<PAGE> 1
PROSPECTUS
October 21, 1994
MERRILL LYNCH NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
MERRILL LYNCH MULTI-STATE MUNICIPAL SERIES TRUST
P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011 * PHONE NO. (609) 282-2800
----------
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is a mutual
fund seeking to provide shareholders with as high a level of income exempt
from Federal and New Jersey income taxes as is consistent with prudent
investment management. The Fund invests primarily in a portfolio of
long-term, investment grade obligations the interest on which, in the opinion
of bond counsel to the issuer, is exempt from Federal and New Jersey income
taxes ("New Jersey Municipal Bonds"). Dividends paid by the Fund are exempt
from Federal and New Jersey income taxes to the extent they are derived from
New Jersey Municipal Bonds. The Fund may invest in certain tax-exempt
securities classified as "private activity bonds" that may subject certain
investors in the Fund to an alternative minimum tax. At times, the Fund may
seek to hedge its portfolio through the use of futures transactions and
options. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Fund
will be realized.
----------
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System, the Fund
offers four classes of shares each with a different combination of sales
charges, ongoing fees and other features. The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing
System permits an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that
the investor believes is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase,
the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares and other
relevant circumstances. See "Merrill Lynch Select Pricing System" on
page 4.
Shares may be purchased directly from Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor,
Inc. (the "Distributor"), P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey
08543-9011 ((609) 282-2800), or from securities dealers which have entered
into dealer agreements with the Distributor, including Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"). The minimum
initial purchase is $1,000 and the minimum subsequent purchase is $50.
Merrill Lynch may charge its customers a processing fee (presently $4.85)
for confirming purchases and repurchases. Purchases and redemptions
directly through the Fund's Transfer Agent are not subject to the
processing fee. See "Purchase of Shares" and "Redemption of Shares".
----------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
----------
This Prospectus is a concise statement of information about the Fund
that is relevant to making an investment in the Fund. This Prospectus
should be retained for future reference. A statement containing additional
information about the Fund, dated October 21, 1994 (the "Statement of
Additional Information"), has been filed with the Commission and is
available, without charge, by calling or by writing Merrill Lynch
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (the "Trust") at the above telephone
number or address. The Statement of Additional Information is hereby
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. The Fund is a separate
series of the Trust, an open-end management investment company organized
as a Massachusetts business trust.
----------
FUND ASSET MANAGEMENT - MANAGER
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. - DISTRIBUTOR
<PAGE> 2
FEE TABLE
A general comparison of the sales arrangements and other nonrecurring
and recurring expenses applicable to shares of the Fund follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A(a) Class B(b) Class C(c) Class D(c)
---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses:
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of
offering price)............... 4.00%(d) None None 4.00%(d)
Sales Charge Imposed on Dividend
Reinvestments ................ None None None None
Deferred Sales Charge (as a
percentage of
original purchase price or None(e) 4.0% during the first 1% for one None(e)
redemption proceeds, whichever year, decreasing 1.0% year
is lower) .................... annually thereafter
to 0.0% after the
fourth year
Exchange Fee ................... None None None None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net
assets)(f):
Management Fees(g) ............. 0.55% 0.55% 0.55% 0.55%
12b-1 Fees(h):
Account Maintenance Fees...... None 0.25% 0.25% 0.10%
Distribution Fees............. None 0.25% 0.35% None
(Class B shares
convert to Class D
shares automatically
after approximately
ten years, cease
being subject
to distribution fees
and became subject
to lower account
maintenance fees)
Other Expenses:
Custodial Fees............ .01% .01% .01% .01%
Shareholder Servicing
Costs(i)................ .03% .04% .04% .03%
Miscellaneous ............ .10% .10% .10% .10%
-------- ------ ------ ----
Total Other Expenses..... .14% .15% .15% .14%
-------- ------ ------ ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses. .69% 1.20% 1.30% .79%
======== ====== ====== ====
</TABLE>
----------
(a) Class A shares are sold to a limited group of investors including
existing Class A shareholders and investment programs. See "Purchase
of Shares-Initial Sales Charge Alternatives-Class A and Class D
Shares"-page 22.
(b) Class B shares convert to Class D shares automatically approximately
10 years after initial purchase. See "Purchase of Shares-Deferred
Sales Charge Alternatives-Class B and Class C Shares"-page 23.
(c) Prior to the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not offered its
Class C and Class D shares to the public.
(d) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over. Class A or Class D
purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be subject to an initial sales
charge. See "Purchase of Shares-Initial Sales Charge Alternatives-
Class A and Class D Shares"-page 22.
(e) Class A and Class D shares are not subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge ("CDSC"), except that purchases of $1,000,000 or more
which may not be subject to an initial sales charge may instead be
subject to a CDSC if redeemed within the first year of purchase.
(f) Information for Class A and Class B shares is stated for the fiscal
year ended July 31, 1994. Information under "Other Expenses" for
Class C and Class D shares is estimated for the fiscal year ending
July 31, 1995.
(g) See "Management of the Trust-Management and Advisory Arrangements"-
page 19.
(h) See "Purchase of Shares-Distribution Plans"-page 26.
(i) See "Management of the Trust-Transfer Agency Services"-page 19.
2
<PAGE> 3
Example:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Cumulative Expenses Paid
for the Period of:
-------------------------------------------
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
----- ------- ------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment
including the maximum $40 initial sales charge (Class A and Class
D shares only) and assuming (1) the Total Fund Operating Expenses
for each class set forth above; (2) a 5% annual return throughout
the periods and (3) redemption at the end of the period:
Class A......................................................... $47 $61 $77 $122
Class B......................................................... $52 $58 $66 $145
Class C......................................................... $23 $41 $71 $157
Class D......................................................... $48 $64 $82 $134
An investor would pay the following expenses on the same $1,000
investment
assuming no redemption at the end of the period:
Class A......................................................... $47 $61 $77 $122
Class B......................................................... $12 $38 $66 $145
Class C......................................................... $13 $41 $71 $157
Class D......................................................... $48 $64 $82 $134
</TABLE>
The foregoing Fee Table is intended to assist investors in
understanding the costs and expenses that a shareholder in the Fund will
bear directly or indirectly. The Example set forth above assumes
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and utilizes a 5% annual
rate of return as mandated by Securities and Exchange Commission
("Commission") regulations. The Example should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses or annual rates of return, and
actual expenses or annual rates of return may be more or less than those
assumed for purposes of the Example. Class B and Class C shareholders who
hold their shares for an extended period of time may pay more in Rule
12b-1 distribution fees than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front-end sales charge permitted under the Rules of Fair Practice of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). Merrill Lynch
may charge its customers a processing fee (presently $4.85) for confirming
purchases and repurchases. Purchases and redemptions directly through the
Fund's Transfer Agent are not subject to the processing fee. See
"Purchase of Shares" and "Redemption of Shares".
3
<PAGE> 4
MERRILL LYNCH SELECT PRICING SM SYSTEM
The Fund offers four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing SM System. The shares of each class may be purchased at a price
equal to the next determined net asset value per share subject to the
sales charges and ongoing fee arrangements described below. Shares of
Class A and Class D are sold to investors choosing the initial sales
charge alternatives, and shares of Class B and Class C are sold to
investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives. The Merrill
Lynch Select Pricing System is used by more than 50 mutual funds advised
by Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM") or an affiliate of
MLAM, Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM" or the "Manager"). Funds
advised by MLAM or FAM are referred to herein as "MLAM-advised mutual
funds".
Each Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D share of the Fund represents
an identical interest in the investment portfolio of the Fund and has the
same rights, except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear the
expenses of the ongoing account maintenance fees and Class B and Class C
shares bear the expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and the
additional incremental transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred
sales charge arrangements. The deferred sales charges and account
maintenance fees that are imposed on Class B and Class C shares, as well
as the account maintenance fees that are imposed on the Class D shares,
will be imposed directly against those classes and not against all assets
of the Fund and, accordingly, such charges will not affect the net asset
value of any other class or have any impact on investors choosing another
sales charge option. Dividends paid by the Fund for each class of shares
will be calculated in the same manner at the same time and will differ
only to the extent that account maintenance and distribution fees and any
incremental transfer agency costs relating to a particular class are borne
exclusively by that class. Each class has different exchange privileges.
See "Shareholder Services-Exchange Privilege".
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the
initial sales charges with respect to the Class A and Class D shares are
the same as those of the deferred sales charges with respect to the Class
B and Class C shares in that the sales charges applicable to each class
provide for the financing of the distribution of the shares of the Fund.
The distribution-related revenues paid with respect to a class will not be
used to finance the distribution expenditures of another class. Sales
personnel may receive different compensation for selling different classes
of shares.
4
<PAGE> 5
The following table sets forth a summary of the distribution
arrangements for each class of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing System, followed by a more detailed description of each class and
a discussion of the factors that investors should consider in determining
the method of purchasing shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing
System that the investor believes is most beneficial under his particular
circumstances. More detailed information as to each class of shares is set
forth under "Purchase of Shares".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Account
Maintenance Distribution Conversion
Class Sales Charge (1) Fee Fee Feature
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A Maximum 4.00% initial sales No No No
charge (2)(3)
B CDSC for a period of 4 0.25% 0.25% B shares convert to D
years, at a rate of 4.0% during shares automatically
the first year, decreasing after approximately
1.0% annually to 0.0% ten years (4)
C 1.0% CDSC for one year 0.25% 0.35% No
D Maximum 4.00% initial sales 0.10% No No
charge (3)
</TABLE>
----------
(1) Initial sales charges are imposed at the time of purchase as a
percentage of the offering price. Contingent deferred sales charges
("CDSCs") are imposed if the redemption occurs within the applicable
CDSC time period. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to
the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the shares
being redeemed.
(2) Offered only to eligible investors. See "Purchase of Shares-Initial
Sales Charge Alternatives-Class A and Class D Shares-Eligible Class A
Investors".
(3) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more. Class A and Class D share
purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be subject to an initial sales
charge but instead may be subject to a CDSC if redeemed within one
year. See "Class A" and "Class D" below.
(4) The conversion period for dividend reinvestment shares is modified.
Also, Class B shares of certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds into
which exchanges may be made have an eight-year conversion period. If
Class B shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class B shares of another
MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period applicable to the
Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and the holding
period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the holding period
for the shares acquired.
Class A: Class A shares incur an initial sales charge when they are
purchased and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance
fees. Class A shares are offered to a limited group of investors
and also will be issued upon reinvestment of dividends on
outstanding Class A shares. Investors that currently own Class A
shares in a shareholder account are entitled to purchase
additional Class A shares in that account. Other eligible
investors include participants in certain investment programs. In
addition, Class A shares will be offered to Merrill Lynch & Co.,
Inc. and its subsidiaries (the term "subsidiaries", when used herein
with respect to Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., includes MLAM, the
Manager and certain other entities directly or indirectly
wholly-owned and controlled by Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.) and their
directors and employees and to members of the Boards of MLAM-advised
mutual funds. The maximum initial sales charge is 4.00%, which is
reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over. Purchases of $1,000,000
or more may not be subject to an initial sales charge, but if the
initial sales charge is waived such purchases may be subject to a
CDSC if the shares are redeemed within one year after purchase.
Sales charges also are reduced under a right of accumulation which
takes into account the investors's holdings of all classes of all
MLAM-advised mutual funds. See "Purchase of Shares-Initial Sales
Charge Alternatives-Class A and Class D Shares".
5
<PAGE> 6
Class B: Class B shares do not incur a sales charge when they are
purchased, but they are subject to an ongoing account maintenance
fee of 0.25%, an ongoing distribution fee of 0.25% and a CDSC if
they are redeemed within four years of purchase. Approximately
ten years after issuance, Class B shares will convert
automatically into Class D shares of the Fund, which are subject
to a lower account maintenance fee of 0.10% and no distribution
fee; Class B shares of certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds
into which exchanges may be made convert into Class D shares
automatically after approximately eight years. If Class B shares
of the Fund are exchanged for Class B shares of another
MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period applicable to the
Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, as will the
Class D account maintenance fee of the acquired fund upon the
conversion, and the holding period for the shares exchanged will
be tacked onto the holding period for the shares acquired.
Automatic conversion of Class B shares into Class D shares will
occur at least once a month on the basis of the relative net
asset values of the shares of the two classes on the conversion
date, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other
charge. Conversion of Class B shares to Class D shares will not
be deemed a purchase or sale of the shares for Federal income tax
purposes. Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends on
Class B shares also will convert automatically to Class D shares.
The conversion period for dividend reinvestment shares is
modified as described under "Purchase of Shares-Deferred Sales
Charge Alternatives-Class B and Class C Shares-Conversion of
Class B Shares to Class D Shares".
Class C: Class C shares do not incur a sales charge when they are
purchased, but they are subject to an ongoing account maintenance
fee of 0.25% of average net assets and an ongoing distribution
fee of 0.35%. Class C shares are also subject to a CDSC if they
are redeemed within one year of purchase. Although Class C shares
are subject to a 1.0% CDSC for only one year (as compared to four
years for Class B), Class C shares have no conversion feature
and, accordingly, an investor that purchases Class C shares will
be subject to distribution fees that will be imposed on Class C
shares for an indefinite period subject to annual approval by the
Fund's Board of Directors and regulatory limitations.
Class D: Class D shares incur an initial sales charge when they are
purchased and are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee
of 0.10% of average net assets. Class D shares are not subject to
an ongoing distribution fee or any CDSC when they are redeemed.
Purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be subject to an initial
sales charge, but if the initial sales charge is waived such
purchases will be subject to a CDSC of 1.0% if the shares are
redeemed within one year after purchase. The schedule of initial
sales charges and reductions for Class D shares is the same as
the schedule for Class A shares. Class D shares also will be
issued upon conversion of Class B shares as described above under
"Class B". See "Purchase of Shares-Initial Sales Charge
Alternatives - Class A and Class D Shares".
The following is a discussion of the factors that investors should
consider in determining the method of purchasing shares under the Merrill
Lynch Select Pricing System that the investor believes is most beneficial
under his particular circumstances.
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives. Investors who prefer an initial
sales charge alternative may elect to purchase Class D shares or, if an
eligible investor, Class A shares. Investors choosing the initial sales
charge alternative who are eligible to purchase Class A shares should
purchase Class A shares rather than Class D shares because of the account
maintenance fee imposed on Class D shares. Investors qualifying for
significantly reduced initial sales charges may find the initial sales
charge alternative particularly attractive because similar sales charge
reductions are not available with respect to the deferred sales charges
imposed in connection with purchases of Class B or Class C shares.
Investors not qualifying for reduced initial sales charges who expect to
6
<PAGE> 7
maintain their investment for an extended period of time also may elect to
purchase Class A or Class D shares, because over time the accumulated
ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees on Class B or Class C
shares may exceed the initial sales charge and, in the case of Class D
shares, the account maintenance fee. Although some investors that
previously purchased Class A shares may no longer be eligible to purchase
Class A shares of other MLAM-advised mutual funds, those previously
purchased Class A shares, together with Class B, Class C and Class D
shares holdings, will count toward a right of accumulation which may
qualify the investor for reduced initial sales charges on new initial
sales charge purchases. In addition, the ongoing Class B and Class C
account maintenance and distribution fees will cause Class B and Class C
shares to have higher expense ratios, pay lower dividends and have lower
total returns than the initial sales charge shares. The ongoing Class D
account maintenance fees will cause Class D shares to have a higher
expense ratio, pay lower dividends and have a lower total return than
Class A Shares.
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives. Because no initial sales charges
are deducted at the time of purchase, Class B and Class C shares provide
the benefit of putting all of the investor's dollars to work from the time
the investment is made. The deferred sales charge alternatives may be
particularly appealing to investors who do not qualify for a reduction in
initial sales charges. Both Class B and Class C shares are subject to
ongoing account maintenance fees and distribution fees; however, the
ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees potentially may be
offset to the extent any return is realized on the additional funds
initially invested in Class B or Class C shares. In addition, Class B
shares will be converted into Class D shares of the Fund after a
conversion period of approximately ten years, and thereafter investors
will be subject to lower ongoing fees.
Certain investors may elect to purchase Class B shares if they
determine it to be most advantageous to have all their funds invested
initially and intend to hold their shares for an extended period of time.
Investors in Class B shares should take into account whether they intend
to redeem their shares within the CDSC period and, if not, whether they
intend to remain invested until the end of the conversion period and
thereby take advantage of the reduction in ongoing fees resulting from the
conversion into Class D shares. Other investors, however, may elect to
purchase Class C shares if they determine that it is advantageous to have
all their assets invested initially and they are uncertain as to the
length of time they intend to hold their assets in MLAM-advised mutual
funds. Although Class C shareholders are subject to a shorter CDSC period
at a lower rate, they are subject to higher distribution fees and forego
the Class B conversion feature, making their investment subject to account
maintenance and distribution fees for an indefinite period of time. In
addition, while both Class B and Class C distribution fees are subject to
the limitations on asset-based sales charges imposed by the NASD, the
Class B distribution fees are further limited under a voluntary waiver of
asset-based sales charges. See "Purchase of Shares-Limitations on the
Payment of Deferred Sales Charges".
7
<PAGE> 8
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial information in the table below has been audited in
conjunction with the annual audits of the financial statements of the Fund
by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors. Financial statements for
the year ended July 31, 1994 and the independent auditors' report thereon
are included in the Statement of Additional Information. The following per
share data and ratios have been derived from information provided in the
Fund's audited financial statements. Financial information is not
presented for Class C or Class D shares since no shares of those classes
are publicly issued as of the date of this Prospectus. Further information
about the performance of the Fund is contained in the Fund's most recent
annual report to shareholders which may be obtained, without charge, by
calling or by writing the Fund at the telephone number or address on the
front cover of this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Class B
---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
For the Year Ended July 31, For the Year Ended July 31,
---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
1994 1993 1992 1991+ 1994 1993 1992 1991+
-------- ------- ------- ------ ---- ------- -------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Performance:
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period............................$ 11.23 $ 11.03 $ 10.37 $ 10.00 $ 11.23 $ 11.03 $ 10.37 $ 10.00
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Investment income-net............... .58 .62 .66 .61 .53 .56 .61 .56
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments-net................... (.55) .24 .70 .37 (.55) .24 .70 .37
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- ----
Total from investment operations... .03 .86 1.36 .98 (.02) .80 1.31 .93
------- ------- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------- ----
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income-net............... (.58) (.62) (.66) (.61) (.53) (.56) (.61) (.56)
Realized gain on investments-net.... - (.04) (.04) - - (.04) (.04) -
In excess of realized gain on
investments-net................... (.05) - - - (.05) - - -
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- -------- -----
Total dividends and distributions... (.63) (.66) (.70) (.61) (.58) (.60) (.65) (.56)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ------- -----
Net asset value, end of period......$ 10.63 $ 11.23 $ 11.03 $ 10.37 $ 10.63 $ 11.23 $ 11.03 $ 10.37
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= =====
Total Investment Returns + +:
Based on net asset value per share .19% 8.16% 13.57% 10.28%+++ (.31%) 7.61% 13.10% 9.68%+++
======== ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ========= =====
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
Expenses, excluding distribution
fees and net of reimbursement .... .69% .71% .60% .46%* .70% .71% .60% .50%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ========= =====
Expenses, net of reimbursement...... .69% .71% .60% .46%* 1.20% 1.21% 1.10% 1.00%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ========= =====
Expenses............................ .69% .72% .77% 1.09%* 1.20% 1.22% 1.28% 1.58%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ========= =====
Investment income-net............... 5.28% 5.62% 6.15% 6.63%* 4.77% 5.11% 5.67% 6.08%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ========= =====
Supplemental Data:
Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands).................... $46,669 $47,024 $35,042 $18,368 $178,322 $170,652 $129,475 $77,165
======== ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ========= =====
Portfolio Turnover.................. 65.97% 16.28% 29.58% 15.81% 65.97% 16.28% 29.58% 15.81%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========= ========= ========= =====
</TABLE>
----------
+ The Fund commenced operations on August 31, 1990.
+ + Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
* Annualized
+ + + Aggregate total investment return.
8
<PAGE> 9
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with as
high a level of income exempt from Federal and New Jersey income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment management. The Fund seeks to achieve its
objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of long-term obligations
issued by or on behalf of the State of New Jersey, its political
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities and obligations of other
qualifying issuers, such as issuers located in Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, and Guam, which pay interest exempt, in the opinion of bond counsel
to the issuer, from Federal and New Jersey income taxes. Obligations exempt
from Federal income taxes are referred to herein as "Municipal Bonds" and
obligations exempt from both Federal and New Jersey income taxes are referred
to as "New Jersey Municipal Bonds." Unless otherwise indicated, references to
Municipal Bonds shall be deemed to include New Jersey Municipal Bonds. The
investment objective of the Fund as set forth in the first sentence of this
paragraph is a fundamental policy of the Fund which may not be changed
without shareholder approval. The Fund at all times, except during temporary
defensive periods, will maintain at least 65% of its total assets invested in
New Jersey Municipal Bonds. The Fund will, however, maintain at least 80% of
its total assets invested in New Jersey Municipal Bonds and in other
obligations, described below, which are exempt from Federal and New Jersey
income taxes ("New Jersey Municipal Obligations").
Municipal Bonds may include several types of bonds. The risks and
special considerations involved in investments in Municipal Bonds vary
with the types of instruments being acquired. Investments in Non-Municipal
Tax-Exempt Securities, as defined herein, may present similar risks,
depending on the particular product. Certain instruments in which the Fund
may invest may be characterized as derivative instruments. See
"Description of Municipal Bonds" and "Financial Futures Transactions
and Options". The Fund also may invest in variable rate demand
obligations and participations therein, described below, and short-term
tax-exempt municipal obligations such as tax anticipation notes. Such
variable rate demand obligations, participations therein, and short-term
tax-exempt municipal obligations that are exempt from Federal and New
Jersey income tax are herein referred to as "New Jersey Municipal
Obligations". The interest on Municipal Bonds may bear a fixed rate or be
payable at a variable or floating rate. At least 80% of the Municipal
Bonds purchased by the Fund primarily will be what are commonly referred
to as "investment grade" securities, which are obligations rated at the
time of purchase within the four highest quality ratings as determined by
either Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") (currently Aaa, Aa, A and
Baa), Standard & Poor's Corporation ("Standard & Poor's") (currently
AAA, AA, A and BBB), or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch")
(currently AAA, AA, A and BBB). If Municipal Bonds are unrated, such
securities will possess creditworthiness comparable, in the opinion of the
manager of the Fund, Fund Asset Management, L.P. (the "Manager"), to
obligations in which the Fund may invest. Municipal Bonds rated in the
fourth highest rating category, while considered "investment grade",
have certain speculative characteristics and are more likely to be
downgraded to non-investment grade than obligations rated in one of the
top three rating categories. See Appendix II-"Ratings of Municipal
Bonds" in the Statement of Additional Information for more information
regarding ratings of debt securities. An issue of rated Municipal Bonds
may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below "investment
grade" subsequent to its purchase by the Fund. If an obligation is
downgraded below investment grade, the Manager will consider factors such
as price, credit risk, market conditions, financial condition of the
issuer and interest rates to determine whether to continue to hold the
obligation in the Fund's portfolio.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in Municipal Bonds
that are rated below Baa by Moody's or below BBB by Standard & Poor's or
Fitch or which, in the Manager's judgment, possess similar credit
characteristics. Such securities, sometimes referred to as "high-yield"
or "junk" bonds, are predominantly
9
<PAGE> 10
speculative with respect to the capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the security and generally
involve a greater volatility of price than securities in higher rating
categories. The market prices of high-yielding, lower-rated securities may
fluctuate more than higher-rated securities and may decline significantly
in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of
rising interest rates. In purchasing such securities, the Fund will rely
on the Manager's judgment, analysis and experience in evaluating the
creditworthiness of the issuer of such securities. The Manager will take
into consideration, among other things, the issuer's financial resources,
its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, its operating history,
the quality of its management and regulatory matters. See "Investment
Objective and Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for a
more detailed discussion of the pertinent risk factors involved in
investing in "high yield" or "junk" bonds and Appendix II-"Ratings of
Municipal Bonds" in the Statement of Additional Information for
additional information regarding ratings of debt securities. The Fund does
not intend to purchase debt securities that are in default or which the
Manager believes will be in default.
Certain Municipal Bonds may be entitled to the benefits of letters of
credit or similar credit enhancements issued by financial institutions. In
such instances, the Trustees and the Manager will take into account in
assessing the quality of such bonds not only the creditworthiness of the
issuer of such bonds but also the creditworthiness of the financial
institution.
The Fund's investments may also include variable rate demand
obligations ("VRDOs") and VRDOs in the form of participation interests
("Participating VRDOs") in variable rate tax-exempt obligations held by
a financial institution. The VRDOs in which the Fund will invest are
tax-exempt obligations which contain a floating or variable interest rate
adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand on the part of the
holder thereof to receive payment of the unpaid principal balance plus
accrued interest on a short notice period not to exceed seven days.
Participating VRDOs provide the Fund with a specified undivided interest
(up to 100%) of the underlying obligation and the right to demand payment
of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest on the Participating
VRDOs from the financial institution on a specified number of days'
notice, not to exceed seven days. There is, however, the possibility that
because of default or insolvency the demand feature of VRDOs or
Participating VRDOs may not be honored. The Fund has been advised by its
counsel that the Fund should be entitled to treat the income received on
Participating VRDOs as interest from tax-exempt obligations.
VRDOs that contain an unconditional right of demand to receive payment
of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest on a notice period
exceeding seven days may be deemed to be illiquid securities. A VRDO with
a demand notice exceeding seven days will therefore be subject to the
Fund's restriction on illiquid investments unless, in the judgment of the
Trustees, such VRDO is liquid. The Trustees may adopt guidelines and
delegate to the Manager the daily function of determining and monitoring
liquidity of such VRDOs. The Trustees, however, will retain sufficient
oversight and be ultimately responsible for such determination.
The Fund ordinarily does not intend to realize investment income not
exempt from Federal and New Jersey income taxes. However, to the extent
that suitable New Jersey Municipal Bonds are not available for investment
by the Fund, the Fund may purchase Municipal Bonds issued by other states,
their agencies and instrumentalities, the interest income on which is
exempt, in the opinion of bond counsel, from Federal, but not New Jersey,
taxation. The Fund also may invest in securities not issued by or on
behalf of a state or territory or by an agency or instrumentality thereof,
if the Fund nevertheless believes such securities to be exempt from
Federal income taxation ("Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities").
Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities could include trust certificates or
other instruments evidencing interests in one or more long-term municipal
securities. Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities also may include
securities issued by other investment companies that invest
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in municipal bonds, to the extent such investments are permitted by the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and New
Jersey law. Such investments in other investment companies presently are
not permitted under New Jersey law.
Under normal circumstances, except when acceptable securities are
unavailable as determined by the Manager, the Fund will invest at least
80% of its total assets in New Jersey Municipal Bonds and New Jersey
Municipal Obligations. For temporary defensive periods or to provide
liquidity, the Fund has the authority to invest as much as 35% of its
total assets in tax-exempt or taxable money market obligations with a
maturity of one year or less (such short-term obligations, including New
Jersey Municipal Obligations, being referred to collectively herein as
"Temporary Investments"), except that taxable Temporary Investments,
together with such other investments as are not exempt from New Jersey
taxation, shall not exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets. The Temporary
Investments, VRDOs and Participating VRDOs in which the Fund may invest
also will be in the following rating categories at the time of purchase:
MIG-1/VMIG-1 through MIG-4/VMIG-4 for notes and VRDOs and Prime-1 through
Prime-3 for commercial paper (as determined by Moody's), SP-1 or SP-2 for
notes and A-1 through A-3 for VRDOs and commercial paper (as determined by
Standard & Poor's), or F-1 through F-3 for notes, VRDOs and commercial
paper (as determined by Fitch) or, if unrated, of comparable quality in
the opinion of the Manager. The Fund at all times will have at least 80%
of its net assets invested in securities the interest on which is exempt
from Federal taxation. However, interest received on certain otherwise
tax-exempt securities which are classified as "private activity bonds"
(in general, bonds that benefit non-governmental entities) may be subject
to Federal alternative minimum tax. The percentage of the Fund's net
assets invested in "private activity bonds" will vary during the year.
See "Distributions and Taxes". In addition, the Fund reserves the right
to invest temporarily a greater portion of its assets in Temporary
Investments for defensive purposes, when, in the judgment of the Manager,
market conditions warrant. The investment objective of the Fund is a
fundamental policy of the Fund which may not be changed without a vote of
a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund's hedging
strategies, which are described in more detail under "Financial Futures
Transactions and Options", are not fundamental policies and may be
modified by the Trustees of the Trust without the approval of the Fund's
shareholders.
Potential Benefits
Investment in shares of the Fund offers several benefits. The Fund
offers investors the opportunity to receive income exempt from Federal and
New Jersey income taxes by investing in a professionally managed portfolio
of long-term New Jersey Municipal Bonds. The Fund also provides liquidity
because of its redemption features and relieves the investor of the
burdensome administrative details involved in managing a portfolio of
tax-exempt securities. The benefits are at least partially offset by the
expenses involved in operating an investment company. Such expenses
primarily consist of the management fee and operational costs and, in the
case of certain classes of shares, the account maintenance and the
distribution costs.
Special and Risk Considerations Relating to New Jersey Municipal Bonds and
New Jersey Municipal Obligations
The Fund ordinarily will invest at least 80% of its total assets in
New Jersey Municipal Bonds and New Jersey Municipal Obligations and,
therefore, it is more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers
of New Jersey Municipal Bonds and New Jersey Municipal Obligations than is
a municipal bond mutual fund that is not concentrated in issuers of New
Jersey Municipal Bonds and New Jersey Municipal Obligations to this
degree. The State of New Jersey and certain of its public authorities have
undergone recent financial difficulties. Al-
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<PAGE> 12
though there is evidence that the State's economy is improving, a return
to the economic boom of the 1980s is unlikely and growth is likely to be
slower than in the rest of the nation. New Jersey is reliant on Federal
assistance and ranks high among the states in the amount of Federal aid
received. On June 4, 1992, Standard & Poor's had placed New Jersey general
obligation bonds on CreditWatch with negative implications. On July 6,
1992, Standard & Poor's removed New Jersey's general obligation bonds from
CreditWatch and reaffirmed its AA+ rating of such bonds but with negative
long-term implications. On July 27, 1994, Standard & Poor's reaffirmed its
AA+ rating but revised its assessment of the State's outlook from negative
to stable. On August 24, 1992, Moody's lowered its rating on New Jersey's
general obligation bonds to Aa1 from AAA. On December 6, 1992, Fitch
lowered its rating on New Jersey's general obligation bonds from AAA to
AA+. The Manager does not believe that the current economic conditions in
New Jersey will have a significant adverse effect on the Fund's ability to
invest prudently in New Jersey Municipal Bonds and New Jersey Municipal
Obligations. See "Description of Municipal Bonds" in the Statement of
Additional Information and Appendix I to the Statement of Additional
Information.
Description of Municipal Bonds
Municipal Bonds include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for
various public purposes, including construction and equipping of a wide
range of public facilities (including water, sewer, gas, electricity,
solid waste, health care, transportation, education and housing
facilities), refunding of outstanding obligations and obtaining funds for
general operating expenses and loans to other public institutions and
facilities. In addition, certain types of industrial development bonds are
issued by or on behalf of public authorities to finance various privately
operated facilities, including pollution control facilities or other
specialized facilities. For purposes of this Prospectus, such obligations
are Municipal Bonds if the interest paid thereon is exempt from Federal
income tax, and, in the case of New Jersey Municipal Bonds, exempt from
New Jersey personal income tax, even though such bonds may be "private
activity bonds" as discussed below.
The two principal classifications of Municipal Bonds are "general
obligation" and "revenue" bonds which include industrial development
bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its
faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest.
The taxing power of any governmental entity may be limited, however, by
provisions of state constitutions or laws, and an entity's
creditworthiness will depend on many factors, including potential erosion
of the tax base due to population declines, natural disasters, declines in
the state's industrial base or inability to attract new industries,
economic limits on the ability to tax without eroding the tax base, state
legislative proposals or voter initiatives to limit ad valorem real
property taxes, and the extent to which the entity relies on Federal or
state aid, access to capital markets or other factors beyond the state or
entity's control. Accordingly, the capacity of the issuer of a general
obligation bond as to the timely payment of interest and the repayment of
principal when due is affected by the issuer's maintenance of its tax
base.
Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a
particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the
proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source such as
from the user of the facility being financed; accordingly, the timely
payment of interest and the repayment of principal in accordance with the
terms of the revenue or special obligation bond is a function of the
economic viability of such facility or such revenue source. The Fund may
also invest in "moral obligation" bonds, which are normally issued by
special purpose public authorities. If an issuer of moral obligation bonds
is unable to meet its obligations, the repayment of such bonds becomes a
moral commitment but not a legal obligation of the state or municipality
in question.
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The Fund may purchase Industrial Development Bonds ("IDBs"). IDBs
are tax-exempt securities issued by states, municipalities or public
authorities and are issued to provide funds, usually through a loan or
lease arrangement, to a private corporation for the purpose of financing
construction or improvement of a facility to be used by the corporation.
Such bonds are secured primarily by revenues derived from loan repayments
or lease payments due from the corporation which may or may not be
guaranteed by a parent company or otherwise secured. In view of this, an
investor should be aware that repayment of such bonds depends on the
revenues of a private corporation and be aware of the risks that such an
investment may entail. Continued ability of a corporation to generate
sufficient revenues for the payment of principal and interest on such
bonds will be affected by many factors including the size of the
corporation, capital structure, demand for its products or services,
competition, general economic conditions, government regulation and the
corporation's dependence on revenues for the operation of the particular
facility being financed. The Fund may invest more than 25% of its total
assets in IDBs or private activity bonds.
The Fund may invest in Municipal Bonds the return on which is based on
a particular index of value or interest rates. For example, the Fund may
invest in Municipal Bonds that pay interest based on an index of Municipal
Bond interest rates or based on the value of gold or some other commodity.
The principal amount payable upon maturity of certain Municipal Bonds also
may be based on the value of an index. To the extent the Fund invests in
these types of Municipal Bonds, the Fund's return on such Municipal Bonds
will be subject to the risk with respect to the value of the particular
index. Also, the Fund may invest in so-called "inverse floating
obligations" or "residual interest bonds" on which the interest rates
typically decline as market rates increase and increase as market rates
decline. To the extent the Fund invests in these types of Municipal Bonds,
the Fund's return on such Municipal Bonds will be subject to risk with
respect to the value of the particular index. Such securities have the
effect of providing a degree of investment leverage, since they may
increase or decrease in value in response to changes, as an illustration,
in market interest rates at a rate which is a multiple (typically two) of
the rate at which fixed-rate long term tax exempt securities increase or
decrease in response to such changes. As a result, the market values of
such securities will generally be more volatile than the market values of
fixed-rate tax exempt securities. To seek to limit the volatility of these
securities, the Fund may purchase inverse floating obligations with
shorter term maturities or which contain limitations on the extent to
which the interest rate may vary. The Manager believes that indexed and
inverse floating obligations represent a flexible portfolio management
instrument for the Fund which allows the Manager to vary the degree of
investment leverage relatively efficiently under different market
conditions. Certain investments in such obligations may be illiquid. The
Fund may not invest in such illiquid obligations if such investments,
together with other illiquid investments, would exceed 10% of the Fund's
net assets.
Also included within the general category of Municipal Bonds are
participation certificates issued by government authorities or entities to
finance the acquisition or construction of equipment, land and/or
facilities. The certificates represent participations in a lease, an
installment purchase contract or a conditional sales contract (hereinafter
collectively called "lease obligations") relating to such equipment,
land or facilities. Although lease obligations do not constitute general
obligations of the issuer for which the issuer's unlimited taxing power is
pledged, a lease obligation is frequently backed by the issuer's covenant
to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the lease
obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain
"non-appropriation" clauses which provide that the issuer has no
obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years
unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. Although
"non-appropriation" lease obligations are secured by the leased
property, disposition of the property in the event of foreclosure might
prove difficult. These securities represent a relatively new type of
financing that has not yet developed the depth
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<PAGE> 14
of marketability associated with more conventional securities. Certain
investments in lease obligations may be illiquid. The Fund may not invest
in illiquid lease obligations if such investments, together with all other
illiquid investments, would exceed 10% of the Fund's net assets. The Fund
may, however, invest without regard to such limitation in lease
obligations which the Manager, pursuant to guidelines which have been
adopted by the Board of Trustees and subject to the supervision of the
Board, determines to be liquid. The Manager will deem lease obligations to
be liquid if they are publicly offered and have received an investment
grade rating of Baa or better by Moody's, or BBB or better by Standard &
Poor's or Fitch. Unrated lease obligations, or those rated below
investment grade, will be considered liquid if the obligations come to the
market through an underwritten public offering and at least two dealers
are willing to give competitive bids. In reference to the latter, the
Manager must, among other things, also review the creditworthiness of the
municipality obligated to make payment under the lease obligation and make
certain specified determinations based on such factors as the existence of
a rating or credit enhancement such as insurance, the frequency of trades
or quotes for the obligation and the willingness of dealers to make a
market in the obligation.
