MERRILL LYNCH
MICHIGAN
MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
STRATEGIC
Performance
Annual Report
July 31, 2000
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
The Municipal Market Environment
During the six months ended July 31, 2000, US domestic economic growth remained
robust. After growing at a 4.2% annual rate in 1999, US domestic economic growth
expanded at a 4.8% rate during the first quarter of 2000 and at a 5.2% rate
during the second quarter. However, despite these significant growth rates, few
price measure indicators have shown any meaningful signs of future price
pressures at the consumer level, despite the lowest unemployment rates since
1970. With few signs of any economic slowdown, the Federal Reserve Board
continued to raise short-term interest rates in February, March and May 2000.
The Federal Reserve Board cited both the continued growth of US employment and
the continued strength of US equity markets as reasons for attempting to
moderate US economic growth before inflationary price pressures can occur.
However, since then fixed-income markets have largely ignored strong economic
fundamentals and concentrated upon very positive technical supply factors.
Declining bond issuance--both current, and more importantly, expected future
issuance--helped push bond yields lower into mid-April 2000. In late January and
early February 2000, the US Treasury announced its intention to reduce the
amounts to be auctioned in the quarterly Treasury note and bond auctions.
Furthermore, budgetary surpluses allowed the US Treasury to repurchase
outstanding, higher-couponed Treasury issues, primarily in the 15-year and
longer maturity sector. Both these actions resulted in significant reduction in
the outstanding supply of longer-dated maturity US Treasury debt. Domestic and
international investors quickly began to accumulate what was expected to become
a scarce commodity and bond prices quickly rose.
By mid-April 2000, US Treasury bond yields had declined more than 80 basis
points (0.80%) to 5.67%. During the remainder of the period, US Treasury bond
prices were volatile as strong economic reports and investors' concerns of
additional moves by the Federal Reserve Board occasionally overshadowed the
positive technical position of the long-term US Treasury bond market.
Recently, a number of economic indicators have begun to suggest that the actions
taken by the Federal Reserve Board in 1999 and early 2000 have started to affect
US economic growth. Both new home sales and consumer spending have slowed,
suggesting that economic growth may subside into a 4%-4.5% range by late 2000.
In our opinion, this range of growth was targeted by the Federal Reserve Board
as being sustainable, given current productivity measures, without endangering
the present benign inflationary environment.
By June, investor focus returned to the dwindling supply of long-term US
Treasury securities and bond prices generally rose for the remainder of the
period. The decline in long-term US Treasury bond yields resulted in an inverted
yield curve as short-term and intermediate-term interest rates did not fall
proportionately to long-term interest rates as the Federal Reserve Board was
expected to continue to raise short-term interest rates. The current inversion
has had as much to do with debt reduction and US Treasury buybacks as with
investor expectations of slower economic growth. During the last six months, US
Treasury bond yields have declined more than 70 basis points to end the period
at 5.78%, their lowest monthly closing level since May 1999.
Tax-exempt bond yields also have declined in recent months. The decline has
largely been in response to the rally in US Treasury securities, as well as a
continued positive technical supply environment. States such as California and
Maryland have announced that their large current and anticipated future budget
surpluses will permit the cancellation or postponement of expected bond
issuance. Additionally, some issuers have also initiated tenders to repurchase
existing debt, reducing the supply of tax-exempt bonds in the secondary market
as well. Given the decline in available long-term US Treasury securities, some
investors who need longer maturity investment vehicles have begun to consider
long-term municipal bonds as potential substitutes. This has further
strengthened the overall positive technical position of the tax-exempt market.
During the last six months, long-term municipal revenue bond yields have
declined nearly 50 basis points to 5.85%, their lowest level since late August
1999, as measured by the Bond Buyer Revenue Bond Index.
