<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
OCTOBER 28, 1997
MERRILL LYNCH CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
MERRILL LYNCH MULTI-STATE MUNICIPAL SERIES TRUST
P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011 . PHONE NO. (609) 282-2800
Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is a mutual fund
that seeks to provide shareholders with as high a level of income exempt from
Federal income tax and the Connecticut personal income tax as is consistent
with prudent investment management. The Fund invests primarily in a portfolio
of long-term, investment grade obligations issued by or on behalf of the State
of Connecticut, its political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities and
obligations of other qualifying issuers, such as issuers located in Puerto
Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam, which pay interest exempt from Federal
income tax and the Connecticut personal income tax ("Connecticut Municipal
Bonds"). The Fund may invest in certain tax-exempt securities classified as
"private activity bonds" that may subject certain investors in the Fund to an
alternative minimum tax. At times, the Fund may seek to hedge its portfolio
through the use of futures transactions and options. There can be no assurance
that the investment objective of the Fund will be realized. For more
information on the Fund's investment objective and policies, please see
"Investment Objective and Policies" on page 10.
----------------
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM 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
"Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System" on page 4.
Shares may be purchased directly from Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), P.O. Box 9081, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081 [(609)
282-2800], and other securities dealers which have entered into selected
dealer agreements with the Distributor, including Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"). The minimum initial purchase is
$1,000 and the minimum subsequent purchase is $50 except that for participants
in certain fee-based programs the minimum initial purchase is $500 and the
minimum subsequent purchase is $50. Merrill Lynch may charge its customers a
processing fee (presently $5.35) for confirming purchases and repurchases.
Purchases and redemptions made directly through Merrill Lynch Financial Data
Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent") are not subject to the processing fee.
See "Purchase of Shares" and "Redemption of Shares."
----------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE AC-
CURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
----------------
This Prospectus is a concise statement of information about the Fund that is
relevant to making an investment in the Fund. This Prospectus should be
retained for future reference. A statement containing additional information
about the Fund, dated October 28, 1997 (the "Statement of Additional
Information"), has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") and is available, without charge, by calling or by writing
Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (the "Trust") at the above
telephone number or address. The Commission maintains a Web site
(http:/www.sec.gov) that contains the Statement of Additional Information,
material incorporated by reference and other information regarding the Fund.
The Statement of Additional Information is hereby incorporated by reference
into this Prospectus. The Fund is a separate series of the Trust, an open-end
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust.
----------------
FUND ASSET MANAGEMENT -- MANAGER
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. -- DISTRIBUTOR
<PAGE>
FEE TABLE
A general comparison of the sales arrangements and other nonrecurring and
recurring expenses applicable to shares of the Fund follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A(A) CLASS B(B) CLASS C CLASS D
---------- ---------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER
TRANSACTION
EXPENSES:
Maximum Sales
Charge
Imposed on
Purchases (as
a percentage
of offering
price)....... 4.00%(c) None None 4.00%(c)
Sales Charge
Imposed on
Dividend
Reinvestments. None None None None
Deferred Sales
Charge (as a
percentage of
original
purchase
price or
redemption
proceeds,
whichever is 4.0% during the first
lower)....... None(d) year, 1.0% for one year(f) None(d)
decreasing 1.0% annually
thereafter to 0.0% after
the fourth year(e)
Exchange Fee.. None None None None
ANNUAL FUND OP-
ERATING EX-
PENSES (AS A
PERCENTAGE OF
AVERAGE NET
ASSETS):
Management
Fees(g)...... 0.55% 0.55% 0.55% 0.55%
Rule 12b-1
Fees(h):
Account Main-
tenance Fees. None 0.25% 0.25% 0.10%
Distribution
Fees......... None 0.25% 0.35% None
(Class B shares convert
to
Class D shares
automatically
after approximately ten
years
and cease being subject
to distribution fees and
are
subject to lower account
maintenance fees)
OTHER EX-
PENSES:
Shareholder
Servicing
Costs(i)..... 0.03% 0.04% 0.04% 0.03%
Miscellaneous. 0.34% 0.34% 0.34% 0.35%
----- ----- ----- -----
Total Other 0.37% 0.38% 0.38% 0.38%
Expenses.... ----- ----- ----- -----
Total Fund Op-
erating Ex- 0.92% 1.43% 1.53% 1.03%
penses+...... ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Class A shares are sold to a limited group of investors including existing
Class A shareholders and certain participants in fee-based programs. See
"Purchase of Shares--Initial Sales Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class
D Shares"--page 24 and "Shareholder Services--Fee-Based Programs"--page
35.
(b) Class B shares convert to Class D shares automatically approximately ten
years after initial purchase. See "Purchase of Shares--Deferred Sales
Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares"--page 26.
(c) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over, and waived for purchases of
Class A shares by participants in connection with certain fee-based
programs. Class A and Class D purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be
subject to an initial sales charge. See "Purchase of Shares--Initial Sales
Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares"--page 24.
(d) Class A and Class D shares are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSC"), except that certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that
are not subject to an initial sales charge may instead be subject to a
CDSC of 1.0% of amounts redeemed within the first year after purchase.
Such CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs. See
"Shareholder Services--Fee-Based Programs"--page 35.
(Footnotes continued on next page)
2
<PAGE>
(footnotes continued from previous page)
(e) The CDSC may be modified in connection with redemptions to fund
participation in certain fee-based programs. See "Shareholder Services--
Fee-Based Programs"--page 35.
(f) The CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs. See
"Shareholder Services--Fee-Based Programs"--page 35.
(g) See "Management of the Trust--Management and Advisory Arrangements"--page
20.
(h) See "Purchase of Shares--Distribution Plans"--page 28.
(i) See "Management of the Trust--Transfer Agency Services"--page 21.
+ For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM"
or the "Manager") voluntarily waived $188,926 of the management fees due
from the Fund. Total Fund Operating Expenses in the fee table have been
restated to assume the absence of any such waiver or reimbursement because
the Manager may discontinue or reduce such waiver of fees and/or assumption
of expenses at any time without notice. For the fiscal year ended July 31,
1997, the Manager waived management fees and reimbursed expenses totaling
0.40% for Class A shares, 0.41% for Class B shares, 0.41% for Class C
shares and 0.41% for Class D shares, after which the Fund's total expense
ratio was 0.52% for Class A shares, 1.02% for Class B shares, 1.12% for
Class C shares and 0.62% for Class D shares.
EXAMPLE:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CUMULATIVE EXPENSES PAID
FOR THE PERIOD OF:
-------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
------ ------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
An investor would pay the following expenses
on a $1,000 investment including the maximum
$40 initial sales charge (Class A and Class D
shares only) and assuming (1) the Total Fund
Operating Expenses for each class set forth
on page 2, (2) a 5% annual return throughout
the periods and (3) redemption at the end of
the period (including any applicable CDSC for
Class B and Class C shares):
Class A..................................... $49 $68 $89 $149
Class B..................................... $55 $65 $78 $171
Class C..................................... $26 $48 $83 $182
Class D..................................... $50 $71 $95 $161
An investor would pay the following expenses
on the same $1,000 investment assuming no
redemption at the end of the period:
Class A..................................... $49 $68 $89 $149
Class B..................................... $15 $45 $78 $171
Class C..................................... $16 $48 $83 $182
Class D..................................... $50 $71 $95 $161
</TABLE>
The foregoing Fee Table is intended to assist investors in understanding the
costs and expenses that a shareholder in the Fund will bear directly or
indirectly. The Example set forth above assumes reinvestment of all dividends
and distributions and utilizes a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by
Commission regulations. THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION
OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN, AND ACTUAL EXPENSES OR
ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE ASSUMED FOR PURPOSES OF
THE EXAMPLE. Class B and Class C shareholders who hold their shares for an
extended period of time may pay more in Rule 12b-1 distribution fees than the
economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charge permitted under the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the
"NASD"). Merrill Lynch may charge its customers a processing fee (presently
$5.35) for confirming purchases and repurchases. Purchases and redemptions
made directly through the Fund's Transfer Agent are not subject to the
processing fee. See "Purchase of Shares" and "Redemption of Shares."
3
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH SELECT PRICINGSM SYSTEM
The Fund offers four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
PricingSM System. The shares of each class may be purchased at a price equal
to the next determined net asset value per share subject to the sales charges
and ongoing fee arrangements described below. Shares of Class A and Class D
are sold to investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives, and
shares of Class B and Class C are sold to investors choosing the deferred
sales charge alternatives. The Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System is used
by more than 50 registered investment companies advised by Merrill Lynch Asset
Management, L.P. ("MLAM") or Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM" or the
"Manager"), an affiliate of MLAM. Funds advised by MLAM or FAM that use the
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System are referred to herein as "MLAM-advised
mutual funds."
Each Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D share of the Fund represents an
identical interest in the investment portfolio of the Fund and has the same
rights, except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear the expenses of
the ongoing account maintenance fees and Class B and Class C shares bear the
expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and the additional incremental
transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements.
The CDSCs, distribution 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 will not affect the net
asset value of any other class or have any impact on investors choosing
another sales charge option. Dividends paid by the Fund for each class of
shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same time and will differ
only to the extent that account maintenance and distribution fees and any
incremental transfer agency costs relating to a particular class are borne
exclusively by that class. Each class has different exchange privileges. See
"Shareholder Services--Exchange Privilege."
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the initial
sales charges with respect to the Class A and Class D shares are the same as
those of the 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 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 following table sets forth a summary of the distribution arrangements
for each class of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System,
followed by a more detailed description of each class and a discussion of the
factors that investors should consider in determining the method of purchasing
shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System that the investor
believes is most beneficial under his particular circumstances. More detailed
information as to each class of shares is set forth under "Purchase of
Shares."
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCOUNT
MAINTENANCE DISTRIBUTION
CLASS SALES CHARGE(/1/) FEE FEE CONVERSION FEATURE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A Maximum 4.00% initial No No No
sales charge(/2/)(/3/)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B CDSC for a period of four years, 0.25% 0.25% B shares convert to
at a rate of 4.0% during the D shares automatically
first year, decreasing 1.0% after approximately
annually to 0.0%(/4/) ten years(/5/)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC for one year(/6/) 0.25% 0.35% No
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D Maximum 4.00% initial 0.10% No No
sales charge(/3/)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Initial sales charges are imposed at the time of purchase as a percentage
of the offering price. CDSCs are imposed if the redemption occurs within
the applicable CDSC time period. The charge will be assessed on an amount
equal to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the
shares being redeemed.
(2) Offered only to eligible investors. See "Purchase of Shares--Initial Sales
Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares--Eligible Class A
Investors."
(3) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more and waived for purchases of Class
A shares by participants in connection with certain fee-based programs.
Class A and Class D share purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be
subject to an initial sales charge but instead may be subject to a 1.0%
CDSC if redeemed within one year. Such CDSC may be waived in connection
with certain fee-based programs. See "Class A" and "Class D" below.
(4) The CDSC may be modified in connection with certain fee-based programs.
(5) The conversion period for dividend reinvestment shares and certain fee-
based programs was modified. Also, Class B shares of certain other MLAM-
advised mutual funds into which exchanges may be made have an eight year
conversion period. If Class B shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class B
shares of another MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period
applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and
the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the
holding period for the shares acquired.
(6) The CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs.
Class A: Class A shares incur an initial sales charge when they are purchased
and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance fees. Class A
shares are offered to a limited group of investors and also will be
issued upon reinvestment of dividends on outstanding Class A shares.
Investors that currently own Class A shares of the Fund in a
shareholder account are entitled to purchase additional Class A
shares of the Fund in that account. Other eligible investors include
participants in certain fee-based programs. In addition, Class A
shares will be offered at net asset value to Merrill Lynch & Co.,
Inc. ("ML & Co.") and its subsidiaries (the term "subsidiaries," when
used herein with respect to ML & Co., includes MLAM, the Manager and
certain other entities directly or indirectly wholly owned and
controlled by ML & Co.) and their directors and employees, and to
members of the Boards of MLAM-advised mutual funds. The maximum
initial sales charge of 4.00% is reduced for purchases of $25,000 and
over and waived for purchases of Class A shares by participants in
connection with certain fee-based programs. Purchases of $1,000,000
or more may not be subject to an initial sales charge, but if the
initial sales charge is waived, such purchases may be subject to a
1.0% CDSC if the shares are redeemed within one year after purchase.
Such CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based
programs. Sales charges also are reduced under a right of
accumulation that takes into account the investor's holdings of all
classes of all MLAM-advised mutual funds. See "Purchase of Shares--
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares."
5
<PAGE>
Class B: Class B shares do not incur a sales charge when they are purchased,
but they are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25%
and an ongoing distribution fee of 0.25% of the Fund's average net
assets attributable to Class B shares, and a CDSC if they are redeemed
within four years of purchase. Such CDSC may be modified in connection
with certain fee-based programs. Approximately ten years after
issuance, Class B shares will convert automatically into Class D
shares of the Fund, which are subject to a lower account maintenance
fee of 0.10% and no distribution fee; Class B shares of certain other
MLAM-advised mutual funds into which exchanges may be made convert
into Class D shares automatically after approximately eight years. If
Class B shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class B shares of another
MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period applicable to the
Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, as will the Class
D account maintenance fee of the acquired fund upon the conversion,
and the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto
the holding period for the shares acquired. Automatic conversion of
Class B shares into Class D shares will occur at least once each month
on the basis of the relative net asset values of the shares of the two
classes on the conversion date, without the imposition of any sales
load, fee or other charge. Conversion of Class B shares to Class D
shares will not be deemed a purchase or sale of the shares for Federal
income tax purposes. Shares purchased through reinvestment of
dividends on Class B shares also will convert automatically to Class D
shares. The conversion period for dividend reinvestment shares is
modified as described under "Purchase of Shares--Deferred Sales Charge
Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares--Conversion of Class B Shares
to Class D Shares."
Class C: Class C shares do not incur a sales charge when they are purchased,
but they are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25%
and an ongoing distribution fee of 0.35% of the Fund's average net
assets attributable to Class C shares. Class C shares are also subject
to a CDSC of 1.0% if they are redeemed within one year of purchase.
Such CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs.
Although Class C shares are subject to a CDSC for only one year (as
compared to four years for Class B), Class C shares have no conversion
feature and, accordingly, an investor that purchases Class C shares
will be subject to account maintenance fees and higher distribution
fees that will be imposed on Class C shares for an indefinite period
subject to annual approval by the Trust's Board of Trustees and
regulatory limitations.
Class D: Class D shares incur an initial sales charge when they are purchased
and are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.10% of the
Fund's average net assets attributable to Class D shares. Class D
shares are not subject to an ongoing distribution fee or any CDSC when
they are redeemed. The maximum initial sales charge of 4.00% is
reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over. Purchases of $1,000,000 or
more may not be subject to an initial sales charge, but if the initial
sales charge is waived such purchases may be subject to a CDSC of 1.0%
if the shares are redeemed within one year after purchase. Such CDSC
may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs. The
schedule of initial sales charges and reductions for Class D shares is
the same as the schedule for Class A shares, except that there is no
waiver for purchases of Class D shares in connection with certain fee-
based programs. Class D shares also will be issued upon conversion of
Class B shares as described above under "Class B." See "Purchase of
Shares--Initial Sales Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class D
Shares."
6
<PAGE>
The following is a discussion of the factors that investors should consider
in determining the method of purchasing shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing SM System that the investor believes is most beneficial under his or
her particular circumstances.
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives. Investors that 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 CDSCs 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 that previously
purchased Class A shares may no longer be eligible to purchase Class A shares
of other MLAM-advised mutual funds, those previously purchased Class A shares,
together with Class B, Class C and Class D share holdings, will count toward a
right of accumulation that may qualify the investor for reduced initial sales
charges on new initial sales charge purchases. In addition, the ongoing Class
B and Class C account maintenance and distribution fees will cause Class B and
Class C shares to have higher expense ratios, pay lower dividends and have
lower total returns than the initial sales charge shares. The ongoing Class D
account maintenance fees will cause Class D shares to have a higher expense
ratio, pay lower dividends and have a lower total return than Class A shares.
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives. Because no initial sales charges are
deducted at the time of purchase, Class B and Class C shares provide the
benefit of putting all of the investor's dollars to work from the time the
investment is made. The deferred sales charge alternatives may be particularly
appealing to investors who do not qualify for a reduction in initial sales
charges. Both Class B and Class C shares are subject to ongoing account
maintenance fees and distribution fees; however, the ongoing account
maintenance and distribution fees potentially may be offset to the extent any
return is realized on the additional funds initially invested in Class B or
Class C shares. In addition, Class B shares will be converted into Class D
shares of the Fund after a conversion period of approximately ten years, and
thereafter investors will be subject to lower ongoing fees.
Certain investors may elect to purchase Class B shares if they determine it
to be most advantageous to have all their funds invested initially and intend
to hold their shares for an extended period of time. Investors in Class B
shares should take into account whether they intend to redeem their shares
within the CDSC period and, if not, whether they intend to remain invested
until the end of the conversion period and thereby take advantage of the
reduction in ongoing fees resulting from the conversion into Class D shares.
Other investors, however, may elect to purchase Class C shares if they
determine that it is advantageous to have all their assets invested initially
and they are uncertain as to the length of time they intend to hold their
assets in MLAM-advised mutual funds. Although Class C shareholders are subject
to a shorter CDSC period at a lower rate, they are subject to higher
distribution fees and forgo the Class B conversion feature, making their
investment subject to account maintenance and distribution fees for an
indefinite period of time. In addition, while both Class B and Class C
distribution fees are subject to the limitations on asset-based sales charges
imposed by the NASD, the Class B distribution fees are further limited under a
voluntary waiver of asset-based sales charges. See "Purchase of Shares--
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges."
7
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial information in the table below has been audited in conjunction
with the annual audits of the financial statements of the Fund by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors. Financial statements for the year ended July
31, 1997 and the independent auditors' report thereon are included in the
Statement of Additional Information. The following per share data and ratios
have been derived from information provided in the Fund's audited financial
statements. Further information about the performance of the Fund is contained
in the Fund's most recent annual report to shareholders which may be obtained,
without charge, by calling or by writing the Trust at the telephone number or
address on the front cover of this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------
FOR THE FOR THE
PERIOD PERIOD
FOR THE YEAR JULY 1, FOR THE YEAR JULY 1,
ENDED JULY 31, 1994+ TO ENDED JULY 31, 1994+ TO
---------------------- JULY 31, ------------------------- JULY 31,
1997 1996 1995 1994 1997 1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------ -------- ------- ------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in
Net Asset Value:
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value,
beginning of period.... $10.29 $10.23 $10.22 $10.00 $ 10.29 $ 10.23 $ 10.22 $ 10.00
------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Investment income-net.. .56 .58 .60 .05 .51 .53 .55 .04
Realized and unrealized
gain on
investments--net...... .39 .06 .01 .22 .39 .06 .01 .22
------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment
operations............. .95 .64 .61 .27 .90 .59 .56 .26
------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and
distributions:
Investment income--net. (.56) (.58) (.60) (.05) (.51) (.53) (.55) (.04)
Realized gain on
investments--net...... -- -- -- ++ -- -- -- -- ++ --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and
distributions.......... (.56) (.58) (.60) (.05) (.51) (.53) (.55) (.04)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of
period................. $10.68 $10.29 $10.23 $10.22 $ 10.68 $ 10.29 $ 10.23 $ 10.22
====== ====== ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN:**
Based on net asset value
per share.............. 9.51% 6.37% 6.30% 2.68%# 8.96% 5.82% 5.77% 2.64%#
====== ====== ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET
ASSETS:
Expenses, net of
reimbursement.......... .52% .34% .07% -- % 1.02% .85% .58% .50%*
====== ====== ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
Expenses................ .92% .98% 1.19% 1.54%* 1.43% 1.49% 1.70% 2.04%*
====== ====== ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
Investment income--net.. 5.38% 5.58% 6.02% 5.48%* 4.87% 5.07% 5.51% 5.00%*
====== ====== ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands).. $8,380 $7,589 $7,979 $6,557 $35,563 $31,359 $30,265 $16,889
====== ====== ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio turnover...... 32.46% 57.58% 60.99% 3.07% 32.46% 57.58% 60.99% 3.07%
====== ====== ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
- --------
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Amount is less than $.01 per share.
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
# Aggregate total investment return.
8
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS--(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS C CLASS D
--------------------------- ---------------------------
FOR THE FOR THE
FOR THE YEAR PERIOD FOR THE YEAR PERIOD
ENDED OCTOBER 21, ENDED OCTOBER 21,
JULY 31, 1994+ TO JULY 31, 1994+ TO
-------------- JULY 31, -------------- JULY 31,
1997 1996 1995 1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ----------- ------ ------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in
Net Asset Value:
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value,
beginning of period.... $10.30 $10.24 $ 9.82 $10.29 $10.23 $ 9.82
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Investment income-net.. .50 .52 .42 .55 .57 .46
Realized and unrealized
gain on
investments--net...... .39 .06 .42 .39 .06 .41
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total from investment
operations............. .89 .58 .84 .94 .63 .87
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Less dividends and
distributions:
Investment income--net. (.50) (.52) (.42) (.55) (.57) (.46)
Realized gain on
investments--net...... -- -- -- ++ -- -- -- ++
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total dividends and
distributions.......... (.50) (.52) (.42) (.55) (.57) (.46)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net asset value, end of
period................. $10.69 $10.30 $10.24 $10.68 $10.29 $10.23
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN:**
Based on net asset value
per share.............. 8.84% 5.72% 8.79%# 9.40% 6.26% 9.10%#
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET
ASSETS:
Expenses, net of
reimbursement.......... 1.12% .95% .74%* .62% .44% .22%*
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Expenses................ 1.53% 1.58% 1.77%* 1.03% 1.07% 1.27%*
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Investment income--net.. 4.77% 4.96% 5.43%* 5.27% 5.46% 5.96%*
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands).. $2,016 $1,829 $ 820 $3,440 $2,657 $1,067
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Portfolio turnover...... 32.46% 57.58% 60.99% 32.46% 57.58% 60.99%
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
- --------
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Amount is less than $.01 per share.
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
# Aggregate total investment return.
9
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with as high
a level of income exempt from Federal income tax and the Connecticut personal
income tax as is consistent with prudent investment management. The Fund seeks
to achieve its objective while providing investors with the opportunity to
invest in a portfolio of securities consisting primarily of long-term
obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of Connecticut, its political
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities and obligations of other
qualifying issuers, such as issuers located in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands and Guam, which pay interest exempt, in the opinion of bond counsel to
the issuer, from Federal income tax and the Connecticut personal income tax.
Obligations bearing interest exempt from Federal income taxes are referred to
herein as "Municipal Bonds" and obligations the interest on which is exempt
from both Federal income tax and the Connecticut personal income tax are
referred to as "Connecticut Municipal Bonds." Unless otherwise indicated,
references to Municipal Bonds shall be deemed to include Connecticut Municipal
Bonds. The Fund at all times, except during temporary defensive periods, will
maintain at least 65% of its total assets invested in Connecticut Municipal
Bonds. The investment objective of the Fund as set forth in the first sentence
of this paragraph is a fundamental policy and may not be changed without
shareholder approval. At times, the Fund may seek to hedge its portfolio
through the use of futures transactions to reduce volatility in the net asset
value of Fund shares.
Municipal Bonds may include several types of bonds. The Fund may also invest
in variable rate demand obligations ("VRDOs"). The interest on Municipal Bonds
may bear a fixed rate or be payable at a variable or floating rate. At least
80% of the Municipal Bonds purchased by the Fund primarily will be what are
commonly referred to as "investment grade" securities, which are obligations
rated at the time of purchase within the four highest quality ratings as
determined by either Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") (currently
Aaa, Aa, A and Baa), Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("Standard & Poor's")
(currently AAA, AA, A and BBB) or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch")
(currently AAA, AA, A and BBB). If Municipal Bonds are unrated, such securities
will possess creditworthiness comparable, in the opinion of the Manager, to
obligations in which the Fund may invest. Municipal Bonds rated in the fourth
highest rating category, while considered "investment grade," have certain
speculative characteristics and are more likely to be downgraded to non-
investment grade than obligations rated in one of the top three rating
categories. See Appendix II--"Ratings of Municipal Bonds" in the Statement of
Additional Information for more information regarding ratings of debt
securities. An issue of rated Municipal Bonds may cease to be rated or its
rating may be reduced below "investment grade" subsequent to its purchase by
the Fund. If an obligation is downgraded below investment grade, the Manager
will consider factors such as price, credit risk, market conditions, financial
condition of the issuer and interest rates to determine whether to continue to
hold the obligation in the Fund's portfolio.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in Municipal Bonds that are
rated below Baa by Moody's or below BBB by Standard & Poor's or Fitch, or
which, in the Manager's judgment, possess similar credit characteristics. Such
securities, sometimes referred to as "high yield" or "junk" bonds, are
predominantly speculative with respect to the capacity to pay interest and
repay principal in accordance with the terms of the security and generally
involve a greater volatility of price than securities in higher rating
categories. The market prices of high-yielding, lower-rated securities may
fluctuate more than higher-rated securities and may decline significantly in
periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising
interest rates. In purchasing such securities, the Fund will rely on the
Manager's judgment, analysis and experience in evaluating the creditworthiness
of the issuer of such securities. The Manager will take into
10
<PAGE>
consideration, among other things, the issuer's financial resources, its
sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, its operating history, the
quality of its management and regulatory matters. See "Investment Objective and
Policies" in the Statement of Additional Information for a more detailed
discussion of the pertinent risk factors involved in investing in "high yield"
or "junk" bonds and Appendix II--"Ratings of Municipal Bonds" in the Statement
of Additional Information for additional information regarding ratings of debt
securities. The Fund does not intend to purchase debt securities that are in
default or which the Manager believes will be in default.
Certain Municipal Bonds may be entitled to the benefits of letters of credit
or similar credit enhancements issued by financial institutions. In such
instances, the Trustees and the Manager will take into account in assessing the
quality of such bonds not only the creditworthiness of the issuer of such bonds
but also the creditworthiness of the financial institution.
The Fund's investments may also include VRDOs and VRDOs in the form of
participation interests ("Participating VRDOs") in variable rate tax-exempt
obligations held by a financial institution. The VRDOs in which the Fund will
invest are tax-exempt obligations which contain a floating or variable interest
rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand on the part of the
holder thereof to receive payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued
interest on a short notice period not to exceed seven days. Participating VRDOs
provide the Fund with a specified undivided interest (up to 100%) of the
underlying obligation and the right to demand payment of the unpaid principal
balance plus accrued interest on the Participating VRDOs from the financial
institution on a specified number of days' notice, not to exceed seven days.
There is, however, the possibility that because of a default or insolvency, the
demand feature of VRDOs or Participating VRDOs may not be honored. The Fund has
been advised by its counsel that the Fund should be entitled to treat the
income received on Participating VRDOs as interest from tax-exempt obligations.
VRDOs that contain an unconditional right of demand to receive payment of the
unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest on a notice period exceeding
seven days may be deemed illiquid securities. A VRDO with a demand notice
period exceeding seven days will therefore be subject to the Fund's restriction
on illiquid investments unless, in the judgment of the Trustees, such VRDO is
liquid. The Trustees may adopt guidelines and delegate to the Manager the daily
function of determining and monitoring liquidity of such VRDOs. The Trustees,
however, will retain sufficient oversight and be ultimately responsible for
such determinations.
The Fund ordinarily does not intend to realize investment income not exempt
from Federal income tax and the Connecticut personal income tax. However, to
the extent that suitable Connecticut Municipal Bonds are not available for
investment by the Fund, the Fund may purchase Municipal Bonds issued by other
states, their agencies and instrumentalities, the interest income on which is
exempt, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, from Federal income
taxation but is not exempt from the Connecticut personal income tax. The Fund
also may invest in securities not issued by or on behalf of a state or
territory or by an agency or instrumentality thereof, if the Fund nevertheless
believes such securities to be exempt from Federal income taxation ("Non-
Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities"). Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities may
include securities issued by other investment companies that invest in
municipal bonds, to the extent such investments are permitted by the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Other Non-Municipal Tax-
Exempt Securities could include trust certificates or other instruments
evidencing interests in one or more long-term municipal securities.
11
<PAGE>
Under normal circumstances, except when acceptable securities are unavailable
as determined by the Manager, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
assets in Connecticut Municipal Bonds. For temporary defensive periods or to
provide liquidity, the Fund has the authority to invest as much as 35% of its
total assets in tax-exempt or taxable money market obligations with a maturity
of one year or less (such short-term obligations being referred to herein as
"Temporary Investments"), except that taxable Temporary Investments shall not
exceed 20% of the Fund's net assets. The Temporary Investments, VRDOs and
Participating VRDOs in which the Fund may invest also will be in the following
rating categories at the time of purchase: MIG-1/VMIG-1 through MIG-4/VMIG-4
for notes and VRDOs and Prime-1 through Prime-3 for commercial paper (as
determined by Moody's), SP-1 or SP-2 for notes and A-1 through A-3 for VRDOs
and commercial paper (as determined by Standard & Poor's), or F-1 through F-3
for notes, VRDOs and commercial paper (as determined by Fitch) or, if unrated,
of comparable quality in the opinion of the Manager. The Fund at all times will
have at least 80% of its net assets invested in securities the interest on
which is exempt from Federal taxation. However, interest received on certain
otherwise tax-exempt securities which are classified as "private activity
bonds" (in general, bonds that benefit non-governmental entities), may be
subject to a Federal alternative minimum tax. The percentage of the Fund's net
assets invested in "private activity bonds" will vary during the year. See
"Distributions and Taxes." In addition, the Fund reserves the right to invest
temporarily a greater portion of its assets in Temporary Investments for
defensive purposes, when, in the judgment of the Manager, market conditions
warrant. The Fund's hedging strategies, which are described in more detail
under "Financial Futures Transactions and Options," are not fundamental
policies and may be modified by the Trustees of the Trust without the approval
of the Fund's shareholders.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
Investment in shares of the Fund offers several benefits. The Fund offers
investors the opportunity to receive income exempt from Federal and Connecticut
income taxes by investing in a professionally managed portfolio consisting
primarily of long-term Connecticut Municipal Bonds. The Fund also provides
liquidity because of its redemption features and relieves the investor of the
burdensome administrative details involved in managing a portfolio of tax-
exempt securities. The benefits of investing in the Fund are at least partially
offset by the expenses involved in operating an investment company. Such
expenses primarily consist of the management fee and operational costs, and in
the case of certain classes of shares, the account maintenance and distribution
costs.
SPECIAL AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO MUNICIPAL BONDS
The risks and special considerations involved in investments in Municipal
Bonds vary with the types of instruments being acquired. Investments in Non-
Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities may present similar risks, depending on the
particular product. Certain instruments in which the Fund may invest may be
characterized as derivative instruments. See "Description of Municipal Bonds"
and "Financial Futures Transactions and Options."
Moreover, the Fund ordinarily will invest at least 65% of its total assets in
Connecticut Municipal Bonds, and therefore it is more susceptible to factors
adversely affecting issuers of Connecticut Municipal Bonds than is a municipal
bond mutual fund that is not concentrated in issuers of Connecticut Municipal
Bonds to this degree.
12
<PAGE>
Connecticut's economy relies in part on activities that may be adversely
affected by cyclical change, and recent declines in defense spending have had a
significant impact on unemployment levels. However, unemployment levels have
started to improve. Also favorably noted is Connecticut's personal wealth level
which, despite the poverty of certain of its largest cities, continues to rank
among the highest in the nation in terms of per capita income. However, the
State's rate of growth of personal income has lagged behind the nation's rate
for several years. The State has recorded General Fund surpluses in fiscal
years 1992 through 1997, but had accumulated a General Fund deficit totalling
$965.7 million through the end of fiscal year 1991. In 1991, such deficit was
funded by the issuance of General Obligation Economic Recovery Notes that were
to be payable no later than June 30, 1996, but certain of such notes have been
rescheduled to be paid over the four fiscal years ending June 30, 1999. The
State's general obligation bonds are rated AA- by Standard & Poor's, Aa3 by
Moody's and AA by Fitch.
