File No. 33-27201
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549-1004
POST-EFFECTIVE
AMENDMENT NO. 10
TO
FORM S-6
For Registration Under the Securities Act of 1933 of Securities
of Unit Investment Trusts Registered on Form N-8B-2
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
(Exact Name of Trust)
NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
(Exact Name of Depositor)
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(Complete address of Depositor's principal executive offices)
NIKE SECURITIES L.P. CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
Attn: James A. Bowen Attn: Eric F. Fess
1001 Warrenville Road 111 West Monroe Street
Lisle, Illinois 60532 Chicago, Illinois 60603
(Name and complete address of agents for service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check
appropriate box)
: : immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
: x : June 30, 1998
: : 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
: : on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of rule (485 or 486)
Pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of
1940, the issuer has registered an indefinite amount of
securities. A 24f-2 Notice for the offering was last filed on
May 20, 1998.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
NEW YORK TRUST, SERIES 36
3,322 UNITS
PROSPECTUS
Part One
Dated June 26, 1998
Note: Part One of this Prospectus may not be distributed unless accompanied by
Part Two and Part Three.
In the opinion of Counsel, interest income to the Trust and to Unit holders,
with certain exceptions, is exempt under existing law from all Federal income
taxes. In addition, the interest income is, in the opinion of Special
Counsel, exempt to the extent indicated from New York State and local income
taxes. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
The Trust
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State, New York Trust,
Series 36 (the "Trust") is an insured and fixed portfolio of interest-bearing
obligations issued by or on behalf of municipalities and other governmental
authorities within the State of New York, counties, municipalities,
authorities and political subdivisions thereof, the interest on which is, in
the opinion of recognized bond counsel to the issuing governmental
authorities, exempt from all Federal income taxes and from New York State and
local income taxes under existing law. At May 18, 1998, each Unit represented
a 1/3,322 undivided interest in the principal and net income of the Trust (see
"The Fund" in Part Two).
The Units being offered by this Prospectus are issued and outstanding Units
which have been purchased by the Sponsor in the secondary market or from the
Trustee after having been tendered for redemption. The profit or loss
resulting from the sale of Units will accrue to the Sponsor. No proceeds from
the sale of Units will be received by the Trust.
Public Offering Price
The Public Offering Price of the Units is equal to the aggregate value of the
Bonds in the Portfolio of the Trust divided by the number of Units
outstanding, plus a sales charge of 5.4% of the Public Offering Price (5.708%
of the amount invested). At May 18, 1998, the Public Offering Price per Unit
was $325.96 plus net interest accrued to date of settlement (three business
days after such date) of $7.15 and $16.82 for the monthly and semi-annual
distribution plans, respectively (see "Market for Units" in Part Two).
Please retain all parts of this Prospectus for future reference.
______________________________________________________________________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
______________________________________________________________________________
NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
Sponsor
<PAGE>
Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-Term Return
Estimated Current Return to Unit holders under the semi-annual distribution
plan was 6.48% per annum on May 18, 1998, and 6.31% under the monthly
distribution plan. Estimated Long-Term Return to Unit holders under the semi-
annual distribution plan was 7.71% per annum on May 18, 1998, and 7.87% under
the monthly distribution plan. Estimated Current Return is calculated by
dividing the Estimated Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by the Public
Offering Price. Estimated Long-Term Return is calculated using a formula
which (1) takes into consideration and determines and factors in the relative
weightings of the market values, yields (which take into account the
amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts) and estimated
retirements of all of the Bonds in the Trust and (2) takes into account a
compounding factor and the expenses and sales charge associated with each Unit
of the Trust. Since the market values and estimated retirements of the Bonds
and the expenses of the Trust will change, there is no assurance that the
present Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-Term Return indicated
above will be realized in the future. Estimated Current Return and Estimated
Long-Term Return are expected to differ because the calculation of the
Estimated Long-Term Return reflects the estimated date and amount of principal
returned while the Estimated Current Return calculations include only Net
Annual Interest Income and Public Offering Price. The above figures are based
on estimated per Unit cash flows. Estimated cash flows will vary with changes
in fees and expenses, with changes in current interest rates, and with the
principal prepayment, redemption, maturity, call, exchange or sale of the
underlying Bonds. See "What are Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-
Term Return?" in Part Two.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
NEW YORK TRUST, SERIES 36
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MAY 18, 1998
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: Securities Evaluation Service, Inc.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL INFORMATION
<S> <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in the Trust $1,290,000
Number of Units 3,322
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit 1/3,322
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Bonds in the Portfolio $1,024,378
Aggregate Value of Bonds per Unit $308.36
Sales Charge 5.708% (5.4% of Public Offering Price) $17.60
Public Offering Price per Unit $325.96*
Redemption Price and Sponsor's Repurchase Price per Unit
($17.60 less than the Public Offering Price per Unit) $308.36*
Discretionary Liquidation Amount of the Trust (20% of the
original principal amount of Bonds in the Trust) $852,000
</TABLE>
Date Trust Established May 4, 1989
Mandatory Termination Date December 31, 2038
Evaluator's Fee: $1,278 annually. Evaluations for purposes of sale, purchase
or redemption of Units are made as of the close of trading (4:00 p.m. Eastern
time} on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on which it is open.
Supervisory fee payable to an affiliate Maximum of $.25
of the Sponsor per Unit annually
*Plus net interest accrued to date of settlement (three business days after
purchase) (see "Public Offering Price" herein and "Redemption of Units" and
"Purchase of Units by Sponsor" in Part Two).
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
NEW YORK TRUST, SERIES 36
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MAY 18, 1998
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: Securities Evaluation Service, Inc.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER UNIT INFORMATION BASED ON VARIOUS DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Semi-
Monthly Annual
<S> <C> <C>
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Income:
Estimated Annual Interest Income $23.17 $23.17
Less: Estimated Annual Expense
Excluding Insurance $2.22 $1.69
Annual Premium on Portfolio Insurance $0.37 $0.37
Estimated Net Annual Interest Income $20.58 $21.11
Calculation of Interest Distribution:
Estimated Net Annual Interest Income $20.58 $21.11
Divided by 12 and 2, Respectively $1.72 10.56
Estimated Daily Rate of Net Interest Accrual $.0572 $.0587
Estimated Current Return Based on Public
Offering Price 6.31% 6.48%
Estimated Long-Term Return Based on Public
Offering Price 7.87% 7.71%
</TABLE>
Trustee's Annual Fee: $1.05 and $.55 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds for
those portions of the Trust under the monthly and semi-annual distribution
plans, respectively.
Computation Dates: Fifteenth day of the month as follows: monthly--each
month; semi-annual--June and December.
Distribution Dates: Last day of the month as follows: monthly--each month;
semi-annual--June and December.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Unit Holders of The First Trust
Combined Series 77, The First Trust of
Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State,
New York Trust, Series 36
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio, of The First Trust Combined Series 77, The First
Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State, New York Trust, Series 36 as
of February 28, 1998, and the related statements of operations and changes in
net assets for each of the three years in the period then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust's Sponsor. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements 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 as of February 28, 1998,
by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Sponsor, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The First Trust Combined
Series 77, The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State, New York
Trust, Series 36 at February 28, 1998, and the results of its operations and
changes in its net assets for each of the three years in the period then ended
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
June 5, 1998
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
NEW YORK TRUST, SERIES 36
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
February 28, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
Municipal bonds, at market value (cost $1,011,281)
(Notes 1 and 3) $1,041,405
Accrued interest 25,658
Cash 3,144
__________
1,070,207
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Liabilities:
Distributions payable and accrued to unit holders 5,972
Accrued liabilities 46
__________
6,018
__________
Net assets, applicable to 3,332 outstanding
units of fractional undivided interest:
Cost of Trust assets (Note 1) $1,011,281
Net unrealized appreciation (Note 2) 30,124
Distributable funds 22,784
__________
$1,064,189
==========
Net asset value per unit $319.38
==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
NEW YORK TRUST, SERIES 36
PORTFOLIO - See notes to portfolio.
February 28, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Coupon Standard
interest Date of Redemption & Poor's Principal Market
Name of issuer and title of bond(f) rate maturity provisions(a) rating(b) amount value
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New York State Energy Research and Development
Niagara Authority, Pollution Control Revenue
(Mohawk Power Corporation Project),
1985 Series 1 8.875% 11/01/2025 1998 @ 100 BB+ $485,000 500,486
New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance
Agency, St. Francis Hospital Project 1998 @ 102
Revenue, 1988 Series A (FGIC Insured) (c) 7.625 11/01/2021 2009 @ 100 S. F. AAA 445,000 463,525
New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance
Agency, Mental Health Services Facilities
Improvement Revenue, 1988 Series B 1998 @ 21.870
(MBIA Insured) (c) (e) -(d) 8/15/2018 2016 @ 82.192 S.F. AAA 360,000 77,394
______________________
$1,290,000 1,041,405
======================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
NEW YORK TRUST, SERIES 36
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
February 28, 1998
(a) Shown under this heading are the year in which each issue of Bonds is
initially redeemable and the redemption price in that year. Unless
otherwise indicated, each issue continues to be redeemable at declining
prices thereafter (but not below par value), except for zero coupon
bonds which are redeemable at prices based on the issue price plus the
amount of original issue discount accreted to the redemption date plus,
if applicable, some premium, the amount of which will decline in
subsequent years. "S.F." indicates a sinking fund is established with
respect to an issue of bonds. In addition, certain bonds are sometimes
redeemable in whole or in part other than by operation of the stated
redemption or sinking fund provisions under specified unusual or
extraordinary circumstances. All of the Bonds in the Trust are subject
to call within one year.
(b) The ratings shown are those effective at February 28, 1998.
(c) Insurance has been obtained by the Bond issuer.
(d) These Bonds have no stated interest rate ("zero coupon bonds") and,
accordingly, will have no periodic interest payments to the Trust. Upon
maturity, the holders of these Bonds are entitled to receive 100% of the
stated principal amount. The Bonds were issued at an original issue
discount on October 27, 1988 at a price of 9.656% of their original
principal amount.
(e) This issue of Bonds is secured by, and payable from, escrowed U.S.
Government securities.
(f) The Trust consists of three obligations of issuers located in New York.
None of the Bonds in the Trust are general obligations of a governmental
entity. All issues are revenue bonds payable from the income of a
specific project or authority and are divided by purpose of issue as
follows: Health Care, 2 and Electric, 1. Approximately 62% and 38% of
the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds consist of health care
revenue bonds and electric revenue bonds, respectively. Each of the
Bond issues represents 10% or more of the aggregate principal amount of
the Bonds in the Trust. The largest such issue represents approximately
38%.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
NEW YORK TRUST, SERIES 36
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income $174,844 257,834 283,175
Expenses:
Trustee's fees and related expenses (5,460) (6,030) (5,879)
Insurance expense (Note 3) (1,587) (2,549) (2,697)
Evaluator's fees (1,278) (1,278) (1,278)
Supervisory fees (876) (996) (1,045)
________________________________
Investment income - net 165,643 246,981 272,276
Net gain (loss) on investments:
Net realized gain (loss) (103,925) (5,001) (16,861)
Change in net unrealized appreciation
or depreciation 56,927 (99,854) (10,655)
________________________________
(46,998) (104,855) (27,516)
________________________________
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations $118,645 142,126 244,760
================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
NEW YORK TRUST, SERIES 36
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations:
Investment income - net $165,643 246,981 272,276
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments (103,925) (5,001) (16,861)
Change in net unrealized appreciation
or depreciation on investments 56,927 (99,854) (10,655)
__________________________________
118,645 142,126 244,760
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (180,446) (246,816) (276,557)
Principal from investment transactions (1,835,205) (4,042) (300,440)
__________________________________
(2,015,651) (250,858) (576,997)
Unit redemptions (490, 161 and 201 in 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively):
Principal portion (317,752) (138,678) (179,951)
Net interest accrued (7,838) (3,316) (3,664)
__________________________________
(325,590) (141,994) (183,615)
__________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets (2,222,596) (250,726) (515,852)
Net assets:
At the beginning of the year 3,286,785 3,537,511 4,053,363
__________________________________
At the end of the year (including
distributable funds applicable to
Trust units of $22,784, $53,191
and $57,366 at February 28, 1998
and 1997 and February 29, 1996,
respectively) $1,064,189 3,286,785 3,537,511
==================================
Trust units outstanding at the end
of the year 3,332 3,822 3,983
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
NEW YORK TRUST, SERIES 36
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant accounting policies
Security valuation -
Bonds are stated at values as determined by Securities Evaluation Service,
Inc. (the Evaluator), certain shareholders of which are officers of the
Sponsor. The bond values are based on (1) current bid prices for the bonds
obtained from dealers or brokers who customarily deal in bonds comparable to
those held by the Trust, (2) current bid prices for comparable bonds, (3)
appraisal or (4) any combination of the above (see Note 3).
Security cost -
The Trust's cost of its portfolio is based on the offering prices of the bonds
on the Date of Deposit, May 4, 1989. The premium or discount (including
original issue discount) existing at the Date of Deposit is not being
amortized. Realized gain (loss) from bond transactions is reported on an
identified cost basis. Sales and redemptions of bonds are recorded on the
trade date.
Federal income taxes -
The Trust is not taxable for Federal income tax purposes. Each unit holder is
considered to be the owner of a pro rata portion of the Trust and,
accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes.
Expenses of the Trust -
In addition to insurance coverage acquired by the Trust (see Note 3), the
Trust pays a fee for Trustee services which is based on $1.05 and $.55 per
$1,000 principal amount of Bonds for those portions of the Trust under the
monthly and semi-annual distribution plans, respectively. Prior to September
1, 1995, the Trustee was United States Trust Company of New York; effective
September 1, 1995, The Chase Manhattan Bank succeeded United States Trust
Company of New York as Trustee. Additionally, a fee of $1,278 annually is
payable to the Evaluator and the Trust pays all related expenses of the
Trustee, recurring financial reporting costs and an annual supervisory fee
payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor.
2. Unrealized appreciation and depreciation
An analysis of net unrealized appreciation at February 28, 1998 follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation $47,977
Unrealized depreciation (17,853)
________
$30,124
========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
3. Insurance
The issuers of two bond issues in the Trust have acquired insurance coverage
which provides for the payment, when due, of all principal and interest on
those bonds (see Note (c) to portfolio); the Trust has acquired similar
insurance coverage on the other bond in its portfolio. While insurance
coverage acquired by an issuer of bonds continues in force so long as the
bonds are outstanding and the insurer remains in business, insurance coverage
acquired by the Trust is effective only while the bonds are owned by the Trust
and, in the event of disposition of such a bond by the Trustee, the insurance
terminates as to such bond on the date of disposition. Pursuant to an
irrevocable commitment of Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, in the event
of a sale of a bond from the portfolio which is covered by the insurance
obtained by the Trust, the Trustee has the right to obtain permanent insurance
for such bond upon the payment of a single predetermined insurance premium
from the proceeds of the sale of such bond. Annual insurance premiums payable
by the Trust in future years, assuming no change in the portfolio, would be
$1,237.
The valuation of bonds does not include any amount attributable to the
insurance acquired by the Trust as there has been no default in the payment of
principal or interest on the bonds in the portfolio as of the date of these
financial statements and, in the opinion of the Sponsor, the bonds are being
quoted in the market at a value which does not reflect a significant risk of
such default.
4. Other information
Cost to investors -
The cost to initial investors of units of the Trust was based on the aggregate
offering price of the bonds on the date of an investor's purchase, plus a
sales charge of 5.5% of the public offering price which is equivalent to
approximately 5.820% of the net amount invested.
Distributions to unit holders -
Distributions of net interest income to unit holders are made monthly or semi-
annually. Such income distributions per unit, on an accrual basis, were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Type of Year ended Year ended
distribution Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
plan 1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Monthly $50.65 63.32 66.98
Semi-annual 51.24 64.08 67.53
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Selected data for a unit of the Trust
outstanding throughout each year -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income $48.65 66.25 68.66
Expenses (2.56) (2.79) (2.64)
______________________________
Investment income - net 46.09 63.46 66.02
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (50.89) (63.70) (67.26)
Principal from investment transactions (522.99) (1.04) (72.50)
Net gain (loss) on investments (12.79) (26.91) (6.89)
______________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets (540.58) (28.19) (80.63)
Net assets:
Beginning of the year 859.96 888.15 968.78
______________________________
End of the year $319.38 859.96 888.15
==============================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
NEW YORK TRUST, SERIES 36
PART ONE
Must be Accompanied by Part Two and Part Three
____________________
P R O S P E C T U S
____________________
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is not
lawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.
This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, which the Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and to which
reference is hereby made.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST, SERIES 26
3,012 UNITS
PROSPECTUS
Part One
Dated June 26, 1998
Note: Part One of this Prospectus may not be distributed unless accompanied by
Part Two and Part Three.
In the opinion of Counsel, interest income to the Trust and to Unit holders,
with certain exceptions, is exempt under existing law from all Federal income
taxes. In addition, the interest income is, in the opinion of Special
Counsel, exempt to the extent indicated from Pennsylvania State and local
income taxes. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
The Trust
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State, Pennsylvania Trust,
Series 26 (the "Trust") is an insured and fixed portfolio of interest-bearing
obligations issued by or on behalf of municipalities and other governmental
authorities within the State of Pennsylvania, counties, municipalities,
authorities and political subdivisions thereof, the interest on which is, in
the opinion of recognized bond counsel to the issuing governmental
authorities, exempt from all Federal income taxes and from Pennsylvania State
and local income taxes under existing law. At May 18, 1998, each Unit
represented a 1/3,012 undivided interest in the principal and net income of
the Trust (see "The Fund" in Part Two).
The Units being offered by this Prospectus are issued and outstanding Units
which have been purchased by the Sponsor in the secondary market or from the
Trustee after having been tendered for redemption. The profit or loss
resulting from the sale of Units will accrue to the Sponsor. No proceeds from
the sale of Units will be received by the Trust.
Public Offering Price
The Public Offering Price of the Units is equal to the aggregate value of the
Bonds in the Portfolio of the Trust divided by the number of Units
outstanding, plus a sales charge of 3.0% of the Public Offering Price (3.093%
of the amount invested). At May 18, 1998, the Public Offering Price per Unit
was $450.06 plus net interest accrued to date of settlement (three business
days after such date) of $4.33 and $14.93 for the monthly and semi-annual
distribution plans, respectively (see "Market for Units" in Part Two).
Please retain all parts of this Prospectus for future reference.
______________________________________________________________________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
______________________________________________________________________________
NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
Sponsor
<PAGE>
Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-Term Return
Estimated Current Return to Unit holders under the semi-annual distribution
plan was 5.66% per annum on May 18, 1998, and 5.56% under the monthly
distribution plan. Estimated Long-Term Return to Unit holders under the semi-
annual distribution plan was 3.56% per annum on May 18, 1998, and 3.46% under
the monthly distribution plan. Estimated Current Return is calculated by
dividing the Estimated Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by the Public
Offering Price. Estimated Long-Term Return is calculated using a formula
which (1) takes into consideration and determines and factors in the relative
weightings of the market values, yields (which take into account the
amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts) and estimated
retirements of all of the Bonds in the Trust and (2) takes into account a
compounding factor and the expenses and sales charge associated with each Unit
of the Trust. Since the market values and estimated retirements of the Bonds
and the expenses of the Trust will change, there is no assurance that the
present Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-Term Return indicated
above will be realized in the future. Estimated Current Return and Estimated
Long-Term Return are expected to differ because the calculation of the
Estimated Long-Term Return reflects the estimated date and amount of principal
returned while the Estimated Current Return calculations include only Net
Annual Interest Income and Public Offering Price. The above figures are based
on estimated per Unit cash flows. Estimated cash flows will vary with changes
in fees and expenses, with changes in current interest rates, and with the
principal prepayment, redemption, maturity, call, exchange or sale of the
underlying Bonds. See "What are Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-
Term Return?" in Part Two.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST, SERIES 26
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MAY 18, 1998
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: Securities Evaluation Service, Inc.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL INFORMATION
<S> <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in the Trust $1,485,000
Number of Units 3,012
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit 1/3,012
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Bonds in the Portfolio $1,314,932
Aggregate Value of Bonds per Unit $436.56
Sales Charge 3.093% (3.0% of Public Offering Price) $13.50
Public Offering Price per Unit $450.06*
Redemption Price and Sponsor's Repurchase Price per
Unit ($13.50 less than the Public Offering Price per Unit) $436.56*
Discretionary Liquidation Amount of the Trust (20% of
the original principal amount of Bonds in the Trust) $857,000
</TABLE>
Date Trust Established May 4, 1989
Mandatory Termination Date December 31, 2038
Evaluator's Fee: $1,286 annually. Evaluations for purposes of sale, purchase
or redemption of Units are made as of the close of trading (4:00 p.m. Eastern
time) on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on which it is open.
Supervisory fee payable to an affiliate Maximum of $.25
of the Sponsor per Unit annually
*Plus net interest accrued to date of settlement (three business days after
purchase) (see "Public Offering Price" herein and "Redemption of Units" and
"Purchase of Units by Sponsor" in Part Two).
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST, SERIES 26
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MAY 18, 1998
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: Securities Evaluation Service, Inc.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER UNIT INFORMATION BASED ON VARIOUS DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Semi-
Monthly Annual
<S> <C> <C>
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Income:
Estimated Annual Interest Income $27.15 $27.15
Less: Estimated Annual Expense $2.13 $1.68
Estimated Net Annual Interest Income $25.02 $25.47
Calculation of Interest Distribution:
Estimated Net Annual Interest Income $25.02 $25.47
Divided by 12 and 2, Respectively $2.08 $12.74
Estimated Daily Rate of Net Interest Accrual $.0695 $.0707
Estimated Current Return Based on Public
Offering Price 5.56% 5.66%
Estimated Long-Term Return Based on Public
Offering Price 3.46% 3.56%
</TABLE>
Trustee's Annual Fee: $1.05 and $.55 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds for
those portions of the Trust under the monthly and semi-annual distribution
plans, respectively.
Computation Dates: Fifteenth day of the month as follows: monthly--each
month; semi-annual--June and December.
Distribution Dates: Last day of the month as follows: monthly--each month;
semi-annual--June and December.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Unit Holders of The First Trust
Combined Series 77, The First Trust of
Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State,
Pennsylvania Trust, Series 26
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio, of The First Trust Combined Series 77, The First
Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State, Pennsylvania Trust, Series 26
as of February 28, 1998, and the related statements of operations and changes
in net assets for each of the three years in the period then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust's Sponsor. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements 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 as of February 28, 1998,
by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Sponsor, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The First Trust Combined
Series 77, The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State,
Pennsylvania Trust, Series 26 at February 28, 1998, and the results of its
operations and changes in its net assets for each of the three years in the
period then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
June 5, 1998
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST, SERIES 26
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
February 28, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
Municipal bonds, at market value (cost $1,181,711)
(Note 1) $1,344,907
Accrued interest 27,720
__________
1,372,627
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Liabilities:
Distributions payable and accrued to unit holders 5,842
Cash overdraft 9,267
Accrued liabilities 34
__________
15,143
__________
Net assets, applicable to 3,047 outstanding
units of fractional undivided interest:
Cost of Trust assets (Note 1) $1,181,711
Net unrealized appreciation (Note 2) 163,196
Distributable funds 12,577
__________
$1,357,484
==========
Net asset value per unit $445.51
==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST, SERIES 26
PORTFOLIO - See notes to portfolio.
February 28, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Coupon Standard
interest Date of Redemption & Poor's Principal Market
Name of issuer and title of bond(g) rate maturity provisions(a) rating(b) amount value
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Pennsylvania
Turnpike Revenue, Series C (FGIC
Insured) (c)(f) 7.625% 12/01/2017 1998 @ 102 AAA $525,000 549,774
City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gas Works
Revenue, Eleventh Series C (AMBAC
Insured) (c) -(d) 1/01/2012 2011 @ 93.126 S.F. AAA 410,000 203,843
The Philadelphia Municipal Authority, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, Criminal Justice
Center Refunding Revenue, Series of 1988
(FGIC Insured) (c) (f) 7.80 4/01/2018 2000 @ 100 AAA 545,000 584,643
Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County
(Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania),
Municipal Service Revenue, Series K
(FGIC Insured) (c) -(e) 7/01/2013 AAA 15,000 6,647
______________________
$1,495,000 1,344,907
======================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST, SERIES 26
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
February 28, 1998
(a) Shown under this heading are the year in which each issue of Bonds is
initially redeemable and the redemption price in that year. Unless
otherwise indicated, each issue continues to be redeemable at declining
prices thereafter (but not below par value), except for zero coupon
bonds which are redeemable at prices based on the issue price plus the
amount of original issue discount accreted to the redemption date plus,
if applicable, some premium, the amount of which will decline in
subsequent years. "S.F." indicates a sinking fund is established with
respect to an issue of bonds. In addition, certain bonds are sometimes
redeemable in whole or in part other than by operation of the stated
redemption or sinking fund provisions under specified unusual or
extraordinary circumstances. Approximately 72% of the aggregate
principal amount of the Bonds in the Trust is subject to call within
three years.
(b) The ratings shown are those effective at February 28, 1998.
(c) Insurance has been obtained by the Bond issuer.
(d) These Bonds have no stated interest rate ("zero coupon bonds") and,
accordingly, will have no periodic interest payments to the Trust. Upon
maturity, the holders of these Bonds are entitled to receive 100% of the
stated principal amount. The Bonds were issued at an original issue
discount on February 14, 1989 at a price of 19.603% of their original
principal amount.
(e) These Bonds have no stated interest rate ("zero coupon bonds") and,
accordingly, will have no periodic interest payments to the Trust. Upon
maturity, the holders of these Bonds are entitled to receive 100% of the
stated principal amount. The Bonds were issued at an original issue
discount on June 15, 1987 at a price of 10.883% of their original
principal amount.
(f) This issue of Bonds is secured by, and payable from, escrowed U.S.
Government securities.
(g) The Trust consists of four obligations of issuers located in
Pennsylvania. None of the Bonds in the Trust are general obligations of
a governmental entity. All issues are revenue bonds payable from the
income of a specific project or authority and are divided by purpose of
issue as follows: Transportation, 1; Utility, 1; and Miscellaneous, 2.
Approximately 35% and 27% of the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds
consist of transportation revenue bonds and utility revenue bonds,
respectively. Each of three Bond issues represents 10% or more of the
aggregate principal amount of the Bonds in the Trust or a total of
approximately 99%. The largest such issue represents approximately 36%.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST, SERIES 26
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income $104,360 136,132 251,204
Expenses:
Trustee's fees and related expenses (4,047) (4,656) (5,781)
Insurance expense (Note 3) - - (1,319)
Evaluator's fees (1,286) (1,286) (1,286)
Supervisory fees (801) (950) (1,026)
________________________________
Investment income - net 98,226 129,240 241,792
Net gain (loss) on investments:
Net realized gain (loss) (4,911) (12,543) (103,710)
Change in net unrealized appreciation
or depreciation (12,448) (41,610) 95,016
________________________________
(17,359) (54,153) (8,694)
________________________________
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations $80,867 75,087 233,098
================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST, SERIES 26
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations:
Investment income - net $98,226 129,240 241,792
Net realized gain (loss) on investments (4,911) (12,543) (103,710)
Change in unrealized appreciation or
depreciation on investments (12,448) (41,610) 95,016
__________________________________
80,867 75,087 233,098
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (101,801) (141,232) (251,871)
Principal from investment transactions (410,764) (207,055) (1,268,671)
__________________________________
(512,565) (348,287) (1,520,542)
Unit redemptions (385, 367 and 331 in 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively):
Principal portion (192,332) (224,511) (274,162)
Net interest accrued (4,529) (5,653) (5,771)
__________________________________
(196,861) (230,164) (279,933)
__________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets (628,559) (503,364) (1,567,377)
Net assets:
At the beginning of the year 1,986,043 2,489,407 4,056,784
__________________________________
At the end of the year (including
distributable funds applicable to
Trust units of $12,577, $23,169 and
$44,542 at February 28, 1998 and
1997 and February 29, 1996,
respectively) $1,357,484 1,986,043 2,489,407
==================================
Trust units outstanding at the end
of the year 3,047 3,432 3,799
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST, SERIES 26
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant accounting policies
Security valuation -
Bonds are stated at values as determined by Securities Evaluation Service,
Inc. (the Evaluator), certain shareholders of which are officers of the
Sponsor. The bond values are based on (1) current bid prices for the bonds
obtained from dealers or brokers who customarily deal in bonds comparable to
those held by the Trust, (2) current bid prices for comparable bonds, (3)
appraisal or (4) any combination of the above.
Security cost -
The Trust's cost of its portfolio is based on the offering prices of the bonds
on the Date of Deposit, May 4, 1989. The premium or discount (including
original issue discount) existing at the Date of Deposit is not being
amortized. Realized gain (loss) from bond transactions is reported on an
identified cost basis. Sales and redemptions of bonds are recorded on the
trade date.
Federal income taxes -
The Trust is not taxable for Federal income tax purposes. Each unit holder is
considered to be the owner of a pro rata portion of the Trust and,
accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes.
Expenses of the Trust -
The Trust pays a fee for Trustee services which is based on $1.05 and $.55 per
$1,000 principal amount of Bonds for those portions of the Trust under the
monthly and semi-annual distribution plans, respectively. Prior to September
1, 1995, the Trustee was United States Trust Company of New York; effective
September 1, 1995, The Chase Manhattan Bank succeeded United States Trust
Company of New York as Trustee. Additionally, a fee of $1,286 annually is
payable to the Evaluator and the Trust pays all related expenses of the
Trustee, recurring financial reporting costs and an annual supervisory fee
payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor.
2. Unrealized appreciation and depreciation
An analysis of net unrealized appreciation at February 28, 1998 follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation $163,196
Unrealized depreciation -
________
$163,196
========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
3. Insurance
All of the Bond issues are insured by insurance obtained by the issuers of the
bonds (see Note (c) to portfolio). Such insurance coverage acquired by an
issuer of bonds continues in force so long as the bonds are outstanding and
the insurer remains in business. In prior years the Trust also contained one
bond issue which was covered by insurance obtained by the Trust and for which
the Trust paid an annual insurance premium; this bond was sold during the year
ended February 29, 1996.
4. Other information
Cost to investors -
The cost to initial investors of units of the Trust was based on the aggregate
offering price of the bonds on the date of an investor's purchase, plus a
sales charge of 5.5% of the public offering price which is equivalent to
approximately 5.820% of the net amount invested.
Distributions to unit holders -
Distributions of net interest income to unit holders are made monthly or semi-
annually. Such income distributions per unit, on an accrual basis, were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Type of Year ended Year ended
distribution Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
plan 1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Monthly $31.80 40.10 63.04
Semi-annual 32.21 40.74 63.48
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Selected data for a unit of the Trust
outstanding throughout each year -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income $32.10 38.39 62.55
Expenses (1.89) (1.94) (2.34)
_________________________________
Investment income - net 30.21 36.45 60.21
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (31.89) (40.35) (63.27)
Principal from investment transactions (126.35) (57.95) (321.61)
Net gain (loss) on investments (5.14) (14.75) (2.32)
_________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets (133.17) (76.60) (326.99)
Net assets:
Beginning of the year 578.68 655.28 982.27
_________________________________
End of the year $445.51 578.68 655.28
=================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST, SERIES 26
PART ONE
Must be Accompanied by Part Two and Part Three
____________________
P R O S P E C T U S
____________________
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is not
lawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.
This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, which the Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and to which
reference is hereby made.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
TEXAS TRUST, SERIES 2
3,494 UNITS
PROSPECTUS
Part One
Dated June 26, 1998
Note: Part One of this Prospectus may not be distributed unless accompanied by
Part Two and Part Three.
In the opinion of Counsel, interest income to the Trust and to Unit holders,
with certain exceptions, is exempt under existing law from all Federal income
taxes. In addition, the interest income is, in the opinion of Special
Counsel, exempt to the extent indicated from Texas State and local income
taxes. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
The Trust
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State, Texas Trust, Series
2 (the "Trust") is an insured and fixed portfolio of interest-bearing
obligations issued by or on behalf of municipalities and other governmental
authorities within the State of Texas, counties, municipalities, authorities
and political subdivisions thereof, the interest on which is, in the opinion
of recognized bond counsel to the issuing governmental authorities, exempt
from all Federal income taxes and from Texas State and local income taxes
under existing law. At May 18, 1998, each Unit represented a 1/3,494
undivided interest in the principal and net income of the Trust (see "The
Fund" in Part Two).
The Units being offered by this Prospectus are issued and outstanding Units
which have been purchased by the Sponsor in the secondary market or from the
Trustee after having been tendered for redemption. The profit or loss
resulting from the sale of Units will accrue to the Sponsor. No proceeds from
the sale of Units will be received by the Trust.
Public Offering Price
The Public Offering Price of the Units is equal to the aggregate value of the
Bonds in the Portfolio of the Trust divided by the number of Units
outstanding, plus a sales charge of 3.0% of the Public Offering Price (3.093%
of the amount invested). At May 18, 1998, the Public Offering Price per Unit
was $243.45 plus net interest accrued to date of settlement (three business
days after such date) of $7.21 and $20.98 for the monthly and semi-annual
distribution plans, respectively (see "Market for Units" in Part Two).
Please retain all parts of this Prospectus for future reference.
______________________________________________________________________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
______________________________________________________________________________
NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
Sponsor
<PAGE>
Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-Term Return
Estimated Current Return to Unit holders under the semi-annual distribution
plan was 7.39% per annum on May 18, 1998, and 7.25% under the monthly
distribution plan. Estimated Long-Term Return to Unit holders under the semi-
annual distribution plan was 4.84% per annum on May 18, 1998, and 4.70% under
the monthly distribution plan. Estimated Current Return is calculated by
dividing the Estimated Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by the Public
Offering Price. Estimated Long-Term Return is calculated using a formula
which (1) takes into consideration and determines and factors in the relative
weightings of the market values, yields (which take into account the
amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts) and estimated
retirements of all of the Bonds in the Trust and (2) takes into account a
compounding factor and the expenses and sales charge associated with each Unit
of the Trust. Since the market values and estimated retirements of the Bonds
and the expenses of the Trust will change, there is no assurance that the
present Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-Term Return indicated
above will be realized in the future. Estimated Current Return and Estimated
Long-Term Return are expected to differ because the calculation of the
Estimated Long-Term Return reflects the estimated date and amount of principal
returned while the Estimated Current Return calculations include only Net
Annual Interest Income and Public Offering Price. The above figures are based
on estimated per Unit cash flows. Estimated cash flows will vary with changes
in fees and expenses, with changes in current interest rates, and with the
principal prepayment, redemption, maturity, call, exchange or sale of the
underlying Bonds. See "What are Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-
Term Return?" in Part Two.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
TEXAS TRUST, SERIES 2
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MAY 18, 1998
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: Securities Evaluation Service, Inc.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL INFORMATION
<S> <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in the Trust $1,015,000
Number of Units 3,494
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit 1/3,494
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Bonds in the Portfolio $825,093
Aggregate Value of Bonds per Unit $236.15
Sales Charge 3.093% (3.0% of Public Offering Price) $7.30
Public Offering Price per Unit $243.45*
Redemption Price and Sponsor's Repurchase Price per Unit
($7.30 less than the Public Offering Price per Unit) $236.15*
Discretionary Liquidation Amount of the Trust (20% of the
original principal amount of Bonds in the Trust) $865,000
</TABLE>
Date Trust Established May 4, 1989
Mandatory Termination Date December 31, 2038
Evaluator's Fee: $1,298 annually. Evaluations for purposes of sale, purchase
or redemption of Units are made as of the close of trading (4:00 p.m. Eastern
time) on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on which it is open.
Supervisory fee payable to an affiliate Maximum of $.25
of the Sponsor per Unit annually
*Plus net interest accrued to date of settlement (three business days after
purchase) (see "Public Offering Price" herein and "Redemption of Units" and
"Purchase of Units by Sponsor" in Part Two).
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
TEXAS TRUST, SERIES 2
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MAY 18, 1998
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: Securities Evaluation Service, Inc.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER UNIT INFORMATION BASED ON VARIOUS DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Semi-
Monthly Annual
<S> <C> <C>
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Income:
Estimated Annual Interest Income $19.51 $19.51
Less: Estimated Annual Expense $1.86 $1.53
Estimated Net Annual Interest Income $17.65 $17.98
Calculation of Interest Distribution:
Estimated Net Annual Interest Income $17.65 $17.98
Divided by 12 and 2, Respectively $1.47 $8.99
Estimated Daily Rate of Net Interest Accrual $.0490 $.0500
Estimated Current Return Based on Public
Offering Price 7.25% 7.39%
Estimated Long-Term Return Based on Public
Offering Price 4.70% 4.84%
</TABLE>
Trustee's Annual Fee: $1.05 and $.55 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds for
those portions of the Trust under the monthly and semi-annual distribution
plans, respectively.
Computation Dates: Fifteenth day of the month as follows: monthly--each
month; semi-annual--June and December.
Distribution Dates: Last day of the month as follows: monthly--each month;
semi-annual--June and December.
