MERRILL LYNCH
MICHIGAN
MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
STRATEGIC
Performance
Annual Report
July 31, 1998
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
DEAR SHAREHOLDER
The Municipal Market Environment
During the six months ended July 31, 1998, long-term tax-exempt revenue bond
yields were little changed. Throughout the period, the near absence of
inflationary pressures continued to support low interest rates. However,
consistently strong domestic economic growth has caused some investors to fear
that the Federal Reserve Board will be forced eventually to raise short-term
interest rates. Such action would be taken to ensure that the US economy's
present rate of growth would decelerate before any inflationary pressures could
develop. These concerns pushed bond yields modestly higher by late April.
However, the weakening financial conditions in many Asian countries subsequently
calmed investor fears of Federal Reserve Board intervention, and fixed-income
prices again moved higher. Long-term uninsured municipal bond yields, as
measured by the Bond Buyer Revenue Bond Index, rose less than 5 basis points
(0.05%) to end the July quarter at 5.36%. As in late 1997 and early 1998, US
Treasury bond yields benefited from a "flight to quality" as foreign investors
were drawn to the relative safe haven of US Government securities. Long-term US
Treasury bond yields declined approximately 10 basis points to end the July
quarter at 5.71%.
Thus far in 1998, the municipal bond market has experienced unexpectedly strong
supply pressures. These supply pressures have prevented tax-exempt bond yields
from declining as much as US Treasury bond yields. During the first six months
of 1998, more than $153 billion in new tax-exempt bonds were underwritten, an
increase of almost 50% compared to the same period a year ago. During the
quarter ended July 31, 1998, municipalities issued over $75 billion in new
securities, an increase of more than 35% compared to the same three-month period
in 1997. Additionally, corporate issuers have also viewed current interest rate
levels as an opportunity to issue significant amounts of taxable securities.
Thus far in 1998, over $500 billion in investment-grade corporate bonds have
been underwritten, an increase of more than 70% compared to the same period a
year ago. This sizeable corporate bond issuance has tended to both support
generally higher fixed-income yields and reduce the demand for tax-exempt bonds.
However, the recent pace of new municipal bond issuance is unlikely to be
maintained. Continued increases in bond issuance will require lower and lower
tax-exempt bond yields to generate the economic savings necessary for additional
municipal bond refinancings. Preliminary estimates for 1998 total municipal bond
issuance are in the $200 billion-$225 billion range. These estimates suggest
that recent supply pressures are likely to abate later in the year. Earlier this
year, municipal bond investors received approximately $30 billion in coupon
payments, bond maturities and proceeds from early redemptions. The demand
generated by these assets has helped to offset the increase in supply seen thus
far in 1998.
The continued impact of the Asian financial crisis on the US domestic economy's
future growth remains unclear. Current Asian economic conditions continue to
reflect ongoing weakness. Recent trade data indicated that reduced US exports to
these countries may have lowered US economic growth by as much as 2% in the
first quarter of 1998. Since further trade deterioration is possible in the
coming months, we do not believe that the Federal Reserve Board will be willing
to raise interest rates, barring a dramatic and unexpected resurgence of
domestic inflation.
These factors suggest that over the near term, interest rates are unlikely to
rise by any appreciable amount. Recent supply pressures have caused municipal
bond yield ratios to rise relative to US Treasury bond yields. At July 31, 1998,
long-term tax-exempt bond yields were at attractive yield ratios relative to US
Treasury securities of comparable maturities (over 90%), well in excess of their
expected range of 85%-88%. Tax-exempt bond yield ratios rarely exceeded 90% in
the 1980s and 1990s. Previous instances have usually been associated with
poten-tial changes in Federal tax code that would have adversely affected the
tax-favored status of municipal bonds. The present situation has developed
largely because of a temporary supply imbalance. These imbalances should soon be
corrected as tax-exempt bond issuance slows from its current rapid pace later
this year. Any further pressure on the municipal market may well represent a
very attractive investment opportunity.
