<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2000
Securities Act Registration No. 333-95347
Investment Company Registration No. 811-7092
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
-----------
FORM N-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
[X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2
Post-Effective Amendment No. [_]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
AMENDMENT NO. 6
[X]
-----------
The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008
Term Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified In its Declaration of Trust)
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(800) 688-0928
(Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)
Ralph L. Schlosstein, President
The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10154
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
-----------
Copies to:
Richard T. Prins, Esq. Thomas A. DeCapo, Esq. Cynthia G. Cobden, Esq.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Simpson Thacher &
Meagher & Flom LLP Meagher & Flom LLP Bartlett
Four Times Square One Beacon Street 425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10036 New York, New York 10017
Boston, Massachusetts
02108
-----------
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after
the effective date of this Registration Statement.
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Proposed Proposed
Title of Securities Amount Being Maximum Offering Maximum Aggregate Amount of
Being Registered Registered Price per Unit Offering Price Registration Fee
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Auction Rate Municipal
Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest,
Series R7 (Liquidation
preference $25,000 per
share)................ 726 shares $25,000 $18,150,000 $4,792*
</TABLE>
* Previously Paid
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
THE BLACKROCK FLORIDA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
Part A--Prospectus
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Items in Part A of Form N-2
Specified in Prospectus Location in Prospectus
--------------------------- ----------------------
<C> <C> <S>
Item 1. Outside Front Cover........................................... Cover page
Item 2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Page...................... Inapplicable
Item 3. Fee Table and Synopsis........................................ Inapplicable
Item 4. Financial Highlights.......................................... Financial Highlights
Item 5. Plan of Distribution.......................................... Cover Page; Prospectus
Summary; the Auction;
Underwriting
Item 6. Selling Shareholders.......................................... Inapplicable
Item 7. Use of Proceeds............................................... Use of Proceeds;
Investment Objective and
Policies
Item 8. General Description of the Registrant......................... Cover Page; Prospectus
Summary The Trust;
Investment Objective and
Policies
Item 9. Management.................................................... Prospectus Summary;
Management of the Trust
Item 10. Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities........... Capitalization;
Investment Objective and
Policies; Description of
New Preferred Shares;
the Auction; Tax Matters
Item 11. Defaults and Arrears on Senior Securities..................... Inapplicable
Item 12. Legal Proceedings............................................. Inapplicable
Item 13. Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information.. Table of Contents of the
Statement of Additional
Information
Part B--Statement of Additional Information
<CAPTION>
Items In Part B of Form N-2 Location in Statement of
--------------------------- Additional Information
------------------------
<C> <C> <S>
Item 14. Cover Page.................................................... Cover Page
Item 15. Table of Contents............................................. Back Cover Page
Item 16. General Information and History............................... Inapplicable
Item 17. Investment Objective and Policies............................. Investment Objective and
Policies; Investment
Policies and Techniques
Item 18. Management.................................................... Management of the Trust
Item 19. Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities........... Management of the Trust
Item 20. Investment Advisory and Other Services........................ Management of the Trust
Item 21. Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices...................... Portfolio Transactions
Item 22. Tax Status.................................................... Tax Matters
Item 23. Financial Statements.......................................... Financial Statements
(incorporated by
reference)
</TABLE>
Part C--Other Information
Items 24-33 have been answered in Part C of this Registration Statement
<PAGE>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may +
+not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the +
+Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an +
+offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these +
+securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 3, 2000
PROSPECTUS
$18,150,000
The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust
Auction Rate Municipal Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest ("New Preferred
Shares")
726 Shares, Series R7
Liquidation Preference $25,000 Per Share
The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust is a closed-end, non-
diversified management investment company. The Trust's investment objective is:
. to provide current income that is exempt from regular Federal income tax
and Florida intangible personal property taxes; and
. to return $15 per common share (the initial public offering price per
common share) to holders of common shares on or about December 31, 2008.
The Trust seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80%
of its total assets in a portfolio of Florida municipal obligations insured as
to the timely payment of both principal and interest by insurers with claims-
paying abilities rated at the time of investment Aaa by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. or AAA by Standard & Poor's Rating Services or which are
determined by the Trust's investment advisor to have equivalent claims-paying
abilities. The Trust may invest up to 20% of its total assets in uninsured
Florida municipal obligations which are:
. rated at the time of investment Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P;
. guaranteed by an entity with a Aaa or AAA rating;
. backed by an escrow or trust account containing sufficient U.S. Government
or U.S. Government agency securities to ensure timely payment of principal
and interest; or
. determined by the Trust's investment advisor to be of Aaa or AAA credit
quality at the time of investment.
The Trust seeks to return $15 per common share to common shareholders on or
about December 31, 2008 (when the Trust will terminate) by actively managing
its portfolio of Florida municipal obligations which will have an average final
maturity on or about such date and by retaining each year a small portion of
its net investment income, which portion will not exceed 10% for any year, as
determined in accordance with the Federal income tax rules applicable to the
Trust. No assurance can be given that the Trust will achieve its investment
objective. BlackRock Advisors, Inc. acts as the investment advisor to the
Trust. The address of the Trust is 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New
Jersey 08536 and its telephone number is (800) 688-0928.
The New Preferred Shares will not be listed on an exchange. You may only buy
or sell New Preferred Shares through an order placed at an auction with or
through a broker-dealer that has entered into an agreement with the auction
agent and the Trust, or in a secondary market maintained by certain broker-
dealers. These broker-dealers are not required to maintain this market, and it
may not provide you with liquidity.
This prospectus contains important information about the Trust. You should
read the prospectus before deciding whether to invest and retain it for future
reference. A statement of additional information, dated March , 2000,
containing additional information about the Trust, has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference in its
entirety into this prospectus. You can review the table of contents of the
statement of additional information on page 41 of this prospectus. You may
request a free copy of the statement of additional information by calling (800)
227-7236. You may also obtain the statement of additional information and other
information regarding the Trust on the SEC's web site (http://www.sec.gov).
(continued on following page)
-------
Investing in the New Preferred Shares involves certain risks. See "Risks"
beginning on page 17. The minimum purchase amount of the New Preferred Shares
is $25,000.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
-------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Per Share Total
--------- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Public Offering Price.................................... $25,000 $18,150,000
Sales Load............................................... $ $
Proceeds to Trust (before expenses)/1/................... $ $
</TABLE>
- -----
/1/ Offering expenses payable by the Trust are estimated to be $300,000.
The underwriters are offering the New Preferred Shares subject to various
conditions. The underwriters expect to deliver the New Preferred Shares to
purchasers, in book-entry form, through the facilities of The Depository Trust
Company on or about , 2000.
-------
Salomon Smith Barney
Merrill Lynch & Co.
PaineWebber Incorporated
Prudential Securities
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
March , 2000
<PAGE>
The Trust is offering 726 newly issued Auction Rate Municipal Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, Series R7. We refer to these shares as the "New
Preferred Shares" throughout this prospectus and the related statement of
additional information. Except for the initial dividend rate and initial
dividend period, the terms of the New Preferred Shares are the same as the
terms of the Trust's currently outstanding Series R7 Preferred Shares
(together, the "Preferred Shares").
The dividend rate for the initial dividend period (the period from the date
of issue through , 2000) will be %, and the initial dividend will be paid
on , 2000. After the initial dividend period, the dividend rate on the New
Preferred Shares for each subsequent dividend period generally will be
determined pursuant to weekly auctions. The letter/numeral indication "R7"
means that the auction for the New Preferred Shares normally will be held every
Thursday and that the dividend period normally will be 7 days. Prospective
purchasers should carefully review the auction procedures described in this
prospectus, including the appendices, and should note:
. a buy order (called a "bid") or sell order is a commitment to buy or
sell New Preferred Shares based on the results of an auction;
. auctions will be conducted by telephone; and
. purchases and sales will be settled on the next business day after the
auction.
Dividends on New Preferred Shares, to the extent payable from tax-exempt
income earned on the Trust's investments, will be exempt from regular Federal
income tax and Florida intangible personal property taxes in the hands of
owners of such shares. All or a portion of the Trust's dividends may be subject
to the Federal alternative minimum tax. The Trust is required to allocate net
capital gains and other taxable income, if any, proportionately between common
shares and Preferred Shares, including the New Preferred Shares, based on the
percentage of total dividends distributed to each class for that year. The
Trust will, in the case of a dividend period of 28 days or less, and may, in
the case of a dividend period of 35 days or more, give notice of the amount of
any income subject to regular Federal income tax to be included in a dividend
on a New Preferred Share in advance of the related auction. If the Trust does
not give such advance notice, it generally will be required to pay additional
amounts to holders of New Preferred Shares in order to adjust for their receipt
of income subject to regular Federal income tax.
The New Preferred Shares are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option
of the Trust on any date dividends are paid on the New Preferred Shares (except
during certain non-call periods), and will be subject to mandatory redemption,
in certain circumstances, at a redemption price of $25,000 per share plus
accumulated but unpaid dividends to the redemption date (whether or not
declared), plus a premium in certain circumstances. The Trust intends to redeem
all of the New Preferred Shares and all of its other Preferred Shares no later
than the last dividend payment date in respect of each series prior to December
31, 2008 (when the Trust will terminate).
The New Preferred Shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and
are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository
institution. The New Preferred Shares are not federally insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other
government agency.
2
<PAGE>
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. The
Trust has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The
Trust is not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer
is not permitted. You should not assume that the information provided by this
prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this
prospectus.
---------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary......................................................... 4
Financial Highlights....................................................... 8
The Trust.................................................................. 9
Use of Proceeds............................................................ 10
Capitalization............................................................. 10
Investment Objective and Policies.......................................... 11
Florida Municipal Obligations.............................................. 13
Insurance.................................................................. 14
Other Investment Practices................................................. 16
Risks...................................................................... 17
Management of the Trust.................................................... 19
Description of Preferred Shares............................................ 23
Description of New Preferred Shares........................................ 23
The Auction................................................................ 30
Taxes...................................................................... 34
Repurchase of Common Shares................................................ 35
Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest............................... 36
Custodian.................................................................. 38
Underwriting............................................................... 39
Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Registrar.................... 39
Legal Opinions............................................................. 40
Experts.................................................................... 40
Reports to Shareholders.................................................... 40
Available Information...................................................... 40
Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information.............. 41
Appendix A................................................................. A-1
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following information is a summary of, and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to, more detailed information included in this prospectus and the
Trust's statement of additional information.
The Trust................... The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008
Term Trust is a non-diversified, closed-end
management investment company. As of December
31, 1999, the Trust had 8,707,093 common
shares of beneficial interest outstanding and
2,640 preferred shares of beneficial interest
outstanding, designated Series R7. The
Trust's common shares are traded on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol "BRF."
The Trust will distribute substantially all
of its net assets on or about December 31,
2008, when the Trust will terminate.
The Offering................ The Trust is offering 726 New Preferred
Shares. The purchase price for each New
Preferred Share is $25,000 plus accumulated
dividends, if any, from the date the share is
first issued. Except for the initial dividend
rate and the length of the initial dividend
period for the New Preferred Shares, the
rights and preferences of the New Preferred
Shares are the same as the Trust's
outstanding Series R7 preferred shares. The
Trust intends to redeem all of its Preferred
Shares (including the New Preferred Shares)
no later than the last dividend payment date
prior to December 31, 2008 (when the Trust
will terminate).
The New Preferred Shares are being offered by
a group of underwriters listed under
"Underwriting."
Investment Objective and
Policies.................... The Trust's investment objective is to
provide current income exempt from regular
Federal income tax and Florida intangible
personal property taxes and to return $15 per
common share (the initial offering price per
common share) to holders of common shares on
or about December 31, 2008. No assurance can
be given that the Trust will achieve its
investment objective.
The Trust seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing at least 80% of its
total assets in a non-diversified portfolio
of Florida municipal obligations insured as
to the timely payment of both principal and
interest by insurers with claims-paying
abilities rated at the time of investment Aaa
by Moody's or AAA by S&P or which are
determined by the Trust's investment advisor
to have equivalent claims-paying abilities.
The Trust may invest up to 20% of its total
assets in uninsured Florida municipal
obligations which are:
. rated at the time of investment Aaa by
Moody's or AAA by S&P;
. guaranteed by an entity with an Aaa or AAA
rating;
4
<PAGE>
. backed by an escrow or trust account
containing sufficient U.S. Government or
U.S. Government agency securities to
ensure timely payment of principal and
interest; or
. determined by the Trust's investment
advisor to be of Aaa or AAA credit quality
at the time of investment.
The Trust seeks to return $15 per common
share to holders of common shares on or about
December 31, 2008 (when the Trust will
terminate) by actively managing its portfolio
of tax-exempt Florida municipal obligations
which will have an average final maturity on
or about such date and by retaining each year
a small portion of its net investment income,
which portion will not exceed 10% for any
year as determined in accordance with the
Federal income tax rules applicable to the
Trust.
Investment Advisor.......... BlackRock Advisors, Inc. (the "Advisor") acts
as the Trust's investment advisor. The
Advisor is responsible for the investment
strategy of the Trust. The Advisor and its
affiliates comprise a global asset management
firm with assets of approximately $165
billion under management as of December 31,
1999.
Risk Factors................ Before investing in New Preferred Shares, you
should consider carefully the following risks
of such an investment:
. if an auction fails you may not be able to
sell some or all of your shares;
. because of the nature of the market for
New Preferred Shares, you may receive less
than the price you paid for your shares if
you sell them outside of the auction,
especially when market interest rates are
rising;
. a rating agency could downgrade the rating
assigned to the New Preferred Shares,
which could affect liquidity;
. the Trust may be forced to redeem your
shares to meet regulatory or rating agency
requirements or may voluntarily redeem
your shares;
. in extraordinary circumstances the Trust
may not earn sufficient income from its
investments to pay dividends;
. if interest rates rise, the value of the
Trust's investment portfolio will decline,
reducing the asset coverage for the New
Preferred Shares;
. if an issuer of a municipal bond in which
the Trust invests experiences financial
difficulty or defaults, there may be a
negative impact on the income and net
asset value of the Trust's portfolio; and
. because the Trust invests primarily in a
portfolio of Florida municipal
obligations, the Trust is more susceptible
to political, economic, regulatory or
other factors affecting issuers of Florida
municipal obligations than a fund that
does not invest primarily in the
obligations of such issuers.