The value of Municipal Bonds generally may be affected by uncertainties in
the municipal markets as a result of legislation or litigation changing the
taxation of Municipal Bonds or the rights of Municipal Bond holders in the
event of a bankruptcy. Municipal bankruptcies are rare, and certain provisions
of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code governing such bankruptcies are unclear. Further,
the application of state law to Municipal Bond issuers could produce varying
results among the states or among Municipal Bond issuers within a state. These
uncertainties could have a significant impact on the prices of the Connecticut
Municipal Bonds or Municipal Bonds in which the Fund invests.
The Manager does not believe that the current economic conditions in
Connecticut or other factors described above will have a significant adverse
effect on the Fund's ability to invest in high quality Connecticut Municipal
Bonds. Because the Fund's portfolio will be comprised primarily of investment
grade securities, the Fund is expected to be less subject to market and credit
risks than a fund that invests primarily in lower quality Connecticut Municipal
Bonds. See "Description of Municipal Bonds" in the Statement of Additional
Information and see also Appendix I--"Economic and Financial Conditions in
Connecticut" in the Statement of Additional Information.
DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL BONDS
Municipal Bonds include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various
public purposes, including construction and equipping of a wide range of public
facilities (including water, sewer, gas, electricity, solid waste, health care,
transportation, education and housing facilities), refunding of outstanding
obligations and obtaining funds for general operating expenses and loans to
other public institutions and facilities. In addition, certain types of bonds
are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to finance various privately
operated facilities, including certain facilities for the local furnishing of
electric energy or gas, sewage facilities, solid waste disposal facilities and
other specialized facilities. For purposes of this Prospectus, such obligations
are referred to as Municipal Bonds if the interest paid thereon is excluded
from gross income for purposes of Federal income taxation, and as Connecticut
Municipal Bonds if the interest thereon is exempt from Federal income tax and
Connecticut personal income tax, even though such bonds may be "private
activity bonds," as discussed below.
The two principal classifications of Municipal Bonds are "general obligation"
bonds and "revenue" bonds, which latter category includes industrial
development bonds ("IDBs") and, for bonds issued after August 15, 1986, private
activity bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of
its
13
<PAGE>
faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. The
taxing power of any governmental entity may be limited, however, by provisions
of its state constitution or laws, and an entity's creditworthiness will depend
on many factors, including potential erosion of the tax base due to population
declines, natural disasters, declines in the state's industrial base or
inability to attract new industries, economic limits on the ability to tax
without eroding the tax base, state legislative proposals or voter initiatives
to limit ad valorem real property and income taxes and the extent to which the
entity relies on Federal or state aid, access to capital markets or other
factors beyond the state's or entity's control. Accordingly, the capacity of
the issuer of a general obligation bond as to the timely payment of interest
and the repayment of principal when due is affected by the issuer's maintenance
of its tax base.
Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular
facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a
special excise tax or other specific revenue source such as payments from the
user of the facility being financed; accordingly, the timely payment of
interest and the repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of the
revenue or special obligation bond is a function of the economic viability of
such facility or such revenue source.
The Fund may purchase IDBs and private activity bonds. IDBs and private
activity bonds are, in most cases, tax-exempt securities issued by states,
municipalities or public authorities to provide funds, usually through a loan
or lease arrangement to a private entity for the purpose of financing
construction or improvement of a facility to be used by the private entity.
Such bonds are secured primarily by revenues derived from loan repayments or
lease payments due from the entity which may or may not be guaranteed by a
parent company or otherwise secured. IDBs and private activity bonds are
generally not secured by a pledge of the taxing power of the issuer of such
bonds. Therefore, an investor should be aware that repayment of such bonds
generally depends on the revenues of a private entity and be aware of the risks
that such an investment may entail. Continued ability of an entity to generate
sufficient revenues for the payment of principal and interest on such bonds
will be affected by many factors including the size of the entity, capital
structure, demand for its products or services, competition, general economic
conditions, governmental regulation and the entity's dependence on revenues for
the operation of the particular facility being financed. The Fund may also
invest in so-called "moral obligation" bonds, which are normally issued by
special purpose authorities. If an issuer of moral obligation bonds is unable
to meet its obligations, repayment of such bonds becomes a moral commitment,
but not a legal obligation, of the state or municipality in question.
The Fund may invest in Municipal Bonds (and Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt
Securities) the return on which is based on a particular index of value or
interest rates. For example, the Fund may invest in Municipal Bonds that pay
interest based on an index of Municipal Bond interest rates or based on the
value of gold or some other commodity. The principal amount payable upon
maturity of certain Municipal Bonds also may be based on the value of an index.
To the extent the Fund invests in these types of Municipal Bonds, the Fund's
return on such Municipal Bonds will be subject to risk with respect to the
value of the particular index. Interest and principal payable on the Municipal
Bonds may also be based on relative changes among particular indices. Also, the
Fund may invest in so-called "inverse floating obligations" or "residual
interest bonds" on which the interest rates typically decline as market rates
increase and increase as market rates decline. The Fund's return on such types
of Municipal Bonds (and Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities) will be subject to
risk with respect to the value of the particular index, which may include
reduced or eliminated interest payments and losses of invested principal. Such
securities have the effect of providing a
14
<PAGE>
degree of investment leverage, since they may increase or decrease in value in
response to changes, as an illustration, in market interest rates at a rate
which is a multiple (typically two) of the rate at which fixed-rate long-term
tax-exempt securities increase or decrease in response to such changes. As a
result, the market values of such securities will generally be more volatile
than the market values of fixed-rate tax-exempt securities. To seek to limit
the volatility of these securities, the Fund may purchase inverse floating
obligations with shorter-term maturities or which contain limitations on the
extent to which the interest rate may vary. Certain investments in such
obligations may be illiquid. The Fund may not invest in such illiquid
obligations if such investments, together with other illiquid investments,
would exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets. The Manager believes, however,
that indexed and inverse floating obligations represent flexible portfolio
management instruments for the Fund which allow the Fund to seek potential
investment rewards, hedge other portfolio positions or vary the degree of
investment leverage relatively efficiently under different market conditions.
Also included within the general category of Municipal Bonds are
participation certificates government authorities or entities to finance the
acquisition or construction of equipment, land and/or facilities. The
certificates represent participations in a lease, an installment purchase
contract or a conditional sales contract (hereinafter collectively called
"lease obligations") relating to such equipment, land or facilities. Although
lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the issuer for which
the issuer's unlimited taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation is
frequently backed by the issuer's covenant to budget for, appropriate and make
the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations
contain "non-appropriation" clauses which provide that the issuer has no
obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years
unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. Although "non-
appropriation" lease obligations are secured by the leased property,
disposition of the property in the event of foreclosure might prove difficult.
These securities represent a type of financing that has not yet developed the
depth of marketability associated with more conventional securities. Certain
investments in lease obligations may be illiquid. The Fund may not invest in
illiquid lease obligations if such investments, together with other illiquid
investments, would exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets. The Fund may,
however, invest without regard to such limitation in lease obligations which
the Manager, pursuant to guidelines which have been adopted by the Board of
Trustees and subject to the supervision of the Board, determines to be liquid.
The Manager will deem lease obligations liquid if they are publicly offered and
have received an investment grade rating of Baa or better by Moody's, or BBB or
better by Standard & Poor's or Fitch. Unrated lease obligations, or those rated
below investment grade, will be considered liquid if the obligations come to
the market through an underwritten public offering and at least two dealers are
willing to give competitive bids. In reference to obligations rated below
investment grade, the Manager must, among other things, also review the
creditworthiness of the entity obligated to make payment under the lease
obligation and make certain specified determinations based on such factors as
the existence of a rating or credit enhancement such as insurance, the
frequency of trades or quotes for the obligation and the willingness of dealers
to make a market in the obligation.
The value of bonds and other fixed-income obligations may fall when interest
rates rise and rise when interest rates fall. In general, bonds and other
fixed-income obligations with longer maturities will be subject to greater
volatility resulting from interest rate fluctuations than will similar
obligations with shorter maturities. Under normal conditions, it is generally
anticipated that the Fund's average weighted maturity would be in excess of ten
years.
15
<PAGE>
Federal tax legislation has limited the types and volume of bonds the
interest on which qualifies for a Federal income tax exemption. As a result,
this legislation and legislation which may be enacted in the future may affect
the availability of Municipal Bonds for investment by the Fund.
CALL RIGHTS
The Fund may purchase a Municipal Bond issuer's right to call all or a
portion of such Municipal Bond for mandatory tender for purchase (a "Call
Right"). A holder of a Call Right may exercise such right to require a
mandatory tender for the purchase of related Municipal Bonds, subject to
certain conditions. A Call Right that is not exercised prior to the maturity of
the related Municipal Bond will expire without value. The economic effect of
holding both the Call Right and the related Municipal Bond is identical to that
of holding a Municipal Bond as a non-callable security. Certain investments in
such obligations may be illiquid. The Fund may not invest in such illiquid
obligations if such investments, together with other illiquid investments,
would exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may purchase or sell Municipal Bonds on a delayed delivery basis or
a when-issued basis at fixed purchase terms. These transactions arise when
securities are purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking
place in the future. The purchase will be recorded on the date the Fund enters
into the commitment and the value of the obligation will thereafter be
reflected in the calculation of the Fund's net asset value. The value of the
obligation on the delivery date may be more or less than its purchase price. A
separate account of the Fund will be established with its custodian consisting
of cash, cash equivalents or liquid securities having a market value at all
times at least equal to the amount of the forward commitment.
FINANCIAL FUTURES TRANSACTIONS AND OPTIONS
The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell certain exchange traded financial
futures contracts ("financial futures contracts") solely for the purpose of
hedging its investments in Municipal Bonds against declines in value and to
hedge against increases in the cost of securities it intends to purchase.
However, any transactions involving financial futures or options (including
puts and calls associated therewith) will be in accordance with the Fund's
investment policies and limitations. A financial futures contract obligates the
seller of a contract to deliver and the purchaser of a contract to take
delivery of the type of financial instrument covered by the contract, or in the
case of index-based futures contracts to make and accept a cash settlement, at
a specific future time for a specified price. A sale of financial futures
contracts may provide a hedge against a decline in the value of portfolio
securities because such depreciation may be offset, in whole or in part, by an
increase in the value of the position in the financial futures contracts. A
purchase of financial futures contracts may provide a hedge against an increase
in the cost of securities intended to be purchased, because such appreciation
may be offset, in whole or in part, by an increase in the value of the position
in the futures contracts. Distributions, if any, of net long-term capital gains
from certain transactions in futures or options are taxable at long-term
capital gains rates for Federal income tax purposes, regardless of the length
of time the shareholder has owned Fund shares. Recent legislation has created
new categories of capital gains taxable at different rates, which the Fund may
be able to pass through to shareholders. See "Distributions and Taxes--Taxes."
16
<PAGE>
The Fund deals in financial futures contracts traded on the Chicago Board of
Trade based on The Bond Buyer Municipal Bond Index, a price-weighted measure of
the market value of 40 large, recently issued tax-exempt bonds. There can be no
assurance, however, that a liquid secondary market will exist to terminate any
particular financial futures contract at any specific time. If it is not
possible to close a financial futures position entered into by the Fund, the
Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation
margin in the event of adverse price movements. In such a situation, if the
Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet
daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to
do so. The inability to close financial futures positions also could have an
adverse impact on the Fund's ability to hedge effectively. There is also the
risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a
broker with whom the Fund has an open position in a financial futures contract.
The Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts on U.S. Government
securities and write and purchase put and call options on such futures
contracts as a hedge against adverse changes in interest rates as described
more fully in the Statement of Additional Information. With respect to U.S.
Government securities, currently there are financial futures contracts based on
long-term U.S. Treasury bonds, Treasury notes, Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA") Certificates and three-month U.S. Treasury bills.
Subject to policies adopted by the Trustees, the Fund also may engage in
other financial futures contracts transactions and options thereon, such as
financial futures contracts or options on other municipal bond indexes which
may become available if the Manager of the Fund and the Trustees of the Trust
should determine that there is normally a sufficient correlation between the
prices of such futures contracts and the Municipal Bonds in which the Fund
invests to make such hedging appropriate.
Utilization of futures transactions and options thereon involves the risk of
imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts and
movements in the price of the security which is the subject of the hedge. If
the price of the futures contract moves more or less than the price of the
security that is the subject of the hedge, the Fund will experience a gain or
loss which will not be completely offset by movements in the price of such
security. There is a risk of imperfect correlation where the securities
underlying futures contracts have different maturities, ratings or geographic
mixes than the security being hedged. In addition, the correlation may be
affected by additions to or deletions from the index which serves as a basis
for a financial futures contract. Finally, in the case of futures contracts on
U.S. Government securities and options on such futures contracts, the
anticipated correlation of price movements between the U.S. Government
securities underlying the futures or options and Municipal Bonds may be
adversely affected by economic, political, legislative or other developments
which have a disparate impact on the respective markets for such securities.
Under regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"),
the futures trading activities described herein will not result in the Fund
being deemed to be a "commodity pool," as defined under such regulations,
provided that the Fund adheres to certain restrictions. In particular, the Fund
may purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon (i) for bona fide
hedging purposes, and (ii) for non-hedging purposes, if the aggregate initial
margins and premiums required to establish positions in such contracts and
options does not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio
assets after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on
any such contracts and options. (However, as stated
17
<PAGE>
above, the Fund intends to engage in options and futures transactions only for
hedging purposes.) Margin deposits may consist of cash or securities acceptable
to the broker and the relevant contract market.
When the Fund purchases a futures contract, or writes a put option or
purchases a call option thereon, it will maintain an amount of cash, cash
equivalents (e.g., high grade commercial paper and daily tender adjustable
notes) or liquid securities in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian,
so that the amount so segregated plus the amount of initial and variation
margin held in the account of its broker equals the market value of the futures
contracts, thereby ensuring that the use of such futures contract is
unleveraged. It is not anticipated that transactions in futures contracts will
have the effect of increasing portfolio turnover.
Although certain risks are involved in options and futures transactions, the
Manager believes that, because the Fund will engage in futures transactions
only for hedging purposes, the futures portfolio strategies of the Fund will
not subject the Fund to certain risks frequently associated with speculation in
futures transactions. The Fund must meet certain Federal income tax
requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
in order to qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated investment
companies, including a requirement that less than 30% of its gross income be
derived from the sale or other disposition of securities held for less than
three months. This requirement will no longer apply to the Fund after its
fiscal year ending July 31, 1998. Additionally, the Fund is required to meet
certain diversification requirements under the Code.
The liquidity of a secondary market in a futures contract may be adversely
affected by "daily price fluctuation limits" established by commodity exchanges
which limit the amount of fluctuation in a futures contract price during a
single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in the contract, no
trades may be entered into at a price beyond the limit, thus preventing the
liquidation of open futures positions. Prices have in the past moved beyond the
daily limit on a number of consecutive trading days.
The successful use of transactions in futures also depends on the ability of
the Manager to forecast correctly the direction and extent of interest rate
movements within a given time frame. To the extent these rates remain stable
during the period in which a futures contract is held by the Fund or moves in a
direction opposite to that anticipated, the Fund may realize a loss on the
hedging transaction which is not fully or partially offset by an increase in
the value of portfolio securities. As a result, the Fund's total return for
such period may be less than if it had not engaged in the hedging transaction.
Furthermore, the Fund will only engage in hedging transactions from time to
time and may not necessarily be engaging in hedging transactions when movements
in interest rates occur.
Reference is made to the Statement of Additional Information for further
information on financial futures contracts and certain options thereon.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
As Temporary Investments, the Fund may invest in securities pursuant to
repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements may be entered into only with a
member bank of the Federal Reserve System or primary dealer in U.S. Government
securities or an affiliate thereof. Under such agreements, the seller agrees,
upon entering into the contract, to repurchase the security from the Fund at a
mutually agreed upon time and price, thereby determining the yield during the
term of the agreement. This results in a fixed rate of return insulated from
market fluctuations during such period. The Fund may not invest in repurchase
agreements maturing in more than seven days if such investments, together with
the Fund's other illiquid investments, would exceed 15% of the Fund's total
assets. In the event of default by the seller under a
18
<PAGE>
repurchase agreement, the Fund may suffer time delays and incur costs or
possible losses in connection with the disposition of the underlying
securities.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund's investment activities are subject to further restrictions that are
described in the Statement of Additional Information. Investment restrictions
and policies which are fundamental policies may not be changed without the
approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities, as defined in the 1940 Act which 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 (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares. Among
its fundamental policies, the Fund may not invest more than 25% of its assets,
taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of
issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S. Government and its
agencies and instrumentalities). (For purposes of this restriction, states,
municipalities and their political subdivisions are not considered to be part
of any industry.) Investment restrictions and policies that are non-fundamental
policies may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Fund may not borrow amounts in excess of 20%
of its total assets taken at market value (including the amount borrowed), and
then only from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency
purposes. In addition, the Fund will not purchase securities while borrowings
are outstanding.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Fund will not 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 Trustees of the
Trust has otherwise determined to be liquid pursuant to applicable law.
The Fund is classified as non-diversified within the meaning of the 1940 Act,
which means that the Fund is not limited by the 1940 Act in the proportion of
its assets that it may invest in obligations of a single issuer. However, the
Fund's investments will be limited so as to qualify as a "regulated investment
company" for purposes of the Code. See "Distributions and Taxes--Taxes." To
qualify, among other requirements, the Trust will limit the Fund's investments
so that, at the close of each quarter of the taxable year, (i) not more than
25% of the market value of the Fund's total assets will be invested in the
securities of a single issuer and (ii) with respect to 50% of the market value
of its total assets, not more than 5% of the market value of its total assets
will be invested in the securities of a single issuer and the Fund will not own
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. For
purposes of this restriction, the Fund will regard each state and each
political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of such state and each multi-
state agency of which such state is a member and each public authority which
issues securities on behalf of a private entity as a separate issuer, except
that if the security is backed only by the assets and revenues of a non-
government entity then the entity with the ultimate responsibility for the
payment of interest and principal may be regarded as the sole issuer. These
tax-related limitations may be changed by the Trustees of the Trust to the
extent necessary to comply with changes to the Federal tax requirements. A fund
which elects to be classified as "diversified" under the 1940 Act must satisfy
the foregoing 5% and 10% requirements with respect to 75% of its total assets.
To the extent that the Fund assumes large positions in the obligations of a
small number of issuers, the Fund's total return may fluctuate to a greater
extent than that of a diversified company as a result of changes in the
financial condition or in the market's assessment of the issuers.
Investors are referred to the Statement of Additional Information for a
complete description of the Fund's investment restrictions.
19
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
TRUSTEES
The Trustees of the Trust consist of six individuals, five of whom are not
"interested persons" of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act. The Trustees are
responsible for the overall supervision of the operations of the Trust and the
Fund and perform the various duties imposed on the directors or trustees of
investment companies by the 1940 Act.
The Trustees are:
Arthur Zeikel*--President of the Manager and its affiliate, MLAM; President
and Director of Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton Services") and Executive
Vice President of ML & Co.
James H. Bodurtha--Director and Executive Vice President, The China Business
Group, Inc.
Herbert I. London--John M. Olin Professor of Humanities, New York University.
Robert R. Martin--Former Chairman, Kinnard Investments, Inc.
Joseph L. May--Attorney in private practice.
Andre F. Perold--Professor, Harvard Business School.
- --------
*Interested person, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Trust.
MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
The Manager, which is an affiliate of MLAM and is owned and controlled by ML
& Co., a financial services holding company, acts as the manager for the Fund
and provides the Fund with management services. The Manager or MLAM acts as the
investment adviser for more than 140 registered investment companies. MLAM also
provides portfolio management and portfolio analysis services to individuals
and institutions. As of September 30, 1997, the Manager and MLAM had a total of
approximately $272.5 billion in investment company and other portfolio assets
under management, including accounts of certain affiliates of the Manager.
Subject to the direction of the Trustees, the Manager is responsible for the
actual management of the Fund's portfolio and constantly reviews the Fund's
holdings in light of its own research analysis and that from other relevant
sources. The responsibility for making decisions to buy, sell or hold a
particular security rests with the Manager. The Manager performs certain of the
other administrative services and provides all the office space, facilities,
equipment and necessary personnel for management of the Fund.
William R. Bock is the Portfolio Manager of the Fund and has been responsible
for the day-to-day management of the Fund's investment portfolio since 1995. He
has been a Vice President of MLAM since 1989.
Pursuant to the management agreement between the Manager and the Trust on
behalf of the Fund (the "Management Agreement"), the Manager is entitled to
receive from the Fund a monthly fee based upon the average daily net assets of
the Fund at the following annual rates: 0.55% of the average daily net assets
not exceeding $500 million; 0.525% of the average daily net assets exceeding
$500 million but not exceeding $1.0 billion; and 0.50% of the average daily net
assets exceeding $1.0 billion. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the
total fee payable by the Fund to the Manager was $255,318 (based on average
daily net assets of approximately $46.4 million), all of which was voluntarily
waived.
20
<PAGE>
The Management Agreement obligates the Trust on behalf of the Fund to pay
certain expenses incurred in the Fund's operations, including, among other
things, the management fee, legal and audit fees, unaffiliated Trustees' fees
and expenses, registration fees, custodian and transfer agency fees, accounting
and pricing costs, and certain of the costs of printing proxies, shareholder
reports, prospectuses and statements of additional information. Accounting
services are provided to the Fund by the Manager, and the Fund reimburses the
Manager for its costs in connection with such services. For the fiscal year
ended July 31, 1997, the Fund reimbursed the Manager $39,772 for accounting
services. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the ratio of total expenses
to average net assets was 0.92% for Class A shares, 1.43% for Class B shares,
1.53% for Class C shares and 1.03% for Class D shares.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule
17j-1 of the 1940 Act that 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 preclear any personal
securities investment (with limited exceptions, such as government securities).
The preclearance 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).
TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES
The Transfer Agent, which is a subsidiary of ML & Co., acts as the Trust's
transfer agent pursuant to a Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and
Shareholder Servicing Agency Agreement (the "Transfer Agency Agreement").
Pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible
for the issuance, transfer and redemption of shares and the opening and
maintenance of shareholder accounts. Pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement,
the Transfer Agent receives an annual fee of up to $11.00 per Class A or Class
D account and up to $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 of a person in the relevant share class on a recordkeeping
system, provided the recordkeeping system is maintained by a subsidiary of ML &
Co. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the total fee paid by the Fund to
the Transfer Agent was $16,914 pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement.
21
<PAGE>
PURCHASE OF SHARES
The Distributor, an affiliate of each of the Manager, MLAM and Merrill
Lynch, acts as the distributor of the shares of the Fund. Shares of the Fund
will be offered continuously for sale by the Distributor and other eligible
securities dealers (including Merrill Lynch). Shares of the Fund may be
purchased from securities dealers or by mailing a purchase order directly to
the Transfer Agent. The minimum initial purchase is $1,000 and the minimum
subsequent purchase is $50, except that for participants in certain fee-based
programs, the minimum initial purchase is $500 and the minimum subsequent
purchase is $50.
The Fund offers its shares in four classes at a public offering price equal
to the next determined net asset value per share plus sales charges imposed
either at the time of purchase or on a deferred basis depending upon the class
of shares selected by the investor under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM
System, as described below. The applicable offering price for purchase orders
is based upon the net asset value of the Fund next determined after receipt of
the purchase orders by the Distributor. As to purchase orders received by
securities dealers prior to the close of business on the New York Stock
Exchange (the "NYSE") (generally, 4:00 p.m., New York time), which includes
orders received after the close of business on the previous day, the
applicable offering price will be based on the net asset value determined as
of 15 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE on that day, provided
the Distributor in turn receives the order from the securities dealer prior to
30 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE on that day. If the
purchase orders are not received by the Distributor prior to 30 minutes after
the close of business on the NYSE on that day, such orders shall be deemed
received on the next business day. The Trust or the Distributor may suspend
the continuous offering of the Fund's shares at any time in response to
conditions in the securities markets or otherwise and may thereafter resume
such offering from time to time. Any order may be rejected by the Distributor
or the Trust. Neither the Distributor nor the dealers are permitted to
withhold placing orders to benefit themselves by a price change. Merrill Lynch
may charge its customers a processing fee (presently $5.35) to confirm a sale
of shares to such customers. Purchases made directly through the Fund's
Transfer Agent are not subject to the processing fee.
The Fund issues four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing SM System, which permits each investor to choose the method of
purchasing shares that the investor believes is most beneficial given the
amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the
shares and other relevant circumstances. Shares of Class A and Class D are
sold to investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives and shares of
Class B and Class C are sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge
alternatives. Investors should determine whether under their particular
circumstances it is more advantageous to incur an initial sales charge or to
have the entire initial purchase price invested in the Fund with the
investment thereafter being subject to a CDSC and ongoing distribution fees
and higher account maintenance fees. A discussion of the factors that
investors should consider in determining the method of purchasing shares under
the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System is set forth under "Merrill Lynch
Select Pricing SM System" on page 4.
Each Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D share of the Fund represents
identical interests in the investment portfolio of the Fund and has the same
rights, except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear the expenses of
the ongoing account maintenance fees, and Class B and Class C shares bear the
expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and the additional incremental
transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements.
The CDSCs, distribution and account maintenance fees that are imposed
22
<PAGE>
on Class B and Class C shares, as well as the account maintenance fees that
are imposed on Class D shares, will be imposed directly against those classes
and not against all assets of the Fund and, accordingly, such charges will not
affect the net asset value of any other class or have any impact on investors
choosing another sales charge option. Dividends paid by the Fund for each
class of shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same time and
will differ only to the extent that account maintenance and distribution fees
and any incremental transfer agency costs relating to a particular class are
borne exclusively by that class. Class B, Class C and Class D shares each have
exclusive voting rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1 distribution plan
adopted with respect to such class pursuant to which account maintenance
and/or distribution fees are paid (except that Class B shareholders may vote
upon any material changes to expenses charged under the Class D Distribution
Plan). See "Distribution Plans" below. Each class has different exchange
privileges. See "Shareholder Services--Exchange Privilege."
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the initial
sales charges with respect to Class A and Class D shares are the same as those
of the CDSCs and distribution fees with respect to 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 to a class will not be used to
finance the distribution expenditures of another class. Sales personnel may
receive different compensation for selling different classes of shares.
Investors are advised that only Class A and Class D shares may be available
for purchase through securities dealers, other than Merrill Lynch, that are
eligible to sell shares.
The following table sets forth a summary of the distribution arrangements
for each class of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System
followed by a more detailed description of each class.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCOUNT
MAINTENANCE DISTRIBUTION CONVERSION
CLASS SALES CHARGE(/1/) FEE FEE FEATURE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A Maximum 4.00% initial sales No No No
charge(/2/)(/3/)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B CDSC for a period of four years, 0.25% 0.25% B shares convert to
at a rate of 4.0% during the D shares automatically
first year, decreasing 1.0% after approximately
annually to 0.0%(/4/) ten years(/5/)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC for one year(/6/) 0.25% 0.35% No
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D Maximum 4.0% initial 0.10% No No
sales charge(/3/)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Initial sales charges are imposed at the time of purchase as a percentage
of the offering price. CDSCs are imposed if the redemption occurs within
the applicable CDSC time period. The charge will be assessed on an amount
equal to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the
shares being redeemed.
(2) Offered only to eligible investors. See "Initial Sales Charge
Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares--Eligible Class A Investors."
(3) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more and waived for purchases of Class
A shares by participants in connection with certain fee-based programs.
Class A and Class D share purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be
subject to an initial sales charge but instead may be subject to a 1.0%
CDSC if redeemed within one year. Such CDSC may be waived in connection
with certain fee-based programs.
(footnotes continued on next page)
23
<PAGE>
(footnotes continued from previous page)
(4) The CDSC may be modified in connection with certain fee-based programs.
(5) The conversion period for dividend reinvestment shares and certain fee-
based programs may be modified. Also, Class B shares of certain other
MLAM-advised mutual funds into which exchanges may be made have an eight
year conversion period. If Class B shares of the Fund are exchanged for
Class B shares of another MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period
applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and
the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the
holding period for the shares acquired.
(6) The CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based programs.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVES--CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
Investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives who are eligible to
purchase Class A shares should purchase Class A shares rather than Class D
shares because there is an account maintenance fee imposed on Class D shares.
The public offering price of Class A and Class D shares for purchasers
choosing the initial sales charge alternatives is the next determined net
asset value plus varying sales charges (i.e., sales loads), as set forth
below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES CHARGE AS DISCOUNT TO
SALES CHARGE AS PERCENTAGE* OF SELECTED DEALERS
PERCENTAGE OF THE NET AMOUNT AS PERCENTAGE OF
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OFFERING PRICE INVESTED THE OFFERING PRICE
- ------------------ --------------- --------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $25,000........... 4.00% 4.17% 3.75%
$25,000 but less than
$50,000.................... 3.75 3.90 3.50
$50,000 but less than
$100,000................... 3.25 3.36 3.00
$100,000 but less than
$250,000................... 2.50 2.56 2.25
$250,000 but less than
$1,000,000................. 1.50 1.52 1.25
$1,000,000 and over**....... 0.00 0.00 0.00
</TABLE>
- --------
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
** The initial sales charge may be waived on Class A and Class D purchases of
$1,000,000 or more and on Class A purchases by participants in connection
with certain fee-based programs. If the sales charge is waived in
connection with a purchase of $1,000,000 or more, such purchases may be
subject to a 1.0% CDSC if the shares are redeemed within one year after
purchase. Such CDSC may be waived in connection with certain fee-based
programs. 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.
The Distributor may reallow discounts to selected dealers and retain the
balance over such discounts. At times the Distributor may reallow the entire
sales charge to such dealers. Since securities dealers selling Class A and
Class D shares of the Fund will receive a concession equal to most of the
sales charge, they may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the Fund sold
145,306 Class A shares for aggregate net proceeds of $1,511,588. The gross
sales charges for the sale of Class A shares of the Fund for the year were
$9,834, of which $1,019 and $8,815 were received by the Distributor and
Merrill Lynch, respectively. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the
Distributor received no CDSCs with respect to redemption within one year after
purchase of Class A shares purchased subject to a front-end sales charge
waiver. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the Fund sold 92,661 Class D
shares for aggregate net proceeds of $963,530. The gross sales charges for the
sale of Class D shares of the Fund for the year were $10,879, of which $757
and $10,122 were received by the Distributor and Merrill Lynch, respectively.
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the Distributor received no CDSCs
with respect to redemption within one year after purchase of Class D shares
purchased subject to a front-end sales charge waiver.
24
<PAGE>
Eligible Class A Investors. Class A shares are offered to a limited group of
investors and also will be issued upon reinvestment of dividends on outstanding
Class A shares. Investors that currently own Class A shares of the Fund in a
shareholder account are entitled to purchase additional Class A shares of the
Fund in that account. Class A shares are available at net asset value to
corporate warranty insurance reserve fund programs and U.S. branches of foreign
banking institutions provided that the program or branch has $3 million or more
initially invested in MLAM-advised mutual funds. Also eligible to purchase
Class A shares at net asset value are participants in certain investment
programs including TMASM 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 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, including
the Trust. Certain persons who acquire shares of 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 set forth in the
Statement of Additional Information are met. In addition, Class A shares of the
Fund and certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds are offered at net asset value
to shareholders of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. and, if
certain conditions set forth in the Statement of Additional Information 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 MLAM-
advised mutual funds.
Reduced Initial Sales Charges. No initial sales charges are imposed upon
Class A and Class D shares issued as a result of the automatic reinvestment of
dividends or capital gains distributions. Class A and Class D sales charges
also may be reduced under a Right of Accumulation and a Letter of Intention.
Class A shares are offered at net asset value to certain eligible Class A
investors as set forth above under "Eligible Class A Investors." See
"Shareholder Services--Fee-Based Programs."
Provided applicable threshold requirements are met, either Class A or Class D
shares are offered at net asset value to Employee AccessSM Accounts available
through authorized employers. Class A shares are offered at net asset value to
shareholders of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. and, subject to
certain conditions, Class A and Class D shares are offered at net asset value
to shareholders of Merrill Lynch Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc. and Merrill
Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., who wish to reinvest in shares of
the Fund the net proceeds from a sale of certain of their shares of common
stock, pursuant to tender offers conducted by those funds.
