MERRILL LYNCH
MASSACHUSETTS
MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
STRATEGIC
Performance
Annual Report
July 31, 1998
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
The Municipal Market Environment
During the six months ended July 31, 1998, long-term tax-exempt revenue bond
yields were little changed. Throughout the period, the near absence of
inflationary pressures continued to support low interest rates. However,
consistently strong domestic economic growth has caused some investors to fear
that the Federal Reserve Board will be forced eventually to raise short-term
interest rates. Such action would be taken to ensure that the US economy's
present rate of growth would decelerate before any inflationary pressures could
develop. These concerns pushed bond yields modestly higher by late April.
However, the weakening financial conditions in many Asian countries subsequently
calmed investor fears of Federal Reserve Board intervention, and fixed-income
prices again moved higher. Long-term uninsured municipal bond yields, as
measured by the Bond Buyer Revenue Bond Index, rose less than 5 basis points
(0.05%) to end the July quarter at 5.36%. As in late 1997 and early 1998, US
Treasury bond yields benefited from a "flight-to-quality" as foreign investors
were drawn to the relative safe haven of US Government securities. Long-term US
Treasury bond yields declined approximately 10 basis points to end the July
quarter at 5.71%.
Thus far in 1998, the municipal bond market has experienced unexpectedly strong
supply pressures. These supply pressures have prevented tax-exempt bond yields
from declining as much as US Treasury bond yields. During the first six months
of 1998, more than $153 billion in new tax-exempt bonds were underwritten, an
increase of almost 50% compared to the same period a year ago. During the
quarter ended July 31, 1998, municipalities issued over $75 billion in new
securities, an increase of more than 35% compared to the same three-month period
in 1997. Additionally, corporate issuers have also viewed current interest rate
levels as an opportunity to issue significant amounts of taxable securities.
Thus far in 1998, over $500 billion in investment-grade corporate bonds have
been underwritten, an increase of more than 70% compared to the same period a
year ago. This sizeable corporate bond issuance has tended to both support
generally higher fixed-income yields and reduce the demand for tax-exempt bonds.
However, the recent pace of new municipal bond issuance is unlikely to be
maintained. Continued increases in bond issuance will require lower and lower
tax-exempt bond yields to generate the economic savings necessary for additional
municipal bond refinancings. Preliminary estimates for 1998 total municipal bond
issuance are in the $200 billion-$225 billion range. These estimates suggest
that recent supply pressures are likely to abate later in the year. Earlier this
year, municipal bond investors received approximately $30 billion in coupon
payments, bond maturities and proceeds from early redemptions. The demand
generated by these assets has helped to offset the increase in supply seen thus
far in 1998.
The continued impact of the Asian financial crisis on the US domestic economy's
future growth remains unclear. Current Asian economic conditions continue to
reflect ongoing weakness. Recent trade data indicated that reduced US exports to
these countries may have lowered US economic growth by as much as 2% in the
first quarter of 1998. Since further trade deterioration is possible in the
coming months, we do not believe that the Federal Reserve Board will be willing
to raise interest rates, barring a dramatic and unexpected resurgence of
domestic inflation.
These factors suggest that over the near term, interest rates are unlikely to
rise by any appreciable amount. Recent supply pressures have caused municipal
bond yield ratios to rise relative to US Treasury bond yields. At July 31, 1998,
long-term tax-exempt bond yields were at attractive yield ratios relative to US
Treasury securities of comparable maturities (over 90%), well in excess of their
expected range of 85%-88%. Tax-exempt bond yield ratios rarely exceeded 90% in
the 1980s and 1990s. Previous instances have usually been associated with
potential changes in Federal tax code that would have adversely affected the
tax-favored status of municipal bonds. The present situation has developed
largely because of a temporary supply imbalance. These imbalances should soon be
corrected as tax-exempt bond issuance slows from its current rapid pace later
this year. Any further pressure on the municipal market may well represent a
very attractive investment opportunity.
1
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
Portfolio Strategy
During the six-month period ended July 31, 1998, our investment outlook for
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund was basically constructive. The
deterioration in the Asian economies helped keep interest rates low, even in the
face of strong domestic economic growth. This combination of strong growth and
low inflation has kept bond yields within a rather narrow trading range over the
past six months.
