23 5/16
April      28       April     46 1/8  April     29       April     34 1/4   April     26 1/8
May        32       May       49 1/4  May       48 1/2   May       25 3/8   May       27 5/16
June       33 1/2   June      45 3/4  June      45       June      30 11/16 June      26 11/16
July       37 1/32  July      39 3/8  July      54 11/16 July      24 3/4   July      24 1/8
August     39       August    46 3/4  August    49 15/16 August    23 11/16 August    24 13/16
September  45 1/2   September 60 1/16 September 51 1/4   September 30 1/16  September 28 3/4
October    47       October   67 5/8  October   41 7/16  October   36 1/16  October   29
November   45 3/4   November  75 1/8  November  36 1/4   November  38 11/16 November  39 13/16
December   46 5/8   December  73 3/8  December  34 15/16 December  44 13/16 December  47
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was       .

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

                              ADAPTEC, INC. (ADPT)

      Adaptec, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets hardware and software
which increase system performance by increasing the speed at which data is
transferred between personal computers, servers and networks. Adaptec also
designs products which facilitate the transfer of data between hard disk
drives, document scanners and computers. Adaptec works with business and
systems integrators, who design systems using hardware and software developed
by different companies, to create products to meet the specific needs of their
customers. Adaptec primarily markets and sells its products through its own
direct sales force and distributors.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing            Closing            Closing           Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price     1996     Price     1997     Price    1998     Price     1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------    ----    -------    ----    -------   ----    -------    ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January    13 11/16 January   22       January   43 3/4  January   22 5/16  January   23 1/8   January 52 3/8
February   16 1/2   February  28 1/32  February  38 1/16 February  26 7/16  February  19 15/16
March      16 1/2   March     24 1/8   March     35 3/4  March     19 5/8   March     22 13/16
April      16       April     28 3/4   April     37      April     23 11/16 April     24 1/16
May        15 1/16  May       29 15/16 May       36 3/4  May       15 3/16  May       30 7/8
June       18 1/2   June      23 11/16 June      34 3/4  June      14 5/16  June      35 5/16
July       21 3/8   July      20 3/4   July      42 1/8  July      11 5/8   July      38 7/8
August     21 1/4   August    24 15/16 August    48      August    11 1/2   August    39
September  20 5/8   September 30       September 46 3/4  September  9 1/2   September 39 11/16
October    22 1/4   October   30 7/16  October   48 7/16 October   16 3/16  October   45
November   23 7/16  November  37 1/4   November  49 1/2  November  16 1/4   November  53 7/8
December   20 1/2   December  40       December  37 1/8  December  17 9/16  December  49 7/8
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was       .

                          APPLE COMPUTER, INC. (APPL)

      Apple Computer, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets personal computers
and related operating systems and software. Apple's primary product is the
Apple Macintosh computer line, which includes desktop and notebook personal
computers and software. Two recent additions to its product line include the
iMAC desktop and iBook laptop computers. Apple sells its computers primarily to
educational institutions, businesses and individuals. Apple markets its
products and services through third-party distributors, authorized resellers,
retail outlets and the Apple online store.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing            Closing             Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price     1998     Price     1999      Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------    ----    -------    ----     -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
January    40 3/8  January   27 5/8  January   16 5/8   January   18 5/16  January    41 3/16  January 103 3/4
February   39 1/2  February  27 1/2  February  16 1/4   February  23 5/8   February   34 13/16
March      35 1/4  March     24 9/16 March     18 1/4   March     27 1/2   March      35 15/16
April      38 1/4  April     24 3/8  April     17       April     27 3/8   April      46
May        41 9/16 May       26 1/8  May       16 5/8   May       26 5/8   May        44 1/16
June       46 7/16 June      21      June      14 1/4   June      28 11/16 June       46 5/16
July       45      July      22      July      17 1/2   July      34 5/8   July       55 11/16
August     43      August    24 1/4  August    21 3/4   August    31 3/16  August     65 1/4
September  37 1/4  September 22 3/16 September 21 11/16 September 38 1/8   September  63 5/16
October    36 5/16 October   23      October   17 1/32  October   37 1/8   October    80 1/8
November   38 1/8  November  24 1/8  November  17 3/4   November  31 15/16 November   97 7/8
December   31 7/8  December  20 7/8  December  13 1/8   December  40 15/16 December  102 13/16
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was       .