The recent relative underperformance of the municipal bond market in recent
months has been especially disappointing given the strong technical
1
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
position the tax-exempt bond market has enjoyed. The issuance of long-term
tax-exempt securities has dramatically declined. During the last year, almost
$200 billion in new long-term municipal securities was issued, a decline of
almost 20% compared to the same period a year earlier. For the six months ended
July 31, 2000, approximately $100 billion in new tax-exempt bonds was
underwritten, a decline of 17% compared to the same period in 1999.
Although investors received more than $45 billion in coupon payments, bond
maturities and the proceeds from early bond redemptions during June and July,
overall investor demand has diminished. Long-term municipal bond mutual funds
have seen consistent outflows in recent months as the yields of individual
securities have risen faster than those of larger, more diverse mutual funds.
Thus far this year, tax-exempt mutual funds have had net redemptions of more
than $12 billion.
However, the rate at which these redemptions have been occurring has slowed in
recent months. Recent US equity market volatility, especially in the NASDAQ, has
reduced some investor interest in the stock market. This investor interest,
especially earlier this year, had been siphoning away demand for municipal bonds
by retail investors. Also, the demand from property and casualty companies is
expected to increase in the coming months. These firms are becoming more
profitable after experiencing losses in the past few years resulting from a
series of weather-related natural disasters. Yet as positive as the tax-exempt
bond market's technical environment has been for much of this year, investor
response to the reduction in both current and future supply of US Treasury bonds
has been overwhelmingly positive and municipal bond yields have underperformed
their taxable counterparts.
Significantly lower municipal bond yields are still likely to require weaker US
employment growth and consumer spending. The actions taken in recent months by
the Federal Reserve Board should eventually slow US economic growth. Recent
declines in US new home sales are perhaps the first sign that consumer spending
is being slowed by higher interest rates. Until further signs develop, it is
likely that the municipal bond market's current favorable technical position
will dampen significant tax-exempt interest rate volatility and provide a stable
environment for eventual improvement in municipal bond prices.
Fiscal Year in Review
Throughout late 1999, we underestimated both the underlying strength of the US
domestic economy and the extent to which the Federal Reserve Board would raise
short-term interest rates to curb US economic activity. At that time, we
believed that as long as inflation remained well contained, any Federal Reserve
Board action would be minimal and would quickly inhibit US economic growth.
However, while inflation remained negligible, economic activity continued to
expand despite repeated Federal Reserve Board moves. As interest rates rose in
late 1999 and early 2000, the Fund's structure was too aggressive for such an
environment and the Fund's total return performance suffered.
In late 1999, we sought to restructure the Fund by seeking to limit asset price
volatility and maintaining its current dividend income. To a certain extent,
limiting asset price volatility alone could have been accomplished by raising
significant cash reserves. However, the Fund's dividend yield would have been
immediately lowered as higher-yielding, long-term investments would have been
sold and replaced by tax-exempt, short-term instruments that pay materially
lower rates. Raising a defensive cash reserve position of 20% would have
resulted in the Fund's dividend being reduced by more than 30 basis points.
Given the primary importance that we place on enhancing shareholder income, a
strategy of maintaining high cash reserves to preserve the Fund's net asset
values was unacceptable.
Our portfolio strategy in late 1999 and early 2000 was to remain fully invested
and protect the Fund's assets through restructuring. This entailed replacing the
more interest rate-sensitive issues with more defensive, higher-couponed issues
maturing in 15 years-20 years. Such issues would capture 90%-95% of the yield
available in the entire yield curve and exhibit considerably less price
volatility. However, ongoing declines in new bond issuance hampered quick
implementation of this strategy. During last year, less than $6 billion in
long-term Michigan securities was issued, a decline of 12% compared to the same
period a year earlier. For the latter half of the fiscal year,
2
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
more than $2 billion in long-term tax-exempt bonds was underwritten,
representing a decline of more than 20% compared to the same period in 1999.