<PAGE>
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Unit Holders of The First Trust
Combined Series 77, The First Trust of
Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State,
Texas Trust, Series 2
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio, of The First Trust Combined Series 77, The First
Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State, Texas Trust, Series 2 as of
February 28, 1998, and the related statements of operations and changes in net
assets for each of the three years in the period then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Trust's Sponsor. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements 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 as of February 28, 1998,
by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Sponsor, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The First Trust Combined
Series 77, The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds - Multi-State, Texas
Trust, Series 2 at February 28, 1998, and the results of its operations and
changes in its net assets for each of the three years in the period then ended
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
June 5, 1998
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
TEXAS TRUST, SERIES 2
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
February 28, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
Municipal bonds, at market value (cost $1,622,487)
(Note 1) $1,570,787
Accrued interest 25,108
Cash 13,402
__________
1,609,297
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Liabilities:
Distributions payable and accrued to unit holders 4,594
Accrued liabilities 24
__________
4,618
__________
Net assets, applicable to 3,509 outstanding
units of fractional undivided interest:
Cost of Trust assets (Note 1) $1,622,487
Net unrealized depreciation (Note 2) (51,700)
Distributable funds 33,892
__________
$1,604,679
==========
Net asset value per unit $457.30
==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
TEXAS TRUST, SERIES 2
PORTFOLIO - See notes to portfolio.
February 28, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Coupon Standard
interest Date of Redemption & Poor's Principal Market
Name of issuer and title of bond(f) rate maturity provisions(a) rating(b) amount value
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
City of Austin, Texas, Combined Utility Systems
Revenue, Series 1985A (FGIC Insured) (c) (e) 9.50 % 5/15/2015 2000 @ 100 AAA $270,000 300,269
Brazos River Authority (Texas), Collateralized
Revenue Refunding (Houston Lighting &
Power Company Project), Series 1988C
(BIG Insured) (c) 8.10 5/01/2019 1998 @ 102 AAA 720,000 738,151
Dallas County Housing Finance Corporation (Texas),
Single Family Mortgage Revenue, Series 1985
(FGIC Insured) (c) -(d) 1/01/2017 2007 @ 36.803 S.F. AAA 285,000 43,035
Granbury Independent School District (Hood,
Johnson, Parker and Somervell Counties,
Texas), School Building Unlimited Tax
(General Obligation), Series 1989 (AMBAC
Insured) (c) 9.00 8/01/1999 AAA 310,000 331,312
City of Grapevine, Texas (Tarrant, Dallas and
Denton Counties), General Obligation,
Series 1989 (AMBAC Insured) (c) 9.75 2/15/1999 AAA 150,000 158,020
______________________
$1,735,000 1,570,787
======================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
TEXAS TRUST, SERIES 2
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
February 28, 1998
(a) Shown under this heading are the year in which each issue of Bonds is
initially redeemable and the redemption price in that year. Unless
otherwise indicated, each issue continues to be redeemable at declining
prices thereafter (but not below par value), except for zero coupon
bonds which are redeemable at prices based on the issue price plus the
amount of original issue discount accreted to the redemption date plus,
if applicable, some premium, the amount of which will decline in
subsequent years. "S.F." indicates a sinking fund is established with
respect to an issue of bonds. In addition, certain bonds are sometimes
redeemable in whole or in part other than by operation of the stated
redemption or sinking fund provisions under specified unusual or
extraordinary circumstances. Approximately 84% of the aggregate
principal amount of the Bonds in the Trust is subject to call, or will
mature, within three years.
(b) The ratings shown are those effective at February 28, 1998.
(c) Insurance has been obtained by the Bond issuer.
(d) These Bonds have no stated interest rate ("zero coupon bonds") and,
accordingly, will have no periodic interest payments to the Trust. Upon
maturity, the holders of these Bonds are entitled to receive 100% of the
stated principal amount. The Bonds were issued at an original issue
discount on June 4, 1985 at a price of 4.259% of their original
principal amount.
(e) This issue of Bonds is secured by, and payable from, escrowed U.S.
Government securities.
(f) The Trust consists of five obligations of issuers located in Texas. Two
of the Bonds in the Trust, representing approximately 27% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Bonds in the Trust, are general
obligations of a governmental entity. The remaining issues are revenue
bonds payable from the income of a specific project or authority and are
divided by purpose of issue as follows: Electric, 1; Utility, 1; and
Single Family Housing, 1. Approximately 16% and 41% of the aggregate
principal amount of the Bonds consist of single family residential
mortgage revenue bonds and electric revenue bonds, respectively. Each
of four Bond issues represents 10% or more of the aggregate principal
amount of the Bonds in the Trust or a total of approximately 91%. The
largest such issue represents approximately 41%.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
TEXAS TRUST, SERIES 2
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income $132,661 150,029 303,672
Expenses:
Trustee's fees and related expenses (4,670) (5,008) (5,921)
Evaluator's fees (1,298) (1,298) (1,298)
Supervisory fee (897) (1,052) (1,081)
________________________________
Investment income - net 125,796 142,671 295,372
Net gain (loss) on investments:
Net realized gain (loss) (2,401) (37,465) (117,982)
Change in net unrealized appreciation
or depreciation (45,630) (28,268) 71,957
________________________________
(48,031) (65,733) (46,025)
________________________________
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations $77,765 76,938 249,347
================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
TEXAS TRUST, SERIES 2
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations:
Investment income - net $125,796 142,671 295,372
Net realized gain (loss) on investments (2,401) (37,465) (117,982)
Change in net unrealized appreciation
or depreciation on investments (45,630) (28,268) 71,957
__________________________________
77,765 76,938 249,347
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (124,709) (165,315) (301,809)
Principal from investment transactions (19,293) (683,322) (1,170,438)
__________________________________
(144,002) (848,637) (1,472,247)
Unit redemptions (379, 325 and 112 in
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively):
Principal portion (173,954) (160,649) (88,999)
Net interest accrued (3,539) (5,005) (2,232)
__________________________________
(177,493) (165,654) (91,231)
__________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets (243,730) (937,353) (1,314,131)
Net assets:
At the beginning of the year 1,848,409 2,785,762 4,099,893
__________________________________
At the end of the year
(including distributable funds
applicable to Trust units of
$33,892, $40,385 and $62,765 at
February 28, 1998 and 1997 and
February 29, 1996, respectively) $1,604,679 1,848,409 2,785,762
==================================
Trust units outstanding at the end
of the year 3,509 3,888 4,213
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
TEXAS TRUST, SERIES 2
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant accounting policies
Security valuation -
Bonds are stated at values as determined by Securities Evaluation Service,
Inc. (the Evaluator), certain shareholders of which are officers of the
Sponsor. The bond values are based on (1) current bid prices for the bonds
obtained from dealers or brokers who customarily deal in bonds comparable to
those held by the Trust, (2) current bid prices for comparable bonds, (3)
appraisal or (4) any combination of the above.
Security cost -
The Trust's cost of its portfolio is based on the offering prices of the bonds
on the Date of Deposit, May 4, 1989. The premium or discount (including
original issue discount) existing at the Date of Deposit is not being
amortized. Realized gain (loss) from bond transactions is reported on an
identified cost basis. Sales and redemptions of bonds are recorded on the
trade date.
Federal income taxes -
The Trust is not taxable for Federal income tax purposes. Each unit holder is
considered to be the owner of a pro rata portion of the Trust and,
accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes.
Expenses of the Trust -
The Trust pays a fee for Trustee services which is based on $1.05 and $.55 per
$1,000 principal amount of Bonds for those portions of the Trust under the
monthly and semi-annual distribution plans, respectively. Prior to September
1, 1995, the Trustee was United States Trust Company of New York; effective
September 1, 1995, The Chase Manhattan Bank succeeded United States Trust
Company of New York as Trustee. Additionally, a fee of $1,298 annually is
payable to the Evaluator and the Trust pays all related expenses of the
Trustee, recurring financial reporting costs and an annual supervisory fee
payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor.
2. Unrealized appreciation and depreciation
An analysis of net unrealized depreciation at February 28, 1998 follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized depreciation $(71,365)
Unrealized appreciation 19,665
________
$(51,700)
========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
3. Insurance
All issues of bonds in the portfolio are insured under insurance obtained by
the issuer of the bonds (see Note (c) to portfolio). Such insurance coverage
continues in force so long as the bonds are outstanding and the insurer
remains in business.
4. Other information
Cost to investors -
The cost to initial investors of units of the Trust was based on the aggregate
offering price of the bonds on the date of an investor's purchase, plus a
sales charge of 5.5% of the public offering price which is equivalent to
approximately 5.820% of the net amount invested.
Distributions to unit holders -
Distributions of net interest income to unit holders are made monthly or semi-
annually. Such income distributions per unit, on an accrual basis, were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Type of Year ended Year ended
distribution Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
plan 1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Monthly $34.30 41.37 70.26
Semi-annual 34.69 41.80 70.82
</TABLE>
Selected data for a unit of the Trust
outstanding throughout each year -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income $36.54 37.47 70.68
Expenses (1.89) (1.84) (1.93)
_____________________________
Investment income - net 34.65 35.63 68.75
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (34.39) (41.51) (70.37)
Principal from investment transactions (5.27) (163.79) (274.30)
Net gain (loss) on investments (13.10) (16.15) (10.80)
_____________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets (18.11) (185.82) (286.72)
Net assets:
Beginning of the year 475.41 661.23 947.95
_____________________________
End of the year $457.30 475.41 661.23
=============================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST OF INSURED MUNICIPAL BONDS - MULTI-STATE
TEXAS TRUST, SERIES 2
PART ONE
Must be Accompanied by Part Two and Part Three
____________________
P R O S P E C T U S
____________________
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is not
lawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.
This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, which the Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and to which
reference is hereby made.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST ADVANTAGE
KANSAS TRUST, SERIES 4
4,941 UNITS
PROSPECTUS
Part One
Dated June 26, 1998
Note: Part One of this Prospectus may not be distributed unless accompanied by
Part Two and Part Three.
In the opinion of Counsel, interest income to the Trust and to Unit holders,
with certain exceptions, is exempt under existing law from all Federal income
taxes. In addition, the interest income is, in the opinion of Special
Counsel, exempt to the extent indicated from Kansas State and local income
taxes. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
The Trust
The First Trust Advantage, Kansas Trust, Series 4 (the "Trust") is a fixed
portfolio of interest-bearing obligations issued by or on behalf of
municipalities and other governmental authorities within the State of Kansas,
counties, municipalities, authorities and political subdivisions thereof, the
interest on which is, in the opinion of recognized bond counsel to the issuing
governmental authorities, exempt from all Federal income taxes and from Kansas
State and local income taxes under existing law. At May 18, 1998, each Unit
represented a 1/4,941 undivided interest in the principal and net income of
the Trust (see "The Fund" in Part Two).
The Units being offered by this Prospectus are issued and outstanding Units
which have been purchased by the Sponsor in the secondary market or from the
Trustee after having been tendered for redemption. The profit or loss
resulting from the sale of Units will accrue to the Sponsor. No proceeds from
the sale of Units will be received by the Trust.
Public Offering Price
The Public Offering Price of the Units is equal to the aggregate value of the
Bonds in the Portfolio of the Trust divided by the number of Units
outstanding, plus a sales charge of 3.1% of the Public Offering Price (3.199%
of the amount invested). At May 18, 1998, the Public Offering Price per Unit
was $590.18 plus net interest accrued to date of settlement (three business
days after such date) of $6.00 and $22.21 for the monthly and semi-annual
distribution plans, respectively (see "Market for Units" in Part Two).
Please retain all parts of this Prospectus for future reference.
______________________________________________________________________________
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
______________________________________________________________________________
NIKE SECURITIES L.P.
Sponsor
<PAGE>
Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-Term Return
Estimated Current Return to Unit holders under the semi-annual distribution
plan was 6.52% per annum on May 18, 1998, and 6.45% under the monthly
distribution plan. Estimated Long-Term Return to Unit holders under the semi-
annual distribution plan was 3.18% per annum on May 18, 1998, and 3.11% under
the monthly distribution plan. Estimated Current Return is calculated by
dividing the Estimated Net Annual Interest Income per Unit by the Public
Offering Price. Estimated Long-Term Return is calculated using a formula
which (1) takes into consideration and determines and factors in the relative
weightings of the market values, yields (which take into account the
amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts) and estimated
retirements of all of the Bonds in the Trust and (2) takes into account a
compounding factor and the expenses and sales charge associated with each Unit
of the Trust. Since the market values and estimated retirements of the Bonds
and the expenses of the Trust will change, there is no assurance that the
present Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-Term Return indicated
above will be realized in the future. Estimated Current Return and Estimated
Long-Term Return are expected to differ because the calculation of the
Estimated Long-Term Return reflects the estimated date and amount of principal
returned while the Estimated Current Return calculations include only Net
Annual Interest Income and Public Offering Price. The above figures are based
on estimated per Unit cash flows. Estimated cash flows will vary with changes
in fees and expenses, with changes in current interest rates, and with the
principal prepayment, redemption, maturity, call, exchange or sale of the
underlying Bonds. See "What are Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-
Term Return?" in Part Two.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST ADVANTAGE
KANSAS TRUST, SERIES 4
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MAY 18, 1998
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: Securities Evaluation Service, Inc.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL INFORMATION
<S> <C>
Principal Amount of Bonds in the Trust $2,645,000
Number of Units 4,941
Fractional Undivided Interest in the Trust per Unit 1/4,941
Public Offering Price:
Aggregate Value of Bonds in the Portfolio $2,825,655
Aggregate Value of Bonds per Unit $571.88
Sales Charge 3.199% (3.1% of Public Offering Price) $18.30
Public Offering Price per Unit $590.18*
Redemption Price and Sponsor's Repurchase Price per Unit
($18.30 less than the Public Offering Price per Unit) $571.88*
Discretionary Liquidation Amount of the Trust (20% of the
original principal amount of Bonds in the Trust) $1,174,000
</TABLE>
Date Trust Established May 4, 1989
Mandatory Termination Date December 31, 2038
Evaluator's Fee: $1,761 annually. Evaluations for purposes of sale, purchase
or redemption of Units are made as of the close of trading (4:00 p.m. Eastern
time) on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on which it is open.
Supervisory fee payable to an affiliate Maximum of $.25
of the Sponsor per Unit annually
*Plus net interest accrued to date of settlement (three business days after
purchase) (see "Public Offering Price" herein and "Redemption of Units" and
"Purchase of Units by Sponsor" in Part Two).
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST ADVANTAGE
KANSAS TRUST, SERIES 4
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AS OF MAY 18, 1998
Sponsor: Nike Securities L.P.
Evaluator: Securities Evaluation Service, Inc.
Trustee: The Chase Manhattan Bank
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER UNIT INFORMATION BASED ON VARIOUS DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Semi-
Monthly Annual
<S> <C> <C>
Calculation of Estimated Net Annual Income:
Estimated Annual Interest Income $40.06 $40.06
Less: Estimated Annual Expense $1.99 $1.59
Estimated Net Annual Interest Income $38.07 $38.47
Calculation of Interest Distribution:
Estimated Net Annual Interest Income $38.07 $38.47
Divided by 12 and 2, Respectively $3.17 $19.24
Estimated Daily Rate of Net Interest Accrual $.1057 $.1069
Estimated Current Return Based on Public
Offering Price 6.45% 6.52%
Estimated Long-Term Return Based on Public
Offering Price 3.11% 3.18%
</TABLE>
Trustee's Annual Fee: $1.05 and $.55 per $1,000 principal amount of Bonds for
those portions of the Trust under the monthly and semi-annual distribution
plans, respectively.
Computation Dates: Fifteenth day of the month as follows: monthly--each
month; semi-annual--June and December.
Distribution Dates: Last day of the month as follows: monthly--each month;
semi-annual--June and December.
<PAGE>
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Unit Holders of The First Trust
Combined Series 77, The First Trust
Advantage, Kansas Trust, Series 4
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio, of The First Trust Combined Series 77, The First
Trust Advantage, Kansas Trust, Series 4 as of February 28, 1998, and the
related statements of operations and changes in net assets for each of the
three years in the period then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Trust's Sponsor. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements 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 as of February 28, 1998,
by correspondence with the Trustee. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Sponsor, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The First Trust Combined
Series 77, The First Trust Advantage, Kansas Trust, Series 4 at February 28,
1998, and the results of its operations and changes in its net assets for each
of the three years in the period then ended in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
June 5, 1998
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST ADVANTAGE
KANSAS TRUST, SERIES 4
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
February 28, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
Municipal bonds, at market value (cost $2,733,526)
(Note 1) $2,902,167
Accrued interest 72,523
Receivable from investment transaction 15,083
__________
2,989,773
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
<S> <C> <C>
Liabilities:
Distributions payable and accrued to unit holders 17,472
Cash overdraft 22,816
Accrued liabilities 65
__________
40,353
__________
Net assets, applicable to 4,994 outstanding
units of fractional undivided interest:
Cost of Trust assets (Note 1) $2,733,526
Net unrealized appreciation (Note 2) 168,641
Distributable funds 47,253
__________
$2,949,420
==========
Net asset value per unit $590.59
==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST ADVANTAGE
KANSAS TRUST, SERIES 4
PORTFOLIO - See notes to portfolio.
February 28, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Coupon Standard
interest Date of Redemption & Poor's Principal Market
Name of issuer and title of bond(d) rate maturity provisions(a) rating(b) amount value
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
City of Kansas City, Kansas, Industrial Revenue
Series, December 1, 1983 (Fresh Start Bakeries,
Inc. Project) (c) 10.50% 12/01/1998 1998 @ 100 AAA $50,000 52,235
Labette County, Kansas, GNMA Collateralized 1998 @ 102
Mortgage Loan Revenue, 1988 Series C 7.875 1/01/2012 2003 @ 100 S.F. AAA 190,000 194,770
City of Manhattan, Kansas, General Obligation,
Series 182 (c) 7.00 11/01/2004 1999 @ 100 NR 50,000 52,049
7.00 11/01/2005 1999 @ 100 NR 55,000 57,254
7.00 11/01/2006 1999 @ 100 NR 60,000 62,459
7.00 11/01/2007 1999 @ 100 NR 65,000 67,664
7.00 11/01/2008 1999 @ 100 NR 65,000 67,664
7.00 11/01/2009 1999 @ 100 NR 55,000 57,254
City of Phillipsburg, Kansas, General Obligation,
Series 1989 (c) 7.10 10/01/2002 1998 @ 100 NR 20,000 20,258
7.10 10/01/2003 1998 @ 100 NR 40,000 40,517
7.15 10/01/2004 1998 @ 100 NR 70,000 71,024
7.15 10/01/2005 1998 @ 100 NR 130,000 132,272
7.20 10/01/2006 1998 @ 100 NR 140,000 142,486
7.20 10/01/2007 1998 @ 100 NR 130,000 132,308
7.20 10/01/2008 1998 @ 100 NR 140,000 142,486
7.20 10/01/2009 1998 @ 100 NR 125,000 127,220
Sedgewick County, Kansas, GNMA Collateralized 1998 @ 102
Mortgage Loan Revenue, 1988 Series D 7.875 4/01/2011 2003 @ 100 S.F. AAA 435,000 447,775
Wyandotte County, Kansas, Unified School
District No. 202, General Obligation,
Series 1989 7.25 11/01/2002 NR 45,000 50,745
7.50(c) 11/01/2007 2004 @ 100 NR 350,000 411,761
7.55(c) 11/01/2008 2004 @ 100 NR 485,000 571,966
______________________
$2,700,000 2,902,167
======================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST ADVANTAGE
KANSAS TRUST, SERIES 4
NOTES TO PORTFOLIO
February 28, 1998
(a) Shown under this heading are the year in which each issue of Bonds is
initially redeemable and the redemption price in that year. Unless
otherwise indicated, each issue continues to be redeemable at declining
prices thereafter (but not below par value). "S.F." indicates a sinking
fund is established with respect to an issue of bonds. In addition,
certain bonds are sometimes redeemable in whole or in part other than by
operation of the stated redemption or sinking fund provisions under
specified unusual or extraordinary circumstances. Approximately 69% of
the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds in the Trust is subject to
call, or will mature, within five years.
(b) The ratings shown are those effective at February 28, 1998 ("NR"
indicates no rating). Approximately 75% of the aggregate principal
amount of the Bonds in the Trust are not rated.
(c) This issue of Bonds is secured by, and payable from, escrowed U.S.
Government securities.
(d) The Trust consists of six obligations of issuers located in Kansas.
Three of the Bonds in the Trust, representing approximately 75% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Bonds in the Trust, are general
obligations of a governmental entity. The remaining issues are revenue
bonds payable from the income of a specific project or authority and are
divided by purpose of issue as follows: Single Family Housing, 2; and
Miscellaneous, 1. Approximately 23% of the aggregate principal amount
of the Bonds consists of single family residential mortgage revenue
bonds. Each of four Bond issues represents 10% or more of the aggregate
principal amount of the Bonds in the Trust or a total of approximately
91%. The largest such issue represents approximately 33%.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST ADVANTAGE
KANSAS TRUST, SERIES 4
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income $215,213 238,250 252,850
Expenses:
Trustee's fees and related expenses (6,437) (6,846) (6,739)
Evaluator's fees (1,761) (1,761) (1,761)
Supervisory fees (1,363) (1,405) (1,440)
_________________________________
Investment income - net 205,652 228,238 242,910
Net gain (loss) on investments:
Net realized gain (loss) 1,962 169 404
Change in net unrealized appreciation
or depreciation (38,306) (73,314) 71,187
_________________________________
(36,344) (73,145) 71,591
_________________________________
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations $169,308 155,093 314,501
=================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST ADVANTAGE
KANSAS TRUST, SERIES 4
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations:
Investment income - net $205,652 228,238 242,910
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments 1,962 169 404
Change in net unrealized
appreciation or depreciation
on investments (38,306) (73,314) 71,187
__________________________________
169,308 155,093 314,501
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (205,311) (231,245) (241,145)
Principal from investment
transactions (77,433) (123,028) (85,817)
__________________________________
(282,744) (354,273) (326,962)
Unit redemptions (458, 174 and 134 in
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively):
Principal portion (270,695) (106,701) (86,267)
Net interest accrued (4,878) (3,061) (1,554)
__________________________________
(275,573) (109,762) (87,821)
__________________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets (389,009) (308,942) (100,282)
Net assets:
At the beginning of the year 3,338,429 3,647,371 3,747,653
__________________________________
At the end of the year (including
distributable funds applicable to
Trust units of $47,253, $45,349 and
$37,520 at February 28, 1998 and
1997 and February 29, 1996,
respectively) $2,949,420 3,338,429 3,647,371
==================================
Trust units outstanding at the end
of the year 4,994 5,452 5,626
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST ADVANTAGE
KANSAS TRUST, SERIES 4
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant accounting policies
Security valuation -
Bonds are stated at values as determined by Securities Evaluation Service,
Inc. (the Evaluator), certain shareholders of which are officers of the
Sponsor. The bond values are based on (1) current bid prices for the bonds
obtained from dealers or brokers who customarily deal in bonds comparable to
those held by the Trust, (2) current bid prices for comparable bonds, (3)
appraisal or (4) any combination of the above.
Security cost -
The Trust's cost of its portfolio is based on the offering prices of the bonds
on the Date of Deposit, May 4, 1989. The premium or discount (including
original issue discount) existing at the Date of Deposit is not being
amortized. Realized gain (loss) from bond transactions is reported on an
identified cost basis. Sales and redemptions of bonds are recorded on the
trade date.
Federal income taxes -
The Trust is not taxable for Federal income tax purposes. Each unit holder is
considered to be the owner of a pro rata portion of the Trust and,
accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes.
Expenses of the Trust -
The Trust pays a fee for Trustee services which is based on $1.05 and $.55 per
$1,000 principal amount of Bonds for those portions of the Trust under the
monthly and semi-annual distribution plans, respectively. Prior to September
1, 1995, the Trustee was United States Trust Company of New York; effective
September 1, 1995, The Chase Manhattan Bank succeeded United States Trust
Company of New York as Trustee. Additionally, a fee of $1,761 annually is
payable to the Evaluator and the Trust pays all related expenses of the
Trustee, recurring financial reporting costs and an annual supervisory fee
payable to an affiliate of the Sponsor.
2. Unrealized appreciation and depreciation
An analysis of net unrealized appreciation at February 28, 1998 follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation $180,876
Unrealized depreciation (12,235)
________
$168,641
========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
3. Other information
Cost to investors -
The cost to initial investors of units of the Trust was based on the aggregate
offering price of the bonds on the date of an investor's purchase, plus a
sales charge of 5.5% of the public offering price which is equivalent to
approximately 5.820% of the net amount invested.
Distributions to unit holders -
Distributions of net interest income to unit holders are made monthly or semi-
annually. Such income distributions per unit, on an accrual basis, were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Type of Year ended Year ended
distribution Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
plan 1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Monthly $39.21 41.51 42.05
Semi-annual 39.68 42.08 42.61
</TABLE>
Selected data for a unit of the Trust
outstanding throughout each year -
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
Feb. 28, Feb. 29,
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income $40.73 42.87 44.42
Expenses (1.81) (1.80) (1.75)
____________________________
Investment income - net 38.92 41.07 42.67
Distributions to unit holders:
Investment income - net (39.33) (41.94) (42.41)
Principal from investment transactions (14.75) (22.07) (15.06)
Net gain (loss) on investments (6.58) (13.04) 12.48
____________________________
Total increase (decrease) in net assets (21.74) (35.98) (2.32)
Net assets:
Beginning of the year 612.33 648.31 650.63
____________________________
End of the year $590.59 612.33 648.31
============================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
THE FIRST TRUST ADVANTAGE
KANSAS TRUST, SERIES 4
PART ONE
Must be Accompanied by Part Two and Part Three
____________________
P R O S P E C T U S
____________________
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is not
lawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction.
This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement and exhibits relating thereto, which the Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and to which
reference is hereby made.
The First Trust(registered trademark) Combined Series
PROSPECTUS NOTE: THIS PART TWO PROSPECTUS MAY
Part Two ONLY BE USED WITH PART ONE
Dated May 29, 1998 AND PART THREE
IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL, INTEREST INCOME TO THE TRUSTS AND TO THE UNIT
HOLDERS, WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, IS EXEMPT UNDER EXISTING LAW FROM ALL
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES. IN ADDITION, THE INTEREST INCOME TO THE TRUSTS IS,
IN THE OPINION OF SPECIAL COUNSEL, EXEMPT TO THE EXTENT INDICATED FROM
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES WHEN HELD BY RESIDENTS OF THE STATE IN WHICH THE
ISSUERS OF THE BONDS IN SUCH TRUSTS ARE LOCATED. CAPITAL GAINS, IF ANY,
ARE SUBJECT TO TAX.
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES (the "Fund") consists of underlying
separate unit investment trusts (the "Trusts"). The various trusts are
collectively referred to herein as the "Trusts" while all Trusts that
are not designated as "The First Trust Advantage" are sometimes
collectively referred to herein as the "Insured Trusts" and a Trust with
the name designation of "The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds,
Discount Trust" or "The First Trust Advantage: Discount Trust" is
sometimes referred to herein as a "Discount Trust." Each Trust consists
of a portfolio of interest-bearing obligations, issued by or on behalf
of states and territories of the United States, and political
subdivisions and authorities thereof, the interest on which is, in the
opinion of recognized bond counsel to the issuing governmental
authorities, exempt from all Federal income taxes under existing law
although interest on certain Bonds in certain Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas,
Maine, Mississippi and Nebraska Trusts will be a preference item for
purposes of the Alternative Minimum Tax. In addition, the interest
income of each Trust is, in the opinion of Special Counsel, exempt to
the extent indicated from state and local income taxes when held by
residents of the state in which the issuers of the Bonds in such Trust
are located. The securities in a Discount Trust are acquired at prices
which result in a Discount Trust portfolio, as a whole, being purchased
at a deep discount from the aggregate par value of such Securities
although a substantial portion of the Securities in a Discount Trust
portfolio may be acquired at a premium over the par value of such
Securities. All of the Bonds in an Intermediate Trust mature within 8 to
12 years of the Initial Date of Deposit. All of the Bonds in a Short
Intermediate Trust mature within 3 to 6 years of the Initial Date of
Deposit. All of the Bonds in a Long Intermediate Trust mature within 10
to 15 years of the Initial Date of Deposit. The portfolio for each
Trust, essential information based thereon and financial statements,
including a report of independent auditors relating to the series of the
Fund offered hereby, are contained in Part One to which reference should
be made for such information.
INSURANCE GUARANTEEING THE SCHEDULED PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST
ON ALL BONDS IN THE PORTFOLIO OF EACH INSURED TRUST HAS BEEN OBTAINED
FROM FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE COMPANY AND/OR AMBAC INDEMNITY
CORPORATION BY THE INSURED TRUSTS OR WAS DIRECTLY OBTAINED BY THE BOND
ISSUER, THE UNDERWRITERS, THE SPONSOR OR OTHERS PRIOR TO THE INITIAL
DATE OF DEPOSIT FROM FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE COMPANY, AMBAC
INDEMNITY CORPORATION, OR OTHER INSURERS (THE "PREINSURED BONDS").
INSURANCE OBTAINED BY AN INSURED TRUST APPLIES ONLY WHILE BONDS ARE
RETAINED IN SUCH TRUST, WHILE INSURANCE ON PREINSURED BONDS IS EFFECTIVE
SO LONG AS SUCH BONDS ARE OUTSTANDING. PURSUANT TO AN IRREVOCABLE
COMMITMENT OF FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE COMPANY, AND/OR AMBAC
INDEMNITY CORPORATION IN THE EVENT OF A SALE OF A BOND INSURED UNDER AN
INSURANCE POLICY OBTAINED BY AN INSURED TRUST, THE TRUSTEE HAS THE RIGHT
TO OBTAIN PERMANENT INSURANCE FOR SUCH BOND UPON THE PAYMENT OF A SINGLE
PREDETERMINED INSURANCE PREMIUM FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF SUCH
BOND. THE INSURANCE, IN EITHER CASE, RELATES ONLY TO THE BONDS IN THE
INSURED TRUSTS AND NOT TO THE UNITS OFFERED HEREBY. AS A RESULT OF SUCH
INSURANCE, THE UNITS OF EACH INSURED TRUST HAVE RECEIVED A RATING OF
"AAA" BY STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP, A DIVISION OF MCGRAW-HILL,
INC. ("STANDARD & POOR'S"). SEE "WHY AND HOW ARE THE INSURED TRUSTS
INSURED?" ON PAGE 10. NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE AS TO ANY INSURER'S
ABILITY TO MEET ITS COMMITMENTS.
ALL PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Page 1
For convenience the Prospectus is divided into sections which give
general information about the Fund and specific information such as the
public offering price, distributions and tax status for each Trust.
The Objectives of the Fund are conservation of capital through
investment in portfolios of tax-exempt bonds and income exempt from
Federal and applicable state and local income taxes although interest on
certain Bonds in certain Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi and
Nebraska Trusts will be a preference item for purposes of the Federal
Alternative Minimum Tax. ACCORDINGLY, CERTAIN ARKANSAS, IDAHO, KANSAS,
MAINE, MISSISSIPPI AND NEBRASKA TRUSTS MAY BE APPROPRIATE ONLY FOR
INVESTORS WHO ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX. CERTAIN
BONDS IN THE OKLAHOMA TRUSTS ARE SUBJECT TO OKLAHOMA STATE INCOME TAXES.
The payment of interest and the preservation of principal are, of
course, dependent upon the continuing ability of the issuers, obligors
and/or insurers to meet their respective obligations.
Distributions to Unit holders may be reinvested as described herein. See
"Rights of Unit Holders-How Can Distributions to Unit Holders be
Reinvested?"
The Sponsor, although not obligated to do so, intends to maintain a
market for the Units at prices based upon the aggregate bid price of the
Bonds in the portfolio of each Trust. In the absence of such a market, a
Unit holder will nonetheless be able to dispose of the Units through
redemption at prices based upon the bid prices of the underlying Bonds.
See "Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units be Redeemed?" With respect to
each Insured Trust, neither the bid nor offering prices of the
underlying Bonds or of the Units, absent situations in which Bonds are
in default in payment of principal or interest or in significant risk of
such default, include value attributable to the portfolio insurance
obtained by such Trust. See "Why and How are the Insured Trusts Insured?"
Page 2
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES
What is The First Trust Combined Series?
The First Trust Combined Series (the "Fund") is one of a series of
investment companies created by the Sponsor under the name of The First
Trust Combined Series, all of which are generally similar but each of
which is separate and is designated by a different series number. This
Series consists of underlying separate unit investment trusts (such
Trusts being collectively referred to herein as the "Fund"). Each Series
was created under the laws of the State of New York pursuant to a Trust
Agreement (the "Indenture"), dated the Initial Date of Deposit, with
Nike Securities L.P., as Sponsor, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee,
Securities Evaluation Service, Inc., as Evaluator and First Trust
Advisors L.P., as Portfolio Supervisor. Only Units of a National Trust
may be offered for sale to residents of the State of Illinois. Only
Units of an Indiana Trust and/or a National Trust may be offered for
sale to residents of the State of Indiana. Only Units of a Virginia
Trust and/or a National Trust may be offered for sale to residents of
the State of Virginia. Only Units of a Washington Trust and/or a
National Trust may be offered for sale to residents of Washington. On
the Initial Date of Deposit, the Sponsor deposited with the Trustee
interest-bearing obligations, including delivery statements relating to
contracts for the purchase of certain such obligations and irrevocable
letters of credit issued by a financial institution in the amounts
required for such purchases (the "Bonds"). The Trustee thereafter
credited the account of the Sponsor for Units of each Trust representing
the entire ownership of the Fund which Units are being offered hereby.
The objectives of the Fund are Federal tax-exempt income and state and
local tax-exempt income and conservation of capital through investment
in portfolios of interest-bearing obligations issued by or on behalf of
the state for which such Trust is named (collectively, the "State
Trusts"), and counties, municipalities, authorities and political
subdivisions thereof, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other
territories or municipalities of the United States, or authorities or
political subdivisions thereof, the interest on which obligations is, in
the opinion of recognized bond counsel to the issuing governmental
authorities, exempt from all Federal income tax and, where applicable,
state and local taxes under existing law although interest on certain
Bonds in certain Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi and
Nebraska Trusts will be a preference item for purposes of the
Alternative Minimum Tax and certain Bonds in the Oklahoma Trusts are
subject to Oklahoma State Income Taxes. The current market value of
certain of the obligations in a Discount Trust were significantly below
face value when the obligations were acquired by such Trust. The prices
at which the obligations are acquired result in a Discount Trust's
portfolio, as a whole, being purchased at a deep discount from the
aggregate par value of such Securities although a substantial portion of
the Securities in a Discount Trust portfolio may be acquired at a
premium over the par value of such Securities. Insurance guaranteeing
the scheduled payment of all principal and interest on Bonds in the
Trusts with the name designation of "The First Trust of Insured
Municipal Bonds," "The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-
Intermediate" or "The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-Multi-
State" (the "Insured Trusts") has been obtained by such Trusts from
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company ("Financial Guaranty") and/or AMBAC
Indemnity Corporation ("AMBAC Indemnity") or was obtained directly by
the Bond issuer, the underwriters, the Sponsor or others prior to the
Initial Date of Deposit from Financial Guaranty, AMBAC Indemnity, or
other insurers (the "Preinsured Bonds"). NO PORTFOLIO INSURANCE POLICY
HAS BEEN OBTAINED BY THE TRUSTS WITH THE NAME DESIGNATION OF "THE FIRST
TRUST ADVANTAGE" (THE "ADVANTAGE TRUSTS"). The portfolio insurance
obtained by the Insured Trusts is effective only while the Bonds thus
insured are held in such Trusts, while insurance on Preinsured Bonds is
effective so long as such Bonds are outstanding. See "Why and How are
the Insured Trusts Insured?" THERE IS, OF COURSE, NO GUARANTEE THAT THE
FUND'S OBJECTIVES WILL BE ACHIEVED. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND SHOULD BE
MADE WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE RISKS WHICH AN INVESTMENT IN FIXED
RATE LONG-TERM DEBT OBLIGATIONS MAY ENTAIL, INCLUDING THE RISK THAT THE
VALUE OF THE UNITS WILL DECLINE WITH INCREASES IN INTEREST RATES.
Neither the Public Offering Price of the Units of an Insured Trust nor
any evaluation of such Units for purposes of repurchases or redemptions
reflects any element of value for the insurance obtained by such Trust
unless Bonds are in default in payment of principal or interest or in
significant risk of such default. See "Public Offering-How is the Public
Offering Price Determined?" On the other hand, the value of insurance
Page 3
obtained by the Bond issuer, the Sponsor or others is reflected and
included in the market value of such Bonds.
Insurance obtained by an Insured Trust or by the Bond issuer, the
Sponsor or others is not a substitute for the basic credit of an issuer,
but supplements the existing credit and provides additional security
therefor. If an issue is accepted for insurance, a noncancelable policy
for the scheduled payment of interest and principal on the Bonds is
issued by the insurer. A single premium is paid by the Bond issuer, the
underwriters, the Sponsor or others for Preinsured Bonds and a monthly
premium is paid by each Insured Trust for the insurance obtained by such
Trust except for Bonds in such Trust which are insured by the Bond
issuer, the underwriters, the Sponsor or others in which case no
premiums for insurance are paid by such Trust. Upon the sale of a Bond
insured under the insurance policy obtained by an Insured Trust, the
Trustee has the right to obtain permanent insurance from Financial
Guaranty and/or AMBAC Indemnity with respect to such Bond upon the
payment of a single predetermined insurance premium from the proceeds of
the sale of such Bond. Accordingly, any Bond in an Insured Trust of the
Fund is eligible to be sold on an insured basis. Standard & Poor's and
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. have rated the claims-paying ability of
Financial Guaranty and AMBAC Indemnity "AAA" and "Aaa," respectively.
See "Why and How are the Insured Trusts Insured?"