                                      A-2
<PAGE>

                            CIENA CORPORATION (CIEN)

      Ciena Corporation develops and markets products for the optical
networking equipment market. Optical networking equipment uses fiber optic
cables, which can transmit larger volumes of data at higher transmission speeds
and more efficiently, to facilitate the transmission of data and telephone
communications. Ciena provides products such as systems based on fiber optic
cables, switches to manage network data traffic and other multi-purpose data
delivery systems to its customers, who include local and long-distance
telephone carriers and Internet service providers, who provide Internet access
to individuals and businesses. Ciena markets and sells its products through its
own direct sales force, and internationally, it also uses third-party
distributors and representatives.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing            Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price     1998     Price     1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January      *     January     *     January    *       January   55 1/16  January   20 3/16  January 65 5/8
February     *     February    *     February  39 1/4   February  41 15/16 February  27 7/8
March        *     March       *     March     28 7/16  March     42 5/8   March     22 1/2
April        *     April       *     April     31 1/4   April     55 3/4   April     23 1/2
May          *     May         *     May       46 3/4   May       52       May       28 3/4
June         *     June        *     June      47 1/8   June      69 5/8   June      30 3/16
July         *     July        *     July      56 1/8   July      74 1/16  July      33 3/4
August       *     August      *     August    47 3/4   August    28 1/8   August    35 1/8
September    *     September   *     September 49 17/32 September 14 5/16  September 36 1/2
October      *     October     *     October   55       October   17 3/16  October   35 1/4
November     *     November    *     November  54       November  17       November  43 15/16
December     *     December    *     December  61 1/8   December  14 5/8   December  57 1/2
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was       .

                           CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. (CSCO)

      Cisco Systems, Inc. develops and markets hardware and software products
which link computer networks both internally and externally, and provides
worldwide networking capability for the Internet. Cisco produces a range of
products which connect computing devices to networks and connect networks with
each other. Cisco provides routing products, which connect companies' private
networks together, switches to control network data traffic, services to access
networks from any location, network development and design. Cisco markets its
products worldwide through several channels including its own direct sales
force, distributors, value-added resellers, service providers and system
integrators. On February 8, 2000, Cisco announced a 2-for-1 stock split on its
common stock to shareholders of record on February 22, 2000. The stock will
begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on March 23, 2000. The following table
does not take into account any adjustments for this stock split.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing            Closing            Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price     1997     Price     1998     Price     1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January    3 45/64 January    9 1/4   January   15 1/2   January   21 1/64  January   55 25/32 January 109 1/2
February   3 3/4   February  10 9/16  February  12 23/64 February  21 61/64 February  48 29/32
March      4 15/64 March     10 5/16  March     10 11/16 March     22 51/64 March     54 25/32
April      4 7/16  April     11 17/32 April     11 1/2   April     24 27/64 April     57 1/32
May        4 55/64 May       12 11/64 May       15 1/16  May       25 13/64 May       54 1/2
June       5 5/8   June      12 37/64 June      14 59/64 June      30 11/16 June      64 1/2
July       6 3/16  July      11 1/2   July      17 11/16 July      31 59/64 July      62 1/8
August     7 19/64 August    11 23/32 August    16 3/4   August    27 19/64 August    67 13/16
September  7 43/64 September 13 5/64  September 16 15/64 September 30 29/32 September 68 9/16
October    8 39/64 October   13 3/4   October   18 15/64 October   31 1/2   October   74
November   9 11/32 November  15 5/64  November  19 11/64 November  37 11/16 November  89 3/16
December   8 19/64 December  14 9/64  December  18 37/64 December  46 13/32 December  107 1/8
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was       .

                                      A-3
<PAGE>

                          COBALT NETWORKS, INC. (COBT)

      Cobalt Networks, Inc. develops and markets server appliances, which is a
type of server specially designed to accomplish specific network functions,
including Internet applications. Cobalt's products differ from general purpose
servers because they focus on specific functions, such as establishing a Web
site, receiving e-mail and accessing software applications over the Internet.
These server appliances are less complex and less expensive than general
purpose servers and are marketed as an alternative to small and medium-sized
businesses. Cobalt primarily uses resellers and distributors to market and sell
its products.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing           Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price    1998     Price    1999      Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----     -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
January      *     January     *     January     *     January     *     January       *     January 78 1/2
February     *     February    *     February    *     February    *     February      *
March        *     March       *     March       *     March       *     March         *
April        *     April       *     April       *     April       *     April         *
May          *     May         *     May         *     May         *     May           *
June         *     June        *     June        *     June        *     June          *
July         *     July        *     July        *     July        *     July          *
August       *     August      *     August      *     August      *     August        *
September    *     September   *     September   *     September   *     September     *
October      *     October     *     October     *     October     *     October       *
November     *     November    *     November    *     November    *     November  168 13/16
December     *     December    *     December    *     December    *     December  108 3/8
</TABLE>

      The closing price on         , 2000 was      .