By late January/early February 2000, we were able to accumulate a sufficient
amount of defensively structured bonds to alter the Fund's composition. This
allowed the Fund to both maintain its attractive dividend and perform far more
competitively for the remainder of the period. However, much of the negative
impact to the Fund's annual performance occurred in December 1999, prior to
adjusting the Fund's structure and composition. For the year ended July 31,
2000, the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Shares had total returns
of +1.21%, +0.70%, +0.60% and +1.00%, respectively. (Investment results shown do
not reflect sales charges and would be lower if sales charges were included.
Complete performance information can be found on pages 4 and 5 of this report to
shareholders.)
Looking forward, we intend to maintain the Fund's fully invested position,
continuing our efforts to enhance shareholder income. Given the magnitude of the
Federal Reserve Board's actions to date, we do not expect significantly higher
bond yields in the near future. Yet, given the dramatic decline in bond yields
in recent months, it is likely that bond prices will remain near their present
levels awaiting further evidence of US economic slowdown before resuming their
appreciation. Depending upon the nature and time frame of such evidence, we are
prepared to adjust the Fund's present neutral position in an effort to enhance
the Fund's dividend stream.
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/ Terry K. Glenn
Terry K. Glenn
President and Trustee
/s/ Vincent R. Giordano
Vincent R. Giordano
Senior Vice President
/s/ Fred K. Stuebe
Fred K. Stuebe
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
August 31, 2000
3
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
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. The Fund's
Investment Adviser voluntarily waived a portion of its management fee. Without
such waiver, the Fund's performance would have been lower.
Average Annual Total Return
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
================================================================================
Class A Shares*
================================================================================
One Year Ended 6/30/00 +0.04% -3.96%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 6/30/00 +4.26 +3.41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (1/29/93)
through 6/30/00 +4.50 +3.92
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
================================================================================
Class B Shares*
================================================================================
One Year Ended 6/30/00 -0.47% -4.27%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 6/30/00 +3.73 +3.73
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (1/29/93)
through 6/30/00 +3.97 +3.97
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 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*
================================================================================
One Year Ended 6/30/00 -0.57% -1.52%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 6/30/00 +3.62 +3.62
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94)
through 6/30/00 +4.56 +4.56
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 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*
================================================================================
One Year Ended 6/30/00 -0.06% -4.06%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 6/30/00 +4.15 +3.31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94)
through 6/30/00 +5.08 +4.33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
4
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
PERFORMANCE DATA (concluded)
Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund's Class A and Class B Shares--Total Return Based
on a $10,000 Investment
A line graph depicting the growth of an investment in the Portfolio'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** 7/00
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund+--Class A Shares* $ 9,600 $13,484
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund+--Class B Shares* $10,000 $13,521
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index++ $10,000 $15,575
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund's Class C and Class D Shares--Total Return Based
on a $10,000 Investment
A line graph depicting the growth of an investment in the Portfolio's Class C
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** 7/00
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund+--Class C Shares* $10,000 $13,056
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund+--Class D Shares* $ 9,600 $12,900
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index++ $10,000 $14,849
* 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 from 10/31/94.
Recent Performance Results*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
6 Month 12 Month Since Inception Standardized
As of July 31, 2000 Total Return Total Return Total Return 30-Day Yield
==============================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund Class A Shares +7.11% +1.21% +40.46% 4.81%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund Class B Shares +6.84 +0.70 +35.21 4.51
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund Class C Shares +6.79 +0.60 +30.56 4.41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Michigan Municipal Bond Fund Class D Shares +7.06 +1.00 +34.36 4.72
==============================================================================================================
</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 since inception dates are from
1/29/93 for Class A & Class B Shares and from 10/21/94 for Class C & Class
D Shares.