In selecting Bonds, the following facts, among others, were considered:
(i) the Standard & Poor's rating or Fitch Investors Service, Inc.'s
rating of the Bonds was in no case less than "BBB" in the case of an
Insured Trust (or an Arkansas, Kansas or Maine Advantage Trust) and "A-"
in the case of other Advantage Trusts, or the Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. rating of the Bonds was in no case less than "Baa" in the case of
an Insured Trust (or an Arkansas, Kansas or Maine Advantage Trust) and
"A" in the case of other Advantage Trusts, including provisional or
conditional ratings, respectively, or, if not rated, the Bonds had, in
the opinion of the Sponsor, credit characteristics sufficiently similar
to the credit characteristics of interest-bearing tax-exempt obligations
that were so rated as to be acceptable for acquisition by the Fund (see
"Description of Bond Ratings"); (ii) the prices of the Bonds relative to
other bonds of comparable quality and maturity; (iii) with respect to
the Insured Trusts, the availability and cost of insurance of the
principal and interest on the Bonds and (iv) the diversification of
Bonds as to purpose of issue and location of issuer. Subsequent to the
Initial Date of Deposit, a Bond may cease to be rated or its rating may
be reduced below the minimum required as of the Initial Date of Deposit.
Neither event requires elimination of such Bond from the portfolio, but
may be considered in the Sponsor's determination as to whether or not to
direct the Trustee to dispose of the Bond. See "Rights of Unit Holders-
How May Bonds be Removed from the Fund?" The Portfolio appearing in Part
One contains Bond ratings, when available, for the Bonds listed at the
date shown.
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may have been acquired at a market
discount from par value at maturity. The coupon interest rates on the
discount bonds at the time they were purchased and deposited in the
Trust were lower than the current market interest rates for newly issued
bonds of comparable rating and type. The market discount of previously
issued bonds will increase when interest rates for newly issued
comparable bonds increase and decrease when such interest rates fall,
other things being equal. A discount bond held to maturity will have a
larger portion of its total return in the form of taxable income and
capital gain and less in the form of tax-exempt interest income than a
comparable bond newly issued at current market rates. See "What is the
Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?" appearing in Part Three for each
Trust.
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may be original issue discount bonds.
Under current law, the original issue discount, which is the difference
between the stated redemption price at maturity and the issue price of
the Bonds, is deemed to accrue on a daily basis and the accrued portion
is treated as tax-exempt interest income for Federal income tax
purposes. On sale or redemption, any gain realized that is in excess of
the earned portion of original issue discount will be taxable as capital
gain unless the gain is attributable to market discount in which case
the accretion of market discount is taxable as ordinary income. See
"What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?" appearing in Part
Three for each Trust. The current value of an original discount bond
reflects the present value of its stated redemption price at maturity.
The market value tends to increase in greater increments as the Bonds
approach maturity.
Certain of the original issue discount bonds may be Zero Coupon Bonds
(including bonds known as multiplier bonds, money multiplier bonds,
Page 4
capital appreciation bonds, capital accumulator bonds, compound interest
bonds and money discount maturity payment bonds). Zero Coupon Bonds do
not provide for the payment of any current interest and generally
provide for payment at maturity at face value unless sooner sold or
redeemed. Zero Coupon bond features include (1) not paying interest on a
semi-annual basis and (2) providing for the reinvestment of the bond's
semi-annual earnings at the bond's stated yield to maturity. While Zero
Coupon Bonds are frequently marketed on the basis that their fixed rate
of return minimizes reinvestment risk, this benefit can be negated in
large part by weak call protection.
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may have been acquired at a market
premium from par value at maturity. The coupon interest rates on the
premium bonds at the time they were purchased and deposited in the
Trusts were higher than the current market interest rates for newly
issued bonds of comparable rating and type. The current returns of bonds
trading at a market premium are initially higher than the current
returns of comparable bonds of a similar type issued at currently
prevailing interest rates because premium bonds tend to decrease in
market value as they approach maturity when the face amount becomes
payable. Because part of the purchase price is thus returned not at
maturity but through current income payments, early redemption of a
premium bond at par or early prepayments of principal will result in a
reduction in yield. Redemptions are more likely to occur at times when
the Bonds have an offering side valuation which represents a premium
over par, or for original issue discount Bonds, a premium over the
accreted value. To the extent that the Bonds were deposited in the Fund
at a price higher than the price at which they are redeemed, this will
represent a loss of capital when compared to the original Public
Offering Price of the Units. Because premium bonds generally pay a
higher rate of interest than bonds priced at or below par, the effect of
the redemption of premium bonds would be to reduce Estimated Net Annual
Unit Income by a greater percentage than the par amount of such bonds
bears to the total par amount of Bonds in the Trust. Although the actual
impact of any such redemptions that may occur will depend upon the
specific Bonds that are redeemed, it can be anticipated that the
Estimated Net Annual Unit Income will be significantly reduced after the
dates on which such Bonds are eligible for redemption. The Trust may be
required to sell Zero Coupon Bonds prior to maturity (at their current
market price which is likely to be less than their par value) in order
to pay expenses of the Trust or in case the Trust is terminated. See
"Rights of Unit Holders-How May Bonds be Removed from the Fund?" and
"Other Information-How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated?"
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may be general obligations of a
governmental entity that are backed by the taxing power of such entity.
All other Bonds in the Trusts are revenue bonds payable from the income
of a specific project or authority and are not supported by the issuer's
power to levy taxes. General obligation bonds are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. Revenue bonds, on the other hand, are payable
only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of
facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax
or other specific revenue source. There are, of course, variations in
the security of the different Bonds in the Fund, both within a
particular classification and between classifications, depending on
numerous factors.
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may be healthcare revenue bonds.
Healthcare revenue bonds are obligations of issuers whose revenues are
primarily derived from services provided by hospitals or other
healthcare facilities, including nursing homes. A healthcare issuer's
ability to make debt service payments on these obligations is dependent
on various factors, including occupancy levels of the facility, demand,
government regulations, wages of employees, overhead expenses,
competition from other similar providers, malpractice insurance costs
and the degree of governmental competition from other similar providers,
malpractice insurance costs and the degree of governmental financial
assistance, including Medicare and Medicaid and other similar third-
party payer programs.
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may be housing revenue bonds. Housing
revenue bonds are obligations of issuers whose revenues are primarily
derived from mortgage loans on single family residences or housing
projects for low to moderate income families. Housing revenue bonds are
generally payable at any time and therefore their average life will
ordinarily be less than their stated maturities. The ability of such
issuers to make debt service payments on these obligations is dependent
on various factors, including occupancy levels, rental income, mortgage
default rates, taxes, operating expenses, governmental regulations and
the appropriation of subsidies.
Page 5
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may be obligations of issuers whose
revenues are derived from the sale of water and/or sewerage services.
Water and sewerage bonds are generally payable from user fees. Problems
faced by such issuers include the ability to obtain timely and adequate
rate increases, population decline resulting in decreased user fees, the
difficulty of financing large construction programs, the limitations on
operations and increased costs and delays attributable to environmental
considerations, the increasing difficulty of obtaining or discovering
new supplies of fresh water, the effect of conservation programs and the
impact of "no-growth" zoning ordinances.
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may be obligations of issuers whose
revenues are primarily derived from the sale of electric energy.
Utilities are generally subject to extensive regulation by state utility
commissions which, among other things, establish the rates which may be
charged and the appropriate rate of return. The problems faced by such
issuers include the difficulty in obtaining approval for timely and
adequate rate increases from the governing public utility commission,
the difficulty in financing large construction programs, increased
federal, state and municipal government regulations, the limitations on
operations and increased costs and delays attributable to environmental
considerations, increased competition, recent reductions in estimates of
future demand for electricity in certain areas of the country, the
difficulty of the capital market in absorbing utility debt, the
difficulty in obtaining fuel at reasonable prices and the effect of
energy conservation.
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may be lease obligations issued
primarily by governmental authorities that have no taxing power or other
means of directly raising revenues. Rather, the governmental authorities
are financing vehicles created solely for the construction of buildings
(i.e., schools, administrative offices, convention centers and prisons)
or the purchase of equipment (i.e., police cars and computer systems)
that will be used by a state or local government (the "lessee"). These
obligations are subject to the ability and willingness of the lessee
government to meet its lease rental payments which include debt service
on the obligations. Lease obligations are subject, in almost all cases,
to annual appropriation risk, i.e., the lessee government is not legally
obligated to budget and appropriate for the rental payments beyond the
current fiscal year, or construction and abatement risk-rental
obligations cease in the event that delays in building, damage,
destruction or condemnation of the project prevents its use by the
lessee.
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may be industrial revenue bonds
("IRBs"), tax-exempt securities issued by states, municipalities, public
authorities or similar entities to finance the cost of acquiring,
constructing or improving various industrial projects. Debt service
payments on IRBs are dependent on various factors, including the
creditworthiness of the corporate operator of the project and, if
applicable, corporate guarantor, revenues generated from the project
and, if applicable, corporate guarantor, revenues generated from the
project and regulatory and environmental restrictions.
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may be obligations which are payable
from and secured by revenues derived from the ownership and operation of
facilities such as airports, bridges, turnpikes, port authorities,
convention centers and arenas. The ability of issuers to make debt
service payments on airport obligations is dependent on the capability
of airlines to meet their obligations under use agreements. Due to
increased competition, deregulation, increased fuel costs and other
factors, many airlines may have difficulty meeting their obligations
under these use agreements. Similarly, payment on Bonds related to other
facilities is dependent on revenues from the projects, such as user fees
from ports, tolls on turnpikes and bridges and rents from buildings.
Therefore, payment may be adversely affected by reduction in revenues
due to such factors as increased cost of maintenance, decreased use of a
facility, lower cost of alternative modes of transportation, scarcity of
fuel and reduction or loss of rents.
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may be obligations of issuers which
govern the operation of schools, colleges and universities and whose
revenues are derived mainly from ad valorem taxes. General problems
relating to college and university obligations would include the
prospect of a declining percentage of the population consisting of
"college" age individuals, possible inability to raise tuitions and fees
sufficiently to cover increased operating costs, the uncertainty of
continued receipt of Federal grants and state funding and new government
legislation or regulations which may adversely affect the revenues or
costs of such issuers.
Certain of the Bonds in the Trusts may be obligations which are payable
from and secured by revenues derived from the operation of resource
recovery facilities. Resource recovery facilities are designed to
Page 6
process solid waste, generate steam and convert steam to electricity.
Resource recovery bonds may be subject to extraordinary optional
redemption at par upon the occurrence of certain circumstances,
including but not limited to: destruction or condemnation of a project;
contracts relating to a project becoming void, unenforceable or
impossible to perform; changes in the economic availability of raw
materials, operating supplies or facilities necessary for the operation
of a project or technological or other unavoidable changes adversely
affecting the operation of a project; administrative or judicial actions
which render contracts relating to the projects void, unenforceable or
impossible to perform; or impose unreasonable burdens or excessive
liabilities.
Certain Trusts may contain Bonds of issuers located in the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico or issuers which will be affected by general economic
conditions of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico's unemployment rate remains
significantly higher than the U.S. unemployment rate. Furthermore, the
economy is largely dependent for its development upon U.S. policies and
programs that are being reviewed and may be eliminated.
The economy of Puerto Rico is closely integrated with that of the
mainland United States. During fiscal 1996 approximately 88% of Puerto
Rico's exports were to the U.S. mainland, which was also the source of
approximately 62% of Puerto Rico's imports. The economy of Puerto Rico
is dominated by the manufacturing and service sectors. The manufacturing
sector has experienced fundamental changes over the years as a result of
increased emphasis on higher wage, high technology industries such as
pharmaceuticals, electronics, computers, microprocessors, professional
and scientific instruments, and certain high technology machinery and
equipment. The service sector, including finance, insurance and real
estate, also plays a major role in the economy. It ranks second only to
manufacturing in contribution to the gross domestic product and leads
all sectors in providing employment. In recent years, the service sector
has experienced significant growth in response to the expansion of the
manufacturing sector.
The Puerto Rican economy is affected by a number of Commonwealth and
federal investment incentive programs. Aid for Puerto Rico's economy has
traditionally depended heavily on federal programs, and current federal
budgetary policies suggest that an expansion of aid to Puerto Rico is
unlikely. An adverse effect on the Puerto Rican economy could result
from other U.S. policies, including further reduction in transfer
payment programs such as food stamps, curtailment of military spending
and policies which could lead to a stronger dollar. One of the factors
assisting the development of the Puerto Rican economy has been the tax
incentives offered by the federal and Puerto Rico governments.
Puerto Rico's future will be determined by the leadership and
initiatives of both the private and public sector to compensate for the
loss of the federal tax credit under Section 936 of the U.S. tax code.
This important credit which enabled companies to repatriate profits at a
40-60% reduction in federal taxes was terminated as of July 1996.
Existing U.S. companies operating in Puerto Rico were given a ten year
grace period, but new U.S. manufacturing companies coming to Puerto Rico
will have to pay U.S. deferral taxes when repatriating their profits to
the mainland.
The foregoing information constitutes only a brief summary of some of
the financial difficulties which may impact certain issuers of Bonds and
does not purport to be a complete or exhaustive description of all
adverse conditions to which the issuers of the Bonds are subject.
Additionally, many factors including national economic, social and
environmental policies and conditions, which are not within the control
of the issuers of Bonds, could affect or could have an adverse impact on
the financial condition of Puerto Rico and various agencies and
political subdivisions located in Puerto Rico. The Sponsor is unable to
predict whether or to what extent such factors or other factors may
affect the issuers of Bonds, the market value or marketability of the
Bonds or the ability of the respective issuers of the Bonds acquired by
the Trusts to pay interest on or principal of the Bonds.
Interest on certain of the Bonds in certain Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas,
Maine, Mississippi and Nebraska Trusts will be an item of tax preference
for purposes of the Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT"). The investment by
non-AMT individual taxpayers in AMT municipal bonds generally results in
a higher yield to such bondholders than non-AMT municipal bonds. Since a
portion of the interest from certain Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maine,
Mississippi and Nebraska Trusts is an AMT preference item, certain
Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi and Nebraska Trusts may be
more appropriate for investors who are not subject to AMT.
Investors should be aware that many of the Bonds in the Trusts are
subject to continuing requirements such as the actual use of Bond
Page 7
proceeds or manner of operation of the project financed from Bond
proceeds that may affect the exemption of interest on such Bonds from
Federal income taxation. Although at the time of issuance of each of the
Bonds in the Trusts an opinion of bond counsel was rendered as to the
exemption of interest on such obligations from Federal income taxation,
there can be no assurance that the respective issuers or other obligors
on such obligations will fulfill the various continuing requirements
established upon issuance of the Bonds. A failure to comply with such
requirements may cause a determination that interest on such obligations
is subject to Federal income taxation, perhaps even retroactively from
the date of issuance of such Bonds, thereby reducing the value of the
Bonds and subjecting Unit holders to unanticipated tax liabilities.
Because certain of the Bonds may from time to time under certain
circumstances be sold or redeemed or will mature in accordance with
their terms and because the proceeds from such events will be
distributed to Unit holders and will not be reinvested, no assurance can
be given that a Trust will retain for any length of time its present
size and composition. Neither the Sponsor nor the Trustee shall be
liable in any way for any default, failure or defect in any Bond.
Certain of the Bonds contained in the Trusts may be subject to being
called or redeemed in whole or in part prior to their stated maturities
pursuant to optional redemption provisions, sinking fund provisions,
special or extraordinary redemption provisions or otherwise. A bond
subject to optional call is one which is subject to redemption or
refunding prior to maturity at the option of the issuer. A bond subject
to sinking fund redemption is one which is subject to partial call from
time to time at par or, in the case of a zero coupon bond, at the
accreted value from a fund accumulated for the scheduled retirement of a
portion of an issue prior to maturity. Special or extraordinary
redemption provisions may provide for redemption at par (or for original
issue discount bonds at issue price plus the amount of original issue
discount accreted to redemption date plus, if applicable, some premium)
of all or a portion of an issue upon the occurrence of certain
circumstances. The exercise of redemption or call provisions will
(except to the extent the proceeds of the called Bonds are used to pay
for Unit redemptions) result in the distribution of principal and may
result in a reduction in the amount of subsequent interest
distributions; it may also affect the long-term return and the current
return on Units of each Trust. Redemption pursuant to call provisions is
more likely to occur, and redemption pursuant to sinking fund provisions
may occur, when the Bonds have an offering side valuation which
represents a premium over par or for original issue discount bonds a
premium over the accreted value. Unit holders may recognize capital gain
or loss upon any redemption or call.
Like other investment companies, financial and business organizations
and individuals around the world, the Fund could be adversely affected
if the computer systems used by the Sponsor, Evaluator, Portfolio
Supervisor or Trustee or other service providers to the Fund do not
properly process and calculate date-related information and data
involving dates of January 1, 2000 and thereafter. This is commonly
known as the "Year 2000 Problem." The Sponsor, Evaluator, Portfolio
Supervisor and Trustee are taking steps that they believe are reasonably
designed to address the Year 2000 Problem with respect to computer
systems that they use and to obtain reasonable assurances that
comparable steps are being taken by the Fund's other service providers.
At this time, however, there can be no assurance that these steps will
be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact to the Fund. The Sponsor is
unable to predict what impact, if any, the Year 2000 Problem will have
on issuers of the Bonds contained in the Fund.
To the best knowledge of the Sponsor, there is no litigation pending as
of the date hereof in respect of any Bonds which might reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect upon the Trusts. At any time
after the date hereof, litigation may be initiated on a variety of
grounds with respect to Bonds in a Trust. Such litigation, as for
example suits challenging the issuance of pollution control revenue
bonds under recently-enacted environmental protection statutes, may
affect the validity of such Bonds or the tax-free nature of the interest
thereon. While the outcome of litigation of such nature can never be
entirely predicted, the Fund has received opinions of bond counsel to
the issuing authority of each Bond on the date of issuance to the effect
that such Bonds have been validly issued and that the interest thereon
is exempt from Federal income taxes and state and local taxes. In
addition, other factors may arise from time to time which potentially
may impair the ability of issuers to meet obligations undertaken with
respect to the Bonds.
Page 8
What are Estimated Long-Term Return and Estimated Current Return?
At the date of this Prospectus, the Estimated Current Return and the
Estimated Long-Term Return, under the monthly, quarterly (if applicable)
and semi-annual (if applicable) distribution plans, are as set forth in
Part One attached hereto for each Trust. Estimated Current Return is
computed by dividing the Estimated Net Annual Interest Income per Unit
by the Public Offering Price. Any change in either amount will result in
a change in the Estimated Current Return. For each Trust, the Public
Offering Price will vary in accordance with fluctuations in the prices
of the underlying Bonds and the Net Annual Interest Income per Unit will
change as Bonds are redeemed, paid, sold or exchanged in certain
refundings or as the expenses of each Trust change. Therefore, there is
no assurance that the Estimated Current Return indicated in Part One for
each Trust will be realized in the future. Estimated Long-Term Return is
calculated using a formula which (1) takes into consideration and
determines and factors in the relative weightings of the market values,
yields (which take into account the amortization of premiums and the
accretion of discounts) and estimated retirements of all of the Bonds in
the Trust and (2) takes into account a compounding factor, the expenses
and sales charge associated with each Unit of a Trust. Since the market
values and estimated retirements of the Bonds and the expenses of the
Trust will change, there is no assurance that the Estimated Long-Term
Return indicated in Part One for each Trust will be realized in the
future. Estimated Current Return and Estimated Long-Term Return are
expected to differ because the calculation of Estimated Long-Term Return
reflects the estimated date and amount of principal returned while
Estimated Current Return calculations include only Net Annual Interest
Income and Public Offering Price. Neither rate reflects the true return
to Unit holders, which is lower, because neither includes the effect of
certain delays in distributions to Unit holders.
A comparison of tax-free and equivalent taxable estimated current
returns and estimated long-term returns with the returns on various
taxable investments is one element to consider in making an investment
decision. The Sponsor may from time to time in its advertising and sales
materials compare the then current estimated returns on the Trust and
returns over specified periods on other similar Trusts sponsored by Nike
Securities L.P. with returns on taxable investments such as corporate or
U.S. Government bonds, bank CDs and money market accounts or money
market funds, each of which has investment characteristics that may
differ from those of the Trust.
How are Purchased Interest and Accrued Interest Treated?
Purchased Interest. For The First Trust Combined Series 198-208, each
Trust contains an amount of Purchased Interest. Purchased Interest is a
portion of the unpaid interest that has accrued on the Bonds from the
later of the last payment date on the Bonds or the date of issuance
thereof through the First Settlement Date and is included in the
calculation of the Public Offering Price. Purchased Interest will be
distributed to Unit holders as Units are redeemed or Securities are
sold, mature or are called. See "Summary of Essential Information"
appearing in Part One for each Trust for the amount of Purchased
Interest per Unit for each Trust. Purchased Interest is an element of
the determination of the price Unit holders will receive in connection
with the sale or redemption of Units prior to the termination of the
Trust.
Accrued Interest. Accrued interest is the accumulation of unpaid
interest on a bond from the last day on which interest thereon was paid.
Interest on Bonds generally is paid semi-annually, although each Trust
accrues such interest daily. Because of this, a Trust always has an
amount of interest earned but not yet collected by the Trustee. For this
reason, with respect to sales settling subsequent to the First
Settlement Date, the Public Offering Price of Units will have added to
it the proportionate share of accrued interest to the date of
settlement. Unit holders will receive on the next distribution date of
the Trust the amount, if any, of accrued interest paid on their Units.
For The First Trust Combined Series 1-197, except through an advancement
of its own funds, the Trustee has no cash for distribution to Unit
holders until it receives interest payments on the Bonds in a Trust. The
Trustee will recover its advancements without interest or other costs to
such Trust from interest received on the Bonds in the Trust. When these
advancements have been recovered, regular distributions of interest to
Unit holders will commence. See "Rights of Unit Holders-How are Interest
and Principal Distributed?" Interest account balances are established
with generally positive cash balances so that it will not be necessary
on a regular basis for the Trustee to advance its own funds in
connection with interest distributions.
Page 9
For The First Trust Combined Series 198-208, in an effort to reduce the
amount of Purchased Interest which would otherwise have to be paid by
Unit holders, the Trustee may advance a portion of the accrued interest
to the Sponsor as the Unit holder of record as of the First Settlement
Date. Consequently, the amount of accrued interest to be added to the
Public Offering Price of Units will include only accrued interest from
the First Settlement Date to the date of settlement (other than the
Purchased Interest already included therein), less any distributions
from the Interest Account subsequent to the First Settlement Date. See
"Rights of Unit Holders-How are Interest and Principal Distributed?"
For The First Trust Combined Series 209 and subsequent Series, in an
effort to reduce the amount of accrued interest which would otherwise
have to be paid in addition to the Public Offering Price in the sale of
Units to the public, the Trustee will advance the amount of accrued
interest as of the First Settlement Date and the same will be
distributed to the Sponsor as the Unit holder of record as of the First
Settlement Date. Consequently, the amount of accrued interest to be
added to the Public Offering Price of Units will include only accrued
interest from the First Settlement Date to the date of settlement, less
any distributions from the Interest Account subsequent to the First
Settlement Date. See "Rights of Unit Holders-How are Interest and
Principal Distributed?"
Because of the varying interest payment dates of the Bonds, accrued
interest at any point in time will be greater than the amount of
interest actually received by a Trust and distributed to Unit holders.
If a Unit holder sells or redeems all or a portion of his Units, he will
be entitled to receive his proportionate share of the Purchased Interest
(if any) and accrued interest from the purchaser of his Units. Since the
Trustee has the use of the funds (including Purchased Interest, if any)
held in the Interest Account for distributions to Unit holders and since
such Account is non-interest-bearing to Unit holders, the Trustee
benefits thereby.
Why and How are the Insured Trusts Insured?
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS APPLICABLE ONLY TO THE INSURED TRUSTS. THE
BONDS IN THE PORTFOLIO OF AN ADVANTAGE TRUST ARE NOT INSURED BY
INSURANCE OBTAINED BY THE FUND.
All Bonds in the portfolio of an Insured Trust are insured as to the
scheduled payment of interest and principal by policies obtained by each
Insured Trust from Financial Guaranty Insurance Company ("Financial
Guaranty" or "FGIC"), a New York stock insurance company, or AMBAC
Indemnity Corporation ("AMBAC Indemnity" or "AMBAC"), a Wisconsin-
domiciled stock insurance company, or obtained by the Bond issuer, the
underwriters, the Sponsor or others prior to the Initial Date of Deposit
directly from Financial Guaranty, AMBAC Indemnity or other insurers (the
"Preinsured Bonds"). The insurance policy obtained by each Insured Trust
is noncancellable and will continue in force for such Trust so long as
such Trust is in existence and the Bonds described in the policy
continue to be held by such Trust (see "Portfolio" for each Insured
Trust). Nonpayment of premiums on the policy obtained by each Insured
Trust will not result in the cancellation of insurance, but will permit
Financial Guaranty and/or AMBAC Indemnity to take action against the
Trustee to recover premium payments due it. Premium rates for each issue
of Bonds protected by the policy obtained by each Insured Trust are
fixed for the life of such Trust. The premium for any Preinsured Bonds
has been paid in advance by the Bond issuer, the underwriters, the
Sponsor or others and any such policy or policies are noncancellable and
will continue in force so long as the Bonds so insured are outstanding
and the insurer and/or insurers thereof remain in business. If the
provider of an original issuance insurance policy is unable to meet its
obligations under such policy, or if the rating assigned to the claims-
paying ability of such insurer deteriorates, Financial Guaranty and/or
AMBAC Indemnity has no obligation to insure any issue adversely affected
by either of the above described events. A monthly premium is paid by
each Insured Trust for the insurance obtained by such Trust, which is
payable from the interest income received by such Trust. In the case of
Preinsured Bonds, no premiums for insurance are paid by the Insured Trust.
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company. Under the provisions of the
aforementioned portfolio insurance issued by Financial Guaranty,
Financial Guaranty unconditionally and irrevocably agrees to pay to
Citibank, N.A., or its successor, as its agent (the "Fiscal Agent"),
that portion of the principal of and interest on the Bonds covered by
the policy which shall become due for payment but shall be unpaid by
reason of nonpayment by the issuer of the Bonds. The term "due for
payment" means, when referring to the principal of a Bond, its stated
maturity date or the date on which it shall have been called for
mandatory sinking fund redemption and does not refer to any earlier date
on which payment is due by reason of call for redemption (other than by
Page 10
mandatory sinking fund redemption), acceleration or other advancement of
maturity and means, when referring to interest on a Bond, the stated
date for payment of interest, except that when the interest on a Bond
shall have been determined, as provided in the underlying documentation
relating to such Bond, to be subject to Federal income taxation, "due
for payment" also means, when referring to the principal of such Bond,
the date on which such Bond has been called for mandatory redemption as
a result of such determination of taxability, and when referring to
interest on such Bond, the accrued interest at the rate provided in such
documentation to the date on which such Bond has been called for such
mandatory redemption, together with any applicable redemption premium.
The term "due for payment" will not include, when referring to either
the principal of a Bond or the interest on a Bond, any acceleration of
payment unless such acceleration is at the sole option of Financial
Guaranty.
Financial Guaranty will make such payments to the Fiscal Agent on the
date such principal or interest becomes due for payment or on the
business day next following the day on which Financial Guaranty shall
have received notice of nonpayment, whichever is later. The Fiscal Agent
will disburse to the Trustee the face amount of principal and interest
which is then due for payment but is unpaid by reason of nonpayment by
the issuer but only upon receipt by the Fiscal Agent of (i) evidence of
the Trustee's right to receive payment of the principal or interest due
for payment and (ii) evidence, including any appropriate instruments of
assignment, that all of the rights to payment of such principal or
interest due for payment shall thereupon vest in Financial Guaranty.
Upon such disbursement, Financial Guaranty shall become the owner of the
Bond, appurtenant coupon or right to payment of principal or interest on
such Bond and shall be fully subrogated to all of the Trustee's rights
thereunder, including the right to payment thereof.
Pursuant to an irrevocable commitment of Financial Guaranty, the
Trustee, upon the sale of a Bond covered under a policy obtained by an
Insured Trust has the right to obtain permanent insurance with respect
to such Bond (i.e., insurance to maturity of the Bonds regardless of the
identity of the holder thereof) (the "Permanent Insurance") upon the
payment of a single predetermined insurance premium from the proceeds of
the sale of such Bond. Accordingly, any Bond in an Insured Trust is
eligible to be sold on an insured basis. It is expected that the Trustee
will exercise the right to obtain Permanent Insurance only if upon such
exercise the Insured Trust would receive net proceeds (sale of Bond
proceeds less the insurance premium attributable to the Permanent
Insurance) from such sale in excess of the sale proceeds if such Bonds
were sold on an uninsured basis. The insurance premium with respect to
each Bond eligible for Permanent Insurance is determined based upon the
insurability of each Bond as of the Initial Date of Deposit and will not
be increased or decreased for any change in the creditworthiness of such
Bond.
Financial Guaranty is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FGIC Corporation (the
"Corporation"), a Delaware holding company. The Corporation is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of General Electric Capital Corporation ("GECC").
Neither the Corporation nor GECC is obligated to pay the debts of or the
claims against Financial Guaranty. Financial Guaranty is a monoline
financial guarantee insurer domiciled in the State of New York and is
subject to regulation by the State of New York Insurance Department. As
of December 31, 1997, the total capital and surplus of Financial
Guaranty was approximately $1,225,590,411. Copies of Financial
Guaranty's financial statements, prepared on the basis of statutory
accounting principles, and the Corporation's financial statements,
prepared on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles, may
be obtained by writing to Financial Guaranty at 115 Broadway, New York,
New York 10006, Attention: Communications Department (telephone number
(212) 312-3000) or to the New York State Insurance Department at 25
Beaver Street, New York, New York 10004-2319, Attention: Financial
Condition Property/Casualty Bureau (telephone number (212) 480-5187).
In addition, Financial Guaranty is currently licensed to write insurance
in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.
The information relating to Financial Guaranty contained above has been
furnished by such corporation. The financial information contained
herein with respect to such corporation is unaudited but appears in
reports or other materials filed with state insurance regulatory
authorities and is subject to audit and review by such authorities. No
representation is made herein as to the accuracy or adequacy of such
information or as to the absence of material adverse changes in such
information subsequent to the date thereof.
AMBAC Indemnity Corporation ("AMBAC Indemnity"). The Insurance Policy of
AMBAC Indemnity obtained by an Insured Trust is noncancellable and will
Page 11
continue in force for so long as the Bonds described in the Insurance
Policy are held by an Insured Trust. A monthly premium is paid by an
Insured Trust for the Insurance Policy obtained by it. The Trustee will
pay, when due, successively, the full amount of each installment of the
insurance premium. Pursuant to a binding agreement with AMBAC Indemnity,
in the event of a sale of a Bond covered by the AMBAC Indemnity
Insurance Policy, the Trustee has the right to obtain permanent
insurance for such Bond upon payment of a single predetermined premium
from the proceeds of the sale of such Bond.
Under the terms of the Insurance Policy, AMBAC Indemnity agrees to pay
to the Trustee that portion of the principal of and interest on the
Bonds insured by AMBAC Indemnity which shall become due for payment but
shall be unpaid by reason of nonpayment by the issuer of the Bonds. The
term "due for payment" means, when referring to the principal of a Bond
so insured, its stated maturity date or the date on which it shall have
been called for mandatory sinking fund redemption and does not refer to
any earlier date on which payment is due by reason of call for
redemption (other than by mandatory sinking fund redemption),
acceleration or other advancement of maturity and means, when referring
to interest on a Bond, the stated date for payment of interest.
AMBAC Indemnity will make payment to the Trustee not later than thirty
days after notice from the Trustee is received by AMBAC Indemnity that a
nonpayment of principal or of interest on a Bond has occurred, but not
earlier than the date on which the Bonds are due for payment. AMBAC
Indemnity will disburse to the Trustee the face amount of principal and
interest which is then due for payment but is unpaid by reason of
nonpayment by the issuer in exchange for delivery of Bonds, not less in
face amount than the amount of the payment in bearer form, free and
clear of all liens and encumbrances and uncancelled. In cases where
Bonds are issuable only in a form whereby principal is payable to
registered holders or their assigns, AMBAC Indemnity shall pay principal
only upon presentation and surrender of the unpaid Bonds uncancelled and
free of any adverse claim, together with an instrument of assignment in
satisfactory form, so as to permit ownership of such Bonds to be
registered in the name of AMBAC Indemnity or its nominee. In cases where
Bonds are issuable only in a form whereby interest is payable to
registered holders or their assigns, AMBAC Indemnity shall pay interest
only upon presentation of proof that the claimant is the person entitled
to the payment of interest on the Bonds and delivery of an instrument of
assignment, in satisfactory form, transferring to AMBAC Indemnity all
right under such Bonds to receive the interest in respect of which the
insurance payment was made.
AMBAC Indemnity is a Wisconsin-domiciled stock insurance corporation
regulated by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of
Wisconsin and licensed to do business in fifty states, the District of
Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, with admitted assets of
approximately $2,967,246,831 (unaudited) and statutory capital of
approximately $1,715,481,691 (unaudited) as of March 31, 1998. Statutory
capital consists of AMBAC Indemnity's policyholders' surplus and
statutory contingency reserve. AMBAC Indemnity is a wholly owned
subsidiary of AMBAC Inc., a 100% publicly-held company. Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's have both assigned a
triple-A claims-paying ability rating to AMBAC Indemnity.
On December 18, 1997, all of the outstanding shares of Construction Loan
Insurance Corporation (which previously owned all of the outstanding
shares of Connie Lee Insurance Company) were merged into Connie Lee
Holdings, Inc. ("Connie Lee"). Connie Lee is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of AMBAC Assurance Company, a Wisconsin-domiciled insurance company.
Copies of AMBAC Indemnity's financial statements prepared in accordance
with statutory accounting standards are available from AMBAC Indemnity.
The address of AMBAC Indemnity's administrative offices and its
telephone number are One State Street Plaza, 17th Floor, New York, New
York 10004 and (212) 668-0340.
The information relating to AMBAC Indemnity contained above has been
furnished by AMBAC Indemnity. No representation is made herein as to the
accuracy or adequacy of such information, or as to the existence of any
adverse changes in such information, subsequent to the date hereof.
In determining whether to insure bonds, Financial Guaranty and/or AMBAC
Indemnity has applied its own standards which are not necessarily the
same as the criteria used in regard to the selection of bonds by the
Sponsor. This decision is made prior to the Initial Date of Deposit, as
bonds not covered by such insurance are not deposited in an Insured
Trust, unless such bonds are Preinsured Bonds. The insurance obtained by
Page 12
an Insured Trust covers Bonds deposited in such Trust and physically
delivered to the Trustee in the case of bearer bonds or registered in
the name of the Trustee or its nominee or delivered along with an
assignment in the case of registered bonds or registered in the name of
the Trustee or its nominee in the case of Bonds held in book-entry form.
Contracts to purchase Bonds are not covered by the insurance obtained by
an Insured Trust although Bonds underlying such contracts are covered by
insurance upon physical delivery to the Trustee.
Insurance obtained by each Insured Trust or by the Bond issuer, the
underwriters, the Sponsor or others does not guarantee the market value
of the Bonds or the value of the Units of such Trust. The insurance
obtained by an Insured Trust is effective only as to Bonds owned by and
held in such Trust. In the event of a sale of any such Bond by the
Trustee, the insurance terminates as to such Bond on the date of sale.
In the event of a sale of a Bond insured by an Insured Trust, the
Trustee has the right to obtain Permanent Insurance upon the payment of
an insurance premium from the proceeds of the sale of such Bond. Except
as indicated below, insurance obtained by an Insured Trust has no effect
on the price or redemption value of Units. It is the present intention
of the Evaluator to attribute a value to such insurance obtained by an
Insured Trust (including the right to obtain Permanent Insurance) for
the purpose of computing the price or redemption value of Units only if
the Bonds covered by such insurance are in default in payment of
principal or interest or, in the Sponsor's opinion, in significant risk
of such default. The value of the insurance will be equal to the
difference between (i) the market value of a Bond which is in default in
payment of principal or interest or in significant risk of such default
assuming the exercise of the right to obtain Permanent Insurance (less
the insurance premium attributable to the purchase of Permanent
Insurance) and (ii) the market value of such Bonds not covered by
Permanent Insurance. See "Public Offering-How is the Public Offering
Price Determined?" herein for a more complete description of the
Evaluator's method of valuing defaulted Bonds and Bonds which have a
significant risk of default. Insurance on a Preinsured Bond is effective
as long as such Bond is outstanding. Therefore, any such insurance may
be considered to represent an element of market value in regard to the
Bonds thus insured, but the exact effect, if any, of this insurance on
such market value cannot be predicted.
A contract of insurance obtained by an Insured Trust and the
negotiations in respect thereof represent the only relationship between
Financial Guaranty and/or AMBAC Indemnity and the Fund. Otherwise
neither Financial Guaranty nor its parent, FGIC Corporation, or any
affiliate thereof, nor AMBAC Indemnity nor its parent, AMBAC, Inc., or
any affiliate thereof has any significant relationship, direct or
indirect, with the Fund or the Sponsor, except that the Sponsor has in
the past and may from time to time in the future, in the normal course
of its business, participate as sole underwriter or as manager or as a
member of underwriting syndicates in the distribution of new issues of
municipal bonds in which the investors or the affiliates of FGIC
Corporation and/or AMBAC Inc. have or will be participants or for which
a policy of insurance guaranteeing the scheduled payment of interest and
principal has been obtained from Financial Guaranty and/or AMBAC
Indemnity. Neither the Fund nor the Units of a Trust nor the portfolio
of such Trust is insured directly or indirectly by FGIC Corporation
and/or AMBAC Inc.
