MERRILL LYNCH
NEW YORK
MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND
Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust
FUND LOGO
Annual Report
September 30, 1995
Officers and Trustees
Arthur Zeikel, President and Trustee
James H. Bodurtha, Trustee
Herbert I. London, Trustee
Robert R. Martin, Trustee
Joseph L. May, Trustee
Andre F. Perold, Trustee
Terry K. Glenn, Executive Vice President
Donald C. Burke, Vice President
Vincent R. Giordano, Vice President
Kenneth A. Jacob, Vice President
Gerald M. Richard, Treasurer
Jerry Weiss, Secretary
<PAGE>
Custodian
State Street Bank & Trust Company
P.O. Box 351
Boston, MA 02101
Transfer Agent
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc.
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
(800) 637-3863
This report is not authorized for use as an offer of sale or a
solicitation of an offer to buy shares of the Fund unless
accompanied or preceded by the Fund's current prospectus. Past
performance results shown in this report should not be considered a
representation of future performance. Investment return and
principal value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New York
Municipal Bond Fund
Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust
Box 9011
Princeton, NJ
08543-9011
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
After losing momentum through the second calendar quarter of 1995,
it now appears that the US economy has resumed a moderate growth
trend. Gross domestic product growth for the three months ended June
30 was revised to show that the economy expanded at a 1.1% pace,
rather than the 0.5% rate that was originally reported. The
employment report for August exceeded consensus expectations,
although most of the new jobs created were in the service sector,
reflecting the ongoing sluggishness in manufacturing. However,
durable goods orders rebounded somewhat in August, supported by
stronger automobile sales. Reflecting the trend of renewed economic
growth--and continued containment of inflationary pressures--the
Federal Reserve Board signaled no shift in monetary policy following
its September meeting.
One of the major developments during the September quarter was the
strengthening of the US dollar relative to the yen and the
Deutschemark. Improving interest rate differentials favoring the US
currency, combined with coordinated central bank intervention and
more positive investor sentiment, have helped to bolster the dollar
in foreign exchange markets. Other factors that appear to be
improving the US dollar's outlook in the near term are a pick-up in
capital flows to the United States and the prospect of increased
capital outflows from Japan. However, it remains to be seen if the
US dollar's strengthening trend can continue without significant
improvements in the US budget and trade deficits.
In the weeks ahead, investor interest will continue to focus on US
economic activity. Clear signs of a moderate, noninflationary
expansion could further benefit the US stock and bond markets. In
addition, should the current Federal budget deficit reduction
efforts now underway in Washington prove successful, the
implications would likely be positive for the US financial markets.
<PAGE>
The Municipal Market
Tax-exempt bond yields remained essentially unchanged during the
three months ended September 30, 1995. As measured by the Bond Buyer
Revenue Bond Index, long-term uninsured municipal revenue bond
yields ended the September quarter at 6.27%. Long-term tax-exempt
bonds have traded at this general level for much of the last six
months. However, municipal bond yields have exhibited considerable
volatility on a week-to-week basis. Throughout the September
quarter, municipal bond yields fluctuated by as much as 20 basis
points (0.20%) on a weekly basis. US Treasury bond yields displayed
similar volatility, but continued to decline during the quarter. By
the end of the September quarter, long-term US Treasury bond yields
had fallen approximately 10 basis points to 6.50%. Proposed Federal
tax restructuring continued to weigh heavily on the tax-exempt bond
market. Thus far in 1995, US Treasury bond yields declined over 135
basis points. Tax-exempt bond yields fell approximately 70 basis
points as the uncertainty surrounding changes to the existing
Federal income tax structure prevented the municipal bond market
from rallying as strongly as its taxable counterpart.
A general view of a moderately expanding domestic economy, supported
by a very favorable inflationary environment, allowed interest rates
to significantly decline from their recent highs in November 1994.
However, this decline was not a smooth downward curve. Conflicting
economic indicators were released during recent months that have
prevented a clear consensus regarding the near-term direction of
interest rates from being reached. The resultant uncertainty
promoted a saw-toothed pattern as interest rate declines were
repeatedly interrupted by indications of stronger-than-expected
economic growth. As these concerns were overcome by subsequent
weaker economic releases, interest rate declines resumed. These
periods of volatility are likely to continue for the remainder of
1995, or until proposed Federal budget deficit reduction packages
are resolved and any resultant responses by the Federal Reserve
Board have occurred.
However, the municipal bond market's technical position remained
supportive throughout recent quarters. Approximately $35 billion in
long-term municipal securities were issued during the September 30,
1995 quarter. While this issuance is virtually identical to
underwritings during the September 30, 1994 quarter, tax-exempt bond
issuance over the last 12 months remained over 25% below comparable
1994 levels. The municipal bond market should maintain this positive
technical position well into 1996. Annual issuance for 1995 is now
projected to be approximately $140 billion, significantly less than
last year's already low level of $162 billion. Projected maturities
and early redemptions for the remainder of 1995 and throughout 1996
will lead to a continued decline in the total outstanding municipal
bond supply throughout 1996 and, perhaps into 1998, should new bond
issuance remain at historically low levels.
<PAGE>
Despite the municipal bond market's relative underperformance
compared to the US Treasury market thus far in 1995, the extent of
the tax-exempt bond market's rally was nonetheless quite impressive.
Municipal bond yields fell 110 basis points from the highs reached
in November 1994, and municipal bond prices rose accordingly. Most
tax-exempt products recouped almost all of the losses incurred in
1994 and are well on their way to posting double digit total returns
for 1995. This relative underperformance so far in 1995 provided
long-term investors with the rare opportunity to purchase tax-exempt
securities at essentially taxable yield levels.
Additionally, many of the factors that led to the relative
underperformance of the tax-exempt bond market thus far in 1995,
namely investor concern regarding budget deficit reduction and
proposed changes in the Federal income tax structure, are nearing
resolution. The Federal budget reconciliation process has already
begun and is expected to be essentially completed by year end.