5
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue Value
====================================================================================================================================
Michigan--98.8%
====================================================================================================================================
<C> <C> <C> <S> <C>
AAA Aaa $2,420 Big Rapids, Michigan, Public Schools District, GO, Refunding, 5% due 5/01/2019 (f) $ 2,242
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA+ Aa2 1,000 Breitung Township, Michigan, School District, GO, Refunding, 6.30% due 5/01/2019 1,022
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* P1 900 Delta County, Michigan, Economic Development Corporation, Environmental Improvement
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Mead-Escanaba Paper), DATES, Series E, 4.35% due 12/01/2023 (a) 900
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,575 Detroit, Michigan, City School District, GO, Series B, 5% due 5/01/2021 (c) 2,360
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A A3 1,000 Detroit, Michigan, Local Development Finance Authority, Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds,
Tax Increment, Senior Series A, 5.375% due 5/01/2021 940
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,900 Detroit, Michigan, Water Supply System, Revenue Refunding Bonds, INFLOS,
8.005% due 7/01/2022 (c)(e) 3,045
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Michigan University, Revenue Refunding Bonds (d):
AAA Aaa 1,025 6% due 6/01/2020 1,066
AAA Aaa 1,000 6% due 6/01/2024 1,033
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 970 Grand Traverse County, Michigan, Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds (Munson Healthcare),
Series A, 6.25% due 7/01/2022 (d) 989
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 Greenville, Michigan, Public Schools, GO, 5.75% due 5/01/2004 (b)(h) 1,048
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hartland, Michigan, Consolidated School District, GO (c):
AAA Aaa 2,000 6% due 5/01/2014 2,105
AAA Aaa 1,240 6% due 5/01/2018 1,287
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA+ Aa2 2,500 Haslett, Michigan, Public School District, GO, Refunding, 6.625% due 5/01/2019 2,624
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,000 Kalamazoo, Michigan, Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Facility Revenue Refunding and
Improvement Bonds (Bronson Methodist Hospital), Series A, 6.375% due 5/15/2017 (b) 2,146
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,250 Kalamazoo, Michigan, Hospital Finance Authority, Hospital Facility Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Bronson Methodist Hospital), 5.50% due 5/15/2028 (b) 1,191
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan State Building Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds (Facilities Program),
Series I (d):
AAA Aaa 1,000 6% due 10/01/2004 1,052
AAA Aaa 1,000 6.50% due 10/01/2007 1,105
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA- NR* 1,895 Michigan State, HDA, Rental Housing Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series A,
6.60% due 4/01/2012 1,959
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan State, HDA, Revenue Refunding Bonds:
AA+ NR* 1,000 AMT, Series B, 6.20% due 6/01/2027 (g) 1,010
AA+ NR* 1,710 AMT, Series D, 6.85% due 6/01/2026 (g) 1,744
AA+ NR* 1,500 Series D, 5.95% due 12/01/2016 1,533
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</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)
DATES Daily Adjustable Tax-Exempt Securities
GO General Obligation Bonds
HDA Housing Development Authority
INFLOS Inverse Floating Rate Municipal Bonds
RIB Residual Interest Bonds
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
6
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue Value
====================================================================================================================================
Michigan (concluded)
====================================================================================================================================
<C> <C> <C> <S> <C>
Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority, Revenue Refunding Bond, Series A:
AA Aa2 $2,500 (Ascension Health Credit), 6.125% due 11/15/2026 $ 2,506
NR* A1 1,500 (McLaren Health Care Corp.), 5% due 6/01/2028 1,201
AAA Aaa 1,500 (Mercy Mount Clemens), 6% due 5/15/2014 (b) 1,570
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan State Strategic Fund, Limited Obligation Revenue Bonds:
A1+ P1 200 VRDN, Reserve 1, 4.25% due 9/01/2030 (a) 200
BBB Ba1 1,000 (Waste Management Inc. Project), AMT, 6.625% due 12/01/2012 990
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,060 Michigan State Strategic Fund, Limited Obligation Revenue Refunding Bonds (Detroit
Edison Company), Series AA, 6.40% due 9/01/2025 (b) 1,114
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,000 Michigan State Trunk Line Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series A, 5% due 11/01/2026 (b) 1,795
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,500 Northern Michigan University, Revenue Refunding Bonds, 5% due 12/01/2025 (b) 2,251
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA Aa3 1,785 Royal Oak, Michigan, Hospital Finance Authority Revenue Bonds (Beaumont Properties,
Inc.), Series E, 6.625% due 1/01/2019 1,859
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,500 Saint Clair County, Michigan, Economic Revenue Refunding Bonds (Detroit Edison
Company), RIB, Series 282, 8.19% due 8/01/2024 (d)(e) 1,708
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1@ 100 University of Michigan, University Hospital Revenue Bonds, VRDN, Series A,
4.25% due 12/01/2027 (a) 100
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Wayne State University, Michigan, University Revenue Refunding Bonds,
5.125% due 11/15/2029 (c) 2,752
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,500 Zeeland, Michigan, Public Schools, GO, 5.375% due 5/01/2025 (c) 1,434
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments (Cost--$50,939)--98.8% 51,881
Other Assets Less Liabilities--1.2% 613
-------
Net Assets--100.0% $52,494
=======
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</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,
2000.