Federal tax legislation has limited the types and volume of bonds the
interest on which qualifies for a Federal income tax exemption. As a
result, this legislation and legislation which may be enacted in the
future may affect the availability of Municipal Bonds for investment by
the Fund.
When-Issued Securities and Delayed Delivery Transactions
The Fund may purchase or sell Municipal Bonds on a delayed delivery
basis or a when-issued basis at fixed purchase terms. These transactions
arise when securities are purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and
delivery taking place in the future. The purchase will be recorded on the
date the Fund enters into the commitment and the value of the obligation
will thereafter be reflected in the calculation of the Fund's net asset
value. The value of the obligation on the delivery date may be more or
less than its purchase price. A separate account of the Fund will be
established with its custodian consisting of cash, cash equivalents or
high grade, liquid Municipal Bonds having a market value at all times at
least equal to the amount of the forward commitment.
Call Rights
The Fund may purchase a Municipal Bond issuer's right to call all or a
portion of such Municipal Bond for mandatory tender for purchase (a "Call
Right"). A holder of a Call Right may exercise such right to require a
mandatory tender for the purchase of related Municipal Bonds, subject to
certain conditions. A Call Right that is not exercised prior to the
maturity of the related Municipal Bond will expire without value. The
economic effect to holding both the Call Right and the related Municipal
Bond is identical to holding a Municipal Bond as a non-callable security.
Certain investments in such obligations may be illiquid. The Fund may not
invest in such illiquid obligations if such investments, together with
other illiquid investments, would exceed 10% of the Fund's net assets.
Financial Futures Transactions and Options
The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell certain exchange traded
financial futures contracts ("financial futures contracts") solely for
the purpose of hedging its investments in Municipal Bonds against declines
in value and to hedge against increases in the cost of securities it
intends to purchase. However, any transactions involving financial futures
or options (including puts and calls associated therewith) will be in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies and limitations. A
financial futures contract obligates the seller of a contract to deliver
and the purchaser of a contract to take delivery of the type of financial
instrument covered by the
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<PAGE> 15
contract, or in the case of index-based futures contracts to make and
accept a cash settlement, at a specific future time for a specified price.
A sale of financial futures contracts may provide a hedge against a
decline in the value of portfolio securities because such depreciation may
be offset, in whole or in part, by an increase in the value of the
position in the financial futures contracts. A purchase of financial
futures contracts may provide a hedge against an increase in the cost of
securities intended to be purchased, because such appreciation may be
offset, in whole or in part, by an increase in the value of the position
in the futures contracts. Distributions, if any, of net long-term capital
gains from certain transactions in futures or options are taxable at
long-term capital gains rates for Federal income tax purposes, regardless
of the length of time the shareholder has owned Fund shares. See
"Distributions and Taxes-Taxes".
The Fund deals in financial futures contracts traded on the Chicago
Board of Trade based on The Bond Buyer Municipal Bond Index, a
price-weighted measure of the market value of 40 large, recently issued
tax-exempt bonds. There can be no assurance, however, that a liquid
secondary market will exist to terminate any particular financial futures
contract at any specific time. If it is not possible to close a financial
futures position entered into by the Fund, the Fund would continue to be
required to make daily cash payments of variation margin in the event of
adverse price movements. In such a situation, if the Fund has insufficient
cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily variation
margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The
inability to close financial futures positions also could have an adverse
impact on the Fund's ability to hedge effectively. There is also the risk
of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a
broker with whom the Fund has an open position in a financial futures
contract.
The Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts on U.S.
Government securities and write and purchase put and call options on such
futures contracts as a hedge against adverse changes in interest rates as
described more fully in the Statement of Additional Information. With
respect to U.S. Government securities, currently there are financial
futures contracts based on long-term U.S. Treasury bonds, Treasury notes,
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") Certificates and
three-month U.S. Treasury bills.
Subject to policies adopted by the Trustees, the Fund also may engage
in other financial futures contracts transactions and options thereon,
such as financial futures contracts or options on other municipal bond
indexes which may become available if the Manager of the Fund and the
Trustees of the Trust should determine that there is normally a sufficient
correlation between the prices of such futures contracts and the Municipal
Bonds in which the Fund invests to make such hedging appropriate.
Utilization of futures transactions and options thereon involves the
risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures
contracts and movements in the price of the security which is the subject
of the hedge. If the price of the futures contract moves more or less than
the price of the security that is the subject of the hedge, the Fund will
experience a gain or loss which will not be completely offset by movements
in the price of such security. There is a risk of imperfect correlation
where the securities underlying futures contracts have different
maturities, ratings or geographic mixes than the security being hedged. In
addition, the correlation may be affected by additions to or deletions
from the index which serves as a basis for a financial futures contract.
Finally, in the case of futures contracts on U.S. Government securities
and options on such futures contracts, the anticipated correlation of
price movements between the U.S. Government securities underlying the
futures or options and Municipal Bonds may be adversely affected by
economic, political, legislative or other developments which have a
disparate impact on the respective markets for such securities.
Under regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
("CFTC"), the futures trading activities described herein will not
result in the Fund being deemed to be a "commodity pool", as defined
under such regulations, provided that the Fund adheres to certain
restrictions. In particular, the Fund may purchase and sell
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<PAGE> 16
futures contracts and options thereon (i) only for bona fide hedging
purposes, and (ii) for non-hedging purposes, if the aggregate initial
margins and premiums required to establish positions in such contracts and
options does not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's
portfolio assets after taking into account unrealized profits and
unrealized losses on any such contracts and options. (However, as stated
above, the Fund intends to engage in options and futures transactions only
for hedging purposes.) Margin deposits may consist of cash or securities
acceptable to the broker and the relevant contract market.
When the Fund purchases a futures contract, or writes a put option or
purchases a call option thereon, it will maintain an amount of cash, cash
equivalents (e.g., high grade commercial paper and daily tender adjustable
notes) or short-term, high-grade, fixed-income securities in a segregated
account with the Fund's custodian, so that the amount so segregated plus
the amount of initial and variation margin held in the account of its
broker equals the market value of the futures contracts, thereby ensuring
that the use of such futures contract is unleveraged. It is not
anticipated that transactions in futures contracts will have the effect of
increasing portfolio turnover.
Although certain risks are involved in options and futures
transactions, the Manager believes that, because the Fund will engage in
futures transactions only for hedging purposes, the futures portfolio
strategies of the Fund will not subject the Fund to certain risks
frequently associated with speculation in futures transactions. The Fund
must meet certain Federal income tax requirements under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), in order to qualify for
the special tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies,
including a requirement that less than 30% of its gross income be derived
from the sale or other disposition of securities held for less than three
months. Additionally, the Fund is required to meet certain diversification
requirements under the Code.
The liquidity of a secondary market in a futures contract may be
adversely affected by "daily price fluctuation limits" established by
commodity exchanges which limit the amount of fluctuation in a futures
contract price during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been
reached in the contract, no trades may be entered into at a price beyond
the limit, thus preventing the liquidation of open futures positions.
Prices have in the past moved beyond the daily limit on a number of
consecutive trading days.
The successful use of transactions in futures also depends on the
ability of the Manager to forecast correctly the direction and extent of
interest rate movements within a given time frame. To the extent these
rates remain stable during the period in which a futures contract is held
by the Fund or moves in a direction opposite to that anticipated, the Fund
may realize a loss on the hedging transaction which is not fully or
partially offset by an increase in the value of portfolio securities. As a
result, the Fund's total return for such period may be less than if it had
not engaged in the hedging transaction. Furthermore, the Fund will only
engage in hedging transactions from time to time and may not necessarily
be engaging in hedging transactions when movements in interest rates
occur.
Reference is made to the Statement of Additional Information for
further information on financial futures contracts and certain options
thereon.
Repurchase Agreements
As Temporary Investments, the Fund may invest in securities pursuant
to repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements may be entered into only
with a member bank of the Federal Reserve System or a primary dealer in U.S.
Government securities or an affiliate thereof. Under such agreements, the
seller agrees, upon entering into the contract, to repurchase the security
from the Fund at a mutually agreed upon time and price,
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<PAGE> 17
thereby determining the yield during the term of the agreement. This results
in a fixed rate of return insulated from market fluctuations during such
period. The Fund may not invest in repurchase agreements maturing in more
than seven days if such investments, together with the Fund's other illiquid
investments, exceed 10% of the Fund's net assets. In the event of a
default by the seller under a repurchase agreement, the
Fund may suffer time delays and incur costs or possible losses
in connection with the disposition of the underlying securities.
Investment Restrictions
The Fund has adopted a number of restrictions and policies relating to
the investment of the Fund's assets and its activities, which are
fundamental policies of the Fund and may not be changed without the
approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities, as defined in the 1940 Act. Among the more significant
restrictions, the Fund may not: (i) purchase any securities other than
securities referred to under "Investment Objective and Policies" herein;
(ii) purchase securities of other investment companies, except in
connection with certain specified transactions and with respect to
investments of up to 10% of the Fund's total assets in securities of
closed-end investment companies; (iii) borrow amounts in excess of 20% of
its total assets taken at market value (including the amount borrowed),
and then only from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary or
emergency purposes (The Fund will not purchase securities while borrowings
are outstanding.); (iv) mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or in any manner
transfer as security for indebtedness any securities owned or held by the
Fund except in connection with certain specified transactions; (v) invest
in securities which cannot be readily resold because of legal or
contractual restrictions or which are not readily marketable, including
individually negotiated loans that constitute illiquid investments and
lease obligations, and in repurchase agreements and purchase and sale
contracts maturing in more than seven days, if, regarding all such
securities taken together, more than 10% of its net assets (taken at
market value at the time of each investment) would be invested in such
securities; (vi) invest more than 5% of its total assets (taken at market
value at the time of each investment) in industrial revenue bonds where
the entity supplying the revenues from which the issue is to be paid,
including predecessors, has a record of less than three years' continuous
business operation; and (vii) invest more than 25% of its total assets
(taken at market value at the time of each investment) in securities of
issuers in any particular industry (other than United States Government
securities or Government agency securities, Municipal Bonds, or New Jersey
Municipal Obligations).
The Board of Trustees of the Fund, at a meeting held on August 3,
1994, approved certain changes to the fundamental and non-fundamental
investment restrictions of the Fund. These changes were proposed in
connection with the creation of a set of standard fundamental and
non-fundamental investment restrictions that would be adopted, subject to
shareholder approval, by all of the non-money market mutual funds advised
by MLAM or FAM. The proposed uniform investment restrictions are designed
to provide each of these funds, including the Fund, with as much
investment flexibility as possible under the 1940 Act and applicable state
securities regulations, help promote operational efficiencies and
facilitate monitoring of compliance. The investment objectives and
policies of the Fund will be unaffected by the adoption of the proposed
investment restrictions.
The full text of the proposed investment restrictions is set forth
under "Investment Objective and Policies - Proposed Uniform Investment
Restrictions" in the Statement of Additional Information. Shareholders of
the Fund are currently considering whether to approve the proposed revised
investment restrictions. If such shareholder approval is obtained, the
Fund's current investment restrictions will be replaced by the proposed
restrictions, and the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information will be supplemented to reflect such change.
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The Fund is classified as non-diversified within the meaning of the
1940 Act, which means that the Fund is not limited by the 1940 Act in the
proportion of its assets that it may invest in obligations of a single
issuer. However, the Fund's investments will be limited so as to qualify
as a "regulated investment company" for purposes of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). See "Taxes". To qualify, among
other requirements, the Trust will limit the Fund's investments so that,
at the close of each quarter of the taxable year, (i) not more than 25% of
the market value of the Fund's total assets will be invested in the
securities of a single issuer, and (ii) with respect to 50% of the market
value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the market value of its
total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer and the
Fund will not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a
single issuer. (For purposes of this restriction, the Fund will regard
each state and each political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of
such state and each multi-state agency of which such state is a member and
each public authority which issues securities on behalf of a private
entity as a separate issuer, except that if the security is backed only by
the assets and revenues of a non-government entity then the entity with
the ultimate responsibility for the payment of interest and principal may
be regarded as the sole issuer.) These tax-related limitations may be
changed by the Trustees of the Trust to the extent necessary to comply
with changes to the Federal tax requirements. A fund which elects to be
classified as "diversified" under the 1940 Act must satisfy the
foregoing 5% and 10% requirements with respect to 75% of its total assets.
To the extent that the Fund assumes large positions in the obligations of
a small number of issuers, the Fund's total return may fluctuate to a
greater extent than that of a diversified company as a result of changes
in the financial condition or in the market's assessment of the issuers.
Investors are referred to the Statement of Additional Information for
a complete description of the Fund's investment restrictions.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
Trustees
The Trustees of the Trust consist of six individuals, five of whom are
not "interested persons" of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act. The
Trustees are responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of
the Trust and the Fund and perform the various duties imposed on the
directors or trustees of investment companies by the 1940 Act.
The Trustees are:
Arthur Zeikel*-President and Chief Investment Officer of Fund Asset
Management, L.P. and Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM");
President and Director of Princeton Services, Inc.; Executive Vice
President of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML&Co."), and of Merrill
Lynch; Director of the Distributor.
Kenneth S. Axelson-Former Executive Vice President and Director, J.C.
Penney Company, Inc.
Herbert I. London-John M. Olin Professor of Humanities, New York
University.
Robert R. Martin-Chairman, WTC Industries, Inc.; former Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Kinnard Investments, Inc.
Joseph L. May-Attorney in private practice.
Andre F. Perold-Professor, Harvard Business School.
----------
* Interested person, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Trust.
18
<PAGE> 19
Management and Advisory Arrangements
Fund Asset Management, L.P (the "Manager"), which is an affiliate of
MLAM and is owned and controlled by ML&Co., a financial services holding
company, acts as the manager for the Fund and provides the Fund with
management services. The Manager or MLAM acts as the investment adviser
for more than 100 other registered investment companies. MLAM also
provides investment advisory services to individual and institutional
accounts. As of August 31, 1994, the Manager and MLAM had a total of
approximately $165.7 billion in investment company and other portfolio
assets under management, including accounts of certain affiliates of the
Manager.
Subject to the direction of the Trustees, the Manager is responsible
for the actual management of the Fund's portfolio and constantly reviews
the Fund's holdings in light of its own research analysis and that from
other relevant sources. The responsibility for making decisions to buy,
sell or hold a particular security rests with the Manager. The Manager
performs certain of the other administrative services and provides all the
office space, facilities, equipment and necessary personnel for management
of the Fund.
Vincent R. Giordano and Kenneth A. Jacob are the Portfolio Managers
for the Fund. Vincent R. Giordano has been a Portfolio Manager of the
Manager and MLAM since 1977 and a Senior Vice President of the Manager and
MLAM since 1984. Kenneth A. Jacob has been a Vice President of the Manager
and MLAM since 1984.
Pursuant to the management agreement between the Manager and the Trust
on behalf of the Fund (the "Management Agreement"), the Manager is
entitled to receive from the Fund a monthly fee based upon the average
daily net assets of the Fund at the following annual rates: 0.55% of the
average daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; 0.525% of the average
daily net assets exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1.0 billion and
0.50% of the average daily net assets exceeding $1.0 billion. For the year
ended July 31, 1994, the total fee paid by the Fund to the Manager was
$1,272,352 (based on average net assets of approximately $232.0 million).
The Management Agreement obligates the Trust to pay certain expenses
incurred in the Fund's operations, including, among other things, the
management fee, legal and audit fees, unaffiliated Trustees' fees and
expenses, registration fees, custodian and transfer agency fees,
accounting and pricing costs, and certain of the costs of printing
proxies, shareholder reports, prospectuses and statements of additional
information. Accounting services are provided to the Fund by the Manager
and the Fund reimburses the Manager for its costs in connection with such
services. For the year ended July 31, 1994, the Fund reimbursed the
Manager $54,207 for accounting services. For the year ended July 31, 1994,
the ratio of total expenses, excluding distribution fees and net of
reimbursement, to average net assets was .69% for the Class A shares and
.70% for the Class B shares; no Class C or Class D shares had been issued
during that year.
Transfer Agency Services
Financial Data Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), which is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of ML&Co., acts as the Trust's transfer agent
pursuant to a transfer agency, dividend disbursing agency and shareholder
servicing agency agreement (the "Transfer Agency Agreement"). Pursuant
to the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible for
the issuance, transfer and redemption of shares and the opening and
maintenance of shareholder accounts. Pursuant to the Transfer Agency
Agreement, the Fund pays the Transfer Agent an annual fee of $11.00 per
Class A or Class D shareholder account and $14.00 per Class B or Class C
shareholder account, and the Transfer Agent is entitled to reimbursement
from the Fund for out-of-pocket
19
<PAGE> 20
expenses incurred by the Transfer Agent under the Transfer Agency
Agreement. For the year ended July 31, 1994, the Fund paid the Transfer
Agent a total fee of $95,861 pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement for
providing transfer agency services.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor"), an
affiliate of both MLAM and Merrill Lynch, acts as the Distributor of the
shares of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are offered continuously for sale
by the Distributor and other eligible securities dealers (including
Merrill Lynch). Shares of the Fund may be purchased from securities
dealers or by mailing a purchase order directly to the Transfer Agent. The
minimum initial purchase is $1,000, and the minimum subsequent purchase is
$50.
The Fund is offering its shares in four classes at a public offering
price equal to the next determined net asset value per share plus sales
charges imposed either at the time of purchase or on a deferred basis
depending upon the class of shares selected by the investor under the
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing System, as described below. The applicable
offering price for purchase orders is based upon the net asset value of
the Fund next determined after receipt of the purchase orders by the
Distributor. As to purchase orders received by securities dealers prior to
4:15 P.M., New York time, which includes orders received after the
determination of net asset value on the previous day, the applicable
offering price will be based on the net asset value as of 4:15 P.M. on the
day the orders are placed with the Distributor, provided the orders are
received by the Distributor prior to 4:30 P.M., New York time, on that
day. If the purchase orders are not received prior to 4:30 P.M., New York
time, such orders shall be deemed received on the next business day. The
Trust or the Distributor may suspend the continuous offering of the Fund's
shares of any class at any time in response to conditions in the
securities markets or otherwise and may thereafter resume such offering
from time to time. Any order may be rejected by the Distributor or the
Trust. Neither the Distributor nor the dealers are permitted to withhold
placing orders to benefit themselves by a price change. Merrill Lynch may
charge its customers a processing fee (presently $4.85) to confirm a sale
of shares to such customers. Purchases directly through the Fund's
Transfer Agent are not subject to the processing fee.
The Fund issues four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing System, which permits each investor to choose the method of
purchasing shares that the investor believes is most beneficial given the
amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold
the shares and other relevant circumstances. Shares of Class A and Class D
are sold to investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives and
shares of Class B and Class C are sold to investors choosing the deferred
sales charge alternatives. Investors should determine whether under their
particular circumstances it is more advantageous to incur an initial sales
charge or to have the entire initial purchase price invested in the Fund
with the investment thereafter being subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge and ongoing distribution fees. A discussion of the factors
that investors should consider in determining the method of purchasing
shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing System is set forth under
"Merrill Lynch Select Pricing System" on page 4.
Each Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D share of the Fund
represents identical interests in the investment portfolio of the Fund and
has the same rights, except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear
the expenses of the ongoing account maintenance fees, and Class B and
Class C shares bear the expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and the
additional incremental transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred
sales charge arrangements. The deferred sales charges and account
maintenance fees that are imposed on Class B and Class C shares, as well
as the account maintenance fees that are imposed on Class D shares, will
be imposed
20
<PAGE> 21
directly against those classes and not against all assets of the Fund and,
accordingly, such charges will not affect the net asset value of any other
class or have any impact on investors choosing another sales charge
option. Dividends paid by the Fund for each class of shares will be
calculated in the same manner at the same time and will differ only to the
extent that account maintenance and distribution fees and any incremental
transfer agency costs relating to a particular class are borne exclusively
by that class. Class B, Class C and Class D shares each have exclusive
voting rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1 distribution plan adopted
with respect to such class pursuant to which account maintenance and/or
distribution fees are paid. See "Distribution Plans" below. Each class
has different exchange privileges. See "Shareholder Services-Exchange
Privilege".
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the
initial sales charges with respect to Class A and Class D shares are the
same as those of the deferred sales charges with respect to Class B and
Class C shares in that the sales charges applicable to each class provide
for the financing of the distribution of the shares of the Fund. The
distribution-related revenues paid with respect to a class will not be
used to finance the distribution expenditures of another class. Sales
personnel may receive different compensation for selling different classes
of shares. Investors are advised that only Class A and Class D shares may
be available for purchase through securities dealers, other than Merrill
Lynch, which are eligible to sell shares.
The following table sets forth a summary of the distribution
arrangements for each class of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing System.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Account
Maintenance Distribution Conversion
Class Sales Charge(1) Fee Fee Feature
----- --------------- ----------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A Maximum 4.00% initial sales No No No
charge (2)(3)
B CDSC for a period of 4 years, at 0.25% 0.25% B shares convert to
a rate of 4.0% during the first D shares automatically after
year, decreasing 1.0% annually approximately ten years (4)
to 0.0%
C 1.0% CDSC for one year 0.25% 0.35% No
D Maximum 4.00% initial sales 0.10% No No
charge (3)
</TABLE>
----------
(1) Initial sales charges are imposed at the time of purchase as a
percentage of the offering price. CDSCs may be imposed if the
redemption occurs within the applicable CDSC time period. The charge
will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the proceeds of
redemption or the cost of the shares being redeemed.
(2) Offered only to eligible investors. See "Initial Sales Charge
Alternatives-Class A and Class D Shares- Eligible Class A Investors".
(3) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more. Class A and Class D share
purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be subject to an initial sales
charge but instead may be subject to a CDSC if redeemed within one
year.
(4) The conversion period for dividend reinvestment shares is modified.
Also, Class B shares of certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds into
which exchanges may be made have an eight-year conversion period. If
Class B shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class B shares of another
MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period applicable to the
Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and the holding
period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the holding period
for the shares acquired.
21
<PAGE> 22
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives-Class A and Class D Shares
Investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives who are
eligible to purchase Class A shares should purchase Class A shares rather
than Class D shares because there is an account maintenance fee imposed on
Class D shares.
The public offering price of Class A and Class D shares for purchasers
choosing the initial sales charge alternative is the next determined net
asset value plus varying sales charges (i.e., sales loads), as set forth
below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sales Charge Sales Charge Discount to
and Percentage as Percentage* Selected Dealers
of Offering of the Net as Percentage of the
Amount of Purchase Price Amount Invested Offering Price
------------------- -------------- --------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $25,000 .................... 4.00% 4.17% 3.75%
$25,000 but less than $50,000......... 3.75 3.90 3.50
$50,000 but less than $100,000........ 3.25 3.36 3.00
$100,000 but less than $250,000....... 2.50 2.56 2.25
$250,000 but less than $1,000,000 .... 1.50 1.52 1.25
$1,000,000 and over**................. 0.00 0.00 0.00
</TABLE>
----------
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
** Class A and Class D purchases of $1,000,000 or more made on or
after October 21, 1994 will be subject to a CDSC of 1% if the
shares are redeemed within one year after purchase. Class A
purchases made prior to October 21, 1994 may be subject to a
CDSC if the shares are redeemed within one year of purchase at
the following rates: 0.75% on purchases of $1,000,000 to
$2,500,000; 0.40% on purchases of $2,500,001 to $3,500,000;
0.25% on purchases of $3,500,001 to $5,000,000, and 0.20% on
purchases of more than $5,000,000 in lieu of paying an initial
sales charge. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to
the lesser of the proceeds of the redemption or the cost of the
shares being redeemed.
The Distributor may reallow discounts to selected dealers and retain
the balance over such discounts. At times the Distributor may reallow the
entire sales charge to such dealers. Since securities dealers selling
Class A and Class D shares of the Fund will receive a concession equal to
most of the sales charge, they may be deemed to be underwriters under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. During the fiscal year ended July 31,
1994, the Fund sold 1,095,757 Class A shares for aggregate net proceeds of
$12,136,853. The gross sales charges for the sale of Class A shares of the
Fund for that year were $97,367, of which $8,366 and $89,001 were received
by the Distributor and Merrill Lynch, respectively. For the fiscal year
ended July 31, 1994, the Distributor received no CDSCs with respect to
redemption within one year after purchase of Class A shares purchased
subject to front-end sales charge waivers.
Eligible Class A Investors. Class A shares are offered to a limited
group of investors and also will be issued upon reinvestment of dividends
on outstanding Class A shares. Investors that currently own Class A shares
in a shareholder account are entitled to purchase additional Class A
shares in that account. Class A shares are available at net asset value to
corporate warranty insurance reserve fund programs provided that the
program has $3 million or more initially invested in MLAM-advised mutual
funds. Also eligible to purchase Class A shares at net asset value are
participants in certain investment programs including TMA SM Managed
Trusts to which Merrill Lynch Trust Company provides discretionary trustee
services and certain purchases made in connection with the Merrill Lynch
Mutual Fund Adviser program. In addition, Class A shares will be offered
at net asset value to ML&Co. and its subsidiaries and their directors and
employees and to members of the Boards of MLAM-advised investment
companies, including the Fund. Certain persons who acquire shares of
MLAM-advised closed-end funds who wish to reinvest the net proceeds from a
sale of their closed-end fund shares of
22
<PAGE> 23
common stock in shares of the Fund also may purchase Class A shares of the
Fund if certain conditions set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information are met. For example, Class A shares of the Fund and certain
other MLAM-advised mutual funds are offered at net asset value to
shareholders of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. who wish to
reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of certain of their shares of common
stock of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. in shares of such
funds.
Reduced Initial Sales Charges. No initial sales charges are imposed
upon Class A and Class D shares issued as a result of the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. Class A and
Class D sales charges also may be reduced under a Right of Accumulation
and a Letter of Intention.
Class A shares are offered at net asset value to certain eligible
Class A investors as set forth above under "Eligible Class A Investors".
Class D shares are offered at net asset value without sales charge to
an investor who has a business relationship with a Merrill Lynch financial
consultant, if certain conditions set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information are met. Class D shares may be offered at net asset value in
connection with the acquisition of assets of other investment companies.
Additional information concerning these reduced initial sales charges
is set forth in the Statement of Additional Information.
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives-Class B and Class C Shares
Investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives should
consider Class B shares if they intend to hold their shares for an
extended period of time and Class C shares if they are uncertain as to the
length of time they intend to hold their assets in MLAM-advised mutual
funds.
The public offering price of Class B and Class C shares for investors
choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives is the next determined net
asset value per share without the imposition of a sales charge at the time
of purchase. As discussed below, Class B shares are subject to a four year
CDSC, while Class C shares are subject only to a one year 1.0% CDSC. On
the other hand, approximately ten years after Class B shares are issued,
such Class B shares, together with shares issued upon dividend
reinvestment with respect to those shares, are automatically converted
into Class D shares of the Fund and thereafter will be subject to lower
continuing fees. See "Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares"
below. Both Class B and Class C shares are subject to an account
maintenance fee of 0.25% of net assets and Class B and Class C shares are
subject to distribution fees of 0.25% and 0.35%, respectively, of net
assets as discussed below under "Distribution Plans". The proceeds from
the account maintenance fees are used to compensate Merrill Lynch for
providing continuing account maintenance activities.
Class B and Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge so
that the Fund will receive the full amount of the investor's purchase
payment. Merrill Lynch compensates its financial consultants for selling
Class B and Class C shares at the time of purchase from its own funds. See
"Distribution Plans" below.
Proceeds from the CDSC and the distribution fee are paid to the
Distributor and are used in whole or in part by the Distributor to defray
the expenses of dealers (including Merrill Lynch) related to providing
distribution-related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of
the Class B and Class C shares, such as the payment of compensation to
financial consultants for selling Class B and Class C shares, from the
dealers's own funds. The combination of the CDSC and the ongoing
distribution fee facilitates the ability of the Fund to sell the Class B
and Class C shares without a sales charge being deducted at the time of
purchase. Approximately ten years
23
<PAGE> 24
after issuance, Class B shares will convert automatically into Class D
shares of the Fund, which are subject to a lower account maintenance fee
and no distribution fee; Class B shares of certain other MLAM-advised
mutual funds into which exchanges may be made convert into Class D shares
automatically after approximately eight years. If Class B shares of the
Fund are exchanged for Class B shares of another MLAM-advised mutual fund,
the conversion period applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the
exchange will apply, and the holding period for the shares exchanged will
be tacked onto the holding period for the shares acquired.
Imposition of the CDSC and the distribution fee on Class B and Class C
shares is limited by the NASD asset-based sales charge rule. See
"Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges" below. The
proceeds from the ongoing account maintenance fee are used to compensate
Merrill Lynch for providing continuing account maintenance activities.
Class B shareholders of the Fund exercising the exchange privilege
described under "Shareholder Services-Exchange Privilege" will continue
to be subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than
the CDSC schedule relating to the Class B shares acquired as a result of
the exchange.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges-Class B Shares. Class B shares which
are redeemed within four years of purchase may be subject to a CDSC at the
rates set forth below charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject
thereto. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of
the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the shares being redeemed.
Accordingly, no CDSC will be imposed on increases in net asset value above
the initial purchase price. In addition, no CDSC will be assessed on
shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions.
The following table sets forth the Class B CDSC:
Class B
CDSC as a
Percentage of
Year Since Purchase Dollar Amount
Payment Made Subject to Charge
------------------- ---------------------
0-1..................................... 4.0%
1-2..................................... 3.0%
2-3..................................... 2.0%
3-4..................................... 1.0%
4 and thereafter........................ None
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1994, the Distributor received
CDSCs of $474,329 with respect to redemptions of Class B shares, all of
which were paid to Merrill Lynch.
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the
calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest
applicable rate being charged. Therefore, it will be assumed that the
redemption is first of shares held for over four years or shares acquired
pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or distributions and then of shares
held longest during the four-year period. The charge will not be applied
to dollar amounts representing an increase in the net asset value since
the time of purchase. A transfer of shares from a shareholder's account to
another account will be assumed to be made in the same order as a
redemption.
To provide an example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10
per share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the third year after purchase, the
net asset value per share is $12 and, during such time, the investor has
acquired 10 additional shares upon dividend reinvestment. If at such time
the investor makes his first redemption of 50 shares (proceeds of $600),
10 shares will not be subject to charge because of dividend reinvestment.
With
24
<PAGE> 25
respect to the remaining 40 shares, the charge is applied only to the
original cost of $10 per share and not to the increase in net asset value
of $2 per share. Therefore, $400 of the $600 redemption proceeds will be
charged at a rate of 2.0% (the applicable rate in the third year after
purchase).
The Class B CDSC is waived on redemptions of shares following the
death or disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended) of a shareholder. Additional information concerning the waiver of
the Class B CDSC is set forth in the Statement of Additional Information.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges-Class C Shares. Class C shares which
are redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a 1.0% CDSC
charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. The charge
will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the proceeds of
redemption or the cost of the shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no Class
C CDSC will be imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial
purchase price. In addition, no Class C CDSC will be assessed on shares
derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
In determining whether a Class C CDSC is applicable to a redemption,
the calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the
lowest possible rate being charged. Therefore, it will be assumed that the
redemption is first of shares held for over one year or shares acquired
pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or distributions and then of shares
held longest during the one-year period. The charge will not be applied to
dollar amounts representing an increase in the net asset value since the
time of purchase. A transfer of shares from a shareholder's account to
another account will be assumed to be made in the same order as a
redemption.
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares. After approximately
ten years (the "Conversion Period"), Class B shares will be converted
automatically into Class D shares of the Fund. Class D shares are subject
to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.10% of net assets but are not
subject to the distribution fee that is borne by Class B shares. Automatic
conversion of Class B shares into Class D shares will occur at least once
each month (on the "Conversion Date") on the basis of the relative net
asset values of the shares of the two classes on the Conversion Date,
without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. Conversion
of Class B shares to Class D shares will not be deemed a purchase or sale
of the shares for Federal income tax purposes.
In addition, shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends on
Class B shares also will convert automatically to Class D shares. The
Conversion Date for dividend reinvestment shares will be calculated taking
into account the length of time the shares underlying such dividend
reinvestment shares were outstanding. If at a Conversion Date the
conversion of Class B shares to Class D shares of the Fund in a single
account will result in less than $50 worth of Class B shares being left in
the account, all of the Class B shares of the Fund held in the account on
the Conversion Date will be converted to Class D shares of the Fund.
Share certificates for Class B shares of the Fund to be converted must
be delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the
Conversion Date applicable to those shares. In the event such certificates
are not received by the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the
Conversion Date, the related Class B shares will convert to Class D shares
on the next scheduled Conversion Date after such certificates are
delivered.
In general, Class B shares of equity MLAM-advised mutual funds will
convert approximately eight years after initial purchase, and Class B
shares of taxable and tax-exempt fixed income MLAM-advised mutual funds
will convert approximately ten years after initial purchase. If, during
the Conversion Period, a shareholder exchanges Class B shares with an
eight-year Conversion Period for Class B shares with a ten-year Conversion
25
<PAGE> 26
Period, or vice versa, the Conversion Period applicable to the Class B
shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and the holding period for the
shares exchanged will be tacked onto the holding period for the shares
acquired.
Distribution Plans
The Fund has adopted separate distribution plans for Class B, Class C
and Class D shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (each a
"Distribution Plan") with respect to the account maintenance and/or
distribution fees paid by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to such
classes. The Class B and Class C Distribution Plans provide for the
payment of account maintenance fees and distribution fees, and the Class D
Distribution Plan provides for the payment of account maintenance fees.
The Distribution Plans for Class B, Class C and Class D shares each
provide that the Fund pays the Distributor an account maintenance fee
relating to the shares of the relevant class, accrued daily and paid
monthly, at the annual rates of 0.25%, 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of
the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to shares of the
relevant class in order to compensate the Distributor and Merrill Lynch
(pursuant to a sub-agreement) in connection with account maintenance
activities.
The Distribution Plans for Class B and Class C shares each provide
that the Fund also pays the Distributor a distribution fee relating to the
shares of the relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the
annual rate of 0.25% and 0.35%, respectively, of the average daily net
assets of the Fund attributable to the shares of the relevant class in
order to compensate the Distributor and Merrill Lynch (pursuant to a
sub-agreement) for providing shareholder and distribution services, and
bearing certain distribution-related expenses of the Fund, including
payments to financial consultants for selling Class B and Class C shares
of the Fund. The Distribution Plans relating to Class B and Class C shares
are designed to permit an investor to purchase Class B and Class C shares
through dealers without the assessment of an initial sales charge and at
the same time permit the dealer to compensate its financial consultants in
connection with the sale of the Class B and Class C shares. In this
regard, the purpose and function of the ongoing distribution fees and the
CDSC are the same as those of the initial sales charge with respect to the
Class A and Class D shares of the Fund in that the deferred sales charges
provide for the financing of the distribution of the Fund's Class B and
Class C shares.
For the year ended July 31, 1994, the Fund paid the Distributor
account maintenance fees of $458,722 and distribution fees of $458,722
under the Class B Distribution Plan. The Fund did not begin to offer
shares of Class C or Class D publicly until the date of this Prospectus.
Accordingly, no payments have been made pursuant to the Class C or Class D
Distribution Plans prior to the date of this Prospectus.
