MERRILL LYNCH
NEW JERSEY
MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
STRATEGIC
Performance
Semi-Annual Report
January 31, 1999
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
The Municipal Market Environment
During the six months ended January 31, 1999, long-term bond yields moved
significantly lower. US domestic economic growth remained moderate, with losses
in the manufacturing sector offset by strong growth in service-oriented
industries. Industrial commodity prices recently fell to their lowest level in
over a decade. This suggests that the current positive inflationary environment
is unlikely to be challenged in the near term. Additionally, the Federal Reserve
Board lowered short-term interest rates in September, October and November, in
part to ensure that US domestic economic growth would not be negatively impacted
by ongoing weak economic growth overseas. However, various external factors, as
well as increased volatility, contributed to the decline in bond yields as they
have for much of the past year. Episodes of foreign economic instability
generated a significant "flight to quality" rally in US Treasury securities, as
well as fostering lower tax-exempt bond yields as a result. Periods of strong
foreign equity market appreciation, particularly in Asia, have at times resulted
in higher US bond yields as foreign investors have sold US fixed-income
instruments to reinvest the proceeds in their own domestic equity markets.
Additionally, the continued distraction of President Clinton's impeachment trial
added to recent interest rate volatility. However, on balance, the favorable
fundamental economic scenario supported lower bond yields. During the six-month
period ended January 31, 1999, the yield on the US Treasury 30-year bond fell
over 60 basis points (0.60%) to 5.09%, and long-term municipal revenue bond
yields declined almost 20 basis points to 5.17%, as measured by the Bond Buyer
Revenue Bond Index.
Throughout most of 1998, the municipal bond market's performance was impeded by
a sig nificant increase in new-issue supply. However, in recent months, the
technical position of the tax-exempt market improved. Over the last 12 months,
almost $285 billion in new long-term tax-exempt bonds was underwritten, an
increase of almost 30% compared to the same period a year ago. As municipal bond
yields declined in recent years, it has taken increasingly lower bond yields to
generate the cost savings necessary to refinance remaining higher-couponed debt.
Consequently, the rate of increases in municipal bond issuance slowed in recent
quarters. During the last six months, more than $125 billion in new tax-exempt
bonds was issued, an increase of approximately 5% compared to the same period a
year ago. During the January 31, 1999 quarter, $63 billion in new long-term
municipal bonds was underwritten, representing an increase of 5% compared to the
January 31, 1998 quarter.
The pace of tax-exempt issuance continued to slow in 1999. January's monthly
issuance was less than $15 billion, representing a decline of almost 25%
compared to January 1998's volume. Additionally, investors received more than
$22 billion in coupon payments, maturities and proceeds from early redemptions
in January. Investors can also expect to receive an additional $15 billion-$18
billion in February for reinvestment. Consequently, investor demand has been
strong in recent months, easily matching, if not at times exceeding, available
supply. We will monitor this trend closely in the coming months to determine if
the supply pressures exerted in 1998 are abating and fostering a more balanced
supply/demand environment for 1999. Such an environment should allow the
tax-exempt market's performance to more closely mirror that of its taxable
counterpart.
Foreign investors have rarely been active investors in the tax-exempt bond
market since they are unable to benefit from the inherent tax advantage of
municipal securities. Consequently, the municipal bond market has not been able
to benefit from the strong flight to quality demand enjoyed by US Treasury
securities since late 1997. This inability has in large part resulted in
significantly smaller declines in municipal bond yields compared to US Treasury
securities. However, this has resulted in the opportunity to purchase tax-exempt
securities with yields very close to or, in some instances, exceeding those of
comparable US Treasury bonds. By January 31, 1999, long-term tax-exempt bond
yields were at 102% of US Treasury
1
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
securities of comparable maturities, nearly matching the least expensive level
of the past year. Municipal bond yield ratios have averaged approximately 95%
for the last six months and 92% for all of 1998. During 1997, tax-exempt bond
yield ratios averaged 84%. It is likely that the combination of the increase in
new-issue volume and the "safe-haven" status of US Treasury securities drove
municipal bond yield ratios to their present attractive levels. Should new
volume decline and/or foreign financial markets regain stability in 1999,
tax-exempt bond yield ratios could quickly return to their more historic levels
(85%-88%).
Looking ahead, the expected combination of moderate economic growth in the
United States and continued negligible inflation suggests a relatively stable
interest rate environment into early 1999. However, it is likely that foreign
financial markets will again be a critical factor in determining US bond yields.
