<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 19, 1997
SECURITIES ACT FILE NO. 333-15973
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-5870
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-------------
SCHEDULE 13E-4
ISSUER TENDER OFFER STATEMENT
(PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(E)(1) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934)
MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND, INC.
(Name of Issuer)
MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND, INC.
(Name of Person(s) Filing Statement)
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.10 PER SHARE
(Title of Class of Securities)
59019R 10 5
(CUSIP Number of Class of Securities)
ARTHUR ZEIKEL
MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND, INC.
800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD
PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY 08536
(609) 282-2800
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to
Receive Notices and Communications on Behalf of Person(s) Filing Statement)
COPIES TO:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
THOMAS R. SMITH, JR., ESQ. PATRICK D. SWEENEY, ESQ.
BROWN & WOOD LLP MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER P.O. BOX 9011
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048-0557 PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
DECEMBER 19, 1997
(Date Tender Offer First Published,
Sent or Given to Security Holders)
</TABLE>
CALCULATION OF FILING FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Transaction Amount of Filing
Valuation: $175,000,000(a) Fee: $35,000(b)
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Calculated as the aggregate maximum purchase price to be paid for 17,500,000
shares in the offer, based upon the net asset value per share ($10.00) at
December 16, 1997.
(b) Calculated as 1/50th of 1% of the Transaction Valuation.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Rule 0-11(a)(2)
and identify the filing with which the offsetting fee was previously paid.
Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form
or Schedule and the date of its filing.
Amount Previously Paid: ________________________________________________________
Form or Registration No.: ______________________________________________________
Filing Party: __________________________________________________________________
Date of Filing: ________________________________________________________________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. SECURITY AND ISSUER.
(a) The name of the issuer is Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.,
a closed-end investment company organized as a Maryland corporation (the
"Fund"). The principal executive offices of the Fund are located at 800 Scudders
Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536.
(b) The title of the securities being sought is shares of common stock, par
value $0.10 per share (the "Shares"). As of November 28, 1997 there were
approximately 298 million Shares issued and outstanding.
The Fund is seeking tenders for 17,500,000 Shares (the "Offer"), at net
asset value per Share (the "NAV") calculated on the day the tender offer
terminates, less any "Early Withdrawal Charge," upon the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated December 19, 1997 (the
"Offer to Purchase"). A copy of each of the Offer to Purchase and the related
Letter of Transmittal is attached hereto as Exhibit (a)(1)(ii) and Exhibit
(a)(2), respectively. Reference is hereby made to the Cover Page and Section 1
"Price; Number of Shares" of the Offer to Purchase, which are incorporated
herein by reference. The Fund has been informed that no Directors, officers or
affiliates of the Fund intend to tender Shares pursuant to the Offer.
(c) The Shares are not currently traded on an established trading market.
(d) Not Applicable.
ITEM 2. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION.
(a)-(b) Reference is hereby made to Section 9 "Source and Amount of Funds"
of the Offer to Purchase, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 3. PURPOSE OF THE TENDER OFFER AND PLANS OR PROPOSALS OF THE ISSUER OR
AFFILIATE.
Reference is hereby made to Section 7 "Purpose of the Offer," Section 8
"Certain Effects of the Offer" and Section 9 "Source and Amount of Funds" of the
Offer to Purchase, which are incorporated herein by reference. The Fund is
currently engaged in a public offering, from time to time, of its Shares. The
Fund otherwise has no plans or proposals which relate to or would result in (a)
the acquisition by any person of additional securities of the Fund or the
disposition of securities of the Fund; (b) an extraordinary corporate
transaction, such as a merger, reorganization or liquidation, involving the
Fund; (c) a sale or transfer of a material amount of assets of the Fund; (d) any
change in the present Board of Directors or management of the Fund, including,
but not limited to, any plans or proposals to change the number or the term of
Directors, or to fill any existing vacancy on the Board or to change any
material term of the employment contract of any executive officer; (e) any
material change in the present dividend rate or policy, or indebtedness or
capitalization of the Fund; (f) any other material change in the Fund's
corporate structure or business, including any plans or proposals to make any
changes in its investment policy for which a vote would be required by Section
13 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; or (g) changes in the
Fund's articles of incorporation, bylaws or instruments corresponding thereto or
other actions which may impede the acquisition of control of the Fund by any
person. Paragraphs (h) through (j) of this Item 3 are not applicable.
ITEM 4. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER.
There have not been any transactions involving the Shares of the Fund that
were effected during the past 40 business days by the Fund, any executive
officer or Director of the Fund, any person controlling the Fund, any executive
officer or director of any corporation ultimately in control of the Fund or by
any associate or subsidiary of any of the foregoing including any executive
officer or director of any such subsidiary, except that within the past 40
business days pursuant to the public offering of its Shares the Fund has sold
approximately 21.1 million Shares at a price equal to the NAV of the Fund on the
date of each such sale.
i
<PAGE>
ITEM 5. CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESPECT TO
THE ISSUER'S SECURITIES.
The Fund does not know of any contract, arrangement, understanding or
relationship relating directly or indirectly, to the Offer (whether or not
legally enforceable) between the Fund, any of the Fund's executive officers or
Directors, any person controlling the Fund or any executive officer or director
of any corporation ultimately in control of the Fund and any person with respect
to any securities of the Fund (including, but not limited to, any contract,
arrangement, understanding or relationship concerning the transfer or the voting
of any such securities, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or
calls, guarantees of loans, guarantees against loss, or the giving or
withholding of proxies, consents or authorizations).
ITEM 6. PERSONS RETAINED, EMPLOYED OR TO BE COMPENSATED.
No persons have been employed, retained or are to be compensated by the Fund
to make solicitations or recommendations in connection with the Offer.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
(a) Reference is hereby made to the financial statements included as
Exhibits (g)(1) and (g)(2) hereto, which are incorporated herein by reference.
(b) None.
ITEM 8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
(a) The Form of Loan Agreement by and between Merrill Lynch International
Bank Limited and the Fund, listed below as Exhibit (b), is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
(b) None.
(c) Not applicable.
(d) None.
(e) The Offer to Purchase, attached hereto as Exhibit (a)(1)(ii), is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
ITEM 9. MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
(a)(1) (i) Advertisement to be printed in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
(ii) Offer to Purchase.
(a)(2) Form of Letter of Transmittal.
(a)(3) Letter to Stockholders.
(b) Form of Loan Agreement by and between Merrill Lynch International Bank
Limited and the Fund.*
(c) Form of Loan Agreement by and between Merrill Lynch International Bank
Limited and the Fund.*
(d)-(f) Not Applicable.
(g)(1) Audited Financial Statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended August
31, 1996.
(g)(2) Audited Financial Statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended August
31, 1997.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Previously filed in the Fund's Issuer Tender Offer Statement as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 1997.
ii
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
After due inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that
the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND,
INC.
By /s/ TERRY K. GLENN
...........................
(Terry K. Glenn, Executive
Vice President)
December 19, 1997
iii
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
- -----------
<S> <C>
(a)(1)(i) Advertisement to be printed in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL.
(a)(1)(ii) Offer to Purchase.
(a)(2) Form of Letter of Transmittal.
(a)(3) Letter to Stockholders.
(b) Form of Loan Agreement by and between Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited and the Fund.*
(c) Form of Loan Agreement by and between Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited and the Fund.*
(d)-(f) Not Applicable.
(g)(1) Audited Financial Statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended
August 31, 1996.
(g)(2) Audited Financial Statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended
August 31, 1997.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Previously filed in the Fund's Issuer Tender Offer Statement as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 1997.
iv
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (a)(1)(i)
<PAGE>
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO
SELL SHARES. THE OFFER IS MADE ONLY BY THE OFFER TO PURCHASE DATED DECEMBER 19,
1997, AND THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. THE OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE TO, NOR
WILL TENDERS BE ACCEPTED FROM OR ON BEHALF OF, HOLDERS OF SHARES IN ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH MAKING OR ACCEPTING THE OFFER WOULD VIOLATE THAT
JURISDICTION'S LAWS.
[LOGO]
NOTICE OF OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH 17,500,000 OF ITS
ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING SHARES AT NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
THE EXPIRATION DATE AND THE WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE ARE 12:00 MIDNIGHT,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1998, UNLESS EXTENDED.
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is offering to
purchase 17,500,000 of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock par
value $.10 per share (the "Shares") at a price equal to their net asset value
("NAV") less any applicable early withdrawal charge as of the close of the New
York Stock Exchange on the Expiration Date, January 20, 1998, unless extended,
upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated December
19, 1997 (the "Offer"). The NAV on December 16, 1997, was $10.00 per Share. The
purpose of the Offer is to provide liquidity to stockholders since the Fund is
unaware of any secondary market which exists for the Shares. The Offer is not
conditioned upon the tender of any minimum number of Shares.
If more than 17,500,000 Shares are duly tendered prior to the expiration of
the Offer, assuming no changes in the factors originally considered by the Board
of Directors when it determined to make the Offer, the Fund will either extend
the Offer period, if necessary, and increase the number of Shares that the Fund
is offering to purchase to an amount which it believes will be sufficient to
accommodate the excess Shares tendered, as well as any Shares tendered during
the extended Offer period, or purchase 17,500,000 Shares (or such larger number
of Shares sought) on a pro rata basis.
Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to
12:00 midnight, New York City time, on Tuesday, January 20, 1998, unless the
Offer is extended, and, if not yet accepted for payment by the Fund, Shares may
also be withdrawn after February 18, 1998.
The information required to be disclosed by paragraph (d)(1) of Rule 13e-4
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is contained in the Offer
to Purchase and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal contain
important information that should be read carefully before any decision is made
with respect to the Offer.
Questions and requests for assistance, for current NAV quotations or for
copies of the Offer to Purchase, Letter of Transmittal, and any other tender
offer documents, may be directed to the Merrill Lynch Response Center at the
address and telephone number below. Copies will be furnished promptly at no
expense to you and also may be obtained by completing and returning the coupon
below to the Merrill Lynch Response Center. Stockholders who do not own Shares
directly should effect a tender through their broker, dealer or nominee. For
example, stockholders who purchased Shares through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith Incorporated should effect tenders through their Financial Consultant.
1-800-MERRILL, EXT. 3035
1-800-637-7455
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAIL TO: MERRILL LYNCH RESPONSE CENTER,
P.O. BOX 30200, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08989-0200
/ / PLEASE SEND ME MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND, INC. TENDER
OFFER MATERIALS
NAME ADDRESS
BUSINESS PHONE CITY
HOME PHONE STATE ZIP
MERRILL LYNCH CLIENTS, PLEASE GIVE THE NAME AND OFFICE ADDRESS OF YOUR
FINANCIAL CONSULTANT:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3035
</TABLE>
December 19, 1997
[LOGO]
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (a)(1)(ii)
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND, INC.
800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD
PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY 08536
OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR CASH 17,500,000
OF ITS ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
AT NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
THE EXPIRATION DATE AND THE WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE IS 12:00 MIDNIGHT,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON JANUARY 20, 1998, UNLESS EXTENDED.
To the Holders of Shares of
MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND, INC.:
The Fund is offering to purchase up to 17,500,000 of its shares of common
stock, par value $.10 per share (the "Shares"), for cash at a price equal to
their net asset value ("NAV"), less any applicable Early Withdrawal Charge, as
of the close of the New York Stock Exchange on January 20, 1998, the Expiration
Date, unless extended, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Offer to
Purchase (the "Offer") and the related Letter of Transmittal. The Shares are not
currently traded on an established secondary market. The NAV on December 16,
1997 was $10.00 per Share. You can obtain current NAV quotations from your
Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant or the Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated Response Center (the "Merrill Lynch Response Center") (see Section
1). The Fund presently intends each quarter to consider making a tender offer
for its Shares at a price equal to their current NAV.
If more than 17,500,000 Shares are duly tendered prior to the expiration of
the Offer, assuming no changes in the factors originally considered by the Board
of Directors when it determined to make the Offer, the Fund will either (1)
extend the Offer period, if necessary, and increase the number of Shares that
the Fund is offering to purchase to an amount which it believes will be
sufficient to accommodate the excess Shares tendered as well as any Shares
tendered during the extended Offer period or (2) purchase 17,500,000 Shares (or
such greater number of Shares sought) on a pro rata basis.
THIS OFFER IS BEING MADE TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF THE FUND AND IS NOT
CONDITIONED UPON ANY MINIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES BEING TENDERED.
IMPORTANT
If you desire to tender all or any portion of your Shares, you should either
(1) request your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee
to effect the transaction for you or (2) if you own your Shares directly,
complete and sign the Letter of Transmittal and mail or deliver it along with
any Share certificate(s) and any other required documents to the Fund's transfer
agent, Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"). If
your Shares are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee, you must contact such broker, dealer, commercial
bank, trust company or other nominee if you desire to tender your Shares. Shares
held in your Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill
Lynch") brokerage account are registered in the name of Merrill Lynch and are
not held by you directly. Merrill Lynch may charge its customers a $5.35
processing fee to confirm a repurchase of Shares from such customers pursuant to
the Offer.
NEITHER THE FUND NOR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO ANY
STOCKHOLDER AS TO WHETHER TO TENDER OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING SHARES. EACH
STOCKHOLDER MUST MAKE HIS OWN DECISION WHETHER TO TENDER SHARES, AND IF SO, HOW
MANY SHARES TO TENDER.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY RECOMMENDATION ON BEHALF OF THE
FUND AS TO WHETHER STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD TENDER SHARES PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. NO
PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED HEREIN
OR IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH RECOMMENDATION AND SUCH
INFORMATION AND REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND.
<PAGE>
THIS TRANSACTION HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PASSED UPON
THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF SUCH TRANSACTION NOR UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS UNLAWFUL.
Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to your Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant or other nominee, or to the Transfer Agent at the address
and telephone number set forth below. Requests for additional copies of this
Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal should be directed to the
Merrill Lynch Response Center.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
December 19, 1997 MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING RATE
FUND, INC.
Merrill Lynch Response Center Transfer Agent: Merrill Lynch Financial Data
P.O. Box 30200 Services, Inc.
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08989-0200 Attn: Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate
Attn: Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.
Fund, Inc. P.O. Box 45289
(800) 637-7455, ext. 3035 Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289
(800) 637-3863
</TABLE>
--------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECTIONS PAGE
- ------------- ---------
<C> <S> <C>
1. Price; Number of Shares......................................................................... 3
2. Procedure for Tendering Shares.................................................................. 3
3. Early Withdrawal Charge......................................................................... 4
4. Withdrawal Rights............................................................................... 5
5. Payment for Shares.............................................................................. 5
6. Certain Conditions of the Offer................................................................. 5
7. Purpose of the Offer............................................................................ 6
8. Certain Effects of the Offer.................................................................... 6
9. Source and Amount of Funds...................................................................... 6
10. Summary of Selected Financial Information....................................................... 7
11. Certain Information About the Fund.............................................................. 8
12. Additional Information.......................................................................... 8
13. Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences......................................................... 8
14. Extension of Tender Period; Termination; Amendments............................................. 9
15. Miscellaneous................................................................................... 9
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
1. PRICE; NUMBER OF SHARES. The Fund will, upon the terms and subject to
the conditions of the Offer, purchase up to 17,500,000 of its issued and
outstanding Shares which are tendered and not withdrawn prior to 12:00 midnight,
New York City time, on January 20, 1998 (such time and date being hereinafter
called the "Initial Expiration Date"), unless it determines to accept none of
them. The Fund reserves the right to extend the Offer (See Section 14). The
later of the Initial Expiration Date or the latest time and date to which the
Offer is extended is hereinafter called the "Expiration Date." The purchase
price of the Shares will be their NAV as of the close of the New York Stock
Exchange on the Expiration Date. An Early Withdrawal Charge to recover
distribution expenses will be assessed on Shares accepted for purchase which
have been held for less than the applicable holding period (See Section 3).
The Offer is being made to all stockholders of the Fund and is not
conditioned upon any number of Shares being tendered. If more than 17,500,000
Shares are duly tendered prior to the expiration of the Offer, assuming no
changes in the factors originally considered by the Board of Directors when it
initially determined to make the Offer, the Fund will either (1) extend the
Offer period, if necessary, and increase the number of Shares that the Fund is
offering to purchase to an amount which it believes will be sufficient to
accommodate the excess Shares tendered as well as any Shares tendered during the
extended Offer period or (2) purchase 17,500,000 Shares (or greater number of
Shares sought) on a pro rata basis.
As of November 28, 1997 there were approximately 298 million Shares issued
and outstanding and there were 2,341 holders of record of Shares (in addition,
Merrill Lynch maintains accounts for 102,126 beneficial owners of Shares). The
Fund has been informed that none of the Directors, officers or affiliates of the
Fund intends to tender any Shares pursuant to the Offer. The Shares currently
are not traded on any established secondary market. Current NAV quotations for
the Shares can be obtained from your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant or from
the Merrill Lynch Response Center at (800) 637-7455, ext. 3035.
2. PROCEDURE FOR TENDERING SHARES. In order for you to tender any of your
Shares pursuant to the Offer, you may either: (a) request your broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to effect the transaction for
you, in which case a Letter of Transmittal is not required or (b) if the Shares
are registered in your name, send to the Transfer Agent, at the address set
forth on page 2, any certificates for such Shares, a properly completed and
executed Letter of Transmittal and any other documents required therein. Please
contact the Merrill Lynch Response Center at (800) 637-7455, ext. 3035 as to any
additional documents which may be required.