Class D shares are offered at net asset value without sales charge to an
investor who has a business relationship with a Merrill Lynch Financial
Consultant, if certain conditions set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information are met. Class D shares may be offered at net asset value in
connection with the acquisition of assets of other investment companies.
Additional information concerning these reduced initial sales charges is set
forth in the Statement of Additional Information.
25
<PAGE>
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVES--CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
Investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives should consider
Class B shares if they intend to hold their shares for an extended period of
time and Class C shares if they are uncertain as to the length of time they
intend to hold their assets in MLAM-advised mutual funds.
The public offering price of Class B and Class C shares for investors
choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives is the next determined net
asset value per share without the imposition of a sales charge at the time of
purchase. As discussed below, Class B shares are subject to a four-year CDSC,
which declines each year, while Class C shares are subject only to a one-year
1.0% CDSC. On the other hand, approximately ten years after Class B shares are
issued, such Class B shares, together with shares issued upon dividend
reinvestment with respect to those shares, are automatically converted into
Class D shares of the Fund and thereafter will be subject to lower continuing
fees. See "Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares" below. Both Class B
and Class C shares are subject to an account maintenance fee of 0.25% of net
assets and Class B and Class C shares are subject to distribution fees of 0.25%
and 0.35%, respectively, of net assets as discussed below under "Distribution
Plans."
Class B and Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge so that
the Fund will receive the full amount of the investor's purchase payment.
Merrill Lynch compensates its Financial Consultants for selling Class B and
Class C shares at the time of purchase from its own funds. See "Distribution
Plans" below.
Proceeds from the CDSCs and the distribution fees 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 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. The proceeds from the ongoing account
maintenance fees are used to compensate the Distributor and Merrill Lynch
(pursuant to a sub-agreement) for providing continuing account maintenance
activities. Approximately ten years after issuance, Class B Shares will convert
automatically into Class D shares of the Fund, which are subject to a lower
account maintenance fee and no distribution fee; Class B shares of certain
other MLAM-advised mutual funds into which exchanges may be made convert into
Class D shares automatically after approximately eight years. If Class B shares
of the Fund are exchanged for Class B shares of another MLAM-advised mutual
fund, the conversion period applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the
exchange will apply, and the holding period for the shares exchanged will be
tacked onto the holding period for the shares acquired.
Imposition of the CDSC and the distribution fee on Class B and Class C shares
is limited by the NASD asset-based sales charge rule. See "Limitations on the
Payment of Deferred Sales Charges" below. Class B shareholders of the Fund
exercising the exchange privilege described under "Shareholder Services-
Exchange Privilege" will continue to be subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule, if
such schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the Class B shares
acquired as a result of the exchange.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge--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.
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.
26
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth the rates of the Class B CDSC:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CDSC AS A
PERCENTAGE OF
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE DOLLAR AMOUNT
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........................................... 0.0%
</TABLE>
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the Distributor received CDSCs of
$57,859 with respect to redemptions of Class B shares, all of which were paid
to Merrill Lynch. Additional CDSCs payable to the Distributor may have been
waived or converted to a contingent obligation in connection with a
shareholder's participation in certain fee-based programs.
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the calculation
will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest possible
applicable rate being charged. Therefore, it will be assumed that the
redemption is first of shares held for over four years or shares acquired
pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or distributions and then of shares held
longest during the four-year period. The charge will not be applied to dollar
amounts representing an increase in the net asset value since the time of
purchase. A transfer of shares from a shareholder's account to another account
will be assumed to be made in the same order as a redemption.
To provide an example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10 per
share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the third year after purchase, the net
asset value per share is $12 and, during such time, the investor has acquired
10 additional shares upon dividend reinvestment. If at such time the investor
makes his first redemption of 50 shares (proceeds of $600), 10 shares will not
be subject to a CDSC because of dividend reinvestment. With respect to the
remaining 40 shares, the CDSC is applied only to the original cost of $10 per
share and not to the increase in net asset value of $2 per share. Therefore,
$400 of the $600 redemption proceeds will be charged at a rate of 2.0% (the
applicable rate in the third year after purchase).
The Class B CDSC is waived on redemptions of shares following the death or
disability (as defined in the Code) of a shareholder. The Class B CDSC also is
waived for any Class B shares that are purchased within qualifying Employee
Access SM Accounts. Additional information concerning the waiver of the Class
B CDSC is set forth in the Statement of Additional Information. The terms of
the CDSC may be modified in connection with redemptions to fund participation
in certain fee-based programs. See "Shareholder Services--Fee-Based Programs."
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. 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. The CDSC may be waived in connection with
certain fee-based programs. See "Shareholder Services--Fee-Based Programs."
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the Distributor received CDSCs of
$1,791 with respect to redemptions of Class C shares, all of which were paid
to Merrill Lynch.
27
<PAGE>
In determining whether a Class C CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the
calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest
possible rate being charged. Therefore, it will be assumed that the redemption
is first of shares held for over one year or shares acquired pursuant to
reinvestment of dividends or distributions and then of shares held longest
during the one-year period. The charge will not be applicable to dollar amounts
representing an increase in the net asset value since the time of purchase. A
transfer of shares from a shareholder's account to another account will be
assumed to be made in the same order as a redemption.
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares. After approximately ten years
(the "Conversion Period"), Class B shares will be converted automatically into
Class D shares of the Fund. Class D shares are subject to an ongoing account
maintenance fee of 0.10% of net assets but are not subject to the distribution
fee that is borne by Class B shares. Automatic conversion of Class B shares
into Class D shares will occur at least once each month (on the "Conversion
Date") on the basis of the relative net asset values of the shares of the two
classes on the Conversion Date, without the imposition of any sales load, fee
or other charge. Conversion of Class B shares to Class D shares will not be
deemed a purchase or sale of the shares for Federal income tax purposes.
In addition, shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends on Class B
shares also will convert automatically to Class D shares. The Conversion Date
for dividend reinvestment shares will be calculated taking into account the
length of time the shares underlying such dividend reinvestment shares were
outstanding. If at a Conversion Date the conversion of Class B shares to Class
D shares of the Fund in a single account will result in less than $50 worth of
Class B shares being left in the account, all of the Class B shares of the Fund
held in the account on the Conversion Date will be converted to Class D shares
of the Fund.
Share certificates for Class B shares of the Fund to be converted must be
delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date
applicable to those shares. In the event such certificates are not received by
the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date, the related
Class B shares will convert to Class D shares on the next scheduled Conversion
Date after such certificates are delivered.
In general, Class B shares of equity MLAM-advised mutual funds will convert
approximately eight years after initial purchase, and Class B shares of taxable
and tax-exempt fixed income MLAM-advised mutual funds will convert
approximately ten years after initial purchase. If, during the Conversion
Period, a shareholder exchanges Class B shares with an eight-year Conversion
Period for Class B shares with a ten-year Conversion Period, or vice versa, the
Conversion Period applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange
will apply, and the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked on
to the holding period for the shares acquired.
The Conversion Period also may be modified for investors who participate in
certain fee-based programs. See "Shareholder Services--Fee-Based Programs."
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Fund has adopted separate distribution plans for Class B, Class C and
Class D shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (each a "Distribution
Plan") with respect to the account maintenance and/or distribution fees paid by
the Fund to the Distributor with respect to such classes. The Class B and Class
C Distribution Plans provide for the payment of account maintenance fees and
distribution fees, and the Class D Distribution Plan provides for the payment
of account maintenance fees.
28
<PAGE>
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
rates of 0.25%, 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of the average daily net assets
of the Fund attributable to shares of the relevant class in order to compensate
the Distributor and Merrill Lynch (pursuant to a sub-agreement) in connection
with account maintenance activities.
The Distribution Plans for Class B and Class C shares each provide that the
Fund also pays the Distributor a distribution fee relating to the shares of the
relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.25% and
0.35%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable
to the shares of the relevant class in order to compensate the Distributor and
Merrill Lynch (pursuant to a sub-agreement) for providing shareholder and
distribution services, and bearing certain distribution-related expenses of the
Fund, including payments to financial consultants for selling Class B and Class
C shares of the Fund. The Distribution Plans relating to Class B and Class C
shares are designed to permit an investor to purchase Class B and Class C
shares through dealers without the assessment of an initial sales charge and at
the same time permit the dealer to compensate its financial consultants in
connection with the sale of the Class B and Class C shares. In this regard, the
purpose and function of the ongoing distribution fees and the CDSC are the same
as those of the initial sales charge with respect to the Class A and Class D
shares of the Fund in that the deferred sales charges provide for the financing
of the distribution of the Fund's Class B and Class C shares.
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the Fund paid the Distributor
$168,474 pursuant to the Class B Distribution Plan (based on average daily net
assets subject to such Class B Distribution Plan of approximately $33.7
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 July 31, 1997, the Fund paid the
Distributor $10,594 pursuant to the Class C Distribution Plan (based on average
daily net assets subject to such Class C Distribution Plan of approximately
$1.8 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 July 31, 1997, the Fund paid the
Distributor $2,944 pursuant to the Class D Distribution Plan (based on average
daily net assets subject to such Class D Distribution Plan of approximately
$2.9 million), all of which was paid to Merrill Lynch for providing account
maintenance activities in connection with Class D shares.
Payments under the Distribution Plans are based on a percentage of average
daily net assets attributable to the shares regardless of the amount of
expenses incurred, and, accordingly, distribution-related revenues from the
Distribution Plans may be more or less than distribution-related expenses.
Information with respect to the distribution-related revenues and expenses is
presented to the Trustees for their consideration in connection with their
deliberations as to the continuance of the Class B and Class C Distribution
Plans. This information is presented annually as of December 31 of each year on
a "fully allocated accrual" basis and quarterly on a "direct expense and
revenue/cash" basis. On the fully allocated accrual basis, revenues consist of
the account maintenance fees, distribution fees, the 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 market 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.
29
<PAGE>
As of December 31, 1996, 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 for
such period by approximately $588,000 (1.65% of Class B net assets at that
date). As of July 31, 1997, direct cash revenues for the period since the
commencement of operations of Class B shares exceeded direct cash expenses by
$125,069 (0.35% of Class B net assets at that date). As of December 31, 1996,
the fully allocated accrual expenses incurred by the Distributor and Merrill
Lynch for the period since the commencement of operations of Class C shares
exceeded fully allocated accrual revenues for such period by approximately
$5,000 (.26% of Class C net assets at that date). As of July 31, 1997, direct
cash revenues for the period since the commencement of operations of Class C
shares exceeded direct cash expenses by $12,199 (0.61% of Class C net assets
at that date).
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, payments in excess of the amount payable under the NASD
formula will not be made.
The Fund has no obligation with respect to distribution and/or account
maintenance expenses incurred by the Distributor and Merrill Lynch in
connection with Class B, Class C and Class D shares, and there is no assurance
that the Trustees of the Trust will approve the continuance of the
Distribution Plans from year to year. However, the Distributor intends to seek
annual continuation of the Distribution Plans. In their review of the
Distribution Plans, the Trustees will be asked to take into consideration
expenses incurred in connection with the account maintenance and/or
distribution of each class of shares separately. The initial sales charges,
the account maintenance fee, the distribution fee and/or the CDSCs received
with respect to one class will not be used to subsidize the sale of shares of
another class. Payments of the distribution fee on Class B shares will
terminate upon conversion of those Class B shares into Class D shares as set
forth under "Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares--
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares."
30
<PAGE>
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The Trust is required to redeem for cash all shares of the Fund upon receipt
of a written request in proper form. The redemption price is the net asset
value per share next determined after the initial receipt of proper notice of
redemption. Except for any CDSC 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
on the market value of the securities held by the Fund at such time.
REDEMPTION
A shareholder wishing to redeem shares may do so, without charge, by
tendering the shares directly to the Transfer Agent, Merrill Lynch Financial
Data Services, Inc., P.O. Box 45289, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289.
Redemption requests delivered other than by mail should be delivered to Merrill
Lynch 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 issued may be accomplished by a written letter as noted
above accompanied by certificates for the shares to be redeemed. Redemption
requests should not be sent to the Trust. The 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 request must be guaranteed by an
"eligible guarantor institution" as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the existence and validity of
which may be verified by the Transfer Agent through the use of industry
publications. Notarized signatures are not sufficient. In certain instances,
the Transfer Agent may require additional documents such as, but not limited
to, trust instruments, death certificates, appointments as executor or
administrator, or certificates of corporate authority. For shareholders
redeeming directly with the Transfer Agent, payments will be mailed within
seven days of receipt of a proper notice of redemption.
At various times the Trust may be requested to redeem Fund shares for which
it has not yet received good payment (e.g., cash, Federal funds or certified
check drawn on a United States bank). The Trust may delay or cause to be
delayed the mailing of a redemption check until such time as it has assured
itself that good payment has been collected for the purchase of such Fund
shares, which may take up to 10 days.
REPURCHASE
The Trust also will repurchase Fund shares through a shareholder's listed
securities dealer. The Trust normally will accept orders to repurchase Fund
shares by wire or telephone from dealers for their customers at the net asset
value next computed after receipt of the order by the dealer, provided that the
request for repurchase is received by the dealer prior to the close of business
on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., New York time) on the day received and such
request is received by the Trust 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 Trust not later
than 30 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE in order to obtain that
day's closing price.
31
<PAGE>
The foregoing repurchase arrangements are for the convenience of shareholders
and do not involve a charge by the Trust (other than any applicable CDSC).
Securities firms 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 Trust. 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 Fund's Transfer
Agent are not subject to the processing fee. The Trust reserves the right to
reject any order for repurchase, which right of rejection might adversely
affect shareholders seeking redemption through the repurchase procedure.
However, a shareholder whose order for repurchase is rejected by the Trust may
redeem Fund shares as set forth above.
Redemption payments will be made within seven days of the proper tender of
the certificates, if any, and stock power or letter requesting redemption, in
each instance with signatures guaranteed as noted above.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE--CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
Shareholders who have redeemed their Class A or Class D shares have a
privilege to reinstate their accounts by purchasing Class A or Class D shares
of the Fund, as the case may be, 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.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Trust 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
described below and instructions as to how to participate in the various
services or plans, or to change options with respect thereto, can be obtained
from the Trust by calling the telephone number on the cover page hereof or from
the Distributor or Merrill Lynch.
INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
Each shareholder whose account is maintained at the Transfer Agent has an
Investment Account and will receive statements at least quarterly from the
Transfer Agent. These statements will serve as transaction confirmations for
automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of ordinary income
dividends and long-term capital gains distributions. The statements will also
show any other activity in the account since the preceding statement.
Shareholders will receive separate transaction confirmations for each purchase
or sale transaction other than automatic investment purchases and the
reinvestment of ordinary income dividends and long-term capital gains
distributions. A shareholder may make additions to his or her Investment
Account at any time by mailing a check directly to the Transfer Agent.
Shareholders may also maintain their accounts through Merrill Lynch. Upon the
transfer of shares out of a Merrill Lynch brokerage account, an Investment
Account in the transferring shareholder's name will be opened automatically at
the Transfer Agent. Shareholders considering transferring their Class A or
Class D shares from Merrill Lynch to another brokerage firm or financial
institution should be aware that, if the firm to which the Class A or Class
32
<PAGE>
D shares are to be transferred will not take delivery of shares of the Fund, a
shareholder either must redeem the Class A or Class D shares (paying any
applicable CDSC) so that the cash proceeds can be transferred to the account
at the new firm or such shareholder must continue to maintain an Investment
Account at the Transfer Agent for those Class A or Class D shares.
Shareholders interested in transferring their Class B or Class C shares from
Merrill Lynch and who do not wish to have an Investment Account maintained for
such shares at the Transfer Agent may request their new brokerage firm to
maintain such shares in an account registered in the name of the brokerage
firm for the benefit of the shareholder at the Transfer Agent. 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 such shares
and then must turn the certificates over to the new firm for re-registration
as described in the preceding sentence.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
U.S. shareholders of each class of shares of the Fund have an exchange
privilege with certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds. There is currently no
limitation on the number of times a shareholder may exercise the exchange
privilege. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time in
accordance with the rules of the Commission.
Under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System, Class A shareholders may
exchange Class A shares of the Fund for Class A shares of a second MLAM-
advised mutual fund if the shareholder holds any Class A shares of the second
fund in the account in which the exchange is made at the time of the exchange
or is otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second fund. If the
Class A shareholder wants to exchange Class A shares for shares of a second
MLAM-advised mutual fund, and the shareholder does not hold Class A shares of
the second fund in the account at the time of the exchange and is not
otherwise eligible to acquire Class A shares of the second fund, the
shareholder will receive Class D shares of the second fund as a result of the
exchange. Class D shares also may be exchanged for Class A shares of a second
MLAM-advised mutual fund at any time as long as, at the time of the exchange,
the shareholder holds Class A shares of the second fund in the account in
which the exchange is made or is otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares
of the second fund.
Exchanges of Class A and Class D shares are made on the basis of the
relative net asset values per Class A or Class D share, respectively, plus an
amount equal to the difference, if any, between the sales charge previously
paid on the Class A or Class D shares being exchanged and the sales charge
payable at the time of the exchange on the shares being acquired.
Class B, Class C and Class D shares are exchangeable with shares of the same
class of other MLAM-advised mutual funds.
Shares of the Fund that are subject to a CDSC are exchangeable on the basis
of relative net asset value per share without the payment of any CDSC that
might otherwise be due upon redemption of the shares of the Fund. For purposes
of computing the CDSC that may be payable upon a disposition of the shares
acquired in the exchange, the holding period for the previously owned shares
of the Fund is "tacked" to the holding period for the newly acquired shares of
the other Fund.
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares also are exchangeable for
shares of certain MLAM-advised money market funds specifically designated as
available for exchange by holders of Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D
shares. The period of time that Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D shares
are held in a money
33
<PAGE>
market fund, however, will not count toward satisfaction of the holding period
requirement for reduction of any CDSC imposed on such shares, if any, and, with
respect to Class B shares, toward satisfaction of the Conversion Period.
Class B shareholders of the Fund exercising the exchange privilege will
continue to be subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher
than the CDSC schedule relating to the new Class B shares. In addition, Class B
shares of the Fund acquired through use of the exchange privilege will be
subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC
schedule relating to the Class B shares of the MLAM-advised mutual fund from
which the exchange has been made.
Exercise of the exchange privilege is treated as a sale of the exchanged
shares and a purchase of the acquired shares for Federal income tax purposes.
For further information, see "Shareholder Services--Exchange Privilege" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
All dividends and capital gains distributions are reinvested automatically in
full and fractional shares of the Fund, without a sales charge, at the net
asset value per share at the close of business on the monthly payment date for
such dividends and distributions. A shareholder may at any time, by written
notification to Merrill Lynch, if the shareholder's account is maintained with
Merrill Lynch or by written notification or telephone (1-800-MER-FUND) to the
Transfer Agent, if the shareholder's 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 which event payment will
be mailed monthly. 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 or redemption checks. No CDSC will be
imposed upon redemption of shares issued as a result of the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS
A shareholder may elect to receive systematic withdrawal payments from his or
her Investment Account in the form of payment by check or through automatic
payment by direct deposit to his or her bank account on either a monthly or
quarterly basis. A shareholder whose shares are held within a CMA (R) or
CBA (R) 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, subject to certain conditions. 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--Class B and Class C Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges--
Class B Shares" and "--Contingent Deferred Sales Charges--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 automatically be applied thereafter to Class D
shares. See "Purchase of Shares--Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives--Class B
and Class C Shares--Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares."
34
<PAGE>
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS
Regular additions of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares may be made
to an investor's Investment Account by prearranged charges of $50 or more to
his or her regular bank account. Alternatively, investors who maintain CMA (R)
or CBA (R) accounts may arrange to have periodic investments made in the Fund
in their CMA (R) or CBA (R) account or in certain related accounts in amounts
of $100 or more through the CMA (R) or CBA (R) Automated Investment Program.
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 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
(800) MER-FUND or (800) 637-3863.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
The Trust has no obligation to deal with any dealer or group of dealers in
the execution of transactions in portfolio securities of the Fund. Municipal
Bonds and other securities in which the Fund invests are traded primarily in
the over-the-counter market. Where possible, the Trust deals directly with the
dealers who make a market in the securities involved except in those
circumstances where better prices and execution are available elsewhere. It is
the policy of the Trust to obtain the best net results in conducting portfolio
transactions for the Fund, taking into account such factors as price (including
the applicable dealer spread), the size, type and difficulty of the
transactions involved, the firm's general execution and operations facilities,
and the firm's risk in positioning the securities involved and the provision of
supplemental investment research by the firm. While reasonably competitive
spreads or commissions are sought, the Fund will not necessarily be paying the
lowest spread or commission available. The sale of shares of the Fund may be
taken into consideration as a factor in the selection of brokers or dealers to
execute portfolio transactions for the Fund. The portfolio securities of the
Fund generally are traded on a net basis and normally do not involve either
brokerage commissions or transfer taxes. The cost of portfolio securities
transactions of the Fund primarily consists of dealer or underwriter spreads.
Under the 1940 Act, persons affiliated with the Trust, including Merrill Lynch,
are prohibited from dealing with the Trust as a principal in the purchase and
sale
35
<PAGE>
of securities unless such trading is permitted by an exemptive order issued by
the Commission. The Trust has obtained an exemptive order permitting it to
engage in certain principal transactions with Merrill Lynch involving high
quality short-term municipal bonds subject to certain conditions. In addition,
the Trust may not purchase securities, including Municipal Bonds, for the Fund
during the existence of any underwriting syndicate of which Merrill Lynch is a
member or in a private placement in which Merrill Lynch serves as placement
agent except pursuant to procedures approved by the Trustees of the Trust which
either comply with rules adopted by the Commission or with interpretations of
the Commission staff. An affiliated person of the Trust may serve as its broker
in over-the-counter transactions conducted for the Fund on an agency basis
only.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The net investment income of the Fund is declared as dividends daily prior to
the determination of the net asset value which is calculated 15 minutes after
the close of business on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., New York time) on that
day. The net investment income of the Fund for dividend purposes consists of
interest earned on portfolio securities, less expenses, in each case computed
since the most recent determination of the net asset value. Expenses of the
Fund, including the management fees and the account maintenance and
distribution fees, are accrued daily. Dividends of net investment income are
declared daily and reinvested monthly in the form of additional full and
fractional shares of the Fund at net asset value as of the close of business on
the "payment date" unless the shareholder elects to receive such dividends in
cash. Shares will accrue dividends as long as they are issued and outstanding.
Shares are issued and outstanding from the settlement date of a purchase order
to the day prior to the settlement date of a redemption order.
All net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and distributed to the
Fund's shareholders at least annually. Capital gains distributions will be
reinvested automatically in shares unless the shareholder elects to receive
such distributions in cash.
The per share dividends and distributions on each class of shares will be
reduced as a result of any account maintenance, distribution and transfer
agency fees applicable with respect to that class. See "Additional
Information--Determination of Net Asset Value."
See "Shareholder Services" for information as to how to elect either dividend
reinvestment or cash payments. Portions of dividends and distributions which
are taxable to shareholders as described below are subject to income tax
whether they are reinvested in shares of the Fund or received in cash.
TAXES
The Trust intends to continue to qualify the Fund for the special tax
treatment afforded regulated investment companies ("RICs") under the Code. As
long as it so qualifies, the Fund (but not its shareholders) will not be
subject to Federal income tax to the extent that it distributes its net
investment income and net realized capital gains. The Trust intends to cause
the Fund to distribute substantially all of such income.
To the extent that the dividends distributed to the Fund's Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class D shareholders (together, the "shareholders") are derived
from interest income exempt from Federal income tax under Code Section 103(a)
and are properly designated as "exempt-interest dividends" by the Trust, they
are excludable from a shareholder's gross income for Federal income tax
purposes. Exempt-interest dividends
36
<PAGE>
are included, however, in determining the portion, if any, of a person's social
security benefits and railroad retirement benefits subject to Federal income
taxes. The portion of such exempt-interest dividends derived from interest
received by the Fund from Connecticut Municipal Bonds is not subject to the
Connecticut personal income tax on individuals, estates and trusts (the
"Connecticut income tax"), but other exempt-interest dividends are subject to
that tax. Distributions, including exempt-interest dividends, from the Fund
made to shareholders subject to the Connecticut corporation business tax are
included in gross income for purposes of the corporation business tax, but a
dividends received deduction may be available for a portion thereof except to
the extent such distributions constitute exempt-interest dividends or capital
gain dividends for Federal income tax purposes. Shareholders subject to income
taxation by states other than Connecticut will realize a lower after-tax rate
of return than Connecticut shareholders since the dividends distributed by the
Fund generally will not be exempt, to any significant degree, from income
taxation by such other states. The Trust will inform shareholders annually as
to the portion of the Fund's distributions which constitutes exempt-interest
dividends and the portion which is exempt from Connecticut income tax. Interest
on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry Fund shares is not
deductible for Federal income tax purposes to the extent attributable to
exempt-interest dividends, and such interest expense will not reduce taxable
income under the Connecticut income tax except to the extent it reduces the
shareholder's Federal adjusted gross income. Persons who may be "substantial
users" (or "related persons" of substantial users) of facilities financed by
industrial development bonds or private activity bonds held by the Fund should
consult their tax advisers before purchasing Fund shares.
To the extent that the Fund's distributions are derived from interest on its
taxable investments or from an excess of net short-term capital gains over net
long-term capital losses ("ordinary income dividends"), such distributions are
considered ordinary income for Federal income tax purposes and are subject to
the Connecticut income tax. Distributions, if any, from an excess of net long-
term capital gains over net short-term capital losses derived from the sale of
securities or from certain transactions in futures or options ("capital gain
dividends") are taxable as long-term capital gains for Federal income tax
purposes, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has owned Fund
shares. Recent legislation creates additional categories of capital gains
taxable at different rates. Although the legislation does not explain how gain
in these categories will be taxed to shareholders of RICs, it authorizes
regulations applying the new categories of gain and the new rates to sales of
securities by RICs. In the absence of guidance, there is some uncertainty as to
the manner in which the categories of gain and related rates will be passed
through to shareholders in capital gain dividends. It is anticipated that IRS
guidance permitting categories of gain and related rates to be passed through
to shareholders would also require the Fund to designate the amounts of various
categories of capital gain income included in capital gain dividends in a
written notice sent to shareholders. Capital gain dividends are not subject to
the Connecticut income tax to the extent derived from obligations issued by or
on behalf of the State of Connecticut, any political subdivision thereof, or
public instrumentality, state or local authority, district, or similar public
entity created under Connecticut law, but other capital gain dividends are
subject to that tax. Distributions by the Fund, whether from exempt-interest
income, ordinary income or capital gains, will not be eligible for the
dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code.
All or a portion of the Fund's gain from the sale or redemption of tax-exempt
obligations purchased at a market discount will be treated as ordinary income
rather than capital gain. This rule may increase the amount of ordinary income
dividends received by shareholders. Distributions in excess of the Fund's
earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder's
shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute
capital gains to such holder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset).
37
<PAGE>
Any loss upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will
be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received by the
shareholder. In addition, any such loss that is not disallowed under the rule
stated above will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any
capital gain dividends received by the shareholder. If the Fund pays a dividend
in January which was declared in the previous October, November or December to
shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such
dividend will be treated for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and
received by its shareholders on December 31 of the year in which such dividend
was declared.
The Code subjects interest received on certain otherwise tax-exempt
securities to an alternative minimum tax. This alternative minimum tax applies
to interest received on certain "private activity bonds" issued after August 7,
1986. Private activity bonds are bonds which, although tax-exempt, are used for
purposes other than those generally performed by governmental units and which
benefit non-governmental entities (e.g., bonds used for industrial development
or housing purposes). Income received on such bonds is classified as an item of
"tax preference," which could subject certain investors in such bonds,
including shareholders of the Fund, to an alternative minimum tax. Dividends
paid by the Fund that constitute items of tax preference for Federal
alternative minimum tax purposes, other than dividends derived from Connecticut
Municipal Bonds, could cause liability for the net Connecticut minimum tax,
applicable to shareholders subject to the Connecticut income tax who are
required to pay the Federal alternative minimum tax. The Fund will purchase
such "private activity bonds," and the Trust will report to shareholders within
60 days after the Fund's taxable year-end the portion of the Fund's dividends
declared during the year which constitutes an item of tax preference for
alternative minimum tax purposes. The Code further provides that corporations
are subject to an alternative minimum tax based, in part, on certain
differences between taxable income as adjusted for other tax preferences and
the corporation's "adjusted current earnings," which more closely reflect a
corporation's economic income. Because an exempt-interest dividend paid by the
Fund will be included in adjusted current earnings, a corporate shareholder may
be required to pay alternative minimum tax on exempt-interest dividends paid by
the Fund.
No gain or loss will be recognized by Class B shareholders on the conversion
of their Class B shares into Class D shares. A shareholder's basis in the Class
D shares acquired will be the same as such shareholder's basis in the Class B
shares converted, and the holding period of the acquired Class D shares will
include the holding period for the converted Class B shares.
If a shareholder exercises an exchange privilege within 90 days of acquiring
the shares, then the loss the shareholder can recognize on the exchange will be
reduced (or the gain increased) to the extent any sales charge paid to the Fund
on the exchanged shares reduces any sales charge such shareholder would have
owed upon purchase of the new shares in the absence of the exchange privilege.
Instead, such sales charge will be treated as an amount paid for the new
shares.
A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be
disallowed if other Fund shares are acquired (whether through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30
days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of.
In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect
the disallowed loss.
Under certain Code provisions, some shareholders may be subject to a 31%
withholding tax on certain ordinary income dividends and on capital gain
dividends and redemption payments ("backup withholding").
38
<PAGE>
Generally, shareholders subject to backup withholding will be those for whom no
certified taxpayer identification number is on file with the Trust or who, to
the Trust's knowledge, have furnished an incorrect number. When establishing an
account, an investor must certify under penalty of perjury that such number is
correct and that such investor is not otherwise subject to backup withholding.
The Code provides that every person required to file a tax return must
include for information purposes on such return the amount of exempt-interest
dividends received from all sources (including the Fund) during the taxable
year.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations and Connecticut tax laws presently
in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the
pertinent Code sections, the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and
the applicable Connecticut income tax laws and regulations. The Code and the
Treasury regulations, as well as the Connecticut tax laws, are subject to
change by legislative, judicial or administrative action either prospectively
or retroactively.
Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the
availability of any exemptions from state or local taxes (other than those
imposed by Connecticut) and with specific questions as to Federal, foreign and
Connecticut or other state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time the Fund may include its average annual total return, yield
and tax-equivalent yield for various specified time periods in advertisements
or information furnished to present or prospective shareholders. Average annual
total return, yield and tax-equivalent yield are computed separately for
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares in accordance with formulas
specified by the Commission.
Average annual total return quotations for the specified periods will be
computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return (based on net
investment income and any realized and unrealized capital gains or losses on
portfolio investments over such periods) that would equate the initial amount
invested to the redeemable value of such investment at the end of each period.
Average annual total return will be computed assuming all dividends and
distributions are reinvested and taking into account all applicable recurring
and nonrecurring expenses, including any CDSC that would be applicable to a
complete redemption of the investment at the end of the specified period such
as in the case of Class B and Class C shares and the maximum sales charge in
the case of Class A and Class D shares. Dividends paid by the Fund with respect
to each class of shares, to the extent any dividends are paid, will be
calculated in the same manner at the same time on the same day and will be in
the same amount, except that account maintenance, distribution charges and any
incremental transfer agency costs relating to each class of shares will be
borne by that class. The Fund will include performance data for all classes of
shares of the Fund in any advertisement or information including performance
data of the Fund.
The Fund also may quote total return and aggregate total return performance
data for various specified time periods. Such data will be calculated
substantially as described above, except that (1) the rates of return
calculated will not be average annual rates, but rather, actual annual,
annualized or aggregate rates of return and (2) the maximum applicable sales
charges will not be included with respect to annual or annualized rates of
return calculations. Aside from the impact on the performance data calculations
of including or excluding the maximum applicable sales charges, actual annual
or annualized total return data generally will be lower than average annual
total return data since the average annual rates of return reflect compounding;
aggregate
39
<PAGE>
total return data generally will be higher than average annual total return
data since the aggregate rates of return reflect compounding over a longer
period of time. In advertisements distributed to investors whose purchases are
subject to waiver of the CDSC in the case of Class B and Class C shares or
reduced sales charges in the case of Class A and Class D shares, the
performance data may take into account the reduced, and not the maximum, sales
charge or may not take into account the CDSC and therefore may reflect greater
total return since, due to the reduced sales charges or waiver of the CDSC, a
lower amount of expenses is deducted. See "Purchase of Shares." The Fund's
total return may be expressed either as a percentage or as a dollar amount in
order to illustrate such total return on a hypothetical $1,000 investment in
the Fund at the beginning of each specified period.