Issuance of new Massachusetts municipal bonds increased by more than 16%
compared to the same six-month period a year ago. Total municipal issuance
increased by approximately 48% over the same period. Municipal bonds continued
to underperform US Treasury securities because of the large issuance of
tax-exempt securities.
Throughout the six-month period, we maintained a fully invested position. We
used periods of volatility to add interest rate-sensitive issues, and we
invested in new issues to increase call protection and increase the Fund's
duration.
Looking ahead, we believe that the interest rate outlook is positive for the
remainder of the year. We expect to maintain our current strategy in order to
participate in a lower rate environment. Any signs of increasing interest rates
or a resolution to Asian economic problems will prompt us to move toward a more
defensive position.
Fiscal Year in Review
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998, total municipal issuance increased
by more than 40% compared to the same period last year, while Massachusetts
municipal issuance increased by more than 60% over the same period. Both the
tax-exempt and US Treasury markets experienced a decline in yields, although the
greater increase in tax-exempt issuance resulted in municipal performance
lagging that of US Treasury securities.
Given the narrow trading range of the municipal bond market, we maintained a
slightly defensive strategy going into the second half of 1997. Several changes
in the economy over the past 12 months have eased our concerns for a higher
interest rate environment. The Asian economic crisis and continued low inflation
in the domestic economy caused us to reassess our previous strategy, which had
been more conservative. We maintained a fully invested position and purchased
interest rate-sensitive issues in anticipation of lower interest rates. These
strategies produced total returns of +5.92%, +5.38%, +5.28% and +5.82% for the
Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Shares, respectively, for the year
ended July 31, 1998. This compares to the Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
average total return of +5.38% for similar Massachusetts tax-exempt funds during
the same 12-month period.
In Conclusion
We appreciate your ongoing interest in Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal
Bond Fund, and we look forward to serving your investment needs in the months
and years to come.
Sincerely,
/s/ Arthur Zeikel
Arthur Zeikel
President
/s/ Vincent R. Giordano
Vincent R. Giordano
Senior Vice President
/s/ Theodore R. Jaeckel Jr.
Theodore R. Jaeckel Jr.
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
August 28, 1998
2
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
PERFORMANCE DATA
About Fund Performance
Investors are able to purchase shares of the Fund through the Merrill Lynch
Select Pricing(SM) System, which offers four pricing alternatives:
o Class A Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge (front-end load) of 4%
and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance fees. Class A
Shares are available only to eligible investors.
o Class B Shares are subject to a maximum contingent deferred sales charge
of 4% if redeemed during the first year, decreasing 1% each year
thereafter to 0% after the fourth year. In addition, Class B Shares are
subject to a distribution fee of 0.25% and an account maintenance fee of
0.25%. These shares automatically convert to Class D Shares after
approximately 10 years. (There is no initial sales charge for automatic
share conversions.)
o Class C Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.35% and an account
maintenance fee of 0.25%. In addition, Class C Shares are subject to a 1%
contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase.
o Class D Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge of 4% and an account
maintenance fee of 0.10% (but no distribution fee).
None of the past results shown should be considered a representation of future
performance. Figures shown in the "Recent Performance Results" and "Average
Annual Total Return" tables assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital
gains distributions at net asset value on the payable date. Investment return
and principal value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may
be worth more or less than their original cost. Dividends paid to each class of
shares will vary because of the different levels of account maintenance,
distribution and transfer agency fees applicable to each class, which are
deducted from the income available to be paid to shareholders.
Recent Performance Results*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Standardized
12 Month 3 Month Since Inception 30-Day Yield
Total Return Total Return Total Return As of 7/31/98
==================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ML Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund Class A Shares +5.92% +2.28% +59.92% 4.08%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund Class B Shares +5.38 +2.15 +54.80 3.74
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund Class C Shares +5.28 +2.13 +31.98 3.64
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund Class D Shares +5.82 +2.26 +34.73 3.98
==================================================================================================================
</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 inception dates are: Class A and
Class B Shares, 2/28/92; and Class C and Class D Shares, 10/21/94.