1
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
Portfolio Strategy
During the six-month period ended July 31, 1998, our investment outlook for
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund was basically constructive. We
believed that the strong economic growth seen in late 1997 and thus far in 1998
would be offset by a combination of the extremely positive inflationary
environment and deteriorating Asian economic conditions. Consequently, as 1998
progressed, we expected tax-exempt bond yields to trade in a relatively narrow
range, with a bias toward lower bond yields. We also maintained a fully invested
position in order to seek to enhance shareholder income and participate fully in
the anticipated market improvement.
However, we underestimated new-issue volume thus far in 1998. During the
six-month period ended July 31, 1998, Michigan municipalities issued over $5.9
billion in securities, representing an increase of more than 70% compared to the
same six-month period a year ago. This resulted in some underperformance by
Michigan tax-exempt securities in recent months, since current bond supply
temporarily exceeded investor demand. Because of this technical imbalance,
Michigan tax-exempt securities became extremely attractive relative to US
Treasury bond yields.
Looking ahead, we expect little change in the Fund's existing structure. Current
economic fundamentals and a strong domestic economy offset by equally favorable
inflationary pressures suggest that interest rates should trade in a narrow
range. Should economic weakness in Asia reverse in the coming months and no
longer constrain US economic growth, we will look to adopt a more defensive
position for the Fund. Consequently, we expect the Fund to remain fully invested
in order to generate an attractive level of shareholder income.
Fiscal Year in Review
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998, yields within the municipal bond
market generally declined, although there was considerable monthly volatility.
This volatility was largely the result of an increase in new bond issuance
compared to the same period a year ago. During the fiscal year ended July 31,
1998, more than $275 billion in long-term, tax-exempt securities were issued, an
increase of over 40% compared to the same period a year ago. Michigan
municipalities issued more than $9.3 billion in new securities, representing an
increase of almost 90% for the same period. At times during the period, such
increases in supply outweighed investor demand, allowing yields to rise
temporarily.
During the fiscal year, we generally maintained a constructive approach toward
the municipal bond market. The Fund was fully invested in long-term Michigan
tax-exempt issues throughout the 12-month period. However, the majority of these
issues were chosen more for income rather than capital appreciation potential.
These strategies produced total returns of +4.84%, +4.31%, +4.20% and +4.74% for
the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Shares, respectively, for the
year ended July 31, 1998. This compares to the Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
average total return of +5.25% for similar Michigan tax-exempt funds during the
same 12-month period.
In Conclusion
We appreciate your ongoing interest in Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond
Fund, and we look forward to assisting you with your financial needs in the
months and years ahead.
Sincerely,
/s/ Arthur Zeikel
Arthur Zeikel
President
/s/ Vincent R. Giordano
Vincent R. Giordano
Senior Vice President
/s/ Fred K. Stuebe
Fred K. Stuebe
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
September 8, 1998
2
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
PERFORMANCE DATA
About Fund Performance
Investors are able to purchase shares of the Fund through the Merrill Lynch
Select Pricing(SM) System, which offers four pricing alternatives:
o 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.
o 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. (There is no initial sales charge for automatic
share conversions.)
o 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.
o Class D Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge of 4% and an account
maintenance fee of 0.10% (but no distribution fee).
None of the past results shown should be considered a representation of
future performance. Figures shown in the "Recent Performance Results" and
"Average Annual Total Return" tables assume reinvestment of all dividends
and capital gains distributions at net asset value on the payable date.
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.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Recent Performance Results*
=================================================================================================================
Standardized
12 Month 3 Month Since Inception 30-Day Yield
Total Return Total Return Total Return As of 7/31/98
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund Class A Shares +4.84% +2.30% +38.32% 3.98%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund Class B Shares +4.31 +2.17 +34.50 3.64
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund Class C Shares +4.20 +2.04 +30.01 3.54
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund Class D Shares +4.74 +2.18 +32.59 3.89
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Investment results shown do not reflect sales charges; results would be
lower if a sales charge was included. Total investment returns are based
on changes in net asset values for the periods shown, and assume
reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions at net asset
value on the payable date. The Fund's inception dates are Class A and
Class B Shares, 1/29/93 and Class C and Class D Shares, 10/21/94.