Yield quotations will be computed based on a 30-day period by dividing (a)
the net income based on the yield of each security earned during the period by
(b) the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were
entitled to receive dividends multiplied by the maximum offering price per
share on the last day of the period. Tax-equivalent yield quotations will be
computed by dividing (a) the part of the Fund's yield that is tax-exempt by (b)
one minus a stated tax rate and (c) adding the result to that part, if any, of
the Fund's yield that is not tax-exempt. The yield for the 30-day period ended
July 31, 1997 was 4.53% for Class A shares, 4.22% for Class B shares, 4.12% for
Class C shares and 4.44% for Class D shares and the tax equivalent yield for
the same period (based on a Federal income tax rate of 28%) was 6.29% for Class
A shares, 5.86% for Class B shares, 5.72% for Class C shares and 6.17% for
Class D shares. The yield without voluntary reimbursement or waiver of Fund
expenses for the 30-day period would have been 4.34% for Class A shares, 4.02%
for Class B shares, 3.92% for Class C shares and 4.24% for Class D shares with
a tax equivalent yield of 6.03% for Class A shares, 5.58% for Class B shares,
5.44% for Class C shares and 5.89% for Class D shares.
Total return, yield and tax-equivalent yield figures are based on the Fund's
historical performance and are not intended to indicate future performance. The
Fund's total return, yield and tax-equivalent yield will vary depending on
market conditions, the securities comprising the Fund's portfolio, the Fund's
operating expenses and the amount of realized and unrealized net capital gains
or losses during the period. The value of an investment in the Fund will
fluctuate and an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less
than their original cost.
On occasion, the Fund may compare its performance to performance data
published by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar Publications, Inc.
("Morningstar") and CDA Investment Technology, Inc., or to data contained in
publications such as Money Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Business Week,
Forbes Magazine and Fortune Magazine. From time to time, the Fund may include
the Fund's Morningstar risk-adjusted performance ratings in advertisements or
supplemental sales literature. As with other performance data, performance
comparisons should not be considered indicative of the Fund's relative
performance for any future period.
40
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the shares of all classes of the Fund is determined by
the Manager once daily 15 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE
(generally, 4:00 p.m., New York time), on each day during which the NYSE is
open for trading. The net asset value per share is computed by dividing the sum
of the value of the securities held by the Fund plus any cash or other assets
(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 the Distributor, are accrued daily.
The per share net asset value of the Class A shares generally will be higher
than the per share net asset value of shares of the other classes, reflecting
the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance, distribution and higher
transfer agency fees applicable with respect to Class B and Class C shares and
the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance fees applicable with
respect to Class D shares; moreover, the per share net asset value of Class D
shares generally will be higher than the per share net asset value of Class B
and Class C shares, reflecting the daily expense accruals of the distribution
fees, higher account maintenance fees and higher transfer agency fees
applicable with respect to Class B and Class C shares. It is expected, however,
that the per share net asset value of the classes will tend to converge
(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.
ORGANIZATION OF THE TRUST
The Trust is a business trust organized on August 2, 1985 under the laws of
Massachusetts. On October 1, 1987 the Trust changed its name from "Merrill
Lynch Multi-State Tax-Exempt Series Trust" to "Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Bond Series Trust," and on December 22, 1987 the Trust again changed
its name to "Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust." The Trust is an
open-end management investment company comprised of separate series ("Series"),
each of which is a separate portfolio offering shares to selected groups of
purchasers. Each of the Series is managed independently in order to provide to
shareholders who are residents of the state to which such Series relates as
high a level of income exempt from Federal and, in certain cases, state and
local income taxes as is consistent with prudent investment management. The
Trustees are authorized to create an unlimited number of Series and, with
respect to each Series, to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional
shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value per share, of different classes.
Shareholder approval is not required for the authorization of additional Series
or classes of a Series of the Trust. At the date of this Prospectus, the shares
of the Fund are divided into Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares.
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares represent interests in the same
assets of the Fund and are identical in all respects except that Class B, Class
C and Class D shares bear certain expenses relating to the account maintenance
associated with such shares, and Class B and Class C shares bear certain
expenses relating to the distribution of such shares. Each class has exclusive
voting rights with respect to matters relating to distribution and/or account
maintenance expenditures, as applicable. See "Purchase of Shares." The Trustees
of the Trust may classify and reclassify the shares of any Series into
additional or other classes at a future date.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share and to fractional
votes for fractional shares held in the election of Trustees (to the extent
hereinafter provided) and on other matters submitted to the vote of
shareholders. There normally will be no meeting of shareholders for the purpose
of electing Trustees unless
41
<PAGE>
and until such time as less than a majority of the Trustees holding office have
been elected by shareholders, at which time the Trustees then in office will
call a shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees. Shareholders may, in
accordance with the terms of the Declaration of Trust, cause a meeting of
shareholders to be held for the purpose of voting on the removal of Trustees.
Also, the Trust will be required to call a special meeting of shareholders of a
Series in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act to seek approval of
new management and advisory arrangements, of a material increase in
distribution fees or of a change in the fundamental policies, objectives or
restrictions of a Series. Except as set forth above, the Trustees shall
continue to hold office and appoint successor Trustees. Upon liquidation or
dissolution of a Series, each issued and outstanding share of that Series is
entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the
respective Series and in net assets of such Series remaining after satisfaction
of outstanding liabilities except that, as noted above, Class B, Class C and
Class D shares bear certain additional expenses. The obligations and
liabilities of a particular Series are restricted to the assets of that Series
and do not extend to the assets of the Trust generally. The shares of each
Series, when issued, will be fully-paid and non-assessable by the Trust.
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS
Only one copy of each shareholder report and certain shareholder
communications will be mailed to each identified shareholder regardless of the
number of accounts such shareholder has. If a shareholder wishes to receive
separate copies of each report and communication for each of the shareholder's
related accounts, the shareholder should notify in writing:
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, FL 32232-5289
The written notification should include the shareholder's name, address, tax
identification number and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
and/or mutual fund account numbers. If you have any questions regarding this
matter please call your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant or Merrill Lynch
Financial Data Services, Inc. at (800) 637-3863.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
Shareholder inquiries may be addressed to the Trust at the address or
telephone number set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
----------------
The Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust, dated August 2, 1985, a copy
of which together with all amendments thereto (the "Declaration") is on file in
the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provides that
the name "Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust" refers to the
Trustees under the Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals
or personally; and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of the
Trust shall be held to any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to such
person's private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim of
the Trust, but the "Trust Property" only shall be liable.
42
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART 1)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SHARE PURCHASE APPLICATION
I, being of legal age, wish to purchase: (choose one)
[_] Class A shares [_] Class B shares [_] Class C shares [_] Class D shares
of Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund and establish an Investment
Account as described in the Prospectus. In the event that I am not eligible to
purchase Class A shares, I understand that Class D shares will be purchased.
Basis for establishing an Investment Account:
A. I enclose a check for $............ payable to Merrill Lynch Financial
Data Services, Inc. as an initial investment (minimum $1,000). I understand
that this purchase will be executed at the applicable offering price next to
be determined after this Application is received by you.
B. I already own shares of the following Merrill Lynch mutual funds that
would qualify for the right of accumulation as outlined in the Statement of
Additional Information: (Please list all funds. Use a separate sheet of
paper if necessary.)
1. .................................. 4. ..................................
2. .................................. 5. ..................................
3. .................................. 6. ..................................
Name...........................................................................
First Name Initial Last Name
Name of Co-Owner (if any)......................................................
First Name Initial Last Name
Address........................................................................
................................................. Date........................
(Zip Code)
Occupation........................... Name and Address of Employer ........
.....................................
.....................................
..................................... .....................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner (if any)
(In the case of co-owners, a joint tenancy with right of survivorship will be
presumed unless otherwise specified.)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
Ordinary Income Dividends Long-Term Capital Gains
SELECT [_] Reinvest SELECT [_] Reinvest
ONE: [_] Cash ONE: [_] Cash
If no election is made, dividends and capital gains will be automatically
reinvested at net asset value without a sales charge.
IF CASH, SPECIFY HOW YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO YOU: [_] Check
or [_] Direct Deposit to bank account
IF DIRECT DEPOSIT TO BANK ACCOUNT IS SELECTED, PLEASE COMPLETE BELOW:
I hereby authorize payment of dividend and capital gain distributions by
direct deposit to my bank account and, if necessary, debit entries and
adjustments for any credit entries made to my account in accordance with the
terms I have selected on the Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund
Authorization Form.
Specify type of account (check one): [_] checking [_] savings
Name on your account ..........................................................
Bank Name .....................................................................
Bank Number ...................... Account Number ............................
Bank Address ..................................................................
I AGREE THAT THIS AUTHORIZATION WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL I PROVIDE WRITTEN
NOTIFICATION TO MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC. AMENDING OR
TERMINATING THIS SERVICE.
Signature of Depositor ........................................................
Signature of Depositor ............................... Date...................
(if joint account, both must sign)
NOTE: IF DIRECT DEPOSIT TO BANK ACCOUNT IS SELECTED, YOUR BLANK, UNSIGNED
CHECK MARKED "VOID" OR A DEPOSIT SLIP FROM YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT SHOULD
ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL BOND FUND --
AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART 1) -- (CONTINUED)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
[ ]
Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number
Under penalty of perjury, I certify (1) that the number set forth above is
my correct Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number and (2)
that I am not subject to backup withholding (as discussed in the Prospectus
under "Distribution and Taxes--Taxes") either because I have not been notified
that I am subject thereto as a result of a failure to report all interest or
dividends, or the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has notified me that I am
no longer subject thereto.
INSTRUCTION: YOU MUST STRIKE OUT THE LANGUAGE IN (2) ABOVE IF YOU HAVE BEEN
NOTIFIED THAT YOU ARE SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING DUE TO UNDER-REPORTING AND
IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE IRS THAT BACKUP WITHHOLDING HAS
BEEN TERMINATED. THE UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZES THE FURNISHING OF THIS
CERTIFICATION TO OTHER MERRILL LYNCH SPONSORED MUTUAL FUNDS.
..................................... .....................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner (if any)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. LETTER OF INTENTION--CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES ONLY (SEE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
..................., 19......
Date of Initial Purchase
Dear Sir/Madam:
Although I am not obligated to do so, I intend to purchase shares of Merrill
Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund or any other investment company with an
initial sales charge or deferred sales charge for which Merrill Lynch Funds
Distributor, Inc. acts as distributor over the next 13-month period which will
equal or exceed:
[_] $25,000 [_] $50,000 [_] $100,000 [_] $250,000 [_] $1,000,000
Each purchase will be made at the then reduced offering price applicable to
the amount checked above, as described in the Merrill Lynch Connecticut
Municipal Bond Fund Prospectus.
I agree to the terms and conditions of this Letter of Intention. I hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc., my
attorney, with full power of substitution, to surrender for redemption any or
all shares of Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund held as security.
By: ................................. .....................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner
(If registered in joint names,
both names must sign)
In making purchases under this letter, the following are the related
accounts on which reduced offering prices are to apply:
(1) Name............................. (2) Name.............................
Account Number....................... Account Number.......................
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. FOR DEALER ONLY
Branch Office, Address, Stamp We hereby authorize Merrill Lynch
- - Funds Distributor, Inc. to act as
our agent in connection with
transactions under this
authorization form and agree to
notify the Distributor of any
purchases or sales made under a
Letter of Intention, Automatic
Investment Plan or Systematic
Withdrawal Plan. We guarantee the
- - shareholder's signature.
This form when completed, should .....................................
be mailed to: Dealer Name and Address
Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal By: .................................
Bond Fund Authorized Signature of Dealer
c/o Merrill Lynch Financial Data
Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 45289 [_][_][_] [_][_][_][_] .............
Jacksonville, FL 32232-5289 Branch Code F/C No. F/C Last Name
[_][_][_] [_][_][_][_][_]
Dealer's Customer A/C No.
44
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART 2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: THIS FORM IS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THE SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL OR
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS ONLY.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
(Please Print)
[ ]
Name of Owner...................... Social Security Number or
First Name Initial Last Name Taxpayer Identification
Number
Name of Co-Owner (if any)..........
First Name Initial Last Name
Address............................ Account Number ....................
(if existing account)
...................................
(Zip Code)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN (SEE TERMS AND CONDITIONS IN THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: $10,000 for monthly disbursements, $5,000 for quarterly,
of [_] Class A, [_] Class B,* [_] Class C* or [_] Class D shares in Merrill
Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund at cost or current offering price.
Withdrawals to be made either (check one) [_] Monthly on the 24th day of each
month, or [_] Quarterly on the 24th day of March, June, September and
December. If the 24th falls on a weekend or holiday, the next succeeding
business day will be utilized. Begin systematic withdrawal on
----------------
(month)
or as soon as possible thereafter.
SPECIFY THE AMOUNT OF WITHDRAWAL YOU WOULD LIKE PAID TO YOU (CHECK ONE): [_]
$ of [_] Class A, [_] Class B*, [_] Class C* or [_] Class D shares in the
-----
account.
SPECIFY WITHDRAWAL METHOD: [_] check or [_] direct deposit to bank account
(check one and complete part (a) or (b) below):
DRAW CHECKS PAYABLE (CHECK ONE)
(a)I hereby authorize payment by check
[_] as indicated in Item 1.
[_] to the order of..........................................................
Mail to (check one)
[_] the address indicated in Item 1.
[_] Name (please print)......................................................
Address .......................................................................
..........................................................................
Signature of Owner................................ Date..................
Signature of Co-Owner (if any)............................................
(B) I HEREBY AUTHORIZE PAYMENT BY DIRECT DEPOSIT TO MY BANK ACCOUNT AND, IF
NECESSARY, DEBIT ENTRIES AND ADJUSTMENTS FOR ANY CREDIT ENTRIES MADE TO MY
ACCOUNT. I AGREE THAT THIS AUTHORIZATION WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL I PROVIDE
WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC. AMENDING
OR TERMINATING THIS SERVICE.
Specify type of account (check one): [_] checking [_] savings
Name on your Account...........................................................
Bank Name......................................................................
Bank Number........................ Account Number............................
Bank Address...................................................................
........................................................................
Signature of Depositor................................. Date..................
Signature of Depositor.........................................................
(If joint account, both must sign)
NOTE: IF DIRECT DEPOSIT IS ELECTED, YOUR BLANK, UNSIGNED CHECK MARKED "VOID"
OR A DEPOSIT SLIP FROM YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT SHOULD ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION.
* Annual withdrawal cannot exceed 10% of the value of shares of such class
held in the account at the time the election to join the systematic
withdrawal plan is made.
45
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART
2) -- (CONTINUED)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. APPLICATION FOR AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
I hereby request that Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. draw an
automated clearing house ("ACH") debit on my checking account as described
below each month to purchase: (choose one)
[_] Class A shares [_] Class B shares [_] Class C shares [_] Class D shares
of Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund subject to the terms set
forth below. In the event that I am not eligible to purchase Class A shares, I
understand that Class D shares will be purchased.
AUTHORIZATION TO HONOR ACH DEBITS
MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL DATA
SERVICES, INC.
DRAWN BY MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL
You are hereby authorized to draw an DATA SERVICES, INC.
ACH debit each month on my bank
account for investment in Merrill
Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond
Fund, as indicated below:
Amount of each ACH debit $........ To...............................Bank
(Investor's Bank)
Account No. ...................... Bank Address.........................
City...... State...... Zip Code......
Please date and invest ACH debits on
the 20th of each month beginning..
....................................
(Month)
or as soon thereafter as possible.
As a convenience to me, I hereby
I agree that you are drawing these request and authorize you to pay and
ACH debits voluntarily at my request charge to my account ACH debits
and that you shall not be liable for drawn on my account by and payable
any loss arising from any delay in to Merrill Lynch Financial Data
preparing or failure to prepare any Services, Inc. I agree that your
such debit. If I change banks or rights in respect to each such debit
desire to terminate or suspend this shall be the same as if it were a
program, I agree to notify you check drawn on you and signed
promptly in writing. I hereby personally by me. This authority is
authorize you to take any action to to remain in effect until revoked
correct erroneous ACH debits of my personally by me in writing. Until
bank account or purchases of Fund you receive such notice, you shall
shares including liquidating shares be fully protected in honoring any
of the Fund and credit my bank such debit. I further agree that if
account. I further agree that if a any such debit be dishonored,
check or debit is not honored upon whether with or without cause and
presentation, Merrill Lynch Financial whether intentionally or
Data Services, Inc. is authorized to inadvertently, you shall be under no
discontinue immediately the Automatic liability.
Investment Plan and to liquidate
sufficient shares held in my account
to offset the purchase made with the
dishonored debit. ............ .....................
Date Signature of
Depositor
............ ..................... ............ .....................
Date Signature of Bank Signature of Depositor
Depositor Account (If joint account,
Number both must sign)
......................
Signature of Depositor
(If joint account,
both must sign)
NOTE: IF AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN IS ELECTED, YOUR BLANK, UNSIGNED CHECK
MARKED "VOID" SHOULD ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION.
46
<PAGE>
MANAGER
Fund Asset Management
Administrative Offices:
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
DISTRIBUTOR
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.
Administrative Offices:
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9081
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081
CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and Trust Company
P.O. Box 351
Boston, Massachusetts 02101
TRANSFER AGENT
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc.
Administrative Offices:
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
117 Campus Drive
Princeton, New Jersey 08540-6400
COUNSEL
Brown & Wood LLP
One World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0557
<PAGE>
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE TRUST, THE MANAGER OR THE DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY
BE MADE.
-------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Fee Table.................................................................. 2
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System..................................... 4
Financial Highlights....................................................... 8
Investment Objective and Policies.......................................... 10
Potential Benefits........................................................ 12
Special and Risk Considerations Relating to Municipal Bonds............... 12
Description of Municipal Bonds............................................ 13
Call Rights............................................................... 16
When-Issued Securities and Delayed Delivery Transactions.................. 16
Financial Futures Transactions and Options................................ 16
Repurchase Agreements..................................................... 18
Investment Restrictions................................................... 19
Management of the Trust.................................................... 20
Trustees.................................................................. 20
Management and Advisory Arrangements...................................... 20
Code of Ethics............................................................ 21
Transfer Agency Services.................................................. 21
Purchase of Shares......................................................... 22
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares............. 24
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares............ 26
Distribution Plans........................................................ 28
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges...................... 30
Redemption of Shares....................................................... 31
Redemption................................................................ 31
Repurchase................................................................ 31
Reinstatement Privilege--Class A and Class D Shares....................... 32
Shareholder Services....................................................... 32
Investment Account........................................................ 32
Exchange Privilege........................................................ 33
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions....... 34
Systematic Withdrawal Plans............................................... 34
Automatic Investment Plans................................................ 35
Fee-Based Programs........................................................ 35
Portfolio Transactions..................................................... 35
Distributions and Taxes.................................................... 36
Dividends and Distributions............................................... 36
Taxes..................................................................... 36
Performance Data........................................................... 39
Additional Information..................................................... 41
Determination of Net Asset Value.......................................... 41
Organization of the Trust................................................. 41
Shareholder Reports....................................................... 42
Shareholder Inquiries..................................................... 42
Authorization Form......................................................... 43
</TABLE>
LOGO MERRILL LYNCH
Merrill Lynch
Connecticut Municipal
Bond Fund
Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust
PROSPECTUS
October 28, 1997
Distributor:
Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc.
This prospectus should be
retained for future reference.
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MERRILL LYNCH CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
MERRILL LYNCH MULTI-STATE MUNICIPAL SERIES TRUST
P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011 . PHONE NO. (609) 282-2800
----------------
Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is a series of
Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The
investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with as high a
level of income exempt from Federal income tax and the Connecticut personal
income tax as is consistent with prudent investment management. The Fund
invests primarily in a portfolio of long-term investment grade obligations
issued by or on behalf of the State of Connecticut, its political
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities and obligations of other
qualifying issuers, such as issuers located in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands and Guam, which pay interest exempt from Federal income tax and the
Connecticut personal income tax. There can be no assurance that the investment
objective of the Fund will be realized.
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM 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.
----------------
The Statement of Additional Information of the Fund is not a prospectus and
should be read in conjunction with the prospectus of the Fund, dated October
28, 1997 (the "Prospectus"), which has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and can be obtained, without charge, by
calling or by writing the Fund at the above telephone number or address. This
Statement of Additional Information has been incorporated by reference into
the Prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the same
meanings as in the Prospectus.
----------------
FUND ASSET MANAGEMENT -- MANAGER
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. -- DISTRIBUTOR
----------------
The date of this Statement of Additional Information is October 28, 1997.
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with as high
a level of income exempt from Federal income tax and the Connecticut personal
income tax as is consistent with prudent investment management. The Fund seeks
to achieve its objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of long-term
obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of Connecticut, its political
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities and obligations of other
qualifying issuers, such as issuers located in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands and Guam, which pay interest exempt, in the opinion of bond counsel to
the issuer, from Federal income tax and the Connecticut personal income tax.
Obligations exempt from Federal income tax are referred to herein as "Municipal
Bonds" and obligations exempt from both Federal income tax and the Connecticut
personal income tax are referred to as "Connecticut Municipal Bonds." Unless
otherwise indicated, references to Municipal Bonds shall be deemed to include
Connecticut Municipal Bonds. The Fund anticipates that at all times, except
during temporary defensive periods, it will maintain at least 65% of its total
assets invested in Connecticut Municipal Bonds. At times, the Fund will seek to
hedge its portfolio through the use of futures transactions to reduce
volatility in the net asset value of Fund shares. Reference is made to
"Investment Objective and Policies" in the Prospectus for a discussion of the
investment objective and policies of the Fund.
Municipal Bonds may include general obligation bonds of the State and its
political subdivisions, revenue bonds of utility systems, highways, bridges,
port and airport facilities, colleges, hospitals, housing facilities, etc., and
industrial development bonds or private activity bonds. The interest on such
obligations may bear a fixed rate or be payable at a variable or floating rate.
The Municipal Bonds purchased by the Fund will be primarily what are commonly
referred to as "investment grade" securities, which are obligations rated at
the time of purchase within the four highest quality ratings as determined by
either Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") (currently Aaa, Aa, A and
Baa), Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("Standard & Poor's") (currently AAA,
AA, A and BBB) or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") (currently AAA, AA, A
and BBB). If unrated, such securities will possess creditworthiness comparable,
in the opinion of the manager of the Fund, Fund Asset Management, L.P. (the
"Manager"), to other obligations in which the Fund may invest.
The Fund ordinarily does not intend to realize investment income not exempt
from Federal income tax and the Connecticut personal income tax. However, to
the extent that suitable Connecticut Municipal Bonds are not available for
investment by the Fund, the Fund may purchase Municipal Bonds issued by other
states, their agencies and instrumentalities, the interest income on which is
exempt, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, from Federal income
taxation but is not exempt from the Connecticut personal income tax. The Fund
also may invest in securities not issued by or on behalf of a state or
territory or by an agency or instrumentality thereof, if the Fund nevertheless
believes such securities to be exempt from Federal income taxation ("Non-
Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities"). Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt Securities may
include securities issued by other investment companies that invest in
municipal bonds, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Other Non-Municipal
Tax-Exempt Securities also could include trust certificates or other
instruments evidencing interests in one or more long-term municipal securities.
Except when acceptable securities are unavailable as determined by the
Manager, the Fund, under normal circumstances, will invest at least 65% of its
total assets in Connecticut Municipal Bonds. For temporary periods or to
provide liquidity, the Fund has the authority to invest as much as 35% of its
total assets in tax-exempt or taxable money market obligations with a maturity
of one year or less (such short-term
2
<PAGE>
obligations being referred to herein as "Temporary Investments"), except that
taxable Temporary Investments shall not exceed 20% of the Fund's net assets.
The Fund at all times will have at least 80% of its net assets invested in
securities exempt from Federal income taxation. However, interest received on
certain otherwise tax-exempt securities which are classified as "private
activity bonds" (in general bonds that benefit non-governmental entities) may
be subject to an alternative minimum tax. The Fund may purchase such private
activity bonds. See "Distributions and Taxes." In addition, the Fund reserves
the right to invest temporarily a greater portion of its assets in Temporary
Investments for defensive purposes, when, in the judgment of the Manager,
market conditions warrant. The investment objective of the Fund set forth in
this paragraph is a fundamental policy of the Fund which may not be changed
without a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund's
hedging strategies are not fundamental policies and may be modified by the
Trustees of the Trust without the approval of the Fund's shareholders.
Municipal Bonds may at times be purchased or sold on a delayed delivery basis
or a when-issued basis. These transactions arise when securities are purchased
or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future, often
a month or more after the purchase. The payment obligation and the interest
rate are each fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment. The Fund
will make only commitments to purchase such securities with the intention of
actually acquiring the securities, but the Fund may sell these securities prior
to the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. Purchasing Municipal Bonds on
a when-issued basis involves the risk that the yields available in the market
when the delivery takes place actually may be higher than those obtained in the
transaction itself; if yields so increase, the value of the when-issued
obligations generally will decrease. The Fund will maintain a separate account
at its custodian bank consisting of cash, cash equivalents or high-grade,
liquid Municipal Bonds or Temporary Investments (valued on a daily basis) equal
at all times to the amount of the when-issued commitment.
The Fund may invest in Municipal Bonds (and Non-Municipal Tax-Exempt
Securities) the return on which is based on a particular index of value or
interest rates. For example, the Fund may invest in Municipal Bonds that pay
interest based on an index of Municipal Bond interest rates or based on the
value of gold or some other commodity. The principal amount payable upon
maturity of certain Municipal Bonds also may be based on the value of an index.
Also, the Fund may invest in so-called "inverse floating obligations" or
"residual interest bonds" on which the interest rates typically decline as
market rates increase and increase as market rates decline. For example, to the
extent the Fund invests in these types of Municipal Bonds, the Fund's return on
such Municipal Bonds will be subject to risk with respect to the value of the
particular index, which may include reduced or eliminated interest payments and
losses of invested principal. Such securities have the effect of providing a
degree of investment leverage, since they may increase or decrease in value in
response to changes, as an illustration, in market interest rates at a rate
which is a multiple (typically two) of the rate at which fixed-rate long-term
tax-exempt securities increase or decrease in response to such changes. As a
result, the market values of such securities will generally be more volatile
than the market values of fixed-rate tax-exempt securities. To seek to limit
the volatility of these securities, the Fund may purchase inverse floating
obligations with shorter term maturities or which contain limitations on the
extent to which the interest rate may vary. Certain investments in such
obligations may be illiquid. The Fund may not invest in such illiquid
obligations if such investments, together with other illiquid investments,
would exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets. The Manager believes, however,
that indexed and inverse floating obligations represent flexible portfolio
management instruments for the Fund which allow the Fund to seek potential
investment rewards, hedge other portfolio positions or vary the degree of
investment leverage relatively efficiently under different market conditions.
3
<PAGE>
The Fund may purchase a Municipal Bond issuer's right to call all or a
portion of such Municipal Bond for mandatory tender for purchase (a "Call
Right"). A holder of a Call Right may exercise such right to require a
mandatory tender for the purchase of related Municipal Bonds, subject to
certain conditions. A Call Right that is not exercised prior to the maturity of
the related Municipal Bond will expire without value. The economic effect of
holding both the Call Right and the related Municipal Bond is identical to
holding a Municipal Bond as a non-callable security. Certain investments in
such obligations may be illiquid. The Fund may not invest in such illiquid
obligations if such investments, together with other illiquid investments,
would exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in Municipal Bonds which
are rated below Baa by Moody's or below BBB by Standard & Poor's or Fitch or
which, in the Manager's judgment, possess similar credit characteristics ("high
yield securities"). See Appendix II--"Ratings of Municipal Bonds" for
additional information regarding ratings of debt securities. The Manager
considers the ratings assigned by Standard & Poor's, Moody's or Fitch as one of
several factors in its independent credit analysis of issuers.
High yield securities are considered by Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch
to have varying degrees of speculative characteristics. Consequently, although
high yield securities can be expected to provide higher yields, such securities
may be subject to greater market price fluctuations and risk of loss of
principal than lower-yielding, higher-rated debt securities. Investments in
high yield securities will be made only when, in the judgment of the Manager,
such securities provide attractive total return potential relative to the risk
of such securities, as compared to higher quality debt securities. The Fund
generally will not invest in debt securities in the lowest rating categories
(those rated CC or lower by Standard & Poor's or Fitch or Ca or lower by
Moody's) unless the Manager believes that the financial condition of the issuer
or the protection afforded the particular securities is stronger than would
otherwise be indicated by such low ratings. The Fund does not intend to
purchase debt securities that are in default or which the Manager believes will
be in default.
Issuers or obligors of high yield securities may be highly leveraged and may
not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. Therefore,
the risks associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers or obligors
generally are greater than is the case with higher rated securities. For
example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest
rates, issuers or obligors of high yield securities may be more likely to
experience financial stress, especially if such issuers or obligors are highly
leveraged. In addition, the market for high yield securities is relatively new
and has not weathered a major economic recession, and it is unknown what
effects such a recession might have on such securities. During such periods,
such issuers may not have sufficient revenues to meet their interest payment
obligations. The issuer's ability to service its debt obligations also may be
adversely affected by specific issuer developments, or the issuer's inability
to meet specific projected business forecasts, or the unavailability of
additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer is
significantly greater for the holders of high yield securities because such
securities may be unsecured and may be subordinated to other creditors of the
issuer.
High yield securities frequently have call or redemption features that would
permit an issuer to repurchase the security from the Fund. If a call were
exercised by the issuer during a period of declining interest rates, the Fund
likely would have to replace such called security with a lower-yielding
security, thus decreasing the net investment income to the Fund and dividends
to shareholders.
4
<PAGE>
The Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain high yield securities
because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. Because not all
dealers maintain markets in all high yield securities, there is no established
secondary market for many of these securities, and the Fund anticipates that
such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or
institutional investors. To the extent that a secondary trading market for high
yield securities does exist, it generally is not as liquid as the secondary
market for higher-rated securities. Reduced secondary market liquidity may have
an adverse impact on market price and the Fund's ability to dispose of
particular issues when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in
response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the issuer. Reduced secondary market liquidity for certain
securities also may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate
market quotations for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio. Market
quotations generally are available on many high yield securities only from a
limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such
dealers or prices for actual sales.
It is expected that a significant portion of the high yield securities
acquired by the Fund will be purchased upon issuance, which may involve special
risks because the securities so acquired are new issues. In such instances the
Fund may be a substantial purchaser of the issue and therefore have the
opportunity to participate in structuring the terms of the offering. Although
this may enable the Fund to seek to protect itself against certain of such
risks, the considerations discussed herein would nevertheless remain
applicable.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, which may not be based on
fundamental analysis, also may decrease the value and liquidity of high yield
securities, particularly in a thinly traded market. Factors adversely affecting
the market value of high yield securities are likely to affect adversely the
Fund's net asset value. In addition, the Fund may incur additional expenses to
the extent that it is required to seek recovery upon a default on a portfolio
holding or participate in the restructuring of the obligation.
DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL BONDS AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
Set forth below is a description of the Municipal Bonds and Temporary
Investments in which the Fund may invest. A more complete discussion concerning
futures and options transactions is set forth under "Investment Objective and
Policies" in the Prospectus. Information with respect to ratings assigned to
tax-exempt obligations which the Fund may purchase is set forth in Appendix II
to this Statement of Additional Information.
DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL BONDS
Municipal Bonds include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various
public purposes, including construction of a wide range of public facilities,
refunding of outstanding obligations and obtaining funds for general operating
expenses and loans to other public institutions and facilities. In addition,
certain types of bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to
finance various privately owned or operated facilities, including certain
facilities for local furnishing of electric energy or gas, sewage facilities,
solid waste disposal facilities and other specialized facilities. Such
obligations are included within the term Municipal Bonds if the interest paid
thereon is, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, excluded from gross
income for Federal income tax purposes and, in the case of Connecticut
Municipal Bonds, exempt from Connecticut personal income taxes. Industrial
development bonds or private activity bonds, the proceeds of which are
5
<PAGE>
used for the construction, equipment or improvement of privately operated
industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute Municipal Bonds, although
the current Federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such
issues.