(b) MBIA Insured.
(c) FGIC Insured.
(d) AMBAC Insured.
(e) 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, 2000.
(f) FSA Insured.
(g) FHA Insured.
(h) Prerefunded.
* Not Rated.
@ 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.
7
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 2000
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$50,939,042) .... $ 51,881,225
Cash .................................................... 33,788
Receivables:
Interest .............................................. $ 701,178
Beneficial interest sold .............................. 16,231 717,409
------------
Prepaid expenses and other assets ....................... 1,092
------------
Total assets ............................................ 52,633,514
------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Dividends to shareholders ............................. 46,824
Investment adviser .................................... 23,136
Distributor ........................................... 16,909
Beneficial interest redeemed .......................... 1,107 87,976
------------
Accrued expenses ........................................ 51,785
------------
Total liabilities ....................................... 139,761
------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Net assets .............................................. $ 52,493,753
============
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets Class A Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value,
Consist of: unlimited number of shares authorized ................... $ 97,664
Class B Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value,
unlimited number of shares authorized ................... 393,526
Class C Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value,
unlimited number of shares authorized ................... 36,087
Class D Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value,
unlimited number of shares authorized ................... 23,409
Paid-in capital in excess of par ........................ 57,125,050
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments--net . (6,124,166)
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net ............. 942,183
------------
Net assets .............................................. $ 52,493,753
============
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value: Class A--Based on net assets of $9,309,912 and 976,644
shares of beneficial interest outstanding ............... $ 9.53
============
Class B--Based on net assets of $37,514,002 and 3,935,262
shares of beneficial interest outstanding ............... $ 9.53
============
Class C--Based on net assets of $3,440,224 and 360,874
shares of beneficial interest outstanding ............... $ 9.53
============
Class D--Based on net assets of $2,229,615 and 234,085
shares of beneficial interest outstanding ............... $ 9.52
============
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statement of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended
July 31, 2000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C>
Investment Income: Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned .......... $ 3,629,200
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses: Investment advisory fees .......................................... $ 337,947
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class B ................ 223,624
Professional fees ................................................. 71,623
Transfer agent fees--Class B ...................................... 21,325
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class C ................ 21,197
Accounting services ............................................... 17,838
Printing and shareholder reports .................................. 12,581
Custodian fees .................................................... 7,081
Trustees' fees and expenses ....................................... 6,351
Pricing fees ...................................................... 5,807
Transfer agent fees--Class A ...................................... 3,915
Registration fees ................................................. 3,900
Account maintenance fees--Class D ................................. 3,010
Transfer agent fees--Class C ...................................... 1,610
Transfer agent fees--Class D ...................................... 1,191
Other ............................................................. 2,299
------------
Total expenses .................................................... 741,299
------------
Investment income--net ............................................ 2,887,901
------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized & Unreal- Realized loss on investments--net ................................. (4,053,410)
ized Gain (Loss) on Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net ............. 907,403
Investments--Net: ------------
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ............. $ (258,106)
============
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended July 31,
----------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 2000 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net ............................................ $ 2,887,901 $ 3,205,418
Realized gain (loss) on investments--net .......................... (4,053,410) 1,219,061
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net ............. 907,403 (4,325,424)
------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations ... (258,106) 99,055
------------ ------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends to Investment income--net:
Shareholders: Class A ......................................................... (520,210) (484,014)
Class B ......................................................... (2,058,203) (2,386,410)
Class C ......................................................... (159,208) (144,265)
Class D ......................................................... (150,280) (190,729)
------------ ------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends to shareholders (2,887,901) (3,205,418)
------------ ------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beneficial Interest Net decrease in net assets derived from beneficial interest
Transactions: transactions ...................................................... (16,265,525) (5,276,184)
------------ ------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Total decrease in net assets ...................................... (19,411,532) (8,382,547)
Beginning of year ................................................. 71,905,285 80,287,832
------------ ------------
End of year ....................................................... $ 52,493,753 $ 71,905,285
============ ============
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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: 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year ....... $ 9.91 $ 10.33 $ 10.34 $ 9.92 $ 9.85
Operating ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .48 .46 .50 .52 .54
------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ......................... (.38) (.42) (.01) .42 .07
------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ......... .10 .04 .49 .94 .61
------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends from investment income--net (.48) (.46) (.50) (.52) (.54)
------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year ............. $ 9.53 $ 9.91 $ 10.33 $ 10.34 $ 9.92
====== ======= ======= ======= =======
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... 1.21% .34% 4.84% 9.79% 6.25%
Return:* ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Expenses, net of reimbursement ........... .79% .93% .80% .57% .49%
Average ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
Net Assets: Expenses ................................. .79% .93% .83% .80% .82%
====== ======= ======= ======= =======
Investment income--net ................... 5.10% 4.51% 4.81% 5.21% 5.35%
====== ======= ======= ======= =======
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) ... $9,310 $ 9,384 $11,762 $11,841 $11,468
Data: ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio turnover ....................... 85.25% 129.08% 65.39% 35.09% 69.34%
====== ======= ======= ======= =======
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales charges.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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: 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year ....... $ 9.91 $ 10.33 $ 10.34 $ 9.92 $ 9.85
Operating ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .43 .41 .45 .47 .49
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ......................... (.38) (.42) (.01) .42 .07
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ......... .05 (.01) .44 .89 .56
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends from investment income--net (.43) (.41) (.45) (.47) (.49)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of year ............. $ 9.53 $ 9.91 $ 10.33 $ 10.34 $ 9.92
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... .70% (.17%) 4.31% 9.23% 5.70%
Return:* ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Expenses, net of reimbursement ........... 1.30% 1.44% 1.31% 1.08% 1.00%
Average ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net Assets: Expenses ................................. 1.30% 1.44% 1.34% 1.31% 1.33%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Investment income--net ................... 4.59% 4.00% 4.30% 4.70% 4.84%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) ... $37,514 $54,259 $61,918 $65,166 $67,770
Data: ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio turnover ....................... 85.25% 129.08% 65.39% 35.09% 69.34%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales charges.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
11
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C
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: 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year ....... $ 9.91 $ 10.32 $10.33 $ 9.92 $ 9.85
Operating ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .42 .40 .43 .46 .48
------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ......................... (.38) (.41) (.01) .41 .07
------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Total from investment operations ......... .04 (.01) .42 .87 .55
------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Less dividends from investment income--net (.42) (.40) (.43) (.46) (.48)
------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Net asset value, end of year ............. $ 9.53 $ 9.91 $10.32 $10.33 $ 9.92
====== ======= ====== ====== ======
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... .60% (.17%) 4.20% 9.01% 5.59%
Return:* ====== ======= ====== ====== ======
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Expenses, net of reimbursement ........... 1.40% 1.55% 1.42% 1.18% 1.11%
Average ====== ======= ====== ====== ======
Net Assets: Expenses ................................. 1.40% 1.55% 1.45% 1.41% 1.43%
====== ======= ====== ====== ======