3
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
PERFORMANCE DATA (concluded)
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund
Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment--Class A Shares and Class B Shares
A line graph depicting the growth of an investment in the Fund's Class A Shares
and Class B Shares compared to growth of an investment in the Lehman Brothers
Municipal Bond Index. Beginning and ending values are:
1/29/93** 7/98
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund+--Class A Shares* $9,600 $13,277
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund+--Class B Shares* $10,000 $13,450
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index++ $10,000 $14,513
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 Shares
and Class D Shares compared to growth of an investment in the Lehman Brothers
Municipal Bond Index. Beginning and ending values are:
10/21/94** 7/98
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund+--Class C Shares* $10,000 $13,001
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund+--Class D Shares* $9,600 $12,729
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index++ $10,000 $13,837
* Assuming maximum sales charge, transaction costs and other operating
expenses, including advisory fees.
** Commencement of operations.
+ ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund invests primarily in long-term
investment-grade obligations issued by or on behalf of the state of
Michigan, 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. The starting date for
the Index in the Class C & Class D Shares graph is 10/31/94. Past
performance is not predictive of future performance.
Average Annual Total Return
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
================================================================================
Class A Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 6/30/98 +7.44% +3.14%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 6/30/98 +5.46 +4.60
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (1/29/93)
through 6/30/98 +6.13 +5.33
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
================================================================================
Class B Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 6/30/98 +6.90% +2.90%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 6/30/98 +4.92 +4.92
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (1/29/93)
through 6/30/98 +5.59 +5.59
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 4% and is reduced to 0% after
4 years.
** Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
================================================================================
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
================================================================================
Class C Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 6/30/98 +6.79% +5.79%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94)
through 6/30/98 +7.35 +7.35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1% and is reduced to 0% after
1 year.
** Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
================================================================================
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
================================================================================
Class D Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 6/30/98 +7.34% +3.04%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94)
through 6/30/98 +7.88 +6.69
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
4
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
=================================================================================================================================
Michigan--95.0%
=================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AA+ Aa2 $1,000 Breitung Township, Michigan, School District, Refunding, UT, 6.30% due 5/01/2019 $ 1,078
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,500 Brighton, Michigan, Area School District Refunding Bonds, UT, Series II, 4.90%**
due 5/01/2015 (d) 1,065
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 Byron Center, Michigan, Public Schools, Refunding, UT, 5% due 5/01/2024 (g) 970
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detroit, Michigan, Water Supply System Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 2,900 INFLOS, 8.968% due 7/01/2022 (c)(f) 3,418
AAA Aaa 1,500 Series A, 5% due 7/01/2027 (b) 1,449
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,325 Ferris State University, Michigan, General Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5% due 10/01/2028 (d) 3,204
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Ledge, Michigan, Public Schools District, UT (b):
AAA Aaa 2,500 6.60% due 5/01/2004 (e) 2,837
AAA Aaa 1,500 Refunding, 5.375% due 5/01/2024 1,526
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 Grand Rapids, Michigan, San Sewer System, Revenue Refunding and Improvement Bonds,
Series A, 4.75% due 1/01/2028 (c) 935
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1+ 1,900 Grand Rapids, Michigan, Water Supply System, Revenue Refunding Bonds, VRDN,
3.40% due 1/01/2020 (a)(c) 1,900
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Grand Traverse County, Michigan, Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Munson Healthcare), Series A, 6.25% due 7/01/2022 (d) 3,240
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA+ Aa2 4,000 Haslett, Michigan, Public School District, Refunding, UT, 6.625% due 5/01/2019 4,363
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,000 Kalamazoo, Michigan, Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Facility Revenue Refunding
and Improvement Bonds (Bronson Methodist), Series A, 6.375% due 5/15/2003 (b)(e) 2,221
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,500 Kent County, Michigan, Airport Facilities Revenue Bonds (Kent County International
Airport), AMT, 5% due 1/01/2028 (b) 1,431
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1 VMIG1+ 300 Michigan Higher Education Student Loan Authority Revenue Bonds, VRDN, AMT,
Series XII-D, 3.50% due 10/01/2015 (a)(d) 300
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 Michigan Municipal Bond Authority Revenue Bonds (Local Government Loan Program--
Marquette Building), Series D, 6.75% due 5/01/2021 (d) 1,082
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA+ Aa1 1,000 Michigan Municipal Bond Authority Revenue Bonds (State Revolving Fund), Series A,
6.55% due 10/01/2002 (e) 1,109
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA- NR* 2,000 Michigan State, HDA, Rental Housing Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series A,
6.60% due 4/01/2012 2,159
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan State, HDA, S/F Mortgage Revenue Bonds:
AA+ NR* 60 AMT, Series B, 7.05% due 6/01/2026 65
AA+ NR* 2,885 Refunding, AMT, Series D, 6.85% due 6/01/2026 3,090
AA+ NR* 2,150 Series A, 6.50% due 12/01/2017 2,285
AA+ NR* 2,040 Series B, 6.95% due 12/01/2020 2,154
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
To simplify the listings of Merrill Lynch Michigan 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 at right.