                       COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION (CPQ)

      Compaq Computer Corporation develops and markets hardware, software,
technology solutions and services, including desktop and portable computers for
both business and personal use, computer systems for multiple users, servers,
Internet related products and network and communication products. Compaq
provides professional and support services to its customers for its products
and for other companies' products which are used in conjunction with Compaq
products. Compaq sells its products primarily through dealers, value-added
resellers and systems integrators. It also sells products through its own
direct sales force and on the Internet.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing            Closing            Closing            Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price     1996     Price     1997     Price     1998     Price     1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------    ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January     7 5/32  January    9 27/64 January   17 11/32 January   30 3/16  January   47 5/8   January 27 1/4
February    6 29/32 February  10 1/8   February  15 51/64 February  32 1/16  February  35 3/8
March       6 7/8   March      7 23/32 March     15 21/64 March     25 7/8   March     31 11/16
April       7 19/32 April      9 11/32 April     17 5/64  April     28 1/16  April     22 5/16
May         7 27/32 May        9 23/32 May       21 5/8   May       27 3/8   May       23 11/16
June        9 3/64  June       9 53/64 June      19 29/32 June      28 3/8   June      23 11/16
July       10 1/8   July      10 59/64 July      28 9/16  July      32 13/16 July      24 1/16
August      9 35/64 August    11 21/64 August    32 3/4   August    27 15/16 August    23 5/32
September   9 43/64 September 12 53/64 September 37 3/8   September 31 5/8   September 22 7/8
October    11 1/8   October   13 29/32 October   32       October   31 5/8   October   19 1/8
November    9 7/8   November  15 27/32 November  31 7/32  November  32 1/2   November  24 7/16
December    9 19/32 December  14 7/8   December  28 1/4   December  42       December  27 1/16
</TABLE>

      The closing price on         , 2000 was      .

                                      A-4
<PAGE>

                        DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION (DELL)

      Dell Computer Corporation develops, manufacturers and markets information
processing products including desktop and notebook computers, network servers,
storage products, hardware and software. Dell's customers include corporations,
institutions, organizations and individual consumers. Dell offers services such
as custom-designed computer systems, telephone and online technical support and
on-site product service. Dell's sales and marketing is conducted through its
"direct model" through which Dell employees market and sell Dell products and
services directly to its customers.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing            Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price     1998     Price     1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January      43/64 January    55/64  January    4 9/64  January   12 7/16  January   50       January 38 7/16
February     21/32 February  1 5/64  February   4 29/64 February  17 31/64 February  40 1/16
March        11/16 March     1 3/64  March      4 15/16 March     16 15/16 March     40 7/8
April        55/64 April     1 7/16  April      5 15/64 April     20 3/16  April     41 3/16
May          25/32 May       1 47/64 May        7 1/32  May       20 39/64 May       34 7/16
June         15/16 June      1 19/32 June       7 11/32 June      23 13/64 June      37
July       1 1/64  July      1 47/64 July      10 11/16 July      27 5/32  July      40 7/8
August     1 13/64 August    2 2/32  August    10 17/64 August    25       August    48 13/16
September  1 21/64 September 2 7/16  September 12 7/64  September 32 7/8   September 41 13/16
October    1 29/64 October   2 35/64 October   10 1/64  October   32 3/4   October   40 1/8
November   1 25/64 November  3 11/64 November  10 17/32 November  30 13/32 November  43
December   1 5/64  December  3 21/64 December  10 1/2   December  36 19/32 December  51
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was       .

                             EMC CORPORATION (EMC)

      EMC Corporation develops, manufactures and markets business storage
systems and software. EMC's system and software are used by businesses to
retrieve data from their own computer systems and act as a central repository
for the information. EMC's products allow a customer whose network is based on
a variety of different hardware and software systems to manage, share and
protect its critical information. EMC markets and sells its products through
its own direct sales force, distributors, resellers and original equipment
manufacturers.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing            Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price     1998     Price     1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January    4 21/32 January   4 25/32 January    9 15/32 January   16 9/32  January   54 7/16  January 107 1/4
February   4 9/32  February  5 1/2   February   9       February  18 7/8   February  51 3/16
March      4 3/16  March     5 7/17  March      8 7/8   March     18 29/32 March     63 7/8
April      4 27/32 April     5 1/8   April      9 3/32  April     23 1/8   April     54 15/32
May        5 3/4   May       5 1/2   May        9 31/32 May       20 23/32 May       50 7/32
June       6 1/16  June      4 5/8   June       9 3/4   June      22 13/32 June      55
July       5 23/32 July      4 7/8   July      12 21/3  July      24 1/2   July      60 7/16
August     5 1/8   August    4 13/16 August    12 25/32 August    22 1/4   August    59 7/8
September  4 17/32 September 5 5/8   September 14 19/32 September 28 11/16 September 71 3/8
October    3 7/8   October   6 9/16  October   14       October   32 3/16  October   73
November   4 15/32 November  8 1/16  November  15 5/32  November  36 1/4   November  83 11/16
December   3 27/32 December  8 9/32  December  13 23/32 December  42 1/2   December  109 1/4
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was   .