The two principal classifications of Municipal Bonds are "general obligation"
bonds and "revenue" bonds which latter category includes industrial development
bonds ("IDBs") and, for bonds issued after August 15, 1986, private activity
bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of faith,
credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue
bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or
class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special or
limited tax or other specific revenue source such as payments from the user of
the facility being financed. IDBs and, in the case of bonds issued after August
15, 1986, private activity bonds are in most cases revenue bonds and generally
do not constitute the pledge of the credit or taxing power of the issuer of
such bonds. Generally, the payment of the principal of and interest on such
bonds depends solely on the ability of the user of the facility financed by the
bonds to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and
personal property so financed as security for such payment, unless a line of
credit, bond insurance or other security is furnished. The Fund also may invest
in "moral obligation" bonds, which are normally issued by special purpose
public authorities. If an issuer of moral obligation bonds is unable to meet
its obligations, repayment of such bonds becomes a moral commitment, but not a
legal obligation, of the state or municipality in question.
Also included within the general category of Municipal Bonds are
participation certificates issued by government authorities or entities to
finance the acquisition or construction of equipment, land and/or facilities.
The certificates represent participations in a lease, an installment purchase
contract or a conditional sales contract (hereinafter collectively called
"lease obligations") relating to such equipment, land or facilities. Although
lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the issuer for which
the issuer's unlimited taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation is
frequently backed by the issuer's covenant to budget for, appropriate and make
the payments due under the lease obligation. Certain investments in lease
obligations may be illiquid. The Fund may not invest in illiquid lease
obligations if such investments, together with all other illiquid investments,
would exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets. The Fund may, however, invest
without regard to such limitation in lease obligations which the Manager,
pursuant to the guidelines which have been adopted by the Board of Trustees and
subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, determines to be liquid.
The Manager will deem lease obligations liquid if they are publicly offered and
have received an investment grade rating of Baa or better by Moody's, or BBB or
better by Standard & Poor's or Fitch. Unrated lease obligations, or those rated
below investment grade, will be considered liquid if the obligations come to
the market through an underwritten public offering and at least two dealers are
willing to give competitive bids. In reference to the latter, the Manager must,
among other things, also review the creditworthiness of the municipality
obligated to make payment under the lease obligation and make certain specified
determinations based on such factors as the existence of a rating or credit
enhancement such as insurance, the frequency of trades or quotes for the
obligation and the willingness of dealers to make a market in the obligation.
Yields on Municipal Bonds are dependent on a variety of factors, including
the general condition of the money market and of the municipal bond market, the
size of a particular offering, the financial condition of the issuer, the
general conditions of the Municipal Bond market, the maturity of the obligation
and the rating
6
<PAGE>
of the issue. The ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective also
is dependent on the continuing ability of the issuers of the bonds in which the
Fund invests to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and
principal when due. There are variations in the risks involved in holding
Municipal Bonds, both within a particular classification and between
classifications, depending on numerous factors. Furthermore, the rights of
owners of Municipal Bonds and the obligations of the issuer of such Municipal
Bonds may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws and
court decisions affecting the rights of creditors generally and to general
equitable principles, which may limit the enforcement of certain remedies.
DESCRIPTION OF TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
The Fund may invest in short-term tax-free and taxable securities subject to
the limitations set forth under "Investment Objective and Policies." The tax-
exempt money market securities may include municipal notes, municipal
commercial paper, municipal bonds with remaining maturity of less than one
year, variable rate demand notes and participations therein. Municipal notes
include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes and grant anticipation
notes. Anticipation notes are sold as interim financing in anticipation of tax
collection, bond sales, government grants or revenue receipts. Municipal
commercial paper refers to short-term unsecured promissory notes generally
issued to finance short-term credit needs. The taxable money market securities
in which the Fund may invest as Temporary Investments consist of U.S.
Government securities, U.S. Government agency securities, domestic bank or
savings institution certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances, short-
term corporate debt securities such as commercial paper and repurchase
agreements. These Temporary Investments must have a stated maturity not in
excess of one year from the date of purchase.
Variable rate demand obligations ("VRDOs") are tax-exempt obligations which
contain a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and an
unconditional right of demand on the part of the holder thereof to receive
payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest upon a short
notice period not to exceed seven days. There is, however, the possibility that
because of default or insolvency the demand feature of VRDOs and Participating
VRDOs, described below, may not be honored. The interest rates are adjustable
at intervals (ranging from daily to up to one year) to some prevailing market
rate for similar investments, such adjustment formula being calculated to
maintain the market value of the VRDOs at approximately the par value of the
VRDOs on the adjustment date. The adjustments typically are set at a rate
determined by the remarketing agent or based upon the Public Securities
Association Index or some other appropriate interest rate adjustment index. The
Fund may invest in all types of tax-exempt instruments currently outstanding or
to be issued in the future which satisfy the short-term maturity and quality
standards of the Fund.
The Fund also may invest in VRDOs in the form of participation interests
("Participating VRDOs") in variable rate tax-exempt obligations held by a
financial institution, typically a commercial bank. Participating VRDOs provide
the Fund with a specified undivided interest (up to 100%) of the underlying
obligation and the right to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus
accrued interest on the Participating VRDOs from the financial institution upon
a specified number of days' notice, not to exceed seven days. In addition, a
Participating VRDO is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guaranty of
the financial institution. The Fund would have an undivided interest in the
underlying obligation and thus participate on the same basis as the financial
institution in such obligation except that the financial institution typically
retains fees out of the interest paid on the obligation for servicing the
obligation, providing the letter of credit
7
<PAGE>
and issuing the repurchase commitment. The Fund has been advised by its counsel
that the Fund should be entitled to treat the income received on Participating
VRDOs as interest from tax-exempt obligations.
VRDOs that contain an unconditional right of demand to receive payment of the
unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest on a notice period exceeding
seven days may be deemed to be illiquid securities. A VRDO with a demand notice
period exceeding seven days therefore will be subject to the Fund's restriction
on illiquid investments unless, in the judgment of the Trustees, such VRDO is
liquid. The Trustees may adopt guidelines and delegate to the Manager the daily
function of determining and monitoring liquidity of such VRDOs. The Trustees,
however, will retain sufficient oversight and will be ultimately responsible
for such determination.
The Trust has established the following standards with respect to money
market securities and VRDOs in which the Fund invests. Commercial paper
investments at the time of purchase must be rated A-1 through A-3 by Standard &
Poor's, Prime-1 through Prime-3 by Moody's or F-1 through F-3 by Fitch or, if
not rated, issued by companies having an outstanding debt issue rated at least
A by Standard & Poor's, Fitch or Moody's. Investments in corporate bonds and
debentures (which must have maturities at the date of purchase of one year or
less) must be rated at the time of purchase at least A by Standard & Poor's,
Moody's or Fitch. Notes and VRDOs at the time of purchase must be rated SP-1/A-
1 through SP-2/A-3 by Standard & Poor's, MIG-l/VMIG-1 through MIG-4/VMIG-4 by
Moody's or F-1 through F-3 by Fitch. Temporary Investments, if not rated, must
be of comparable quality to securities rated in the above rating categories in
the opinion of the Manager. The Fund may not invest in any security issued by a
commercial bank or a savings institution unless the bank or institution is
organized and operating in the United States, has total assets of at least one
billion dollars and is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC"), except that up to 10% of total assets may be invested in certificates
of deposit of small institutions if such certificates are insured fully by the
FDIC.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may invest in securities pursuant to repurchase agreements.
Repurchase agreements may be entered into only with a member bank of the
Federal Reserve System or 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, upon entering into the contract, to repurchase the
security at a mutually agreed upon time and price, thereby determining the
yield during the term of the agreement. This results in a fixed rate of return
insulated from market fluctuations during such period. In repurchase
agreements, the prices at which the trades are conducted do not reflect accrued
interest on the underlying obligations. Such agreements usually cover short
periods, such as under one week. Repurchase agreements may be construed to be
collateralized loans by the purchaser to the seller secured by the securities
transferred to the purchaser. In the case of a repurchase agreement, the Fund
will require the seller to provide additional collateral if the market value of
the securities falls below the repurchase price at any time during the term of
the repurchase agreement. In the event of default by the seller under a
repurchase agreement construed to be a collateralized loan, the underlying
securities are not owned by the Fund but only constitute collateral for the
seller's obligation to pay the repurchase price. Therefore, the Fund may suffer
time delays and incur costs or possible losses in connection with the
disposition of the collateral. In the event of a default under such a
repurchase agreement, instead of the contractual fixed rate of return, the rate
of return to the Fund will depend on intervening fluctuations of the market
value of such security and the accrued interest on the security. In such event,
the Fund would
8
<PAGE>
have rights against the seller for breach of contract with respect to any
losses arising from market fluctuations following the failure of the seller to
perform. The Fund may not invest in repurchase agreements maturing in more than
seven days if such investments, together with all other illiquid investments,
would exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets.
In general, for Federal income tax purposes, repurchase agreements are
treated as collateralized loans secured by the securities "sold." Therefore,
amounts earned under such agreements will not be considered tax-exempt
interest.
FINANCIAL FUTURES TRANSACTIONS AND OPTIONS
Reference is made to the discussion concerning futures transactions under
"Investment Objective and Policies" in the Prospectus. Set forth below is
additional information concerning these transactions.
As described in the Prospectus, the Fund may purchase and sell exchange
traded financial futures contracts ("financial futures contracts") to hedge its
portfolio of Municipal Bonds against declines in the value of such securities
and to hedge against increases in the cost of securities the Fund intends to
purchase. However, any transactions involving financial futures or options will
be in accordance with the Fund's investment policies and limitations. To hedge
its portfolio, the Fund may take an investment position in a futures contract
which will move in the opposite direction from the portfolio position being
hedged. While the Fund's use of hedging strategies is intended to moderate
capital changes in portfolio holdings and thereby reduce the volatility of the
net asset value of Fund shares, the Fund anticipates that its net asset value
will fluctuate. Set forth below is information concerning futures transactions.
Description of Futures Contracts. A futures contract is an agreement between
two parties to buy and sell a security, or in the case of an index-based
futures contract, to make and accept a cash settlement for a set price on a
future date. A majority of transactions in futures contracts, however, do not
result in the actual delivery of the underlying instrument or cash settlement,
but are settled through liquidation, i.e., by entering into an offsetting
transaction. Futures contracts have been designed by boards of trade which have
been designated "contracts markets" by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
("CFTC").
The purchase or sale of a futures contract differs from the purchase or sale
of a security in that no price or premium is paid or received. Instead, an
amount of cash or securities acceptable to the broker and the relevant contract
market, which varies, but is generally about 5% of the contract amount, must be
deposited with the broker. This amount is known as "initial margin" and
represents a "good faith" deposit assuring the performance of both the
purchaser and seller under the futures contract. Subsequent payments to and
from the broker, called "variation margin," are required to be made on a daily
basis as the price of the futures contract fluctuates making the long and short
positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as
"mark to the market." At any time prior to the settlement date of the futures
contract, the position may be closed out by taking an opposite position which
will operate to terminate the position in the futures contract. A final
determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to
be paid to or released by the broker, and the purchaser realizes a loss or
gain. In addition, a nominal commission is paid on each completed sale
transaction.
9
<PAGE>
The Fund may deal in financial futures contracts based on a long-term
municipal bond index developed by the Chicago Board of Trade ("CBT") and The
Bond Buyer (the "Municipal Bond Index"). The Municipal Bond Index is comprised
of 40 tax-exempt municipal revenue and general obligations bonds. Each bond
included in the Municipal Bond Index must be rated A or higher by Moody's or
Standard & Poor's and must have a remaining maturity of 19 years or more. Twice
a month new issues satisfying the eligibility requirements are added to, and an
equal number of old issues are deleted from, the Municipal Bond Index. The
value of the Municipal Bond Index is computed daily according to a formula
based on the price of each bond in the Municipal Bond Index, as evaluated by
six dealer-to-dealer brokers.
The Municipal Bond Index futures contract is traded only on the CBT. Like
other contract markets, the CBT assures performance under futures contracts
through a clearing corporation, a nonprofit organization managed by the
exchange membership which also is responsible for handling daily accounting of
deposits or withdrawals of margin.
As described in the Prospectus, the Fund may purchase and sell financial
futures contracts on U.S. Government securities as a hedge against adverse
changes in interest rates as described below. With respect to U.S. Government
securities, currently there are financial futures contracts based on long-term
U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. Treasury notes, Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA") Certificates and three-month U.S. Treasury bills. The Fund
may purchase and write call and put options on futures contracts on U.S.
Government securities in connection with its hedging strategies.
Subject to policies adopted by the Trustees, the Fund also may engage in
other futures contracts transactions such as futures contracts on other
municipal bond indices that may become available if the Manager and the
Trustees should determine that there is normally a sufficient correlation
between the prices of such futures contracts and the Municipal Bonds in which
the Fund invests to make such hedging appropriate.
Futures Strategies. The Fund may sell a financial futures contract (i.e.,
assume a short position) in anticipation of a decline in the value of its
investments in Municipal Bonds resulting from an increase in interest rates or
otherwise. The risk of decline could be reduced without employing futures as a
hedge by selling such Municipal Bonds and either reinvesting the proceeds in
securities with shorter maturities or by holding assets in cash. This strategy,
however, entails increased transaction costs in the form of dealer spreads and
typically would reduce the average yield of the Fund's portfolio securities as
a result of the shortening of maturities. The sale of futures contracts
provides an alternative means of hedging against declines in the value of its
investments in Municipal Bonds. As such values decline, the value of the Fund's
positions in the futures contracts will tend to increase, thus offsetting all
or a portion of the depreciation in the market value of the Fund's Municipal
Bond investments which are being hedged. While the Fund will incur commission
expenses in selling and closing out futures positions, commissions on futures
transactions are lower than transaction costs incurred in the purchase and sale
of Municipal Bonds. In addition, the ability of the Fund to trade in the
standardized contracts available in the futures markets may offer a more
effective defensive position than a program to reduce the average maturity of
the portfolio securities due to the unique and varied credit and technical
characteristics of the municipal debt instruments available to the Fund.
Employing futures as a hedge also may permit the Fund to assume a defensive
posture without reducing the yield on its investments beyond any amounts
required to engage in futures trading.
10
<PAGE>
When the Fund intends to purchase Municipal Bonds, the Fund may purchase
futures contracts as a hedge against any increase in the cost of such Municipal
Bonds, resulting from an increase in interest rates or otherwise, that may
occur before such purchases can be effected. Subject to the degree of
correlation between the Municipal Bonds and the futures contracts, subsequent
increases in the cost of Municipal Bonds should be reflected in the value of
the futures held by the Fund. As such purchases are made, an equivalent amount
of futures contracts will be closed out. Due to changing market conditions and
interest rate forecasts, however, a futures position may be terminated without
a corresponding purchase of portfolio securities.
Call Options on Futures Contracts. The Fund also may purchase and sell
exchange traded call and put options on financial futures contracts on U.S.
Government securities. The purchase of a call option on a futures contract is
analogous to the purchase of a call option on an individual security. Depending
on the pricing of the option compared to either the futures contract on which
it is based, or on the price of the underlying debt securities, it may or may
not be less risky than ownership of the futures contract or underlying debt
securities. Like the purchase of a futures contract, the Fund will purchase a
call option on a futures contract to hedge against a market advance when the
Fund is not fully invested.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial
hedge against declining prices of the securities which are deliverable upon
exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration is below
the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium
which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in
the Fund's portfolio holdings.
Put Options on Futures Contracts. The purchase of options on a futures
contract is analogous to the purchase of protective put options on portfolio
securities. The Fund will purchase put options on futures contracts to hedge
the Fund's portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates.
The writing of a put option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge
against increasing prices of the securities which are deliverable upon exercise
of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration is higher than the
exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium
which provides a partial hedge against any increase in the price of Municipal
Bonds which the Fund intends to purchase.
The writer of an option on a futures contract is required to deposit initial
and variation margin pursuant to requirements similar to those applicable to
futures contracts. Premiums received from the writing of an option will be
included in initial margin. The writing of an option on a futures contract
involves risks similar to those relating to futures contracts.
----------------
The Trust has received an order from the Commission exempting it from the
provisions of Section 17(f) and Section 18(f) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), in connection with its strategy of investing
in futures contracts. Section 17(f) relates to the custody of securities and
other assets of an investment company and may be deemed to prohibit certain
arrangements between the Trust and commodities brokers with respect to initial
and variation margin. Section 18(f) of the 1940 Act prohibits an open-end
investment company such as the Trust from issuing a "senior security" other
than a borrowing from a bank. The staff of the Commission has in the past
indicated that a futures contract may be a "senior security" under the 1940
Act.
11
<PAGE>
Restrictions on Use of Futures Transactions. Regulations of the CFTC
applicable to the Fund require that all of the Fund's futures transactions
constitute bona fide hedging transactions and that the Fund purchase and sell
futures contracts and options thereon (i) for bona fide hedging purposes, and
(ii) for non-hedging purposes, if the aggregate initial margin and premiums
required to establish positions in such contracts and options does not exceed
5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio assets after taking into
account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contracts and
options. (However, the Fund intends to engage in options and futures
transactions only for hedging purposes.) Margin deposits may consist of cash or
securities acceptable to the broker and the relevant contract market.
When the Fund purchases futures contracts or a call option with respect
thereto or writes a put option on a futures contract, an amount of cash, cash
equivalents or liquid securities will be deposited in a segregated account with
the Fund's custodian so that the amount so segregated, plus the amount of
initial and variation margin held in the account of its broker, equals the
market value of the futures contract, thereby ensuring that the use of such
futures is unleveraged.
Risk Factors in Futures Transactions and Options. Investment in futures
contracts involves the risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the
price of the futures contract and the price of the security being hedged. The
hedge will not be fully effective when there is imperfect correlation between
the movements in the prices of two financial instruments. For example, if the
price of the futures contract moves more than the price of the hedged security,
the Fund will experience either a loss or gain on the futures contract which is
not offset completely by movements in the price of the hedged securities. To
compensate for imperfect correlations, the Fund may purchase or sell futures
contracts in a greater dollar amount than the hedged securities if the
volatility of the hedged securities is historically greater than the volatility
of the futures contracts. Conversely, the Fund may purchase or sell fewer
futures contracts if the volatility of the price of the hedged securities is
historically less than that of the futures contracts.
The particular municipal bonds comprising the index underlying the Municipal
Bond Index financial futures contract may vary from the Municipal Bonds held by
the Fund. As a result, the Fund's ability to hedge effectively all or a portion
of the value of its Municipal Bonds through the use of such financial futures
contracts will depend in part on the degree to which price movements in the
index underlying the financial futures contract correlate with the price
movements of the Municipal Bonds held by the Fund. The correlation may be
affected by disparities in the average maturity, ratings, geographical mix or
structure of the Fund's investments as compared to those comprising the
Municipal Bond Index, and general economic or political factors. In addition,
the correlation between movements in the value of the Municipal Bond Index may
be subject to change over time as additions to and deletions from the Municipal
Bond Index alter its structure. The correlation between futures contracts on
U.S. Government securities and the Municipal Bonds held by the Fund may be
adversely affected by similar factors and the risk of imperfect correlation
between movements in the prices of such futures contracts and the prices of the
Municipal Bonds held by the Fund may be greater.
The Fund expects to liquidate a majority of the futures contracts it enters
into through offsetting transactions on the applicable contract market. There
can be no assurance, however, that a liquid secondary market will exist for any
particular futures contract at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible
to close out a futures position. In the event of adverse price movements, the
Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation
margin. In such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may be
12
<PAGE>
required to sell portfolio securities to meet daily variation margin
requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The inability
to close out futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the Fund's
ability to hedge effectively its investments in Municipal Bonds. The Fund will
enter into a futures position only if, in the judgment of the Manager, there
appears to be an actively traded secondary market for such futures contracts.
The successful use of transactions in futures and related options also
depends on the ability of the Manager to forecast correctly the direction and
extent of interest rate movements within a given time frame. To the extent
interest rates remain stable during the period in which a futures contract or
option is held by the Fund or such rates move in a direction opposite to that
anticipated, the Fund may realize a loss on the hedging transaction which is
not fully or partially offset by an increase in the value of portfolio
securities. As a result, the Fund's total return for such period may be less
than if it had not engaged in the hedging transaction.
Because of low initial margin deposits made on the opening of a futures
position, futures transactions involve substantial leverage. As a result,
relatively small movements in the price of the futures contracts can result in
substantial unrealized gains or losses. Because the Fund will engage in the
purchase and sale of futures contracts solely for hedging purposes, however,
any losses incurred in connection therewith should, if the hedging strategy is
successful, be offset in whole or in part by increases in the value of
securities held by the Fund or decreases in the price of securities the Fund
intends to acquire.
The amount of risk the Fund assumes when it purchases an option on a futures
contract is the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs. In
addition to the correlation risks discussed above, the purchase of an option on
a futures contract also entails the risk that changes in the value of the
underlying futures contract will not be reflected fully in the value of the
option purchased.
Municipal Bond Index futures contracts were approved for trading in 1986.
Trading in such futures contracts may tend to be less liquid than that in other
futures contracts. The trading of futures contracts also is subject to certain
market risks, such as inadequate trading activity, which could at times make it
difficult or impossible to liquidate existing positions.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted a number of fundamental and non-fundamental restrictions
and policies relating to the investment of its assets and its activities. The
fundamental policies 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 and under the 1940 Act means the lesser of (i) 67% of the
Fund's shares present at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding
shares of the Fund are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund's
outstanding shares). The Fund may not:
1. Invest more than 25% of its assets, taken at market value at the time
of each investment, in the securities of issuers in any particular industry
(excluding the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities). For
purposes of this restriction, states, municipalities and their political
subdivisions are not considered part of any industry.
13
<PAGE>
2. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management.
3. Purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, the Fund may invest in securities directly or indirectly
secured by real estate on interests therein or issued by companies which
invest in real estate or interests therein.
4. Make loans to other persons, except that the acquisition of bonds,
debentures or other corporate debt securities and investment in government
obligations, commercial paper, pass-through instruments, certificates of
deposit, bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements or any similar
instruments shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan, and except
further that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided that the
lending of portfolio securities may be made only in accordance with
applicable law and the guidelines set forth in the Fund's Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, as they may be amended from time to
time.
5. Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate
applicable law.
6. Borrow money, except that (i) the Fund may borrow from banks (as
defined in the 1940 Act) in amounts up to 33 1/3% of its total assets
(including the amount borrowed), (ii) the Fund may, to the extent permitted
by applicable law, borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets for
temporary purposes, (iii) the Fund may obtain such short-term credit as may
be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio
securities and (iv) the Fund may purchase securities on margin to the
extent permitted by applicable law. The Fund may not pledge its assets
other than to secure such borrowings or, to the extent permitted by the
Fund's investment policies as set forth in its Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information, as they may be amended from time to time, in
connection with hedging transactions, short sales, when-issued and forward
commitment transactions and similar investment strategies.
7. Underwrite securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Fund
technically may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"), in selling portfolio securities.
8. Purchase or sell commodities or contracts on commodities, except to
the extent that the Fund may do so in accordance with applicable law and
the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as they may
be amended from time to time, and without registering as a commodity pool
operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
Under the non-fundamental investment restrictions, the Fund may not:
a. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to the
extent such purchases are permitted by applicable law. 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 1940
Act at any time the Fund's shares are owned by another investment company
that is part of the same group of investment companies as the Fund.
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
14
<PAGE>
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 Trustees of the Trust
has otherwise determined to be liquid pursuant to applicable law.
d. Notwithstanding fundamental investment restriction (6) above, borrow
amounts in excess of 20% of its total assets, taken at market value
(including the amount borrowed), and then only from banks as a temporary
measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes. In addition, the Fund will
not purchase securities while borrowings are outstanding.
In addition, to comply with Federal income tax requirements for qualification
as a "regulated investment company," the Fund's investments will be limited in
a manner such that, at the close of each quarter of each fiscal year, (a) no
more than 25% of the Fund's total assets are invested in the securities of a
single issuer, and (b) with regard to at least 50% of the Fund's total assets,
no more than 5% of its total assets are invested in the securities of a single
issuer. For purposes of this restriction, the Fund will regard each state and
each political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of such state and each
multi-state agency of which such state is a member and each public authority
which issues securities on behalf of a private entity as a separate issuer,
except that if the security is backed only by the assets and revenues of a non-
governmental entity then the entity with the ultimate responsibility for the
payment of interest and principal may be regarded as the sole issuer. These
tax-related limitations may be changed by the Trustees of the Trust to the
extent necessary to comply with changes to the Federal income tax requirements.
----------------
Because of the affiliation of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") with the Trust, the Fund is prohibited from
engaging in certain transactions involving such firm or its affiliates except
for brokerage transactions permitted under the 1940 Act involving only usual
and customary commissions or transactions pursuant to an exemptive order under
the 1940 Act. Included among such restricted transactions are purchases from or
sales to Merrill Lynch of securities in transactions in which it acts as
principal. See "Portfolio Transactions." An exemptive order has been obtained
which permits the Trust to effect principal transactions with Merrill Lynch in
high quality, short-term, tax-exempt securities subject to conditions set forth
in such order.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Information about the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust, 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 Trustee and executive officer is P.O. Box
9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011.
Arthur Zeikel (65)--President and Trustee(1)(2)--President of the Manager
(which term as used herein includes its corporate predecessors) since 1977;
President of Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM," which term as used
herein includes its corporate predecessors) since 1977; President and Director
of Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton Services") since 1993; Executive Vice
President of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co.") since 1990.
15
<PAGE>
James H. Bodurtha (53)--Trustee(2)--36 Popponesset Road, Cotuit,
Massachusetts 02635. Director and Executive Vice President, The China Business
Group, Inc. since 1996; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, China Enterprise
Management Corporation from 1993 to 1996; Chairman, Berkshire Corporation since
1980; Partner, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey from 1980 to 1993.
Herbert I. London (58)--Trustee(2)--113-115 University Place, New York, New
York 10003. John M. Olin Professor of Humanities, New York University since
1993 and Professor thereof since 1980; President, Hudson Institute since 1997
and Trustee since 1980; Dean, Gallatin Division of New York University from
1976 to 1993; Distinguished Fellow, Herman Kahn Chair, Hudson Institute from
1984 to 1985; Director, Damon Corporation from 1991 to 1995; Overseer, Center
for Naval Analyses from 1983 to 1993; Limited Partner, Hypertech LP since 1996.
Robert R. Martin (70)--Trustee(2)--513 Grand Hill, St. Paul, Minnesota 55102.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kinnard Investments, Inc. from 1990 to
1993; Executive Vice President, Dain Bosworth from 1974 to 1989; Director,
Carnegie Capital Management from 1977 to 1985 and Chairman thereof in 1979;
Director, Securities Industry Association from 1981 to 1982 and Public
Securities Association from 1979 to 1980; Chairman of the Board, WTC
Industries, Inc. in 1994; Trustee, Northland College since 1992.
Joseph L. May (68)--Trustee(2)--424 Church Street, Suite 2000, Nashville,
Tennessee 37219. Attorney in private practice since 1984; President, May and
Athens Hosiery Mills Division, Wayne-Gossard Corporation from 1954 to 1983;
Vice President, Wayne-Gossard Corporation from 1972 to 1983; Chairman, The May
Corporation (personal holding company) from 1972 to 1983; Director, Signal
Apparel Co. from 1972 to 1989.
Andre F. Perold (45)--Trustee(2)--Morgan Hall, Soldiers Field, Boston,
Massachusetts 02163. Professor, Harvard Business School since 1989 and
Associate Professor from 1983 to 1989; Trustee, The Common Fund since 1989;
Director, Quantec Limited since 1991 and TIBCO from 1994 to 1996.
Terry K. Glenn (57)--Executive Vice President(1)(2)--Executive Vice President
of the Manager and MLAM since 1983; Executive Vice President and Director of
Princeton Services since 1993; President of Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor,
Inc. ("MLFD" or the "Distributor") since 1986 and Director thereof since 1991;
President of Princeton Administrators, L.P. since 1988.
Vincent R. Giordano (53)--Senior Vice President(1)(2)--Senior Vice President
of the Manager and MLAM since 1984; Vice President of MLAM from 1980 to 1984;
Senior Vice President of Princeton Services since 1993.
Kenneth A. Jacob (46)--Vice President(1)(2)--First Vice President of MLAM
since 1997; Vice President of MLAM from 1984 to 1997; Vice President of the
Manager since 1984.
William R. Bock (61)--Portfolio Manager of the Fund(1)(2)--Vice President of
MLAM since 1989.
Donald C. Burke (37)--Vice President(1)(2)--First Vice President of MLAM
since 1997; Vice President of MLAM from 1990 to 1997; Director of Taxation of
MLAM since 1990.
Gerald M. Richard (48)--Treasurer(1)(2)--Senior Vice President and Treasurer
of the Manager and MLAM since 1984; Senior Vice President and Treasurer of
Princeton Services since 1993; Treasurer of MLFD since 1984 and Vice President
thereof since 1981.
16
<PAGE>
Robert E. Putney, III (37)--Secretary(1)(2)--Director (Legal Advisory) of
MLAM since 1997; Vice President of MLAM from 1994 to 1997; Attorney employed
by MLAM from 1991 to 1994; Attorney in private practice prior thereto.
- --------
(1) Interested person, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Trust.
(2) Such Trustee or officer is a director, trustee or officer of certain other
investment companies for which the Manager or MLAM acts as investment
adviser or manager.
At September 30, 1997, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group (13
persons) owned an aggregate of less than 1.0% of the outstanding shares of the
Fund. At such date, Mr. Zeikel, a Trustee and officer of the Trust, and other
officers of the Trust owned an aggregate of less than 1.0% of Common Stock of
ML & Co.
COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES
The Trust pays each Trustee not affiliated with the Manager (each a "non-
affiliated Trustee") a fee of $10,000 per year plus $1,000 per meeting
attended, together with such Trustee's actual out-of-pocket expenses relating
to attendance at meetings. The Trust also compensates members of its Audit and
Nominating Committee (the "Committee"), which consists of all the non-
affiliated Trustees, a fee of $2,000 per year plus $500 per meeting attended.
The Trust reimburses each non-affiliated Trustee for his out-of-pocket
expenses relating to attendance at Board and Committee meetings. The fees and
expenses of the Trustees are allocated to the respective series of the Trust
on the basis of asset size. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, fees and
expenses paid to non-affiliated Trustees that were allocated to the Fund
aggregated $2,255.
The following table sets forth for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997,
compensation paid by the Fund to the non-affiliated Trustees and for the
calendar year ended December 31, 1996, the aggregate compensation paid by all
registered investment companies (including the Trust) advised by the Manager
and its affiliate, MLAM ("FAM/MLAM Advised Funds") to the non-affiliated
Trustees:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
PENSION OR FROM TRUST AND
RETIREMENT OTHER
BENEFITS FAM/MLAM
ACCRUED AS ADVISED FUNDS
COMPENSATION PART OF TRUST'S PAID TO
NAME OF TRUSTEE FROM FUND EXPENSES TRUSTEE(1)
- --------------- ------------ --------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
James H. Bodurtha................... $456 None $148,500
Herbert I. London................... $456 None $148,500
Robert R. Martin.................... $456 None $148,500
Joseph L. May....................... $456 None $148,500
Andre F. Perold..................... $456 None $148,500
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The Trustees serve on the boards of FAM/MLAM Advised Funds as follows: Mr.
Bodurtha (22 registered investment companies consisting of 46 portfolios);
Mr. London (22 registered investment companies consisting of 46
portfolios); Mr. Martin (22 registered investment companies consisting of
46 portfolios); Mr. May (22 registered investment companies consisting of
46 portfolios); and Mr. Perold (22 registered investment companies
consisting of 46 portfolios).
17
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
Reference is made to "Management of the Trust--Management and Advisory
Arrangements" in the Prospectus for certain information concerning the
management and advisory arrangements of the Fund.
