<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 30, 1998
SECURITIES ACT FILE NO. 33-47875
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-6669
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [ ]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 7 [X]
AND/OR
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
AMENDMENT NO. 8 [X]
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH
FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD, PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY 08536
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (609) 282-2800
ARTHUR ZEIKEL
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
800 SCUDDERS MILL ROAD
PLAINSBORO, NEW JERSEY
MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Counsel for the Fund:
BROWN & WOOD LLP Michael J. Hennewinkel, Esq.
One World Trade Center MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
New York, New York 10048-0557 P.O. Box 9011
Attention: Thomas R. Smith, Jr., Esq. Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
</TABLE>
------------------------
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[X] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
------------------------
TITLE OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED: Shares of Common Stock, par value $.10
per share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE
CHANGED. WE MAY NOT USE THIS PROSPECTUS TO SELL SECURITIES UNTIL
THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT CONTAINING THIS PROSPECTUS, WHICH HAS
BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, IS
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES
AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE
WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
PROSPECTUS
[MERRILL LYNCH LOGO]
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED OCTOBER 30, 1998
Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc.
December , 1998
THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE
INVESTING, INCLUDING INFORMATION ABOUT RISKS. PLEASE READ
IT BEFORE YOU INVEST AND KEEP IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE> 3
Table of Contents
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
[KEY FACTS ICON]
KEY FACTS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
The Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund at a Glance....... 3
Risk/Return Bar Chart....................................... 4
Fees and Expenses........................................... 5
[FUND DETAILS ICON]
DETAILS ABOUT THE FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
How the Fund Invests........................................ 7
Investment Risks............................................ 9
[YOUR ACCOUNT ICON]
YOUR ACCOUNT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System..................... 13
How to Buy, Sell, Transfer and Exchange Shares.............. 17
Participation in Merrill Lynch Fee-Based Programs........... 21
[MANAGEMENT ICON]
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Asset Management.............................. 23
Financial Highlights........................................ 24
[MORE INFORMATION ICON]
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Reports....................................Back Cover
Statement of Additional Information....................Back Cover
</TABLE>
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 4
[KEY FACTS ICON] Key Facts
IN AN EFFORT TO HELP YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND THE MANY CONCEPTS INVOLVED IN MAKING
AN INVESTMENT DECISION, WE HAVE DEFINED THE HIGHLIGHTED TERMS IN THIS PROSPECTUS
IN THE SIDEBAR.
COMMON STOCK -- shares of ownership of a corporation.
THE MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND AT A GLANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT ARE THE FUND'S GOALS?
The Fund's main goal is long-term growth of capital. In other words, it tries to
choose investments that will increase in value over time. We cannot guarantee
that the Fund will achieve its goals.
WHAT ARE THE FUND'S MAIN INVESTMENT STRATEGIES?
The Fund invests primarily in stocks of companies that have an above-average
rate of growth in earnings. The Fund purchases primarily COMMON STOCKS of U.S.
companies in trying to meet its goals. To a lesser extent the Fund may also
invest in securities convertible into common stock and rights to subscribe to
common stock of these companies. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total
assets in securities issued by foreign companies.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND?
As with any equity fund, the value of the Fund's investments, and therefore the
value of your Fund shares, may go up or down. These changes in the value of the
Fund's investments may occur because the stock market in general is rising or
falling. At other times, there are specific factors that may affect the value of
a particular investment. If the value of the Fund's investments goes down, you
may lose money.
WHO SHOULD INVEST?
The Fund may be an appropriate investment for you if you:
- Are investing with long-term goals in mind, such as retirement
or funding a child's education.
- Want a professionally managed and diversified portfolio.
- Are willing to accept the risk that your investment may
fluctuate over the short-term in exchange for the potential of
higher long-term returns.
- Are not looking for a significant amount of current income.
- Are prepared to receive taxable distributions of income and
capital gains.
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 3
<PAGE> 5
[KEY FACTS ICON] Key Facts
RISK/RETURN BAR CHART
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bar chart and table shown below provide an indication of the risks of
investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund's performance for
Class D shares from year to year since the Fund's inception. Sales loads are not
reflected in the bar chart. If these amounts were reflected, returns would be
less than those shown. The table compares the average annual total returns for
each class of the Fund's shares for one and five years and since the Fund's
inception with those of the S&P 500 Index. How the Fund performed in the past is
not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1992+ 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
-1% 6% -6% 34% 19% 32%
</TABLE>
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a quarter was
22.91% (quarter ended July 31, 1997) and the lowest return for a quarter was
- -9.80% (quarter ended April 30,1994). The Fund's year-to-date return as of
September 30, 1998 was 5.63%.
+ Inception date is December 24, 1992.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (AS OF THE
CALENDAR YEAR ENDED) PAST PAST SINCE
DECEMBER 31, 1997 ONE YEAR 5 YEARS INCEPTION
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund* A 25.10% N/A 23.86%+
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B 26.65% N/A 24.48%+
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 29.65% 14.97% 14.72%++
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D 24.72% 14.62% 14.38%++
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500** 33.36% 20.24% 19.95%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Includes sales charge.
** The S&P 500(R) is the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, a widely recognized,
unmanaged index of common stock prices. Past performance is not predictive of
future performance.
+ Inception date is October 21, 1994.
++ Inception date is December 24, 1992.
4 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 6
UNDERSTANDING EXPENSES
Fund investors pay various fees and expenses, either directly or indirectly.
Listed below are some of the main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may
charge:
EXPENSES PAID DIRECTLY BY THE SHAREHOLDER:
SHAREHOLDER FEES -- fees paid directly from your investment. These include sales
charges which you may pay when you buy or sell shares of the Fund.
EXPENSES PAID INDIRECTLY BY THE SHAREHOLDER: (THESE COSTS ARE DEDUCTED FROM THE
FUND'S TOTAL ASSETS)
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES -- expenses that cover the costs of operating the
Fund.
MANAGEMENT FEE -- a fee paid to the investment adviser for managing the Fund.
DISTRIBUTION FEES -- fees used to support the Fund's marketing and distribution
efforts, such as compensating financial consultants.
ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE FEES -- fees used to compensate securities dealers for
account maintenance activities.
FEES AND EXPENSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund offers four different classes of shares. Although your money will be
invested the same way no matter which class of shares you buy, there are
differences among the fees and expenses associated with each class. Not everyone
is eligible to buy every class. After determining which classes you are eligible
to buy, decide which class best suits your needs. Your Merrill Lynch Financial
Consultant can help you with this decision.
This table shows the different fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold the different classes of shares of the Fund. Future expenses may be greater
or less than those indicated below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER FEES: CLASS A CLASS B(a) CLASS C CLASS D
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) imposed on
purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 5.25%(b) None None 5.25%(b)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a
percentage of original purchase price or
redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) None(c) 4.0%(b) 1.0%(b) None(c)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) imposed on
Dividend Reinvestments None None None None
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption Fee None None None None
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange Fee None None None None
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Account Fee None None None None
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee(d) 0.65% 0.65% 0.65% 0.65%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or Account Maintenance
(12b-1) Fees(e) None 1.00% 1.00% 0.25%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses (including transfer agency
fees)(f) 0.22% 0.23% 0.24% 0.21%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(g) 0.87% 1.88% 1.89% 1.11%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Class B shares automatically convert to Class D shares about 8 years after
you buy them and will no longer be subject to distribution fees.
(b) Some investors may qualify for reductions in the sales charge (load).
(c) You may pay a deferred sales charge if you purchase $1 million or more and
you redeem within one year.
(d) The Fund pays the Investment Adviser a fee at the annual rate of 0.65% of
the average daily net assets of the Fund for the first $1 billion, 0.625% of
net assets above $1 billion to $1.5 billion and 0.60% of net assets above
$1.5 billion. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the Investment
Adviser received a fee equal to 0.65% of the Fund's average daily net
assets.
(e) If you hold Class B or Class C shares for a long time, it may cost you more
in distribution (12b-1) fees than the maximum sales charge that you would
have paid if you had bought one of the other classes.
(f) The Fund pays the Transfer Agent $11.00 for each Class A and Class D
shareholder account and $14.00 for each Class B and Class C shareholder
account and reimburses the Transfer Agent's out-of-pocket expenses. The Fund
pays a 0.10% fee for certain accounts that participate in the Merrill Lynch
Mutual Fund Advisor program. The Fund also pays a $0.20 monthly closed
account charge, which is assessed upon all accounts that close during the
year. This fee begins the month following the month the account is closed
and ends at the end of the calendar year. For the fiscal year ended August
31, 1998, the Fund paid the Transfer Agent fees totaling $914,036. The
Investment Adviser provides accounting services to the Fund at its cost. For
the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the Fund reimbursed the Investment
Adviser $78,323 for these services.
(g) In addition, Merrill Lynch may charge clients a processing fee (currently
$5.35) when a client buys or redeems shares.
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 5
<PAGE> 7
[KEY FACTS ICON] Key Facts
EXAMPLES:
These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
These examples assume that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that you pay the
sales charges, if any, that apply to the particular class and that the Fund's
operating expenses remain the same. This assumption is not meant to indicate you
will receive a 5% annual rate of return. Your annual return may be more or less
than the 5% used in this example. Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
EXPENSES IF YOU DID REDEEM YOUR SHARES:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $609 $788 $ 982 $1,541
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B $591 $791 $1,016 $2,005*
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C $292 $594 $1,021 $2,212
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D $632 $859 $1,105 $1,806
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
EXPENSES IF YOU DID NOT REDEEM YOUR SHARES:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $609 $788 $ 982 $1,541
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B $191 $591 $1,016 $2,005*
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C $192 $594 $1,021 $2,212
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D $632 $859 $1,105 $1,806
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Assumes conversion to Class D shares approximately eight years after purchase.
See note (a) to the Fees and Expenses table above.
6 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 8
[DETAILS ABOUT THE FUND ICON] Details About the Fund
ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Lawrence R. Fuller is a Senior Vice President and the portfolio manager of the
Fund. Mr. Fuller has been a First Vice President of Merrill Lynch Asset
Management since 1997. Mr. Fuller was a Vice President of Merrill Lynch Asset
Management from 1992 to 1997.
ABOUT THE INVESTMENT MANAGER
The Fund is managed by Merrill Lynch Asset Management.
HOW THE FUND INVESTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's main goal is long-term growth of capital. The Fund tries to achieve
its goals by investing in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of common
stocks.
The Fund will generally invest at least 65% of its total assets in the following
equity securities:
- Common stock
- Convertible preferred stock
- Securities convertible into common stock
- Rights to subscribe to common stock
In selecting securities, Fund management emphasizes common stocks of companies
that have above-average rates of earnings growth. Fund management believes that
the common stocks of companies with above-average rates of earnings growth
frequently have the prospect of having above-average increases in price. The
common stocks of these companies also tend to have higher prices relative to
stocks of companies that do not have above average rates of earnings growth.
Some, but not all of the factors that may cause a company to have an above-
average rate of earnings growth include:
- Above average growth rate in sales
- Improvement in its profit margin
- Providing proprietary or niche products or services
- Having a large market share
- Being in an industry that has strong growth
The Fund may invest in companies of any size but emphasizes common stocks of
companies having a medium to large stock market capitalization ($500 million or
more).
The Fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in the securities of
foreign companies. Securities of foreign companies may be in the form of
American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depository Receipts ("EDRs") or
other securities convertible into securities of foreign companies. The Fund's
restriction limiting investments in foreign securities to 10% of total assets
does not include ADRs.
Of these securities the Fund will generally invest in common stock. The Fund may
also lend its portfolio securities.
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 7
<PAGE> 9
[DETAILS ABOUT THE FUND ICON] Details About the Fund
The Fund will normally invest a portion of its assets in short-term debt
securities, such as commercial paper. These securities can be sold easily and
have limited risk of loss but earn only limited returns. The Fund may also
invest in short-term debt securities (including repurchase agreements), non-
convertible preferred stocks and investment grade bonds or buy or sell
derivatives when Fund management is unable to find enough attractive equity
investments and to reduce exposure to equities when management believes it is
advisable to do so on a temporary basis. Investment in these securities may also
be used to meet redemptions. Short-term investments and temporary defensive
positions may limit the potential for increase in the value of your shares.
The Fund may use many different investment strategies and it has certain
investment restrictions, all of which are explained in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information. If you would like to learn more about how the Fund may
invest, request the Statement of Additional Information.
8 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 10
INVESTMENT RISKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This section contains a summary discussion of the general risks of investing
in the Fund. As with any mutual fund, there can be no guarantee that the Fund
will meet its goals or that the Fund's performance will be positive for any
period of time.
STOCK MARKET AND SELECTION RISK -- Stock market risk is the risk that the stock
market will go down in value, including the possibility that the market will go
down sharply and unpredictably. Selection risk is the risk that the investments
that Fund management selects will underperform the stock market or other funds
with similar investment objectives and investment strategies.
FOREIGN MARKET RISK -- Since the Fund may invest in foreign securities, it
offers the potential for more diversification than an investment only in the
United States. This is because stocks traded on foreign markets have often
(though not always) performed differently than stocks in the United States.
However, such investments involve special risks not present in U.S. investments
that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. In particular,
investment in foreign securities involves the following risks, which are
generally greater for investments in emerging markets:
- The economies of certain foreign markets often do not compare
favorably with that of the United States in areas such as growth
of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources,
and balance of payments. Some of these economies may rely
heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more
vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of
economic sanctions against a particular country or countries,
changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and
other protectionist or retaliatory measures.
- Investments in foreign markets may be adversely affected by
governmental actions such as the imposition of capital controls,
nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of
assets, or the imposition of punitive taxes.
- The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose
substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital
markets or in certain industries. Any of these actions could
severely affect security prices, impair the Fund's ability to
purchase or sell foreign securities or
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 9
<PAGE> 11
[DETAILS ABOUT THE FUND ICON] Details About The Fund
transfer the Fund's assets or income back into the United States, or
otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations.
- Other foreign market risks include foreign exchange controls,
difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on foreign
government securities, difficulties in enforcing favorable legal
judgments in foreign courts, and political and social
instability. Legal remedies available to investors in certain
foreign countries may be less extensive than those available to
investors in the United States or other foreign countries.
- Because there are generally fewer investors on foreign exchanges
and a smaller number of shares traded each day, it may be
difficult for the Fund to buy and sell securities on those
exchanges. In addition, prices of foreign securities may go up
and down more than prices of securities traded in the United
States.
- Non-U.S. markets have different clearance and settlement
procedures. In certain markets, settlements may be unable to
keep pace with the volume of securities transactions and this
may cause delays. If there is a settlement delay, the Fund's
assets may be uninvested and not earning returns. The Fund also
may miss investment opportunities or be unable to dispose of a
security because of these delays.
EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION (EMU) -- A number of European countries
have agreed to enter into EMU in an effort to reduce trade barriers between
countries and eliminate fluctuations in their currencies. EMU establishes a
single European currency (the euro), which will be introduced on January 1, 1999
and is expected to replace the existing national currencies of all initial EMU
participants by July 1, 2002. Upon introduction of the euro, certain securities
(beginning with government and corporate bonds) will be redenominated in the
euro. Thereafter, these securities will trade and make dividend and other
payments only in euros. Like other investment companies and business
organizations, including the companies in which the Fund invests, the Fund could
be adversely affected:
- If the euro, or EMU as a whole, does not take effect as planned.
- If a participating country withdraws from EMU.
- If the computing, accounting and trading systems used by the
Fund's service providers, or by other entities with
10 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 12
which the Fund or its service providers do business, are not
capable of recognizing the euro as a distinct currency beginning
with euro conversion.
Risks associated with certain types of obligations in which the Fund may invest
include:
CONVERTIBLES -- Convertibles are generally debt securities or preferred stocks
that may be converted into common stock. The issuer of the convertible may be
the same as or different from the issuer of the underlying common stock.
Convertibles typically pay current income, as either interest (debt security
convertibles) or dividends (preferred stocks). The market may value a
convertible based in part on this stream of current income payments and in part
on the value of the underlying common stock. The value of a convertible may
react to market interest rates similarly to the value of regular debt
securities: if market interest rates rise, the value of a convertible usually
falls. Because it is convertible into common stock, the convertible also has the
same types of market and issuer risk as the value of the underlying common
stock.
SECURITIES LENDING -- Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower to
which the Fund has loaned its securities may not return the securities in a
timely manner or at all. As a result, the Fund might suffer costs and delay in
recovering the securities it loaned. In addition, if the Fund does not get the
securities it loaned back and the value of the collateral the Fund received in
return for the loaned securities falls, the Fund could lose money.
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 11
<PAGE> 13
[YOUR ACCOUNT ICON] Your Account
MERRILL LYNCH SELECT PRICING(SM) SYSTEM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund offers four share classes, each with its own sales charge and expense
structure, allowing you to invest in the way that best suits your needs. Each
share class represents an ownership interest in the same investment portfolio.
When you choose your class of shares you should consider the size of your
investment and how long you plan to hold your shares. Your Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant can help you determine which share class is best suited to
your personal financial goals.
For example, if you select Class A or D shares, you generally pay a sales charge
at the time of purchase. If you buy Class D shares, you also pay an ongoing
account maintenance fee of 0.25%. You may be eligible for a sales charge waiver.
If you select Class B or C shares, you will invest the full amount of your
purchase price, but you will be subject to a distribution fee of 0.75% and an
account maintenance fee of 0.25%. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's
assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees increase the cost of your
investment and may cost you more than paying an initial sales charge. In
addition, you may be subject to a deferred sales charge when you sell Class B or
C shares.
The Fund's shares are distributed by Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, a division
of Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc., an affiliate of Merrill Lynch.
12 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 14
The table below summarizes key features of the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM)
System.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Availability Limited to certain Generally available Generally available
investors including: through Merrill Lynch. through Merrill Lynch.
- Current Class A Limited availability Limited availability
shareholders through other securities through other securities
- Certain Retirement dealers. dealers.
Plans
- Participants in certain
Merrill Lynch sponsored
programs
- Certain affiliates of
Merrill Lynch.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial Sales Charge? Yes. Payable at time of No. Entire purchase No. Entire purchase
purchase. Lower sales price is invested in price is invested in
charges available for shares of the Fund. shares of the Fund.
larger investments.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred Sales No. (May be charged for Yes. Payable if you Yes. Payable if you
Charge? purchases over $1 redeem within four years redeem within one year
million that are of purchase. of purchase.
redeemed within one
year.)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Maintenance No. 0.25% Account 0.25% Account
and Distribution Maintenance Fee 0.75% Maintenance Fee 0.75%
Fees? Distribution Fee. Distribution Fee.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conversion to Class D No. Yes, automatically after No.
shares? approximately eight
years.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
CLASS D
- -------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Availability Generally available
through Merrill Lynch.
Limited availability
through other securities
dealers.
- -------------------------------------------------
Initial Sales Charge? Yes. Payable at time of
purchase. Lower sales
charges available for
larger investments.
- -------------------------------------------------
Deferred Sales No. (May be charged for
Charge? purchases over $1
million that are
redeemed within one
year.)
- -------------------------------------------------
Account Maintenance 0.25% Account
and Distribution Maintenance Fee No
Fees? Distribution Fee.
- -------------------------------------------------
Conversion to Class D No.
shares?
- -------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 13
<PAGE> 15
[YOUR ACCOUNT ICON] Your Account
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION -- permits you to pay the sales charge that would apply to
the cost or value (whichever is higher) of all shares you own in the Merrill
Lynch mutual funds that offer Select Pricing options.
LETTER OF INTENT -- permits you to pay the sales charge that would be applicable
if you add up all shares of Merrill Lynch Select Pricing System funds that you
agree to buy within a 13 month period. Certain restrictions apply.
CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES -- INITIAL SALES CHARGE OPTIONS
If you select Class A or Class D shares, you will pay a sales charge at the time
of purchase.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEALER
COMPENSATION
AS A % OF AS A % OF AS A % OF
YOUR INVESTMENT OFFERING PRICE YOUR INVESTMENT* OFFERING PRICE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $25,000 5.25% 5.54% 5.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$25,000 but less than
$50,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.50%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 but less than
$100,000 4.00% 4.17% 3.75%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 but less than
$250,000 3.00% 3.09% 2.75%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 but less than
$1,000,000 2.00% 2.04% 1.80%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,000,000 and over** 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
** If you invest $1,000,000 or more in Class A or Class D shares, you may not
pay an initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your shares within one
year after purchase, you may be charged a deferred sales charge. This charge
is 1% of the lesser of the original cost of the shares being redeemed or your
redemption proceeds. A sales charge of 0.75% will be charged on purchases of
$1,000,000 or more of Class A or Class D shares by certain employer sponsored
retirement or savings plans.
No initial sales charge applies to Class A or Class D shares that you buy
through reinvestment of dividends or distributions.
A reduced or waived sales charge on a purchase of Class A or Class D shares may
apply for:
- Purchases under a RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION or LETTER OF INTENT.
- Merrill Lynch Blueprint(SM) Program participants.
- TMA(SM) Managed Trusts.
- Certain Merrill Lynch investment or central asset accounts.
- Certain employer-sponsored retirement or savings plans.
- Purchases using proceeds from the sale of certain Merrill Lynch
closed-end funds under certain circumstances.
14 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 16
- Certain investors, including directors of Merrill Lynch mutual
funds and Merrill Lynch employees.
- Certain Merrill Lynch fee-based programs.
Only certain investors are eligible to buy Class A shares. Your Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant can help you determine whether you are eligible to buy
Class A shares or to participate in any of these programs.
If you decide to buy shares under the initial sales charge alternative and you
are eligible to buy both Class A and Class D shares, you should buy Class A
since Class D shares are subject to a 0.25% account maintenance fee, while Class
A shares are not.
If you redeem Class A or Class D shares and within 30 days buy new shares of the
same class, you will not pay a sales charge on the new purchase amount. The
amount eligible for this "Reinstatement Privilege" may not exceed the amount of
your redemption proceeds. To exercise the privilege, contact your Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant or the Fund's Transfer Agent at 1-800-MER-FUND.
CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES -- DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OPTIONS
If you select Class B or Class C shares, you do not pay an initial sales charge
at the time of purchase. However, if you redeem your Class B shares within four
years after purchase or your Class C shares within one year after purchase, you
may be required to pay a deferred sales charge. You will also pay distribution
fees of 0.75% and account maintenance fees of 0.25% each year under a
distribution plan that the Fund has adopted under Rule 12b-1. Because these fees
are paid out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees
increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying an
initial sales charge. The Distributor uses the money that it receives from the
deferred sales charges and the distribution fees to cover the costs of
marketing, advertising and compensating the Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant
or other securities dealer who assists you in purchasing Fund shares.
CLASS B SHARES
If you redeem Class B shares within four years after purchase, you may be
charged a deferred sales charge. The amount of the charge gradually
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 15
<PAGE> 17
[YOUR ACCOUNT ICON] Your Account
decreases as you hold your shares over time, according to the following
schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS SINCE PURCHASE SALES CHARGE*
- -----------------------------------------
<S> <C>
0 - 1 4.00%
- -----------------------------------------
1 - 2 3.00%
- -----------------------------------------
2 - 3 2.00%
- -----------------------------------------
3 - 4 1.00%
- -----------------------------------------
4 AND THEREAFTER 0.00%
- -----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The percentage charge will apply to the lesser of the original cost of the
shares being redeemed or the proceeds of your redemption. Shares acquired
through reinvestment of dividends or distributions are not subject to a
deferred sales charge. Not all Merrill Lynch funds have identical deferred
sales charge schedules. If you exchange your shares for shares of another
fund, the higher charge will apply.
The deferred sales charge relating to Class B shares will be reduced or waived
in certain circumstances, such as:
- Certain post-retirement withdrawals from an IRA or other
retirement plan if you are over 59 1/2 years old.
- Redemption by certain eligible 401(a) and 401(k) plans and group
plans participating in the Merrill Lynch Blueprint Program and
certain retirement plan rollovers.
- Redemption in connection with participation in certain Merrill
Lynch fee-based programs.
- Withdrawals resulting from shareholder death or disability as
long as the waiver request is made within one year of death or
disability or, if later, reasonably promptly following
completion of probate.
- Withdrawal through the Merrill Lynch Systematic Withdrawal Plan
of up to 10% per year of your Class B account value at the time
the plan is established.
- Withdrawals resulting from closure by Merrill Lynch of the
accounts in which shares of the Fund are held.
Your Class B shares convert automatically into Class D shares approximately
eight years after purchase. Any Class B shares received through reinvestment of
dividends or distributions paid on converting shares will also convert at that
time. Class D shares are subject to lower annual expenses than Class B shares.
The conversion of Class B to Class D shares is not a taxable event for federal
income tax purposes.
16 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 18
Different conversion schedules apply to Class B shares of different Merrill
Lynch mutual funds. For example, Class B shares of a fixed-income fund convert
approximately ten years after purchase compared to approximately eight years for
equity funds. If you acquire your Class B shares in an exchange from another
fund with a shorter conversion schedule, the Fund's eight year conversion
schedule will apply. If you exchange your Class B shares in the Fund for Class B
shares of a fund with a longer conversion schedule, the other fund's conversion
schedule will apply. The length of time that you hold both the original and
exchanged Class B shares in both funds will count toward the conversion
schedule. The conversion schedule may be modified in certain other cases as
well.
If you redeem Class C shares within one year after purchase, you may be charged
a deferred sales charge of 1.00%. The charge will apply to the lesser of the
original cost of the shares being redeemed or the proceeds of your redemption.
You will not be charged a deferred sales charge when you redeem shares that you
acquire through reinvestment of Fund dividends or distributions. The deferred
sales charge relating to Class C shares will be reduced or waived in the same
circumstances as Class B shares.
Class C shares do not offer a conversion privilege.
HOW TO BUY, SELL, TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The chart below summarizes how to buy, sell, transfer and exchange shares
through Merrill Lynch or other securities dealers. You may also buy shares
through the Transfer Agent. To learn more about buying shares through the
Transfer Agent, call 1-800-MER-FUND. Because the selection of a mutual fund
involves many considerations, your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant may help
you with this decision.
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 17
<PAGE> 19
[YOUR ACCOUNT ICON] Your Account
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU WANT TO YOUR CHOICES INFORMATION IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
BUY SHARES First, select the share class Refer to the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing table on page 15.
appropriate for you Be sure to read this prospectus carefully.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, determine the amount of your The minimum initial investment for the Fund is $1,000 for
investment all accounts except:
- $250 for certain Merrill Lynch fee-based programs
- $100 for retirement plans
(The minimums for initial investments may be waived under
certain circumstances.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have your Merrill Lynch Financial The price of your shares is based on the next calculation of
Consultant or securities dealer net asset value after your order is placed. Any purchase
submit your purchase order orders placed within fifteen minutes after the close of
business on the New York Stock Exchange will be priced at
the net asset value determined that day.