Recent public opinion polls suggest that the majority of American
taxpayers prefer the existing Federal income tax system compared to
proposed changes, such as flat tax or national sales tax. In an
upcoming election year, neither party is likely to advocate a
clearly unpopular position, particularly one that can be expected to
negatively impact the Federal budget deficit reduction program
through reduced tax revenues. As these factors are resolved, much of
the resistance that the municipal bond market met this year should
dissipate. This should allow municipal bond yields to significantly
decline from current levels in order to return to more normal
historic yield relationships.
Fiscal Year in Review
As the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995 began, interest rates
continued moving higher, reaching cyclical highs in mid-November
1994. During the months prior to November 1994, we increased the
Fund's cash holdings and added less volatile intermediate-maturity
bonds in an effort to protect the Fund's net asset value from
further declines. Once signs of a weaker economy began in early
December, we reinvested funds in the long-term market to boost the
Fund's dividend and take advantage of an expected decline in
interest rates. We anticipated that interest rates would begin
declining since previous tightenings by the Federal Reserve Board
would have begun a gradual slowing in economic activity.
The Fund remained fully invested throughout the first half of 1995.
As the New York State congress and Governor Pataki haggled over the
State's new fiscal budget, new issuance ground to a halt. Lack of
supply in the State became the norm for 1995. Through September 30,
1995, annual issuance in New York had declined approximately 33% to
$16.5 billion compared to the prior year. With a surge of issuance
expected once the budget accord was reached, we increased the Fund's
cash position to take advantage of what is normally an opportunity
to purchase new issues. Unexpectedly, the budget impasse lasted a
record period of time, and new issuance did not arrive in the market
until August. At that time, we put the Fund's cash reserves back to
work, as new-issue volume soared 61% for the three months ended
September 30, 1995.
<PAGE>
Since that time, the market rallied significantly on soft-landing
expectations by investors. We used this market advance to
temporarily increase cash reserves as the new-issue market for New
York paper looms large for the last quarter of 1995. We anticipate
reinvesting these cash reserves at more attractive yields in the
upcoming months. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995,
these strategies have resulted in a positive total return and a
competitive current yield for our shareholders.
Sincerely,
(Arthur Zeikel)
Arthur Zeikel
President
(Vincent R. Giordano)
Vincent R. Giordano
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
November 3, 1995
PERFORMANCE DATA
About Fund Performance
Since October 21, 1994, investors have been able to purchase shares
of the Fund through the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System,
which offers four pricing alternatives:
<PAGE>
* Class A Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge (front-end
load) of 4% and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance
fees. Class A Shares are available only to eligible investors.
* Class B Shares are subject to a maximum contingent deferred sales
charge of 4% if redeemed during the first year, decreasing 1% each
year thereafter to 0% after the fourth year. In addition, Class B
Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.25% and an account
maintenance fee of 0.25%. These shares automatically convert to
Class D Shares after approximately 10 years.
* Class C Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.35% and an
account maintenance fee of 0.25%. In addition, Class C Shares are
subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within
one year of purchase.
* Class D Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge of 4% and an
account maintenance fee of 0.10% (but no distribution fee).
Performance data for all of the Fund's shares are presented in the
"Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment" graphs on pages 4 and 5
and the "Recent Performance Results" table below. Data for the
Fund's Class A and Class B Shares are presented in the "Performance
Summary" and "Average Annual Total Return" tables on pages 4--6.
"Aggregate Total Return" tables for Class C and Class D Shares are
also presented on page 5.
The "Recent Performance Results" table shows investment results
before the deduction of any sales charges for Class A and Class B
Shares for the 12-month and 3-month periods ended September 30, 1995
and for Class C and Class D Shares for the since inception and 3-
month periods ended September 30, 1995. All data in this table
assume imposition of the actual total expenses incurred by each
class of shares during the relevant period.
None of the past results shown should be considered a representation
of future performance. Investment return and principal value of
shares will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth
more or less than their original cost. Dividends paid to each class
of shares will vary because of the different levels of account
maintenance, distribution and transfer agency fees applicable to
each class, which are deducted from the income available to be paid
to shareholders.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Recent Performance Results
<CAPTION>
12 Month 3 Month
9/30/95 6/30/95 9/30/94++ % Change++ % Change
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares* $11.04 $10.95 $10.88 +1.47% +0.82%
Class B Shares* 11.04 10.95 10.88 +1.47 +0.82
Class C Shares* 11.04 10.95 10.76 +2.60 +0.82
Class D Shares* 11.03 10.94 10.76 +2.51 +0.82
Class A Shares--Total Return* +7.37(1) +2.20(2)
Class B Shares--Total Return* +6.83(3) +2.07(4)
Class C Shares--Total Return* +7.58(5) +2.04(6)
Class D Shares--Total Return* +8.00(7) +2.17(8)
Class A Shares--Standardized 30-day Yield 5.00%
Class B Shares--Standardized 30-day Yield 4.70%
Class C Shares--Standardized 30-day Yield 4.59%
Class D Shares--Standardized 30-day Yield 4.90%
<FN>
*Investment results shown do not reflect sales charges; results
shown would be lower if a sales charge was included.
++Investment results shown for Class C and Class D Shares are since
inception (10/21/94).
(1)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.612 per share ordinary
income dividends.
(2)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.149 per share ordinary
income dividends.
(3)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.557 per share ordinary
income dividends.
(4)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.135 per share ordinary
income dividends.
(5)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.504 per share ordinary
income dividends.
(6)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.132 per share ordinary
income dividends.
(7)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.555 per share ordinary
income dividends.
(8)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.146 per share ordinary
income dividends.