The payments under the Distribution Plans are based on a percentage of
average daily net assets attributable to the shares regardless of the
amount of expenses incurred and, accordingly, distribution-related
revenues from the Distribution Plans may be more or less than
distribution-related expenses. Information with respect to the
distribution-related revenues and expenses is presented to the Trustees
for their consideration in connection with their deliberations as to the
continuance of the Class B and Class C Distribution Plans. This
information is presented annually as of December 31 of each year on a
"fully allocated accrual" basis and quarterly on a "direct expense and
revenue/cash" basis. On the fully allocated accrual basis, revenues
consist of the account maintenance fees, distribution fees, the CDSC and
certain other related revenues, and expenses consist of financial
consultant compensation, branch office and regional operation center
selling and transaction processing expenses, advertising, sales promotion
and marketing expenses, corporate overhead and interest expense. On the
direct expense and revenue/cash basis, revenues consist of the account
maintenance fees, distribution fees and
26
<PAGE> 27
CDSCs and the expenses consist of financial consultant compensation. As of
December 31, 1993, the last date for which fully allocated accrual data is
available, the fully allocated accrual expenses incurred by the
Distributor and Merrill Lynch exceeded fully allocated accrual revenues
for such period by approximately $3,489,000 (1.84% of Class B net assets
at that date). As of December 31, 1993, direct cash expenses for the
period since the commencement of operations exceeded direct cash revenues
by $149,899 (.08% of Class B net assets at that date). As of July 31,
1994, direct cash revenues for the period since the commencement of
operations exceeded direct cash expenses by $351,550 (.20% of Class B net
assets at that date).
The Fund has no obligation with respect to distribution and/or account
maintenance-related expenses incurred by the Distributor and Merrill Lynch
in connection with Class B, Class C and Class D shares, and there is no
assurance that the Trustees of the Trust will approve the continuance of
the Distribution Plans from year to year. However, the Distributor intends
to seek annual continuation of the Distribution Plans. In their review of
the Distribution Plans, the Trustees will be asked to take into
consideration expenses incurred in connection with the account maintenance
and/or distribution of each class of shares separately. The initial sales
charges, the account maintenance fee, the distribution fee and/or the
CDSCs received with respect to one class will not be used to subsidize the
sale of shares of another class. Payments of the distribution fee on Class
B shares will terminate upon conversion of those Class B shares into Class
D shares as set forth under "Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives-Class B
and Class C Shares-Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares".
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges
The maximum sales charge rule in the Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD
imposes a limitation on certain asset-based sales charges such as the
distribution fee and the CDSC borne by the Class B and Class C shares, but
not the account maintenance fee. The maximum sales charge rule is applied
separately to each class. As applicable to the Fund, the maximum sales charge
rule limits the aggregate of distribution fee payments and CDSCs payable by
the Fund to (1) 6.25% of eligible gross sales of Class B shares and Class C
shares, computed separately (defined to exclude shares issued pursuant to
dividend reinvestments and exchanges) plus (2) interest on the unpaid balance
for the respective class, computed separately, at the prime rate plus 1% (the
unpaid balance being the maximum amount payable minus amounts received from
the payment of the distribution fee and the CDSC). In connection with the
Class B shares, the Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive interest
charges on the unpaid balance in excess of 0.50% of eligible gross sales.
Consequently, the maximum amount payable to the Distributor (referred to as
the "voluntary maximum") in connection with the Class B shares is 6.75% of
eligible gross sales. The Distributor retains the right to stop waiving the
interest charges at any time. To the extent payments would exceed the
voluntary maximum, the Fund will not make further payments of the
distribution fee with respect to Class B shares and any CDSCs will be paid to
the Fund rather than to the Distributor; however, the Fund will continue to
make payments of the account maintenance fee. In certain circumstances the
amount payable pursuant to the voluntary maximum may exceed the amount
payable under the NASD formula. In such circumstances payments in excess of
the amount payable under the NASD formula will not be made.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The Trust is required to redeem for cash all shares of the Fund upon
receipt of a written request in proper form. The redemption price is the
net asset value per share next determined after the initial receipt of
proper notice of redemption. Except for any CDSC which may be applicable,
there will be no charge for redemption if the redemption request is sent
directly to the Transfer Agent. Shareholders liquidating their holdings
will receive
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upon redemption all dividends reinvested through the date of redemption.
The value of shares at the time of redemption may be more or less than the
shareholder's cost, depending on the market value of the securities held
by the Fund at such time.
Redemption
A shareholder wishing to redeem shares may do so without charge by
tendering the shares directly to the Transfer Agent, Financial Data
Services, Inc., Transfer Agency Mutual Fund Operations, P.O. Box 45289,
Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289. Redemption requests delivered other than
by mail should be delivered to Financial Data Services, Inc., Transfer
Agency Mutual Fund Operations, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Jacksonville,
Florida 32246-6484. Proper notice of redemption in the case of shares
deposited with the Transfer Agent may be accomplished by a written letter
requesting redemption. Proper notice of redemption in the case of shares
for which certificates have been issued may be accomplished by a written
letter as noted above accompanied by certificates for the shares to be
redeemed. Redemption requests should not be sent to the Trust. The notice
in either event requires the signature(s) of all persons in whose name(s)
the shares are registered, signed exactly as such name(s) appear(s) on the
Transfer Agent's register. The signature(s) on the redemption request must
be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" as such is defined
in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the
existence and validity of which may be verified by the Transfer Agent
through the use of industry publications. Notarized signatures are not
sufficient. In certain instances, the Transfer Agent may require
additional documents such as, but not limited to, trust instruments, death
certificates, appointments as executor or administrator, or certificates
of corporate authority. For shareholders redeeming directly with the
Transfer Agent, payments will be mailed within seven days of receipt of a
proper notice of redemption.
At various times the Trust may be requested to redeem Fund shares for
which it has not yet received good payment (e.g., cash, Federal funds or
certified check drawn on a United States bank). The Trust may delay or
cause to be delayed the mailing of a redemption check until such time as
good payment has been collected for the purchase of such Fund shares,
which will not exceed 10 days.
Repurchase
The Trust also will repurchase Fund shares through a shareholder's
listed securities dealer. The Trust normally will accept orders to
repurchase Fund shares by wire or telephone from dealers for their
customers at the net asset value next computed after receipt of the order
by the dealer, provided that the request for repurchase is received by the
dealer prior to the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange on
the day received, and such request is received by the Fund from such
dealer not later than 4:30 P.M., New York time, on the same day. Dealers
have the responsibility to submit such repurchase requests to the Fund not
later than 4:30 P.M., New York time, in order to obtain that day's closing
price.
The foregoing repurchase arrangements are for the convenience of
shareholders and do not involve a charge by the Trust (other than any
applicable CDSC). Securities firms which do not have selected dealer
agreements with the Distributor, however, may impose a transaction charge
on the shareholder for transmitting the notice of repurchase to the Trust.
Merrill Lynch may charge its customers a processing fee (presently $4.85)
to confirm a repurchase of shares of such customers. Redemptions directly
through the Fund's Transfer Agent are not subject to the processing fee.
The Trust reserves the right to reject any order for repurchase, which
right of rejection might adversely affect shareholders seeking redemption
through the repurchase procedure. However, a shareholder whose order for
repurchase is rejected by the Trust may redeem Fund shares as set forth
above.
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<PAGE> 29
Reinstatement Privilege-Class A and Class D Shares
Shareholders who have redeemed their Class A or Class D shares have a
one-time privilege to reinstate their accounts by purchasing Class A or
Class D shares, as the case may be, of the Fund at net asset value without
a sales charge up to the dollar amount redeemed. The reinstatement
privilege may be exercised by sending a notice of exercise along with a
check for the amount to be reinstated to the Transfer Agent within 30 days
after the date the request for redemption was accepted by the Transfer
Agent or the Distributor. The reinstatement will be made at the net asset
value per share next determined after the notice of reinstatement is
received and cannot exceed the amount of the redemption proceeds. The
reinstatement privilege is a one-time privilege and may be exercised by
the Class A or Class D shareholder only the first time such shareholder
makes a redemption.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Trust offers a number of shareholder services and investment plans
designed to facilitate investment in shares of the Fund. Full details as
to each of such services, copies of the various plans described below and
instructions as to how to participate in the various services or plans, or
to change options with respect thereto can be obtained from the Trust by
calling the telephone number on the cover page hereof or from the
Distributor or Merrill Lynch.
Investment Account. Each shareholder whose account is maintained at
the Transfer Agent has an Investment Account and will receive statements,
at least quarterly, from the Transfer Agent. These statements will serve
as transaction confirmations for automatic investment purchases and the
reinvestment of ordinary income dividends and long-term capital gain
distributions. The statements also will show any other activity in the
account since the preceding statement. Shareholders also will receive
separate confirmations for each purchase or sale transaction other than
automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of ordinary income
dividends and long-term reinvestments of dividends and capital gains
distributions. A shareholder may make additions to his Investment Account
at any time by mailing a check directly to the Transfer Agent.
Shareholders may also maintain their accounts through Merrill Lynch. Upon
the transfer of shares out of a Merrill Lynch brokerage account, an
Investment Account in the transferring shareholder's name will be opened
at the Transfer Agent. Shareholders considering transferring their Class A
or Class D shares from Merrill Lynch to another brokerage firm or
financial institution should be aware that, if the firm to which the Class
A or Class D shares are to be transferred will not take delivery of shares
of the Fund, a shareholder either must redeem the Class A or Class D
shares (paying any applicable CDSC) so that the cash proceeds can be
transferred to the account at the new firm or such shareholder must
continue to maintain an Investment Account at the Transfer Agent for those
Class A or Class D shares. Shareholders interested in transferring their
Class B or Class C shares from Merrill Lynch and who do not wish to have
an Investment Account maintained for such shares at the Transfer Agent may
request their new brokerage firm to maintain such shares in an account
registered in the name of the brokerage firm for the benefit of the
shareholder at the Transfer Agent.
Exchange Privilege. Shareholders of each class of shares of the Fund
have an exchange privilege with certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds.
There is currently no limitation on the number of times a shareholder may
exercise the exchange privilege. The exchange privilege may be modified or
terminated at any time in accordance with the rules of the Commission.
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<PAGE> 30
Under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing System, Class A shareholders
may exchange Class A shares of the Fund for Class A shares of a second
MLAM-advised mutual fund if the shareholder holds any Class A shares of
the second fund in his account in which the exchange is made at the time
of the exchange or is otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares of the
second fund. If the Class A shareholder wants to exchange Class A shares
for shares of a second MLAM-advised mutual fund, and the shareholder does
not hold Class A shares of the second fund in his account at the time of
the exchange and is not otherwise eligible to acquire Class A shares of
the second fund, the shareholder will receive Class D shares of the second
fund as a result of the exchange. Class D shares also may be exchanged for
Class A shares of a second MLAM-advised mutual fund at any time as long
as, at the time of the exchange, the shareholder holds Class A shares of
the second fund in the account in which the exchange is made or is
otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second fund.
Exchanges of Class A and Class D shares are made on the basis of the
relative net asset values per Class A or Class D share, respectively, plus
an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the sales charge
previously paid on the Class A or Class D shares being exchanged and the
sales charge payable at the time of the exchange on the shares being
acquired.
Class B, Class C and Class D shares will be exchangeable with shares
of the same class of other MLAM-advised mutual funds.
Shares of the Fund which are subject to a CDSC will be exchangeable on
the basis of relative net asset value per share without the payment of any
CDSC that might otherwise be due upon redemption of the shares of the
Fund. For purposes of computing the CDSC that may be payable upon a
disposition of the shares acquired in the exchange, the holding period for
the previously owned shares of the Fund is "tacked" to the holding
period of the newly acquired shares of the other Fund.
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares also will be exchangeable
for shares of certain MLAM-advised money market funds specifically
designated as available for exchange by holders of Class A, Class B, Class
C or Class D shares. The period of time that Class A, Class B, Class C or
Class D shares are held in a money market fund, however, will not count
toward satisfaction of the holding period requirement for reduction of any
CDSC imposed on such shares, if any, and, with respect to Class B shares,
toward satisfaction of the Conversion Period.
Class B shareholders of the Fund exercising the exchange privilege
will continue to be subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule
is higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the new Class B shares. In
addition, Class B shares of the Fund acquired through use of the exchange
privilege will be subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule is
higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the Class B shares of the
MLAM-advised mutual fund from which the exchange has been made.
Exercise of the exchange privilege is treated as a sale for Federal
income tax purposes. For further information, see "Shareholder Services-
Exchange Privilege" in the Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund's exchange privilege is modified with respect to purchases of
Class A and Class D shares under the Merrill Lynch Mutual Fund Adviser
("MFA") program. First, the initial allocation of assets is made under
the MFA program. Then, any subsequent exchange under the MFA program of
Class A or Class D shares of a MLAM-advised mutual fund for Class A or
Class D shares of the Fund will be made solely on the basis of the
relative net asset values of the shares being exchanged. Therefore, there
will not be a charge for any difference between the sales charge
previously paid on the shares of the other MLAM-advised mutual fund and
the sales charge payable on the shares of the Fund being acquired in the
exchange under the MFA program.
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<PAGE> 31
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and Capital Gains
Distributions. All dividends and capital gains distributions are
reinvested automatically in full and fractional shares of the Fund,
without a sales charge, at the net asset value per share at the close of
business on the monthly payment date for such dividends and distributions.
A shareholder may at any time, by written notification or by telephone
(1-800-MER-FUND) to the Transfer Agent, elect to have subsequent dividends
or both dividends and capital gains distributions paid in cash, rather
than reinvested, in which event payment will be mailed monthly. Cash
payments can also be directly deposited to the shareholder's bank account.
No CDSC will be imposed upon redemption of shares issued as a result of
the automatic reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
Systematic Withdrawal Plans. A Class A or Class D shareholder may
elect to receive systematic withdrawal payments from his Investment
Account through automatic payment by check or through automatic payment by
direct deposit to his bank account on either a monthly or quarterly basis.
A Class A or Class D shareholder whose shares are held within a CMA(Reg)
or CBA(Reg) Account may elect to have shares redeemed on a monthly,
bimonthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis through the Systematic
Redemption Program, subject to certain conditions.
Automatic Investment Plans. Regular additions of Class A, Class B,
Class C or Class D shares may be made to an investor's Investment Account
by pre-arranged charges of $50 or more to his regular bank account.
Alternatively, investors who maintain CMA(Reg) accounts may arrange to
have periodic investments made in the Fund in their CMA(Reg) account or in
certain related accounts in amounts of $100 or more through the CMA(Reg)
Automated Investment Program.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
The Trust has no obligation to deal with any dealer or group of
dealers in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities of the
Fund. Municipal Bonds and other securities in which the Fund invests are
traded primarily in the over-the-counter market. Where possible, the Trust
deals directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities
involved except in those circumstances where better prices and execution
are available elsewhere. It is the policy of the Trust to obtain the best
net results in conducting portfolio transactions for the Fund, taking into
account such factors as price (including the applicable dealer spread),
the size, type and difficulty of the transactions involved, the firm's
general execution and operations facilities, and the firm's risk in
positioning the securities involved and the provision of supplemental
investment research by the firm. While reasonably competitive spreads or
commissions are sought, the Fund will not necessarily be paying the lowest
spread or commission available. The sale of shares of the Fund may be
taken into consideration as a factor in the selection of brokers or
dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund. The portfolio
securities of the Fund generally are traded on a net basis and normally do
not involve either brokerage commissions or transfer taxes. The cost of
portfolio securities transactions of the Fund primarily consists of dealer
or underwriter spreads. Under the 1940 Act, persons affiliated with the
Trust, including Merrill Lynch, are prohibited from dealing with the Trust
as a principal in the purchase and sale of securities unless such trading
is permitted by an exemptive order issued by the Commission. The Trust has
obtained an exemptive order permitting it to engage in certain principal
transactions with Merrill Lynch involving high quality short-term
municipal bonds subject to certain conditions. In addition, the Trust may
not purchase securities, including Municipal Bonds, for the Fund during
the existence of any underwriting syndicate of which Merrill Lynch is a
member except pursuant to procedures approved by the Trustees of the Trust
which comply with rules adopted by the Commission. Affiliated persons of
the Trust may serve as its broker in over-the-counter transactions
conducted for the Fund on an agency basis only.
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DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Distributions
The net investment income of the Fund is declared as dividends daily
following the normal close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(currently 4:00 P.M., New York time) prior to the determination of the net
asset value on that day. The net investment income of the Fund for
dividend purposes consists of interest earned on portfolio securities,
less expenses, in each case computed since the most recent determination
of the net asset value. Expenses of the Fund, including the management
fees and the account maintenance and distribution fees, are accrued daily.
Dividends of net investment income are declared daily and reinvested
monthly in the form of additional full and fractional shares of the Fund
at net asset value as of the close of business on the "payment date"
unless the shareholder elects to receive such dividends in cash. Shares
will accrue dividends as long as they are issued and outstanding. Shares
are issued and outstanding from the settlement date of a purchase order to
the day prior to settlement date of a redemption order.
All net realized long- or short-term capital gains, if any, are
declared and distributed to the Fund's shareholders annually. Capital
gains distributions will be reinvested automatically in shares unless the
shareholder elects to receive such distributions in cash.
The per share dividends and distributions on each class of shares will
be reduced as a result of any account maintenance, distribution and
transfer agency fees applicable to that class.
See "Shareholder Services" for information as to how to elect either
dividend reinvestment or cash payments. Portions of dividends and
distributions which are taxable to shareholders as described below are
subject to income tax whether they are reinvested in shares of the Fund or
received in cash.
Taxes
The Trust will continue to qualify the Fund for the special tax
treatment afforded regulated investment companies ("RICs") under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). If it so
qualifies, in any taxable year in which it distributes at least 90% of its
taxable net income and 90% of its tax-exempt net income (see below), the
Fund (but not its shareholders) will not be subject to Federal income tax
to the extent that it distributes its net investment income and net
realized capital gains. The Trust intends to cause the Fund to distribute
substantially all of such income.
To the extent that the dividends distributed to the Fund's Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders (together, the "shareholders")
are derived from interest income exempt from Federal tax under Code
Section 103(a) and are properly designated as "exempt-interest
dividends" by the Trust, they will be excludable from a shareholder's
gross income for Federal income tax purposes. Exempt-interest dividends
are included, however, in determining the portion, if any, of a person's
social security and railroad retirement benefits subject to Federal income
taxes. The portion of such exempt-interest dividends paid from interest
received by the Fund from New Jersey Municipal Bonds and New Jersey
Municipal Obligations also will be exempt from New Jersey personal income
taxes. In order to pass through tax-exempt interest for New Jersey
personal income tax purposes, the Fund must have not less than 80% of the
aggregate principal amount of its investments invested in New Jersey
Municipal Bonds or New Jersey Municipal Obligations at the close of each
quarter of the tax year (the "80% Test"). For purposes of calculating
whether the 80% Test is satisfied, financial options, futures, forward
contracts and similar financial instruments relating to interest-bearing
obligations are excluded from the principal amount of the Fund's
investments. The Fund intends to comply with this requirement so as to
enable it
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<PAGE> 33
to pass through tax-exempt interest. In the event the Fund does not so
comply, distributions by the Fund will be taxable to shareholders for New
Jersey personal income tax purposes. Shareholders subject to income
taxation by states other than New Jersey will realize a lower after-tax
rate of return than New Jersey shareholders since the dividends
distributed by the Fund generally will not be exempt, to any significant
degree, from income taxation by such other states. The Trust will inform
shareholders annually as to the portion of the Fund's distributions which
constitutes exempt-interest dividends and the portion which is exempt from
New Jersey personal income taxes. Interest on indebtedness incurred or
continued to purchase or carry Fund shares is not deductible for Federal
income tax purposes to the extent attributable to exempt-interest
dividends and is not deductible for New Jersey personal income tax
purposes. Persons who may be "substantial users" (or "related persons"
of substantial users) of facilities financed by industrial development
bonds or private activity bonds held by the Fund should consult their tax
advisers before purchasing Fund shares.
Exempt-interest dividends paid to a corporate shareholder will be
subject to New Jersey corporation business (franchise) tax and the New
Jersey corporation income tax.
To the extent that the Fund's distributions are derived from interest
on its taxable investments or from an excess of net short-term capital
gains over net long-term capital losses ("ordinary income dividends"),
such distributions are considered ordinary income for Federal income tax
purposes. Such distributions are not eligible for the dividends received
deduction for corporations. Distributions, if any, of net long-term
capital gains from the sale of securities or from certain transactions in
futures or options ("capital gain dividends") are taxable as long-term
capital gains for Federal income tax purposes, regardless of the length of
time the shareholder has owned Fund shares. Distributions attributable to
gains from New Jersey Municipal Bonds or New Jersey Municipal Obligations
will be exempt from New Jersey personal income taxes. Under the Revenue
Reconciliation Act of 1993, all or a portion of the Fund's gain from the
sale or redemption of tax-exempt obligations purchased at a market
discount will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain. This
rule may increase the amount of ordinary income dividends received by
shareholders. Distributions in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits
will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder's shares and, after
such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains
to such holder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). Any loss
upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be
treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain
dividends received by the shareholder. In addition, such loss will be
disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received by the
shareholder. If the Fund pays a dividend in January which was declared in
the previous October, November or December to shareholders of record on a
specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated
for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by its
shareholders on December 31 of the year in which such dividend was
declared.
The Code subjects interest received on certain otherwise tax-exempt
securities to an alternative minimum tax. The alternative minimum tax
applies to interest received on "private activity bonds" issued after
August 7, 1986. Private activity bonds are bonds which, although
tax-exempt, are used for purposes other than those generally performed by
governmental units and which benefit non-governmental entities (e.g.,
bonds used for industrial development or housing purposes). Income
received on such bonds is classified as an item of "tax preference",
which could subject investors in such bonds, including shareholders of the
Fund, to an alternative minimum tax. The Fund will purchase such "private
activity bonds", and the Trust will report to shareholders within 60 days
after the Fund's taxable year-end the portion of the Fund's dividends
declared during the year which constitutes an item of tax preference for
alternative minimum tax purposes. The Code further provides that
corporations are subject to an alternative minimum tax based, in part, on
certain differences between taxable income as adjusted for other tax
preferences and the corporation's "adjusted current earnings" (which
more
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<PAGE> 34
closely reflect a corporation's economic income). Because an
exempt-interest dividend paid by the Fund will be included in adjusted
current earnings, a corporate shareholder may be required to pay
alternative minimum tax on exempt-interest dividends paid by the Fund.
The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 has added new marginal tax
brackets of 36% and 39.6% for individuals and has created a graduated
structure of 26% and 28% for the alternative minimum tax applicable to
individual taxpayers. These rate increases may affect an individual
investor's after-tax return from an investment in the Fund as compared
with such investor's return from taxable investments.
No gain or loss will be recognized by Class B shareholders on the
conversion of their Class B shares into Class D shares. A shareholder's
basis in the Class D shares acquired will be the same as such
shareholder's basis in the Class B shares converted, and the holding
period of the acquired Class D shares will include the holding period for
the converted Class B shares.
If a shareholder exercises an exchange privilege within 90 days of
acquiring the shares, then the loss the shareholder can recognize on the
exchange will be reduced (or the gain increased) to the extent the sales
charge paid to the Fund reduces any sales charge such shareholder would
have owed upon purchase of the new shares in the absence of the exchange
privilege. Instead, such charge will be treated as an amount paid for the
new shares.
A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be
disallowed if other Fund shares are acquired (whether through the
automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares
are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be
adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Under certain provisions of the Code, some shareholders may be subject
to a 31% withholding tax on certain ordinary income dividends and on
capital gain dividends and redemption payments ("backup withholding").
Generally, shareholders subject to backup withholding will be those for
whom no certified taxpayer identification number is on file with the Trust
or who, to the Trust's knowledge, have furnished an incorrect number. When
establishing an account, an investor must certify under penalty of perjury
that such number is correct and that such investor is not otherwise
subject to backup withholding.
The Code provides that every person required to file a tax return must
include for information purposes on such return the amount of
exempt-interest dividends received from all sources (including the Fund),
during the taxable year.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations and New Jersey income tax
laws. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the
pertinent Code sections, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and
New Jersey income tax laws. The Code and the Treasury regulations, as well
as the New Jersey tax laws, are subject to change by legislative or
administrative action either prospectively or retroactively.
Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the
availability of any exemptions from state and local taxes (other than
those imposed by New Jersey) and with specific questions as to Federal,
foreign, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time the Fund may include its average annual total
return, yield and tax equivalent yield for various specified time periods
in advertisements or information furnished to present or prospective
shareholders.
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<PAGE> 35
Average annual total return, yield and tax equivalent yield are computed
separately for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares in accordance
with formulas specified by the Commission.
Average annual total return quotations for the specified periods will
be computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return
(based on net investment income and any realized and unrealized capital
gains or losses on portfolio investments over such periods) that would
equate the initial amount invested to the redeemable value of such
investment at the end of each period. Average annual total return will be
computed assuming all dividends and distributions are reinvested and
taking into account all applicable recurring and nonrecurring expenses,
including any CDSC that would be applicable to a complete redemption of
the investment at the end of the specified period such as in the case of
Class B and Class C shares and the maximum sales charge in the case of
Class A and Class D shares. Dividends paid by the Fund with respect to all
shares, to the extent any dividends are paid, will be calculated in the
same manner at the same time on the same day and will be in the same
amount, except that account maintenance fees and distribution charges and
any incremental transfer agency costs relating to each class of shares
will be borne exclusively by that class. The Fund will include performance
data for all classes of shares of the Fund in any advertisement or
information including performance data of the Fund.
The Fund also may quote total return and aggregate total return
performance data for various specified time periods. Such data will be
calculated substantially as described above, except that (1) the rates of
return calculated will not be average annual rates, but rather, actual
annual, annualized or aggregate rates of return and (2) the maximum
applicable sales charges will not be included with respect to annual or
annualized rates of return calculations. Aside from the impact on the
performance data calculations of including or excluding the maximum
applicable sales charges, actual annual or annualized total return data
generally will be lower than average annual total return data since the
average annual rates of return reflect compounding; aggregate total return
data generally will be higher than average annual total return data since
the aggregate rates of return reflect compounding over a longer period of
time. In advertisements distributed to investors whose purchases are
subject to waiver of the CDSC in the case of Class B shares or reduced
sales charges in the case of Class A and Class D shares, the
performance data may take into account the reduced, and not the maximum,
sales charge or may not take into account the CDSC and therefore may
reflect greater total return since, due to the reduced sales charges or
waiver of the CDSC, a lower amount of expenses is deducted. See "Purchase
of Shares". The Fund's total return may be expressed either as a
percentage or as a dollar amount in order to illustrate such total return
on a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Fund at the beginning of each
specified period.
Yield quotations will be computed based on a 30-day period by dividing
(a) the net income based on the yield of each security earned during the
period by (b) the average daily number of shares outstanding during the
period that were entitled to receive dividends multiplied by the maximum
offering price per share on the last day of the period. Tax equivalent
yield quotations will be computed by dividing (a) the part of the Fund's
yield that is tax-exempt by (b) one minus a stated tax rate and (c) adding
the result to that part, if any, of the Fund's yield that is not
tax-exempt. The yield for the 30-day period ended July 31, 1994 was 5.03%
for Class A shares and 4.74% for Class B shares, and the tax-equivalent
yield for the same period (based on a Federal income tax rate of 28%) was
6.99% for Class A shares and 6.58% for Class B shares. The yield without
voluntary reimbursement for the 30-day period would have been 5.03% for
Class A shares and 4.74% for Class B shares with a tax equivalent yield of
6.99% for Class A shares and 6.58% for Class B shares. Yield quotations
are not provided for Class C and Class D shares as Class C and Class D
shares had not been publicly issued prior to the date of this Prospectus.
35
<PAGE> 36
Total return and yield figures are based on the Fund's historical
performance and are not intended to indicate future performance. The
Fund's total return and yield will vary depending on market conditions,
the securities comprising the Fund's portfolio, the Fund's operating
expenses and the amount of realized and unrealized net capital gains or
losses during the period. The value of an investment in the Fund will
fluctuate and an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or
less than their original cost.
On occasion, the Fund may compare its performance to performance data
published by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar Publications,
Inc. ("Morningstar"), and CDA Investment Technology, Inc. or to data
contained in publications such as Money Magazine, U.S. News & World
Report, Business Week, Forbes Magazine and Fortune Magazine. From time to
time, the Fund may include the Fund's Morningstar risk-adjusted
performance ratings in advertisements or supplemental sales literature. As
with other performance data, performance comparisons should not be
considered representative of the Fund's relative performance for any
future period.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Determination of Net Asset Value
The net asset value of the shares of all classes of the Fund is
determined by the Manager once daily as of 4:15 P.M., New York time, on
each day during which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. The
net asset value per share is computed by dividing the sum of the value of
the securities held by the Fund plus any cash or other assets minus all
liabilities by the total number of shares outstanding at such time,
rounded to the nearest cent. Expenses, including the fees payable to the
Manager and the Distributor, are accrued daily.
The per share net asset value of Class A shares generally will be
higher than the per share net asset value of shares of the other classes,
reflecting the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance,
distribution and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to
Class B and Class C shares and the daily expense accruals of the account
maintenance fees applicable with respect to Class D shares; moreover, the
per share net asset value of Class D shares generally will be higher than
the per share net asset value of Class B and Class C shares, reflecting
the daily expense accruals of the distribution and higher transfer agency
fees applicable with respect to Class B and Class C shares. It is
expected, however, that the per share net asset value of the classes will
tend to converge immediately after the payment of dividends or
distributions which will differ by approximately the amount of the expense
accrual differentials between the classes.
Organization of the Trust
The Trust is an unincorporated business trust organized on August 2,
1985 under the laws of Massachusetts. On October 1, 1987, the Trust
changed its name from "Merrill Lynch Multi-State Tax-Exempt Series
Trust" to "Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Bond Series Trust" and
on December 22, 1987 the Trust changed its name to "Merrill Lynch
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust." The Trust is an open-end management
investment company comprised of separate series ("Series"), each of
which is a separate portfolio offering shares to selected groups of
purchasers. Each of the Series is to be managed independently in order to
provide to shareholders who are residents of the state to which such
Series relates as high a level of income exempt from Federal, state and
local income taxes as is consistent with prudent investment management.
The Trustees are authorized to create an unlimited number of Series and,
with respect to each Series, to issue an unlimited number of full and
fractional shares of beneficial interest of $.10 par value of different
classes. Shareholder
36
<PAGE> 37
approval is not required for the authorization of additional Series or
classes of a Series of the Trust. At the date of this Prospectus, the
shares of the Fund are divided into Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D
shares. Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares represent interests
in the same assets of the Fund and are identical in all respects except
that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear certain expenses related to
the account maintenance associated with such shares, and Class B and Class
C shares bear certain expenses related to the distribution of such shares.
Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to
account maintenance and distribution expenditures as applicable. See
"Purchase of Shares". The Trust has received an order (the "Order")
from the Commission permitting the issuance and sale of multiple classes
of shares. The Trustees of the Trust may classify and reclassify the
shares of the Trust into additional classes at a future date.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share and to
fractional votes for fractional shares held in the election of Trustees
(to the extent hereinafter provided) and on other matters submitted to the
vote of shareholders. There normally will be no meeting of shareholders
for the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less
than a majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by
shareholders, at which time the Trustees then in office will call a
shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees. Shareholders may, in
accordance with the terms of the Declaration of Trust, cause a meeting of
shareholders to be held for the purpose of voting on the removal of
Trustees. Also, the Trust will be required to call a special meeting of
shareholders of a Series in accordance with the requirements of the 1940
Act to seek approval of new management and advisory arrangements, of a
material increase in distribution fees or of a change in the fundamental
policies, objectives or restrictions of a Series. Except as set forth
above, the Trustees shall continue to hold office and appoint successor
Trustees. Each issued and outstanding share is entitled to participate
equally in dividends and distributions declared by the respective Series
and in net assets of such Series upon liquidation or dissolution remaining
after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities except that, as noted above,
Class B, Class C, and Class D shares bear certain additional expenses. The
obligations and liabilities of a particular Series are restricted to the
assets of that Series and do not extend to the assets of the Trust
generally. The shares of each Series, when issued, will be fully-paid and
non-assessable by the Trust.
Shareholder Reports
Only one copy of each shareholder report and certain shareholder
communications will be mailed to each identified shareholder regardless of
the number of accounts such shareholder has. If a shareholder wishes to
receive copies of each report and communication for all of the
shareholder's related accounts the shareholder should notify in writing:
Financial Data Services, Inc.
Attn: TAMFO
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, FL 32232-5289
The written notification should include the shareholder's name, address,
tax identification number and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated and/or mutual fund account numbers. If you have any questions
regarding this please call your Merrill Lynch financial consultant or
Financial Data Services, Inc. at 800-637-3863.
37
<PAGE> 38
Shareholder Inquiries
Shareholder inquiries may be addressed to the Trust at the address or
telephone number set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
----------
The Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust, dated August 2, 1985,
a copy of which together with all amendments thereto (the
"Declaration"), is on file in the office of the Secretary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provides that the name "Merrill Lynch
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust" refers to the Trustees under the
Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or
personally; and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of the
Trust shall be held to any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to
their private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim of
the Trust but the "Trust Property" only shall be liable.
38
<PAGE> 39
MERRILL LYNCH NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND-AUTHORIZATION FORM
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
1. Share Purchase Application
I, being of legal age, wish to purchase: (choose one)
/ / Class A shares / / Class B shares / / Class C shares / / Class D shares
of Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund and establish an
Investment Account as described in the Prospectus. In the event that I am
not eligible to purchase Class A shares, I understand that Class D shares
will be purchased.
Basis for establishing an Investment Account:
A. I enclose a check for $............ payable to Financial Data
Services, Inc. as an initial investment (minimum $1,000). I understand
that this purchase will be executed at the applicable offering price
next to be determined after this Application is received by you.
B. I already own shares of the following Merrill Lynch mutual funds
that would qualify for the right of accumulation as outlined in the
Statement of Additional Information: (Please list all funds. Use a
separate sheet of paper if necessary.)
1. ............................... 4. .................................
2. ............................... 5. .................................
3. ............................... 6. .................................
Name......................................................................
First Name Initial Last Name
Name of Co-Owner (if any).................................................
First Name Initial Last Name
Address......................................... Date.......................
................................................
(Zip Code)
Occupation Name and Address of Employer
.................................. ....................................
....................................
....................................
.................................... .....................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner (if any)
(In the case of co-owner, a joint tenancy with right of survivorship will
be presumed unless otherwise specified.)
2. Dividend and Capital Gain Distribution Options
Ordinary Income Dividends Long-term Capital Gains
Select One: Select One:
/ / Reinvest / / Reinvest
/ / Cash / / Cash
If no election is made, dividends and
capital gains will be automatically
reinvested at net asset value without
a sales charge.
If cash, specify how you would like
your distributions paid to you:
/ / Check or / / Direct Deposit to
bank account
If direct deposit to bank account is selected, please complete below:
I hereby authorize payment of dividend and capital gain distributions by
direct deposit to my bank account and, if necessary, debit entries and
adjustments for any credit entries made to my account in accordance with
the terms I have selected in the Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond
Fund Authorization Form.
Specify type of account (check one) / / checking / / savings
Name on your account......................................................
Bank Name.................................................................
Bank Number........................ Account Number........................
Bank address..............................................................
I agree that this authorization will remain in effect until I provide
written notification to Financial Data Services, Inc. amending or
terminating this service.
Signature of Depositor....................................................
Signature of Depositor....................... Date.......................
(if joint account, both must sign)
Note: If direct deposit to bank account is selected, your blank, unsigned
check marked "VOID" or a deposit slip from your savings account should
accompany this application.
A-1
<PAGE> 40
3. Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number
-------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number
Under penalty of perjury, I certify (1) that the number set forth above is
my correct Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number and
(2) that I am not subject to backup withholding (as discussed in the
Prospectus under "Distributions and Taxes-Taxes") either because I have
not been notified that I am subject thereto as a result of a failure to
report all interest or dividends, or the Internal Revenue Service
("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 if you have not received a notice from the IRS that
backup withholding has been terminated. The undersigned authorizes the
furnishing of this certification to other Merrill Lynch sponsored mutual
funds.
Signature of Owner ........... Signature of Co-Owner (if any)...........
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
4. Letter of Intention-Class A and D shares only (See terms and conditions
in the Statement of Additional Information)
Dear Sir/Madam: ..............................., 19....
Date of initial purchase
Although I am not obligated to do so, I intend to purchase shares of
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund or any other investment
company with an initial sales charge or deferred sales charge for which
the Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. acts as distributor over the
next 13 month period which will equal or exceed:
/ / $25,000 / / $50,000 / / $100,000 / / $250,000 / / $1,000,000
Each purchase will be made at the then reduced offering price
applicable to the amount checked above, as described in the Merrill Lynch
New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund Prospectus.