Economic problems in Russia and Brazil remain unresolved, suggesting that
additional shocks to the world's financial system are possible. On the other
hand, the continued robustness of the US economy has led to some back up in
interest rates. However, at present these factors indicate that there is little
immediate risk of sustained significant increases in long-term bond yields.
Portfolio Strategy
Throughout the six months ended January 31, 1999, we maintained a constructive
investment strategy for Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund. We
believed that strong domestic economic growth seen in late 1998 and thus far
this year would be offset by a combination of an extremely constructive
inflationary environment and deteriorating Asian and Latin American economic
conditions. Consequently, as 1998 ended, we expected tax-exempt bond yields to
trade in a relatively narrow range, with a bias toward lower bond yields. In
fact, at year-end, municipal bond yields were very attractive relative to
taxable securities. We maintained the Fund's fully invested position because of
these attractive municipal yield ratios in order to seek to enhance shareholder
income. We believe that municipal bond prices are in a good position to
appreciate should interest rates decline.
Looking ahead, we expect little change in the Fund's existing structure. Current
economic fundamentals and a strong domestic economy offset by the lack of
significant inflationary pressures suggest that interest rates should trade in a
narrow range. Should economic weakness in Asia reverse in the coming months and
no longer constrain US economic growth, we will look to adopt a more defensive
position for the Fund.
In Conclusion
We appreciate your ongoing interest in Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond
Fund, and we look forward to serving your investment needs in the months and
years to come.
Sincerely,
/s/ Terry K. Glenn
Terry K. Glenn
Executive Vice President
/s/ Vincent R. Giordano
Vincent R. Giordano
Senior Vice President
/s/ Roberto Roffo
Roberto Roffo
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
March 5, 1999
2
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
PERFORMANCE DATA
About Fund Performance
Investors are able to purchase shares of the Fund through the Merrill Lynch
Select Pricing(SM) System, which offers four pricing alternatives:
o Class A Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge (front-end load) of 4%
and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance fees. Class A
Shares are available only to eligible investors.
o Class B Shares are subject to a maximum contingent deferred sales charge
of 4% if redeemed during the first year, decreasing 1% each year
thereafter to 0% after the fourth year. In addition, Class B Shares are
subject to a distribution fee of 0.25% and an account maintenance fee of
0.25%. These shares automatically convert to Class D Shares after
approximately 10 years. (There is no initial sales charge for automatic
share conversions.)
o Class C Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.35% and an account
maintenance fee of 0.25%. In addition, Class C Shares are subject to a 1%
contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase.
o Class D Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge of 4% and an account
maintenance fee of 0.10% (but no distribution fee).
None of the past results shown should be considered a representation of future
performance. Figures shown in the "Recent Performance Results" and "Average
Annual Total Return" tables assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital
gains distri butions at net asset value on the payable date. Investment return
and principal value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may
be worth more or less than their original cost. Dividends paid to each class of
shares will vary because of the different levels of account maintenance,
distribution and transfer agency fees applicable to each class, which are
deducted from the income available to be paid to shareholders.
Recent Performance Results*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Standardized
12 Month 3 Month Since Inception 30-Day Yield
Total Return Total Return Total Return As of 1/31/99
========================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ML New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund Class A Shares +6.49% +1.63% +84.58% 3.97%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund Class B Shares +5.95 +1.50 +76.88 3.63
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund Class C Shares +5.85 +1.57 +34.53 3.53
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund Class D Shares +6.38 +1.60 +37.50 3.88
========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
* Investment results shown do not reflect sales charges; results would be
lower if a sales charge was included. Total investment returns are based
on changes in net asset values for the periods shown, and assume
reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions at net asset
value on the payable date. The Fund's since inception periods are Class A
& Class B Shares, from 8/31/90 to 1/31/99 and Class C & Class D Shares,
from 10/21/94 to 1/31/99.
3
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
PERFORMANCE DATA (concluded)
Average Annual Total Return
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
================================================================================
Class A Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 12/31/98 +6.09% +1.84%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 12/31/98 +5.27 +4.41
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (8/31/90)
through 12/31/98 +7.47 +6.94
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
================================================================================
Class B Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 12/31/98 +5.55% +1.59%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 12/31/98 +4.74 +4.74
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (8/31/90)
through 12/31/98 +6.93 +6.93
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 4% and is reduced to 0% after
4 years.
** Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
================================================================================
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
================================================================================
Class C Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 12/31/98 +5.44% +4.45%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94)
through 12/31/98 +6.99 +6.99
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1% and is reduced to 0% after
1 year.
** Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
================================================================================
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
================================================================================
Class D Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 12/31/98 +5.98% +1.74%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94)
through 12/31/98 +7.57 +6.52
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
4
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey--87.2%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cape May County, New Jersey, Industrial Pollution Control Financing Authority Revenue
Bonds (Atlantic City Electric Company Project), Series A (d):
AAA Aaa $ 6,000 AMT, 7.20% due 11/01/2029 $ 6,962
AAA Aaa 4,500 Refunding, 6.80% due 3/01/2021 5,703
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
East Orange, New Jersey, Board of Education, COP (f):
AAA Aaa 2,500 5.34%** due 8/01/2020 864
AAA Aaa 2,850 5.38%** due 2/01/2028 678
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Essex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Revenue Bonds (d):
AAA Aaa 2,520 (New Jersey Performing Arts Center Project), 5% due 9/01/2018 2,544
AAA Aaa 3,800 (Orange Franchise Utility System), Series A, 5.75% due 7/01/2027 4,109
AAA Aaa 1,685 (Riverbank Park Project), 4.625% due 9/01/2018 1,642
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,950 Hudson County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Facility Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Hudson County Lease Project), 5.40% due 10/01/2025 (c) 3,085
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,250 Landis, New Jersey, Sewer Authority, Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds, CARS,
7.52% due 9/19/2019 (b)(c) 3,993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Lenape, New Jersey, High School District, GO, 5% due 4/01/2020 (c) 3,022
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA+ Aaa 1,000 Middlesex County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Educational Services Commission Project), 4.875% due 9/15/2019 995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* NR* 5,750 Middlesex County, New Jersey, Pollution Control Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Amerada Hess), 6.875% due 12/01/2022 6,229
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 1,000 Monmouth County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Revenue Bonds (Howell Township
Board of Education Project), 5.80% due 7/15/2017 (e) 1,094
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 Moorestown Township, New Jersey, School District, GO, 5% due 1/01/2028 (c) 1,005
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB- Baa1 2,000 New Jersey EDA, Economic Development Revenue Bonds (American Airlines Inc. Project),
AMT, 7.10% due 11/01/2031 2,164
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey EDA, Economic Development Revenue Refunding Bonds:
A1+ NR* 200 (Foreign Trade Zone Project), VRDN, 2.90% due 12/01/2007 (a) 200
A+ NR* 2,000 (Health Village 1996 Project), 6% due 5/01/2016 2,183
AAA Aaa 2,500 (RWJ Health Care Corporation), 6.50% due 7/01/2024 (f) 2,819
BBB- NR* 3,000 (United Methodist Homes), 5.125% due 7/01/2018 2,867
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
To simplify the listings of Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund's
portfolio holdings in the Schedule of Investments, we have abbreviated the names
of many of the securities according to the list at right.
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)
CARS Complementary Auction Rate Securities
COP Certificates of Participation
EDA Economic Development Authority
GO General Obligation Bonds
M/F Multi-Family
RITR Residual Interest Trust Receipts
S/F Single-Family
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
5
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey (continued)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AAA Aaa $ 1,700 New Jersey EDA, Educational Testing Services Revenue Bonds, Series B,
6.25% due 5/15/2005 (d)(g) $ 1,961
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB- NR* 2,500 New Jersey EDA, First Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds (Fellowship Village), Series A,
5.50% due 1/01/2018 2,454
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,500 New Jersey EDA, Lease Rental Revenue Bonds (Liberty State Park Project),
6.80% due 3/15/2002 (g) 2,790
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1+ 1,700 New Jersey EDA, Natural Gas Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (New Jersey Natural Gas
Company Project), VRDN, Series B, 2.50% due 1/01/2028 (a)(e) 1,700
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 New Jersey EDA, Package Facilities Revenue Bonds (Elizabeth Development Company Project),
5.60% due 10/15/2026 (c) 1,068
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BB Ba2 4,000 New Jersey EDA, Special Facility Revenue Bonds (Continental Airlines Inc. Project), AMT,
5.50% due 4/01/2028 4,016
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 850 New Jersey EDA, Water Facilities Revenue Refunding Bond (Middlesex Water
Company Project), AMT, Series A, 5.25% due 2/01/2029 (d) 856