</TABLE>
PERFORMANCE DATA (continued)
Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment--Class A Shares
A line graph depicting the growth of an investment in the Fund's
Class A Shares compared to the growth of an investment in the
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index. Beginning and ending
values are:
<PAGE>
10/25/88** 9/95
Merrill Lynch New York Municipal
Bond Fund++--Class A Shares* $ 9,600 $15,559
Lehman Brothers Municipal
Bond Index++++ $10,000 $17,438
Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment--Class B Shares
A line graph depicting the growth of an investment in the Fund's
Class B Shares compared to the growth of an investment in the
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index. Beginning and ending
values are:
11/01/85** 9/95
Merrill Lynch New York Municipal
Bond Fund++--Class B Shares* $10,000 $20,861
Lehman Brothers Municipal
Bond Index++++ $10,000 $24,288
[FN]
*Assuming maximum sales charge, transaction costs and other
operating expenses, including advisory fees.
**Commencement of Operations.
++Merrill Lynch New York Municipal Bond Fund invests primarily in
long-term investment-grade obligations issued by or on the behalf of
the State of New York, its political subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities and obligations of other qualifying issuers.
++++This unmanaged Index consists of long-term revenue bonds,
prerefunded bonds, general obligation bonds and insured bonds.
Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
<PAGE>
Average Annual Total Return
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
Class A Shares*
Year Ended 9/30/95 +7.37% +3.08%
Five Years Ended 9/30/95 +7.92 +7.05
Inception (10/25/88)
through 9/30/95 +7.25 +6.62
[FN]
*Maximum sales charge is 4%.
**Assuming maximum sales charge.
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
Class B Shares*
Year Ended 9/30/95 +6.83% +2.83%
Five Years Ended 9/30/95 +7.36 +7.36
Inception (11/1/85)
through 9/30/95 +7.70 +7.70
[FN]
*Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 4% and is reduced to 0%
after 4 years.
**Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE DATA (continued)
Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment--Class C Shares and Class D Shares
A line graph depicting the growth of an investment in the Fund's
Class C and Class D Shares compared to the growth of an investment
in the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index. Beginning and ending
values are:
10/21/94** 9/95
Merrill Lynch New York Municipal
Bond Fund++--Class C Shares $10,000 $10,658
Merrill Lynch New York Municipal
Bond Fund++--Class D Shares* $ 9,600 $10,368
Lehman Brother Municipal
Bond Index++++ $10,000 $11,319
[FN]
*Assuming maximum sales charge, transaction costs and other
operating expenses, including advisory fees.
**Commencement of Operations.
++Merrill Lynch New York Municipal Bond Fund invests primarily in
long-term investment-grade obligations issued by or on the behalf of
the State of New York, its political subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities and obligations of other qualifying issuers.
++++This unmanaged Index consists of long-term revenue bonds,
prerefunded bonds, general obligation bonds and insured bonds.
Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Aggregate Total Return
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
Class C Shares*
Inception (10/21/94)
through 9/30/95 +7.58% +6.58%
[FN]
*Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1% and is reduced to 0%
after 1 year.
**Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
<PAGE>
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
Class D Shares*
Inception (10/21/94)
through 9/30/95 +8.00% +3.68%
[FN]
*Maximum sales charge is 4%.
**Assuming maximum sales charge.
<TABLE>
Performance Summary--Class A Shares
<CAPTON>
Net Asset Value Capital Gains
Period Covered Beginning Ending Distributed Dividends Paid* % Change**
<C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
10/25/88-12/31/88 $10.85 $10.76 -- $0.138 + 0.44%
1989 10.76 11.00 -- 0.742 + 9.43
1990 11.00 10.76 -- 0.734 + 4.71
1991 10.76 11.43 -- 0.728 +13.44
1992 11.43 11.74 $0.110 0.727 +10.37
1993 11.74 12.08 0.241 0.775 +11.81
1994 12.08 10.43 -- 0.629 - 8.60
1/1/95-9/30/95 10.43 11.04 -- 0.445 +10.33
------ ------
Total $0.351 Total $4.918
Cumulative total return as of 9/30/95: +62.49%**
<FN>
*Figures may include short-term capital gains distributions.
**Figures assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains
distributions at net asset value on the payable date, and do not
include sales charge; results would be lower if sales charge was
included.
</TABLE>
PERFORMANCE DATA (concluded)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Performance Summary--Class B Shares
<CAPTION>
Net Asset Value Capital Gains
Period Covered Beginning Ending Distributed Dividends Paid* % Change**
<C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
11/1/85-12/31/85 $10.00 $10.34 -- $0.098 + 4.60%
1986 10.34 11.24 $0.073 0.732 +16.95
1987 11.24 10.44 -- 0.722 - 0.79
1988 10.44 10.76 -- 0.685 + 9.92
1989 10.76 11.00 -- 0.687 + 8.89
1990 11.00 10.77 -- 0.680 + 4.29
1991 10.77 11.43 -- 0.672 +12.76
1992 11.43 11.74 0.110 0.668 + 9.82
1993 11.74 12.09 0.241 0.714 +11.34
1994 12.09 10.43 -- 0.573 - 9.14
1/1/95-9/30/95 10.43 11.04 -- 0.405 + 9.92
------ ------
Total $0.424 Total $6.636
Cumulative total return as of 9/30/95: +108.61%**
<FN>
*Figures may include short-term capital gains distributions.
**Figures assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains
distributions at net asset value on the payable date, and do not
reflect deduction of any sales charge; results would be lower if
sales charge was deducted.
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)
All of the net investment income distributions paid monthly by
Merrill Lynch New York Municipal Bond Fund of Merrill Lynch Multi-
State Municipal Series Trust during its taxable year ended September
30, 1995 qualify as tax-exempt interest dividends for Federal income
tax purposes. Additionally, there were no capital gains distributed
during the year.
Please retain this information for your records.
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
<PAGE>
To simplify the listings of Merrill Lynch New York Municipal Bond
Fund's portfolio holdings in the Schedule of Investments, we have
abbreviated the names of many of the securities according to the
list below and at right.