                                      A-5
<PAGE>

                         EXTREME NETWORKS, INC. (EXTR)

      Extreme Networks, Inc. develops and markets network switches which enable
companies' private networks and Internet service and content providers to
control traffic on their networks. Extreme Networks' switches are designed to
allow faster network access as well as increase a network's capacity and
adaptability. Extreme Networks markets its products to businesses and Internet
service and content providers. Extreme Networks relies on resellers, original
equipment manufacturers, and to a lesser extent, its own sales force, to market
and sell its products.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing           Closing           Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price    1998     Price    1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January      *     January     *     January     *     January     *     January      *     January 84 5/8
February     *     February    *     February    *     February    *     February     *
March        *     March       *     March       *     March       *     March        *
April        *     April       *     April       *     April       *     April     55 7/16
May          *     May         *     May         *     May         *     May       42 5/8
June         *     June        *     June        *     June        *     June      58 1/16
July         *     July        *     July        *     July        *     July      48 3/4
August       *     August      *     August      *     August      *     August    63 15/16
September    *     September   *     September   *     September   *     September 63 5/16
October      *     October     *     October     *     October     *     October   80 5/16
November     *     November    *     November    *     November    *     November  66 3/8
December     *     December    *     December    *     December    *     December  83 1/2
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was       .

                         FOUNDRY NETWORKS, INC. (FDRY)

      Foundry Networks, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets switches which
control network traffic on the various types of networks used by businesses and
Internet service providers. Foundry's switches and accompanying networking
products are designed to increase the speed and capacity of networks and to
maximize the efficiency of networks by enabling them to distinguish between and
prioritize different types of network traffic. Foundry markets and sells its
products through its own direct sales force, resellers and an original
equipment manufacturer.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing           Closing            Closing           Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price    1998     Price    1999      Price    2000     Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----     -------   ----    -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
January      *     January     *     January     *     January     *     January       *     January 134 11/16
February     *     February    *     February    *     February    *     February      *
March        *     March       *     March       *     March       *     March         *
April        *     April       *     April       *     April       *     April         *
May          *     May         *     May         *     May         *     May           *
June         *     June        *     June        *     June        *     June          *
July         *     July        *     July        *     July        *     July          *
August       *     August      *     August      *     August      *     August        *
September    *     September   *     September   *     September   *     September  63
October      *     October     *     October     *     October     *     October    94 3/4
November     *     November    *     November    *     November    *     November  117 9/16
December     *     December    *     December    *     December    *     December  150 27/32
</TABLE>

      The closing price on          , 2000 was    .

                                      A-6
<PAGE>

                              GATEWAY, INC. (GTW)

      Gateway, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets personal computers and
related products and services. Gateway's products include desktop and portable
personal computers, servers, workstations and digital media personal computers,
which are computers that offer entertainment functions, such as digital video
discs, and personal computing activities, such as Internet access, in one
product. Gateway also provides Internet access to individuals and businesses.
Gateway markets and sells its products using "direct marketing" to its
customers through telephone orders, the Internet and Gateway retail stores.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing            Closing            Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price     1997     Price     1998     Price     1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January    5 7/32  January    6 15/32 January   15 9/32  January   18 27/32 January   38 5/8   January 61 3/16
February   4 19/32 February   7 3/8   February  14 11/16 February  22       February  36 11/32
March      4 11/16 March      6 31/32 March     12 13/16 March     23 3/8   March     34 9/32
April      4 47/64 April      8 23/32 April     13 23/32 April     29 13/32 April     33 3/32
May        4 25/64 May        9 15/32 May       16 21/32 May       22 17/32 May       30 13/32
June       5 11/16 June       8 1/2   June      16 1/4   June      25       June      29 17/32
July       7 7/32  July      10 1/32  July      19 1/16  July      27       July      38 1/16
August     6 21/32 August    11 7/32  August    19 9/16  August    23 21/32 August    48 15/32
September  7 21/32 September 11 31/32 September 15 3/4   September 26 5/32  September 44
October    8 11/32 October   11 49/64 October   14 17/32 October   27 29/32 October   66 1/16
November   6 29/32 November  13 13/32 November  14 3/8   November  28 1/16  November  76 3/8
December   6 1/8   December  13 25/64 December  16 3/8   December  25 19/32 December  72 1/16
</TABLE>

      The closing price on          , 2000 was    .

