MERRILL LYNCH
PENNSYLVANIA
MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
STRATEGIC
Performance
Semi-Annual Report
January 31, 1999
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
The Municipal Market Environment
During the six months ended January 31, 1999, long-term bond yields moved
significantly lower. US domestic economic growth remained moderate, with losses
in the manufacturing sector offset by strong growth in service-oriented
industries. Industrial commodity prices recently fell to their lowest level in
over a decade. This suggests that the current positive inflationary environment
is unlikely to be challenged in the near term. Additionally, the Federal Reserve
Board lowered short-term interest rates in September, October and November, in
part to ensure that US domestic economic growth would not be negatively impacted
by ongoing weak economic growth overseas. However, various external factors, as
well as increased volatility, contributed to the decline in bond yields as they
have for much of the past year. Episodes of foreign economic instability
generated a significant "flight to quality" rally in US Treasury securities, as
well as fostering lower tax-exempt bond yields as a result. Periods of strong
foreign equity market appreciation, particularly in Asia, have at times resulted
in higher US bond yields as foreign investors have sold US fixed-income
instruments to reinvest the proceeds in their own domestic equity markets.
Additionally, the continued distraction of President Clinton's impeachment trial
added to recent interest rate volatility. However, on balance, the favorable
fundamental economic scenario supported lower bond yields. During the six-month
period ended January 31, 1999, the yield on the US Treasury 30-year bond fell
over 60 basis points (0.60%) to 5.09%, and long-term municipal revenue bond
yields declined almost 20 basis points to 5.17%, as measured by the Bond Buyer
Revenue Bond Index.
Throughout most of 1998, the municipal bond market's performance was impeded by
a significant increase in new-issue supply. However, in recent months, the
technical position of the tax-exempt market improved. Over the last 12 months,
almost $285 billion in new long-term tax-exempt bonds was underwritten, an
increase of almost 30% compared to the same period a year ago. As municipal bond
yields declined in recent years, it has taken increasingly lower bond yields to
generate the cost savings necessary to refinance remaining higher-couponed debt.
Consequently, the rate of increases in municipal bond issuance slowed in recent
quarters. During the last six months, more than $125 billion in new tax-exempt
bonds was issued, an increase of approximately 5% compared to the same period a
year ago. During the January 31, 1999 quarter, $63 billion in new long-term
municipal bonds was underwritten, representing an increase of 5% compared to the
January 31, 1998 quarter.
The pace of tax-exempt issuance continued to slow in 1999. January's monthly
issuance was less than $15 billion, representing a decline of almost 25%
compared to January 1998's volume. Additionally, investors received more than
$22 billion in coupon payments, maturities and proceeds from early redemptions
in January. Investors can also expect to receive an additional $15 billion-$18
billion in February for reinvestment. Consequently, investor demand has been
strong in recent months, easily matching, if not at times exceeding, available
supply. We will monitor this trend closely in the coming months to determine if
the supply pressures exerted in 1998 are abating and fostering a more balanced
supply/demand environment for 1999. Such an environment should allow the
tax-exempt market's performance to more closely mirror that of its taxable
counterpart.
Foreign investors have rarely been active investors in the tax-exempt bond
market since they are unable to benefit from the inherent tax advantage of
municipal securities. Consequently, the municipal bond market has not been able
to benefit from the strong flight to quality demand enjoyed by US Treasury
securities since late 1997. This inability has in large part resulted in
significantly smaller declines in municipal bond yields compared to US Treasury
securities. However, this has resulted in the opportunity to purchase tax-exempt
securities with yields very close to or, in some instances, exceeding those of
comparable US Treasury bonds. By January 31, 1999, long-term tax-exempt bond
yields were at 102% of US Treasury securities of comparable maturities, nearly
matching the least expensive level of the past year. Municipal bond yield ratios
have averaged approximately 95% for the last six months and 92% for all of 1998.
During 1997, tax-exempt bond yield ratios averaged 84%. It is likely
1
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
that the combination of the increase in new-issue volume and the "safe-haven"
status of US Treasury securities drove municipal bond yield ratios to their
present attractive levels. Should new volume decline and/or foreign financial
markets regain stability in 1999, tax-exempt bond yield ratios could quickly
return to their more historic levels (85%-88%).