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,425 New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust Revenue Bonds, Series A, 4.50%
due 9/01/2018 3,295
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds:
NR* Aaa 1,000 (Bayonne Hospital Obligation Group), 4.75% due 7/01/2027 (f) 971
AAA Aaa 10,650 (Centrastate Medical Center Obligation Group), 4.50% due 7/01/2028 (e) 10,005
BBB Baa2 4,980 (Englewood Hospital & Medical Center), 6.75% due 7/01/2024 5,462
AAA Aaa 2,125 (Hackensack University Medical Center), Series A, 5% due 1/01/2028 (d) 2,130
AAA Aaa 6,500 (Saint Barnabas Health Center), Series B, 5.25% due 7/01/2014 (d) 6,808
AAA Aaa 5,100 (Saint Barnabas Health Center), Series B, 4.75% due 7/01/2028 (d) 4,927
BBB Baa2 4,000 (Saint Elizabeth Hospital Obligation Group), 6% due 7/01/2027 4,189
AAA Aaa 3,600 (Virtua Health Issue), 4.50% due 7/01/2028 (f) 3,382
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1+ 1,090 New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority Revenue Bonds,
VRDN, Series C, 2.50% due 9/01/2024 (a)(d) 1,090
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds:
AA+ Aaa 230 (Institute of Advanced Study), Series F, 5% due 7/01/2021 233
AAA Aaa 1,000 (Seton Hall University Project), 5% due 7/01/2018 (e) 1,004
A- Baa1 500 (Seton Hall University Project), Series D, 7% due 7/01/2021 538
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,000 New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, M/F Housing Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Presidential Plaza), Series 1, 6.95% due 5/01/2013 (h) 2,175
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,495 New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, S/F Housing Revenue Bonds
(Home Buyer), AMT, Series M, 7% due 10/01/2026 (d) 3,820
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Aaa 14,700 New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority, RITR, 8.295% due 6/15/2014 (b)(d) 17,379
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA- Aa2 2,000 New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Transportation System Revenue Bonds,
Series A, 5% due 6/15/2017 2,029
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,120 Passaic Valley, New Jersey, Water Commission, Water Supply Revenue Refunding Bonds,
Series A, 6.40% due 12/15/2002 (c)(g) 2,376
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,215 South Brunswick Township, New Jersey, Board of Education, GO,
6.40% due 8/01/2005 (c)(g) 1,398
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB NR* 1,040 South Jersey Transportation Authority, Lease Revenue Bonds (Raytheon Aircraft
Service, Inc. Project), AMT, 6.15% due 1/01/2022 1,104
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stafford Township, New Jersey, GO (c):
NR* Aaa 1,010 4.80% due 2/01/2021 996
NR* Aaa 1,070 4.80% due 2/01/2023 1,054
NR* Aaa 1,097 4.80% due 2/01/2024 1,080
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey (concluded)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AAA Aaa $ 2,500 Trenton, New Jersey, GO, 6.55% due 8/15/2002 (d)(g) $ 2,799
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA NR* 2,185 Union County, New Jersey, Improvement Authority Revenue Bonds (Plainfield Board of
Education Project), 5.85% due 8/01/2026 (c) 2,376
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds:
AA+ Aaa 500 (County Deficiency), Series C-2, 5% due 6/15/2028 504
AAA Aaa 1,000 (Ogden Martin Senior Lease), AMT, Series A, 5% due 6/01/2015 (e) 1,015
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wall Township, New Jersey, School District, GO (f):
AAA NR* 2,140 4.50% due 7/15/2017 2,080
AAA NR* 2,685 4.75% due 7/15/2023 2,647
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York--8.3%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Consolidated Revenue Bonds:
AA- A1 3,250 72nd Series, 7.35% due 10/01/2027 3,706
AAA Aaa 4,500 104th Series, 4.75% due 1/15/2026 (e) 4,373
AA- A1 1,000 111th Series, 5% due 10/01/2027 1,000
AAA Aaa 3,300 Refunding, 96th Series, AMT, 6.60% due 10/01/2023 (c) 3,717
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1+ 2,000 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special Obligation Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Versatile Structure Obligation), VRDN, Series 2, 3.20% due 5/01/2019 (a) 2,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico--3.6%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series EE:
BBB+ Baa1 4,500 4.75% due 7/01/2024 4,339
AAA Aaa 500 4.75% due 7/01/2024 (d) 490
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 1,640
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments (Cost--$166,697)--99.1% 177,134
Other Assets Less Liabilities--0.9% 1,564
--------
Net Assets--100.0% $178,698
========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) The interest rate is subject to change periodically based upon prevailing
market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in effect at January 31,
1999.
(b) The interest rate is subject to change periodically and inversely based
upon prevailing market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in
effect at January 31, 1999.
(c) FGIC Insured.
(d) MBIA Insured.
(e) AMBAC Insured.
(f) FSA Insured.
(g) Prerefunded.