                         HEWLETT- PACKARD COMPANY (HWP)

      Hewlett-Packard Company designs, manufactures and services equipment and
systems to be used for measurement, calculation and communications. Hewlett-
Packard products include personal computers, printers, calculators, medical
electronic equipment and computer systems. Hewlett-Packard's services include
systems integration, network systems, management consulting and support and
maintenance for its products. Hewlett-Packard markets its products and services
through its own direct sales operations; however, the majority of its sales and
marketing is handled through third-party channels such as retailers, dealers
and value-added resellers.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing            Closing            Closing           Closing             Closing          Closing
  1995      Price     1996     Price     1997     Price    1998     Price     1999      Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------    ----    -------    ----    -------   ----    -------    ----     -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
January    25 1/8   January   42 3/8   January   52 5/8  January   60 1/8   January    78 3/8   January 108 1/4
February   28 3/4   February  50 3/8   February  56 1/8  February  67       February   66 7/16
March      30 3/32  March     47 1/16  March     53 3/8  March     63 3/8   March      67 13/16
April      33 1/16  April     52 15/16 April     52 1/2  April     75 3/8   April      78 7/8
May        33       May       53 1/4   May       51 1/2  May       62 5/16  May        94 5/16
June       37 1/4   June      49 13/16 June      56      June      59 7/8   June      100 1/2
July       38 15/16 July      44       July      70      July      55 1/2   July      104 11/16
August     40       August    43 3/4   August    61 1/2  August    48 9/16  August    105 3/8
September  41 11/16 September 48 3/4   September 69 9/16 September 52 15/16 September  90 3/4
October    46 5/16  October   44 1/8   October   61 5/8  October   60 1/4   October    74 3/16
November   41 1/2   November  53 7/8   November  61 1/8  November  62 9/16  November   94 7/8
December   41 7/8   December  50 1/4   December  62 3/8  December  68 5/16  December  113 3/4
</TABLE>

      The closing price on          , 2000 was    .

                                      A-7
<PAGE>

               INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (IBM)

      International Business Machines Corporation develops, manufactures and
markets information processing products and services, such as computers,
software, network systems and network management services. IBM's business is
divided into several main segments including technology, systems, products,
services, software and financing. IBM operates in more than 150 countries and
markets and sells its products through its worldwide sales and distribution
organization and through third-party distributors and resellers.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing            Closing            Closing            Closing             Closing          Closing
  1995      Price     1996     Price     1997     Price     1998     Price     1999      Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------    ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------    ----     -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
January    18 1/32  January   27 1/8   January   39 7/32  January   49 3/8   January    91 5/8   January 112 1/4
February   18 13/16 February  30 21/32 February  35 15/16 February  52 7/32  February   84 7/8
March      20 17/32 March     27 13/16 March     34 5/16  March     51 15/16 March      88 5/8
April      23 21/32 April     26 15/16 April     40 1/8   April     57 15/16 April     104 19/32
May        23 1/4   May       26 11/16 May       43 1/4   May       58 3/4   May       116
June       24       June      24 3/4   June      45 1/8   June      57 13/32 June      129 1/4
July       27 7/32  July      26 7/8   July      52 7/8   July      66 1/4   July      125 11/16
August     25 27/32 August    28 19/32 August    50 11/16 August    56 5/16  August    124 9/16
September  23 5/8   September 31 1/8   September 53       September 64 1/4   September 121
October    24 5/16  October   32 1/4   October   49 1/4   October   74 1/4   October    98 1/4
November   24 5/32  November  39 27/32 November  54 3/4   November  82 9/16  November  103 1/16
December   22 27/32 December  37 7/8   December  52 5/16  December  92 3/16  December  107 7/8
</TABLE>

      The closing price on          , 2000 was    .

                         JUNIPER NETWORKS, INC. (JNPR)

      Juniper Networks, Inc. manufactures and markets Internet backbone
routers, which are products specifically designed for the Internet to transmit
data from its source to the user. Juniper's routers are designed to accommodate
the increasing size and scope of the Internet and its major customers include
Internet service providers and telecommunications service providers. Juniper's
principal product is the M40 Internet backbone router. Juniper sells its
routers primarily though its own direct sales force and an original equipment
manufacturer.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing           Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price    1998     Price    1999      Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----     -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>
January      *     January     *     January     *     January     *     January       *     January 135 5/16
February     *     February    *     February    *     February    *     February      *
March        *     March       *     March       *     March       *     March         *
April        *     April       *     April       *     April       *     April         *
May          *     May         *     May         *     May         *     May           *
June         *     June        *     June        *     June        *     June       49 43/64
July         *     July        *     July        *     July        *     July       54 9/64
August       *     August      *     August      *     August      *     August     68 21/64
September    *     September   *     September   *     September   *     September  60 11/16
October      *     October     *     October     *     October     *     October    91 7/8
November     *     November    *     November    *     November    *     November   92 3/8
December     *     December    *     December    *     December    *     December  113 21/64
</TABLE>

      The closing price on          , 2000 was    .