Investment income--net ................... 4.49% 3.89% 4.18% 4.60% 4.73%
====== ======= ====== ====== ======
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) ... $3,440 $ 3,950 $2,802 $1,319 $1,871
Data: ====== ======= ====== ====== ======
Portfolio turnover ....................... 85.25% 129.08% 65.39% 35.09% 69.34%
====== ======= ====== ====== ======
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales charges.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
Financial Highlights (concluded)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class D
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: 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year ....... $ 9.91 $ 10.32 $10.33 $ 9.91 $ 9.85
Operating ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .47 .45 .49 .51 .53
------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ......................... (.39) (.41) (.01) .42 .06
------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Total from investment operations ......... .08 .04 .48 .93 .59
------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Less dividends from investment income--net (.47) (.45) (.49) (.51) (.53)
------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Net asset value, end of year ............. $ 9.52 $ 9.91 $10.32 $10.33 $ 9.91
====== ======= ====== ====== ======
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... 1.00% .34% 4.74% 9.69% 6.04%
Return:* ====== ======= ====== ====== ======
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Expenses, net of reimbursement ........... .90% 1.04% .90% .68% .59%
Average ====== ======= ====== ====== ======
Net Assets: Expenses ................................. .90% 1.04% .93% .90% .91%
====== ======= ====== ====== ======
Investment income--net ................... 4.98% 4.40% 4.71% 5.11% 5.24%
====== ======= ====== ====== ======
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) ... $2,230 $ 4,312 $3,806 $3,494 $1,842
Data: ====== ======= ====== ====== ======
Portfolio turnover ....................... 85.25% 129.08% 65.39% 35.09% 69.34%
====== ======= ====== ====== ======
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales charges.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
13
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
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's financial statements are prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America,
which may require the use of management accruals and estimates. 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
investment strategies to increase or decrease the level of risk to which the
Fund is exposed more quickly and efficiently than transactions in other types of
instruments. 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) Dividends and distributions--Dividends from net investment income are
declared daily and paid
14
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
monthly. Distributions of capital gains are recorded on the ex-dividend dates.
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 FAM Distributors, Inc.
("FAMD" or "Distributor"), 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: .55% of the Fund's average daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; .525% of average daily net assets in excess of $500 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; and .50% of average daily net assets in excess of $1
billion.
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
Maintenance Distribution
Fee Fee
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B ............................................ .25% .25%
Class C ............................................ .25% .35%
Class D ............................................ .10% --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to a sub-agreement with the Distributor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith Incorporated ("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, 2000, FAMD earned underwriting discounts and MLPF&S
earned dealer concessions on sales of the Fund's Class A and Class D Shares as
follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAMD MLPF&S
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A ............................................ $113 $ --
Class D ............................................ $ 60 $ --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the year ended July 31, 2000, MLPF&S received contingent deferred sales
charges of $64,926 and $280 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, FAMD, and/or ML & Co.
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the
year ended July 31, 2000 were $48,437,196 and $63,522,533, respectively.
Net realized gains (losses) for the year ended July 31, 2000 and net unrealized
gains as of July 31, 2000 were as follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized Unrealized
Gains (Losses) Gains
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term investments .......................... $(4,358,622) $ 942,183
Financial futures contracts .................... 305,212 --
----------- ----------
Total .......................................... $(4,053,410) $ 942,183
=========== ==========
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of July 31, 2000, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income tax purposes
aggregated $942,183, of which $1,499,013 is related to appreciated securities
and $556,830 is related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost of
investments at July 31, 2000 for Federal income tax purposes was $50,939,042.