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)
HDA Housing Development Authority
INFLOS Inverse Floating Rate Municipal Bonds
PCR Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
S/F Single-Family
UT Unlimited Tax
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
5
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
=================================================================================================================================
Michigan (concluded)
=================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority Revenue Bonds:
A A2 $3,500 Refunding (Detroit Medical Center Obligation Group), Series A, 6.50% due 8/15/2018 $ 3,810
NR* A1 2,000 Refunding (McLaren Health Care Corp.), Series A, 5% due 6/01/2028 1,889
AA- Aa3 1,330 Refunding (Mercy Health Services), Series S, 5.50% due 8/15/2020 1,367
AAA Aaa 3,000 (Saint John Hospital and Medical Center), Series A, 5.25% due 5/15/2026 (d) 2,974
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan State Strategic Fund, Limited Obligation Revenue Bonds:
A1+ P1 500 Refunding (Detroit Edison Co.), VRDN, Series CC, Reserve 1, 3.55% due 9/01/2030 (a) 500
AAA Aaa 2,000 Refunding (Detroit Edison Co. Plantation Project), 6.875% due 12/01/2021 (c) 2,179
A A1 1,250 Refunding (Ford Motor Co. Project), Series A, 7.10% due 2/01/2006 1,456
BBB+ Baa1 1,000 (Waste Management Inc. Project), AMT, 6.625% due 12/01/2012 1,083
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* VMIG1+ 100 Michigan State Strategic Fund, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds
(Grayling Generating Project), VRDN, AMT, 3.55% due 1/01/2014 (a) 100
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,500 Michigan State Trunk Line Refunding Bonds, Series A, 5% due 11/01/2026 (b) 2,419
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,435 Michigan State University, General Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5% due 2/15/2026 (d) 2,361
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Oak, Michigan, Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Revenue Bonds
(William Beaumont Hospital), VRDN (a):
A1+ VMIG1+ 200 Series J, 3.65% due 1/01/2027 200
A1+ VMIG1+ 200 Series L, 3.65% due 1/01/2003 200
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA- Aa3 1,785 Royal Oak, Michigan, Hospital Finance Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Beaumont Properties, Inc.), Series E, 6.625% due 1/01/2019 1,933
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 Saint Clair County, Michigan, Economic Development Corp., PCR, Refunding
(Detroit Edison), Collateral Series AA, 6.40% due 8/01/2024 (d) 1,120
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,300 Three Rivers, Michigan, Community Schools Building and Site, UT, 6% due 5/01/2006 (b)(e) 2,565
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1+ 700 University of Michigan, University Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds, VRDN,
Series A, 3.65% due 12/01/2019 (a) 700
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1+ 800 University of Michigan, University Revenue Bonds (Medical Service Plan), VRDN,
Series A, 3.65% due 12/01/2027 (a) 800
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,500 Wayne Charter County, Michigan, Airport Revenue Bonds (Detroit Metropolitan
Wayne County), AMT, Series A, 5.375% due 12/01/2017 (b) 2,532
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,000 Western Michigan University, General Revenue Bonds, 6.125% due 11/15/2002 (c)(e) 2,191
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,000 Ypsilanti, Michigan, School District Refunding Bonds, UT, 5.375% due 5/01/2026 (c) 2,034
=================================================================================================================================
Puerto Rico--4.0%
=================================================================================================================================
AAA Aaa 3,000 Puerto Rico Insured Trust Receipts, Series 14, 7.12% due 7/01/2027 (b) 3,154
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments (Cost--$75,087)--99.0% 79,448
Other Assets Less Liabilities--1.0% 840
--------
Net Assets--100.0% $ 80,288
========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) The interest rate is subject to change periodically based upon
prevailing market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in
effect at July 31, 1998.