Looking ahead, the expected combination of moderate economic growth in the
United States and continued negligible inflation suggests a relatively stable
interest rate environment into early 1999. However, it is likely that foreign
financial markets will again be a critical factor in determining US bond yields.
Economic problems in Russia and Brazil remain unresolved, suggesting that
additional shocks to the world's financial system are possible. On the other
hand, the continued robustness of the US economy has led to some back up in
interest rates. However, at present these factors indicate that there is little
immediate risk of sustained significant increases in long-term bond yields.
Portfolio Strategy
At the beginning of the six-month period ended January 31, 1999, we had a
positive outlook toward the municipal bond market with the expectation that
lower interest rates were imminent. Consequently, we remained fully invested
during the period and continued our emphasis on purchasing higher-quality bonds
that maintained the duration of the Fund.
Our constructive strategy enabled the Fund to fully participate in the bond
market rally and realize attractive total returns during the period. We believe
that municipal bond interest rates are likely to trend slightly lower in the
months ahead, even with the Federal Reserve Board maintaining its neutral stance
for the foreseeable future.
Our positive view toward the municipal market is based on the forecast that the
huge increase in issuance in 1998 will not be duplicated in 1999, and the ratio
between US Treasury and municipal yields should return to more historic levels.
Consequently, we expect that our investment outlook will remain positive. We
will continue to closely monitor economic data for any sign of inflationary
pressure that would cause interest rates to change direction so that we can
modify our portfolio strategy to a more defensive one.
In Conclusion
We appreciate your ongoing interest in Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania 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
Executive Vice President
/s/ Vincent R. Giordano
Vincent R. Giordano
Senior Vice President
/s/ William R. Bock
William R. Bock
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
March 8, 1999
2
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
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.
Recent Performance Results*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Standardized
12 Month 3 Month Since Inception 30-Day Yield
Total Return Total Return Total Return As of 1/31/99
==============================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ML Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund Class A Shares +6.49% +1.61% +92.52% 3.95%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund Class B Shares +5.96 +1.48 +84.49 3.61
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund Class C Shares +5.85 +1.45 +36.18 3.51
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund Class D Shares +6.39 +1.58 +39.29 3.86
==============================================================================================================
</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 periods are Class A
& Class B Shares, from 8/31/90 to 1/31/99 and Class C & Class D Shares,
from 10/21/94 to 1/31/99.
3
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
PERFORMANCE DATA (concluded)
Average Annual Total Return
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
================================================================================
Class A Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 12/31/98 +6.19% +1.94%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 12/31/98 +5.78 +4.92
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (8/31/90)
through 12/31/98 +8.04 +7.51
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
================================================================================
Class B Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 12/31/98 +5.65% +1.69%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 12/31/98 +5.25 +5.25
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (8/31/90)
through 12/31/98 +7.49 +7.49
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 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 12/31/98 +5.54% +4.55%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94)
through 12/31/98 +7.38 +7.38
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 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 12/31/98 +5.99% +1.75%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94)
through 12/31/98 +7.95 +6.90
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
4
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania--100.7%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AAA Aaa $2,000 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Airport Revenue Refunding Bonds (Pittsburgh