Purchase orders placed after that time will be priced at the
net asset value determined on the next business day. The
Fund may reject any order to buy shares and may suspend the
sale of shares at any time. Merrill Lynch may charge a
processing fee to confirm a purchase. This fee is currently
$5.35.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or contact the Transfer Agent You can purchase shares of the Fund directly by mailing a
purchase order to the Transfer Agent at the address on the
inside back cover of this prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADD TO YOUR Purchase additional shares The minimum investment for additional purchases is $50 for
INVESTMENT all accounts except that retirement plans have a minimum
additional purchase of $1.
(The minimums for additional purchases may be waived under
certain circumstances.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acquire additional shares through the All dividends and capital gains distributions are
automatic dividend reinvestment plan automatically reinvested without a sales charge.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Participate in the automatic You may invest a specific amount on a periodic basis through
investment plan certain Merrill Lynch investment or central asset accounts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSFER SHARES TO Transfer to a participating You may transfer your Fund shares only to another securities
ANOTHER SECURITIES securities dealer dealer that has entered into an agreement with Merrill
DEALER Lynch. All shareholder services will be available for the
transferred shares. You may only purchase additional shares
of funds previously owned before the transfer. All future
trading of these assets must be coordinated by the receiving
firm.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
18 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 20
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU WANT TO YOUR CHOICES INFORMATION IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
TRANSFER SHARES TO Transfer to a non-participating You must either:
ANOTHER SECURITIES securities dealer - Transfer your shares to an account with the Transfer
DEALER (CONTINUED) Agent; or
- Sell your shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELL YOUR SHARES Have your Merrill Lynch Financial The price of your shares is based on the next calculation of
Consultant or securities dealer net asset value after your order is placed. For your
submit your sales order redemption request to be priced at the net asset value on
the day of your request, you must submit your request to
your dealer within fifteen minutes after that day's close of
business on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time). Any redemption request placed after that time
will be priced at the net asset value at the close of
business on the next business day. Dealers must submit
redemption requests to the Fund not more than thirty minutes
after the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange
on the day the request was received.
Securities dealers, including Merrill Lynch, may charge a
fee to process a redemption of shares. Merrill Lynch
currently charges a fee of $5.35. No processing fee is
charged if you redeem shares directly through the Transfer
Agent.
The Fund may reject an order to sell shares under certain
circumstances.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sell through the Transfer Agent You may sell shares held at the Transfer Agent by writing to
the Transfer Agent at the address on the inside back cover
of this prospectus. All shareholders on the account must
sign the letter and signatures must be guaranteed. If you
hold stock certificates, return the certificates with the
letter. The Transfer Agent will normally mail redemption
proceeds within seven days following receipt of a properly
completed request. If you make a redemption request before
the Fund has collected payment for the purchase of shares,
the Fund or the Transfer Agent may delay mailing your
proceeds. This delay will usually not exceed ten days.
If you hold share certificates, they must be delivered to
the Transfer Agent before they can be converted. Check with
the Transfer Agent or your Merrill Lynch Financial
Consultant for details.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 19
<PAGE> 21
[YOUR ACCOUNT ICON] Your Account
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU WANT TO YOUR CHOICES INFORMATION IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
SELL SHARES Participate in the Fund's Systematic You can choose to receive systematic payments from your Fund
SYSTEMATICALLY Withdrawal Plan account either by check or through direct deposit to your
bank account on a monthly or quarterly basis. If you have a
Merrill Lynch CMA(R), CBA(R) or Retirement Account you can
arrange for systematic redemptions of a fixed dollar amount
on a monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual
basis, subject to certain conditions. Under either method
you must have dividends and other distributions
automatically reinvested. For Class B and C shares your
total annual withdrawals cannot be more than 10% per year of
the value of your shares at the time your plan is
established. The deferred sales charge is waived for
systematic redemptions. Ask your Merrill Lynch Financial
Consultant for details.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCHANGE YOUR Select the fund into which you want You can exchange your shares of the Fund for shares of many
SHARES to exchange. Be sure to read that other Merrill Lynch mutual funds. You must have held the
fund's prospectus shares used in the exchange for at least 15 calendar days
before you can exchange to another fund.
Each class of Fund shares is generally exchangeable for
shares of the same class of another fund. If you own Class A
shares and wish to exchange into a fund in which you have no
Class A shares, you will exchange into Class D shares.
Some of the Merrill Lynch mutual funds impose a different
initial or deferred sales charge schedule. If you exchange
Class A or D shares for shares of a fund with a higher
initial sales charge than you originally paid, you will be
charged the difference at the time of exchange. If you
exchange Class B shares for shares of a fund with a
different deferred sales charge schedule, the higher
schedule will apply. The time you hold Class B or C shares
in both funds will count when determining your holding
period for calculating a deferred sales charge at
redemption. If you exchange Class A or D shares for money
market fund shares, you will receive Class A shares of
Summit Cash Reserves Fund. Class B or C shares of the Fund
will be exchanged for Class B shares of Summit.
Although there is currently no limit on the number of
exchanges that you can make, the exchange privilege may be
modified or terminated at any time in the future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
20 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 22
NET ASSET VALUE -- the market value of the Fund's total assets after deducting
liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding.
HOW SHARES ARE PRICED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When you buy shares, you pay the NET ASSET VALUE, plus any applicable sales
charge. This is the offering price. Shares are also redeemed at their net asset
value, minus any applicable deferred sales charge. The Fund calculates its net
asset value (generally by using market quotations) each day the New York Stock
Exchange is open, fifteen minutes after the close of business on the Exchange
(the Exchange generally closes at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The net asset value
used in determining your price is the next one calculated after your purchase or
redemption order is placed. Foreign securities owned by the Fund may trade on
weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares. As a result, the
Fund's net asset value may change on days when you will not be able to purchase
or redeem the Fund's shares.
Generally, Class A shares will have the highest net asset value because that
class has the lowest expenses, and Class D shares will have a higher net asset
value than Class B or Class C shares. Also dividends paid on Class A and Class D
shares will generally be higher than dividends paid on Class B and Class C
shares because Class A and Class D shares have lower expenses.
PARTICIPATION IN MERRILL LYNCH FEE-BASED PROGRAMS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you participate in certain fee-based programs offered by Merrill Lynch, you
may be able to buy Class A shares at net asset value, including by exchanges
from other share classes. Sales charges on the shares being exchanged may be
reduced or waived under certain circumstances.
You generally cannot transfer shares held through a fee-based program into
another account. Instead, you will have to redeem your shares held through the
program and purchase shares of another class, which may be subject to
distribution and account maintenance fees. This may be a taxable event and you
will pay any applicable sales charges.
If you leave one of these programs, your shares may be redeemed or automatically
exchanged into another class of Fund shares or into a money market fund. The
class you receive may be the class you originally owned when you entered the
program, or in certain cases, a different class. If the exchange is into Class B
shares, the period before conversion to Class D shares may be modified. Any
redemption or exchange will be at net asset value. However, if you participate
in the program for less than a specified period, you may be charged a fee in
accordance with the terms of the program.
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 21
<PAGE> 23
[YOUR ACCOUNT ICON] Your Account
DIVIDENDS -- income paid to shareholders. Dividends may be reinvested in
additional Fund shares as they are paid.
DISTRIBUTIONS -- capital gains paid to shareholders. Distributions may be
reinvested in additional Fund shares as they are paid.
"BUYING A DIVIDEND"
Unless your investment is in a tax-deferred account, you may want to avoid
buying shares shortly before the Fund pays a dividend or distribution. The
reason? If you buy shares when a fund has realized but not yet distributed
income or capital gains, you will pay the full price for the shares and then
receive a portion of the price back in the form of a taxable distribution.
Before investing you may want to consult your tax adviser.
Details about these features and the relevant charges are included in the client
agreement for each fee-based program and are available from your Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant.
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS AND TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund will distribute any net investment income and any net realized capital
gains semi-annually. If your account is with Merrill Lynch and you would like to
receive DIVIDENDS and DISTRIBUTIONS in cash, contact your Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant. If your account is with the Transfer Agent and you would
like to receive dividends and distributions in cash, contact the Transfer Agent.
You will pay tax on dividends and distributions from the Fund whether you
receive them in cash or additional shares. If you redeem Fund shares or exchange
them for shares of another fund, any gain on the transaction may be subject to
tax. The Fund intends to make distributions that will either be taxed as
ordinary income or capital gains. Capital gains are taxed at different rates
than ordinary income.
If you are neither a lawful permanent resident nor a citizen of the U.S. or if
you are a foreign entity, the Fund's ordinary income dividends (which include
distributions of net short-term capital gains) will generally be subject to a
30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies.
Dividends and interest received by the Fund may give rise to withholding and
other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain
countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes.
By law, the Fund must withhold 31% of your distributions and proceeds if you
have not provided a taxpayer identification number or social security number.
This section summarizes some of the consequences under current Federal tax law
of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice.
Consult your personal tax adviser about the potential tax consequences of an
investment in the Fund under all applicable tax laws.
22 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 24
[MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND ICON] Management of the Fund
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, the Fund's Investment Manager, manages the
Fund's investments and its business operations under the overall supervision of
the Fund's Board of Directors. The Investment Manager has the responsibility for
making all investment decisions for the Fund. The Investment Manager has a
sub-advisory agreement with Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited, an
affiliate, under which the Investment Manager may pay a fee for services it
receives. The Fund pays the Investment Manager a fee at the annual rate of 0.65%
of the average daily net assets of the Fund for the first $1 billion, 0.625% of
net assets above $1 billion to $1.5 billion and 0.60% of net assets above $1.5
billion. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 the Investment Manager
received a management fee of $4,761,601 (based on average daily net assets of
approximately $728.6 million).
Merrill Lynch Asset Management is part of Merrill Lynch Asset Management Group,
which had approximately $467.2 billion in investment company and other portfolio
assets under management as of September 1998. This amount includes assets
managed for Merrill Lynch affiliates.
A NOTE ABOUT YEAR 2000
Many computer systems were designed using only two digits to designate years.
These systems may not be able to distinguish the Year 2000 from the Year 1900
(commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem"). The Fund could be adversely
affected if the computer systems used by the Fund's management or other Fund
service providers do not properly address this problem before January 1, 2000.
The Fund's management expects to have addressed this problem before then, and
does not anticipate that the services it provides will be adversely affected.
The Fund's other service providers have told the Fund's management that they
also expect to resolve the Year 2000 Problem, and the Fund's management will
continue to monitor the situation as the Year 2000 approaches. However, if the
problem has not been fully addressed, the Fund could be negatively affected. The
Year 2000 Problem could also have a negative impact on the issuers of securities
in which the Fund invests, and this could hurt the Fund's investment returns.
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 23
<PAGE> 25
[MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND ICON] Management of the Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance for the period of the Fund's operations. Certain
information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total
returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned on an
investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions). This information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose
report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are included in the Fund's
annual report to shareholders, which is available upon request.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A+
-------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 31, OCT. 21, 1994++
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN ------------------------------- TO AUGUST 31,
NET ASSET VALUE: 1998 1997 1996 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $17.37 $13.60 $11.66 $9.99
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income (loss) -- net .07 .07 .07 --##
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments -- net 1.09 4.95 2.13 1.98
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.16 5.02 2.20 1.98
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from realized gain on
investments -- net (2.34) (1.25) (.26) (.31)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $16.19 $17.37 $13.60 $11.66
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value per share 6.37% 39.24% 19.02% 20.55%#
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses .87% .99% 1.12% 1.46%*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income (loss) -- net .37% .47% .51% .02%*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $167,133 $62,049 $47,048 $21,288
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 40.27% 94.38% 82.10% 80.41%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
CLASS B+
---------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 31, OCT. 21, 1994++
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN --------------------------------- TO AUGUST 31,
NET ASSET VALUE: 1998 1997 1996 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $16.69 $13.14 $11.40 $9.85
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income (loss) -- net (.11) (.09) (.07) (.09)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments -- net 1.05 4.79 2.07 1.95
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations .94 4.70 2.00 1.86
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from realized gain on
investments -- net (2.24) (1.15) (.26) (.31)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $15.39 $16.69 $13.14 $11.40
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value per share 5.21% 37.95% 17.68% 19.60%#
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.88% 2.02% 2.16% 2.48%*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income (loss) -- net (.64)% (.59)% (.54)% (.95)%*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $641,688 $216,636 $116,641 $63,748
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 40.27% 94.38% 82.10% 80.41%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
* Annualized
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Based on average shares outstanding.
++ Commencement of operations.
# Aggregate total investment return.
## Amount is less than $.01 per share.
</TABLE>
24 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 26
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C+
-----------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN -----------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE: 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $16.72 $13.14 $11.40 $9.96 $9.86
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income (loss) -- net (.11) (.09) (.07) (.09) (.05)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments -- net 1.05 4.79 2.07 1.84 .15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations .94 4.70 2.00 1.75 .10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from realized gain on
investments -- net (2.21) (1.12) (.26) (.31) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $15.45 $16.72 $13.14 $11.40 $9.96
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value per share 5.19% 37.90% 17.68% 18.28% 1.01%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.89% 2.02% 2.15% 2.44% 2.35%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income (loss) -- net (.63)% (.58)% (.57)% (.88)% (.52)%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $130,652 $74,732 $54,052 $44,220 $47,263
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 40.27% 94.38% 82.10% 80.41% 112.68%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
CLASS D+
-----------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN -----------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE: 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $17.27 $13.54 $11.64 $10.09 $9.91
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income (loss) -- net .02 .03 .03 (.01) .03
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments -- net 1.09 4.93 2.13 1.87 .15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 1.11 4.96 2.16 1.86 .18
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from realized gain on
investments -- net (2.32) (1.23) (.26) (.31) --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $16.06 $17.27 $13.54 $11.64 $10.09
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value per share 6.08% 38.90% 18.70% 19.15% 1.82%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.11% 1.24% 1.37% 1.65% 1.58%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income (loss) -- net .12% .17% .24% (.10)% .31%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $157,899 $53,101 $22,892 $13,231 $8,623
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 40.27% 94.38% 82.10% 80.41% 112.68%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Based on average shares outstanding.
</TABLE>
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC. 25
<PAGE> 27
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
POTENTIAL
INVESTORS
Open an account (two options).
1 2
MERRILL LYNCH TRANSFER AGENT
FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
OR SECURITIES DEALER FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
P.O. Box 45289
Advises shareholders on their Fund investments. Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289
Performs shareholder
recordkeeping and reporting services.
DISTRIBUTOR
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR,
A DIVISION OF PRINCETON FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
P.O. Box 9081
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081
Arranges for the sale of Fund shares.
COUNSEL THE FUND CUSTODIAN
BROWN & WOOD LLP The Board of Directors THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
One World Trade Center oversees the Fund. GLOBAL SECURITIES SERVICES
New York, New York 10048-0557 Chase MetroTech Center,
18th Floor
Provides legal advice to the Fund. Brooklyn, New York 11245
Holds the Fund's assets for safekeeping.
INDEPENENT AUDITORS INVESTMENT MANAGER
ERNST & YOUNG, LLP MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
202 Carnegie Center
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5321 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
800 Scudders Mill Road
Audits the financial Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
statements of the Fund on behalf of
the shareholders. MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
TELEPHONE NUMBER
1-800-MER-FUND
Manages the Fund's day-to-day activities.
</TABLE>
26 MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<PAGE> 28
[FOR MORE INFORMATION ICON] For More Information
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS
Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's
annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund's annual report you
will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year. You
may obtain these reports at no cost by calling 1-800-MER-FUND.
The Fund will send you one copy of each shareholder report and certain other
mailings, regardless of the number of Fund accounts you have. To receive
separate shareholder reports for each account, call your Merrill Lynch Financial
Consultant or write to the Transfer Agent at its mailing address. Include your
name, address, tax identification number and Merrill Lynch brokerage or mutual
fund account number. If you have any questions, please call your Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant or the Transfer Agent at 1-800-MER-FUND.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Fund's Statement of Additional Information contains further information
about the Fund and is incorporated by reference (legally considered to be part
of this prospectus). You may request a free copy by writing or calling the Fund
at Financial Data Services, Inc., P.O. Box 45289, Jacksonville, Florida
32232-5289 or 1-800-MER-FUND.
Contact your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant or the Fund, at the telephone
number or address indicated above, if you have any questions.
Information about the Fund (including the Statement of Additional Information)
can be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington,
D.C. Call 1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the operation of the public
reference room. This information is also available on the SEC's Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov and copies may be obtained upon payment of a duplicating fee
by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009.
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. NO ONE
IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT.
Investment Company Act file #811-6669
Code #16463-10-98
(C) Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P.
PROSPECTUS
[MERRILL LYNCH LOGO]
Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc.
December , 1998
[MERRILL LYNCH ARTWORK]
<PAGE> 29
THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT COMPLETE AND
MAY BE CHANGED. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT AN
OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DATED OCTOBER 30, 1998
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011 - Phone No. (609) 282-2800
------------------------
Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is a mutual fund
that seeks to provide shareholders with long-term growth of capital. The Fund
will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing in a diversified
portfolio of equity securities placing particular emphasis on companies that
have exhibited above-average growth rates in earnings. For more information on
the Fund's investment objectives and policies, see "Investment Objective and
Policies."
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System, the Fund offers
four classes of shares, each with a different combination of sales charges,
ongoing fees and other features. The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System
permits an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that the investor
believes is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of
time the investor expects to hold the shares and other relevant circumstances.
See "Purchase of Shares -- Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System."
------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information of the Fund is not a prospectus
and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Fund, dated
December , 1998 (the "Prospectus"), which has been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and can be obtained, without charge,
by calling 1-800-637-3863 or by writing the Fund at the above address. The
Prospectus is incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional
Information, and this Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by
reference into the Prospectus.
------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT -- MANAGER
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR -- DISTRIBUTOR
------------------------
The date of this Statement of Additional Information is December , 1998.
<PAGE> 30
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies........................... 2
European Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU").............. 3
Derivatives............................................... 4
Convertibles.............................................. 5
Warrants.................................................. 7
Portfolio Strategies Involving Options and Futures........ 7
Other Investment Policies and Practices................... 10
Portfolio Turnover........................................ 12
Management of the Fund...................................... 12
Directors and Officers.................................... 12
Compensation of Directors................................. 14
Management and Advisory Arrangements...................... 14
Code of Ethics............................................ 16
Purchase of Shares.......................................... 16
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class A and Class D
Shares................................................. 17
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class B and Class C
Shares................................................. 22
Distribution Plans........................................ 25
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges...... 26
Redemption of Shares........................................ 27
Redemption................................................ 27
Repurchase................................................ 28
Reinstatement Privilege -- Class A and Class D Shares..... 28
Pricing of Shares........................................... 29
Determination of Net Asset Value.......................... 29
Computation of Offering Price Per Share................... 30
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage........................ 30
Transactions in Portfolio Securities...................... 30
Shareholder Services........................................ 32
Investment Account........................................ 32
Exchange Privilege........................................ 32
Fee-Based Programs........................................ 34
Retirement Plans.......................................... 35
Automatic Investment Plans................................ 35
Automatic Dividend Program................................ 35
Systematic Withdrawal Plans............................... 35
Distributions and Taxes..................................... 37
Dividends and Distributions............................... 37
Taxes..................................................... 37
Tax Treatment of Options and Futures Transactions......... 38
Special Rules for Certain Foreign Currency Transactions... 39
Performance Data............................................ 40
General Information......................................... 42
Description of Shares..................................... 42
Independent Auditors...................................... 42
Custodian................................................. 42
Transfer Agent............................................ 42
Legal Counsel............................................. 42
Reports to Shareholders................................... 43
Shareholder Inquiries..................................... 43
Additional Information.................................... 43
Financial Statements........................................ 43
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 31
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term growth of
capital. The Fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing in
a diversified portfolio of equity securities placing particular emphasis on
companies that have exhibited above-average growth rates in earnings. There can
be no assurance that the investment objective of the Fund will be realized. The
investment objective of the Fund set forth in the first sentence of this
paragraph is a fundamental policy of the Fund which may not be changed without a
vote of a majority of its outstanding shares as defined below.
The Fund will give particular emphasis to companies that have exhibited
above-average growth rates in earnings, resulting from a variety of factors
including--but not limited to--above-average growth rates in sales, profit
margin improvement, proprietary or niche products or services, leading market
shares, and underlying strong industry growth. Merrill Lynch Asset Management,
L.P., the Fund's investment manager ("MLAM" or the "Manager") believes that
companies which possess above-average earnings growth frequently provide the
prospect of above-average stock market returns, although such companies tend to
have higher relative stock market valuations. Emphasis also will be given to
companies having medium to large stock market capitalizations ($500 million or
more). Investment in companies with lower market capitalizations, especially
those under $1 billion, may involve special risks including limited product
lines, market or financial resources or a limited management group. In addition,
many smaller company stocks trade less frequently and in smaller volume, and may
be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements or more sensitive to market
fluctuations, than stocks of larger companies.
Investment emphasis is on equities, primarily common stock and, to a lesser
extent, securities convertible into common stock and rights to subscribe for
common stock. The Fund will maintain at least 65% of its total assets invested
in equity securities except during defensive periods. The Fund reserves the
right as a defensive measure and to provide for redemptions to hold other types
of securities, including non-convertible preferred stocks and debt securities
rated investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical ratings
organization. Government and money market securities, including repurchase
agreements, or cash, in such proportions as, in the opinion of management,
prevailing market or economic conditions warrant.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in equity securities of
foreign issuers with the foregoing characteristics. (Purchases of American
Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), however, are not subject to this restriction.)
Investments in securities of foreign entities and securities denominated in
foreign currencies involve risks not typically involved in domestic investment,
including fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, future foreign political and
economic developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other
foreign or United States governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such
investments. Since the Fund may invest in securities denominated or quoted in
currencies other than the United States dollar, changes in foreign currency
exchange rates may affect the value of investments in the portfolio and the
unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments insofar as the United
States investors are concerned. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates
relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's
assets denominated in that currency and the Fund's yield on such assets. Foreign
currency exchange rates are determined by forces of supply and demand on the
foreign exchange markets. These forces are, in turn, affected by the
international balance of payments and other economic and financial conditions,
government intervention, speculation and other factors. Moreover, individual
foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States
economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation,
capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments
position.
With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of
expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability
or diplomatic developments which could affect investment in those countries.
There may be less publicly available information about a foreign financial
instrument than about a United States instrument, and foreign entities may not
be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
requirements comparable to those of United States entities. In addition, certain
foreign investments may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Foreign
financial markets, while growing in volume, have, for the most part,
substantially less volume than United States markets, and securities of many
foreign companies are less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities
of comparable domestic
2
<PAGE> 32
companies. The foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement
procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have
been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it
difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in
temporary periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is earned
thereon. The ability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to
settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment
opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement
problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in
value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to
sell the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Costs
associated with transactions in foreign securities are generally higher than
with transactions in United States securities. There is generally less
government supervision and regulation of exchanges, financial institutions and
issuers in foreign countries than there is in the United States.
The Fund may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of
ADRs, European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") or other securities convertible into
securities of foreign issuers. These securities may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be
converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust
company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign
corporation. EDRs are receipts issued in Europe which evidence a similar
ownership arrangement. Generally, ADRs, which are issued in registered form, are
designed for use in the United States securities markets, and EDRs, which are
issued in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets. The
Fund may invest in unsponsored ADRs. The issuers of unsponsored ADRs are not
obligated to disclose material information in the United States and, therefore,
there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of
such ADRs.
EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION ("EMU")
For a number of years, certain European countries have been seeking
economic unification that would, among other things, reduce barriers between
countries, increase competition among companies, reduce government subsidies in
certain industries, and reduce or eliminate currency fluctuations among these
European countries. The Treaty on European Union (the "Maastricht Treaty") seeks
to set out a framework for the European Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU")
among the countries that comprise the European Union ("EU"). Among other things,
EMU establishes a single common European currency (the "euro") that will be
introduced on January 1, 1999 and is expected to replace the existing national
currencies of all EMU participants by July 1, 2002. EMU is scheduled to take
effect for the initial EMU participants as of January 1, 1999, and will be
implemented over the weekend January 1, 1999 through January 3, 1999
("conversion weekend"). Upon implementation of EMU, certain securities issued in
participating EU countries (beginning with government and corporate bonds) will
be redenominated in the euro, and thereafter, will be listed, traded, and make
dividend and other payments only in euros.
No assurance can be given that EMU will take effect, that the changes
planned for the EU can be successfully implemented, or that these changes will
result in the economic and monetary unity and stability intended. There is a
possibility that EMU will not be implemented, will be implemented but not
completed, or will be completed but then partially or completely unwound.
Because any participating country may opt out of EMU within the first three
years, it is also possible that a significant participant could choose to
abandon EMU, which could diminish its credibility and influence. Any of these
occurrences could have adverse effects on the markets of both participating and
non-participating countries, including sharp appreciation or depreciation of
participants' national currencies and a significant increase in exchange rate
volatility, a resurgence in economic protectionism, an undermining of confidence
in the European markets, an undermining of European economic stability, the
collapse or slowdown of the drive toward European economic unity, and/or
reversion of the attempts to lower government debt and inflation rates that were
introduced in anticipation of EMU. Also, withdrawal from EMU at any time after
the conversion weekend by an initial participant could cause disruption of the
financial markets as securities redenominated in euros are transferred back into
that country's national currency, particularly if the withdrawing country is a
major economic power. Such developments could have an adverse impact on the
Fund's investments in Europe generally or in specific
3
<PAGE> 33
countries participating in EMU. Gains or losses from euro conversion may be
taxable to Fund shareholders under foreign or, in certain limited circumstances,
U.S. tax laws.
In addition, computer, accounting, and trading systems must be capable of
recognizing the euro as a distinct currency immediately after the conversion
weekend. Like other investment companies and business organizations, the Fund
could be adversely affected if the computer, accounting, and trading systems
used by the Manager, the Fund's service providers, or other entities with which
the Fund or its service providers do business do not properly address this issue
prior to January 4, 1999.
DERIVATIVES
The Fund may use instruments referred to as "Derivatives." Derivatives are
financial instruments the value of which is derived from another security, a
commodity (such as gold or oil) or an index (a measure of value or rates, such
as the S&P 500 or the prime lending rate). Derivatives allow the Fund to
increase or decrease the level of risk to which the Fund is exposed more quickly
and efficiently than transactions in other types of instruments. Derivatives,
however, are volatile and involve significant risks, including:
Credit risk -- the risk that the counterparty on a Derivative
transaction will be unable to honor its financial obligation to the Fund.