(b) MBIA Insured.
(c) FGIC Insured.
(d) AMBAC Insured.
(e) Prerefunded.
(f) The interest rate is subject to change periodically and inversely
based upon prevailing market rates. The interest rate shown is the
rate in effect at July 31, 1998.
(g) FSA Insured.
* Not Rated.
** Represents a zero coupon bond; the interest rate shown is the
effective yield at the time of purchase by the Fund.
+ Highest short-term rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Ratings of issues shown have not been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 1998
===============================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$75,087,499) (Note 1a) ............... $ 79,447,703
Cash ......................................................................... 79,688
Receivables:
Interest ................................................................... $ 973,481
Beneficial interest sold ................................................... 156,146 1,129,627
------------
Prepaid expenses and other assets ............................................ 1,293
------------
Total assets ................................................................. 80,658,311
------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Beneficial interest redeemed ............................................... 196,504
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f) ........................................ 56,546
Investment adviser (Note 2) ................................................ 40,071
Distributor (Note 2) ....................................................... 29,964 323,085
------------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ....................................... 47,394
------------
Total liabilities ............................................................ 370,479
------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Net assets ................................................................... $ 80,287,832
============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets Class A Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
Consist of: shares authorized ............................................................ $ 113,910
Class B Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ............................................................ 599,665
Class C Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ............................................................ 27,145
Class D Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ............................................................ 36,883
Paid-in capital in excess of par ............................................. 78,439,842
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments--net (Note 5) ............. (3,289,817)
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net .................................. 4,360,204
------------
Net assets ................................................................... $ 80,287,832
============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value: Class A--Based on net assets of $11,761,790 and 1,139,099 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ........................................... $ 10.33
============
Class B--Based on net assets of $61,917,639 and 5,996,653 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ........................................... $ 10.33
============
Class C--Based on net assets of $2,802,509 and 271,453 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ........................................... $ 10.32
============
Class D--Based on net assets of $3,805,894 and 368,825 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ........................................... $ 10.32
============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Operations
===============================================================================================================================
For the Year Ended
July 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned ..................... $ 4,563,281
(Note 1d):
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) ............................................ $ 447,347
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class B (Note 2) .................. 318,171
Professional fees ............................................................ 57,548
Accounting services (Note 2) ................................................. 53,884
Printing and shareholder reports ............................................. 46,196
Transfer agent fees--Class B (Note 2) ........................................ 34,039
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class C (Note 2) .................. 10,880
Registration fees ............................................................ 8,850
Pricing fees ................................................................. 6,558
Custodian fees ............................................................... 6,188
Transfer agent fees--Class A (Note 2) ........................................ 5,428
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1e) .............................. 4,906
Trustees' fees and expenses .................................................. 4,579
Account maintenance fees--Class D (Note 2) ................................... 3,555
Transfer agent fees--Class D (Note 2) ........................................ 1,582
Transfer agent fees--Class C (Note 2) ........................................ 1,057
Other ........................................................................ 3,337
------------
Total expenses before reimbursement .......................................... 1,014,105
Reimbursement of expenses (Note 2) ........................................... (26,354)
------------
Total expenses after reimbursement ........................................... 987,751
------------
Investment income--net ....................................................... 3,575,530
------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized & Realized gain on investments--net ............................................ 654,487
Unrealized Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net ........................ (746,032)
Gain (Loss) on ------------
Investments--Net Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ......................... $ 3,483,985
(Notes 1b, 1d & 3): ============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
===============================================================================================================================
For the Year
Ended July 31,
--------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1998 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net ....................................................... $ 3,575,530 $ 4,001,677
Realized gain on investments--net ............................................ 654,487 333,178
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net ........................ (746,032) 3,032,220