International Airport), Series B, 5% due 1/01/2019 (c) $ 2,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* A2 2,000 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Hospital Development Authority Revenue Bonds
(South Hills Health System), Series A, 6.50% due 5/01/2014 2,207
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, IDA, Revenue Refunding Bonds:
AAA Aaa 4,785 (Commercial Development--MPB Associates Project), 7.70% due 12/01/2013 (e) 6,462
BBB- Baa2 2,000 (Environmental Improvement--USX Corporation Project), 6.10% due 7/15/2020 2,108
BBB- Baa2 2,900 (Environmental Improvement--USX Corporation Project), 5.60% due 9/01/2030 2,910
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,750 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Sanitation Authority, Sewer Revenue Bonds,
RITR, Series 20, 7.47% due 12/01/2024 (h) 1,882
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* P1 300 Beaver County, Pennsylvania, IDA, Environmental Improvement Recreation Revenue
Bonds (BASF Corporation Project), VRDN, AMT, 3.05% due 9/01/2032 (a) 300
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,500 Butler, Pennsylvania, Area School District, GO, Refunding, Series B, 4.75% due
10/01/2022 (d) 2,417
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,550 Cambria County, Pennsylvania, GO, Refunding, Series A, 6.625% due 8/15/2014 (d) 4,070
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB- NR* 1,750 Chester County, Pennsylvania, Health and Educational Facilities Authority, College
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Immaculata College), 5.625% due 10/15/2027 1,773
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 4,000 Delaware County, Pennsylvania, University Authority Revenue Bonds (Villanova
University), Series A, 5% due 12/01/2028 (c) 3,981
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* NR* 920 Erie, Western Pennsylvania, Port Authority, General Revenue Bonds, 6.875% due
6/15/2016 1,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* NR* 3,000 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Municipal Authority, College Revenue Refunding
Bonds, 6.60% due 2/15/2002 (f) 3,261
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 1,750 Greater Johnston, Pennsylvania, School District, GO, Refunding, 5% due
2/01/2019 (c) 1,754
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 1,500 Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Area Sewer Authority Revenue Bonds, 4.50% due
4/01/2018 (c) 1,428
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, General Purpose Authority Revenue Bonds
(Saint Lukes Hospital--Bethlehem), 6.25% due 7/01/2022 (b) 3,274
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
To simplify the listings of Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund's
portfolio holdings in the Schedule of Investments, we have abbreviated the names
of many of the securities according to the list below and at right.
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)
GO General Obligation Bonds
HFA Housing Finance Agency
IDA Industrial Development Authority
IDR Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
MVRICS Municipal Variable Rate Inverse Class Securities
PCR Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
RIB Residual Interest Bonds
RITR Residual Interest Trust Receipts
S/F Single-Family
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
5
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania (continued)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, IDA, Exempt
Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (Pennsylvania
Gas and Water Company Project), AMT, Series A:
A A3 $3,600 7.20% due 10/01/2017 $ 4,003
AAA Aaa 2,000 7% due 12/01/2017 (b) 2,304
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 4,000 McGuffey School District, Pennsylvania, GO, Series B, 4.75% due 8/01/2028 (b) 3,853
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Higher Education and Health Authority,
Hospital Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 2,500 (Abington Hospital), MVRICS, Series A, 9.805% due 7/05/2011 (b)(h) 2,934
AAA NR* 2,835 (Northwestern Corporation), 7% due 6/01/2003 (f) 3,239
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB+ Baa1 2,665 Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, IDA, PCR, Refunding (Philadelphia Electric
Company), AMT, Series A, 7.60% due 4/01/2021 2,877
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Baa1 1,400 New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, Municipal Authority, College Revenue Bonds
(Westminster College), 5.35% due 3/01/2028 1,411
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series A:
BBB Baa 1,555 6.70% due 9/01/2014 1,738
BBB Baa 2,500 6.75% due 9/01/2019 2,805
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB Baa2 4,000 Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, Wastewater Treatment Revenue
Bonds (Sun Company Inc.--R & M Project), AMT, Series A, 7.60% due 12/01/2024 4,554
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA+ Aa2 1,000 Pennsylvania HFA, Revenue Refunding Bonds, RIB, AMT, 10.329% due 10/03/2023 (h) 1,130