Currency risk -- the risk that changes in the exchange rate between
two currencies will adversely affect the value (in U.S. dollar terms) of an
investment.
Leverage risk -- the risk associated with certain types of investments
or trading strategies (such as borrowing money to increase the amount of
the investments) that relatively small market movements may result in large
changes in the value of an investment. Certain investments or trading
strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed
the amount originally invested.
Liquidity risk -- the risk that certain securities may be difficult or
impossible to sell at the time that the seller would like or at the price
that the seller believes the security is currently worth.
The Fund may use the following types of derivative instruments:
Futures -- exchange-traded contracts involving the obligation of the
seller to deliver, and the buyer to receive, certain assets (or a money
payment based on the change in value of certain assets or an index) at a
specified time. Futures involve leverage risk and may involve currency
risk. Futures are discussed in more detail below.
Forwards -- private contracts involving the obligation of the seller
to deliver, and the buyer to receive, certain assets (or a money payment
based on the change in value of certain assets or an index) at a specified
time. Forwards involve credit risk and leverage risk, and may involve
currency risk.
Options -- exchange-traded or private contracts involving the right of
a holder to deliver (a "put") or receive (a "call") certain assets (or a
money payment based on the change of certain assets or an index) from
another party at a specified price within a specified time period. Options
involve leverage risk. Private options also involve credit risk and
liquidity risk. Options may involve currency risk.
The Fund may use Derivatives for hedging purposes. Hedging is a strategy in
which a Derivative is used to offset the risk that other Fund holdings may
decrease in value. Losses on the other investment may be substantially reduced
by gains on a Derivative that reacts in an opposite manner to market movements.
While hedging can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains if the
market moves in a different manner than anticipated by the Fund or if the cost
of the Derivative outweighs the benefit of the hedge. Hedging also involves the
risk that changes in the value of the Derivative will not match those of the
holdings being hedged as expected by the Fund, in which case any losses on the
holdings being hedged may not be reduced. This risk is known as "Correlation
Risk."
Risk Factors in Derivatives. Use of Derivatives for hedging purposes
involves correlation risk. If the value of the Derivative moves more or less
than the value of the hedged instruments the Fund will experience a gain or loss
which will not be completely offset by movements in the value of the hedged
instruments.
4
<PAGE> 34
The Fund intends to enter into transactions involving Derivatives only if
there appears to be a liquid secondary market for such instruments or, in the
case of illiquid instruments traded in OTC transactions, such instruments
satisfy the criteria set forth below under "Risk Factors in Options, Futures and
Currency Transactions." However, there can be no assurance that, at any specific
time, either a liquid secondary market will exist for a Derivative or the Fund
will otherwise be able to sell such instrument at an acceptable price. It may
therefore not be possible to close a position in a Derivative without incurring
substantial losses, if at all.
Certain transactions in Derivatives (such as futures transactions or sales
of put options) involve substantial leverage risk and may expose the Fund to
potential losses, which exceed the amount originally invested by the Fund. When
the Fund engages in such a transaction, the Fund will deposit in a segregated
account at its custodian liquid securities with a value at least equal to the
Fund's exposure, on a mark-to-market basis, to the transaction (as calculated
pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission). Such
segregation will ensure that the Fund has assets available to satisfy its
obligations with respect to the transaction, but will not limit the Fund's
exposure to loss.
CONVERTIBLES
Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest payments paid
on corporate debt securities or the dividend preference on a preferred stock
until such time as the convertible security matures or is redeemed or until the
holder elects to exercise the conversion privilege. Synthetic convertible
securities may be either (i) a debt security or preferred stock that may be
convertible only under certain contingent circumstances or that may pay the
holder a cash amount based on the value of shares of underlying common stock
partly or wholly in lieu of a conversion right (a "Cash-Settled Convertible") or
(ii) a combination of separate securities chosen by the Manager in order to
create the economic characteristics of a convertible security, i.e., a fixed
income security paired with a security with equity conversion features, such as
an option or warrant (a "Manufactured Convertible").
The characteristics of convertible securities make them appropriate
investments for an investment company seeking a high total return from capital
appreciation and investment income. These characteristics include the potential
for capital appreciation as the value of the underlying common stock increases,
the relatively high yield received from dividend or interest payments as
compared to common stock dividends and decreased risks of decline in value
relative to the underlying common stock due to their fixed-income nature. As a
result of the conversion feature, however, the interest rate or dividend
preference on a convertible security is generally less than would be the case if
the securities were issued in nonconvertible form.
In analyzing convertible securities, the Manager will consider both the
yield on the convertible security and the potential capital appreciation that is
offered by the underlying common stock.
Convertible securities are issued and traded in a number of securities
markets. For the past several years, the principal markets have been the United
States, the Euromarket and Japan. Issuers during this period have included major
corporations domiciled in the United States, Japan, France, Switzerland, Canada
and the United Kingdom. Even in cases where a substantial portion of the
convertible securities held by the Fund are denominated in United States
dollars, the underlying equity securities may be quoted in the currency of the
country where the issuer is domiciled. With respect to convertible securities
denominated in a currency different from that of the underlying equity
securities, the conversion price may be based on a fixed exchange rate
established at the time the security is issued. As a result, fluctuations in the
exchange rate between the currency in which the debt security is denominated and
the currency in which the share price is quoted will affect the value of the
convertible security. As described below, the Fund is authorized to enter into
foreign currency hedging transactions in which it may seek to reduce the effect
of such fluctuations.
Apart from currency considerations, the value of convertible securities is
influenced by both the yield of nonconvertible securities of comparable issuers
and by the value of the underlying common stock. The value of a convertible
security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the
basis of its yield) is sometimes referred to as its "investment value." To the
extent interest rates change, the investment value of the convertible security
typically will fluctuate. However, at the same time, the value of the
convertible security will be influenced by its "conversion value," which is the
market value of the underlying common
5
<PAGE> 35
stock that would be obtained if the convertible security were converted.
Conversion value fluctuates directly with the price of the underlying common
stock. If, because of a low price of the common stock the conversion value is
substantially below the investment value of the convertible security, the price
of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value.
To the extent the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a
point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the price of the
convertible security will be influenced principally by its conversion value. A
convertible security will sell at a premium over the conversion value to the
extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock
while holding a fixed-income security. The yield and conversion premium of
convertible securities issued in Japan and the Euromarket are frequently
determined at levels that cause the conversion value to affect their market
value more than the securities' investment value.
Holders of convertible securities generally have a claim on the assets of
the issuer prior to the common stockholders but may be subordinated to other
debt securities of the same issuer. A convertible security may be subject to
redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the charter
provision, indenture or other governing instrument pursuant to which the
convertible security was issued. If a convertible security held by the Fund is
called for redemption, the Fund will be required to redeem the security, convert
it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Certain
convertible debt securities may provide a put option to the holder which
entitles the holder to cause the security to be redeemed by the issuer at a
premium over the stated principal amount of the debt security under certain
circumstances.
As indicated above, synthetic convertible securities may include either
Cash-Settled Convertibles or Manufactured Convertibles. Cash-Settled
Convertibles are instruments that are created by the issuer and have the
economic characteristics of traditional convertible securities but may not
actually permit conversion into the underlying equity securities in all
circumstances. As an example, a private company may issue a Cash-Settled
Convertible that is convertible into common stock only if the company
successfully completes a public offering of its common stock prior to maturity
and otherwise pays a cash amount to reflect any equity appreciation.
Manufactured Convertibles are created by the Manager by combining separate
securities that possess one of the two principal characteristics of a
convertible security, i.e., fixed income ("fixed income component") or a right
to acquire equity securities ("convertible component"). The fixed income
component is achieved by investing in nonconvertible fixed income securities,
such as nonconvertible bonds, preferred stocks and money market instruments. The
convertibility component is achieved by investing in call options, warrants,
LEAPS, or other securities with equity conversion features ("equity features")
granting the holder the right to purchase a specified quantity of the underlying
stocks within a specified period of time at a specified price or, in the case of
a stock index option, the right to receive a cash payment based on the value of
the underlying stock index.
A Manufactured Convertible differs from traditional convertible securities
in several respects. Unlike a traditional convertible security, which is a
single security having a unitary market value, a Manufactured Convertible is
comprised of two or more separate securities, each with its own market value.
Therefore, the total "market value" of such a Manufactured Convertible is the
sum of the values of its fixed-income component and its convertibility
component.
More flexibility is possible in the creation of a Manufactured Convertible
than in the purchase of a traditional convertible security. Because many
corporations have not issued convertible securities, the Manager may combine a
fixed income instrument and an equity feature with respect to the stock of the
issuer of the fixed income instrument to create a synthetic convertible security
otherwise unavailable in the market. The Manager may also combine a fixed income
instrument of an issuer with an equity feature with respect to the stock of a
different issuer when the Manager believes such a Manufactured Convertible would
better promote the Fund's objective than alternative investments. For example,
the Manager may combine an equity feature with respect to an issuer's stock with
a fixed income security of a different issuer in the same industry to diversify
the Fund's credit exposure, or with a U.S. Treasury instrument to create a
Manufactured Convertible with a higher credit profile than a traditional
convertible security issued by that issuer. A Manufactured Convertible also is a
more flexible investment in that its two components may be purchased
6
<PAGE> 36
separately and, upon purchasing the separate securities, "combined" to create a
Manufactured Convertible. For example, the Fund may purchase a warrant for
eventual inclusion in a Manufactured Convertible while postponing the purchase
of a suitable bond to pair with the warrant pending development of more
favorable market conditions.
The value of a Manufactured Convertible may respond differently to certain
market fluctuations than would a traditional convertible security with similar
characteristics. For example, in the event the Fund created a Manufactured
Convertible by combining a short-term U.S. Treasury instrument and a call option
on a stock, the Manufactured Convertible would likely outperform a traditional
convertible of similar maturity and which is convertible into that stock during
periods when Treasury instruments outperform corporate fixed income securities
and underperform during periods when corporate fixed-income securities
outperform Treasury instruments.
WARRANTS
Buying a warrant does not make the Fund a shareholder of the underlying
stock. The warrant holder has no right to dividends or votes on the underlying
stock. A warrant does not carry any right to assets of the issuer, and for this
reason investment in warrants may be more speculative than other equity-based
investments.
PORTFOLIO STRATEGIES INVOLVING OPTIONS AND FUTURES
The Fund may seek to hedge its portfolio against adverse movements in the
equity markets, interest rates and exchange rates between currencies. The Fund
has authority to write (i.e., sell) covered put and call options on its
portfolio securities, purchase put and call options on securities and engage in
transactions in stock index options, stock index futures and stock futures and
financial futures, and related options on such futures. The Fund may also deal
in forward foreign exchange transactions, foreign currency options and futures
and related options on such futures. While the Fund's use of hedging strategies
is intended to reduce the volatility of the net asset value of Fund shares, the
Fund's net asset value will fluctuate. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
hedging transactions will be effective. Furthermore, the Fund will only engage
in hedging activities from time to time and may not necessarily be engaging in
hedging activities where movements on the equity markets, interest rates or
currency exchange rates occur. The following is further information relating to
portfolio strategies involving options and futures the Fund may utilize.
Writing Covered Options. The Fund is authorized to write (i.e., sell)
covered call options on the securities in which it may invest and to enter into
closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such options. A covered
call option is an option where the Fund, in return for a premium, gives another
party a right to buy specified securities owned by the Fund at a specified
future date and price set at the time of the contract. The principal reason for
writing call options is to attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums,
a greater return than would be realized on the securities alone. By writing
covered call options, the Fund gives up the opportunity, while the option is in
effect, to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the
option price. In addition, the Fund's ability to sell the underlying security
will be limited while the option is in effect unless the Fund effects a closing
purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction cancels out the Fund's
position as the writer of an option by means of an offsetting purchase of an
identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has written. Covered
call options serve as a particular hedge against the price of the underlying
security declining.
The writer of a covered call option has no control over when he may be
required to sell his securities since he may be assigned an exercise notice at
any time prior to the termination of his obligation as a writer. If an option
expires unexercised, the writer realizes a gain in the amount of the premium.
Such a gain, of course, may be offset by a decline in the market value of the
underlying security during the option period. If a call option is exercised, the
writer realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security.
The Fund also may write put options which give the holder of the option the
right to sell the underlying security to the Fund at the stated exercise price.
The Fund will receive a premium for writing a put option which increases the
Fund's return. The Fund writes only covered put options which means that so long
as the Fund is obligated as the writer of the option it will, through its
custodian, have deposited and maintained cash,
7
<PAGE> 37
cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or other high grade liquid debt
securities denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S. currencies with a securities
depository with a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the
underlying securities. By writing a put, the Fund will be obligated to purchase
the underlying security at a price that may be higher than the market value of
that security at the time of the exercise for as long as the option is
outstanding. The Fund may engage in closing transactions in order to terminate
put options that it has written. The Fund will not write put options if the
aggregate value of the obligations underlying the put options shall exceed 50%
of the Fund's net assets.
Options referred to herein and in the Fund's Prospectus may be options
traded on foreign securities exchanges. An options position may be closed only
on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option of the same
series. If a secondary market does not exist, it might not be possible to effect
closing transactions in particular options, with the result, in the case of a
covered call option, that the Fund will not be able to sell the underlying
security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon
exercise. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange
include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain
options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions
or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other
restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of
options or underlying securities; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may
interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or
the Options Clearing Corporation (the "Clearing Corporation") may not, at all
times, be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more
exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some
future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or
series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in
that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding
options on that exchange that had been issued by the Clearing Corporation as a
result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance
with their terms.
The Fund may also enter into over-the-counter ("OTC") options transactions
("OTC options"), which are two party contracts with prices and terms negotiated
between the buyer and seller. The staff of the Commission has taken the position
that OTC options and the assets used as cover for written OTC options are
illiquid securities.
Purchasing Options. The Fund may purchase put options to hedge against a
decline in the market value of its equity holdings. By buying a put, the Fund
has a right to sell the underlying security at the exercise price, thus limiting
the Fund's risk of loss through a decline in the market value of the security
until the put option expires. The amount of any appreciation in the value of the
underlying security will be offset partially by the amount of the premium paid
for the put option and any related transaction costs. Prior to its expiration, a
put option may be sold in a closing sale transaction; profit or loss from the
sale will depend on whether the amount received is more or less than the premium
paid for the put option plus the related transaction cost. A closing sale
transaction cancels out the Fund's position as the purchaser of an option by
means of an offsetting sale of an identical option prior to the expiration of
the option it has purchased. In certain circumstances, the Fund may purchase
call options on securities held in its portfolio on which it has written call
options or on securities which it intends to purchase. The Fund may purchase
either exchange-traded options or OTC options. The Fund will not purchase
options on securities (including stock index options discussed below) if as a
result of such purchase, the aggregate cost of all outstanding options on
securities held by the Fund would exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund's
total assets.
Stock Index Options and Futures and Financial Futures. The Fund is
authorized to engage in transactions in stock index options and futures and
financial futures, and related options on such futures. Set forth below is
further information concerning futures transactions.
A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a
security, or, in the case of an index-based futures contract, to make and accept
a cash settlement for a set price on a future date. A majority of transactions
in futures contracts, however, do not result in the actual delivery of the
underlying instrument or cash settlement, but are settled through liquidation,
i.e., by entering into an offsetting transaction.
8
<PAGE> 38
The purchase or sale of a futures contract differs from the purchase or
sale of a security in that no price or premium is paid or received. Instead, an
amount of cash or securities acceptable to the broker and the relevant contract
market, which varies, but is generally about 5% of the contract amount, must be
deposited with the broker. This amount is known as "initial margin" and
represents a "good faith" deposit assuring the performance of both the purchaser
and seller under the futures contract. Subsequent payments to and from the
broker, called "variation margin", are required to be made on a daily basis as
the price of the futures contract fluctuates, making the long and short
positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as
"mark to the market". At any time prior to the settlement date of the futures
contract, the position may be closed out by taking an opposite position which
will operate to terminate the position in the futures contract. A final
determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to
be paid to or released by the broker, and the purchaser realizes a loss or gain.
In addition, a nominal commission is paid on each completed sale transaction.
An order has been obtained from the Commission exempting the Fund from the
provisions of Section 17(f) and Section 18(f) of the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "Investment Company Act") in connection with its strategy of investing
in futures contracts. Section 17(f) relates to the custody of securities and
other assets of an investment company and may be deemed to prohibit certain
arrangements between the Fund and commodities brokers with respect to initial
and variation margin. Section 18(f) of the Investment Company Act prohibits an
open-end investment company such as the Fund from issuing a "senior security"
other than a borrowing from a bank. The staff of the Commission has in the past
indicated that a futures contract may be a "senior security" under the
Investment Company Act.
Risk Factors in Options, Futures and Currency Transactions. Utilization of
futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in
the prices of options and futures and movements in the prices of the securities
and currencies which are the subject of the hedge. If the prices of the options
and futures move more or less than the prices of the hedged securities or
currencies, the Fund will experience a gain or loss which will not be completely
offset by movements in the prices of the securities and currencies which are the
subject of the hedge. The successful use of options, futures and currency
transactions also depends on the Manager's ability to predict correctly price
movements in the market involved in a particular options or futures transaction.
Prior to exercise or expiration, an exchange-traded option or futures
position can only be terminated by entering into a closing purchase or sale
transaction. This requires a secondary market on an exchange for call or put
options of the same series. The Fund will enter into options or futures
transactions on an exchange only if there appears to be a liquid secondary
market for such options or futures. However, there can be no assurance that a
liquid secondary market will exist for any particular call or put option or
futures contract at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close an
option or futures position. The Fund will acquire only OTC options for which
management believes the Fund can receive on each business day at least two
independent bids or offers. In the case of a futures position or an option on a
futures position written by the Fund in the event of adverse price movements,
the Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation
margin. In such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to
sell portfolio securities to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time
when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Fund may be required
to take or make delivery of the security underlying futures contracts it holds.
The inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse
impact on the Fund's ability to effectively hedge its portfolio. There is also
the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a
broker with whom the Fund has an open position in a futures contract or related
option. The risk of loss from investing in futures transactions is theoretically
unlimited.
The exchanges on which the Fund intends to conduct options transactions
generally have established limitations governing the maximum number of call or
put options on the same underlying security or currency (whether or not covered)
which may be written by a single investor, whether acting alone or in concert
with others (regardless of whether such options are written on the same or
different exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or through
one or more brokers). "Trading limits" are imposed on the maximum number of
contracts which any person may trade on a particular trading day. An exchange
may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of these limits
and it may impose other sanctions or
9
<PAGE> 39
restrictions. The Manager does not believe that these trading and positions
limits will have any adverse impact on the portfolio strategies for hedging the
Fund's portfolio.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may invest in securities pursuant to
repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements may be entered into only with a
member bank of the Federal Reserve System or a primary dealer in U.S. Government
securities or an affiliate thereof. Under such agreements, the bank or primary
dealer or an affiliate thereof agrees, on entering into the contract, to
repurchase the security at a mutually agreed upon time and price, thereby
determining the yield during the term of the agreement. This results in a fixed
rate of return insulated from market fluctuations during such period. Such
agreements usually cover short periods, such as under a week. The Fund will
require the seller to provide additional collateral if the market value of the
securities falls below the repurchase price at any time during the term of the
repurchase agreement. In the event of a default by the seller, the Fund
ordinarily will retain ownership of the securities underlying the repurchase
agreement, and instead of a contractually fixed rate of return, the rate of
return to the Fund shall be dependent upon intervening fluctuations of the
market value of such securities and the accrued interest on the securities. In
such event, the Fund would have rights against the seller for breach of contract
with respect to any losses arising from market fluctuations following the
failure of the seller to perform. The Fund may suffer time delays and incur
costs or possible losses in connection with the disposition of the securities
underlying a repurchase agreement in the event of the counterparty's default.
From time to time the Fund also may invest in securities pursuant to purchase
and sale contracts. While purchase and sale contracts are similar to repurchase
agreements, purchase and sale contracts are structured so as to be in substance
more like a purchase and sale of the underlying security than is the case with
repurchase agreements.
When-Issued Securities and Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Fund may
purchase or sell securities on a delayed delivery basis or a when-issued basis
at fixed purchase terms. These transactions arise when securities are purchased
or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future. The
purchase will be recorded on the date the Fund enters into the commitment and
the value of the obligation will thereafter be reflected in the calculation of
the Fund's net asset value. The value of the obligation on the delivery date may
be more or less than its purchase price. A separate account of the Fund will be
established with its custodian consisting of cash, cash equivalents or high
grade, liquid debt securities having a market value at all times at least equal
to the amount of the forward commitment.
Illiquid Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities. However, the Fund may purchase, without regard to that
limitation, securities that are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933
(the "Securities Act") but that can be offered and sold to "qualified
institutional buyers" under Rule 144A under the Securities Act, provided that
the Fund's Board of Directors, or the Manager pursuant to guidelines adopted by
the Board, continuously determines, based on the trading markets for the
specific Rule 144A security, that it is liquid. The Board of Directors, however,
will retain oversight and is ultimately responsible for the determinations.
Since it is not possible to predict with assurance exactly how this market for
restricted securities sold and offered under Rule 144A will develop, the Board
of Directors will carefully monitor the Fund's investments in these securities,
focusing on such factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and availability
of information. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the
level of illiquidity in the Fund to the extent that qualified institutional
buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing these securities.
Investment Restrictions. In addition to the investment restrictions set
forth in the Prospectus, the Fund has adopted a number of fundamental and
non-fundamental investment policies and restrictions. The fundamental policies
and restrictions set forth below may not be changed without the approval of the
holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities (which for
this purpose means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting
at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented or
10
<PAGE> 40
(ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares). Unless otherwise provided, all
references to the assets of the Fund below are in terms of current market value.
The Fund may not:
1. Make any investment inconsistent with the Fund's classification as
a diversified company under the Investment Company Act.
2. Invest more than 25% of its assets, taken at market value, in the
securities of issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S.
Government and its agencies and instrumentalities).
3. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
4. Purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the extent permitted
by applicable law, the Fund may invest in securities directly or indirectly
secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which
invest in real estate or interests therein.
5. Make loans to other persons, except that the acquisition of bonds,
debentures or other corporate debt securities and investment in government
obligations, commercial paper, pass-through instruments, certificates of
deposit, bankers acceptances, repurchase agreements or any similar
instruments shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan, and except
further that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided that the
lending of portfolio securities may be made only in accordance with
applicable law and the guidelines set forth in the Fund's Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, as they may be amended from time to
time.
6. Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate
applicable law.
7. Borrow money, except that (i) the Fund may borrow from banks (as
defined in the Investment Company Act) in amounts up to 33 1/3% of its
total assets (including the amount borrowed), (ii) the Fund may borrow up
to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, (iii) the
Fund may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities and (iv) the Fund
may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable
law. The Fund may not pledge its assets other than to secure such
borrowings or, to the extent permitted by the Fund's investment policies as
set forth in its Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as
they may be amended from time to time, in connection with hedging
transactions, short sales, when-issued and forward commitment transactions
and similar investment strategies.
8. Underwrite securities of other issuers except insofar as the Fund
technically may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act") in selling portfolio securities.
9. Purchase or sell commodities or contracts on commodities, except to
the extent that the Fund may do so in accordance with applicable law and
the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as they may
be amended from time to time, and without registering as a commodity pool
operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
Notwithstanding fundamental investment restriction (7) above, the Fund
currently does not intend to borrow amounts in excess of 33 1/3% of its total
assets, taken at market value, and then only from banks as a temporary measure
for extraordinary or emergency purposes such as the redemption of Fund shares.
In addition, the Fund will not purchase securities while borrowings are
outstanding.
The Fund has also adopted non-fundamental investment restrictions, which
may be changed by the Board of Directors without shareholder approval. Under the
non-fundamental restrictions, the Fund may not:
a. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to the
extent permitted by applicable law. As a matter of policy, however, the
Fund will not purchase shares of any registered open-end investment
company or registered unit investment trust, in reliance on Section
12(d)(1)(F) or (G) (the "fund of funds" provisions) of the Investment
Company Act, at any time its shares are owned by another investment
company that is part of the same group of investment companies as the
Fund.
11
<PAGE> 41
b. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position,
except to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Fund currently
does not intend to engage in short sales, except short sales "against
the box."
c. Invest in securities which cannot be readily resold because of
legal or contractual restrictions or which cannot otherwise be marketed,
redeemed or put to the issuer or a third party, if at the time of
acquisition more than 15% of its total assets would be invested in such
securities. This restriction shall not apply to securities which mature
within seven days or securities which the Board of Directors of the Fund
have otherwise determined to be liquid pursuant to applicable law.
d. Notwithstanding fundamental investment restriction (7) above,
borrow amounts in excess of 20% of its total assets, taken at market
value, and then only from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary
or emergency purposes such as the redemption of Fund shares.
Securities Lending. Subject to investment restriction (5) above, the Fund
may from time to time lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and
financial institutions and receive collateral in cash or securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government which will be maintained at all times
in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned
securities. Such cash collateral will be invested in short-term securities,
which will increase the current income of the Fund. Such loans will be
terminable at any time. The Fund will have the right to regain record ownership
of loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights such as voting rights,
subscription rights and rights to dividends, interest or other distributions.
The Fund may pay reasonable fees to persons unaffiliated with the Fund for
services in arranging such loans. With respect to the lending of portfolio
securities, there is the risk of failure by the borrower to return the
securities involved in such transactions.
Because of the affiliation of Merrill Lynch with the Manager, the Fund is
prohibited from engaging in certain transactions involving Merrill Lynch except
pursuant to a permissive order or otherwise in compliance with the provisions of
the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. Included
among such restricted transactions are purchases from or sales to Merrill Lynch
of securities in transactions in which it acts as principal and purchases of
securities from underwriting syndicates of which Merrill Lynch is a member.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The rate of portfolio turnover is not a limiting factor and, given the
Fund's investment policies, it is anticipated that there may be periods when
high portfolio turnover will exist. The use of covered call options at times
when the underlying securities are appreciating in value may result in higher
portfolio turnover. The Fund pays brokerage commissions in connection with
writing call options and effecting closing purchase transactions, as well as in
connection with purchases and sales of portfolio securities. High portfolio
turnover may also result in negative tax consequences, such as an increase in
capital gains dividends or in ordinary income dividends of accrued market
discount. See "Distributions and Taxes -- Taxes." The portfolio turnover rate is
calculated by dividing the lesser of the Fund's annual sales or purchases of
portfolio securities (exclusive of purchases or sales of all securities with
maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less) by the monthly
average value of the securities in the portfolio during the year. Although the
Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rates should not exceed
100%, the turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year or during periods
within a year. A high rate of portfolio turnover results in correspondingly
greater brokerage commission expenses.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Board of Directors of the Fund consists of six individuals, five of
whom are not "interested persons" of the Fund as defined in the Investment
Company Act (the "non-interested Directors"). The Directors are
12
<PAGE> 42
responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of the Fund and
perform the various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by
the Investment Company Act.