------------ ------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ......................... 3,483,985 7,367,075
------------ ------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends to Investment income--net:
Shareholders Class A .................................................................... (592,425) (601,588)
(Note 1f): Class B .................................................................... (2,738,487) (3,179,093)
Class C .................................................................... (75,788) (76,539)
Class D .................................................................... (168,830) (144,457)
------------ ------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends to shareholders .......... (3,575,530) (4,001,677)
------------ ------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beneficial Interest Net decrease in net assets derived from beneficial interest
Transactions transactions ................................................................. (1,440,463) (4,496,313)
(Note 4): ------------ ------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Total decrease in net assets ................................................. (1,532,008) (1,130,915)
Beginning of year ............................................................ 81,819,840 82,950,755
------------ ------------
End of year .................................................................. $ 80,287,832 $ 81,819,840
============ ============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial Highlights
==========================================================================================================================
Class A
The following per share data and ratios have been derived -------------------------------------------------------------
from information provided in the financial statements. For the Year Ended July 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year ... $ 10.34 $ 9.92 $ 9.85 $ 9.84 $ 10.29
Operating --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Performance: Investment income--net ............... .50 .52 .54 .53 .53
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ..................... (.01) .42 .07 .01 (.40)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment operations ..... .49 .94 .61 .54 .13
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ............. (.50) (.52) (.54) (.53) (.53)
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net ................... -- -- -- -- (.05)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total dividends and distributions .... (.50) (.52) (.54) (.53) (.58)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of year ......... $ 10.33 $ 10.34 $ 9.92 $ 9.85 $ 9.84
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ... 4.84% 9.79% 6.25% 5.79% 1.22%
Return:* ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement ....... .80% .57% .49% .50% .31%
Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Expenses ............................. .83% .80% .82% .88% 1.00%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Investment income--net ............... 4.81% 5.21% 5.35% 5.57% 5.18%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) $ 11,762 $ 11,841 $ 11,468 $ 11,838 $ 15,064
Data: ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio turnover ................... 65.39% 35.09% 69.34% 123.61% 71.70%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial Highlights (continued)
==========================================================================================================================
Class B
The following per share data and ratios have been derived -------------------------------------------------------------
from information provided in the financial statements. For the Year Ended July 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year ... $ 10.34 $ 9.92 $ 9.85 $ 9.84 $ 10.29
Operating --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Performance: Investment income--net ............... .45 .47 .49 .49 .48
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ..................... (.01) .42 .07 .01 (.40)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment operations ..... .44 .89 .56 .50 .08
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ............. (.45) (.47) (.49) (.49) (.48)
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net ................... -- -- -- -- (.05)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total dividends and distributions .... (.45) (.47) (.49) (.49) (.53)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of year ......... $ 10.33 $ 10.34 $ 9.92 $ 9.85 $ 9.84
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ... 4.31% 9.23% 5.70% 5.25% .71%
Return:* ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement ....... 1.31% 1.08% 1.00% 1.02% .81%
Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Expenses ............................. 1.34% 1.31% 1.33% 1.40% 1.51%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Investment income--net ............... 4.30% 4.70% 4.84% 5.05% 4.68%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) $ 61,918 $ 65,166 $ 67,770 $ 60,699 $ 59,049
Data: ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio turnover ................... 65.39% 35.09% 69.34% 123.61% 71.70%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
11
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial Highlights (continued)
=====================================================================================================================
Class C
------------------------------------------------
For the
Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived For the Year Ended July 31, Oct. 21,
from information provided in the financial statements. 1994+ to
----------------------------------- July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ......... $ 10.33 $ 9.92 $ 9.85 $ 9.44
Operating --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Performance: Investment income--net ....................... .43 .46 .48 .37
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ............................. (.01) .41 .07 .41
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment operations ............. .42 .87 .55 .78
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Less dividends from investment income--net ... (.43) (.46) (.48) (.37)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of period ............... $ 10.32 $ 10.33 $ 9.92 $ 9.85
========= ========= ========= =========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ........... 4.20% 9.01% 5.59% 8.39%++
Return:** ========= ========= ========= =========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement ............... 1.42% 1.18% 1.11% 1.16%*
Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= =========
Expenses ..................................... 1.45% 1.41% 1.43% 1.51%*
========= ========= ========= =========
Investment income--net ....................... 4.18% 4.60% 4.73% 4.91%*