I agree to the terms and conditions of the Letter of Intention. I
hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor,
Inc., my attorney, with full power of substitution, to surrender for
redemption any or all shares of Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond
Fund held as security.
By.................................. ......................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner
(If registered in joint names, both
must sign)
In making purchases under this letter, the following are the related
accounts on which reduced offering prices are to apply:
(1) Name........................... (2) Name...........................
Account Number..................... Account Number.....................
5. For Dealer Only
Branch Office, Address, Stamp
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
This form, when completed, should be
mailed to:
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal
Bond Fund
c/o Financial Data Services, Inc.
Transfer Agency Mutual Fund
Operations
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, FL 32232-5289
We hereby authorize Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. to act as our
agent in connection with transactions under this authorization form and
agree to notify the Distributor of any purchases made under a Letter of
Intention or Systematic Withdrawal Plan. We guarantee the shareholder's
sgnature.
..........................................................................
Dealer Name and Address
By........................................................................
Authorized Signature of Dealer
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------
Branch-Code F/C No.
----------------------------
Dealer's Customer Account No.
-------------
F/C Last Name
A-2
<PAGE> 41
MERRILL LYNCH NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND - AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART 2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: This form is required to apply for the Systematic Withdrawal or
Automatic Investment Plans only.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Account Registration
Name of Owner ...................... Social Security Number ...............
Name of Co-Owner (if any) .......... or Taxpayer Identification Number
Address ............................ Account Number .......................
............................ (if existing account)
2. Systematic Withdrawal Plan-Class A and D Shares Only (See terms and
conditions in the Statement of Additional Information)
Minimum Requirements: $10,000 for monthly disbursements, $5,000 for
quarterly, of / / Class A or / / Class D shares in Merrill Lynch New
Jersey Municipal Bond Fund at cost or current offering price. Withdrawals
to be made either (check one) / / Monthly on the 24th day of each month,
or / / Quarterly on the 24th day of March, June, September and December.
If the 24th falls on a weekend or holiday, the next succeeding business
day will be utilized. Begin systematic withdrawal on ----------or as soon
as possible thereafter.
(month)
Specify how you would like your withdrawal paid to you (check one): / /
$---------- or / /----------% of the current value of / / Class A or / /
Class / / shares in the account.
Specify withdrawal method: / / check or / / direct deposit to bank account
(check one and complete part (a) or (b) below):
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Draw checks payable (check one)
(a) I hereby authorize payment by
check
/ / as indicated in Item 1.
/ / to the order of..................
Mail to (check one)
/ / the address indicated in item 1.
/ / Name (please print)..............
Address...............................
Signature of Owner....................Date..................................
Signature of Co-Owner (if any)........
(b) I hereby authorize payment by direct deposit to bank account and, if
necessary, debit entries and adjustments for any credit entries made to my
account. I agreee that this authorization will remain in effect until I
provide written notification to Financial Data Services, Inc. amending or
terminating this service.
Specify type of account (check one) / / checking / / savings
Name on your account .......................................................
Bank Name...................................................................
Bank Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Account
Number. . . . . . . . . .
Bank Address................................................................
............................................................................
Signature of Depositor......................................................
Signature of Depositor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Date . . . . . .
. . .
(if joint account, both must sign)
Note: If direct deposit is elected, your blank, unsigned check marked
"VOID" or a deposit slip from your savings account should accompany this
application.
A-3
<PAGE> 42
3. Application for Automatic Investment Plan
I hereby request that Financial Data Services, Inc. draw an automated
clearing house ("ACH") debit on my checking account as described below
each month to purchase:
(choose one) / / Class A shares / / Class B shares / / Class C shares / /
Class D shares
of Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund subject to the terms set
forth below. In the event that I am not eligible to purchase Class A
shares, I understand that Class D shares will be purchased.
----------
FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
You are hereby authorized to draw an ACH debit each month on my bank account
for investment in Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund as indicated
below:
Amount of each ACH debit $.................................................
Account number.............................................................
Please date and invest ACH debits on the 20th
of each month beginning .....................
(Month)
or as soon thereafter as possible.
I agree that you are drawing these ACH debits voluntarily at my request and
that you shall not be liable for any loss arising from any delay in
preparing or failure to prepare any such debit. If I change banks or desire
to terminate or suspend this program, I agree to notify you promptly in
writing. I hereby authorize you to take any action to correct erroneous ACH
debits of my bank account or purchases of fund shares including liquidating
shares of the Fund and crediting my bank account. I further agree that if a
check or debit is not honored upon presentation, Financial Data Services,
Inc. is authorized to discontinue immediately the Automatic Investment Plan
and to liquidate sufficient shares held in my account to offset the purchase
made with the dishonored debit.
............ ........................
Date Signature of Depositor
........................
Signature of Depositor
(If joint account, both
must sign)
AUTHORIZATION TO HONOR ACH DEBITS
DRAWN BY FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
To......................................................................Bank
(Investor's Bank)
Bank Address ...............................................................
City................... State................... Zip Code...................
As a convenience to me, I hereby request and authorize you to pay and charge
to my account ACH debits drawn on my account by and payable to Financial
Data Services, Inc. I agree that your rights in respect to each such debit
shall be the same as if it were a check drawn on you and signed personally
by me. This authority is to remain in effect until revoked personally by me
in writing. Until you receive such notice, you shall be fully protected in
honoring any such debit. I further agree that if any such debit be
dishonored, whether with or without cause and whether intentionally or
inadvertently, you shall be under no liability.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Date Signature of Depositor
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bank Account Number Signature of Depositor
(If joint account, both must sign)
Note: If Automatic Investment Plan is elected, your blank, unsigned check
marked "VOID" should accompany this Application.
A-4
<PAGE> 43
Manager
Fund Asset Management
Administrative Offices:
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
Distributor
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.
Administrative Offices:
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
P.O. Box 351
Boston, Massachusette 02101
Transfer Agent
Financial Data Services, Inc.
Administrative Offices:
Transfer Agency Mutual Fund Operations
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289
Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP
117 Campus Drive
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Counsel
Brown & Wood
One World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0557
<PAGE> 44
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
====================================================== ======================================================
No person has been authorized to give Prospectus
any information or to make any
representations, other than those contained
in this Prospectus, in connection with the
offer contained in this Prospectus, and, if
given or made, such other information or
representation must not be relied upon as
having been authorized by the Trust, the (Paste-up art)
Manager or the Distributor. This Prospectus
does not constitute an offering in any state
in which such offering may not lawfully be
made.
----------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
<S> <C> <C>
Fee Table................................... 2
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System ..... 4
Financial Highlights........................ 8 MERRILL LYNCH
Investment Objective and Policies........... 9 NEW JERSEY
Potential Benefits........................ 11 MUNICIPAL BOND
Special and Risk Considerations Relating FUND
to MERRILL LYNCH MULTI-STATE
New Jersey Municipal Bonds and New MUNICIPAL SERIES TRUST
Jersey
Municipal Obligations................... 11
Description of Municipal Bonds ........... 12
When-Issued Securities and Delayed
Delivery
Transactions............................ 14
Call Rights............................... 14
Financial Futures Transactions and Options 14
Repurchase Agreements .................... 16
Investment Restrictions................... 17
Management of the Trust..................... 18
Trustees ................................. 18
Management and Advisory Arrangements...... 19 October 21, 1994
Transfer Agency Services.................. 19
Purchase of Shares.......................... 20 Distributor:
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives- Merrill Lynch
Class A and Class D Shares .............. 22 Funds Distributor, Inc.
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives-
Class B and Class C Shares .............. 23 This prospectus should be
Distribution Plans......................... 26 retained for future reference.
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred
Sales Charges............................. 27
Redemption of Shares ....................... 27
Redemption ............................... 28
Repurchase................................ 28
Reinstatement Privilege-Class A and Class
D Shares ............................... 29
Shareholder Services........................ 29
Portfolio Transactions...................... 31
Distributions and Taxes..................... 32
Distributions............................. 32
Taxes..................................... 32
Performance Data............................ 34
Additional Information ..................... 36
Determination of Net Asset Value ......... 36
Organization of the Trust................. 36
Shareholder Reports....................... 37
Shareholder Inquiries..................... 38
Authorization Form.......................... A-1
Code #11104-1094
====================================================== ======================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 45
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MERRILL LYNCH NEW JERSEY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
MERRILL LYNCH MULTI-STATE MUNICIPAL SERIES TRUST
P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011 * PHONE NO. (609) 282-2800
----------
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is a series of
Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust.
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with as high
a level of income exempt from Federal and New Jersey income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment management. The Fund invests primarily in
a portfolio of long-term investment grade obligations the interest on which
is exempt from Federal and New Jersey income taxes in the opinion of bond
counsel to the issuer ("New Jersey Municipal Bonds"). There can be no
assurance that the investment objective of the Fund will be realized.
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System, the Fund offers
four classes of shares, each with a different combination of sales
charges, ongoing fees and other features. The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing
System permits an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that
the investor believes is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase,
the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares and other
relevant circumstances.
----------
This Statement of Additional Information of the Fund is not a
prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus of the
Fund, dated October 21, 1994 (the "Prospectus"), which has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and can be obtained, without
charge, by calling or by writing the Fund at the above telephone number or
address. This Statement of Additional Information has been incorporated by
reference into the Prospectus.
----------
FUND ASSET MANAGEMENT - MANAGER
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. - DISTRIBUTOR
----------
The date of this Statement of Additional Information is October 21, 1994.
<PAGE> 46
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with
as high a level of income exempt from Federal and New Jersey income taxes
as is consistent with prudent investment management. The Fund seeks to
achieve its objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of long-term
obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of New Jersey, its
political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities and obligations of
other qualifying issuers, such as issuers located in Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands and Guam, which pay interest exempt, in the opinion of bond
counsel to the issuer, from Federal and New Jersey income taxes.
Obligations exempt from Federal income taxes are referred to herein as
"Municipal Bonds" and obligations exempt from both Federal and New
Jersey income taxes are referred to as "New Jersey Municipal Bonds".
Unless otherwise indicated, references to Municipal Bonds shall be deemed
to include New Jersey Municipal Bonds. The Fund anticipates that at all
times, except during temporary defensive periods, it will maintain at
least 65% of its total assets invested in New Jersey Municipal Bonds. The
Fund will, however, maintain at least 80% of its total assets in New
Jersey Municipal Bonds and in other obligations, described below, which
are exempt from Federal and New Jersey income taxes ("New Jersey
Municipal Obligations"). Reference is made to "Investment Objective and
Policies" in the Prospectus for a discussion of the investment objective
and policies of the Fund.
Municipal Bonds may include general obligation bonds of the State and
its political subdivisions, revenue bonds of utility systems, highways,
bridges, port and airport facilities, colleges, hospitals, housing
facilities, etc., and industrial development bonds or private activity
bonds. The interest on such obligations may bear a fixed rate or be
payable at a variable or floating rate. The Municipal Bonds purchased by
the Fund will be what are commonly referred to as "investment grade"
securities, which are obligations rated at the time of purchase within the
four highest quality ratings as determined by either Moody's Investors
Service ("Moody's") (currently Aaa, Aa, A and Baa), Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("Standard & Poor's") (currently AAA, AA, A and BBB), or
Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") (currently AAA, AA, A and BBB).
If unrated, such securities must possess creditworthiness comparable, in
the opinion of the manager of the Fund, Fund Asset Management, L.P. (the
"Manager"), to other obligations in which the Fund may invest.
The Fund ordinarily does not intend to realize investment income not
exempt from Federal and New Jersey income taxes. However, to the extent
that suitable New Jersey Municipal Bonds are not available for investment
by the Fund, the Fund may purchase Municipal Bonds issued by other states,
their agencies and instrumentalities, the interest income on which is
exempt, in the opinion of bond counsel, from Federal, but not New Jersey
taxation. The Fund also may invest in securities not issued by or on
behalf of a state or territory or by an agency or instrumentality thereof,
if the Fund nevertheless believes such securities to be exempt from
Federal income taxation ("Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities").
Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities could include trust certificates or
other instruments evidencing interests in one or more long-term municipal
securities. Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities also may include
securities issued by other investment companies that invest in municipal
bonds, to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act") and New Jersey law. Such investments in other
investment companies presently are not permitted under New Jersey law.
Except when acceptable securities are unavailable as determined by the
Manager, the Fund, under normal circumstances, will invest at least 80% of
its total assets in New Jersey Municipal Bonds and New Jersey Municipal
Obligations. Variable rate demand obligations, and participations therein,
and short-term tax-exempt municipal obligations that are exempt from
Federal and New Jersey income tax are herein referred to as "New Jersey
Municipal Obligations". For temporary periods or to provide liquidity,
the Fund has the authority to
2
<PAGE> 47
invest as much as 35% of its assets in tax-exempt or taxable money market
obligations with a maturity of one year or less (such short-term
obligations, including New Jersey Municipal Obligations, being referred to
herein as "Temporary Investments"), except that taxable Temporary
Investments, together with such other investments as are not exempt from
New Jersey taxation, shall not exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets. The
Fund at all times will have at least 80% of its net assets invested in
securities exempt from Federal taxation. However, interest received on
certain otherwise tax-exempt securities which are classified as "private
activity bonds" (in general, bonds that benefit non-governmental
entities) may be subject to an alternative minimum tax. The Fund may
purchase such private activity bonds. See "Distributions and Taxes". In
addition, the Fund reserves the right to invest temporarily a greater
portion of its assets in Temporary Investments for defensive purposes,
when, in the judgment of the Manager, market conditions warrant. The
investment objective of the Fund and the policies set forth in this
paragraph are fundamental policies of the Fund which may not be changed
without a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The
Fund's hedging strategies are not fundamental policies and may be modified
by the Trustees of the Trust without the approval of the Fund's
shareholders.
Municipal Bonds may at times be purchased or sold on a delayed
delivery basis or a when-issued basis. These transactions arise when
securities are purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery
taking place in the future, often a month or more after the purchase. The
payment obligation and the interest rate are each fixed at the time the
buyer enters into the commitment. The Fund will make only commitments to
purchase such securities with the intention of actually acquiring the
securities, but the Fund may sell these securities prior to the settlement
date if it is deemed advisable. Purchasing Municipal Bonds on a
when-issued basis involves the risk that the yields available in the
market when the delivery takes place may actually be higher than those
obtained in the transaction itself; if yields so increase, the value of
the when-issued obligation generally will decrease. The Fund will maintain
a separate account at its custodian bank consisting of cash, cash
equivalents or high grade, liquid Municipal Bonds or Temporary Investments
(valued on a daily basis) equal at all times to the amount of the
when-issued commitment.
The Fund may invest in Municipal Bonds the return on which is based on
a particular index of value or interest rates. For example, the Fund may
invest in Municipal Bonds that pay interest based on an index of Municipal
Bond interest rates or based on the value of gold or some other commodity.
The principal amount payable upon maturity of certain Municipal Bonds also
may be based on the value of an index. Also, the Fund may invest in
so-called "inverse floating obligations" or "residual interest bonds"
on which the interest rates typically decline as market rates increase and
increase as market rates decline. For example, to the extent the Fund
invests in these types of Municipal Bonds, the Fund's return on such
Municipal Bonds will be subject to risk with respect to the value of the
particular index. Such securities have the effect of providing a degree of
investment leverage, since they may increase or decrease in value in
response to changes, as an illustration, in market interest rates at a
rate which is a multiple (typically two) of the rate at which fixed-rate
long-term tax exempt securities increase or decrease in response to such
changes. As a result, the market values of such securities will generally
be more volatile than the market values of fixed-rate tax exempt
securities. To seek to limit the volatility of these securities, the Fund
may purchase inverse floating obligations with shorter term maturities or
which contain limitation on the extent to which the interest rate may
vary. The Manager believes that indexed and inverse floating obligations
represent a flexible portfolio management instrument for the Fund which
allows the Manager to vary the degree of investment leverage relatively
efficiently under different market conditions. Certain investments in such
obligations may be illiquid. The Fund may not invest in such illiquid
obligations if such investments, together with other illiquid investments,
would exceed 10% of the Fund's net assets.
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The Fund may purchase a Municipal Bond issuer's right to call all or a
portion of such Municipal Bond for mandatory tender for purchase (a "Call
Right"). A holder of a Call Right may exercise such right to require a
mandatory tender for the purchase of related Municipal Bonds, subject to
certain conditions. A Call Right that is not exercised prior to the
maturity of the related Municipal Bond will expire without value. The
economic effect to holding both the Call Right and the related Municipal
Bond is identical to holding a Municipal Bond as a non-callable security.
Certain investments in such obligations may be illiquid. The Fund may not
invest in such illiquid obligations if such investments, together with
other illiquid investments, would exceed 10% of the Fund's net assets.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in Municipal Bonds
which are rated below Baa by Moody's or below BBB by Standard & Poor's or
Fitch or which, in the Manager's judgment, possess similar credit
characteristics ("high yield securities"). See Appendix II-"Ratings of
Municipal Bonds" for additional information regarding ratings of debt
securities. The Manager considers the ratings assigned by Standard &
Poor's, Moody's or Fitch as one of several factors in its independent
credit analysis of issuers.
High yield securities are considered by Standard & Poor's, Moody's and
Fitch to have varying degrees of speculative characteristics.
Consequently, although high yield securities can be expected to provide
higher yields, such securities may be subject to greater market price
fluctuations and risk of loss of principal than lower yielding, higher
rated debt securities. Investments in high yield securities will be made
only when, in the judgment of the Manager, such securities provide
attractive total return potential relative to the risk of such securities,
as compared to higher quality debt securities. The Fund will not invest in
debt securities in the lowest rating categories (those rated CC or lower
by Standard & Poor's or Fitch or Ca or lower by Moody's) unless the
Manager believes that the financial condition of the issuer or the
protection afforded the particular securities is stronger than would
otherwise be indicated by such low ratings. The Fund does not intend to
purchase debt securities that are in default or which the Manager believes
will be in default.
Issuers of high yield securities may be highly leveraged and may not
have available to them more traditional methods of financing. Therefore,
the risks associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers
generally are greater than is the case with higher rated securities. For
example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising
interest rates, issuers of high yield securities may be more likely to
experience financial stress, especially if such issuers are highly
leveraged. During periods of economic recession, such issuers may not have
sufficient revenues to meet their interest payment obligations. The
issuer's ability to service its debt obligations also may be adversely
affected by specific issuer developments, or the issuer's inability to
meet specific projected business forecasts, or the unavailability of
additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer is
significantly greater for the holders of high yield securities because
such securities may be unsecured and may be subordinated to other
creditors of the issuer.
High yield securities frequently have call or redemption features that
would permit an issuer to repurchase the security from the Fund. If a call
were exercised by the issuer during a period of declining interest rates,
the Fund likely would have to replace such called security with a lower
yielding security, thus decreasing the net investment income to the Fund
and dividends to shareholders.
The Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain high yield
securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities.
Because not all dealers maintain markets in all high yield securities,
there is no established secondary market for many of these securities, and
the Fund anticipates that such securities could be sold only to a limited
number of dealers or institutional investors. To the extent that a
secondary trading market for high yield securities does exist, it
generally is not as liquid as the secondary market for higher rated
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<PAGE> 49
securities. Reduced secondary market liquidity may have an adverse impact
on market price and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular issues
when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a
specific economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of
the issuer. Reduced secondary market liquidity for certain securities also
may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market
quotations for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio. Market quotations
are generally available on many high yield securities only from a limited
number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such
dealers or prices for actual sales.
It is expected that a significant portion of the high yield securities
acquired by the Fund will be purchased upon issuance, which may involve
special risks because the securities so acquired are new issues. In such
instances the Fund may be a substantial purchaser of the issue and
therefore have the opportunity to participate in structuring the terms of
the offering. Although this may enable the Fund to seek to protect itself
against certain of such risks, the considerations discussed herein would
nevertheless remain applicable.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, which may not be based on
fundamental analysis, also may decrease the value and liquidity of high
yield securities, particularly in a thinly traded market. Factors
adversely affecting the market value of high yield securities are likely
to adversely affect the Fund's net asset value. In addition, the Fund may
incur additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek
recovery upon a default on a portfolio holding or participate in the
restructuring of the obligation.
DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL BONDS AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
Set forth below is a description of the Municipal Bonds and Temporary
Investments (including New Jersey Municipal Obligations) in which the Fund
may invest. Information with respect to ratings assigned to tax-exempt
obligations which the Fund may purchase is set forth in Appendix II to
this Statement of Additional Information.
Description of Municipal Bonds
Municipal Bonds include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for
various public purposes, including construction of a wide range of public
facilities, refunding of outstanding obligations and obtaining funds for
general operating expenses and loans to other public institutions and
facilities. In addition, certain types of industrial development bonds are
issued by or on behalf of public authorities to finance various privately
operated facilities, including pollution control facilities. Such
obligations are included within the term Municipal Bonds if the interest
paid thereon is, in the opinion of bond counsel, excluded from gross
income for Federal income tax purposes and, in the case of New Jersey
Municipal Bonds, exempt from New Jersey personal income taxes. Other types
of industrial development bonds or private activity bonds, the proceeds of
which are used for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of
privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute
Municipal Bonds, although the current Federal tax laws place substantial
limitations on the size of such issues.
The two principal classifications of Municipal Bonds are "general
obligation" and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured
by the issuer's pledge of faith, credit and taxing power for the payment
of principal and interest. Revenue bonds are payable only from the
revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in
some cases, from the proceeds of a special or limited tax or other
specific revenue source such as from the user of the facility being
financed. Industrial development bonds are in most cases revenue
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<PAGE> 50
bonds and generally do not constitute the pledge of the credit or taxing
power of the issuer of such bonds. Generally, the payment of the principal
of and interest on such industrial development bonds depends solely on the
ability of the user of the facility financed by the bonds to meet its
financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal
property so financed as security for such payment, unless a line of
credit, bond insurance or other security is furnished. The Fund also may
invest in "moral obligation" bonds, which are normally issued by special
purpose public authorities. If an issuer of moral obligation bonds is
unable to meet its obligations, the repayment of such bonds becomes a
moral commitment but not a legal obligation of the state or municipality
in question.
Also included within the general category of Municipal Bonds are
participation certificates issued by government authorities or entities to
finance the acquisition or construction of equipment, land and/or
facilities. The certificates represent participations in a lease, an
installment purchase contract or a conditional sales contract (hereinafter
collectively called "lease obligations") relating to such equipment,
land or facilities. Although lease obligations do not constitute general
obligations of the issuer for which the issuer's unlimited taxing power is
pledged, a lease obligation is frequently backed by the issuer's covenant
to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the lease
obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain
"non-appropriation" clauses which provide that the issuer has no
obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years
unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. Although
"non-appropriation" lease obligations are secured by the leased
property, disposition of the property in the event of foreclosure might
prove difficult. These securities represent a relatively new type of
financing that has not yet developed the depth of marketability associated
with more conventional securities. Certain investments in lease
obligations may be illiquid. The Fund may not invest in illiquid lease
obligations if such investments, together with all other illiquid
investments, would exceed 10% of the Fund's net assets. The Fund may,
however, invest without regard to such limitation in lease obligations
which the Manager, pursuant to guidelines which have been adopted by the
Board of Trustees and subject to the supervision of the Board, determines
to be liquid. The Manager will deem lease obligations to be liquid if they
are publicly offered and have received an investment grade rating of Baa
or better by Moody's, or BBB or better by Standard & Poor's or Fitch.
Unrated lease obligations, or those rated below investment grade, will be
considered liquid if the obligations come to the market through an
underwritten public offering and at least two dealers are willing to give
competitive bids. In reference to the latter, the Manager must, among,
other things, also review the creditworthiness of the municipality
obligated to make payment under the lease obligation and make certain
specified determinations based on such factors as the existence of a
rating or credit enhancement such as insurance, the frequency of trades or
quotes for the obligation and the willingness of dealers to make a market
in the obligation.
Yields on Municipal Bonds are dependent on a variety of factors,
including the general condition of the money market and of the municipal
bond market, the size of a particular offering, the financial condition of
the issuer, the general conditions of the Municipal Bond market, the
maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. The ability of
the Fund to achieve its investment objective is also dependent on the
continuing ability of the issuers of the bonds in which the Fund invests
to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal when
due. There are variations in the risks involved in holding Municipal
Bonds, both within a particular classification and between
classifications, depending on numerous factors. Furthermore, the rights of
owners of Municipal Bonds and the obligations of the issuer of such
Municipal Bonds may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and
similar laws and court decisions affecting the rights of creditors
generally.
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Description of Temporary Investments
The Fund may invest in short-term tax-free and taxable securities
subject to the limitations set forth under "Investment Objective and
Policies". The tax-exempt money market securities, including New Jersey
Municipal Obligations, may include municipal notes, municipal commercial
paper, municipal bonds with a remaining maturity of less than one year,
variable rate demand notes and participations therein. Municipal notes
include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes and grant
anticipation notes. Anticipation notes are sold as interim financing in
anticipation of tax collection, bond sales, government grants or revenue
receipts. Municipal commercial paper refers to short-term unsecured
promissory notes generally issued to finance short-term credit needs. The
taxable money market securities in which the Fund may invest as Temporary
Investments consist of U.S. Government securities, U.S. Government agency
securities, domestic bank or savings institution certificates of deposit
and bankers' acceptances, short-term corporate debt securities such as
commercial paper, and repurchase agreements. These Temporary Investments
must have a stated maturity not in excess of one year from the date of
purchase.
Variable rate demand obligations ("VRDOs"), including New Jersey
Municipal Obligations, are tax-exempt obligations which contain a floating
or variable interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of
demand on the part of the holder thereof to receive payment of the unpaid
principal balance plus accrued interest upon a short notice period not to
exceed seven days. There is, however, the possibility that because of
default or insolvency the demand feature of VRDOs and Participating VRDOs,
described below, may not be honored. The interest rates are adjustable at
intervals (ranging from daily to up to one year) to some prevailing market
rate for similar investments, such adjustment formula being calculated to
maintain the market value of the VRDO at approximately the par value of
the VRDOs on the adjustment date. The adjustments typically are based upon
the prime rate of a bank or some other appropriate interest rate
adjustment index. The Fund may invest in all types of tax-exempt
instruments currently outstanding or to be issued in the future which
satisfy the short-term maturity and quality standards of the Fund.
The Fund also may invest in VRDOs in the form of participation
interests ("Participating VRDOs") in variable rate tax-exempt
obligations held by a financial institution, typically a commercial bank.
Participating VRDOs provide the Fund with a specified undivided interest
(up to 100%) of the underlying obligation and the right to demand payment
of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest on the Participating
VRDOs from the financial institution upon a specified number of days'
notice, not to exceed seven days. In addition, a Participating VRDO is
backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guaranty of the financial
institution. The Fund would have an undivided interest in the underlying
obligation and thus participate on the same basis as the financial
institution in such obligation except that the financial institution
typically retains fees out of the interest paid on the obligation for
servicing the obligation, providing the letter of credit and issuing the
repurchase commitment. The Fund has been advised by its counsel that the
Fund should be entitled to treat the income received on Participating
VRDOs as interest from tax-exempt obligations.
VRDOs that contain an unconditional right of demand to receive payment
of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest on a notice period
exceeding seven days may be deemed to be illiquid securities. A VRDO with
a demand notice exceeding seven days will therefore be subject to the
Fund's restriction on illiquid investments unless, in the judgment of the
Trustees, such VRDO is liquid. The Trustees may adopt guidelines and
delegate to the Manager the daily function of determining and monitoring
liquidity of such VRDOs. The Trustees, however, will retain sufficient
oversight and be ultimately responsible for such determination.
The Trust has established the following standards with respect to
money market securities in which the Fund invests. Commercial paper
investments at the time of purchase must be rated "A-1" through "A-3"
by
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<PAGE> 52
Standard & Poor's, "Prime-1" through "Prime-3" by Moody's, or "F-1"
through "F-3" by Fitch or, if not rated, issued by companies having an
outstanding debt issue rated at least "A" by Standard & Poor's, Fitch or
Moody's. Investments in corporate bonds and debentures (which must have
maturities at the date of purchase of one year or less) must be rated at
the time of purchase at least "A" by Standard & Poor's, Fitch or
Moody's. Notes and VRDOs at the time of purchase must be rated SP-1/A-1
through SP-2/A-3 by Standard & Poor's, MIG-1/VMIG-1 through MIG-4/VMIG-4
by Moody's or F-1 through F-3 by Fitch. Temporary Investments, if not
rated, must be of comparable quality to securities rated in the above
rating categories, in the opinion of the Manager. The Fund may not invest
in any security issued by a commercial bank or a savings institution
unless the bank or institution is organized and operating in the United
States, has total assets of at least one billion dollars and is a member
of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), except that up to
10% of total assets may be invested in certificates of deposit of small
institutions if such certificates are fully insured by the FDIC.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may invest in securities pursuant to repurchase agreements.
Repurchase agreements may be entered into only with a member bank of the
Federal Reserve System or primary dealer in U.S. Government securities or
an affiliate thereof. Under such agreements, the seller agrees, upon
entering into the contract, to repurchase the security at a mutually
agreed upon time and price, thereby determining the yield during the term
of the agreement. This results in a fixed rate of return insulated from
market fluctuations during such period. In the case of repurchase
agreements, the prices at which the trades are conducted do not reflect
accrued interest on the underlying obligations. Such agreements usually
cover short periods, such as under one week. Repurchase agreements may be
construed to be collateralized loans by the purchaser to the seller
secured by the securities transferred to the purchaser. In the case of a
repurchase agreement, the Fund will require the seller to provide
additional collateral if the market value of the securities falls below
the repurchase price at any time during the term of the repurchase
agreement. In the event of default by the seller under a repurchase
agreement construed to be a collateralized loan, the underlying securities
are not owned by the Fund but only constitute collateral for the seller's
obligation to pay the repurchase price. Therefore, the Fund may suffer
time delays and incur costs or possible losses in connection with the
disposition of the collateral. In the event of a default under such a
repurchase agreement, instead of the contractual fixed rate of return, the
rate of return to the Fund will depend on intervening fluctuations of the
market value of such security and the accrued interest on the security. In
such event, the Fund would have rights against the seller for breach of
contract with respect to any losses arising from market fluctuations
following the failure of the seller to perform. The Fund may not invest
more than 10% of its net assets in repurchase agreements maturing in more
than seven days.
In general, for Federal income tax purposes, repurchase agreements are
treated as collateralized loans secured by the securities "sold".
Therefore, amounts earned under such agreements will not be considered
tax-exempt interest. However, it is likely that income from such
arrangements also will not be considered tax-exempt interest.
Financial Futures Transactions and Options
Reference is made to the discussion concerning futures transactions
under "Investment Objective and Policies" in the Prospectus. Set forth
below is additional information concerning these transactions.
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As described in the Prospectus, the Fund may purchase and sell
exchange traded financial futures contracts ("financial futures
contracts") to hedge its portfolio of Municipal Bonds against declines in
the value of such securities and to hedge against increases in the cost of
securities the Fund intends to purchase. However, any transactions
involving financial futures or options (and puts and calls associated
therewith) will be in accordance with the Fund's investment policies and
limitations. See "Investment Objective and Policies-Investment
Restrictions" in the Prospectus. To hedge its portfolio, the Fund may
take an investment position in a futures contract which will move in the
opposite direction from the portfolio position being hedged. While the
Fund's use of hedging strategies is intended to moderate capital changes
in portfolio holdings and thereby reduce the volatility of the net asset
value of Fund shares, the Fund anticipates that its net asset value will
fluctuate. Set forth below is information concerning futures transactions.
Description of Futures Contracts. A futures contract is an agreement
between two parties to buy and sell a security, or in the case of an
index-based futures contract, to make and accept a cash settlement for a
set price on a future date. A majority of transactions in futures
contracts, however, do not result in the actual delivery of the underlying
instrument or cash settlement, but are settled through liquidation, i.e.,
by entering into an offsetting transaction. Futures contracts have been
designed by boards of trade which have been designated "contracts
markets" by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC").
The purchase or sale of a futures contract differs from the purchase
or sale of a security in that no price or premium is paid or received.
Instead, an amount of cash or securities acceptable to the broker and the
relevant contract market, which varies, but is generally about 5% of the
contract amount must be deposited with the broker. This amount is known as
"initial margin" and represents a "good faith" deposit assuring the
performance of both the purchaser and seller under the futures contract.
Subsequent payments to and from the broker, called "variation margin",
are required to be made on a daily basis as the price of the futures
contract fluctuates making the long and short positions in the futures
contract more or less valuable, a process known as "mark to the market".
At any time prior to the settlement date of the futures contract, the
position may be closed out by taking an opposite position which will
operate to terminate the position in the futures contract. A final
determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is
required to be paid to or released by the broker and the purchaser
realizes a loss or gain. In addition, a nominal commission is paid on each
completed sale transaction.
The Fund deals in financial futures contracts based on a long-term
municipal bond index developed by the Chicago Board of Trade ("CBT") and
The Bond Buyer (the "Municipal Bond Index"). The Municipal Bond Index is
comprised of 40 tax-exempt municipal revenue and general obligations
bonds. Each bond included in the Municipal Bond Index must be rated A or
higher by Moody's or Standard & Poor's and must have a remaining maturity
of 19 years or more. Twice a month new issues satisfying the eligibility
requirements are added to, and an equal number of old issues are deleted
from, the Municipal Bond Index. The value of the Municipal Bond Index is
computed daily according to a formula based on the price of each bond in
the Municipal Bond Index, as evaluated by six dealer-to-dealer brokers.
The Municipal Bond Index futures contract is traded only on the CBT.
Like other contract markets, the CBT assures performance under futures
contracts through a clearing corporation, a non-profit organization
managed by the exchange membership which also is responsible for handling
daily accounting of deposits or withdrawals of margin.
As described in the Prospectus, the Fund may purchase and sell
financial futures contracts on U.S. Government securities as a hedge
against adverse changes in interest rates as described below. With respect
to U.S. Government securities, currently there are financial futures
contracts based on long-term U.S. Treasury bonds,
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<PAGE> 54
Treasury notes, Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA")
Certificates and three-month U.S. Treasury bills. The Fund may purchase
and write call and put options on futures contracts on U.S. Government
securities in connection with its hedging strategies.
Subject to policies adopted by the Trustees, the Fund also may engage
in other futures contracts transactions such as futures contracts on other
municipal bond indices which may become available if the Manager and the
Trustees should determine that there is normally a sufficient correlation
between the prices of such futures contracts and the Municipal Bonds in
which the Fund invests to make such hedging appropriate.
Futures Strategies. The Fund may sell a financial futures contract
(i.e., assume a short position) in anticipation of a decline in the value
of its investments in Municipal Bonds resulting from an increase in
interest rates or otherwise. The risk of decline could be reduced without
employing futures as a hedge by selling such Municipal Bonds and either
reinvesting the proceeds in securities with shorter maturities or by
holding assets in cash. This strategy, however, entails increased
transaction costs in the form of dealer spreads and typically would reduce
the average yield of the Fund's portfolio securities as a result of the
shortening of maturities. The sale of futures contracts provides an
alternative means of hedging against declines in the value of its
investments in Municipal Bonds. As such values decline, the value of the
Fund's positions in the futures contracts will tend to increase, thus
offsetting all or a portion of the depreciation in the market value of the
Fund's Municipal Bond investments which are being hedged. While the Fund
will incur commission expenses in selling and closing out futures
positions, commissions on futures transactions are lower than transaction
costs incurred in the purchase and sale of Municipal Bonds. In addition,
the ability of the Fund to trade in the standardized contracts available
in the futures markets may offer a more effective defensive position than
a program to reduce the average maturity of the portfolio securities due
to the unique and varied credit and technical characteristics of the
municipal debt instruments available to the Fund. Employing futures as a
hedge also may permit the Fund to assume a defensive posture without
reducing the yield on its investments beyond any amounts required to
engage in futures trading.
When the Fund intends to purchase Municipal Bonds, the Fund may
purchase futures contracts as a hedge against any increase in the cost of
such Municipal Bonds, resulting from an increase in interest rates or
otherwise, that may occur before such purchases can be effected. Subject
to the degree of correlation between the Municipal Bonds and the futures
contracts, subsequent increases in the cost of Municipal Bonds should be
reflected in the value of the futures held by the Fund. As such purchases
are made, an equivalent amount of futures contracts will be closed out.