5
<PAGE>
Secondary Market Trading.... The New Preferred Shares will not be listed
on a stock exchange. Instead, you may buy or
sell New Preferred Shares at a periodic
auction by submitting orders to a broker-
dealer (a "Broker-Dealer") that has entered
into a separate agreement with the auction
agent and the Trust or to a broker-dealer
that has entered into an agreement with a
Broker-Dealer. In addition to the auctions,
Broker-Dealers and other broker-dealers may
maintain a separate secondary trading market
in New Preferred Shares, but may discontinue
this activity at any time. You may transfer
shares outside of auctions only to or through
a Broker-Dealer, a broker-dealer that has
entered into a separate agreement with a
Broker-Dealer, or other persons as the Trust
may agree. There can be no assurance that a
secondary trading market for the New
Preferred Shares will develop, or if it does
develop, that it will provide holders with
liquidity of investment.
Dividends and Dividend
Periods..................... After their initial dividend period, the New
Preferred Shares normally will have a
dividend period consisting of seven days. The
board of trustees of the Trust may, from time
to time, declare a special dividend period
upon giving notice to the holders of the New
Preferred Shares.
Dividends on the New Preferred Shares offered
hereby are cumulative from the date they are
first issued and are payable when, as and if
declared by the board of trustees of the
Trust, out of funds legally available
therefor. The Trust will pay the initial
dividend for the New Preferred Shares on
and thereafter generally on each succeeding
Friday, subject to certain exceptions.
After the initial dividend period, the
dividend rate for the New Preferred Shares
will be determined by auction. The dividend
rate for the initial dividend period is %
and the first auction will be held on .
Taxes....................... Because in normal circumstances the Trust
will invest substantially all of its assets
in Florida municipal obligations that pay
interest that is exempt from regular Federal
income tax, the income you receive will
ordinarily be exempt from regular Federal
income tax. All or a portion of the income
from these bonds may be subject to the
Federal alternative minimum tax, so New
Preferred Shares may not be a suitable
investment if you are subject to this tax or
would become subject to such tax by investing
in New Preferred Shares. The Florida
municipal obligations in which the Trust
invests will be exempt from the Florida
intangible personal property tax. Taxable
income or gain earned by the Trust will be
allocated proportionately to holders of the
Trust's preferred shares and common shares,
based on the percentage of total dividends
paid to each class for that year.
Accordingly, certain specified New Preferred
Share dividends may be subject to income tax
on income
6
<PAGE>
or gains attributed to the Trust. The Trust
will, in the case of a dividend period of 28
days or less, and may, in the case of a
dividend period of 35 days or more, give
notice before any applicable auction of the
amount of any taxable income and gain to be
distributed for the period relating to that
auction. If the Trust does not provide such
notice, the Trust generally will make holders
of New Preferred Shares whole for taxes owing
on dividends paid to shareholders that
include taxable income or gain.
Alternative Minimum Tax..... All or a portion of the Trust's dividends may
be subject to the Federal alternative minimum
tax.
Liquidation Preference...... The liquidation preference of each New
Preferred Share will be $25,000, plus an
amount equal to accumulated but unpaid
dividends (whether or not earned or declared)
plus the premium, if any, resulting from the
designation of a premium call period.
Ratings..................... It is a condition to their issuance that the
New Preferred Shares be issued with a rating
of "aaa" from Moody's and "AAA" from S&P and
that the Trust receive written assurance from
each of Moody's and S&P that the issuance of
the New Preferred Shares will not cause a
downgrading of the rating assigned to the
Trust's currently outstanding Preferred
Shares.
Redemption.................. Holders of New Preferred Shares will not have
the right to cause the Trust to redeem their
shares. The Trust may, however, be required
by applicable law or by rating agency
guidelines to redeem New Preferred Shares if,
for example, the Trust does not meet an asset
coverage ratio required by law or correct a
failure to meet a rating agency guideline in
a timely manner. The Trust may also
voluntarily redeem New Preferred Shares.
Voting Rights............... The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires
that the holders of New Preferred Shares and
of currently outstanding Preferred Shares,
voting together as a single class separate
from the holders of common shares, have the
right to elect at least two trustees of the
Trust at all times and to elect a majority of
the trustees at any time when two years'
dividends on the Preferred Shares are unpaid.
The holders of New Preferred Shares and any
other outstanding preferred shares will vote
as a separate class on certain other matters
as required under the Trust's Declaration of
Trust, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
Massachusetts law.
7
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The table below sets forth certain specified information for a share of
common stock of the Trust outstanding throughout each period presented. The
financial highlights for each period presented have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, the Trust's independent auditors, whose report covering each of the
five years in the period ended December 31, 1999, is included in the Trust's
most recent Annual Report and is incorporated by reference in the statement of
additional information. The financial highlights should be read in conjunction
with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Trust's most
recent Annual Report, which is available without charge from the Trust.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 28,
1992***
Year Ended December 31, through
---------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31,
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER COMMON SHARE
OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value,
beginning of the
period................. $ 16.51 $ 16.35 $ 15.78 $ 16.04 $ 13.93 $ 16.13 $ 14.28 $ 14.10
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net investment income.. 1.17 1.18 1.17 1.16 1.15 1.15 1.15 0.15
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments........ (1.02) 0.08 0.52 (0.31) 2.10 (2.27) 1.75 0.32
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease)
from investment
operations............. 0.15 1.26 1.69 0.85 3.25 (1.12) 2.90 0.47
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Dividends and
distributions:
Dividends from net
investment income to:
Common shareholders.... (0.86) (0.86) (0.86) (0.86) (0.86) (0.86) (0.86) (0.07)
Preferred
shareholders.......... (0.24) (0.24) (0.26) (0.25) (0.28) (0.22) (0.17) (0.02)
Distributions from net
realized gain on
investments to:
Common shareholders.... -- -- -- -- -- -- (0.02) --
Preferred
shareholders.......... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ** --
Distributions in excess
of net realized gain
on investments to:
Common shareholders.... -- -- -- -- ** -- -- --
Preferred
shareholders.......... -- -- -- -- ** -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and
distributions.......... (1.10) (1.10) (1.12) (1.11) (1.14) (1.08) (1.05) (0.09)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Capital charge with
respect to issuance of
shares................. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- $ (0.20)
Net asset value, end of
period*................ $ 15.56 $ 16.51 $ 16.35 $ 15.78 $ 16.04 $ 13.93 $ 16.13 $ 14.28##
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Market value, end of
period*................ $ 14.13 $ 16.81 $ 16.06 $ 15.13 $ 15.00 $ 12.13 $ 14.875 $ 14.25
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN+................ (11.12)% 10.32% 12.25% 6.88% 31.26% (13.27)% 9.94% 1.56%
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET
ASSETS OF COMMON
SHAREHOLDERS:/(a)/
Expenses++.............. 0.99% 0.93% 0.97% 1.02% 1.02% 1.09% 0.99% 0.92%+++
Net investment income
before preferred stock
dividends++............ 7.25% 7.17% 7.33% 7.26% 7.55% 7.86% 7.44% 4.27%+++
Preferred stock
dividends.............. 1.50% 1.48% 1.65% 1.54% 1.84% 1.48% 1.15% 0.49%+++
Net investment income
available to common
shareholders........... 5.75% 5.69% 5.68% 5.72% 5.71% 6.38% 6.29% 3.78%+++
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Average net assets of
common shareholders (in
thousands)............. $140,225 $142,817 $138,890 $138,644 $133,042 $127,640 $134,476 $118,875
Portfolio turnover...... 3% 0% 0% 1% 11% 30% 3% 41%
Net assets of common
shareholders, end of
period (in thousands).. $135,459 $143,769 $142,343 $137,394 $139,628 $121,268 $140,416 $124,380
Preferred stock
outstanding (in
thousands)............. $ 66,000 $ 66,000 $ 66,000 $ 66,000 $ 66,000 $ 66,000 $ 66,000 $ 66,000
Asset coverage per share
of preferred stock, end
of period#............. $ 76,312 $ 79,460 $ 78,939 $ 77,046 $ 77,890 $141,870 $156,375 $144,000
</TABLE>
- -------
* Net asset value and market value are published in Barron's each Saturday
and The Wall Street Journal each Monday.
** Actual amount paid to preferred shareholders was $0.00344 per common share
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1993. For
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 the actual amount paid to common
shareholders was $0.001 per common share.
*** Commencement of investment operations.
# A stock split occurred on July 24, 1995.
## Net asset value immediately after the closing of the initial public
offering was $14.06.
+ Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock
at the current market price on the first day and a sale at the current
market value on the last day of the period reported. Dividends and
distributions, if any, are assumed for purposes of this calculation to be
reinvested at prices obtained under the Trust's dividend reinvestment
plan. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions.
Total investment returns for periods of less than one year are not
annualized.
++ Ratios are calculated on the basis of income and expenses applicable to
both the common and preferred shares, relative to the average net assets
of common shareholders.
+++ Annualized.
/(a)/ Certain changes have been made to the ratios to average net assets of
common shareholders for the period ended December 31, 1992, and the year
ended December 31, 1993 to conform to the current year presentation.
8
<PAGE>
THE TRUST
The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust (the "Trust") is a
non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Trust was
organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on August 7,
1992, and has registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act"). The Trust will distribute substantially all of its net assets on or
about December 31, 2008, when the Trust will terminate. The Trust's principal
office is located at 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536 and
its telephone number is (800) 688-0928.
The Trust commenced investment operations on September 28, 1992, upon the
closing of the initial public offering of 8,000,000 of its common shares of
beneficial interest. The net proceeds of such offering were approximately
$112.5 million. In November 1992, the Trust, pursuant to an over-allotment
option granted to the underwriters in the initial public offering, sold an
additional 700,000 of its common shares of beneficial interest for net proceeds
of approximately $9.9 million.
On November 16, 1992, the Trust issued 1,320 preferred shares of beneficial
interest, designated Series R7. The preferred shares were issued with a
liquidation preference per share of $50,000, plus accumulated and unpaid
dividends. On May 16, 1995, shareholders approved a proposal to split each
preferred share into two shares and simultaneously reduce each share's
liquidation preference from $50,000 to $25,000, plus in each case accumulated
and unpaid dividends, which occurred on July 24, 1995.
As of December 31, 1999, 8,707,093 common shares of beneficial interest and
2,640 Preferred Shares of beneficial interest Series R7 were outstanding. The
Trust's common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "BRF".
The following table provides information about the Preferred Shares since
their issuance:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount Outstanding
Exclusive of
Treasury Asset Coverage Involuntary Liquidating
As of Securities Per Share* Preference Per Share
----- ------------------ -------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
12/31/1992 1,320 $144,000 $50,000
12/31/1993 1,320 $156,376 $50,000
12/31/1994 1,320 $141,870 $50,000
12/31/1995** 2,640 $ 77,890 $25,000
12/31/1996 2,640 $ 77,046 $25,000
12/31/1997 2,640 $ 78,939 $25,000
12/31/1998 2,640 $ 79,460 $25,000
12/31/1999 2,640 $ 76,312 $25,000
</TABLE>
- --------
* Calculated by dividing net assets by the number of Preferred Shares
outstanding.
** A 2-for-1 stock split with respect to the Preferred Shares occurred on July
24, 1995.
The following table provides information about the Trust's outstanding
shares as of December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount Held by the
Title of Class Amount Authorized Trust or for its Account Amount Outstanding
-------------- ----------------- ------------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common Shares........... unlimited 0 8,707,093
Series R7 Preferred
Shares................. 2,640 0 2,640
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds of the offerings will be $17,668,500, after payment of
offering expenses (estimated to be $300,000) and the underwriting discount.
The net proceeds of the offering will be invested in accordance with the
Trust's investment objective and policies as stated below. It is presently
anticipated that the Trust will be able to invest substantially all of the net
proceeds in Florida municipal obligations that meet those objective and
policies at or shortly (within six to eight weeks) after the completion of the
offering. To the extent that all of the proceeds cannot be so invested, pending
such investment, they will be invested in short-term, high quality tax-exempt
securities. If necessary in order to fully invest the net proceeds of the
offerings immediately, the Trust may also purchase, as temporary investments,
short-term, taxable investments, the income on which is subject to regular
Federal income tax and Florida intangible personal property taxes.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the unaudited capitalization of the Trust as
of December 31, 1999, and as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of the New
Preferred Shares pursuant to the offering.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Actual As Adjusted
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par
value $.01 per share (2,640 shares issued; 3,366
preferred shares issued and outstanding, as
adjusted, at $25,000 per share liquidation
preference)..................................... $ 66,000,000 $ 84,150,000
Common Shares, par value $.01 per share
(8,707,093 shares issued and outstanding)....... 87,071 87,071
Paid in capital in excess at par................. $120,907,481 $120,425,981
Undistributed net investment income.............. 4,241,825 4,241,825
Accumulated net realized loss.................... (141,280) (141,280)
Unrealized appreciation of investments........... 10,364,295 10,364,295
------------ ------------
Net assets....................................... $201,459,392 $219,127,892
============ ============
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The Trust's investment objective is to provide current income exempt from
regular Federal income tax and Florida intangible personal property taxes and
to return $15 per common share to holders of common shares on or about December
31, 2008. No assurance can be given that the Trust will achieve its investment
objective.
The Trust seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least
80% of its total assets in a portfolio of Florida municipal obligations insured
as to the timely payment of both principal and interest by insurers with
claims-paying abilities rated at the time of investment Aaa by Moody's or AAA
by S&P or which are determined by BlackRock Advisors, Inc. (the "Advisor") to
have equivalent claims-paying abilities. The Trust may invest up to 20% of its
total assets in uninsured Florida municipal obligations which are:
. rated at the time of investment Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P;
. guaranteed by an entity with a Aaa or AAA rating;
. backed by an escrow or trust account containing sufficient U.S.
Government or U.S. Government agency securities to ensure timely payment
of principal and interest; or
. determined by the Trust's Advisor to be of Aaa or AAA credit quality at
the time of investment.
Generally, Florida municipal obligations which are covered by insurance or a
guarantee would not be rated Aaa or AAA, and might not be considered to be of
investment grade credit quality in the absence of such insurance or guarantee.
In determining whether to purchase a particular Florida municipal obligation
which is covered by insurance or a guarantee, the Advisor considers the credit
quality of the underlying issuer (among other factors such as price, yield and
maturity), although such credit quality will not necessarily be the
determinative factor in making the investment decision.