A. PROCEDURES FOR BENEFICIAL OWNERS HOLDING SHARES THROUGH MERRILL LYNCH OR
OTHER BROKERS OR NOMINEES.
If your Shares are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial
bank, trust company or other nominee, you must contact such broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee if you desire to tender your
Shares. You should contact such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company
or other nominee in sufficient time to permit notification of your desire to
tender to reach the Transfer Agent by the Expiration Date. No brokerage
commission will be charged on the purchase of Shares by the Fund pursuant to the
Offer. However, a broker or dealer may charge a fee for processing the
transaction on your behalf. Merrill Lynch may charge its customers a $5.35
processing fee to confirm a purchase of Shares pursuant to the Offer.
B. PROCEDURES FOR REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS.
If you will be mailing or delivering the Letter of Transmittal and any other
required documents to the Transfer Agent in order to tender your Shares, they
must be received on or prior to the Expiration Date by the Transfer Agent at its
address set forth on page 2 of this Offer to Purchase.
Signatures on the Letter of Transmittal MUST be guaranteed by an "eligible
guarantor institution" as such is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the existence and validity of which may be verified by the
Transfer Agent through the use of industry publications. Notarized signatures
are not sufficient.
3
<PAGE>
Payment for Shares tendered and purchased will be made only after receipt by
the Transfer Agent on or before the Expiration Date of a properly completed and
duly executed Letter of Transmittal and any other required documents. If your
Shares are evidenced by certificates, those certificates must also be received
by the Transfer Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF ANY DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES,
IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE PARTY TENDERING THE SHARES. IF DOCUMENTS ARE
SENT BY MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THEY BE SENT BY REGISTERED MAIL, PROPERLY
INSURED, WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED.
C. DETERMINATIONS OF VALIDITY.
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance of tenders will be determined by the Fund, in its sole
discretion, whose determination shall be final and binding. The Fund reserves
the absolute right to reject any or all tenders determined by it not to be in
appropriate form or the acceptance of or payment for which would, in the opinion
of counsel for the Fund, be unlawful. The Fund also reserves the absolute right
to waive any of the conditions of the Offer or any defect in any tender with
respect to any particular Shares or any particular stockholder, and the Fund's
interpretations of the terms and conditions of the Offer will be final and
binding. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders
must be cured within such times as the Fund shall determine. Tenders will not be
deemed to have been made until the defects or irregularities have been cured or
waived. Neither the Fund, its investment adviser and administrator, Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM"), nor the Transfer Agent, nor any other
person shall be obligated to give notice of any defects or irregularities in
tenders, nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such
notice.
D. TENDER CONSTITUTES AN AGREEMENT.
A tender of Shares made pursuant to any one of the procedures set forth
above will constitute an agreement between the tendering stockholder and the
Fund in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer.
3. EARLY WITHDRAWAL CHARGE. The Fund will assess an Early Withdrawal
Charge on Shares accepted for purchase which have been held for less than three
years. The charge will be paid to Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc., (the
"Distributor") a wholly owned subsidiary of MLAM and the distributor of the
Shares, to recover distribution expenses. The Early Withdrawal Charge will be
imposed on those Shares accepted for tender based on an amount equal to the
lesser of the then current net asset value of the Shares or the cost of the
Shares being tendered. Accordingly, the Early Withdrawal Charge is not imposed
on increases in the net asset value above the initial purchase price. In
addition, the Early Withdrawal Charge is not imposed on Shares derived from
reinvestments of dividends or capital gains distributions. In determining
whether an Early Withdrawal Charge is payable, it is assumed that the acceptance
of an offer to purchase tendered Shares will be made first from Shares acquired
through dividend reinvestment and then from the earliest outright purchase of
Shares. The Early Withdrawal Charge imposed will vary depending on the length of
time the Shares have been owned since purchase (separate purchases shall not be
aggregated for these purposes), as set forth in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EARLY
YEAR OF TENDER AFTER PURCHASE WITHDRAWAL CHARGE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C>
First............................................................... 3.0%
Second.............................................................. 2.0%
Third............................................................... 1.0%
Fourth and following................................................ 0.0%
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
In determining whether an Early Withdrawal Charge is applicable to a tender
of Shares, the calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the
lowest possible amount being charged. Therefore, it will be assumed that the
tender is first of Shares acquired through dividend reinvestment and of Shares
held for over three years and then of Shares held longest during the three-year
period. The Early Withdrawal Charge will not be applied to dollar amounts
representing an increase in the net asset value since the time of purchase. The
Early Withdrawal Charge will be waived on Shares tendered following the death of
all beneficial owners of such Shares, provided the Shares are tendered within
one year of death (a death certificate and other applicable documents may be
required). At the time of acceptance of the Offer, the record or succeeding
beneficial owner must notify the Transfer Agent either directly or indirectly
through the Distributor that the Early Withdrawal Charge should be waived. Upon
confirmation of the owner's entitlement, the waiver will be granted; otherwise,
the waiver will be lost.
4. WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS. You may withdraw Shares tendered at any time prior
to the Expiration Date and, if the Shares have not yet been accepted for payment
by the Fund, at any time after February 18, 1998.
Stockholders whose accounts are maintained through Merrill Lynch should
notify their Financial Consultant prior to the Expiration Date if they wish to
withdraw Shares. Stockholders whose accounts are maintained through another
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee should notify
such nominee prior to the Expiration Date. Shareholders whose accounts are
maintained directly through the Transfer Agent should submit written notice to
the Transfer Agent.
To be effective, any notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the
Transfer Agent at the address set forth on page 2 of this Offer to Purchase. Any
notice of withdrawal must specify the name of the person having deposited the
Shares to be withdrawn, the number of Shares to be withdrawn, and, if the
certificates representing such Shares have been delivered or otherwise
identified to the Transfer Agent, the name of the registered holder(s) of such
Shares as set forth in such certificates and the number of Shares to be
withdrawn. If the certificates have been delivered to the Transfer Agent, then,
prior to the release of such certificate, you must also submit the certificate
numbers shown on the particular certificates evidencing such Shares and the
signature on the notice of the withdrawal must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution. All questions as to the form and validity (including time of
receipt) of notices of withdrawal will be determined by the Fund in its sole
discretion, whose determination shall be final and binding. Shares properly
withdrawn shall not thereafter be deemed to be tendered for purposes of the
Offer. However, withdrawn Shares may be retendered by following one of the
procedures described in Section 2 prior to the Expiration Date.
5. PAYMENT FOR SHARES. For purposes of the Offer, the Fund will be deemed
to have accepted for payment (and thereby purchased) Shares which are tendered
as, if and when it gives oral or written notice to the Transfer Agent of its
election to purchase such Shares.
Payment for Shares will be made promptly by the Transfer Agent to tendering
stockholders as directed by the Fund. Certificates for Shares not purchased (see
Sections 1 and 6), or for Shares not tendered included in certificates forwarded
to the Transfer Agent, will be returned promptly following the termination,
expiration or withdrawal of the Offer, without expense to the tendering
stockholder.
The Fund will pay all transfer taxes, if any, payable on the transfer to it
of Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer. If tendered certificates are
registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the Letter of
Transmittal, the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the
registered holder or such other person) payable on account of the transfer to
such person will be deducted from the purchase price unless satisfactory
evidence of the payment of such taxes, or exemption therefrom, is submitted. The
Fund will not pay any interest on the purchase price under any circumstances.
As noted above, Merrill Lynch may charge its customers a $5.35 processing
fee to confirm a purchase of Shares from such customers pursuant to the Offer.
6. CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER. The Fund shall not be required to
accept for payment or pay for any Shares tendered, and may terminate or amend
the Offer or may postpone the acceptance for payment of or payment for Shares
tendered, if: (1) such purchases would impair the Fund's status as a regulated
5
<PAGE>
investment company under the Internal Revenue Code (which would make the Fund a
taxable entity, causing the Fund's income to be taxed at the corporate level in
addition to the taxation of stockholders who receive dividends from the Fund);
(2) the Fund would not be able to liquidate portfolio securities in a manner
which is orderly and consistent with the Fund's investment objective and
policies in order to purchase Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer; or (3)
there is, in the Board's judgment, any (a) legal action or proceeding instituted
or threatened challenging the Offer or otherwise materially adversely affecting
the Fund, (b) declaration of a banking moratorium by Federal or state
authorities or any suspension of payment by banks in the United States or New
York State, which is material to the Fund, (c) limitation imposed by Federal or
state authorities on the extension of credit by lending institutions, (d)
commencement of war, armed hostilities or other international or national
calamity directly or indirectly involving the United States which is material to
the Fund, or (e) other event or condition which would have a material adverse
effect on the Fund or its stockholders if Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer
were purchased.
If the Fund determines to amend the Offer or to postpone the acceptance for
payment of or payment for Shares tendered, it will, to the extent necessary,
extend the period of time during which the Offer is open as provided in Section
14. Moreover, in the event any of the foregoing conditions are modified or
waived in whole or in part at any time, the Fund will promptly make a public
announcement of such waiver and may, depending on the materiality of the
modification or waiver, extend the Offer period as provided in Section 14.
7. PURPOSE OF THE OFFER. The Fund does not currently believe there will be
an active secondary market for its Shares. The Board of Directors has determined
that it would be in the best interest of stockholders for the Fund to take
action to attempt to provide liquidity to stockholders. To that end, the
Directors presently intend each quarter to consider the making of a tender offer
to purchase the Shares at NAV. The Fund will at no time be required to make any
such tender offer.
8. CERTAIN EFFECTS OF THE OFFER. The Purchase of Shares pursuant to the
Offer will have the effect of increasing the proportionate interest in the Fund
of stockholders who do not tender their Shares. If you retain your Shares,
however, you will be subject to any increased risks that may result from the
reduction in the Fund's aggregate assets resulting from payment for the Shares,
including, for example, the potential for greater volatility due to decreased
diversification and higher expenses. However, the Fund believes that those risks
will be reduced to the extent new Shares of the Fund are sold. All Shares
purchased by the Fund pursuant to the Offer will be retired by the Board of
Directors of the Fund.
9. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS. The aggregate purchase price if 17,500,000
Shares are tendered and accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer will be
approximately $175,000,000. The Fund anticipates that the purchase price for any
Shares acquired pursuant to the Offer may be derived from (i) cash on hand, (ii)
the proceeds of the sale of cash equivalents held by the Fund, (iii) the
proceeds of sales of portfolio investments held by the Fund and/or (iv)
borrowings by the Fund. If, in the judgment of the Directors, there is not
sufficient liquidity of the assets of the Fund, or availability of funds from
borrowings, to pay for tendered Shares, the Fund may terminate the Offer.
The Fund has entered into an agreement with Merrill Lynch International Bank
Limited, an affiliate of MLAM, providing for an unsecured revolving credit
facility (the "Facility"), the proceeds of which may be used to finance the
payment for Shares tendered in a tender offer by the Fund, and to pay interest
and fees incurred in connection with the Facility. The Facility provides for the
borrowing by the Fund of up to $100,000,000 at a rate of interest equal to, at
the Fund's option, the sum of the federal funds rate (as published by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York) plus .25% or the sum of the London Interbank
Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus .25%. Interest on borrowings is computed on the
basis of a year of 360 days for the actual number of days elapsed and is payable
in arrears on the last day of June, September, December and March commencing
June 1997, in the case of borrowings that bear interest at the federal funds
rate, and on the earlier of the end of the interest period selected by the Fund,
and three month intervals thereof, in the case of borrowings that bear interest
at the LIBOR rate. Each borrowing under the Facility is required to be repaid on
June 12, 1998, the maturity date of the Facility. Borrowings under the
6
<PAGE>
Facility, if any, may be repaid with the proceeds of portfolio investments sold
by the Fund subsequent to the expiration date of a tender offer.
The terms of the Facility may be modified by written agreement of the
parties thereto. Pursuant to the terms of the Facility the Fund is required to
maintain asset coverage of 150% of the outstanding principal balance of
borrowings under the Facility and accrued interest. The Fund also may not during
the term of the Facility incur indebtedness except for indebtedness incurred
under the Facility, in hedging transactions and for purchases of securities on
short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of sales or purchases of
portfolio securities and subordinated indebtedness. Additionally, during the
term of the Facility, the Fund is restricted with respect to the declaration or
payment of dividends. Pursuant to such agreement as long as no default has
occurred and is continuing under the Facility the Fund may make its periodic
dividend payments to shareholders in an amount not in excess of its net
investment income for such period, and as long as the maturity of any borrowings
under the Facility have not been accelerated prior to the maturity date thereof
the Fund may distribute each year all of its net investment income (including
net capital gain) so that it will not be subject to tax under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Fund has determined that the
terms of the Facility are at least as favorable as those available from
comparable sources of funds in the marketplace.
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), the Fund is not
permitted to incur indebtedness unless immediately after such incurrence the
Fund has an asset coverage of 300% of the aggregate outstanding principal
balance of indebtedness. Additionally, under the 1940 Act the Fund may not
declare any dividend or other distribution upon any class of its capital stock,
or purchase any such capital stock, unless the aggregate indebtedness of the
Fund has at the time of the declaration of any such dividend or distribution or
at the time of any such purchase an asset coverage of at least 300% after
deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution, or purchase price, as the
case may be.
10. SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION. Set forth below is a
summary of selected financial information for the Fund for the fiscal years
ended August 31, 1996 and 1997. The information with respect to the fiscal years
ended August 31, 1996 and 1997 has been excerpted from the Fund's audited
financial statements. More comprehensive financial information is included in
such reports (copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the Schedule 13E-4
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in connection with
the Offer and may be obtained from the Transfer Agent) and the summary of
selected financial information set forth below is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such documents and the financial information, the notes thereto and
related matter contained therein.
SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(IN 000'S EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, AUGUST 31,
1996 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT
Investment income..................................................................... $ 215,322 $ 234,503
Expenses.............................................................................. 36,626 38,745
----------- -----------
Investment income--net................................................................ $ 178,696 $ 195,758
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS--NET
Realized gain (loss) on investments--net.............................................. (8,719) 1,495
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net................................. 1,208 6,061
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (AT END OF PERIOD)
Total assets.......................................................................... $2,958,412 $3,007,667
Total liabilities..................................................................... 12,885 15,877
----------- -----------
Net assets............................................................................ $2,945,527 $2,991,790
Net asset value per share............................................................. $ 9.99 $ 10.02
Shares of common stock outstanding.................................................... 294,849 298,711
PER SHARE
Investment income--net................................................................ $ .66 $ .68
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments--net............................... (.03) .03
Dividends from net investment income to common shareholders........................... $ (.66) $ (.68)
RATIOS
Total expenses to average net assets.................................................. 1.34% 1.33%
Investment income--net, to average net assets......................................... 6.54% 6.72%
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
11. CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND. The Fund was incorporated under
the laws of the State of Maryland on July 17, 1989 and is a non-diversified,
closed-end, management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The
Fund seeks as high a level of current income and such preservation of capital as
is consistent with investment in senior collateralized corporate loans
("Corporate Loans") made by banks and other financial institutions. The
Corporate Loans pay interest at rates which float or reset at a margin above a
generally-recognized base lending rate such as the prime rate of a designated
U.S. bank, the Certificate of Deposit rate or the London InterBank Offered Rate.
MLAM, an affiliate of Merrill Lynch, acts as investment adviser and
administrator for the Fund.
There have not been any transactions involving the Shares of the Fund that
were effected during the past 40 business days by the Fund, any executive
officer or Director of the Fund, any person controlling the Fund, any executive
officer or director of any corporation ultimately in control of the Fund or by
any associate or subsidiary of any of the foregoing including any executive
officer or director of any such subsidiary, except that within the past 40
business days pursuant to the public offering of its Shares the Fund has sold
approximately 21.1 million Shares at a price equal to NAV on the date of each
such sale.
The principal executive offices of the Fund are located at 800 Scudders Mill
Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536.
12. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. The Fund has filed a statement on Schedule
13E-4 with the SEC which includes certain additional information relating to the
Offer. Such material may be inspected and copied at prescribed rates at the
SEC's public reference facilities at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549; Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048; and
Room 3190, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies
of such material may also be obtained by mail at prescribed rates from the
Public Reference Branch of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549. The SEC maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the
Schedule 13E-4 and other information regarding the Fund.
13. CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES. The following discussion is a
general summary of the Federal income tax consequences of a sale of Shares
pursuant to the Offer. You should consult your own tax adviser for a complete
description of the tax consequences to you of a sale of Shares pursuant to the
Offer.
The sale of Shares pursuant to the Offer will be a taxable transaction for
Federal income tax purposes, either as a "sale or exchange," or under certain
circumstances, as a "dividend." In general, the transaction should be treated as
a sale or exchange of the Shares under Section 302 of the Code, if the receipt
of cash (a) is "substantially disproportionate" with respect to the stockholder,
(b) results in a "complete redemption" of the stockholder's interest in the
Fund, or (c) is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend" with respect to the
stockholder. A "substantially disproportionate" distribution generally requires
a reduction of at least 20% in the stockholder's proportionate interest in the
Fund after all shares are tendered. A "complete redemption" of a stockholder's
interest generally requires that all Shares directly owned or attributed to such
stockholder under Section 318 of the Code be disposed of. A distribution "not
essentially equivalent to a dividend" requires that there be a "meaningful
reduction" in the stockholder's interest, which should be the case if the
stockholder has a minimal interest in the Fund, exercises no control over Fund
affairs and suffers a reduction in his proportionate interest in the Fund.