MBIA Insurance Corporation. MBIA Insurance Corporation ("MBIA
Corporation" or "MBIA") is the principal operating subsidiary of MBIA,
Inc., a New York Stock Exchange listed company. MBIA, Inc. is not
obligated to pay the debts of or claims against MBIA Corporation. MBIA
Corporation is domiciled in the State of New York and licensed to do
business in and subject to regulation under the laws of all fifty
states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands of the
United States and the Territory of Guam. MBIA has two European branches,
one in the Republic of France and the other in the Kingdom of Spain. New
York has laws prescribing minimum capital requirements, limiting classes
and concentrations of investments and requiring the approval of policy
rates and forms. State laws also regulate the amount of both the
aggregate and individual risks that may be insured, the payment of
dividends by the insurer, changes in control and transactions among
affiliates. Additionally, the Insurer is required to maintain
contingency reserves on its liabilities in certain amounts and for
certain periods of time.
As of December 31, 1996, MBIA had admitted assets of $4.4 billion
(audited), total liabilities of $3.0 billion (audited), and total
capital and surplus of $1.4 billion (audited) determined in accordance
with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by insurance
regulatory authorities. As of December 31, 1997, MBIA had admitted
Page 13
assets of $5.3 billion (audited), total liabilities of $3.5 billion
(audited), and total capital and surplus of $1.8 billion (audited),
determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed
or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities. Copies of MBIA's
financial statements prepared in accordance with statutory accounting
practices are available from MBIA. The address of MBIA is 113 King
Street, Armonk, New York 10504. The telephone number of MBIA is (914)
273-4545.
Effective February 17, 1998 MBIA acquired all of the outstanding stock
of Capital Markets Assurance Corporation ("CMAC"), a New York domiciled
financial guarantee insurance company, through a merger with its parent,
CapMAC Holdings, Inc. Pursuant to a reinsurance agreement, CMAC has
ceded all of its net insured risks (including any amounts due but unpaid
from third party reinsurers), as well as its unearned premiums and
contingency reserves, to MBIA. MBIA is not obligated to pay the debts of
or claims against CMAC.
Effective December 31, 1989, MBIA Inc. acquired Bond Investors Group,
Inc. On January 5, 1990, MBIA acquired all of the outstanding stock of
Bond Investors Group, Inc., the parent of Bond Investors Guaranty
Insurance Company (BIG), now known as MBIA Insurance Corp. of Illinois.
Through a reinsurance agreement, BIG has ceded all of its net insured
risks, as well as its unearned premium and contingency reserves, to MBIA
and MBIA has reinsured BIG's net outstanding exposure.
Moody's Investors Service rates all bond issues insured by MBIA "Aaa"
and short-term loans "MIG 1," both designated to be of the highest
quality. Standard & Poor's rates all new issues insured by MBIA "AAA."
Capital Guaranty Insurance Company. On December 20, 1995, Capital
Guaranty Corporation ("CGC") merged with a subsidiary of Financial
Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. and Capital Guaranty Insurance Company,
CGC's principal operating subsidiary, changed its name to Financial
Security Assurance of Maryland Inc. ("FSA Maryland") and became a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Financial Security Assurance Inc. For further
description, see "Financial Security Assurance Inc." herein. The address
of FSA Maryland and its telephone number are Steuart Tower, One Market
Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94105-1413 and (415) 995-8000.
Financial Security Assurance. Financial Security Assurance Inc.
("Financial Security") is a monoline insurance company incorporated in
1984 under the laws of the State of New York. Financial Security is
licensed to engage in the financial guaranty insurance business in all
50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Financial Security and its subsidiaries are engaged in the business of
writing financial guaranty insurance, principally in respect of
securities offered in domestic and foreign markets. In general,
financial guaranty insurance consists of the issuance of a guaranty of
scheduled payments of an issuer's securities, thereby enhancing the
credit rating of those securities, in consideration for payment of a
premium to the insurer. Financial Security and its subsidiaries
principally insure asset-backed, collateralized and municipal
securities. Asset-backed securities are generally supported by
residential mortgage loans, consumer or trade receivables, securities or
other assets having an ascertainable cash flow or market value.
Collateralized securities include public utility first mortgage bonds
and sale/leaseback obligation bonds. Municipal securities consist
largely of general obligation bonds, special revenue bonds and other
special obligations of state and local governments. Financial Security
insures both newly issued securities sold in the primary market and
outstanding securities sold in the secondary market that satisfy
Financial Security's underwriting criteria.
Financial Security is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Financial Security
Assurance Holdings Ltd. ("Holdings"), a New York Stock Exchange listed
company. Major shareholders of Holdings include Fund American
Enterprises Holdings, Inc., U S West Capital Corporation and The Tokio
Marine and Fire Insurance Co. Ltd. No shareholder of Financial Security
is obligated to pay any debt of Financial Security or its subsidiaries
or any claim under any insurance policy issued by Financial Security or
its subsidiaries or to make any additional contribution to the capital
of Financial Security or its subsidiaries. As of March 31, 1998, the
total policyholders' surplus and contingency reserves and the total
unearned premium reserve, respectively, of Financial Security and its
consolidated subsidiaries were, in accordance with statutory accounting
principles, approximately $808,603,000 (unaudited) and $503,683,000
(unaudited), and the total shareholders' equity and the unearned premium
reserve, respectively, of Financial Security and its consolidated
Page 14
subsidiaries were, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, approximately $923,047,000 (audited), and $428,158,000
(audited). Copies of Financial Security's financial statements may be
obtained by writing to Financial Security at 350 Park Avenue, New York,
New York, 10022, Attention Communications Department. Financial
Security's telephone number is (212) 826-0100.
Pursuant to an intercompany agreement, liabilities on financial guaranty
insurance written or reinsured from third parties by Financial Security
or any of its domestic operating insurance company subsidiaries
(including FSA Maryland) are reinsured among such companies on an agreed-
upon percentage substantially proportional to their respective capital,
surplus and reserves, subject to applicable statutory risk limitations.
In addition, Financial Security and FSA Maryland reinsure a portion of
their liabilities under certain of their financial guaranty insurance
policies with other reinsurers under various quota share treaties and on
a transaction-by-transaction basis. Such reinsurance is utilized as a
risk management device and to comply with certain statutory and rating
agency requirements; it does not alter or limit the obligations of
Financial Security or FSA Maryland under any financial guaranty
insurance policy.
The claims-paying ability of Financial Security and FSA Maryland is
rated "Aaa" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and "AAA" by Standard &
Poor's Rating Services, Nippon Investors Service Inc. and Standard &
Poor's (Australia) Pty. Ltd. Such ratings reflect only the views of the
respective rating agencies, are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold
securities and are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by such
rating agencies.
Connie Lee Insurance Company. On December 18, 1997, all of the
outstanding shares of Construction Loan Insurance Corporation (which
previously owned all of the outstanding shares of Connie Lee Insurance
Company) were merged into Connie Lee Holdings, Inc. ("Connie Lee").
Connie Lee is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMBAC Assurance Company, a
Wisconsin-domiciled insurance company.
As of December 31, 1997, the total policyholders' surplus of Connie Lee
was $92,563,017 (unaudited) and total admitted assets were $233,237,273
(unaudited), as reported to the Commissioner of Insurance of the State
of Wisconsin in Connie Lee's financial statements prepared in accordance
with statutory accounting principles applicable to insurance companies.
Copies of these financial statements are available from Connie Lee upon
request.
CCLIA's consolidated annual (audited) and quarterly (unaudited)
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles are filed periodically with the Nationally
Recognized Municipal Securities Information Repositories designated
under Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
information contained in these financial statements is incorporated
herein by reference. Copies of these financial statements are available
from Connie Lee upon request.
Standard & Poor's has rated the claims-paying ability of Connie Lee "AAA".
Connie Lee makes no representation regarding the Bonds or the
advisability of investing in the Bonds. The above rating is not a
recommendation to buy, sell or hold the Connie Lee insured Bonds and
such rating is subject to the revision or withdrawal at any time by the
rating agency. Any downward revision or withdrawal of the rating may
have an adverse effect on the market price of the Connie Lee insured
Bonds.
The address of Connie Lee's administrative offices and its telephone
number are 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004 and
(800) 221-1854.
Because the Bonds in each Insured Trust are insured as to the scheduled
payment of principal and interest and on the basis of the financial
condition of the insurance companies referred to above, Standard &
Poor's has assigned to units of each Insured Trust its "AAA" investment
rating. This is the highest rating assigned to securities by Standard &
Poor's. See "Description of Bond Ratings." The obtaining of this rating
by each Insured Trust should not be construed as an approval of the
offering of the Units by Standard & Poor's or as a guarantee of the
market value of each Insured Trust or the Units of such Trust. Standard
& Poor's has indicated that this rating is not a recommendation to buy,
hold or sell Units nor does it take into account the extent to which
expenses of each Trust or sales by each Trust of Bonds for less than the
purchase price paid by such Trust will reduce payment to Unit holders of
the interest and principal required to be paid on such Bonds. Such
rating will be in effect for a period of thirteen months from the
Initial Date of Deposit of an Insured Trust and will, unless renewed,
terminate at the end of such period. There is no guarantee that the
"AAA" investment rating with respect to the Units of an Insured Trust
will be maintained.
An objective of portfolio insurance obtained by such Insured Trust is to
obtain a higher yield on the Bonds in the portfolio of such Trust than
Page 15
would be available if all the Bonds in such portfolio had the Standard &
Poor's "AAA" and/or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. "Aaa" rating(s) and
at the same time to have the protection of insurance of scheduled
payment of interest and principal on the Bonds. There is, of course, no
certainty that this result will be achieved. Bonds in a Trust for which
insurance has been obtained by the Bond issuer, the underwriters, the
Sponsor or others (all of which were rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor's
and/or "Aaa" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.) may or may not have a
higher yield than uninsured bonds rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor's or
"Aaa" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. In selecting Bonds for the
portfolio of each Insured Trust, the Sponsor has applied the criteria
herein before described.
What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?
See Part Three for each Trust.
FOR INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO EXEMPTION FROM STATE OR OTHER LOCAL
TAXES, SEE PART THREE FOR EACH TRUST.
What are the Expenses and Charges?
With the exception of bookkeeping and other administrative services
provided to the Trusts, for which the Sponsor will be reimbursed in
amounts as set forth under "Special Trust Information" in each Part One
of this Prospectus, the Sponsor will not receive any fee in connection
with its activities relating to the Trusts. For Series 49 and all
subsequent Series, First Trust Advisors L.P., an affiliate of the
Sponsor, will receive an annual supervisory fee, which is not to exceed
the amount set forth in Part One for each Trust, for providing portfolio
supervisory services for the Trust. Such fee is based on the number of
Units outstanding in each Trust on January 1 of each year except for
Trusts which were established subsequent to the last January 1, in which
case the fee will be based on the number of Units outstanding in such
Trusts as of the respective Initial Dates of Deposit.
For each valuation of the Bonds in a Trust, the Evaluator will receive a
fee as indicated in Part One of this Prospectus. The Trustee pays
certain expenses of each Trust for which it is reimbursed by such Trust.
The Trustee will receive for its ordinary recurring services to a Trust
an annual fee computed as indicated in Part One of this Prospectus. For
a discussion of the services performed by the Trustee pursuant to its
obligations under the Indenture, reference is made to the material set
forth under "Rights of Unit Holders."
The Trustee's and Evaluator's fees are payable monthly on or before each
Distribution Date from the Interest Account of each Trust to the extent
funds are available and then from the Principal Account of such Trust.
Since the Trustee has the use of the funds being held in the Principal
and Interest Accounts for future distributions, payment of expenses and
redemptions and since such Accounts are non-interest-bearing to Unit
holders, the Trustee benefits thereby. Part of the Trustee's
compensation for its services to the Fund is expected to result from the
use of these funds. However, the Trustee may bear from its own resources
certain expenses relating to a Trust.
Each of the above mentioned fees may be increased without approval of
the Unit holders by amounts not exceeding proportionate increases under
the category "All Services Less Rent of Shelter" in the Consumer Price
Index published by the United States Department of Labor. In addition,
with respect to the fees payable to the Sponsor or an affiliate of the
Sponsor for providing bookkeeping and other administrative services and
supervisory services, such individual fees may exceed the actual costs
of providing such services for a Trust, but at no time will the total
amount received for such Services rendered to all unit investment trusts
of which Nike Securities L.P. is the Sponsor in any calendar year exceed
the actual cost to the Sponsor or its affiliate of supplying such
services in such year.
The annualized cost of the portfolio insurance obtained by the Fund for
each Insured Trust is indicated in Part One for each Trust in a Series
of the Fund. The portfolio insurance continues so long as such Trust
retains the Bonds thus insured. Premiums are payable monthly in advance
by the Trustee on behalf of such Trust. As Bonds in the portfolio are
redeemed by their respective issuers or are sold by the Trustee, the
amount of premium will be reduced in respect of those Bonds no longer
owned by and held in the Trust which were insured by insurance obtained
by such Trust. Preinsured Bonds for which insurance has been obtained
Page 16
from Financial Guaranty and/or AMBAC Indemnity or, beginning with Series
25 and all subsequent Series, other insurers, are not insured by such
Trust. The premium payable for Permanent Insurance will be paid solely
from the proceeds of the sale of such Bond in the event the Trustee
exercises the right to obtain Permanent Insurance on a Bond. The
premiums for such Permanent Insurance with respect to each Bond will
decline over the life of the Bond. An Advantage Trust is not insured;
accordingly, there are no premiums for insurance payable by such Trust.
The following additional charges are or may be incurred by a Trust: all
expenses (including legal and annual auditing expenses) of the Trustee
incurred in connection with its responsibilities under the Indenture,
except in the event of negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on
its part; the expenses and costs of any action undertaken by the Trustee
to protect the Trust and the rights and interests of the Unit holders;
fees of the Trustee for any extraordinary services performed under the
Indenture; indemnification of the Trustee for any loss, liability or
expense incurred by it without negligence, bad faith or willful
misconduct on its part, arising out of or in connection with its
acceptance or administration of the Trust; indemnification of the
Sponsor for any loss, liability or expense incurred without gross
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct in acting as Depositor of
the Trust; all taxes and other government charges imposed upon the Bonds
or any part of the Trust (no such taxes or charges are being levied or
made or, to the knowledge of the Sponsor, are contemplated); and
expenditures incurred in contacting Unit holders upon termination of the
Trust. The above expenses and the Trustee's annual fee, when paid or
owing to the Trustee, are secured by a lien on the Trust. In addition,
the Trustee is empowered to sell Bonds of a Trust in order to make funds
available to pay all these amounts if funds are not otherwise available
in the Interest and Principal Accounts of the Trust.
Unless the Sponsor determines that such an audit is not required, the
Indenture requires the accounts of each Trust to be audited on an annual
basis at the expense of the Trust by independent auditors selected by
the Sponsor. So long as the Sponsor is making a secondary market for
Units, the Sponsor shall bear the cost of such annual audits to the
extent such cost exceeds $.50 per Unit. Unit holders of a Trust covered
by an audit may obtain a copy of the audited financial statements from
the Trustee upon request.
PUBLIC OFFERING
How is the Public Offering Price Determined?
Although it is not obligated to do so, the Sponsor intends to maintain a
market for the Units and continuously to offer to purchase Units at
prices, subject to change at any time, based upon the aggregate bid
price of the Bonds in the portfolio of each Trust plus the amount of
Purchased Interest of a Trust (if any) and interest accrued to the date
of settlement. All expenses incurred in maintaining a market, other than
the fees of the Evaluator and the costs of the Trustee in transferring
and recording the ownership of Units, will be borne by the Sponsor. If
the supply of Units exceeds demand, or for some other business reason,
the Sponsor may discontinue purchases of Units at such prices. IF A UNIT
HOLDER WISHES TO DISPOSE OF HIS UNITS, HE SHOULD INQUIRE OF THE SPONSOR
AS TO CURRENT MARKET PRICES PRIOR TO MAKING A TENDER FOR REDEMPTION TO
THE TRUSTEE. Prospectuses relating to certain other bond funds indicate
an intention, subject to change, on the part of the respective sponsors
of such funds to repurchase units of those funds on the basis of a price
higher than the bid prices of the securities in the funds. Consequently,
depending upon the prices actually paid, the repurchase price of other
sponsors for units of their funds may be computed on a somewhat more
favorable basis than the repurchase price offered by the Sponsor for
Units of a Trust in secondary market transactions. As in the First Trust
Combined Series, the purchase price per unit of such bond funds will
depend primarily on the value of the securities in the Portfolio of the
applicable Trust.
The Public Offering Price of Units of a Trust will be determined by
adding to the Evaluator's determination of the aggregate bid price of
the Bonds in a Trust plus the amount of Purchased Interest of a Trust
(if any) and the appropriate sales charge determined in accordance with
the schedule set forth below, based upon the number of years remaining
to the maturity of each Bond in the portfolio of the Trust, adjusting
the total to reflect the amount of any cash held in or advanced to the
principal account of the Trust and dividing the result by the number of
Units of such trust then outstanding. The minimum sales charge on Units
Page 17
will be 3% of the Public Offering Price (equivalent to 3.093% of the net
amount invested). For purposes of computation, Bonds will be deemed to
mature on their expressed maturity dates unless: (a) the Bonds have been
called for redemption or funds or securities have been placed in escrow
to redeem them on an earlier call date, in which case such call date
will be deemed to be the date upon which they mature; or (b) such Bonds
are subject to a "mandatory tender," in which case such mandatory tender
will be deemed to be the date upon which they mature. The offering price
of Bonds in the Trust may be expected to be greater than the bid price
of such Bonds by approximately 1-2% of the aggregate principal amount of
such Bonds.
The effect of this method of sales charge computation will be that
different sales charge rates will be applied to each of the various
Bonds in the Trusts based upon the maturities of such bonds, in
accordance with the following schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Secondary Offering Period Sales Charge
Percentage Percentage
of Public of Net
Offering Amount
Years to Maturity Price Invested
__________________ ___________ _________
<S> <C> <C>
0 Months to 1 Year 1.00% 1.010%
1 but less than 2 1.50 1.523
2 but less than 3 2.00 2.041
3 but less than 4 2.50 2.564
4 but less than 5 3.00 3.093
5 but less than 6 3.50 3.627
6 but less than 7 4.00 4.167
7 but less than 8 4.50 4.712
8 but less than 9 5.00 5.263
9 but less than 10 5.50 5.820
10 or more 5.80 6.157
</TABLE>
There will be no reduction of the sales charges for volume purchases. A
dealer will receive from the Sponsor a dealer concession of 70% of the
total sales charges for Units sold by such dealer and dealers will not
be eligible for additional concessions for Units sold pursuant to the
above schedule.
An investor may aggregate purchases of Units of two or more consecutive
series of a particular State, National, Discount, Intermediate, Long
Intermediate or Short Intermediate Trust for purposes of calculating the
discount for volume purchases listed above. Additionally, with respect
to the employees, officers and directors (including their immediate
family members, defined as spouses, children, grandchildren, parents,
grandparents, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, sons-in-law and daughters-
in-law, and trustees, custodians or fiduciaries for the benefit of such
person) of the Sponsor and broker/dealers and their subsidiaries and
vendors providing services to the Sponsor, may purchase Units of the
Trusts during the secondary market at the Public Offering Price less the
concession the Sponsor typically allows broker/dealers.
Any such reduced sales charge shall be the responsibility of the selling
broker/dealer. The reduced sales charge structure will apply on all
purchases of Units in a Trust by the same person on any one day from the
Sponsor or any one broker/dealer and, for purposes of calculating the
applicable sales charge, purchases of Units in the Fund will be
aggregated with concurrent purchases by the same person from the Sponsor
or such broker/dealer of Units in any series of tax-exempt unit
investment trusts sponsored by Nike Securities L.P. Additionally, Units
purchased in the name of the spouse of a purchaser or in the name of a
child of such purchaser will be deemed, for the purpose of calculating
the applicable sales charge, to be additional purchases by the
purchaser. The reduced sales charges will also be applicable to a
trustee or other fiduciary purchasing securities for a single trust
estate or single fiduciary account.
From time to time the Sponsor may implement programs under which
broker/dealers and other selling agents of the Fund may receive nominal
awards from the Sponsor for each of their registered representatives who
have sold a minimum number of UIT Units during a specified time period.
In addition, at various times the Sponsor may implement other programs
under which the sales force of broker/dealers and other selling agents
may be eligible to win other nominal awards for certain sales efforts,
or under which the Sponsor will reallow to any such broker/dealer or
other selling agent that sponsors sales contests or recognition programs
conforming to criteria established by the Sponsor, or participates in
Page 18
sales programs sponsored by the Sponsor, an amount not exceeding the
total applicable sales charges on the sales generated by such person at
the public offering price during such programs. Also, the Sponsor in its
discretion may from time to time pursuant to objective criteria
established by the Sponsor pay fees to qualifying broker/dealers and
other selling agents for certain services or activities which are
primarily intended to result in sales of Units of the Trusts. Such
payments are made by the Sponsor out of its own assets, and not out of
the assets of the Trusts. These programs will not change the price Unit
holders pay for their Units or the amount that the Trusts will receive
from the Units sold.
A comparison of tax-free and equivalent taxable estimated current
returns and estimated long-term returns with the returns on various
taxable investments is one element to consider in making an investment
decision. The Sponsor may from time to time in its advertising and sales
materials compare the then current estimated returns on the Trust and
returns over specified periods on other similar Trusts sponsored by Nike
Securities L.P. with returns on taxable investments such as corporate or
U.S. Government bonds, bank CDs and money market accounts or money
market funds, each of which has investment characteristics that may
differ from those of the Trust. U.S. Government bonds, for example, are
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and bank CDs
and money market accounts are insured by an agency of the federal
government. Money market accounts and money market funds provide
stability of principal, but pay interest at rates that vary with the
condition of the short-term debt market. The investment characteristics
of the Trust are described more fully elsewhere in this Prospectus.
The aggregate price of the Bonds in each Trust is determined by the
evaluator (the "Evaluator"), on the basis of bid prices (1) on the basis
of current market prices for the Bonds obtained from dealers or brokers
who customarily deal in bonds comparable to those held by the Trust; (2)
if such prices are not available for any of the Bonds, on the basis of
current market prices for comparable bonds; (3) by determining the value
of the Bonds by appraisal; or (4) by any combination of the above.
Unless Bonds are in default in payment of principal or interest or, in
the Sponsor's opinion, in significant risk of such default, the
Evaluator will not attribute any value to the insurance obtained by an
Insured Trust. On the other hand, the value of insurance obtained by the
issuer of Bonds in a Trust is reflected and included in the market value
of such Bonds.
The Evaluator will consider in its evaluation of Bonds which are in
default in payment of principal or interest or, in the Sponsor's
opinion, in significant risk of such default (the "Defaulted Bonds") and
which are covered by insurance obtained by an Insured Trust, the value
of the insurance guaranteeing interest and principal payments. The value
of the insurance will be equal to the difference between (i) the market
value of Defaulted Bonds assuming the exercise of the right to obtain
Permanent Insurance (less the insurance premium attributable to the
purchase of Permanent Insurance) and (ii) the market value of such
Defaulted Bonds not covered by Permanent Insurance. In addition, the
Evaluator will consider the ability of Financial Guaranty and/or AMBAC
Indemnity to meet its commitments under an Insured Trust's insurance
policy, including the commitments to issue Permanent Insurance. It is
the position of the Sponsor that this is a fair method of valuing the
Bonds and the insurance obtained by an Insured Trust and reflects a
proper valuation method in accordance with the provisions of the
Investment Company Act of 1940.
The Evaluator will be requested to make a determination of the aggregate
price of the Bonds in each Trust, on a bid price basis, as of the close
of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day on which it is
open, effective for all sales, purchases or redemptions made subsequent
to the last preceding determination.
Although payment is normally made three business days following the
order for purchase, payment may be made prior thereto. A person will
become owner of the Units on the date of settlement provided payment has
been received. Cash, if any, made available to the Sponsor prior to the
date of settlement for the purchase of Units may be used in the
Sponsor's business and may be deemed to be a benefit to the Sponsor,
subject to the limitations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Delivery of Certificates representing Units so ordered will be made
three business days following such order or shortly thereafter. See
"Rights of Unit Holders-How May Units Be Redeemed?" for information
regarding the ability to redeem Units ordered for purchase.
Page 19
How are Units Distributed?
Units repurchased in the secondary market (see "Public Offering-Will
There be a Secondary Market?") may be offered by this Prospectus at the
secondary market public offering price determined in the manner
described above.
It is the intention of the Sponsor to qualify Units of the Fund for sale
in a number of states. Sales will be made to dealers and others at
prices which represent a concession or agency commission of 4.0% of the
Public Offering Price per Unit for each State, Discount or National
Trust, 3.0% of the Public Offering Price for an Intermediate or Long
Intermediate Trust, and 2.5% of the Public Offering Price per Unit for a
Short Intermediate Trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing, broker/dealers
or other selling agents who purchase, in the aggregate, $250,000 of the
Trusts on any day will receive a volume concession or agency commission
of $40.00 per Unit. However, resales of Units of a Trust by such
broker/dealers and other selling agents to the public will be made at
the Public Offering Price described in this Prospectus. The Sponsor
reserves the right to change the amount of the concession or agency
commission from time to time. Certain commercial banks are making Units
of the Fund available to their customers on an agency basis. A portion
of the sales charge paid by these customers is retained by or remitted
to the banks in the amounts indicated in the amounts indicated above.
Under the Glass-Steagall Act, banks are prohibited from underwriting
Units; however, the Glass-Steagall Act does permit certain agency
transactions and the banking regulators have not indicated that these
particular agency transactions are not permitted under such Act. In
Texas and in certain other states, any banks making Units available must
be registered as broker/dealers under state law.
What are the Sponsor's Profits?
The Sponsor and participating dealers will receive a maximum gross sales
commission equal to 5.8% of the Public Offering Price of the Units of
each State Trust (equivalent to 6.157% of the net amount invested), 5.8%
of the Public Offering Price of the Units of a National or Discount
Trust (equivalent to 6.157% of the net amount invested), 4.7% of the
Public Offering Price of the Units of an Intermediate or Long
Intermediate Trust (equivalent to 4.932% of the net amount invested),
and 3.7% of the Public Offering Price of the Units of a Short
Intermediate Trust (equivalent to 3.842% of the net amount invested)
less any reduced sales charge for quantity purchases as described under
"Public Offering-How is the Public Offering Price Determined?"
In maintaining a market for the Units, the Sponsor will also realize
profits or sustain losses in the amount of any difference between the
price at which Units are purchased (based on the bid prices of the Bonds
in each Trust) and the price at which Units are resold (which price is
also based on the bid prices of the Bonds in each Trust and includes a
maximum sales charge of 5.8% for a State Trust, 5.8% for a National or
Discount Trust, 4.7% for an Intermediate or Long Intermediate Trust and
3.7% for a Short Intermediate Trust) or redeemed. The secondary market
public offering price of Units may be greater or less than the cost of
such Units to the Sponsor.
RIGHTS OF UNIT HOLDERS
How are Certificates Issued and Transferred?
The Trustee is authorized to treat as the record owner of Units that
person who is registered as such owner on the books of the Trustee.
Ownership of Units is evidenced by registered certificates executed by
the Trustee and the Sponsor. Delivery of certificates representing Units
ordered for purchase is normally made three business days following such
order or shortly thereafter. Certificates are transferable by
presentation and surrender to the Trustee properly endorsed or
accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer.
Certificates to be redeemed must be properly endorsed or accompanied by
a written instrument or instruments of transfer. A Unit holder must sign
exactly as his name appears on the face of the certificate with the
signature guaranteed by a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents
Medallion Program ("STAMP") or such other signature guaranty program in
addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, as may be accepted by the
Trustee. In certain instances the Trustee may require additional
documents such as, but not limited to, trust instruments, certificates
of death, appointments as executor or administrator or certificates of
corporate authority. Record ownership may occur before settlement.
Page 20
Certificates will be issued in fully registered form, transferable only
on the books of the Trustee in denominations of one Unit or any multiple
thereof, numbered serially for purposes of identification. Certificates
for Units will bear an appropriate notation on their face indicating
which plan of distribution has been selected in respect thereof. When a
change is made, the existing certificate must be surrendered to the
Trustee and a new certificate issued to reflect the then currently
effective plan of distribution. There is no charge for this service.
Although no such charge is now made or contemplated, a Unit holder may
be required to pay $2.00 to the Trustee per certificate reissued or
transferred for reasons other than to change the plan of distribution,
and to pay any governmental charge that may be imposed in connection
with each such transfer or exchange. For new certificates issued to
replace destroyed, stolen or lost certificates, the Unit holder may be
required to furnish indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee and pay such
expenses as the Trustee may incur. Mutilated certificates must be
surrendered to the Trustee for replacement.
How are Interest and Principal Distributed?
Record Dates for the distribution of interest under the semi-annual
distribution plan are the fifteenth day of June and December with the
Distribution Dates being the last day of the month in which the related
Record Date occurs. It is anticipated that an amount equal to
approximately one-half of the amount of net annual interest income per
Unit will be distributed on or shortly after each Distribution Date to
Unit holders of record on the preceding Record Date. Record Dates for
monthly distributions of interest are the fifteenth day of each month.
The Distribution Dates for distributions of interest under the monthly
plan is the last day of each month in which the related Record Date
occurs. See "Special Trust Information" appearing in each Part I of this
Prospectus.
The plan of distribution selected by a Unit holder will remain in effect
until changed. Unit holders purchasing Units in the secondary market
will initially receive distributions in accordance with the election of
the prior owner. Each year, approximately six weeks prior to the end of
May, the Trustee will furnish each Unit holder a card to be returned to
the Trustee not more than thirty nor less than ten days before the end
of such month. Unit holders desiring to change the plan of distribution
in which they are participating may so indicate on the card and return
same, together with their certificate, to the Trustee. If the card and
certificate are returned to the Trustee, the change will become
effective as of June 16 of that year. If the card and certificate are
not returned to the Trustee, the Unit holder will be deemed to have
elected to continue with the same plan for the following twelve months.
The pro rata share of cash in the Principal Account of each Trust will
be computed as of the fifteenth day of each month, and distributions to
the Unit holders of such Trust as of such Record Date will be made on
the dates specified in Part One. Proceeds from the disposition of any of
the Bonds of such Trust (less any premiums due with respect to Bonds for
which the Trustee has exercised the right to obtain Permanent Insurance)
received after such Record Date and prior to the following Distribution
Date will be held in the Principal Account of such Trust and not
distributed until the next Distribution Date. The Trustee is not
required to make a distribution from the Principal Account of a Trust
unless the amount available for distribution shall equal at least $1.00
per Unit.
The Trustee will credit to the Interest Account of each Trust all
interest received by such Trust, including that part of the proceeds
(including insurance proceeds if any, paid to an Insured Trust) of any
disposition of Bonds which represents accrued interest. Other receipts
will be credited to the Principal Account of such Trust. The
distribution to the Unit holders of a Trust as of each Record Date will
be made on the following Distribution Date or shortly thereafter and
shall consist of an amount substantially equal to such portion of the
holder's pro rata share of the estimated annual income of such Trust
after deducting estimated expenses. Except through an advancement of its
own Funds, the Trustee has no cash for distribution to Unit holders
until it receives interest payments on the Bonds in a Trust. The Trustee
shall be reimbursed, without interest, for any such advances from funds
in the Interest Account of such Trust on the ensuing Record Date.
Persons who purchase Units between a Record Date and a Distribution Date
will receive their first distribution on the second Distribution Date
after the purchase, under the applicable plan of distribution. The
Trustee is not required to pay interest on funds held in the Principal
or Interest Account of a Trust (but may itself earn interest thereon and
therefore benefit from the use of such funds).
Page 21
As of the fifteenth day of each month, the Trustee will deduct from the
Interest Account of each Trust and, to the extent funds are not
sufficient therein, from the Principal Account of each Trust, amounts
necessary to pay the expenses of such Trust. The Trustee also may
withdraw from said accounts such amounts, if any, as it deems necessary
to establish a reserve for any governmental charges payable out of the
Trust. Amounts so withdrawn shall not be considered a part of the
Trust's assets until such time as the Trustee shall return all or any
part of such amounts to the appropriate account. In addition, the
Trustee may withdraw from the Interest Account and the Principal Account
of a Trust such amounts as may be necessary to cover redemption of Units
of such Trust by the Trustee.
How Can Distributions to Unit Holders be Reinvested?
Universal Distribution Option. Unit holders may elect participation in a
Universal Distribution Option which permits a Unit holder to direct the
Trustee to distribute principal and interest payments to any other
investment vehicle of which the Unit holder has an existing account. For
example, at a Unit holder's direction, the Trustee would distribute
automatically on the applicable distribution date interest income or
principal on the participant's Units to, among other investment
vehicles, a Unit holder's checking, bank savings, money market,
insurance, reinvestment or any other account. All such distributions, of
course, are subject to the minimum investment and sales charges, if any,
of the particular investment vehicle to which distributions are
directed. The Trustee will notify the participant of each distribution
pursuant to the Universal Distribution Option. The Trustee will
distribute directly to the Unit holder any distributions which are not
accepted by the specified investment vehicle. A participant may at any
time, by so notifying the Trustee in writing, elect to terminate his
participation in the Universal Distribution Option and receive directly
future distributions on his Units.
Distribution Reinvestment Option. The Sponsor has entered into an
arrangement with Oppenheimer Management Corporation, which permits any
Unit holder of a Trust to elect to have each distribution of interest
income or principal on his Units automatically reinvested in shares of
either the Oppenheimer Intermediate Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (the
"Intermediate Series") or the Oppenheimer Insured Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
(the "Insured Series"). Oppenheimer Management Corporation is the
investment adviser of each Series which are open-end, diversified
management investment companies. The investment objective of the
Intermediate Series is to provide a high level of current interest
income exempt from Federal income tax through the purchase of investment
grade securities. The investment objective of the Insured Series is to
provide as high a level of current interest income exempt from Federal
income tax as is consistent with the assurance of the scheduled receipt
of interest and principal through insurance and the preservation of
capital (the income of either Series may constitute an item of
preference for determining the Federal alternative minimum tax). The
objectives and policies of each Series are presented in more detail in
the prospectus for each Series.
Each person who purchases Units of a Trust may contact the Trustee to
request a prospectus describing each Series and a form by which such
person may elect to become a participant in a Distribution Reinvestment
Option with respect to a Series. Each distribution of interest income or
principal on the participant's Units will automatically be applied by
the Trustee to purchase shares (or fractions thereof) of a Series
without a sales charge and with no minimum investment requirements.
The shareholder service agent for each Series will mail to each
participant in the Distribution Reinvestment Option confirmations of all
transactions undertaken for such participant in connection with the
receipt of distributions from The First Trust Combined Series and the
purchase of shares (or fractions thereof) of a Series.
A participant may at any time, by so notifying the Trustee in writing,
elect to terminate his participation in the Distribution Reinvestment
Option and receive future distributions on his Units in cash. There will
be no charge or other penalty for such termination. The Sponsor and
Oppenheimer Management Corporation each have the right to terminate the
Distribution Reinvestment Option, in whole or in part.
It should be remembered that even if distributions are reinvested
through the Universal Distribution Option or the Distribution
Reinvestment Option they are still treated as distributions for income
tax purposes.
Page 22
What Reports Will Unit Holders Receive?
The Trustee shall furnish Unit holders of each Trust in connection with
each distribution a statement of the amount of interest, if any, and the
amount of other receipts, if any, which are being distributed, expressed
in each case as a dollar amount per Unit. Within a reasonable time after
the last business day of each calendar year, the Trustee will furnish to
each person who at any time during the calendar year was a Unit holder
of a Trust of record, a statement as to (1) the Interest Account:
interest received by such Trust (including amounts representing interest
received upon any disposition of Bonds of such Trust), the amount of
such interest representing insurance proceeds (if applicable),
deductions for payment of applicable taxes and for fees and expenses of
the Trust, redemption of Units and the balance remaining after such
distributions and deductions, expressed both as a total dollar amount
and as a dollar amount representing the pro rata share of each Unit
outstanding on the last business day of such calendar year; (2) the
Principal Account: the dates of disposition of any Bonds of such Trust
and the net proceeds received therefrom (excluding any portion
representing interest and the premium attributable to the exercise of
the right, if applicable, to obtain Permanent Insurance), deduction for
payment of applicable taxes and for fees and expenses of the Trust,
redemptions of Units, and the balance remaining after such distributions
and deductions, expressed both as a total dollar amount and as a dollar
amount representing the pro rata share of each Unit outstanding on the
last business day of such calendar year; (3) the Bonds held and the
number of Units of such Trust outstanding on the last business day of
such calendar year; (4) the Redemption Price per Unit based upon the
last computation thereof made during such calendar year; and (5) the
amounts actually distributed during such calendar year from the Interest
Account and from the Principal Account of such Trust, separately stated,
expressed both as total dollar amounts and as dollar amounts per Unit
outstanding on the Record Date for such distributions.
In order to comply with Federal and state tax reporting requirements,
Unit holders will be furnished, upon request to the Trustee, evaluations
of the Bonds in their Trust furnished to it by the Evaluator.
Each distribution statement will reflect pertinent information in
respect of each plan of distribution so that Unit holders may be
informed regarding the results of the other plan or plans of distribution.
How May Units be Redeemed?