Florida municipal obligations which are backed by an escrow or trust account
which contains U.S. Government or U.S. Government agency securities
("collateralized obligations") generally are not insured and may not be rated
Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P, and may not be of equivalent credit quality in
the view of the Advisor. Collateralized obligations include, but are not
limited to, Florida municipal obligations that have been (i) advance refunded
where the proceeds of the funding have been used to purchase U.S. Government or
U.S. Government agency securities that are placed in escrow and whose interest
or maturity principal payments, or both, are sufficient to cover the remaining
scheduled debt service on the Florida municipal obligations, or (ii) issued
under state and local housing finance programs which use the issuance proceeds
to fund mortgages that are then exchanged for U.S. Government or U.S.
Government agency securities and deposited with a trustee as security for the
municipal obligations. These collateralized obligations are normally regarded
as having the credit characteristics of the underlying U.S. Government or U.S.
Government agency securities.
The Trust seeks to return $15 per common share to holders of common shares
on or about December 31, 2008 (when the Trust will terminate) by actively
managing its portfolio of tax-exempt Florida municipal obligations, which will
have an average final maturity on or about such date and by retaining each year
a small portion of its net investment income, which portion will not exceed 10%
for any year as determined in accordance with the Federal income tax rules
applicable to the Trust. The purpose of retaining a small portion of net
investment income is to enhance the Trust's ability to return to investors $15
per common share outstanding upon the Trust's termination. Such retained income
will serve to increase the net asset value of the Trust and a portion of such
retained income will be available to offset capital losses, if any. However, if
the Trust realizes any capital losses on dispositions of securities that are
not offset by capital gains on the disposition of other securities or the
retention of net investment income, the Trust may return less than $15 for each
common share outstanding at the end of the Trust's term. In addition, the
leverage caused by the Trust's issuance of preferred shares may increase the
possibility of incurring capital losses and the difficulty of subsequently
incurring capital gains to offset such losses. However, the Advisor believes
that it will be able to
11
<PAGE>
manage the Trust's assets so that the Trust will not realize capital losses
which are not offset by capital gains over the life of the Trust on the
disposition of its other assets and retained net investment income. Although
neither the Advisor nor the Trust can guarantee these results, their
achievement should enable the Trust, on or about December 31, 2008, to have
available for distribution to holders of its common shares $15 for each common
share then outstanding.
Moody's highest rating category is Aaa. S&P's highest rating category is
AAA. The process of determining ratings for Florida municipal obligations by
Moody's and S&P includes consideration of the likelihood of the receipt by
securityholders of all distributions, the nature of the underlying securities,
the credit quality of the guarantor, if any, and the structural, legal and tax
aspects associated with such securities. Publications of Moody's indicate that
it assigns a Aaa rating to securities that "are judged to be of the best
quality" and "carry the smallest degree of investment risk." Publications of
S&P indicate that it assigns a AAA rating to securities for which the obligor's
"capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely
strong."
In normal circumstances, the Trust disposes of insured Florida municipal
obligations in its portfolio if the claims-paying ability of their insurer
declines below Aaa in the case of Moody's or AAA in the case of S&P, unless the
Trust obtains appropriate alternate insurance covering such Florida municipal
obligations. The Trust may deviate from the foregoing policy relating to the
disposal of Florida municipal obligations when, in the Advisor's judgment,
appropriate alternative insurance is not available or is unduly costly or if
the Advisor believes that an insurer whose claims-paying ability rating has
been lowered is taking steps which will cause its rating to be restored
promptly to the Aaa or AAA level. Similarly, the Trust intends to dispose of
uninsured Florida municipal obligations rated Aaa or AAA or guaranteed by an
entity with such a rating if their credit quality (or that of their guarantor)
declines below Aaa or AAA, or, if they are not rated, the Advisor no longer
believes them to be of triple-A credit quality.
All or a portion of the Trust's dividends paid in respect of its common
shares, its outstanding preferred shares and the New Preferred Shares may be
subject to Federal alternative minimum tax. See "Florida Municipal
Obligations."
The Trust may utilize certain options, futures, interest rate swaps and
related transactions for hedging purposes. To the extent the Trust utilizes
hedging strategies or invests in taxable securities, the Trust's ability to
achieve its investment objective of providing high current income exempt from
regular Federal income tax and Florida intangible personal property taxes may
be limited. Accordingly, in normal circumstances, the Trust's use of such
practices is not significant.
On a temporary defensive basis, the Trust may invest without limit in
securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities,
repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities, or certificates of
deposit, time deposits or bankers' acceptances for purposes of enhancing
liquidity and/or preserving capital. The Trust may also invest in Florida
municipal obligations with maturities of less than one year, other debt
obligations of corporate issuers, such as interest-paying corporate bonds,
commercial paper and certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and
interest-bearing savings accounts of banks having assets greater than $1
billion and which are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
During temporary defensive periods, the current dividend rate on any Preferred
Shares, including the New Preferred Shares, will be more likely to approximate
or exceed the net rate of return on the Trust's investment portfolio, with the
consequence that the leverage resulting from the New Preferred Shares may
become less beneficial or adverse to the holders of common shares.
12
<PAGE>
FLORIDA MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
Florida municipal obligations include debt obligations issued by or on
behalf of the State, its political subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities, and by other qualifying issuers that pay interest which, in
the opinion of the bond counsel to the issuer, is exempt from regular federal
income tax and Florida taxes. Florida municipal obligations may be issued to
obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of public
facilities such as airports, bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass
transportation, schools, streets and water and sewer works. Other public
purposes for which Florida municipal obligations may be issued include the
refinancing of outstanding obligations and the obtaining of funds for general
operating expenses and for loans to other public institutions and facilities.
Subject to the credit standard policies described under "Investment Objective
and Policies," there are two categories of Florida municipal obligations in
which the Trust may invest in normal circumstances: (i) "public purpose"
obligations that generate interest that is tax-exempt under regular Federal
income tax rules and is not treated as a preference item for the Federal
alternative minimum tax; and (ii) qualified "private activity" obligations
(typically industrial revenue bonds) that generate income that is tax-exempt
under regular Federal income tax rules and the rules governing Florida taxes
but must, if issued after August 7, 1986, be included in computing the Federal
alternative minimum tax. The Trust will not invest in Florida municipal
obligations that generate interest that by its terms is subject to Federal
income tax other than the Federal alternative minimum tax.
The types of Florida municipal obligations in which the Trust may invest
include general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, municipal lease obligations,
installment purchase contract obligations, variable and floating rate
obligations, zero coupon securities, tax-exempt notes and municipal commercial
paper.
The yields on Florida municipal obligations are dependent on a variety of
factors, including interest and income tax rates, the condition of the general
money market and the municipal obligations market, the size of the particular
issue, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. The ratings
of Moody's and S&P represent their opinions as to the quality of those Florida
municipal obligations that they rate.
It should be emphasized that ratings are general and are not absolute
standards of quality. Consequently, Florida municipal obligations with the same
maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations of the
same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield. The
market value of outstanding Florida municipal obligations will vary with
changes in prevailing interest rate levels and as a result of changing
evaluations of the ability of their issuers to meet interest and principal
payments.
The terms of Florida municipal obligations often give their issuers the
right periodically to "call" or prepay their municipal obligations. Issuers
will exercise call rights when interest rates decline and they can refinance
their municipal obligations at lower interest rates. At the time the Trust was
formed, most of the Florida municipal obligations available in the market were
subject to call provisions. When Florida municipal obligations are called by
their issuers, the Advisor reinvests the proceeds from the called securities in
other Florida municipal obligations. Because the Trust has a limited term, the
Advisor reinvests the proceeds in Florida municipal obligations maturing prior
to the expiration of the term. As the Trust approaches its termination date on
December 31, 2008, the Advisor will be required to reinvest in shorter term
municipal obligations with relatively lower interest rates.
Obligations of issuers of Florida municipal obligations may be subject to
the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights
and remedies of creditors, such as the United States Bankruptcy Code and other
applicable laws. In addition, the obligations of such issuers may become
subject to the laws enacted in the future by Congress or state legislatures or
referenda extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or
imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or upon
municipalities to levy taxes. There is also the possibility that, as a result
of legislation or other conditions, the power or ability of any issuer to pay,
when due, the principal of and interest on its municipal obligations may be
materially affected.
13
<PAGE>
INSURANCE
The Trust generally invests at least 80% of its total assets in a portfolio
of Florida municipal obligations insured as to the timely payment of both
principal and interest by insurers with claims-paying abilities rated Aaa by
Moody's or AAA by S&P at the time of investment or, if not rated, which are
determined by the Advisor to have equivalent claims-paying abilities. See
Appendix B to the statement of additional information for a brief description
of Moody's and S&P's insurance claims-paying ability ratings.
Certain insurance companies will issue policies guaranteeing the timely
payment of principal of, and interest on, particular Florida municipal
obligations or on a portfolio of Florida municipal obligations. Insurance may
be purchased by the issuer of a municipal obligation or by a third party at the
time of issuance of the Florida municipal obligation ("Original Issue
Insurance") or by the Trust or a third party subsequent to the original
issuance of a Florida municipal obligation ("Secondary Insurance"). In each
case, a single premium is paid to the insurer by the party purchasing the
insurance when the insurance is obtained. Original Issue Insurance and
Secondary Insurance policies are non-cancellable and remain in effect for so
long as the insured Florida municipal obligation is outstanding and the insurer
is in business. Accordingly, whether a particular Florida municipal obligation
is covered by Original Issue Insurance as opposed to Secondary Insurance will
not, in and of itself, be determinative to the Trust in making an investment
decision to purchase such Florida municipal obligation.
The Trust may also purchase insurance covering certain Florida municipal
obligations which it intends to purchase for its portfolio or which it already
owns ("Portfolio Insurance"). Portfolio Insurance policies guarantee the timely
payment of principal of, and interest on, covered Florida municipal obligations
only while they are owned by the Trust. Such policies are non-cancellable and
remain in effect until the Trust terminates provided the Trust pays the
applicable insurance premiums and the insurer remains in business. Florida
municipal obligations in the Trust's portfolio covered by a Portfolio Insurance
policy will not be covered by such policy after they are sold by the Trust
unless the Trust elects to obtain some form of Secondary Insurance for them at
the time of sale. The Trust would obtain such Secondary Insurance only if, in
the Advisor's view, it would be economically advantageous for the Trust to do
so.
The Trust may purchase Florida municipal obligations covered by Original
Issue Insurance provided by AMBAC Indemnity Corporation ("AMBAC") , College
Construction Loan Insurance Association ("ConnieLee") , Bond Investors Guaranty
Insurance Company ("BIGI"), Capital Markets Assurance Company ("CAPMAC"),
Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation ("MBIA"), Financial Security
Assurance Inc. ("FSA") and Financial Guaranty Insurance Company ("FGIC"); each
has received insurance claims-paying ability ratings of Aaa from Moody's and
AAA from S&P. See Appendix B to the statement of additional information for a
description of Moody's and S&P's insurance claims-paying ability ratings and
financial data regarding each of these insurers. The Trust may also purchase
Secondary Insurance and Portfolio Insurance policies from any of such insurers.
In the future, the Trust may purchase Florida municipal obligations covered by
Original Issue Insurance provided by, and may purchase Secondary and Portfolio
Insurance from, other insurers (not listed above) whose claims-paying abilities
are rated Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P or, if unrated, are of comparable credit
quality in the view of the Advisor. Any payments received from an insurer,
whether the insurance is obtained by the Trust or by other parties, is treated
for Federal income tax purposes and for purposes of Florida taxes in the same
manner as if the payments were received directly from the issuer of the Florida
municipal obligations. See "Taxes".
The Advisor anticipates that a majority of insured tax-exempt Florida
municipal obligations purchased by the Trust will be insured under policies
obtained by parties other than the Trust. The Trust does not pay the premiums
for such policies; rather the cost of such policies may be reflected in a
higher purchase price for such insured Florida municipal obligations.
Accordingly, the yield on such Florida municipal obligations may be lower than
that on equivalent uninsured Florida municipal obligations. The cost of
insurance purchased by the Trust will increase its expenses, and the yield on
the Trust's portfolio will be reduced accordingly.
14
<PAGE>
In the event the claims-paying ability rating of an insurer of Florida
municipal obligations in the Trust's portfolio were to be lowered from Aaa or
AAA (in the case of Moody's or S&P, respectively), or if the Advisor
anticipates such a lowering or otherwise does not believe an insurer's claims-
paying ability merits its existing triple-A rating, the Trust may seek to
obtain additional insurance from an insurer whose claims-paying ability is
rated Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P or, if the Advisor determines that the costs
of obtaining such additional insurance outweigh the benefits, the Trust may
elect not to obtain additional insurance. In making such determination, the
Advisor will consider the costs of the additional insurance, the new claims-
paying ability rating and financial condition of the existing insurer and the
creditworthiness of the issuer and/or guarantor of the underlying Florida
municipal obligations. The Advisor may also determine not to purchase
additional insurance in such circumstances if it believes that the insurer is
taking steps which will cause its triple-A claims-paying ability rating to be
restored promptly. The foregoing policies also will be applied in the case of
insurers whose claims-paying abilities are not rated but which are determined
by the Advisor to be comparable to Aaa or AAA. See "Investment Objective and
Policies".
Although the Advisor periodically reviews the financial condition of each
insurer, there can be no assurance that the insurers will be able to honor
their obligations in all circumstances. The Trust cannot predict the
consequences of a state takeover of an insurer's obligations and, in
particular, whether such an insurer (or its state regulatory agency or a
subsequent purchaser) could or would honor all of the insurer's contractual
obligations including any outstanding insurance contracts insuring the timely
payment of principal and interest on Florida municipal obligations. The Trust
cannot predict the impact which such events might have on the market values of
such Florida municipal obligations. In the event of a default by an insurer on
its obligations in respect of any Florida municipal obligations in the Trust's
portfolio, the Trust would look to the issuer and/or guarantor of the relevant
Florida municipal obligation for payments of principal and interest and such
issuer and/or guarantor may not be rated Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P or, in
the view of the Advisor, be of equivalent credit quality. Accordingly, the
Trust could be exposed to greater risk of non-payment in such circumstances,
which could adversely affect the Trust's net asset value and the market price
per common share. Alternatively, the Trust could elect to dispose of such
Florida municipal obligations; however, the market prices for such Florida
municipal obligations may be lower than the Trust's purchase price for them and
the Trust could sustain a capital loss as a result. Capital losses incurred by
the Trust which are not offset by capital gains may adversely affect the
Trust's net asset value and the Trust's ability to return $15 per common share
outstanding to investors on or about December 31, 2008.