Securities may be held by, or be appropriate investments for, the Fund as
well as other funds or investment advisory clients of the Manager or its
affiliates. Because of different objectives or other factors, a particular
security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are
selling the same security. If the Manager or its affiliates purchase or sell
securities for the Fund or other funds for which they act as manager or for
their advisory clients and such sales or purchases arise for consideration at
or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be made, insofar
as feasible, for the respective funds and clients in a manner deemed equitable
to all. To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of
the Manager or its affiliates during the same period may increase the demand
for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there
may be an adverse effect on price.
Pursuant to a management agreement between the Trust on behalf of the Fund
and the Manager (the "Management Agreement"), the Manager receives for its
services to the Fund monthly compensation based upon the average daily net
assets of the Fund at the following annual rates: 0.55% of the average daily
net assets not exceeding $500 million; 0.525% of the average daily net assets
exceeding $500 million but not exceeding $1.0 billion; and 0.50% of the average
daily net assets exceeding $1.0 billion. For the fiscal years ended July 31,
1995 and 1996, the total advisory fees payable by the Fund to the Manager were
$189,526, and $220,672, respectively, all of which were voluntarily waived. For
the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the total advisory fees payable by the
Fund to the Manager were $255,318, of which $188,926 was voluntarily waived.
The Management Agreement obligates the Manager to provide investment advisory
services and to pay all compensation of and furnish office space for officers
and employees of the Trust connected with investment and economic research,
trading and investment management of the Trust, as well as the fees of all
Trustees of the Trust who are affiliated persons of ML & Co. or any of its
affiliates. The Fund pays all other expenses incurred in its operation and a
portion of the Trust's general administrative expenses allocated on the basis
of the asset size of the respective Series of the Trust ("Series"). Expenses
that will be borne directly by the Series include, among other things,
redemption expenses, expenses of portfolio transactions, expenses of
registering the shares under Federal and state securities laws, pricing costs
(including the daily calculation of net asset value), expenses of printing
shareholder reports, prospectuses and statements of additional information
(except to the extent paid by the Distributor as described below), fees for
legal and auditing services, Commission fees, interest, certain taxes and other
expenses attributable to a particular Series. Expenses that will be allocated
on the basis of asset size of the respective Series include fees and expenses
of unaffiliated Trustees, state franchise taxes, costs of printing proxies and
other expenses related to shareholder meetings and other expenses properly
payable by the Trust. The organizational expenses of the Trust were paid by the
Trust, and as additional Series are added to the Trust, the organizational
expenses are allocated among the Series (including the Fund) in a manner deemed
equitable by the Trustees. Depending upon the nature of a lawsuit, litigation
costs may be assessed to the specific Series to which the lawsuit relates or
allocated on the basis of the asset size of the respective Series. The Trustees
have determined that this is an appropriate method of allocation of expenses.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by the Manager and the Fund
reimburses the Manager for its costs in connection with such services. For the
fiscal years ended July 31,
18
<PAGE>
1995, 1996 and 1997, the Fund reimbursed the Manager $41,674, $35,067 and
$39,772, respectively, for such services. As required by the Fund's
distribution agreements, the Distributor will pay the promotional expenses of
the Fund incurred in connection with the offering of shares of the Fund.
Certain expenses in connection with account maintenance and the distribution of
Class B and Class C shares will be financed by the Fund pursuant to the
Distribution Plans in compliance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. See
"Purchase of Shares--Distribution Plans."
The Manager is a limited partnership, the partners of which are ML & Co. and
Princeton Services. ML & Co. and Princeton Services are "controlling persons"
of the Manager as defined under the 1940 Act because of their ownership of its
voting securities or their power to exercise a controlling influence over its
management or policies.
Duration and Termination. Unless earlier terminated as described herein, the
Management Agreement will remain in effect from year to year if approved
annually (a) by the Trustees of the Trust or by a majority of the outstanding
shares of the Fund and (b) by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to
such contract or interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such
party. Such contracts are not assignable and may be terminated without penalty
on 60 days' written notice at the option of either party thereto or by vote of
the shareholders of the Fund.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Reference is made to "Purchase of Shares" in the Prospectus for certain
information as to the purchase of Fund shares.
The Fund issues four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
PricingSM System; shares of Class A and Class D are sold to investors choosing
the initial sales charge alternatives, and shares of Class B and Class C are
sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives. Each Class
A, Class B, Class C and Class D share of the Fund represents identical
interests in the investment portfolio of the Fund and has the same rights,
except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear the expenses of the
ongoing account maintenance fees, and Class B and Class C shares bear the
expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and the additional incremental
transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements.
Class B, Class C and Class D shares each have exclusive voting rights with
respect to the Rule 12b-1 distribution plan adopted with respect to such class
pursuant to which account maintenance and/or distribution fees are paid (except
that Class B shareholders may vote upon any material changes to expenses
charged under the Class D Distribution Plan). Each class has different exchange
privileges. See "Shareholder Services--Exchange Privilege."
The Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System is used by more than 50 registered
investment companies advised by MLAM or its affiliate, the Manager. Funds
advised by MLAM or the Manager that utilize the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM
System are referred to herein as "MLAM-advised mutual funds."
The Fund has entered into four separate distribution agreements with the
Distributor in connection with the continuous offering of each class of shares
of the Fund (the "Distribution Agreements"). The Distribution Agreements
obligate the Distributor to pay certain expenses in connection with the
offering of each class of shares of the Fund. After the prospectuses,
statements of additional information and periodic reports have been prepared,
set in type and mailed to shareholders, the Distributor pays for the printing
and distribution of copies thereof used in connection with the offering to
dealers and prospective investors. The Distributor
19
<PAGE>
also pays for other supplementary sales literature and advertising costs. The
Distribution Agreements are subject to the same renewal requirements and
termination provisions as the Management Agreement described above.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVES--CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
The gross sales charges for the sale of Class A shares for the fiscal year
ended July 31, 1995, were $31,524, of which the Distributor received $2,775
and Merrill Lynch received $28,749. The gross sales charges for the sale of
Class A shares for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996, were $7,610, of which
the Distributor received $639 and Merrill Lynch received $6,971. The gross
sales charges for the sale of Class A shares for the fiscal year ended July
31, 1997, were $9,834, of which the Distributor received $1,019 and Merrill
Lynch received $8,815. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997, the Distributor received no CDSCs with respect to redemptions within one
year after purchase of Class A shares purchased subject to a front-end sales
charge waiver. The gross sales charges for the sale of Class D shares for the
period October 21, 1994 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 1995, were
$20,019, of which the Distributor received $1,479 and Merrill Lynch received
$18,540. The gross sales charges for the sale of Class D shares for the fiscal
year ended July 31, 1996, were $37,016, of which the Distributor received
$3,237 and Merrill Lynch received $33,779. The gross sales charges for the
sale of Class D shares for fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, were $10,879, of
which the Distributor received $757 and Merrill Lynch received $10,122. For
the period October 21, 1994 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 1995 and
for the fiscal years ended July 31, 1996 and 1997, the Distributor received no
CDSCs with respect to redemptions within one year after purchase of Class D
shares purchased subject to a front-end sales charge waiver.
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 or 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 1940 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.
Closed-End Fund Investment Option. Class A shares of the Fund and other
MLAM-advised mutual funds (the "Eligible Class A shares") are offered at net
asset value to shareholders of certain closed-end funds advised by the Manager
or MLAM who purchased such closed-end fund shares prior to October 21, 1994,
the date the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System commenced operations, and
who 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 who 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 MLAM-advised mutual funds ("Eligible Class D shares"), if the following
conditions are met. First, the sale of closed-end fund shares must be made
through Merrill Lynch, and the net proceeds therefrom
20
<PAGE>
must be immediately reinvested in Eligible Class A or Class D shares. Second,
the closed-end fund shares must either have been acquired in the initial public
offering or be shares representing dividends from shares of common stock
acquired in such offering. Third, the closed-end fund shares must have been
continuously maintained in a Merrill Lynch securities account. Fourth, there
must be a minimum purchase of $250 to be eligible for the investment option.
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.
REDUCED INITIAL SALES CHARGES
Right of Accumulation. Reduced sales charges are applicable through a right
of accumulation under which eligible investors are permitted to purchase shares
of the Fund subject to an initial sales charge at the offering price applicable
to the total of (a) the public offering price of the shares then being
purchased plus (b) an amount equal to the then current net asset value or cost,
whichever is higher, of the purchaser's combined holdings of all classes of
shares of the Fund and of other MLAM-advised mutual funds. For any such right
of accumulation to be made available, the Distributor must be provided at the
time of purchase, by the purchaser or the purchaser's securities dealer, with
sufficient information to permit confirmation of qualification. Acceptance of
the purchase order is subject to such confirmation. The right of accumulation
may be amended or terminated at any time. Shares held in the name of a nominee
or custodian under pension, profit sharing or other employee benefit plans may
not be combined with other shares to qualify for the right of accumulation.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are applicable to purchases
aggregating $25,000 or more of the Class A or Class D shares of the Fund or any
other MLAM-advised mutual funds, made within a 13-month period starting with
the first purchase pursuant to a Letter of Intention in the form provided in
the Prospectus. The Letter of Intention is available only to investors whose
accounts are maintained at the Fund's Transfer Agent. The Letter of Intention
is not available to employee benefit plans for which Merrill Lynch provides
plan participant, record keeping services. The Letter of Intention is not a
binding obligation to purchase any amount of Class A or Class D shares;
however, its execution will result in the purchaser paying a lower sales charge
at the appropriate quantity purchase level. A purchase not originally made
pursuant to a
21
<PAGE>
Letter of Intention may be included under a subsequent Letter of Intention
executed within 90 days of such purchase if the Distributor is informed in
writing of this intent within such 90-day period. The value of Class A and
Class D shares of the Fund and of other MLAM-advised mutual funds presently
held, at cost or maximum offering price (whichever is higher), on the date of
the first purchase under the Letter of Intention, may be included as a credit
toward the completion of such Letter, but the reduced sales charge applicable
to the amount covered by such Letter will be applied only to new purchases. If
the total amount of shares does not equal the amount stated in the Letter of
Intention (minimum of $25,000), the investor will be notified and must pay,
within 20 days of the expiration of such Letter, the difference between the
sales charge on the Class A and 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 five percent of the
intended amount will be held in escrow during the 13-month period (while
remaining registered in the name of the purchaser) for this purpose. The first
purchase under the Letter of Intention must be at least five percent of the
dollar amount of such Letter. If a purchase during the term of such Letter
would otherwise be subject to a further reduced sales charge based on the right
of accumulation, the purchaser will be entitled on that purchase and subsequent
purchases to that further reduced percentage sales charge, but there will be no
retroactive reduction of the sales charges on any previous purchase. The value
of any shares redeemed or otherwise disposed of by the purchaser prior to
termination or completion of the Letter of Intention will be deducted from the
total purchases made under such Letter. An exchange from a MLAM-advised money
market fund into the Fund that creates a sales charge will count toward
completing a new or existing Letter of Intention from the Fund.
Employee AccessSM Accounts. Provided applicable threshold requirements are
met, either Class A or Class D shares are offered at net asset value to
Employee AccessSM Accounts available through authorized employers. The initial
minimum for such accounts is $500, except that the initial minimum for shares
purchased for such accounts pursuant to the Automatic Investment Program is
$50.
TMASM Managed Trusts. Class A shares are offered to TMASM Managed Trusts to
which Merrill Lynch Trust Company provides discretionary trustee services at
net asset value.
Purchase Privilege of Certain Persons. Trustees of the Trust, members of the
Board of other MLAM-advised mutual funds, ML & Co. and its subsidiaries (the
term "subsidiaries," when used herein with respect to ML & Co., includes MLAM,
the Manager and certain other entities directly or indirectly wholly owned and
controlled by ML & Co.) and their directors and employees, and any trust,
pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for such persons, may purchase
Class A shares of the Fund at net asset value.
Class D shares of the Fund are offered at net asset value, without a sales
charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with a Financial
Consultant who joined Merrill Lynch from another investment firm within six
months prior to the date of purchase by such investor, if the following
conditions are satisfied: first, the investor must advise Merrill Lynch that it
will purchase Class D shares of the Fund with proceeds from a redemption of a
mutual fund that was sponsored by the Financial Consultant's previous firm and
was subject to a sales charge either at the time of purchase or on a deferred
basis; and second, the investor also must establish that such redemption had
been made within 60 days prior to the investment in the Fund, and the proceeds
from the redemption had been maintained in the interim in cash or a money
market fund.
22
<PAGE>
Class D shares of the Fund are also offered at the net asset value, without a
sales charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with a Merrill
Lynch Financial Consultant and who has invested in a mutual fund 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 who has a business relationship with a Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant and who has invested in a mutual fund for which Merrill
Lynch has not served as a selected dealer if the following conditions are
satisfied: first, the investor must advise Merrill Lynch that it will purchase
Class D shares of the Fund with proceeds from the 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 redemption and the proceeds from the redemption must
be maintained in the interim in cash or a money market fund.
Acquisition of Certain Investment Companies. The public offering price of
Class D shares may be reduced to the net asset value per Class D share in
connection with the acquisition of the assets of or merger or consolidation
with a personal holding company or a public or private investment company. The
value of the assets or company acquired in a tax-free transaction may be
adjusted in appropriate cases to reduce possible adverse tax consequences to
the Fund 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, that are not restricted as to transfer
either by law or liquidity of market (except that the Fund may acquire through
such transactions restricted or illiquid securities to the extent the Fund does
not exceed the applicable limits on acquisition of such securities set forth
under "Investment Objective and Policies" herein).
Reductions in or exemptions from the imposition of a sales load are due to
the nature of the investors and/or the reduced sales efforts that will be
needed in obtaining such investments.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Reference is made to "Purchase of Shares--Distribution Plans" in the
Prospectus for certain information with respect to the separate distribution
plans for Class B, Class C and Class D shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
1940 Act (each a "Distribution Plan") with respect to the account maintenance
fee and/or distribution fees paid by the Fund to the Distributor with respect
to such classes.
Payments of the account maintenance and/or distribution fees are subject to
the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Among other things, each
Distribution Plan provides that the Distributor shall provide and the Trustees
shall review quarterly reports of the disbursement of the account maintenance
and/or
23
<PAGE>
distribution fees paid to the Distributor. In their consideration of each
Distribution Plan, the Trustees must consider all factors they deem relevant,
including information as to the benefits of the Distribution Plan to the Fund
and its related class of shareholders. Each Distribution Plan further provides
that, so long as the Distribution Plan remains in effect, the selection and
nomination of Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, as
defined in the 1940 Act (the "Independent Trustees"), shall be committed to the
discretion of the Independent Trustees then in office. In approving each
Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1, the Independent Trustees
concluded that there is reasonable likelihood that such Distribution Plan will
benefit the Fund and its related class of shareholders. Each Distribution Plan
can be terminated at any time, without penalty, by the vote of a majority of
the Independent Trustees or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding related class of voting securities of the Fund. A Distribution Plan
cannot be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent by the Fund
without the approval of the related class of shareholders and all material
amendments are required to be approved by the vote of Trustees, including a
majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in such Distribution Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for that
purpose. Rule 12b-1 further requires that the Trust preserve copies of such
Distribution Plan and any report made pursuant to such plan for a period of not
less than six years from the date of such Distribution Plan or such report, the
first two years in an easily accessible place.
LIMITATIONS ON THE PAYMENT OF DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
The maximum sales charge rule in the Conduct Rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (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 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 the 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.
24
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth comparative information as of July 31, 1997
with respect to the Class B and Class C shares of the Fund indicating the
maximum allowable payments that can be made under the NASD maximum sales
charge rule and, with respect to the Class B shares, the Distributor's
voluntary maximum.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATA CALCULATED AS OF JULY 31, 1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---
(IN THOUSANDS)
ANNUAL
DISTRIBUTION
ALLOWABLE ALLOWABLE AMOUNTS FEE AT
ELIGIBLE AGGREGATE INTEREST ON MAXIMUM PREVIOUSLY AGGREGATE CURRENT
GROSS SALES UNPAID AMOUNT PAID TO UNPAID NET ASSET
SALES(1) CHARGES BALANCE(2) PAYABLE DISTRIBUTOR(3) BALANCE LEVEL(4)
-------- --------- ----------- ------- -------------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS B SHARES, FOR THE
PERIOD JULY 1, 1994
(COMMENCEMENT OF OPERA-
TIONS) TO JULY 31,
1997:
Under NASD Rule As
Adopted................ $32,979 $2,061 $378 $2,439 $432 $2,007 $89
Under Distributor's Vol-
untary Waiver.......... $32,979 $2,061 $165 $2,226 $432 $1,794 $89
CLASS C SHARES, FOR THE
PERIOD
OCTOBER 21, 1994 (COM-
MENCEMENT OF OPERA-
TIONS) TO JULY 31,
1997:
Under NASD Rule As
Adopted................ $ 2,598 $ 162 $ 21 $ 183 $ 14 $ 169 $ 7
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Purchase price of all eligible Class B or Class C shares sold during
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%, as permitted under the NASD
Rule.
(3) Consist of CDSC payments, distribution fee payments and accruals. See
"Purchase of Shares--Distribution Plans" 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 MFASM) 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 or the NASD
maximum.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Reference is made to "Redemption of Shares" in the Prospectus for certain
information as to the redemption and repurchase of Fund shares.
The right to redeem shares or to receive payment with respect to any such
redemption may be suspended 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.
The value of shares at the time of the redemption may be more or less than
the shareholder's cost, depending on the market value of the securities held
by the Fund at such time.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGES--CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
As discussed in the Prospectus under "Purchase of Shares--Deferred Sales
Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares," while Class B shares
redeemed within four years of purchase are subject to a CDSC
25
<PAGE>
under most circumstances, the charge is waived on redemptions of Class B shares
in certain circumstances including following the death or disability of a Class
B shareholder. Redemptions for which the waiver applies are any partial or
complete redemption following the death or disability (as defined in the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (the "Code")) of a Class B shareholder
(including one who owns the Class B shares as joint tenant with his or her
spouse), provided the redemption is requested within one year of the death or
initial determination of disability. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997, the Distributor received CDSCs of $35,238, $105,576 and $57,859,
respectively, with respect to redemptions of Class B shares, all of which were
paid to Merrill Lynch. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, with respect to
redemption of Class B shares, additional CDSCs payable to the Distributor may
have been waived or converted to a contingent obligation in connection with a
shareholder's participation in certain fee-based programs. For the fiscal
period October 21, 1994 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 1995 and for
the fiscal years ended July 31, 1996 and 1997, the Distributor received CDSCs
of $7, $328 and $1,791, respectively, with respect to redemptions of Class C
shares, all of which were paid to Merrill Lynch.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Reference is made to "Investment Objective and Policies" and "Portfolio
Transactions" in the Prospectus.
Under the 1940 Act, persons affiliated with the Trust are prohibited from
dealing with the Fund as a principal in the purchase and sale of securities
unless such trading is permitted by an exemptive order issued by the
Commission. Since over-the-counter ("OTC") transactions are usually principal
transactions, affiliated persons of the Trust, including Merrill Lynch, may not
serve as dealer in connection with transactions with the Fund. The Trust has
obtained an exemptive order permitting it to engage in certain principal
transactions with Merrill Lynch involving high quality short-term municipal
bonds subject to certain conditions. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1995,
the Fund engaged in two transactions pursuant to such order for an aggregate
market value of $1,400,000. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1996, the Fund
engaged in three transactions pursuant to such order for an aggregate market
value of $1,800,000. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the Fund engaged
in eight transactions pursuant to such an order for an aggregate market value
of $4,900,000. The Trust has applied for an exemptive order permitting it to,
among other things, (i) purchase high quality tax-exempt securities from
Merrill Lynch when Merrill Lynch is a member of an underwriting syndicate and
(ii) purchase tax-exempt securities from and sell tax-exempt securities to
Merrill Lynch in secondary market transactions. Affiliated persons of the Trust
may serve as broker for the Fund in over-the-counter transactions conducted on
an agency basis. Certain court decisions have raised questions as to the extent
to which investment companies should seek exemptions under the 1940 Act in
order to seek to recapture underwriting and dealer spreads from affiliated
entities. The Trustees have considered all factors deemed relevant, and have
made a determination not to seek such recapture at this time. The Trustees will
reconsider this matter from time to time.
The Fund may not purchase securities, including Municipal Bonds, during the
existence of any underwriting syndicate of which Merrill Lynch is a member or
in a private placement in which Merrill Lynch serves as placement agent except
pursuant to procedures approved by the Trustees of the Trust which either
comply with rules adopted by the Commission or with interpretations of the
Commission staff. Rule 10f-3 under the 1940 Act sets forth conditions under
which the Fund may purchase municipal bonds from an underwriting syndicate of
which Merrill Lynch is a member. The rule sets forth requirements relating to,
among other things, the terms of an issue of municipal bonds purchased by the
Fund, the amount of municipal
26
<PAGE>
bonds which may be purchased in any one issue and the assets of the Fund which
may be invested in a particular issue.
The Fund does not expect to use any particular dealer in the execution of
transactions but, subject to obtaining the best net results, dealers who
provide supplemental investment research (such as information concerning tax-
exempt securities, economic data and market forecasts) to the Manager may
receive orders for transactions by the Fund. Information so received will be in
addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the
Manager under its Management Agreement and the expenses of the Manager will not
necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental
information.
The Trust has no obligation to deal with any broker in the execution of
transactions for the Fund's portfolio securities. In addition, consistent with
the Conduct Rules of the NASD and policies established by the Trustees of the
Trust, the Manager may consider sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the
selection of brokers or dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund.
Generally, the Fund does not purchase securities for short-term trading
profits. However, the Fund may dispose of securities without regard to the time
they have been held when such action, for defensive or other reasons, appears
advisable to its Manager. As a result of the investment policies described in
the Prospectus, the Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate may be higher than
that of other investment companies. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated
by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the
particular fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio
securities owned by the Fund during the particular fiscal year. For purposes of
determining this rate, all securities whose maturities at the time of
acquisition are one year or less are excluded. The portfolio turnover rates for
the fiscal years ended July 31, 1996 and 1997 were 57.58% and 32.46%,
respectively.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, generally
prohibits members of the U.S. national securities exchanges from executing
exchange transactions for their affiliates and institutional accounts which
they manage unless the member (i) has obtained prior express authorization from
the account to effect such transactions, (ii) at least annually furnishes the
account with a statement setting forth the aggregate compensation received by
the member in effecting such transactions, and (iii) complies with any rules
the Commission has prescribed with respect to the requirements of clauses (i)
and (ii). To the extent Section 11(a) would apply to Merrill Lynch acting as a
broker for the Fund in any of its portfolio transactions executed on any such
securities exchange of which it is a member, appropriate consents have been
obtained from the Fund and annual statements as to aggregate compensation will
be provided to the Fund.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
Reference is made to "Additional Information--Determination of Net Asset
Value" in the Prospectus for information concerning the determination of net
asset value.
The net asset value of the shares of all classes of the Fund is determined by
the Manager once daily, Monday through Friday, as of 15 minutes after the close
of business on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., New York time) on each day
during which the NYSE is open for trading. The NYSE is not open 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 per share is computed by dividing the sum of the value of the
securities held by the Fund 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
27
<PAGE>
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 and distribution fees and higher transfer agency costs applicable
with respect to Class B and Class C shares and the daily expense accruals of
the account maintenance fees applicable with respect to Class D shares;
moreover, the per share net asset value of Class B and Class C shares generally
will be lower than the per share net asset value of Class D shares, reflecting
the daily expense accruals of the distribution fees, higher account maintenance
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, which will differ by
approximately the amount of the expense accrual differentials between the
classes.
The Municipal Bonds and other portfolio securities in which the Fund invests
are traded primarily in OTC municipal bond and money markets and are valued at
the last available bid price in the OTC market or on the basis of yield
equivalents as obtained from one or more dealers that make markets in the
securities. One bond is the "yield equivalent" of another bond when, taking
into account market price, maturity, coupon rate, credit rating and ultimate
return of principal, both bonds will theoretically produce an equivalent return
to the bondholder. Financial futures contracts and options thereon, which are
traded on exchanges, are valued at their settlement prices as of the close of
such exchanges. Short-term investments with a remaining maturity of 60 days or
less are valued on an amortized cost basis, which approximates market value.
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are
valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of
the Trustees of the Trust, including valuations furnished by a pricing service
retained by the Trust, which may utilize a matrix system for valuations. The
procedures of the pricing service and its valuations are reviewed by the
officers of the Trust under the general supervision of the Trustees.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Trust offers a number of shareholder services described below which are
designed to facilitate investment in shares of the Fund. Full details as to
each of such services and copies of the various plans described below can be
obtained from the Trust, the Distributor or Merrill Lynch.
INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
Each shareholder whose account is maintained at the Transfer Agent has an
Investment Account and will receive statements, at least quarterly, from the
Transfer Agent. These statements will serve as transaction confirmations for
automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of ordinary income
dividends and long-term capital gains distributions. The statements will also
show any other activity in the account since the preceding statement.
Shareholders also will receive separate confirmations for each purchase or sale
transaction other than automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of
ordinary income dividends and long-term capital gains distributions. A
shareholder may make additions to his or her Investment Account at any time by
mailing a check directly to the Transfer Agent.
Share certificates are issued only for full shares and only upon the specific
request of the 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.
28
<PAGE>
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 and who do not wish to have an Investment Account
maintained for such shares at the Transfer Agent may request their new
brokerage firm to maintain such shares in an account registered in the name of
the brokerage firm for the benefit of the shareholder at the Transfer Agent. 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 as described in the preceding sentence.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS
A shareholder may make additions to an Investment Account at any time by
purchasing Class A shares (if he or she is an eligible Class A investor as
described in the Prospectus) or Class B, Class C or Class D shares at the
applicable public offering price either through the shareholder's securities
dealer, or by mail directly to the Transfer Agent, acting as agent for such
securities dealers. Voluntary accumulation also can be made through a service
known as the Fund's Automatic Investment Plan whereby the Fund is authorized
through pre-authorized checks or automated clearinghouse debits of $50 or more
to charge the regular bank account of the shareholder on a regular basis to
provide systematic additions to the Investment Account of such shareholder.
Alternatively, investors who maintain CMA (R) or CBA (R) accounts may arrange
to have periodic investments made in the Fund in their CMA (R) or CBA (R)
account or in certain related accounts in amounts of $100 or more through the
CMA (R) or CBA (R) Automated Investment Program.
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
Unless specific instructions are given as to the method of payment of
dividends and capital gains distributions, dividends and distributions will be
automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. Such reinvestment
will be at the net asset value of shares of the Fund as of the close of
business on the monthly payment date for such dividends and distributions.
Shareholders may elect in writing to receive either their income dividends or
capital gains distributions, or both, in cash, in which event payment will be
mailed on or about the payment date.
Shareholders may, at any time, notify Merrill Lynch in writing, if their
account is maintained with Merrill Lynch, or notify the Transfer Agent in
writing or by telephone (1-800-MER-FUND) if their account is maintained with
the Transfer Agent, that they no longer wish to have their dividends and/or
capital gains distributions reinvested in shares of the Fund or vice versa and,
commencing ten days after the receipt by the Transfer Agent of such notice,
such instructions will be effected.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS
A shareholder may elect to make systematic withdrawals from an Investment
Account of Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D shares on either a monthly or
quarterly basis as provided below. Quarterly withdrawals are available for
shareholders who have acquired shares of the Fund having a value, based on cost
or the current offering price, of $5,000 or more, and monthly withdrawals are
available for shareholders with shares having a value of $10,000 or more.
29
<PAGE>
At the time of each withdrawal payment, sufficient 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
class of shares to be redeemed. Redemptions will be made at net asset value as
determined 15 minutes after the close of business on the NYSE (generally, 4:00
p.m., New York 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 close of business on
the following business day. The check for the withdrawal payment will be
mailed, or the direct deposit for the withdrawal payment will be made, on the
next business day following redemption. When a shareholder is making systematic
withdrawals, dividends and distributions on all 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 Trust, the Transfer Agent or the Distributor.
Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield or income.
Each withdrawal is a taxable event. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed
reinvested dividends, the shareholder's original investment may be reduced
correspondingly. Purchases of additional shares concurrent with withdrawals are
ordinarily disadvantageous to the shareholder because of sales charges and tax
liabilities. The Trust will not knowingly accept purchase orders for shares of
the Fund from investors who maintain a Systematic Withdrawal Plan unless such
purchase is equal to at least one year's scheduled withdrawals or $1,200,
whichever is greater. Periodic investments may not be made into an Investment
Account in which the shareholder has elected to make systematic withdrawals.
With respect to redemptions of Class B and 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--Class B and Class C Shares--Contingent
Deferred Sales Charges--Class B Shares" and "--Contingent Deferred Sales
Charges--Class C Shares" in the Prospectus. 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
automatically be applied thereafter to Class D shares. See "Purchase of
Shares--Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares--
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares" in the Prospectus; if an
investor wishes to change the amount being withdrawn in a systematic withdrawal
plan the investor should contact his or her Financial Consultant.
Alternatively, a shareholder whose shares are held within a CMA(R) or CBA(R)
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
30
<PAGE>
being purchased within the account pursuant to the Automatic Investment
Program. For more information on the CMA(R) or CBA(R) Systematic Redemption
Program, eligible shareholders should contact their Financial Consultant.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
U.S. shareholders of each class of shares of the Fund have an exchange
privilege with certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds. Under the Merrill
Lynch Select Pricing SM System, Class A shareholders may exchange Class A
shares of the Fund for Class A shares of a second MLAM-advised mutual fund if
the shareholder holds any Class A shares of the second fund in his 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 MLAM-
advised mutual fund but does not hold Class A shares of the second fund in his
or 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 MLAM-advised mutual fund at
any time as long as, at the time of the exchange, the shareholder holds Class
A shares of the second fund in the account in which the exchange is made or is
otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second fund. Class B,
Class C and Class D shares are exchangeable with shares of the same class of
other MLAM-advised mutual funds. For purposes of computing the CDSC that may
be payable upon a disposition of the shares acquired in the exchange, the
holding period for the previously owned shares of the Fund is "tacked" to the
holding period for the newly acquired shares of the other fund as more fully
described below. Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares are also
exchangeable for shares of certain MLAM-advised money market funds as follows:
Class A shares may be exchanged for shares of Merrill Lynch Ready Assets
Trust, Merrill Lynch Retirement Reserves Money Fund (available only for
exchanges within certain retirement plans), Merrill Lynch U.S.A. Government
Reserves and Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Money Fund; Class B, Class C and
Class D shares may be exchanged for shares of Merrill Lynch Government Fund,
Merrill Lynch Institutional Fund, Merrill Lynch Institutional Tax-Exempt Fund
and Merrill Lynch Treasury Fund. Shares with a net asset value of at least
$100 are required to qualify for the exchange privilege, and any shares
utilized in an exchange must have been held by the shareholder for 15 days. It
is contemplated that the exchange privilege may be applicable to other new
mutual funds whose shares may be distributed by the Distributor.
Exchanges of Class A or Class D shares outstanding ("outstanding Class A or
Class D shares") for Class A or Class D shares of another MLAM-advised mutual
fund ("new Class A or Class D shares") are transacted on the basis of relative
net asset value per Class A or Class D share, respectively, plus an amount
equal to the difference, if any, between the sales charge previously paid on
the outstanding Class A or Class D shares and the sales charge payable at the
time of the exchange on the new Class A or Class D shares. With respect to
outstanding Class A or Class D shares as to which previous exchanges have
taken place, the "sales charge previously paid" shall include the aggregate of
the sales charges paid with respect to such Class A or Class D shares in the
initial purchase and any subsequent exchange. Class A or Class D shares issued
pursuant to dividend reinvestment are sold on a no-load basis in each of the
funds offering Class A or Class D shares. For purposes of the exchange
privilege, Class A and Class D shares acquired through dividend reinvestment
shall be deemed to have been sold with a sales charge equal to the sales
charge previously paid on the Class A or Class D shares on which the dividend
was paid. Based on this formula, Class A and Class D shares generally may be
exchanged into the Class A or Class D shares of the other funds or into shares
of certain money market funds with a reduced or without a sales charge.