Due to changing market conditions and interest rate forecasts, however, a
futures position may be terminated without a corresponding purchase of
portfolio securities.
Call Options on Futures Contracts. The Fund also may purchase and sell
exchange traded call and put options on financial futures contracts on
U.S. Government securities. The purchase of a call option on a futures
contract is analogous to the purchase of a call option on an individual
security. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the
futures contract on which it is based, or on the price of the underlying
debt securities, it may or may not be less risky than ownership of the
futures contract or underlying debt securities. Like the purchase of a
futures contract, the Fund will purchase a call option on a futures
contract to hedge against a market advance when the Fund is not fully
invested.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a
partial hedge against declining prices of the securities which are
deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at
expiration is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full
amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge against any
decline that may have occurred in the Fund's portfolio holdings.
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<PAGE> 55
Put Options on Futures Contracts. The purchase of options on a futures
contract is analogous to the purchase of protective put options on
portfolio securities. The Fund will purchase put options on futures
contracts to hedge the Fund's portfolio against the risk of rising
interest rates.
The writing of a put option on a futures contract constitutes a
partial hedge against increasing prices of the securities which are
deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at
expiration is higher than the exercise price, the Fund will retain the
full amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge against
any increase in the price of Municipal Bonds which the Fund intends to
purchase.
The writer of an option on a futures contract is required to deposit
initial and variation margin pursuant to requirements similar to those
applicable to futures contracts. Premiums received from the writing of an
option will be included in initial margin. The writing of an option on a
futures contract involves risks similar to those relating to futures
contracts.
----------
The Trust has received an order from the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") exempting it from the provisions of
Section 17(f) and Section 18(f) of the 1940 Act, in connection with its
strategy of investing in futures contracts. Section 17(f) relates to the
custody of securities and other assets of an investment company and may be
deemed to prohibit certain arrangements between the Trust and commodities
brokers with respect to initial and variation margin. Section 18(f) of the
1940 Act prohibits an open-end investment company such as the Trust from
issuing a "senior security" other than a borrowing from a bank. The
staff of the Commission has in the past indicated that a futures contract
may be a "senior security" under the 1940 Act.
Restrictions on Use of Futures Transactions. Regulations of the CFTC
applicable to the Fund require that all of the Fund's futures transactions
constitute bona fide hedging transactions and that the Fund purchase and
sell futures contracts and options thereon (i) for bona fide hedging
purposes, and (ii) for non-hedging purposes, if the aggregate initial
margin and premiums required to establish positions in such contracts and
options does not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's
portfolio assets after taking into account unrealized profits and
unrealized losses on any such contracts and options. (However, the Fund
intends to engage in options and futures transactions only for hedging
purposes.) Margin deposits may consist of cash or securities acceptable to
the broker and the relevant contract market.
When the Fund purchases futures contracts or a call option with
respect thereto or writes a put option on a futures contract, an amount of
cash, cash equivalents or short-term, high-grade, fixed income securities
will be deposited in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian so
that the amount so segregated, plus the amount of initial and variation
margin held in the account of its broker, equals the market value of the
futures contract, thereby ensuring that the use of such futures is
unleveraged.
Risk Factors in Futures Transactions and Options. Investment in
futures contracts involves the risk of imperfect correlation between
movements in the price of the futures contract and the price of the
security being hedged. The hedge will not be fully effective when there is
imperfect correlation between the movements in the prices of two financial
instruments. For example, if the price of the futures contract moves more
than the price of the hedged security, the Fund will experience either a
loss or gain on the futures contract which is not completely offset by
movements in the price of the hedged securities. To compensate for
imperfect correlations, the Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts in
a greater dollar amount than the hedged securities if the
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volatility of the hedged securities is historically greater than the
volatility of the futures contracts. Conversely, the Fund may purchase or
sell fewer futures contracts if the volatility of the price of the hedged
securities is historically less than that of the futures contracts.
The particular municipal bonds comprising the index underlying the
Municipal Bond Index financial futures contract may vary from the bonds
held by the Fund. As a result, the Fund's ability to hedge effectively all
or a portion of the value of its Municipal Bonds through the use of such
financial futures contracts will depend in part on the degree to which
price movements in the index underlying the financial futures contract
correlate with the price movements of the Municipal Bonds held by the
Fund. The correlation may be affected by disparities in the average
maturity, ratings, geographical mix or structure of the Fund's investments
as compared to those comprising the Municipal Bond Index, and general
economic or political factors. In addition, the correlation between
movements in the value of the Municipal Bond Index may be subject to
change over time as additions to and deletions from the Municipal Bond
Index alter its structure. The correlation between futures contracts on
U.S. Government securities and the Municipal Bonds held by the Fund may be
adversely affected by similar factors and the risk of imperfect
correlation between movements in the prices of such futures contracts and
the prices of the Municipal Bonds held by the Fund may be greater.
The Fund expects to liquidate a majority of the futures contracts it
enters into through offsetting transactions on the applicable contract
market. There can be no assurance, however, that a liquid secondary market
will exist for any particular futures contract at any specific time. Thus,
it may not be possible to close out a futures position. In the event of
adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make
daily cash payments of variation margin. In such situations, if the Fund
has insufficient cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities to
meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be
disadvantageous to do so. The inability to close out futures positions
also could have an adverse impact on the Fund's ability to hedge
effectively its investments in Municipal Bonds. The Fund will enter into a
futures position only if, in the judgment of the Manager, there appears to
be an actively traded secondary market for such futures contracts.
The successful use of transactions in futures and related options also
depends on the ability of the Manager to forecast correctly the direction
and extent of interest rate movements within a given time frame. To the
extent interest rates remain stable during the period in which a futures
contract or option is held by the Fund or such rates move in a direction
opposite to that anticipated, the Fund may realize a loss on the hedging
transaction which is not fully or partially offset by an increase in the
value of portfolio securities. As a result, the Fund's total return for
such period may be less than if it had not engaged in the hedging
transaction.
Because of low initial margin deposits made on the opening of a
futures position, futures transactions involve substantial leverage. As a
result, relatively small movements in the price of the futures contracts
can result in substantial unrealized gains or losses. Because the Fund
will engage in the purchase and sale of futures contracts solely for
hedging purposes, however, any losses incurred in connection therewith
should, if the hedging strategy is successful, be offset in whole or in
part by increases in the value of securities held by the Fund or decreases
in the price of securities the Fund intends to acquire.
The amount of risk the Fund assumes when it purchases an option on a
futures contract is the premium paid for the option plus related
transaction costs. In addition to the correlation risks discussed above,
the purchase of an option on a futures contract also entails the risk that
changes in the value of the underlying futures contract will not be
reflected fully in the value of the option purchased.
Municipal Bond Index futures contracts have only recently been
approved for trading and therefore have little trading history. It is
possible that trading in such futures contracts will be less liquid than
that in other
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<PAGE> 57
futures contracts. The trading of futures contracts also is subject to
certain market risks, such as inadequate trading activity, which could at
times make it difficult or impossible to liquidate existing positions.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Current Investment Restrictions. In addition to the investment
restrictions set forth in the Prospectus, the Trust has adopted a number
of restrictions and policies relating to the investment of its assets and
its activities, which are fundamental policies and may not be changed
without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities (which for this purpose and under the 1940
Act means the lesser of (i) 67% of the Fund's shares present at a meeting,
at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are
represented or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares). The
Fund may not (1) purchase any securities other than securities referred to
under "Investment Objective and Policies" herein and in the Prospectus;
(2) invest more than 25% of its total assets (taken at market value at the
time of each investment) in securities of issuers in any particular
industry (other than U.S. Government securities or Government agency
securities, Municipal Bonds or New Jersey Municipal Obligations); (3)
invest more than 5% of its total assets (taken at market value at the time
of each investment) in industrial revenue bonds where the entity supplying
the revenues from which the issue is to be paid, including predecessors,
has a record of less than three years of continuous business operation;
(4) make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management;
(5) purchase securities of other investment companies, except in
connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition, or reorganization,
and provided further that the Fund may purchase of securities of
closed-end investment companies if immediately thereafter not more than
(i) 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of such company is owned by
the Fund, (ii) 5% of the Fund's total assets, taken at market value, would
be invested in any one such company, or (iii) 10% of the Fund's total
assets, taken at market value, would be invested in such securities; (6)
purchase or sell real estate (provided that such restriction shall not
apply to securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued
by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein),
commodities or commodity contracts (except that the Fund may purchase and
sell financial futures contracts), or interests or leases in oil, gas or
other mineral exploration or development programs; (7) purchase any
securities on margin, except for use of short-term credit necessary for
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities (the deposit or
payment by the Fund of initial or variation margin in connection with
financial futures contracts is not be considered the purchase of a
security on margin); (8) make short sales of securities or maintain a
short position or invest in put, call, straddle or spread options (this
restriction would not apply to options on financial futures contracts);
(9) make loans to other persons, provided that the Fund may purchase a
portion of an issue of tax-exempt securities (the acquisition of a portion
of an issue of tax-exempt securities or bonds, debentures or other debt
securities which are not publicly distributed is considered to be the
making of a loan under the 1940 Act) and provided further that investments
in repurchase agreements and purchase and sale contracts shall not be
deemed to be the making of a loan; (10) borrow amounts in excess of 20% of
its total assets, taken at market value (including the amount borrowed),
and then only from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary or
emergency purposes (Usually only "leveraged" investment companies may
borrow in excess of 5% of their assets; however, the Fund will not borrow
to increase income but only to meet redemption requests which might
otherwise require untimely disposition of portfolio securities. The Fund
will not purchase securities while borrowings are outstanding. Interest
paid on such borrowings will reduce net income); (11) mortgage, pledge,
hypothecate or in any manner transfer as security for indebtedness any
securities owned or held by the Fund except as may be necessary in
connection with borrowings mentioned in (10) above, and then such
mortgaging, pledging or hypothecating may not exceed 10% of its total
assets, taken at market value, or except as may be
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<PAGE> 58
necessary in connection with transactions in financial futures contracts;
(12) invest in securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale
or for which no readily available market exists, or in individually
negotiated loans that constitute illiquid investments and lease
obligations, or in repurchase agreements or purchase and sale contracts
maturing in more than seven days, if, regarding all such securities, more
than 10% of its net assets (taken at market value), would be invested in
such securities; and (13) act as an underwriter of securities, except to
the extent that the Fund may technically be deemed an underwriter when
engaged in the activities described in (12) above or insofar as the Fund
may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
in selling portfolio securities.
In addition, to comply with tax requirements for qualification as a
"regulated investment company", the Fund's investments will be limited
in a manner such that, at the close of each quarter of each fiscal year,
(a) no more than 25% of the Fund's total assets are invested in the
securities of a single issuer, and (b) with regard to at least 50% of the
Fund's total assets, no more than 5% of its total assets are invested in
the securities of a single issuer. (For purposes of this restriction, the
Fund will regard each state and each political subdivision, agency or
instrumentality of such state and each multi-state agency of which such
state is a member and each public authority which issues securities on
behalf of a private entity as a separate issuer, except that if the
security is backed only by the assets and revenues of a non-government
entity then the entity with the ultimate responsibility for the payment of
interest and principal may be regarded as the sole issuer.) These
tax-related limitations may be changed by the Trustees of the Trust to the
extent necessary to comply with changes to the Federal tax requirements.
Proposed Uniform Investment Restrictions. As discussed in the
Prospectus under "Investment Objectives and Policies-Investment
Restrictions", the Board of Trustees of the Fund has approved the
replacement of the Fund's existing investment restrictions with the
fundamental and non-fundamental investment restrictions set forth below.
These uniform investment restrictions have been proposed for adoption by
all of the non-money market mutual funds advised by Fund Asset Management,
L.P. (the "Manager") or its affiliate, Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
L.P. ("MLAM"). The investment objective and policies of the Fund will be
unaffected by the adoption of the proposed investment restrictions.
Shareholders of the Fund are currently considering whether to approve
the proposed revised investment restrictions. If such shareholder approval
is obtained, the Fund's current investment restrictions will be replaced
by the proposed restrictions, and the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information will be supplemented to reflect such change.
Under the proposed fundamental investment restrictions, the Fund may
not:
1. Invest more than 25% of its assets, taken at market value, in the
securities of issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S.
Government and its agencies and instrumentalities).
2. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
3. Purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the extent permitted
by applicable law, the Fund may invest in securities directly or
indirectly secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by
companies which invest in real estate or interests therein.
4. Make loans to other persons, except that the acquisition of bonds,
debentures or other corporate debt securities and investment in government
obligations, commercial paper, pass-through instruments, certificates of
deposit, bankers acceptances, repurchase agreements or any similar
instruments shall not be deemed to be the
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<PAGE> 59
making of a loan, and except further that the Fund may lend its portfolio
securities, provided that the lending of portfolio securities may be made
only in accordance with applicable law and the guidelines set forth in the
Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as they may be
amended from time to time.
5. Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate
applicable law.
6. Borrow money, except that (i) the Fund may borrow from banks (as
defined in the Investment Company Act) in amounts up to 331/3% of its
total assets (including the amount borrowed), (ii) the Fund may borrow up
to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, (iii) the
Fund may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities and (iv) the fund
may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable
law. The Fund may not pledge its assets other than to secure such
borrowings or, to the extent permitted by the Fund's investment policies
as set forth in its Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as
they may be amended from time to time, in connection with hedging
transactions, short sales, when-issued and forward commitment transactions
and similar investment strategies.
7. Underwrite securities of other issuers except insofar as the Fund
technically may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act") in selling portfolio securities.
8. Purchase or sell commodities or contracts on commodities, except to
the extent that the Fund may do so in accordance with applicable law and
the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as they may
be amended from time to time, and without registering as a commodity pool
operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
Under the proposed non-fundamental investment restrictions, the Fund
may not:
a. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to
the extent such purchases are permitted by applicable law.
b. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position,
except to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Fund currently
does not intend to engage in short sales, except short sales "against
the box".
c. Invest in securities which cannot be readily resold because of
legal or contractual restrictions or which cannot otherwise be
marketed, redeemed or put to the issuer or a third party, if at the
time of acquisition more than 15% of its total assets would be
invested in such securities. This restriction shall not apply to
securities which mature within seven days or securities which the
Board of Directors of the Fund has otherwise determined to be liquid
pursuant to applicable law. Notwithstanding the 15% limitation herein,
to the extent the laws of any state in which the Fund's shares are
registered or qualified for sale require a lower limitation, the Fund
will observe such limitation. As of the date hereof, therefore, the
Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities
which are subject to this investment restriction (c).
d. Invest in warrants if, at the time of acquisition, its
investments in warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market value,
would exceed 5% of the Fund's net assets; included within such
limitation, but not to exceed 2% of the Fund's net assets, are
warrants which are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or
American Stock Exchange or a major foreign exchange. For purposes of
this restriction, warrants acquired by the Fund in units or attached
to securities may be deemed to be without value.
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<PAGE> 60
e. Invest in securities of companies having a record, together
with predecessors, of less than three years of continuous operation,
if more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in such
securities. This restriction shall not apply to mortgage-backed
securities, asset-backed securities or obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
f. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer, if those
individual officers and trustees of the Fund, the officers and general
partner of the Manager, the directors of such general partner or the
officers and directors of any subsidiary thereof each owning
beneficially more than one-half of one percent of the securities of
such issuer own in the aggregate more than 5% of the securities of
such issuer.
g. Invest in real estate limited partnership interests or
interests in oil, gas or other mineral leases, or exploration or
development programs, except that the Fund may invest in securities
issued by companies that engage in oil, gas or other mineral
exploration or development activities.
h. Write, purchase or sell puts, calls, straddles, spreads or
combinations thereof, except to the extent permitted in the Fund's
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as they may be
amended from time to time.
i. Notwithstanding fundamental investment restriction (6) above,
borrow amounts in excess of 20% of its total assets, taken at market
value (including the amount borrowed), and then only from banks as a
temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes. In addition,
the Fund will not purchase securities while borrowings are outstanding.
----------
Because of the affiliation of Merrill Lynch with the Trust, the Trust
is prohibited from engaging in certain transactions involving Merrill
Lynch except pursuant to a permissive order or otherwise in compliance
with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder. Included among such restricted transactions are purchases from
or sales to Merrill Lynch of securities in transactions in which it acts
as principal and purchases of securities from underwriting syndicates of
which Merrill Lynch is a member.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
Trustees and Officers
The Trustees and executive officers of the Trust and their principal
occupations for at least the last five years are set forth below. Unless
otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee and executive officer is P.O.
Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011.
Arthur Zeikel-President and Trustee(1)(2)-President and Chief Investment
Officer of the Manager (which term as used herein includes the Manager's
corporate predecessors) since 1977; President of MLAM (which term as used
herein includes MLAM's corporate predecessors) since 1977 and Chief
Investment Officer thereof since 1976; President and Director of Princeton
Services, Inc. ("Princeton Services") since 1993; Executive Vice
President of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML&Co.") since 1990; Executive
Vice President of Merrill Lynch since 1990 and a Senior Vice President
thereof from 1985 to 1990; Director of Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor,
Inc. ("MLFD" or the "Distributor").
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Kenneth S. Axelson-Trustee(2)-75 Jameson Point Road, Rockland, Maine
04841. Executive Vice President and Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc.
until 1982; Director, UNUM Corporation, Protection Mutual Insurance
Company, and, until 1994, Grumman Corporation and Zurn Industries, Inc.
and, until 1992, Central Maine Power Company, and Key Trust Company of
Maine; Trustee, The Chicago Dock and Canal Trust.
Herbert I. London-Trustee(2)-New York University-Gallatin Division,
113-115 University Place, New York, New York 10003. John M. Olin Professor
of Humanities, New York University since 1993 and Professor thereof since
1973; Dean, Gallatin Division of New York University from 1978 to 1993 and
Director from 1975 to 1976; Distinguished Fellow, Herman Kahn Chair,
Hudson Institute from 1984 to 1985; Trustee, Hudson Institute since 1980;
Director, Damon Corporation since 1991; Overseer, Center for Naval
Analyses.
Robert R. Martin-Trustee(2)-513 Grand Hill, St. Paul, Minnesota 55102.
Chairman, WTC Industries, Inc. since 1994; Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, Kinnard Investments, Inc. from 1990 to 1993; Executive Vice
President, Dain Bosworth from 1974 to 1989; Director, Carnegie Capital
Management from 1977 to 1985 and Chairman thereof in 1979; Director,
Securities Industry Association from 1981 to 1982 and Public Securities
Association from 1979 to 1980; Trustee, Northland College since 1992.
Joseph L. May-Trustee(2)-424 Church Street, Suite 2000, Nashville,
Tennessee 37219. Attorney in private practice since 1984; President, May
and Athens Hosiery Mills Division, Wayne-Gossard Corporation from 1954 to
1983; Vice President, Wayne-Gossard Corporation from 1972 to 1983;
Chairman, The May Corporation (personal holding company) from 1972 to
1983; Director, Signal Apparel Co. from 1972 to 1989.
Andre F. Perold-Trustee(2)-Morgan Hall, Soldiers Field, Boston,
Massachusetts 02163. Professor, Harvard Business School and Associate
Professor from 1983 to 1989; Trustee, The Common Fund, since 1989;
Director, Quantec Limited since 1991 and Teknekron Software Systems since
1994.
Terry K. Glenn-Executive Vice President(1)(2)-Executive Vice President
of the Manager and MLAM since 1983; Executive Vice President and Director
of Princeton Services since 1993; President of MLFD since 1986 and
Director thereof since 1991.
Vincent R. Giordano-Vice President and Portfolio Manager(1)(2)-Portfolio
Manager of the Manager and MLAM since 1977 and Senior Vice President of
the Manager and MLAM since 1984; Vice President of MLAM from 1980 to 1984;
Senior Vice President of Princeton Services since 1993.
Kenneth A. Jacob-Vice President and Portfolio Manager(1)(2)-Vice
President of the Manager and MLAM since 1984.
Donald C. Burke-Vice President(1)(2)-Vice President and Director of
Taxation of MLAM since 1990; Employee of Deloitte & Touche LLP from 1982
to 1990.
Gerald M. Richard-Treasurer(1)(2)-Senior Vice President and Treasurer of
the Manager and MLAM since 1984; Senior Vice President and Treasurer of
Princeton Services since 1993; Treasurer of MLFD since 1984 and Vice
President since 1981.
Jerry Weiss-Secretary(1)(2)-Vice President of MLAM since 1990; Attorney
in private practice from 1982 to 1990.
----------
(1) Interested person, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Trust.
(2) Such Trustee or officer is a director or officer of certain other
investment companies for which the Manager or MLAM acts as investment
adviser or manager.
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<PAGE> 62
At September 30, 1994, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a
group (12 persons) owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock of ML&Co. and owned an aggregate of less than 1% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund.
The Trust pays each Trustee not affiliated with the Manager a fee of
$10,000 per year plus $1,000 per meeting attended, together with such
Trustee's actual out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at
meetings. The Trust also compensates members of its Audit Committee, which
consists of all the non-affiliated Trustees an annual fee of $2,000 plus
$500 per committee meeting attended. Fees and expenses paid to the
unaffiliated Trustees aggregated $10,091 for the year ended July 31, 1994.
Management and Advisory Arrangements
Reference is made to "Management of the Trust-Management and Advisory
Arrangements" in the Prospectus for certain information concerning the
management and advisory arrangements of the Fund.
Securities may be held by, or be appropriate investments for, the Fund
as well as other funds or investment advisory clients of the Manager or
its affiliates. Because of different objectives or other factors, a
particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more
clients are selling the same security. If purchases or sales of securities
for the Fund or other funds for which they act as manager or for their
advisory clients arise for consideration at or about the same time,
transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the
respective funds and clients in a manner deemed equitable to all. To the
extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of the Manager
or its affiliates during the same period may increase the demand for
securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there
may be an adverse effect on price.
Pursuant to a management agreement between the Trust on behalf of the
Fund and the Manager (the "Management Agreement"), the Manager receives
for its services to the Fund monthly compensation based upon the average
daily net assets of the Fund at the following annual rates: 0.55% of the
average daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; 0.525% of the average
daily net assets exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1.0 billion and
0.50% of the average daily net assets exceeding $1.0 billion. For the
period August 31, 1990, the Fund's commencement of operations, to July 31,
1991, the Fund's fiscal year end, the total advisory fees payable to the
Manager aggregated $271,242. For the year ended July 31, 1992, the total
advisory fees payable by the Fund to the Manager aggregated $715,210 of
which $244,248 was waived. For the year ended July 31, 1993, the total
advisory fees paid by the Fund to the Manager aggregated $1,015,508 of
which $17,764 was waived. For the year ended July 31, 1994, the total
advisory fees payable to the Manager aggregated $1,272,352.
The State of California imposes limitations on the expenses of the
Fund. At the date of this Statement of Additional Information, these
annual expense limitations require that the Manager reimburse the Fund in
an amount necessary to prevent the aggregate ordinary operating expenses
(excluding taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, distribution fees and
extraordinary charges such as litigation costs) from exceeding in any
fiscal year 2.5% of the Fund's first $30,000,000 of average net assets,
2.0% of the next $70,000,000 of average net assets and 1.5% of the
remaining average net assets. The Manager's obligation to reimburse the
Fund is limited to the amount of the management fee. Expenses not covered
by the limitation are interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other
items such as extraordinary legal expenses. No fee payment will be made to
the Manager during any fiscal year which will cause such expenses to
exceed expense limitations at the time of such payment. No fee
reimbursements were made during the period August 31, 1990, the Fund's
commencement of operations, to July 31, 1991, the Fund's fiscal year end,
or during the years ended July 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994 pursuant to these
operating expense limitations.
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<PAGE> 63
The Management Agreement obligates the Manager to provide investment
advisory services and to pay all compensation of and furnish office space
for officers and employees of the Trust connected with investment and
economic research, trading and investment management of the Trust, as well
as the fees of all Trustees of the Trust who are affiliated persons of the
Manager. The Fund pays all other expenses incurred in its operation and,
if other Series shall be added ("Series"), a portion of the Trust's
general administrative expenses will be allocated on the basis of the
asset size of the respective Series. Expenses that will be borne directly
by the Series include, among other things, redemption expenses, expenses
of portfolio transactions, expenses of registering the shares under
federal and state securities laws, pricing costs (including the daily
calculation of net asset value), expenses of printing shareholder reports,
prospectuses and statements of additional information (except to the
extent paid by the Distributor as described below), fees for legal and
auditing services, Commission fees, interest, certain taxes, and other
expenses attributable to a particular Series. Expenses which will be
allocated on the basis of asset size of the respective Series include fees
and expenses of unaffiliated Trustees, state franchise taxes, costs of
printing proxies and other expenses related to shareholder meetings, and
other expenses properly payable by the Trust. The organizational expenses
of the Trust were paid by the Trust, and if additional Series are added to
the Trust, the organizational expenses are allocated among the Series
(including the Fund) in a manner deemed equitable by the Trustees.
Depending upon the nature of a lawsuit, litigation costs may be assessed
to the specific Series to which the lawsuit relates or allocated on the
basis of the asset size of the respective Series. The Trustees have
determined that this is an appropriate method of allocation of expenses.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by the Manager and the Fund
reimburses the Manager for its costs in connection with such services. For
the year ended July 31, 1994, the Fund reimbursed the Manager $54,207 for
accounting services. As required by the Fund's distribution agreements,
the Distributor will pay the promotional expenses of the Fund incurred in
connection with the offering of shares of the Fund. Certain expenses in
connection with the account maintenance and distribution of Class B shares
will be financed by the Fund pursuant to the Distribution Plan in
compliance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. See "Purchase of Shares -
Distribution Plan".
The Manager is a limited partnership, the partners of which are
ML&Co., Fund Asset Management, Inc. and Princeton Services, Inc.
Duration and Termination. Unless earlier terminated as described
herein, the Management Agreement will remain in effect from year to year
if approved annually (a) by the Trustees of the Trust or by a majority of
the outstanding shares of the Fund and (b) by a majority of the Trustees
who are not parties to such contract or interested persons (as defined in
the 1940 Act) of any such party. Such contracts are not assignable and may
be terminated without penalty on 60 days' written notice at the option of
either party thereto or by vote of the shareholders of the Fund.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Reference is made to "Purchase of Shares" in the Prospectus for
certain information as to the purchase of Fund shares.
The Fund issues four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing System: shares of Class A and Class D are sold to investors
choosing the initial sales charge alternatives, and shares of Class B and
Class C are sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge
alternatives. Each Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D share of the Fund
represents identical interests in the investment portfolio of the Fund and
has the same rights, except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear
the expenses of the ongoing account maintenance fees, and
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<PAGE> 64
Class B and Class C shares bear the expenses of the ongoing distribution
fees and the additional incremental transfer agency costs resulting from
the deferred sales charge arrangements. Class B, Class C and Class D
shares each have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1
distribution plan adopted with respect to such class pursuant to which
account maintenance and/or distribution fees are paid. Each class has
different exchange privileges. See "Shareholder Services-Exchange
Privilege".
The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing System is used by more than 50 mutual
funds advised by MLAM or its affiliate, the Manager. Funds advised by MLAM
or the Manager are referred to herein as "MLAM-advised mutual funds".
The Fund has entered into four separate distribution agreements with
the Distributor in connection with the continuous offering of each class
of shares of the Fund (the "Distribution Agreements"). The Distribution
Agreements obligate the Distributor to pay certain expenses in connection
with the offering of each class of shares of the Fund. After the
prospectuses, statements of additional information and periodic reports
have been prepared, set in type and mailed to shareholders, the
Distributor pays for the printing and distribution of copies thereof used
in connection with the offering to dealers and prospective investors. The
Distributor also pays for other supplementary sales literature and
advertising costs. The Distribution Agreements are subject to the same
renewal requirements and termination provisions as the Management
Agreement described above.
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives-Class A and Class D Shares
The Fund commenced the public offering of its Class A shares on August
31, 1990. The gross sales charges for the sale of Class A shares for the
period August 31, 1990, the Fund's commencement of operations, to July 31,
1991, the Fund's fiscal year end, were $441,256, of which the Distributor
received $22,985 and Merrill Lynch received $418,271. The gross sales
charges for the sale of Class A shares for the fiscal year ended July 31,
1992 were $222,063, of which the Distributor received $19,485 and Merrill
Lynch received $202,578. The gross sales charges for the sale of Class A
shares for the year ended July 31, 1993 were $181,824, of which the
Distributor received $14,559 and Merrill Lynch received $167,265. The
gross sales charges for the sale of Class A shares for the year ended July
31, 1994 were approximately $97,367, of which the Distributor received
approximately $8,366 and Merrill Lynch received approximately $89,001.
The term "purchase", as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information in connection with an investment in Class A and
Class D shares of the Fund, refers to a single purchase by an individual,
or to concurrent purchases, which in the aggregate are at least equal to
the prescribed amounts, by an individual, his spouse and their children
under the age of 21 years purchasing shares for his or their own account
and to single purchases by a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing shares
for a single trust estate or single fiduciary account although more than
one beneficiary is involved. The term "purchase" also includes purchases
by any "company", as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, but does not
include purchases by any such company which has not been in existence for
at least six months or which has no purpose other than the purchase of
shares of the Fund or shares of other registered investment companies at a
discount; provided, however, that it shall not include purchases by any
group of individuals whose sole organizational nexus is that the
participants therein are credit cardholders of a company, policyholders of
an insurance company, customers of either a bank or broker-dealer or
clients of an investment adviser.
Closed-End Investment Option. Class A shares of the Fund and other
MLAM-advised mutual funds ("Eligible Class A shares") are offered at net
asset value to shareholders of certain closed-end funds advised by the
Manager or MLAM who purchased such closed-end fund shares prior to October
21, 1994 and wish to reinvest the net proceeds of a sale of their
closed-end fund shares of common stock in Eligible Class A or Class
20
<PAGE> 65
D shares, if the conditions set forth below are satisfied. Alternatively,
closed-end fund shareholders who purchased such shares on or after October
21, 1994 and wish to reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of their
closed-end fund shares are offered Class A shares (if eligilbe to buy
Class A shares) or Class D shares of the Fund and other MLAM-advised
mutual funds ("Eligible Class D shares"), if the following conditions
are met. First, the sale of closed-end fund shares must be made through
Merrill Lynch, and the net proceeds therefrom must be immediately
reinvested in Eligible Class A or Class D shares. Second, the closed-end
fund shares must either have been acquired in the initial public offering
or be shares representing dividends from shares of common stock acquired
in such offering. Third, the closed-end fund shares must have been
continuously maintained in a Merrill Lynch securities account. Fourth,
there must be a minimum purchase of $250 to be eligible for the investment
option. Class A shares of the Fund are offered at net asset value to
shareholders of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. ("Senior
Floating Rate Fund") who wish to reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of
certain of their shares of common stock of Senior Floating Rate Fund in
shares of the Fund. In order to exercise this investment option, Senior
Floating Rate Fund shareholders must sell their Senior Floating Rate Fund
shares to the Senior Floating Rate Fund in connection with a tender offer
conducted by the Senior Floating Rate Fund and reinvest the proceeds
immediately in the Fund. This investment option is available only with
respect to the proceeds of Senior Floating Rate Fund shares as to which no
Early Withdrawal Charge (as defined in the Senior Floating Rate Fund
prospectus) is applicable. Purchase orders from Senior Floating Rate Fund
shareholders wishing to exercise this investment option will be accepted
only on the day that the related Senior Floating Rate Fund tender offer
terminates and will be effected at the net asset value of the Fund at such
day.
Reduced Initial Sales Charges
Right of Accumulation. Reduced sales charges are applicable through a
right of accumulation under which eligible investors are permitted to
purchase shares of the Fund subject to an initial sales charge at the
offering price applicable to the total of (a) the public offering price of
the shares then being purchased plus (b) an amount equal to the then
current net asset value or cost, whichever is higher, of the purchaser's
combined holdings of all classes of shares of the Fund and of other
MLAM-advised mutual funds. For any such right of accumulation to be made
available, the Distributor must be provided at the time of purchase, by
the purchaser or the purchaser's securities dealer, with sufficient
information to permit confirmation of qualification. Acceptance of the
purchase order is subject to such confirmation. The right of accumulation
may be amended or terminated at any time. Shares held in the name of a
nominee or custodian under pension, profit-sharing or other employee
benefit plans may not be combined with other shares to qualify for the
right of accumulation.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are applicable to purchases
aggregating $25,000 or more of the Class A or Class D shares of the Fund
or any other MLAM-advised mutual funds made within a 13-month period
starting with the first purchase pursuant to a Letter of Intention in the
form provided in the Prospectus. The Letter of Intention is available only
to investors whose accounts are maintained at the Fund's transfer agent.
The Letter of Intention is not available to employee benefit plans for
which Merrill Lynch provides plan participant recordkeeping services. The
Letter of Intention is not a binding obligation to purchase any amount of
Class A or Class D shares; however, its execution will result in the
purchaser paying a lower sales charge at the appropriate quantity purchase
level. A purchase not originally made pursuant to a Letter of Intention
may be included under a subsequent Letter of Intention executed within 90
days of such purchase if the Distributor is informed in writing of this
intent within such 90-day period. The value of Class A and Class D shares
of the Fund and of other MLAM-advised mutual funds presently held, at cost
or maximum offering price (whichever is higher), on the date of the first
purchase under the Letter of Intention, may be included as a credit toward
the
21
<PAGE> 66
completion of such Letter, but the reduced sales charge applicable to the
amount covered by such Letter will be applied only to new purchases. If
the total amount of shares does not equal the amount stated in the Letter
of Intention (minimum of $25,000), the investor will be notified and must
pay, within 20 days of the expiration of such Letter, the difference
between the sales charge on the Class A or Class D shares purchased at the
reduced rate and the sales charge applicable to the shares actually
purchased through the Letter. Class A or Class D shares equal to five
percent of the intended amount will be held in escrow during the 13-month
period (while remaining registered in the name of the purchaser) for this
purpose. The first purchase under the Letter of Intention must be at least
five percent of the dollar amount of such Letter. If a purchase during the
term of such Letter would otherwise be subject to a further reduced sales
charge based on the right for accumulation, the purchaser will be entitled
on that purchase and subsequent purchases to that further reduced
percentage sales charge, but there will be no retroactive reduction of the
sales charges on any previous purchase. The value of any shares redeemed
or otherwise disposed of by the purchaser prior to termination or
completion of the Letter of Intention will be deducted from the total
purchases made under such Letter. An exchange from a MLAM-advised mutual
fund into the Fund that creates a sales charge will count toward
completing a new or existing Letter of Intention from the Fund.
TMA SM Managed Trusts. Class A shares are offered at net asset value
to TMA SM Managed Trusts to which Merrill Lynch Trust Company provides
discretionary trustee services.
Purchase Privileges of Certain Persons. Trustees of the Trust, members of
the Boards of other MLAM-advised investment companies, ML&Co. and its
subsidiaries (the term "subsidiaries", when used herein with respect to
ML&Co., includes MLAM, the Manager and certain other entities directly or
indirectly wholly-owned and controlled by ML&Co.) and their directors and
employees and any trust, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for
such persons, may purchase Class A shares of the Fund at net asset value.
Class D shares of the Fund will be offered at net asset value, without
sales charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with a
financial consultant who joined Merrill Lynch from another investment firm
within six months prior to the date of purchase by such investor, if the
following conditions are satisfied. First, the investor must advise
Merrill Lynch that it will purchase Class D shares of the Fund with
proceeds from a redemption of a mutual fund that was sponsored by the
financial consultant's previous firm and was subject to a sales charge
either at the time of purchase or on a deferred basis. Second, the
investor also must establish that such redemption had been made within 60
days prior to the investment in the Fund, and the proceeds from the
redemption had been maintained in the interim in cash or a money market
fund.
Class D shares of the Fund are also offered at net asset value,
without sales charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with
a Merrill Lynch financial consultant and who has invested in a mutual fund
sponsored by a non-Merrill Lynch company for which Merrill Lynch has
served as a selected dealer and where Merrill Lynch has either received or
given notice that such arrangement will be terminated ("notice"), if the
following conditions are safisfied: First, the investor must purchase
Class D shares of the Fund with proceeds from a redemption of shares of
such other mutual fund and such fund was subject to a sales charge either
at the time of purchase or on a deferred basis. Second, such purchase of
Class D shares must be made within 90 days after such notice.