Information about the Directors, executive officers and the portfolio
manager of the Fund, including their ages and their principal occupations for at
least the last five years, is set forth below. Unless otherwise noted, the
address of each Director, executive officer and the portfolio manager is P.O.
Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011.
ARTHUR ZEIKEL (66) -- President and Director(1)(2) -- Chairman of the
Manager and Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM") (which terms as used herein
include their corporate predecessors) since 1997; President of the Manager and
FAM from 1977 to 1997; Chairman of Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton
Services") since 1997 and Director thereof since 1993; President of Princeton
Services from 1993 to 1997; Executive Vice President of Merrill Lynch & Co.,
Inc. ("ML & Co.") since 1990.
JOE GRILLS (63) -- Director(2) -- P.O. Box 98, Rapidan, Virginia 22733.
Member of the Committee of Investment of Employee Benefit Assets of the
Financial Executives Institute ("CIEBA") since 1986; Member of CIEBA's Executive
Committee since 1988 and its Chairman from 1991 to 1992; Assistant Treasurer of
International Business Machines Incorporated ("IBM") and Chief Investment
Officer of IBM Retirement Funds from 1986 until 1993; Member of the Investment
Advisory Committees of the State of New York Common Retirement Fund and the
Howard Hughes Medical Institute since 1997; Director, Duke Management Company
since 1992, elected Vice Chairman in May 1998; Director, LaSalle Street Fund
since 1995; Director, Hotchkis and Wiley Mutual Funds since 1996; Director,
Kimco Realty Corporation since January 1997; Member of the Investment Advisory
Committee of the Virginia Retirement System since 1998.
WALTER MINTZ (69) -- Director(2) -- 1114 Avenue of the Americas, New York,
New York 10036. Special Limited Partner of Cumberland Associates (investment
partnership) since 1982.
ROBERT S. SALOMON, JR. (62) -- Director(2) -- 106 Dolphin Cove Quay,
Stamford, Connecticut 06902. Principal of STI Management (investment adviser)
since 1994; Trustee, The Common Fund since 1980; Chairman and CEO of Salomon
Brothers Asset Management from 1992 until 1995; Chairman of Salomon Brothers
equity mutual funds from 1992 until 1995; Monthly columnist with Forbes magazine
since 1992; Director of Stock Research and U.S. Equity Strategist at Salomon
Brothers from 1975 until 1991.
MELVIN R. SEIDEN (68) -- Director(2) -- 780 Third Avenue, Suite 2502, New
York, New York 10017. Director of Silbanc Properties, Ltd. (real estate,
investment and consulting) since 1987; Chairman and President of Seiden & de
Cuevas, Inc. (private investment firm) from 1964 to 1987.
STEPHEN B. SWENSRUD (65) -- Director(2) -- 24 Federal Street, Suite 400,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Chairman of Fernwood Advisors (investment adviser)
since 1996; Principal, Fernwood Associates (financial consultant) since 1975.
TERRY K. GLENN (58) -- Executive Vice President(1)(2) -- Executive Vice
President of the Manager and FAM since 1983; Executive Vice President and
Director of Princeton Services since 1993; President of Princeton Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("PFD") since 1986 and Director thereof since 1991; President
of Princeton Administrators, L.P. since 1988.
NORMAN R. HARVEY (65) -- Senior Vice President(1)(2) -- Senior Vice
President of the Manager and FAM since 1982; Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services since 1993.
LAWRENCE R. FULLER (57) -- Senior Vice President(1) -- First Vice President
of the Manager since 1997 and Vice President of the Manager from 1992 to 1997.
DONALD C. BURKE (38) -- Vice President(1)(2) -- First Vice President of the
Manager since 1997; Vice President of the Manager from 1990 to 1997; Director of
Taxation of the Manager since 1990.
GERALD M. RICHARD (49) -- Treasurer(1)(2) -- Senior Vice President and
Treasurer of the Manager and FAM since 1984; Treasurer of PFD since 1984 and
Vice President thereof since 1981; Senior Vice President and Treasurer of
Princeton Services since 1993.
13
<PAGE> 43
BARBARA FRASER (54) -- Secretary(1)(2) -- First Vice President of the
Manager since 1996; Vice President of the Manager from 1994 until 1996.
- ---------------
(1) Interested Person, as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Fund.
(2) Such Director or officer is a director, trustee or officer of one or more
investment companies for which the Manager, or its affiliate FAM, acts as
investment adviser or manager.
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the Directors
and officers of the Fund as a group (12 persons) owned an aggregate of less than
1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. At such date, Mr. Zeikel, a Director
and officer of the Fund, and the other officers of the Fund owned an aggregate
of less than 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of ML & Co.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
The Fund pays each non-interested Director a fee of $2,000 per year plus
$500 per meeting attended. The Fund also compensates members of its Audit and
Nominating Committee (the "Committee"), which consists of all the non-interested
Directors, a fee of $2,000 per year plus $500 for each Committee meeting
attended. The Fund reimburses each non-interested Director for his out-of-pocket
expenses relating to attendance at Board and Committee meetings.
The following table shows the compensation earned by the non-interested
Directors for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 and the aggregate
compensation paid to them from all registered investment companies advised by
the Manager and its affiliate, FAM ("MLAM/FAM-advised funds"), for the calendar
year ended December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE
PENSION OR ESTIMATED COMPENSATION FROM
RETIREMENT BENEFITS ANNUAL FUND AND OTHER
POSITION WITH COMPENSATION ACCRUED AS PART OF BENEFITS UPON MLAM/FAM-
NAME FUND FROM FUND FUND EXPENSE RETIREMENT ADVISED FUNDS(1)
- ---- ------------- ------------ ------------------- ------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Joe Grills...................... Director $8,000 None None $171,500
Walter Mintz.................... Director $8,000 None None $159,500
Robert S. Salomon, Jr........... Director $8,000 None None $159,500
Melvin R. Seiden................ Director $8,000 None None $159,500
Stephen B. Swensrud............. Director $8,000 None None $175,500
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The Directors serve on the boards of MLAM/FAM-advised funds as follows: Joe
Grills (22 registered investment companies consisting of 55 portfolios),
Walter Mintz (20 registered investment companies consisting of 41
portfolios), Robert S. Salomon (20 registered investment companies
consisting of 41 portfolios), Melvin R. Seiden (20 registered investment
companies consisting of 41 portfolios), Stephen B. Swensrud (23 registered
investment companies consisting of 56 portfolios).
Directors of the Fund, members of the Boards of other MLAM-advised
investment companies, ML & Co. and its subsidiaries (the term "subsidiaries,"
when used herein with respect to ML & Co., includes FAM, the Manager and certain
other entities directly or indirectly wholly owned and controlled by ML & Co.)
and their directors and employees, and any trust, pension, profit-sharing or
other benefit plan for such persons, may purchase Class A shares of the Fund at
net asset value.
MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
Management Services. The Manager provides the Fund with investment
advisory and management services. Subject to the supervision of the Board of
Directors, the Manager is responsible for the actual management of the Fund's
portfolio and constantly reviews the Fund's holdings in light of its own
research analysis and that from other relevant sources. The responsibility for
making decisions to buy, sell or hold a particular security rests with the
Manager. The Manager performs certain of the other administrative services and
provides all the office space, facilities, equipment and necessary personnel for
management of the Fund.
Management Fee. The Fund has entered into an investment management
agreement with the Manager (the "Management Agreement"), pursuant to which the
Manager receives for its services to the Fund monthly compensation at the annual
rate of 0.65% of the average daily net assets of the Fund not exceeding $1
billion, 0.625% of net assets in excess of $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5
billion and 0.60% of net assets in
14
<PAGE> 44
excess of $1.5 billion. The table below sets forth information about the total
investment advisory fees paid by the Fund to the Manager for the periods
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE
- ---------------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C>
1998......................... $4,761,601
1997......................... $1,986,602
1996......................... $1,259,493
</TABLE>
Payment of Fund Expenses. The Management Agreement obligates the Manager
to provide investment advisory services and to pay all compensation of and
furnish office space for officers and employees of the Fund connected with
investment and economic research, trading and investment management of the Fund,
as well as the fees of all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated persons of
ML & Co. or any of its affiliates. The Fund pays all other expenses incurred in
the operation of the Fund, including among other things: taxes, expenses for
legal and auditing services, costs of printing proxies, stock certificates,
shareholder reports, prospectuses and statements of additional information,
except to the extent paid by Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, a division of PFD
(the "Distributor"); charges of the custodian and the transfer agent; expenses
of redemption of shares; Commission fees; expenses of registering the shares
under Federal and state securities laws; fees and expenses of unaffiliated
Directors; accounting and pricing costs (including the daily calculations of net
asset value); insurance; interest; brokerage costs; litigation and other
extraordinary or non-recurring expenses; and other expenses properly payable by
the Fund. Accounting services are provided for the Fund by the Manager and the
Fund reimburses the Manager for its costs in connection with such services. See
"Purchase of Shares -- Distribution Plans."
Organization of the Manager. The Manager is a limited partnership, the
partners of which are ML & Co., a financial services holding company and the
parent of Merrill Lynch, and Princeton Services. ML & Co. and Princeton Services
are "controlling persons" of the Manager as defined under the Investment Company
Act because of their ownership of its voting securities or their power to
exercise a controlling influence over its management or policies.
The Manager has also entered into a sub-advisory agreement with Merrill
Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited ("MLAM U.K.") pursuant to which MLAM U.K.
provides investment advisory services to the Manager with respect to the Fund.
The following entities may be considered "controlling persons" of MLAM U.K.:
Merrill Lynch Europe PLC (MLAM U.K.'s parent), a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch
International Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch International, Inc.,
a subsidiary of ML & Co.
Duration and Termination. Unless earlier terminated as described herein,
the Management Agreement will remain in effect from year to year if approved
annually (a) by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Fund and (b) by a majority of the Directors who are
not parties to such contract or interested persons (as defined in the Investment
Company Act) of any such party. Such contracts are not assignable and may be
terminated without penalty on 60 days' written notice at the option of either
party or by vote of the shareholders of the Fund.
Transfer Agency Services. Financial Data Services, Inc. (the "Transfer
Agent"), a subsidiary of ML & Co., acts as the Fund's Transfer Agent pursuant to
a Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and Shareholder Servicing Agency
Agreement (the "Transfer Agency Agreement"). Pursuant to the Transfer Agency
Agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible for the issuance, transfer and
redemption of shares and the opening and maintenance of shareholder accounts.
Pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent receives a fee of
$11.00 per Class A or Class D account and $14.00 per Class B or Class C account
and is entitled to reimbursement for certain transaction charges and
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Transfer Agent under the Transfer Agency
Agreement. Additionally, a $.20 monthly closed account charge will be assessed
on all accounts which close during the calendar year. Application of this fee
will commence the month following the month the account is closed. At the end of
the calendar year, no further fees will be due. For purposes of the Transfer
Agency Agreement, the term "account" includes a shareholder account maintained
directly by the Transfer Agent and any other account representing the beneficial
interest
15
<PAGE> 45
of a person in the relevant share class on a recordkeeping system, provided the
recordkeeping system is maintained by a subsidiary of ML & Co.
Distribution Expenses. The Fund has entered into four separate
distribution agreements with the Distributor in connection with the continuous
offering of each class of shares of the Fund (the "Distribution Agreements").
The Distribution Agreements obligate the Distributor to pay certain expenses in
connection with the offering of each class of shares of the Fund. After the
prospectuses, statements of additional information and periodic reports have
been prepared, set in type and mailed to shareholders, the Distributor pays for
the printing and distribution of copies thereof used in connection with the
offering to dealers and investors. The Distributor also pays for other
supplementary sales literature and advertising costs. The Distribution
Agreements are subject to the same renewal requirements and termination
provisions as the Management Agreement described above.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Board of Directors of the Fund has adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule
17j-1 of the Investment Company Act which incorporates the Code of Ethics of the
Manager (together, the "Codes"). The Codes significantly restrict the personal
investing activities of all employees of the Manager and, as described below,
impose additional, more onerous, restrictions on fund investment personnel.
The Codes require that all employees of the Manager pre-clear any personal
securities investment (with limited exceptions, such as government securities).
The pre-clearance requirement and associated procedures are designed to identify
any substantive prohibition or limitation applicable to the proposed investment.
The substantive restrictions applicable to all employees of the Manager include
a ban on acquiring any securities in a "hot" initial public offering and a
prohibition from profiting on short-term trading in securities. In addition, no
employee may purchase or sell any security that at the time is being purchased
or sold (as the case may be), or to the knowledge of the employee is being
considered for purchase or sale, by any fund advised by the Manager.
Furthermore, the Codes provide for trading "blackout periods" which prohibit
trading by investment personnel of the Fund within periods of trading by the
Fund in the same (or equivalent) security (15 or 30 days depending upon the
transaction).
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Reference is made to "How to Buy, Sell, Transfer and Exchange Shares" in
the Prospectus.
The Fund offers four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System: shares of Class A and Class D are sold to investors choosing
the initial sales charge alternatives and shares of Class B and Class C are sold
to investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives. Each Class A,
Class B, Class C or Class D share of the Fund represents an identical interest
in the investment portfolio of the Fund and has the same rights, except that
Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear the expenses of the ongoing account
maintenance fees (also known as service fees) and Class B and Class C shares
bear the expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and the additional
incremental transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred sales charge
arrangements. The contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCs"), distribution fees
and account maintenance fees that are imposed on Class B and Class C shares, as
well as the account maintenance fees that are imposed on Class D shares, are
imposed directly against those classes and not against all assets of the Fund
and, accordingly, such charges do not affect the net asset value of any other
class or have any impact on investors choosing another sales charge option.
Dividends paid by the Fund for each class of shares are calculated in the same
manner at the same time and differ only to the extent that account maintenance
and distribution fees and any incremental transfer agency costs relating to a
particular class are borne exclusively by that class. Each class has different
exchange privileges. See "Shareholder Services -- Exchange Privilege."
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the initial
sales charges with respect to the Class A and Class D shares are the same as
those of the CDSCs and distribution fees with respect to the Class B and Class C
shares in that the sales charges and distribution fees applicable to each class
provide for the financing of the distribution of the shares of the Fund. The
distribution-related revenues paid with respect
16
<PAGE> 46
to a class will not be used to finance the distribution expenditures of another
class. Sales personnel may receive different compensation for selling different
classes of shares.
The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System is used by more than 50
registered investment companies advised by MLAM or FAM. Funds advised by MLAM or
FAM that utilize the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System are referred to
herein as "Select Pricing Funds."
The Fund or the Distributor may suspend the continuous offering of the
Fund's shares of any class at any time in response to conditions in the
securities markets or otherwise and may thereafter resume such offering from
time to time. Neither the Distributor nor the dealers are permitted to withhold
placing orders to benefit themselves by a price change. Merrill Lynch may charge
its customers a processing fee (presently $5.35) to confirm a sale of shares to
such customers. Purchases made directly through the Transfer Agent are not
subject to the processing fee.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVES -- CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
Investors who prefer an initial sales charge alternative may elect to
purchase Class D shares or, if an eligible investor, Class A shares. Investors
choosing the initial sales charge alternative who are eligible to purchase Class
A shares should purchase Class A shares rather than Class D shares because there
is an account maintenance fee imposed on Class D shares. Investors qualifying
for significantly reduced initial sales charges may find the initial sales
charge alternative particularly attractive because similar sales charge
reductions are not available with respect to the deferred sales charges imposed
in connection with purchases of Class B or Class C shares. Investors not
qualifying for reduced initial sales charges who expect to maintain their
investment for an extended period of time also may elect to purchase Class A or
Class D shares, because over time the accumulated ongoing account maintenance
and distribution fees on Class B or Class C shares may exceed the initial sales
charge and, in the case of Class D shares, the account maintenance fee. Although
some investors who previously purchased Class A shares may no longer be eligible
to purchase Class A shares of other Select Pricing Funds, those previously
purchased Class A shares, together with Class B, Class C and Class D share
holdings, will count toward a right of accumulation which may qualify the
investor for reduced initial sales charge on new initial sales charge purchases.
In addition, the ongoing Class B and Class C account maintenance and
distribution fees will cause Class B and Class C shares to have higher expense
ratios, pay lower dividends and have lower total returns than the initial sales
charge shares. The ongoing Class D account maintenance fees will cause Class D
shares to have a higher expense ratio, pay lower dividends and have a lower
total return than Class A shares.
The term "purchase," as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information in connection with an investment in Class A and Class D
shares of the Fund, refers to a single purchase by an individual or to
concurrent purchases, which in the aggregate are at least equal to the
prescribed amounts, by an individual, his or her spouse and their children under
the age of 21 years purchasing shares for his, her or their own account and to
single purchases by a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing shares for a single
trust estate or single fiduciary account although more than one beneficiary is
involved. The term "purchase" also includes purchases by any "company," as that
term is defined in the Investment Company Act, but does not include purchases by
any such company that has not been in existence for at least six months or which
has no purpose other than the purchase of shares of the Fund or shares of other
registered investment companies at a discount; provided, however, that it shall
not include purchases by any group of individuals whose sole organizational
nexus is that the participants therein are credit cardholders of a company,
policyholders of an insurance company, customers of either a bank or
broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.
Eligible Class A Investors
Class A shares are offered to a limited group of investors and also will be
issued upon reinvestment of dividends on outstanding Class A shares. Investors
who currently own Class A shares, including participants in the Merrill Lynch
Blueprint(SM) Program, are entitled to purchase additional Class A shares of the
Fund in that account. Certain Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans,
including eligible 401(k) plans, may purchase Class A shares at net asset value
provided such plans meet the required minimum number of eligible
17
<PAGE> 47
employees or required amount of assets advised by MLAM or any of its affiliates.
Class A shares are available at net asset value to corporate warranty insurance
reserve fund programs provided that the program has $3 million or more initially
invested in Select Pricing Funds. Also eligible to purchase Class A shares at
net asset value are participants in certain investment programs including
TMA(SM) Managed Trusts to which Merrill Lynch Trust Company provides
discretionary trustee services, collective investment trusts for which Merrill
Lynch Trust Company serves as trustee and certain purchases made in connection
with certain fee-based programs. In addition, Class A shares are offered at net
asset value to ML & Co. and its subsidiaries and their directors and employees
and to members of the Boards of MLAM-advised investment companies. Certain
persons who acquired shares of certain MLAM-advised closed-end funds in their
initial offerings who wish to reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of their
closed-end fund shares of common stock in shares of the Fund also may purchase
Class A shares of the Fund if certain conditions are met. In addition, Class A
shares of the Fund and certain other Select Pricing Funds are offered at net
asset value to shareholders of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.
and, if certain conditions are met, to shareholders of Merrill Lynch Municipal
Strategy Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. who
wish to reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of certain of their shares of
common stock pursuant to a tender offer conducted by such funds in shares of
the Fund and certain other Select Pricing Funds.
The following table sets forth information regarding Class A and Class D
sales charge information for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996, 1997 and
1998.
Class A and Class D Sales Charge Information
CLASS A SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Fiscal Year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
Ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
August 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
- ---------------------- ------------- --------------- --------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998 $14,787 $1,019 $13,768 0
1997 $ 8,133 $ 671 $ 7,462 0
1996 $ 7,458 $ 516 $ 6,942 0
</TABLE>
CLASS D SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Fiscal Year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
Ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
August 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
- ---------------------- ------------- --------------- --------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998 $660,062 $43,898 $616,164 0
1997 $276,456 $19,739 $256,717 0
1996 $127,154 $ 9,460 $117,694 0
</TABLE>
The Distributor may reallow discounts to selected dealers and retain the
balance over such discounts. At times the Distributor may reallow the entire
sales charge to such dealers. Since securities dealers selling Class A and
Class D shares of the Fund will receive a concession equal to most of the sales
charge, they may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act.
Reduced Initial Sales Charges
Reinvested Dividends and Capital Gains. No initial sales charges are
imposed upon Class A and Class D shares issued as a result of the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
Right of Accumulation. Reduced sales charges are applicable through a
right of accumulation under which eligible investors are permitted to purchase
shares of the Fund subject to an initial sales charge at the offering price
applicable to the total of (a) the public offering price of the shares then
being purchased plus (b) an amount equal to the then current net asset value or
cost, whichever is higher, of the purchaser's combined holdings of all classes
of shares of the Fund and of any other Select Pricing Funds. For any such right
of accumulation to be made available, the Distributor must be provided at the
time of purchase, by the
18
<PAGE> 48
purchaser or the purchaser's securities dealer, with sufficient information to
permit confirmation of qualification. Acceptance of the purchase order is
subject to such confirmation. The right of accumulation may be amended or
terminated at any time. Shares held in the name of a nominee or custodian under
pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans may not be combined with
other shares to qualify for the right of accumulation.
Letter of Intent. Reduced sales charges are applicable to purchases
aggregating $25,000 or more of the Class A or Class D shares of the Fund or any
Select Pricing Funds made within a 13-month period starting with the first
purchase pursuant to a Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is available only
to investors whose accounts are established and maintained at the Fund's
Transfer Agent. The Letter of Intent is not available to employee benefit plans
for which Merrill Lynch provides plan participant recordkeeping services. The
Letter of Intent is not a binding obligation to purchase any amount of Class A
or Class D shares; however, its execution will result in the purchaser paying a
lower sales charge at the appropriate quantity purchase level. A purchase not
originally made pursuant to a Letter of Intent may be included under a
subsequent Letter of Intent executed within 90 days of such purchase if the
Distributor is informed in writing of this intent within such 90-day period. The
value of Class A and Class D shares of the Fund and of other Select Pricing
Funds presently held, at cost or maximum offering price (whichever is higher),
on the date of the first purchase under the Letter of Intent, may be included as
a credit toward the completion of such Letter, but the reduced sales charge
applicable to the amount covered by such Letter will be applied only to new
purchases. If the total amount of shares does not equal the amount stated in the
Letter of Intent (minimum of $25,000), the investor will be notified and must
pay, within 20 days of the expiration of such Letter, the difference between the
sales charge on the Class A or Class D shares purchased at the reduced rate and
the sales charge applicable to the shares actually purchased through the Letter.
Class A or Class D shares equal to at least 5.0% of the intended amount will be
held in escrow during the 13-month period (while remaining registered in the
name of the purchaser) for this purpose. The first purchase under the Letter of
Intent must be at least 5.0% of the dollar amount of such Letter. If a purchase
during the term of such Letter would otherwise be subject to a further reduced
sales charge based on the right of accumulation, the purchaser will be entitled
on that purchase and subsequent purchases to the further reduced percentage
sales charge that would be applicable to a single purchase equal to the total
dollar value of the Class A or Class D shares then being purchased under such
Letter, but there will be no retroactive reduction of the sales charge on any
previous purchase.
The value of any shares redeemed or otherwise disposed of by the purchaser
prior to termination or completion of the Letter of Intent will be deducted from
the total purchases made under such Letter. An exchange from the Summit Cash
Reserves Fund into the Fund that creates a sales charge will count toward
completing a new or existing Letter of Intent from the Fund.
Merrill Lynch Blueprint(SM) Program. Class D shares of the Fund are
offered to participants in the Merrill Lynch Blueprint(SM) Program
("Blueprint"). In addition, participants in Blueprint who own Class A shares of
the Fund may purchase additional Class A shares of the Fund through Blueprint.
The Blueprint program is directed to small investors, group IRAs and
participants in certain affinity groups such as credit unions, trade
associations and benefit plans. Investors placing orders to purchase Class A or
Class D shares of the Fund through Blueprint will acquire the Class A or Class
D shares at net asset value plus a sales charge calculated in accordance with
the Blueprint sales charge schedule (i.e., up to $300 at 4.25%, from $300.01 to
$5,000 at 3.25% plus $3.00, and $5,000.01 or more at the standard sales charge
rates disclosed in the Prospectus). In addition, Class A or Class D shares of
the Fund are being offered at net asset value plus a sales charge of 0.50% for
corporate or group IRA programs placing orders to purchase their Class A or
Class D shares through Blueprint. Services, including the exchange privilege,
available to Class A and Class D investors through Blueprint, however, may
differ from those available to other investors in Class A or Class D shares.
Class A and Class D shares are offered at net asset value to Blueprint
participants through the Merrill Lynch Directed IRA Rollover Program (the "IRA
Rollover Program") available from Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services, a
business unit of Merrill Lynch. The IRA Rollover Program is available to
custodian rollover assets from employer-sponsored retirement and savings plans
(as defined below) whose trustee and/or plan sponsor has entered into the IRA
Rollover Program.
19
<PAGE> 49
Orders for purchases and redemptions of Class A or Class D shares of the
Fund may be grouped for execution purposes which, in some circumstances, may
involve the execution of such orders two business days following the day such
orders are placed. The minimum initial purchase price is $100, with a $50
minimum for subsequent purchases through Blueprint. There are no minimum initial
or subsequent purchase requirements for participants who are part of an
automatic investment plan. Additional information concerning purchases through
Blueprint, including any annual fees and transaction charges, is available from
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, The Blueprint(SM) Program,
P.O. Box 30441, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08989-0441.
TMA(SM) Managed Trusts. Class A shares are offered at net asset value to
TMA(SM) Managed Trusts to which Merrill Lynch Trust Company provides
discretionary trustee services.
Employee Access(SM) Accounts. Provided applicable threshold requirements
are met, either Class A or Class D shares are offered at net asset value to
Employee Access(SM) Accounts available through authorized employers. The
initial minimum investment for such accounts is $500, except that the initial
minimum investment for shares purchased for such accounts pursuant to the
Automatic Investment Program is $50.
Employer-Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans and Certain Other
Arrangements. Certain employer-sponsored retirement or savings plans and
certain other arrangements may purchase Class A or Class D shares at net asset
value, based on the number of employees or number of employees eligible to
participate in the plan, the aggregate amount invested by the plan in specified
investments and/or the services provided by Merrill Lynch to the plan.
Additional information regarding purchases by employer-sponsored retirement or
savings plans and certain other arrangements is available toll-free from Merrill
Lynch Business Financial Services at 1-800-237-7777.