A Unit holder may redeem all or a portion of his Units by tender to the
Trustee at its unit investment trust office in the City of New York of
the certificates representing the Units to be redeemed, duly endorsed or
accompanied by proper instruments of transfer with signature guaranteed
as explained above (or by providing satisfactory indemnity, as in
connection with lost, stolen or destroyed certificates), and payment of
applicable governmental charges, if any. No redemption fee will be
charged. On the third day following such tender, the Unit holder will be
entitled to receive in cash an amount for each Unit equal to the
Redemption Price per Unit next computed after receipt by the Trustee of
such tender of Units. The "date of tender" is deemed to be the date on
which Units are received by the Trustee (if such day is a day on which
the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading), except that as regards
Units received after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time or as of any earlier closing time on a
day on which the New York Stock Exchange is scheduled in advance to
close at such earlier time), the date of tender is the next day on which
such Exchange is open for trading and such Units will be deemed to have
been tendered to the Trustee on such day for redemption at the
redemption price computed on that day. Units so redeemed shall be
cancelled.
Purchased Interest (if any) and other accrued interest to the settlement
date paid on redemption shall be withdrawn from the Interest Account of
a Trust or, if the balance therein is insufficient, from the Principal
Account of such Trust. All other amounts paid on redemption shall be
withdrawn from the Principal Account of the Trust.
The Redemption Price per Unit will be determined on the basis of the bid
price of the Bonds in a Trust and the amount of Purchased Interest of
the Trust (if any), as of the close of trading on the New York Stock
Exchange on the date any such determination is made. The Redemption Price
per Unit is the pro rata share of each Unit determined by the Trustee on
the basis of (1) the cash on hand in the Trust or moneys in the process
of being collected, (2) the value of the Bonds in such Trust based on
the bid prices of the Bonds, except for those cases in which the value
of the insurance, if applicable, has been added, and (3) Purchased
Page 23
Interest (if any) and any other interest accrued thereon, less (a)
amounts representing taxes or other governmental charges payable out of
such Trust, (b) the accrued expenses of such Trust, and (c) cash held
for distribution to Unit holders of record as of a date prior to the
evaluation then being made. The Evaluator may determine the value of the
Bonds in a Trust (1) on the basis of current bid prices of the Bonds
obtained from dealers or brokers who customarily deal in bonds
comparable to those held by such Trust, (2) on the basis of bid prices
for bonds comparable to any Bonds for which bid prices are not
available, (3) by determining the value of the Bonds by appraisal, or
(4) by any combination of the above. In determining the Redemption Price
per Unit for an Insured Trust, no value will be attributed to the
portfolio insurance covering the Bonds in such Trust unless such Bonds
are in default in payment of principal or interest or in significant
risk of such default. On the other hand, Bonds insured under a policy
obtained by the Bond issuer, the underwriters, the Sponsor or others are
entitled to the benefits of such insurance at all times and such
benefits are reflected and included in the market value of such Bonds.
See "Why and How are the Insured Trusts Insured?" For a description of
the situations in which the evaluator may value the insurance obtained
by an Insured Trust, see "Public Offering-How is the Public Offering
Price Determined?"
The difference between the bid and offering prices of such Bonds may be
expected to average 1-2% of the principal amount. In the case of
actively traded bonds, the difference may be as little as 1/2 of 1% and,
in the case of inactively traded bonds, such difference usually will not
exceed 3%. Therefore, the price at which Units may be redeemed could be
less than the price paid by the Unit holder and may be less than the par
value of the Securities represented by the Units so redeemed.
The Trustee is empowered to sell underlying Bonds in a Trust in order to
make funds available for redemption. To the extent that Bonds are sold,
the size and diversity of such Trust will be reduced. Such sales may be
required at a time when Bonds would not otherwise be sold and might
result in lower prices than might otherwise be realized.
The right of redemption may be suspended and payment postponed for any
period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than
for customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which the
Securities and Exchange Commission determines that trading on that
Exchange is restricted or an emergency exists, as a result of which
disposal or evaluation of the Bonds is not reasonably practicable, or
for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission may by
order permit. Under certain extreme circumstances, the Sponsor may apply
to the Securities and Exchange Commission for an order permitting a full
or partial suspension of the right of Unit holders to redeem their Units.
How May Units be Purchased by the Sponsor?
The Trustee shall notify the Sponsor of any tender of Units for
redemption. If the Sponsor's bid in the secondary market at that time
equals or exceeds the Redemption Price per Unit, which for certain
Trusts includes Purchased Interest, it may purchase such Units by
notifying the Trustee before 1:00 p.m. Eastern time on the next
succeeding business day and by making payment therefor to the Unit
holder not later than the day on which the Units would otherwise have
been redeemed by the Trustee. Units held by the Sponsor may be tendered
to the Trustee for redemption as any other Units. Any profit or loss
resulting from the resale or redemption of such Units will belong to the
Sponsor.
How May Bonds be Removed from the Fund?
The Trustee is empowered to sell such of the Bonds in each Trust on a
list furnished by the Sponsor as the Trustee in its sole discretion may
deem necessary to meet redemption requests or pay expenses to the extent
funds are unavailable. As described in the following paragraph and in
certain other unusual circumstances for which it is determined by the
Depositor to be in the best interests of the Unit holders or if there is
no alternative, the Trustee is empowered to sell Bonds in a Trust which
are in default in payment of principal or interest or in significant
risk of such default and for which value has been attributed to the
insurance, if any, obtained by the Trust. See "Rights of Unit Holders-
How May Units be Redeemed?" The Sponsor is empowered, but not obligated,
to direct the Trustee to dispose of Bonds in a Trust in the event of
advanced refunding. The Sponsor may from time to time act as agent for a
Trust with respect to selling Bonds out of a Trust. From time to time,
the Trustee may retain and pay compensation to the Sponsor subject to
the restrictions under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Page 24
If any default in the payment of principal or interest on any Bond
occurs and no provision for payment is made therefor, either pursuant to
the portfolio insurance, if any, or otherwise, within thirty days, the
Trustee is required to notify the Sponsor thereof. If the Sponsor fails
to instruct the Trustee to sell or to hold such Bond within thirty days
after notification by the Trustee to the Sponsor of such default, the
Trustee may, in its discretion, sell the defaulted Bond and not be
liable for any depreciation or loss thereby incurred.
The Sponsor shall instruct the Trustee to reject any offer made by an
issuer of any of the Bonds to issue new obligations in exchange and
substitution for any Bonds pursuant to a refunding or refinancing plan,
except that the Sponsor may instruct the Trustee to accept such an offer
or to take any other action with respect thereto as the Sponsor may deem
proper if the issuer is in default with respect to such Bonds or in the
written opinion of the Sponsor the issuer will probably default in
respect to such Bonds in the foreseeable future. Any obligations so
received in exchange or substitution will be held by the Trustee subject
to the terms and conditions in the Indenture to the same extent as Bonds
originally deposited thereunder. Within five days after the deposit of
obligations in exchange or substitution for underlying Bonds, the
Trustee is required to give notice thereof to each Unit holder of the
affected Trust, identifying the Bonds eliminated and the Bonds
substituted therefor. Except as stated in this paragraph and under "What
is the First Trust Combined Series?" for Failed Bonds, the acquisition
by a Trust of any securities other than the Bonds initially deposited is
prohibited.
INFORMATION AS TO SPONSOR, TRUSTEE AND EVALUATOR
Who is the Sponsor?
Nike Securities L.P., the Sponsor, specializes in the underwriting,
trading and distribution of unit investment trusts and other securities.
Nike Securities L.P., an Illinois limited partnership formed in 1991,
acts as Sponsor for successive series of The First Trust Combined
Series, the FT Series (formerly known as The First Trust Special
Situations Trust), The First Trust Insured Corporate Trust, The First
Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds, The First Trust GNMA, Templeton Growth
and Treasury Trust, Templeton Foreign Fund & U.S. Treasury Securities
Trust and The Advantage Growth and Treasury Securities Trust. First
Trust introduced the first insured unit investment trust in 1974 and to
date more than $9 billion in First Trust unit investment trusts have
been deposited. The Sponsor's employees include a team of professionals
with many years of experience in the unit investment trust industry. The
Sponsor is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. and Securities Investor Protection Corporation and has its
principal offices at 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532;
telephone number (630) 241-4141. As of December 31, 1997, the total
partners' capital of Nike Securities L.P. was $11,724,071 (audited).
(This paragraph relates only to the Sponsor and not to the Trust or to
any series thereof or to any other Underwriter. The information is
included herein only for the purpose of informing investors as to the
financial responsibility of the Sponsor and its ability to carry out its
contractual obligations. More detailed financial information will be
made available by the Sponsor upon request.)
Who is the Trustee?
The Trustee is The Chase Manhattan Bank, with its principal executive
office located at 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017 and its unit
investment trust office at 4 New York Plaza, 6th floor, New York, New
York 10004-2413. Unit holders who have questions regarding the Trusts
may call the Customer Service Help Line at 1-800-682-7520. The Trustee
is subject to supervision by the Superintendent of Banks of the State of
New York, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
Any corporation into which a Trustee may be merged or with which it may
be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or
consolidation to which a Trustee shall be a party, shall be the
successor Trustee. The Trustee must be a banking corporation organized
under the laws of the United States or any State and having at all times
an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than
$5,000,000.
Page 25
Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee
The Sponsor and the Trustee shall be under no liability to Unit holders
for taking any action or for refraining from taking any action in good
faith pursuant to the Indenture, or for errors in judgment, but shall be
liable only for their own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence (ordinary negligence in the case of the Trustee) or reckless
disregard of their obligations and duties. The Trustee shall not be
liable for depreciation or loss incurred by reason of the sale by the
Trustee of any of the Bonds. In the event of the failure of the Sponsor
to act under the Indenture, the Trustee may act thereunder and shall not
be liable for any action taken by it in good faith under the Indenture.
The Trustee shall not be liable for any taxes or other governmental
charges imposed upon or in respect of the Bonds or upon the interest
thereon or upon it as Trustee under the Indenture or upon or in respect
of the Fund which the Trustee may be required to pay under any present
or future law of the United States of America or of any other taxing
authority having jurisdiction. In addition, the Indenture contains other
customary provisions limiting the liability of the Trustee.
If the Sponsor shall fail to perform any of its duties under the
Indenture or become incapable of acting or become bankrupt or its
affairs are taken over by public authorities, then the Trustee may (a)
appoint a successor Sponsor at rates of compensation deemed by the
Trustee to be reasonable and not exceeding amounts prescribed by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or (b) terminate the Indenture and
liquidate the Trusts as provided herein, or (c) continue to act as
Trustee without terminating the Indenture.
Who is the Evaluator?
The Evaluator is Securities Evaluation Service, Inc., 531 East Roosevelt
Road, Suite 200, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. The Evaluator may resign or
may be removed by the Sponsor and the Trustee, in which event the
Sponsor and the Trustee are to use their best efforts to appoint a
satisfactory successor. Such resignation or removal shall become
effective upon the acceptance of appointment by the successor Evaluator.
If upon resignation of the Evaluator no successor has accepted
appointment within thirty days after notice of resignation, the
Evaluator may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor.
The Trustee, Sponsor and Unit holders may rely on any evaluation
furnished by the Evaluator and shall have no responsibility for the
accuracy thereof. Determinations by the Evaluator under the Indenture
shall be made in good faith upon the basis of the best information
available to it, provided, however, that the Evaluator shall be under no
liability to the Trustee, Sponsor or Unit holders for errors in
judgment. This provision shall not protect the Evaluator in any case of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of its obligations and duties.
OTHER INFORMATION
How May the Indenture be Amended or Terminated?
The Sponsor and the Trustee have the power to amend the Indenture
without the consent of any of the Unit holders when such an amendment is
(1) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision of
the Indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other
provision contained therein, or (2) to make such other provisions as
shall not adversely affect the interest of the Unit holders (as
determined in good faith by the Sponsor and the Trustee), provided that
the Indenture is not amended to increase the number of Units of any
Trust issuable thereunder or to permit the deposit or acquisition of
securities either in addition to or in substitution for any of the Bonds
of any Trust initially deposited in a Trust, except for the substitution
of certain refunding securities for Bonds or New Bonds for Failed Bonds.
In the event of any amendment, the Trustee is obligated to notify
promptly all Unit holders of the substance of such amendment.
Each Trust may be liquidated at any time by consent of 100% of the Unit
holders of such Trust or by the Trustee when the value of such Trust, as
shown by any evaluation, is less than 20% of the aggregate principal
amount of the Bonds initially deposited in the Trust or by the Trustee
in the event that Units of a Trust not yet sold aggregating more than
60% of the Units of such Trust are tendered for redemption by the
Underwriters, including the Sponsor. If a Trust is liquidated because of
the redemption of unsold Units of the Trust by the Underwriters, the
Page 26
Sponsor will refund to each purchaser of Units of such Trust the entire
sales charge paid by such purchaser. The Indenture will terminate upon
the redemption, sale or other disposition of the last Bond held
thereunder, but in no event shall it continue beyond the Mandatory
Termination Date as indicated in Part One for each Trust. In the event
of termination, written notice thereof will be sent by the Trustee to
all Unit holders of such Trust. Within a reasonable period after
termination, the Trustee will sell any Bonds remaining in the Trust,
and, after paying all expenses and charges incurred by such Trust, will
distribute to each Unit holder of such Trust (including the Sponsor if
it then holds any Units), upon surrender for cancellation of his
Certificate for Units, his pro rata share of the balances remaining in
the Interest and Principal Accounts of such Trust, all as provided in
the Indenture.
Legal Opinions
The legality of the Units offered hereby and certain matters relating to
Federal tax law have been passed upon by Chapman and Cutler, 111 West
Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, as counsel for the Sponsor.
Booth & Baron, 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 1507, New York, New York
10168, acts as special counsel for the Fund for New York tax matters for
Series 1, 2 and 3 of the Fund. Winston & Strawn (previously named Cole &
Deitz), 175 Water Street, New York, New York 10038 acts as counsel for
the Trustee and as special counsel for the Fund for New York Tax matters
for Series 4-125 of the Fund. Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, 2 Wall Street,
New York, New York 10005, acts as counsel for the Trustee and as special
counsel for the Fund for New York tax matters for Series 126 and
subsequent Series of the Fund. For information with respect to state and
local tax matters, including the State Trust special counsel for such
matters, see Part Three for each Trust.
Experts
The statements of net assets, including the portfolios, of each Trust
contained in Part One of the Prospectus and Registration Statement have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in
their reports thereon appearing elsewhere therein and in the
Registration Statement, and are included in reliance upon such reports
given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
Page 27
DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS*
Standard & Poor's. A brief description of the applicable Standard &
Poor's rating symbols and their meanings follow:
A Standard & Poor's corporate or municipal bond rating is a current
assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a
specific debt obligation. This assessment may take into consideration
obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or lessees.
The bond rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a
security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or
suitability for a particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable.
Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any
rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information.
The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of
changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or for other
circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:
l. Likelihood of default-capacity and willingness of the obligor as to
the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance
with the terms of the obligation;
ll. Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
lll. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in
the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangements under the
laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
AAA-Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay
principal is extremely strong.**
AA-Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A-Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds
in higher rated categories.
BBB-Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
interest and repay principal for bonds in this category than for bonds
in higher rated categories.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "BBB" may be modified by
the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within
the major rating categories.
Provisional Ratings: The letter "p" indicates that the rating is
provisional. A provisional rating assumes the successful completion of
the project being financed by the bonds being rated and indicates that
payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent
upon the successful and timely completion of the project. This rating,
however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to completion of the
project, makes no comment on the likelihood of, or the risk of default
upon failure of, such completion. The investor should exercise his/her
own judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.
Credit Watch: Credit Watch highlights potential changes in ratings of
bonds and other fixed income securities. It focuses on events and trends
which place companies and government units under special surveillance by
S&P's 180-member analytical staff. These may include mergers, voter
referendums, actions by regulatory authorities, or developments gleaned
from analytical reviews. Unless otherwise noted, a rating decision will
be made within 90 days. Issues appear on Credit Watch where an event,
situation, or deviation from trends occurred and needs to be evaluated
as to its impact on credit ratings. A listing, however, does not mean a
rating change is inevitable. Since S&P continuously monitors all of its
ratings, Credit Watch is not intended to include all issues under
review. Thus, rating changes will occur without issues appearing on
Credit Watch.
_____________
*As published by the rating companies.
**Bonds insured by Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, AMBAC Indemnity
Corporation, Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation, Connie Lee
Insurance Company, Financial Security Assurance and Capital Guaranty
Insurance Company are automatically rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor's.
Page 28
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. A brief description of the applicable
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follow:
Aaa-Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred
to as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be
visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position
of such issues. Their safety is so absolute that with the occasional
exception of oversupply in a few specific instances, characteristically,
their market value is affected solely by money market fluctuations.
Aa-Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds
because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities
or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or
there may be other elements present which make the long term risks
appear somewhat large than in Aaa securities. Their market value is
virtually immune to all but money market influences, with the occasional
exception of oversupply in a few specific instances.
A-Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but
elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
sometime in the future. The market value of A-rated bonds may be
influenced to some degree by economic performance during a sustained
period of depressed business conditions, but, during periods of
normalcy, A-rated bonds frequently move in parallel with Aaa and Aa
obligations, with the occasional exception of oversupply in a few
specific instances.
A 1 and Baa 1-Bonds which are rated A 1 and Baa 1 offer the maximum in
security within their quality group, can be bought for possible
upgrading in quality, and additionally, afford the investor an
opportunity to gauge more precisely the relative attractiveness of
offerings in the market place.
Baa-Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations; i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present
but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be
characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds
lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative
characteristics as well. The market value of Baa-rated bonds is more
sensitive to changes in economic circumstances, and aside from
occasional speculative factors applying to some bonds of this class, Baa
market valuations will move in parallel with Aaa, Aa, and A obligations
during periods of economic normalcy, except in instances of oversupply.
Moody's bond rating symbols may contain numerical modifiers of a generic
rating classification. The modifier 1 indicates that the bond ranks at
the high end of its category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range
ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower
end of its generic rating category.
Con.(---)-Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of
some act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally.
These are bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction,
(b) earnings of projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c) rentals
which begin when facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some
other limiting condition attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes probable
credit stature upon completion of construction or elimination of basis
of condition.
Fitch Investors Service, Inc. A brief description of the applicable
Fitch Investors Service, Inc. rating symbols and their meanings follow:
AAA-Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest
and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably
foreseeable events.
AA-Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Bonds
rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to
foreseeable future developments.
A-Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered
to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic
conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB-Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
Page 29
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these
bonds, and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the
ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than
for bonds with higher ratings.
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A and
BBB ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to
show relative standing within these major rating categories.
Page 30
CONTENTS:
The First Trust Combined Series:
What is The First Trust Combined Series? 3
What are Estimated Long-Term Return and
Estimated Current Return? 8
How are Purchased Interest and Accrued
Interest Treated? 9
Why and How are the Insured Trusts Insured? 10
What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders? 16
What are the Expenses and Charges? 16
Public Offering:
How is the Public Offering Price Determined? 17
How are Units Distributed? 20
What are the Sponsor's Profits? 20
Rights of Unit Holders:
How are Certificates Issued and Transferred? 20
How are Interest and Principal Distributed? 21
How can Distributions to Unit Holders be
Reinvested? 22
What Reports will Unit Holders Receive? 23
How May Units be Redeemed? 23
How May Units be Purchased by the Sponsor? 24
How May Bonds be Removed from the Fund? 24
Information as to Sponsor, Trustee and Evaluator:
Who is the Sponsor? 25
Who is the Trustee? 25
Limitations on Liabilities of Sponsor and Trustee 26
Who is the Evaluator? 26
Other Information:
How May the Indenture be Amended or
Terminated? 26
Legal Opinions 27
Experts 27
Description of Bond Ratings 28
__________
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE FUND
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
PLEASE RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
FIRST TRUST (REGISTERED TRADEMARK)
THE FIRST TRUST
COMBINED SERIES
Prospectus
Part Two
May 29, 1998
First Trust (registered trademark)
1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 300
Lisle, Illinois 60532
1-630-241-4141
Trustee:
The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
1-800-682-7520
THIS PART TWO MUST BE
ACCOMPANIED BY PART ONE
AND PART THREE.
Page 31
NEW YORK TRUST SERIES
The First Trust(registered trademark) Combined Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-New York Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-Multi-State
The First Trust Advantage
The First Trust Advantage-New York Discount
PROSPECTUS NOTE: THIS PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Part Three MAY ONLY BE USED WITH
Dated March 31, 1998 PART ONE AND PART TWO
Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders
At the respective times of issuance of the Bonds, opinions relating to
the validity thereof and to the exclusion of interest thereon from
Federal gross income were rendered by bond counsel to the respective
issuing authorities. In addition, with respect to State Trusts, where
applicable, bond counsel to the issuing authorities rendered opinions as
to the exemption of interest on such Bonds when held by residents of the
State in which the issuers of such Bonds are located, from State income
taxes and certain state or local intangibles and local income taxes.
Neither the Sponsor, Chapman and Cutler, nor any of the Special Counsel
to the Fund for State tax matters have made any special review for the
Fund of the proceedings relating to the issuance of the Bonds or of the
bases for the opinions rendered in connection therewith. If the interest
on a Bond should be determined to be taxable, the Bond would generally
have to be sold at a substantial discount. In addition, investors could
be required to pay income tax on interest received prior to the date on
which interest is determined to be taxable.
Gain realized on the sale or redemption of the Bonds by the Trustee or
of a Unit by a Unit holder is includable in gross income for Federal
income tax purposes and may be includable in gross income for state tax
purposes. (Such gain does not include any amounts received in respect of
accrued interest or accrued original issue discount, if any.) If a Bond
is acquired with accrued interest, that portion of the price paid for
the accrued interest is added to the tax basis of the Bond. When this
accrued interest is received, it is treated as a return of capital and
reduces the tax basis of the Bond. If a Bond is purchased for a premium,
the amount of the premium is added to the tax basis of the Bond. Bond
premium is amortized over the remaining term of the Bond, and the tax
basis of the Bond is reduced each tax year by the amount of the premium
amortized in that tax year.
For purposes of the following opinions, it is assumed that each asset of
the Trust is debt the interest on which is excluded from gross income
for Federal income tax purposes. At the time of the closing for each
Trust, Chapman and Cutler, Counsel for the Sponsor, rendered an opinion
under then existing law substantially to the effect that:
(1) the Trusts are not associations taxable as corporations for
Federal income tax purposes and interest and accrued original issue
discount on Bonds which is excludable from gross income under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") will retain its status for
Federal income tax purposes, when received by the Trusts and distributed
to a Unit holder; however, such interest may be taken into account in
computing the alternative minimum tax and the additional tax on branches
of foreign corporations and the environmental tax (the "Superfund Tax"),
as noted below. See "Certain Tax Matters Applicable to Corporate Unit
Holders";
ALL PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Page 1
(2) each Unit holder is considered to be the owner of a pro rata
portion of each asset of the respective Trust under subpart E,
subchapter J of chapter 1 of the Code and will have a taxable event when
the Trust disposes of a Bond, or when the Unit holder redeems or sells
his Units. If the Unit holder disposes of a Unit, he is deemed thereby
to have disposed of his entire pro rata interest in all assets of the
Trust involved including his pro rata portion of all the Bonds
represented by the Unit. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997
Act") includes provisions that treat certain transactions designed to
reduce or eliminate risk of loss and opportunities for gain (e.g. short
sales, offsetting notional principal contracts, futures or forward
contracts or similar transactions) as constructive sales for purposes of
recognition of gain (but not loss) and for purposes of determining the
holding period. Unit holders should consult their own tax advisors with
regard to any such constructive sale rules. Unit holders must reduce the
tax basis of their Units for their share of accrued interest received by
the respective Trust, if any, on Bonds before the date the Trust
acquired ownership of the Bonds (and the amount of this reduction may
exceed the amount of accrued interest paid to the seller) and,
consequently, such Unit holders may have an increase in taxable gain or
reduction in capital loss upon the disposition of such Units. Gain or
loss upon the sale or redemption of Units is measured by comparing the
proceeds of such sale or redemption with the adjusted basis of the
Units. If the Trustee disposes of Bonds (whether by sale, payment on
maturity, redemption or otherwise), gain or loss is recognized to the
Unit holder (subject to various non-recognition provisions of the Code).
The amount of any such gain or loss is measured by comparing the Unit
holder's pro rata share of the total proceeds from such disposition with
the Unit holder's basis for his or her fractional interest in the asset
disposed of. In the case of a Unit holder who purchases Units, such
basis (before adjustment for accrued original issue discount and
amortized bond premium, if any) is determined by apportioning the cost
of the Units among each of the Trust assets ratably according to value
as of the valuation date nearest the date of acquisition of the Units.
Unit holders should consult their own tax advisers with regard to the
calculation of basis. The tax basis reduction requirements of the Code
relating to amortization of bond premium may, under some circumstances,
result in the Unit holder realizing a taxable gain when his Units are
sold or redeemed for an amount equal to or less than his original cost;
and
(3) any insurance proceeds paid under individual policies obtained by
issuers of Bonds which represent maturing interest on defaulted Bonds
held by the Trustee will be excludable from Federal gross income if, and
to the same extent as, such interest would have been so excludable if
paid in the normal course by the issuer of the defaulted Bonds provided
that, at the time such policies are purchased, the amounts paid for such
policies are reasonable, customary and consistent with the reasonable
expectation that the issuer of the Bonds, rather than the insurer, will
pay debt service on the Bonds.
Sections 1288 and 1272 of the Code provide a complex set of rules
governing the accrual of original issue discount. These rules provide
that original issue discount accrues either on the basis of a constant
compound interest rate or ratably over the term of the Bond, depending
on the date the Bond was issued. In addition, special rules apply if the
purchase price of a Bond exceeds the original issue price plus the
amount of original issue discount which would have previously accrued
based upon its issue price (its "adjusted issue price") to prior owners.
If a Bond is acquired with accrued interest, that portion of the price
paid for the accrued interest is added to the tax basis of the Bond.
When this accrued interest is received, it is treated as a return of
capital and reduces the tax basis of the Bond. If a Bond is purchased
for a premium, the amount of the premium is added to the tax basis of
the Bond. Bond premium is amortized over the remaining term of the Bond,
and the tax basis of the Bond is reduced each tax year by the amount of
the premium amortized in that tax year. The application of these rules
will also vary depending on the value of the Bond on the date a Unit
holder acquires his Unit, and the price the Unit holder pays for his
Unit. Unit holders should consult their tax advisers regarding these
rules and their application. See "Portfolio" appearing in Part One for
each Trust for information relating to Bonds, if any, issued at an
original issue discount.
The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 (the "Tax Act") subjects tax-
exempt bonds to the market discount rules of the Code effective for
bonds purchased after April 30, 1993. In general, market discount is the
amount (if any) by which the stated redemption price at maturity exceeds
an investor's purchase price (except to the extent that such difference,
Page 2
if any, is attributable to original issue discount not yet accrued),
subject to statutory de minimis rule. Market discount can arise based on
the price a Trust pays for Bonds or the price a Unit holder pays for his
or her Units. Under the Tax Act, accretion of market discount is taxable
as ordinary income; under prior law the accretion had been treated as
capital gain. Market discount that accretes while a Trust holds a Bond
would be recognized as ordinary income by the Unit holders when
principal payments are received on the Bond, upon sale or at redemption
(including early redemption) or upon the sale or redemption of his or
her Units, unless a Unit holder elects to include market discount in
taxable income as it accrues. The market discount rules are complex and
Unit holders should consult their tax advisers regarding these rules and
their application.
Counsel for the Sponsor has also advised that under Section 265 of the
Code, interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or
carry Units of a Trust is not deductible for Federal income tax
purposes. The Internal Revenue Service has taken the position that such
indebtedness need not be directly traceable to the purchase or carrying
of Units (however, these rules generally do not apply to interest paid
on indebtedness incurred to purchase or improve a personal residence).
Also, under Section 265 of the Code, certain financial institutions that
acquire Units generally would not be able to deduct any of the interest
expense attributable to ownership of Units. Legislative proposals have
been made that would extend the financial institution rules to certain
other corporations including securities dealers and other financial
intermediaries. Investors with questions regarding these issues should
consult with their tax advisers.
In the case of certain of the Bonds in a Trust, the opinions of bond
counsel indicate that interest on such Bonds received by a "substantial
user" of the facilities being financed with the proceeds of these Bonds,
or persons related thereto, for periods while such Bonds are held by
such a user or related person, will not be excludable from Federal gross
income, although interest on such Bonds received by others would be
excludable from Federal gross income. "Substantial user" and "related
person" are defined under the Code and U.S. Treasury Regulations. Any
person who believes he or she may be a substantial user or related
person as so defined should contact his tax adviser.
ALL STATEMENTS OF LAW IN THE PROSPECTUS CONCERNING EXCLUSION FROM GROSS
INCOME FOR FEDERAL, STATE OR OTHER TAX PURPOSES ARE THE OPINIONS OF
COUNSEL AND ARE TO BE SO CONSTRUED.
At the respective times of issuance of the Bonds, opinions relating to
the validity thereof and to the exclusion of interest thereon from
Federal gross income are rendered by bond counsel to the respective
issuing authorities. Neither the Sponsor nor Chapman and Cutler has made
any special review for the Fund of the proceedings relating to the
issuance of the Bonds or of the basis for such opinions.
In general, Section 86 of the Code provides that 50% of Social Security
benefits are includable in gross income to the extent that the sum of
"modified adjusted gross income" plus 50% of the Social Security
benefits received exceeds the "base amount." The base amount is $25,000
for unmarried taxpayers, $32,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint
return and zero for married taxpayers who do not live apart at all times
during the taxable year and who file separate returns. Modified adjusted
gross income is adjusted gross income determined without regard to
certain otherwise allowable deductions and exclusions from gross income
and by including tax-exempt interest. To the extent that Social Security
benefits are includible in gross income, they will be treated as any
other item of gross income.
In addition, under the Tax Act, for taxable years beginning after
December 31 1993, up to 85% of Social Security benefits are includible
in gross income to the extent that the sum of "modified adjusted gross
income" plus 50% of Social Security benefits received exceeds an
"adjusted base amount." The adjusted base amount is $34,000 for
unmarried taxpayers, $44,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint
return, and zero for married taxpayers who do not live apart at all
times during the taxable year and who file separate returns.
Although tax-exempt interest is included in modified adjusted gross
income solely for the purpose of determining what portion, if any, of
Social Security benefits will be included in gross income, no tax-exempt
interest, including that received from a Trust, will be subject to tax.
A taxpayer whose adjusted gross income already exceeds the base amount
or the adjusted base amount must include 50% or 85%, respectively, of
his Social Security benefits in gross income whether or not he receives
any tax-exempt interest. A taxpayer whose modified adjusted gross income
(after inclusion of tax-exempt interest) does not exceed the base amount
need not include any Social Security benefits in gross income.
Page 3
For purposes of computing the alternative minimum tax for individuals
and corporations, interest on certain private activity bonds (which
includes most industrial and housing revenue bonds) issued on or after
August 8, 1986 is included as an item of tax preference. EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE NOTED IN PART ONE FOR CERTAIN TRUSTS, THE TRUSTS DO NOT
INCLUDE ANY SUCH PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS ISSUED ON OR AFTER THAT DATE.
For taxpayers other than corporations, net capital gains (which is
defined as net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss
for the taxable year) are subject to a maximum marginal stated tax rate
of either 28% or 20%, depending upon the holding period of the capital
assets. Capital gain or loss is long-term if the holding period for the
asset is more than one year, and is short-term if the holding period for
the asset is one year or less. Generally, capital gain realized from
assets held for more than one year but not more than 18 months are taxed
at a maximum marginal stated tax rate of 28% and capital gains realized
from assets (with certain exclusions) held for more than 18 months are
taxed at a maximum marginal stated tax rate of 20% (10% in the case of
certain taxpayers in the lowest tax bracket). Further, capital gains
realized from assets held for one year or less are taxed at the same
rate as ordinary income. Legislation is currently pending that provides
the appropriate methodology that should be applied in netting the
realized capital gains and losses. Such legislation is proposed to be
effective retroactively for tax years ending after May 6, 1997. The date
on which a Unit is acquired (i.e., the "trade date") is excluded for
purposes of determining the holding period of the Unit. It should be
noted that legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that
affect tax rates and could affect relative differences at which ordinary
income and capital gains are taxed.
In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
considered "conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered
into after April 30, 1993. Unit holders and prospective investors should
consult with their tax advisers regarding the potential effect of this
provision on their investment in Units.
Under the Code, taxpayers must disclose to the Internal Revenue Service
the amount of tax-exempt interest earned during the year.
Certain Tax Matters Applicable to Corporate Unit Holders. In the case of
certain corporations, the alternative minimum tax and the Superfund Tax
for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986 depend upon the
corporation's alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the
corporation's taxable income with certain adjustments. One of the
adjustment items used in computing AMTI of a corporation (other than an
S Corporation, Regulated Investment Company, Real Estate Investment
Trust, or REMIC) is an amount equal to 75% of the excess of such
corporation's "adjusted current earnings" over an amount equal to its
AMTI (before such adjustment item and the alternative tax net operating
loss deduction). "Adjusted current earnings" includes all tax-exempt
interest, including interest on all of the Bonds in the Trusts. Under
current Code provisions, the Superfund Tax does not apply to tax years
beginning on or after January 1, 1996. Legislative proposals have been
introduced that would reinstate the Superfund Tax for taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1997 and before January 1, 2009. Under the
provisions of Section 884 of the Code, a branch profits tax is levied on
the "effectively connected earnings and profits" of certain foreign
corporations which include tax-exempt interest such as interest on the
Bonds in the Trust. Unit holders should consult their tax advisers with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them, including the
corporate alternative minimum tax, the Superfund Tax and the branch
profits tax imposed by Section 884 of the Code.
Ownership of the Units may result in collateral federal income tax
consequences to certain taxpayers, including, without limitation,
corporations, subject to the branch profits tax, financial institutions,
certain insurance companies, certain S corporations, individual
recipients of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits and
taxpayers who may be deemed to have incurred (or continued) indebtedness
to purchase or carry tax-exempt obligations. Prospective investors
should consult their tax advisers as to the applicability of any such
collateral consequences.
At the time of the closing, Winston & Strawn (previously named Cole &
Deitz), Special Counsel to Series 4-125 of the Fund for New York tax
matters, rendered an opinion under then existing income tax laws of the
State and City of New York, substantially to the effect that each Trust
in Series 4-125 of the Fund is not an association taxable as a
corporation and the income of each Trust in Series 4-125 of the Fund
Page 4
will be treated as the income of the Unit holder in the same manner as
for Federal income tax purposes (subject to differences in accounting
for discount and premium to the extent the State and/or City of New York
do not conform to current Federal law).
At the time of the closing, Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, Special Counsel
to the Fund for New York tax matters for Series 126 and subsequent
Series of the Fund, rendered an opinion under then existing income tax
laws of the State and City of New York, substantially to the effect that
each Trust will not constitute an association taxable as a corporation
under New York law, and accordingly will not be subject to the New York
State franchise tax or the New York City general corporation tax. Under
the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, the income of
each Trust will be considered the income of the holders of the Units.
All statements in the Prospectus concerning exclusion from gross income
for Federal, state or other are the opinions of Counsel and are to be so
construed.
New York Tax Status of Unit Holders
At the time of the closing for Series 1, 2 and 3 of The First Trust
Combined Series; Series 1-9 of The First Trust of Insured Municipal
Bonds-Multi-State; and all Series of the New York Trust included in a
Series of The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-New York; Booth &
Baron, Special Counsel to these Series for New York tax matters,
rendered an opinion under then existing New York income tax law
applicable to taxpayers whose income is subject to New York income
taxation substantially to the effect that:
Each New York Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation, and
the income of a New York Trust will be treated as the income of the Unit
holders under the existing income tax laws of the State and City of New
York, in the same manner as for Federal income tax purposes (subject to
differences in accounting for discount and premium to the extent the
State and/or City of New York do not conform to current Federal law).
Individuals holding Units of a New York Insured Trust who reside in New
York State or City will not be subject to State and City personal income
tax on interest income which is excludable from Federal gross income
under section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and derived from
any obligation of New York State or a political subdivision thereof, or
of the Government of Puerto Rico or a political subdivision thereof, or
of the Government of Guam or by its authority, although they will be
subject to New York State and City personal income tax with respect to
any gains realized when such obligations are sold, redeemed or paid at
maturity or when any such Units are sold or redeemed; and
For individuals holding Units of a New York Trust who reside in New York
State or City, any proceeds paid to the Trustee under the applicable
insurance policies which represent maturing interest on defaulted
obligations held by the Trustee will not be subject to New York State or
City personal income tax if, and to the same extent as, such interest
would not have been subject to New York State or City personal income
tax if paid by the issuer of the defaulted obligations.
For information with respect to the Federal income tax status and other
matters, see "What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?"
Certain Considerations
Each New York Trust includes obligations issued by New York State (the
"State"), by its various public bodies (the "Agencies"), and/or by other
entities located within the State, including the City of New York (the
"City").
Some of the more significant events and conditions relating to the
financial situation in New York are summarized below. This section
provides only a brief summary of the complex factors affecting the
financial situation in New York and is derived from sources that are
generally available to investors and is believed to be accurate. It is
based in part on Official Statements and prospectuses issued by, and on
other information reported by the State, the City, and the Agencies in
connection with the issuance of their respective securities.
There can be no assurance that current or future statewide or regional
economic difficulties, and the resulting impact on State or local
government finances generally, will not adversely affect the market
value of New York Municipal Obligations held in the portfolios of the
Trusts or the ability of particular obligors to make timely payments of
debt service on (or relating to) those obligations.
Page 5
(1) The State: The State has historically been one of the wealthiest
states in the nation. For decades, however, the State economy has grown
more slowly than that of the nation as a whole, gradually eroding the
State's relative economic affluence. Statewide, urban centers have
experienced significant changes involving migration of the more affluent
to the suburbs and an influx of generally less affluent residents.