3
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
PERFORMANCE DATA (concluded)
Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment--Class A Shares and Class B Shares
A line graph depicting the growth of an investment in the Fund's Class A Shares
and Class B Shares compared to growth of an investment in the Lehman Brothers
Municipal Bond Index. Beginning and ending values are:
2/28/92** 7/98
ML Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund+--Class A Shares* $ 9,600 $15,352
ML Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund+--Class B Shares* $10,000 $15,480
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond
Index++ $10,000 $15,934
Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment--Class C Shares and Class D Shares
A line graph depicting the growth of an investment in the Fund's Class C Shares
and Class D Shares compared to growth of an investment in the Lehman Brothers
Municipal Bond Index. Beginning and ending values are:
10/21/94** 7/98
ML Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund+--Class C Shares* $10,000 $13,198
ML Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund+--Class D Shares* $ 9,600 $12,933
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index++ $10,000 $13,837
* Assuming maximum sales charge, transaction costs and other operating
expenses, including advisory fees.
** Commencement of operations.
+ ML Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund invests primarily in long-term
investment-grade obligations issued by or on behalf of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, its political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities
and obligations of other qualifying issuers.
++ This unmanaged Index consists of long-term revenue bonds, prerefunded
bonds, general obligation bonds and insured bonds. The starting date for
the Index in the Class C & Class D Shares graph is from 10/31/94. Past
performance is not predictive of future performance.
Average Annual Total Return
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
================================================================================
Class A Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 6/30/98 +8.54% +4.20%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 6/30/98 +5.73 +4.87
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (2/28/92)
through 6/30/98 +7.63 +6.94
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
================================================================================
Class B Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 6/30/98 +7.99% +3.99%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 6/30/98 +5.21 +5.21
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (2/28/92)
through 6/30/98 +7.09 +7.09
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 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 6/30/98 +7.99% +6.99%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94)
through 6/30/98 +7.75 +7.75
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 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 6/30/98 +8.53% +4.19%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94)
through 6/30/98 +8.34 +7.15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
4
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
=============================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Massachusetts--96.3%
=============================================================================================================================
BBB Baa1 $ 865 Boston, Massachusetts, Industrial Development Financing Authority, Sewer Facility
Revenue Bonds (Harbor Electric Energy Company Project), AMT, 7.375% due 5/15/2015 $ 937
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (Massachusetts General Transportation
Systems), Series A:
AA- Aa3 1,000 7% due 3/01/2021 1,233
AA- Aa3 1,750 Refunding, 7% due 3/01/2011 2,122
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 890 Massachusetts Education Loan Authority, Educational Loan Revenue Bonds, AMT, Issue E,
Series A, 7.375% due 1/01/2012 (b) 969
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,880 Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, Educational Loan Revenue Refunding
Bonds, AMT, Issue E, 5.85% due 7/01/2014 (b) 1,990
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts State, HFA, Revenue Bonds (Residential Development) (c):
AAA Aaa 2,000 Series C, 6.875% due 11/15/2011 2,176
AAA Aaa 2,500 Series C, 6.90% due 11/15/2021 2,722
AAA Aaa 1,000 Series D, Section 8, 6.875% due 11/15/2021 1,090
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts State, HFA, S/F Housing Revenue Bonds, AMT:
A+ Aa 1,500 Series 38, 7.20% due 12/01/2026 1,631
A+ Aa 2,000 Series 40, 6.65% due 12/01/2027 2,149
AAA Aaa 1,885 Series 48, 6.35% due 6/01/2026 (d) 1,999
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts State Health and Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa 2,780 (Boston College), Series J, 6.625% due 7/01/2021 (e) 3,008
AAA Aaa 5,150 (Central Massachusetts Medical Center), CARS, Series B, 9.02% due 6/23/2022 (b)(f) 6,676
AAA Aaa 2,000 (Harvard Pilgrim Health), Series A, 4.75% due 7/01/2022 (g) 1,862
AAA Aaa 2,500 (Newton Wellesley Hospital), Series D, 7% due 7/01/2001 (a)(d) 2,748
AAA Aaa 1,000 (Northeastern University), Series E, 6.55% due 10/01/2022 (d) 1,099
NR* Caa 1,000 Refunding (New England Memorial Hospital), Series B, 6.125% due 7/01/2013 953
AAA Aaa 1,000 Refunding (Stonehill College), Series E, 6.60% due 7/01/2020 (d) 1,096
NR* A 2,335 Refunding (Wheaton College), Series C, 5.25% due 7/01/2019 2,354
AAA Aaa 1,000 (Stonehill College), Series G, 5.25% due 7/01/2028 (d) 1,001
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
To simplify the listings of Merrill Lynch Massachusetts 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
GO General Obligation Bonds
HFA Housing Finance Agency
S/F Single-Family
UT Unlimited Tax
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
5
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
=============================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Massachusetts (concluded)
=============================================================================================================================
Massachusetts State Industrial Finance Agency Revenue Bonds:
AAA Aaa $1,000 (Babson College), Series A, 6.50% due 10/01/2022 (d) $ 1,097
AA- A1 1,795 Refunding (Holly Cross College-II), 6.375% due 11/01/2002 (a) 1,981
A1+ VMIG1+ 600 Refunding (Showa Women's Institute Inc.), VRDN, 3.55% due 3/15/2004 (h) 600