Although the insurance on Florida municipal obligations reduces financial or
credit risk in respect of the insured obligations (i.e., the possibility that
owners of the insured tax-exempt Florida municipal obligations will not receive
timely scheduled payments of principal or interest), insured tax-exempt Florida
municipal obligations remain subject to market risk (i.e., fluctuations in
market value as a result of changes in prevailing interest rates). Accordingly,
insurance on Florida municipal obligations does not insure the market value of
the Trust's assets or the net asset value or the market price for the common
shares. Furthermore, insurance, while guaranteeing scheduled payments of
principal and interest on a timely basis, will not make accelerated payments of
principal and interest on Florida municipal obligations where the terms of the
instrument governing such Florida municipal obligations require acceleration in
the event of a default. In general, the Trust does not intend to hold Florida
municipal obligations in its portfolio which are covered only by Portfolio
Insurance unless the Trust has an irrevocable option to obtain permanent
insurance covering such Florida municipal obligations from the insurer
providing the Portfolio Insurance or such Florida municipal obligations mature
by their terms on or before December 31, 2008.
At February 4, 2000, approximately 99% of the market value of the Trust's
portfolio was invested in long-term Florida municipal obligations. All of such
long-term Florida municipal obligations are rated Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P
or are insured by an insurer with a claims-paying ability rating of Aaa by
Moody's or AAA by S&P or guaranteed by an entity with such a rating. As
described under "Description of New Preferred Shares--Rating Agency Guidelines
and Asset Coverage," in calculating the discounted value of insured Florida
municipal obligations held in the Trust's portfolio for the purpose of
determining compliance
15
<PAGE>
with certain rating agency guidelines applicable to the Trust's preferred
shares, the Trust may, in certain circumstances, utilize the insurance claims-
paying ability rating of an insurer of a municipal obligation or the rating of
a guarantor thereof in lieu of the Moody's or S&P's rating on the underlying
municipal obligation.
OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES
Certain of the other investment practices in which the Trust may engage that
are described herein or in the statement of additional information may give
rise to income that is subject to regular Federal income tax. For additional
investment practices, see "Investment Policies and Techniques" in the statement
of additional information. Accordingly, in normal circumstances, the Trust does
not intend to engage in such practices to a significant extent. Moreover, the
Trust intends that, so long as New Preferred Shares are outstanding, its
portfolio will reflect guidelines established by Moody's and S&P in connection
with the Trust's receipt of a rating for such shares on the date they are first
issued of at least "aaa" from Moody's and "AAA" from S&P. Such guidelines may
preclude or limit the Trust from engaging in many of the investment practices
described under this caption or in the statement of additional information. In
particular, for so long as New Preferred Shares are rated by Moody's, unless
the Moody's ratings guidelines change from those presently applicable as
described under "Description of New Preferred Shares--Rating Agency Guidelines
and Asset Coverage," the Trust will not buy or sell futures contracts or
options thereon or write put or call options (except covered call options) on
portfolio securities unless it receives written confirmation from Moody's that
engaging in such transactions would not impair the ratings then assigned to the
New Preferred Shares by Moody's except that the Trust may sell exchange traded
futures contracts based on the Municipal Index (the Bond Buyer Municipal Bond
Index or such other index as may be specified in the Certificate of
Designation) or Treasury Bonds and purchase exchange traded put options on such
futures contracts and write exchange traded call options on such futures
contracts (collectively "Moody's Hedging Transactions") subject to the
limitations described below. For so long as New Preferred Shares are rated by
S&P, unless S&P's ratings guidelines change from those presently applicable as
described under "Description of New Preferred Shares--Rating Agency Guidelines
and Asset Coverage," the Trust will not buy or sell futures contracts or
options thereon or write put options (except covered put options) or call
options (except covered call options) on portfolio securities unless it
receives written confirmation from S&P that engaging in such transactions will
not impair the ratings then assigned to the New Preferred Shares by S&P except
that the Trust may buy and sell futures contracts based on the Municipal Index
or Treasury Bonds and purchase put and call options on such contracts
(collectively "S&P Hedging Transactions") subject to the limitations described
below.
Hedging
Although in normal circumstances the Trust does not intend to invest more
than 5% of its assets in instruments other than Florida municipal obligations,
the Trust may also enter into certain hedging transactions. In particular, the
Trust may purchase and sell futures contracts, exchange-listed and over-the-
counter put and call options on securities, financial indices and futures
contracts and may enter into various interest rate transactions (collectively,
"Hedging Transactions"). Hedging Transactions may be used to attempt to protect
against possible changes in the market value of the Trust's portfolio resulting
from fluctuations in the debt securities markets and changes in interest rates,
to protect the Trust's unrealized gains in the value of its portfolio
securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities, for investment purposes
or to establish a position in the securities markets as a temporary substitute
for purchasing particular securities. Any or all of these techniques may be
used at any time. There is no particular strategy that requires use of one
technique rather than another. Use of any Hedging Transaction is a function of
market conditions. The Hedging Transactions that the Trust may use are
described in the statement of additional information. The ability of the Trust
to hedge successfully will depend on the Advisor's ability to predict pertinent
market movements, which cannot be assured.
16
<PAGE>
Other Investment Techniques
The Trust may engage in other types of transactions, including investment in
restricted and illiquid securities, repurchase and reverse repurchase
agreements, when-issued and forward commitment transactions, borrowing,
securities lending and other transactions. For a description of such types of
transactions, see "Investment Policies and Techniques--Other Investment
Policies and Techniques" in the statement of additional information.
RISKS
Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in any investment company
security involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no
return on your investment or that you may lose part or all of your investment.
Therefore, before investing you should consider carefully the following risks
that you assume when you invest in New Preferred Shares.
Interest Rate Risk
The Trust issues preferred shares (including the New Preferred Shares),
which pay dividends based on short-term interest rates. The Trust then uses the
proceeds from the sale of preferred shares to buy Florida municipal
obligations, which pay interest based on long-term rates. Both long-term and
short-term interest rates may fluctuate. If short-term interest rates rise, the
preferred shares dividend rates may rise so that the amount of dividends paid
to holders of preferred shares exceeds the income from the portfolio securities
purchased with the proceeds from the sale of preferred shares. Because income
from the Trust's entire investment portfolio (not just the portion of the
portfolio purchased with the proceeds of the preferred shares offering) is
available to pay preferred share dividends, however, preferred share dividend
rates would need to greatly exceed the yield on the Trust's portfolio before
the Trust's ability to pay preferred share dividends would be impaired.
Generally, Florida municipal obligations will decrease in value when interest
rates rise and increase in value when interest rates decline. If long-term
rates rise, the value of the Trust's investment portfolio will decline,
reducing the amount of assets serving as asset coverage for the preferred
shares.
Auction Risk
The dividend rate for the New Preferred Shares normally is set through an
auction process. In the auction, holders of New Preferred Shares may indicate
the dividend rate at which they would be willing to hold or sell their New
Preferred Shares or purchase additional New Preferred Shares. The auction also
provides liquidity for the sale of New Preferred Shares. An auction fails if
there are more New Preferred Shares offered for sale than there are buyers. You
may not be able to sell your New Preferred Shares at an auction if the auction
fails. Also, if you place hold orders (orders to retain New Preferred Shares)
at an auction only at a specified dividend rate, and that rate exceeds the rate
set at the auction, you will not retain your New Preferred Shares. Finally, if
you buy shares or elect to retain shares without specifying a dividend rate
below which you would not wish to buy or continue to hold those shares, you
could receive a lower rate of return on your shares than the market rate. See
"The Auction".
Secondary Market Risk
If you try to sell your New Preferred Shares between auctions, you may not
be able to sell any or all of your shares, or you may not be able to sell them
for $25,000 per share or $25,000 per share plus accumulated dividends. If the
Trust has designated a special dividend period (a rate period of more than
seven days), changes in interest rates could affect the price you would receive
if you sold your shares in the secondary market. Broker-dealers that maintain a
secondary trading market for New Preferred Shares are not required to maintain
this market, and the Trust is not required to redeem shares either if an
auction or an attempted secondary market sale fails because of a lack of
buyers. New Preferred Shares are not listed on a stock
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exchange or the NASDAQ stock market. If you sell your New Preferred Shares to a
broker-dealer between auctions, you may receive less than the price you paid
for them, especially if market interest rates have risen since the last
auction.
Ratings and Asset Coverage Risk
While it is a condition to the issuance of the New Preferred Shares that
Moody's assign a rating of aaa and S&P a rating of AAA to the New Preferred
Shares, such ratings do not eliminate or necessarily mitigate the risks of
investing in New Preferred Shares. Moody's or S&P could downgrade New Preferred
Shares, which may make your shares less liquid at an auction or in the
secondary market. If Moody's or S&P downgrades the New Preferred Shares, the
Trust may alter its portfolio or redeem New Preferred Shares in an effort to
improve the rating, although there is no assurance that it will be able to do
so to the extent necessary to restore the prior rating. The Trust may
voluntarily redeem New Preferred Shares. See "Description of New Preferred
Shares--Rating Agency Guidelines and Asset Coverage" for a description of the
asset maintenance tests the Trust must meet.
Credit Risk
Credit risk refers to an issuer's ability to make timely payments of
interest and principal. Credit risk should be low for the Trust because it
invests primarily in insured Florida municipal obligations.
Florida Municipal Obligations Market Risk
Investing in the market for Florida municipal obligations involves certain
risks. The amount of public information available about the Florida municipal
obligations in the Trust's portfolio is generally less than that for corporate
equities or bonds, and the investment performance of the Trust may therefore be
more dependent on the analytical abilities of the Advisor than a stock fund or
taxable bond fund. The secondary market for Florida municipal obligations also
tends to be less well-developed or liquid than many other securities markets,
which may adversely affect the Trust's ability to sell its portfolio securities
at attractive prices.
The ability of municipal issuers to make timely payments of interest and
principal may be diminished during general economic downturns and as
governmental cost burdens are reallocated among Federal, state and local
governments. In addition, laws enacted in the future by Congress or state
legislatures or referenda could extend the time for payment of principal and/or
interest, or impose other constraints on enforcement of such obligations, or on
the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Insurance on Florida municipal
obligations held by the Trust may reduce, but will not necessarily eliminate,
such risks. Issuers of municipal securities might seek protection under the
bankruptcy laws. In the event of bankruptcy of such an issuer, the Trust could
experience delays in collecting principal and interest and the Trust may not,
in all circumstances, be able to collect all principal and interest to which it
is entitled. To enforce its rights in the event of a default in the payment of
interest or repayment of principal, or both, the Trust may take possession of
and manage the assets securing the issuer's obligations on such securities,
which may increase the Trust's operating expenses. Any income derived from the
Trust's ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt.
State-specific Risk
Because the Trust invests primarily in a portfolio of Florida municipal
obligations, the Trust is more susceptible to political, economic, regulatory
or other factors affecting issuers of Florida municipal obligations than a fund
that does not invest primarily in the obligations of such issuers. See
"Investment Objective and Policies--Descriptions of Florida Municipal
Obligations" in the statement of additional information.
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Non-diversification Risk
The Trust is classified as a "non-diversified" fund, which means that the
Trust may invest a greater portion of its assets in a more limited number of
issuers than a "diversified" fund. As a result, the Trust may be subject to
greater risk than a diversified fund because changes in the financial condition
or market assessment of a single issuer may cause greater fluctuation in the
net asset value of the Trust.
Reinvestment Risk
Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Trust's portfolio will
decline if and when the Trust invests the proceeds from matured, traded,
prepaid or called bonds at lower interest rates. This risk will increase as the
Trust approaches its termination date, because the Trust will reinvest such
proceeds in Florida municipal obligations with maturities on or about its
termination date, and shorter term Florida municipal obligations generally pay
lower rates of interest than longer term Florida municipal obligations. A
decline in income could affect the Trust's ability to pay dividends on the New
Preferred Shares.
Inflation Risk
Inflation is the reduction in the purchasing power of money resulting from
the increase in the price of goods and services. Inflation risk is the risk
that the inflation adjusted (or "real") value of an investment in New Preferred
Shares or the income from that investment will be worth less in the future. As
inflation occurs, the real value of the New Preferred Shares and distributions
declines. In an inflationary period, however, it is expected that, through the
auction process, dividend rates on the New Preferred Shares would increase,
tending to offset this risk.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
Trustees and Officers
The board of trustees is responsible for the overall management of the
Trust, including supervision of the duties performed by the Advisor. There are
eight trustees of the Trust. Two of the trustees are "interested persons" (as
defined in the 1940 Act). The names and business addresses of the trustees and
officers of the Trust and their principal occupations and other affiliations
during the past five years are set forth under "Management of the Trust" in the
statement of additional information.
Investment Advisor
BlackRock Advisors, Inc. acts as the Trust's investment advisor. BlackRock
Advisors, Inc., together with its investment advisory subsidiaries, is a global
asset management firm with assets of approximately $165 billion under
management as of December 31, 1999. The Advisor has its principal office at 400
Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. BlackRock Advisors and its
subsidiaries constitute the asset management arm of PNC Bank, N.A., and
together have over 684 employees. The Advisor and its affiliates provide fixed
income, liquidity, equity, alternative investment, and risk management products
for clients worldwide. As of December 31, 1999, the Advisor managed
approximately $86 billion in various fixed income sectors, including $8 billion
in municipal securities. The Advisor and its affiliates also manage 13 closed-
end, six open-end and six money market municipal funds. In addition, the
Advisor manages portfolios of municipal securities for large insurance
companies and high net worth individuals.
As a result of an internal reorganization effective January 1, 2000,
BlackRock Advisors, Inc. has replaced BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. as
investment advisor of the Trust. The investment management and other personnel
responsible for providing services to the Trust did not change as a result of
the reorganization. BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of BlackRock Advisors, Inc.
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Investment Philosophy
The Advisor's investment decision-making process for the Florida municipal
bond sector is subject to the same discipline, oversight and investment
philosophy that the firm applies to other sectors of the fixed income market.