Purchase Privilege of Certain Persons. Directors of the Fund, members of
the Boards of other MLAM-advised funds, ML & Co. and its subsidiaries (the term
"subsidiaries," when used herein with respect to ML & Co., includes MLAM, FAM
and certain other entities directly or indirectly wholly owned and controlled by
ML & Co.) and their directors and employees, and any trust, pension,
profit-sharing or other benefit plan for such persons, may purchase Class A
shares of the Fund at net asset value.
Class D shares of the Fund are offered at net asset value, without a sales
charge, to an investor that has a business relationship with a Financial
Consultant who joined Merrill Lynch from another investment firm within six
months prior to the date of purchase by such investor, if the following
conditions are satisfied: first, the investor must advise Merrill Lynch that it
will purchase Class D shares of the Fund with proceeds from a redemption of
shares of a mutual fund that was sponsored by the Financial Consultant's
previous firm and was subject to a sales charge either at the time of purchase
or on a deferred basis; and, second, the investor must establish that such
redemption had been made within 60 days prior to the investment in the Fund and
the proceeds from the redemption had been maintained in the interim in cash or a
money market fund.
Class D shares of the Fund are also offered at net asset value, without a
sales charge, to an investor that has a business relationship with a Merrill
Lynch Financial Consultant and that has invested in a mutual fund sponsored by a
non-Merrill Lynch company for which Merrill Lynch has served as a selected
dealer and where Merrill Lynch has either received or given notice that such
arrangement will be terminated ("notice") if the following conditions are
satisfied: first, the investor must purchase Class D shares of the Fund with
proceeds from a redemption of shares of such other mutual fund and the shares of
such other fund were subject to a sales charge either at the time of purchase or
on a deferred basis; and, second, such purchase of Class D shares must be made
within 90 days after such notice.
Class D shares of the Fund are offered at net asset value, without a sales
charge, to an investor that has a business relationship with a Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant and that has invested in a mutual fund for which Merrill
Lynch has not served as a selected dealer if the following conditions are
satisfied: first, the investor must advise Merrill Lynch that it will purchase
Class D shares of the Fund with proceeds from the redemption of shares of such
other mutual fund and that such shares have been outstanding for a period of no
less than six months; and, second, such purchase of Class D shares must be made
within 60 days after the
20
<PAGE> 50
redemption and the proceeds from the redemption must be maintained in the
interim in cash or a money market fund.
Closed-End Fund Investment Option. Class A shares of the Fund and certain
other Select Pricing Funds ("Eligible Class A Shares") are offered at net asset
value to shareholders of certain closed-end funds advised by FAM or MLAM who
purchased such closed-end fund shares prior to October 21, 1994 (the date the
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System commenced operations) and wish to
reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of their closed-end fund shares of common
stock in Eligible Class A Shares, if the conditions set forth below are
satisfied. Alternatively, closed-end fund shareholders who purchased such
shares on or after October 21, 1994 and wish to reinvest the net proceeds from
a sale of their closed-end fund shares are offered Class A shares (if eligible
to buy Class A shares) or Class D shares of the Fund and other Select Pricing
Funds ("Eligible Class D Shares"), if the following conditions are met. First,
the sale of closed-end fund shares must be made through Merrill Lynch, and the
net proceeds therefrom must be immediately reinvested in Eligible Class A or
Eligible Class D Shares. Second, the closed-end fund shares must either have
been acquired in the initial public offering or be shares representing
dividends from shares of common stock acquired in such offering. Third, the
closed-end fund shares must have been continuously maintained in a Merrill
Lynch securities account. Fourth, there must be a minimum purchase of $250 to
be eligible for the investment option.
Shareholders of certain MLAM-advised continuously offered closed-end funds
may reinvest at net asset value the net proceeds from a sale of certain shares
of common stock of such funds in shares of the Fund. Upon exercise of this
investment option, shareholders of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.
will receive Class A shares of the Fund and shareholders of Merrill Lynch
Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund,
Inc. will receive Class D shares of the Fund, except that shareholders already
owning Class A shares of the Fund will be eligible to purchase additional Class
A shares pursuant to this option, if such additional Class A shares will be held
in the same account as the existing Class A shares and the other requirements
pertaining to the reinvestment privilege are met. In order to exercise this
investment option, a shareholder of one of the above-referenced continuously
offered closed-end funds (an "eligible fund") must sell his or her shares of
common stock of the eligible fund (the "eligible shares") back to the eligible
fund in connection with a tender offer conducted by the eligible fund and
reinvest the proceeds immediately in the designated class of shares of the Fund.
This investment option is available only with respect to eligible shares as to
which no Early Withdrawal Charge or CDSC (each as defined in the eligible fund's
prospectus) is applicable. Purchase orders from eligible fund shareholders
wishing to exercise this investment option will be accepted only on the day that
the related tender offer terminates and will be effected at the net asset value
of the designated class of the Fund on such day.
Acquisition of Certain Investment Companies. The public offering price of
Class D shares may be reduced to the net asset value per Class D share in
connection with the acquisition of the assets of or merger or consolidation with
a personal holding company or a public or private investment company. The value
of the assets or company acquired in a tax-free transaction may be adjusted in
appropriate cases to reduce possible adverse tax consequences to the Fund that
might result from an acquisition of assets having net unrealized appreciation
that is disproportionately higher at the time of acquisition than the realized
or unrealized appreciation of the Fund. The issuance of Class D shares for
consideration other than cash is limited to bona fide reorganizations, statutory
mergers or other acquisitions of portfolio securities that (i) meet the
investment objectives and policies of the Fund; (ii) are acquired for investment
and not for resale (subject to the understanding that the disposition of the
Fund's portfolio securities shall at all times remain within its control); and
(iii) are liquid securities, the value of which is readily ascertainable, which
are not restricted as to transfer either by law or liquidity of market (except
that the Fund may acquire through such transactions restricted or illiquid
securities to the extent the Fund does not exceed the applicable limits on
acquisition of such securities set forth under "Investment Objective and
Policies" herein).
Reductions in or exemptions from the imposition of a sales load are due to
the nature of the investors and/or the reduced sales efforts that will be needed
in obtaining such investments.
21
<PAGE> 51
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVES -- CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
Investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives should consider
Class B shares if they intend to hold their shares for an extended period of
time and Class C shares if they are uncertain as to the length of time they
intend to hold their assets in Select Pricing Funds.
The public offering price of Class B and Class C shares for investors
choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives is the next determined net asset
value per share without the imposition of a sales charge at the time of
purchase. See "Pricing of Shares -- Determination of Net Asset Value" below.
Because no initial sales charges are deducted at the time of the purchase,
Class B and Class C shares provide the benefit of putting all of the investor's
dollars to work from the time the investment is made. The deferred sales charge
alternatives may be particularly appealing to investors that do not qualify for
the reduction in initial sales charges. Both Class B and Class C shares are
subject to ongoing account maintenance fees and distribution fees; however, the
ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees potentially may be offset to
the extent any return is realized on the additional funds initially invested in
Class B or Class C shares. In addition, Class B shares will be converted into
Class D shares of the Fund after a conversion period of approximately eight
years, and thereafter investors will be subject to lower ongoing fees.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges -- Class B Shares
Class B shares that are redeemed within four years of purchase may be
subject to a CDSC at the rates set forth below charged as a percentage of the
dollar amount subject thereto. In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a
redemption, the calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the
lowest applicable rate being charged. The charge will be assessed on an amount
equal to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the shares
being redeemed. Accordingly, no CDSC will be imposed on increases in net asset
value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no CDSC will be assessed on
shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. It
will be assumed that the redemption is first of shares held for over four years
or shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or distributions and
then of shares held longest during the four-year period. A transfer of shares
from a shareholder's account to another account will be assumed to be made in
the same order as a redemption.
The following table sets forth the Class B CDSC:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE
OF DOLLAR AMOUNT
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE PAYMENT MADE SUBJECT TO CHARGE
-------------------------------- --------------------
<S> <C>
0-1............................................... 4.0%
1-2............................................... 3.0%
2-3............................................... 2.0%
3-4............................................... 1.0%
4 and thereafter.................................. None
</TABLE>
To provide an example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10 per
share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the third year after purchase, the net asset
value per share is $12 and, during such time, the investor has acquired 10
additional shares upon dividend reinvestment. If at such time the investor makes
his or her first redemption of 50 shares (proceeds of $600), 10 shares will not
be subject to a CDSC because of dividend reinvestment. With respect to the
remaining 40 shares, the charge is applied only to the original cost of $10 per
share and not to the increase in net asset value of $2 per share. Therefore,
$400 of the $600 redemption proceeds will be charged at a rate of 2.0% (the
applicable rate in the third year after purchase).
The Class B CDSC is waived on redemptions of shares in connection with
certain post-retirement withdrawals from an Individual Retirement Account
("IRA") or other retirement plan or following the death or disability (as
defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) of a shareholder
(including one who owns the Class B shares as joint tenant with his or her
spouse), provided the redemption is requested within one year of the death or
initial determination of disability. The Class B CDSC also is waived on
redemptions of shares by certain eligible 401(a) and eligible 401(k) plans. The
CDSC also is waived for any
22
<PAGE> 52
Class B shares that are purchased by eligible 401(k) or eligible 401(a) plans
that are rolled over into a Merrill Lynch or Merrill Lynch Trust Company
custodied IRA and held in such account at the time of redemption and for any
Class B shares that were acquired and held at the time of the redemption in an
Employee Access(SM) Account available through employers providing eligible
401(k) plans. The Class B CDSC also is waived for any Class B shares that are
purchased by a Merrill Lynch rollover IRA that was funded by a rollover from a
terminated 401(k) plan managed by the MLAM Private Portfolio Group and held in
such account at the time of redemption. The Class B CDSC also is waived for any
Class B shares that are purchased within qualifying Employee Access(SM)
Accounts. The terms of the CDSC may be modified in connection with certain
fee-based programs. See "Shareholder Services -- Fee-Based Programs."
Employer-Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans and Certain Other
Arrangements. Certain employer-sponsored retirement or savings plans and
certain other arrangements may purchase Class B shares with a waiver of the CDSC
upon redemption, based on the number of employees or number of employees
eligible to participate in the plan, the aggregate amount invested by the plan
in specified investments and/or the services provided by Merrill Lynch to the
plan. Such Class B shares will convert into Class D shares approximately ten
years after the plan purchases the first share of any Select Pricing Fund.
Minimum purchase requirements may be waived or varied for such plans. Additional
information regarding purchases by employer-sponsored retirement or savings
plans and certain other arrangements is available toll-free from Merrill Lynch
Business Financial Services at 1-800-237-7777.
Merrill Lynch Blueprint(SM) Program. Class B shares are offered to certain
participants in Blueprint. Blueprint is directed to small investors, group IRAs
and participants in certain affinity groups such as trade associations, credit
unions and benefit plans. Class B shares of the Fund are offered through
Blueprint only to members of certain affinity groups. The CDSC is waived in
connection with purchase orders placed through Blueprint. Services, including
the exchange privilege, available to Class B investors through Blueprint,
however, may differ from those available to other Class B investors. Orders for
purchases and redemptions of Class B shares of the Fund may be grouped for
execution purposes which, in some circumstances, may involve the execution of
such orders two business days following the day such orders are placed. The
minimum initial purchase price is $100, with a $50 minimum for subsequent
purchases through Blueprint. There is no minimum initial or subsequent purchase
requirement for investors who are part of a Blueprint automatic investment plan.
Additional information concerning these Blueprint programs, including any annual
fees or transaction charges, is available from Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated, The Blueprint(SM) Program, P.O. Box 30441, New Brunswick,
New Jersey 08989-0441.
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares. After approximately eight
years (the "Conversion Period"), Class B shares will be converted automatically
into Class D shares of the Fund. Class D shares are subject to an ongoing
account maintenance fee of 0.25% of net assets but are not subject to the
distribution fee that is borne by Class B shares. Automatic conversion of Class
B shares into Class D shares will occur at least once each month (on the
"Conversion Date") on the basis of the relative net asset value of the shares of
the two classes on the Conversion Date, without the imposition of any sales
load, fee or other charge. Conversion of Class B shares to Class D shares will
not be deemed a purchase or sale of the shares for Federal income tax purposes.
In addition, shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends on Class B
shares also will convert automatically to Class D shares. The Conversion Date
for dividend reinvestment shares will be calculated taking into account the
length of time the shares underlying such dividend reinvestment shares were
outstanding. If at the Conversion Date the conversion of Class B shares to Class
D shares of the Fund in a single account will result in less than $50 worth of
Class B shares being left in the account, all of the Class B shares of the Fund
held in the account on the Conversion Date will be converted to Class D shares
of the Fund.
In general, Class B shares of equity Select Pricing Funds will convert
approximately eight years after initial purchase and Class B shares of taxable
and tax-exempt fixed income Select Pricing Funds will convert approximately ten
years after initial purchase. If, during the Conversion Period, a shareholder
exchanges Class B shares with an eight-year Conversion Period for Class B shares
with a ten-year Conversion Period, or
23
<PAGE> 53
vice versa, the Conversion Period applicable to the Class B shares acquired in
the exchange will apply and the holding period for the shares exchanged will be
tacked on to the holding period for the shares acquired. The conversion period
also may be modified for investors that participate in certain fee-based
programs. See "Shareholder Services -- Fee-Based Programs."
Class B shareholders of the Fund exercising the exchange privilege
described under "Shareholder Services -- Exchange Privilege" will continue to be
subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC
schedule relating to the Class B shares acquired as a result of the exchange.
Share certificates for Class B shares of the Fund to be converted must be
delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date
applicable to those shares. In the event such certificates are not received by
the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date, the related
Class B shares will convert to Class D shares on the next scheduled Conversion
Date after such certificates are delivered.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges -- Class C Shares
Class C shares that are redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject
to a 1.0% CDSC charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. In
determining whether a Class C CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the
calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest possible
rate being charged. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser
of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the shares being redeemed.
Accordingly, no Class C CDSC will be imposed on increases in net asset value
above the initial purchase price. In addition, no Class C CDSC will be assessed
on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
It will be assumed that the redemption is first of shares held for over one year
or shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or distributions and
then of shares held longest during the one-year period. The charge will not be
applied to dollar amounts representing an increase in the net asset value since
the time of purchase. A transfer of shares from a shareholder's account to
another account will be assumed to be made in the same order as a redemption.
The Class C CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs.
See "Shareholder Services -- Fee-Based Programs."
Class B and Class C Sales Charge Information
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES*
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Fiscal Year CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
Ended August 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
- ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1998 $466,094 $466,094
1997 $315,318 $315,318
1996 $175,285 $175,285
</TABLE>
* Additional Class B CDSCs payable to the Distributor
with respect to the fiscal years ended June 30, 1997
and 1998 may have been waived or converted to a
contingent obligation in connection with a
shareholder's participation in certain fee-based
programs.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Fiscal Year CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
Ended August 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
- ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1998 $22,172 $22,172
1997 $ 7,765 $ 7,765
1996 $10,678 $10,678
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch compensates its Financial Consultants for selling Class B and
Class C shares at the time of purchase from its own funds. Proceeds from the
CDSC and the distribution fee are paid to the Distributor and are used in whole
or in part by the Distributor to defray the expenses of dealers (including
Merrill Lynch) related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in
connection with the sale of the Class B and Class C shares, such as the payment
of compensation to financial consultants for selling Class B and Class C shares
from the dealer's own funds. The combination of the CDSC and the ongoing
distribution fee facilitates
24
<PAGE> 54
the ability of the Fund to sell the Class B and Class C shares without a sales
charge being deducted at the time of purchase. See "Distribution Plans" below.
Imposition of the CDSC and the distribution fee on Class B and Class C shares is
limited by the NASD asset-based sales charge rule. See "Limitations on the
Payment of Deferred Sales Charges" below.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Reference is made to "Fees and Expenses" in the Prospectus for certain
information with respect to the separate distribution plans for Class B, Class C
and Class D shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act (each
a "Distribution Plan") with respect to the account maintenance and/or
distribution fees paid by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to such
classes.
The Distribution Plans for Class B, Class C and Class D shares each
provides that the Fund pays the Distributor an account maintenance fee relating
to the shares of the relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the
annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to
shares of the relevant class in order to compensate the Distributor and Merrill
Lynch (pursuant to a sub-agreement) in connection with account maintenance
activities with respect to Class B, Class C and Class D shares. Each of those
classes has exclusive voting rights with respect to the Distribution Plan
adopted with respect to such class pursuant to which account maintenance and/or
distribution fees are paid (except that Class B shareholders may vote upon any
material changes to expenses charged under the Class D Distribution Plan).
The Distribution Plans for Class B and Class C shares each provides that
the Fund also pays the Distributor a distribution fee relating to the shares of
the relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.75%
of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to the shares of the
relevant class in order to compensate the Distributor and Merrill Lynch
(pursuant to a sub-agreement) for providing shareholder and distribution
services and bearing certain distribution-related expenses of the Fund,
including payments to financial consultants for selling Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund. The Distribution Plans relating to Class B and Class C
shares are designed to permit an investor to purchase Class B and Class C shares
through dealers without the assessment of an initial sales charge and at the
same time permit the dealer to compensate its financial consultants in
connection with the sale of the Class B and Class C shares.
The Fund's Distribution Plans are subject to the provisions of Rule 12b-1
under the Investment Company Act. In their consideration of each Distribution
Plan, the Directors must consider all factors they deem relevant, including
information as to the benefits of the Distribution Plan to the Fund and each
related class of shareholders. Each Distribution Plan further provides that, so
long as the Distribution Plan remains in effect, the selection and nomination of
Independent Directors shall be committed to the discretion of the Independent
Directors then in office. In approving each Distribution Plan in accordance with
Rule 12b-1, the Independent Directors concluded that there is reasonable
likelihood that each Distribution Plan will benefit the Fund and its related
class of shareholders. Each Distribution Plan can be terminated at any time,
without penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Independent Directors or by
the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding related class of voting
securities of the Fund. A Distribution Plan cannot be amended to increase
materially the amount to be spent by the Fund without the approval of the
related class of shareholders and all material amendments are required to be
approved by the vote of Directors, including a majority of the Independent
Directors who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Distribution
Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose. Rule 12b-1 further
requires that the Fund preserve copies of the Distribution Plan and any report
made pursuant to such plan for a period of not less than six years from the date
of the Distribution Plan or such report, the first two years in an easily
accessible place.
Among other things, each Distribution Plan provides that the Distributor
shall provide and the Directors shall review quarterly reports of the
disbursement of the account maintenance and/or distribution fees paid to the
Distributor. Payments under the Distribution Plans are based on a percentage of
average daily net assets attributable to the shares regardless of the amount of
expenses incurred and, accordingly, distribution-related revenues from the
Distribution Plans may be more or less than distribution-related expenses.
Information with respect to the distribution-related revenues and expenses is
presented to the Directors for their consideration in connection with their
deliberations as to the continuance of the Class B and Class C Distribution
Plans
25
<PAGE> 55
annually, as of December 31 of each year, on a "fully allocated accrual" basis
and quarterly on a "direct expense and revenue/cash" basis. On the fully
allocated accrual basis, revenues consist of the account maintenance fees,
distribution fees, the CDSCs and certain other related revenues, and expenses
consist of financial consultant compensation, branch office and regional
operation center selling and transaction processing expenses, advertising, sales
promotion and marketing expenses, corporate overhead and interest expense. On
the direct expense and revenue/cash basis, revenues consist of the account
maintenance fees, distribution fees and CDSCs and the expenses consist of
financial consultant compensation.
As of December 31, 1997, the last date for which fully allocated accrual
data is available, the fully allocated accrual expenses incurred by the
Distributor and Merrill Lynch for the period since the commencement of
operations of Class B shares exceeded fully allocated accrual revenues by
approximately $1,962,000 (.70% of Class B net assets at that date). As of August
31, 1998, direct cash revenues for the period since the commencement of
operations of Class B shares exceeded direct cash expenses by $4,173,660 (.65%
of Class B net assets at that date). As of December 31, 1997, the fully
allocated accrual revenues of the Distributor and Merrill Lynch for the period
since the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded the fully
allocated accrual expenses by approximately $195,000 (.24% of Class C net assets
at that date). As of August 31, 1998, direct cash revenues for the period since
the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded direct cash expenses
by $1,962,142 (1.50% of Class C net assets at that date).
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the Fund paid the Distributor
$4,193,008 pursuant to the Class B Distribution Plan (based on average daily net
assets subject to such Class B Distribution Plan of approximately $417.0
million), all of which was paid to Merrill Lynch for providing account
maintenance and distribution-related activities and services in connection with
Class B shares. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the Fund paid the
Distributor $1,069,996 pursuant to the Class C Distribution Plan (based on
average daily net assets subject to such Class C Distribution Plan of
approximately $106.4 million), all of which was paid to Merrill Lynch for
providing account maintenance and distribution-related activities and services
in connection with Class C shares. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998,
the Fund paid the Distributor $252,459 pursuant to the Class D Distribution Plan
(based on average daily net assets subject to such Class D Distribution Plan of
approximately $100.4 million), all of which was paid to Merrill Lynch for
providing account maintenance activities in connection with Class D shares.
LIMITATIONS ON THE PAYMENT OF DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
The maximum sales charge rule in the Conduct Rules of the NASD imposes a
limitation on certain asset-based sales charges such as the distribution fee and
the CDSC borne by the Class B and Class C shares but not the account maintenance
fee. The maximum sales charge rule is applied separately to each class. As
applicable to the Fund, the maximum sales charge rule limits the aggregate of
distribution fee payments and CDSCs payable by the Fund to (1) 6.25% of eligible
gross sales of Class B shares and Class C shares, computed separately (defined
to exclude shares issued pursuant to dividend reinvestments and exchanges), plus
(2) interest on the unpaid balance for the respective class, computed
separately, at the prime rate plus 1% (the unpaid balance being the maximum
amount payable minus amounts received from the payment of the distribution fee
and the CDSC). In connection with the Class B shares, the Distributor has
voluntarily agreed to waive interest charges on the unpaid balance in excess of
0.50% of eligible gross sales. Consequently, the maximum amount payable to the
Distributor (referred to as the "voluntary maximum") in connection with the
Class B shares is 6.75% of eligible gross sales. The Distributor retains the
right to stop waiving the interest charges at any time. To the extent payments
would exceed the voluntary maximum, the Fund will not make further payments of
the distribution fee with respect to Class B shares and any CDSCs will be paid
to the Fund rather than to the Distributor; however, the Fund will continue to
make payments of the account maintenance fee. In certain circumstances the
amount payable pursuant to the voluntary maximum may exceed the amount payable
under the NASD formula. In such circumstances payment in excess of the amount
payable under the NASD formula will not be made.
The following table sets forth comparative information as of August 31,
1998 with respect to the Class B and Class C shares of the Fund indicating the
maximum allowable payments that can be made under the
26
<PAGE> 56
NASD maximum sales charge rule and, with respect to the Class B shares, the
Distributor's voluntary maximum.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATA CALCULATED AS OF AUGUST 31, 1998
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
ANNUAL
DISTRIBUTION
ALLOWABLE AMOUNTS FEE AT
ELIGIBLE ALLOWABLE INTEREST ON MAXIMUM PREVIOUSLY AGGREGATE CURRENT NET
GROSS AGGREGATE UNPAID AMOUNT PAID TO UNPAID ASSET
SALES(1) SALES CHARGE BALANCE(2) PAYABLE DISTRIBUTOR(3) BALANCE LEVEL(4)
-------- ------------ ----------- ------- -------------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS B SHARES FOR THE PERIOD
OCTOBER 21, 1994 (COMMENCEMENT OF
OPERATIONS) TO AUGUST 31, 1998
Under NASD Rule as Adopted.......... $334,705 $20,919 $2,271 $23,190 $7,242 $15,948 $4,813
Under Distributor's Voluntary
Waiver............................. $334,705 $20,919 $1,674 $22,593 $7,242 $15,351 $4,813
CLASS C SHARES FOR THE PERIOD
DECEMBER 24, 1992 (COMMENCEMENT OF
OPERATIONS) TO AUGUST 31, 1998
Under NASD Rule as Adopted.......... $ 98,625 $ 6,164 $1,200 $7,364 $2,299 $ 5,065 $ 980
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Purchase price of all eligible Class B or Class C shares sold during the
periods indicated other than shares acquired through dividend reinvestment
and the exchange privilege.
(2) Interest is computed on a monthly basis based upon the prime rate, as
reported in The Wall Street Journal, plus 1.0%, as permitted under the NASD
Rule.
(3) Consists of CDSC payments, distribution fee payments and accruals. Of the
distribution fee payments made with respect to Class B shares prior to July
6, 1993 under the distribution plan in effect at that time, at a 1.0% rate,
0.75% of average daily net assets has been treated as a distribution fee and
0.25% of average daily net assets has been deemed to have been a service fee
and not subject to the NASD maximum sales charge rule. See "What are the
Fund's fees and expenses?" in the Prospectus. This figure may include CDSCs
that were deferred when a shareholder redeemed shares prior to the
expiration of the applicable CDSC period and invested the proceeds, without
the imposition of a sales charge, in Class A shares in conjunction with the
shareholder's participation in the Merrill Lynch Mutual Fund Advisor
(Merrill Lynch MFA(SM)) Program (the "MFA Program"). The CDSC is booked as a
contingent obligation that may be payable if the shareholder terminates
participation in the MFA Program.
(4) Provided to illustrate the extent to which the current level of distribution
fee payments (not including any CDSC payments) is amortizing the unpaid
balance. No assurance can be given that payments of the distribution fee
will reach either the voluntary maximum (with respect to Class B shares) or
the NASD maximum (with respect to Class B and Class C shares).
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Reference is made to "How to Buy, Sell, Transfer and Exchange Shares" in
the Prospectus.
The Fund is required to redeem for cash all shares of the Fund upon receipt
of a written request in proper form. The redemption price is the net asset value
per share next determined after the initial receipt of proper notice of
redemption. Except for any CDSC that may be applicable, there will be no charge
for redemption if the redemption request is sent directly to the Transfer Agent.
Shareholders liquidating their holdings will receive upon redemption all
dividends reinvested through the date of redemption. The value of shares at the
time of redemption may be more or less than the shareholder's cost, depending in
part on the market value of the securities held by the Fund at such time.
The right to redeem shares or to receive payment with respect to any such
redemption may be suspended for more than seven days only for any period during
which trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the Commission or the
NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), for any
period during which an emergency exists as defined by the Commission as a result
of which disposal of portfolio securities or determination of the net asset
value of the Fund is not reasonably practicable, and for such other periods as
the Commission may by order permit for the protection of shareholders of the
Fund.