========= ========= ========= =========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ..... $ 2,802 $ 1,319 $ 1,871 $ 839
Data: ========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio turnover ........................... 65.39% 35.09% 69.34% 123.61%
========= ========= ========= =========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial Highlights (concluded)
===================================================================================================================
Class D
------------------------------------------------
For the
Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived For the Year Ended July 31, Oct. 21,
from information provided in the financial statements. 1994+ to
----------------------------------- July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ....... $ 10.33 $ 9.91 $ 9.85 $ 9.44
Operating --------- --------- --------- ---------
Performance: Investment income--net ..................... .49 .51 .53 .41
Realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments--net ........................ (.01) .42 .06 .41
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment operations ........... .48 .93 .59 .82
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Less dividends from investment income--net . (.49) (.51) (.53) (.41)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of period ............. $ 10.32 $ 10.33 $ 9.91 $ 9.85
========= ========= ========= =========
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ......... 4.74% 9.69% 6.04% 8.84%++
Return:** ========= ========= ========= =========
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement ............. .90% .68% .59% .63%*
Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= =========
Expenses ................................... .93% .90% .91% .98%*
========= ========= ========= =========
Investment income--net ..................... 4.71% 5.11% 5.24% 5.46%*
========= ========= ========= =========
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ... $ 3,806 $ 3,494 $ 1,842 $ 1,045
Data: ========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio turnover ......................... 65.39% 35.09% 69.34% 123.61%
========= ========= ========= =========
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
13
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is part of Merrill Lynch
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (the "Trust"). The Fund is registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified, open-end management
investment company. The Fund offers four classes of shares under the Merrill
Lynch Select PricingSM System. Shares of Class A and Class D are sold with a
front-end sales charge. Shares of Class B and Class C may be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge. All classes of shares have identical voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except
that Class B, Class C and Class D Shares bear certain expenses related to the
account maintenance of such shares, and Class B and Class C Shares also bear
certain expenses related to the distribution of such shares. Each class has
exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to its account
maintenance and distribution expenditures. The following is a summary of
significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments--Municipal bonds and other portfolio securities in
which the Fund invests are traded primarily in the over-the-counter municipal
bond and money markets and are valued at the last available bid price in the
over-the-counter market or on the basis of 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 settlement prices as of the close of such exchanges. Short-term
investments with remaining maturities 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.
(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.
o Financial futures contracts--The Fund may purchase or sell financial 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) Deferred organization expenses--Deferred organization expenses are charged
to expense on a straight-line basis over a period not exceeding five years.
(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.
14
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
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 a limited partner. The Fund has also entered into a Distribution
Agreement and Distribution Plans with Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor ("MLFD" or
"Distributor"), a division of Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD"), which
is 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. For the year ended July 31, 1998, FAM earned fees of $447,347, of which
$26,354 was voluntarily waived.
Pursuant to 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
ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees. The fees are accrued daily
and paid monthly at annual rates based upon the average daily net assets of the
shares as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Distribution
Maintenance Fee Fee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B ................................. 0.25% 0.25%
Class C ................................. 0.25% 0.35%
Class D ................................. 0.10% --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 July 31, 1998, MLFD earned underwriting discounts and MLPF&S
earned dealer concessions on sales of the Fund's Class A and Class D Shares as
follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLFD MLPF&S
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A ................................. $ 196 $ 2,413
Class D ................................. $1,035 $11,334
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the year ended July 31, 1998, MLPF&S received contingent deferred sales
charges of $79,129 and $165 relating to transactions in Class B and Class C
Shares, respectively.
Financial Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), 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, PSI, FDS, PFD, and/or ML & Co.
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the
year ended July 31, 1998 were $50,082,698 and $51,502,238, respectively.
Net realized gains (losses) for the year ended July 31, 1998 and net unrealized
gains as of July 31, 1998 were as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized Unrealized
Gains (Losses) Gains
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term investments ................... $ 928,297 $4,360,204
Financial futures contracts ............. (273,810) --
--------- ----------
Total ................................... $ 654,487 $4,360,204
========= ==========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of July 31, 1998, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income tax purposes
aggregated $4,332,384, of which $4,415,535 is related to appreciated securities
and $83,151 related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost of investments
at July 31, 1998 for Federal income tax purposes was $75,115,319.