If any of these three tests for "sale or exchange" treatment is met, you
will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash
received pursuant to the Offer and the adjusted tax basis of the Shares sold.
Such gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss if the Shares sold have been
held by you as a capital asset. In general, capital gain or loss with respect to
Shares sold will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period for
such Shares is more than one year. Recent legislation creates additional
categories of capital gains taxable at different rates. If the Stockholder has
held the Shares for more than 18 months, the maximum capital gains rate is
reduced to 20%. The maximum 28% rate is still applicable to the sale of assets
held for more than one year but not more than 18 months.
If none of the Code Section 302 tests is met, you may be treated as having
received, in whole or in part, a dividend, return of capital or capital gain,
depending on (i) whether the Fund has sufficient earnings and profits to support
a dividend and (ii) your tax basis in the Shares. The tax basis in the Shares
tendered to the Fund will be transferred to any remaining Shares held by you. In
addition, if the sale of Shares
8
<PAGE>
pursuant to the Offer is treated as a "dividend" to a tendering stockholder, a
Code Section 305(c) constructive dividend may result to a non-tendering
stockholder whose proportionate interest in the earnings and assets of the Fund
has been increased as a result of such tender.
Accordingly, the differentiation between "dividend" and "sale or exchange"
treatment is important with respect to the amount and character of income that
tendering stockholders are deemed to receive. In addition, while the marginal
tax rates for dividends and capital gains remain the same for corporate
stockholders, under the Code the top income tax rate on ordinary income of
individuals (39.6%) will exceed the maximum tax rates on capital gains (20% or
28%).
In the event that the sale of Shares by a corporate stockholder pursuant to
the Offer is treated as a dividend, the corporate stockholder may be entitled to
claim a "dividends received deduction" on the cash received, which ordinarily
would be 70% of such dividend. However, corporate stockholders should consult
their tax advisers about certain provisions of the Code that may affect the
dividends received deduction.
The Transfer Agent will be required to withhold 31% of the gross proceeds
paid to a stockholder or other payee pursuant to the Offer unless either: (a)
the stockholder has provided the stockholder's taxpayer identification
number/social security number, and certifies under penalties of perjury: (i)
that such number is correct, and (ii) either that (A) the stockholder is exempt
from backup withholding, (B) the stockholder is not otherwise subject to backup
withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (C)
the Internal Revenue Service has notified the stockholder that the stockholder
is no longer subject to backup withholding; or (b) an exception applies under
applicable law and Treasury regulations. Foreign stockholders may be required to
provide the Transfer Agent with a completed Form W-8, available from the
Transfer Agent, in order to avoid 31% backup withholding.
Unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is available
under an applicable tax treaty, a stockholder who is a nonresident alien or a
foreign entity may be subject to a 30% United States withholding tax on the
gross proceeds received by such stockholder, if the proceeds are treated as a
"dividend" under the rules described above. Foreign stockholders should consult
their tax advisers regarding application of these withholding rules.
14. EXTENSION OF TENDER PERIOD; TERMINATION; AMENDMENTS. The Fund reserves
the right, at any time and from time to time, to extend the period of time
during which the Offer is pending by making a public announcement thereof. In
the event that the Fund so elects to extend the tender period, the NAV for the
Shares tendered will be determined as of the close of the New York Stock
Exchange on the Expiration Date, as extended. During any such extension, all
Shares previously tendered and not purchased or withdrawn will remain subject to
the Offer. The Fund also reserves the right, at any time and from time to time
up to and including the Expiration Date, to (a) terminate the Offer and not to
purchase or pay for any Shares, and (b) amend the Offer in any respect by making
a public announcement. Such public announcement will be issued no later than
9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously
scheduled Expiration Date and will disclose the approximate number of Shares
tendered as of that date. Without limiting the manner in which the Fund may
choose to make a public announcement of extension, termination or amendment,
except as provided by applicable law (including Rule 13e-4(e)(2)), the Fund
shall have no obligation to publish, advertise or otherwise communicate any such
public announcement, other than by making a release to the Dow Jones News
Service.
15. MISCELLANEOUS. The Offer is not being made to, nor will tenders be
accepted from, stockholders in any jurisdiction in which the Offer or its
acceptance would not comply with the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The
Fund is not aware of any jurisdiction in which the Offer or tenders pursuant
thereto would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. However,
the Fund reserves the right to exclude stockholders from the Offer in any
jurisdiction in which it is asserted that the Offer cannot lawfully be made. The
Fund believes such exclusion is permissible under applicable tender offer rules,
provided the Fund makes a good faith effort to comply with any state law deemed
applicable to the Offer. In any jurisdiction the securities laws of which
require the Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer the Offer shall be
deemed to be made on the Fund's behalf by Merrill Lynch.
MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING
RATE FUND, INC.
December 19, 1997
9
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (a)(2)
<PAGE>
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
TO BE USED TO TENDER SHARES OF
MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND, INC.
PURSUANT TO THE OFFER TO PURCHASE
DATED DECEMBER 19, 1997
-------------------
THE EXPIRATION DATE AND THE WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE IS 12:00 MIDNIGHT,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1998, UNLESS EXTENDED
-------------------
TRANSFER AGENT:
MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
ATTENTION: MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND, INC.
P.O. BOX 45289
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32232-5289
TELEPHONE INFORMATION NUMBER: (800) 637-3863
DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THAT SHOWN ABOVE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE VALID
DELIVERY.
THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS TO BE USED ONLY IF THE STOCKHOLDER IS A RECORD
OWNER OF SHARES WHO DESIRES TO EFFECT THE TENDER OFFER TRANSACTION HIMSELF OR
HERSELF BY TRANSMITTING THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO THE FUND'S TRANSFER AGENT AND
DOES NOT INTEND TO REQUEST HIS OR HER BROKER OR DEALER TO EFFECT THE TRANSACTION
FOR HIM OR HER. A STOCKHOLDER WHO HOLDS SHARES IN A MERRILL LYNCH ACCOUNT OR
THROUGH ANOTHER BROKER, DEALER, COMMERCIAL BANK, TRUST COMPANY OR OTHER NOMINEE
IS NOT THE RECORD OWNER AND SHOULD INSTRUCT HIS OR HER MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL
CONSULTANT OR SUCH OTHER NOMINEE TO EFFECT THE TENDER ON HIS OR HER BEHALF.
<PAGE>
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
The undersigned hereby tenders to the Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate
Fund, Inc., a closed-end investment company incorporated under the laws of the
State of Maryland (the "Fund"), the shares described below of its common stock,
par value $.10 per share (the "Shares"), at a price equal to the net asset value
per Share ("NAV") calculated on the Expiration Date (as defined in the Offer to
Purchase), in cash, less any applicable Early Withdrawal Charge, upon the terms
and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated December 19, 1997,
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in this Letter of Transmittal
(which together constitute the "Offer").
The undersigned hereby sells to the Fund all Shares tendered hereby that are
purchased pursuant to the Offer and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints
the Transfer Agent as attorney in fact of the undersigned, with full power of
substitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power
coupled with an interest), to present such Shares and any Share certificates for
cancellation of such Shares on the Fund's books. The undersigned hereby warrants
that the undersigned has full authority to sell the Shares tendered hereby and
that the Fund will acquire good title thereto, free and clear of all liens,
charges, encumbrances, conditional sales agreements or other obligations
relating to the sale thereof, and not subject to any adverse claim, when and to
the extent the same are purchased by it. Upon request, the undersigned will
execute and deliver any additional documents necessary to complete the sale in
accordance with the terms of the Offer.
The undersigned recognizes that under certain circumstances set forth in the
Offer to Purchase, the Fund may not be required to purchase any of the Shares
tendered hereby. In that event, the undersigned understands that, in the case of
Shares evidenced by certificates, certificate(s) for any Shares not purchased
will be returned to the undersigned at the address indicated above. In the case
of Shares not evidenced by certificates and held in an Investment Account, the
Transfer Agent will cancel the tender order and no Shares will be withdrawn from
the Account.
The check for the purchase price for the tendered Shares purchased will be
issued to the order of the undersigned and mailed to the address indicated in
the "Description of Shares Tendered" table below.
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the
death or incapacity of the undersigned and the obligation of the undersigned
hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors
and assigns of the undersigned. Except as stated in the Offer, this tender is
irrevocable.
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES TENDERED
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 3 AND 4)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REGISTERED HOLDER(S)
(PLEASE FILL IN EXACTLY THE NAME(S) IN WHICH SHARES ARE SHARES TENDERED
REGISTERED) (ATTACH ADDITIONAL SCHEDULE IF NECESSARY)
NO. OF SHARES
CERTIFICATE LISTED NO. OF SHARES
NO.(S)* ON CERTIFICATE* TENDERED**
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Account No. Total Shares Tendered...........
</TABLE>
* Need not be completed by stockholders whose Shares are not evidenced by
certificates.
** To be completed by all tendering stockholders, whether or not your Shares
are evidenced by certificates. If you desire to tender fewer than all
Shares held in your account or evidenced by a certificate listed above,
please indicate in this column the number you wish to tender. Otherwise all
Shares evidenced by such certificate or held in your account will be deemed
to have been tendered.
SIGNATURE FORM
--SIGN HERE--
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5 AND 8)
Social Security No.
or Taxpayer Identification No. ................
Under penalty of perjury, I certify (1) that the number set forth above is
my correct Social Security No. or Taxpayer Identification No. and (2) that I
am not subject to backup withholding either because (a) I am exempt from
backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue
Service (the "IRS") that I am subject thereto as a result of failure to
report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am
no longer subject thereto. INSTRUCTION: You must strike out the language in
(2) above if you have been notified that you are subject to backup
withholding due to underreporting and you have not received a notice from
the IRS that backup withholding has been terminated.
...........................................................................
...........................................................................
(SIGNATURE(S) OF OWNER(S) EXACTLY AS REGISTERED)
Date ................ , 1997/8
Name(s) ....................................................................
Address(es) ................................................................
(PLEASE PRINT)
Telephone Number ( ) ................
Signature(s) Guaranteed ....................................................
....................................................
<PAGE>
INSTRUCTIONS
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
1. GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES. All signatures on this Letter of Transmittal
must be guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities
exchange, or a commercial bank or trust company having an office, branch or
agency in the United States. This Letter of Transmittal is to be used only if
you may effect the tender offer transaction yourself and do not intend to
request your broker or dealer to effect the transaction for you.
2. DELIVERY OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTIFICATES. Certificates for all
tendered Shares, together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of
Transmittal, should be mailed or delivered to the Transfer Agent on or prior to
the Expiration Date at the appropriate address set forth herein and must be
received by the Transfer Agent prior to the Expiration Date.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF ALL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES,
IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE TENDERING STOCKHOLDER.
3. INADEQUATE SPACE. If the space provided is inadequate, the certificate
numbers and number of Shares should be listed on a separate signed schedule
attached hereto.
4. PARTIAL TENDERS. If fewer than all of the Shares in your Investment
Account or evidenced by any certificate submitted are to be tendered, fill in
the number of Shares which are to be tendered in the column entitled "No. of
Shares Tendered." If applicable, a new certificate for the remainder of the
Shares evidenced by your old certificate(s) will be sent to you as soon as
practicable after the Expiration Date of the Offer. All Shares represented by
certificate(s) listed or in your Investment Account are deemed to have been
tendered unless otherwise indicated.
5. SIGNATURES ON LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, AUTHORIZATION AND ENDORSEMENTS.
(a) If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder of the
Shares tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond with the name(s) in
which the Shares are registered.
(b) If the Shares are held of record by two or more joint holders, all such
holders must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
(c) If any tendered Shares are registered in different names it will be
necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate Letters of Transmittal
as there are different registrations of Shares.
(d) When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of
the Shares listed and, if applicable, of the certificates transmitted hereby, no
endorsements of certificates or separate authorizations are required.
(e) If this Letter of Transmittal or any certificates or authorizations are
signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys in fact,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and must submit proper
evidence satisfactory to the Fund of their authority so to act.
6. TRANSFER TAXES. The Fund will pay all the taxes, if any, payable on the
transfer to it of Shares purchased pursuant to the Offer. If tendered
certificates are registered in the name of any person other than the person(s)
signing this Letter of Transmittal, the amount of any transfer taxes (whether
imposed on the registered holder or such other person) payable on account of the
transfer to such person will be deducted from the purchase price unless
satisfactory evidence of the payment of such taxes, or exemption therefrom, is
submitted.
<PAGE>
7. IRREGULARITIES. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility
(including time of receipt) and acceptance of any tender of Shares will be
determined by the Fund, whose determinations shall be final and binding. The
Fund reserves the absolute right to reject any or all tenders determined by it
not to be in appropriate form or the acceptance of or payment for which would,
in the opinion of counsel for the Fund, be unlawful. The Fund also reserves the
absolute right to waive any of the conditions of the Offer or any defect in any
tender with respect to any particular Shares or any particular stockholder, and
the Fund's interpretations of the terms and conditions of the Offer (including
these instructions) will be final and binding. Unless waived, any defects or
irregularities in connection with tenders must be cured within such time as the
Fund shall determine. Tenders will not be deemed to have been made until all
defects and irregularities have been cured or waived. Neither the Fund, Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, L.P. nor the Transfer Agent, nor any other person shall
be obligated to give notice of defects or irregularities in tenders, nor shall
any of them incur any liability for failure to give any such notice.
8. IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION. Under Federal income tax law, a stockholder
whose tendered Shares are accepted for payment is required by law to provide the
Transfer Agent (as payer) with his correct taxpayer identification number, which
is accomplished by completing and signing the Signature Form.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (a)(3)
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE,
FENNER & SMITH
INCORPORATED
RESPONSE CENTER
P.O. BOX 30200
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ
08989-0200
[LOGO]
Dear Stockholder:
As you requested, we are enclosing a copy of the Merrill Lynch Senior
Floating Rate Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") Offer to Purchase dated December 19, 1997
(the "Offer to Purchase") 17,500,000 Issued and Outstanding Shares (the
"Shares"). The Offer to Purchase is for cash at Net Asset Value ("NAV") per
share as of the expiration date of the Offer, less any Early Withdrawal Charge.
Together with the Offer to Purchase we are sending you a Form Letter of
Transmittal (the "Letter") for use by holders of record of Shares which you
should read carefully. Certain selected financial information with respect to
the Fund is set forth in the Offer to Purchase.
If, after reviewing the information set forth in the Offer to Purchase and
Letter, you wish to tender Shares for purchase by the Fund, please either
contact your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant or other broker, dealer or
nominee to effect the tender for you or, if you are the record owner of the
Shares, you may follow the instructions contained in the Offer to Purchase and
Letter.
Neither the Fund nor its Board of Directors is making any recommendation to
any holder of Shares as to whether to tender Shares. Each stockholder is urged
to consult his or her broker or tax adviser before deciding whether to tender
any Shares.
The Fund's annualized distribution rate for the period October 28, 1997
through November 24, 1997, based on the amounts actually distributed by the
Fund, was 7.11%. The Fund's NAV on December 16, 1997 was $10.00 per Share. The
Fund publishes its NAV each week in BARRON'S. It appears in the "Investment
Company Institute List" under the sub-heading "Loan Participation Funds" within
the listings of mutual funds and closed-end funds.
Requests for current NAV quotations or for additional copies of the Offer to
Purchase, the Letter and any other tender offer documents may be directed to the
Merrill Lynch Response Center at (800) 637-7455, ext. 3035.
Should you have any other questions on the enclosed material, please do not
hesitate to contact your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant or other broker or
dealer or call the Fund's Transfer Agent, Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services,
Inc., at (800) 637-3863. We appreciate your continued interest in Merrill Lynch
Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.