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA- Aa3 3,000 Massachusetts State Port Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series A, 5% due 7/01/2023 2,908
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA+ Aa3 1,680 Massachusetts State Water Pollution Abatement Trust Revenue Bonds (Secured Loan
Program), Series A, 6.375% due 2/01/2015 1,850
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A A1 6,000 Massachusetts State Water Resource Authority, Series A, 6.50% due 7/15/2019 7,074
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 South Essex, Massachusetts, Sewer District, GO, Refunding, Series A, 5.25%
due 6/15/2024 (d) 1,001
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,210 Southern Berkshire, Massachusetts, Regional School District, GO, UT,
7% due 4/15/2002 (a)(d) 1,356
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NR* Baa3 1,500 Springfield, Massachusetts, School Project Loan, GO, Series B, 7.10% due 9/01/2002 (a) 1,689
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================================================================================
Puerto Rico--3.3%
=============================================================================================================================
A1+ VMIG1+ 2,000 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, Government Development Bank, Refunding, VRDN,
3.20% due 12/01/2015 (h) 2,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments (Cost--$56,146)--99.6% 61,371
Other Assets Less Liabilities--0.4% 261
-------
Net Assets--100.0% $61,632
=======
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Prerefunded.
(b) AMBAC Insured.
(c) FNMA Collateralized.
(d) MBIA Insured.
(e) FGIC Insured.
(f) 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 July 31, 1998.
(g) FSA Insured.
(h) The interest rate is subject to change periodically based upon prevailing
market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in effect at July 31,
1998.
* Not Rated.
+ Highest short-term rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Ratings of issues shown have not been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$56,146,051) (Note 1a) ........... $ 61,370,844
Cash ..................................................................... 92,839
Receivables:
Securities sold ........................................................ $ 1,605,960
Interest ............................................................... 598,942
Beneficial interest sold ............................................... 1,791 2,206,693
------------
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1e) ..................... 5,499
------------
Total assets ............................................................. 63,675,875
------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Securities purchased ................................................... 1,866,909
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f) .................................... 45,964
Beneficial interest redeemed ........................................... 33,934
Investment adviser (Note 2) ............................................ 30,568
Distributor (Note 2) ................................................... 24,488 2,001,863
------------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ................................... 42,306
------------
Total liabilities ........................................................ 2,044,169
------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Net assets ............................................................... $ 61,631,706
============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets Class A Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
Consist of: shares authorized ........................................................ $ 51,181
Class B Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ........................................................ 459,823
Class C Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ........................................................ 16,476
Class D Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ........................................................ 25,444
Paid-in capital in excess of par ......................................... 57,187,903
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments--net (Note 5) ......... (1,333,914)
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net .............................. 5,224,793
------------
Net assets ............................................................... $ 61,631,706
============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value: Class A--Based on net assets of $5,705,117 and 511,806 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ....................................... $ 11.15
============
Class B--Based on net assets of $51,254,618 and 4,598,228 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ....................................... $ 11.15
============
Class C--Based on net assets of $1,835,065 and 164,760 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ....................................... $ 11.14
============
Class D--Based on net assets of $2,836,906 and 254,440 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ....................................... $ 11.15
============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statement of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended
July 31, 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned ...... $ 3,609,613
(Note 1d):
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) ............................. $ 337,900
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class B (Note 2) ... 262,623
Professional fees ............................................. 51,948
Accounting services (Note 2) .................................. 45,571
Printing and shareholder reports .............................. 42,880
Transfer agent fees--Class B (Note 2) ......................... 20,251
Registration fees (Note 1e) ................................... 18,300
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class C (Note 2) ... 9,324
Pricing fees .................................................. 3,590
Trustees' fees and expenses ................................... 3,435
Custodian fees ................................................ 2,747
Transfer agent fees--Class A (Note 2) ......................... 1,695
Account maintenance fees--Class D (Note 2) .................... 1,612
Transfer agent fees--Class C (Note 2) ......................... 621