31
<PAGE>
In addition, each of the funds with Class B and Class C shares outstanding
("outstanding Class B and Class C shares") offers to exchange its Class B or
Class C shares for Class B or Class C shares, respectively, of another MLAM-
advised mutual fund ("new Class B or Class C shares") on the basis of relative
net asset value per Class B or Class C share, without the payment of any CDSC
that might otherwise be due on redemption of the outstanding shares. Class B
shareholders of the Fund exercising the exchange privilege will continue to be
subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC
schedule relating to the new Class B shares acquired through use of the
exchange privilege. In addition, Class B shares of the Fund acquired through
use of the exchange privilege will be subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if
such schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the Class B shares
of the fund from which the exchange has been made. For purposes of computing
the sales load that may be payable on a disposition of the new Class B or Class
C shares, the holding period for the outstanding Class B or Class C shares is
"tacked" to the holding period of the new Class B or Class C shares. For
example, an investor may exchange Class B shares of the Fund for those of
Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund, 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 the Fund's Class B shares to the
three year holding period for the Special Value Fund Class B shares, the
investor will be deemed to have held the Special Value Fund Class B shares for
more than five years.
Shareholders also may exchange shares of the Fund into shares of certain
money market funds advised by the Manager or its affiliates, but the period of
time that Class B or Class C shares are held in a money market fund will not
count towards satisfaction of the holding period requirement for purposes of
reducing the CDSC or, with respect to Class B shares, towards satisfaction of
the conversion period. However, shares of a money market fund that were
acquired as a result of an exchange for Class B or Class C shares of the Fund
may, in turn, be exchanged back into Class B or Class C shares, respectively,
of any fund offering such shares, in which event the holding period for Class B
or Class C shares of the newly-acquired fund will be aggregated with previous
holding periods for purposes of reducing the CDSC. Thus, for example, an
investor may exchange Class B shares of the Fund for shares of Merrill Lynch
Institutional Fund ("Institutional Fund") after having held the Fund's Class B
shares for two and a half years and three years later decide to redeem the
shares of Institutional Fund for cash. At the time of this redemption, the 2%
CDSC that would have been due had the Class B shares of the Fund been redeemed
for cash rather than exchanged for shares of Institutional Fund will be
payable. If, instead of such redemption the shareholder exchanged such shares
for Class B shares of a fund that the shareholder continued to hold for an
additional two and a half years, any subsequent redemption would not incur a
CDSC.
Before effecting an exchange, shareholders of the Fund should obtain a
currently effective prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is to be
made.
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 MLAM-advised 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 at any time in accordance with the rules of the
Commission. The Fund reserves the right to limit the number of times an
32
<PAGE>
investor may exercise the exchange privilege. Certain funds may suspend the
continuous offering of their shares at any time and thereafter may resume such
offering from time to time. The exchange privilege is available only to U.S.
shareholders in states where the exchange legally may be made.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Trust intends to continue to qualify the Fund for the special tax
treatment afforded regulated investment companies ("RICs") under the Code. As
long as it so qualifies, the Fund (but not its shareholders) will not be
subject to Federal income tax to the extent that it distributes its net
investment income and net realized capital gains. The Trust intends to cause
the Fund to distribute substantially all of such income.
As discussed in the Fund's Prospectus, the Trust has established other series
in addition to the Fund (together with the Fund, the "Series"). Each Series of
the Trust is treated as a separate corporation for Federal income tax purposes.
Each Series, therefore, is considered to be a separate entity in determining
its treatment under the rules for RICs described in the Prospectus. Losses in
one Series do not offset gains in another Series, and the requirements (other
than certain organizational requirements) for qualifying for RIC status are
determined at the Series level rather than at the Trust level.
The Code requires a RIC to pay a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the extent
the RIC does not distribute, during each calendar year, 98% of its ordinary
income, determined on a calendar year basis, and 98% of its capital gains,
determined, in general, on an October 31 year end, plus certain undistributed
amounts from previous years. The required distributions, however, are based
only on the taxable income of a RIC. The excise tax, therefore, generally will
not apply to the tax-exempt income of a RIC, such as the Fund, that pays
exempt-interest dividends.
The Trust intends to qualify the Fund to pay "exempt-interest dividends," as
defined in Section 852(b)(5) of the Code. Under such section if, at the close
of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the
Fund's total assets consists of obligations exempt from Federal income tax
("tax-exempt obligations") under Section 103(a) of the Code (relating generally
to obligations of a state or local governmental unit), the Fund shall be
qualified to pay exempt-interest dividends to its Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class D shareholders (together, the "shareholders"). Exempt-interest dividends
are dividends or any part thereof paid by the Fund that are attributable to
interest on tax-exempt obligations and designated by the Trust as exempt-
interest dividends in a written notice mailed to the Fund's shareholders within
60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year. For this purpose, the Fund
will allocate interest from tax-exempt obligations (as well as ordinary income,
capital gains, including new categories of capital gains, and tax preference
items, discussed below) among the Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D
shareholders according to a method (which it believes is consistent with the
Commission rule permitting the issuance and sale of multiple classes of shares)
that is based on the gross income allocable to Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class D shareholders during the taxable year, or such other method as the
Internal Revenue Service may prescribe. To the extent that the dividends
distributed to the Fund's shareholders are derived from interest income exempt
from Federal income tax under Code Section 103(a) and are properly designated
as exempt-interest dividends, they will be excludable from a shareholder's
gross income for Federal income tax purposes. Exempt-interest dividends are
included, however, in determining the portion, if any, of a person's social
security benefits and railroad retirement benefits subject to Federal income
taxes. Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry
shares of a RIC paying exempt-interest dividends, such as the
33
<PAGE>
Fund, will not be deductible by the investor for Federal income tax purposes to
the extent attributable to exempt-interest dividends, and such interest expense
will not reduce taxable income under the Connecticut seasonal income tax on
individuals, estates and trusts (the "Connecticut income tax") except to the
extent it reduces the shareholder's Federal adjusted gross income. Shareholders
are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to whether exempt-
interest dividends retain the exclusion under Code Section 103(a) if a
shareholder would be treated as a "substantial user" or "related person" under
Code Section 147(a) with respect to property financed with the proceeds of an
issue of "industrial development bonds" or "private activity bonds," if any,
held by the Fund.
Dividends paid by the Fund that qualify as exempt-interest dividends for
Federal income tax purposes are not subject to the Connecticut income tax (to
the extent that they are derived from Connecticut Municipal Bonds). Other Fund
dividends, whether received in cash or additional shares, are subject to this
tax, except that capital gain dividends that are derived from obligations
issued by or on behalf of the State of Connecticut, any political subdivision
thereof, or public instrumentality, state or local authority, district, or
similar public entity created under Connecticut law are not subject to the tax.
Dividends paid by the Fund that constitute items of tax preference for purposes
of the Federal alternative minimum tax, other than dividends derived from
Connecticut Municipal Bonds, could cause liability for the net Connecticut
minimum tax applicable to investors subject to the Connecticut income tax who
are required to pay the Federal alternative minimum tax. Dividends paid by the
Fund, including those that qualify as exempt-interest dividends for Federal
income tax purposes, are taxable for purposes of the Connecticut corporation
business tax. However, 70% (100% if the investor owns at least 20% of the total
voting power and value of the Fund's shares) of amounts that are treated as
dividends and not as exempt-interest dividends or capital gain dividends for
Federal income tax purposes are deductible for purposes of the corporation
business tax, but no deduction is allowed for expenses related thereto.
Shareholders other than corporations who are subject to income taxation in
states other than Connecticut will realize a lower after-tax rate of return
than Connecticut shareholders since the dividends distributed by the Fund
generally will not be exempt, to any significant degree, from income taxation
by such other states. The Trust will inform shareholders annually regarding the
portion of the Fund's distributions which constitutes exempt-interest dividends
and the portion which is exempt from the Connecticut income tax. The Fund will
allocate exempt-interest dividends among Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D
shareholders for Connecticut income tax purposes based on a method similar to
that described above for Federal income tax purposes.
To the extent that the Fund's distributions are derived from interest on its
taxable investments or from an excess of net short-term capital gains over net
long-term capital losses ("ordinary income dividends"), such distributions are
considered ordinary income for Federal income tax purposes. Such distributions
are not eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations.
Distributions, if any, from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net
short-term capital losses derived from the sale of securities or from certain
transactions in futures or options ("capital gain dividends") are taxable as
long-term capital gains for Federal income tax purposes, regardless of the
length of time the shareholder has owned Fund shares. Recent legislation
creates additional categories of capital gains taxable at different rates.
Although the legislation does not explain how gain in these categories will be
taxed to shareholders of RICs, it authorizes regulations applying the new
categories of gain and the new rates to sales of securities by RICs. In the
absence of guidance, there is some uncertainty as to the manner in which the
categories of gain and related rates will be passed through to shareholders in
capital gain dividends. It is anticipated that IRS guidance permitting
categories of gain and related rates to be passed through to shareholders would
also require the Fund to
34
<PAGE>
designate the amounts of various categories of capital gain income included in
capital gain dividends in a written notice sent to shareholders. Distributions
by the Fund, whether from exempt-interest income, ordinary income or capital
gains, will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to
corporations under the Code.
All or a portion of the Fund's gain from the sale or redemption of tax-exempt
obligations purchased at a market discount will be treated as ordinary income
rather than capital gain. This rule may increase the amount of ordinary income
dividends received by shareholders. Distributions in excess of the Fund's
earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder's
shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute
capital gains to such holder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset).
Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares held for six months or less
will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received by
the shareholder. In addition, any such loss that is not disallowed under the
rule stated above will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of
any capital gain dividends received by the shareholder. If the Fund pays a
dividend in January which was declared in the previous October, November or
December to shareholders of record on a specific date in one of such months,
then such dividend will be treated for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund
and received by its shareholders on December 31 of the year in which such
dividend was declared.
The Code subjects interest received on certain otherwise tax-exempt
securities to an alternative minimum tax. The alternative minimum tax applies
to interest received on certain "private activity bonds," issued after
August 7, 1986. Private activity bonds are bonds which, although tax-exempt,
are used for purposes other than those generally performed by governmental
units and which benefit non-governmental entities (e.g., bonds used for
industrial development or housing purposes). Income received on such bonds is
classified as an item of "tax preference," which could subject certain
investors in such bonds, including shareholders of the Fund, to an alternative
minimum tax. The Fund will purchase such "private activity bonds," and the
Trust will report to shareholders within 60 days after the Fund's taxable year-
end the portion of the Fund's dividends declared during the year which
constitutes an item of tax preference for alternative minimum tax purposes. The
Code further provides that corporations are subject to an alternative minimum
tax based, in part, on certain differences between taxable income as adjusted
for other tax preferences and the corporation's "adjusted current earnings,"
which more closely reflect a corporation's economic income. Because an exempt-
interest dividend paid by the Fund will be included in adjusted current
earnings, a corporate shareholder may be required to pay alternative minimum
tax on exempt-interest dividends paid by the Fund.
The Fund may invest in high yield bonds as described in the Prospectus.
Furthermore, the Fund may also invest in instruments the return on which
includes nontraditional features such as indexed principal or interest payments
("nontraditional instruments"). These instruments may be subject to special tax
rules under which the Fund may be required to accrue and distribute income
before amounts due under the obligations are paid. In addition, it is possible
that all or a portion of the interest payments on such high yield securities
and/or nontraditional instruments could be recharacterized as taxable ordinary
income.
No gain or loss will be recognized by Class B shareholders on the conversion
of their Class B shares into Class D shares. A shareholder's basis in the Class
D shares acquired will be the same as such shareholder's basis in the Class B
shares converted, and the holding period of the acquired Class D shares will
include the holding period for the converted Class B shares.
35
<PAGE>
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
on the exchanged shares reduces any sales charge such shareholder would have
owed upon purchase of the new shares in the absence of the exchange privilege.
Instead, such sales charge will be treated as an amount paid for the new
shares.
A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be
disallowed if other Fund shares are acquired (whether through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30
days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of.
In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect
the disallowed loss.
Ordinary income dividends paid to shareholders who are nonresident aliens or
foreign entities will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax under existing
provisions of the Code applicable to foreign individuals and entities unless a
reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under
applicable treaty law. Nonresident shareholders are urged to consult their own
tax advisors concerning the applicability of the U.S. withholding tax.
Under certain Code provisions, some shareholders may be subject to a 31%
withholding tax on certain ordinary income dividends and on capital gain
dividends and redemption payments ("backup withholding"). Generally,
shareholders subject to backup withholding will be those for whom no certified
taxpayer identification number is on file with the Trust or who, to the Trust's
knowledge, have furnished an incorrect number. When establishing an account, an
investor must certify under penalty of perjury that such number is correct and
that such investor is not otherwise subject to backup withholding.
The Code provides that every person required to file a tax return must
include for information purposes on such return the amount of exempt-interest
dividends received from all sources (including the Fund) during the taxable
year.
TAX TREATMENT OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may purchase or sell municipal bond index futures contracts and
interest rate futures contracts on U.S. Government securities ("financial
futures contracts"). The Fund may also purchase and write call and put options
on such financial futures contracts. In general, unless an election is
available to the Fund or an exception applies, such options and financial
futures contracts that are "Section 1256 contracts" will be "marked to market"
for Federal income tax purposes at the end of each taxable year, i.e., each
such option or financial futures contract will be treated as sold for its fair
market value on the last day of the taxable year, and any gain or loss
attributable to Section 1256 contracts will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term
capital gain or loss. Application of these rules to Section 1256 contracts held
by the Fund may alter the timing and character of distributions to
shareholders. 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.
Code Section 1092, which applies to certain "straddles," may affect the
taxation of the Fund's sales of securities and transactions in financial
futures contracts and related options. Under Section 1092, the Fund may be
required to postpone recognition for tax purposes of losses incurred in certain
sales of securities and certain closing transactions in financial futures
contracts or the related options.
36
<PAGE>
One of the requirements for qualification as a RIC is that less than 30% of
the Fund's gross income be derived from gains from the sale or other
disposition of securities held for less than three months. Accordingly, the
Fund may be restricted in effecting closing transactions within three months
after entering into an option or financial futures contract. Under recently
enacted legislation, this requirement will no longer apply to the Fund after
its fiscal year ending July 31, 1998.
----------------
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations and Connecticut tax laws presently
in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the
pertinent Code sections, the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and
the applicable Connecticut tax laws and regulations. The Code and the Treasury
regulations, as well as the Connecticut tax laws, are subject to change by
legislative, judicial or administrative action either prospectively or
retroactively.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the
availability of any exemptions from state or local taxes (other than those
imposed by Connecticut) and with specific questions as to Federal, foreign, and
Connecticut or other state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time the Fund may include its average annual total return and
other total return data, as well as yield and tax-equivalent yield, in
advertisements or information furnished to present or prospective shareholders.
From time to time, the Fund may include the Fund's Morningstar risk-adjusted
performance ratings in advertisements or supplemental sales literature. Total
return and yield and tax-equivalent yield figures are based on the Fund's
historical performance and are not intended to indicate future performance.
Average annual total return, yield and tax-equivalent yield are determined
separately for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares in accordance with
formulas specified by the Commission.
Average annual total return quotations for the specified periods are computed
by finding the average annual compounded rates of return (based on net
investment income and any realized and unrealized capital gains or losses on
portfolio investments over such periods) that would equate the initial amount
invested to the redeemable value of such investment at the end of each period.
Average annual total return is computed assuming all dividends and
distributions are reinvested and taking into account all applicable recurring
and nonrecurring expenses, including the maximum sales charge in the case of
Class A and Class D shares and the CDSC that would be applicable to a complete
redemption of the investment at the end of the specified period in the case of
the Class B and Class C shares.
The Fund also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total return
and aggregate total return performance data, both as a percentage and as a
dollar amount based on a hypothetical $1,000 investment, for various periods
other than those noted below. Such data will be computed as described above,
except that (1) as required by the periods of the quotations, actual annual,
annualized or aggregate data, rather than average annual data, may be quoted
and (2) the maximum applicable sales charges will not be included with respect
to annual or annualized rates of return calculations. Aside from the impact on
the performance data calculations of including or excluding the maximum
applicable sales charges, actual annual or annualized total return data
generally will be lower than average annual total return data since the average
rates of return reflect compounding of return; aggregate total return data
generally will be higher than average annual total return data since the
aggregate rates of return reflect compounding over a longer period of time.
37
<PAGE>
Set forth below is the total return, yield and tax-equivalent yield
information for 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 CLASS C SHARES CLASS D SHARES
-------------------------- ---------------------------- -------------------------- ----------------------------
REDEEMABLE REDEEMABLE REDEEMABLE REDEEMABLE
EXPRESSED AS VALUE OF A EXPRESSED AS A VALUE OF A EXPRESSED AS VALUE OF A EXPRESSED AS A VALUE OF A
A PERCENTAGE HYPOTHETICAL PERCENTAGE HYPOTHETICAL A PERCENTAGE HYPOTHETICAL PERCENTAGE HYPOTHETICAL
BASED ON A $1,000 BASED ON A $1,000 BASED ON A $1,000 BASED ON A $1,000
HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT
$1,000 AT THE END OF $1,000 AT THE END OF $1,000 AT THE END OF $1,000 AT THE END OF
PERIOD INVESTMENT THE PERIOD INVESTMENT THE PERIOD INVESTMENT THE PERIOD INVESTMENT THE PERIOD
------ ------------ ------------- -------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------- -------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(INCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended July
31, 1997........ 5.13% $1,051.30 4.96% $1,049.60 7.84% $1,078.40 5.02% $1,050.20
Inception (July
1, 1994) to July
31, 1997........ 6.68% $1,220.50 7.28% $1,241.70 -- -- -- --
Inception
(October 21,
1994) to July
31, 1997........ -- -- -- -- 8.43% $1,251.70 7.35% $1,217.60
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(EXCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended July
31, 1997........ 9.51% $1,095.10 8.96% $1,089.60 8.84% $1,088.40 9.40% $1,094.00
Year ended July
31, 1996........ 6.37% $1,063.70 5.82% $1,058.20 5.72% $1,057.20 6.26% $1,062.60
Year ended July
31, 1995........ 6.30% $1,063.00 5.77% $1,057.70 -- -- -- --
Inception (July
1, 1994) to July
31, 1994........ 2.68% $1,026.80 2.64% $1,026.40 -- -- -- --
Inception
(October 21,
1994) to July
31, 1995........ -- -- -- -- 8.79% $1,087.90 9.10% $1,091.00
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN
(INCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (July
1, 1994) to July
31, 1997........ 22.05% $1,220.50 24.17% $1,241.70 -- -- -- --
Inception
(October 21,
1994) to July
31, 1997........ -- -- -- -- 25.17% $1,251.70 21.76% $1,217.60
<CAPTION>
YIELD
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
30 days ended
July 31, 1997... 4.53% -- 4.22% -- 4.12% -- 4.44% --
<CAPTION>
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD*
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
30 days ended
July 31, 1997... 6.29% -- 5.86% -- 5.72% -- 6.17% --
</TABLE>
- ----
*Based on a Federal income tax rate of 28%.
38
<PAGE>
In order to reflect the reduced sales charges, in the case of Class A or
Class D shares, or the waiver of the CDSC in the case of Class B or Class C
shares, applicable to certain investors, as described under "Purchase of
Shares" and "Redemption of Shares," respectively, the total return data quoted
by the Fund in advertisements directed to such investors may take into account
the reduced, and not the maximum, sales charge or may not take into account the
CDSC and therefore, may reflect greater total return since, due to the reduced
sales charges or the waiver of CDSC, a lower amount of expenses may be
deducted.
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trust shall be comprised of
separate Series each of which will consist of a separate portfolio which will
issue separate shares. The Trust is presently comprised of the Fund, Merrill
Lynch Arizona Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund,
Merrill Lynch Colorado Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Florida Municipal
Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Maryland Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch
Massachusetts Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Michigan Municipal Bond Fund,
Merrill Lynch Minnesota Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch New Jersey Municipal
Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch New Mexico Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch New York
Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill
Lynch Ohio Municipal Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch Oregon Municipal Bond Fund,
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund and Merrill Lynch Texas
Municipal Bond Fund. The Trustees are authorized to create an unlimited number
of Series and, with respect to each Series, to issue an unlimited number of
full and fractional shares of beneficial interest, par value $.10 per share, of
different classes and to divide or combine the shares into a greater or lesser
number of shares without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial
interests in the Series. Shareholder approval is not necessary for the
authorization of additional Series or classes of a Series of the Trust. At the
date of this Statement of Additional Information, the shares of the Fund are
divided into Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares. Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class D shares represent interests 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 expenditures. The Board of Trustees may classify and reclassify
the shares of any Series into additional or other classes at a future date.
All shares of the Trust have equal voting rights, except that only shares of
the respective Series are entitled to vote on matters concerning only that
Series and, as noted above, Class B, Class C and Class D shares have exclusive
voting rights with respect to matters relating to the account maintenance
and/or distribution expenses, as appropriate, being borne solely by such class.
Each issued and outstanding share of a Series is entitled to one vote and to
participate equally in dividends and distributions declared with respect to
that Series and, upon liquidation or dissolution of the Series, in the net
assets of such Series remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities,
except that, as noted above, expenses relating to distribution and/or account
maintenance of the Class B, Class C and Class D shares are borne solely by the
respective class. There normally will be no meeting of shareholders for the
purposes of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a
majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at
which time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for
the election of Trustees. Shareholders may, in accordance with the terms of the
Declaration of Trust, cause a meeting of shareholders to be held for the
purpose of voting on the removal of Trustees. Also, the Trust will be required
to call a special meeting of shareholders in accordance with the requirements
of the 1940 Act to seek approval of new
39
<PAGE>
management and advisory arrangements, of a material increase in distribution
fees or of a change in the fundamental policies, objectives or restrictions of
a Series.
The obligations and liabilities of a particular Series are restricted to the
assets of that Series and do not extend to the assets of the Trust generally.
The shares of each Series, when issued, will be fully paid and nonassessable,
have no preference, preemptive, conversion, exchange or similar rights, and
will be freely transferable. Holders of shares of any Series are entitled to
redeem their shares as set forth elsewhere herein and in the Prospectus. Shares
do not have cumulative voting rights and the holders of more than 50% of the
shares of the Trust voting for the election of Trustees can elect all of the
Trustees if they choose to do so, and in such event the holders of the
remaining shares would not be able to elect any Trustees. No amendments may be
made to the Declaration of Trust, other than amendments necessary to conform
the Declaration to certain laws or regulations, to change the name of the
Trust, or to make certain non-material changes, without the affirmative vote of
a majority of the outstanding shares of the Trust or of the affected Series or
class, as applicable.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the trust's
obligations. However, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on
account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both
inadequate insurance existed and the trust itself was unable to meet its
obligations.
The Manager provided the initial capital for the Fund by purchasing 10,000
shares of the Fund for $100,000. Such shares were acquired for investment and
can only be disposed of by redemption. The organizational expenses of the Fund
were paid by the Fund and are being amortized over a period not exceeding five
years. The proceeds realized by the Manager (or any subsequent holder) upon the
redemption of any of the shares initially purchased by it will be reduced by
the proportionate amount of unamortized organizational expenses which the
number of shares redeemed bears to the number of shares initially purchased.
Such organizational expenses include certain of the initial organizational
expenses of the Trust which have been allocated to the Fund by the Trustees. If
additional Series are added to the Trust, the organizational expenses will be
allocated among the Series in a manner deemed equitable by the Trustees.
COMPUTATION OF OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
An illustration of the computation of the offering price for Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D shares of the Fund based on the Fund's net assets and
number of shares outstanding on July 31, 1997, is calculated as set forth
below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Assets....................... $8,379,648 $35,562,821 $2,015,986 $3,440,447
========== =========== ========== ==========
Number of Shares Outstanding..... 784,560 3,329,833 188,620 322,066
========== =========== ========== ==========
Net Asset Value Per Share (net
assets divided by number of
shares outstanding)............. $ 10.68 $ 10.68 $ 10.69 $ 10.68
Sales Charge (for Class A and
Class D shares: 4.00% of
offering price; 4.17% of net
asset value per share*)......... .45 ** ** .45
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Offering Price................... $ 11.13 $ 10.68 $ 10.69 $ 11.13
========== =========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent; assumes maximum sales charge
is applicable.
** Class B and Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but
may be subject to a CDSC on redemption of shares. See "Purchase of Shares--
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares" in the
Prospectus and "Redemption of Shares--Deferred Sales Charges--Class B and
Class C Shares" herein.
40
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 117 Campus Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540-6400,
has been selected as the independent auditors of the Fund. The selection of
independent auditors is subject to approval by the independent Trustees of the
Trust. The independent auditors are responsible for auditing the annual
financial statements of the Fund.
CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 351, Boston, Massachusetts
02101, acts as the custodian of the Fund's assets. The custodian is responsible
for safeguarding and controlling the Fund's cash and securities, handling the
delivery of securities and collecting interest on the Fund's investments.
TRANSFER AGENT
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc., 4800 Deer Lake Drive East,
Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484, acts as the Trust's transfer agent. The
Transfer Agent is responsible for the issuance, transfer and redemption of
shares and the opening, maintenance and servicing of shareholder accounts. See
"Management of the Trust--Transfer Agency Services" in the Prospectus.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Brown & Wood LLP, One World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0557, is
counsel for the Trust.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The fiscal year of the Fund ends on July 31 of each year. The Trust sends to
shareholders of the Fund at least semi-annually reports showing the Fund's
portfolio and other information. An annual report, containing financial
statements audited by independent auditors, is sent to shareholders each year.
After the end of each year shareholders will receive Federal income tax
information regarding dividends and capital gains distributions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits
relating thereto, which the Trust has filed with the Commission, Washington,
D.C., under the Securities Act and the 1940 Act, to which reference is hereby
made.
The Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust dated August 2, 1985, a copy
of which, together with all amendments thereto (the "Declaration") is on file
in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provides
that the name "Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust" refers to the
Trustees under the Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals
or personally; and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of the
Trust shall be held to any personal liability; nor shall resort be had to any
such person's private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim
of the Trust but the "Trust Property" only shall be liable.
To the knowledge of the Trust, no person or entity owned beneficially 5% or
more of the Fund's shares on October 1, 1997.
41
<PAGE>
APPENDIX I
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONCERNING CONNECTICUT
The following information is a brief summary of factors affecting the economy
of the state and does not purport to be a complete description of such factors.
Other factors will affect issuers. The summary is based primarily upon one or
more publicly available offering statements relating to debt offerings of state
issuers; however, it has not been updated nor will it be updated during the
year. The Trust has not independently verified the information.
Manufacturing has historically been of prime economic importance to
Connecticut (sometimes referred to as the "State"). The manufacturing industry
is diversified, with transportation equipment (primarily aircraft engines,
helicopters and submarines) the dominant industry, followed by non-electrical
machinery, fabricated metal products and electrical machinery. As a result of a
rise in employment in service-related industries and a decline in manufacturing
employment, manufacturing accounted for only 17.39% of total non-agricultural
employment in Connecticut in 1996. Defense-related business represents a
relatively high proportion of the manufacturing sector. On a per capita basis,
defense awards to Connecticut have traditionally been among the highest in the
nation, and reductions in defense spending have had a substantial adverse
impact on Connecticut's economy.
The annual average unemployment rate in Connecticut was 5.7% in 1996 down
from a high of 7.5% in 1992. However, pockets of significant unemployment and
poverty exist in some of Connecticut's cities and towns.
In 1991, to address a growing deficit in the State's General Fund,
legislation was enacted by which the State imposed an income tax on
individuals, trusts and estates for taxable years generally commencing in 1992.
For each fiscal year starting with the 1991-92 fiscal year, the General Fund
has operated at a surplus, with over 60% of the State's tax revenues being
generated by the income tax and the sales and use tax, each of which is
sensitive to changes in the level of economic activity in Connecticut. The
State's budgeted expenditures have more than doubled from approximately $4.3
billion for the 1986-87 fiscal year to approximately $9.7 billion for the 1998-
99 fiscal year.
At the end of the 1990-91 fiscal year, the General Fund had an accumulated
unappropriated deficit of $965,712,000. For the six fiscal years ended June 30,
1997, the General Fund ran operating surpluses, based on the State's budgetary
method of accounting, of approximately $110.2 million, $113.5 million, $19.7
million, $80.5 million, $250 million, and $262.6 million, respectively. General
Fund budgets for the biennium ending June 30, 1999, were adopted in 1997.
General Fund expenditures and revenues are budgeted to be approximately $9.55
billion and $9.7 billion for the 1997-98 and 1998-99 fiscal years,
respectively.
During 1991 the State issued a total of $965,710,000 Economic Recovery Notes,
of which $157,055,000 were outstanding as of August 1, 1997. The notes were to
be payable no later than June 30, 1996, but as part of the budget adopted for
the biennium ending June 30, 1997, payment of the notes scheduled to be paid
during the 1995-96 fiscal year was rescheduled to be made over the four fiscal
years ending June 30, 1999.
42
<PAGE>
The primary method for financing capital projects by the State is through the
sale of the general obligation bonds of the State. These bonds are backed by
the full faith and credit of the State. As of August 1, 1997, there was a total
legislatively authorized direct general obligation bond indebtedness of
$11,469,639,000, of which $9,990,468,000 had been approved for issuance by the
State Bond Commission, $8,897,072,000 had been issued, and $6,733,149,000 were
outstanding.
To meet the need for reconstructing, repairing, rehabilitating and improving
the State transportation system (except Bradley International Airport), the
State adopted legislation which provides for, among other things, the issuance
of special tax obligation ("STO") bonds the proceeds of which will be used to
pay for improvements to the State's transportation system. The STO bonds are
special tax obligations of the State payable solely from specified motor fuel
taxes, motor vehicle receipts, and license, permit and fee revenues pledged
therefor and deposited in the special transportation fund. The cost of the
infrastructure program through June 30, 2000, to be met from federal, state and
local funds, was recently estimated at $11.2 billion. To finance a portion of
the State's $4.7 billion share of such cost, the State expects to issue $4.2
billion of STO bonds.
As of October 15, 1996, the General Assembly had authorized STO bonds for the
program in the aggregate amount of $4,157,900,000, of which $3,594,700,000 of
new money borrowings had been issued. It is anticipated that additional STO
bonds will be authorized by the General Assembly annually in an amount
necessary to finance and to complete the infrastructure program. Such
additional bonds may have equal rank with the outstanding bonds provided
certain pledged revenue coverage requirements of the STO indenture controlling
the issuance of such bonds are met. The State expects to continue to offer
bonds for this program.
In 1995, the State established the University of Connecticut as a separate
corporate entity to issue bonds and construct certain infrastructure
improvements. The University is authorized to issue $962.0 million bonds to
finance the improvements. The University's bonds will be secured by a State
debt service commitment, the aggregate amount of which is limited to $382.0
million for the four fiscal years ending June 30, 1999, and $580.0 million for
the six fiscal years ending June 30, 2005.
The State's general obligation bonds are rated AA- by Standard & Poor's and
Aa3 by Moody's. On March 17, 1995, Fitch reduced its ratings of the State's
general obligation bonds from AA+ to AA.
The State, its officers and its employees are defendants in numerous
lawsuits. Although it is not possible to determine the outcome of these
lawsuits, the Attorney General has opined that an adverse decision in any of
the following cases might have a significant impact on the State's financial
position: (i) a class action by the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers
Association claiming a campaign of illegal surveillance activity and seeking
damages and injunctive relief; (ii) an action on behalf of all persons with
traumatic brain injury who have been placed in certain state hospitals,
claiming that their constitutional rights are violated by placement in State
hospitals alleged not to provide adequate treatment and training, and seeking
placement in community residential settings with appropriate support services;
and (iii) litigation involving claims by Indian tribes to a portion of the
State's land area.
As a result of litigation on behalf of black and Hispanic school children in
the City of Hartford seeking "integrated education" within the Greater Hartford
metropolitan area, on July 9, 1996, the State Supreme Court directed the
legislature to develop appropriate measures to remedy the racial and ethnic
segregation in
43
<PAGE>
the Hartford public schools. The fiscal impact of this decision might be
significant but it is not determinable at this time.
General obligation bonds issued by municipalities are usually payable from ad
valorem taxes on property located in the municipality. Certain Connecticut
municipalities have experienced severe fiscal difficulties and have reported
operating and accumulated deficits in recent years. The most notable of these
is the City of Bridgeport, which filed a bankruptcy petition on June 7, 1991.