Yours truly,
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
INCORPORATED
<PAGE>
Exhibit 99(g)(1)
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Shareholders,
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and
liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Merrill Lynch
Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. as of August 31, 1996, the related
statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the
statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-
year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the
years in the five-year period then ended. These financial statements
and the financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and the financial highlights based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements and the financial highlights are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at August
31, 1996 by correspondence with the custodian and financial
intermediaries. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. as of August 31, 1996,
the results of its operations, its cash flows, the changes in its
net assets, and the financial highlights for the respective stated
periods in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
October 18, 1996
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
Face Loan Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Maturity* (Note 1b)
Senior Secured Floating Rate Loan Interests*
<S> <C> <S> <S> <S> <S> <C>
Advertising-- $17,500 Eller Industries, Inc. Term A NR++ 6/30/02 $ 17,533
1.93% 14,327 Eller Industries, Inc. Term B NR++ 12/21/03 14,376
12,500 Outdoor Systems, Inc. Term B NR++ 12/31/02 12,516
9,167 Outdoor Systems, Inc. Term C NR++ 12/31/03 9,178
3,333 Outdoor Systems, Inc. Term C NR++ 12/31/03 3,338
Total Advertising (Cost--$56,069) 56,941
Aircraft & 5,000 Banner Industries, Inc. Term B NR++ 6/30/03 5,000
Parts--0.97% 4,612 Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. Term NR++ 3/31/97 4,615
9,260 Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. Term NR++ 3/31/98 9,263
4,041 Howmet Corp. Term B Ba3 11/20/02 4,056
2,237 Howmet Corp. Term C Ba3 5/20/03 2,246
3,500 Technetics Term NR++ 6/20/02 3,504
Total Aircraft & Parts (Cost--$28,540) 28,684
Amusement & 21,481 AMF Group, Inc. Axel A Ba3 3/31/03 21,629
Recreational 8,473 AMF Group, Inc. Axel B NR++ 3/31/04 8,553
Services-- 4,167 Amfac Parks, Inc. Term B NR++ 9/30/02 4,143
2.54% 10,000 Metro Goldwyn Mayer Co. Term NR++ 3/31/04 9,988
4,956 Orion Pictures Corp. Term Ba2 12/31/00 4,912
6,500 Panavision Inc. Term B NR++ 3/31/04 6,492
18,911 Six Flags Entertainment Corp. Term B Ba3 6/23/03 18,958
Total Amusement & Recreational Services (Cost--$74,176) 74,675
<PAGE>
Apparel--0.33% 9,900 Humphreys Inc. Term B NR++ 1/15/03 9,800
Total Apparel (Cost--$9,800) 9,800
Automobile 24,683 Collins & Aikman Corp. Term B B1 12/31/02 24,667
Equipment-- 420 Johnstown America Industrial Inc. Revolving Credit B1 3/31/02 401
1.61% 3,267 Johnstown America Industrial Inc. Term A B1 3/31/02 3,177
19,667 Johnstown America Industrial Inc. Term B B1 3/31/03 19,323
Total Automobile Equipment (Cost--$47,755) 47,568
Broadcast-- 4,600 Benedek Broadcasting Corp. Axel A Ba3 5/01/01 4,640
Radio & TV-- 4,500 Benedek Broadcasting Corp. Axel B Ba3 11/01/02 4,539
1.93% 3,989 Chancellor Broadcasting Inc. Term B Ba2 9/01/03 4,009
4,837 Ellis Communications Term B NR++ 3/31/03 4,849
16,770 Silver King Communications, Inc. Term B NR++ 7/31/02 16,728
12,000 Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc. Term B NR++ 11/30/03 12,075
10,000 Sullivan Broadcasting Term B NR++ 12/31/03 10,025
Total Broadcast--Radio & TV (Cost--$56,450) 56,865
Building 4,506 Fenway Holdings, Inc. Term B NR++ 9/15/02 4,489
Materials-- 23,094 MTF Acquisition Term B NR++ 12/31/02 23,152
2.57% 29,975 National Gypsum Co. Term B NR++ 9/20/03 30,087
8,000 RSI Home Products Term NR++ 11/30/99 7,970
9,917 Walter Industrials, Inc. Term B NR++ 2/22/03 9,929
Total Building Materials (Cost--$75,186) 75,627
Cable TV 6,000 Cablevision of Ohio Term NR++ 12/31/05 5,996
Services-- 24,375 Chelsea Communications Term B NR++ 9/30/04 24,322
6.79% 20,000 Classic Cable Inc. Term B B1 6/30/05 19,900
18,810 Coaxial Communications Term B NR++ 12/31/99 18,763
5,000 Frontier Vision Term B NR++ 6/30/05 4,981
10,000 Intermedia Communications, Inc. Term Ba3 1/1/05 10,025
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
Face Loan Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Maturity* (Note 1b)
Senior Secured Floating Rate Loan Interests*
<S> <C> <S> <S> <S> <S> <C>
Cable TV $ 3,937 Marcus Cable Operating Co. Revolving Credit NR++ 4/30/14 $ 3,908
Services 33,937 Marcus Cable Operating Co. Term A NR++ 12/31/02 33,895
(concluded) 43,000 Marcus Cable Operating Co. Term B NR++ 4/30/04 43,242
10,000 Triax Midwest Term B NR++ 6/30/05 9,950
25,000 Viacom, Inc. Term Ba2 7/1/02 24,992
<PAGE>
Total Cable TV Services (Cost--$199,083) 199,974
Chemicals-- 9,250 Cedar Chemical Term B NR++ 10/31/03 9,256
3.79% 26,662 Freedom Chemical Company Term B Ba3 6/30/02 26,596
5,071 Harris Specialty Chemicals Revolving Credit NR++ 12/30/01 4,691
229 Harris Specialty Chemicals Term A NR++ 12/30/01 212
366 Harris Specialty Chemicals Term A NR++ 12/30/01 339
1,035 Harris Specialty Chemicals Term B NR++ 12/30/99 957
4,902 Harris Specialty Chemicals Term B NR++ 12/30/01 4,534
1,508 Huntsman Corp. Revolving Credit NR++ 12/31/02 1,498
22,180 Huntsman Corp. Term NR++ 12/31/02 22,111
5,000 Hydrochem Term B NR++ 7/01/02 4,941
2,908 Inspec Chemical Corp. Term B NR++ 12/02/00 2,918
20,000 Sterling Chemicals, Inc. Term B B3 9/30/04 20,000
7,000 Texas Petrochemicals Term B Ba3 6/30/04 6,974
2,175 Thoro World Systems, Inc. Term A NR++ 12/31/00 2,012
4,849 Thoro World Systems, Inc. Term B NR++ 12/31/02 4,485
Total Chemicals (Cost--$112,516) 111,524
Consumer 3,212 Playtex Family Products Inc. Term A Ba2 6/30/02 3,190
Products-- 29,981 Playtex Family Products Inc. Term B Ba2 6/30/02 29,775
2.12% 7,246 RTI Funding Corp. Term B NR++ 2/07/03 7,255
7,246 RTI Funding Corp. Term C NR++ 2/07/04 7,255
15,000 Revlon Consumer Products Corp. Term Ba3 9/30/00 15,009
Total Consumer Products (Cost--$62,268) 62,484
Diversified 2,740 IMO Industries, Inc. Term A Ba3 4/30/01 2,740
Manufacturing-- 3,822 IMO Industries, Inc. Term B Ba3 4/30/01 3,829
0.93% 8,437 InterMetro Industries Term B NR++ 6/30/03 8,453
6,562 InterMetro Industries Term C NR++ 6/30/04 6,581
5,940 Thermadyne Industries, Inc. Revolving Credit B2 6/30/01 5,920
Total Diversified Manufacturing (Cost--$27,465) 27,523
Drug/ 6,526 Duane Reade Co. Term A NR++ 9/30/97 6,323
Proprietary 10,000 Duane Reade Co. Term B NR++ 9/30/99 9,688
Stores-- 8,312 Smith's Food & Drug Centers, Inc. Term B Ba3 11/30/03 8,375
2.25% 8,312 Smith's Food & Drug Centers, Inc. Term C Ba3 11/30/04 8,380
8,312 Smith's Food & Drug Centers, Inc. Term D Ba3 8/31/05 8,385
15,480 Thrifty Payless Holdings, Inc. Revolving Credit B1 12/31/02 15,228
10,000 Thrifty Payless Holdings, Inc. Term A B1 12/31/02 9,922
Total Drug/Proprietary Stores (Cost--$66,439) 66,301
Electronics/ 21,450 Berg Electronics Inc. Term Ba3 12/31/02 21,423
Electrical 5,617 Communications & Power Industries Inc. Term B NR++ 8/11/02 5,610
Components-- 4,831 Details, Inc. Term A NR++ 1/31/01 4,831
3.84% 9,955 International Wire Corp. Term B NR++ 9/30/02 9,970
9,974 International Wire Corp. Term C NR++ 9/30/03 10,005
16,344 Northrop Grumman Corp. Term II NR++ 3/01/02 16,318
565 Reliance Communications Technology Revolving Credit NR++ 9/11/01 564
4,500 Reliance Communications Technology Term A NR++ 9/11/01 4,494
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
Face Loan Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Maturity* (Note 1b)
Senior Secured Floating Rate Loan Interests*
<S> <C> <S> <S> <S> <S> <C>
Electronics/ $12,893 Reliance Communications Technology Term B NR++ 3/11/04 $ 12,905
Electrical 11,903 Reliance Communications Technology Term C NR++ 3/11/03 11,914
Components 7,460 Tracor Inc. Term B Ba3 10/31/00 7,483
(concluded) 7,461 Tracor Inc. Term C Ba3 4/30/01 7,484
Total Electronics/Electrical Components (Cost--$112,613) 113,001
Food & 7,481 American Italian Pasta Term C NR++ 2/28/04 7,416
Kindred 7,500 Amerifoods Term B NR++ 6/30/01 5,625
Products-- 7,500 Amerifoods Term C NR++ 6/30/02 5,625
5.53% 3,990 Ameriking Inc. Term B NR++ 1/31/04 3,992
8,611 MAFCO Worldwide Corp. Term B NR++ 6/30/01 8,589
4,907 President Baking Co., Inc. Term B NR++ 9/30/00 4,895
13,600 SC International Corp., Inc. Caterair 'A' B2 9/15/00 13,583
8,791 SC International Corp., Inc. Caterair 'B' B2 9/15/01 8,835
14,356 SC International Corp., Inc. SCI 'A' B2 9/15/00 14,335
1,027 SC International Corp., Inc. SCI 'A2' B2 9/15/00 1,024
10,962 SC International Corp., Inc. SCI 'B' B2 9/15/02 11,016
3,024 SC International Corp., Inc. SCI 'C' B2 9/15/03 3,040
2,000 Select Beverages Inc. Term B NR++ 6/30/01 2,000
2,970 Select Beverages Inc. Term C NR++ 6/30/01 2,977
43,159 Specialty Foods Corp. Term B B3 4/30/01 43,048
7,385 Van De Kamps Inc. Term B Ba3 4/30/03 7,403
4,615 Van De Kamps Inc. Term C Ba3 9/30/03 4,627
6,652 Volume Services Term B NR++ 12/31/02 6,636
3,326 Volume Services Term C NR++ 12/31/03 3,326
4,969 Windsor Quality Food Term B NR++ 12/31/02 4,944
Total Food & Kindred Products (Cost--$165,634) 162,936
Funeral Homes 7,980 Loewen Group Inc. Revolving Credit Ba1 5/29/01 7,955
& Parlors-- 15,000 Prime Succession International Group Axel NR++ 7/25/01 15,187
0.79%
Total Funeral Homes & Parlors (Cost--$22,924) 23,142
Furniture & 4,945 Furniture Brands International Term B Ba3 3/29/03 4,966
Fixtures-- 11,370 Knoll, Inc. Term B B1 8/31/03 11,413
1.07% 15,000 Lifestyle Furnishings International Term B NR++ 8/31/04 15,038
Total Furniture & Fixtures (Cost--$31,153) 31,417
<PAGE>
General 11,719 Federated Department Stores Inc. Revolving Credit Ba1 3/31/00 11,528
Merchandise 26,677 Federated Department Stores Inc. Term Ba1 3/31/00 26,611
Stores--3.14% 2,614 Federated Department Stores Inc. Term B Ba1 3/31/00 2,607
35,000 Kmart Corp. Term A Ba1 6/17/99 35,011
4,485 Music Acquisition Term B NR++ 8/31/01 1,615
4,952 Music Acquisition Term C NR++ 8/31/02 1,783
1,902 Saks & Co. Term A NR++ 6/30/98 1,897
11,320 Saks & Co. Term B NR++ 6/30/00 11,292
Total General Merchandise Stores (Cost--$97,699) 92,344
Grocery 10,400 Big V Supermarkets Inc. Term B NR++ 3/15/00 10,244
Stores--2.28% 4,863 Bruno's, Inc. Term B B1 2/18/02 4,887
4,863 Bruno's, Inc. Term C B1 2/18/03 4,887
4,294 Dominick's Finer Foods Inc. Term B Ba2 3/31/02 4,315
4,652 Dominick's Finer Foods Inc. Term C Ba2 3/31/03 4,675
4,652 Dominick's Finer Foods Inc. Term D Ba2 9/30/03 4,675
4,530 Pathmark Stores Inc. Term B Ba3 10/31/99 4,532
3,700 Ralph's Grocery Company Revolving Credit Ba3 6/15/01 3,628
3,316 Ralph's Grocery Company Term A Ba3 6/15/01 3,318
4,860 Ralph's Grocery Company Term B Ba3 6/15/02 4,884
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
Face Loan Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Maturity* (Note 1b)
Senior Secured Floating Rate Loan Interests*
<S> <C> <S> <S> <S> <S> <C>
Grocery $ 4,859 Ralph's Grocery Company Term C Ba3 6/15/03 $ 4,879
Stores 4,859 Ralph's Grocery Company Term D Ba3 2/15/04 4,909
(concluded) 4,197 Star Markets Co., Inc. Term B Ba3 12/31/01 4,182
3,145 Star Markets Co., Inc. Term C Ba3 12/31/02 3,133
Total Grocery Stores (Cost--$66,624) 67,148
Health 16,336 Community Health Systems, Inc. Term B NR++ 12/31/03 16,376
Services-- 16,336 Community Health Systems, Inc. Term C NR++ 12/31/04 16,376
3.50% 12,329 Community Health Systems, Inc. Term D NR++ 12/31/05 12,360
3,273 Dade International, Inc. Term B B1 12/31/02 3,293
3,273 Dade International, Inc. Term C B1 12/31/03 3,297
3,455 Dade International, Inc. Term D B1 12/31/04 3,487
4,909 Medical Specialties Term NR++ 6/30/01 4,894
13,091 Medical Specialties Axel NR++ 6/30/01 13,050
6,491 Merit Behavioral Care Corp. Term A B2 4/06/02 6,465
16,009 Merit Behavioral Care Corp. Term B B2 10/06/03 16,019
3,088 OrNda Healthcare Corp. Revolving Credit NR++ 10/30/01 3,086
4,534 OrNda Healthcare Corp. Term A NR++ 10/30/01 4,536
<PAGE>
Total Health Services (Cost--$102,597) 103,239
Leasing & 19,760 Prime Acquisition Term B1 12/31/00 19,772
Rental
Services--
0.67%
Total Leasing & Rental Services (Cost--$19,675) 19,772
Manufacturing-- 10,492 Calmar Inc. Axel A B1 9/15/03 10,433
1.12% 7,869 Calmar Inc. Axel B B1 3/15/04 7,840
14,700 Trans Technology Corp. Term B NR++ 6/30/02 14,663
Total Manufacturing (Cost--$32,838) 32,936
Measuring, 9,331 CHF/Ebel USA Inc. Term B NR++ 9/30/01 9,184
Analyzing & 10,956 Graphic Controls Corp. Term B B1 9/28/03 10,976
Controlling
Instruments--
0.68%
Total Measuring, Analyzing & Controlling Instruments (Cost--$20,088) 20,160
Message 5,000 Dictaphone Co. Term B B1 6/30/02 4,800
Communications--
0.16%
Total Message Communications (Cost--$4,967) 4,800
Metals & 5,000 Anker Coal Term B NR++ 6/30/04 4,988
Mining-- 220 UCAR International Inc. Revolving Credit Ba3 12/31/01 220
0.61% 1,319 UCAR International Inc. Term A Ba3 12/31/01 1,320
11,571 UCAR International Inc. Term B Ba3 12/31/03 11,586
Total Metals & Mining (Cost--$18,076) 18,114
Packaging-- 8,625 IPC, Inc. Term B1 9/30/01 8,636
1.64% 5,800 Mail-Well, Inc./Supremex Revolving Credit Ba2 7/31/03 5,811
9,541 Mail-Well, Inc./Supremex Term B Ba2 7/31/03 9,560
7,170 Silgan Corp. Revolving Credit Ba3 12/31/00 7,166
16,794 Silgan Corp. Term B Ba3 3/15/02 16,999
Total Packaging (Cost--$47,744) 48,172
Paper-- 19,850 Crown Paper Co. Term B Ba3 8/22/03 19,949
11.70% 21,919 Fort Howard Corp. Term A Ba3 3/08/02 21,947
16,760 Fort Howard Corp. Term B Ba3 12/31/02 16,864
274 Jefferson Smurfit Company/Container
Corp. of America Revolving Credit Ba3 4/30/01 270
25,012 Jefferson Smurfit Company/Container
Corp. of America Term A Ba3 4/30/01 24,942
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
Face Loan Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Maturity* (Note 1b)
Senior Secured Floating Rate Loan Interests*
<S> <C> <S> <S> <S> <S> <C>
Paper $ 6,786 Jefferson Smurfit Company/Container
(concluded) Corp. of America Term B Ba3 4/30/01 $ 6,829
49,530 Jefferson Smurfit Company/Container
Corp. of America Term B Ba3 4/30/02 49,839
13,210 Jefferson Smurfit Company/Container
Corp. of America Term C Ba2 10/31/02 13,292
63,571 Riverwood International Corp. Term B Ba3 2/28/04 63,850
24,429 Riverwood International Corp. Term C Ba3 8/28/04 24,535
29,744 S.D. Warren Co. Term B Ba2 6/30/02 29,847
36,820 Stone Container Corp. Term B Ba3 4/01/00 36,981
25,372 Stone Container Corp. Term C Ba3 4/01/00 25,499
10,000 Stone Container Corp. Term D Ba3 10/01/03 10,050
Total Paper (Cost--$340,762) 344,694
Printing & 7,500 Advanstar Communications Term B NR++ 12/21/03 7,467
Publishing-- 21,358 American Media Term B Ba2 9/30/02 21,251
3.17% 9,312 Journal News Co. Term NR++ 12/31/01 9,289
7,000 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. Term B NR++ 2/28/02 6,921
3,452 Print Tech International PLC Term B NR++ 12/29/01 3,424
10,000 Treasure Chest Term NR++ 12/31/02 10,025
35,000 World Color Press, Inc. Term C B1 12/29/02 34,891
Total Printing & Publishing (Cost--$93,381) 93,268
Rendering-- 4,990 CBP Resources Inc. Term B NR++ 9/30/03 4,993
0.17%
Total Rendering (Cost--$4,954) 4,993
Security 9,920 Borg Warner Corp. Term B3 12/31/98 9,901
Systems
Services--
0.34%
Total Security Systems Services (Cost--$9,842) 9,901
Telephone 8,000 Arch Communications Group, Inc. Term B B1 12/31/03 8,027
Communica- 18,316 Comcast Corp. Term Ba3 9/30/04 18,219
tions--3.14% 808 MobileMedia Corp. Revolving Credit B1 6/30/02 801
13,034 MobileMedia Corp. Term A B1 6/30/02 13,052
1,667 MobileMedia Corp. Term B1 B1 6/30/02 1,672
9,667 MobileMedia Corp. Term B B1 6/30/03 9,637
3,333 MobileMedia Corp. Term B2 B1 6/30/03 3,343
12,712 Paging Network Inc. Revolving Credit Ba2 12/31/04 12,688
4,964 Shared Technologies Cellular, Inc. Term B B1 3/31/03 4,946
20,000 Western Wireless Corp. Term B B1 3/31/05 20,144
<PAGE>
Total Telephone Communications (Cost--$92,096) 92,529
Textiles/Mill 10,000 Polymer Group, Inc. Term A Ba3 3/31/02 9,975
Products--
0.34%
Total Textiles/Mill Products (Cost--$9,966) 9,975
Transportation 7,546 Atlas Air, Inc. Revolving Credit NR++ 6/30/98 7,532
Services-- 25,000 Continental Micronesia Axel NR++ 7/31/03 25,016
1.39% 8,373 Petro PSC Properties L.P. Term B NR++ 5/24/01 8,315
Total Transportation Services (Cost--$40,702) 40,863
Waste Manage- 5,000 American Disposal Services, Inc. Term NR++ 6/30/03 4,969
ment--0.17%
Total Waste Management (Cost--$4,969) 4,969
Total Senior Secured Floating Rate Loan Interests (Cost--$2,155,051)--73.21% 2,156,339
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
Shares Value
Industries Held Equity Investments (Note 1b)
<S> <C> <S> <C>
Broadcast/ 1 Classic Cable, Inc. (Warrants) (a) $ --
Media--0.00%
Restaurants-- 44 Flagstar Companies, Inc. 93
0.00%
Total Equity Investments (Cost--$0)--0.00% 93
Total Long-Term Investments (Cost--$2,155,051)--73.21% 2,156,432
Short-Term Investments
Commercial American Express Credit Corp. ($40,000 par, maturing 10/11/1996, yielding 5.30%) 39,776
Paper**--25.60% CIT Group Holdings Inc. ($25,000 par, maturing 9/10/1996, yielding 5.32%) 24,974
CIT Group Holdings Inc. ($32,000 par, maturing 9/23/1996, yielding 5.35%) 31,905
CIT Group Holdings Inc. ($30,000 par, maturing 10/04/1996, yielding 5.31%) 29,863
Ciesco L.P. ($30,000 par, maturing 9/06/1996, yielding 5.40%) 29,987
Ciesco L.P. ($50,000 par, maturing 10/16/1996, yielding 5.28%) 49,685
General Electric Capital Corp. ($62,560 par, maturing 9/03/1996, yielding 5.30%) 62,560
Goldman Sachs Group L.P. ($50,000 par, maturing 9/06/1996, yielding 5.42%) 49,977
Goldman Sachs Group L.P. ($50,000 par, maturing 9/20/1996, yielding 5.28%) 49,875
<PAGE>
Goldman Sachs Group L.P. ($30,000 par, maturing 10/07/1996, yielding 5.30%) 29,850
Knight-Ridder Inc. ($48,500 par, maturing 9/23/1996, yielding 5.28%) 48,358
Monsanto Co. ($10,000 par, maturing 9/06/1996, yielding 5.40%) 9,995
National Fleet Fund, Inc. ($20,000 par, maturing 9/13/1996, yielding 5.35%) 19,970