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)
COP Certificates of Participation
GO General Obligation Bonds
HFA Housing Finance Agency
IDA Industrial Development Authority
IDR Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
PCR Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
TAN Tax Anticipation Notes
UT Unlimited Tax
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
New York--96.8%
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C>
BBB+ Baa1 $ 3,205 Babylon, New York, IDA, Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds
(Ogden Martin Systems), Series C, 8.50% due 1/01/2019 $ 3,621
NR* Baa1 14,750 Babylon, New York, IDA, Waste Facilities Revenue Bonds
(Babylon Community Waste Management), Series A, 7.875% due 7/01/1999 (d) 16,761
NR* NR* 3,500 Babylon, New York, Union Free School District, TAN, UT, Series B, 4.25%
due 6/14/1996 3,508
Buffalo, New York, Sewer Authority Revenue Bonds (b):
AAA Aaa 2,000 Refunding, Series G, 5% due 7/01/2012 1,846
AAA Aaa 4,000 Series F, 6% due 7/01/2013 4,142
AA+ Aa1 6,200 Hornell, New York, IDA, IDR (Crowley Foods, Inc.), 7.75% due 12/01/2016 6,554
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, Service Contract Revenue
Bonds, Series O:
BBB Baa1 11,825 (Commuter Facilities), 5.75% due 7/01/2013 11,292
BBB Baa1 16,820 (Transit Facilities), 5.75% due 7/01/2013 16,062
<PAGE>
AAA Aaa 2,950 Monroe County, New York, Airport Authority Revenue Bonds
(Greater Rochester International), AMT, 7.25% due 1/01/2009 (c)(h) 3,296
BBB+ Baa 9,770 Monroe County, New York, COP, 8.05% due 1/01/2011 10,794
A1+ NR* 2,900 Nassau County, New York, IDA, Civic Facilities Revenue Bonds (Cold Spring
Harbor Laboratory Project), VRDN, 4.85% due 7/01/2019 (e) 2,900
A1+ NR* 2,000 Nassau County, New York, IDA, Research Facilities Revenue Bonds (Cold Spring
Harbor Laboratory Project), VRDN, 4.85% due 7/01/2023 (e) 2,000
New York City, New York, GO, UT:
BB+ Baa1 6,585 Series A-1, 6.50% due 8/01/2015 6,660
BBB+ Baa1 5,000 Series B, 7% due 6/01/2016 5,182
BBB+ Baa1 2,500 Series B, Sub-Series B-1, 7% due 8/15/2016 2,604
BBB+ Baa1 5,450 Series C, 7.25% due 8/15/2024 5,703
BBB+ Baa1 11,140 Series F, 6.625% due 2/15/2025 11,241
New York City, New York, IDA, Civic Facilities Revenue Bonds:
A1+ NR* 1,200 (National Audobon Society), VRDN, 4.85% due 12/01/2014 (e) 1,200
BBB NR* 2,000 (New York Blood Center), 7.20% due 5/01/2012 2,114
BBB NR* 6,895 (New York Blood Center), 7.25% due 5/01/2022 7,221
AAA Aaa 3,890 (USTA National Tennis Center Project), 6.60% due 11/15/2011 (g) 4,188
New York City, New York, IDA, Special Facilities Revenue Bonds, AMT:
BB+ Baa2 2,030 (American Airlines Inc. Project), 7.75% due 7/01/2019 2,155
A A 1,000 (Terminal One Group Association Project), 6% due 1/01/2019 959
A A 14,215 (Terminal One Group Association Project), 6.125% due 1/01/2024 13,778
New York City, New York, Municipal Water Finance Authority Water and Sewer
System Revenue Bonds:
A- A 13,000 Refunding, Series A, 5.50% due 6/15/2020 11,971
A- A 4,550 Series A, 6% due 6/15/2025 4,457
A- A 6,125 Series B, 6.50% due 6/15/2020 6,278
AAA VMIG1++ 2,000 VRDN, Series G, 4.40% due 6/15/2024 (b)(e) 2,000
New York City, New York, Trust for Cultural Resources Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 3,750 (American Museum of Natural History), Series A, 6.90% due 4/01/2001 (c)(d) 4,247
A1+ VMIG1++ 800 (Soloman R. Guggenheim), VRDN, Series B, 4.85% due 12/01/2015 (e) 800
New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Bonds:
BBB Baa1 8,000 (City University System), Series C, 7.50% due 7/01/2010 9,231
A NR* 930 (Community Memorial Hospital, Hamilton), 9% due 7/01/2005 (h) 958
BBB Baa1 12,000 (Consolidated City University Systems), Series A, 5.75% due 7/01/2013 11,585
A1+ VMIG1++ 2,700 (Cornell University), VRDN, Series B, 4.85% due 7/01/2025 (e) 2,700
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
New York (continued)
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C>
New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Bonds (concluded):
BBB+ Baa1 $ 6,020 (Court Facilities Lease Bonds), Series A, 5.625% due 5/15/2013 $ 5,645
BBB+ Baa1 4,500 (Court Facilities Lease Bonds), Series A, 5.375% due 5/15/2016 4,051
BBB+ Baa1 12,000 (Court Facilities Lease Bonds), Series A, 5.25% due 5/15/2021 (h) 10,421
AAA Aaa 17,620 (University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital), 5.50% due
7/01/2021 (c)(h) 16,713
NR* VMIG1++ 700 (Saint Francis Center at The Knolls), VRDN, 4.70% due 7/01/2023 (e) 700
BBB+ Baa1 5,000 (State University Educational Facilities), Refunding, Series A, 5.25%
due 5/15/2015 4,504
BBB+ Baa1 12,000 (State University Educational Facilities), Refunding, Series B, 7% due
5/15/2016 12,740
BBB+ Baa1 6,000 (State University Educational Facilities), Series A, 6% due 5/15/2022 5,791
BBB+ Baa1 2,500 (State University Educational Facilities), Series B, 5.75% due 5/15/2024 2,340
BBB- Baa1 7,250 (Upstate Community College), Series A, 5.70% due 7/01/2021 6,707
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Facilities Revenue
Bonds (Consolidated Edison Company Inc.), Series A:
A+ A1 5,000 6.10% due 8/15/2020 5,008
AAA Aaa 7,820 AMT, 6.75% due 1/15/2027 (c) 8,132
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, PCR (Niagara Power
Corporation Project), VRDN (e):