REDEMPTION
A shareholder wishing to redeem shares held with the Transfer Agent may do
so without charge by tendering the shares directly to the Transfer Agent at
Financial Data Services, Inc., P.O. Box 45289, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289.
Redemption requests delivered other than by mail should be delivered to
Financial Data Services, Inc., 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Jacksonville, Florida
32246-6484. Proper notice of redemption in the case of shares deposited with the
Transfer Agent may be accomplished by a written letter requesting redemption.
Proper notice of redemption in the case of shares for which certificates have
been
27
<PAGE> 57
issued may be accomplished by a written letter as noted above accompanied by
certificates for the shares to be redeemed. Redemption requests should not be
sent to the Fund. The redemption request in either event requires the
signature(s) of all persons in whose name(s) the shares are registered, signed
exactly as such name(s) appear(s) on the Transfer Agent's register. The
signature(s) on the redemption requests must be guaranteed by an "eligible
guarantor institution" as such is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the existence and
validity of which may be verified by the Transfer Agent through the use of
industry publications. Notarized signatures are not sufficient. In certain
instances, the Transfer Agent may require additional documents such as, but not
limited to, trust instruments, death certificates, appointments as executor or
administrator, or certificates of corporate authority. For shareholders
redeeming directly with the Transfer Agent, payments will be mailed within seven
days of receipt of a proper notice of redemption.
At various times the Fund may be requested to redeem shares for which it
has not yet received good payment (e.g., cash, Federal funds or certified check
drawn on a United States bank). The Fund may delay or cause to be delayed the
mailing of a redemption check until such time as it has assured itself that good
payment (e.g., cash, Federal funds or certified check drawn on a United States
bank) has been collected for the purchase of such Fund shares, which will not
exceed 10 days.
REPURCHASE
The Fund also will repurchase Fund shares through a shareholder's listed
securities dealer. The Fund normally will accept orders to repurchase Fund
shares by wire or telephone from dealers for their customers at the net asset
value next computed after the order is placed. Shares will be priced at the net
asset value calculated on the day the request is received, provided that the
request for repurchase is submitted to the dealer within fifteen minutes after
the regular close of business on the NYSE (generally, the NYSE closes at 4:00
p.m., Eastern time) on the day received, and such request is received by the
Fund from such dealer not later than 30 minutes after the close of business on
the NYSE on the same day. Dealers have the responsibility of submitting such
repurchase requests to the Fund not later than 30 minutes after the close of
business on the NYSE, in order to obtain that day's closing price.
The foregoing repurchase arrangements are for the convenience of
shareholders and do not involve a charge by the Fund (other than any applicable
CDSC). Securities firms that do not have selected dealer agreements with the
Distributor, however, may impose a transaction charge on the shareholder for
transmitting the notice of repurchase to the Fund. Merrill Lynch may charge its
customers a processing fee (presently $5.35) to confirm a repurchase of shares
to such customers. Repurchases made directly through the Transfer Agent on
accounts held at the Transfer Agent are not subject to the processing fee. The
Fund reserves the right to reject any order for repurchase, which right of
rejection might adversely affect shareholders seeking redemption through the
repurchase procedure. However, a shareholder whose order for repurchase is
rejected by the Fund may redeem Fund shares as set forth above.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE -- CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
Shareholders who have redeemed their Class A or Class D shares of the Fund
have a privilege to reinstate their accounts by purchasing Class A or Class D
shares, as the case may be, of the Fund at net asset value without a sales
charge up to the dollar amount redeemed. The reinstatement privilege may be
exercised by sending a notice of exercise along with a check for the amount to
be reinstated to the Transfer Agent within 30 days after the date the request
for redemption was accepted by the Transfer Agent or the Distributor.
Alternatively, the reinstatement privilege may be exercised through the
investor's Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant within 30 days after the date the
request for redemption was accepted by the Transfer Agent or the Distributor.
The reinstatement will be made at the net asset value per share next determined
after the notice of reinstatement is received and cannot exceed the amount of
the redemption proceeds.
28
<PAGE> 58
PRICING OF SHARES
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
Reference is made to "How Shares are Priced" in the Prospectus.
The net asset value of the shares of all classes of the Fund is determined
once daily Monday through Friday as of fifteen minutes after the close of
business on the NYSE on each day the NYSE is open for trading (a "Pricing Day").
The NYSE generally closes at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. Any assets or liabilities
initially expressed in terms of non-U.S. dollar currencies are translated into
U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more banks or
dealers on the day of valuation. The NYSE is not open for trading on New Year's
Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Net asset value is computed by dividing the value of the securities held by
the Portfolio plus any cash or other assets (including interest and dividends
accrued but not yet received) minus all liabilities (including accrued expenses)
by the total number of shares outstanding at such time, rounded to the nearest
cent. Expenses, including the fees payable to the Manager and Distributor, are
accrued daily.
The per share net asset value of Class B, Class C and Class D shares
generally will be lower than the per share net asset value of Class A shares,
reflecting the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance, distribution
and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to Class B and Class C
shares, and the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance fees
applicable with respect to the Class D shares; moreover, the per share net asset
value of the Class B and Class C shares generally will be lower than the per
share net asset value of Class D shares reflecting the daily expense accruals of
the distribution fees and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to
Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. It is expected, however, that the per
share net asset value of the four classes will tend to converge (although not
necessarily meet) immediately after the payment of dividends or distributions,
which will differ by approximately the amount of the expense accrual
differentials between the classes.
Portfolio securities that are traded on stock exchanges are valued at the
last sale price (regular way) on the exchange on which such securities are
traded as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued
or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price for long positions, and
at the last available ask price for short positions. In cases where securities
are traded on more than one exchange, the securities are valued on the exchange
designated by or under the authority of the Directors as the primary market.
Long positions in securities traded in the over-the-counter ("OTC") market are
valued at the last available bid price in the OTC market prior to the time of
valuation. Short positions in securities traded in the OTC market are valued at
the last available ask price in the OTC market prior to the time of valuation.
Portfolio securities that are traded both in the OTC market and on a stock
exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market.
When the Fund writes an option, the amount of the premium received is recorded
on the books of the Fund as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of
the liability is subsequently valued to reflect the current market value of the
option written, based upon the last sale price in the case of exchange-traded
options or, in the case of options traded in the OTC market, the last asked
price. Options purchased by the Fund are valued at their last sale price in the
case of exchange-traded options or, in the case of options traded in the OTC
market, the last bid price. Other investments, including financial futures
contracts and related options, are stated at 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 Directors of the
Fund. Such valuations and procedures will be reviewed periodically by the
Directors.
Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities, as well as U.S. Government
securities and money market instruments, is substantially completed each day at
various times prior to the close of business on the NYSE. The values of such
securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund's shares are
determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally
determined prior to the close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally, events
affecting the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur
between the times at which they are determined and the close of business on the
NYSE that will not be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net asset
value. If events materially affecting the value of such
29
<PAGE> 59
securities occur during such period, then these securities will be valued at
their fair value as determined in good faith by the Directors.
COMPUTATION OF OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
An illustration of the computation of the offering price for Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D shares of the Fund based on the value of the Fund's net
assets and number of shares outstanding on August 31, 1998 is set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Assets........................ $167,132,452 $641,688,226 $130,652,405 $157,899,250
============ ============ ============ ============
Number of Shares Outstanding...... 10,322,643 41,705,055 8,453,814 9,834,050
============ ============ ============ ============
Net Asset Value Per Share (net
assets divided by number of
shares outstanding)............. $ 16.19 $ 15.39 $ 15.45 $ 16.06
Sales Charge (for Class A and
Class D shares: 5.25% of
offering price; 5.54% of net
asset value per share)*......... .90 ** ** .89
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Offering Price.................... $ 17.09 $ 15.39 $ 15.45 $ 16.95
============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent; assumes maximum sales charge is
applicable.
** Class B and Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but may
be subject to a CDSC on redemption of shares. See "Purchase of
Shares -- Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System" and "-- Deferred Sales
Charge Alternatives -- Contingent Deferred Sales Charges -- Class B Shares"
and "-- Contingent Deferred Sales Charges -- Class C Shares" herein.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
TRANSACTIONS IN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors, the Manager is
primarily responsible for the execution of the Fund's portfolio transactions and
the allocation of brokerage. The Fund has no obligation to deal with any dealer
or group of dealers in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities of
the Fund. Where possible, the Fund deals directly with the dealers who make a
market in the securities involved except in those circumstances where better
prices and execution are available elsewhere. It is the policy of the Fund to
obtain the best results in conducting portfolio transactions for the Fund,
taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable dealer
spread or commission), the size, type and difficulty of the transaction
involved, the firm's general execution and operations facilities and the firm's
risk in positioning the securities involved. The portfolio securities of the
Fund generally are traded on a principal basis and normally do not involve
either brokerage commissions or transfer taxes. The cost of portfolio securities
transactions of the Fund primarily consists of dealer or underwriter spreads.
While reasonable competitive spreads or commissions are sought, the Fund will
not necessarily be paying the lowest spread or commission available.
Transactions with respect to the securities of small and emerging growth
companies in which the Fund may invest may involve specialized services on the
part of the broker or dealer and thereby entail higher commissions or spreads
than would be the case with transactions involving more widely traded
securities.
Subject to obtaining the best net results, dealers who provide supplemental
investment research (such as information concerning tax-exempt securities,
economic data and market forecasts) to the Manager may receive orders for
transactions by the Fund. Information so received will be in addition to and not
in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Manager under its
Management Agreement and the expense of the Manager will not necessarily be
reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information.
Supplemental investment research obtained from such dealers might be used by the
Manager in servicing all of its accounts and all such research might not be used
by the Manager in connection with the Fund. Consistent with the Conduct Rules of
the NASD and policies established by the Directors of the Fund, the
30
<PAGE> 60
Manager may consider sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of
brokers or dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund.
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, brokerage commissions paid to
Merrill Lynch aggregated $55,594, which comprised 6.59% of the Fund's aggregate
brokerage commissions paid and involved 6.59% of the Fund's aggregate dollar
amount of transactions involving payment of commissions during the year.
Aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Fund are set forth in the following
table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS PAID
- ---------------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C>
1998...................... $843,807
1997...................... $554,589
1996...................... $345,415
</TABLE>
Under the Investment Company Act, persons affiliated with the Fund and
persons who are affiliated with such persons are prohibited from dealing with
the Fund as principal in the purchase and sale of securities unless a permissive
order allowing such transactions is obtained from the Commission. Since
transactions in the over-the-counter market usually involve transactions with
dealers acting as principal for their own accounts, affiliated persons of the
Fund, including Merrill Lynch and any of its affiliates, will not serve as the
Fund's dealer in such transactions. However, affiliated persons of the Fund may
serve as its broker in listed or over-the-counter transactions conducted on an
agency basis provided that, among other things, the fee or commission received
by such affiliated broker is reasonable and fair compared to the fee or
commission received by non-affiliated brokers in connection with comparable
transactions. In addition, the Fund may not purchase securities during the
existence of any underwriting syndicate for such securities of which Merrill
Lynch is a member or in a private placement in which Merrill Lynch serves as
placement agent except pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Directors
of the Fund that either comply with rules adopted by the Commission or with
interpretations of the Commission staff.
Certain court decisions have raised questions as to the extent to which
investment companies should seek exemptions under the Investment Company Act in
order to seek to recapture underwriting and dealer spreads from affiliated
entities. The Directors have considered all factors deemed relevant and have
made a determination not to seek such recapture at this time. The Directors will
reconsider this matter from time to time.
Section 11(a) of the Exchange Act generally prohibits members of the U.S.
national securities exchanges from executing exchange transactions for their
affiliates and institutional accounts that they manage unless the member (i) has
obtained prior express authorization from the account to effect such
transactions, (ii) at least annually furnishes the account with a statement
setting forth the aggregate compensation received by the member in effecting
such transactions, and (iii) complies with any rules the Commission has
prescribed with respect to the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii). To the
extent Section 11(a) would apply to Merrill Lynch acting as a broker for the
Fund in any of its portfolio transactions executed on any such securities
exchange of which it is a member, appropriate consents have been obtained from
the Fund and annual statements as to aggregate compensation will be provided to
the Fund. Securities may be held by, or be appropriate investments for, the Fund
as well as other funds or investment advisory clients of the Manager or MLAM.
Because of different objectives or other factors, a particular security may
be bought for one or more clients of the Manager or an affiliate when one or
more clients of the Manager or an affiliate are selling the same security. If
purchases or sales of securities arise for consideration at or about the same
time that would involve the Fund or other clients or funds for which the Manager
or an affiliate act as manager, transactions in such securities will be made,
insofar as feasible, for the respective funds and clients in a manner deemed
equitable to all. To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than one
client of the Manager or an affiliate during the same period may increase the
demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold,
there may be an adverse effect on price.
31
<PAGE> 61
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Fund offers a number of shareholder services and investment plans
described below that are designed to facilitate investment in shares of the
Fund. Full details as to each of such services, copies of the various plans and
instructions as to how to participate in the various services or plans, or how
to change options with respect thereto, can be obtained from the Fund, by
calling the telephone number on the cover page hereof, or from the Distributor
or Merrill Lynch.
INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
Each shareholder whose account is maintained at the Transfer Agent has an
Investment Account and will receive statements, at least quarterly, from the
Transfer Agent. These statements will serve as transaction confirmations for
automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of ordinary income dividends
and capital gain distributions. The statements will also show any other activity
in the account since the preceding statement. Shareholders will also receive
separate confirmations for each purchase or sale transaction other than
automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of ordinary income dividends
and capital gains distributions. A shareholder with an account held at the
Transfer Agent may make additions to his or her Investment Account at any time
by mailing a check directly to the Transfer Agent. A shareholder may also
maintain an account through Merrill Lynch. Upon the transfer of shares out of a
Merrill Lynch brokerage account, an Investment Account in the transferring
shareholder's name may be opened automatically at the Transfer Agent.
Share certificates are issued only for full shares and only upon the
specific request of a shareholder who has an Investment Account. Issuance of
certificates representing all or only part of the full shares in an Investment
Account may be requested by a shareholder directly from the Transfer Agent.
Shareholders considering transferring their Class A or Class D shares from
Merrill Lynch to another brokerage firm or financial institution should be aware
that, if the firm to which the Class A or Class D shares are to be transferred
will not take delivery of shares of the Fund, a shareholder either must redeem
the Class A or Class D shares (paying any applicable CDSC) so that the cash
proceeds can be transferred to the account at the new firm or continue to
maintain an Investment Account at the Transfer Agent for those Class A or Class
D shares. Shareholders interested in transferring their Class B or Class C
shares from Merrill Lynch who do not wish to have an Investment Account
maintained for such shares at the Transfer Agent may request their new brokerage
firm to maintain such shares in an account registered in the name of the
brokerage firm for the benefit of the shareholder at the Transfer Agent. If the
new brokerage firm is willing to accommodate the shareholder in this manner, the
shareholder must request that he or she be issued certificates for his or her
shares and then must turn the certificates over to the new firm for
re-registration in the new brokerage firm's name.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
U.S. shareholders of each class of shares of the Fund have an exchange
privilege with certain other Select Pricing Funds and Summit Cash Reserves Fund
("Summit"), a series of Financial Institutions Series Trust, which is a Merrill
Lynch-sponsored money market mutual fund specifically designated as available
for exchange by holders of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares of
Select Pricing Funds. Shares with a net asset value of at least $100 are
required to qualify for the exchange privilege and any shares utilized in an
exchange must have been held by the shareholder for at least 15 days. Before
effecting an exchange, shareholders should obtain a currently effective
prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is to be made. Exercise of the
exchange privilege is treated as a sale of the exchanged shares and a purchase
of the acquired shares for Federal income tax purposes.
Exchanges of Class A and Class D Shares. Class A shareholders may exchange
Class A shares of the Fund for Class A shares of a second Select Pricing Fund if
the shareholder holds any Class A shares of the second fund in his or her
account in which the exchange is made at the time of the exchange or is
otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second fund. If the Class A
shareholder wants to exchange Class A shares for shares of a second Select
Pricing Fund, but does not hold Class A shares of the second fund in his or
32
<PAGE> 62
her account at the time of the exchange and is not otherwise eligible to acquire
Class A shares of the second fund, the shareholder will receive Class D shares
of the second fund as a result of the exchange. Class D shares also may be
exchanged for Class A shares of a second Select Pricing Fund at any time as long
as, at the time of the exchange, the shareholder holds Class A shares of the
second fund in the account in which the exchange is made or is otherwise
eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second fund. Class D shares are
exchangeable with shares of the same class of other Select Pricing Funds.
Exchanges of Class A or Class D shares outstanding ("outstanding Class A or
Class D shares") for Class A or Class D shares of other Select Pricing Funds or
Class A shares of Summit ("new Class A or Class D shares") are transacted on the
basis of relative net asset value per Class A or Class D share, respectively,
plus an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the sales charge
previously paid on the outstanding Class A or Class D shares and the sales
charge payable at the time of the exchange on the new Class A or Class D shares.
With respect to outstanding Class A or Class D shares as to which previous
exchanges have taken place, the "sales charge previously paid" shall include the
aggregate of the sales charges paid with respect to such Class A or Class D
shares in the initial purchase and any subsequent exchange. Class A or Class D
shares issued pursuant to dividend reinvestment are sold on a no-load basis in
each of the funds offering Class A or Class D shares. For purposes of the
exchange privilege, Class A or Class D shares acquired through dividend
reinvestment shall be deemed to have been sold with a sales charge equal to the
sales charge previously paid on the Class A or Class D shares on which the
dividend was paid. Based on this formula, Class A and Class D shares generally
may be exchanged into the Class A or Class D shares, respectively, of the other
funds with a reduced sales charge or without a sales charge.
Exchanges of Class B and Class C Shares. Each Select Pricing Fund with
Class B or Class C shares outstanding ("outstanding Class B or Class C shares")
offers to exchange its Class B or Class C shares for Class B or Class C shares,
respectively, of another Select Pricing Fund or for Class B shares of Summit
("new Class B or Class C shares") on the basis of relative net asset value per
Class B or Class C share, without the payment of any CDSC that might otherwise
be due on redemption of the outstanding shares. Class B shareholders of the Fund
exercising the exchange privilege will continue to be subject to the Fund's CDSC
schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the new
Class B shares acquired through use of the exchange privilege. In addition,
Class B shares of the Fund acquired through use of the exchange privilege will
be subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC
schedule relating to the Class B shares of the fund from which the exchange has
been made. For purposes of computing the CDSC that may be payable on a
disposition of the new Class B or Class C shares, the holding period for the
outstanding Class B or Class C shares is "tacked" to the holding period of the
new Class B or Class C shares. For example, an investor may exchange Class B or
Class C shares of the Fund for those of Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund, Inc.
("Special Value Fund") after having held the Fund's Class B shares for two and a
half years. The 2% CDSC that generally would apply to a redemption would not
apply to the exchange. Three years later the investor may decide to redeem the
Class B shares of Special Value Fund and receive cash. There will be no CDSC due
on this redemption, since by "tacking" the two and a half year holding period of
Fund Class B shares to the three-year holding period for the Special Value Fund
Class B shares, the investor will be deemed to have held the Special Value Fund
Class B shares for more than five years.
Exchanges for Shares of a Money Market Fund. Class A and Class D shares
are exchangeable for Class A shares of Summit and Class B and Class C shares are
exchangeable for Class B shares of Summit. Class A shares of Summit have an
exchange privilege back into Class A or Class D shares of Select Pricing Funds;
Class B shares of Summit have an exchange privilege back into Class B or Class C
shares of Select Pricing Funds and, in the event of such an exchange, the period
of time that Class B shares of Summit are held will count toward satisfaction of
the holding period requirement for purposes of reducing any CDSC and toward
satisfaction of any Conversion Period with respect to Class B shares. Class B
shares of Summit will be subject to a distribution fee at an annual rate of
0.75% of average daily net assets of such Class B shares. This exchange
privilege does not apply with respect to certain Merrill Lynch fee-based
programs for which alternative exchange arrangements may exist. Please see your
Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant for further information.
33
<PAGE> 63
Prior to October 12, 1998, exchanges from the Fund and other Select Pricing
Funds into a money market fund were directed to certain Merrill Lynch-sponsored
money market funds other than Summit. Shareholders who exchanged Select Pricing
Fund shares for such other money market funds and subsequently wish to exchange
those money market fund shares for shares of the Fund will be subject to the
CDSC schedule applicable to such Fund shares, if any. The holding period for
those money market fund shares will not count toward satisfaction of the holding
period requirement for reduction of the CDSC imposed on such shares, if any,
and, with respect to Class B shares, toward satisfaction of the Conversion
Period. However, the holding period for Class B or Class C shares received in
exchange for such money market fund shares will be aggregated with the holding
period for the original Select Pricing Fund shares for purposes of reducing the
CDSC or satisfying the Conversion Period.
Exchanges by Participants in the MFA Program. The exchange privilege is
modified with respect to certain retirement plans which participate in the MFA
program. Such retirement plans may exchange Class B, Class C or Class D shares
that have been held for at least one year for Class A shares of the same fund on
the basis of relative net asset values in connection with the commencement of
participation in the MFA program, i.e., no CDSC will apply. The one year holding
period does not apply to shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends. Upon
termination of participation in the MFA program, Class A shares will be
re-exchanged for the class of shares originally held. For purposes of computing
any CDSC that may be payable upon redemption of Class B or Class C shares so
reacquired, or the Conversion Period for Class B shares so reacquired, the
holding period for the Class A shares will be "tacked" to the holding period for
the Class B or Class C shares originally held. The Fund's exchange privilege is
also modified with respect to purchases of Class A and Class D shares by
non-retirement plan investors under the MFA program. First, the initial
allocation of assets is made under the MFA program. Then, any subsequent
exchange under the MFA program of Class A or Class D shares of a Select Pricing
Fund for Class A or Class D shares of the Fund will be made solely on the basis
of the relative net asset values of the shares being exchanged. Therefore, there
will not be a charge for any difference between the sales charge previously paid
on the shares of the other Select Pricing Fund and the sales charge payable on
the shares of the Fund being acquired in the exchange under the MFA program.
Exercise of the Exchange Privilege. To exercise the exchange privilege, a
shareholder should contact his or her Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant, who
will advise the Fund of the exchange. Shareholders of the Fund, and shareholders
of the other Select Pricing Funds with shares for which certificates have not
been issued, may exercise the exchange privilege by wire through their
securities dealers. The Fund reserves the right to require a properly completed
Exchange Application. This exchange privilege may be modified or terminated in
accordance with the rules of the Commission. The Fund reserves the right to
limit the number of times an investor may exercise the exchange privilege.
Certain funds may suspend the continuous offering of their shares to the general
public at any time and may thereafter resume such offering from time to time.
The exchange privilege is available only to U.S. shareholders in states where
the exchange legally may be made. It is contemplated that the exchange privilege
may be applicable to other new mutual funds whose shares may be distributed by
the Distributor.
FEE-BASED PROGRAMS
Certain Merrill Lynch fee-based programs, including pricing alternatives
for securities transactions (each referred to in this paragraph as a "Program"),
may permit the purchase of Class A shares at net asset value. Under specified
circumstances, participants in certain Programs may deposit other classes of
shares which will be exchanged for Class A shares. Initial or deferred sales
charges otherwise due in connection with such exchanges may be waived or
modified, as may the Conversion Period applicable to the deposited shares.
Termination of participation in a Program may result in the redemption of shares
held therein or the automatic exchange thereof to another class at net asset
value, which may be shares of a money market fund. In addition, upon termination
of participation in a Program, shares that have been held for less than
specified periods within such Program may be subject to a fee based upon the
current value of such shares. These Programs also generally prohibit such shares
from being transferred to another account at Merrill Lynch, to another
broker-dealer or to the Transfer Agent. Except in limited circumstances (which
may also involve an
34
<PAGE> 64
exchange as described above), such shares must be redeemed and another class of
shares purchased (which may involve the imposition of initial or deferred sales
charges and distribution and account maintenance fees) in order for the
investment not to be subject to Program fees. Additional information regarding a
specific Program (including charges and limitations on transferability
applicable to shares that may be held in such Program) is available in such
Program's client agreement and from the Transfer Agent at 1-800-MER-FUND or
1-800-637-3863.
RETIREMENT PLANS
Individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans are available
from Merrill Lynch. Under these plans, investments may be made in the Fund and
certain of the other mutual funds sponsored by Merrill Lynch as well as in other
securities. Merrill Lynch charges an initial establishment fee and an annual
custodial fee for each account. Information with respect to these plans is
available on request from Merrill Lynch. The minimum initial purchase to
establish any such plan is $100, and the minimum subsequent purchase is $1.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS
A shareholder may make additions to an Investment Account at any time by
purchasing Class A shares (if he or she is an eligible Class A investor) or
Class B, Class C or Class D shares at the applicable public offering price.
These purchases may be made either through the shareholder's securities dealer,
or by mail directly to the Transfer Agent, acting as agent for such securities
dealer. Voluntary accumulation also can be made through a service known as the
Fund's Automatic Investment Plan. The Fund would be authorized, on a regular
basis, to provide systematic additions to the Investment Account of such
shareholder through charges of $50 or more to the regular bank account of the
shareholder by either pre-authorized checks or automated clearing house debits.
For investors who buy shares of the Fund through Blueprint, no minimum charge to
the investor's bank account is required. Alternatively, an investor whose shares
of the Fund are held within a CMA(R) or CBA(R) account may arrange to have
periodic investments made in the Fund in amounts of $100 ($1 or more for
retirement accounts) or more through the CMA(R) or CBA(R) Automated Investment
Program.
AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND PROGRAM
Unless specific instructions are given as to the method of payment,
dividends and capital gains distributions will be automatically reinvested,
without sales charge, in additional full and fractional shares of the Fund. Such
reinvestment will be at the net asset value of shares of the Fund as of the
close of business on the NYSE on the monthly payment date for such dividends and
distributions. No CDSC will be imposed upon redemption of shares issued as a
result of the automatic reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions.
Shareholders may, at any time, by written notification to Merrill Lynch if
their account is maintained with Merrill Lynch, or by written notification or by
telephone (1-800-MER-FUND) to the Transfer Agent, if their account is maintained
with the Transfer Agent elect to have subsequent dividends or both dividends and
capital gains distributions, paid in cash, rather than reinvested in shares of
the Fund or vice versa (provided that, in the event that a payment on an account
maintained at the Transfer Agent would amount to $10.00 or less, a shareholder
will not receive such payment in cash and such payment will automatically be
reinvested in additional shares). Commencing ten days after the receipt by the
Transfer Agent of such notice, those instructions will be effected. The Fund is
not responsible for any failure of delivery to the shareholder's address of
record and no interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed
distribution checks. Cash payments can also be directly deposited to the
shareholder's bank account.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS
A shareholder may elect to receive systematic withdrawals from his or her
Investment Account by check or through automatic payment by direct deposit to
his or her bank account on either a monthly or quarterly basis as provided
below. Quarterly withdrawals are available for shareholders that have acquired
shares of the
35
<PAGE> 65
Fund having a value, based on cost or the current offering price, of $5,000 or
more, and monthly withdrawals are available for shareholders with shares having
a value of $10,000 or more.