National Fleet Fund, Inc. ($28,700 par, maturing 9/16/1996, yielding 5.40%) 28,644
National Fleet Fund, Inc. ($10,500 par, maturing 10/01/1996, yielding 5.33%) 10,456
National Fleet Fund, Inc. ($15,000 par, maturing 10/02/1996, yielding 5.29%) 14,936
Preferred Receivables Funding, Inc. ($50,225 par, maturing 9/04/1996, yielding
5.35%) 50,218
Preferred Receivables Funding, Inc. ($34,825 par, maturing 9/09/1996, yielding
5.42%) 34,794
Preferred Receivables Funding, Inc. ($30,000 par, maturing 9/10/1996, yielding
5.38%) 29,969
Shell Oil Co. ($20,000 par, maturing 9/04/1996, yielding 5.36%) 19,997
USAA Capital Corp. ($30,000 par, maturing 9/03/1996, yielding 5.40%) 30,000
Xerox Corp. ($30,000 par, maturing 9/18/1996, yielding 5.35%) 29,933
Xerox Credit Corp. ($28,600 par, maturing 10/11/1996, yielding 5.27%) 28,441
Total Commercial Paper (Cost--$754,163) 754,163
US Government Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. ($23,000 par, maturing 9/26/1996, yielding 5.28%) 22,922
& Agency
Obligations**--
0.78%
Total US Government & Agency Obligations (Cost--$22,922) 22,922
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost--$777,085)--26.38% 777,085
Total Investments (Cost--$2,932,136)--99.59% 2,933,517
Other Assets Less Liabilities--0.41% 12,010
----------
Net Assets--100.00% $2,945,527
==========
<FN>
(a)Warrants entitle the Fund to purchase a predetermined number of
common stock. The purchase price and numbers of share are subject to
adjustment under certain conditions until the expiration date.
++Not Rated.
Ratings of issues shown have not been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP.
*The interest rates on senior secured floating rate loan interests
are subject to change periodically based on the change in the prime
rate of a US Bank, LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), or, in
some cases, another base lending rate. The interest rates shown are
those in effect at August 31, 1996.
**Commercial Paper and certain US Government & Agency Obligations
are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown are the
discount rates paid at the time of purchase by the Fund.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of August 31, 1996
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$2,932,135,993) (Note 1b) $ 2,933,517,310
Cash 2,660,488
Receivables:
Interest $ 17,464,064
Capital shares sold 2,846,301
Commitment fees 243,999 20,554,364
----------------
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1f) 1,680,474
----------------
Total assets 2,958,412,636
----------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1g) 3,531,978
Investment adviser (Note 2) 2,500,916
Administrator (Note 2) 658,136
Securities purchased 210,453 6,901,483
----------------
Deferred income (Note 1e) 2,944,484
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 3,039,323
----------------
Total liabilities 12,885,290
----------------
Net Assets: Net assets $ 2,945,527,346
================
Net Assets Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share; 1,000,000,000
Consist of: shares authorized $ 29,484,938
Paid-in capital in excess of par 2,922,519,503
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments--net (Note 7) (7,858,412)
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net (Note 3) 1,381,317
----------------
Net Assets--Equivalent to $9.99 per share based on 294,849,377
shares of beneficial interest outstanding $ 2,945,527,346
================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Statement of Operations
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended August 31, 1996
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Investment Income Interest and discount earned $ 210,982,851
(Note 1e): Facility and other fees 4,338,982
Dividends 149
----------------
Total income 215,321,982
----------------
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) $ 25,872,222
Administrative fees (Note 2) 6,808,480
Transfer agent fees (Note 2) 1,697,281
Registration fees (Note 1f) 707,018
Accounting services (Note 2) 401,728
Professional fees 368,275
Tender offer costs 189,772
Custodian fees 189,706
Printing and shareholder reports 173,171
Borrowing costs (Note 6) 141,903
Directors' fees and expenses 47,788
Other 28,416
----------------
Total expenses 36,625,760
----------------
Investment income--net 178,696,222
----------------
Realized & Realized loss on investments--net (8,718,939)
Unrealized Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net 1,207,962
Gain (Loss) on ----------------
Investments--Net Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $ 171,185,245
(Notes 1c, 1e & 3): ================
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended August 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1996 1995
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net $ 178,696,222 $ 107,081,243
Realized gain (loss) on investments--net (8,718,939) 901,282
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on
investments--net 1,207,962 (102,235)
---------------- ----------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 171,185,245 107,880,290
---------------- ----------------
<PAGE>
Dividends to Investment income--net (178,696,222) (107,081,243)
Shareholders ---------------- ----------------
(Note 1g): Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends to
shareholders (178,696,222) (107,081,243)
---------------- ----------------
Capital Share Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share
Transactions transactions 789,568,710 1,228,207,869
(Note 4): ---------------- ----------------
Net Assets: Total increase in net assets 782,057,733 1,229,006,916
Beginning of year 2,163,469,613 934,462,697
---------------- ----------------
End of year $ 2,945,527,346 $ 2,163,469,613
================ ================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
Statement of Cash Flows
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended
August 31, 1996
<S> <S> <C>
Cash Provided by Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 171,185,245
Operating Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets
Activities: resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Increase in receivables (2,336,872)
Increase in other assets (61,009)
Increase in other liabilities 5,662,709
Realized and unrealized loss on investments--net 7,510,977
Amortization of discount (45,530,880)
----------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 136,430,170
----------------
Cash Used for Proceeds from principal payments and sales of loan interests 1,502,664,427
Investing Purchases of loan interests (2,009,125,818)
Activities: Purchases of short-term investments (24,131,663,141)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments 23,873,927,588
----------------
Net cash used for investing activities (764,196,944)
----------------
Cash Provided by Cash receipts on capital shares sold 993,247,884
Financing Cash payments on capital shares tendered (273,723,209)
Activities: Dividends paid to shareholders (89,097,413)
----------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 630,427,262
----------------
<PAGE>
Cash: Net increase in cash 2,660,488
Cash at beginning of year 0
----------------
Cash at end of year $ 2,660,488
================
Non-Cash Capital shares issued in reinvestment of dividends paid to shareholders $ 90,287,773
Financing ================
Activities:
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights
The following per share data and ratios have been derived
from information provided in the financial statements.
For the Year Ended August 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year $ 10.02 $ 10.02 $ 10.02 $ 9.99 $ 9.99
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .66 .75 .59 .53 .64
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net (.03) --++ --++ .03 --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .63 .75 .59 .56 .64
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends from investment income--net (.66) (.75) (.59) (.53) (.64)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of year $ 9.99 $ 10.02 $ 10.02 $ 10.02 $ 9.99
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share 6.53% 7.68% 5.94% 5.74% 6.58%
Return:* ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Expenses, net of reimbursement 1.34% 1.34% 1.43% 1.47% 1.39%
Average ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net Assets: Expenses 1.34% 1.34% 1.43% 1.47% 1.41%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net 6.54% 7.45% 5.75% 5.27% 6.58%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<PAGE>
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in millions) $ 2,946 $ 2,163 $ 934 $ 713 $ 834
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover 80.20% 55.23% 61.31% 90.36% 46.48%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<FN>
*Total investment returns exclude the effects of
sales loads. The Fund is a continuously offered
closed-end fund, the shares of which are offered
at net asset value. Therefore, no separate market exists.
++Amount is less than $.01 per share.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a
continuously offered, non-diversified, closed-end management
investment company.
(a) Loan participation interests--The Fund invests in senior secured
floating rate loan interests ("Loan Interests") with collateral
having a market value, at time of acquisition by the Fund, which
Fund management believes equals or exceeds the principal amount of
the corporate loan. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total
assets in loans made on an unsecured basis. Depending on how the
loan was acquired, the Fund will regard the issuer as including the
corporate borrower along with an agent bank for the syndicate of
lenders and any intermediary of the Fund's investment. Because
agents and intermediaries are primarily commercial banks, the Fund's
investment in corporate loans at August 31, 1996 could be considered
to be concentrated in commercial banking.
(b) Valuation of investments--Until June 17, 1996, Loan Interests
were valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under
the direction of the Board of Directors of the Fund. As of June 17,
1996, pursuant to the approval of the Board of Directors, the Loan
Interests are valued at the average of the mean between the bid
and asked quotes received from one or more brokers, if available.
<PAGE>
Other portfolio securities may be valued on the basis of prices
furnished by one or more pricing services which determine prices for
normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities using
market information, transactions for comparable securities and
various relationships between securities which are generally
recognized by institutional traders. In certain circumstances,
portfolio securities are valued at the last sale price on the
exchange that is the primary market for such securities, or the last
quoted bid price for those securities for which the over-the-counter
market is the primary market or for listed securities in which there
were no sales during the day. Short-term securities with remaining
maturities of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which
approximates market value. Securities and assets for which market
quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of
Directors of the Fund.
(c) Derivative financial instruments--The Fund may engage in various
portfolio strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its
portfolio against adverse movements in the debt markets. Losses may
arise due to changes in the value of the contract or if the
counterparty does not perform under the contract.
* Interest rate transactions--The Fund is authorized to enter into
interest rate swaps and purchase or sell interest rate caps and
floors. In an interest rate swap, the Fund exchanges with another
party their respective commitments to pay or receive interest on a
specified notional principal amount. The purchase of an interest
rate cap (or floor) entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a
specified index exceeds (or falls below) a predetermined interest
rate, to receive payments of interest equal to the difference
between the index and the predetermined rate on a notional principal
amount from the party selling such interest rate cap (or floor).
(d) Income taxes--It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its
taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax
provision is required.
(e) Security transactions and investment income--Security
transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered
into (the trade dates). Interest is recognized on the accrual basis.
Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on
the identified cost basis. Facility fees are accreted into income
over the term of the related loan.
(f) Prepaid registration fees--Prepaid registration fees are charged
to expense as the related shares are issued.
<PAGE>
(g) Dividends and distributions--Dividends from net investment
income are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of capital
gains are recorded on the ex-dividend dates.
2. Investment Advisory and Administrative Services
Agreement and Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM"). The general partner
of MLAM is Princeton Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an indirect wholly-
owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is
the limited partner.
MLAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and
provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain
other services necessary to perform this investment advisory
function.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
For such services, the Fund pays a monthly fee at an annual rate of
0.95% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Fund also has an
Administrative Services Agreement with MLAM whereby MLAM will
receive a fee equal to an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average
daily net assets on a monthly basis, in return for the performance
of administrative services (other than investment advice and related
portfolio activities) necessary for the operation of the Fund. The
Investment Advisory Agreement obligates MLAM to reimburse the Fund
to the extent the Fund's expenses (excluding interest, taxes,
distribution fees, brokerage fees and commissions, and extraordinary
items) exceed the lesser of (a) 2.0% of the Fund's average daily net
assets or (b) 2.5% of the Fund's first $30 million of average daily
net assets, 2.0% of the Fund's next $70 million of average daily net
assets, and 1.5% of the average daily net assets in excess thereof.
No fee payment will be made during any fiscal year which will cause
such expenses to exceed the most restrictive expense limitation at
the time of such payment.
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. ("MLFDS"), a wholly-
owned subsidiary of ML & Co., is the Fund's transfer agent.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by MLAM at cost.
Certain officers and/or directors of the Fund are officers and/or
directors of MLAM, PSI, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.,
MLFDS, and/or ML & Co.
<PAGE>
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities,
for the year ended August 31, 1996 were $2,009,336,271 and
$1,502,664,427, respectively.
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) as of August 31, 1996
were as follows:
Realized Unrealized
Losses Gains
Long-term investments $ (8,715,722) $ 1,381,317
Short-term investments (3,217) --
-------------- --------------
Total $ (8,718,939) $ 1,381,317
============== ==============
As of August 31, 1996, net unrealized appreciation for financial
reporting and Federal income tax purposes aggregated $1,227,650, of
which $14,145,679 is related to appreciated securities and
$12,918,029 is related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost
of investments at August 31, 1996 for Federal income tax purposes
was $2,932,289,660.
4. Capital Share Transactions:
Transactions in capital shares were as follows:
For the Year Ended Dollar
August 31, 1996 Shares Amount
Shares sold 97,262,448 $ 973,004,146
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment
of dividends 9,032,914 90,287,773
-------------- --------------
Total issued 106,295,362 1,063,291,919
Shares tendered (27,418,447) (273,723,209)
-------------- --------------
Net increase 78,876,915 $ 789,568,710
============== ==============
For the Year Ended Dollar
August 31, 1995 Shares Amount
<PAGE>
Shares sold 129,276,626 $1,294,302,365
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment
of dividends 5,015,241 50,211,612
-------------- --------------
Total issued 134,291,867 1,344,513,977
Shares tendered (11,618,992) (116,306,108)
-------------- --------------
Net increase 122,672,875 $1,228,207,869
============== ==============
5. Unfunded Loan Interests:
As of August 31, 1996, the Fund had unfunded loan commitments of
$268,840,813 which would be extended at the option of the borrower,
pursuant to the following loan agreements:
Unfunded
Commitment
Borrower (in thousands)
Atlas Air, Inc. $17,453
Jefferson Smurfit Company/
Container Corp. of America 2,784
Federated Department Stores Inc. 50,067
Fort Howard Corp. 2,703
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. 10,192
Huntsman Corp. 572
IMO Industries, Inc. 8,077
Johnstown America Industrial Inc. 3,080
Loewen Group, Inc. 14,520
Marcus Cable Operating Co. 8,438
MobileMedia Corp. 874
OrNda Health Corp. 2,139
Overhead Door Corp. 5,114
Paging Network Inc. 21,621
The Pullman Co., Inc. 6,526
Ralph's Grocery Company 12,550
Reliance Communications Technology 9,862
SC International Corp., Inc. 18,000
Silgan Corp. 4,780
Stone Container Corp. 30,000
Thermadyne Industries, Inc. 14,064
Thrifty Payless Holdings, Inc. 14,520
UCAR International Inc. 6,906
<PAGE>
6. Short-Term Borrowings:
On March 14, 1996, the Fund extended its loan commitment from a
commercial bank. The commitment is for $100,000,000 bearing interest
at the Federal Funds rate plus .50% on the outstanding balance.