Class D shares of the Fund will be offered at net asset value, without
a sales charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with a
Merrill Lynch financial consultant and who has invested in a mutual fund
for which Merrill Lynch has not served as a selected dealer if the
following conditions are satisfied: First, the investor must advise
Merrill Lynch that it will purchase Class D shares of the Fund with
proceeds from the
22
<PAGE> 67
redemption of such shares of other mutual funds and that such shares have
been outstanding for a period of no less than six months. Second, such
purchase of Class D shares must be made within 60 days after the
redemption and the proceeds from the redemption must be maintained in the
interim in cash or a money market fund.
Acquisition of Certain Investment Companies. The public offering price
of Class D shares may be reduced to the net asset value per Class D share
in connection with the acquisition of the assets of or merger or
consolidation with a personal holding company or a public or private
investment company. The value of the assets or company acquired in a
tax-free transaction may be adjusted in appropriate cases to reduce
possible adverse tax consequences to the Fund which might result from an
acquisition of assets having net unrealized appreciation which is
disproportionately higher at the time of acquisition than the realized or
unrealized appreciation of the Fund. The issuance of Class D shares for
consideration other than cash is limited to bona fide reorganizations,
statutory mergers or other acquisitions of portfolio securities which (i)
meet the investment objectives and policies of the Fund; (ii) are acquried
for investment and not for resale (subject to the understanding that the
disposition of the Fund's portfolio securities shall at all times remain
within its control); and (iii) are liquid securities, the value of which
is readily ascertainable, which are not restricted as to transfer either
by law or liquidity of market (except that the Fund may acquire through
such transactions restricted or illiquid securities to the extent the Fund
does not exceed the applicable limits on acquisition of such securities
set forth under "Investment Objective and Policies" herein).
Reductions in or exemptions from the imposition of a sales load are
due to the nature of the investors and/or the reduced sales efforts that
will be needed in obtaining such investments.
Distribution Plans
Reference is made to "Purchase of Shares-Distribution Plans" in the
Prospectus for certain information with respect to the separate
distribution plans for Class B, Class C and Class D shares pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (each a "Distribution Plan") with respect
to the account maintenance and/or distribution fees paid by the Fund to
the Distributor with respect to such classes.
Payments of the account maintenance fees and/or distribution fees are
subject to the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Among other
things, each Distribution Plan provides that the Distributor shall provide
and the Trustees shall review quarterly reports of the disbursement of the
account maintenance and/or distribution fees paid to the Distributor. In
their consideration of each Distribution Plan, the Trustees must consider
all factors they deem relevant, including information as to the benefits
of the Distribution Plan to the Fund and its related class of
shareholders. Each Distribution Plan further provides that, so long as the
Distribution Plan remains in effect, the selection and nomination of
Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, as defined in
the 1940 Act (the "Independent Trustees"), shall be committed to the
discretion of the Independent Trustees then in office. In approving each
Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1, the Independent Trustees
concluded that there is reasonable likelihood that such Distribution Plan
will benefit the Fund and its related class of shareholders. Each
Distribution Plan can be terminated at any time, without penalty, by the
vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by the vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding related class of voting
securities of the Fund. A Distribution Plan cannot be amended to increase
materially the amount to be spent by the Fund without the approval of the
related class of shareholders, and all material amendments are required to
be approved by the vote of Trustees, including a majority of the
Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
such Distribution Plan, cast in person at a
23
<PAGE> 68
meeting called for that purpose. Rule 12b-1 further requires that the
Trust preserve copies of each Distribution Plan and any report made
pursuant to such plan for a period of not less than six years from the
date of such Distribution Plan or such report, the first two years in an
easily accessible place.
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges
The maximum sales charge rule in the Rules of Fair Practice of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") imposes a
limitation on certain asset-based sales charges such as the distribution
fee and the contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") borne by the Class
B and Class C shares but not the account maintenance fee. The maximum
sales charge rule is applied separately to each class. As applicable to
the Fund, the maximum sales charge rule limits the aggregate of
distribution fee payments and CDSCs payable by the Fund to (1) 6.25% of
eligible gross sales of Class B shares and Class C shares, computed
separately (defined to exclude shares issued pursuant to dividend
reinvestments and exchanges), plus (2) interest on the unpaid balance for
the respective class, computed separately, at the prime rate plus 1% (the
unpaid balance being the maximum amount payable minus amounts received
from the payment of the distribution fee and the CDSC). In connection with
the Class B shares, the Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive
interest charges on the unpaid balance in excess of 0.50% of eligible
gross sales. Consequently, the maximum amount payable to the Distributor
(referred to as the "voluntary maximum") in connection with the Class B
shares is 6.75% of eligible gross sales. The Distributor retains the right
to stop waiving the interest charges at any time. To the extent payments
would exceed the voluntary maximum, the Fund will not make further
payments of the distribution fee with respect to Class B shares, and any
CDSCs will be paid to the Fund rather than to the Distributor; however,
the Fund will continue to make payments of the account maintenance fee. In
certain circumstances the amount payable pursuant to the voluntary maximum
may exceed the amount payable under the NASD formula. In such
circumstances payment in excess of the amount payable under the NASD
formula will not be made.
The following table sets forth comparative information as of July 31,
1994 with respect to the Class B shares of the Fund indicating the maximum
allowable payments that can be made under the NASD maximum sales charge
rule and the Distributor's voluntary maximum for the period August 31,
1990 (commencement of the public offering of Class B shares) to July 31,
1994. Since Class C shares of the Fund had not been publicly issued prior
to the date of this Statement of Additional Information, information
concerning Class C shares is not yet provided below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Data Calculated as of July 31, 1994 (in Thousands)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual
Distribu-
Allowable Allowable Amounts tion Fee at
Eligible Aggregate Interest Maximum Previously Aggregate Current
Gross Sales on Unpaid Amount Paid to Unpaid Net Asset
Sales (1) Charges Balance (2) Payable Distributor (3) Balance Level(4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Under NASD Rule as Adopted.... $219,331 $13,708 $2,253 $15,961 $2,522 $13,439 $446
Under Distributor's Voluntary
Waiver...................... $219,331 $13,708 $1,097 $14,805 $2,522 $12,283 $446
</TABLE>
----------
(1) Purchase price of all eligible Class B shares sold since August 31,
1990 (commencement of public offering of Class B shares) other than
shares acquired through dividend reinvestment and the exchange
privilege.
(2) Interest is computed on a monthly basis based upon the prime rate, as
reported in The Wall Street Journal, plus 1.0%, as permitted under the
NASD Rule.
(3) Consists of CDSC payments, distribution fee payments and accruals. Of
the distribution fee payments made prior to July 6, 1993 under the
Prior Plan at the .50% rate, .25% of average daily net assets has been
treated as a distribution fee and .25% of average daily net assets has
been deemed to have been a service fee and not subject to the NASD
maximum sales charge rule.
(4) Provided to illustrate the extent to which the current level of
distribution fee payments (not including any CDSC payments) is
amortizing the unpaid balance. No assurance can be given that payments
of the distribution fee will reach either the voluntary maximum or the
NASD maximum.
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<PAGE> 69
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Reference is made to "Redemption of Shares" in the Prospectus for
certain information as to the redemption and repurchase of Fund shares.
The right to redeem shares or to receive payment with respect to any
such redemption may be suspended only for any period during which trading
on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the
Commission or such Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and
holiday closings), for any period during which an emergency exists as
defined by the Commission as a result of which disposal of portfolio
securities or determination of the net asset value of the Fund is not
reasonably practicable, and for such other periods as the Commission may
by order permit for the protection of shareholders of the Fund.
Deferred Sales Charges-Class B Shares
As discussed in the Prospectus under "Purchase of Shares-Deferred
Sales Charge Alternatives-Class B and Class C Shares", while Class B
shares redeemed within four years of purchase are subject to a CDSC under
most circumstances, the charge is waived on redemptions of Class B shares
following the death or disability of a Class B shareholder. Redemptions
for which the waiver applies are any partial or complete redemption
following the death or disability (as defined in the Code) of a Class B
shareholder (including one who owns the Class B shares as joint tenant
with his or her spouse), provided the redemption is requested within one
year of the death or initial determination of disability. For the fiscal
years ended July 31, 1992, 1993, and 1994, the Distributor received CDSCs of
$307,582, $503,401 and $474,329, respectively, all of which was paid to
Merrill Lynch.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Reference is made to "Investment Objective and Policies-Other
Investment Policies and Practices" in the Prospectus.
Under the 1940 Act, persons affiliated with the Trust are prohibited
from dealing with the Fund as a principal in the purchase and sale of
securities unless such trading is permitted by an exemptive order issued
by the Commission. Since over-the-counter transactions are usually
principal transactions, affiliated persons of the Trust, including Merrill
Lynch, may not serve as dealer in connection with transactions with the
Fund. The Trust has obtained an exemptive order permitting it to engage in
certain principal transactions with Merrill Lynch involving high quality
short-term municipal bonds subject to certain conditions. For the fiscal
year ended July 31, 1992, the Fund engaged in one transaction pursuant to
such order for an aggregate market value of approximately $853,000. For
the year ended July 31, 1993, the Fund engaged in two transactions
pursuant to such order for an aggregate market value of $2,309,877. For
the fiscal year ended July 31, 1994, the Fund engaged in four transactions
pursuant to such order for an aggregate market value of $8,498,020.
Affiliated persons of the Trust may serve as broker for the Fund in
over-the-counter transactions conducted on an agency basis. Certain court
decisions have raised questions as to the extent to which investment
companies should seek exemptions under the Investment Company Act of 1940
in order to seek to recapture underwriting and dealer spreads from
affiliated entities. The Trustees have considered all factors deemed
relevant, and have made a determination not to seek such recapture at this
time. The Trustees will reconsider this matter from time to time.
25
<PAGE> 70
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not purchase securities from any
underwriting syndicate of which Merrill Lynch is a member except pursuant
to an exemptive order or rules adopted by the Commission. Rule 10f-3 under
the 1940 Act sets forth conditions under which the Fund may purchase
municipal bonds in such transactions. The rule sets forth requirements
relating to, among other things, the terms of an issue of municipal bonds
purchased by the Fund, the amount of municipal bonds which may be
purchased in any one issue and the assets of the Fund which may be
invested in a particular issue.
The Fund does not expect to use any particular dealer in the execution
of transactions but, subject to obtaining the best net results, dealers
who provide supplemental investment research (such as information
concerning tax-exempt securities, economic data and market forecasts) to
the Manager may receive orders for transactions by the Fund. Information
so received will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services
required to be performed by the Manager under its Management Agreement and
the expenses of the Manager will not necessarily be reduced as a result of
the receipt of such supplemental information.
The Trust has no obligation to deal with any broker in the execution
of transactions for the Fund's portfolio securities. In addition,
consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD and policies
established by the Trustees of the Trust, the Manager may consider sales
of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of brokers or dealers
to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund.
Generally, the Fund does not purchase securities for short-term
trading profits. However, the Fund may dispose of securities without
regard to the time they have been held when such action, for defensive or
other reasons, appears advisable to its Manager. While it is not possible
to predict turnover rates with any certainty, at present it is anticipated
that the Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate, under normal circumstances
after the Fund's portfolio is invested in accordance with its investment
objective, will be less than 100%. (The portfolio turnover rate is
calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio
securities for the particular fiscal year by the monthly average of the
value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the particular
fiscal year. For purposes of determining this rate, all securities whose
maturities at the time of acquisition are one year or less are excluded.)
The portfolio turnover for the fiscal years ended July 31, 1992, 1993 and
1994 were 29.58%, 16.28% and 65.97%, respectively.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
generally prohibits members of the U.S. national securities exchanges from
executing exchange transactions for their affiliates and institutional
accounts which they manage unless the member (i) has obtained prior
express authorization from the account to effect such transactions, (ii)
at least annually furnishes the account with a statement setting forth the
aggregate compensation received by the member in effecting such
transactions, and (iii) complies with any rules the Commission has
prescribed with respect to the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii). To
the extent Section 11(a) would apply to Merrill Lynch acting as a broker
for the Fund in any of its portfolio transactions executed on any such
securities exchange of which it is a member, appropriate consents have
been obtained from the Fund and annual statements as to aggregate
compensation will be provided to the Fund.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the Fund is determined by the Manager once
daily, Monday through Friday, as of 4:15 P.M., New York time, on each day
during which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. The New York
Stock Exchange is not open on New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day. Net asset value per share is computed by
26
<PAGE> 71
dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund plus any
cash or other assets minus all liabilities by the total number of shares
outstanding at such time, rounded to the nearest cent. Expenses, including
the fees payable to the Manager and any account maintenance and/or
distribution fees, are accrued daily. The per share net asset value of
Class B, Class C and Class D shares generally will be lower than the per
share net asset value of Class A shares reflecting the daily expense
accruals of the account maintenance, distribution and higher transfer
agency fees applicable with respect to Class B and Class C shares and the
daily expense accruals of the account maintenance fees applicable with
respect to Class D Shares; moreover the per share net asset value of Class
B and Class C shares generally will be lower than the per share net asset
value of Class D shares reflecting the daily expense accruals of the
distribution fees and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect
to Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. Even under those circumstances,
the per share net asset value of the four classes eventually will tend to
converge immediately after the payment of dividends, which will differ by
approximately the amount of the expense accrual differentials between the
classes.
The Municipal Bonds and other portfolio securities in which the Fund
invests are traded primarily in over-the-counter municipal bond and money
markets and are valued at the last available bid price in the
over-the-counter market or on the basis of yield equivalents as obtained
from one or more dealers that make markets in the securities. One bond is
the "yield equivalent" of another bond when, taking into account market
price, maturity, coupon rate, credit rating and ultimate return of
principal, both bonds will theoretically produce an equivalent return to
the bondholder. Financial futures contracts and options thereon, which are
traded on exchanges, are valued at their settlement prices as of the close
of such exchanges. Short-term investments with a remaining maturity of 60
days or less are valued on an amortized cost basis, 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 Trustees of the Trust, including valuations
furnished by a pricing service retained by the Trust, which may utilize a
matrix system for valuations. The procedures of the pricing service and
its valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Trust under the general
supervision of the Trustees.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Trust offers a number of shareholder services described below
which are designed to facilitate investment in shares of the Fund. Full
details as to each of such services and copies of the various plans
described below can be obtained from the Trust, the Distributor or Merrill
Lynch.
Investment Account
Each shareholder whose account is maintained at the Transfer Agent has
an Investment Account and will receive statements, at least quarterly,
from the Transfer Agent. The statements will also show any other activity
in the account since the preceding statement. Shareholders will receive
separate transaction confirmations for each purchase or sale transaction
other than reinvestment of ordinary income dividends and long-term capital
gains distributions. Shareholders considering transferring their Class A
or Class D shares from Merrill Lynch to another brokerage firm or
financial institution should be aware that, if the firm to which the Class
A or Class D shares are to be transferred will not take delivery of shares
of the Fund, a shareholder either must redeem the Class A or Class D
shares (paying any applicable CDSC) so that the cash proceeds can be
transferred to the account at the new firm or such shareholder must
continue to maintain an Investment Account at the Transfer Agent for those
Class A or Class D shares. Shareholders interested in transferring their
Class B or Class C shares from Merrill Lynch and who do not wish to have
an Investment Account maintained for such shares at the
27
<PAGE> 72
Transfer Agent may request their new brokerage firm to maintain such
shares in an account registered in the name of the brokerage firm for the
benefit of the shareholder at the Transfer Agent. Shareholders may make
additions to their Investment Account at any time by mailing a check
directly to the Transfer Agent.
Share certificates are issued only for full shares and only upon the
specific request of a shareholder who has an Investment Account. Issuance
of certificates representing all or only part of the full shares in an
Investment Account may be requested by a shareholder directly from the
Transfer Agent.
Automatic Investment Plans
A shareholder may make additions to an Investment Account at any time
by purchasing Class A shares (if he or she is an eligible Class A investor
as described in the Prospectus) or Class B, Class C or Class D shares at
the applicable public offering price either through the shareholder's
securities dealer, or by mail directly to the Transfer Agent, acting as
agent for such securities dealers. Voluntary accumulation also can be made
through a service known as the Fund's Automatic Investment Plan whereby
the Fund is authorized through pre-authorized checks or automated clearing
house debits of $50 or more to charge the regular bank account of the
shareholder on a regular basis to provide systematic additions to the
Investment Account of such shareholder. Investors who maintain CMA(Reg)
accounts may arrange to have periodic investments made in the Fund, in the
CMA(Reg) accounts or in certain related accounts in amounts of $100 or
more through the CMA(Reg) Automated Investment Program.
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions
Unless specific instructions are given as to the method of payment of
dividends and capital gains distributions, dividends and distributions
will be reinvested automatically in additional shares of the Fund. Such
reinvestment will be at the net asset value of shares of the Fund as of
the close of business on the monthly payment date for such dividends and
distributions. Shareholders may elect in writing to receive either their
income dividends or capital gains distributions, or both, in cash, in
which event payment will be mailed on or about the payment date. Cash
payments can also be directly deposited to the shareholder's bank account.
Shareholders may, at any time, notify the Transfer Agent in writing or
by telephone (1-800-MER-FUND) that they no longer wish to have their
dividends and/or capital gains distributions reinvested in shares of the
Fund or vice versa and, commencing ten days after the receipt by the
Transfer Agent of such notice, such instructions will be effected.
Systematic Withdrawal Plans-Class A and Class D Shares
A Class A or Class D shareholder may elect to make systematic
withdrawals from an Investment Account on either a monthly or quarterly
basis as provided below. Quarterly withdrawals are available for
shareholders who have acquired Class A or Class D shares of the Fund
having a value, based on cost or the current offering price, of $5,000 or
more, and monthly withdrawals are available for shareholders with Class A
or Class D shares with such a value of $10,000 or more.
At the time of each withdrawal payment, sufficient Class A or Class D
shares are redeemed from those on deposit in the shareholder's account to
provide the withdrawal payment specified by the shareholder. The
shareholder may specify either a dollar amount or a percentage of the
value of his Class A or Class D shares. Redemptions will be made at net
asset value as determined at the close of business on the New York Stock
Exchange (currently 4:00 P.M., New York City time) on the 24th day of each
month or the 24th day of the last month of each quarter, whichever is
applicable. If the Exchange is not open for business on such date, the
Class
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A or Class D shares will be redeemed at the close of business on the
following business day. The check for the withdrawal payment will be
mailed, or the direct deposit for the withdrawal payment will be made, on
the next business day following redemption. When a shareholder is making
systematic withdrawals, dividends and distributions on all Class A or
Class D shares in the Investment Account are reinvested automatically in
the Fund's Class A or Class D shares, respectively. A shareholder's
Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time, without charge
or penalty, by the shareholder, the Trust, the Transfer Agent or the
Distributor. Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends,
yield or income. Each withdrawal is a taxable event. If periodic
withdrawals continuously exceed reinvested dividends, the shareholder's
original investment may be reduced correspondingly. Purchases of
additional Class A or Class D shares concurrent with withdrawals are
ordinarily disadvantageous to the shareholder because of sales charges and
tax liabilities. The Trust will not knowingly accept purchase orders for
Class A or Class D shares of the Fund from investors who maintain a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan unless such purchase is equal to at least one
year's scheduled withdrawals or $1,200, whichever is greater. Periodic
investments may not be made into an Investment Account in which the
shareholder has elected to make systematic withdrawals.
A Class A or Class D shareholder whose shares are held within a
CMA(Reg) or CBA(Reg) Account may elect to have shares redeemed on a
monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis through the
Systematic Redemption Program. The minimum fixed dollar amount redeemable
is $25. The proceeds of systematic redemptions will be posted to the
shareholder's account five business days after the date the shares are
redeemed. Monthly systematic redemptions will be made at net asset value
on the first Monday of each month, bimonthly systematic redemptions will
be made at net asset value on the first Monday of every other month, and
quarterly, semiannual or annual redemptions are made at net asset value on
the first Monday of months selected at the shareholder's option. If the
first Monday of the month is a holiday, the redemption will be processed
at net asset value on the next business day. The Systematic Redemption
Program is not available if Company shares are being purchased within the
account pursuant to the Automatic Investment Program. For more information
on the Systematic Redemption Program, eligible shareholders should contact
their Financial Consultant.
Exchange Privilege
Shareholders of each class of shares of the Fund have an exchange
privilege with certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds listed below. Under
the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing System, Class A shareholders may exchange
Class A shares of the Fund for Class A shares of a second MLAM-advised
mutual fund if the shareholder holds any Class A shares of the second fund
in his account in which the exchange is made at the time of the exchange
or is otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second fund. If
the Class A shareholder wants to exchange Class A shares for shares of a
second MLAM-advised mutual fund, and the shareholder does not hold Class A
shares of the second fund in his account at the time of the exchange and
is not otherwise eligble to acquire Class A shares of the second fund, the
shareholder will receive Class D shares of the second fund as a result of
the exchange. Class D shares also may be exchanged for Class A shares of a
second MLAM-advised mutual fund at any time as long as, at the time of the
exchange, the shareholder holds Class A shares of the second fund in the
account in which the exchange is made or is otherwise eligible to purchase
Class A shares of the second fund. Class B, Class C and Class D shares
will be exchangeable with shares of the same class of other MLAM-advised
mutual funds. For purposes of computing the CDSC that may be payable upon
a disposition of the shares acquired in the exchange, the holding period
for the previously owned shares of the Fund is "tacked" to the holding
period of the newly acquired shares of the other Fund as more fully
described below. Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares also will be
exchangeable for shares of certain MLAM-advised money market funds
specifically designated below as available for exchange by holders of
Class A,
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Class B, Class C or Class D shares. Shares with a net asset value of at
least $100 are required to qualify for the exchange privilege, and any
shares utilized in an exchange must have been held by the shareholder for
15 days. It is contemplated that the exchange privilege may be applicable
to other new mutual funds whose shares may be distributed by the
Distributor.
Exchanges of Class A or Class D shares outstanding ("outstanding
Class A or Class D shares") for Class A or Class D shares of other
MLAM-advised mutual fund ("new Class A or Class D shares") are
transacted on the basis of relative net asset value per Class A or Class D
share, respectively, plus an amount equal to the difference, if any,
between the sales charge previously paid on the outstanding Class A or
Class D shares and the sales charge payable at the time of the exchange on
the new Class A or Class D shares. With respect to outstanding Class A or
Class D shares as to which previous exchanges have taken place, the
"sales charge previously paid" shall include the aggregate of the sales
charges paid with respect to such Class A or Class D shares in the initial
purchase and any subsequent exchange. Class A or Class D shares issued
pursuant to dividend reinvestment are sold on a no-load basis in each of
the funds offering Class A or Class D shares. For purposes of the exchange
privilege, Class A and Class D shares acquired through dividend
reinvestment shall be deemed to have been sold with a sales charge equal
to the sales charge previously paid on the Class A or Class D shares on
which the dividend was paid. Based on this formula, Class A and Class D
shares generally may be exchanged into the Class A or Class D shares of
the other funds or into shares of the Class A and Class D money market
funds without a sales charge.
In addition, each of the funds with Class B and Class C shares
outstanding ("outstanding Class B and Class C shares") offers to
exchange its outstanding Class B or Class C shares for Class B or Class C
shares, respectively, of another MLAM-advised mutual fund ("new Class B
or Class C shares") on the basis of relative net asset value per Class B
or Class C share, without the payment of any CDSC that might otherwise be
due on redemption of the outstanding shares. Class B shareholders of the
Fund exercising the exchange privilege will continue to be subject to the
Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule
relating to the new Class B shares acquired through use of the exchange
privilege. In addition, Class B shares of the Fund acquired through use of
the exchange privilege will be subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such
schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the Class B shares
of the fund from which the exchange has been made. For purposes of
computing the sales load that may be payable on a disposition of the new
Class B or Class C shares, the holding period for the outstanding Class B
or Class C shares is "tacked" to the holding period of the new Class B
or Class C shares. For example, an investor may exchange Class B shares of
the Fund for those of Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund ("Special Value
Fund") after having held the Fund's Class B shares for two and a half
years. The 2% sales load that generally would apply to a redemption would
not apply to the exchange. Three years later the investor may decide to
redeem the Class B shares of Special Value Fund and receive cash. There
will be no CDSC due on this redemption, since by "tacking" the two and a
half year holding period of the Fund's Class B shares to the three year
holding period for the Special Value Fund Class B shares, the investor
will be deemed to have held the new Class B shares for more than five
years.
Shareholders also may exchange shares of the Fund into shares of a
money market fund advised by the Manager or its affiliates, but the period
of time that Class B or Class C shares are held in a Class B money market
fund will not count towards satisfaction of the holding period requirement
for purposes of reducing the CDSC or, with respect to Class B shares,
towards satisfaction of the conversion period. However, shares of a money
market fund which were acquired as a result of an exchange for Class B or
Class C shares of a fund may, in turn, be exchanged back into Class B or
Class C shares, respectively, of any fund offering such shares, in which
event the holding period for Class B or Class C shares of the Fund will be
aggregated with previous
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holding periods for purposes of reducing the CDSC. Thus, for example, an
investor may exchange Class B shares of the Fund for shares of Merrill
Lynch Institutional Fund ("Institutional Fund") after having held the
Fund Class B shares for two and a half years and three years later decide
to redeem the shares of Institutional Fund for cash. At the time of this
redemption, the 2% CDSC that would have been due had the Class B shares of
the Fund been redeemed for cash rather than exchanged for sales of
Institutional Fund will be payable. If, instead of such redemption the
shareholder exchanged such shares for Class B shares of a fund which the
shareholder continues to hold for an additional two and a half years, any
subsequent redemption will not incur a CDSC.
Set forth below is a descripton of the investment objectives of the
other funds into which exchanges can be made:
Funds Issuing Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares:
Merrill Lynch Adjustable Rate
Securities Fund, Inc...........High current income consistent with a policy
of limiting the degree of fluctuation in
net asset value of fund shares
from movements in interest rates through
investment primarily in a portfolio of
adjustable rate securities.
Merrill Lynch Americas
Income Fund, Inc. .............A high level of current income, consistent
with prudent investment risk, by investing
primarily in debt securities denominated
in a currency of a country located in the
Western Hemisphere (i.e., North and South
America and the surrounding waters).
Merrill Lynch Arizona Limited
Maturity Municipal Bond
Fund......................... A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust,
series fund, whose objective is to provide
as high a level of income exempt from
Federal and Arizona income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment
management through investment in a
portfolio primarily of intermediate-term
investment grade Arizona Municipal Bonds.
Merrill Lynch Arizona
Municipal Bond Fund...........A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
Arizona income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management.
Merrill Lynch Arkansas
Municipal Bond Fund..........A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
Arkansas income taxes as is consistent
with prudent investment management.
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Merrill Lynch Asset Growth Fund,
Inc. ............................High total investment return, consistent
with prudent risk, from investment in
United States and foreign equity, debt and
money market securities, the combination
of which will be varied both with respect
to types of securities and markets in
response to changing market and economic
trends.
Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund,
Inc. ..............................A high level of current income through
investment primarily in United States
fixed income securities.
Merrill Lynch Balanced Fund for
Investment and Retirement ........As high a level of total investment
return as is consistent with a relatively
low level of risk through investment in
common stocks and other types of
securities, including fixed income
securities and convertible securities.
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Fund,
Inc. .............................Capital appreciation, and secondarily,
income by investing in securities,
primarily equities, that are undervalued
and therefore represent basic investment
value.
Merrill Lynch California Insured
Municipal Bond Fund ............A portfolio of Merrill Lynch California
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
California income taxes as is consistent
with prudent investment management through
investment in a portfolio primarily of
insured California Municipal Bonds.
Merrill Lynch California Limited
Maturity Municipal Bond
Fund.............................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Muncipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to
provide as high a level of income exempt
from Federal and California income taxes
as is consistent with prudent investment
management through investment in a
portfolio primarily of intermediate-term
investment grade California Municipal
Bonds.
Merrill Lynch California
Municipal Bond Fund ...............A portfolio of Merrill Lynch California
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
California income taxes as is consistent
with prudent investment management.
Merrill Lynch Capital Fund,
Inc. .............................The highest total investment return
consistent with prudent risk through a
fully managed investment policy utilizing
equity, debt and convertible securities.
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Merrill Lynch Colorado Municipal
Bond Fund..........................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
Colorado income taxes as is consistent
with prudent investment management.
Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal
Bond Fund........................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Municipal Series Trust, a series
fund, whose objective is to provide as
high a level of income exempt from Federal
and Connecticut income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment
management.
Merrill Lynch Corporate Bond Fund,
Inc. .............................Current income from three separate
diversified portfolios of fixed income
securities.
Merrill Lynch Developing Capital
Markets Fund, Inc. ............Long-term appreciation through investment in
securities, principally equities, of
issuers in countries having smaller
capital markets.
Merrill Lynch Dragon Fund, Inc...Capital appreciation primarily through
investment in equity and debt securities
of issuers domiciled in developing
countries located in Asia and the Pacific
Basin.
Merrill Lynch EuroFund ..........Capital appreciation primarily through
investment in equity securities of
corporations domiciled in Europe.
Merrill Lynch Federal Securities
Trust .........................High current return through investments in
U.S. Government and Government agency
securities, including GNMA mortgage-backed
certificates and other mortgage-backed
Government securities.
Merrill Lynch Florida Limited
Maturity Municipal Bond Fund....A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide
as high a level of income exempt from
Federal income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management while
serving to offer shareholders the
opportunity to own securities exempt from
Florida intangible personal property taxes
through investment in a portfolio
primarily of intermediate-term investment
grade Florida Municipal Bonds.
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Merrill Lynch Florida
Municipal Bond Fund ............A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal income
taxes as is consistent with prudent
investment management while seeking to
offer shareholders the opportunity to own
securities exempt from Florida intangible
personal property taxes.
Merrill Lynch Fund For
Tomorrow, Inc. .................Long-term growth through investment in a
portfolio of good quality securities,
primarily common stock, potentially
positioned to benefit from demographic and
cultural changes as they affect consumer
markets.
Merrill Lynch Fundamental
Growth Fund, Inc. ..............Long-term growth through investment in a
diversified portfolio of equity securities
placing particular emphasis on companies
that have exhibited above-average growth
rate in earnings.
Merrill Lynch Global
Allocation Fund, Inc. .........High total investment return, consistent
with prudent risk, through a fully managed
investment policy utilizing United States
and foreign equity, debt and money market
securities, the combination of which will
be varied from time to time both with
respect to the types of securities and
markets in response to changing market and
economic trends.
Merrill Lynch Global Bond Fund
for Investment and Retirement .High total investment return from investment
in government and corporate bonds
denominated in various currencies and
multi- national currency units.
Merrill Lynch Global
Convertible Fund, Inc. .........High total return from investment primarily
in an international diversified portfolio
of convertible debt securities,
convertible preferred stock and
"synthetic" convertible securities
consisting of a combination of debt
securities or preferred stock and warrants
or options.
Merrill Lynch Global Holdings,
Inc. (residents of Arizona
must meet investor
suitability standards) .........The highest total investment return
consistent with prudent risk through
worldwide investment in an internationally
diversified portfolio of securities.
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Merrill Lynch Global Resources
Trust...........................Long-term growth and protection of capital
from investment in securities of domestic
and foreign companies that possess
substantial natural resource assets.
Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap
Fund, Inc. .....................Long-term growth of capital by investing
primarily in equity securities of
companies with relatively small market
capitalizations located in various foreign
countries and in the United States.
Merrill Lynch Global Utility
Fund, Inc. ....................Capital appreciation and current income
through investment of at least 65% of its
total assets in equity and debt securities
issued by domestic and foreign companies
which are primarily engaged in the
ownership or operation of facilities used
to generate, transmit or distribute
electricity, telecommunications, gas or
water.
Merrill Lynch Growth Fund for
Investment and Retirement.......Growth of capital and, secondarily, income
from investment in a diversified portfolio
of equity securities placing principal
emphasis on those securities which
management of the fund believes to be
undervalued.
Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc.
(residents of Wisconsin must meet
investor suitability standards) Capital appreciation through worldwide
investment in equity securities of
companies that derive or are expected to
derive a substantial portion of their sale
from products and services in healthcare.
Merrill Lynch International Equity
Fund ...........................Capital appreciation and, secondarily,
income by investing in a diversified
portfolio of equity securities of issuers
located in countries other than the United
States.
Merrill Lynch Latin America
Fund, Inc. ....................Capital appreciation by investing primarily
in Latin American equity and debt
securities.
Merrill Lynch Maryland Municipal
Bond Fund .....................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
Maryland income taxes as is consistent
with prudent investment management.
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Merrill Lynch Massachusetts
Limited Maturity Municipal
Bond Fund.......................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide
as high a level of income exempt from
Federal and Massachusetts income taxes as
is consistent with prudent investment
management through investment in a
portfolio primarily of intermediate-term
investment grade Massachusetts Municipal
Bonds.
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts
Municipal Bond Fund ............A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
Massachusetts income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment
management.
Merrill Lynch Michigan Limited
Maturity Municipal Bond
Fund...........................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide
as high a level of income exempt from
Federal and Michigan income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment
mmanagement through investment in a
portfolio primarily of intermediate-term
investment grade Michigan Municipal Bonds.
Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal
Bond Fund ......................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
Michigan income taxes as is consistent
with prudent investment management.
Merrill Lynch Minnesota
Municipal Bond Fund ...........A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
Minnesota personal income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment
management.
Merrill Lynch Municipal
Bond Fund, Inc. ................Tax-exempt income from three separate
diversified portfolios of municipal bonds.
Merrill Lynch Municipal
Intermediate Term Fund ........Currently the only portfolio of Merrill
Lynch Municipal Series Trust, a series
fund, whose objective is to provide as
high a level as possible of income exempt
from Federal income taxes by investing in
investment grade obligations with a dollar
weighted average maturity of five to
twelve years.
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Merrill Lynch New Jersey Limited
Maturity Municipal Bond Fund... A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide
as high a level of income exempt from
Federal and New Jersey income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment
management through a portfolio primarily
of intermediate-term investment grade New
Jersey Municipal Bonds.
Merrill Lynch New Mexico
Municipal Bond Fund.............A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
New Mexico income taxes as is consistent
with prudent investment management.
Merrill Lynch New York Limited
Maturity Municipal Bond Fund....A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide
as high a level of income exempt from
Federal, New York State and New York City
income taxes as is consistent with prudent
investment management through investment
in a portfolio primarily of
intermediate-term investment grade New
York Municipal Bonds.
Merrill Lynch New York
Municipal Bond Fund ...........A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal, New
York State and New York City income taxes
as is consistent with prudent investment
management.
Merrill Lynch North Carolina
Municipal Bond Fund ...........A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
North Carolina income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment
management.
Merrill Lynch Ohio Municipal
Bond Fund ....................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
Ohio income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management.
Merrill Lynch Oregon Municipal
Bond Fund ....................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
Oregon income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management.
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Merrill Lynch Pacific Fund,
Inc. ..........................Capital appreciation by investing in equity
securities of corporations domiciled in
Far Eastern and Western Pacific countries,
including Japan, Australia, Hong Kong and
Singapore.
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania
Limited Maturity Municipal
Bond Fund......................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide
as high a level of income exempt from
Federal and Pennsylvania income taxes as
is consistent with prudent investment
management through investment in a
portfolio primarily of intermediate-term
investment grade Pennsylvania Municipal
Bonds.
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania
Municipal Bond Fund ..........A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal and
Pennsylvania personal income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment
management.
Merrill Lynch Phoenix Fund,
Inc. ..........................Long-term growth of capital by investing in
equity and fixed income securities,
including tax-exempt securities, of
issuers in weak financial condition or
experiencing poor operating results
believed to be undervalued relative to the
current or prospective condition of such
issuer.
Merrill Lynch Short-Term
Global Income Fund, Inc. .....As high a level of current income as is
consistent with prudent investment
management from a global portfolio of high
quality debt securities denominated in
various currencies and multinational
currency units and having remaining
maturities not exceeding three years.
Merrill Lynch Special Value
Fund, Inc. ....................Long-term growth of capital from
investments in securities, primarily common
stocks, of relatively small companies
believed to have special investment value
and emerging growth companies regardless
of size.
Merrill Lynch Strategic
Dividend Fund .................Long-term total return from investment in
dividend paying common stocks which yield
more than Standard & Poor's 500 Composite
Stock Price Index.
Merrill Lynch Technology Fund,
Inc. ..........................Capital appreciation through worldwide
investment in equity securities of
companies that derive or are expected to
derive a substantial portion of their
sales from products and services in
technology.