15
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Concluded)
4. Beneficial Interest Transactions:
Net decrease in net assets derived from beneficial interest transactions was
$1,440,463 and $4,496,313 for the years ended July 31, 1998 and July 31, 1997,
respectively.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................. 241,289 $ 2,488,207
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ............ 29,942 308,701
---------- -------------
Total issued ............................ 271,231 2,796,908
Shares redeemed ......................... (277,717) (2,866,081)
---------- -------------
Net decrease ............................ (6,486) $ (69,173)
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................. 483,321 $ 4,874,526
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ............ 25,021 251,502
---------- -------------
Total issued ............................ 508,342 5,126,028
Shares redeemed ......................... (519,261) (5,217,145)
---------- -------------
Net decrease ............................ (10,919) $ (91,117)
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................. 810,906 $ 8,356,107
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ............ 95,226 981,498
---------- -------------
Total issued ............................ 906,132 9,337,605
Automatic conversion
of shares ............................... (727) (7,562)
Shares redeemed ......................... (1,213,594) (12,500,841)
---------- -------------
Net decrease ............................ (308,189) $ (3,170,798)
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................. 1,103,009 $ 11,073,322
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ............ 109,610 1,101,486
---------- -------------
Total issued ............................ 1,212,619 12,174,808
Automatic conversion of
shares .................................. (4,964) (50,214)
Shares redeemed ......................... (1,737,143) (17,450,691)
---------- -------------
Net decrease ............................ (529,488) $ (5,326,097)
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................. 165,102 $ 1,701,603
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ............ 5,574 57,489
---------- -------------
Total issued ............................ 170,676 1,759,092
Shares redeemed ......................... (26,858) (276,788)
---------- -------------
Net increase ............................ 143,818 $ 1,482,304
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................. 32,794 $ 328,330
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ............ 5,628 56,537
---------- -------------
Total issued ............................ 38,422 384,867
Shares redeemed ......................... (99,477) (999,434)
---------- -------------
Net decrease ............................ (61,055) $ (614,567)
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................. 68,559 $ 708,322
Automatic conversion
of shares ............................... 727 7,562
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ............ 10,438 107,539
---------- -------------
Total issued ............................ 79,724 823,423
Shares redeemed ......................... (49,201) (506,219)
---------- -------------
Net increase ............................ 30,523 $ 317,204
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................. 186,467 $ 1,876,970
Automatic conversion of
shares .................................. 4,964 50,214
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ............ 8,107 81,472
---------- -------------
Total issued ............................ 199,538 2,008,656
Shares redeemed ......................... (47,123) (473,188)
---------- -------------
Net increase ............................ 152,415 $ 1,535,468
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Capital Loss Carryforward:
At July 31, 1998, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward of approximately
$2,427,000, of which $936,000 expires in 2003, $1,034,000 expires in 2004 and
$457,000 expires in 2005. This amount will be available to offset like amounts
of any future taxable gains.
16
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders, Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond
Fund of Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, of Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund of
Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust as of July 31, 1998, 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 July 31,
1998 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
Michigan Municipal Bond Fund of Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust
as of July 31, 1998, 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
September 9, 1998
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)
All of the net investment income distributions paid monthly by Merrill Lynch
Michigan Municipal Bond Fund during its taxable year ended July 31, 1998 qualify
as tax-exempt interest dividends for Federal income tax purposes.
Additionally, there were no capital gains distributed by the Fund during the
year.
Please retain this information for your records.
17
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
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
Vincent R. Giordano, Senior Vice President
Donald C. Burke, Vice President
Kenneth A. Jacob, Vice President
Fred K. Stuebe, Vice President
Gerald M. Richard, Treasurer
Robert E. Putney, III, Secretary
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
P.O. Box 351
Boston, MA 02101
Transfer Agent
Financial Data Services, Inc.
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
(800) 637-3863
18
<PAGE>
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. Statements and other information
herein are as dated and are subject to change.
Merrill Lynch Michigan
Municipal Bond Fund
Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust
Box 9011
Princeton, NJ
08543-9011 #16561--7/98
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