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania HFA, S/F Mortgage Revenue Bonds, AMT:
AA+ Aa2 825 Series 28, 7.65% due 10/01/2023 828
AA+ Aa2 2,165 Series 40, 6.90% due 4/01/2025 2,349
AA+ Aa2 1,865 Series 60A, 5.85% due 10/01/2027 1,957
AA+ Aa2 1,000 Series 62A, 5.50% due 10/01/2022 1,022
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania HFA, S/F Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds, AMT:
AA+ Aa2 1,500 Series 41B, 6.65% due 4/01/2025 1,613
AA+ Aa2 1,250 Series 59A, 5.80% due 10/01/2029 1,298
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A NR* 2,000 Pennsylvania State Finance Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds (Municipal
Capital Improvements Program), 6.60% due 11/01/2009 2,238
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,600 Pennsylvania State, GO, Second Series, 5% due 8/01/2018 (d) 2,627
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania State Higher Educational Facilities Authority, College and University
Revenue Bonds:
NR* Baa3 2,295 (Delaware Valley College of Science & Agriculture), 7% due 4/01/2004 (f) 2,672
NR* NR* 1,030 (Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine), 8.50% due 10/01/1999 (f) 1,077
BBB+ NR* 2,000 (Ursinus College), 5.90% due 1/01/2027 2,114
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania State Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds:
A1+ NR* 100 (Carnegie Mellon University), VRDN, Series B, 2.70% due 11/01/2027 (a) 100
AAA NR* 600 Series A, 6.625% due 8/15/2009 (c) 667
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania State Turnpike Commission, Oil Franchise Tax Revenue Bonds (b):
AAA Aaa 2,075 Senior Series A, 4.75% due 12/01/2027 2,002
AAA Aaa 1,470 Sub-Series B, 4.75% due 12/01/2027 1,412
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,500 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Airport Revenue Bonds (Philadelphia Airport System),
AMT, Series B, 5.40% due 6/15/2027 (d) 1,535
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania (concluded)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Authority for IDR:
A1+ NR* $ 500 (Fox Chase Cancer Center Project), VRDN, 2.80% due 7/01/2025 (a) $ 500
A+ NR* 1,895 (National Board of Medical Examiners Project), 6.75% due 5/01/2012 2,058
AAA Aaa 1,500 (Philadelphia Airport System Project), AMT, Series A, 5.125% due 7/01/2028 (d) 1,499
NR* Baa2 1,300 Refunding (Franklin Institute Project), 5.20% due 6/15/2026 1,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, GO (e):
AAA Aaa 3,575 4.75% due 3/15/2018 3,496
AAA Aaa 4,000 5% due 3/15/2028 3,951
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gas Works Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 1,440 12th Series B, 7% due 5/15/2020 (c)(g) 1,797
AAA Aaa 2,000 First Series B, 5% due 7/01/2028 (e) 1,991
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hospital and Higher Education Facilities Authority,
Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds:
A- Baa1 3,750 (Chestnut Hill Hospital), 6.50% due 11/15/2022 4,009
A- NR* 1,015 (Children's Seashore House), Series A, 7% due 8/15/2017 1,106
A- NR* 3,000 (Children's Seashore House), Series B, 7% due 8/15/2022 3,303
AAA NR* 3,000 (Presbyterian Medical Center), 6.65% due 12/01/2019 (g) 3,664
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,710 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Parking Authority, Parking Revenue Refunding Bonds,
5% due 2/01/2027 (b) 3,699
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,500 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, School District, GO, Series A, 4.50% due 4/01/2023 (c) 3,270
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ NR* 2,100 Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, IDA, Resource Recovery Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Northeastern Power Company), VRDN, Series A, 2.85% due 12/01/2022 (a) 2,100
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A- NR* 1,750 Scranton-Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, Health and Welfare Authority, Revenue
Refunding Bonds (University of Scranton Project), Series A, 6.50% due 3/01/2013 1,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA Aa3 5,000 Upper Saint Clair Township, Pennsylvania, School District, GO, Refunding, 5.20%
due 7/15/2027 5,061
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania, Area School District, GO, Refunding (d):
AAA NR* 2,430 4.60%** due 9/01/2011 1,386
AAA NR* 2,445 4.70%** due 9/01/2012 1,316
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments (Cost--$134,575)--100.7% 144,517
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets--(0.7%) (941)
--------
Net Assets--100.0% $143,576
========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</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 January 31,
1999.
(b) AMBAC Insured.
(c) MBIA Insured.
(d) FGIC Insured.
(e) FSA Insured.
(f) Prerefunded.
(g) Escrowed to maturity.
(h) 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 January 31, 1999.
* Not Rated.