A1+ NR* 200 AMT, Series B, 4.55% due 7/01/2027 200
NR* NR* 300 Series A, 5.15% due 3/01/2027 300
A- Aa 4,250 New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, PCR (State-Water
Revolving Fund), Series E, 6.875% due 6/15/2014 4,728
BBB Baa 2,500 New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, Solid Waste Disposal
Revenue Bonds (Occidental Petroleum Corp.), AMT, Sub-Series B, 5.50% due
9/01/2003 2,533
BBB NR* 2,750 New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, Special Obligation Bonds
(Riverbank State Park), 7.25% due 4/01/2012 2,947
AAA Aaa 6,225 New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, Water Facilities Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Spring Valley Water Company), Series B, 6.15% due 8/01/2024 (a) 6,328
BBB Baa1 7,500 New York State, HFA, Service Contract Obligation Revenue Bonds, Series A,
5.50% due 9/15/2022 (h) 6,744
<PAGE>
New York State Local Government Assistance Corporation Revenue Bonds:
A A 2,000 Refunding, Series C, 5.50% due 4/01/2017 1,878
A A 5,600 Refunding, Series E, 6% due 4/01/2014 5,694
A A 16,740 Refunding, Series E, 5% due 4/01/2021 (h) 14,509
A1+ VMIG1++ 3,000 VRDN, Series B, 4.20% due 4/01/2023 (e) 3,000
New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 6,820 (Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York), Series B, 8.50% due
12/01/1997 (a)(d) 7,062
AAA NR* 11,705 (Hospital & Nursing Home Insured Mortgage), Refunding, Series C, 6.40%
due 8/15/2014 (f) 12,112
AAA NR* 2,000 (Hospital & Nursing Home Mortgage), Refunding, Series C, 5.75% due
8/15/2019 (f) 1,932
AAA Aaa 4,000 (Long-Term Health Care Capital Guaranty Insured), Series D, 6.50% due
11/01/2015 4,187
AAA Aaa 2,000 (Mental Health Services), Refunding, Series F, 5.375% due 2/15/2014 (b) 1,900
AAA Aaa 5,000 (Mental Health Services), Refunding, Series F, 5.375% due 2/15/2014 (g)(h) 4,740
AAA Aaa 5,000 (Mental Health Services), Refunding, Series F, 5.25% due 2/15/2019 (g) 4,590
BBB+ Baa1 1,215 (Mental Health Services), Series B, 7.625% due 8/15/2017 1,335
BBB+ Baa1 1,075 (Mental Health Services), Series C, 7.30% due 2/15/2021 1,155
BBB+ Baa1 5,115 (Mental Health Services), Series D, 7.40% due 2/15/2018 5,534
AA- NR* 7,635 (Mercy Medical Center Project), Series A, 5.875% due 11/01/2015 7,506
AAA Aaa 10,500 (Montefiore Medical Center Insured Mortgage), Series A, 5.75% due
2/15/2025 (a)(f) 10,281
AAA Aaa 6,140 (Saint Francis Hospital Project), Series A, 7.625% due 11/01/2021 (b) 6,832
BBB Baa 12,200 (Secured Hospital), Series A, 7.40% due 8/15/2021 12,798
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
New York (concluded)
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C>
New York State Mortgage Agency, Homeowner Mortgage Revenue Bonds:
NR* Aa $ 2,500 AMT, Series 30-C-1, 5.85% due 10/01/2025 $ 2,336
NR* Aa 14,025 AMT, Series 46, 6.65% due 10/01/2025 14,296
NR* Aa 5,000 Series 41-A, 6.45% due 10/01/2014 5,125
AAA Aaa 8,500 Series 43, 6.45% due 10/01/2017 (c) 8,754
New York State Power Authority, General Purpose and Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 750 Refunding, Series CC, 5.125% due 1/01/2010 (a) 716
AA- Aa 4,660 Refunding, Series CC, 5.25% due 1/01/2018 4,287
AA- Aa 20,000 Series Y, 6.75% due 1/01/2018 21,545
AAA Aaa 6,320 New York State Thruway Authority, General Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5.75%
due 1/01/2019 (b) 6,169
<PAGE>
AAA Aaa 10,850 New York State Thruway Authority, Highway and Bridge Trust Fund, Series B,
UT, 6.25% due 4/01/2012 (b) 11,291
New York State Thruway Authority, Service Contract Revenue Bonds
(Local Highway and Bridge):
BBB Baa1 2,950 6.20% due 4/01/2003 3,088
BBB Baa1 4,500 6.25% due 4/01/2014 4,522
New York State Urban Development Corporation Revenue Bonds:
BBB Baa1 1,500 (Alfred Technology Resource Income Project), 7.875% due 1/01/2020 1,658
BBB Baa1 3,775 (Correctional Facilities), Refunding, Series A, 5.50% due 1/01/2014 3,500
BBB Baa1 2,600 (Correctional Facilities), Refunding, Series A, 5.50% due 1/01/2016 2,380
BBB Baa1 12,060 (Correctional Facilities), Refunding, Series A, 5.25% due 1/01/2021 (h) 10,455
BBB Baa1 4,000 (State Facilities), 7.50% due 4/01/2020 4,427
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Consolidated Revenue Bonds:
AA- A1 3,345 AMT, Seventy-Sixth Series, 6.50% due 11/01/2026 3,444
AA- A1 5,000 One-Hundredth Series, 5.75% due 12/15/2020 4,870
AA- A1 8,000 Sixty-Ninth Series, 7.125% due 6/01/2025 8,690
A1+ VMIG1++ 5,750 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Versatile Structure Special
Obligation Revenue Bonds, VRDN, Series 3, 4.25% due 6/01/2020 (e) 5,750
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, New York Revenue Bonds:
BBB Baa1 5,150 (Convention Center Project), Series E, 7.25% due 1/01/2010 5,755
A+ Aa 5,000 (General Purpose), Series X, 6.50% due 1/01/2019 5,253
A- A1 10,550 (Special Obligations), Refunding, Series B, 6.875% due 1/01/2015 11,342
A1+ VMIG1++ 5,000 (Special Obligations), VRDN, 4.05% due 1/01/2024 (b)(e) 5,000
BBB Baa 7,220 Ulster County, New York, Resource Recovery Agency Revenue Bonds (Solid
Waste Systems), 6% due 3/01/2014 6,925
Total Investments (Cost--$552,896)--96.8% 575,163
Variation Margin on Futures Contracts+++--(0.2%) (994)
Other Assets Less Liabilities--3.4% 20,226
--------
Net Assets--100.0% $594,395
========
<FN>
*Not Rated.