                                      A-8
<PAGE>

                         NETWORK APPLIANCE, INC. (NTAP)

      Network Appliance, Inc. develops and supplies network appliances, which
is a type of server that performs specific network functions, as opposed to the
variety of functions a general purpose server provides. Network Appliance's
major products include filers which improve the storage and accessibility of
data, and Internet caching appliances which store or "cache" frequently
accessed data close to the end user in order to minimize the delay experienced
by the user in accessing information on the Internet. Network Appliance's
filers provide its business, database and e-commerce customers with data
protection and management capabilities by providing data backup and replication
and disaster recovery. Network Appliance uses its own direct sales force and
value-added resellers to market and sell its products. On February 15, 2000,
Network Appliance announced a 2-for-1 stock split on its common stock to
shareholders of record on March 10, 2000. The stock will begin trading on a
split-adjusted basis on March 23, 2000. The following table does not take into
account any adjustments for this stock split.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing           Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price    1998     Price     1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----    -------    ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January       *    January   3 27/32 January   6 13/32 January    7 17/32 January   26 1/2   January 100 3/8
February      *    February  3 31/32 February  5       February   7 3/8   February  21
March         *    March     3 31/32 March     4 1/16  March      8 7/8   March     25 5/16
April         *    April     4       April     3 41/64 April      9 1/64  April     25 5/32
May           *    May       4 9/32  May       5 5/64  May        8 45/64 May       23 37/64
June          *    June      3 23/32 June      4 3/4   June       9 47/64 June      27 15/16
July          *    July      3       July      5 29/64 July      10 7/16  July      27 1/4
August        *    August    3 1/2   August    5 29/32 August    10 27/64 August    32 27/32
September     *    September 3 3/4   September 6 25/32 September 12 21/32 September 35 13/16
October       *    October   4 3/8   October   6 9/32  October   13 11/16 October   37
November   3 25/32 November  4 1/2   November  6 19/64 November  18 25/32 November  58 27/32
December   5 1/64  December  6 23/64 December  8 7/8   December  22 27/64 December  83 1/16
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was     .

                         SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY, INC. (SEG)

      Seagate Technology, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets products which
store, retrieve and manage data for computer and communications systems. Its
main product line is rigid disc drives, which allow users access to large
volumes of information more quickly than other types of disc drives. Rigid disc
drives may be used by computer systems as well as in multimedia applications,
such as graphics, video and animation. Seagate also produces tape drives and
digital audio tape drives, both of which provide customers with additional data
storage alternatives. Seagate markets and sells its products through direct
sales, use of third-party distributors and consignment relationships with
certain distributors.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing            Closing            Closing            Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price     1996     Price     1997     Price     1998     Price     1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------    ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January    12 11/16 January   29 1/2   January   51 1/2   January   23 3/16  January   40 11/16 January 39 3/4
February   12       February  32 5/8   February  47 1/8   February  24 5/16  February  28 13/16
March      13 15/16 March     27 3/8   March     44 7/8   March     25 1/4   March     29 9/16
April      15 15/16 April     29       April     46       April     26 11/16 April     27 7/8
May        17 15/16 May       29 3/8   May       40 5/8   May       23 1/4   May       30 3/16
June       19 3/4   June      22 1/2   June      35 1/4   June      23 7/8   June      25 5/8
July       22 3/16  July      24 3/16  July      41 3/16  July      22 5/8   July      26 7/8
August     22 3/16  August    24       August    38 3/16  August    17 1/8   August    33 3/16
September  21 1/16  September 27 15/16 September 36 1/4   September 25 1/16  September 30 5/8
October    22 5/16  October   33 3/8   October   27 1/8   October   26 1/4   October   29 7/16
November   26 3/8   November  39 1/2   November  22 11/16 November  29 1/2   November  37
December   23 3/4   December  39 1/2   December  19 1/4   December  30 1/4   December  46 9/16
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was     .