** Represents a zero coupon bond; the interest rate shown is the effective
yield at the time of purchase by the Fund.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of January 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$134,574,868) (Note 1a) ............. $144,517,220
Cash ........................................................................ 42,151
Receivables:
Interest .................................................................. $1,966,071
Beneficial interest sold .................................................. 94,253 2,060,324
----------
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1e) ........................ 18,439
------------
Total assets ................................................................ 146,638,134
------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Securities purchased ........................................................ 2,680,472
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f) ....................................... 104,384
Beneficial interest redeemed .............................................. 95,268
Investment adviser (Note 2) ............................................... 60,733
Distributor (Note 2) ...................................................... 44,576 2,985,433
----------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ...................................... 76,773
------------
Total liabilities ........................................................... 3,062,206
------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Net assets .................................................................. $143,575,928
============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets Class A Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
Consist of: shares authorized ........................................................... $ 184,028
Class B Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ........................................................... 913,438
Class C Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ........................................................... 65,371
Class D Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ........................................................... 90,123
Paid-in capital in excess of par ............................................ 133,314,970
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments--net ..................... (934,354)
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net ................................. 9,942,352
------------
Net assets .................................................................. $143,575,928
============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value: Class A--Based on net assets of $21,086,079 and 1,840,275 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding .......................................... $ 11.46
============
Class B--Based on net assets of $104,661,916 and 9,134,384 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding .......................................... $ 11.46
============
Class C--Based on net assets of $7,490,823 and 653,710 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding .......................................... $ 11.46
============
Class D--Based on net assets of $10,337,110 and 901,227 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding .......................................... $ 11.47
============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statement of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Six Months Ended
January 31, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned .................... $ 4,013,213
(Note 1d)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) ........................................... $ 390,903
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class B (Note 2) ................. 262,827
Printing and shareholder reports ............................................ 51,215
Professional fees ........................................................... 42,912
Transfer agent fees--Class B (Note 2) ....................................... 26,091
Accounting services (Note 2) ................................................ 22,290
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class C (Note 2) ................. 21,419
Registration fees (Note 1e) ................................................. 8,553
Pricing fees ................................................................ 4,634
Custodian fees .............................................................. 4,603
Transfer agent fees--Class A (Note 2) ....................................... 4,297
Account maintenance fees--Class D (Note 2) .................................. 4,452
Trustees' fees and expenses ................................................. 4,005
Transfer agent fees--Class D (Note 2) ....................................... 1,827
Transfer agent fees--Class C (Note 2) ....................................... 1,790
Other ....................................................................... 1,697
----------
Total expenses .............................................................. 853,515
------------
Investment income--net ...................................................... 3,159,698
------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized & Realized gain on investments--net ........................................... 1,758,935
Unrealized Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net ....................... 401,238
Gain on ------------
Investments--Net Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ........................ $ 5,319,871
(Notes 1b, 1d & 3): ============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Six For the
Months Ended Year Ended
January 31, July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1999 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net .................................................... $ 3,159,698 $ 6,607,578
Realized gain on investments--net ......................................... 1,758,935 2,705,180
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net ..................... 401,238 (1,580,034)
------------- -------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ...................... 5,319,871 7,732,724
------------- -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends & Investment income--net:
Distributions to Class A ................................................................. (509,520) (1,081,075)
Shareholders Class B ................................................................. (2,286,761) (4,877,251)
(Note 1f): Class C ................................................................. (151,682) (308,230)
Class D ................................................................. (211,734) (341,022)
Realized gain on investments--net:
Class A ................................................................. (446,223) (279,469)
Class B ................................................................. (2,247,918) (1,417,208)
Class C ................................................................. (152,198) (93,062)
Class D ................................................................. (210,821) (94,027)
------------- -------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends and distributions
to shareholders ........................................................... (6,216,857) (8,491,344)
------------- -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beneficial Interest Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from
Transactions beneficial interest transactions .......................................... 5,528,350 (2,038,370)
(Note 4): ------------- -------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Total increase (decrease) in net assets ................................... 4,631,364 (2,796,990)
Beginning of period ....................................................... 138,944,564 141,741,554
------------- -------------
End of period ............................................................. $ 143,575,928 $ 138,944,564
============= =============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A
--------------------------------------------------------------
For the
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Six Months
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended For the Year Ended July 31,
Jan. 31, -----------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ..... $ 11.52 $ 11.59 $ 11.17 $ 11.07 $ 11.00
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .28 .59 .60 .61 .62
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments--net ......................... .18 .08 .45 .10 .07
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ......... .46 .67 1.05 .71 .69
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ................. (.28) (.59) (.60) (.61) (.62)
Realized gain on investments--net ...... (.24) (.15) (.03) -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ........ (.52) (.74) (.63) (.61) (.62)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period ........... $ 11.46 $ 11.52 $ 11.59 $ 11.17 $ 11.07
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... 4.10%+ 6.02% 9.72% 6.53% 6.54%
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses ................................. .79%* .73% .74% .76% .77%
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net ................... 4.86%* 5.12% 5.36% 5.41% 5.72%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) . $ 21,086 $ 20,613 $ 21,179 $ 21,626 $ 23,040
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover ....................... 20.13% 46.87% 49.82% 58.33% 59.17%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales
loads.
+ Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
11
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
--------------------------------------------------------------
For the
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Six Months
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended For the Year Ended July 31,
Jan. 31, -----------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ..... $ 11.53 $ 11.59 $ 11.17 $ 11.07 $ 11.00
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .25 .53 .55 .55 .56
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments--net ......................... .17 .09 .45 .10 .07
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ......... .42 .62 1.00 .65 .63
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ................. (.25) (.53) (.55) (.55) (.56)
Realized gain on investments--net ...... (.24) (.15) (.03) -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ........ (.49) (.68) (.58) (.55) (.56)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period ........... $ 11.46 $ 11.53 $ 11.59 $ 11.17 $ 11.07
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... 3.75%+ 5.57% 9.17% 5.98% 6.00%
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses ................................. 1.30%* 1.24% 1.25% 1.27% 1.28%
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net ................... 4.35%* 4.61% 4.85% 4.91% 5.21%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) . $104,662 $103,261 $109,070 $120,565 $123,260
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover ....................... 20.13% 46.87% 49.82% 58.33% 59.17%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales
loads.
+ Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C
------------------------------------------------------------
For the For the
Six Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Months Oct. 21,
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended For the Year Ended July 31, 1994+ to
Jan. 31, ---------------------------------- July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ..... $ 11.53 $ 11.59 $ 11.17 $ 11.07 $ 10.68
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .25 .52 .53 .54 .43
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments--net ......................... .17 .09 .45 .10 .39
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ......... .42 .61 .98 .64 .82
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ................. (.25) (.52) (.53) (.54) (.43)
Realized gain on investments--net ...... (.24) (.15) (.03) -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ........ (.49) (.67) (.56) (.54) (.43)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period ........... $ 11.46 $ 11.53 $ 11.59 $ 11.17 $ 11.07
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... 3.70%++ 5.47% 9.06% 5.87% 7.83%++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses ................................. 1.40%* 1.34% 1.35% 1.37% 1.38%*
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net ................... 4.25%* 4.51% 4.75% 4.80% 5.05%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) . $ 7,491 $ 6,928 $ 6,145 $ 4,722 $ 1,868
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover ....................... 20.13% 46.87% 49.82% 58.33% 59.17%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</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 Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
Financial Highlights (concluded)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class D
------------------------------------------------------------
For the For the
Six Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Months Oct. 21,
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended For the Year Ended July 31, 1994+ to
Jan. 31, ---------------------------------- July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ..... $ 11.54 $ 11.60 $ 11.18 $ 11.08 $ 10.68
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .28 .58 .59 .60 .47
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments--net ......................... .17 .09 .45 .10 .40
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ......... .45 .67 1.04 .70 .87
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ................. (.28) (.58) (.59) (.60) (.47)
Realized gain on investments--net ...... (.24) (.15) (.03) -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ........ (.52) (.73) (.62) (.60) (.47)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period ........... $ 11.47 $ 11.54 $ 11.60 $ 11.18 $ 11.08
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... 3.96%++ 6.00% 9.61% 6.42% 8.36%++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses ................................. .89%* .83% .84% .86% .87%*
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net ................... 4.76%* 5.01% 5.26% 5.31% 5.65%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) . $ 10,337 $ 8,143 $ 5,348 $ 3,583 $ 2,630
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover ....................... 20.13% 46.87% 49.82% 58.33% 59.17%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales
loads.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania 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 generally accepted accounting principles which may require the
use of management accruals and estimates. These unaudited financial statements
reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a
fair statement of the results for the interim period presented. All such
adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. 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.
15
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(d) Security transactions and investment income--Security transactions are
recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade dates).
Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Discounts and market
premiums are amortized into interest income. Realized gains and losses on
security transactions are determined on the identified cost basis.
(e) Prepaid registration fees--Prepaid registration fees are charged to expense
as the related shares are issued.
(f) Dividends and distributions--Dividends from net investment income are
declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of capital gains are recorded on
the ex-dividend dates.
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Fund Asset
Management, L.P. ("FAM"). The general partner of FAM is Princeton Services, Inc.