The Advisor uses a relative value strategy that evaluates the trade-off
between risk and return to seek to achieve the Trust's investment objective.
This strategy is combined with disciplined risk control techniques and applied
in sector, sub-sector and individual security selection decisions. The
Advisor's extensive personnel and technology resources are the key drivers of
the investment philosophy.
The Advisor's Municipal Bond Team. The Advisor uses a team approach to
managing municipal portfolios. The Advisor believes that this approach offers
substantial benefits over one that is dependent on the market wisdom or
investment expertise of only a few individuals.
The Advisor's municipal bond team includes three portfolio managers and six
credit research analysts. The team is led by Kevin M. Klingert, a managing
director and portfolio manager at the Advisor. Mr. Klingert is a senior
portfolio manager and head of municipal bonds at the Advisor, a position he has
held since joining the Advisor in 1991. Mr. Klingert has over 15 years of
experience in the municipal market. Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Klingert
was an Assistant Vice President in the Unit Investment Trust Department at
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, which he joined in 1985.
Mr. Klingert has primary responsibility for managing client portfolios with a
special emphasis on municipal securities. The portfolio management team also
includes Craig Kasap. Mr. Kasap has been a portfolio manager at the Advisor for
over two years and is a member of the Advisor's Investment Strategy Group.
Prior to joining the Advisor in 1997, Mr. Kasap spent three years as a
municipal bond trader with Keystone Investments in Boston where he was involved
in formulating the firm's municipal bond investment strategies. James McGinley
is also a member of the Advisor's municipal bond portfolio management team and
Investment Strategy Group. Prior to joining the Advisor in 1999 as a Vice
President, Mr. McGinley worked at Prudential Securities in municipal research
and strategy as a Vice President since 1996 and as an Associate Vice President
from 1993 to 1996.
The Advisor's municipal bond portfolio managers are responsible for 27
municipal bond portfolios, valued as of December 31, 1999 at approximately $5
billion, plus approximately an additional $3 billion in municipal bonds held
across portfolios with broader investment mandates. The team is responsible for
portfolios with a variety of investment objectives and constraints, including
national funds and state-specific funds. As of December 31, 1999, the team
managed 13 closed-end municipal funds with over $3 billion in assets.
The Advisor's Investment Process. The Advisor has in-depth expertise in the
fixed income market. The Advisor applies the same risk-controlled, active
sector rotation style (discussed below) to the management process for all of
its fixed income portfolios. The Advisor believes that it is unique in its
integration of taxable and municipal bond specialists. Both taxable and
municipal bond portfolio managers share the same trading floor and interact
frequently for determining the firm's overall investment strategy. This
interaction allows each portfolio manager to access the combined experience and
expertise of the entire portfolio management group at the Advisor.
The Advisor's portfolio management process emphasizes research and analysis
of specific sectors and securities, not interest rate speculation. The Advisor
believes that market-timing strategies can be highly volatile and potentially
produce inconsistent results. Instead, the Advisor thinks that value over the
long-term is best achieved through a risk-controlled approach, focusing on
sector allocation, security selection and yield curve management (discussed
below).
In the municipal market, the Advisor believes one of the most important
determinants of value is supply and demand. The Advisor's ability to monitor
investor flows and frequency and seasonality of issuance is helpful in
anticipating the impact of supply and demand on sectors. The Advisor believes
that the breadth and
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expertise of its municipal bond team allows it to anticipate issuance flows,
forecast which sectors are likely to have the most supply and plan its
investment strategy accordingly.
The Advisor also believes that over the long-term, intense credit analysis
will add value and avoid significant relative performance impairments. The
municipal credit team is led by Susan C. Heide, Ph.D who, since December 15,
1998, has been managing director responsible for municipal credit research at
the Advisor. Ms. Heide supervises a team of five municipal research analysts
who have an average of 10 years of experience in municipal credit research.
Between 1993 and December 15, 1998, Ms. Heide served as a director at the
Advisor, specializing in the credit analysis of municipal securities.
The Advisor's approach to credit risk incorporates a combination of sector-
based top-down macro-analysis of industry sectors to determine relative
weightings with an issuer-specific, bottom-up detailed credit analysis of
issuers and structures. The sector-based approach focuses on rotating into
sectors that are undervalued and exiting sectors when fundamentals or
technicals become unattractive. The issuer-specific approach focuses on
identifying special opportunities where the market undervalues a credit, and
devoting concentrated resources to research the credit and monitor the
position. The Advisor's analytic process focuses on anticipating changes in
credit trends before market recognition. Credit research is a critical element
of the Advisor's municipal process. The Advisor's yield curve management
process involves, among other things, an evaluation of the risk/return trade
off for bonds having different durations, and selecting bonds believed to
present an attractive yield relative to the degree of interest rate risk
involved.
The Investment Advisory Agreement
Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement, the Advisor manages the
investment of the Trust's assets and provides such investment research, advice
and supervision, in conformity with the Trust's investment objective and
policies, as necessary for the operations of the Trust.
The advisory agreement provides, among other things, that the Advisor will
bear all expenses of its employees and overhead incurred in connection with its
duties under the advisory agreement, and will pay all trustees' fees and
salaries of the Trust's trustees and officers who are affiliated persons (as
such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Advisor, except that the board of
trustees may approve reimbursement for the time spent on Trust operations of
personnel who spend substantial time on the operations (other than the
provision of investment advice) of the Trust or other investment companies
advised by the Advisor. The advisory agreement provides that the Trust shall
pay to the Advisor for its services a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.35%
of the Trust's average weekly net asset value. The liquidation value of any
outstanding preferred shares (including the New Preferred Shares) of the Trust
is included in determining the Trust's average weekly net asset value.
Although the Advisor intends to devote such time and effort to the business
of the Trust as is reasonably necessary to perform its duties to the Trust, the
services of the Advisor are not exclusive and the Advisor provides similar
services to other investment companies and other clients and may engage in
other activities.
The advisory agreement also provides that, in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations thereunder, the Advisor is not liable to the Trust or any of the
Trust's shareholders for any act or omission by the Advisor in the supervision
or management of its respective investment activities or for any loss sustained
by the Trust or the Trust's shareholders and provides for indemnification by
the Trust of the Advisor, its partners, officers, employees, agents and control
persons for liabilities incurred by them in connection with their services to
the Trust, subject to certain limitations and conditions.
The advisory agreement will continue in effect, provided that each
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by both (i) the vote of
a majority of the Trust's board of trustees or the vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Trust (as such term is defined in the 1940
Act) and (ii) by the vote of a
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majority of the trustees who are not parties to such agreement or interested
persons (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The
advisory agreement may be terminated as a whole at any time by the Trust,
without the payment of any penalty, upon the vote of a majority of the Trust's
board of trustees or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Trust or by the Advisor, on 60 days' written notice by either party to the
other. Except as otherwise provided by order of the SEC or any rule or
provision of the 1940 Act, the agreement will terminate automatically in the
event of its assignment (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act and the rules
thereunder).
The Administration Agreement
Princeton Administrators, L.P. (the "Administrator"), 800 Scudders Mill
Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536, acts as administrator for the Trust. The
Administrator is an affiliate of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, one of the underwriters of this offering. Under the
Administration Agreement with the Trust (the "Administration Agreement"), the
Administrator administers the Trust's corporate affairs subject to the
supervision of the Trust's board of trustees and in connection therewith
furnishes the Trust with office facilities together with such ordinary
clerical and bookkeeping services (e.g., preparation of annual and other
reports to shareholders and the SEC and filing of Federal, state and local
income tax returns) as are not being furnished by the custodian. In connection
with its administration of the corporate affairs of the Trust, the
Administrator will bear the following expenses:
. the salaries and expenses of all personnel of the Administrator; and
. all expenses incurred by the Administrator in connection with
administering the ordinary course of the Trust's business, other than
those assumed by the Trust, as described below.
The Administration Agreement provides that the Trust shall pay to the
Administrator a monthly fee for its services and the facilities furnished by
the Administrator at the annual rate of 0.10% of the Trust's average weekly
net asset value. The liquidation value of any outstanding preferred shares
(including the New Preferred Shares) of the Trust is included in determining
the Trust's average weekly net asset value.
The Administration Agreement is terminable on 60 days' prior written notice
by either party to the other.
Expenses of The Trust
Except as indicated above, the Trust will pay all of its expenses,
including fees of the trustees not affiliated with the Advisor and board
meeting expenses; fees of the Advisor and the Administrator; interest charges;
taxes; organization expenses; charges and expenses of the Trust's legal
counsel and independent accountants, and of the transfer agent, registrar and
dividend disbursing agent of the Trust; expenses of repurchasing shares;
expenses of issuing any preferred shares (including the New Preferred Shares)
or indebtedness; expenses of printing and mailing share certificates,
shareholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental
offices; brokerage and other expenses connected with the execution, recording
and settlement of portfolio security transactions; expenses connected with
negotiating, effecting purchase or sale, or registering privately issued
portfolio securities; custodial fees and expenses for all services to the
Trust, including safekeeping of funds and securities and maintaining required
books and accounts; expenses of calculating and publishing the net asset value
of the Trust's shares; expenses of membership in investment company
associations; expenses of fidelity bonding and other insurance expenses
including insurance premiums; expenses of shareholders meetings; SEC and state
registration fees; New York Stock Exchange listing fees; and fees payable to
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. in connection with this
offering and fees of any rating agencies retained to rate any preferred shares
(including the New Preferred Shares) issued by the Trust.
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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SHARES
Certain of the capitalized terms used herein are defined in the Certificate
of Designation Establishing Preferred Shares and the amendment thereto attached
as Appendices C-1 and C-2 to the statement of additional information.
The Preferred Shares of each series are preferred shares of beneficial
interest of the Trust. Preferred Shares entitle their holders to receive
dividends when, as and if declared by the board of trustees, out of funds
legally available therefor. The rate per annum on which dividends are paid may
vary from dividend period to dividend period for each series of Preferred
Shares. In general, the applicable rate for a particular dividend period for a
series of Preferred Shares will be determined by an auction conducted on the
day before the start of the dividend period. Existing holders and potential
holders of Preferred Shares may participate in the auctions. Existing holders
desiring to continue to hold all of their Preferred Shares regardless of the
applicable rate resulting from the auction need not participate. For an
explanation of auctions and the method of determining the applicable rate, see
"The Auction". The Trust intends to redeem all of the Preferred Shares of each
series no later than the last dividend payment date for the series prior to
December 31, 2008 (when the Trust will terminate).
The Preferred Shares have a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share plus
an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends plus the premium, if any,
resulting from the designation of a Premium Call Period. A Premium Call Period
is a period that may occur during a special dividend period during which the
Trust must pay a premium in order to redeem Preferred Shares. The Preferred
Shares are fully paid and non-assessable. The Preferred Shares are not
convertible into common shares or other shares of beneficial interest of the
Trust. Holders of Preferred Shares have no preemptive rights. The Preferred
Shares are not subject to any sinking fund. The Preferred Shares are generally
subject to redemption at the option of the Trust on any dividend payment date
for the respective series (provided that no Preferred Shares shall be subject
to optional redemption during a Non-Call Period) and, in certain circumstances,
are subject to mandatory redemption by the Trust.
In connection with the auction procedures described below, Deutsche Bank
Group is the auction agent, the transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing
agent and redemption agent for the Preferred Shares.
DESCRIPTION OF NEW PREFERRED SHARES
The following is a brief description of the terms of the New Preferred
Shares. For the complete terms of the New Preferred Shares, including
definitions of terms used but not defined, please refer to the detailed
description of the New Preferred Shares in the Certificate of Designation
Establishing Preferred Shares and the amendment thereto attached as Appendices
C-1 and C-2 to the statement of additional information. We refer to the
Certificate of Designation Establishing Preferred Shares and the amendment
thereto in this prospectus collectively as the "Certificate of Designation."
General
The Trust is authorized to issue up to 100 million shares of beneficial
interest with preference rights, $.01 par value. The board of trustees of the
Trust is authorized to classify and reclassify any unissued shares from time to
time by setting or changing the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting
powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms or
conditions of redemption of such shares. In connection with the offerings of
New Preferred Shares described herein, the board of trustees has reclassified
726 unissued shares of beneficial interest as New Preferred Shares.
The New Preferred Shares will rank on parity with the currently outstanding
Preferred Shares of the Trust as to the payment of dividends and the
distribution of assets upon liquidation. Each New Preferred Share
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carries one vote on matters that New Preferred Shares can be voted. New
Preferred Shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable and have
no preemptive, conversion or cumulative voting rights.
Dividends and Dividend Periods
General. The following is a general description of dividends and dividend
periods for the New Preferred Shares. The initial dividend period for the New
Preferred Shares will be days and the dividend rate for this period will be
%. Subsequent dividend periods generally will be seven days and the dividend
rates for those periods will be determined by auction. The Trust, subject to
certain conditions, may change the length of subsequent dividend periods by
designating them as special dividend periods. See "--Designation of Special
Dividend Periods" below.
Dividend Payment Dates. Dividends on New Preferred Shares will be payable,
when, as and if declared by the board of trustees, out of legally available
funds in accordance with the Trust's Declaration of Trust and applicable law.
The initial dividend will be paid on , 2000. Subsequent dividends
generally will be paid on each Friday. If dividends are payable on a Friday
that is not a business day, then dividends will generally be payable on the
next day, if such day is a business day, or as otherwise specified in the
Certificate of Designation. In the case of a special dividend period of 35 days
or fewer, dividends are generally payable on the day following the last day of
such dividend period. In the case of a special dividend period of more than 35
but less than 92 days, dividends generally are payable on the day following the
last day of each 30 day period to occur during the dividend period and on the
day following the last day of the dividend period. In the case of a special
dividend period of 92 days or more, dividends generally are payable as the
Trust may specify in the notice of special dividend period issued for such
special dividend period.
Dividends will be paid through The Depository Trust Company on each dividend
payment date. DTC, in accordance with its current procedures, is expected to
distribute dividends received from the auction agent in same-day funds on each
dividend payment date to Agent Members (members of DTC that will act on behalf
of existing or potential holders of Preferred Shares). These Agent Members are
in turn expected to distribute such dividends to the persons for whom they are
acting as agents. However, each of the current Broker-Dealers has indicated to
the Trust that dividend payments will be available in same-day funds on each
dividend payment date to customers that use a Broker-Dealer or a Broker-
Dealer's designee as Agent Member.