(a)AMBAC Insured.
(b)FGIC Insured.
(c)MBIA Insured.
(d)Prerefunded.
(e)The interest rate is subject to change periodically based upon
prevailing market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in
effect at September 30, 1995.
(f)FHA Insured.
(g)FSA Insured.
(h)All or portion of security held as collateral in connection with
open financial futures contracts.
++Highest short-term rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
+++Futures contracts sold as of September 30, 1995 were as follows
(in thousands):
<PAGE>
Number of Expiration Value
Contracts Issue Date (Notes 1a & 1b)
900 United States Treasury Bonds Dec. 1995 ($102,909)
Total (Contract Price--$101,360) ($102,909)
=========
Ratings of issues shown have not been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 1995
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$552,895,777)(Note 1a) $575,163,205
Cash 80,193
Receivables:
Securities sold $ 10,937,750
Interest 10,182,946
Beneficial interest sold 830,715 21,951,411
------------
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1e) 81,237
------------
Total assets 597,276,046
------------
<PAGE>
Liabilities: Payables:
Variation margin (Note 1b) 993,750
Beneficial interest redeemed 746,771
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f) 487,017
Investment adviser (Note 2) 277,499
Distributor (Note 2) 243,707 2,748,744
------------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 132,671
------------
Total liabilities 2,881,415
------------
Net Assets: Net assets $594,394,631
============
Net Assets Class A Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited
Consist of: number of shares authorized $ 211,110
Class B Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited
number of shares authorized 5,117,324
Class C Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited
number of shares authorized 32,206
Class D Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited
number of shares authorized 23,310
Paid-in capital in excess of par 594,439,161
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments--net (Note 5) (12,552,731)
Accumulated distributions in excess of realized capital gains on
investments--net (13,593,958)
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net 20,718,209
------------
Net assets $594,394,631
============
Net Asset Class A--Based on net assets of $23,303,584 and 2,111,100 shares
Value: of beneficial interest outstanding $ 11.04
============
Class B--Based on net assets of $564,962,933 and 51,173,239
shares of beneficial interest outstanding $ 11.04
============
Class C--Based on net assets of $3,556,322 and 322,061 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding $ 11.04
============
Class D--Based on net assets of $2,571,792 and 233,102 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding $ 11.03
============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Statement of Operations for the Year Ended September 30, 1995
<S> <S> <C>
Investment Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned $ 39,111,699
Income Other 353
(Note 1d): ------------
Total income 39,112,052
------------
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) 3,363,913
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class B (Note 2) 2,951,037
Transfer agent fees--Class B (Note 2) 340,716
Printing and shareholder reports 103,163
Accounting services (Note 2) 100,952
Registration fees (Note 1e) 80,291
Professional fees 73,979
Custodian fees 33,772
Trustees' fees and expenses 30,885
Pricing fees 14,530
Transfer agent fees--Class A (Note 2) 11,721
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class C (Note 2) 9,424
Account maintenance fees--Class D (Note 2) 1,307
Transfer agent fees--Class C (Note 2) 913
Transfer agent fees--Class D (Note 2) 615
Other 12,687
------------
Total expenses 7,129,905
------------
Investment income--net 31,982,147
------------
Realized & Realized loss on investments--net (12,552,800)
Unrealized Gain Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net 20,412,080
(Loss) on ------------
Investments Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $ 39,841,427
- --Net (Notes ============
1b, 1d & 3):
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended
September 30,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1995 1994
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net $ 31,982,147 $ 37,172,362
Realized loss on investments--net (12,552,800) (5,792,148)
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on
investments--net 20,412,080 (74,453,611)
------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations 39,841,427 (43,073,397)
------------ ------------
Dividends and Investment income--net:
Distributions to Class A (1,357,050) (1,758,497)
Shareholders Class B (30,476,605) (35,413,865)
(Note 1f): Class C (77,075) --
Class D (71,417) --
Realized gain on investments--net:
Class A -- (299,209)
Class B -- (6,828,149)
In excess of realized gain on investments--net:
Class A -- (570,678)
Class B -- (13,023,280)
------------ ------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends and
distributions to shareholders (31,982,147) (57,893,678)
------------ ------------
Beneficial Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from
Interest beneficial interest transactions (87,106,114) 8,652,057
Transactions ------------ ------------
(Note 4):
Net Assets: Total decrease in net assets (79,246,834) (92,315,018)
Beginning of year 673,641,465 765,956,483
------------ ------------
End of year $594,394,631 $673,641,465
============ ============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights
<CAPTION>
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Class A
from information provided in the financial statements.
For the Year Ended September 30,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year $ 10.88 $ 12.46 $ 11.77 $ 11.22 $ 10.56
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .61 .64 .70 .72 .74
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net .16 (1.25) .80 .55 .66
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .77 (.61) 1.50 1.27 1.40
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net (.61) (.64) (.70) (.72) (.74)
Realized gain on investments--net -- (.11) (.11) -- --
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net -- (.22) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions (.61) (.97) (.81) (.72) (.74)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of year $ 11.04 $ 10.88 $ 12.46 $ 11.77 $ 11.22
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share 7.37% (5.17%) 13.24% 11.77% 13.60%
Return:* ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Average Expenses .67% .63% .64% .65% .66%
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net 5.67% 5.52% 5.80% 6.28% 6.72%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) $ 23,304 $ 28,301 $ 31,976 $ 18,973 $ 13,727
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover 181.21% 107.96% 38.31% 35.90% 49.78%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<FN>
*Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights (continued)
<CAPTION>
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Class B
from information provided in the financial statements.