Transfer agent fees--Class D (Note 2) ......................... 473
Other ......................................................... 2,465
-----------
Total expenses ................................................ 805,435
-----------
Investment income--net ........................................ 2,804,178
-----------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized & Realized gain on investments--net ............................. 239,318
Unrealized Gain on Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net ......... 157,464
Investments--Net -----------
(Notes 1b, 1d & 3): Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations .......... $ 3,200,960
===========
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended July 31,
----------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1998 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net .................................................... $ 2,804,178 $ 3,078,020
Realized gain on investments--net ......................................... 239,318 121,207
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net ..................... 157,464 2,599,000
------------ ------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ...................... 3,200,960 5,798,227
------------ ------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends to Investment income--net:
Shareholders Class A ................................................................. (288,288) (291,690)
(Note 1f): Class B ................................................................. (2,368,275) (2,644,286)
Class C ................................................................. (68,440) (72,540)
Class D ................................................................. (79,175) (69,504)
------------ ------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends to shareholders ....... (2,804,178) (3,078,020)
------------ ------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beneficial Interest Net decrease in net assets derived from beneficial interest transactions .. (954,651) (8,761,111)
Transactions ------------ ------------
(Note 4):
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Total decrease in net assets .............................................. (557,869) (6,040,904)
Beginning of year ......................................................... 62,189,575 68,230,479
------------ ------------
End of year ............................................................... $ 61,631,706 $ 62,189,575
============ ============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights
The following per share data and ratios have been derived from information
provided in the financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A
------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Year Ended July 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year ....... $ 11.07 $ 10.60 $ 10.46 $ 10.48 $ 11.07
Operating ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .56 .56 .56 .56 .58
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ......................... .08 .47 .14 (.02) (.43)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment operations ......... .64 1.03 .70 .54 .15
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ................. (.56) (.56) (.56) (.56) (.58)
Realized gain on investments--net ...... -- -- -- -- (.15)
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net ....................... -- -- -- -- (.01)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total dividends and distributions ........ (.56) (.56) (.56) (.56) (.74)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of year ............. $ 11.15 $ 11.07 $ 10.60 $ 10.46 $ 10.48
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... 5.92% 10.02% 6.78% 5.35% 1.26%
Return:* ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement ........... .86% .83% .84% .88% .62%
Net Assets: ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Expenses ................................. .86% .83% .84% .91% .85%
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Investment income--net ................... 5.02% 5.22% 5.23% 5.42% 5.33%
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) ... $ 5,705 $ 5,757 $ 5,887 $ 6,630 $ 8,367
Data: ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Portfolio turnover ....................... 23.32% 24.64% 56.05% 89.62% 72.13%
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights (continued)
The following per share data and ratios have been derived from information
provided in the financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Year Ended July 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year ....... $ 11.07 $ 10.60 $ 10.46 $ 10.48 $ 11.07
Operating ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Performance: Investment income--net ................... .50 .51 .51 .50 .53
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ......................... .08 .47 .14 (.02) (.43)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment operations ......... .58 .98 .65 .48 .10
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ................. (.50) (.51) (.51) (.50) (.53)
Realized gain on investments--net ...... -- -- -- -- (.15)
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net ....................... -- -- -- -- (.01)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total dividends and distributions ........ (.50) (.51) (.51) (.50) (.69)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of year ............. $ 11.15 $ 11.07 $ 10.60 $ 10.46 $ 10.48
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ....... 5.38% 9.46% 6.23% 4.82% .75%
Return:* ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement ........... 1.37% 1.34% 1.35% 1.39% 1.12%
Net Assets: ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Expenses ................................. 1.37% 1.34% 1.35% 1.42% 1.36%
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Investment income--net ................... 4.51% 4.71% 4.72% 4.91% 4.83%
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) ... $ 51,255 $ 53,336 $ 59,868 $ 66,927 $ 76,436
Data: ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Portfolio turnover ....................... 23.32% 24.64% 56.05% 89.62% 72.13%
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
11
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights (continued)
The following per share data and ratios have been derived from information
provided in the financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C
------------------------------------------------
For the