Calculation of Dividend Payment. The Trust computes the dividend per New
Preferred Share by multiplying the applicable rate in effect by a fraction. The
numerator of this fraction will normally be seven (i.e., the number of days in
the dividend period) and the denominator will normally be 365. If the Trust has
designated a special dividend period of 365 days or more, then the numerator
will be the number of days in the dividend period, and the denominator will be
360. In either case, this rate is then multiplied by $25,000 to arrive at
dividends per share.
Dividends on New Preferred Shares will accumulate from the date of their
original issue. For each dividend payment period after the initial dividend
period, the dividend rate will be the dividend rate determined at auction,
except as provided below. The dividend rate that results from an auction will
not be greater than the maximum applicable rate described below. In the case of
a special dividend period for which Bid Requirements are specified, the
dividend rate will not be less than the minimum applicable rate specified in
the notice declaring the special dividend period. During dividend periods for
which no Bid Requirements are specified, there will be no minimum applicable
rate. "Bid Requirements" may include, with respect to any special dividend
period of longer than 91 days, the requirement that bids be expressed as a
spread over a specified reference index or reference security, any minimum
applicable rate and the frequency of dividend payments during such special
dividend period.
The maximum applicable rate for any regular dividend payment period will be
the applicable percentage (set forth in the table below) of the higher of (i)
the 30-day "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate and (ii) the Taxable Equivalent
of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate. In the case of a special dividend
period, the
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maximum applicable rate will be the applicable percentage of the Special
Dividend Period Reference Rate (which will ordinarily be specified by the Trust
in the notice of the special dividend period) for such dividend payment period.
The applicable percentage is determined on the day that a notice of a special
dividend period is delivered if the notice specifies a maximum applicable rate
for a special dividend period. The applicable percentage will be determined
based on the lower of the credit rating or ratings assigned to the Preferred
Shares by Moody's and S&P. If Moody's or S&P or both shall not make such rating
available, the rate shall be determined by reference to equivalent ratings
issued by a substitute rating agency. If the Trust has provided notification to
the auction agent prior to an auction establishing the applicable rate for a
dividend period that net capital gains or other taxable income will be included
in the dividend determined at such auction, the applicable percentage will be
derived from the column captioned "Applicable Percentage: Notification" in the
table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Credit Ratings Applicable Applicable
-------------- Percentage: Percentage:
Moody's S&P No Notification Notification
------- --- --------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
"aa3" or higher AA- or higher 110% 150%
"a3" to "al" A- to A+ 125% 160%
"baa3" to "baal" BBB- to BBB+ 150% 250%
"ba3" to "bal" BB- to BB+ 200% 275%
Below "ba3" Below BB- 250% 300%
</TABLE>
Prior to each dividend payment date, the Trust is required to deposit with
the auction agent sufficient funds for the payment of declared dividends. The
failure to make such deposit will not result in the cancellation of any
auction. The Trust does not intend to establish any reserves for the payment of
dividends.
Additional Dividends. Under Federal income tax rules applicable to the
Trust, the Trust may, in certain circumstances, allocate net capital gains or
other taxable income to a dividend paid on New Preferred Shares after the
dividend has been paid (a "Retroactive Taxable Allocation"). If a Retroactive
Taxable Allocation is made on the New Preferred Shares, the Trust will, in the
circumstances below, pay to the holders of New Preferred Shares, out of funds
legally available therefor, an additional dividend. The additional dividend
will be in an amount equal to the amount of taxes paid by a holder of New
Preferred Shares on the Retroactive Taxable Allocation, provided that the
additional dividend will be calculated:
. without consideration being given to the time value of money;
. assuming that no holder of New Preferred Shares is subject to the
Federal alternative minimum tax with respect to dividends received from
the Trust; and
. assuming that each Retroactive Taxable Allocation would be taxable in
the hands of each holder of New Preferred Shares at the maximum marginal
combined regular Federal and Florida state and local income tax rate
applicable to individuals or corporations, whichever is greater, in
effect during the fiscal year in question.
Although the Trust generally intends to designate any additional dividend as an
exempt-interest dividend to the extent permitted by applicable law, it is
possible that all or a portion of any additional dividend will be taxable to
the recipient thereof. See "Taxes." The Trust will not pay a further additional
dividend with respect to any taxable portion of an additional dividend.
An additional dividend will be paid following a Retroactive Taxable
Allocation in the following circumstances:
. if a Retroactive Taxable Allocation is made in connection with a
dividend period of 28 days or fewer and the Trust did not give advanced
notice of the Retroactive Taxable Allocation to the Auction Agent solely
because of the redemption of all or a portion of the New Preferred
Shares or the liquidation of the Trust; or
. if a Retroactive Taxable Allocation is made in connection with a
dividend period of 35 days or more.
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In no other instance will the Trust be required to make payments to holders of
New Preferred Shares to offset the tax effect of a Retroactive Taxable
Allocation.
The Trust will, within 90 days (and generally within 60 days) after the end
of its fiscal year for which a Retroactive Taxable Allocation is made, provide
notice thereof to the auction agent. The Trust will pay, out of legally
available funds, any additional dividend due on all Retroactive Taxable
Allocations made during the fiscal year in question, within 30 days after such
notice is given to the auction agent.
Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions. While the New Preferred
Shares are outstanding, the Trust generally may not declare, pay or set apart
for payment, any dividend or other distribution in respect of its common
shares. In addition, the Trust may not call for redemption or redeem any of its
common shares. However, the Trust is not confined by the above restrictions if:
. immediately after such transaction, the Discounted Value of the Trust's
portfolio would be equal to or greater than the Preferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount and the 1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage (see
"--Rating Agency Guidelines and Asset Coverage" below);
. full cumulative dividends on the New Preferred Shares due on or prior to
the date of the transaction have been declared and paid or shall have
been declared and sufficient funds for the payment thereof deposited
with the auction agent;
. any additional dividend required to be paid on or before the date of
such declaration has been paid; and
. the Trust has redeemed the full number of New Preferred Shares required
to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory redemption contained in
the Certificate of Designation.
The Trust generally will not declare, pay or set apart for payment any
dividend on any shares of the Trust ranking, as to the payment of dividends, on
a parity with New Preferred Shares unless the Trust has declared and paid or
contemporaneously declares and pays full cumulative dividends on the New
Preferred Shares through its most recent dividend payment date. However, when
the Trust has not paid dividends in full on the New Preferred Shares through
the most recent dividend payment date or upon any shares of the Trust ranking,
as to the payment of dividends, on a parity with New Preferred Shares through
their most recent respective dividend payment dates, the amount of dividends
declared per share on New Preferred Shares and such other class or series of
shares will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accumulated
dividends per share on the New Preferred Shares and such other class or series
of shares bear to each other.
Designation of Special Dividend Periods. The Trust may, at its sole option,
declare a special dividend period. To declare a special dividend period, the
Trust will give notice (a "request for special dividend period") to the auction
agent and to each Broker-Dealer. The notice will request that the next
succeeding dividend period for such series of New Preferred Shares be a number
of days (other than seven) evenly divisible by seven as specified in such
notice. The Trust may not request a special dividend period unless sufficient
clearing bids were made in the most recent auction. In addition, full
cumulative dividends, any amounts due with respect to mandatory redemptions and
any additional dividends payable prior to such date must be paid in full. The
Trust also must have received confirmation from Moody's and S&P or any
substitute rating agency that the proposed special dividend period will not
adversely affect such agency's then-current rating on the New Preferred Shares.
A request for special dividend period also will specify any proposed Bid
Requirements. Upon receiving a request for special dividend period, the Broker-
Dealer(s) will jointly determine whether, given the factors set forth in the
Certificate of Designation, it is advisable that the Trust issue a notice of
special dividend period for the New Preferred Shares as contemplated by the
request. If advisable, the Broker-Dealer(s) will determine the specific
redemption provisions (such as the designation of a Premium Call Period or a
Non-Call Period) and will give the Trust and the auction agent notice of its
determination. If no Broker-Dealer objects to the notice of special dividend
period, the Trust may issue such notice specifying the duration of the special
dividend period, the Bid Requirements, if any, and the specific redemption
provisions, if any.
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Redemption
Mandatory Redemption. The Trust is required to maintain (a) a Discounted
Value of its portfolio equal to the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount
and (b) the 1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage. If the Trust fails to
maintain such asset coverage amounts and does not timely cure such failure in
accordance with the requirements of the rating agencies that rate the New
Preferred Shares, the Trust must redeem all or a portion of the New Preferred
Shares. This mandatory redemption will take place on a date that the board of
trustees specifies out of legally available funds in accordance with the
Trust's Declaration of Trust and applicable law, at the redemption price of
$25,000 per share plus accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned
or declared) to the date fixed for redemption. The number of Preferred Shares
that must be redeemed in order to cure such failure will be allocated pro rata
among the New Preferred Shares and the other outstanding Preferred Shares of
the Trust. The mandatory redemption will be limited to the number of New
Preferred Shares necessary to restore the required Discounted Value or the 1940
Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage, as the case may be.
Optional Redemption. The Trust, at its option, may redeem the New Preferred
Shares, in whole or in part, out of funds legally available therefor. Any
optional redemption will occur on a dividend payment date at the optional
redemption price per share of $25,000 per share plus an amount equal to
accumulated but unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption, plus the
premium, if any, resulting from the designation of a Premium Call Period. No
New Preferred Shares may be redeemed during a Non-Call Period or if the
redemption would cause the Trust to violate the 1940 Act or Massachusetts law.
In addition, holders of New Preferred Shares may be entitled to receive
additional dividends if the redemption causes the Trust to make a Retroactive
Taxable Allocation. The Trust has the authority to redeem the New Preferred
Shares for any reason. The Trust intends to redeem all of its outstanding
preferred shares (including the New Preferred Shares) prior to the last
dividend payment date in respect of each series prior to December 31, 2008
(when the Trust will terminate).
Liquidation
If the Trust is liquidated, the holders of outstanding New Preferred Shares
will receive the liquidation preference on the New Preferred Shares, plus all
accumulated but unpaid dividends, plus (i) the premium, if any, resulting from
the designation of a Premium Call Period and (ii) any applicable additional
dividends payable before any payment is made to the common shares. The holders
of New Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive these amounts from the
assets of the Trust available for distribution to its shareholders. In
addition, the rights of holders of New Preferred Shares to receive these
amounts are subject to the rights of holders of any series or class of shares,
including other series of Preferred Shares, ranking on a parity with the New
Preferred Shares with respect to the distribution of assets upon liquidation of
the Trust. After the payment to the holders of New Preferred Shares of the full
preferential amounts as described, the holders of New Preferred Shares will
have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Trust.
For purposes of the foregoing paragraph, a voluntary or involuntary
liquidation of the Trust does not include:
. the sale of all or substantially all the property or business of the
Trust;
. the consolidation of the Trust into or with any corporation or other
entity; or
. the consolidation of any corporation or other entity into or with the
Trust.
Rating Agency Guidelines and Asset Coverage
The Trust is required under guidelines of Moody's and S&P to maintain assets
having in the aggregate a Discounted Value at least equal to the Preferred
Shares Basic Maintenance Amount. Moody's and S&P have each established separate
guidelines for calculating Discounted Value. To the extent any particular
portfolio
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holding does not satisfy a rating agency's guidelines, all or a portion of the
holding's value will not be included in the rating agency's calculation of
Discounted Value. The Moody's and S&P guidelines do not impose any limitations
on the percentage of the Trust's assets that may be invested in holdings not
eligible for inclusion in the calculation of the Discounted Value of the
Trust's portfolio. The amount of ineligible assets included in the Trust's
portfolio at any time may vary depending upon the rating, diversification and
other characteristics of the eligible assets included in the portfolio. The
Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount includes the sum of (a) the aggregate
liquidation preference of the Preferred Shares then outstanding and (b) certain
accrued and projected payment obligations of the Trust.
The Trust is also required under the 1940 Act to maintain asset coverage of
at least 200% with respect to senior securities which are equity shares,
including the New Preferred Shares ("1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset
Coverage"). The Trust's 1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage is tested as
of the last business day of each month in which any senior equity securities
are outstanding. The minimum required 1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage
amount of 200% may be increased or decreased if the 1940 Act is amended. Based
on the composition of the portfolio of the Trust and market conditions as of
February 4, 2000, the 1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage with respect to
all of the Trust's preferred shares, assuming the issuance on that date of all
New Preferred Shares offered hereby and giving effect to the deduction of
related sales load and related offering costs estimated at $481,500, would have
been computed as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Value of Trust assets less liabilities
not constituting senior securities = $218,342,271 = 260%
----------------------------------------------- ------------
Senior securities representing indebtedness plus $ 84,150,000
liquidation value of the preferred shares
</TABLE>
In the event the Trust does not timely cure a failure to maintain (a) a
Discounted Value of its portfolio equal to the Preferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount or (b) the 1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage, in each
case in accordance with the requirements of the rating agency or agencies then
rating the New Preferred Shares, the Trust will be required to redeem New
Preferred Shares as described under "--Redemption--Mandatory Redemption" above.
Pursuant to S&P guidelines, the Trust is required under its Certificate of
Designation to have Deposit Securities with maturity or tender payment dates
not later than the next dividend payment date for the New Preferred Shares
(collectively, "Dividend Coverage Assets") and having in the aggregate a value
not less than the Dividend Coverage Amount (the "Minimum Liquidity Level"). The
"Dividend Coverage Amount," as of any Valuation Date, means (A) the aggregate
amount of cash dividends that will accumulate on outstanding New Preferred
Shares to (but not including) the next dividend payment date that follows the
Valuation Date, less (B) the combined fair market value of Deposit Securities
irrevocably deposited for the payment of cash dividends on New Preferred
Shares. "Deposit Securities" means cash, the book value of municipal
obligations sold for which payment is due within five business days and before
the next Valuation Date and municipal obligations rated at least A-1+ or SP-I+
by S&P, VMIG-1 or MIG-1 by Moody's. The definitions of "Deposit Securities,"
"Dividend Coverage Assets" and "Dividend Coverage Amount" may be changed from
time to time by the Trust without shareholder approval, but only in the event
the Trust receives confirmation from S&P that any such change would not impair
the ratings then assigned by S&P to New Preferred Shares. The Trust needs to
comply with the S&P Minimum Liquidity Level only for so long as S&P rates the
New Preferred Shares. The Minimum Liquidity Level is tested as of each
Valuation Date (ordinarily every Friday).