(h) FHA Insured.
* Not Rated.
** Represents a zero coupon bond; the interest rate shown is the effective
yield at the time of purchase by the Fund.
+ Highest short-term rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of January 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$166,696,665) (Note 1a)............ $177,134,360
Cash....................................................................... 133,516
Receivables:
Securities sold......................................................... $ 5,129,631
Interest................................................................ 1,918,607
Beneficial interest sold................................................ 419,563 7,467,801
-----------
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1e)....................... 15,119
-------------
Total assets............................................................... 184,750,796
-------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Securities purchased.................................................... 5,044,948
Beneficial interest redeemed............................................ 672,194
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f)..................................... 128,745
Investment adviser (Note 2)............................................. 75,008
Distributor (Note 2).................................................... 53,310 5,974,205
-----------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities..................................... 78,381
-------------
Total liabilities.......................................................... 6,052,586
-------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Net assets................................................................. $178,698,210
=============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets Class A Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
Consist of: shares authorized.......................................................... $ 291,128
Class B Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized.......................................................... 1,132,367
Class C Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized.......................................................... 83,764
Class D Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized.......................................................... 92,711
Paid-in capital in excess of par........................................... 167,077,348
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments--net.................... (248,316)
Accumulated distributions in excess of realized capital gains--net
(Note 1f).................................................................. (168,487)
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net................................ 10,437,695
-------------
Net assets................................................................. $178,698,210
=============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value: Class A--Based on net assets of $32,514,065 and 2,911,280 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding......................................... $ 11.17
=============
Class B--Based on net assets of $126,472,181 and 11,323,667 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding......................................... $ 11.17
=============
Class C--Based on net assets of $9,352,769 and 837,640 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding......................................... $ 11.17
=============
Class D--Based on net assets of $10,359,195 and 927,109 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding......................................... $ 11.17
=============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statement of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Six Months Ended
January 31, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned......... $ 4,903,494
(Note 1d):
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2)................................ $ 486,268
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class B (Note 2)...... 318,088
Printing and shareholder reports................................. 45,537
Professional fees................................................ 37,979
Transfer agent fees--Class B (Note 2)............................ 28,139
Accounting services (Note 2)..................................... 27,669
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class C (Note 2)...... 25,402
Custodian fees................................................... 6,254
Transfer agent fees--Class A (Note 2)............................ 5,795
Pricing fees..................................................... 5,218
Trustees' fees and expenses...................................... 5,094
Account maintenance fees--Class D (Note 2)....................... 4,389
Registration fees (Note 1e)...................................... 3,751
Transfer agent fees--Class C (Note 2)............................ 1,841
Transfer agent fees--Class D (Note 2)............................ 1,574
Other............................................................ 1,628
------------
Total expenses.................................................. 1,004,626
------------
Investment income--net .......................................... 3,898,868
------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized & Unreal- Realized gain on investments--net ............................... 4,174,105
ized Gain (Loss) on Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net............ (658,064)
Investments--Net ------------
(Notes 1b, 1d & 3): Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations............. $ 7,414,909
============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Six For the
Months Ended Year Ended
January 31, July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1999 1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net .............................................. $ 3,898,868 $ 8,653,479
Realized gain on investments--net ................................... 4,174,105 2,594,585
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net ............... (658,064) (2,231,431)
------------- -------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ................ 7,414,909 9,016,633
------------- -------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends & Investment income--net:
Distributions to Class A ........................................................... (777,947) (2,003,879)
Shareholders Class B ........................................................... (2,736,801) (6,087,084)
(Note 1f): Class C ........................................................... (177,678) (268,273)
Class D ........................................................... (206,442) (294,243)
Realized gain on investments--net:
Class A ........................................................... (624,592) --
Class B ........................................................... (2,460,892) --
Class C ........................................................... (172,401) --
Class D ........................................................... (198,232) --
In excess of realized gain on investments--net:
Class A ........................................................... -- (37,255)
Class B ........................................................... -- (122,063)
Class C ........................................................... -- (4,660)
Class D ........................................................... -- (4,509)
------------- -------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends
and distributions to shareholders ................................... (7,354,985) (8,821,966)
------------- -------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beneficial Interest Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from beneficial