For the Year Ended September 30,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year $ 10.88 $ 12.46 $ 11.77 $ 11.23 $ 10.57
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .56 .58 .64 .67 .67
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net .16 (1.25) .80 .54 .66
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .72 (.67) 1.44 1.21 1.33
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net (.56) (.58) (.64) (.67) (.67)
Realized gain on investments--net -- (.11) (.11) -- --
In excess of realized gain on investments
--net -- (.22) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions (.56) (.91) (.75) (.67) (.67)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of year $ 11.04 $ 10.88 $ 12.46 $ 11.77 $ 11.23
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share 6.83% (5.66%) 12.67% 11.12% 13.03%
Return:* ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Average Expenses, excluding account maintenance
Net Assets: and distribution fees .68% .64% .64% .66% .67%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses 1.18% 1.14% 1.14% 1.16% 1.17%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net 5.16% 5.02% 5.32% 5.79% 6.23%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) $564,963 $645,341 $733,981 $616,590 $568,958
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover 181.21% 107.96% 38.31% 35.90% 49.78%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<FN>
*Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights (concluded)
<CAPTION>
The following per share data and ratios have been derived For the Period
from information provided in the financial statements. October 21, 1994++
to September 30, 1995
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: Class C Class D
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $ 10.76 $ 10.76
Operating ------------ ------------
Performance: Investment income--net .51 .56
Realized and unrealized gain on investments--net .28 .27
------------ ------------
Total from investment operations .79 .83
------------ ------------
Less dividends from investment income--net (.51) (.56)
------------ ------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 11.04 $ 11.03
============ ============
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share 7.58%+++ 8.00%+++
Return:** ============ ============
Ratios to Average Expenses, excluding account maintenance and distribution fees .67%* .66%*
Net Assets: ============ ============
Expenses 1.27%* .76%*
============ ============
Investment income--net 4.91%* 5.46%*
============ ============
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 3,556 $ 2,572
Data: ============ ============
Portfolio turnover 181.21% 181.21%
============ ============
<PAGE>
<FN>
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+++Aggregate total investment return.
++Commencement of Operations.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Merrill Lynch New York Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is part of
the Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (the "Trust").
The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a
diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund offers
four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricingsm
System. Class A and Class D Shares are sold with a front-end sales
charge. Class B and Class C Shares may be subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge. All classes of shares have identical voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and
conditions, except that Class B, Class C and Class D Shares bear
certain expenses related to the account maintenance of such shares,
and Class B and Class C Shares also bear certain expenses related to
the distribution of such shares. Each class has exclusive voting
rights with respect to matters relating to its account maintenance
and distribution expenditures. The following is a summary of
significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments--Municipal bonds and other portfolio
securities are traded primarily in the over-the-counter municipal
bond and money markets and are valued at the last available bid
price or yield equivalents as obtained from one or more dealers that
make markets in the securities. Financial futures contracts and
options thereon, which are traded on exchanges, are valued at their
last sale price as of the close of such exchanges. Short-term
investments with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are
valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily
available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or
under the direction of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, including
valuations furnished by a pricing service retained by the Trust,
which may utilize a matrix system for valuations. The procedures of
the pricing service and its valuations are reviewed by the officers
of the Trust under the general supervision of the Trustees.
<PAGE>
(b) Derivative financial instruments--The Fund may engage in various
portfolio strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its
portfolio against adverse movements in the debt markets. Losses may
arise due to changes in the value of the contract or if the
counterparty does not perform under the contract.
* Financial futures contracts--The Fund may purchase or sell
interest rate futures contracts and options on such futures
contracts for the purpose of hedging the market risk on existing
securities or the intended purchase of securities. Futures
contracts are contracts for delayed delivery of securities at a
specific future date and at a specific price or yield. Upon
entering into a contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as
collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which
the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund
agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal
to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or
payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund
as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is closed, the
Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between
the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at
the time it was closed.
(c) Income taxes--It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its
taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax
provision is required.
(d) Security transactions and investment income--Security
transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered
into (the trade dates). Interest income is recognized on the accrual
basis. Discounts and market premiums are amortized into interest
income. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are
determined on the identified cost basis.
(e) Prepaid registration fees--Prepaid registration fees are charged
to expense as the related shares are issued.
(f) Dividends and distributions--Dividends from net investment
income are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of
capital gains are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Distributions
in excess of realized capital gains are due primarily to differing
tax treatments for futures transactions and post-October losses.
(g) Reclassification--Generally accepted accounting principles
require that certain differences between paid-in capital for
financial reporting and tax purposes, if permanent, be reclassified
to accumulated net realized capital losses. Accordingly, current
year's permanent book/tax differences of $69 have been reclassified
from paid-in capital to accumulated net realized capital losses.
These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset
values per share.
<PAGE>
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and
Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Fund
Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM"). The general partner of FAM is
Princeton Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is the
limited partner. The Fund has also entered into a Distribution
Agreement and Distribution Plans with Merrill Lynch Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("MLFD" or "Distributor"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Group, Inc.
FAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and
provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain
other services necessary to the operations of the Fund. For such
services, the Fund pays a monthly fee based upon the average daily
value of the Fund's net assets at the following annual rates: 0.55%
of the Fund's average daily net assets not exceeding $500 million;
0.525% of average daily net assets in excess of $500 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; and 0.50% of average daily net assets in
excess of $1 billion. The Investment Advisory Agreement obligates
FAM to reimburse the Fund to the extent the Fund's expenses
(excluding interest, taxes, distribution fees, brokerage fees and
commissions, and extraordinary items) exceed 2.5% of the Fund's
first $30 million of average daily net assets, 2.0% of the next $70
million of average daily net assets, and 1.5% of the average daily
net assets in excess thereof. FAM's obligation to reimburse the Fund
is limited to the amount of the management fee. No fee payment will
be made to FAM during any fiscal year which will cause such expenses
to exceed the expense limitation at the time of such payment.