The Trust may, but is not required to, adopt any modifications to the
guidelines that may be established by Moody's or S&P. Failure to adopt any such
modifications, however, may result in a change in the ratings described above
or a withdrawal of ratings altogether. In addition, any rating agency providing
a rating for the New Preferred Shares may, at any time, change or withdraw any
such rating. The Board may, without shareholder approval, amend, alter or
repeal any or all of the definitions and related provisions which have been
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adopted by the Trust pursuant to the rating agency guidelines in the event the
Trust receives written confirmation from Moody's or S&P, as the case may be,
that any such amendment, alteration or repeal would not impair the rating then
assigned to the New Preferred Shares.
As recently described by Moody's and S&P, a preferred share rating is an
assessment of the capacity and willingness of an issuer to pay preferred stock
obligations. The rating on the New Preferred Shares is not a recommendation to
purchase, hold or sell those shares, inasmuch as the rating does not comment as
to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The rating agency
guidelines described above also do not address the likelihood that an owner of
New Preferred Shares will be able to sell such shares in an auction or
otherwise. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Moody's
and S&P by the Trust and the Advisor and information obtained from other
sources. The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of
changes in, or the unavailability of, such information. The common shares have
not been rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
A rating agency's guidelines will apply to New Preferred Shares only so long
as the rating agency is rating the shares. The Trust will pay certain fees to
Moody's and S&P for rating the New Preferred Shares.
Voting Rights
Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus and in the statement of
additional information or as otherwise required by law, holders of New
Preferred Shares will have equal voting rights with holders of common shares
and any other preferred shares of the Trust (one vote per share) and will vote
together with holders of common shares and any other preferred shares as a
single class.
Holders of outstanding preferred shares of the Trust, including New
Preferred Shares, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect two of the
Trust's trustees. The remaining trustees are elected by holders of common
shares and preferred shares, including New Preferred Shares, voting together as
a single class. In addition, if at any time dividends (whether or not earned or
declared) on outstanding preferred shares of the Trust, including New Preferred
Shares, are due and unpaid in an amount equal to two full years of dividends,
and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited with the
auction agent for the payment of such dividends, the sole remedy of holders of
outstanding preferred shares of the Trust is that the number of trustees
constituting the board of trustees will be automatically increased by the
smallest number that, when added to the two trustees elected exclusively by the
holders of preferred shares as described above, would constitute a majority of
the board of trustees. The holders of preferred shares of the Trust will be
entitled to elect that smallest number of additional trustees at a special
meeting of shareholders held as soon as possible and at all subsequent meetings
at which directors are to be elected. The terms of office of the persons who
are trustees at the time of that election will continue. If the Trust
thereafter pays in full all dividends payable on all outstanding preferred
shares of the Trust, the special voting rights stated above will cease and the
terms of office of the additional trustees elected by the holders of the
preferred shares will automatically terminate.
As long as any preferred shares of the Trust are outstanding, the Trust will
not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least a
majority of the Preferred Shares (including New Preferred Shares) outstanding
at the time (voting as a separate class):
(a) authorize, create or issue, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of stock ranking prior to or on a parity with
the Preferred Shares (including the New Preferred Shares) with respect
to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets on liquidation,
or increase the authorized amount of the Preferred Shares (including
the New Preferred Shares) or any other preferred stock, unless, in the
case of shares of preferred stock on parity with the Preferred Shares,
the Trust obtains written confirmation from Moody's (if Moody's is then
rating preferred shares), S&P (if S&P is then rating preferred shares)
or any substitute rating agency (if any such substitute rating agency
is then rating preferred shares) that the issuance of a class or series
would not impair the rating then assigned by such rating agency to the
Preferred Shares) and the Trust continues to comply with Section 13 of
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the 1940 Act, the 1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage requirements
and the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount requirements, in which
case the vote or consent of the holders of the Preferred Shares
(including the New Preferred Shares) is not required;
(b) amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Trust's Declaration of
Trust whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to adversely
affect any of the contract rights expressly set forth in the Trust's
Declaration of Trust of holders of Preferred Shares (including the New
Preferred Shares) or any other preferred stock;
(c) authorize the Trust's conversion from a closed-end to an open-end
investment company; or
(d) amend the provisions of the Trust's Declaration of Trust which provide
for the classification of the board of trustees of the Trust into three
classes, each with a term of office of three years with only one class
of trustees standing for election in any year (presently Article VI of
the Trust's Declaration of Trust).
To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Trust will not approve any
of the actions set forth in (a) or (b) above which adversely affects the
rights expressly set forth in the Trust's Declaration of Trust of a holder of
shares of a series of preferred shares differently than those of a holder of
shares of any other series of preferred shares without the affirmative vote or
consent of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of each series
adversely affected. Unless a higher percentage is provided for under the
Trust's Declaration of Trust, the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding preferred shares, including New Preferred Shares,
voting together as a single class, will be required to approve any plan of
reorganization (including bankruptcy proceedings) adversely affecting such
shares or any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a)
of the 1940 Act. However, to the extent permitted by the Massachusetts law, no
vote of holders of common shares, either separately or together with holders
of preferred shares as a single class, is necessary to take the actions
contemplated by (a) and (b) above. The holders of common shares will not be
entitled to vote in respect of such matters, unless, in the case of the
actions contemplated by (b) above, the action would adversely affect the
contract rights of the holders of common shares expressly set forth in the
Trust's Declaration of Trust.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply with respect to New
Preferred Shares if, at or prior to the time when a vote is required, such
shares have been (i) redeemed or (ii) called for redemption and sufficient
funds have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
THE AUCTION
General
The Trust's Certificate of Designation provides that, except as otherwise
described in this prospectus, the applicable rate for the New Preferred Shares
for each dividend period after the initial dividend period will be the rate
that results from an auction conducted as set forth in the Trust's Certificate
of Designation and summarized below. In such an auction, persons determine to
hold or offer to sell or, based on dividend rates bid by them, offer to
purchase or sell New Preferred Shares. See the Certificate of Designation
included in the statement of additional information for a more complete
description of the auction process.
Auction Agency Agreement. The Trust will enter into an auction agency
agreement with the auction agent (currently, Deutsche Bank Group) which
provides, among other things, that the auction agent will follow the auction
procedures to determine the applicable rate for New Preferred Shares so long
as the applicable rate for New Preferred Shares is to be based on the results
of an auction.
The auction agent may terminate the auction agency agreement upon notice to
the Trust no earlier than 60 days after such notice. If the auction agent
should resign, the Trust will use its best efforts to enter into an agreement
with a successor auction agent containing substantially the same terms and
conditions as the auction
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<PAGE>
agency agreement. The Trust may remove the auction agent provided that prior to
such removal the Trust has entered into such an agreement with a successor
auction agent.
Broker-Dealer Agreements. Each auction requires the participation of one or
more Broker-Dealers. The auction agent will enter into agreements with several
Broker-Dealers selected by the Trust, which provide for the participation of
those Broker-Dealers in auctions for New Preferred Shares.
The auction agent will pay to each Broker-Dealer after each auction, from
funds provided by the Trust, a service charge at the annual rate of 1/4 of 1%,
in the case of any auction before a dividend period of 28 days or less, or a
percentage agreed to by the Trust and the Broker-Dealers, in the case of any
auction before a dividend period of 35 days or longer, of the purchase price of
New Preferred Shares placed by a Broker-Dealer at the auction.
The Trust may request the auction agent to terminate one or more Broker-
Dealer Agreements at any time upon five days' notice, provided that at least
one Broker-Dealer Agreement is in effect after such termination.
Auction Procedures
Prior to the submission deadline on each auction date for the New Preferred
Shares, each customer of a Broker-Dealer who is listed on the records of that
Broker-Dealer (or, if applicable, the auction agent) as a beneficial owner of
New Preferred Shares may submit the following types of orders with respect to
New Preferred Shares to that Broker-Dealer:
1. Hold order--indicating its desire to hold New Preferred Shares without
regard to the applicable rate for the next dividend period.
2. Bid--indicating its desire to sell New Preferred Shares at $25,000 per
share if the applicable rate for shares of such series for the next
dividend period is less than the rate or spread specified in the bid.
3. Sell order--indicating its desire to sell New Preferred Shares at
$25,000 per share without regard to the applicable rate for shares of
such series for the next dividend period.
A beneficial owner of New Preferred Shares may submit different types of
orders to its Broker-Dealer with respect to New Preferred Shares then held by
the beneficial owner. A beneficial owner that submits a bid to its Broker-
Dealer having a rate higher than the maximum applicable rate on the auction
date will be treated as having submitted a sell order to its Broker-Dealer. A
beneficial owner that fails to submit an order to its Broker-Dealer will
ordinarily be deemed to have submitted a hold order to its Broker-Dealer.
However, if a beneficial owner fails to submit an order to its Broker-Dealer
for an auction relating to a dividend period of more than 91 days, such
beneficial owner will be deemed to have submitted a sell order to its Broker-
Dealer. A sell order constitutes an irrevocable offer to sell the New Preferred
Shares subject to the sell order. A beneficial owner that offers to become the
beneficial owner of additional New Preferred Shares is, for purposes of such
offer, a potential holder as discussed below.
A potential holder is either a customer of a Broker-Dealer that is not a
beneficial owner of New Preferred Shares but that wishes to purchase New
Preferred Shares or a beneficial owner that wishes to purchase additional New
Preferred Shares. A potential holder may submit bids to its Broker-Dealer in
which it offers to purchase New Preferred Shares at $25,000 per share if the
applicable rate for the next dividend period is not less than the rate
specified in such bid. A bid placed by a potential holder specifying a rate
higher than the maximum applicable rate on the auction date will not be
accepted.
Any bid by an existing holder that specifies a spread with respect to an
auction in which a spread is not included in any Bid Requirements or in which
there are no Bid Requirements and an order that does not specify a spread with
respect to an auction in which a spread is included in any Bid Requirements
shall be treated as a sell order.
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<PAGE>
The Broker-Dealers in turn will submit the orders of their respective
customers who are beneficial owners and potential holders to the auction agent.
They will designate themselves (unless otherwise permitted by the Trust) as
existing holders of shares subject to orders submitted or deemed submitted to
them by beneficial owners. They will designate themselves as potential holders
of shares subject to orders submitted to them by potential holders. However,
neither the Trust nor the auction agent will be responsible for a Broker-
Dealer's failure to comply with these procedures. Any order placed with the
auction agent by a Broker-Dealer as or on behalf of an existing holder or a
potential holder will be treated the same way as an order placed with a Broker-
Dealer by a beneficial owner or potential holder. Similarly, any failure by a
Broker-Dealer to submit to the auction agent an order for any New Preferred
Shares held by it or customers who are beneficial owners will be treated as a
beneficial owner's failure to submit to its Broker-Dealer an order in respect
of New Preferred Shares held by it. A Broker-Dealer may also submit orders to
the auction agent for its own account as an existing holder or potential
holder, provided it is not an affiliate of the Trust.
There are sufficient clearing bids in an auction if the number of shares
subject to bids submitted or deemed submitted to the auction agent by Broker-
Dealers for potential holders with rates or spreads equal to or lower than the
maximum applicable rate is at least equal to the number of New Preferred Shares
subject to sell orders submitted or deemed submitted to the auction agent by
Broker-Dealers for existing holders. If there are sufficient clearing bids, the
applicable rate for New Preferred Shares for the next succeeding dividend
period thereof will be the lowest rate specified in the submitted bids which,
taking into account such rate and all lower rates bid by Broker-Dealers as or
on behalf of existing holders and potential holders, would result in existing
holders and potential holders owning the New Preferred Shares available for
purchase in the auction.
If there are not sufficient clearing bids, the applicable rate for the next
dividend period will be the maximum applicable rate on the auction date. If
this happens, beneficial owners of New Preferred Shares that have submitted or
are deemed to have submitted sell orders may not be able to sell in the auction
all shares subject to such sell orders. If all of the outstanding New Preferred
Shares are the subject of submitted hold orders, then the dividend period
following the auction will automatically be the same length as the preceding
dividend period. The applicable rate for the next dividend period will then be:
. the higher of the 30-day "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate and the
Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate, multiplied by
. 1 minus the maximum marginal regular Federal individual or corporate
income tax rate (whichever is higher) then applicable to ordinary income
(or 90% of such rate if the Trust has provided notification to the
auction agent prior to the auction establishing the applicable rate that
net capital gains or other taxable income will be included in such
dividend on New Preferred Shares) on the date of the auction.
The "30-day 'AA' Composite Commercial Paper Rate" is the 30-day rate on
commercial paper issued by corporations whose bonds are rated AA by S&P as made
available by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or, if such rate is not made
available by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the arithmetical average of
such rates as quoted to the auction agent by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated or such other commercial paper dealer as may be appointed by
the Trust.
"Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate" means 90% of an
amount equal to the per annum rate payable on taxable bonds in order for such
rate, on an after-tax basis, to equal the per annum rate payable on tax-exempt
bonds issued by "high grade" issuers as determined in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the Certificate of Designation.
The auction procedures include a pro rata allocation of shares for purchase
and sale, which may result in an existing holder continuing to hold or selling,
or a potential holder purchasing, a number of New Preferred Shares that is
different than the number of shares specified in its order. To the extent the
allocation procedures have that result, Broker-Dealers that have designated
themselves as existing holders or potential holders in respect of customer
orders will be required to make appropriate pro rata allocations among their
respective customers.
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Settlement of purchases and sales will be made on the next business day
(which is also a dividend payment date) after the auction date through DTC.
Purchasers will make payment through their Agent Members in same-day funds to
DTC against delivery to their respective Agent Members. DTC will make payment
to the sellers' Agent Members in accordance with DTC's normal procedures, which
now provide for payment against delivery by their Agent Members in same-day
funds.
The auctions for New Preferred Shares will normally be held every Thursday,
and each subsequent dividend period will normally begin on the following
Friday.