Transactions interest transactions ............................................... 4,740,935 (12,838,456)
(Note 4): ------------- -------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Total increase (decrease) in net assets ............................. 4,800,859 (12,643,789)
Beginning of period ................................................. 173,897,351 186,541,140
------------- -------------
End of period ....................................................... $ 178,698,210 $ 173,897,351
============= =============
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A
--------------------------------------------------------
For the
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Six Months
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended For the Year Ended July 31,
Jan. 31, -------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ..... $ 11.16 $ 11.15 $ 10.69 $ 10.71 $ 10.63
Operating ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .27 .58 .57 .58 .58
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ......................... .23 .02 .46 (.02) .08
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ......... .50 .60 1.03 .56 .66
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ................. (.27) (.58) (.57) (.58) (.58)
Realized gain on investments--net ...... (.22) -- -- -- --
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net ....................... -- (.01) -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions ........ (.49) (.59) (.57) (.58) (.58)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period ........... $ 11.17 $ 11.16 $ 11.15 $ 10.69 $ 10.71
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... 4.53%+ 5.51% 9.95% 5.32% 6.51%
Return:** ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Expenses ................................. .74%* .69% .70% .71% .74%
Average ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net Assets: Investment income--net ................... 4.81%* 5.17% 5.29% 5.36% 5.57%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands).. $32,514 $32,571 $39,343 $38,173 $39,482
Data: ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio turnover ....................... 58.04% 57.00% 54.02% 60.21% 57.17%
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
-------------------------------------------------------------
For the
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Six Months
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended For the Year Ended July 31,
Jan. 31, -----------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ...... $ 11.16 $ 11.15 $ 10.69 $ 10.71 $ 10.63
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .................... .24 .52 .52 .52 .53
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net .......................... .23 .02 .46 (.02) .08
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .......... .47 .54 .98 .50 .61
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net .................. (.24) (.52) (.52) (.52) (.53)
Realized gain on investments--net ....... (.22) -- -- -- --
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net ........................ -- (.01) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ......... (.46) (.53) (.52) (.52) (.53)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period ............ $ 11.17 $ 11.16 $ 11.15 $ 10.69 $ 10.71
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ........ 4.26%+ 4.98% 9.39% 4.77% 5.97%
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Expenses .................................. 1.24%* 1.20% 1.21% 1.21% 1.25%
Average ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net Assets: Investment income--net .................... 4.30%* 4.66% 4.78% 4.85% 5.06%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands)... $126,472 $126,606 $137,485 $149,455 $164,020
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover ........................ 58.04% 57.00% 54.02% 60.21% 57.17%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C
--------------------------------------------------------------
For the For the
Six Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Months Oct. 21,
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended For the Year Ended July 31, 1994+ to
Jan. 31, ---------------------------------- July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ..... $ 11.16 $ 11.14 $ 10.69 $ 10.71 $ 10.34
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .24 .51 .50 .51 .40
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ......................... .23 .03 .45 (.02) .37
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ......... .47 .54 .95 .49 .77
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ................. (.24) (.51) (.50) (.51) (.40)
Realized gain on investments--net ...... (.22) -- -- -- --
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net ....................... -- (.01) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ........ (.46) (.52) (.50) (.51) (.40)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period ........... $ 11.17 $ 11.16 $ 11.14 $ 10.69 $ 10.71
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... 4.22%++ 4.96% 9.18% 4.66% 7.62%++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Expenses ................................. 1.34%* 1.30% 1.31% 1.32% 1.39%*
Average ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net Assets: Investment income--net ................... 4.20%* 4.56% 4.68% 4.76% 4.83%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands).. $ 9,353 $ 7,252 $ 5,088 $ 4,179 $ 1,337
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover ....................... 58.04% 57.00% 54.02% 60.21% 57.17%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+Commencement of operations.
++Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
Financial Highlights (concluded)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class D
----------------------------------------------------------
For the For the
Six Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Months Oct. 21,
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended For the Year Ended July 31, 1994+ to
Jan. 31, -------------------------------- July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period .... $ 11.17 $ 11.15 $ 10.70 $ 10.71 $ 10.34
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .................. .26 .57 .56 .57 .44
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
transactions--net ....................... .22 .03 .45 (.01) .37
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ........ .48 .60 1.01 .56 .81
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ................ (.26) (.57) (.56) (.57) (.44)
Realized gain on investments--net ..... (.22) -- -- -- --
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net ...................... -- (.01) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ....... (.48) (.58) (.56) (.57) (.44)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period .......... $ 11.17 $ 11.17 $ 11.15 $ 10.70 $ 10.71
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ...... 4.38%++ 5.50% 9.73% 5.31% 8.05%++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Expenses ................................ .84%* .79% .80% .80% .86%*
Average ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net Assets: Investment income--net .................. 4.70%* 5.07% 5.19% 5.27% 5.45%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period
Data: (in thousands) .......................... $ 10,359 $ 7,468 $ 4,625 $ 3,652 $ 2,390
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover ...................... 58.04% 57.00% 54.02% 60.21% 57.17%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+Commencement of operations.
++Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
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's financial statements are prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles which may require the
use of management accruals and estimates. These unaudited financial statements
reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a
fair statement of the results for the interim period presented. The Fund offers
four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System. Shares
of Class A and Class D are sold with a front-end sales charge. Shares of Class B
and Class C may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. All classes of
shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the
same terms and conditions, except that Class B, Class C and Class D Shares bear
certain expenses related to the account maintenance of such shares, and Class B
and Class C Shares also bear certain expenses related to the distribution of
such shares. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters
relating to its account maintenance and distribution expenditures. The following
is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments--Municipal bonds and other portfolio securities in
which the Fund invests are traded primarily in the over-the-counter municipal
bond and money markets and are valued at the last available bid price in the
over-the-counter market or on the basis of yield equivalents as obtained from
one or more dealers that make markets in the securities. Financial futures
contracts and options thereon, which are traded on exchanges, are valued at
their settlement prices as of the close of such exchanges. Short-term
investments with remaining maturities of sixty days or less are valued at
amortized cost, which approximates market value. Securities and assets for which
market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees of
the Trust, including valuations furnished by a pricing service retained by the
Trust, which may utilize a matrix system for valuations. The procedures of the
pricing service and its valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Trust
under the general supervision of the Trustees.
(b) Derivative financial instruments--The Fund may engage in various portfolio
strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its portfolio against
adverse movements in the debt markets. Losses may arise due to changes in the
value of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the
contract.
o Financial futures contracts--The Fund may purchase or sell financial futures
contracts and options on such futures contracts for the purpose of hedging the
market risk on existing securities or the intended purchase of securities.
Futures contracts are contracts for delayed delivery of securities at a specific
future date and at a specific price or yield. Upon entering into a contract, the
Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the
exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the
Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the
daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known
as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses.
When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to
the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and
the value at the time it was closed.
(c) Income taxes--It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required.
(d) Security transactions and investment income--Security transactions are
recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade dates).
Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Discounts and market
premiums are amortized into interest income. Realized gains and losses on
security transactions are determined on the identified cost basis.
(e) Prepaid registration fees--Prepaid registration fees are charged to expense
as the related shares are issued.
(f) Dividends and distributions--Dividends from net investment income are
declared daily and paid
15
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
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 financial futures transactions.
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Fund Asset
Management, L.P. ("FAM"). The general partner of FAM is Princeton Services, Inc.
("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML &
Co."), which is the limited partner. The Fund has also entered into a
Distribution Agreement and Distribution Plans with Merrill Lynch Funds
Distributor ("MLFD" or "Distributor"), a division of Princeton Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("PFD"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch
Group, Inc.
FAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and provides the
necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary
to the operations of the Fund. For such services, the Fund pays a monthly fee
based upon the average daily value of the Fund's net assets at the following
annual rates: 0.55% of the Fund's average daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.525% of average daily net assets in excess of $500 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; and 0.50% of average daily net assets in excess of $1
billion.
Pursuant to the Distribution Plans adopted by the Fund in accordance with Rule
12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund pays the Distributor
ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees. The fees are accrued daily
and paid monthly at annual rates based upon the average daily net assets of the
shares as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Distribution
Maintenance Fee Fee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B ................................ 0.25% 0.25%
Class C ................................ 0.25% 0.35%
Class D ................................ 0.10% --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to a sub-agreement with the Distributor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a subsidiary of ML & Co., also provides account
maintenance and distribution services to the Fund. The ongoing account
maintenance fee compensates the Distributor and MLPF&S for providing account
maintenance services to Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders. The ongoing
distribution fee compensates the Distributor and MLPF&S for providing
shareholder and distribution-related services to Class B and Class C
shareholders.
For the six months ended January 31, 1999, MLFD earned underwriting discounts
and MLPF&S earned dealer concessions on sales of the Fund's Class A and Class D
Shares as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLFD MLPF&S
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A................................. $ 76 $ 2,052
Class D................................. $783 $52,777
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the six months ended January 31, 1999, MLPF&S received contingent deferred
sales charges of $94,753 and $20 relating to transactions in Class B and Class C
Shares, respectively.
Financial Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ML & Co., is
the Fund's transfer agent.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by FAM at cost.
Certain officers and/or trustees of the Fund are officers and/or directors of
FAM, PSI, FDS, PFD, and/or ML & Co.