                                      A-9
<PAGE>

                         SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. (SUNW)

      Sun Microsystems, Inc. develops and markets network computing products
for the Internet and for companies' private networks. Sun Microsystems'
products are based on open industry standards, which are applications available
to users for little or no charge, and include computer systems, workstations,
servers, high-speed microprocessors, which allow a computer to process
information, and software. Some of Sun Microsystems' technologies include its
Java software, which allows a user to access Internet applications regardless
of the hardware or software that its system uses, and its Solaris Operating
Environment, which is an operating system which can support numerous
applications, such as electronic commerce operations and database management
technology. Sun Microsystems operates globally, and markets and sells its
products through its own direct sales force and third-party distributors and
resellers.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing            Closing            Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price     1998     Price     1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------    ----    -------    ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January    2 3/64  January   5 3/4   January    7 16/16 January   11 63/64 January   27 15/16 January 78 9/16
February   2       February  6 9/16  February   7 23/32 February  11 29/32 February  24 21/32
March      2 11/64 March     5 15/32 March      7 7/32  March     10 7/16  March     31 17/64
April      2 1/2   April     6 25/32 April      7 13/64 April     10 19/64 April     29 29/32
May        2 13/16 May       7 53/64 May        8 1/16  May       10 1/64  May       29 7/8
June       3 1/32  June      7 23/64 June       9 5/16  June      10 55/64 June      34 7/16
July       3 1/64  July      6 53/64 July      11 27/64 July      11 13/16 July      33 15/16
August     3 5/8   August    6 51/64 August    12       August     9 29/32 August    39 3/4
September  3 15/16 September 7 49/64 September 11 45/64 September 12 29/64 September 46 1/2
October    4 7/8   October   7 5/8   October    8 9/16  October   14 9/16  October   52 29/32
November   5 17/64 November  7 9/32  November   9       November  18 33/64 November  66 1/8
December   5 45/64 December  6 27/64 December   9 31/32 December  21 13/32 December  77 7/16
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was     .

                         SYCAMORE NETWORKS, INC. (SCMR)

      Sycamore Networks, Inc. creates optical networking products which
facilitate the transmission of voice and data on fiber optic networks. Fiber
optic networks allow for the transmission of larger volumes of data at faster
transmissions speeds and more efficiently. Sycamore's products use existing
fiber optic systems to provide enhanced high-speed data services such as access
to the Internet, video conferencing and remote access to corporate databases.
Sycamore also collaborates with its customers to identify and develop new high
speed data services. Sycamore currently markets its products through its own
direct sales force. Sycamore affected a 3-for-1 stock split on its common stock
in the form of a stock dividend to shareholders of record on February 4, 2000.
The stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on February 14, 2000. The
following table is adjusted to account for this stock split.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing           Closing           Closing         Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price    1998     Price    1999     Price   2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----    -------  ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>
January      *     January     *     January     *     January     *     January      *    January 106 1/3
February     *     February    *     February    *     February    *     February     *
March        *     March       *     March       *     March       *     March        *
April        *     April       *     April       *     April       *     April        *
May          *     May         *     May         *     May         *     May          *
June         *     June        *     June        *     June        *     June         *
July         *     July        *     July        *     July        *     July         *
August       *     August      *     August      *     August      *     August       *
September    *     September   *     September   *     September   *     September    *
October      *     October     *     October     *     October     *     October    71 2/3
November     *     November    *     November    *     November    *     November   74
December     *     December    *     December    *     December    *     December  102 2/3
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was     .

                                      A-10
<PAGE>

                            UNISYS CORPORATION (UIS)

      Unisys Corporation develops and markets high-end network equipment
designed for use in the finance and banking, communication and travel
industries and in a variety of other industries that have electronic commerce
operations. Unisys's technology segment offers servers, desktop and notebook
computers, monitors and storage products. Unisys's services segment offers
systems integration and maintenance services to design systems using network
and systems hardware and software designed by different companies. It also
offers network consulting, integration and management services. These
integration services include adapting information technology to support a
particular customer's business operations. Unisys markets and sells its
products primarily through its own direct sales force.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Closing           Closing           Closing           Closing           Closing          Closing
  1995      Price    1996     Price    1997     Price    1998     Price    1999     Price    2000    Price
  ----     -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----    -------   ----   -------
<S>        <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>
January     9      January    7 1/2  January    6 7/8  January   16 1/2  January   33 1/8   January 31 7/8
February    9      February   6 1/8  February   6 5/8  February  17 7/8  February  29 13/16
March       9 3/8  March      6      March      6 1/4  March     19      March     27 11/16
April      10 1/4  April      6      April      6      April     22 5/16 April     31 7/16
May        10 5/8  May        8 1/8  May        6 7/8  May       24 9/16 May       37 15/16
June       10 7/8  June       7 1/8  June       7 5/8  June      28 1/4  June      38 15/16
July        8 7/8  July       5 7/8  July       9 5/8  July      27 7/16 July      40 13/16
August      8 1/8  August     5 7/8  August    11 5/16 August    18 1/16 August    43
September   7 7/8  September  6 1/8  September 15 5/16 September 22 3/4  September 45 1/8
October     5 5/8  October    6 1/4  October   13 5/16 October   26 5/8  October   22 9/16
November    6 1/2  November   7 5/8  November  14 3/8  November  28 1/2  November  28 3/4
December    5 1/2  December   6 3/4  December  13 7/8  December  34 7/16 December  31 15/16
</TABLE>

      The closing price on       , 2000 was     .