Period
Oct. 21,
For the Year Ended July 31, 1994+ to
----------------------------------- July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period .............. $ 11.06 $ 10.60 $ 10.46 $ 10.03
Operating --------- --------- --------- ---------
Performance: Investment income--net ............................ .49 .49 .49 .37
Realized and unrealized gain on investments--net .. .08 .46 .14 .43
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment operations .................. .57 .95 .63 .80
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Less dividends from investment income--net ........ (.49) (.49) (.49) (.37)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of period .................... $ 11.14 $ 11.06 $ 10.60 $ 10.46
========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ................ 5.28% 9.25% 6.12% 8.13%++
Return:** ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses .......................................... 1.47% 1.43% 1.45% 1.56%*
Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= =========
Investment income--net ............................ 4.40% 4.63% 4.61% 4.68%*
========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) .......... $ 1,835 $ 1,495 $ 1,185 $ 432
Data: ========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio turnover ................................ 23.32% 24.64% 56.05% 89.62%
========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
Financial Highlights (concluded)
The following per share data and ratios have been derived from information
provided in the financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class D
------------------------------------------------
For the
Period
Oct. 21,
For the Year Ended July 31, 1994+ to
----------------------------------- July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ............... $ 11.07 $ 10.61 $ 10.47 $ 10.03
Operating --------- --------- --------- ---------
Performance: Investment income--net ............................. .55 .55 .55 .42
Realized and unrealized gain on investments--net ... .08 .46 .14 .44
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment operations ................... .63 1.01 .69 .86
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Less dividends from investment income--net ......... (.55) (.55) (.55) (.42)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of period ..................... $ 11.15 $ 11.07 $ 10.61 $ 10.47
========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ................. 5.82% 9.80% 6.67% 8.70%++
Return:** ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses ........................................... .96% .93% .94% 1.04%*
Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= =========
Investment income--net ............................. 4.91% 5.13% 5.12% 5.22%*
========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ........... $ 2,837 $ 1,602 $ 1,290 $ 750
Data: ========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio turnover ................................. 23.32% 24.64% 56.05% 89.62%
========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
13
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts 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 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
14
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
monthly. Distributions of capital gains are recorded on the ex-dividend dates.
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Fund Asset
Management, L.P. ("FAM"). The general partner of FAM is Princeton Services, Inc.
("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML &
Co."), which is the limited partner. The Fund has also entered into a
Distribution Agreement and Distribution Plans with Merrill Lynch Funds
Distributor ("MLFD" or "Distributor"), a division of Princeton Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("PFD"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch
Group, Inc.
FAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and provides the
necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary
to the operations of the Fund. For such services, the Fund pays a monthly fee
based upon the average daily value of the Fund's net assets at the following
annual rates: 0.55% of the Fund's average daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.525% of average daily net assets in excess of $500 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; and 0.50% of average daily net assets in excess of $1
billion.
Pursuant to the Distribution Plans adopted by the Fund in accordance with Rule
12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund pays the Distributor
ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees. The fees are accrued daily
and paid monthly at annual rates based upon the average daily net assets of the
shares as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Distribution
Maintenance Fee Fee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B ......................................... 0.25% 0.25%
Class C ......................................... 0.25% 0.35%
Class D ......................................... 0.10% --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to a sub-agreement with the Distributor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith Inc. ("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 year ended July 31, 1998, 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 ................................ $136 $1,567
Class D ................................ $437 $4,563
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the year ended July 31, 1998, MLPF&S received contingent deferred sales
charges of $34,761 and $1,466 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
year ended July 31, 1998 were $13,780,865 and $13,824,179, respectively.
Net realized gains for the year ended July 31, 1998 and net unrealized gains as
of July 31, 1998 were as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized Unrealized
Gains Gains
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term investments ................. $ 239,318 $5,224,793
---------- ----------
Total ................................. $ 239,318 $5,224,793
========== ==========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of July 31, 1998, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income tax purposes
aggregated $5,224,793, of which $5,257,299 related to appreciated securities and
$32,506 related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost of investments at
July 31, 1998 for Federal income tax purposes was $56,146,051.