The Fund had no borrowings under this commitment during the
year ended August 31, 1996. For the year ended August 31, 1996,
facility and commitment fees aggregated $141,903.
7. Capital Loss Carryforward:
At August 31, 1996, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of
approximately $1,471,000, all of which expires in 2004. This amount
will be available to offset like amounts of any future taxable
gains.
8. Subsequent Event:
The Fund began a quarterly tender offer on September 17, 1996 which
concludes on October 15, 1996.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.(g)(2)
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Shareholders,
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. as
of August 31, 1997, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the
year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years
in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the
years in the five-year period then ended. These financial statements and the
financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the
financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at August
31, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian and financial intermediaries. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Merrill Lynch Senior
Floating Rate Fund, Inc. as of August 31, 1997, the results of its operations,
its cash flows, the changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for
the respective stated periods in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
October 24, 1997
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
Face Loan S&P Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Rating Maturity Cost (Note 1a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Senior Secured Floating Rate Loan Interests*
Advertising -- $ 471 Katz Media Corporation Reducing
0.7% Revolver NR+ Ba3 9/30/03 $ 472 $ 471
2,143 Katz Media Corporation Term A NR+ Ba3 9/30/03 2,140 2,146
6,633 Katz Media Corporation Term B NR+ Ba3 12/31/04 6,618 6,658
7,500 Outdoor Systems, Inc. Term NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 7,485 7,537
5,000 Outdoor Systems, Inc. Canadian
Term Loan NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 4,990 5,025
------- -------
Total Advertising 21,705 21,837
======= =======
Aerospace -- 0.3% 5,168 Whittaker Corporation Revolving
Credit NR+ NR+ 4/09/01 5,168 5,175
3,825 Whittaker Corporation Term NR+ NR+ 4/09/01 3,773 3,829
------- -------
Total Aerospace 8,941 9,004
======= =======
Air Transport -- 3,600 Continental Airlines, Inc. Term A BB- NR+ 7/31/02 3,595 3,586
0.3% 6,400 Continental Airlines, Inc. Term B BB- NR+ 7/31/04 6,400 6,396
------- -------
Total Air Transport 9,995 9,982
======= =======
Aircraft & 5,060 Aerostructures Hamble Holdings PLC Term B NR+ NR+ 9/30/03 5,037 5,089
Parts -- 2.2% 1,840 Aerostructures Hamble Holdings PLC Term C NR+ NR+ 9/30/04 1,832 1,850
9,783 Alliant Techsystems, Inc. Term NR+ Ba2 3/15/01 9,775 9,783
4,950 Banner Industries, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/03 4,928 4,941
7,494 Evergreen International Aviation, Inc. Term B NR+ Ba3 5/31/03 7,458 7,461
24,583 Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. Term NR+ NR+ 9/30/02 24,540 24,614
4,975 Mag Aerospace Term B NR+ NR+ 12/06/01 4,942 4,956
2,970 Technetics Term A NR+ NR+ 6/20/02 2,951 2,961
5,000 Tri Star Inc. Term NR+ NR+ 9/30/03 4,954 4,975
------- -------
Total Aircraft & Parts 66,417 66,630
======= =======
Amusement & 4,263 AMF Group, Inc. Revolving
Recreational Credit NR+ Ba3 3/31/02 4,263 4,263
Services -- 5.2% 9,929 AMF Group, Inc. Axel A NR+ Ba3 3/31/03 10,043 10,053
19,813 AMF Group, Inc. Axel B NR+ Ba3 3/31/04 19,844 20,110
2,453 AMF Group, Inc. Term NR+ Ba3 3/31/02 2,448 2,462
21,283 AMF Group, Inc. Term B NR+ Ba3 3/31/03 21,238 21,549
3,039 AMF Group, Inc. Term C1 NR+ Ba3 3/31/02 3,058 3,050
2,862 AMF Group, Inc. Term C1 NR+ Ba3 3/31/03 2,905 2,898
2,106 AMF Group, Inc. Term C2 NR+ Ba3 3/31/04 2,137 2,137
4,125 Amfac Parks, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 9/30/02 4,092 4,112
5,000 Fitness Holdings Term NR+ NR+ 12/31/00 4,971 4,981
7,143 KSL Recreation Group, Inc. Revolving
Credit NR+ B2 4/30/04 7,143 7,214
7,750 KSL Recreation Group, Inc. Term A NR+ B2 4/30/05 7,773 7,828
7,750 KSL Recreation Group, Inc. Term B NR+ B2 4/30/06 7,773 7,828
6,283 Kerastotes Revolving
Credit NR+ NR+ 12/31/03 6,283 6,251
3,677 Kerastotes Term NR+ NR+ 12/31/04 3,647 3,666
14,888 Metro Goldwyn Mayer Co. Term B NR+ Ba3 3/31/04 14,786 14,962
872 Six Flags Entertainment Corp. Term NR+ Ba3 10/28/01 872 873
5,496 Six Flags Entertainment Corp. Term A NR+ Ba3 10/28/01 5,510 5,510
17,473 Six Flags Entertainment Corp. Term B NR+ Ba3 6/23/03 17,404 17,604
7,500 Vail Corporation Term B NR+ NR+ 4/15/04 7,490 7,519
------- -------
Total Amusement & Recreational Services 153,680 154,870
======= =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
Face Loan S&P Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Rating Maturity Cost (Note 1a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Apparel -- 1.2% 4,571 CS Brooks Canada Axel A NR+ NR+ 6/30/02 4,551 4,548
10,157 CS Brooks Canada Axel B NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 10,114 10,106
9,683 Humphreys Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 1/15/03 9,683 9,683
5,000 Renfro Corp. Term B NR+ NR+ 1/15/03 4,977 4,994
6,237 William Carter Co. (The) Term BB- Ba3 10/31/03 6,209 6,237
------- -------
Total Apparel 35,534 35,568
======= =======
Automotive 4,000 American Bumper Term B NR+ NR+ 10/31/02 3,990 4,015
Equipment -- 23,731 Collins & Aikman Corp. Term B B+ B1 12/31/02 23,635 23,790
1.7% 385 Johnstown America Industrial Inc. Revolving
Credit NR+ B1 3/31/02 385 375
19,001 Johnstown America Industrial Inc. Term B NR+ B1 3/31/03 18,925 18,639
5,000 Safelite Glass Corp. Term B BB- Ba3 9/08/04 4,982 5,028
------- -------
Total Automotive Equipment 51,917 51,847
======= =======
Broadcast -- 5,593 American Radio Systems Corp. Revolving
Radio & TV -- Credit B+ Ba2 12/31/04 5,593 5,588
6.2% 3,905 Benedek Broadcasting Corp. Axel A B+ Ba3 5/01/01 3,894 3,896
4,200 Benedek Broadcasting Corp. Axel B B+ Ba3 11/01/02 4,187 4,190
480 Chancellor Broadcasting, Inc. Revolving
Credit NR+ Ba2 6/26/04 480 479
12,000 Chancellor Broadcasting, Inc. Term NR+ Ba2 6/26/04 11,956 11,985
4,613 Citicasters Inc. (Jacor) Term B BB- Ba2 9/17/04 4,592 4,608
7,371 Evergreen Media Corp. Revolving
Credit NR+ NR+ 6/30/05 7,371 7,325
53,571 Evergreen Media Corp. Term NR+ NR+ 6/30/05 53,391 53,471
8,261 Latin Communications Term NR+ NR+ 3/31/04 8,211 8,235
10,000 Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc. Term B NR+ Ba2 12/31/04 9,985 10,000
9,193 Sullivan Broadcasting Term B NR+ Ba3 12/31/03 9,164 9,175
46,682 Viacom, Inc. Term NR+ Ba2 7/01/02 46,622 46,639
20,000 Western Wireless Corp. Term B B+ B1 3/31/05 20,000 20,119
------- -------
Total Broadcast -- Radio & TV 185,446 185,710
======= =======
Building & Con- 4,447 Fenway Holdings, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 9/15/02 4,421 4,395
struction -- 0.1% ------- -------
Total Building & Construction 4,421 4,395
======= =======
Building 3,750 Amerimax Term C NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 3,745 3,750
Materials -- 3.0% 4,190 Behr Process Term B NR+ NR+ 3/31/04 4,184 4,190
2,793 Behr Process Term C NR+ NR+ 3/31/05 2,789 2,796
3,695 Dal Tile International Inc. Revolving
Credit NR+ NR+ 12/31/02 3,695 3,665
4,143 Dal Tile International Inc. Term NR+ NR+ 12/31/02 4,138 4,121
27,000 Dal Tile International Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 12/31/03 26,868 26,916
2,521 Euramax Holdings Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 2,518 2,521
5,000 Falcon Building Products, Inc. Term NR+ B1 6/30/05 4,980 5,006
29,875 National Gypsum Co. Term B NR+ Ba3 9/20/03 29,824 29,987
8,248 Walter Industrials, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 2/22/03 8,234 8,263
------- -------
Total Building Materials 90,975 91,215
======= =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
Face Loan S&P Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Rating Maturity Cost (Note 1a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cable TV 6,000 Cablevision of Ohio Term NR+ Ba2 12/31/05 5,987 5,992
Services -- 5.4% 24,375 Chelsea Communications Term B NR+ NR+ 12/31/04 24,278 24,322
17,081 Classic Cable Inc. Term B NR+ B1 6/30/05 16,911 16,568
18,683 Coaxial Communications Term B NR+ NR+ 12/31/99 18,627 18,497
5,000 FrontierVision Operating Partners L.P. Term B NR+ Ba3 6/30/05 4,972 5,000
10,000 Intermedia Communications, Inc. Term NR+ Ba3 1/01/05 9,977 10,038
3,193 Marcus Cable Operating Co. Revolving
Credit NR+ NR+ 4/30/14 3,193 3,177
30,625 Marcus Cable Operating Co. Term A NR+ NR+ 12/31/02 30,521 30,644
35,750 Marcus Cable Operating Co. Term B NR+ NR+ 4/30/04 35,483 35,951
10,000 Triax Midwest Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/05 9,942 9,997
------- -------
Total Cable TV Services 159,891 160,186
======= =======
Casinos -- 0.2% 5,293 Alliance Gaming Corp. Term B NR+ NR+ 1/31/05 5,294 5,336
1,392 Alliance Gaming Corp. Term C NR+ NR+ 7/31/05 1,392 1,404
------- -------
Total Casinos 6,686 6,740
======= =======
Chemicals -- 5.3% 8,890 Aztar Corporation Revolving
Credit NR+ NR+ 12/31/99 8,890 8,890
4,140 Aztar Corporation Term NR+ NR+ 12/31/99 4,142 4,137
11,396 Cedar Chemical Term B NR+ NR+ 10/31/03 11,321 11,368
4,988 Exide Corporation Term D NR+ NR+ 6/15/01 4,988 4,994
2,189 HSC Holdings Revolving
Credit NR+ NR+ 12/31/99 2,189 2,184
3,350 HSC Holdings Term NR+ NR+ 12/31/99 3,335 3,342
2,886 Harris Specialty Chemicals Revolving
Credit NR+ NR+ 12/30/01 2,886 2,897
219 Harris Specialty Chemicals Term A NR+ NR+ 12/30/00 219 220
226 Harris Specialty Chemicals Term A NR+ NR+ 12/30/01 226 227
602 Harris Specialty Chemicals Term B NR+ NR+ 12/30/99 601 605
2,447 Harris Specialty Chemicals Term B NR+ NR+ 12/30/01 2,437 2,457
35,990 Huntsman Corp. Term A NR+ NR+ 12/31/02 35,962 35,934
5,000 Huntsman Corp. Term B NR+ NR+ 3/15/04 4,995 5,050
14,850 Huntsman Corp. Term B NR+ NR+ 12/31/05 14,800 14,850
15,000 Huntsman Corp. Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 15,000 15,103
5,000 Huntsman Corp. Term C NR+ NR+ 3/15/05 4,995 5,050
8,000 Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp. Term NR+ NR+ 12/5/06 8,069 8,077
24,143 Sterling Chemicals, Inc. Term B NR+ Ba3 9/30/04 24,033 24,173
6,611 Texas Petrochemicals Corp. Term B NR+ Ba3 6/30/04 6,589 6,595
1,047 Thoro World Systems, Inc. Term A NR+ NR+ 12/30/00 1,042 1,051
1,422 Thoro World Systems, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 12/30/01 1,413 1,427
------- -------
Total Chemicals 158,132 158,631
======= =======
Computer-Related 7,000 Anacomp, Inc. Term NR+ B2 3/31/01 6,969 7,057
Services & 11,000 DecisionOne Corp. Term B NR+ B1 8/07/05 10,983 10,986
Products -- 1.4% 7,417 Fairchild Semiconductors Corp. Term B NR+ Ba3 3/11/03 7,399 7,473
12,438 Phase Metrics Term NR+ NR+ 11/12/01 12,383 12,189
5,000 Triad Systems Corp. Term NR+ NR+ 2/27/03 4,971 4,953
------- -------
Total Computer-Related Services & Products 42,705 42,658
======= =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
Face Loan S&P Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Rating Maturity Cost (Note 1a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consumer 615 E & S Holdings Corp. Revolving
Products -- Credit NR+ B1 9/30/03 615 615
1.8% 2,059 E & S Holdings Corp. Term NR+ B1 9/30/03 2,059 2,059
5,172 Hedstrom Corp. Term A NR+ B1 6/30/03 5,147 5,153
15,000 Playtex Family Products Inc. Term B NR+ Ba2 9/15/03 14,926 15,112
7,228 RTI Funding Corp. (Ritvik Toys) Term B NR+ NR+ 2/07/03 7,168 7,255
7,228 RTI Funding Corp. (Ritvik Toys) Term C NR+ NR+ 2/07/04 7,165 7,255
15,000 Revlon Consumer Products Corp. Term NR+ NR+ 5/30/02 14,988 15,007
------- -------
Total Consumer Products 52,068 52,456
======= =======
Diversified 1,712 Ameriserve Food Corp. Term A NR+ NR+ 6/30/03 1,721 1,722
Manufacturing -- 5,000 Sarah Michael Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 5,000 5,000
0.5% 7,490 Thermadyne Industries, Inc. Revolving
Credit NR+ Ba3 6/30/01 7,490 7,490
------- -------
Total Diversified Manufacturing 14,211 14,212
======= =======
Drilling -- 0.3% 4,676 IRI International Term A NR+ NR+ 3/31/02 4,660 4,702
4,846 Rigco North America Term NR+ NR+ 9/30/98 4,832 4,871
------- -------
Total Drilling 9,492 9,573
======= =======
Drug/Proprietary 204 Duane Reade Co. Term A NR+ NR+ 9/30/98 204 204
Stores -- 0.9% 10,000 Duane Reade Co. Term B NR+ NR+ 9/30/99 9,953 9,987
8,366 Smith's Food & Drug Centers, Inc. Term A NR+ NR+ 3/31/05 8,356 8,369
9,574 Smith's Food & Drug Centers, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 3/31/05 9,563 9,586
------- -------
Total Drug/Proprietary Stores 28,076 28,146
======= =======
Electronics/ 7,275 Amphenol Corp. Term B NR+ Ba3 3/31/02 7,390 7,364
Electrical 6,911 Amphenol Corp. Term C NR+ Ba3 3/31/03 7,021 7,000
Components -- 2,986 Circo Craft Co. (Viasystems) Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 2,976 2,997
2.2% 1,800 Circo Craft Co. (Viasystems) Term C NR+ NR+ 6/30/05 1,794 1,807
5,550 Communications & Power Industries Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 8/11/02 5,507 5,564
4,089 Details, Inc. Term A NR+ NR+ 1/31/01 4,066 4,076
2,957 Dictaphone Corp. Revolving
Credit B- B1 3/31/01 2,957 2,817
2,870 Dictaphone Corp. Term A B- B1 3/31/01 2,818 2,769
20,000 International Wire Group, Inc. Term B NR+ B1 9/30/03 19,981 20,040
1,364 L-3 Communications Corp. Term A NR+ Ba3 3/31/03 1,361 1,381
2,494 L-3 Communications Corp. Term B NR+ Ba3 3/31/05 2,490 2,526
1,645 L-3 Communications Corp. Term C NR+ Ba3 3/31/06 1,641 1,665
7,000 Telex Communications, Inc. Term B NR+ Ba3 11/30/04 6,983 7,048
------- -------
Total Electronics/Electrical Components 66,985 67,054
======= =======
Entertainment -- 4,500 Moovies Inc. Term A NR+ NR+ 3/31/02 4,500 4,500
0.2% ------- -------
Total Entertainment 4,500 4,500
======= =======
Financial 14,842 Outsourcing Solutions Inc. Term B NR+ B1 10/15/03 14,774 14,888
Services -- 0.5% ------- -------
Total Financial Services 14,774 14,888
======= =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
Face Loan S&P Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Rating Maturity Cost (Note 1a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Food & Kindred 7,369 American Italian Pasta Company Term C NR+ NR+ 2/26/04 7,303 7,378
Products -- 2,945 Del Monte Corp. Revolving
4.7% Credit NR+ B2 3/31/03 2,945 2,945
3,273 Del Monte Corp. Term A NR+ B2 3/31/03 3,273 3,285
5,100 Del Monte Corp. Term B NR+ B2 3/31/05 5,095 5,145
17,418 Favorite Brands International Term B NR+ NR+ 8/30/04 17,345 17,461
163 International Homefoods, Inc. Revolving
Credit NR+ Ba3 3/31/03 163 163
3,983 International Homefoods, Inc. Term A NR+ Ba3 3/31/03 4,003 3,994
15,000 International Homefoods, Inc. Term B NR+ Ba3 9/30/04 14,940 15,088
2,500 Mistic Beverage, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 6/01/04 2,488 2,513
2,500 Mistic Beverage, Inc. Term C NR+ NR+ 6/01/05 2,488 2,513
4,609 President Baking Co., Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 9/30/00 4,590 4,616
3,358 Rykoff-Sexton, Inc. Term B BB- Ba3 10/31/02 3,358 3,364
1,611 Rykoff-Sexton, Inc. Term C BB- Ba3 4/30/03 1,611 1,614
1,960 Select Beverages Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/01 1,946 1,963
2,910 Select Beverages Inc. Term C NR+ NR+ 6/30/02 2,890 2,919
7,500 Snapple Beverage Corp. Term B NR+ NR+ 6/01/04 7,463 7,537
7,500 Snapple Beverage Corp. Term C NR+ NR+ 6/01/05 7,463 7,537