The State opposed the petition. The United States Bankruptcy Court for the
District of Connecticut has held that Bridgeport has authority to file such a
petition but that its petition should be dismissed on the grounds that
Bridgeport was not insolvent when the petition was filed. State legislation now
prohibits municipal bankruptcy filings without prior written consent of the
Governor.
In addition to general obligation bonds backed by the full faith and credit
of the municipality, certain municipal authorities may issue bonds that are not
considered to be debts of the municipality. Such bonds may only be repaid from
the revenues of projects financed by the municipal authority, which revenues
may be insufficient to service the authority's debt obligations.
Regional economic difficulties, reductions in revenues and increased expenses
could lead to further fiscal problems for the State and its political
subdivisions, authorities and agencies. This could result in declines in the
value of their outstanding obligations, increases in their future borrowing
costs and impairment of their ability to pay debt service on their obligations.
44
<PAGE>
APPENDIX II
RATINGS OF MUNICIPAL BONDS
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.'S ("MOODY'S") MUNICIPAL BOND
RATINGS
AAA Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally
referred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large
or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While
the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as
can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong
position of such issues.
AA Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are
generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the
best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa
securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater
amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-
term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but
elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
sometime in the future.
BAA Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest
payment and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be
characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such
bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well.
BA Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the
protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and
thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the
future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or
of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of
time may be small.
CAA Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
CA Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative
in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.
C
Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of
ever attaining any real investment standing.
Note: Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B groups which Moody's believes
possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1,
A1, Baa1, Ba1 and B1.
45
<PAGE>
Short-term Notes: The four ratings of Moody's for short-term notes are
MIG1/VMIG1, MIG2/VMIG2, MIG3/VMIG3 and MIG4/VMIG4; MIG1/VMIG1 denotes "best
quality . . . strong protection by established cash flows"; MIG2/VMIG2 denotes
"high quality" with ample margins of protection; MIG3/VMIG3 notes are of
"favorable quality . . . but . . . lacking the undeniable strength of the
preceding grades"; MIG4/VMIG4 notes are of "adequate quality . . . [p]rotection
commonly regarded as required of an investment security is present . . . there
is specific risk."
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in
excess of nine months. Moody's employs the following three designations, all
judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of
rated issuers:
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability
will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics: leading
market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on funds
employed; conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt
and ample asset protection; broad margins in earning coverage of fixed
financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established
access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate
liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced
by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings
trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected
by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt
protection measurements and may require for or relatively high financial
leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS SERVICES ("STANDARD & POOR'S")
MUNICIPAL DEBT RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's municipal debt rating is a current opinion of the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation,
a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program. It
takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers or other
forms of credit enhancement on the obligation.
The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a financial
obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability
for a particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the obligors or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable.
Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any
46
<PAGE>
rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The
ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or
unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
I. Likelihood of payment--capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet
its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of
the obligation;
II. Nature of and provisions of the obligations; and
III. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in
the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws
of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
AAA Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
Capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.
AA Debt rated "AA" differs from the highest-rated issues only in small
degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment to the
obligation is very strong.
A Debt rated "A" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-
rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB Debt rated "BBB" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely
to lead to a weakened capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C
Debt rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC" and "C" are regarded as having
significant speculative characteristics. "BB" indicates the least
degree of speculation and "C" the highest degree of speculation. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or
major exposures to adverse conditions.
D Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used
when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if
the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's
believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The
"D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition
or the taking of a similar action payments on an obligation are
jeopardized.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's Commercial Paper Rating is a current assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more
than 365 days. Ratings are graded into several
47
<PAGE>
categories, ranging from "A" for the highest-quality obligations to "D" for the
lowest. These categories are as follows:
A-1 This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as
for issues designated "A-1".
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have an adequate capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
designations.
B Issues rated "B" are regarded as having only speculative capacity for
timely payment.
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful
capacity for payment.
D Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used
when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date
due, even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard
& Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace
period.
A Commercial Paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase or sell a
security. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard &
Poor's by the issuer and obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it
considers reliable. The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a
result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S SHORT-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market
access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely
receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely
receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making
that assessment.
. Amortization schedule--the larger the final maturity relative to other
maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
. Source of payment--the more dependent the issue is on the market for its
refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to
possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+)
designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of
the notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
48
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.'S ("FITCH") INVESTMENT GRADE BOND
RATINGS
Fitch investment grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security. The ratings
represent Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to meet the obligations of
a specific debt issue or class of debt in a timely manner.
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and of any
guarantor, as well as the economic and political environment that might affect
the issuer's future financial strength and credit quality.
Fitch ratings do not reflect any credit enhancement that may be provided by
insurance policies or financial guaranties unless otherwise indicated.
Bonds carrying same rating are of similar but not necessarily identical
credit quality since the rating categories do not fully reflect small
differences in the degrees of credit risk.
Fitch ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any security.
Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any
security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of
payments made in respect of any security.
Fitch ratings are based on information obtained from issuers, other obligors,
underwriters, their experts, and other sources Fitch believes to be reliable.
Fitch does not audit or verify the truth or accuracy of such information.
Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or
the unavailability of, information or for any other reasons.
AAA Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay
interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by
reasonably foreseeable events.
AA Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAA."
Because bonds rated in the "AAA" and "AA" categories are not
significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments, short-
term debt of these issuers is generally rated "F-1+."
A Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes
in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher
ratings.
BBB Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on
these bonds, and therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood that
the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher
than for bonds with higher ratings.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the "AAA" category.
49
<PAGE>
NR Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
CONDITIONAL A conditional rating is premised on the successful completion of a
project or the occurrence of a specific event.
SUSPENDED A rating is suspended when Fitch deems the amount of information
available from the issuer to be inadequate for rating purposes.
WITHDRAWN A rating will be withdrawn when an issue matures or is called or
refinanced and, at Fitch's discretion, when an issuer fails to
furnish proper and timely information.
FITCHALERT Ratings are placed on FitchAlert to notify investors of an
occurrence that is likely to result in a rating change and the
likely direction of such change. These are designated as
"Positive," indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative," for
potential downgrade, or "Evolving," where ratings may be raised or
lowered. FitchAlert is relatively short-term, and should be
resolved within 12 months.
RATINGS OUTLOOK:
An outlook is used to describe the most likely direction of any
rating change over the intermediate term. It is described as
"Positive" or "Negative." The absence of a designation indicates a
stable outlook.
DESCRIPTION OF FITCH SPECULATIVE GRADE BOND RATINGS
Fitch speculative grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security. The ratings
("BB" to "C") represent Fitch's assessment of the likelihood of timely payment
of principal and interest in accordance with the terms of obligation for bond
issues not in default. For defaulted bonds, the rating ("DDD" to "D") is an
assessment of the ultimate recovery value through reorganization or
liquidation.
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor,
as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the
issuer's future financial strength.
Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily identical
credit quality since rating categories cannot fully reflect the differences in
degrees of credit risk.
BB Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay
interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse
economic changes. However, business and financial alternatives can
be identified which could assist the obligor in satisfying its
debt service requirements.
B
Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class
are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability
of continued timely payment of principal and interest reflects the
obligor's limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable
business and economic activity throughout the life of the issue.
50
<PAGE>
CCC Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not
remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations
requires an advantageous business and economic environment.
CC Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest
and/or principal seems probable over time.
C Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD DD D Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis
of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization
of the obligor. "DDD" represents the highest potential for
recovery on these bonds, and "D" represents the lowest potential
for recovery.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the "DDD," "DD," or "D" categories.
DESCRIPTION OF FITCH INVESTMENT GRADE SHORT-TERM RATINGS
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on
demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and
investment notes.
The short-term rating places greater emphasis than a long-term rating on the
existence of liquidity necessary to meet the issuer's obligations in a timely
manner.
Fitch short-term ratings are as follows:
F-1+ Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating
are regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for
timely payment.
F-1 Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an
assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than
issues rated "F-1+."
F-2 Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a
satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the
margin of safety is not as great as for issues assigned "F-1+" and
"F-1" ratings.
F-3 Fair Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
characteristics suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely
payment is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could
cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.
F-S Weak Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have
characteristics suggesting a minimal degree of assurance for
timely payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse changes in
financial and economic conditions.
D
Default. Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent
payment default.
LOC
The symbol, "LOC," indicates that the rating is based on a letter
of credit issued by a commercial bank.
51
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders,
Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund of
Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, of Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund
of Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust as of July 31, 1997, the
related statements of operations for the year then ended and changes in net
assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the
financial highlights for each of the years in the three-year period then ended
and the period July 1, 1994 (commencement of operations) to July 31, 1994.
These financial statements and the financial highlights are the responsibility
of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and the financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at July
31, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian and broker. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Merrill Lynch
Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund of Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series
Trust as of July 31, 1997, the results of its operations, the changes in its
net assets, and the financial highlights for the respective stated periods in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
September 5, 1997
52
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Connecticut -- 93.6%
AA+ Aaa $1,000 Connecticut State Clean Water Fund Revenue Bonds, 5.80% due 6/01/2016 $1,044
AAA Aaa 1,000 Connecticut State Development Authority, Governmental Lease Revenue Bonds,
6.60% due 6/15/2014 (b) 1,127
Connecticut State Development Authority, PCR, Refunding (Connecticut Light
& Power Co. Project), VRDN (a):
A1+ VMIG1+ 300 AMT, Series B, 3.55% due 9/01/2028 300
A1+ VMIG1+ 750 Series A, 3.60% due 9/01/2028 750
AA- A1 2,000 Connecticut State Development Authority Revenue Bonds (General Fund),
Series A, 6.375% due 10/15/2024 2,205
AAA Aaa 1,500 Connecticut State Development Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Facilities
Revenue Bonds (Pfizer Inc. Project), AMT, 7% due 7/01/2025 1,751
Connecticut State Development Authority, Water Facility Revenue Bonds
(Bridgeport Hydraulic Co. Project):
A+ NR* 1,250 AMT, 6.15% due 4/01/2035 1,330
A+ NR* 1,000 AMT, 6% due 9/01/2036 1,043
AAA Aaa 1,000 Refunding, Series A, 6.05% due 3/01/2029 (b) 1,068
AAA Aaa 1,890 Refunding, Series B, 5.50% due 6/01/2028 (b) 1,903
AA- Aa3 1,000 Connecticut State, GO, Series A, 5.50% due 5/15/2014 1,039
A1+ VMIG1+ 2,100 Connecticut State, GO, UT, VRDN, Series B, 3.65% due 5/15/2014 (a) 2,100
Connecticut State, HFA, Revenue Bonds (Housing Mortgage Finance Program):
AA Aa 995 AMT, Series A, Sub-Series A-2, 6.20% due 11/15/2022 1,033
AA Aa 950 AMT, Series A, Sub-Series A-2, 6.50% due 5/15/2027 1,000
AA Aa3 1,000 AMT, Series B, Sub-Series B-2, 5.70% due 5/15/2017 1,014
AA Aa 845 AMT, Series D, Sub-Series D-2, 6.90% due 5/15/2020 903
AA Aa 2,110 Series B, 6.75% due 11/15/2023 2,242
AAA Aaa 2,195 Series B, 6.75% due 11/15/2023 (b) 2,324
AA Aa 1,200 Series C-1, 6.30% due 11/15/2017 1,268
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
To simplify the listings of Merrill Lynch Connecticut
Municipal Bond Fund's portfolio holdings in the Schedule
of Investments, we have abbreviated the names of many
of the securities according to the list at right.
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)
GO General Obligation Bonds
HFA Housing Finance Agency
PCR Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
UT Unlimited Tax
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
53
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Connecticut State Health and Educational Facilities Authority
Revenue Bonds:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AAA Aaa 1,000 (Bridgeport Hospital), Series A, 6.625% due 7/01/2018 (b) 1,107
AAA NR* 500 (Bridgeport Hospital), Series C, 5.25% due 7/01/2015 (d) 496
AAA Aaa 2,000 (Choate Rosemary Hall), Series A, 7% due 7/01/2004 (b)(e) 2,319
AAA Aaa 1,400 (Newington Children's Hospital), Series A, 6.30% due 7/01/2021 (b) 1,521
AA- A1 2,000 (Nursing Home Program - AHF/Hartford), 7.125% due 11/01/2024 2,293
BBB- Baa3 1,000 Refunding (Sacred Heart University), Series C, 6.625% due 7/01/2026 1,083
NR* A3 1,150 Refunding (Saint Mary's Hospital), Series E, 5.50% due 7/01/2020 1,152
AAA Aaa 900 Refunding (Trinity College), Series D, 6.125% due 7/01/2024 (c) 970
AAA Aaa 1,000 Refunding (Yale-New Haven Hospital), Series H, 5.70% due 7/01/2025 (b) 1,038
BBB- Baa3 1,000 (Sacred Heart University), Series D, 6.20% due 7/01/2027 1,043
BBB- NR* 1,000 (University of New Haven), Series D, 6.625% due 7/01/2016 1,066
AAA Aaa 1,000 (Yale-New Haven Hospital), Series G, 6.50% due 7/01/2012 (b) 1,102
NR* A1 735 Connecticut State Higher Education, Supplemental Loan Authority Revenue
Bonds (Family Education Loan Program), AMT, Series A, 6.40% due 11/15/2014 793
NR* NR* 1,000 Connecticut State Regional Learning Educational Service Center Revenue Bonds
(Office/Education Center Facility), 7.75% due 2/01/2015 1,128
Connecticut State Resource Recovery Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Mid-Connecticut Systems), Series A (b):
AAA Aaa 1,000 5.75% due 11/15/2007 1,095
AAA Aaa 1,000 5.50% due 11/15/2012 1,042
AAA Aaa 1,000 East Haven, Connecticut, GO, UT, 5.50% due 9/01/2014 (c) 1,028
AAA Aaa 500 Hartford, Connecticut, GO, UT, 5.75% due 10/01/2015 (c) 527
Puerto Rico -- 5.4%
A Baa1 1,000 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, GO, UT, 5.375% due 7/01/2025 999
AA Aa3 1,500 Puerto Rico Industrial, Medical and Environmental Pollution Control
Facilities, Financing Authority Revenue Bonds (Motorola Inc. Project),
Series A, 6.75% due 1/01/2014 1,658
Total Investments (Cost -- $45,206) -- 99.0% 48,904
Other Assets Less Liabilities -- 1.0% 495
---------
Net Assets -- 100.0% $49,399
=========
</TABLE>
(a) The interest rate is subject to change periodically based upon prevailing
market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in effect at July
31, 1997.
(b) MBIA Insured.
(c) FGIC Insured.
(d) Connie Lee Insured.
(e) Prerefunded.
* Not Rated.
+ Highest short-term rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Ratings of issues shown have not been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
54
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost -- $45,205,536) (Note 1a) $48,903,903
Cash 226,833
Receivables:
Securities sold $793,825
Interest 532,028
Beneficial interest sold 55,274 1,381,127
-----------
Deferred organization expenses (Note 1e) 14,004
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1e) 10,771
-----------
Total assets 50,536,638
-----------
Liabilities: Payables:
Securities purchased 1,005,170
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f) 62,128
Distributor (Note 2) 16,093
Investment adviser (Note 2) 14,425
Beneficial interest redeemed 7,997 1,105,813
-----------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 31,923
-----------
Total liabilities 1,137,736
-----------
Net Assets: Net assets $49,398,902
===========
Net Assets Class A Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
Consist of: shares authorized $78,456
Class B Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized 332,983
Class C Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized 18,862
Class D Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized 32,207
Paid-in capital in excess of par 46,115,613
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments -- net (Note 5) (877,586)
Unrealized appreciation on investments -- net 3,698,367
-----------
Net assets $49,398,902
===========
Net Asset Value: Class A -- Based on net assets of $8,379,648 and 784,560 shares of
beneficial interest outstanding $10.68
===========
Class B -- Based on net assets of $35,562,821 and 3,329,833 shares of
beneficial interest outstanding $10.68
===========
Class C -- Based on net assets of $2,015,986 and 188,620 shares of
beneficial interest outstanding $10.69
===========
Class D -- Based on net assets of $3,440,447 and 322,066 shares of
beneficial interest outstanding $10.68
===========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
55
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended
July 31, 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned $2,735,926
(Note 1d):
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) $255,318
Account maintenance and distribution fees -- Class B (Note 2) 168,474
Professional fees 54,144
Accounting services (Note 2) 39,772
Printing and shareholder reports 39,154
Transfer agent fees -- Class B (Note 2) 12,825
Account maintenance and distribution fees -- Class C (Note 2) 10,594
Registration fees (Note 1e) 7,792
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1e) 7,312
Pricing fees 4,496
Account maintenance fees -- Class D (Note 2) 2,944
Transfer agent fees -- Class A (Note 2) 2,477
Trustees' fees and expenses 2,255
Custodian fees 1,983
Transfer agent fees -- Class D (Note 2) 911
Transfer agent fees -- Class C (Note 2) 701
Other 2,757
----------
Total expenses before reimbursement 613,909
Reimbursement of expenses (Note 2) (188,926)
----------
Total expenses after reimbursement 424,983
----------
Investment income -- net 2,310,943
----------
Realized & Realized gain on investments -- net 193,542
Unrealized Gain on Change in unrealized appreciation on investments -- net 1,539,167
Investments -- Net ----------
(Notes 1b, 1d & 3): Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $4,043,652
==========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
56
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Year Ended July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income -- net $2,310,943 $2,082,774
Realized gain (loss) on investments -- net 193,542 (336,579)
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments -- net 1,539,167 453,596
----------- -----------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 4,043,652 2,199,791
----------- -----------
Dividends to Investment income -- net:
Shareholders Class A (431,014) (408,628)
(Note 1f): Class B (1,640,570) (1,511,028)
Class C (84,261) (66,587)
Class D (155,098) (96,531)
----------- -----------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends to shareholders (2,310,943) (2,082,774)
----------- -----------
Beneficial Interest Net increase in net assets derived from beneficial interest
Transactions transactions 4,232,008 3,186,036
(Note 4): ----------- -----------
Net Assets: Total increase in net assets 5,964,717 3,303,053
Beginning of year 43,434,185 40,131,132
----------- -----------
End of year $49,398,902 $43,434,185
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
57
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial Highlights
Class A
For the
Period
July 1,
The following per share data and ratios have been derived 1994+ to
from information provided in the financial statements. For the Year Ended July 31, July 31,
1997 1996 1995 1994
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $10.29 $10.23 $10.22 $10.00
Operating -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income -- net .56 .58 .60 .05
Realized and unrealized gain on investments
-- net .39 .06 .01 .22
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .95 .64 .61 .27
-------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income -- net (.56) (.58) (.60) (.05)
Realized gain on investments -- net -- -- --++ --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions (.56) (.58) (.60) (.05)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $10.68 $10.29 $10.23 $10.22
======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share 9.51% 6.37% 6.30% 2.68%++++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement .52% .34% .07% .00%*
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses .92% .98% 1.19% 1.54%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income -- net 5.38% 5.58% 6.02% 5.48%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $8,380 $7,589 $7,979 $6,557
Data: ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover 32.46% 57.58% 60.99% 3.07%
======== ======== ======== ========
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Commencement of Operations.
++ Amount is less than $.01 per share.
++++ Aggregate total investment return.
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
58
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial Highlights
Class B
For the
Period
July 1,
The following per share data and ratios have been derived 1994+ to
from information provided in the financial statements. For the Year Ended July 31, July 31,
1997 1996 1995 1994
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $10.29 $10.23 $10.22 $10.00
Operating -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income -- net .51 .53 .55 .04
Realized and unrealized gain on investments
-- net .39 .06 .01 .22
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .90 .59 .56 .26
-------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income -- net (.51) (.53) (.55) (.04)
Realized gain on investments -- net -- -- --++ --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions (.51) (.53) (.55) (.04)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $10.68 $10.29 $10.23 $10.22
======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share 8.96% 5.82% 5.77% 2.64%++++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement 1.02% .85% .58% .50%*
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses 1.43% 1.49% 1.70% 2.04%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income -- net 4.87% 5.07% 5.51% 5.00%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $35,563 $31,359 $30,265 $16,889
Data: ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover 32.46% 57.58% 60.99% 3.07%
======== ======== ======== ========
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Commencement of Operations.
++ Amount is less than $.01 per share.
++++ Aggregate total investment return.
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
59
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C Class D
For the For the
For the Period For the Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Year Oct. 21, Year Oct. 21,
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended 1994+ to Ended 1994+ to
July 31, July 31, July 31, July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1997 1996 1995 1997 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning
Operating of period $10.30 $10.24 $9.82 $10.29 $10.23 $9.82
Performance: --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Investment income -- net .50 .52 .42 .55 .57 .46
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments -- net .39 .06 .42 .39 .06 .41
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment
operations .89 .58 .84 .94 .63 .87
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Less dividends and
distributions:
Investment income -- net (.50) (.52) (.42) (.55) (.57) (.46)
Realized gain on investments
-- net -- -- --++ -- -- --++
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total dividends and
distributions (.50) (.52) (.42) (.55) (.57) (.46)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of period $10.69 $10.30 $10.24 $10.68 $10.29 $10.23
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Total Investment Based on net asset value 8.84% 5.72% 8.79%++++ 9.40% 6.26% 9.10%++++
Return:** per share ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement 1.12% .95% .74%* .62% .44% .22%*
Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Expenses 1.53% 1.58% 1.77%* 1.03% 1.07% 1.27%*
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Investment income -- net 4.77% 4.96% 5.43%* 5.27% 5.46% 5.96%*
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Supplemental Net assets, end of period $2,016 $1,829 $820 $3,440 $2,657 $1,067
Data: (in thousands) ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio turnover 32.46% 57.58% 60.99% 32.46% 57.58% 60.99%
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Commencement of Operations.
++ Amount is less than $.01 per share.
++++ Aggregate total investment return.
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
60
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund July 31, 1997
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Merrill Lynch Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is part of
Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (the "Trust"). The Fund
is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-
diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund offers
four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System.
Shares of Class A and Class D are sold with a front-end sales charge.
Shares of Class B and Class C may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge. All classes of shares have identical voting, dividend,
liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except
that Class B, Class C and Class D Shares bear certain expenses related
to the account maintenance of such shares, and Class B and Class C
Shares also bear certain expenses related to the distribution of such
shares. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters
relating to its account maintenance and distribution expenditures. The
following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by
the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments -- Municipal bonds and other portfolio
securities in which the Fund invests are traded primarily in the over-
the-counter municipal bond and money markets and are valued at the last
available bid price in the over-the-counter market or on the basis of
yield equivalents as obtained from one or more dealers that make markets
in the securities. Financial futures contracts and options thereon,
which are traded on exchanges, are valued at their settlement prices as
of the close of such exchanges. Short-term investments with remaining
maturities of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which
approximates market value. Securities and assets for which market
quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of
Trustees of the Trust, including valuations furnished by a pricing
service retained by the Trust, which may utilize a matrix system for
valuations. The procedures of the pricing service and its valuations are
reviewed by the officers of the Trust under the general supervision of
the Trustees.
(b) Derivative financial instruments -- The Fund may engage in various
portfolio strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its
portfolio against adverse movements in the debt markets. Losses may
arise due to changes in the value of the contract or if the counterparty
does not perform under the contract.
[bullet] Financial futures contracts -- The Fund may purchase or sell
interest rate futures contracts and options on such futures contracts
for the purpose of hedging the market risk on existing securities or the
intended purchase of securities. Futures contracts are contracts for
delayed delivery of securities at a specific future date and at a
specific price or yield. Upon entering into a contract, the Fund
deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by
the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the
contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount
of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such
receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by
the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is closed, the
Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the
value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the
time it was closed.
(c) Income taxes -- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable
income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision
is required.
(d) Security transactions and investment income -- Security transactions
are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade
dates). Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Discounts
and market premiums are amortized into interest income. Realized gains
and losses on security transactions are determined on the identified
cost basis.
(e) Deferred organization expenses and prepaid registration fees --
Deferred organization expenses are charged to expense on a straight-line
basis over a five-year period. Prepaid registration fees are charged to
expense as the related shares are issued.
(f) Dividends and distributions -- Dividends from net investment income
are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of capital gains are
recorded on the ex-dividend dates.
61
<PAGE>
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Fund
Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM"). The general partner of FAM is Princeton
Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is the limited partner. The Fund
has also entered into a Distribution Agreement and Distribution Plans
with Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. ("MLFD" or "Distributor"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Group, Inc.
FAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and
provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain
other services necessary to the operations of the Fund. For such
services, the Fund pays a monthly fee based upon the average daily value
of the Fund's net assets at the following annual rates: 0.55% of the
Fund's average daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; 0.525% of
average daily net assets in excess of $500 million but not exceeding $1
billion; and 0.50% of average daily net assets in excess of $1 billion.
For the year ended July 31, 1997, FAM earned fees of $255,318, of which
$188,926 was voluntarily waived.
Pursuant to the distribution plans (the "Distribution Plans") adopted by
the Fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, the Fund pays the Distributor ongoing account maintenance and
distribution fees. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly at annual
rates based upon the average daily net assets of the shares as follows:
Account
Maintenance Distribution
Fee Fee
Class B 0.25% 0.25%
Class C 0.25% 0.35%
Class D 0.10% --
Pursuant to a sub-agreement with the Distributor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Inc. ("MLPF&S"), a subsidiary of ML & Co., also provides
account maintenance and distribution services to the Fund. The ongoing
account maintenance fee compensates the Distributor and MLPF&S for
providing account maintenance services to Class B, Class C and Class D
shareholders. The ongoing distribution fee compensates the
Distributor and MLPF&S for providing shareholder and distribution-
related services to Class B and Class C shareholders.
For the year ended July 31, 1997, MLFD earned underwriting discounts and
MLPF&S earned dealer concessions on sales of the Fund's Class A and
Class D Shares as follows:
MLFD MLPF&S
Class A $1,019 $8,815
Class D $757 $10,122
For the year ended July 31, 1997, MLPF&S received contingent deferred
sales charges of $64,961 and $1,791 relating to transactions in Class B
and Class C Shares, respectively.
Merrill Lynch Financial Data Services, Inc. ("MLFDS"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ML & Co., is the Fund's transfer agent.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by FAM at cost.
Certain officers and/or trustees of the Fund are officers and/or
directors of FAM, PSI, MLFDS, MLFD, and/or ML & Co.
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for
the year ended July 31, 1997 were $17,140,588 and $14,335,919,
respectively.
Net realized and unrealized gains as of July 31, 1997 were as follows:
Realized Unrealized
Gains Gains
Long-term investments $188,670 $3,698,367
Short-term investments 4,872 --
----------- -----------
Total $193,542 $3,698,367
=========== ===========
As of July 31, 1997, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income tax
purposes aggregated $3,698,367, of which $3,698,709 related to
appreciated securities and $342 related to depreciated securities. The
aggregate cost of investments at July 31, 1997 for Federal income tax
purposes was $45,205,536.
62
<PAGE>
4. Beneficial Interest Transactions:
Net increase in net assets derived from beneficial interest transactions
was $4,232,008 and $3,186,036, for the years ended July 31, 1997 and
July 31, 1996, respectively.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as
follows:
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
Shares sold 145,306 $1,511,588
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends 29,191 303,354
----------- -----------
Total issued 174,497 1,814,942
Shares redeemed (127,276) (1,317,412)
----------- -----------
Net increase 47,221 $497,530
=========== ===========
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1996 Shares Amount
Shares sold 81,137 $836,173
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends 27,123 281,553
----------- -----------
Total issued 108,260 1,117,726
Shares redeemed (150,587) (1,552,126)
----------- -----------
Net decrease (42,327) $(434,400)
=========== ===========
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
Shares sold 760,389 $7,912,969
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends 80,253 833,981
----------- -----------
Total issued 840,642 8,746,950
Automatic conversion of shares (2,744) (28,597)
Shares redeemed (555,174) (5,772,686)
----------- -----------
Net increase 282,724 $2,945,667
=========== ===========
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1996 Shares Amount
Shares sold 1,083,666 $11,283,985
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends 80,168 831,005
----------- -----------
Total issued 1,163,834 12,114,990
Automatic conversion of shares (11,364) (117,747)
Shares redeemed (1,062,427) (10,982,309)
----------- -----------
Net increase 90,043 $1,014,934
=========== ===========
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
Shares sold 131,493 $1,374,027
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends 4,205 43,716
----------- -----------
Total issued 135,698 1,417,743
Shares redeemed (124,759) (1,293,944)
----------- -----------
Net increase 10,939 $123,799
=========== ===========
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1996 Shares Amount
Shares sold 106,625 $1,109,389
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends 3,314 37,148
----------- -----------
Total issued 109,939 1,146,537
Shares redeemed (12,331) (128,277)
----------- -----------
Net increase 97,608 $1,018,260
=========== ===========
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1997 Shares Amount
Shares sold 92,661 $963,530
Automatic conversion
of shares 2,743 28,597
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends 5,456 56,735
----------- -----------
Total issued 100,860 1,048,862
Shares redeemed (36,948) (383,850)
----------- -----------
Net increase 63,912 $665,012
=========== ===========
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1996 Shares Amount
Shares sold 159,356 $1,647,385
Automatic conversion of shares 11,364 117,747
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends 3,379 34,993
----------- -----------
Total issued 174,099 1,800,125
Shares redeemed (20,252) (212,883)
----------- -----------
Net increase 153,847 $1,587,242
=========== ===========
5. Capital Loss Carryforward:
At July 31, 1997, the Fund had a capital loss carryforward of
approximately $668,000, of which $62,000 expires in 2003, $394,000
expires in 2004 and $212,000 expires in 2005. This amount will be
available to offset like amounts of any future taxable gains.
63
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies.......................................... 2
Description of Municipal Bonds and Temporary Investments................... 5
Description of Municipal Bonds............................................ 5
Description of Temporary Investments...................................... 7
Repurchase Agreements..................................................... 8
Financial Futures Transactions and Options................................ 9
Investment Restrictions.................................................... 13
Management of the Trust.................................................... 15
Trustees and Officers..................................................... 15
Compensation of Trustees.................................................. 17
Management and Advisory Arrangements...................................... 18
Purchase of Shares......................................................... 19
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares............. 20
Reduced Initial Sales Charges............................................. 21
Distribution Plans........................................................ 23
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges...................... 24
Redemption of Shares....................................................... 25
Deferred Sales Charges--Class B and Class C Shares........................ 25
Portfolio Transactions..................................................... 26
Determination of Net Asset Value........................................... 27
Shareholder Services....................................................... 28
Investment Account........................................................ 28
Automatic Investment Plans................................................ 29
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions....... 29
Systematic Withdrawal Plans............................................... 29
Exchange Privilege........................................................ 31
Distributions and Taxes.................................................... 33
Tax Treatment of Options and Futures Transactions......................... 36
Performance Data........................................................... 37
General Information........................................................ 39
Description of Shares..................................................... 39
Computation of Offering Price Per Share................................... 40
Independent Auditors...................................................... 41
Custodian................................................................. 41
Transfer Agent............................................................ 41
Legal Counsel............................................................. 41
Reports to Shareholders................................................... 41
Additional Information.................................................... 41
Appendix I--Economic and Financial Information Concerning Connecticut...... 42
Appendix II--Ratings of Municipal Bonds.................................... 45
Independent Auditors' Report............................................... 52
Financial Statements....................................................... 53
</TABLE>
LOGO MERRILL LYNCH
Merrill Lynch
Connecticut Municipal
Bond Fund
Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
October 28, 1997
Distributor:
Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX FOR GRAPHIC AND IMAGE MATERIAL
Pursuant to Rule 304 of Regulation S-T, the following table presents
fair and accurate narrative descriptions of graphic and image material omitted
from this EDGAR Submission file due to ASCII-incompatibility and cross-
references this material to the location of each occurrence in the text.
DESCRIPTION OF OMITTED LOCATION OF GRAPHIC
GRAPHIC OR IMAGE OR IMAGE IN TEXT
- ---------------------- -------------------
Compass plate, circular Back cover of Prospectus and
graph paper and Merrill Lynch back cover of Statement of
logo including stylized market Additional Information
bull