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Merrill Lynch Texas Municipal
Bond Fund ......................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund,
whose objective is to provide as high a
level of income exempt from Federal income
taxes as is consistent with prudent
investment management by investing
primarily in a portfolio of long-term,
investment grade obligations issued by the
State of Texas, its political
subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities.
Merrill Lynch Utility
Income Fund, Inc. .............High current income through investment in
equity and debt securities issued by
companies which are primarily engaged in
the ownership or operation of facilities
used to generate, transmit or distribute
electricity, telecommunications, gas or
water.
Merrill Lynch World Income
Fund, Inc. .....................High current income by investing in a
global portfolio of fixed income
securities denominated in various\
currencies, including multinational
currencies.
Class A Share Money Market Funds:
Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust.Preservation of capital, liquidity and the
highest possible current income consistent
with the foregoing objectives from the
short-term money market securities in
which the Fund invests.
Merrill Lynch Retirement Reserves
Money Fund (available only if the
exchange occurs within certain
retirement plans) ..............Currently the only portfolio of Merrill
Lynch Retirement Series Trust, a series
fund, whose objectives are to provide
current income, preservation of capital
and liquidity available from investing in
a diversified portfolio of short-term
money market securities.
Merrill Lynch U.S.A. Government
Reserves ......................Preservation of capital, current income
and liquidity available from investing in
direct obligations of the U.S. Government
and repurchase agreements relating to such
securities.
Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury
Money Fund .....................Preservation of capital, liquidity and
current income through investment
exclusively in a diversified portfolio of
short-term marketable securities which are
direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury.
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Class B, Class C and Class D Share Money Market Funds:
Merrill Lynch Government Fund ..A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Funds for
Institutions Series, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide current income
consistent with liquidity and security of
principal from investment in securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies and
instrumentalities and in repurchase
agreements secured by such obligations.
Merrill Lynch Institutional
Fund ..........................A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Funds for
Institutions Series, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide maximum current
income consistent with liquidity and the
maintenance of a high-quality portfolio of
money market securities.
Merrill Lynch Institutional
Tax-Exempt Fund ..............A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Funds for
Institutions Series, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide current income
exempt from Federal income taxes,
preservation of capital and liquidity
available from investing in a diversified
portfolio of short-term, high quality
municipal bonds.
Merrill Lynch Treasury Fund ...A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Funds for
Institutions Series, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide current income
consistent with liquidity and security of
principal from investment in direct
obligations of the U.S. Treasury and up to
10% of its total assets in repurchase
agreements secured by such obligations.
Before effecting an exchange, shareholders should obtain a currently
effective prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is to be made.
To exercise the exchange privilege, shareholders should contact their
Merrill Lynch financial consultant, who will advise the Fund of the
exchange. Shareholders of the Fund, and shareholders of the other funds
described above with shares for which certificates have not been issued,
may exercise the exchange privilege by wire through their securities
dealers. The Fund reserves the right to require a properly completed
Exchange Application. This exchange privilege may be modified or
terminated at any time in accordance with the rules of the Commission. The
Fund reserves the right to limit the number of times an investor may
exercise the exchange privilege. Certain funds may suspend the continuous
offering of their shares to the general public at any time and may
thereafter resume such offering from time to time. The exchange privilege
is available only to U.S. shareholders in states where the exchange
legally may be made.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Trust intends to continue to qualify the Fund for the special tax
treatment afforded regulated investment companies ("RICs") under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). If it so
qualifies, in any taxable year in which it distributes at least 90% of its
taxable net income and 90% of its tax-exempt net
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<PAGE> 85
income (see below), the Fund (but not its shareholders) will not be
subject to Federal income tax to the extent that it distributes its net
investment income and net realized capital gains. The Trust intends to
cause the Fund to distribute substantially all of such income.
As discussed in the Fund's Prospectus, the Trust has established other
series in addition to the Fund (together with the Fund, the "Series").
Each Series of the Trust is treated as a separate corporation for Federal
income tax purposes. Each Series, therefore, is considered to be a
separate entity in determining its treatment under the rules for RICs
described in the Prospectus. Losses in one Series do not offset gains in
another Series, and the requirements (other than certain organizational
requirements) for qualifying for RIC status are determined for each Series
individually rather than at the Trust level.
The Code requires a RIC to pay a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the
extent the RIC does not distribute, during each calendar year, 98% of its
ordinary income, determined on a calendar year basis, and 98% of its
capital gains, determined, in general, on an October 31 year-end, plus
certain undistributed amounts from previous years. The required
distributions, however, are based only on the taxable income of a RIC. The
excise tax, therefore, generally will not apply to the tax-exempt income
of a RIC, such as the Fund, that pays exempt-interest dividends.
The Trust intends to qualify the Fund to pay "exempt-interest
dividends" as defined in Section 852(b)(5) of the Code. Under such
section if, at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at
least 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets consists of obligations
exempt from Federal income tax ("tax-exempt obligations") under Section
103(a) of the Code (relating generally to obligations of a state or local
governmental unit), the Fund shall be qualified to pay exempt-interest
dividends to its Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders
(together, the "shareholders"). Exempt-interest dividends are dividends
or any part thereof paid by the Fund which are attributable to interest on
tax-exempt obligations and designated by the Trust as exempt-interest
dividends in a written notice mailed to the Fund's shareholders within 60
days after the close of the Fund's taxable year. For this purpose, the
Fund will allocate interest from tax-exempt obligations among the Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders according to a method (which it
believes is consistent with the Commission's exemptive order permitting
the issuance and sale of multiple classes of shares) that is based on the
gross income allocable to Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D
shareholders during the taxable year or such other method as the Internal
Revenue Service may prescribe. To the extent that the dividends
distributed to the Fund's shareholders are derived from interest income
exempt from Federal income tax under Code Section 103(a) and are properly
designated as exempt-interest dividends, they will be excludable from a
shareholder's gross income for Federal income tax purposes.
Exempt-interest dividends are included, however, in determining the
portion, if any, of a person's social security benefits and railroad
retirement benefits subject to Federal income taxes. Interest on
indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry shares of a RIC
paying exempt-interest dividends, such as the Fund, will not be deductible
by the investor for Federal income tax purposes to the extent attributable
to exempt-interest dividends and will not be deductible for New Jersey
personal income tax purposes. Shareholders are advised to consult their
tax advisers with respect to whether exempt-interest dividends retain the
exclusion under Code Section 103(a) if a shareholder would be treated as a
"substantial user" or "related person" under Code Section 147(a) with
respect to property financed with the proceeds of an issue of "industrial
development bonds" or "private activity bonds", if any, held by the
Fund.
The portion of the Fund's exempt-interest dividends paid from interest
received by the Fund from New Jersey Municipal Bonds and New Jersey
Municipal Obligations or from distributions attributable to gains from New
Jersey Municipal Bonds and New Jersey Municipal Obligations also will be
exempt from New Jersey personal income taxes. In order to pass through
tax-exempt interest for New Jersey personal income tax pur-
41
<PAGE> 86
poses, the Fund, among other requirements, must not have less than 80% of
the aggregate principal amount of its investments invested in New Jersey
Municipal Bonds and New Jersey Municipal Obligations at the close of each
quarter of the tax year (the "80% Test"). For purposes of calculating
whether the 80% Test is satisfied, financial options, futures, forward
contracts and similar financial instruments relating to interest-bearing
obligations are excluded from the principal amount of the Fund's
investments. The Fund intends to comply with this requirement so as to
enable it to pass through tax-exempt interest. In the event the Fund does
not so comply, distributions by the Fund will be taxable to shareholders
for New Jersey personal income tax purposes. Shareholders subject to
income taxation by states other than New Jersey will realize a lower
after-tax rate of return than New Jersey shareholders since the dividends
distributed by the Fund will generally not be exempt, to any significant
degree, from income taxation by such other states. The Trust will inform
shareholders annually regarding the portion of the Fund's distributions
which constitutes exempt-interest dividends and which is exempt from New
Jersey personal income taxes. The Trust will allocate exempt-interest
dividends among Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders for New
Jersey income tax purposes based on a method similar to that described
above for Federal income tax purposes.
Distributions from investment income and capital gains of the Fund,
including exempt-interest dividends, may be subject to the New Jersey
corporation business (franchise) tax or the New Jersey corporation income
tax, and may be subject to state taxes in states other than New Jersey and
to local taxes in cities other than those in New Jersey. Accordingly,
investors in the Fund, including, in particular, corporate investors which
may be subject to either the New Jersey corporation business (franchise)
tax or to the New Jersey corporation income tax should consult their tax
advisers with respect to the application of such taxes to the receipt of
Fund dividends and as to their New Jersey tax situation in general.
To the extent that the Fund's distributions are derived from interest
on its taxable investments or from an excess of net short-term capital
gains over net long-term capital losses ("ordinary income dividends"),
such distributions are considered ordinary income for Federal income tax
purposes. Such distributions are not eligible for the dividends received
deduction for corporations. Distributions, if any, of net long-term
capital gains from the sale of securities or from certain transactions in
futures or options ("capital gain dividends") are taxable as long-term
capital gains for Federal income tax purposes, regardless of the length of
time the shareholder has owned Fund shares. Under the Revenue
Reconciliation Act of 1993, all or a portion of the Fund's gain from the
sale or redemption of tax-exempt obligations purchased at a market
discount will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain. This
rule may increase the amount of ordinary income dividends received by
shareholders. Distributions in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits
will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder's shares and, after
such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains
to such holder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). Any loss
upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be
treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain
dividends received by the shareholder. In addition, such loss will be
disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received by the
shareholder. If the Fund pays a dividend in January which was declared in
the previous October, November or December to shareholders of record on a
specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated
for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by its
shareholders on December 31 of the year in which such dividend was
declared.
The Code subjects interest received on certain otherwise tax-exempt
securities to an alternative minimum tax. The alternative minimum tax
applies to interest received on "private activity bonds" issued after
August 7, 1986. Private activity bonds are bonds which, although
tax-exempt, are used for purposes other than those generally performed by
governmental units and which benefit non-governmental entities (e.g.,
bonds used for
42
<PAGE> 87
industrial development or housing purposes). Income received on such bonds
is classified as an item of "tax preference", which could subject
investors in such bonds, including shareholders of the Fund, to an
alternative minimum tax. The Trust will purchase such "private activity
bonds" and the Trust will report to shareholders within 60 days after the
Fund's taxable year-end the portion of the Fund's dividends declared
during the year which constitutes an item of tax preference for
alternative minimum tax purposes. The Code further provides that
corporations are subject to an alternative minimum tax based, in part, on
certain differences between taxable income as adjusted for other tax
preferences and the corporation's "adjusted current earnings" (which
more closely reflect a corporation's economic income). Because an
exempt-interest dividend paid by the Fund will be included in adjusted
current earnings, a corporate shareholder may be required to pay
alternative minimum tax on exempt-interest dividends paid by the Fund.
The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 has added new marginal tax
brackets of 36% and 39.6% for individuals and has created a graduated
structure of 26% and 28% for the alternative minimum tax applicable to
individual taxpayers. These rate increases may affect an individual
investor's after-tax return from an investment in the Fund as compared
with such investor's return from taxable investments.
No gain or loss will be recognized by Class B shareholders on the
conversion of their Class B shares into Class D shares. A shareholder's
basis in the Class D shares acquired will be the same as such
shareholder's basis in the Class B shares converted, and the holding
period of the acquired Class D shares will include the holding period for
the converted Class B shares.
If a shareholder exercises an exchange privilege within 90 days of
acquiring the shares, then the loss the shareholder can recognize on the
exchange will be reduced (or the gain increased) to the extent the sales
charge paid to the Fund reduces any sales charge such shareholder would
have owed upon purchase of the new shares in the absence of the exchange
privilege. Instead, such sales charge will be treated as an amount paid
for the new shares.
A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be
disallowed if other Fund shares are acquired (whether through the
automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares
are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be
adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund to shareholders who are
nonresident aliens or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% U.S.
withholding tax under existing provisions of the Code applicable to
foreign individuals and entities unless a reduced rate of withholding or a
withholding exemption is provided under applicable treaty law. Nonresident
shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers concerning the
applicability of the U.S. withholding tax.
Under certain provisions of the Code, some shareholders may be subject
to a 31% withholding tax on certain ordinary income dividends and on
capital gain dividends and redemption payments ("backup withholding").
Generally, shareholders subject to backup withholding will be those for
whom no certified taxpayer identification number is on file with the Trust
or who, to the Trust's knowledge, have furnished an incorrect number. When
establishing an account, an investor must certify under penalty of perjury
that such number is correct and that such investor is not otherwise
subject to backup withholding.
The Code provides that every person required to file a tax return must
include for information purposes on such return the amount of
exempt-interest dividends received from all sources (including the Fund)
during the taxable year.
43
<PAGE> 88
Environmental Tax
The Code imposes a deductible tax (the "Environmental Tax") on a
corporation's modified minimum taxable income (computed without regard to
the alternative tax net operating loss deduction and the deduction for the
Environmental Tax) at a rate of $12 per $10,000 (0.12%) of alternative
minimum taxable income in excess of $2,000,000. The Environmental Tax is
imposed for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986 and before
January 1, 1996. The Environmental Tax is imposed even if the corporation
is not required to pay an alternative minimum tax because the
corporation's regular income tax liability exceeds its minimum tax
liability. The Code provides, however, that a RIC, such as the Fund, is
not subject to the Environmental Tax. However, exempt-interest dividends
paid by the Fund that create alternative minimum taxable income for
corporate shareholders under the Code (as described above) may subject
corporate shareholders of the Fund to the Environmental Tax.
Tax Treatment of Option and Futures Transactions
The Fund may write, purchase or sell municipal bond index futures
contracts and interest rate futures contracts on U.S. Government
securities ("financial futures contracts"). The Fund may also purchase
and write call and put options on such financial futures contracts. In
general, unless an election is available to the Fund or an exception
applies, such options and financial futures contracts that are "Section
1256 contracts" will be "marked to market" for Federal income tax
purposes at the end of each taxable year, i.e., each such option or
financial futures contract will be treated as sold for its market value on
the last day of the taxable year, and any gain or loss attributable to
Section 1256 contracts will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital
gain or loss. Application of these rules to Section 1256 contracts held by
the Fund may alter the timing and character of distributions to
shareholders.
Code Section 1092, which applies to certain "straddles", may affect
the taxation of the Fund's transactions in financial futures contracts and
related options. Under Section 1092, the Fund may be required to postpone
recognition for tax purposes of losses incurred in certain closing
transactions in financial futures contracts or the related options.
One of the requirements for qualification as a RIC is that less than
30% of the Fund's gross income be derived from gains from the sale or
other disposition of securities held for less than three months.
Accordingly, the Fund may be restricted in effecting closing transactions
within three months after entering into an option or financial futures
contract.
New Jersey Tax
Under present New Jersey law, a RIC, such as the Fund, pays a flat tax
of $250 per year. The Fund might be subject to the New Jersey corporation
business (franchise) tax for any taxable year in which it does not qualify
as a RIC.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations and applicable New Jersey tax
laws presently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be
made to the pertinent Code sections, the Treasury regulations promulgated
thereunder and the applicable New Jersey tax laws. The Code and the
Treasury regulations, as well as the New Jersey tax laws, are subject to
change by legislative or administrative action either prospectively or
retroactively.
44
<PAGE> 89
Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the
availability of any exemptions from state and local taxes (other than
those imposed by New Jersey) and with specific questions as to Federal,
foreign, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time the Fund may include its average annual total return
and other total return data, as well as yield and tax-equivalent yield, in
advertisements or information furnished to present or prospective
shareholders. Total return, yield and tax-equivalent yield figures are
based on the Fund's historical performance and are not intended to
indicate future performance. Average annual total return and yield are
determined separately for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares in
accordance with formulas specified by the Commission.
Average annual total return quotations for the specified periods are
computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return (based
on net investment income and any realized and unrealized capital gains or
losses on portfolio investments over such periods) that would equate the
initial amount invested to the redeemable value of such investment at the
end of each period. Average annual total return is computed assuming all
dividends and distributions are reinvested and taking into account all
applicable recurring and nonrecurring expenses, including the maximum
sales charge in the case of Class A and Class D shares and the CDSC that
would be applicable to a complete redemption of the investment at the end
of the specified Period in the case of the Class B and Class C shares.
The Fund also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total
return and aggregate total return performance data, both as a percentage
and as a dollar amount based on a hypothetical $1,000 investment, for
various periods other than those noted below. Such data will be computed
as described above, except that (1) as required by the periods of the
quotations, actual annual, annualized or aggregate data, rather than
average annual data, may be quoted and (2) the maximum applicable sales
charges will not be included with respect to annual or annualized rates of
return calculations. Aside from the impact on the performance data
calculations of including or excluding the maximum applicable sales
charges, actual annual or annualized total return data generally will be
lower than average annual total return data since the average rates of
return reflect compounding of return; aggregate total return data
generally will be higher than average annual total return data since the
aggregate rates of return reflect compounding over a longer period of
time.
45
<PAGE> 90
Set forth below is total return, yield and tax-equivalent yield
information for the Class A and Class B shares of the Fund for the periods
indicated. Since Class C and Class D shares have not been issued prior to
the date of this Statement of Additional Information, performance
information concerning Class C and Class D shares is not yet provided.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares Class B Shares
-------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Expressed as Redeemable Value Expressed as Redeemable Value
a percentage of a hypothetical a percentage of a hypothetical
based on a $1,000 investment based on a $1,000 investment
hypothetical at the end of hypothetical at the end of
Period $1,000 investment the period $1,000 investment the period
------ ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Average Annual Total Return (including maximum applicable sales charge)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year ended July 31, 1994............ -3.82% $ 961.80 -4.09% $ 959.10
August 31, 1990 (Inception) to July 31,
1994.................................. 6.98% $1,302.80 7.36% $1,320.60
Annual Total Return (excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
Year ended July 31, 1994................ 0.19% $1,001.90 -0.31% $ 996.90
Year ended July 31, 1993................ 8.16% $1,081.60 7.61% $1,076.10
Year ended July 31, 1992................ 13.57% $1,135.70 13.10% $1,131.00
August 31, 1990 (Inception) to July 31,
1991.................................. 10.28% $1,102.80 9.68% $1,096.80
Aggregate Total Return (including maximum applicable sales charges)
August 31, 1990 (Inception) to July 31,
1994.................................. 30.28% $1,302.80 32.06% $1,320.60
30 days ended July 31, 1994............. 5.03% Yield 4.74%
30 days ended July 31, 1994............. 6.99% Tax-Equivalent Yield* 6.58%
</TABLE>
-----------
*Based on a Federal income tax rate of 28%.
In order to reflect the reduced sales charges in the case of Class A or
Class D shares or the waiver of the CDSC in the case of Class B shares
applicable to certain investors, as described under "Purchase of Shares" and
"Redemption of Shares", respectively, the total return data quoted by the
Fund in advertisements directed to such investors may take into account the
reduced, and not the maximum, sales charge or may take into account the CDSC
and therefore may reflect greater total return since, due to the reduced
sales charge or the waiver of sales charges, a lower amount of expenses is
deducted.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Description of Shares
The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trust shall be comprised of
separate Series each of which will consist of a separate portfolio which
will issue separate shares. The Trust is presently comprised of the Fund,
Merrill Lynch Arizona Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Arkansas
Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Colorado Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill
Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Florida Mu-
46
<PAGE> 91
nicipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Maryland Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill
Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal
Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Minnesota Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch New
Mexico Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch New York Municipal Bond Fund,
Merrill Lynch North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Ohio
Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Oregon Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill
Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund, and Merrill Lynch Texas Municipal
Bond Fund. The Trustees are authorized to create an unlimited number of
Series and, with respect to each Series, to issue an unlimited number of
full and fractional shares of beneficial interest, par value $.10 per
share, of different classes and to divide or combine the shares into a
greater or lesser number of shares without thereby changing the
proportionate beneficial interests in the Series. Shareholder approval is
not necessary for the authorization of additional Series or classes of a
Series of the Trust. At the date of this Statement of Additional
Information, the shares of the Fund are divided into Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class D shares. Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D shares
represent an interest in the same assets of the Fund and are identical in
all respects except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear certain
expenses related to the account maintenance and/or distribution of such
shares and have exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating
to such account maintenance and/or distribution expenditures. The Trust
has received an order (the "Order") from the Commission permitting the
issuance and sale of multiple classes of shares. The Order permits the
Trust to issue additional classes of shares of any Series if the Board of
Trustees deems such issuance to be in the best interests of the Trust. The
Board of Trustees of the Trust may classify and reclassify the shares of
any Series into additional classes at a future date.
All shares of the Trust have equal voting rights, except that only
shares of the respective Series are entitled to vote on matters concerning
only that Series and, as noted above, Class B, Class C and Class D shares
will have exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to the
account maintenance and/or distribution expenses being borne solely by
such class. Each issued and outstanding share is entitled to one vote and
to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Fund
and in the net assets of such Series upon liquidation or dissolution
remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities, except that, as
noted above, expenses related to the account maintenance and/or
distribution of the Class B, Class C and Class D shares will be borne
solely by such class. There normally will be no meetings of shareholders
for the purposes of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less
than a majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by
shareholders, at which time the Trustees then in office will call a
shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees. Shareholders may, in
accordance with the terms of the Declaration of Trust, cause a meeting of
shareholders to be held for the purpose of voting on the removal of
Trustees. Also, the Trust will be required to call a special meeting of
shareholders in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act to seek
approval of new management and advisory arrangements, of a material
increase in distribution fees or of a change in the fundamental policies,
objectives or restrictions of a Series.
The obligations and liabilities of a particular Series are restricted
to the assets of that Series and do not extend to the assets of the Trust
generally. The shares of each Series, when issued, will be fully paid and
nonassessable, have no preference, preemptive, conversion, exchange or
similar rights, and are freely transferable. Holders of shares of any
Series are entitled to redeem their shares as set forth elsewhere herein
and in the Prospectus. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights and the
holders of more than 50% of the shares of the Trust voting for the
election of Trustees can elect all of the Trustees if they choose to do so
and in such event the holders of the remaining shares would not be able to
elect any Trustees. No amendments may be made to the Declaration of Trust
without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
the Trust.
47
<PAGE> 92
The Manager provided the initial capital for the Fund by purchasing
10,000 shares of the Fund for $100,000. Such shares were acquired for
investment and can only be disposed of by redemption. The organizational
expenses of the Fund (estimated at approximately $59,750) were paid by the
Fund and are amortized over a period not exceeding five years. The
proceeds realized by the Manager upon the redemption of any of the shares
initially purchased by it will be reduced by the proportionate amount of
unamortized organizational expenses which the number of shares redeemed
bears to the number of shares initially purchased. Such organizational
expenses include certain of the initial organizational expenses of the
Trust which have been allocated to the Fund by the Trustees. If additional
Series are added to the Trust, the organizational expenses will be
allocated among the Series in a manner deemed equitable by the Trustees.
Computation of Offering Price Per Share
An illustration of the computation of the offering price for Class A
and Class B shares of the Fund based on the Fund's net assets and number
of shares outstanding on July 31, 1994 is calculated as set forth below.
Information is not provided for Class C or Class D shares since no Class C
or Class D shares were publicly offered prior to the date of this
Statement of Additional Information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Class B
----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net Assets ................................................. $46,669,424 $178,322,395
=========== ============
Number of Shares Outstanding ............................... 4,390,955 16,775,508
=========== ============
Net Asset Value Per Share (net assets divided by number of
shares outstanding) ...................................... $ 10.63 $ 10.63
Sales Charge (for Class A shares: 4.00% of offering price
(4.17% of net asset value per share))*.................... .44 **
----------- ------------
Offering Price ............................................. $ 11.07 $ 10.63
=========== ============
</TABLE>
----------
*Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent; assumes maximum sales
charge is applicable.
**Class B and Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but
may be subject to a CDSC on redemption of shares. See "Purchase of Shares-
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives-Class B and Class C Shares" in the
Prospectus.
Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 117 Campus Drive, Princeton, New Jersey
08540-6400, has been selected as the independent auditors of the Fund. The
selection of independent auditors is subject to ratification by the
shareholders of the Fund. The independent auditors are responsible for
auditing the annual financial statements of the Fund.
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 351, Boston,
Massachusetts 02101, acts as the custodian of the Fund's assets. The
custodian is responsible for safeguarding and controlling the Fund's cash
and securities, handling the delivery of securities and collecting
interest on the Fund's investments.
48
<PAGE> 93
Transfer Agent
Financial Data Services, Inc., 4800 Deer Lake Drive East,
Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484, acts as the Trust's transfer agent. The
Transfer Agent is responsible for the issuance, transfer and redemption of
shares and the opening, maintenance and servicing of shareholder accounts.
See "Management of the Trust-Transfer Agency Services" in the
Prospectus.
Legal Counsel
Brown & Wood, One World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0557,
is counsel for the Trust.
Reports to Shareholders
The fiscal year of the Fund ends on July 31 of each year. The Trust
sends to shareholders of the Fund at least semi-annually reports showing
the Fund's portfolio and other information. An annual report, containing
financial statements audited by independent auditors, is sent to
shareholders each year. After the end of each year shareholders will
receive Federal income tax information regarding dividends and capital
gains distributions.
Additional Information
The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information do not
contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and
the exhibits relating thereto, which the Trust has filed with the
Commission, Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, to which reference is hereby made.
The Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust dated August 2, 1985,
a copy of which, together with all amendments thereto (the
"Declaration") is on file in the office of the Secretary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provides that the name "Merrill Lynch
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust" refers to the Trustees under the
Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or
personally; and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of the
Trust shall be held to any personal liability; nor shall resort be had to
their private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim of
the Trust but the "Trust Property" only shall be liable.
To the knowledge of the Trust, no person or entity owned beneficially
5% or more of the Fund's shares on September 30, 1994.
49
<PAGE> 94
(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)
50
<PAGE> 95
APPENDIX I
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CONDITIONS IN NEW JERSEY
The information set forth below is derived from the official statements
prepared in connection with the issuance of New Jersey municipal bonds and
other sources that are generally available to investors and is beleived to be
accurate. The Trust has not independently verified this information. Such
information constitutes only a brief summary, does not purport to be a
complete description and is based on information from official statements
relating to offerings of the State of New Jersey, its agencies and
instrumentalities.
On January 18, 1994, Christine Todd Whitman replaced James Florio as
Governor of the State of New Jersey (the "State"). As a matter of public
record, Governor Whitman during her campaign publicized her intention to
reduce taxes in the State. Effective January 1, 1994, the State's personal
income tax rates were cut by 5% for all taxpayers. Effective January 1,
1995, the State's personal income tax rates will be cut by an additional
10% for most taxpayers. At this time the effect of the tax reduction
cannot be evaluated.
The State operates on a fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June
30. For example, "fiscal year 1994" refers to the State's fiscal year
beginning July 1, 1993 and ending June 30, 1994.
The General Fund is the fund into which all State revenues not
otherwise restricted by statute are deposited and from which
appropriations are made. The largest part of the total financial
operations of the State is accounted for in the General Fund. Revenues
received from taxes and unrestricted by statute, most federal revenue and
certain miscellaneous revenue items are recorded in the General Fund.
The State's undesignated General Fund balance was $1.4 million for the
fiscal year 1991, $760.8 million for the fiscal year 1992, and $937
million for the fiscal year 1993. For the fiscal year 1994, the balance in
the undesignated General Fund is projected to be $797.5 million and for
the fiscal year 1995, the balance in the undesignated General Fund is
projected to be $292.4 million.
The State finances capital projects primarily through the sale of the
general obligation bonds of the State. These bonds are backed by the full
faith and credit of the State. State tax revenues and certain other fees
are pledged to meet the principal and interest payments required to pay
the debt fully. No general obligation debt can be issued by the State
without prior voter approval, except that no voter approval is required
for any law authorizing the creation of a debt for the purpose of
refinancing all or a portion of outstanding debt of the State, so long as
such law requires that the refinancing provide a debt service savings. All
appropriations for capital projects and all proposals for State bond
authorizations are subject to the review and recommendation of the New
Jersey Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning.
The State has extensive control over school districts, cities,
counties and local financing authorities. State laws impose specific
limitations on local appropriations, with exemptions subject to state
approval. The State shares the proceeds of a number of taxes, with funds
going primarily for local education programs, homestead rebates, medicaid
and welfare programs. Certain bonds are issued by localities, but
supported by direct state payments. In addition, the State participates in
local wastewater treatment programs.
The State's economic base is diversified, consisting of a variety of
manufacturing, construction and service industries, supplemented by rural
areas with selective commercial agriculture. After enjoying an
extraordinary boom during the mid-1980s, New Jersey, as well as the rest
of the Northeast, slipped into a slowdown well before the onset of the
national recession which officially began in July 1990 (according to the
National Bureau of Economic Research). By the beginning of the national
recession, construction activity had already been declining in New Jersey
for nearly two years. As the rapid acceleration of real estate prices
forced many would-be homeowners out of the market and high non-residential
vacancy rates reduced new commitments for offices and commercial
facilities, construction employment began to decline. Also growth had
tapered off markedly in the service sectors and the long-term downward
trend of factory employment had accelerated, partly because of a leveling
off of industrial demand nationally. The onset of recession caused an
acceleration of New Jersey's job losses in construction and manufacturing,
as well as an employment downturn in such previously
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growing sectors as wholesale trade, retail trade, finance, utilities and
trucking and warehousing. The net effect was a decline in the State's
total non-farm wage and salary employment from a peak of 3,706,400 in
March 1989 to a low of 3,445,000 in March 1992. This loss has been
followed by an employment gain of 109,900 from March 1992 to June 1994.
Reflecting the downturn, the rate of unemployment in the State rose
from a low of 3.6% during the first quarter of 1989 to a recessionary peak
of 9.3% during 1992 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and
the New Jersey Department of Labor, Division of Labor Market and
Demographic Research). The unemployment rate fell to 6.7% during the
fourth quarter of 1993. The jobless rate averaged 7.8% during the first
quarter of 1994, but this estimate is not comparable to those prior to
January 1994 because of major changes in the federal survey from which
these statistics are obtained.
Evidence of the State's improving economy can be found in increased
homebuilding, and other areas of construction activity, rising consumer
spending for new cars and light trucks and the decline in the unemployment
rate. One of the major reasons for cautious optimism is found in the
construction industry. Total construction contracts awarded in New Jersey
have turned around, rising by 7.0% in 1993 compared with 1992. By far, the
largest boost came from residential construction awards which increased by
26% in 1993 compared with 1992. In addition, non-residential building
construction awards have turned around, posting a 17% gain. In addition to
increases in construction contract awards, another reason for cautious
optimism is rising new car and light truck registrations. New passenger
car registrations issued during 1993 were up 12% in New Jersey from a year
earlier. Registrations of new light trucks and vans (up to 10,000 lbs.)
advanced strongly in 1992 and jumped nearly 21% during the January-to-May
1994 period relative to the same period last year. Prospects for New
Jersey are favorable, although a return to the pace of the 1980s is highly
unlikely. Although growth is likely to be slower than elsewhere in the
nation, the locational advantages that have served New Jersey well for
many years will still be there. Structural changes that have been going on
for years can be expected to continue, with job creation concentrated most
heavily in the service sectors.
The fiscal years 1994 and 1995 State budgets project spending of funds
received from the Federal government. These projections do not take into
consideration any reductions to these anticipated funds that may occur as
a result of efforts to reduce the Federal deficit or required reductions
to meet spending limits. Any such reductions will require the State to
adjust its programs and budget to accommodate the reductions. As with
prior reductions of Federal financial support, the State would evaluate
each program affected by such cuts and act based on that evaluation and
the amount of funds available. Any reductions in Federal funds received by
the State or its political subdivisions could slow economic development.
Also, changes to the Internal Revenue Code, by restricting certain types
of tax-exempt financing, may limit the ability of New Jersey and its
political subdivisions to incur indebtedness to carry out their programs.
Such developments also could have an adverse effect on economic conditions
in New Jersey.
On July 5, 1994 the New Jersey Hospital Association and 67 individual
hospitals filed suit (New Jersey Hospital Association, et al. v. Leonard
Fishman) seeking a return of about $20,752,918 collected by the Department
of Health pursuant to the Health Care Cost Reduction Act of 1991 for the
period after July 1992. The suit was filed after a similar successful suit
by various hospitals in Barnert Memorial Hospital v. Commissioner of
Health. Various New Jersey hospitals had appealed the Commissioner's
calculation of the hospital assessment required by the Health Care Cost
Reduction Act of 1991. That Act required that the Commissioner assess
State hospitals .53% of their 1991 approved revenue base for a two year
period. The amounts collected were paid into the Health Care Cost
Reduction Fund to help offset uncompensated care costs. In their appeal,
the hospitals alleged that the Commissioner's assessment effectively
doubled the amount intended by the Leg-
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islature. In a decision dated April 30, 1993 the Appellate Division agreed
with the hospitals' argument and reversed the Commissioner's calculation.
The Court at that time did not specifically rule on the disposition of the
amount in dispute, which at a maximum could total $37 million.
Subsequently, the Appellate Division granted the motion and order that the
successful claimants be refunded the amount of their overpayments. The
money was refunded in April 1994 in the amount of $4,636,576.
On June 5, 1990, the State Supreme Court, in Abbott v. Burke, held the
Public Education Act of 1975 unconstitutional as applied to 28 "poor
urban school districts" described in the decision. In response to the
Court's decree, the State legislature soon thereafter enacted The Quality
Education Act ("QEA"). The Abbott plaintiffs then challenged QEA
contending the remedial statute failed to comply with the Supreme Court's
mandates. On July 12, 1994, the State Supreme Court held that QEA is
unconstitutional based on its failure to assure parity of regular
education expenditures between the special needs districts and the more
affluent districts. The State must achieve substantial equivalence of
expenditures per pupil for "regular education," along with provision for
the special educational needs of students in special needs districts, by
the 1997-1998 school year. The Court retained jurisdiction and will
entertain applications for relief under specified circumstances. At this
time, the effect of this decision cannot be evaluated.
In July 1991, Standard & Poor's Corporation ("Standard & Poor's")
had downgraded New Jersey general obligation bonds from AAA to AA+. On
June 4, 1992, Standard & Poor's placed New Jersey general obligation bonds
on CreditWatch with negative implications. On July 6, 1992, Standard &
Poor's removed New Jersey's general obligation bonds from CreditWatch and
reaffirmed its AA+ rating of such bonds but with negative long-term
implications. On July 27, 1994, Standard & Poor's reaffirmed its AA+
rating but revised its assessment of the State's outlook from negative to
stable. On August 24, 1992, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. lowered its
rating on New Jersey's general obligation bonds to Aa1 from AAA. On
December 6, 1992, Fitch Investors Service, Inc. lowered its rating on New
Jersey's general obligations bonds from AAA to AA+.
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APPENDIX II
RATINGS OF MUNICIPAL BONDS
Description of Moody's Investors Service, Inc.'s("Moody's")
Municipal Bond Ratings
Aaa Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and
are generally referred to as "gilt edge". Interest payments are
protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and
principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most
unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such
issues.
Aa Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by
all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are
generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than
the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large
as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be
of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.
A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade
obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interes
are considered adequate, but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations; i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly
secured. Interest payment and principal security appear adequate
for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking
or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of
time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics
and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative
elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured.
Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be
very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both
good and bad times over the future.Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payment
or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long
period of time may be small.
Caa Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be
in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect
to principal or interest.
Ca Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or
have other marked shortcomings.
C Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor
prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
Note: Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B groups which Moody's
believes possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the
symbols Aa1, A1, Baa1, Ba1 and B1.
Short-term Notes: The four ratings of Moody's for short-term notes are
MIG 1/VMIG1, MIG 2/VMIG2, MIG 3/VMIG3 and MIG 4/VMIG4; MIG 1/VMIG1 denotes
"best quality . . . strong protection by established cash flows"; MIG
2/VMIG2 denotes "high quality" with ample margins of protection; MIG
3/VMIG3 notes are
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of "favorable quality . . . but . . . lacking the undeniable strength of
the preceding grades"; MIG 4/VMIG4 notes are of "adequate quality . . .
(p)rotection commonly regarded as required of an investment security is
present . . . there is specific risk."