23,057 Specialty Foods Inc. Term B NR+ B3 4/30/01 22,958 23,005
7,062 Van De Kamps Inc. Term B NR+ Ba3 4/30/03 7,031 7,097
4,431 Van De Kamps Inc. Term C NR+ Ba3 9/30/03 4,411 4,453
6,617 Volume Services Term B NR+ B2 12/31/02 6,563 6,617
3,312 Volume Services Term C NR+ B2 12/31/03 3,284 3,312
4,844 Windsor Quality Food Term B NR+ NR+ 12/31/02 4,823 4,783
--------- ---------
Total Food & Kindred Products 138,434 139,302
========= =========
Funeral Homes & 15,448 Loewen Group Inc. Revolving
Parlors -- 1.3% Credit NR+ Ba1 5/29/01 15,448 15,410
14,833 Prime Succession International Group Axel A BB- NR+ 8/01/03 14,784 15,019
6,907 Rose Hills Acquisition Corp. Axel A BB NR+ 12/01/03 6,891 7,010
--------- ---------
Total Funeral Homes & Parlors 37,123 37,439
========= =========
Furniture & 9,978 Lifestyle Furnishings International
Fixtures -- 0.3% Ltd. Term NR+ Ba2 6/27/07 9,978 10,028
--------- ---------
Total Furniture & Fixtures 9,978 10,028
========= =========
General 8,458 CSK Auto Inc. Term NR+ Ba3 10/31/03 8,409 8,513
Merchandise 1,000 Kmart Corp. Revolving
Stores -- 0.7% Credit BB+ B1 1/06/00 1,000 999
1,938 Music Acquisition Term B NR+ NR+ 8/31/01 1,912 1,288
7,500 Music Acquisition Term C NR+ NR+ 8/31/02 7,400 4,988
5,000 Sneaker Stadium Term NR+ NR+ 12/31/02 5,000 5,000
--------- ---------
Total General Merchandise Stores 23,721 20,788
========= =========
Grocery -- 1.6% 10,400 Big V Supermarkets Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 3/15/00 10,326 10,296
3,120 Bruno's, Inc. Revolving
Credit NR+ B1 6/02/03 3,120 3,038
4,000 Bruno's, Inc. Term B NR+ B1 6/02/05 3,990 3,980
806 Carr Gottstein Foods Co. Revolving
Credit NR+ NR+ 6/30/01 806 806
2,499 Carr Gottstein Foods Co. Term A NR+ B1 6/30/01 2,503 2,509
3,546 Carr Gottstein Foods Co. Term B NR+ B1 12/31/02 3,553 3,572
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
Face Loan S&P Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Rating Maturity Cost (Note 1a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Grocery 2,971 Ralph's Grocery Company Revolving
(concluded) Credit NR+ Ba3 2/15/03 2,971 2,964
4,952 Ralph's Grocery Company Term A NR+ Ba3 2/15/03 4,941 4,969
6,983 Ralph's Grocery Company Term B NR+ Ba3 2/15/04 6,974 7,044
4,184 Star Markets Co., Inc. Term B NR+ Ba3 12/31/01 4,170 4,174
3,132 Star Markets Co., Inc. Term C NR+ Ba3 12/31/02 3,120 3,120
--------- ---------
Total Grocery 46,474 46,472
========= =========
Health 16,212 Community Health Systems, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 12/31/03 16,140 16,263
Services -- 5.9% 16,212 Community Health Systems, Inc. Term C NR+ NR+ 12/31/04 16,139 16,263
12,205 Community Health Systems, Inc. Term D NR+ NR+ 12/31/05 12,149 12,259
5,001 Corning/Quest Term A NR+ NR+ 12/06/02 4,989 5,007
3,252 Dade International, Inc. Term B NR+ B1 12/31/02 3,235 3,256
3,252 Dade International, Inc. Term C NR+ B1 12/31/03 3,235 3,256
3,433 Dade International, Inc. Term D NR+ B1 12/31/04 3,413 3,451
7,500 Endo Pharmaceuticals Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 7,485 7,533
5,000 FPA Medical Management, Inc. Term NR+ NR+ 9/30/01 4,993 5,000
8,069 Horizons/CMS Revolving
Credit NR+ NR+ 3/31/03 8,069 8,067
2,447 Imed Corp. (Alaris) Term B BB- B1 11/30/03 2,441 2,472
2,447 Imed Corp. (Alaris) Term C BB- B1 11/30/04 2,441 2,473
2,303 Imed Corp. (Alaris) Term D BB- B1 11/30/05 2,297 2,327
9,905 MEDIQ, Inc. Term B B+ NR+ 9/30/04 9,850 9,911
13,009 Medical Specialties Axel NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 12,935 12,977
4,786 Medical Specialties Term NR+ NR+ 6/30/01 4,762 4,774
6,491 Merit Behavioral Care Corp. Term A NR+ B2 6/01/03 6,451 6,485
15,849 Merit Behavioral Care Corp. Term B NR+ B2 4/06/02 15,783 15,893
35,000 National Medical Care Inc. Term BB Ba1 9/30/03 34,888 34,869
5,000 Prime Medical Services, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 4/30/03 4,982 5,005
--------- ---------
Total Health Services 176,677 177,541
========= =========
Hotels & 3,125 Capstar Hotel Company Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 3,125 3,142
Motels -- 0.8% 5,130 Doubletree Corporation Term B NR+ NR+ 5/15/04 5,112 5,159
2,424 Westin Hotels Ltd. Revolving
Credit NR+ NR+ 2/08/02 2,424 2,429
13,576 Westin Hotels Ltd. Term NR+ NR+ 2/08/02 13,544 13,601
--------- ---------
Total Hotels & Motels 24,205 24,331
========= =========
Industrial 8,955 Elis/Omni Axel NR+ NR+ 10/30/05 8,944 9,179
Services -- 0.3% --------- ---------
Total Industrial Services 8,944 9,179
========= =========
Leasing & Rental 2,978 Brand Scaffold Term B NR+ NR+ 9/30/03 2,964 2,987
Services -- 0.6% 1,985 Brand Scaffold Term C NR+ NR+ 9/30/04 1,975 1,993
12,959 Coinmachine Corp. Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 12,923 13,056
--------- ---------
Total Leasing & Rental Services 17,862 18,036
========= =========
Manufacturing -- 10,386 Calmar Inc. Axel A NR+ B1 9/15/03 10,344 10,374
2.0% 7,790 Calmar Inc. Axel B NR+ B1 3/15/04 7,757 7,809
10,000 Polyfibron Technologies Term B NR+ NR+ 12/28/03 10,000 10,000
2,757 Rayovac Corp. Term B NR+ Ba3 9/30/03 2,751 2,776
2,757 Rayovac Corp. Term C NR+ Ba3 9/30/04 2,751 2,779
5,000 Russell Stanley Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/05 4,981 5,050
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
Face Loan S&P Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Rating Maturity Cost (Note 1a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Manufacturing 701 Trans Technology Corp. Revolving
(concluded) Credit NR+ NR+ 3/31/02 701 698
1,715 Trans Technology Corp. Term A NR+ NR+ 3/31/02 1,715 1,715
14,400 Trans Technology Corp. Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/02 14,282 14,418
1,277 Walls Industries Term B NR+ NR+ 2/28/05 1,277 1,277
1,723 Walls Industries Term C NR+ NR+ 2/28/06 1,723 1,723
--------- ---------
Total Manufacturing 58,282 58,619
========= =========
Measuring, 9,331 CHF/Ebel USA Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 9/30/01 9,331 9,331
Analyzing & 10,840 Graphic Controls Corp. Term B NR+ B1 9/28/03 10,794 10,867
Controlling 5,000 Packard Bioscience Co. Term NR+ Ba3 3/31/03 4,982 5,013
Instruments --
0.8% --------- ---------
Total Measuring, Analyzing & Controlling Instruments 25,107 25,211
========= =========
Metals & 5,059 Adience, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 4/15/05 5,040 5,084
Mining -- 1.2% 4,767 Alliance Coal Term B NR+ B1 12/31/02 4,746 4,770
4,955 Anker Coal Group, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/04 4,952 4,943
2,192 Centennial Resources Term A NR+ NR+ 3/31/02 2,172 2,181
5,163 Centennial Resources Term B NR+ NR+ 12/31/03 5,114 5,151
2,400 Northwestern Steel & Mining Revolving
Credit NR+ B2 12/31/00 2,400 2,400
10,171 UCAR International Inc. Term B NR+ Ba2 12/31/02 10,162 10,179
--------- ---------
Total Metals & Mining 34,586 34,708
========= =========
Packaging -- 7,875 IPC, Inc. Term NR+ B1 9/30/01 7,853 7,895
0.7% 2,716 Mail-Well, Inc./Supremex Term A NR+ Ba2 3/31/03 2,713 2,709
3,870 Mail-Well, Inc./Supremex Term A NR+ Ba3 3/31/03 3,866 3,867
1,207 Mail-Well, Inc./Supremex Term B NR+ Ba2 7/31/03 1,207 1,204
1,941 Silgan Corp. Revolving
Credit NR+ Ba2 12/31/03 1,941 1,937
2,813 Silgan Corp. Term A NR+ Ba2 12/31/03 2,812 2,807
--------- ---------
Total Packaging 20,392 20,419
========= =========
Paper -- 9.4% 4,764 Crown Paper Co. Term B BB Ba3 8/22/03 4,715 4,794
828 Jefferson Smurfit Company/ Revolving
Container Corp. of America Credit BB Ba3 4/30/01 828 826
24,191 Jefferson Smurfit Company/
Container Corp. of America Term A BB Ba3 4/30/01 24,135 24,214
6,564 Jefferson Smurfit Company/
Container Corp. of America Term B BB Ba3 4/30/01 6,558 6,621
47,905 Jefferson Smurfit Company/
Container Corp. of America Term B BB Ba3 4/30/02 47,840 48,324
12,776 Jefferson Smurfit Company/
Container Corp. of America Term C BB Ba3 10/31/02 12,749 12,888
5,620 Riverwood International Corp. Term A B+ B1 2/28/03 5,451 5,634
63,415 Riverwood International Corp. Term B B+ B1 2/28/04 62,591 63,930
24,368 Riverwood International Corp. Term C B+ B1 8/28/04 24,046 24,566
1,147 S.D. Warren Co. Term A NR+ Ba2 12/31/01 1,147 1,149
19,301 S.D. Warren Co. Term B NR+ Ba2 6/30/02 19,261 19,373
2,423 St. Laurent Paperboard, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 5/31/03 2,416 2,453
2,577 St. Laurent Paperboard, Inc. Term C NR+ NR+ 5/31/04 2,570 2,610
13,930 Stone Container Corp. Term B NR+ Ba3 4/01/00 13,833 14,043
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
Face Loan S&P Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Rating Maturity Cost (Note 1a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Paper 20,117 Stone Container Corp. Term C NR+ Ba3 4/01/00 20,091 20,287
(concluded) 20,000 Stone Container Corp. Term E NR+ Ba3 10/01/03 20,119 20,200
9,451 Stronghaven Term B NR+ NR+ 5/15/04 9,407 9,475
--------- ---------
Total Paper 277,757 281,387
========= =========
Printing & 7,187 Advanstar Communications Term B NR+ NR+ 12/21/03 7,148 7,178
Publishing -- 21,097 American Media Term B BB- Ba2 9/30/02 21,028 21,071
3.9% 8,789 Garden State Newspapers, Inc. Revolving
Credit 'A' NR+ NR+ 6/30/03 8,789 8,773
1,740 Garden State Newspapers, Inc. Term A NR+ NR+ 3/31/04 1,737 1,737
4,000 Garden State Newspapers, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 3/31/04 3,985 3,992
8,762 Journal News Co. Term NR+ NR+ 12/31/01 8,746 8,751
2,948 K-III Communications Corp. Revolving
Credit NR+ Ba3 12/31/00 2,948 2,931
12,620 K-III Communications Corp. Revolving
Credit 'A' NR+ Ba3 12/31/00 12,620 12,549
5,000 K-III Communications Corp. Revolving
Credit 'C' NR+ Ba3 12/31/00 5,000 4,972
6,000 K-III Communications Corp. Term NR+ Ba3 6/30/04 5,995 5,974
10,000 Morris Communications Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/05 9,981 10,000
14,000 Newsquest Capital PLC Term 2 NR+ NR+ 12/31/04 13,934 14,017
6,213 Petersen Publishing Co. Term 3 B+ B1 9/30/04 6,191 6,228
3,571 Von Hoffmann Press Inc. Term B NR+ B1 5/22/05 3,563 3,603
3,571 Von Hoffmann Press Inc. Term C NR+ B1 5/22/06 3,563 3,603
--------- ---------
Total Printing & Publishing 115,228 115,379
========= =========
Rendering -- 0.2% 4,956 CBP Resources Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 9/30/03 4,924 4,943
--------- ---------
Total Rendering 4,924 4,943
========= =========
Restaurants -- 0.1% 4,000 AFC Enterprises Term NR+ Ba3 6/30/02 3,981 4,005
--------- ---------
Total Restaurants 3,981 4,005
========= =========
Retail -- 0.1% 2,500 Murray's Discount Auto Stores Term NR+ NR+ 6/30/03 2,500 2,500
--------- ---------
Total Retail 2,500 2,500
========= =========
Telephone 8,000 Arch Communications Group, Inc. Term B NR+ B1 12/31/03 7,972 7,975
Communications -- 8,368 MobileMedia Corp. Term A NR+ Caa 6/30/02 8,339 7,447
5.5% 1,667 MobileMedia Corp. Term B1 NR+ Caa 6/30/02 1,667 1,485
8,000 MobileMedia Corp. Term B2 NR+ Caa 6/30/03 7,980 7,130
1,989 Nextel Communications, Inc. Revolving
Credit NR+ B1 3/31/03 1,989 1,970
10,348 Nextel Communications, Inc. Revolving
Credit 'B' NR+ B1 3/31/03 10,348 10,248
8,427 Nextel Communications, Inc. Term C NR+ B1 3/31/03 8,295 8,391
35,000 Nextel Communications, Inc. Term D NR+ B1 6/30/03 34,404 35,339
17,888 Paging Network Inc. Revolving
Credit NR+ Ba3 12/31/04 17,888 17,636
4,821 Shared Technologies Cellular, Inc. Term B NR+ B1 3/31/03 4,796 4,828
25,000 Sprint Spectrum L.P./Nortel Term NR+ B1 6/29/01 24,918 25,125
17,775 Sprint Spectrum L.P. Term 1 NR+ B1 7/04/05 17,636 17,875
17,776 Sprint Spectrum L.P. Term 2 NR+ B1 7/04/05 17,634 17,875
--------- ---------
Total Telephone Communications 163,866 163,324
========= =========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
Face Loan S&P Moody's Stated Value
Industries Amount Borrower Type Rating Rating Maturity Cost (Note 1a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Textiles/Mill 4,267 Ithaca Industries, Inc. Revolving
Products -- Credit NR+ NR+ 8/31/99 4,267 4,245
0.7% 12,237 Ithaca Industries, Inc. Term NR+ NR+ 8/31/99 12,202 12,176
3,289 Joan Fabrics Term B NR+ NR+ 6/30/05 3,285 3,328
1,711 Joan Fabrics Term C NR+ NR+ 6/30/06 1,708 1,731
--------- ---------
Total Textiles/Mill Products 21,462 21,480
========= =========
Transportation 28,107 Atlas Air, Inc. Revolving
Services -- 1.8% Credit NR+ NR+ 6/30/98 28,107 28,142
10,000 Atlas Freight Term NR+ NR+ 5/29/04 9,976 10,031
7,469 International Logistics Term B NR+ NR+ 12/31/03 7,435 7,455
3,333 Petro Stopping Centers Term B BB- Ba3 12/31/03 3,325 3,327
3,994 Travel Centers Term B NR+ B2 3/27/05 3,979 4,021
--------- ---------
Total Transportation Services 52,822 52,976
========= =========
Waste 11,000 American Disposal Services, Inc. Term NR+ NR+ 5/31/04 10,984 11,014
Management -- 2,500 Laidlaw Environmental Services, Inc. Term B NR+ NR+ 5/15/05 2,494 2,547
0.5% 2,500 Laidlaw Environmental Services, Inc. Term C NR+ NR+ 5/15/04 2,494 2,548
--------- ---------
Total Waste Management 15,972 16,109
========= =========
Total Senior Secured Floating Rate Loan Securities -- 82.7% 2,466,848 2,474,278
========= =========
<CAPTION>
Shares
Held Equity Investments
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cable TV 1 Classic Cable, Inc. (Warrants) (a) 0 0
Services -- 0.0%
Drilling -- 0.0% 12 Rigco North America (Warrants) (a) 0 0
Restaurants -- 0.0% 44 Flagstar Companies, Inc. 0 12
--------- ---------
Total Equity Investments -- 0.0% 0 12
========= =========
Total Long-Term Investments -- 82.7% 2,466,848 2,474,290
========= =========
<CAPTION>
Short-Term Investments
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Commercial Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. ($14,000 par, maturing 9/18/1997, yielding
Paper** -- 14.2% 5.52%) 13,966 13,966
GTE Funding Inc. ($48,000 par, maturing 10/06/1997, yielding 5.50%) 47,751 47,751
General Motors Acceptance Corp. ($57,368 par, maturing 9/02/1997, yielding
5.69%) 57,368 57,368
Goldman Sachs Group ($50,000 par, maturing 9/16/1997, yielding 5.53%) 49,892 49,892
Goldman Sachs Group ($26,000 par, maturing 9/18/1997, yielding 5.52%) 25,936 25,936
Morgan (J.P.) & Company, Inc. ($37,870 par, maturing 9/08/1997, yielding
5.49%) 37,835 37,835
Morgan Stanley Group, Inc. ($50,000 par, maturing 10/07/1997, yielding
5.50%) 49,732 49,732
National Fleet Funding Corp. ($15,275 par, maturing 9/11/1997, yielding
5.53%) 15,254 15,254
Riverwoods Funding Corp. ($50,000 par, maturing 9/02/1997, yielding 5.50%) 50,000 50,000
Xerox Corp. ($32,000 par, maturing 9/10/1997, yielding 5.50%) 31,961 31,961
Xerox Corp. ($46,000 par, maturing 9/23/1997, yielding 5.48%) 45,853 45,853
---------- ----------
Total Commercial Paper 425,548 425,548
========== ==========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in Thousands)
Short-Term Investments
<S> <C> <C> <C>
US Government Agency Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ($20,000 par, maturing 9/05/1997,
Obligations** -- 2.4% yielding 5.46%) 19,991 19,991
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
($50,000 par, maturing 9/12/1997, yielding 5.41%) 49,925 49,925
---------- ----------
Total US Government Agency Obligations 69,916 69,916
========== ==========
Total Short-Term Investments -- 16.6% 495,464 495,464
========== ==========
Total Investments -- 99.3% $2,962,312 2,969,754
========== ==========
22,036
----------
Other Assets Less Liabilities -- 0.7% $2,991,790
==========
Net Assets -- 100.0%
</TABLE>
(a) Warrants entitle the Fund to purchase a predetermined number of shares of
common stock. The purchase price and numbers of shares are subject to
adjustment under certain conditions until expiration date.