At the time of each withdrawal payment, sufficient Class A, Class B, Class
C or Class D shares are redeemed from those on deposit in the shareholder's
account to provide the withdrawal payment specified by the shareholder. The
shareholder may specify the dollar amount and the class of shares to be
redeemed. Redemptions will be made at net asset value as determined fifteen
minutes after the close of business on the NYSE (generally, the NYSE closes at
4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on the 24th day of each month or the 24th day of the
last month of each quarter, whichever is applicable. If the NYSE is not open for
business on such date, the shares will be redeemed at the net asset value
determined fifteen minutes after the close of business on the NYSE on the
following business day. The check for the withdrawal payment will be mailed, or
the direct deposit of the withdrawal payment will be made, on the next business
day following redemption. When a shareholder is making systematic withdrawals,
dividends and distributions on all shares in the Investment Account are
reinvested automatically in Fund shares. A shareholder's Systematic Withdrawal
Plan may be terminated at any time, without charge or penalty, by the
shareholder, the Fund, the Transfer Agent or the Distributor.
With respect to redemptions of Class B or Class C shares pursuant to a
systematic withdrawal plan, the maximum number of Class B or Class C shares that
can be redeemed from an account annually shall not exceed 10% of the value of
shares of such class in that account at the time the election to join the
systematic withdrawal plan was made. Any CDSC that otherwise might be due on
such redemption of Class B or Class C shares will be waived. Shares redeemed
pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan will be redeemed in the same order as
Class B or Class C shares are otherwise redeemed. See "Purchase of
Shares -- Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives -- Contingent Deferred Sales
Charges -- Class B and Class C Shares." Where the systematic withdrawal plan is
applied to Class B shares, upon conversion of the last Class B shares in an
account to Class D shares, the systematic withdrawal plan will be applied
thereafter to Class D shares if the shareholder so elects. See "Purchase of
Shares -- Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives -- Conversion of Class B Shares to
Class D Shares." If an investor wishes to change the amount being withdrawn in a
systematic withdrawal plan the investor should contact his or her Financial
Consultant.
Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends. Each withdrawal
is a taxable event. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed reinvested
dividends, the shareholder's original investment may be reduced correspondingly.
Purchases of additional shares concurrent with withdrawals are ordinarily
disadvantageous to the shareholder because of sales charges and tax liabilities.
The Fund will not knowingly accept purchase orders for shares of the Fund from
investors that maintain a Systematic Withdrawal Plan unless such purchase is
equal to at least one year's scheduled withdrawals or $1,200, whichever is
greater. Automatic investments may not be made into an Investment Account in
which the shareholder has elected to make systematic withdrawals.
Alternatively, a shareholder whose shares are held within a CMA(R), CBA(R)
Account or Retirement Account may elect to have shares redeemed on a monthly,
bimonthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis through the CMA(R) or CBA(R)
Systematic Redemption Program. The minimum fixed dollar amount redeemable is
$50. The proceeds of systematic redemptions will be posted to the shareholder's
account three business days after the date the shares are redeemed. All
redemptions are made at net asset value. A shareholder may elect to have his or
her shares redeemed on the first, second, third or fourth Monday of each month,
in the case of monthly redemptions, or of every other month, in the case of
bimonthly redemptions. For quarterly, semiannual or annual redemptions, the
shareholder may select the month in which the shares are to be redeemed and may
designate whether the redemption is to be made on the first, second, third or
fourth Monday of the month. If the Monday selected is not a business day, the
redemption will be processed at net asset value on the next business day. The
CMA(R) or CBA(R) Systematic Redemption Program is not available if Fund shares
are being purchased within the account pursuant to the Automated Investment
Program. For more information on the CMA(R) or CBA(R) Systematic Redemption
Program, eligible shareholders should contact their Financial Consultant.
36
<PAGE> 66
Capital gains and ordinary income received in each of the retirement plans
referred to above are exempt from Federal taxation until distributed from the
plan. Investors considering participation in any such plan should review
specific tax laws relating thereto and should consult their attorneys or tax
advisers with respect to the establishment and maintenance of any such plan.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
It is the Fund's intention to distribute all of its net investment income,
if any. Dividends from such investment income are paid semiannually. All net
realized capital gains, if any, are distributed to the Fund's shareholders at
least annually. Premiums from expired call options written by the Fund and net
gains from closing purchase transactions are treated as short-term capital gains
for Federal income tax purposes. Shareholders may elect in writing to receive
any such dividends or distributions, or both, in cash. See "Shareholder
Services -- Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions"
for information concerning the manner in which dividends may be reinvested
automatically in shares of the Fund. Dividends and distributions are taxable to
shareholders, as described below, whether they are invested in shares of the
Fund or received in cash. The per share dividends and distributions on Class B
and Class C shares will be lower than the per share dividends and distributions
on Class A and Class D shares as a result of the account maintenance,
distribution and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to the
Class B and Class C shares; similarly, the per share dividends and distributions
on Class D shares will be lower than the per share dividends and distributions
on Class A shares as a result of the account maintenance fees applicable with
respect to the Class D shares. See "Pricing of Shares -- Determination of Net
Asset Value."
TAXES
The Fund intends to continue to qualify for the special tax treatment
afforded regulated investment companies ("RICs") under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). As long as the Fund so qualifies, the Fund
(but not its shareholders) will not be subject to Federal income tax on the part
of its net ordinary income and net realized capital gains that it distributes to
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders (together, the
"shareholders"). The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of such
income.
The Code requires a RIC to pay a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the extent
the RIC does not distribute, during each calendar year, 98% of its ordinary
income, determined on a calendar year basis, and 98% of its capital gains,
determined, in general on a October 31 year end, plus certain undistributed
amounts from previous years. While the Fund intends to distribute its income and
capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% excise
tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund's taxable
income and capital gains will be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of
the tax. In such event, the Fund will be liable for the tax only on the amount
by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements.
Dividends paid by the Fund from its ordinary income or from an excess of
net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses (together
referred to hereafter as "ordinary income dividends") are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income, whether or not reinvested. Distributions made
from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses
(including gains or losses from certain transactions in options and futures)
("capital gain dividends") are taxable to shareholders as long-term gains,
regardless of the length of time the shareholder has owned Fund shares. Certain
additional categories of capital gains are taxable at different rates. Any loss
upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares held for six months or less will be
treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends
received by the shareholder. Distributions in excess of the Fund's earnings and
profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder's shares and, after
such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to
such holder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). Generally not
later than 60 days after the close of its taxable year, the Fund will provide
its shareholders with a written notice designating the amounts of any ordinary
37
<PAGE> 67
income dividends or capital gains dividends, as well as any amount of capital
gains dividends in the different categories of capital gain referred to above.
Dividends are taxable to shareholders even though they are reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund. A portion of the Fund's ordinary income dividends
may be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations
under the Code, if certain requirements are met. For this purpose, the Fund will
allocate dividends eligible for the dividends received deduction among the Class
A, Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders according to a method (which it
believes is consistent with the Securities and Exchange Commission rule
permitting the issuance and sale of multiple classes of stock) that is based on
the gross income allocable to Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders
during the taxable year, or such other method as the Internal Revenue Service
may prescribe. If the Fund pays a dividend in January that was declared in the
previous October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified
date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for tax purposes
as being paid by the Fund and received by its shareholders on December 31 of the
year in which such dividend was declared.
No gain or loss will be recognized by Class B shareholders on the
conversion of their Class B shares into Class D shares. A shareholder's basis in
the Class D shares acquired will be the same as such shareholder's basis in the
Class B shares converted, and the holding period of the acquired Class D shares
will include the holding period of the converted Class B shares.
If a shareholder exercises an exchange privilege within 90 days of
acquiring the shares, then the loss the shareholder can recognize on the
exchange will be reduced (or the gain increased) to the extent any sales charge
paid to the Fund reduces any sales charge the shareholder would have owed upon
the purchase of the new shares in the absence of the exchange privilege.
Instead, such sales charge will be treated as an amount paid for the new shares.
A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be
disallowed if other Fund shares are acquired (whether through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days
before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In
such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss.
Ordinary income dividends paid to shareholders who are nonresident aliens
or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% United States withholding tax under
existing provisions of the Code applicable to foreign individuals and entities
unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided
under applicable treaty law. Nonresident shareholders are urged to consult their
own tax advisers concerning applicability of the United States withholding tax.
Dividends and interest received by the Fund may give rise to withholding
and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain
countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes.
Under certain provisions of the Code, some shareholders may be subject to a
31% withholding tax on ordinary income dividends, capital gain dividends and
redemption payments ("backup withholding"). Generally, shareholders subject to
backup withholding will be those for whom no certified taxpayer identification
number is on file with the Fund or who, to the Fund's knowledge, have furnished
an incorrect number. When establishing an account, an investor must certify
under penalty of perjury that such number is correct and that such investor is
not otherwise subject to backup withholding.
Ordinary income and capital gain dividends may also be subject to state and
local taxes.
Certain states exempt from state income taxation dividends paid by RICs
which are derived from interest on United States Government obligations. State
law varies as to whether dividend income attributable to United States
Government obligations is exempt from state income tax.
TAX TREATMENT OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may write, purchase or sell options, futures and forward foreign
exchange contracts. Options and futures that are "Section 1256 contracts" will
be "marked to market" for Federal income tax purposes at
38
<PAGE> 68
the end of each taxable year, i.e., each such option or futures contract will be
treated as sold for its fair market value on the last day of the taxable year.
Unless such contract is a forward foreign exchange contract, or is a non-equity
option or a regulated futures contract for a non-U.S. currency for which the
Fund elects to have gain or loss treated as ordinary gain or loss under Code
Section 988 (as described below), gain or loss from Section 1256 contracts will
be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of these
rules to Section 1256 contracts held by the Fund may alter the timing and
character of distributions to shareholders. The mark-to-market rules outlined
above, however, will not apply to certain transactions entered into by the Fund
solely to reduce the risk of changes in price or interest rates with respect to
its investments.
A forward foreign exchange contract that is a Section 1256 contract will be
marked to market, as described above. However, the character of gain or loss
from such a contract will generally be ordinary under Code Section 988. The Fund
may, nonetheless, elect to treat the gain or loss from certain forward foreign
exchange contracts as capital. In this case, gain or loss realized in connection
with a forward foreign exchange contract that is a Section 1256 contract will be
characterized as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss.
Code Section 1092, which applies to certain "straddles," may affect the
taxation of the Fund's sales of securities and transactions in options, futures
and forward foreign exchange contracts. Under Section 1092, the Fund may be
required to postpone recognition for tax purposes of losses incurred in certain
sales of securities and closing transactions in options, futures and forward
foreign exchange contracts.
SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
In general, gains from "foreign currencies" and from foreign currency
options, foreign currency futures and forward foreign exchange contracts
relating to investments in stock, securities or foreign currencies will be
qualifying income for purposes of determining whether the Fund qualifies as a
RIC. It is currently unclear, however, who will be treated as the issuer of a
foreign currency instrument or how foreign currency options, foreign currency
futures and forward foreign exchange contracts will be valued for purposes of
the RIC diversification requirements applicable to the Fund.
Under Code Section 988, special rules are provided for certain transactions
in a currency other than the taxpayer's functional currency (i.e., unless
certain special rules apply, currencies other than the U.S. dollar). In general,
foreign currency gains or losses from certain debt instruments, from certain
forward contracts, from future contracts that are not "regulated futures
contracts" and from unlisted options will be treated as ordinary income or loss
under Code Section 988. In certain circumstances, the Fund may elect capital
gain or loss treatment for such transactions. Regulated futures contracts, as
described above, will be taxed under Code Section 1256 unless application of
Section 988 is elected by the Fund. In general, however, Code Section 988 gains
or losses will increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company
taxable income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income.
Additionally, if Code Section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable
income during a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to make any ordinary
income dividend distributions, and all or a portion of distributions made before
the losses were realized but in the same taxable year would be recharacterized
as a return of capital to shareholders, thereby reducing the basis of each
shareholder's Fund shares and resulting in a capital gain for any shareholder
who received a distribution greater than such shareholder's basis in Fund shares
(assuming the shares were held as a capital asset). These rules and the
mark-to-market rules described above, however, will not apply to certain
transactions entered into by the Fund solely to reduce the risk of currency
fluctuations with respect to its investments.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations presently in effect. For the
complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and
the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder. The Code and the Treasury
regulations are subject to change by legislative, judicial or administrative
action either prospectively or retroactively.
Ordinary income and capital gain dividends may also be subject to state and
local taxes.
39
<PAGE> 69
Certain states exempt from state income taxation dividends paid by RICs
which are derived from interest on United States Government obligations. State
law varies as to whether dividend income attributable to United States
Government obligations is exempt from state income tax.
Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to Federal, foreign, state or local taxes. Foreign investors should
consider applicable foreign taxes in their evaluation of investment in the Fund.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time the Fund may include its average annual total return and
other total return data in advertisements or information furnished to present or
prospective shareholders. Total return figures are based on the Fund's
historical performance and are not intended to indicate future performance.
Average annual total return is determined separately for Class A, Class B, Class
C and Class D shares in accordance with formulas specified by the Commission.
Average annual total return quotations for the specified periods are
computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return (based on net
investment income and any realized and unrealized capital gains or losses on
portfolio investments over such periods) that would equate the initial amount
invested to the redeemable value of such investment at the end of each period.
Average annual total return is computed assuming all dividends and distributions
are reinvested and taking into account all applicable recurring and nonrecurring
expenses, including the maximum sales charge in the case of Class A and Class D
shares and the CDSC that would be applicable to a complete redemption of the
investment at the end of the specified period in the case of Class B and Class C
shares.
The Fund also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total return
and aggregate total return performance data for various periods other than those
noted below. Such data will be computed as described above, except that (1) as
required by the periods of the quotations, actual annual, annualized or
aggregate data, rather than average annual data, may be quoted and (2) the
maximum applicable sales charges will not be included with respect to annual or
annualized rates of return calculations. Aside from the impact on the
performance data calculations of including or excluding the maximum applicable
sales charges, actual annual or annualized total return data generally will be
lower than average annual total return data since the average rates of return
reflect compounding of return; aggregate total return data generally will be
higher than average annual total return data since the aggregate rates of return
reflect compounding over a longer period of time. The Fund's total return may be
expressed either as a percentage or as a dollar amount in order to illustrate
such total return on a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Fund at the
beginning of each specified period.
Set forth in the tables below is total return information for the Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shares of the Fund for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
EXPRESSED AS REDEEMABLE VALUE EXPRESSED AS REDEEMABLE VALUE
A PERCENTAGE OF A HYPOTHETICAL A PERCENTAGE OF A HYPOTHETICAL
BASED ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT BASED ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT
HYPOTHETICAL AT THE END OF HYPOTHETICAL AT THE END OF
PERIOD $1,000 INVESTMENT THE PERIOD $1,000 INVESTMENT THE PERIOD
------ ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(INCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGES)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One Year Ended August 31, 1998.... 0.79% $1,007.90 1.54% $1,015.40
Inception (October 21, 1994) to
August 31, 1998................. 19.88% $2,013.50 20.17% $2,032.60
</TABLE>
40
<PAGE> 70
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(EXCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGES)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended August 31,
1998.............................. 6.37% $1,063.70 5.21% $1,052.10
1997.............................. 39.24% $1,392.40 37.95% $1,379.50
1996.............................. 19.02% $1,190.20 17.68% $1,176.80
Inception (October 21, 1994) to
August 31, 1995................. 20.55% $1,205.50 19.60% $1,196.00
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN
(INCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGES)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (October 21, 1994) to
August 31, 1998................. 101.35% $ 2,013.50 103.26% $2,032.60
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C SHARES CLASS D SHARES
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
EXPRESSED AS REDEEMABLE VALUE EXPRESSED AS REDEEMABLE VALUE
A PERCENTAGE OF A HYPOTHETICAL A PERCENTAGE OF A HYPOTHETICAL
BASED ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT BASED ON A $1,000 INVESTMENT
HYPOTHETICAL AT THE END OF HYPOTHETICAL AT THE END OF
PERIOD $1,000 INVESTMENT THE PERIOD $1,000 INVESTMENT THE PERIOD
------ ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(INCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGES)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One Year Ended August 31, 1998.... 4.27% $1,042.70 0.51% $1,005.10
Five Years Ended August 31,
1998............................ 15.32% $2,039.40 14.99% $2,010.40
Inception (December 24, 1992) to
August 31, 1998................. 13.07% $2,010.80 12.89% $1,992.40
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(EXCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGES)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended August 31,
1998.............................. 5.19% $1,051.90 6.08% $1,060.80
1997.............................. 37.90% $1,379.00 38.90% $1,389.00
1996.............................. 17.68% $1,176.30 18.70% $1,187.00
1995.............................. 18.28% $1,182.80 19.15% $1,191.50
1994.............................. 1.01% $1,010.10 1.82% $1,018.20
Inception (December 24, 1992) to
August 31, 1993................. (1.40)% $ 986.00 (0.90)% $ 991.00
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN
(INCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGES)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (December 24, 1992) to
August 31, 1998................. 101.08% $2,010.80 99.24% $1,992.40
</TABLE>
On occasion, the Fund may compare its performance to that of the Standard &
Poor's 500 Index, the Value Line Composite Index, the Dow Jones Industrial
Average, other market indices or performance data published by Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., Morningstar Publications, Inc., Money Magazine, U.S. News &
World Report, Business Week, Forbes Magazine and Fortune Magazine or other
industry publications. When comparing its performance to a market index, the
Fund may refer to various statistical measures derived from the historic
performance of the Fund and the index, such as standard deviation and beta. In
addition, from time to time the Fund may include the Fund's risk-adjusted
performance ratings assigned by Morningstar Publications, Inc. in advertising or
supplemental sales literature. As with other performance data, performance
comparisons should not be considered indicative of the Fund's relative
performance for any future period.
The Fund's total return will vary depending on market conditions, the
securities comprising the Fund's portfolio, the Fund's operating expenses and
the amount of realized and unrealized net capital gains or losses during the
period. The value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate and an investor's
shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
41
<PAGE> 71
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Fund was incorporated under Maryland law on April 30, 1992. It has an
authorized capital of 400,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per
share, divided into four classes, designated Class A, Class B, Class C and Class
D Common Stock, each of which consists of 100,000,000 shares. Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class D Common Stock represent an interest in the same assets of the
Fund and are identical in all respects except that the Class B, Class C and
Class D shares bear certain expenses related to the account maintenance and/or
distribution of such shares and have exclusive voting rights with respect to
matters relating to such account maintenance and/or distribution expenditures,
(except that Class B shares have certain voting rights with respect to Class B
share expenditures). The Board of Directors of the Fund may classify and
reclassify the shares of the Fund into additional classes of Common Stock at a
future date.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and fractional
votes for fractional shares held and will vote on the election of Directors and
any other matter submitted to a shareholder vote. The Fund does not intend to
hold annual meetings of shareholders in any year in which the Investment Company
Act does not require shareholders to elect Directors. Also, the by-laws of the
Fund require that a special meeting of stockholders be held upon the written
request of at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Fund entitled to vote
at such meeting, if they comply with applicable Maryland law. Voting rights for
Directors are not cumulative. Shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable
and have no preemptive rights. Redemption and conversion rights are discussed
elsewhere herein and in the Prospectus. Each share is entitled to participate
equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Fund and in the net
assets of the Fund upon liquidation or dissolution after satisfaction of
outstanding liabilities, except that expenses related to the distribution of the
shares within a class will be borne solely by such class. Stock certificates are
issued by the Transfer Agent only on specific request. Certificates for
fractional shares are not issued in any case.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP, 202 Carnegie Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5321,
has been selected as the independent auditors of the Fund. The selection of
independent auditors is subject to approval by the non-interested Directors of
the Fund. The independent auditors are responsible for auditing the annual
financial statements of the Fund.
CUSTODIAN
The Chase Manhattan Bank, Global Securities Services, Chase MetroTech
Center, 18th Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11245, (the "Custodian") acts as the
Custodian of the Fund's assets. Under its contract with the Fund, the Custodian
is authorized to establish separate accounts in foreign currencies and to cause
foreign securities owned by the Fund to be held in its offices outside the
United States and with certain foreign banks and securities depositories. The
Custodian is responsible for safeguarding and controlling the Fund's cash and
securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities and collecting
interest and dividends on the Fund's investments.
TRANSFER AGENT
Financial Data Services, Inc., 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Jacksonville,
Florida 32246-6484, acts as the Fund's transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent").
The Transfer Agent is responsible for the issuance, transfer and redemption of
shares and the opening, maintenance and servicing of shareholder accounts. See
"Management of the Fund -- Transfer Agency Services" in the Prospectus.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Brown & Wood LLP, One World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0557, is
counsel for the Fund.
42
<PAGE> 72
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The fiscal year of the Fund ends on August 31 of each year. The Fund sends
to its shareholders at least semi-annually reports showing the Fund's portfolio
and other information. An annual report, containing financial statements audited
by independent auditors, is sent to shareholders each year. After the end of
each year, shareholders will receive Federal income tax information regarding
dividends and capital gains distributions.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
Shareholder inquiries may be addressed to the Fund at the address or
telephone number set forth on the cover page of this Statement of Additional
Information.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits
relating thereto, which the Fund has filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act and the Investment
Company Act, to which reference is hereby made.
To the knowledge of the Fund, no person or entity owned beneficially 5% or
more of the Fund's shares as of , 1998.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Fund's audited financial statements are incorporated by reference in
this Statement of Additional Information to its 1998 annual report to
shareholders. You may request a copy of the annual report at no charge by
calling 1-800-456-4587 ext. 789 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on any business
day.
43
<PAGE> 73
CODE #16463-10-98
<PAGE> 74
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 23. EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
- -------
<C> <S> <C>
1(a) -- Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, dated April 29,
1992.(a)
(b) -- Articles of Amendment, dated July 7, 1992, to the Articles
of Incorporation of the Registrant.(a)
(c) -- Articles of Amendment, dated October 17, 1994, to the
Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.(a)
(d) -- Articles Supplementary, dated October 17, 1994, to the
Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.(a)
(e) -- Articles Supplementary, dated March 17, 1995, to the
Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.(a)
2 -- By-Laws of the Registrant.(a)
3(a) -- Portions of the Articles of Incorporation, as amended and
supplemented, and By-Laws of the Registrant defining the
rights of holders of shares of common stock of the
Registrant.(b)
4(a) -- Management Agreement, as amended, between the Registrant and
MLAM.
(b) -- Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between MLAM and Merrill
Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited.(e)
5(a) -- Form of Revised Class A Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. (now
known as Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc.)(the
"Distributor")(including Form of Selected Dealers
Agreement).(c)
(b) -- Class B Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and
the Distributor.(c)
(c) -- Form of Class C Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and the Distributor (including Form of Selected
Dealers Agreement).(c)
(d) -- Form of Class D Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and the Distributor (including Form of Selected
Dealers Agreement).(c)
6 -- None.
7 -- Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Chase
Manhattan Bank.(a)
8(a) -- Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and Shareholder
Servicing Agency Agreement between the Registrant and
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. (now known as
Financial Data Services, Inc.)(a)
(b) -- Agreement between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and Registrant
relating to Registrant's use of Merrill Lynch name.(a)
9 -- None.
10 -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors for the
Registrant.
11 -- None.
12 -- Certificate of Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P.
13(a) -- Form of Class B Distribution Plan of the Registrant and
Class B Distribution Plan Sub-Agreement.(c)
(b) -- Form of Class C Distribution Plan of the Registrant and
Class C Distribution Plan Sub-Agreement.(c)
(c) -- Form of Class D Distribution Plan of the Registrant and
Class D Distribution Plan Sub-Agreement.(c)
14(a) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class A Shares.
(b) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class B Shares.
(c) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class C Shares.
(d) -- Financial Data Schedule for Class D Shares.
15 -- Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System Plan pursuant to
Rule 18f-3.(d)
</TABLE>
C-1
<PAGE> 75
- ---------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(a) Refiled pursuant to the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis
and Retrieval ("EDGAR") phase-in requirements.
(b) Reference is made to Article II, Article IV, Article V
(sections 2, 3, 4 and 6), Article VI, Article VII and
Article IX of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation,
previously filed as Exhibit (1), to the Registration
Statement, and to Article II, Article III (sections 1, 3, 5,
6 and 17), Article VI, Article VII, Article XII, Article
XIII and Article XIV of the Registrant's By-Laws previously
filed as Exhibit (2) to the Registration Statement.
(c) Filed on EDGAR as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.
3 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N1-A, filed
October 13, 1994.
(d) Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13
to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Merrill Lynch
New York Municipal Bond Fund of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust filed on January 25, 1996.
(e) Filed on EDGAR as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No.
5 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A,
filed on December 23, 1996.
</TABLE>
ITEM 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
The Registrant is not controlled by or under common control with any other
person.
ITEM 25. INDEMNIFICATION.
Reference is made to Article VI of the Registrant's Articles of
Incorporation, Article VI of the Registrant's By-Laws, Section 2-418 of the
Maryland General Corporation Law and Section 9 of the Class A, Class B, Class C
and Class D Distribution Agreements.
Insofar as the conditional advancing of indemnification moneys for actions
based on the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") may be
concerned, Article VI of the Registrant's By-Laws provides that such payments
will be made only on the following conditions: (i) advances may be made only on
receipt of a written affirmation of such person's good faith belief that the
standard of conduct necessary for indemnification has been met and a written
undertaking to repay any such advance if it is ultimately determined that the
standard of conduct has not been met; and (ii) (a) such promise must be secured
by a security for the undertaking in form and amount acceptable to the
Registrant, (b) the Registrant is insured against losses arising by receipt by
the advance, or (c) a majority of a quorum of the Registrant's disinterested
non-party Directors, or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall
determine, based upon a review of readily available facts, that at the time the
advance is proposed to be made, there is reason to believe that the person
seeking indemnification will ultimately be found to be entitled to
indemnification.