Description of Moody's Corporate Bond Ratings
Excerpts from Moody's description of its corporate bond ratings:
Aaa-judged to be the best quality, carry the smallest degree of investment
risk; Aa-judged to be of high quality by all standards; A-possess many
favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper medium
grade obligations; Baa-considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Description of Moody's Commercial Paper Ratings
Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability of
issuers to repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original
maturity in excess of nine months. Moody's employs the following three
designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative
repayment capacity of rated issuers:
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a
superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
Prime-1 repayment capacity will normally be evidenced by the following
characteristics: leading market positions in well established industries;
high rates of return on funds employed; conservative capitalization
structures with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection;
broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high
internal cash generation; and well established access to a range of
financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 (or related supporting institutions) have a
strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This
will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but
to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will
be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still
appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate
liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Prime-3 (or related supporting institutions) have an
acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
The effects of industry characteristics and market composition may be more
pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in
changes in the level of debt protection measurements and the requirement
for relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is
maintained.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
Description of Standard & Poor's Corporation's ("Standard & Poor's")
Municipal Debt Ratings
A Standard & Poor's municipal debt rating is a current assessment of
the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation.
This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors,
insurers, or lessees.
The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a
security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or
suitability for a particular investor.
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The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer
or obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources Standard & Poor's
considers reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform any audit in
connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited
financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn
as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or for
other circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:
I. Likelihood of default-capacity and willingness of the obligor
as to the timely payment of interest and repayment of
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation;
II. Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
III. Protection afforded to, and relative position of, the
obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other
arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws
affecting creditor's rights.
AAA Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by
Standard & Poor's. Capacity to pay interest and repay
principal is extremely strong.
AA Debt rated "AA" has a very strong capacity to pay interest
and repay principal and differs from the higher rated
issues only in small degree.
A Debt rated "A" has a strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to
the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and
economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB Debt rated "BBB" is regarded as having an adequate capacity
to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally
exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to
lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay
principalfor debt in this category than for debt in higher
rated categories.
BB Debt rated "BB", "B", "CCC", "CC" and "C" is
B regarded, on balance, as predominately speculative with
CCC respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
CC accordance with the terms of the obligations. "BB"
C indicates the lowest degree of speculation and "C" the
highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely
have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions.
CI The rating "CI" is reserved for income bonds on which no
interest is being paid.
D Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating
category is used when interest payments of principal
payments are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard &
Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such
grace period. The "D" rating also will be used upon the
filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments
are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified
by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within
the major rating categories.
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Description of Standard & Poor's Corporate Bond Ratings
A Standard & Poor's corporate debt rating is a current assessment of
the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation.
Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong. Debt
rated "AA" has a very strong capacity to pay interest and to repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
Debt rated "A" has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than a debt of a higher rated
category. Debt rated "BBB" is regarded as having an adequate capacity to
pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
interest and repay principal for debt in this category than for debt in
higher rated categories.
The ratings from "AA" to "BBB" may be modified by the addition of
a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating
categories.
Description of Standard & Poor's Commercial Paper Ratings
A Standard & Poor's Commercial Paper Rating is a current assessment of
the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no
more than 365 days. Ratings are graded into several categories, ranging
from "A-1" for the highest quality obligations to "D" for the lowest.
These categories are as follows:
A-1 This highest category indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess
extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign
(+) designation.
A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high
as for issues designated "A-1".
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely
payment.They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the
higher designations.
B Issues rated "B" are regarded as having only speculative capacity for
timely payment.
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a
doubtful capacity for payment.
D Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used
when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date
due, even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless
Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during
such grace period.
A Commercial Paper Rating is not a recommendation to purchase or sell
a security. The ratings are based on current information furnished to
Standard & Poor's by the issuer or obtained by Standard & Poor's from
other sources it considers reliable. The ratings may be changed,
suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of,
such information.
A Standard & Poor's note rating reflects the liquidity concerns and
market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in 3 years or less will
likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond 3 years will most
likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be
used in making that assessment.
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- Amortization schedule (the larger the final maturity relative to other
maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note).
- Source of payment (the more dependent the issue is on the market for
its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note).
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1 A very strong, or strong, capacity to pay principal and interest.
Issues that possess overwhelming safety characteristics will be
given a "+" designation.
SP-2 A satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
SP-3 A speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
Unrated: Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been
suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of
the issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuers belongs to a group of securities that is
not rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or
issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not
published in Moody's publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances
arise, the effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no
longer available reasonable up-to-date information to permit a judgment to
be formed; if a bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Description of Fitch Investors Service, Inc.'s ("Fitch") Investment
Grade Bond Ratings
Fitch investment grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security. The
ratings represent Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to meet the
obligations of a specific debt issue or class of debt in a timely manner.
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and
prospective financial condition and operative performance of the issuer
and any guarantor, as well as the political and economic environment that
might affect the issuer's future financial strength and credit quality.
Fitch ratings do not reflect any credit enhancement that may be
provided by insurance policies or financial guaranties unless otherwise
indicated.
Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily
identical credit quality since the rating categories do not fully reflect
small differences in the degrees of credit risk.
Fitch ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any
security. Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the
suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt
nature or taxability of payments made in respect of any security.
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Fitch ratings are based on information obtained from issuers, other
obligors, underwriters, their experts, and other sources Fitch believes to
be reliable. Fitch does not audit or verify the truth or accuracy of such
information. Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result
of changes in, or the unavailability of, information or for other reasons.
AAA Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay
interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by
reasonably foreseeable events.
AA Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal
is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated 'AAA'.
Because bonds rated in the 'AAA' and 'AA' categories are not
significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments,
short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated 'F-1+'.
A Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse
changes in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with
higher ratings.
BBB Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal
is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions
and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact
on these bonds, and therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood
that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is
higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
Plus (+) Minus (-) Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the
rating category. Plus and minus signs, however, are
not used in the 'AAA' category.
Credit Trend Indicator Credit trend indicators show whether credit
fundamentals are improving, stable, declining, or
uncertain, as follows:
Improving
Stable
Declining
Uncertain
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Credit trend indicators are not predictions that any rating change will
occur, and have a longer-term time frame than issues placed on FitchAlert.
NR Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue
Conditional A conditional rating is premised on the successful completion
of a project or the occurrence of a specific event.
Suspended A rating is suspended when Fitch deems the amount of information
available from the issuer to be inadequate for rating purposes.
Withdrawn A rating will be withdrawn when an issue matures or is called
or refinanced and, at Fitch's discretion, when an issuer fails
to furnish proper and timely information.
FitchAlert Ratings are placed on FitchAlert to notify investors of the
occurrence that is likely to result in a rating change and the
likely direction of such change. These are designated as
"Positive" indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative" for
potential downgrade, or "Evolving" where ratings may be raised
or lowered. FitchAlert is relatively short-term, and should be
resolved within 12 months.
Description of Fitch Speculative Grade Bond Ratings
Fitch speculative grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security. The
ratings ("BB" to "C") represent Fitch's assessment of the likelihood
of timely payment of principal and interest in accordance with the terms
of obligation for bond issues not in default. For defaulted bonds, the
rating ("DDD" to "D") is an assessment of the ultimate recovery value
through reorganization or liquidation.
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and
prospective financial condition and operating performance of the issuer
and any guarantor, as well as the economic and political environment that
might affect the issuer's future financial strength.
Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily
identical credit quality since rating categories cannot fully reflect the
differences in degrees of credit risk.
BB Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay
interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse
economic changes. However, business and financial alternatives can
be identified which could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt
service requirements.
B Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class
are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of
continued timely payment of principal and interest reflects the
obligor's limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable
business and economic activity throughout the life of the issue.
CCC Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not
remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations
requires an advantageous business and economic environment.
CC Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
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DDD Bonds are in default of interest and/or principal payments. Such
DD bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of
and their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of
D the obligor. 'DDD' represents the highest potential for recovery on
these bonds, and 'D' represents the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) Minus (-) Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the
rating category. Plus and minus signs, however, are not
used in the 'DDD', 'DD', or 'D' categories.
Description of Fitch Investment Grade Short-Term Ratings
Fitch short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on
demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years,
including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes,
and municipal and investment notes.
The short-term rating places greater emphasis than a long-term rating
on the existence of liquidity necessary to meet the issuer's obligations
in a timely manner.
Fitch short-term ratings are as follows:
F-1+ Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are
regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely
payment.
F-1 Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an
assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues
rated 'F-1+'.
F-2 Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory
degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is
not as great as the 'F-1+' and 'F-1' ratings.
F-3 Fair Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
characteristics suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely
payment is adequate, however, near-term adverse changes could cause
these securities to be rated below investment grade.
F-S Weak Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
characteristics suggesting a minimal degree of assurance for timely
payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse changes in financial
and economic conditions.
D Default. Issues carrying this rating are in actual or imminent
payment default.
LOC The symbol, LOC, indicates that the rating is based on a letter of
credit issued by a commercial bank.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders,
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund of
Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the schedule of investments, of Merrill Lynch New Jersey
Municipal Bond Fund of Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust as
of July 31, 1994, the related statements of operations for the year then
ended and changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year
period then ended, and the financial highlights for the three-year period
then ended and for the period August 31, 1990 (commencement of operations)
to July 31, 1991. These financial statements and the financial highlights
are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements and the financial
highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the
financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of securities owned at July 31, 1994 by correspondence with
the custodian and brokers. 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
New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund of Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal
Series Trust as of July 31, 1994, the results of its operations, the
changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the respective
stated periods in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
August 29, 1994
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<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
New Jersey--94.5%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A- NR $1,000 Atlantic City, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Water Systems Revenue
Bonds, 7.75% due 5/01/2000 (g) $ 1,149
Atlantic County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority, Solid Waste Revenue Bonds:
NR Baa 4,000 7% due 3/01/2008 4,016
NR Baa 3,000 7.125% due 3/01/2016 3,003
AAA Aaa 1,500 Camden County, New Jersey, Municipal Utilities Authority, Sewer Revenue Bonds,
8.125% due 12/01/2007 (f) 1,677
BBB+ Baa1 4,750 Camden County, New Jersey, Pollution Control Financing Authority, Solid Waste
Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds, Series D, 7.25% due 12/01/2010 4,797
AAA Aaa 4,500 Cape May County, New Jersey, Industrial Pollution Control Financing Authority,
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Atlantic City Electric Company), Series A, 6.80% due
3/01/2021 (d) 4,975
NR A 500 Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, Pennsylvania, Bridge Revenue Bonds,
7.875% due 7/01/1998 (g) 562
BBB+ Baa1 1,000 Essex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Lease Revenue Bonds (Newark),
6.60% due 4/01/2014 1,010
AAA Aaa 4,000 Essex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Revenue Bonds (Irvington Township
School District), 6.625% due 10/01/2002 (g)(h) 4,419
AAA Aaa 2,500 Hudson County, New Jersey, COP (Correctional Facilities), Refunding Bonds, 6.60%
due 12/01/2021 (d) 2,611
NR Baa1 3,000 Mercer County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds (Solid
Waste), Series B, AMT, 6.80% due 4/01/2005 3,021
AAA Aaa 2,000 Middlesex County, New Jersey, COP, 6.125% due 2/15/2019 (d) 2,015
NR NR 5,750 Middlesex County, New Jersey, Pollution Control Authority, Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Amerada Hess), 6.875% due 12/01/2022 5,866
<PAGE> 108
AAA Aaa 1,100 Middlesex County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority, Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series A,
6.50% due 9/15/2011 (f) 1,145
AAA Aaa 2,000 Monmouth County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Sewer Facilities
Revenue Refunding Bonds, 6.75% due 2/01/2001 (d)(g) 2,206
New Jersey, Economic Development Revenue Bonds:
BB+ Baa2 2,000 (American Airlines Inc. Project), AMT, 7.10% due 11/01/2031 2,004
NR P1 600 Refunding (Dow Chemical-El Dorado Term 1984), Series A, VRDN, 2.75% due
5/01/2001 (a) 600
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
- -----------------------------------
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
To simplify the listings of Merrill Lynch New Jersey AMT Alternative Miniture Tax (subject to)
Municipal Bond Fund's portfolio holdings in the Schedule COP Certificates of Participation
of Investments, we have abbreviated the names of many EDA Economic Development Authority
of the securities according to the list at right. GO General Obligation Bonds
M/F Multi-Family
S/F Single-Family
UT Unlimited Tax
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
New Jersey (continued)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New Jersey, EDA, Dock Facility Revenue Refunding Bonds (Bayonne International
Matex Tank Terminal Project), Series A, VRDN (a):
NR VMIG1 $ 100 2.70% due 12/01/2027 $ 100
NR VMIG1 1,800 2.75% due 12/01/2027 1,800
A A1 4,500 New Jersey, EDA, Lease Rental Revenue Bonds (Liberty State Park Project), 6.80%
due 3/15/2022 4,690
AAA Aaa 9,000 New Jersey, EDA, Natural Gas Facilities, Revenue Refunding Bonds (NUI Corp.),
Series A, 6.35% due 10/01/2022 (c) 9,060
<PAGE> 109
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue Bonds:
NR Baa1 2,725 (Deborah Heart and Lung Center), 6.30% due 7/01/2023 2,647
BBB+ NR 1,000 (East Orange General Hospital), Series B, 7.75% due 7/01/2020 1,057
AAA Aaa 7,000 (Jersey Shore Medical Center), 6.75% due 7/01/2019 (c) 7,387
AAA Aaa 3,040 (Mercer Medical Center), 6.50% due 7/01/2021 (d) 3,131
AAA Aaa 4,000 (Newark Beth Israel Medical Center), 6% due 7/01/2024 (h) 3,907
A- NR 1,665 (Pascack Valley Hospital Association), 6.90% due 7/01/2021 1,717
A- A 2,000 Refunding (Atlantic City Medical Center), Series C, 6.80% due 7/01/2011 2,085
AAA Aaa 2,000 Refunding (Hackensack Medical Center), 6.625% due 7/01/2017 (f) 2,073
AAA Aaa 5,250 Refunding (Monmouth Medical Center), Series C, 6.25% due 7/01/2024 (j) 5,285
BBB- Baa 3,150 Refunding (Saint Mary Hospital), 5.875% due 7/01/2012 2,872
AAA Aaa 5,000 Refunding (West Jersey Health Systems), 6.125% due 7/01/2012 (d) 5,046
BBB- Baa 2,950 (Saint Elizabeth Hospital), Series B, 8.25% due 7/01/2020 3,192
AAA Aaa 670 (Saint Peter's Medical Center), Series C, 8.60% due 7/01/1997 (d)(g) 754
AAA Aaa 130 (Saint Peter's Medical Center), Series C, 8.60% due 7/01/2017 (d) 146
NR Baa 1,000 (Southern Ocean County Hospital), Series A, 6.125% due 7/01/2013 956
New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority Revenue Bonds (State Contract):
A+ Aa 3,000 Series A, 6.50% due 3/01/2019 3,101
A1 VMIG1 3,200 Series C, VRDN, 1.90% due 9/01/2024 (a)(d) 3,200
AAA Aaa 6,650 New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds (Jersey City
State College), Series D, 6.125% due 7/01/2022 (d) 6,701
New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds (Seton Hall
University Project):
AAA Aaa 2,000 Series C, 6.85% due 7/01/2019 (e) 2,108
BBB Baa 500 Series D, 7% due 7/01/2021 524
AAA Aaa 5,240 New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Rider College), Series D, 6.20% due 7/01/2017 (c) 5,317
New Jersey State Highway Authority, General Revenue Bonds (Garden State
Parkway):
AA- Aaa 1,000 7.25% due 1/01/l999 (g) 1,109
AAA Aaa 5,000 6.15% due 1/01/2007 (c) 5,203
AA- A1 3,250 6.25% due 1/01/2014 3,312
New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Home Buyer Revenue
Bonds (d):
AAA Aaa 725 Series A, 7.50% due 4/01/2015 754
AAA Aaa 955 Series B, AMT, 7.90% due 10/01/2022 995
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 110
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
New Jersey (concluded)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Home Mortgage Revenue
Bonds (d):
AAA Aaa $ 600 Series A, 7.875% due 10/01/2016 $ 636
AAA Aaa 255 Series C, 8.375% due 4/01/2017 266
A+ NR 5,000 New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Housing Revenue Refunding
Bonds, Series A, 6.95% due 11/01/2013 5,226
A+ NR 1,125 New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, M/F Housing Revenue Bonds
(Mont Clarion Project), Series J, AMT, 7.70% due 11/01/2029 1,212
AAA NR 10,410 New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, M/F Housing Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Presidential Plaza), 6.95% due 5/01/2013 (i) 10,658
New Jersey State Turnpike Authority, Turnpike Revenue Refunding Bonds:
A A 3,260 Series C, 6.50% due 1/01/2009 3,454
A A 10,000 Series C, 6.50% due 1/01/2016 10,610
AAA VMIG1 11,200 Series D, VRDN, 2.60% due 1/01/2018 (a)(f) 11,200
New Jersey State Various Purpose Revenue Bonds (k):
AA+ Aa1 500 9.40% due 4/01/2000 608
AA+ Aa1 1,500 7.25% due 4/15/2000 1,646
A A 1,000 New Jersey Wastewater Treatment Revenue Bonds, 7.90% due 9/01/2007 1,108
AAA Aaa 3,000 New Jersey Water Supply Authority Revenue Bonds (Delaware and Raritan System),
Custodial Receipts/Certificates, AMT, 7.875% due 11/01/2013 (d) 3,360
AAA Aaa 1,300 Newark, New Jersey, Board of Education, GO, UT, 6% due 10/15/2010 (c) 1,315
Passaic Valley, New Jersey, Water Commission Water Supply Bonds, Series A (f):
AAA Aaa 2,120 6.40% due 12/15/2002 (g) 2,314
AAA Aaa 205 6.40% due 12/15/2022 211
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Consolidated Bonds:
AA- A1 3,000 69th Series, 7.125% due 6/01/2025 3,298
AA- A1 3,000 74th Series, 5.30% due 8/01/2013 (l) 923
AA- A1 2,000 78th Series, 6.50% due 4/15/2011 2,104
AA- A1 2,000 83rd Series, 6.375% due 10/15/2017 2,040
AA- A1 1,905 Refunding, 87th Series, 5.25% due 7/15/2017 1,687
A1+ VMIG1 1,200 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Versatile Structure Special Obligation
Revenue Bonds, VRDN, Series 1, 2.55% due 8/01/2028 (a) 1,200
<PAGE> 111
Rutgers State University, New Jersey, University Revenue Bonds:
AA A1 1,000 Refunding, Series A, 6.50% due 5/01/2018 1,039
AAA Aaa 1,675 Series O, 7.90% due 5/01/1998 (g) 1,887
AA A1 1,000 Series P, 6.85% due 5/01/2021 1,057
AA Aa2 4,000 Salem County, New Jersey, Pollution Control Financing Authority, Waste Disposal
Revenue Bonds (EI duPont Chambers Works Projects), Series A, AMT, 6.50% due
11/15/2021 4,044
University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey, Revenue Bonds:
AA A 1,170 Refunding, Series D, 6.50% due 12/01/2005 1,278
AA A 2,750 Series E, 6.50% due 12/01/2018 2,847
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
Puerto Rico--7.6%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BB Baa $ 2,760 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, Aqueduct and Sewer Authority Revenue Bonds, Series A,
7.875% due 7/01/2017 $ 3,000
A Baa1 4,450 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, GO, UT, 6.45% due 7/01/2017 4,569
AAA NR 1,000 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, Highway Authority, Highway Revenue Bonds, Series Q,
7.75% due 7/01/2000 (g) 1,161
BBB+ Baa1 1,195 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, Infrastructure Financing Authority Revenue Bonds,
Series A, 7.75% due 7/01/2008 1,319
AAA NR 2,055 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, Public Improvement, GO, 7.70% due 7/01/2020 2,381
A- Baa1 2,250 Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series S, 7%
due 7/01/2006 2,511
AAA Aaa 655 Puerto Rico Housing Finance Corporation, S/F Mortgage Revenue Bonds (Portfolio 1),
Series B, 7.65% due 10/15/2022 (b) 679
AA Aa3 1,500 Puerto Rico Industrial, Medical and Environmental Pollution Control Facilities,
Financing Authority Revenue Bonds (Motorola Inc. Project), Series A, 6.75% due
1/01/2014 1,587
Total Investments (Cost--$224,272)--102.1% 229,740
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets--(2.1)% (4,748)
--------
Net Assets--100.0% $224,992
========
<PAGE> 112
<FN>
(a)The interest rate is subject to change periodically based upon
the prevailing market rate. The interest rates shown are those
in effect at July 31, 1994.
(b)GNMA Collateralized.
(c)AMBAC Insured.
(d)MBIA Insured.
(e)BIG Insured.
(f)FGIC Insured.
(g)Prerefunded.
(h)FSA Insured.
(i)FHA Collateralized.
(j)Capital Guaranty.
(k)Interest secured by escrow.
(l)Represents yield to maturity on this zero coupon issue.
NR--Not Rated.
Ratings of issues have not been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 113
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 1994
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$224,272,469) (Note 1a) $ 229,739,867
Cash 1,737,938
Receivables:
Securities sold $ 8,938,247
Interest 2,524,729
Beneficial interest sold 423,844 11,886,820
-------------
Deferred organization expenses (Note 1e) 16,734
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1e) 36,128
-------------
Total assets 243,417,487
-------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Securities purchased 16,301,368
Beneficial interest redeemed 1,685,678
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f) 181,407
Investment adviser (Note 2) 104,453
Distributor (Note 2) 75,381 18,348,287
-------------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 77,381
-------------
Total liabilities 18,425,668
-------------
Net Assets: Net assets $ 224,991,819
=============
Net Assets Class A Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value,
Consist of: unlimited number of shares authorized $ 439,095
Class B Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value,
unlimited number of shares authorized 1,677,551
Paid-in capital in excess of par 221,623,425
Accumulated realized capital losses--net (3,248,492)
Accumulated distribution in excess of realized capital gains--net (967,158)
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net 5,467,398
-------------
Net assets $ 224,991,819
=============
<PAGE> 114
Net Asset Class A--Based on net assets of $46,669,424 and 4,390,955 shares
Value: of beneficial interest outstanding $ 10.63
=============
Class B--Based on net assets of $178,322,395 and 16,775,508 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding $ 10.63
=============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
Statement of Operations
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended July 31, 1994
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned $ 13,811,274
Income
(Note 1d):
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) 1,272,352
Distribution fees--Class B (Note 2) 917,444
Transfer agent fees--Class B (Note 2) 78,242
Professional fees 63,079
Accounting services (Note 2) 54,207
Printing and shareholder reports 50,751
Custodian fees 24,145
Transfer agent fees--Class A (Note 2) 17,619
Registration fees (Note 1e) 15,789
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1e) 15,448
Pricing fees 10,353
Trustees' fees and expenses 10,091
Other 1,177
-------------
Total expenses 2,530,697
-------------
Investment income--net 11,280,577
-------------
Realized & Realized loss on investments--net (3,460,520)
Unrealized Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net (9,190,582)
Loss on -------------
Investments Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $ (1,370,525)
- --Net (Notes =============
1d & 3):
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 115
<TABLE>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1994 1993
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net $ 11,280,577 $ 9,638,126
Realized gain (loss) on investments--net (3,460,520) 493,380
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments--net (9,190,582) 4,325,705
------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations (1,370,525) 14,457,211
------------- -------------
Dividends & Investment income--net:
Distribu- Class A (2,525,082) (2,223,253)
tions to Class B (8,755,495) (7,414,873)
Shareholders Realized gain on investments--net:
(Note 1f): Class A -- (153,506)
Class B -- (580,052)
In excess of realized gain on investments--net:
Class A (197,825) --
Class B (769,333) --
------------- -------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends and distri-
butions to shareholders (12,247,735) (10,371,684)
------------- -------------
Beneficial Net increase in net assets derived from beneficial interest
Interest transactions 20,934,073 49,072,852
Transactions ------------- -------------
(Note 4):
Net Assets: Total increase in net assets 7,315,813 53,158,379
Beginning of year 217,676,006 164,517,627
------------- -------------
End of year $ 224,991,819 $ 217,676,006
============= =============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 116
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights
<CAPTION>
Class A
For the
Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived August 31,
from information provided in the financial statements. 1990++ to
For the Year Ended July 31, July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1994 1993 1992 1991
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $ 11.23 $ 11.03 $ 10.37 $ 10.00
Operating -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .58 .62 .66 .61
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments--net (.55) .24 .70 .37
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .03 .86 1.36 .98
-------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net (.58) (.62) (.66) (.61)
Realized gain on investments--net -- (.04) (.04) --
In excess of realized gain on investments--net (.05) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions (.63) (.66) (.70) (.61)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $ 10.63 $ 11.23 $ 11.03 $ 10.37
======== ======== ======== ========
Total Based on net asset value per share .19% 8.16% 13.57% 10.28%+++
Investment ======== ======== ======== ========
Return:**
Ratios to Expenses, net of reimbursement .69% .71% .60% .46%*
Average ======== ======== ======== ========
Net Assets: Expenses .69% .72% .77% 1.09%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net 5.28% 5.62% 6.15% 6.63%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 46,669 $ 47,024 $ 35,042 $ 18,368
Data: ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover 65.97% 16.28% 29.58% 15.81%
======== ======== ======== ========
<FN>
++Commencement of Operations.
+++Aggregate total investment return.
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
<PAGE> 117
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights (concluded)
<CAPTION>
Class B
For the
Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived August 31,
from information provided in the financial statements. 1990++ to
For the Year Ended July 31, July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1994 1993 1992 1991
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $ 11.23 $ 11.03 $ 10.37 $ 10.00
Operating -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .53 .56 .61 .56
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments--net (.55) .24 .70 .37
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations (.02) .80 1.31 .93
-------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net (.53) (.56) (.61) (.56)
Realized gain on investments--net -- (.04) (.04) --
In excess of realized gain on investments--net (.05) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions (.58) (.60) (.65) (.56)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $ 10.63 $ 11.23 $ 11.03 $ 10.37
======== ======== ======== ========
Total Based on net asset value per share (.31%) 7.61% 13.10% 9.68%+++
Investment ======== ======== ======== ========
Return:**
Ratios to Expenses, excluding distribution fees and net of
Average reimbursement .70% .71% .60% .50%*
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses, net of reimbursement 1.20% 1.21% 1.10% 1.00%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses 1.20% 1.22% 1.28% 1.58%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net 4.77% 5.11% 5.67% 6.08%*
======== ======== ======== ========
<PAGE> 118
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $178,322 $170,652 $129,475 $ 77,165
Data: ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover 65.97% 16.28% 29.58% 15.81%
======== ======== ======== ========
<FN>
++Commencement of Operations.
+++Aggregate total investment return.
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>119
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is part of
Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (the "Trust"). The
Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-
diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund offers
both Class A and Class B Shares. Class A Shares are sold with a
front-end sales charge. Class B Shares may be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge. Both classes of shares have
identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the
same terms and conditions, except that Class B Shares bear certain
expenses related to the distribution of such shares and have
exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to such
distribution expenditures. The following is a summary of significant
accounting policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments--Municipal bonds and other portfolio
securities in which the Fund invests are traded primarily in the
over-the-counter municipal bond and money markets and are valued at
the last available bid price in the over-the-counter market or on
the basis of yield equivalents as obtained from one or more dealers
that make markets in the securities. Financial futures contracts and
options thereon, which are traded on exchanges, are valued at their
settlement prices as of the close of such exchanges. Short-term
investments with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are
valued on an amortized cost basis, which approximates market value.
Options, which are traded on exchanges, are valued at their last
sale price as of the close of such exchanges or, lacking any sales,
at the last available bid price. Securities and assets for which
market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value
as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board
of Trustees of the Trust, including valuations furnished by a
pricing service retained by the Trust, which may utilize a matrix
system for valuations. The procedures of the pricing service and its
valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Trust under the
general supervision of the Trustees.
<PAGE> 120
(b) Financial futures contracts--The Fund may purchase or sell
interest rate futures contracts and options on such futures
contracts for the purpose of hedging the market risk on existing or
the intended purchase of securities. Futures contracts are contracts
for delayed delivery of securities at a specific future date and at
a specific price or yield. Upon entering into a contract, the Fund
deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required
by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to
the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker
an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the
contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin
and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the
contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal
to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it
was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
(c) Income taxes--It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its
taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax
provision is required.
(d) Security transactions and investment income--Security
transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered
into (the trade dates). Interest income is recognized on the accrual
basis. Discounts and market premiums are amortized into interest
income. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are
determined on the identified cost basis.
(e) Deferred organization expenses and prepaid registration fees--
Deferred organization expenses are charged to expense on a straight-
line basis over a five-year period. Prepaid registration fees are
charged to expense as the related shares are issued.
(f) Dividends and distributions--Dividends from net investment
income are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of capital
gains are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Distributions in excess
of realized capital gains are due primarily to differing tax
treatments for futures transactions and post October losses.
<PAGE> 121
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Fund
Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM"). Effective January 1, 1994, the
investment advisory business of FAM was reorganized from a
corporation to a limited partnership. Both prior to and after the
reorganization, ultimate control of FAM was vested with Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."). The general partner of FAM is
Princeton Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of ML & Co. The limited partners are ML & Co. and Fund
Asset Management, Inc. ("FAMI"), which is also an indirect wholly-
owned subsidiary of ML & Co. The Fund has also entered into
Distribution Agreements and a Distribution Plan with Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc. ("MLFD" or "Distributor"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Investment Management, Inc. ("MLIM"),
which is also an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ML & Co.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
FAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and
provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain
other services necessary to the operations of the Fund. For such
services, the Fund pays a monthly fee based upon the average daily
value of the Fund's net assets at the following annual rates: 0.55%
of the Fund's average daily net assets not exceeding $500 million;
0.525% of average daily net assets in excess of $500 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; and 0.50% of average daily net assets in
excess of $1 billion. The Investment Advisory Agreement obligates
FAM to reimburse the Fund to the extent the Fund's expenses
(excluding interest, taxes, distribution fees, brokerage fees and
commissions, and extraordinary items) exceed 2.5% of the Fund's
first $30 million of average daily net assets, 2.0% of the next $70
million of average daily net assets, and 1.5% of the average daily
net assets in excess thereof. FAM's obligation to reimburse the Fund
is limited to the amount of the management fee. No fee payment will
be made to the Investment Adviser during any fiscal year which will
cause such expenses to exceed expense limitations at the time of
such payment.
<PAGE> 122
The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the "Plan") in
accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
pursuant to which the Fund pays the distributor ongoing account
maintenance and distribution fees relating to Class B Shares, which
are accrued daily and paid monthly at the annual rates of 0.25% and
0.25%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of the Class B
Shares of the Fund. Pursuant to a sub-agreement with the
Distributor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. ("MLPF&S"),
an affiliate of ML & Co., also provides account maintenance and
distribution services to the Fund. The ongoing account maintenance
fee compensates the Distributor and MLPF&S for providing
distribution and account maintenance services to Class B
shareholders. As authorized by the Plan, the Distributor has entered
into an agreement with MLPF&S, which provides for the compensation
of MLPF&S for providing distribution-related services to the Fund.
For the year ended July 31, 1994, MLFD earned under-writing
discounts of $8,366, and MLPF&S earned dealer concessions of
$89,001, on sales of the Fund's Class A Shares.
MLPF&S also received contingent deferred sales charges of $474,329
for the sale of Class B Shares during the period.
Financial Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
ML & Co., is the Fund's transfer agent.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by FAM at cost.
Certain officers and/or trustees of the Fund are officers and/or
directors of FAM, FAMI, PSI, MLIM, MLFD, FDS, MLPF&S, and/or ML &
Co.
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities,
for the year ended July 31, 1994 were $170,084,042 and $147,371,725,
respectively.
<PAGE> 123
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) as of July 31, 1994 were
as follows:
Realized Unrealized
Gains (Losses) Gains
Long-term investments $ (5,210,691) $ 5,467,398
Short-term investments (4,766) --
Financial futures contracts 1,754,937 --
------------ -----------
Total $ (3,460,520) $ 5,467,398
============ ===========
As of July 31, 1994, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income
tax purposes aggregated $5,467,398, of which $6,707,012 related to
appreciated securities and $1,239,614 related to depreciated
securities. The aggregate cost of investments at July 31, 1994 for
Federal income tax purposes was $224,272,469.
4. Beneficial Interest Transactions:
Net increase in net assets derived from beneficial interest
transactions was $20,934,073 and $49,072,852 for the years ended
July 31, 1994 and July 31, 1993, respectively.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for Class A and Class
B Shares were as follows:
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1994 Shares Amount
Shares sold 1,095,757 $12,136,853
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 120,076 1,329,884
------------ -----------
Total issued 1,215,833 13,466,737
Shares redeemed (1,011,632) (11,085,681)
------------ -----------
Net increase 204,201 $ 2,381,056
============ ===========
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1993 Shares Amount
Shares sold 1,665,944 $18,267,413
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 103,657 1,133,213
------------ -----------
Total issued 1,769,601 19,400,626
Shares redeemed (760,681) (8,310,908)
------------ -----------
Net increase 1,008,920 $11,089,718
============ ===========
Class B Shares for the Dollar
Year Ended July 31, 1994 Shares Amount
Shares sold 4,388,673 $49,079,880
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 468,309 5,185,597
------------ -----------
Total issued 4,856,982 54,265,477
Shares redeemed (3,273,476) (35,712,460)
------------ -----------
Net increase 1,583,506 $18,553,017
============ ===========
Class B Shares for the Dollar
Year Ended July 31, 1993 Shares Amount
Shares sold 5,267,606 $57,919,146
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 394,724 4,316,350
------------ -----------
Total issued 5,662,330 62,235,496
Shares redeemed (2,210,388) (24,252,362)
------------ -----------
Net increase 3,451,942 $37,983,134
============ ===========
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<PAGE> 125
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
====================================================== ======================================================
Statement of
Additional Information
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
Investment Objective and Policies........... 2
Description of Municipal Bonds and Temporary
Investments............................... 5 ART
Description of Municipal Bonds............. 5
Description of Temporary Investments....... 7
Repurchase Agreements ..................... 8
Financial Futures Transactions and Options. 8
Investment Restrictions..................... 13
Management of the Trust..................... 16
Trustees and Officers...................... 16
Management and Advisory Arrangements....... 18
Purchase of Shares.......................... 19
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives-Class A
and Class D Shares....................... 20 MERRILL LYNCH
Reduced Initial Sales Charges ............. 21 NEW JERSEY
Distribution Plans......................... 23 MUNICIPAL BOND
Limitation on the Payment of Deferred Sales FUND
Charges................................... 24 MERRILL LYNCH MULTI-STATE
Redemption of Shares........................ 25 MUNICIPAL SERIES TRUST
Deferred Sales Charges-Class B Shares...... 25
Portfolio Transactions...................... 25
Determination of Net Asset Value............ 26
Shareholder Services........................ 27
Investment Account......................... 27
Automatic Investment Plans................. 28
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and
Capital Gains Distributions.............. 28
Systematic Withdrawal Plans-Class A and
Class D Shares........................... 28 October 21, 1994
Exchange Privilege......................... 29
Distributions and Taxes..................... 40 Distributor:
Environmental Tax.......................... 44 Merrill Lynch
Tax Treatment of Option and Futures Funds Distributor, Inc.
Transactions.............................. 44
New Jersey Tax............................. 44
Performance Data............................ 45
General Information......................... 46
Description of Shares...................... 46
Computation of Offering Price Per Share.... 48
Independent Auditors....................... 48
Custodian.................................. 48
Transfer Agent............................. 49
Legal Counsel.............................. 49
Reports to Shareholders.................... 49
Additional Information..................... 49
Appendix I-Economic and Financial Conditions
in
New Jersey................................ 51
Appendix II-Ratings of Municipal Bonds...... 54
Independent Auditors' Report................ 62
Financial Statements........................ 63
Code #11105-1094
====================================================== ======================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 126
APPENDIX FOR GRAPHIC AND IMAGE MATERIAL
Pursuant to Rule 304 of Regulation S-T, the following table presents fair
and accurate narrative descriptions of graphic and image material omitted from
this EDGAR submission file due to ASCII-incompatibility and cross-references
this material to the location of each occurrence in the text.
DESCRIPTION OF OMITTED LOCATION OF GRAPHIC
GRAPHIC OR IMAGE OR IMAGE IN TEXT
---------------------- -------------------
Compass plate, circular Back cover of Prospectus and
graph paper and Merrill Lynch back cover of Statement of
logo including stylized market Additional Information
bull