Regionally, the older Northeast cities have suffered because of the
relative success that the South and the West have had in attracting
people and business. The City has also had to face greater competition
as other major cities have developed financial and business capabilities
which make them less dependent on the specialized services traditionally
available almost exclusively in the City.
The State has for many years had a very high state and local tax burden
relative to other states. The burden of State and local taxation, in
combination with the many other causes of regional economic dislocation,
has contributed to the decisions of some businesses and individuals to
relocate outside, or not locate within, the State. However, the State's
1995-96 budget reflected significant actions to reduce the burden of
State taxation, including adoption of a 3-year, 20% reduction in the
State's personal income tax. During 1996-97, New York led the nation in
tax cuts, at 54.1%, bringing the total value of tax reductions in effect
for the 1997 year to over $6 billion. Annual savings are intended to
grow to $12 billion by 2001-02. When measured as a percentage of
personal income, state-imposed taxes in New York should be below the
national median in 1998. The budget for fiscal year 1998-99 proposes an
additional $700 million in tax reductions.
Slowdown of Regional Economy. A national recession commenced in mid-
1990. Economic recovery started considerably later in the State than in
the nation as a whole due in part to the significant retrenchment in the
banking and financial services industries, downsizing by several major
corporations, cutbacks in defense spending, and an oversupply of office
buildings. In the last few years, New York has shown signs of economic
resurgence. New York has gone from last in the nation in percentage of
private sector employment growth to a level that is on par with the
national average, gaining 250,000 private sector jobs since December
1994. Overall employment growth was close to 1.4% for 1997. National
employment growth in 1997 was estimated at 2.3%. The New York economy in
1998 is expected to grow at about the same rate as in 1997. Many
uncertainties exist in forecasts of both the national and State
economies and there can be no assurance that the State economy will
perform at a level sufficient to meet the State's projections of
receipts and disbursements. Personal income is expected to increase 6.1%
in 1997 and 4.5% in 1998.
1997-98 Fiscal Year. The 1997-98 General Fund Financial Plan continues
to be balanced, with a projected surplus of $1.83 billion. This will be
the third consecutive budget surplus generated by the Governor's
administration. Of this amount, $700 million is being used to finance
one-time costs related to an extra 27th payroll and 53rd Medicaid cycle
($282 million) due to the cyclical timing of these payments and to
provide "hard-dollar" financing for capital projects of the Community
Enhancement Facilities Assistance Program which were previously
anticipated to be supported with bond proceeds. Proposed tax cut
accelerations account for the use of another $685 million of the
surplus. Of the remainder, $365 million is being used to finance 1998-99
Executive Budget recommendations, and $68 million is being deposited
into the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund (the State's "rainy day" fund)
as provided by the Constitution. This is the third consecutive
extraordinary deposit in the rainy day fund and increases the size of
that fund to $400 million by the end of 1997-98, the highest balance
ever achieved.
The surplus results primarily from growth in projected receipts. As
compared to the enacted budget, revenues increased by $1.28 billion,
while disbursements increased by only $565 million. These changes from
Mid-Year Financial Plan projections reflect actual results through
December 1997 as well as modified economic and caseload projections for
the balance of the fiscal year.
The General Fund is projected to be balanced on a cash basis for the
1997-98 fiscal year. Total receipts and transfers from other funds are
projected to be $35.197 billion, an increase of $216 billion from total
receipts in the prior fiscal year. Total General Fund disbursements and
transfers to other funds are projected to be $35.165 billion, an
increase of $2.26 billion from the total amount disbursed in the prior
fiscal year.
The General Fund closing balance is expected to be $465 million at the
end of 1997-98. Of this amount, $400 million will be on deposit in the
Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund (TSRF), while another $65 million will be
Page 6
on deposit in the Contingency Reserve Fund (CRF) after a $24 million
deposit in 1997-98. The TSRF had an opening balance of $317 million to
be supplemented by a required payment of $15 million and an
extraordinary maximum deposit of $68 million from surplus 1997-98 monies.
In recent years, State actions affecting the level of receipts and
disbursements, as well as the relative strength of the State and
regional economy, actions of the Federal government and other factors,
have created structural gaps for the State. These gaps resulted from a
significant disparity between recurring revenues and the costs of
maintaining or increasing the level of support for State programs. As
noted, the 1997-98 enacted budget combines significant tax and program
reductions which will, in the current and future years, lower both the
recurring receipts base (before the effect of any economic stimulus from
such tax reductions) and the historical annual growth in State program
spending. Notwithstanding these changes, the State can expect to
continue to confront structural deficits in future years.
One major uncertainty to the 1997-98 State Financial Plan continues to
be risks related to the economy and tax collections, which could produce
either favorable or unfavorable variances during the balance of the
year. It is possible that recent changes could produce slower economic
growth and a deterioration in State receipts. An additional risk to the
1997-98 State Financial Plan arises from the potential impact of certain
litigation now pending against the State, which could produce adverse
effects on the State's projections of receipts and disbursements.
1998-99 Fiscal Year. General Fund receipts in 1998-99 will reflect the
initial phases of the STAR property tax reduction program as well as the
continuing impact of other 1997 and earlier tax reduction
accomplishments. In addition, the 1998-99 budget reflects several tax
reduction proposals that will reduce receipts available to the General
Fund by about $700 million during the fiscal year. Recurring growth in
the State General Fund tax base is projected to be nearly 6% during 1998-
99. That growth rate is lower than that achieved in 1996-97 or currently
estimated for 1997-98 and roughly equivalent to the rate experienced in
1995-96. Total General Fund receipts for 1998-99 are projected at $36.22
billion, an increase of more than $1 billion from the revised 1997-98
estimate. The largest source of receipts is the sales and use tax which
accounts for nearly 80% of projected receipts.
Total General Fund spending in the 1998-99 Executive Budget is projected
to increase $1.02 billion of 2.89% from the current year. The average
annual increase since 1994-95 is 1.85%. This rate is below the rate of
inflation and much lower than the average annual increase of 5.4% prior
to 1994-95. Education's recommended share of General Fund spending is
30% in 1998-99 and criminal justice spending is 6.5%. Medicaid and
welfare spending growth has been reduced, reflecting Medicaid and
welfare reforms implemented since 1995.
The 1998-99 Financial Plan includes approximately $62 million in non-
recurring resources, the lowest projected level ever recorded. In fiscal
year 1986-87 through 1994-95, the average annual level of one-timers was
approximately $819 million.
The projected 1998-99 closing fund balance of $500 million in the
General Fund is composed of monies available in the TSRF and the CRF. An
additional deposit of $35 million will supplement the $65 million
balance in the CRF, increasing that amount available for possible
litigation risks to $100 million in 1998-99.
On November 16, 1993, the Court of Appeals, the State's highest court,
affirmed the decision of a lower court in three actions, which declared
unconstitutional State actuarial funding methods for determining State
and local contributions to the State employee retirement system.
Following the decision, the State Comptroller developed a plan to phase
in a constitutional funding method and to restore prior funding levels
of the retirement systems over a four-year period. The plan is not
expected to require the State to make additional contributions with
respect to the 1993-94 fiscal year nor to materially and adversely
affect the State's financial condition thereafter. Through fiscal year
1998-99, the State expects to contribute $643 million more to the
retirement plans than would have been required under the prior funding
method.
Future Fiscal Years. There can be no assurance that the State will not
face substantial potential budget gaps in the future resulting from a
significant disparity between tax revenues projected from a lower
recurring receipts base and the spending required to maintain State
programs at current levels. To address any potential budgetary
imbalance, the State may need to take significant actions to align
recurring receipts and disbursements.
Indebtedness. As of March 31, 1997, the total amount of long-term State
general obligation debt authorized but unissued stood at $2.767 billion.
Page 7
As of the same date, the State had approximately $5.03 billion in
outstanding general obligation debt, including $294 million of Bond
Anticipation Notes ("BANS") outstanding.
As of March 31, 1997, $22.499 billion of bonds, issued in connection
with lease-purchase and contractual obligation financings of State
capital programs, were outstanding. The total amount of outstanding
State-supported debt as of March 31, 1997 was $32.766 billion. As of
March 31, 1997, total State-related debt (which includes the State-
supported debt, moral obligation and certain other financings and State-
guaranteed debt) was $37.114 billion.
The State anticipates that its borrowings for capital purposes during
the State's 1997-98 fiscal year will consist of $605 million in general
obligation bonds and BANS and $140 million in general obligation
commercial paper. The Legislature has also authorized the issuance of
$311 million in certificates of participation (including costs of
issuance, reserve funds and other costs) during the State's 1997-98
fiscal year for equipment purchases. The projection of the State
regarding its borrowings for the 1997-98 fiscal year may change if
actual receipts fall short of State projections or if other
circumstances require.
In June 1990, legislation was enacted creating the New York Local
Government Assistance Corporation ("LGAC"), a public benefit corporation
empowered to issue long-term obligations to fund certain payments to
local governments traditionally funded through the State's annual
seasonal borrowing. As of June, 1995, LGAC had issued bonds and notes to
provide net proceeds of $4.7 billion, and has been authorized to issue
its bonds to provide net proceeds of up to $529 million during the
State's 1995-96 fiscal year to redeem notes sold in June 1995. The LGAC
program was completed in 1995-96 with the issuance of the last
installment of authorized bond sales. As of March 31, 1997, $5.239
billion remained outstanding of the LGAC.
Ratings. Moody's rating of the State's general obligation bonds is Aa2,
and S&P's rating is A. Previously, Moody's lowered its rating to A on
June 6, 1990, its rating having been A1 since May 27, 1986. S&P's
previous rating was A- on January 13, 1992. S&P's ratings were A from
March 1990 to January 1992, AA- from August 1987 to March 1990 and A+
from November 1982 to August 1987.
(2) The City and the Municipal Assistance Corporation ("MAC"): The City
accounts for approximately 41% of the State's population and personal
income, and the City's financial health affects the State in numerous
ways.
In response to the City's fiscal crisis in 1975, the State took a number
of steps to assist the City in returning to fiscal stability. Among
other actions, the State Legislature (i) created MAC to assist with long-
term financing for the City's short-term debt and other cash
requirements and (ii) created the State Financial Control Board (the
"Control Board") to review and approve the City's budgets and City four-
year financial plans (the financial plans also apply to certain City-
related public agencies (the "Covered Organizations")).
From 1993 to 1996, the rate of economic growth in the City slowed
substantially. The City's economic improvement significantly accelerated
in fiscal year 1997, resulting in an unusually high, across-the-board
increase in tax receipts. Much of the increase can be traced to the
performance of the securities industry, but the City's economy has
produced gains in retail trade, tourism, and in business services. In
1997, the City experienced the largest private sector job growth in the
last 13 years.
Pursuant to State law, the City prepares a four-year annual financial
plan, which is reviewed and revised on a quarterly basis and which
includes the City's capital, revenue and expense projections. The City
is required to submit its financial plans to review bodies, including
the Control Board. If the City were to experience certain adverse
financial circumstances, including the occurrence or the substantial
likelihood and imminence of the occurrence of an annual operating
deficit of more than $100 million or the loss of access to the public
credit markets to satisfy the City's capital and seasonal financial
requirements, the Control Board would be required by State law to
exercise certain powers, including prior approval of City financial
plans, proposed borrowings and certain contracts.
The City depends on the State for State aid both to enable the City to
balance its budget and to meet its cash requirements. If the State
experiences revenue shortfalls or spending increases beyond its
projections during its 1997-98 fiscal year or subsequent years, such
developments could result in reductions in projected State aid to the
City. In addition, there can be no assurance that State budgets in
future fiscal years will be adopted by the April 1 statutory deadline
Page 8
and that there will not be adverse effects on the City's cash flow and
additional City expenditures as a result of such delays.
The Mayor is responsible for preparing the City's four-year financial
plan, including the City's current financial plan. The City projections
set forth in its financial plan are based on various assumptions and
contingencies which are uncertain and which may not materialize. Changes
in major assumptions could significantly affect the City's ability to
balance its budget as required by State law and to meet its annual cash
flow and financing requirements. Such assumptions and contingencies
include the condition of the regional and local economies, the absence
of wage increases in excess of the increases assumed in its financial
plan, employment growth, provision of State and Federal aid and mandate
relief, State legislative approval of future State budgets, levels of
education expenditures as may be required by State law, adoption of
future City budgets by the New York City Council, and approval by the
Governor or the State Legislature and the cooperation of MAC with
respect to various other actions proposed in such financial plan.
Attaining a balanced budget is also dependent upon the City's ability to
market its securities successfully in the public credit markets. The
City's financing program for fiscal years 1996 through 1999 contemplates
the issuance of $9.7 billion of general obligation bonds primarily to
reconstruct and rehabilitate the City's infrastructure and physical
assets and to make capital investments. In addition, the City issues
revenue and tax anticipation notes to finance its seasonal working
capital requirements. The terms and success of projected public sales of
City general obligation bonds and notes will be subject to prevailing
market conditions at the time of the sale, and no assurance can be given
that the credit markets will absorb the projected amounts of public bond
and note sales. Future developments concerning the City and public
discussion of such developments, the City's future financial needs and
other issues may affect the market for outstanding City general
obligation bonds and notes. If the City were unable to sell its general
obligation bonds and notes, it would be prevented from meeting its
planned operating and capital expenditures.
1996-99 Financial Plan. On July 11, 1995, the City submitted to the
Control Board the 1996-99 Financial Plan, which relates to the City, the
Board of Education and the City University of New York. The 1996-99
Financial Plan is based on the City's expense and capital budgets for
the City's 1996 fiscal year, which were adopted on June 14, 1995, and
sets forth proposed actions by the City for the 1996 fiscal year to
close substantial projected budget gaps resulting from lower than
projected tax receipts and other revenues and greater than projected
expenditures. In addition to substantial proposed agency expenditure
reductions and productivity, efficiency and labor initiatives negotiated
with the City's labor unions, the 1996-99 Financial Plan reflects a
strategy to substantially reduce spending for entitlements for the 1996
and subsequent fiscal years.
1998-2002 Financial Plan. In January, 1998, the New York City mayor
announced the City's Financial Plan for Fiscal Years 1998-2002. For the
second year in a row, the New York City four-year financial plan
contains a record surplus of more than $1 billion. Since the adoption of
the fiscal year 1998 budget, the City is now forecasting additional
resources of $3.1 billion. Approximately 73% will be used to reduce the
out-year gaps, 19% will fund targeted educational, public safety and
other initiatives, and 8% will be used to reduce taxes further.
To reduce the out-year gaps, the City has imposed fiscal discipline on
the rate of growth of City spending which has, over the last four years,
been held below the rate of inflation. For fiscal year 1999, the
proposed City-funded spending increase will be held to 0.6%. The budget
stabilization account, established for the first time in 1997, will be
maintained in fiscal year 1999 at $210 million with an additional $210
million created for fiscal year 2000. As a result of this fiscal
planning, the out-year gaps have been cut in half compared to six years
ago: fiscal year 1993 was $13.3 billion and fiscal year 1998 is $6.75
billion.
According to recent staff reports, while economic recovery in New York
City has been slower than in other regions of the country, a surge in
Wall Street profitability resulted in increased tax revenues and
generated a substantial surplus for the City in City fiscal year 1996-
97. Although several sectors of the City's economy have expanded
recently, especially tourism and business and professional services,
City tax revenues remain heavily dependent on the continued
profitability of the securities industry and the course of the national
economy. These reports have also indicated that recent City budgets have
been balanced in part through the use of non-recurring resources; that
the City's Financial Plan tends to rely on actions outside its direct
Page 9
control; that the City has not yet brought its long-term expenditure
growth in line with recurring revenue growth; and that the City is
therefore likely to continue to face substantial gaps between forecast
revenues and expenditures in future years that must be closed with
reduced expenditures and/or increased revenues.
Given the foregoing factors, there can be no assurance that the City
will continue to maintain a balanced budget, or that it can maintain a
balanced budget without additional tax or other revenue increases or
reductions in City services, which could adversely affect the City's
economic base.
Litigation. The City is a defendant in a significant number of lawsuits.
Such litigation includes, but is not limited to, actions commenced and
claims asserted against the City arising out of alleged constitutional
violations, torts, breaches of contracts, and other violations of law
and condemnation proceedings. While the ultimate outcome and fiscal
impact, if any, on the proceedings and claims are not currently
predictable, adverse determinations in certain of them might have a
material adverse effect upon the City's ability to carry out its
financial plan. The 1996-99 Financial Plan includes provisions for
judgments and claims of $279 million, $236 million, $251 million and
$264 million for the 1996 through 1999 fiscal years, respectively.
Ratings. As of March 1996, Moody's rating of the City's general
obligation bonds stood at Baa1. S&P's current rating of the City's
general obligation bonds is BBB+. S&P's previous rating of the City's
general obligation bonds was A-.
On July 10, 1995, S&P revised downward its rating on City general
obligation bonds from A- to BBB+ and removed City bonds from
CreditWatch. S&P stated that "structural budgetary balance remains
elusive because of persistent softness in the City's economy,
highlighted by weak job growth and a growing dependence on the
historically volatile financial services sector." Other factors
identified by S&P in lowering its rating on City bonds included a trend
of using one-time measures, including debt refinancings, to close
projected budget gaps, dependence on unratified labor savings to help
balance financial plans, optimistic projections of additional Federal
and State aid or mandate relief, a history of cash flow difficulties
caused by State budget delays and continued high debt levels. Fitch
IBCA, Inc. (formerly Fitch Investors Service, L.P.) continues to rate
the City general obligation bonds A-.
On February 11, 1991, Moody's had lowered its rating from A. Previously,
Moody's had raised its rating to A in May 1988, to Baa1 in December
1986, to Baa in November 1983 and to Ba1 in November 1981. S&P had
raised its rating to A- in November 1987, to BBB+ in July 1985 and to
BBB in March 1981.
Indebtedness. As of June 30, 1997, the City had $3.671 billion of
outstanding debt service of which $3.515 billion was net long-term
indebtedness.
(3) The State Agencies: Certain Agencies of the State have faced
substantial financial difficulties which could adversely affect the
ability of such Agencies to make payments of interest on, and principal
amounts of, their respective bonds. The difficulties have in certain
instances caused the State (under so-called "moral obligation"
provisions which are non-binding statutory provisions for State
appropriations to maintain various debt service reserve funds) to
appropriate funds on behalf of the Agencies. Moreover, it is expected
that the problems faced by these Agencies will continue and will require
increasing amounts of State assistance in future years. Failure of the
State to appropriate necessary amounts or to take other action to permit
those Agencies having financial difficulties to meet their obligations
could result in a default by one or more of the Agencies. Such default,
if it were to occur, would be likely to have a significant adverse
effect on investor confidence in, and therefore the market price of,
obligations of the defaulting Agencies. In addition, any default in
payment on any general obligation of any Agency whose bonds contain a
moral obligation provision could constitute a failure of certain
conditions that must be satisfied in connection with Federal guarantees
of City and MAC obligations and could thus jeopardize the City's long-
term financing plans.
(4) State Litigation: The State is a defendant in numerous legal
proceedings pertaining to matters incidental to the performance of
routine governmental operations. Such litigation includes, but is not
limited to, claims asserted against the State arising from alleged
torts, alleged breaches of contracts, condemnation proceedings, and
other alleged violations of State and Federal laws. Included in the
State's outstanding litigation are a number of cases challenging the
constitutionality or the adequacy and effectiveness of a variety of
significant social welfare programs primarily involving the State's
mental hygiene programs. Adverse judgments in these matters generally
could result in injunctive relief coupled with prospective changes in
Page 10
patient care which could require substantial increased financing of the
litigated programs in the future.
The State is also engaged in a variety of claims wherein significant
monetary damages are sought. In 1997, a civil rights claim alleging
intentional school segregation in Yonkers has resulted in a $9 million
judgment for plaintiffs that the State must pay.
Adverse developments in the foregoing proceedings or new proceedings
could adversely affect the financial condition of the State in the future.
(5) Other Municipalities: Certain localities in addition to New York
City could have financial problems leading to requests for additional
State assistance and the need to reduce their spending or increase their
revenues. The potential impact on the State of such actions by
localities is not included in projections of State receipts and
expenditures in the State's 1997-98 fiscal year.
Fiscal difficulties experienced by the City of Yonkers ("Yonkers")
resulted in the re-establishment of the Financial Control Board for the
City of Yonkers (the "Yonkers Board") by the State in 1984. The Yonkers
Board is charged with oversight of the fiscal affairs of Yonkers. Future
actions taken by the Governor or the State Legislature to assist Yonkers
could result in increased State expenditures for extraordinary local
assistance.
Beginning in 1990, the City of Troy experienced a series of budgetary
deficits that resulted in the establishment of a Supervisory Board for
the City of Troy in 1994. The Supervisory Board's powers were increased
in 1995, when Troy MAC was created to help Troy avoid default on certain
obligations. The legislation creating Troy MAC prohibits the City of
Troy from seeking federal bankruptcy protection while Troy MAC bonds are
outstanding. Troy MAC has issued bonds to effect a restructuring of the
City of Troy's obligations.
Eighteen municipalities received extraordinary assistance during the
1996 legislative session through $50 million in special appropriations
targeted for distressed cities, aid that was largely continued in 1997.
Twenty-eight municipalities are scheduled to share the more than $32
million in targeted unrestricted aid allocated in the 1997-98 budget. An
additional $21 million will be dispersed among all cities, towns and
villages, a 3.97% increase in General Purpose State Aid.
Municipalities and school districts have engaged in substantial short-
term and long-term borrowings. In 1995, the total indebtedness of all
localities in the State other than New York City was approximately $19.0
billion. Approximately $102.3 million of that indebtedness represented
borrowing to finance budgetary deficits and was issued pursuant to State
enabling legislation. State law requires the Comptroller to review and
make recommendations concerning the budgets of those local government
units other than New York City authorized by State law to issue debt to
finance deficits during the period that such deficit financing is
outstanding. Eighteen localities had outstanding indebtedness for
deficit financing at the close of their fiscal year ending in 1995.
From time to time, Federal expenditure reductions could reduce, or in
some cases eliminate, Federal funding of some local programs and
accordingly might impose substantial increased expenditure requirements
on affected localities. If the State, New York City or any of the
Agencies were to suffer serious financial difficulties jeopardizing
their respective access to the public credit markets, the marketability
of notes and bonds issued by localities within the State, including
notes or bonds in the New York Trust, could be adversely affected.
Localities also face anticipated and potential problems resulting from
certain pending litigation, judicial decisions, and long-range economic
trends. The long-range potential problems of declining urban population,
increasing expenditures, and other economic trends could adversely
affect localities and require increasing State assistance in the future.
(6) Other Issuers of New York Municipal Obligations. There are a number
of other agencies, instrumentalities and political subdivisions of the
State that issue Municipal Obligations, some of which may be conduit
revenue obligations payable from payments from private borrowers. These
entities are subject to various economic risks and uncertainties, and
the credit quality of the securities issued by them may vary
considerably from the credit quality of obligations backed by the full
faith and credit of the State.
The foregoing information constitutes only a brief summary of some of
the general factors which may impact certain issuers of Bonds and does
not purport to be a complete or exhaustive description of all adverse
conditions to which the issuers of Bonds held by the New York Trusts are
subject. Additionally, many factors including national economic, social
and environmental policies and conditions, which are not within the
Page 11
control of the issuers of the Bonds, could affect or could have an
adverse impact on the financial condition of the issuers. The Sponsor is
unable to predict whether or to what extent such factors or other
factors may affect the issuers of the Bonds, the market value or
marketability of the Bonds or the ability of the respective issuers of
the Bonds acquired by the New York Trusts to pay interest on or
principal of the Bonds.
Page 11
New York Trust Series
The First Trust(registered trademark) Combined Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-New York Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-Multi-State
The First Trust Advantage
The First Trust Advantage-New York Discount
PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Must be Accompanied by Parts One and Two
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE TRUST
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
PLEASE RETAIN ALL PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Page 13
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST SERIES
The First Trust (registered trademark) Combined Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-Pennsylvania Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-Multi-State
PROSPECTUS NOTE: THIS PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Part Three MAY ONLY BE USED WITH
Dated March 31, 1998 PART ONE AND PART TWO
Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders
At the respective times of issuance of the Bonds, opinions relating to
the validity thereof and to the exclusion of interest thereon from
Federal gross income were rendered by bond counsel to the respective
issuing authorities. In addition, with respect to State Trusts, where
applicable, bond counsel to the issuing authorities rendered opinions as
to the exemption of interest on such Bonds when held by residents of the
State in which the issuers of such Bonds are located, from State income
taxes and certain state or local intangibles and local income taxes.
Neither the Sponsor, Chapman and Cutler, nor any of the Special Counsel
to the Fund for State tax matters have made any special review for the
Fund of the proceedings relating to the issuance of the Bonds or of the
bases for the opinions rendered in connection therewith. If the interest
on a Bond should be determined to be taxable, the Bond would generally
have to be sold at a substantial discount. In addition, investors could
be required to pay income tax on interest received prior to the date on
which interest is determined to be taxable.
Gain realized on the sale or redemption of the Bonds by the Trustee or
of a Unit by a Unit holder is includable in gross income for Federal
income tax purposes and may be includable in gross income for state tax
purposes. (Such gain does not include any amounts received in respect of
accrued interest or accrued original issue discount, if any.) If a Bond
is acquired with accrued interest, that portion of the price paid for
the accrued interest is added to the tax basis of the Bond. When this
accrued interest is received, it is treated as a return of capital and
reduces the tax basis of the Bond. If a Bond is purchased for a premium,
the amount of the premium is added to the tax basis of the Bond. Bond
premium is amortized over the remaining term of the Bond, and the tax
basis of the Bond is reduced each tax year by the amount of the premium
amortized in that tax year.
For purposes of the following opinions, it is assumed that each asset of
the Trust is debt the interest on which is excluded from gross income
for Federal income tax purposes. At the time of the closing for each
Trust, Chapman and Cutler, Counsel for the Sponsor, rendered an opinion
under then existing law substantially to the effect that:
(1) the Trusts are not associations taxable as corporations for
Federal income tax purposes and interest and accrued original issue
discount on Bonds which is excludable from gross income under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") will retain its status for
Federal income tax purposes, when received by the Trusts and distributed
to a Unit holder; however, such interest may be taken into account in
computing the alternative minimum tax and the additional tax on branches
of foreign corporations and the environmental tax (the "Superfund Tax"),
as noted below. See "Certain Tax Matters Applicable to Corporate Unit
Holders";
ALL PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Page 1
(2) each Unit holder is considered to be the owner of a pro rata
portion of each asset of the respective Trust under subpart E,
subchapter J of chapter 1 of the Code and will have a taxable event when
the Trust disposes of a Bond, or when the Unit holder redeems or sells
his Units. If the Unit holder disposes of a Unit, he is deemed thereby
to have disposed of his entire pro rata interest in all assets of the
Trust involved including his pro rata portion of all the Bonds
represented by the Unit. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997
Act") includes provisions that treat certain transactions designed to
reduce or eliminate risk of loss and opportunities for gain (e.g. short
sales, offsetting notional principal contracts, futures or forward
contracts or similar transactions) as constructive sales for purposes of
recognition of gain (but not loss) and for purposes of determining the
holding period. Unit holders should consult their own tax advisors with
regard to any such constructive sale rules. Unit holders must reduce the
tax basis of their Units for their share of accrued interest received by
the respective Trust, if any, on Bonds before the date the Trust
acquired ownership of the Bonds (and the amount of this reduction may
exceed the amount of accrued interest paid to the seller) and,
consequently, such Unit holders may have an increase in taxable gain or
reduction in capital loss upon the disposition of such Units. Gain or
loss upon the sale or redemption of Units is measured by comparing the
proceeds of such sale or redemption with the adjusted basis of the
Units. If the Trustee disposes of Bonds (whether by sale, payment on
maturity, redemption or otherwise), gain or loss is recognized to the
Unit holder (subject to various non-recognition provisions of the Code).
The amount of any such gain or loss is measured by comparing the Unit
holder's pro rata share of the total proceeds from such disposition with
the Unit holder's basis for his or her fractional interest in the asset
disposed of. In the case of a Unit holder who purchases Units, such
basis (before adjustment for accrued original issue discount and
amortized bond premium, if any) is determined by apportioning the cost
of the Units among each of the Trust assets ratably according to value
as of the valuation date nearest the date of acquisition of the Units.
Unit holders should consult their own tax advisers with regard to the
calculation of basis. The tax basis reduction requirements of the Code
relating to amortization of bond premium may, under some circumstances,
result in the Unit holder realizing a taxable gain when his Units are
sold or redeemed for an amount equal to or less than his original cost;
and
(3) any insurance proceeds paid under individual policies obtained by
issuers of Bonds which represent maturing interest on defaulted Bonds
held by the Trustee will be excludable from Federal gross income if, and
to the same extent as, such interest would have been so excludable if
paid in the normal course by the issuer of the defaulted Bonds provided
that, at the time such policies are purchased, the amounts paid for such
policies are reasonable, customary and consistent with the reasonable
expectation that the issuer of the Bonds, rather than the insurer, will
pay debt service on the Bonds.
Sections 1288 and 1272 of the Code provide a complex set of rules
governing the accrual of original issue discount. These rules provide
that original issue discount accrues either on the basis of a constant
compound interest rate or ratably over the term of the Bond, depending
on the date the Bond was issued. In addition, special rules apply if the
purchase price of a Bond exceeds the original issue price plus the
amount of original issue discount which would have previously accrued
based upon its issue price (its "adjusted issue price") to prior owners.
If a Bond is acquired with accrued interest, that portion of the price
paid for the accrued interest is added to the tax basis of the Bond.
When this accrued interest is received, it is treated as a return of
capital and reduces the tax basis of the Bond. If a Bond is purchased
for a premium, the amount of the premium is added to the tax basis of
the Bond. Bond premium is amortized over the remaining term of the Bond,
and the tax basis of the Bond is reduced each tax year by the amount of
the premium amortized in that tax year. The application of these rules
will also vary depending on the value of the Bond on the date a Unit
holder acquires his Unit, and the price the Unit holder pays for his
Unit. Unit holders should consult their tax advisers regarding these
rules and their application. See "Portfolio" appearing in Part One for
each Trust for information relating to Bonds, if any, issued at an
original issue discount.
The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 (the "Tax Act") subjects tax-
exempt bonds to the market discount rules of the Code effective for
bonds purchased after April 30, 1993. In general, market discount is the
amount (if any) by which the stated redemption price at maturity exceeds
an investor's purchase price (except to the extent that such difference,
Page 2
if any, is attributable to original issue discount not yet accrued),
subject to statutory de minimis rule. Market discount can arise based on
the price a Trust pays for Bonds or the price a Unit holder pays for his
or her Units. Under the Tax Act, accretion of market discount is taxable
as ordinary income; under prior law the accretion had been treated as
capital gain. Market discount that accretes while a Trust holds a Bond
would be recognized as ordinary income by the Unit holders when
principal payments are received on the Bond, upon sale or at redemption
(including early redemption) or upon the sale or redemption of his or
her Units, unless a Unit holder elects to include market discount in
taxable income as it accrues. The market discount rules are complex and
Unit holders should consult their tax advisers regarding these rules and
their application.
Counsel for the Sponsor has also advised that under Section 265 of the
Code, interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or
carry Units of a Trust is not deductible for Federal income tax
purposes. The Internal Revenue Service has taken the position that such
indebtedness need not be directly traceable to the purchase or carrying
of Units (however, these rules generally do not apply to interest paid
on indebtedness incurred to purchase or improve a personal residence).
Also, under Section 265 of the Code, certain financial institutions that
acquire Units generally would not be able to deduct any of the interest
expense attributable to ownership of Units. Legislative proposals have
been made that would extend the financial institution rules to certain
other corporations including securities dealers and other financial
intermediaries. Investors with questions regarding these issues should
consult with their tax advisers.
In the case of certain of the Bonds in a Trust, the opinions of bond
counsel indicate that interest on such Bonds received by a "substantial
user" of the facilities being financed with the proceeds of these Bonds,
or persons related thereto, for periods while such Bonds are held by
such a user or related person, will not be excludable from Federal gross
income, although interest on such Bonds received by others would be
excludable from Federal gross income. "Substantial user" and "related
person" are defined under the Code and U.S. Treasury Regulations. Any
person who believes he or she may be a substantial user or related
person as so defined should contact his tax adviser.
ALL STATEMENTS OF LAW IN THE PROSPECTUS CONCERNING EXCLUSION FROM GROSS
INCOME FOR FEDERAL, STATE OR OTHER TAX PURPOSES ARE THE OPINIONS OF
COUNSEL AND ARE TO BE SO CONSTRUED.
At the respective times of issuance of the Bonds, opinions relating to
the validity thereof and to the exclusion of interest thereon from
Federal gross income are rendered by bond counsel to the respective
issuing authorities. Neither the Sponsor nor Chapman and Cutler has made
any special review for the Fund of the proceedings relating to the
issuance of the Bonds or of the basis for such opinions.
In general, Section 86 of the Code provides that 50% of Social Security
benefits are includable in gross income to the extent that the sum of
"modified adjusted gross income" plus 50% of the Social Security
benefits received exceeds the "base amount." The base amount is $25,000
for unmarried taxpayers, $32,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint
return and zero for married taxpayers who do not live apart at all times
during the taxable year and who file separate returns. Modified adjusted
gross income is adjusted gross income determined without regard to
certain otherwise allowable deductions and exclusions from gross income
and by including tax-exempt interest. To the extent that Social Security
benefits are includible in gross income, they will be treated as any
other item of gross income.
In addition, under the Tax Act, for taxable years beginning after
December 31 1993, up to 85% of Social Security benefits are includible
in gross income to the extent that the sum of "modified adjusted gross
income" plus 50% of Social Security benefits received exceeds an
"adjusted base amount." The adjusted base amount is $34,000 for
unmarried taxpayers, $44,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint
return, and zero for married taxpayers who do not live apart at all
times during the taxable year and who file separate returns.
Although tax-exempt interest is included in modified adjusted gross
income solely for the purpose of determining what portion, if any, of
Social Security benefits will be included in gross income, no tax-exempt
interest, including that received from a Trust, will be subject to tax.
A taxpayer whose adjusted gross income already exceeds the base amount
or the adjusted base amount must include 50% or 85%, respectively, of
his Social Security benefits in gross income whether or not he receives
any tax-exempt interest. A taxpayer whose modified adjusted gross income
(after inclusion of tax-exempt interest) does not exceed the base amount
need not include any Social Security benefits in gross income.
Page 3
For purposes of computing the alternative minimum tax for individuals
and corporations, interest on certain private activity bonds (which
includes most industrial and housing revenue bonds) issued on or after
August 8, 1986 is included as an item of tax preference. EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE NOTED IN PART ONE FOR CERTAIN TRUSTS, THE TRUSTS DO NOT
INCLUDE ANY SUCH PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS ISSUED ON OR AFTER THAT DATE.
For taxpayers other than corporations, net capital gains (which is
defined as net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss
for the taxable year) are subject to a maximum marginal stated tax rate
of either 28% or 20%, depending upon the holding period of the capital
assets. Capital gain or loss is long-term if the holding period for the
asset is more than one year, and is short-term if the holding period for
the asset is one year or less. Generally, capital gain realized from
assets held for more than one year but not more than 18 months are taxed
at a maximum marginal stated tax rate of 28% and capital gains realized
from assets (with certain exclusions) held for more than 18 months are
taxed at a maximum marginal stated tax rate of 20% (10% in the case of
certain taxpayers in the lowest tax bracket). Further, capital gains
realized from assets held for one year or less are taxed at the same
rate as ordinary income. Legislation is currently pending that provides
the appropriate methodology that should be applied in netting the
realized capital gains and losses. Such legislation is proposed to be
effective retroactively for tax years ending after May 6, 1997. The date
on which a Unit is acquired (i.e., the "trade date") is excluded for
purposes of determining the holding period of the Unit. It should be
noted that legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that
affect tax rates and could affect relative differences at which ordinary
income and capital gains are taxed.
In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
considered "conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered
into after April 30, 1993. Unit holders and prospective investors should
consult with their tax advisers regarding the potential effect of this
provision on their investment in Units.
Under the Code, taxpayers must disclose to the Internal Revenue Service
the amount of tax-exempt interest earned during the year.
Certain Tax Matters Applicable to Corporate Unit Holders. In the case of
certain corporations, the alternative minimum tax and the Superfund Tax
for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986 depend upon the
corporation's alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the
corporation's taxable income with certain adjustments. One of the
adjustment items used in computing AMTI of a corporation (other than an
S Corporation, Regulated Investment Company, Real Estate Investment
Trust, or REMIC) is an amount equal to 75% of the excess of such
corporation's "adjusted current earnings" over an amount equal to its
AMTI (before such adjustment item and the alternative tax net operating
loss deduction). "Adjusted current earnings" includes all tax-exempt
interest, including interest on all of the Bonds in the Trusts. Under
current Code provisions, the Superfund Tax does not apply to tax years
beginning on or after January 1, 1996. Legislative proposals have been
introduced that would reinstate the Superfund Tax for taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1997 and before January 1, 2009. Under the
provisions of Section 884 of the Code, a branch profits tax is levied on
the "effectively connected earnings and profits" of certain foreign
corporations which include tax-exempt interest such as interest on the
Bonds in the Trust. Unit holders should consult their tax advisers with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them, including the
corporate alternative minimum tax, the Superfund Tax and the branch
profits tax imposed by Section 884 of the Code.
Ownership of the Units may result in collateral federal income tax
consequences to certain taxpayers, including, without limitation,
corporations, subject to the branch profits tax, financial institutions,
certain insurance companies, certain S corporations, individual
recipients of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits and
taxpayers who may be deemed to have incurred (or continued) indebtedness
to purchase or carry tax-exempt obligations. Prospective investors
should consult their tax advisers as to the applicability of any such
collateral consequences.