("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML &
Co."), which is the limited partner. The Fund has also entered into a
Distribution Agreement and Distribution Plans with Merrill Lynch Funds
Distributor ("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.
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 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 six months ended January 31, 1999, 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 ..................................... $113 $866
Class D ..................................... $667 $33,498
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the six months ended January 31, 1999, MLPF&S received contingent deferred
sales charges of $29,695 and $760 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 six
months ended January 31, 1999 were $31,021,478 and $28,008,365, respectively.
16
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
Net realized gains for the six months ended January 31, 1999 and net unrealized
gains as of January 31, 1999 were as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized Unrealized
Gains Gains
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term investments ........................ $1,758,935 $9,942,352
---------- ----------
Total ........................................ $1,758,935 $9,942,352
========== ==========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of January 31, 1999, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income tax
purposes aggregated $9,942,352, of which $9,964,335 related to appreciated
securities and $21,983 related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost of
investments at January 31, 1999 for Federal income tax purposes was
$134,574,868.
4. Beneficial Interest Transactions:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from beneficial interest
transactions was $5,528,350 and $(2,038,370) for the six months ended January
31, 1999 and for the year ended July 31, 1998, respectively.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 120,086 $ 1,395,126
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions .................. 49,286 565,334
--------- -----------
Total issued ................................. 169,372 1,960,460
Shares redeemed .............................. (117,614) (1,363,545)
--------- -----------
Net increase ................................. 51,758 $ 596,915
========= ===========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 205,752 $ 2,366,424
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions .................. 65,441 753,214
--------- -----------
Total issued ................................. 271,193 3,119,638
Shares redeemed .............................. (310,567) (3,574,837)
--------- -----------
Net decrease ................................. (39,374) $ (455,199)
========= ===========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 798,008 $ 9,277,455
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions .................. 208,890 2,394,540
--------- -----------
Total issued ................................. 1,006,898 11,671,995
Automatic conversion
of shares .................................... (6,747) (76,828)
Shares redeemed .............................. (825,516) (9,542,657)
--------- -----------
Net increase ................................. 174,635 $ 2,052,510
========= ===========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 1,121,392 $ 12,914,084
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions .................. 271,927 3,129,770
---------- ------------
Total issued ................................. 1,393,319 16,043,854
Automatic conversion
of shares .................................... (19,883) (228,884)
Shares redeemed .............................. (1,827,238) (21,046,434)
---------- ------------
Net decrease ................................. (453,802) $ (5,231,464)
========== ============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 97,753 $ 1,135,767
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions .................. 19,058 218,355
--------- -----------
Total issued ................................. 116,811 1,354,122
Shares redeemed .............................. (64,174) (744,541)
--------- -----------
Net increase ................................. 52,637 $ 609,581
========= ===========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 219,943 $ 2,533,243
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions .................. 24,274 279,417
--------- -----------
Total issued ................................. 244,217 2,812,660
Shares redeemed .............................. (173,447) (1,996,625)
--------- -----------
Net increase ................................. 70,770 $ 816,035
========= ===========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 278,881 $ 3,240,301
Automatic conversion
of shares .................................... 6,741 76,828
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions .................. 24,650 282,745
--------- -----------
Total issued ................................. 310,272 3,599,874
Shares redeemed .............................. (114,837) (1,330,530)
--------- -----------
Net increase ................................. 195,435 $ 2,269,344
========= ===========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 296,604 $ 3,431,592
Automatic conversion
of shares .................................... 19,864 228,884
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions .................. 22,549 259,885
--------- -----------
Total issued ................................. 339,017 3,920,361
Shares redeemed .............................. (94,310) (1,088,103)
--------- -----------
Net increase ................................. 244,707 $ 2,832,258
========= ===========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
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
William M. Bock, Vice President
Kenneth A. Jacob, Vice President
Donald C. Burke, Vice President and Treasurer
Robert E. Putney, III, Secretary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gerald M. Richard, Treasurer of Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund
has recently retired. His colleagues at Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P.
join the Fund's Board of Trustees in wishing Mr. Richard well in his retirement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Pennsylvania
Municipal Bond Fund
Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust
Box 9011
Princeton, NJ
08543-9011 # 11299--1/99
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