In Section 9 of the Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Shares
Distribution Agreements relating to the securities being offered hereby, the
Registrant agrees to indemnify the Distributor and each person, if any, who
controls the Distributor within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act"), against certain types of civil liabilities arising in
connection with the Registration Statement or Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may
be permitted to Directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
and the principal underwriter pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a Director, officer, or controlling
person of the Registrant and the principal underwriter in connection with the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
Director, officer or controlling person or the principal underwriter in
connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
C-2
<PAGE> 76
ITEM 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE MANAGER.
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM" or "Manager"), acts as the
investment adviser for the following open-end registered investment companies:
Merrill Lynch Adjustable Rate Securities Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Americas
Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Asset Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Capital Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Convertible Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Developing Capital Markets Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Dragon Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch EuroFund, Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Fund
For Tomorrow, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Allocation Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Global Bond Fund for Investment and Retirement, Merrill Lynch Global Growth
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Holdings, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Resources
Trust, Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Technology
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Utility Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Value
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Growth Fund, Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Intermediate Government Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch International
Equity Fund, Merrill Lynch Latin America Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Middle
East/Africa Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Municipal Series Trust, Merrill Lynch
Pacific Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust, Merrill Lynch Real Estate
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Retirement Series Trust, Merrill Lynch Series Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Short-Term Global Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Strategic
Dividend Fund, Merrill Lynch Technology Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury
Money Fund, Merrill Lynch U.S.A. Government Reserves, Merrill Lynch Utility
Income Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc. and Hotchkis and
Wiley funds (advised by Hotchkis and Wiley, a division of MLAM); and for the
following closed-end registered investment companies: Merrill Lynch High Income
Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. MLAM
also acts as sub-adviser to Merrill Lynch World Strategy Portfolio and Merrill
Lynch Basic Value Equity Portfolio, two investment portfolios of EQ Advisors
Trust.
Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM"), an affiliate of the Manager, acts as
the investment manager for the following open-end registered investment
companies: CBA Money Fund, CMA Government Securities Fund, CMA Money Fund, CMA
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust, CMA Tax-Exempt Fund, CMA Treasury Fund, The
Corporate Fund Accumulation Program, Inc., Financial Institutions Series Trust,
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch California Municipal Series
Trust, Merrill Lynch Corporate Bond Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Corporate High
Yield Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Emerging Tigers Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Federal Securities Trust, Merrill Lynch Funds for Institutions Series, Merrill
Lynch Multi-State Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, Merrill Lynch
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust, Merrill Lynch Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Phoenix Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch World Income Fund, Inc., and The Municipal Fund Accumulation
Program, Inc.; and for the following closed-end registered investment companies:
Apex Municipal Fund, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc., Corporate High Yield
Fund II, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund III, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund, Inc.,
Debt Strategies Fund II, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund III, Inc., Income
Opportunities Fund 1999, Inc., Income Opportunities Fund 2000, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc., MuniAssets Fund, Inc., MuniEnhanced Fund,
Inc., MuniHoldings Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings
California Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings California Insured Fund II, Inc.,
MuniHoldings California Insured Fund III, Inc., MuniHoldings Florida Insured
Fund, MuniHoldings Florida Insured Fund II, MuniHoldings Florida Insured Fund
III, MuniHoldings Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund,
Inc., MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings New York Fund,
Inc., MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings New York Insured
Fund II, Inc., MuniInsured Fund, Inc., MuniVest Fund, Inc., MuniVest Fund II,
Inc., MuniVest Florida Fund, MuniVest Michigan Insured Fund, Inc., MuniVest New
Jersey Fund, Inc., MuniVest Pennsylvania Insured Fund, MuniYield Arizona Fund,
Inc., MuniYield California Fund, Inc., MuniYield California Insured Fund, Inc.,
MuniYield California Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniYield Florida Fund, MuniYield
Florida Insured Fund, MuniYield Fund, Inc., MuniYield Insured Fund, Inc.,
MuniYield Michigan Fund, Inc., MuniYield Michigan Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield
New Jersey Fund, Inc., MuniYield New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield New
York Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield New York Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniYield
Pennsylvania Fund, MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc., MuniYield Quality Fund II,
Inc., Senior High Income Portfolio, Inc. and Worldwide DollarVest Fund, Inc.
C-3
<PAGE> 77
The address of each of these registered investment companies is P.O. Box
9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011, except that the address of Merrill Lynch
Funds for Institutions Series and Merrill Lynch Intermediate Government Bond
Fund is One Financial Center, 23rd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2665. The
address of FAM, MLAM, Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton Services") and
Princeton Administrators, L.P. ("Princeton Administrators") is also P.O. Box
9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011. The address of Princeton Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("PFD") and of Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor ("MLFD") is
P.O. Box 9081, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081. The address of Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") and Merrill Lynch & Co.,
Inc. ("ML & Co.") is World Financial Center, North Tower, 250 Vesey Street, New
York, New York 10281-1201. The address of the Fund's transfer agent, Financial
Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), is 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Jacksonville, Florida
32246-6484.
Set forth below is a list of each executive officer and partner of the
Investment Adviser indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment
of a substantial nature in which each such person or entity has been engaged
since July 1, 1996 for his, her or its own account or in the capacity of
director, officer, partner or trustee. In addition, Mr. Zeikel is President, Mr.
Richard is Treasurer and Mr. Glenn is Executive Vice President of substantially
all of the investment companies described in the first two paragraphs of this
Item 26, and Messrs. Giordano, Harvey, Kirstein and Monagle are directors,
trustees or officers of one or more of such companies.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,
NAME THE MANAGER PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
---- ------------------------ ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ML & Co.......................... Limited Partner Financial Services Holding
Company; Limited Partner of FAM
Princeton Services............... General Partner General Partner of FAM
Arthur Zeikel.................... Chairman Chairman of FAM; President of FAM
and MLAM from 1977 to 1997;
Chairman and Director of Princeton
Services; President of Princeton
Services from 1993 to 1997;
Executive Vice President of ML &
Co.
Jeffrey M. Peek.................. President President of FAM; President and
Director of Princeton Services;
Executive Vice President of ML &
Co.; Managing Director and Co-Head
of the Investment Banking Division
of Merrill Lynch (in 1997); Senior
Vice President and Director of the
Global Securities and Economics
Division of Merrill Lynch (from
1995 to 1997).
Terry K. Glenn................... Executive Vice President Executive Vice President of FAM;
Executive Vice President and
Director of Princeton Services;
President and Director of PFD;
Director of FDS; President of
Princeton Administrators
Linda L. Federici................ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Vincent R. Giordano.............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
</TABLE>
C-4
<PAGE> 78
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) WITH OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,
NAME THE MANAGER PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
---- ------------------------ ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Elizabeth A. Griffin............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Norman R. Harvey................. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Michael J. Hennewinkel........... Senior Vice President, Senior Vice President, Secretary
Secretary and General and General Counsel of FAM; Senior
Counsel Vice President of Princeton
Services
Philip L. Kirstein............... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President, Director
and Secretary of Princeton
Services
Ronald M. Kloss.................. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Debra Landsman-Yaros............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services; Vice President of PFD
Stephen M. M. Miller............. Senior Vice President Executive Vice President of
Princeton Administrators; Senior
Vice President of Princeton
Services
Joseph T. Monagle, Jr. .......... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Michael L. Quinn................. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services; Managing Director and
First Vice President of Merrill
Lynch from 1989 to 1995
Richard L. Reller................ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services; Director of PFD
Gerald M. Richard................ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President and
and Treasurer Treasurer of FAM; Senior Vice
President and Treasurer of
Princeton Services; Vice President
and Treasurer of PFD
Gregory D. Upah.................. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
Ronald L. Welburn................ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of FAM;
Senior Vice President of Princeton
Services
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited ("MLAM U.K.") acts as
sub-adviser for the following registered investment companies: The Corporate
Fund Accumulation Program, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc., Corporate High
Yield Fund II, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund III, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund,
Inc., Debt Strategies Fund II, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund III, Inc., Income
Opportunities Fund 1999, Inc., Income Opportunities Fund 2000, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Americas Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Asset Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Capital Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Consults International Portfolio, Merrill Lynch Convertible Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Corporate Bond Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Corporate High Yield
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Developing Capital Markets, Inc., Merrill Lynch
C-5
<PAGE> 79
Dragon Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Emerging Tigers Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
EuroFund, Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Fund For
Tomorrow, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Allocation Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global
Bond Fund for Investment and Retirement, Merrill Lynch Global Growth Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Global Holdings, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Resources Trust,
Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Technology Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Utility Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Value Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Growth Fund, Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch International Equity Fund, Merrill Lynch Latin America Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Middle East/Africa Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Pacific Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Phoenix Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Real Estate Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Series Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Short-Term Global Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Strategic Dividend Fund, Merrill Lynch Technology Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Utility Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds,
Inc., Merrill Lynch World Income Fund, Inc., The Municipal Fund Accumulation
Program, Inc. and Worldwide DollarVest Fund, Inc. The address of each of these
registered investment companies is P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey
08543-9011. The address of MLAM U.K. is Milton Gate, 1 Moor Lane, London EC2Y
9HA, England.
Set forth below is a list of each executive officer and director of MLAM
U.K. indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a
substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged since July 1,
1996, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer,
partner or trustee. In addition, Messrs. Zeikel, Albert and Richard are officers
of one or more of the registered investment companies listed in the first two
paragraphs of this Item 26:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OTHER SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS,
NAME POSITIONS WITH MLAM U.K. PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
---- --------------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Arthur Zeikel.................. Director and Chairman Chairman of FAM and MLAM;
President of FAM and MLAM from
1977 to 1997; Chairman and
Director of Princeton Services;
President of Princeton Services
from 1993 to 1997; Executive Vice
President of ML & Co.
Alan J. Albert................. Senior Managing Director Vice President of MLAM
Nicholas C.D. Hall............. Director Director of Merrill Lynch Europe
PLC; General Counsel of Merrill
Lynch International Private
Banking Group
Gerald M. Richard.............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President and
Treasurer of MLAM and FAM; Senior
Vice President and Treasurer of
Princeton Services; Vice President
and Treasurer of PFD
Carol Ann Langham.............. Company Secretary None
Debra Anne Searle.............. Assistant Company Secretary None
</TABLE>
ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
(a) MLFD, a division of PFD, acts as the principal underwriter for the
Registrant and for each of the open-end registered investment companies referred
to in the first two paragraphs of Item 26 except CBA Money Fund, CMA Government
Securities Fund, CMA Money Fund, CMA Multi-State Municipal Series Trust, CMA
Tax-Exempt Fund, CMA Treasury Fund, The Corporate Fund Accumulation Program,
Inc. and The Municipal Fund Accumulation Program, Inc.; MLFD also acts as the
principal underwriter for the following closed-end registered investment
companies: Merrill Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.
A separate division of PFD acts as the principal underwriter of a number of
other investment companies.
C-6
<PAGE> 80
(b) Set forth below is information concerning each director and officer of
PFD. The principal business address of each such person is P.O. Box 9081,
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081, except that the address of Messrs. Breen,
Crook, Fatseas and Wasel is One Financial Center, 23rd Floor, Boston,
Massachusetts 02111-2665.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) AND OFFICE(S) POSITION(S) AND OFFICE(S)
NAME WITH PFD WITH REGISTRANT
---- ---------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Terry K. Glenn........................... President and Director Executive Vice President
Richard L. Reller........................ Director None
Thomas J. Verage......................... Director None
Robert W. Crook.......................... Senior Vice President None
Michael J. Brady......................... Vice President None
William M. Breen......................... Vice President None
Michael G. Clark......................... Vice President None
James T. Fatseas......................... Vice President None
Debra W. Landsman-Yaros.................. Vice President None
Michelle T. Lau.......................... Vice President None
Gerald M. Richard........................ Vice President and Treasurer Treasurer
Salvatore Venezia........................ Vice President None
William Wasel............................ Vice President None
Robert Harris............................ Secretary None
</TABLE>
(c) Not applicable.
ITEM 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder are maintained at the
offices of the Registrant (800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey
08536), and its transfer agent, Financial Data Services, Inc. (4800 Deer Lake
Drive East, Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484).
ITEM 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Other than as set forth under the caption "Management of the Fund -- Fund
Asset Management" in the Prospectus constituting Part A of the Registration
Statement and under "Management of the Fund -- Management and Advisory
Arrangements" in the Statement of Additional Information constituting Part B of
the Registration Statement, the Registrant is not a party to any
management-related service contract.
ITEM 30. UNDERTAKINGS.
Not applicable.
C-7
<PAGE> 81
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this
Post-Effective Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Township of
Plainsboro, and the State of New Jersey, on the 30th day of October, 1998.
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND,
INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ ARTHUR ZEIKEL
---------------------------------------
(Arthur Zeikel, President and Director)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date(s) indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ ARTHUR ZEIKEL President and Director October 30, 1998
- ----------------------------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
(Arthur Zeikel)
GERALD M. RICHARD* Treasurer (Principal Financial
- ----------------------------------------------- and Accounting Officer)
(Gerald M. Richard)
JOE GRILLS* Director
- -----------------------------------------------
(Joe Grills)
WALTER MINTZ* Director
- -----------------------------------------------
(Walter Mintz)
ROBERT S. SALOMON, JR.* Director
- -----------------------------------------------
(Robert S. Salomon, Jr.)
MELVIN R. SEIDEN* Director
- -----------------------------------------------
(Melvin R. Seiden)
STEPHEN B. SWENSRUD* Director
- -----------------------------------------------
(Stephen B. Swensrud)
*By: /s/ ARTHUR ZEIKEL October 30, 1998
------------------------------------------
(Arthur Zeikel, Attorney-in-Fact)
</TABLE>
C-8
<PAGE> 82
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
<C> <S> <C>
4(a) Management Agreement, as amended, between the Registrant and
MLAM.
10 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors for the
Registrant.
14(a) Financial Data Schedule for Class A Shares.
(b) Financial Data Schedule for Class B Shares.
(c) Financial Data Schedule for Class C Shares.
(d) Financial Data Schedule for Class D Shares.
</TABLE>
C-9
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 4(a)
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this 18th day of August, 1992, as amended the 14th day
of October, 1998, by and between MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC., a
Maryland corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Fund"), and MERRILL LYNCH
ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (hereinafter referred to
as the "Manager").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Fund is engaged in business as an open-end investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(hereinafter referred to as the "Investment Company Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Manager is engaged principally in rendering management and
investment advisory services and is registered as an investment adviser under
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; and
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain the Manager to render management
and investment advisory services to the Fund in the manner and on the terms
hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, the Manager is willing to provide management and investment
advisory services to the Fund on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the covenants
hereinafter contained, the Fund and the Manager hereby agree as follows:
<PAGE> 2
ARTICLE I
Duties of the Manager
The Fund hereby employs the Manager to act as an investment manager and
investment adviser of the Fund and to furnish or arrange for affiliates to
furnish, the management and investment advisory services described below,
subject to policies of, review by and overall control of the Board of Directors
of the Fund (the "Directors"), for the period and on the terms and conditions
set forth in this Agreement. The Manager hereby accepts such employment and
agrees during such period, at its own expense, to render, or arrange for the
rendering of, such services and to assume the obligations herein set forth for
the compensation provided for herein. The Manager and its affiliates shall for
all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, unless
otherwise expressly provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or
represent the Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Fund.
(a) Management Services. The Manager shall perform (or arrange for the
performance by affiliates of) the management and administrative services
necessary for the operation of the Fund including administering shareholder
accounts and handling shareholder relations. The Manager shall provide the Fund
with office space, equipment and facilities and such other services as the
Manager, subject to review by the Directors, shall from time to time determine
to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under this Agreement. The
Manager shall also, on behalf of the Fund, conduct relations with custodians,
depositories, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, other shareholder
service agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers,
corporate fiduciaries, insurers, banks and such other persons in any such other
capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable. The Manager shall generally
monitor the Fund's compliance with investment policies and restrictions as set
forth in the currently effective
2
<PAGE> 3
prospectus and statement of additional information relating to the shares of the
Fund under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Prospectus" and
"Statement of Additional Information", respectively). The Manager shall make
reports to the Directors of its performance of obligations hereunder and furnish
advice and recommendations with respect to such other aspects of the business
and affairs of the Fund as it shall determine to be desirable.
(b) Investment Advisory Services. The Manager shall provide (or arrange
for affiliates to provide) the Fund with such investment research, advice and
supervision as the latter may from time to time consider necessary for the
proper supervision of the assets of the Fund, shall furnish continuously an
investment program for the Fund and shall determine from time to time which
securities shall be purchased, sold or exchanged and what portion of the assets
of the Fund shall be held in the various securities in which the Fund invests,
options, futures, options on futures or cash, subject always to the restrictions
set forth in the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Fund, as amended
front time to time, the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the
statements relating to the Fund's investment objectives, investment policies and
investment restrictions as the same are set forth in the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information. The Manager shall also make decisions for
the Fund as to the manner in which voting rights, rights to consent to corporate
action and any other rights pertaining to the Fund's portfolio securities shall
be exercised. Should the Directors at any time, however, make any definite
determination as to investment policy and notify the Manager thereof in writing,
the Manager shall be bound by such determination for the period, if any,
specified in such notice or until similarly notified that such determination has
been revoked. The Manager shall take, on behalf of the Fund, all actions which
it deems necessary to implement the investment policies determined as provided
above, and in particular to place all orders for the purchase or sale of
3
<PAGE> 4
portfolio securities for the Fund's account with brokers or dealers selected by
it, and to that end, the Manager is authorized as the agent of the Fund to give
instructions to the Custodian of the Fund as to deliveries of securities and
payments of cash for the account of the Fund. In connection with the selection
of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders with respect to assets
of the Fund, the Manager is directed at all times to seek to obtain execution
and price within the policy guidelines determined by the Directors as set forth
in the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. Subject to this
requirement and the provisions of the Investment Company Act, the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other applicable provisions of law, the
Manager may select brokers or dealers with which it or the Fund is affiliated.
(c) Notice Upon Change in Partners of Manager. The Manager is a limited
partnership and its limited partner is Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and its general
partner is Princeton Services, Inc. The Manager will notify the Fund of any
change in the membership of the partnership within a reasonable time after such
change.
ARTICLE II
Allocation of Charges and Expenses
(a) The Manager. The Manager assumes and shall pay for maintaining the
staff and personnel necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement,
and shall at its own expense, provide the office space, equipment and facilities
which it is obligated to provide under Article I hereof, and shall pay all
compensation of officers of the Fund and all Directors who are affiliated
persons of the Manager.
(b) The Fund. The Fund assumes and shall pay or cause to be paid all
other expenses of the Fund (except for the expenses paid by the Distributor),
including, without limitation:
4
<PAGE> 5
redemption expenses, expenses of portfolio transactions, expenses of registering
shares under federal and state securities laws, pricing costs (including the
daily calculation of net asset value), expenses of printing shareholder reports,
stock certificates, prospectuses and statements of additional information,
Securities and Exchange Commission fees, interest, taxes, custodian and transfer
agency fees, fees and actual out-of-pocket expenses of Directors who are not
affiliated persons of the Manager, fees for legal and auditing services,
litigation expenses, costs of printing proxies and other expenses related to
shareholder meetings, and other expenses properly payable by the Fund. It is
also understood that the Fund will reimburse the Manager for its costs in
providing accounting services to the Fund. The Distributor will pay certain of
the expenses of the Fund incurred in connection with the continuous offering of
Fund shares.
ARTICLE III
Compensation of the Manager
(a) Investment Management Fee. For the services rendered, the
facilities furnished and expenses assumed by the Manager, the Fund shall pay to
the Manager at the end of each calendar month a fee based upon the average daily
value of the net assets of the Fund, as determined and computed in accordance
with the description of the determination of net asset value contained in the
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, at the annual rate of 0.65%
of the average daily net assets of the Fund not exceeding $1 billion, 0.625% of
net assets in excess of $1 billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion and 0.60% of
net assets in excess of $1.5 billion, commencing on the day of the amendment
hereof. If this Agreement becomes effective subsequent to the first day of a
month or shall terminate before the last day of a month, compensation for that
part of the month this Agreement is in effect shall be prorated in a manner
consistent with the calculation of the fee as set forth above. Subject to the
provisions of
5
<PAGE> 6
subsection (b) hereof, payment of the Manager's compensation for the preceding
month shall be made as promptly as possible after completion of the computations
contemplated by subsection (b) hereof. During any period when the determination
of net asset value is suspended by the Directors, the net asset value of a share
as of the last business day prior to such suspension shall for this purpose be
deemed to be the net asset value at the close of each succeeding business day
until it is again determined.
(b) Expense Limitations. In the event the operating expenses of the
Fund, including amounts payable to the Manager pursuant to subsection (a)
hereof, for any fiscal year ending on a date on which this Agreement is in
effect exceed the expense limitations applicable to the Fund imposed by
applicable state securities laws or regulations thereunder, as such limitations
may be raised or lowered from time to time, the Manager shall reduce its
management fee by the extent of such excess and, if required pursuant to any
such laws or regulations, will reimburse the Fund in the amount of such excess;
provided, however, to the extent permitted by law, there shall be excluded from
such expenses the amount of any interest, taxes, brokerage commissions,
distribution fees and extraordinary expenses (including but not limited to legal
claims and liabilities and litigation costs and any indemnification related
thereto) paid or payable by the Fund. Whenever the expenses of the Fund exceed a
pro rata portion of the applicable annual expense limitations, the estimated
amount of reimbursement under such limitations shall be applicable as an offset
against the monthly payment of the management fee due to the Manager. Should two
or more such expense limitations be applicable as at the end of the last
business day of the month, that expense limitation which results in the largest
reduction in the Manager's fee shall be applicable.
6
<PAGE> 7
ARTICLE IV
Limitation of Liability of the Manager
The Manager shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of
law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in
the management of the Fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard
of its obligations and duties hereunder. As used in this Article IV, the term
"Manager" shall include any affiliates of the manager performing services for
the Fund contemplated hereby and directors, officers and employees of the
Manager and such affiliates.
ARTICLE V
Activities of the Manager
The services of the Manager to the Fund are not to be deemed to be
exclusive, and the Manager and any person controlled by or under common control
with the Manager (for purposes of Article V referred to as "affiliates") is free
to render services to others. It is understood that Directors, officers,
employees and shareholders of the Fund are or may become interested in the
Manager and its affiliates, as directors, officers, employees and shareholders
or otherwise and that directors, officers, employees and shareholders of the
Manager and its affiliates are or may become similarly interested in the Fund,
and that the Manager and directors, officers, employees, partners and
shareholders of its affiliates may become interested in the Fund as shareholder
or otherwise.
7
<PAGE> 8
ARTICLE VI
Duration and Termination of this Contract
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of the
commencement of operations of the Fund and shall remain in force until July 31,
1994 and thereafter, but only so long as such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by (i) the Directors, or by the vote of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and (ii) a majority of those
Directors who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any
such party cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of
any penalty, by the Directors or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, or by the Manager, on sixty days' written notice to the
other party. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment.
ARTICLE VII
Amendments of this Agreement
This Agreement may be amended by the parties only if such amendment is
specifically approved by (i) the vote of a majority of outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, and (ii) a majority of those Directors who are not
parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
ARTICLE VIII
Definitions of Certain Terms
The terms "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities",
"assignment", "affiliated person" and "interested person", when used in this
Agreement, shall have the respective meanings specified in the Investment
Company Act and the Rules and Regulations
8
<PAGE> 9
thereunder, subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act.
ARTICLE IX
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with laws of the State
of New York and the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act. To the
extent that the applicable laws of the State of New York, or any of the
provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the Investment
Company Act, the latter shall control.
9
<PAGE> 10
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL
GROWTH FUND, INC.
By /s/ ARTHUR ZEIKEL
-----------------------------------
Name: Arthur Zeikel
Title: President and Director
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
By /s/ TERRY K. GLENN
-----------------------------------
Name: Terry K. Glenn
Title: Executive Vice President
10
<PAGE> 1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Financial
Highlights" and "General Information -- Independent Auditors" in this
Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933 (File No.
33-47875) and under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (File No. 811-6669) of
Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc. and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated October 5, 1998, with respect to the
financial statements of Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
October 23, 1998
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000887509
<NAME> MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 001
<NAME> CLASS A
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1159408189
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1101476148
<RECEIVABLES> 9046052
<ASSETS-OTHER> 105373
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1110627573
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 3363070
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 9892170
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 13255240
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1105635462
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 10322643
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 3571596
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 49668912
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (57932041)
<NET-ASSETS> 167132452
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 5254362
<INTEREST-INCOME> 3846805
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (11957296)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (2856129)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 53073187
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (107454701)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (57237643)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (8425794)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 10150522
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (3891720)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 492245
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 690854044
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 62289905
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 4761601
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 11957296
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 104696168
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 17.37
<PER-SHARE-NII> .07
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 1.09
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (2.34)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 16.19
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .87
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000887509
<NAME> MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 002
<NAME> CLASS B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1159408189
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1101476148
<RECEIVABLES> 9046052
<ASSETS-OTHER> 105373
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1110627573
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 3363070
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 9892170
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 13255240
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1105635462
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 41705055
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 12983781
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 49668912
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (57932041)
<NET-ASSETS> 641688226
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 5254362
<INTEREST-INCOME> 3846805
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (11957296)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (2856129)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 53073187
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (107454701)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (57237643)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (34969855)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 33050643
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (6371410)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 2042041
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 690854044
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 62289905
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 4761601
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 11957296
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 417015778
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 16.69
<PER-SHARE-NII> (.11)
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 1.05
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (2.24)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 15.39
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.88
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000887509
<NAME> MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 003
<NAME> CLASS C
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1159408189
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1101476148
<RECEIVABLES> 9046052
<ASSETS-OTHER> 105373
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1110627573
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 3363070
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 9892170
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 13255240
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1105635462
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 8453814
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4469488
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 49668912
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (57932041)
<NET-ASSETS> 130652405
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 5254362
<INTEREST-INCOME> 3846805
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (11957296)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (2856129)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 53073187
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (107454701)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (57237643)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (10532443)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 5075475
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1683540)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 592391
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 690854044
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 62289905
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 4761601
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 11957296
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 106416441
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 16.72
<PER-SHARE-NII> (.11)
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 1.05
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (2.21)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 15.45
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.89
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000887509
<NAME> MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 004
<NAME> CLASS D
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 1159408189
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 1101476148
<RECEIVABLES> 9046052
<ASSETS-OTHER> 105373
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1110627573
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 3363070
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 9892170
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 13255240
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1105635462
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 9834050
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 3074187
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 49668912
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (57932041)
<NET-ASSETS> 157899250
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 5254362
<INTEREST-INCOME> 3846805
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (11957296)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (2856129)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 53073187
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (107454701)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (57237643)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (8909959)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 8134083
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1860036)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 485816
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 690854044
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 62289905
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 4761601
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 11957296
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 100433487
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 17.27
<PER-SHARE-NII> .02
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 1.09
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (2.32)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 16.06
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.11
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