At the time of the closing, Winston & Strawn (previously named Cole &
Deitz), Special Counsel to Series 4-125 of the Fund for New York tax
matters, rendered an opinion under then existing income tax laws of the
State and City of New York, substantially to the effect that each Trust
in Series 4-125 of the Fund is not an association taxable as a
corporation and the income of each Trust in Series 4-125 of the Fund
Page 4
will be treated as the income of the Unit holder in the same manner as
for Federal income tax purposes (subject to differences in accounting
for discount and premium to the extent the State and/or City of New York
do not conform to current Federal law).
At the time of the closing, Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, Special Counsel
to the Fund for New York tax matters for Series 126 and subsequent
Series of the Fund, rendered an opinion under then existing income tax
laws of the State and City of New York, substantially to the effect that
each Trust will not constitute an association taxable as a corporation
under New York law, and accordingly will not be subject to the New York
State franchise tax or the New York City general corporation tax. Under
the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, the income of
each Trust will be considered the income of the holders of the Units.
All statements in the Prospectus concerning exclusion from gross income
for Federal, state or other are the opinions of Counsel and are to be so
construed.
Pennsylvania Tax Status of Unit Holders
In rendering its opinion, Special Counsel has not, for timing reasons,
made an independent review of proceedings related to the issuance of the
Bonds. It has relied on the Sponsor for assurance that the Bonds have
been issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or by or on behalf of
municipalities or other governmental agencies within the Commonwealth.
At the time of the closing for each Pennsylvania Trust, Special Counsel
to the Fund for Pennsylvania tax matters rendered an opinion under then
existing Pennsylvania income tax law applicable to taxpayers whose
income is subject to Pennsylvania income taxation substantially to the
effect that:
Units evidencing fractional undivided interests in a Pennsylvania Trust,
which are represented by obligations issued by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, any public authority, commission, board or other agency
created by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, any political subdivision
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or any public authority created by
any such political subdivision, are not taxable under any of the
personal property taxes presently in effect in Pennsylvania;
Distributions of interest income to Unit holders that would not be
taxable if received directly by a Pennsylvania resident are not subject
to personal income tax under the Pennsylvania Tax Reform Code of 1971;
nor will such interest be taxable under the Philadelphia School District
Investment Income Tax imposed on Philadelphia resident individuals;
A Unit holder will have a taxable event under the Pennsylvania state and
local income taxes referred to in the preceding paragraph upon the
redemption or sale of his Units. Units will be taxable under the
Pennsylvania inheritance and estate taxes;
A Unit holder which is a corporation will have a taxable event under the
Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax when it redeems or sells its
Units. Interest income distributed to Unit holders which are
corporations is not subject to Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax or
Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax. However, banks, title insurance
companies and trust companies may be required to take the value of the
Units into account in determining the taxable value of their shares
subject to the Shares tax;
Under Act No. 68 of December 3, 1993, gains derived by a Pennsylvania
Trust from the sale, exchange or other disposition of Bonds may be
subject to Pennsylvania personal or corporate income taxes. Those gains
which are distributed by a Pennsylvania Trust to Unit holders who are
individuals may be subject to Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax. For Unit
holders which are corporations, the distributed gains may be subject to
Corporate Net Income Tax or Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax. Gains which
are not distributed by a Pennsylvania Trust may nevertheless be taxable
to Unit holders if derived by a Pennsylvania Trust from the sale,
exchange or other disposition of Bonds issued on or after February 1,
1994. Gains which are not distributed by a Pennsylvania Trust will
remain nontaxable to Unit holders if derived by a Pennsylvania Trust
from the sale, exchange or other disposition of Bonds issued prior to
February 1, 1994.
Any proceeds paid under insurance policies issued to the Trustee or
obtained by issuers of the Bonds with respect to the Bonds which
represent maturing interest on defaulted obligations held by the Trustee
will be excludable from Pennsylvania gross income if, and to the same
extent as, such interest would have been so excludable if paid by the
issuer of the defaulted obligations;
A Pennsylvania Trust is not taxable as a corporation under Pennsylvania
tax laws applicable to corporations.
Page 5
On December 3, 1993, changes to Pennsylvania laws affecting taxation of
income and gains from the sale of Pennsylvania and local obligations
were enacted. Among these changes was the repeal of the exemption from
tax of gains realized upon the sale or other disposition of such
obligations. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has issued proposed
regulations concerning these changes. The opinions expressed above are
based on Special Counsel's analysis of the law and proposed regulations,
but are subject to modification upon review of final regulations or
other guidance that may be issued by the Department of Revenue or future
court decisions.
For information with respect to the Federal income tax status and other
tax matters, see "What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?"
Certain Considerations
Investors should be aware of certain factors that might affect the
financial conditions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania
historically has been identified as a heavy industry state although that
reputation has changed recently as the industrial composition of the
Commonwealth diversified when the coal, steel and railroad industries
began to decline. A more diversified economy was necessary as the
traditionally strong industries in the Commonwealth declined due to a
long-term shift in jobs, investment and workers away from the northeast
part of the nation. The major sources of growth in Pennsylvania are in
the service sector, including trade, medical and the health services,
education and financial institutions. Pennsylvania's agricultural
industries are also an important component of the Commonwealth's
economic structure, particularly in crop and livestock products as well
as agribusiness and food related industries.
Strong growth experienced in Pennsylvania in 1997 was unanticipated and
is unlikely to continue. The peak growth was reached during the first
quarter and growth in subsequent quarters has been lower. Due to
Pennsylvania's improved competitive position, the Commonwealth should
experience economic growth rates close to the national average. The
annual rate of job growth, ranked 45th in 1995, is currently ranked 17th
nationwide.
Non-manufacturing employment has increased in recent years to 82.9% of
total Commonwealth employment as of December 1997. Consequently,
manufacturing employment constitutes a diminished share of total
employment within the Commonwealth. Manufacturing, contributing 17.1% of
non-agricultural employment as of December 1997, has fallen behind both
the services sector and the trade sector as the largest single source of
employment within the Commonwealth. In December 1997, the services
sector accounted for 31.6% of all non-agricultural employment while the
trade sector accounted for 22.8%.
Preliminary results from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and
Industry show Pennsylvania's total non-farm jobs increased by 106,200 or
almost 2% from December 1996 to December 1997. The services industry was
responsible for over one-half of all new jobs created during this
period. Retail trade increased 1.5% or 14,000 jobs. Construction
employment increased 7.4% or 15,200 jobs. Manufacturing growth was slow
at .4% or 4,100 jobs from December 1996 to December 1997. As of December
1997, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the Commonwealth was
4.8% compared to 4.7% for the United States.
More jobs in 1997 brought faster growing personal income. For the four
quarters ending with the first quarter of 1997, personal income in
Pennsylvania rose at a rate of over 6%. This healthy advance contributed
to a 6.1% increase in General Fund tax revenue for fiscal year 1996-97
due to similar increases in collections for personal income tax and the
sales and use tax.
Financial information for the principal operating funds of the
Commonwealth is maintained on a budgetary basis of accounting. A
budgetary basis of accounting is used for the purpose of ensuring
compliance with the enacted operating budget and is governed by
applicable statutes of the Commonwealth and by administrative
procedures. The Commonwealth also prepares annual financial statements
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").
The budgetary basis financial information maintained by the Commonwealth
to monitor and enforce budgetary control is adjusted at fiscal year-end
to reflect appropriate accruals for financial reporting in conformity
with GAAP.
Fiscal 1997 Financial Results. At June 30, 1997, the Commonwealth
reported an unreserved/undesignated fund balance (budgetary basis) of
$402.7 million in the General Fund. This compares to a budgetary basis
fund balance of $158.5 million at June 30, 1996. The budgetary basis
fund balance for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 was the result of
revenue collections totaling $26,149.6 million less appropriation
Page 6
authorizations totaling $25,835.7 million, less other net financing uses
totaling $69.7 million. Included in the $25,835.7 million appropriation
authorizations are $164.3 million of state supplemental appropriations
and $207.0 million in federal supplemental appropriations authorized
during the fiscal year.
On a GAAP basis, at June 30, 1997, the Commonwealth's General Fund
reported a fund balance of $1,364.9 million, an increase of $729.7
million from the $635.2 million fund balance at June 30, 1996. Total
assets increased by $563.4 million to $4,268.5 million. Liabilities
decreased $166.3 million to $2,903.6 million.
For fiscal year 1996-97, revenues of the Commonwealth's General, Special
Revenue, Debt Service and Capital Projects Funds (collectively, the
governmental funds) totaled $32,073 million, an increase of $1,147
million or 3.7% from fiscal year 1995-96. Taxes accounted for 56.6% of
the total general governmental revenues. Their combined fund balances at
June 30, 1997 increased by $914.6 million to $2,900.9 million. The
unreserved/undesignated fund balance was $699.2 million compared to
$378.2 million from the previous year.
Fiscal 1998 Budget. Total receipts for fiscal year 1997-98 are projected
at $17,077 million. Appropriations are estimated at $17,269 million. The
closing balance in the General Fund (after adding the beginning balance
of $403 billion and deducting lapses of $120 million) is $331 million.
After a transfer to the Rainy Day Fund of $50 million, the ending
balance in the General Fund for fiscal year 1997-98 is estimated at $281
million.
Estimated revenues for 1997-98 have been raised $231.1 million due to
substantial upward revisions to personal income and inheritance revenues
and downward revisions to sales and use and insurance premiums taxes.
The personal income tax has provided almost all of the revenue surplus.
Through December 1997, fiscal year 1997-98 revenues have increased 2.8%
over the same period in the prior fiscal year. Revised estimates for
1997-98 project a 2.1% increase in General Fund revenues. Total
revenues, excluding proposed tax changes, are projected to increase by
2.9%.
Proposed Fiscal 1999 Budget. The Governor's 1998-99 Budget continues a
four-year record of tax cuts and fiscal discipline. The proposed 1998-99
General Fund Budget is $17.8 billion, an increase of $518 million or 3%.
The total recommended budget for 1998-99 is $35.8 billion. Approximately
$10.16 billion is from federal funds.
General Fund revenue is estimated to be generated in the following
percentages: 34.7% from sales tax, 34.2% from personal income tax, 12.5%
from business tax, 9.3% from corporate net income tax, 5.4% from other
revenues, and 3.9% from the inheritance tax. Total expenditures for
fiscal year 1998-99 are estimated in the following percentages: 44.3%
for education, 34.4% for health and human services, 11.3% for
protection, 3.8% for direction programs, 3.1% for other programs, and
3.1% for economic development.
Budgets for the past four years have proposed an average spending growth
of 2.0%. The average growth in the enacted budgets during the previous
ten-year period was 5.4%. Over $128 million in tax reductions are
proposed in 1998-99 to help working families and to stimulate job
creation and retention.
After an estimated $2 million transfer to the Rainy Day Fund in 1998-99,
the ending fund balance for the General Fund for fiscal year 1998-99 is
estimated at $9 million. With the projected transfer at the end of 1998-
99, the reserve balance in the Commonwealth's Rainy Day Fund will exceed
$500 million, more than seven times the balance in 1994-95.
Debt Administration. The Constitution of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania permits the incurrence of debt, without approval of the
electorate, for capital projects specifically authorized in a capital
budget. Capital project debt outstanding cannot exceed one and three
quarters (1.75) times the average of the annual tax revenues deposited
in all funds during the previous five fiscal years. The certified
constitutional debt limit at August 29, 1997 was $34.3 billion.
Outstanding capital project debt at August 29, 1997 amounted to $3.7
billion.
In addition to constitutionally authorized capital project debt, the
Commonwealth may incur debt for electorate approved programs, such as
economic revitalization, land and water development, and water
facilities restoration; and for special purposes approved by the General
Assembly, such as disaster relief. The total general obligation bond
indebtedness outstanding at June 30, 1997 was $4,842 million. Total debt
service transfers paid from General Fund and Motor License Fund
appropriations during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997 amounted to
$781.5 million.
Page 7
All outstanding general obligation bonds of the Commonwealth are rated
AA- by S&P and Aa3 by Moody's. Any explanation concerning the
significance of such ratings must be obtained from the rating agencies.
There is no assurance that any ratings will continue for any period of
time or that they will not be revised or withdrawn.
In addition to general obligation bonds, the Commonwealth issues tax
anticipation notes ("TANS") to meet operating cash needs during certain
months of the fiscal year. The Commonwealth anticipates issuance of $225
million in General Fund TANS during the 1997-98 fiscal year. During
fiscal year 1996-97, $550 million TANS were issued.
The City of Philadelphia ("Philadelphia") is the largest city in the
Commonwealth, with an estimated population of 1,478,002 in 1996,
according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Philadelphia functions both
as a city of the first class and a county for the purpose of
administering various governmental programs.
Legislation providing for the establishment of the Pennsylvania
Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority ("PICA") to assist first class
cities in remedying fiscal emergencies was enacted by the General
Assembly and approved by the Governor in June 1991. PICA is designed to
provide assistance through the issuance of funding debt to liquidate
budget deficits and to make factual findings and recommendations to the
assisted city concerning its budgetary and fiscal affairs. An
intergovernmental cooperation agreement between Philadelphia and PICA
was approved by City Council on January 3, 1992, and approved by the
PICA Board and signed by the Mayor on January 8, 1992. At this time,
Philadelphia is operating under a five-year fiscal plan approved by PICA
on April 30, 1996.
As of February 28, 1997, PICA has issued approximately $1,761.7 million
of its Special Tax Revenue Bonds to provide financial assistance to
Philadelphia, to liquidate the cumulative General Fund balance deficit,
to refund certain general obligation bonds of the City and to fund
additional capital projects. No further PICA bonds are to be issued by
PICA for the purpose of financing a capital project or deficit as the
authority for such bond sales expired on December 31, 1994. PICA's
authority to issue debt for the purpose of financing a cash flow deficit
expired on December 31, 1996. Its ability to refund existing outstanding
debt is unrestricted. PICA had $1,102.4 million in Special Tax Revenue
Bonds outstanding as of June 30, 1997.
The audited General fund balance of the City as of June 30, 1995, 1996,
and 1997 showed a surplus of approximately $80.5 million, $118.5
million, and $128.8 million, respectively.
S&P's rating on Philadelphia's general obligation bonds is "BBB" and
Moody's rating is "Baa." Any explanation concerning the significance of
such ratings must be obtained from the rating agencies. There is no
assurance that any ratings will continue for any period of time or that
they will not be revised or withdrawn.
It should be noted that the creditworthiness of obligations issued by
local Pennsylvania issuers may be unrelated to the creditworthiness of
obligations issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and there is no
obligation on the part of the Commonwealth to make payment on such local
obligations in the event of default.
The foregoing information constitutes only a brief summary of some of
the general factors which may impact certain issuers of Bonds and does
not purport to be a complete or exhaustive description of all adverse
conditions to which the issuers of Bonds held by the Pennsylvania Trusts
are subject. Additionally, many factors including national economic,
social and environmental policies and conditions, which are not within
the control of the issuers of the Bonds, could affect or could have an
adverse impact on the financial condition of the issuers. The Sponsor is
unable to predict whether or to what extent such factors or other
factors may affect the issuers of the Bonds, the market value or
marketability of the Bonds or the ability of the respective issuers of
the Bonds acquired by the Pennsylvania Trusts to pay interest on or
principal of the Bonds.
Page 8
PENNSYLVANIA TRUST SERIES
The First Trust (registered trademark) Combined Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-Pennsylvania Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-Multi-State
PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Must be Accompanied by Parts One and Two
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE TRUST
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
PLEASE RETAIN ALL PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Page 9
TEXAS TRUST SERIES
The First Trust (registered trademark) Combined Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-Multi-State
PROSPECTUS NOTE: THIS PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Part Three MAY ONLY BE USED WITH
Dated December 30, 1997 PART ONE AND PART TWO
Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders
At the respective times of issuance of the Bonds, opinions relating to
the validity thereof and to the exclusion of interest thereon from
Federal gross income were rendered by bond counsel to the respective
issuing authorities. In addition, with respect to State Trusts, where
applicable, bond counsel to the issuing authorities rendered opinions as
to the exemption of interest on such Bonds when held by residents of the
state in which the issuers of such Bonds are located, from state income
taxes and certain state or local intangibles and local income taxes.
Neither the Sponsor, Chapman and Cutler, nor any of the Special Counsel
to the Fund for State tax matters have made any special review for the
Fund of the proceedings relating to the issuance of the Bonds or of the
bases for the opinions rendered in connection therewith. If the interest
on a Bond should be determined to be taxable, the Bond would generally
have to be sold at a substantial discount. In addition, investors could
be required to pay income tax on interest received prior to the date on
which interest is determined to be taxable.
Gain realized on the sale or redemption of the Bonds by the Trustee or
of a Unit by a Unit holder is includable in gross income for Federal
income tax purposes and may be includable in gross income for state tax
purposes. (Such gain does not include any amounts received in respect of
accrued interest or accrued original issue discount, if any.) If a Bond
is acquired with accrued interest, that portion of the price paid for
the accrued interest is added to the tax basis of the Bond. When this
accrued interest is received, it is treated as a return of capital and
reduces the tax basis of the Bond. If a Bond is purchased for a premium,
the amount of the premium is added to the tax basis of the Bond. Bond
premium is amortized over the remaining term of the Bond, and the tax
basis of the Bond is reduced each tax year by the amount of the premium
amortized in that tax year.
For purposes of the following opinions, it is assumed that each asset of
the Trust is debt the interest on which is excluded from gross income
for Federal income tax purposes. At the time of the closing for each
Trust, Chapman and Cutler, Counsel for the Sponsor, rendered an opinion
under then existing law substantially to the effect that:
(1) the Trusts are not associations taxable as corporations for
Federal income tax purposes and interest and accrued original issue
discount on Bonds which are excludable from gross income under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") will retain its status for
Federal income tax purposes, when received by the Trusts and distributed
to a Unit holder; however, such interest may be taken into account in
computing the alternative minimum tax and the additional tax on branches
of foreign corporations. See "Certain Tax Matters Applicable to
Corporate Unit Holders";
ALL PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Page 1
(2) each Unit holder is considered to be the owner of a pro rata
portion of each asset of the respective Trust under subpart E,
subchapter J of chapter 1 of the Code and will have a taxable event when
the Trust disposes of a Bond, or when the Unit holder redeems or sells
his Units. If the Unit holder disposes of a Unit, he is deemed thereby
to have disposed of his entire pro rata interest in all assets of the
Trust involved including his pro rata portion of all the Bonds
represented by the Unit. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997
Act") includes provisions that treat certain transactions designed to
reduce or eliminate risk of loss and opportunities for gain (e.g. short
sales, offsetting notional principal contracts, futures or forward
contracts or similar transactions) as constructive sales for purposes of
recognition of gain (but not loss) and for purposes of determining the
holding period. Unit holders should consult their own tax advisors with
regard to any such constructive sale rules. Unit holders must reduce the
tax basis of their Units for their share of accrued interest received by
the respective Trust, if any, on Bonds before the date the Trust
acquired ownership of the Bonds (and the amount of this reduction may
exceed the amount of accrued interest paid to the seller) and,
consequently, such Unit holders may have an increase in taxable gain or
reduction in capital loss upon the disposition of such Units. Gain or
loss upon the sale or redemption of Units is measured by comparing the
proceeds of such sale or redemption with the adjusted basis of the
Units. If the Trustee disposes of Bonds (whether by sale, payment on
maturity, redemption or otherwise), gain or loss is recognized to the
Unit holder (subject to various non-recognition provisions of the Code).
The amount of any such gain or loss is measured by comparing the Unit
holder's pro rata share of the total proceeds from such disposition with
the Unit holder's basis for his or her fractional interest in the asset
disposed of. In the case of a Unit holder who purchases Units, such
basis (before adjustment for accrued original issue discount and
amortized bond premium, if any) is determined by apportioning the cost
of the Units among each of the Trust assets ratably according to value
as of the valuation date nearest the date of acquisition of the Units.
It should be noted that certain legislative proposals have been made
which could affect the calculation of basis for Unit holders holding
securities that are substantially identical to the Bonds. Unit holders
should consult their own tax advisers with regard to the calculation of
basis. The tax basis reduction requirements of the Code relating to
amortization of bond premium may, under some circumstances, result in
the Unit holder realizing a taxable gain when his Units are sold or
redeemed for an amount equal to or less than his original cost; and
(3) any insurance proceeds paid under individual policies obtained by
issuers of Bonds which represent maturing interest on defaulted Bonds
held by the Trustee will be excludable from Federal gross income if, and
to the same extent as, such interest would have been so excludable if
paid in the normal course by the issuer of the defaulted Bonds provided
that, at the time such policies are purchased, the amounts paid for such
policies are reasonable, customary and consistent with the reasonable
expectation that the issuer of the Bonds, rather than the insurer, will
pay debt service on the Bonds.
Sections 1288 and 1272 of the Code provide a complex set of rules
governing the accrual of original issue discount. These rules provide
that original issue discount accrues either on the basis of a constant
compound interest rate or ratably over the term of the Bond, depending
on the date the Bond was issued. In addition, special rules apply if the
purchase price of a Bond exceeds the original issue price plus the
amount of original issue discount which would have previously accrued
based upon its issue price (its "adjusted issue price") to prior owners.
If a Bond is acquired with accrued interest, that portion of the price
paid for the accrued interest is added to the tax basis of the Bond.
When this accrued interest is received, it is treated as a return of
capital and reduces the tax basis of the Bond. If a Bond is purchased
for a premium, the amount of the premium is added to the tax basis of
the Bond. Bond premium is amortized over the remaining term of the Bond,
and the tax basis of the Bond is reduced each tax year by the amount of
the premium amortized in that tax year. The application of these rules
will also vary depending on the value of the Bond on the date a Unit
holder acquires his Unit, and the price the Unit holder pays for his
Unit. Unit holders should consult their tax advisers regarding these
rules and their application. See "Portfolio" appearing in Part One for
each Trust for information relating to Bonds, if any, issued at an
original issue discount.
The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 (the "Tax Act") subjects tax-
exempt bonds to the market discount rules of the Code effective for
Page 1
bonds purchased after April 30, 1993. In general, market discount is the
amount (if any) by which the stated redemption price at maturity exceeds
an investor's purchase price (except to the extent that such difference,
if any, is attributable to original issue discount not yet accrued),
subject to statutory de minimis rule. Market discount can arise based on
the price a Trust pays for Bonds or the price a Unit holder pays for his
or her Units. Under the Tax Act, accretion of market discount is taxable
as ordinary income; under prior law the accretion had been treated as
capital gain. Market discount that accretes while a Trust holds a Bond
would be recognized as ordinary income by the Unit holders when
principal payments are received on the Bond, upon sale or at redemption
(including early redemption) or upon the sale or redemption of his or
her Units, unless a Unit holder elects to include market discount in
taxable income as it accrues. The market discount rules are complex and
Unit holders should consult their tax advisers regarding these rules and
their application.
Counsel for the Sponsor has also advised that under Section 265 of the
Code, interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or
carry Units of a Trust is not deductible for Federal income tax
purposes. The Internal Revenue Service has taken the position that such
indebtedness need not be directly traceable to the purchase or carrying
of Units (however, these rules generally do not apply to interest paid
on indebtedness incurred to purchase or improve a personal residence).
Also, under Section 265 of the Code, certain financial institutions that
acquire Units generally would not be able to deduct any of the interest
expense attributable to ownership of Units. Legislative proposals have
been made that would extend the financial institution rules to most
corporations. Investors with questions regarding these issues should
consult with their tax advisers.
In the case of certain of the Bonds in a Trust, the opinions of bond
counsel indicate that interest on such Bonds received by a "substantial
user" of the facilities being financed with the proceeds of these Bonds,
or persons related thereto, for periods while such Bonds are held by
such a user or related person, will not be excludable from Federal gross
income, although interest on such Bonds received by others would be
excludable from Federal gross income. "Substantial user" and "related
person" are defined under the Code and U.S. Treasury Regulations. Any
person who believes he or she may be a substantial user or related
person as so defined should contact his tax adviser.
In general, Section 86 of the Code provides that 50% of Social Security
benefits are includable in gross income to the extent that the sum of
"modified adjusted gross income" plus 50% of the Social Security
benefits received exceeds the "base amount." The base amount is $25,000
for unmarried taxpayers, $32,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint
return and zero for married taxpayers who do not live apart at all times
during the taxable year and who file separate returns. Modified adjusted
gross income is adjusted gross income determined without regard to
certain otherwise allowable deductions and exclusions from gross income
and by including tax-exempt interest. To the extent that Social Security
benefits are includible in gross income, they will be treated as any
other item of gross income.
In addition, under the Tax Act, for taxable years beginning after
December 31 1993, up to 85% of Social Security benefits are includible
in gross income to the extent that the sum of "modified adjusted gross
income" plus 50% of Social Security benefits received exceeds an
"adjusted base amount." The adjusted base amount is $34,000 for
unmarried taxpayers, $44,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint
return, and zero for married taxpayers who do not live apart at all
times during the taxable year and who file separate returns.
Although tax-exempt interest is included in modified adjusted gross
income solely for the purpose of determining what portion, if any, of
Social Security benefits will be included in gross income, no tax-exempt
interest, including that received from a Trust, will be subject to tax.
A taxpayer whose adjusted gross income already exceeds the base amount
or the adjusted base amount must include 50% or 85%, respectively, of
his Social Security benefits in gross income whether or not he receives
any tax-exempt interest. A taxpayer whose modified adjusted gross income
(after inclusion of tax-exempt interest) does not exceed the base amount
need not include any Social Security benefits in gross income.
For purposes of computing the alternative minimum tax for individuals
and corporations, interest on certain private activity bonds (which
includes most industrial and housing revenue bonds) issued on or after
August 8, 1986 is included as an item of tax preference. EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE NOTED IN PART ONE FOR CERTAIN TRUSTS, THE TRUSTS DO NOT
INCLUDE ANY SUCH PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS ISSUED ON OR AFTER THAT DATE.
Page 2
In the case of corporations, the alternative tax rate applicable to long-
term capital gains is 35%, effective for long-term capital gains
realized in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 1993. For
taxpayers other than corporations, net capital gains (which is defined
as net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss for the
taxable year) are subject to a maximum marginal stated tax rate of
either 28% or 20%, depending upon the holding period of the capital
assets. Capital loss is long-term if the holding period for the asset is
more than one year, and is short-term if the holding period for the
asset is one year or less. Generally, capital gains realized from assets
held for more than one year but not more than 18 months are taxed at a
maximum marginal stated tax rate of 28% and capital gains realized from
assets (with certain exclusions) held for more than 18 months are taxed
at a maximum marginal stated tax rate of 20% (10% in the case of certain
taxpayers in the lowest tax bracket). Further, capital gains realized
from assets held for one year or less are taxed at the same rate as
ordinary income. Legislation is currently pending that provides the
appropriate methodology that should be applied in netting the realized
capital gains and losses. Such legislation is proposed to be effective
retroactively for tax years ending after May 6, 1997. The date on which
a Unit is acquired (i.e., the "trade date") is excluded for purposes of
determining the holding period of the Unit. It should be noted that
legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that affect tax
rates and could affect relative differences at which ordinary income and
capital gains are taxed.
In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
considered "conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered
into after April 30, 1993. Unit holders and prospective investors should
consult with their tax advisers regarding the potential effect of this
provision on their investment in Units.
Under the Code, taxpayers must disclose to the Internal Revenue Service
the amount of tax-exempt interest earned during the year.
Certain Tax Matters Applicable to Corporate Unit Holders. In the case of
certain corporations, the alternative minimum tax for taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1986 depends upon the corporation's
alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the corporation's
taxable income with certain adjustments. One of the adjustment items
used in computing AMTI of a corporation (other than an S Corporation,
Regulated Investment Company, Real Estate Investment Trust, or REMIC) is
an amount equal to 75% of the excess of such corporation's "adjusted
current earnings" over an amount equal to its AMTI (before such
adjustment item and the alternative tax net operating loss deduction).
"Adjusted current earnings" includes all tax-exempt interest, including
interest on all of the Bonds in the Trusts. Under the provisions of
Section 884 of the Code, a branch profits tax is levied on the
"effectively connected earnings and profits" of certain foreign
corporations which include tax-exempt interest such as interest on the
Bonds in the Trust. Unit holders should consult their tax advisers with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them, including the
corporate alternative minimum tax and the branch profits tax imposed by
Section 884 of the Code.
Ownership of the Units may result in collateral federal income tax
consequences to certain taxpayers, including, without limitation,
corporations, subject to the branch profits tax, financial institutions,
certain insurance companies, certain S corporations, individual
recipients of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits and
taxpayers who may be deemed to have incurred (or continued) indebtedness
to purchase or carry tax-exempt obligations. Prospective investors
should consult their tax advisers as to the applicability of any such
collateral consequences.
At the time of the closing, Winston & Strawn (previously named Cole &
Deitz), Special Counsel to Series 4-125 of the Fund for New York tax
matters, rendered an opinion under then existing income tax laws of the
State and City of New York, substantially to the effect that each Trust
in Series 4-125 of the Fund is not an association taxable as a
corporation and the income of each Trust in Series 4-125 of the Fund
will be treated as the income of the Unit holder in the same manner as
for Federal income tax purposes (subject to differences in accounting
for discount and premium to the extent the State and/or City of New York
do not conform to current Federal law).
At the time of the closing, Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, Special Counsel
to the Fund for New York tax matters for Series 126 and subsequent
Series of the Fund, rendered an opinion under then existing income tax
laws of the State and City of New York, substantially to the effect that
each Trust will not constitute an association taxable as a corporation
Page 4
under New York law, and accordingly will not be subject to the New York
State franchise tax or the New York City general corporation tax. Under
the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, the income of
each Trust will be considered the income of the holders of the Units.
All statements in the Prospectus concerning exclusion from gross income
for Federal, state or other tax purposes are the opinions of Counsel and
are to be so construed.
Texas Tax Status of Unit Holders
At the time of the closing for each Texas Trust, Special Counsel to the
Fund for Texas tax matters rendered an opinion under then existing Texas
income tax law applicable to taxpayers whose income is subject to Texas
income taxation substantially to the effect that:
(1) Neither the State nor any political subdivision of the State
currently imposes an income tax on individuals. Therefore, no portion of
any distribution received by an individual Unit holder of the Trust in
respect of his Units, including a distribution of the proceeds of
insurance in respect of such Units, is subject to income taxation by the
State or any political subdivision of the State;
(2) Except in the case of certain transportation businesses, savings
and loan associations and insurance companies, no Unit of a Trust is
taxable under any property tax levied in the State;
(3) The "inheritance tax" of the State, imposed upon certain transfers
of property of a deceased resident individual Unit holder, may be
measured in part upon the value of Units of a Trust included in the
estate of such Unit holder; and
(4) With respect to any Unit holder which is subject to the State
corporate franchise tax, Units in a Trust held by such Unit holder, and
distributions received thereon, will be taken into account in computing
the "taxable capital" of the Unit holder allocated to the State, one of
the bases by which such franchise tax is currently measured (the other
being a corporation's "net capital earned surplus," which is, generally,
its net corporate income plus officers and directors income).
The opinion set forth in clause (2), above, is limited to the extent
that Units of a Trust may be subject to property taxes levied in the
State if held on the relevant date: (i) by a transportation business
described in V.T.C.A., Tax Code, Subchapter A, Chapter 24; (ii) by a
savings and loan association formed under the laws of the State (but
only to the extent described in section 11.09 of the Texas Savings and
Loan Act, Vernon's Ann. Civ. St. Art. 852a); or (iii), by an insurance
company incorporated under the laws of the State (but only to the extent
described in V.A.T.S., Insurance Code, Art. 4.01). Each Unit holder
described in the preceding sentence should consult its own tax advisor
with respect to such matters.
Corporations subject to the State franchise tax should be aware that in
its first called 1991 session, the Texas Legislature adopted, and the
Governor has signed into law, certain substantial amendments to the
State corporate franchise tax, the effect of which may be subject to
taxation all or a portion of any gains realized by such a corporate Unit
holder upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of a Unit. The
amendments are applicable to taxable periods commencing January 1991,
and to each taxable period thereafter. Because no authoritative
judicial, legislative or administrative interpretation of these
amendments has issued, and there remain many unresolved questions
regarding its potential effect on corporate franchise taxpayers, each
corporation which is subject to the State franchise tax and which is
considering the purchase of Units should consult its tax advisor
regarding the effect of these amendments.
For information with respect to the Federal income tax status and other
tax matters, see "What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?"
Certain Considerations
Economic Outlook. Texas's economic growth in general has paralleled U.S.
growth since 1995. The State's economic expansion is expected to slow in
1998-99, but it should continue to outpace the growth of the national
economy. Although the U.S. economy shows signs of renewed strength, a
retrenchment in the high-technology industry has restrained vigorous
economic recovery in Texas. Nevertheless, a growing State economy,
healthy gains in employment and personal income, and unspent cash from
the 1996-97 biennium should combine to increase the amount of State
revenue available for general spending in the next two fiscal years.
Page 5
Texas's real gross state product has outpaced national economic growth
in every year of the 1990s, with average annual growth rates exceeding
the nation's by nearly one percentage point each year. In fiscal 1995,
Texas's gross state product grew by 3.5%. In fiscal 1996, the gross
product grew by only 2.8%, while the U.S. growth rate fell to 1.9%. This
pattern should continue throughout the 1998-99 biennium, with the
State's inflation-adjusted gross state product increasing at an annual
rate of 3.2%, compared to 2.2% for national gross domestic product.
The three industries in Texas with the highest employment concentration
are oil and gas extraction, pipelines, and petroleum production.
However, Bureau of Economic Analysis data for 1970, 1980 and 1990 show a
decreasing concentration in these industries, indicating that the
State's economy has become more like the country's. Increasing economic
diversity helps protect Texas from business cycles associated with the
energy industry, but concentration in these industries allows the State
to reap greater rewards when they prosper, as oil and gas extraction
have in 1996 and 1997.
Texas's largest industries in terms of earnings have traditionally been
services, state and local government, and retail trade. In 1996, they
represented 25.8%, 10.8%, and 9.2% of all earnings, respectively. Of the
major industries accounting for at least 5% of earnings, the slowest
growing in 1996 was nondurable goods manufacturing (7.6% of all
earnings) which increased by 3.0%; the fastest was construction (6.2% of
all earnings) which increased by 9.2%. During the 1998-99 biennium, the
electronic equipment and industrial machinery industries will become
more important to the Texas economy. In 1996, exports of high-tech items
such as semiconductors, communications equipment and computers reached
$29.9 billion, or more than 40% of total exports. High-tech firms with
established plants in Texas, such as Dell Computer, Texas Instruments,
Compaq, Intel and Motorola, will drive much of this growth.
Mexico is Texas's largest market, thanks in part to its proximity, trade
liberalization and the peso recovery. During 1997, the economic picture
for border areas began to brighten in the aftermath of the 1994 peso
devaluation. Mexico's fiscal crisis had spilled over into Texas border
retailers. With Mexico's economy continuing to improve, retail activity
along the border is increasing and feeding job growth and construction.
Texas has also increased its investments in basic infrastructure along
the Mexican border in order to take advantage of its location and
further increase exports. Exports to Mexico, which totaled $21.9 billion
in 1995, or 32% of Texas's total exports, expanded to $27.4 billion in
1996, or 37% of total exports. Brazil is another important business
partner, with exports jumping by 20% from 1995 to 1996.
Over the past ten years, per capita personal income growth in Texas has
trailed behind the United States as a whole. Since 1986, Texas has
experienced an average of 4.7% annual income growth, compared to the
national average annual increase of 4.9%. In 1986, the State ranked 27th
in the United States with a per capita personal income of $14,024. In
1996, however, the State dropped to 32nd in the nation, with personal
income at $22,282 or 91.2% of the national average ($24,426). The 1996
per capita personal income in Texas reflected an increase of 4.6% from
1995, equaling the increase in the United States. The State
Comptroller's Office estimates that personal income will increase by
5.6% annually through 1999, with about half of the growth attributable
to inflation.
In fiscal 1997, Texas nonfarm employment registered 2.6% annual growth
and reached a record 8.45 million, including over 200,000 new jobs. The
State Comptroller's Spring 1997 economic forecast predicts 2.2% growth
in fiscal 1998 and again in fiscal 1999. Currently, the service-
producing sectors (i.e., transportation and public utilities, insurance
and real estate, government, and trade) are the major sources of job
growth in Texas, accounting for 80% of total non-farm employment and
over 90% of employment growth since 1990. In 1996, Texas experienced its
lowest unemployment rate in ten years, reaching 5.3%. This rate has
further decreased to 4.9% in October 1997. The unemployment rate for the
United States in 1996 was 5.4%, which has decreased to 4.3% in October
1997.
Revenue and Expenditures. Historically, the primary sources of the
State's revenues have been sales taxes, mineral severance taxes and
federal grants. Due to the State's expansion in Medicaid spending and
other Health and Human Services programs requiring federal matching
revenues, federal receipts was the State's largest source of income in
fiscal 1997, increasing 4.0% compared to 1996 and totaling 28.4% of
total revenue. Sales tax, which had been the main source of revenue
between 1981 and 1993, was second, accounting for 26.6% of total
revenues in fiscal 1997. For the past 10 years, the sales tax has
produced more revenue each year than all other taxes combined. Total
sales tax collections for the 1998-99 biennium are expected to grow by
Page 6
8.8% and reach $24.0 billion, an increase of $1.9 billion over the 1996-
97 biennium. While overall collections have expanded with the Texas
economy, the growth in sales tax collections has slackened recently. A
cooling in the volume of retail spending and the final implementation of
an exemption from sales tax for production machinery are major factors
in the softer growth rates observed since 1994.