+ Not Rated.
* The interest rates on senior secured floating rate loan interests are
subject to change periodically based on the change in the prime rate of a
US Bank, LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), or, in some cases,
another base lending rate. The interest rates shown are those in effect
at August 31, 1997.
** Commercial Paper and certain US Government Agency Obligations are traded
on a discount basis; the interest rates shown are the discount rates paid
at the time of purchase by the Fund. Ratings of issues shown have not
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of August 31, 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost -- $2,962,312,311) (Note 1b) $2,969,754,258
Cash 3,333,212
Receivables:
Interest $23,156,172
Capital shares sold 6,864,898
Principal paydowns 1,323,008
Commitment fees 407,651 31,751,729
-----------
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1f) 2,827,494
--------------
Total assets 3,007,666,693
--------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Securities purchased 5,040,176
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1g) 3,944,807
Investment adviser (Note 2) 2,458,075
Administrator (Note 2) 646,862
Interest expense (Note 6) 256,210 12,346,130
-----------
Deferred income (Note 1e) 2,620,628
Accrued expenses and other liabilities. 910,294
--------------
Total liabilities 15,877,052
--------------
Net Assets: Net assets $2,991,789,641
==============
Net Assets Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares
Consist of: authorized $29,871,117
Paid-in capital in excess of par 2,960,840,225
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments -- net (Note 7) (6,363,648)
Unrealized appreciation on investments -- net 7,441,947
--------------
Net Assets -- Equivalent to $10.02 per share based on 298,711,170
shares of capital stock outstanding $2,991,789,641
==============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statement of Operations For the Year Ended
August 31, 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income Interest and discount earned $231,932,345
(Note 1e): Facility and other fees 2,570,817
------------
Total income 234,503,162
------------
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) $27,674,808
Administrative fees (Note 2) 7,282,844
Transfer agent fees (Note 2) 1,688,406
Professional fees 595,135
Accounting services (Note 2) 373,370
Custodian fees 300,414
Loan interest expense (Note 6) 256,210
Tender offer costs 189,018
Printing and shareholder reports 152,575
Borrowing costs (Note 6) 74,125
Registration fees (Note 1f) 66,689
Directors' fees and expenses 48,329
Other 42,802
-----------
Total expenses 38,744,725
------------
Investment income -- net 195,758,437
------------
Realized & Realized gain on investments -- net 1,494,764
Unrealized Gain on Change in unrealized appreciation on investments -- net 6,060,630
Investments -- Net ------------
(Notes 1c, 1e & 3): Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $203,313,831
============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Year Ended August 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income -- net $195,758,437 $178,696,222
Realized gain (loss) on investments -- net 1,494,764 (8,718,939)
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on
investments -- net. 6,060,630 1,207,962
-------------- --------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 203,313,831 171,185,245
-------------- --------------
Dividends to Investment income -- net (195,758,437) (178,696,222)
-------------- --------------
(Note 1g): Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends to shareholders (195,758,437) (178,696,222)
-------------- --------------
Capital Share Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions 38,706,901 789,568,710
-------------- --------------
(Note 4):
Net Assets: Total increase in net assets 46,262,295 782,057,733
Beginning of year 2,945,527,346 2,163,469,613
-------------- --------------
End of year $2,991,789,641 $2,945,527,346
============== ==============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended
August 31, 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Provided by Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $203,313,831
Operating Activities: Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Increase in receivables (5,855,760)
Increase in other assets (1,147,020)
Decrease in other liabilities (2,250,790)
Realized and unrealized gain on investments -- net (7,555,394)
Amortization of discount (27,355,717)
----------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 159,149,150
----------------
Cash Provided by Proceeds from principal payments and sales of loan interests 1,961,516,374
Investing Activities: Purchases of loan interests (2,268,240,139)
Purchases of short-term investments (21,312,835,470)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments 21,621,740,112
----------------
Net cash provided by investing activities 2,180,877
----------------
Cash Used for Cash receipts from borrowings 50,000,000
Financing Activities: Cash payments from borrowings (50,000,000)
Cash receipts on capital shares sold 426,269,518
Cash payments on capital shares tendered (486,786,078)
Dividends paid to shareholders (100,140,743)
----------------
Net cash used for financing activities (160,657,303)
----------------
Cash: Net increase in cash 672,724
Cash at beginning of year 2,660,488
----------------
Cash at end of year $3,333,212
================
Non-Cash Capital shares issued in reinvestment of dividends paid to shareholders $95,204,864
Financing Activities: ================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
Financial Highlights
The following per share data and ratios have been derived
from information provided in the financial statements.
For the Year Ended August 31,
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value:
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year $9.99 $10.02 $10.02 $10.02 $9.99
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income -- net .68 .66 .75 .59 .53
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments -- net .03 (.03) --+ --+ .03
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .71 .63 .75 .59 .56
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends from investment income -- net (.68) (.66) (.75) (.59) (.53)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of year $10.02 $9.99 $10.02 $10.02 $10.02
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share 7.23% 6.53% 7.68% 5.94% 5.74%
Return:* ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratio to Average Expenses, excluding interest expense 1.32% -- -- -- --
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses 1.33% 1.34% 1.34% 1.43% 1.47%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income -- net 6.72% 6.54% 7.45% 5.75% 5.27%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Leverage: Amount of borrowings (in thousands) -- -- -- -- --
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Average amount of borrowings outstanding
during the period (in thousands) $4,409 -- -- -- --
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Average amount of borrowings outstanding
per share during the period $.02 -- -- -- --
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in millions) $2,992 $2,946 $2,163 $934 $713
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover 74.00% 80.20% 55.23% 61.31% 90.36%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the early withdrawal charge, if any. The
Fund is a continuously offered closed-end fund, the shares of which are
offered at net asset value. Therefore, no separate market exists.
+ Amount is less than $.01 per share.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a continuously offered, non-
diversified, closed-end management investment company.
(a) Loan participation interests -- The Fund invests in senior secured
floating rate loan interests ("Loan Interests") with collateral having a
market value, at time of acquisition by the Fund, which Fund management
believes equals or exceeds the principal amount of the corporate loan.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in loans made on an
unsecured basis. Depending on how the loan was acquired, the Fund will
regard the issuer as including the corporate borrower along with an
agent bank for the syndicate of lenders and any intermediary of the
Fund's investment. Because agents and intermediaries are primarily
commercial banks, the Fund's investment in corporate loans at August 31,
1997 could be considered to be concentrated in commercial banking.
(b) Valuation of investments -- The Loan Interests will be valued in
accordance with guidelines established by the Fund's Board of Directors.
Under the Fund's current guidelines, Loan Interests will be valued at
the average of the mean between the bid and asked quotes received from
one or more brokers, if available.
Other portfolio securities may be valued on the basis of prices
furnished by one or more pricing services which determine prices for
normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities using market
information, transactions for comparable securities and various
relationships between securities which are generally recognized by
institutional traders. In certain circumstances, portfolio securities
are valued at the last sale price on the exchange that is the primary
market for such securities, or the last quoted bid price for those
securities for which the over-the-counter market is the primary market
or for listed securities in which there were no sales during the day.
Short-term securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less
are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily
available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or
under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Fund.
(c) Derivative financial instruments -- The Fund may engage in various
portfolio strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its
portfolio against adverse movements in the debt markets. Losses may
arise due to changes in the value of the contract or if the counterparty
does not perform under the contract.
[bullet] Interest rate transactions -- The Fund is authorized to enter
into interest rate swaps and purchase or sell interest rate caps and
floors. In an interest rate swap, the Fund exchanges with another party
their respective commitments to pay or receive interest on a specified
notional principal amount. The purchase of an interest rate cap (or
floor) entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index
exceeds (or falls below) a predetermined interest rate, to receive
payments of interest equal to the difference between the index and the
predetermined rate on a notional principal amount from the party selling
such interest rate cap (or floor).
(d) Income taxes -- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable
income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision
is required.
(e) Security transactions and investment income -- Security transactions
are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade
dates). Interest is recognized on the accrual basis. Realized gains and
losses on security transactions are determined on the identified cost
basis. Facility fees are accreted into income over the term of the
related loan.
(f) Prepaid registration fees -- Prepaid registration fees are charged
to expense as the related shares are issued.
(g) Dividends and distributions -- Dividends from net investment income
are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of capital gains are
recorded on the ex-dividend dates.
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
2. Investment Advisory and Administrative Services Agreement and
Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM"). The general partner of MLAM is
Princeton Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is the limited partner.
MLAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and
provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain
other services necessary to perform this investment advisory function.
For such services, the Fund pays a monthly fee at an annual rate of
0.95% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Fund also has an
Administrative Services Agreement with MLAM whereby MLAM will receive
a fee equal to an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net
assets on a monthly basis, in return for the performance of
administrative services (other than investment advice and related
portfolio activities) necessary for the operation of the Fund.
For the year ended August 31, 1997, Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor,
Inc. ("MLFD") earned early withdrawal charges of $4,868,307 relating to
the tender of the Fund's shares.
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. ("MLFDS"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ML & Co., is the Fund's transfer agent.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by MLAM at cost.
The Fund's credit facility is currently provided by Merrill Lynch
International Bank Limited, an affiliate of MLAM (see Note 6).
Certain officers and/or directors of the Fund are officers and/or
directors of MLAM, PSI, MLFDS, MLFD, and/or ML & Co.
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for
the year ended August 31, 1997 were $2,273,069,862 and $1,962,839,382,
respectively.
Net realized and unrealized gains as of August 31, 1997 were as follows:
Realized Unrealized
Gains Gains
Long-term investments $1,487,434 $7,441,947
Short-term investments 7,330 --
----------- -----------
Total $1,494,764 $7,441,947
=========== ===========
As of August 31, 1997, net unrealized appreciation for financial
reporting and Federal income tax purposes aggregated $7,441,947, of
which $14,800,526 is related to appreciated securities and $7,358,579 is
related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost of investments at
August 31, 1997 for Federal income tax purposes was $2,962,312,311.
4. Capital Share Transactions:
Transactions in capital shares were as follows:
For the Year Ended Dollar
August 31, 1997 Shares Amount
Shares sold 43,063,467 $430,288,115
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment
of dividends 9,529,624 95,204,864
------------- -------------
Total issued 52,593,091 525,492,979
Shares tendered (48,731,298) (486,786,078)
------------- -------------
Net increase 3,861,793 $38,706,901
============= =============
For the Year Ended Dollar
August 31, 1996 Shares Amount
Shares sold 97,262,448 $973,004,146
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment
of dividends 9,032,914 90,287,773
------------- -------------
Total issued 106,295,362 1,063,291,919
Shares tendered (27,418,447) (273,723,209)
------------- -------------
Net increase 78,876,915 $789,568,710
============= =============
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. August 31, 1997
5. Unfunded Loan Interests:
As of August 31, 1997, the Fund had unfunded loan commitments of
$342,215,631, which would be extended at the option of the borrower,
pursuant to the following loan agreements:
Unfunded
Commitment
Borrower (in thousands)
AFC Enterprises $10,000
AMF Group, Inc. 383
Alliance Gaming Corp. 15,000
American Radio Systems Corp. 4,407
Ameriserve Financial Corp. 3,288
Arch Communications Group, Inc. 3,125
Aztar Corporation 1,738
Bruno's, Inc. 1,947
Capstar Hotel Company 3,125
Carr Gottstein Foods Co. 2,294
Chancellor Broadcasting Inc. 12,569
Continental Airlines, Inc. 6,400
Corning/Quest 1,667
Dal Tile International Inc. 1,409
Del Monte Corp. 2,782
Dictaphone Corp. 328
E&S Holdings Corp. 2,287
Evergreen Media Corp. 14,057
Fort Howard Corp. 11,409
Garden State Newspapers, Inc. 1,421
HSC Holdings 5,131
Hedstrom Corp. 4,710
Horizons/CMS 1,813
Huntsman Corp. 9,581
IMO Industries, Inc. 3,813
International Homefoods, Inc. 1,355
Ithaca Industries, Inc. 12,216
Jefferson Smurfit Company/Container
Corp. of America 2,230
Johnstown America Industrial Inc. 3,115
K-III Communications Corp. 3,307
KSL Recreation Group, Inc. 5,357
Kmart Corp. 9,000
Katz Media Corporation 2,386
Kerastotes 7,022
Loewen Group Inc. 17,052
Marcus Cable Operating Co. 10,369
Nextel Communications, Inc. 17,090
Northwestern Steel & Mining 12,600
Paging Network Inc. 16,446
Ralph's Grocery Company 4,903
Riverwood International Corp. 5,000
SC International Corp., Inc. 18,000
S.D. Warren Co. 1,897
Silgan Corp. 16,197
Six Flags Entertainment Corp. 1,787
Smith's Food & Drug Centers, Inc. 3,273
Sprint Spectrum L.P. 15,000
Thermadyne Industries, Inc. 7,510
Trans Technology Corp. 1,422
UCAR International Inc. 7,126
Viasystems Technologies, Inc. 5,000
Whittaker Corporation 872
Worldcom Inc. 10,000
6. Short-Term Borrowings:
On June 13, 1997, the Fund extended its credit agreement with Merrill
Lynch International Bank Limited, an affiliate of MLAM, through June 12,
1998. The agreement is a $100,000,000 credit facility bearing interest
at the Federal Funds rate plus 0.25% and/or LIBOR plus 0.25%. For the
year ended August 31, 1997, the maximum amount borrowed was $50,000,000,
the average amount borrowed was approximately $4,409,000, and the daily
weighted average interest rate was 5.81%. For the year ended August 31,
1997, facility and commitment fees aggregated approximately $74,125.
7. Capital Loss Carryforward:
At August 31, 1997, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of
approximately $4,752,000, of which $1,471,000 expires in 2004 and
$3,281,000 expires in 2005. This amount will be available to offset like
amounts of any future taxable gains.
8. Subsequent Event:
The Fund began a quarterly tender offer on September 23, 1997 which
concludes on October 21, 1997.