15
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
4. Beneficial Interest Transactions:
Net decrease in net assets derived from beneficial interest transactions was
$954,651 and $8,761,111 for the years ended July 31, 1998 and July 31, 1997,
respectively.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................... 55,712 $ 618,548
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................... 9,979 110,642
--------- -------------
Total issued ................................... 65,691 729,190
Shares redeemed ................................ (73,879) (821,852)
--------- -------------
Net decrease ................................... (8,188) $ (92,662)
========= =============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................... 65,128 $ 698,880
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................... 10,205 109,410
--------- -------------
Total issued ................................... 75,333 808,290
Shares redeemed ................................ (110,522) (1,182,114)
--------- -------------
Net decrease ................................... (35,189) $ (373,824)
========= =============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................... 479,010 $ 5,315,771
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................... 115,457 1,279,860
--------- -------------
Total issued ................................... 594,467 6,595,631
Automatic conversion
of shares ...................................... (14,966) (165,584)
Shares redeemed ................................ (798,678) (8,856,952)
--------- -------------
Net decrease ................................... (219,177) $ (2,426,905)
========= =============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................... 376,343 $ 4,032,484
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................... 129,316 1,386,347
--------- -------------
Total issued ................................... 505,659 5,418,831
Automatic conversion
of shares ...................................... (10,414) (111,368)
Shares redeemed ................................ (1,323,351) (14,184,469)
--------- -------------
Net decrease ................................... (828,106) $ (8,877,006)
========= =============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................... 67,852 $ 755,430
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................... 4,793 53,138
--------- -------------
Total issued ................................... 72,645 808,568
Shares redeemed ................................ (43,020) (474,178)
--------- -------------
Net increase ................................... 29,625 $ 334,390
========= =============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................... 107,995 $ 1,154,305
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................... 5,142 55,085
--------- -------------
Total issued ................................... 113,137 1,209,390
Shares redeemed ................................ (89,795) (970,551)
--------- -------------
Net increase ................................... 23,342 $ 238,839
========= =============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................... 128,646 $ 1,434,340
Automatic conversion
of shares ...................................... 14,965 165,584
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................... 1,763 19,572
--------- -------------
Total issued ................................... 145,374 1,619,496
Shares redeemed ................................ (35,553) (388,970)
--------- -------------
Net increase ................................... 109,821 $ 1,230,526
========= =============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................... 33,863 $ 366,272
Automatic conversion
of shares ...................................... 10,412 111,368
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................... 843 9,054
--------- -------------
Total issued ................................... 45,118 486,694
Shares redeemed ................................ (22,113) (235,814)
--------- -------------
Net increase ................................... 23,005 $ 250,880
========= =============
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Capital Loss Carryforward:
At July 31, 1998, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of approximately
$915,000, all of which expires in 2003. This amount will be available to offset
like amounts of any future taxable gains.
16
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders, Merrill Lynch Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund
of Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust as of July 31, 1998, 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 each of the years in the five-year period then ended.
These financial statements and the financial highlights are the responsibility
of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and the financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at July 31,
1998 by correspondence with the custodian and broker. 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
Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund of Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series
Trust as of July 31, 1998, 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
September 4, 1998
17
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)
All of the net investment income distributions paid monthly by Merrill Lynch
Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund during its taxable year ended July 31, 1998
qualify as tax-exempt interest dividends for Federal income tax purposes.
Additionally, there were no capital gains distributions made by the Fund during
the year.
Please retain this information for your records.
18
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1998
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
Donald C. Burke, Vice President
Kenneth A. Jacob, Vice President
Theodore R. Jaeckel Jr., Vice President
Gerald M. Richard, Treasurer
Robert E. Putney, III, Secretary
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
P.O. Box 351
Boston, MA 02101
Transfer Agent
Financial Data Services, Inc.
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
(800) 637-3863
19
<PAGE>
This report is not authorized for use as an offer of sale or a solicitation of
an offer to buy shares of the Fund unless accompanied or preceded by the Fund's
current prospectus. Past performance results shown in this report should not be
considered a representation of future performance. Investment return and
principal value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be
worth more or less than their original cost. Statements and other information
herein are as dated and are subject to change.
Merrill Lynch Massachusetts
Municipal Bond Fund
Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust
Box 9011
Princeton, NJ
08543-9011 #16150--7/98
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