15
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
4. Beneficial Interest Transactions:
Net decrease in net assets derived from beneficial interest transactions was
$16,265,525 and $5,276,184 for the years ended July 31, 2000 and July 31, 1999,
respectively.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 2000 Shares Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 355,751 $ 3,485,957
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ........... 21,664 203,232
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 377,415 3,689,189
Shares redeemed ........................ (347,557) (3,266,726)
------------ ------------
Net increase ........................... 29,858 $ 422,463
============ ============
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1999 Shares Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 180,075 $ 1,866,875
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ........... 24,067 247,826
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 204,142 2,114,701
Shares redeemed ........................ (396,455) (4,084,167)
------------ ------------
Net decrease ........................... (192,313) $ (1,969,466)
============ ============
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 2000 Shares Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 176,641 $ 1,662,836
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ........... 72,579 680,977
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 249,220 2,343,813
Automatic conversion
of shares .............................. (11,094) (105,147)
Shares redeemed ........................ (1,777,055) (16,695,375)
------------ ------------
Net decrease ........................... (1,538,929) $(14,456,709)
============ ============
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1999 Shares Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 628,886 $ 6,491,705
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ........... 84,862 873,290
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 713,748 7,364,995
Automatic conversion
of shares .............................. (11,568) (117,500)
Shares redeemed ........................ (1,224,642) (12,574,959)
------------ ------------
Net decrease ........................... (522,462) $ (5,327,464)
============ ============
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 2000 Shares Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 87,411 $ 821,620
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ........... 12,833 120,348
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 100,244 941,968
Shares redeemed ........................ (137,911) (1,297,617)
------------ ------------
Net decrease ........................... (37,667) $ (355,649)
============ ============
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1999 Shares Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 194,056 $ 2,009,738
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ........... 10,706 110,045
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 204,762 2,119,783
Shares redeemed ........................ (77,674) (795,204)
------------ ------------
Net increase ........................... 127,088 $ 1,324,579
============ ============
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 2000 Shares Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 40,670 $ 384,099
Automatic conversion
of shares .............................. 11,100 105,147
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ........... 9,422 88,473
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 61,192 577,719
Shares redeemed ........................ (262,420) (2,453,349)
------------ ------------
Net decrease ........................... (201,228) $ (1,875,630)
============ ============
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1999 Shares Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 135,821 $ 1,410,405
Automatic conversion
of shares .............................. 11,575 117,500
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ........... 12,826 131,764
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 160,222 1,659,669
Shares redeemed ........................ (93,734) (963,502)
------------ ------------
Net increase ........................... 66,488 $ 696,167
============ ============
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Short-Term Borrowings:
On December 3, 1999, the Fund, along with certain other funds managed by FAM and
its affiliates, entered into a one-year, unsecured $1,000,000,000 credit
agreement with The Bank of New York and
16
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
other lenders. The funds may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes to
meet shareholder redemptions. Each fund may borrow up to the maximum amount
allowable under the fund's current prospectus and statement of additional
information, subject to various other legal, regulatory or contractual limits.
The funds collectively pay a commitment fee of .09% per annum on the available
portion of the facility. Amounts borrowed under the facility bear interest at
the Federal Funds rate plus .50%. The Fund did not borrow from the facility
during the year ended July 31, 2000.
6. Capital Loss Carryforward:
At July 31, 2000, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward of approximately
$2,178,000, of which $708,000 expires in 2004, $457,000 expires in 2005 and
$1,013,000 expires in 2008. This amount will be available to offset like amounts
of any future taxable gains.
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, 2000, 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 auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. 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, 2000 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, 2000, the results of its operations, the changes in its net
assets, and the financial highlights for the respective stated periods in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
September 5, 2000
17
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
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, 2000 qualify
as tax-exempt interest dividends for Federal income tax purposes.
Additionally, there were no capital gains distributions paid by the Fund during
the year.
Please retain this information for your records.
18
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 2000
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
Terry K. Glenn, President and Trustee
James H. Bodurtha, Trustee
Herbert I. London, Trustee
Joseph L. May, Trustee
Andre F. Perold, Trustee
Arthur Zeikel, Trustee
Vincent R. Giordano, Senior Vice President
Kenneth A. Jacob, Vice President
Fred K. Stuebe, Vice President
Donald C. Burke, Vice President and Treasurer
Alice A. Pellegrino, 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
19
<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--7/00
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