Pursuant to the distribution plans (the "Distribution Plans")
adopted by the Fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund pays the Distributor an
ongoing account maintenance fee and a distribution fee. These fees
are accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rates based upon
the average daily net assets of the shares as follows:
Account Distribution
Maintenance Fee Fee
Class B 0.25% 0.25%
Class C 0.25% 0.35%
Class D 0.10% --
<PAGE>
Pursuant to a sub-agreement with the Distributor, Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. ("MLPF&S"), a subsidiary of ML & Co.,
also provides account maintenance and distribution services to the
Fund. The ongoing account maintenance fee compensates the
Distributor and MLPF&S for providing account maintenance services to
Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders. The ongoing distribution
fee compensates the Distributor and MLPF&S for providing shareholder
and distribution-related services to Class B and Class C
shareholders.
For the year ended September 30, 1995, MLFD earned underwriting
discounts and MLPF&S earned dealer concessions on the sales of the
Fund's Class A and Class D Shares as follow:
MLFD MLPF&S
Class A $ 928 $ 9,797
Class D $1,958 $18,368
For the year ended September 30, 1995, MLPF&S received contingent
deferred sales charges of $873,699 and $56 relating to transactions
in Class B and Class C Shares, respectively.
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. ("MLFDS"), a wholly-
owned subsidiary of ML & Co., is the Fund's transfer agent.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by FAM at cost.
Certain officers and/or trustees of the Fund are officers and/or
directors of FAM, MLPF&S, PSI, MLFDS, MLFD, and/or ML & Co.
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities,
for the year ended September 30, 1995 were $1,027,133,884 and
$1,136,147,894, respectively.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) as of September 30, 1995
were as follows:
<PAGE>
Realized Unrealized
Losses Gains (Losses)
Long-term investments $ (10,467,342) $ 22,271,910
Short-term investments (22,891) (4,482)
Financial futures contracts (2,062,567) (1,549,219)
------------- ------------
Total $ (12,552,800) $ 20,718,209
============= ============
As of September 30, 1995, net unrealized appreciation for Federal
income tax purposes aggregated $22,256,040, of which $22,781,125
related to appreciated securities and $525,085 related to
depreciated securities. The aggregate cost of investments at
September 30, 1995 for Federal income tax purposes was $552,907,165.
4. Beneficial Interest Transactions:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from beneficial
interest transactions was $(87,106,114) and $8,652,057 for the years
ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1994, respectively.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as
follows:
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended September 30, 1995 Shares Amount
Shares sold 310,937 $ 3,344,063
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment
of dividends. 76,814 829,561
----------- ------------
Total issued 387,751 4,173,624
Shares redeemed (878,791) (9,342,889)
----------- ------------
Net decrease (491,040) $ (5,169,265)
=========== ============
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended September 30, 1994 Shares Amount
Shares sold 857,494 $ 10,076,116
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment
of dividends and
distributions 145,242 1,703,433
----------- ------------
Total issued 1,002,736 11,779,549
Shares redeemed (967,073) (11,024,027)
----------- ------------
Net increase 35,663 $ 755,522
=========== ============
<PAGE>
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended September 30, 1995 Shares Amount
Shares sold 3,667,182 $ 39,752,322
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment
of dividends 1,322,739 14,277,855
----------- ------------
Total issued 4,989,921 54,030,177
Automatic conversion
of shares (18,699) (201,021)
Shares redeemed (13,124,398) (141,756,812)
----------- ------------
Net decrease (8,153,176) $(87,927,656)
=========== ============
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended September 30, 1994 Shares Amount
Shares sold 7,245,112 $ 85,135,787
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions 2,392,697 28,072,759
----------- ------------
Total issued 9,637,809 113,208,546
Shares redeemed (9,213,059) (105,312,011)
----------- ------------
Net increase 424,750 $ 7,896,535
=========== ============
Class C Shares for the Period
October 21, 1994++ Dollar
to September 30, 1995 Shares Amount
Shares sold 350,647 $ 3,811,029
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment
of dividends 4,349 47,691
----------- ------------
Total issued 354,996 3,858,720
Shares redeemed (32,935) (360,612)
----------- ------------
Net increase 322,061 $ 3,498,108
=========== ============
[FN]
++Commencement of Operations.
<PAGE>
Class D Shares for the Period
October 21, 1994++ Dollar
to September 30, 1995 Shares Amount
Shares sold 257,719 $ 2,747,387
Automatic conversion
of shares 18,714 201,021
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment
of dividends 2,989 32,646
----------- ------------
Total issued 279,422 2,981,054
Shares redeemed (46,320) (488,355)
----------- ------------
Net increase 233,102 $ 2,492,699
=========== ============
[FN]
++Commencement of Operations.
5. Capital Loss Carryforward:
At September 30, 1995, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward
of approximately $21,350,000, all of which expires in 2003. This
amount will be available to offset like amounts of any future
taxable gains.
<AUDIT-REPORT>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders,
Merrill Lynch New York Municipal Bond Fund of
Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust:
<PAGE>
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and
liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Merrill Lynch
New York Municipal Bond Fund of Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal
Series Trust as of September 30, 1995, the related statements of
operations for the year then ended and changes in net assets for
each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the
financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period
then ended. These financial statements and the financial highlights
are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the
financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements and the financial highlights are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at
September 30, 1995 by correspondence with the custodian. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Merrill Lynch New York Municipal Bond Fund of Merrill Lynch Multi-
State Municipal Series Trust as of September 30, 1995, the results
of its operations, the changes in its net assets, and the financial
highlights for the respective stated periods in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
November 3, 1995
</AUDIT-REPORT>