                                      A-11
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                H O L D R S /SM/
                             INTERNET ARCHITECTURE


                       1,000,000,000 Depositary Receipts

                     Internet Architecture HOLDRS SM Trust

                              --------------------

                              P R O S P E C T U S

                              --------------------

                              Merrill Lynch & Co.

                                        , 2000

      Until        , 2000 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all
dealers effecting transactions in the offered Internet Architecture HOLDRS,
whether or not participating in this distribution, may be required to deliver a
prospectus. This requirement is in addition to the obligations of dealers to
deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to unsold
allotments or subscriptions.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

                                    PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

      The expenses expected to be incurred in connection with the issuance and
distribution of the securities being registered, other than underwriting
compensation, are as set forth below. Except for the registration fee payable
to the Securities and Exchange Commission, all such expenses are estimated:

<TABLE>
     <S>                                                               <C>
     Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.............. $290,136
     Printing and engraving expenses..................................  150,000
     Legal fees and expenses .........................................  200,000
     Rating agency fees...............................................        0
     Miscellaneous....................................................    9,864
                                                                       --------
       Total.......................................................... $650,000
</TABLE>

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

      Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as
amended, provides that under certain circumstances a corporation may indemnify
any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such
person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or
is or was serving at its request in such capacity in another corporation or
business association, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments,
fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such
person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted
in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person's
conduct was unlawful.

      Article XIV, Section 2 of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated provides in effect that,
subject to certain limited exceptions, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated shall indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent
authorized or permitted by law.

      The directors and officers of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated are insured under policies of insurance maintained by Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, subject to the limits of the
policies, against certain losses arising from any claim made against them by
reason of being or having been such directors or officers. In addition, Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated has entered into contracts with all
of its directors providing for indemnification of such persons by Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated to the full extent authorized or
permitted by law, subject to certain limited exceptions.

Item 16. Exhibits.

      See Exhibit Index.

                                      II-1
<PAGE>

Item 17. Undertakings.

      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

      (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

            (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
                  Securities Act of 1933.

          (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
    after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
    recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
    aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
    in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
    increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
    dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
    registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
    maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of the prospectus
    filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate,
    the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change
    in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
    Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement.

          (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
    of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement
    or any material change to such information in the registration
    statement.

      (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.

      (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination
of the offering.

      (4) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
statement as of the time it was declared effective.

      (5) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

      (6) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to Item 15 of this registration statement,
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 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.

                                      II-2
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant hereby certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it
meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-1 and has duly caused this
Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, on February
23, 2000.

                                             MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER &
                                                   SMITH INCORPORATED

                                                           *
                                          By: _________________________________
                                             Name: Ahmass L. Fakahany
                                             Title:Senior Vice President,
                                                   Chief Financial Officer and
                                                   Controller

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following
persons in the capacities indicated on February 23, 2000.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Signature                           Title
             ---------                           -----

<S>                                  <C>                           <C>
                 *                   Chief Executive Officer,
____________________________________ Chairman of the Board
          John L. Steffens           and Director

                 *                   Director
____________________________________
         E. Stanley O'Neal


                 *                   Director
____________________________________
         George A. Schieren

                 *                   Senior Vice President,
____________________________________ Chief Financial Officer
         Ahmass L. Fakahany          and Controller

      /s/ Stephen G. Bodurtha        Attorney-in-fact
By: ________________________________
        Stephen G. Bodurtha
</TABLE>

                                      II-3
<PAGE>

                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibits
 --------
 <C>      <S>
  *4.1    Standard Terms for Depositary Trust Agreements between Merrill Lynch,
          Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and The Bank of Bank of New York,
          as Trustee dated as of September 2, 1999, and included as exhibits
          thereto, form of Depositary Trust Agreement and form of HOLDRS
          Opinion of Shearman & Sterling regarding the validity of the Internet
  *5.1    Architecture HOLDRS Receipts
  *8.1    Opinion of Shearman & Sterling, as special U.S. tax counsel regarding
          the material federal income tax consequences
 *24.1    Power of Attorney (included in Part II of Registration Statement)
</TABLE>
- --------
* Previously filed.


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