Oil production and regulation tax receipts in 1998-99 are expected to
reach $717 million, down from the $806 million collected in 1996-97.
Even though 1997 collections were bolstered by a spike in prices, the
long-term price outlook is relatively flat, and taxable production is
expected to continue to fall. National gas tax receipts in 1998-99 are
expected to reach $1,021 million, down slightly from $1,159 million in
1996-97. Like oil, the increase in 1997 collections is attributable to a
sustained rise in prices. However, long-term natural gas prices are
expected to remain flat in response to supply increases from Canada and
the Gulf of Mexico.
Heavy reliance on the energy and agricultural sectors for jobs and
income resulted in a general downturn in the Texas economy beginning in
1982 when those industries suffered significantly. The effects of this
downturn continued to affect the State's real estate industry and its
financial institutions for several years. As a result of these problems,
the general revenue fund had a $231 million cash deficit at the
beginning of the 1987 fiscal year that grew to a $745 million cash
deficit by the end of that fiscal year. After 1987 the Texas economy did
begin to move toward a period of recovery. Expansion has continued, and
the State ended fiscal 1997 with a general revenue fund cash surplus of
$4.5 billion.
Net revenues for general and special funds at the end of fiscal 1997
totaled $42.6 billion, or 5.3% over fiscal 1996. The two largest
increases in revenue were a $1.4 billion (7.2%) rise in tax revenues and
a $470.2 million (4.0%) increase in federal funds. Expenditures at the
end of fiscal 1997 increased by $1.8 billion, or 4.5% over fiscal 1996.
Health and human service agencies experienced the largest expenditure
increase, $1.4 billion or 10.5% over 1996, while transportation expenses
were down by $343.7 million or 10.2% from 1996.
The State's Comptroller's Office estimates that revenue in 1998-99 will
total $87.3 billion. The State of Texas will have $52.2 billion in funds
available to finance general revenue-related operations during the 1998-
99 biennium. Available funds will come from three main sources. The
ending balance available for certification carried forward from the 1996-
97 biennium was $2.4 billion. Total tax revenue will be $40.1 billion,
and total non-tax revenue will contribute an additional $9.7 billion. Of
the remaining revenue, the single largest portion will be $25.4 billion
in federal revenue. The revenue estimate for the 1998-99 biennium is
based on an assumption that the Texas economy will show a steady growth.
Restrictions on Indebtedness. With certain specific exceptions, the
Texas Constitution generally prohibits the creation of debt by or on
behalf of the State unless the voters of the State, by constitutional
amendment, authorize the issuance of debt (including general obligation
indebtedness backed by the State's taxing power and full faith and
credit). In excess of $9.0 billion of general obligation bonds have been
authorized in Texas and almost $5.4 billion of such bonds, including
revenue bonds, are currently outstanding. Many of these were issued by
the Veterans' Land Board and the Texas Public Finance Authority.
Though the full faith and credit of the State are pledged for the
payment of all general obligations issued by the State, much of that
indebtedness is designed to be eventually self-supporting from fees,
payments and other sources of revenues; in some instances, the receipt
of such revenues by certain issuing agencies has been in sufficient
amounts to pay the principal of and interest on the issuer's outstanding
bonds without requiring the use of appropriated funds.
Pursuant to Article 717k-2, Texas Revised Civil Statutes, as presently
amended, the net effective interest rate for any issue or series of
Bonds in a Texas Trust is limited to 15%. In March, 1993, the
Legislature passed a proposed constitutional amendment which would allow
a limited amount of money to be "recaptured" from wealthy school
districts and redistributed to property-poor school districts. However,
the amendment was rejected by the voters on May 1, 1993, requiring the
Legislature to develop a new school finance plan. At the end of May,
1993, the Legislature passed a new school finance bill that provides
school districts with certain choices to achieve funding equalization.
The Texas Supreme Court upheld this school finance law in January, 1995.
Page 7
The same economic and other factors affecting the State of Texas and its
agencies also have affected cities, counties, school districts and other
issuers of bonds located throughout the State. Declining revenues caused
by the downturn in the Texas economy in the mid-1980s forced these
various other issuers to raise taxes and cut services to achieve the
balanced budget mandated by their respective charters or applicable
State law requirements. Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. assign separate ratings to each issue of bonds sold by these other
issuers. Such ratings may be significantly lower than the ratings
assigned by such rating agencies to Texas general obligation bonds.
A wide variety of Texas laws, rules and regulations affect, directly or
indirectly, the payment of interest on, or the repayment of the
principal of, Bonds in a Texas Trust. The impact of such laws and
regulations on particular Bonds may vary depending upon numerous factors
including, among others, the particular type of Bonds involved, the
public purpose funded by the Bonds and the nature and extent of
insurance or other security for payment of principal and interest on the
Bonds. For example, Bonds in a Texas Trust which are payable only from
the revenues derived from a particular facility may be adversely
affected by Texas laws or regulations which make it more difficult for
the particular facility to generate revenues sufficient to pay such
interest and principal, including, among others, laws and regulations
which limit the amount of fees, rates or other charges which may be
imposed for use of the facility or which increase competition among
facilities of that type or which limit or otherwise have the effect of
reducing the use of such facilities generally, thereby reducing the
revenues generated by the particular facility. Bonds in a Texas Trust,
the payment of interest and principal on which is payable from annual
appropriations, may be adversely affected by local laws or regulations
that restrict the availability of monies with which to make such
appropriations. Similarly, Bonds in a Texas Trust, the payment of
interest and principal on which is secured, in whole or in part, by an
interest in real property may be adversely affected by declines in real
estate values and by Texas laws that limit the availability of remedies
or the scope of remedies available in the event of a default on such
Bonds. Because of the diverse nature of such laws and regulations and
the impossibility of predicting the nature or extent of future changes
in existing laws or regulations or the future enactment or adoption of
additional laws or regulations, it is not presently possible to
determine the impact of such laws and regulations on the Bonds in a
Texas Trust and, therefore, on the Units.
From the time Standard & Poor's began rating Texas general obligation
bonds in 1956 until early 1986, that firm gave these bonds its highest
rating, AAA. In April 1986, in response to the State's economic
problems, Standard & Poor's downgraded its rating of Texas general
obligation bonds to AA+. Standard & Poor's further downgraded the
general obligation debt rating in July 1987 to its current AA rating.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. has rated Texas bonds since prior to the
Great Depression. Moody's upgraded its rating of Texas general
obligation bonds in 1962 from Aa to Aaa, its highest rating, following
the imposition of a statewide sales tax by the Legislature. Moody's
downgraded such rating to Aa in March 1987 and currently publishes a Aa2
rating for Texas general obligation bonds. No prediction can be made
concerning future changes in ratings by national rating agencies for
Texas general obligation bonds or concerning the effect of such ratings
changes on the market for such issues.
This summary is derived from sources that are generally available to
investors and is believed to be accurate. It is based in part on
information obtained from various State and local agencies in Texas,
including information provided in official statements of recent Texas
State issues. Historical data on economic conditions in Texas is
presented for background information only, and should not be relied on
to suggest future economic conditions in the State.
The foregoing information constitutes only a brief summary of some of
the general factors which may impact certain issuers of Bonds and does
not purport to be a complete or exhaustive description of all adverse
conditions to which the issuers of Bonds held by the Texas Trusts are
subject. Additionally, many factors including national economic, social
and environmental policies and conditions, which are not within the
control of the issuers of the Bonds, could affect or could have an
adverse impact on the financial condition of the issuers. The Sponsor is
unable to predict whether or to what extent such factors or other
factors may affect the issuers of the Bonds, the market value or
marketability of the Bonds or the ability of the respective issuers of
the Bonds acquired by the Texas Trusts to pay interest on or principal
of the Bonds.
Page 8
TEXAS TRUST SERIES
The First Trust (registered trademark) Combined Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-Multi-State
PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Must be Accompanied by Parts One and Two
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE TRUST
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
PLEASE RETAIN ALL PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Page 9
KANSAS TRUST SERIES
The First Trust (registered trademark) Combined Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-Multi-State
The First Trust Advantage
PROSPECTUS NOTE: THIS PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Part Three MAY ONLY BE USED WITH
Dated March 31, 1998 PART ONE AND PART TWO
Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders
At the respective times of issuance of the Bonds, opinions relating to
the validity thereof and to the exclusion of interest thereon from
Federal gross income were rendered by bond counsel to the respective
issuing authorities. In addition, with respect to State Trusts, where
applicable, bond counsel to the issuing authorities rendered opinions as
to the exemption of interest on such Bonds when held by residents of the
State in which the issuers of such Bonds are located, from State income
taxes and certain state or local intangibles and local income taxes.
Neither the Sponsor, Chapman and Cutler, nor any of the Special Counsel
to the Fund for State tax matters have made any special review for the
Fund of the proceedings relating to the issuance of the Bonds or of the
bases for the opinions rendered in connection therewith. If the interest
on a Bond should be determined to be taxable, the Bond would generally
have to be sold at a substantial discount. In addition, investors could
be required to pay income tax on interest received prior to the date on
which interest is determined to be taxable.
Gain realized on the sale or redemption of the Bonds by the Trustee or
of a Unit by a Unit holder is includable in gross income for Federal
income tax purposes and may be includable in gross income for state tax
purposes. (Such gain does not include any amounts received in respect of
accrued interest or accrued original issue discount, if any.) If a Bond
is acquired with accrued interest, that portion of the price paid for
the accrued interest is added to the tax basis of the Bond. When this
accrued interest is received, it is treated as a return of capital and
reduces the tax basis of the Bond. If a Bond is purchased for a premium,
the amount of the premium is added to the tax basis of the Bond. Bond
premium is amortized over the remaining term of the Bond, and the tax
basis of the Bond is reduced each tax year by the amount of the premium
amortized in that tax year.
For purposes of the following opinions, it is assumed that each asset of
the Trust is debt the interest on which is excluded from gross income
for Federal income tax purposes. At the time of the closing for each
Trust, Chapman and Cutler, Counsel for the Sponsor, rendered an opinion
under then existing law substantially to the effect that:
(1) the Trusts are not associations taxable as corporations for
Federal income tax purposes and interest and accrued original issue
discount on Bonds which is excludable from gross income under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") will retain its status for
Federal income tax purposes, when received by the Trusts and distributed
to a Unit holder; however, such interest may be taken into account in
computing the alternative minimum tax and the additional tax on branches
of foreign corporations and the environmental tax (the "Superfund Tax"),
as noted below. See "Certain Tax Matters Applicable to Corporate Unit
Holders";
ALL PARTS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Page 1
(2) each Unit holder is considered to be the owner of a pro rata
portion of each asset of the respective Trust under subpart E,
subchapter J of chapter 1 of the Code and will have a taxable event when
the Trust disposes of a Bond, or when the Unit holder redeems or sells
his Units. If the Unit holder disposes of a Unit, he is deemed thereby
to have disposed of his entire pro rata interest in all assets of the
Trust involved including his pro rata portion of all the Bonds
represented by the Unit. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997
Act") includes provisions that treat certain transactions designed to
reduce or eliminate risk of loss and opportunities for gain (e.g. short
sales, offsetting notional principal contracts, futures or forward
contracts or similar transactions) as constructive sales for purposes of
recognition of gain (but not loss) and for purposes of determining the
holding period. Unit holders should consult their own tax advisors with
regard to any such constructive sale rules. Unit holders must reduce the
tax basis of their Units for their share of accrued interest received by
the respective Trust, if any, on Bonds before the date the Trust
acquired ownership of the Bonds (and the amount of this reduction may
exceed the amount of accrued interest paid to the seller) and,
consequently, such Unit holders may have an increase in taxable gain or
reduction in capital loss upon the disposition of such Units. Gain or
loss upon the sale or redemption of Units is measured by comparing the
proceeds of such sale or redemption with the adjusted basis of the
Units. If the Trustee disposes of Bonds (whether by sale, payment on
maturity, redemption or otherwise), gain or loss is recognized to the
Unit holder (subject to various non-recognition provisions of the Code).
The amount of any such gain or loss is measured by comparing the Unit
holder's pro rata share of the total proceeds from such disposition with
the Unit holder's basis for his or her fractional interest in the asset
disposed of. In the case of a Unit holder who purchases Units, such
basis (before adjustment for accrued original issue discount and
amortized bond premium, if any) is determined by apportioning the cost
of the Units among each of the Trust assets ratably according to value
as of the valuation date nearest the date of acquisition of the Units.
Unit holders should consult their own tax advisers with regard to the
calculation of basis. The tax basis reduction requirements of the Code
relating to amortization of bond premium may, under some circumstances,
result in the Unit holder realizing a taxable gain when his Units are
sold or redeemed for an amount equal to or less than his original cost;
and
(3) any insurance proceeds paid under individual policies obtained by
issuers of Bonds which represent maturing interest on defaulted Bonds
held by the Trustee will be excludable from Federal gross income if, and
to the same extent as, such interest would have been so excludable if
paid in the normal course by the issuer of the defaulted Bonds provided
that, at the time such policies are purchased, the amounts paid for such
policies are reasonable, customary and consistent with the reasonable
expectation that the issuer of the Bonds, rather than the insurer, will
pay debt service on the Bonds.
Sections 1288 and 1272 of the Code provide a complex set of rules
governing the accrual of original issue discount. These rules provide
that original issue discount accrues either on the basis of a constant
compound interest rate or ratably over the term of the Bond, depending
on the date the Bond was issued. In addition, special rules apply if the
purchase price of a Bond exceeds the original issue price plus the
amount of original issue discount which would have previously accrued
based upon its issue price (its "adjusted issue price") to prior owners.
If a Bond is acquired with accrued interest, that portion of the price
paid for the accrued interest is added to the tax basis of the Bond.
When this accrued interest is received, it is treated as a return of
capital and reduces the tax basis of the Bond. If a Bond is purchased
for a premium, the amount of the premium is added to the tax basis of
the Bond. Bond premium is amortized over the remaining term of the Bond,
and the tax basis of the Bond is reduced each tax year by the amount of
the premium amortized in that tax year. The application of these rules
will also vary depending on the value of the Bond on the date a Unit
holder acquires his Unit, and the price the Unit holder pays for his
Unit. Unit holders should consult their tax advisers regarding these
rules and their application. See "Portfolio" appearing in Part One for
each Trust for information relating to Bonds, if any, issued at an
original issue discount.
The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 (the "Tax Act") subjects tax-
exempt bonds to the market discount rules of the Code effective for
bonds purchased after April 30, 1993. In general, market discount is the
amount (if any) by which the stated redemption price at maturity exceeds
an investor's purchase price (except to the extent that such difference,
Page 2
if any, is attributable to original issue discount not yet accrued),
subject to statutory de minimis rule. Market discount can arise based on
the price a Trust pays for Bonds or the price a Unit holder pays for his
or her Units. Under the Tax Act, accretion of market discount is taxable
as ordinary income; under prior law the accretion had been treated as
capital gain. Market discount that accretes while a Trust holds a Bond
would be recognized as ordinary income by the Unit holders when
principal payments are received on the Bond, upon sale or at redemption
(including early redemption) or upon the sale or redemption of his or
her Units, unless a Unit holder elects to include market discount in
taxable income as it accrues. The market discount rules are complex and
Unit holders should consult their tax advisers regarding these rules and
their application.
Counsel for the Sponsor has also advised that under Section 265 of the
Code, interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or
carry Units of a Trust is not deductible for Federal income tax
purposes. The Internal Revenue Service has taken the position that such
indebtedness need not be directly traceable to the purchase or carrying
of Units (however, these rules generally do not apply to interest paid
on indebtedness incurred to purchase or improve a personal residence).
Also, under Section 265 of the Code, certain financial institutions that
acquire Units generally would not be able to deduct any of the interest
expense attributable to ownership of Units. Legislative proposals have
been made that would extend the financial institution rules to certain
other corporations including securities dealers and other financial
intermediaries. Investors with questions regarding these issues should
consult with their tax advisers.
In the case of certain of the Bonds in a Trust, the opinions of bond
counsel indicate that interest on such Bonds received by a "substantial
user" of the facilities being financed with the proceeds of these Bonds,
or persons related thereto, for periods while such Bonds are held by
such a user or related person, will not be excludable from Federal gross
income, although interest on such Bonds received by others would be
excludable from Federal gross income. "Substantial user" and "related
person" are defined under the Code and U.S. Treasury Regulations. Any
person who believes he or she may be a substantial user or related
person as so defined should contact his tax adviser.
ALL STATEMENTS OF LAW IN THE PROSPECTUS CONCERNING EXCLUSION FROM GROSS
INCOME FOR FEDERAL, STATE OR OTHER TAX PURPOSES ARE THE OPINIONS OF
COUNSEL AND ARE TO BE SO CONSTRUED.
At the respective times of issuance of the Bonds, opinions relating to
the validity thereof and to the exclusion of interest thereon from
Federal gross income are rendered by bond counsel to the respective
issuing authorities. Neither the Sponsor nor Chapman and Cutler has made
any special review for the Fund of the proceedings relating to the
issuance of the Bonds or of the basis for such opinions.
In general, Section 86 of the Code provides that 50% of Social Security
benefits are includable in gross income to the extent that the sum of
"modified adjusted gross income" plus 50% of the Social Security
benefits received exceeds the "base amount." The base amount is $25,000
for unmarried taxpayers, $32,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint
return and zero for married taxpayers who do not live apart at all times
during the taxable year and who file separate returns. Modified adjusted
gross income is adjusted gross income determined without regard to
certain otherwise allowable deductions and exclusions from gross income
and by including tax-exempt interest. To the extent that Social Security
benefits are includible in gross income, they will be treated as any
other item of gross income.
In addition, under the Tax Act, for taxable years beginning after
December 31 1993, up to 85% of Social Security benefits are includible
in gross income to the extent that the sum of "modified adjusted gross
income" plus 50% of Social Security benefits received exceeds an
"adjusted base amount." The adjusted base amount is $34,000 for
unmarried taxpayers, $44,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint
return, and zero for married taxpayers who do not live apart at all
times during the taxable year and who file separate returns.
Although tax-exempt interest is included in modified adjusted gross
income solely for the purpose of determining what portion, if any, of
Social Security benefits will be included in gross income, no tax-exempt
interest, including that received from a Trust, will be subject to tax.
A taxpayer whose adjusted gross income already exceeds the base amount
or the adjusted base amount must include 50% or 85%, respectively, of
his Social Security benefits in gross income whether or not he receives
any tax-exempt interest. A taxpayer whose modified adjusted gross income
(after inclusion of tax-exempt interest) does not exceed the base amount
need not include any Social Security benefits in gross income.
Page 3
For purposes of computing the alternative minimum tax for individuals
and corporations, interest on certain private activity bonds (which
includes most industrial and housing revenue bonds) issued on or after
August 8, 1986 is included as an item of tax preference. EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE NOTED IN PART ONE FOR CERTAIN TRUSTS, THE TRUSTS DO NOT
INCLUDE ANY SUCH PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS ISSUED ON OR AFTER THAT DATE.
For taxpayers other than corporations, net capital gains (which is
defined as net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss
for the taxable year) are subject to a maximum marginal stated tax rate
of either 28% or 20%, depending upon the holding period of the capital
assets. Capital gain or loss is long-term if the holding period for the
asset is more than one year, and is short-term if the holding period for
the asset is one year or less. Generally, capital gain realized from
assets held for more than one year but not more than 18 months are taxed
at a maximum marginal stated tax rate of 28% and capital gains realized
from assets (with certain exclusions) held for more than 18 months are
taxed at a maximum marginal stated tax rate of 20% (10% in the case of
certain taxpayers in the lowest tax bracket). Further, capital gains
realized from assets held for one year or less are taxed at the same
rate as ordinary income. Legislation is currently pending that provides
the appropriate methodology that should be applied in netting the
realized capital gains and losses. Such legislation is proposed to be
effective retroactively for tax years ending after May 6, 1997. The date
on which a Unit is acquired (i.e., the "trade date") is excluded for
purposes of determining the holding period of the Unit. It should be
noted that legislative proposals are introduced from time to time that
affect tax rates and could affect relative differences at which ordinary
income and capital gains are taxed.
In addition, please note that capital gains may be recharacterized as
ordinary income in the case of certain financial transactions that are
considered "conversion transactions" effective for transactions entered
into after April 30, 1993. Unit holders and prospective investors should
consult with their tax advisers regarding the potential effect of this
provision on their investment in Units.
Under the Code, taxpayers must disclose to the Internal Revenue Service
the amount of tax-exempt interest earned during the year.
Certain Tax Matters Applicable to Corporate Unit Holders. In the case of
certain corporations, the alternative minimum tax and the Superfund Tax
for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986 depend upon the
corporation's alternative minimum taxable income ("AMTI"), which is the
corporation's taxable income with certain adjustments. One of the
adjustment items used in computing AMTI of a corporation (other than an
S Corporation, Regulated Investment Company, Real Estate Investment
Trust, or REMIC) is an amount equal to 75% of the excess of such
corporation's "adjusted current earnings" over an amount equal to its
AMTI (before such adjustment item and the alternative tax net operating
loss deduction). "Adjusted current earnings" includes all tax-exempt
interest, including interest on all of the Bonds in the Trusts. Under
current Code provisions, the Superfund Tax does not apply to tax years
beginning on or after January 1, 1996. Legislative proposals have been
introduced that would reinstate the Superfund Tax for taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1997 and before January 1, 2009. Under the
provisions of Section 884 of the Code, a branch profits tax is levied on
the "effectively connected earnings and profits" of certain foreign
corporations which include tax-exempt interest such as interest on the
Bonds in the Trust. Unit holders should consult their tax advisers with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them, including the
corporate alternative minimum tax, the Superfund Tax and the branch
profits tax imposed by Section 884 of the Code.
Ownership of the Units may result in collateral federal income tax
consequences to certain taxpayers, including, without limitation,
corporations, subject to the branch profits tax, financial institutions,
certain insurance companies, certain S corporations, individual
recipients of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits and
taxpayers who may be deemed to have incurred (or continued) indebtedness
to purchase or carry tax-exempt obligations. Prospective investors
should consult their tax advisers as to the applicability of any such
collateral consequences.
At the time of the closing, Winston & Strawn (previously named Cole &
Deitz), Special Counsel to Series 4-125 of the Fund for New York tax
matters, rendered an opinion under then existing income tax laws of the
State and City of New York, substantially to the effect that each Trust
in Series 4-125 of the Fund is not an association taxable as a
corporation and the income of each Trust in Series 4-125 of the Fund
Page 4
will be treated as the income of the Unit holder in the same manner as
for Federal income tax purposes (subject to differences in accounting
for discount and premium to the extent the State and/or City of New York
do not conform to current Federal law).
At the time of the closing, Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, Special Counsel
to the Fund for New York tax matters for Series 126 and subsequent
Series of the Fund, rendered an opinion under then existing income tax
laws of the State and City of New York, substantially to the effect that
each Trust will not constitute an association taxable as a corporation
under New York law, and accordingly will not be subject to the New York
State franchise tax or the New York City general corporation tax. Under
the income tax laws of the State and City of New York, the income of
each Trust will be considered the income of the holders of the Units.
All statements in the Prospectus concerning exclusion from gross income
for Federal, state or other are the opinions of Counsel and are to be so
construed.
Kansas Tax Status of Unit Holders
At the time of the closing for each Kansas Trust, Chapman and Cutler,
Counsel to the Fund for Kansas tax matters rendered an opinion under
then existing Kansas income tax law applicable to taxpayers whose income
is subject to Kansas income taxation, assuming interest on the Bonds is
excludable from gross income under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, substantially to the effect that:
Each Kansas Trust is not an association taxable as a corporation for
Kansas income tax purposes;
Each Unit holder of a Kansas Trust will be treated as the owner of a pro
rata portion of such Kansas Trust, and the income and deductions of such
Kansas Trust will therefore be treated as income and deductions of the
Unit holder under Kansas law;
Interest on Bonds issued after December 31, 1987 by the State of Kansas
or any of its political subdivisions will be exempt from income taxation
imposed on individuals, corporations and fiduciaries (other than banks,
trust companies or savings and loan associations). However, interest on
Bonds issued prior to January 1, 1988 by the State of Kansas or any of
its political subdivisions will not be exempt from income taxation
imposed on individuals, corporations and fiduciaries (other than banks,
trust companies or savings and loan associations) unless the laws of the
State of Kansas authorizing the issuance of such Bonds specifically
exempt the interest on the Bonds from income taxation by the State of
Kansas;
Interest on Bonds issued by the State of Kansas or any of its political
subdivisions will be subject to the tax imposed on banks, trust
companies and savings and loan associations under Article 11, Chapter 79
of the Kansas statutes;
Interest on the Bonds which is exempt from Kansas income taxation when
received by a Kansas Trust will continue to be exempt when distributed
to a Unit holder (other than a bank, trust company or savings and loan
association);
Each Unit holder of a Kansas Trust will recognize gain or loss for
Kansas income tax purposes if the Trustee disposes of a Bond (whether by
sale, exchange, payment on maturity, retirement or otherwise) or if the
Unit holder redeems or sells Units of a Kansas Trust to the extent that
such transaction results in a recognized gain or loss for federal income
tax purposes;
Interest received by a Kansas Trust on the Bonds is exempt from
intangibles taxation imposed by any counties, cities and townships
pursuant to present Kansas law; and
No opinion is expressed regarding whether the gross earnings derived
from the Units is subject to intangibles taxation imposed by any
counties, cities and townships pursuant to present Kansas law.
Chapman and Cutler has expressed no opinion with respect to taxation
under any other provision of Kansas law. Ownership of the Units may
result in collateral Kansas tax to certain taxpayers. Prospective
investors should consult their tax advisors as to the applicability of
any such collateral consequences.
For information with respect to the Federal income tax status and other
tax matters, see "What is the Federal Tax Status of Unit Holders?"
Certain Considerations
The Kansas economy did better than expected in 1997 compared to 1996.
Kansas employment growth continued to push the unemployment rate lower
Page 5
in 1997. Average monthly employment fell from 60,000 in 1996 to 50,588
in 1997. Likewise, the average unemployment rate fell slightly from 4.5%
in 1996 to 3.7% in 1997.
For the third straight year and only the fourth time in the past 16
years, employment growth in the goods industry exceeded that of the
services industry. Employment in the goods-producing industry increased
at a 4.9% rate compared to 1.9% for the service-producing industry.
Overall, manufacturing employment increased by 4.2% in 1997. This
increase was led by strong growth in aircraft manufacturing. Mining
employment increased by 2.5%. The construction industry employed 4,400
more in 1997 than a year earlier, a 7.8% increase. Strong economic
growth and low interest rates stimulated additional housing starts and
commercial construction. Employment in wholesale and retail trade
increased employment by 6,000 (2.0%) in 1997. The services industry,
typically the fastest growing industry in Kansas, grew only 2.5% in
1997. Much of the slowdown may be attributable to workers gravitating
toward higher paying aircraft manufacturing jobs as they become available.
In 1997, farm employment fell 8.0%. Although in most years employment in
farming has fallen, in the past three years, it has increased. In 1996,
farm employment increased by 2.1%.
Overall growth in personal income was bolstered by a large increase in
other labor income. This contributed to the accelerated growth of Kansas
personal income in 1997. The total growth rate of personal income in
Kansas accelerated from 6% in 1996 to 6.5% in 1997. Kansas was higher
than the U.S. average personal income growth rate of 5.6% in 1997, but
ranked sixth out of the seven Plains states in terms of personal income
growth.
In 1998, the slower pace of the national economic expansion will tend to
dampen the growth rate of the Kansas economy. However, the state's
growth rate will be buoyed by continued strength in aircraft
manufacturing, trade, and services. Kansas personal income is forecast
to grow 5.3% in 1998.
To ensure appropriate balances, the 1990 Kansas legislature enacted
legislation that established minimum ending balances for the State
General Fund. The act established targeted year-end State General Fund
balances as a percentage of state expenditures for the forthcoming
fiscal year. This act phased in over several years and now requires an
ending balance of at least 7.5% of expenditures and demand transfers.
The act provides that the Governor's budget recommendations and
legislative-approved budget must adhere to the balance targets.
Fiscal year 1997 began with a balance in the General Fund of $379.2
million. Actual revenue for fiscal year 1997 was $3,683.8 million, an
increase of 6.8% from the prior fiscal year. Total expenditures were
$3,538.1 million, with an increase in property tax relief of 0.3% and
for all other expenditures, an increase of 2.5%. The ending balance in
the General Fund at the end of fiscal year 1997 was $527.8 million.
The fiscal year 1998 budget included all funding sources of $7.99
billion. The Governor's revised recommendations for fiscal year 1998
total $8.15 billion from all funding sources, mainly due to increased
federal funds. The largest single source of fiscal year 1998 receipts is
the State General Fund, with 48.1% of the total receipts. Estimated
receipts to the State General Fund for fiscal year 1998 are $3,940.3
million as developed by the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group.
Individual income taxes account for the largest source of State General
Fund revenue, totaling $1.645 billion (41.8%) in fiscal year 1998. The
next largest category, sales and use taxes, is projected to generate
$1.5 billion (38.1%) for the State General Fund during fiscal year 1998.
State General Fund expenditure recommendations for fiscal year 1998 are
$3.84 billion, an increase of 8.5%. The Governor recommends that $2.159
billion, or 56.0% of State General Fund expenditures be used for aid to
local units of government.
The Governor's recommendations for receipts and expenditures will
provide an ending balance of $595.3 million or 15.5% of expenditures and
demand transfers in fiscal year 1998. The large balance at the end of
fiscal year 1998 contains $30.9 million of the one-time $66.6 million
corporate tax payment to pay, in fiscal year 1999, for acceleration of
the income tax rate equality provisions previously approved by the 1997
Legislature.
For fiscal year 1998, the budget recommendations produce receipts in
excess of expenditures of $67.1 million after the transfer out of $35.7
million to the Budget Stabilization Fund for one-time expenditures to be
made in fiscal year 1999.
For fiscal year 1999, the Governor recommends a budget from all funding
sources of $8.55 billion, with a State General Fund recommendation of
Page 6
expenditures of $4.08 billion. Of this total, 27.4% is for the operation
of state agencies; 57.6% will be distributed to local governments; 12.6%
will go toward provision of assistance, grants, and benefits to Kansas
citizens; and 2.4% will be used for capital improvements. The budget
provides $148.3 million from the State General Fund to offset property
tax cuts. All funding sources increases also include over $50.0 million
from federal funds, a $34.5 million increase in KPERS contributions, and
$27.5 million for the Comprehensive Highway Program.
Total receipts of $4,017.5 million are estimated for fiscal year 1999.
This represents an increase of $143.8 million, or 3.7%, when compared to
fiscal year 1998 adjusted estimates. Continued growth in the income tax,
retail sales tax, and compensating use tax account for the majority of
the increase. Revenues are expected to decrease by 0.6% for fiscal year
1999 and expenditures will increase by 6.4%. Expenditures exceed
receipts by $202.7 million due largely to the Governor's $178.5 million
tax reduction package and increased spending for education.
The recommendations for fiscal year 1999 result in an ending balance of
$392.5 million and 9.6% of total budgeted expenditures. Budgeting a
larger than 7.5% ending balance for fiscal year 1999 is necessary to
provide adequate resources to maintain an approximate 7.5% ending
balance in fiscal year 2000.
The State of Kansas finances a portion of its capital expenditures with
various debt instruments. Of capital expenditures that are debt-
financed, revenue bonds and loans from the Pooled Money Investment Board
finance most capital improvements for buildings, and "master lease" and
"third-party" financing pay for most capital equipment. The Kansas
Constitution makes provision for the issuance of general obligation
bonds subject to certain restrictions; however, no bonds have been
issued under this provision for many years. No other provision of the
Constitution or state statute limits the amount of debt that can be
issued. As of June 30, 1997, the state had authorized but unissued debt
of $155,015,000.
Although the state has no General Obligation debt rating, it seeks an
underlying rating on specific issues of at least "AA-" from Standard &
Poor's and "A1" from Moody's. In October 1997, Standard & Poor's
assigned an issuer credit rating of AA+ to Kansas. Standard & Poor's
credit rating reflects the state's credit quality in the absence of
general obligation debt. The underlying ratings for the most recently
issued revenue bonds were A1 and AA- from Moody's and Fitch,
respectively. The ratings for the most recently issued fixed rate bonds
issued by the Kansas Department of Transportation were "Aa" and "AA"
from Moody and Standard & Poor's, respectively.
The foregoing information constitutes only a brief summary of some of
the general factors which may impact certain issuers of Bonds and does
not purport to be a complete or exhaustive description of all adverse
conditions to which the issuers of Bonds held by the Kansas Trusts are
subject. Additionally, many factors including national economic, social
and environmental policies and conditions, which are not within the
control of the issuers of the Bonds, could affect or could have an
adverse impact on the financial condition of the issuers. The Sponsor is
unable to predict whether or to what extent such factors or other
factors may affect the issuers of the Bonds, the market value or
marketability of the Bonds or the ability of the respective issuers of
the Bonds acquired by the Kansas Trusts to pay interest on or principal
of the Bonds.
Page 7
Kansas Trust Series
The First Trust(registered trademark) Combined Series
The First Trust of Insured Municipal Bonds-Multi-State
The First Trust Advantage
PART THREE PROSPECTUS
Must be Accompanied by Parts One and Two
SPONSOR: Nike Securities L.P.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(800) 621-1675
TRUSTEE: The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 New York Plaza, 6th floor
New York, New York 10004-2413
LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler
TO SPONSOR: 111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
LEGAL COUNSEL Carter, Ledyard & Milburn
TO TRUSTEE: 2 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
INDEPENDENT Ernst & Young LLP
AUDITORS: Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS RELATING THERETO, WHICH THE TRUST
HAS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940,
AND TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE.
PLEASE RETAIN ALL PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Page 8
CONTENTS OF POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT
OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This Post-Effective Amendment of Registration Statement
comprises the following papers and documents:
The facing sheet
The prospectus
The signatures
The Consent of Independent Auditors
Financial Data Schedule
S-1
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
the Registrant, The First Trust Combined Series 77, certifies
that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this
Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Post-Effective
Amendment of its Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized in the
Village of Lisle and State of Illinois on June 30, 1998.
THE FIRST TRUST COMBINED SERIES 77
(Registrant)
ByNIKE SECURITIES L.P.
(Depositor)
ByRobert M. Porcellino
Vice President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
this Post-Effective Amendment of Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following person in the capacity and on the
date indicated:
Signature Title* Date
Robert D. Van Kampen Director of )
Nike Securities )
Corporation, ) June 30, 1998
the General Partner )
of Nike Securities L.P. )
)
David J. Allen Director of Nike ) Robert M. Porcellino
Securities Corporation, ) Attorney-in-Fact**
the General Partner of
Nike Securities L.P.
* The title of the person named herein represents his capacity
in and relationship to Nike Securities L.P., Depositor.
** An executed copy of the related power of attorney was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection
with the Amendment No. 1 to Form S-6 of The First Trust
Combined Series 258 (File No. 33-63483) and the same is
hereby incorporated herein by this reference.
S-2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption
"Experts" and to the use of our report dated June 5, 1998 in this
Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement and
related Prospectus of The First Trust Combined Series dated June
26, 1998.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
June 25, 1998
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial
information extracted from Post Effective
Amendment to form S-6 and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such Post Effective
Amendment to form S-6.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 036
<NAME> New York Trust Series
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-START> MAR-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,011,281
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,041,405
<RECEIVABLES> 25,658
<ASSETS-OTHER> 3,144
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,070,207
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 6,018
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 6,018
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,011,281
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 3,332
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 3,822
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 22,784
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 30,124
<NET-ASSETS> 1,064,189
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 174,844
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 9,201
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 165,643
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (103,925)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 56,927
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 118,645
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 180,446
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 1,835,205
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 490
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (2,222,596)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 53,191
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 0
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 0
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial
information extracted from Post Effective
Amendment to form S-6 and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such Post Effective
Amendment to form S-6.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 026
<NAME> Pennsylvania Trust
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-START> MAR-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,181,711
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,344,907
<RECEIVABLES> 27,720
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,372,627
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 15,143
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 15,143
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,181,711
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 3,047
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 3,432
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 12,577
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 163,196
<NET-ASSETS> 1,357,484
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 104,360
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 6,134
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 98,226
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (4,911)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (12,448)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 80,867
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 101,801
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 401,764
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 385
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (628,559)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 23,169
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 0
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 0
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial
information extracted from Post Effective
Amendment to form S-6 and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such Post Effective
Amendment to form S-6.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 002
<NAME> Texas Trust Series
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-START> MAR-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1,622,487
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1,570,787
<RECEIVABLES> 25,108
<ASSETS-OTHER> 13,402
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,609,297
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 4,618
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 4,618
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,622,487
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 3,509
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 3,888
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 33,892
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (51,700)
<NET-ASSETS> 1,604,679
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 132,661
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 6,865
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 125,796
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (2,401)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (45,630)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 77,765
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 124,709
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 19,293
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 379
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (243,730)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 40,385
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 0
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 0
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial
information extracted from Post Effective
Amendment to form S-6 and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such Post Effective
Amendment to form S-6.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 004
<NAME> Kansas Adv. Trust
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-1998
<PERIOD-START> MAR-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> FEB-28-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 2,733,526
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 2,902,167
<RECEIVABLES> 87,606
<ASSETS-OTHER> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,989,773
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 40,353
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 40,353
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 2,733,526
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4,994
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 5,452
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 47,253
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 168,641
<NET-ASSETS> 2,949,420
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 215,213
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 9,561
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 205,652
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1,962
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (38,306)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 169,308
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 205,311
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 77,433
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 458
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (389,009)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 45,349
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 0
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 0
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