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the six
months ended January 31, 1999 were $101,857,459 and $100,248,689, respectively.
Net realized gains for the six months ended January 31, 1999 and net unrealized
gains as of January 31, 1999 were as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized Unrealized
Gains Gains
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term investments................... $ 4,124,260 $ 10,437,695
Financial futures contracts............. 49,845 --
----------- ------------
Total................................... $ 4,174,105 $ 10,437,695
=========== ============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of January 31, 1999, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income tax
purposes aggregated $10,437,695, of which $10,563,641 related to appreciated
securities and $125,946 related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost of
investments at January 31, 1999 for Federal income tax purposes was
$166,696,665.
16
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
4. Beneficial Interest Transactions:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from beneficial interest
transactions was $4,740,935 and $(12,838,456) for the six months ended January
31, 1999 and for the year ended July 31, 1998, respectively.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 106,447 $ 1,199,099
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions ............ 69,914 779,130
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 176,361 1,978,229
Shares redeemed ........................ (183,277) (2,064,829)
------------ ------------
Net decrease ........................... (6,916) $ (86,600)
============ ============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 381,222 $ 4,240,657
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions ............ 100,156 1,114,966
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 481,378 5,355,623
Shares redeemed ........................ (1,093,270) (12,202,101)
------------ ------------
Net decrease ........................... (611,892) $ (6,846,478)
============ ============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 1,275,827 $ 14,381,908
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions ............ 248,971 2,776,578
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 1,524,798 17,158,486
Automatic conversion
of shares .............................. (9,737) (109,715)
Shares redeemed ........................ (1,534,290) (17,265,147)
------------ ------------
Net decrease ........................... (19,229) $ (216,376)
============ ============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 1,689,073 $ 18,826,264
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions ............ 287,713 3,202,655
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 1,976,786 22,028,919
Automatic conversion
of shares .............................. (34,629) (384,276)
Shares redeemed ........................ (2,934,034) (32,654,647)
------------ ------------
Net decrease ........................... (991,877) $(11,010,004)
============ ============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 250,259 $ 2,828,837
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions ............ 22,844 254,499
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 273,103 3,083,336
Shares redeemed ........................ (85,413) (959,277)
------------ ------------
Net increase ........................... 187,690 $ 2,124,059
============ ============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 379,219 $ 4,239,001
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions ............ 17,631 196,384
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 396,850 4,435,385
Shares redeemed ........................ (203,523) (2,261,041)
------------ ------------
Net increase ........................... 193,327 $ 2,174,344
============ ============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 297,793 $ 3,367,701
Automatic conversion
of shares .............................. 9,735 109,715
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions ............ 17,738 197,608
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 325,266 3,675,024
Shares redeemed ........................ (66,959) (755,172)
------------ ------------
Net increase ........................... 258,307 $ 2,919,852
============ ============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold ............................ 601,822 $ 6,735,516
Automatic conversion
of shares .............................. 34,617 384,276
Shares issued to share-
holders in reinvestment of
dividends and distributions ............ 13,765 153,429
------------ ------------
Total issued ........................... 650,204 7,273,221
Shares redeemed ........................ (396,206) (4,429,539)
------------ ------------
Net increase ........................... 253,998 $ 2,843,682
============ ============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund January 31, 1999
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
Arthur Zeikel, President and Trustee
James H. Bodurtha, Trustee
Herbert I. London, Trustee
Robert R. Martin, Trustee
Joseph L. May, Trustee
Andre F. Perold, Trustee
Terry K. Glenn, Executive Vice President
Vincent R. Giordano, Senior Vice President
Kenneth A. Jacob, Vice President
Roberto Roffo, Vice President
Donald C. Burke, Vice President and Treasurer
Robert E. Putney, III, Secretary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gerald M. Richard, Treasurer of Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund has
recently retired. His colleagues at Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. join
the Fund's Board of Trustees in wishing Mr. Richard well in his retirement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
P.O. Box 351
Boston, MA 02101
Transfer Agent
Financial Data Services, Inc.
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
(800) 637-3863
18
<PAGE>
This report is not authorized for use as an offer of sale or a solicitation of
an offer to buy shares of the Fund unless accompanied or preceded by the Fund's
current prospectus. Past performance results shown in this report should not be
considered a representation of future performance. Investment return and
principal value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be
worth more or less than their original cost. Statements and other information
herein are as dated and are subject to change.
Merrill Lynch New Jersey
Municipal Bond Fund
Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust
Box 9011
Princeton, NJ
08543-9011 #11298--1/99
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