Whenever the Trust intends to include any net capital gains or other income
taxable for Federal income tax purposes in any dividend on New Preferred
Shares, the Trust will, in the case of a dividend period of 28 days or less,
and may, in the case of a dividend period of 35 days or more, notify the
auction agent of the amount to be so included not later than the dividend
payment date before the auction date. Whenever the auction agent receives such
notice from the Trust, it will be required in turn to notify each Broker-
Dealer, who, on or prior to such auction date, will be required to notify its
customers who are beneficial owners and potential holders believed by it to be
interested in submitting an order in the auction to be held on such auction
date. In the event of such notice, the Trust will not be required to pay an
Additional Dividend with respect to such dividend.
Secondary Market Trading and Transfer of New Preferred Shares
The Broker-Dealers are expected to maintain a secondary trading market in
New Preferred Shares outside of auctions, but are not obligated to do so, and
may discontinue such activity at any time. There can be no assurance that any
secondary trading market in New Preferred Shares will provide owners with
liquidity of investment. The New Preferred Shares are not registered on any
stock exchange or on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Investors who purchase shares in
an auction for a special dividend period in which the Bid Requirements, if any,
do not require a bid to specify a spread, should note that because the dividend
rate on such shares will be fixed for the length of such dividend period, the
value of the shares may fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates and
may be more or less than their original cost if sold on the open market in
advance of the next auction. Investors who purchase shares in an auction for a
special dividend period in which the Bid Requirements require a bid to specify
a spread should be aware that the value of their shares may also fluctuate and
may be more or less than their original cost if sold on the open market in
advance of the next auction, particularly if market spreads narrow or widen in
a manner unfavorable to such purchaser's position.
A beneficial owner or an existing holder may sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of New Preferred Shares only in whole shares and only:
. pursuant to a bid or sell order placed with the auction agent in
accordance with the auction procedures;
. to a Broker-Dealer; or
. to such other persons as may be permitted by the Trust;
provided, however, that
. a sale, transfer or other disposition of New Preferred Shares from a
customer of a Broker-Dealer who is listed on the records of that Broker-
Dealer as the holder of such shares to that Broker-Dealer or another
customer of that Broker-Dealer shall not be deemed to be a sale,
transfer or other disposition if such Broker-Dealer remains the existing
holder of the shares; and
. in the case of all transfers other than pursuant to auctions, the
Broker-Dealer (or other person, if permitted by the Trust) to whom such
transfer is made will advise the auction agent of such transfer.
33
<PAGE>
TAXES
Federal Income Tax Matters
The Trust has qualified and elected, and intends to continue to qualify, as
a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended, and intends to distribute at least 90% of its net
investment income (including taxable income, tax-exempt interest income and net
short-term capital gain, but not net capital gain, which is the excess of net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) and substantially all
of its net capital gain to its shareholders. The Trust will not be subject to
Federal income tax on any net investment income and net capital gain that it
distributes to its shareholders, but will be subject to Federal income tax at
the regular corporate income tax rate on any net investment income (other than
net tax-exempt interest income) that it retains.
The Trust expects that substantially all of the Trust's dividends to the
common shareholders and preferred shareholders will qualify as "exempt-interest
dividends." A shareholder treats an exempt-interest dividend as interest on
state and local bonds which is exempt from regular Federal income tax. Some or
all of an exempt-interest dividend, however, may be subject to Federal
alternative minimum tax imposed on the shareholder. Different Federal
alternative minimum tax rules apply to individuals and to corporations. In
addition to exempt-interest dividends, the Trust also may distribute to its
shareholders amounts that are treated as long-term capital gain or ordinary
income. The Trust will allocate distributions to shareholders that are treated
as tax-exempt interest and as long-term capital gain and ordinary income, if
any, proportionately among the common shares and Preferred Shares, including
the New Preferred Shares. The Trust will, in the case of a dividend period of
28 days or less, and may, in the case of a dividend period of 35 days or more,
notify holders of Preferred Shares, including New Preferred Shares, in advance
if it will allocate income to them that is not exempt from regular Federal
income tax. In certain circumstances the Trust will make payments to such
shareholders to offset the tax effects of the taxable distribution. See
"Description of New Preferred Shares--Dividends and Dividend Periods--
Additional Dividends."
The sale or other disposition of common shares or Preferred Shares of the
Trust will normally result in capital gain or loss to shareholders. Present law
taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the rates
applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, under current law
short-term capital gains and ordinary income will be taxed at a maximum rate of
39.6%, while long-term capital gains will generally be taxed at a maximum rate
of 20%. Because of certain limitations on itemized deductions and the deduction
for personal exemptions applicable to higher income taxpayers, the effective
rate of tax may be higher in certain circumstances. Losses realized by a
shareholder on the sale or exchange of shares of the Trust held for six months
or less are disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends received
with respect to such shares, and, if not disallowed, such losses are treated as
long-term capital losses to the extent of any distribution of net capital gain
received with respect to such shares. A shareholder's holding period is
suspended for any periods during which the shareholder's risk of loss is
diminished as a result of holding one or more other positions in substantially
similar or related property, or through certain options or short sales. Any
loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Trust will be disallowed
to the extent those shares of the Trust are replaced by other shares within a
period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of
disposition of the original shares. In that event, the basis of the replacement
shares of the Trust will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
The statement of additional information contains a more detailed summary of
the Federal income tax rules that apply to the Trust and its shareholders.
Legislative, judicial or administrative action may change the tax rules that
apply to the Trust or its shareholders, and any such change may be retroactive.
You should consult with your tax advisor about Federal income tax matters.
34
<PAGE>
Florida Tax Matters
The following Florida tax discussion is based on the advice of Squire,
Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P., special counsel to the Trust for Florida tax matters.
Under existing Florida law, shares of the Trust will not be subject to the
Florida intangible personal property tax for any year if, on the last business
day of the previous calendar year, at least 90% of the net asset value of the
Trust's portfolio consisted of (1) notes, bonds and other obligations issued by
the Sate of Florida or its municipalities, counties, and other taxing
districts, or by the United States Government and its agencies, or by the
governments of Puerto Rico, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands, or (2) other
intangible personal property exempt from the Florida intangible personal
property tax. (For this purpose, obligations issued by a nonprofit corporation
formed under the general nonprofit corporation law of a state are not exempt
from the Florida intangible personal property tax even if they are considered
for federal income tax purposes to be obligations issued "on behalf of" a
governmental unit the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax.)
Shares of the Trust will generally be subject to the Florida intangible
personal property tax for any year if, on the last business day of the previous
calendar year, less than 90% of the net asset value of the Trust's portfolio is
invested in assets that are exempt from the Florida intangible property tax.
The State of Florida and its political subdivisions do not impose income
taxes on individuals, and therefore individual shareholders of the Trust will
not be subject to a Florida income tax on distributions from the Trust or on
gain from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Trust.
Corporations (and certain other entities treated as corporations under the
Florida Income Tax Code) that are subject to the Florida income tax will be
taxable on distributions from the Trust and on gain from the sale or other
disposition of shares of the Trust to the extent such income or gain is
allocated or apportioned to Florida. Accordingly, investment in shares of the
Trust may not be appropriate for such corporations.
The transfer of shares of the Trust will not be subject to the Florida
documentary stamp tax. Shares of the Trust will be included in assets subject
to Florida estate tax.
Under current Florida tax law, the Florida intangible personal property tax
rate is $1.50 per $1,000 of taxable intangible property. Shareholders subject
to taxation in a state other than Florida may realize a lower after-tax rate of
return than Florida shareholders if the dividends distributed by the Trust are
not exempt from taxation in such other state.
The state tax discussion set forth above is for general information only.
Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
specific state tax consequences of holding and disposing of shares, as well as
the effects of Federal, local and foreign tax law and any proposed tax law
changes.
REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES
Shares of closed-end investment companies often trade at a discount to their
net asset values, and the Trust's common shares may also trade at a discount to
their net asset value. The market price of the Trust's common shares will be
determined by such factors as relative demand for and supply of such common
shares in the market, the Trust's net asset value, general market and economic
conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Trust. Although the
Trust's common shareholders will not have the right to have the Trust redeem
their common shares, the Trust may take action to repurchase common shares in
the open market or make tender offers for its common shares at their net asset
value. This may, but will not necessarily, have the effect of reducing any
market discount from net asset value. See "Repurchase of Common Shares" in the
statement of additional information.
35
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The Trust's Declaration of Trust authorizes issuance of an unlimited number
of full and fractional common shares of beneficial interest and up to
100,000,000 shares of beneficial interest with preference rights, including the
Preferred Shares, having a par value of $0.01 per share in one or more series,
with rights as determined by the board of trustees, by action of the board of
trustees without the approval of shareholders. Shareholders have no pre-emptive
right to purchase any such preferred shares.
Common Shares
Each common share represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets
of the Trust with each other common share of the Trust, and is entitled to one
vote on any matter for which common shares of beneficial interest are entitled
to vote under applicable law. The Declaration of Trust provides that
shareholders are not liable for any liabilities of the Trust, requires
inclusion of a clause to that effect in every agreement entered into by the
Trust and indemnifies shareholders against any such liability. Although
shareholders of an unincorporated business trust established under
Massachusetts law may, in certain limited circumstances, be held personally
liable for the obligations of the Trust as though they were general partners,
the provisions of the Declaration of Trust described in the foregoing sentence
make the likelihood of such personal liability remote.
The Trust's Declaration of Trust provides that the Trust will terminate on
December 31, 2008, without shareholder approval. In connection with such
termination, the Trust will liquidate all of its assets and distribute to
holders of outstanding common shares the net proceeds from such liquidation
after making appropriate provision for any liabilities of the Trust and the
payment of any liquidation preferences and accumulated but unpaid dividends on
any outstanding preferred shares of beneficial interest. Prior to such
termination, however, the board of trustees of the Trust will consider whether
it is in the best interests of shareholders to terminate and liquidate the
Trust on December 31, 2008 without shareholder approval notwithstanding the
foregoing provision of the Declaration of Trust. In considering this matter,
the board of trustees will take into account, among other factors, the adverse
effect which capital losses realized upon disposition of securities in
connection with liquidation (if any such losses are anticipated) would have on
the Trust and its shareholders. In the event that the board of trustees
determines that under the circumstances, termination and liquidation of the
Trust on December 31, 2008 without a shareholder vote would not be in the best
interests of shareholders, the board of trustees will call a special meeting of
shareholders to consider an appropriate amendment to the Trust's Declaration of
Trust. The Trust's Declaration of Trust would require the affirmative vote of
the holders of at least 75% of outstanding shares of beneficial interest to
approve such an amendment. The foregoing provisions of the Trust's Declaration
of Trust are governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and not
the 1940 Act.
The Trust's shares of beneficial interest are or, when issued will be, fully
paid and, subject to the foregoing discussion of shareholder liability for
Massachusetts business trusts, nonassessable. All common shares of beneficial
interest are equal as to dividends, assets and voting privileges and have no
conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights. Shareholders are entitled
to one vote per share of beneficial interest and do not have cumulative voting
rights.
The Trust has no present intention of offering any additional shares other
than New Preferred Shares as described herein. Any additional offerings of
shares of beneficial interest, if made, will require approval by the Trust's
board of trustees. Any additional offering of common shares will be subject to
the requirements of the 1940 Act that common shares may not be issued at a
price below the then current net asset value (exclusive of underwriting
discounts and commissions) except in connection with an offering to existing
shareholders or with the consent of a majority of the Trust's common
shareholders.
So long as any New Preferred Shares or any other preferred shares of the
Trust are outstanding, holders of common shares of the Trust will not be
entitled to receive any net income of or other distributions from the
36
<PAGE>
Trust unless all accumulated dividends on outstanding preferred shares
(including the New Preferred Shares) have been paid, and unless asset coverage
(as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to such preferred shares would be at
least 200% after giving effect to such distributions. See "Description of New
Preferred Shares-- Dividends and Dividend Periods" for other restrictions on
dividends to holders of common shares which will be applicable for so long as
any preferred shares of the Trust are outstanding.
The common shares have traded on the New York Stock Exchange since September
18, 1992 under the symbol BRF.
At February 4, 2000, there were 8,707,093 common shares of the Trust issued
and outstanding, and the net asset value per common share was $15.47 and the
closing price per common share on the New York Stock Exchange was $14.500.
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest
Under the Certificate of Designation, the Trust is authorized to issue an
aggregate of 3,366 Preferred Shares. Under the 1940 Act, the Trust is permitted
to have outstanding more than one series of preferred shares so long as no
single series has a priority over another series as to the distribution of
assets of the Trust or the payment of dividends. Holders of common shares and
outstanding Preferred Shares of the Trust have no preemptive right to purchase
any preferred shares (including the New Preferred Shares) that might be issued.
It is anticipated that the net asset value per share of the New Preferred
Shares will equal its original purchase price per share plus accrued dividends
per share. See "Description of New Preferred Shares" for a description of the
rights, preferences, privileges and other terms of the New Preferred Shares.
Antitakeover Provisions of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
The Trust presently has provisions in its Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
(commonly referred to as "antitakeover" provisions) which may have the effect
of limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the
Trust, to cause it to engage in certain transactions or to modify its
structure.
First, a trustee may be removed from office by a vote of at least 75% of the
outstanding shares of the class or classes of shares of beneficial interest
that elected such Trustee. Second, the affirmative vote of a majority of the
trustees and of a majority of each class of the Trust's "outstanding voting
securities" as that term is defined in the 1940 Act will be required to
authorize the Trust's conversion from a closed-end to an open-end investment
company, which conversion would result in delisting of the common shares from
the NYSE. Conversion to an open-end investment company would require redemption
of all outstanding preferred shares of the Trust. Third, the board of trustees
is classified into three classes, each with a term of three years with only one
class of trustees standing for election in any year. Such classification may
prevent replacement of a majority of the trustees for up to a two year period.
The affirmative vote of at least 75% of each class of shares of beneficial
interest will be required to amend the Declaration of Trust to change any of
the foregoing provisions (other than the provision regarding the classification
and term of the board of trustees, which requires a majority vote of each class
of the shares of beneficial interest).
In addition, the Declaration of Trust requires the favorable vote of the
holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the
Trust, voting as a class, then entitled to vote to approve, adopt or authorize
certain transactions with 5%-or-greater holders of such shares and their
associates, unless the board or trustees shall by resolution have approved a
memorandum of understanding with such holders, in which case normal voting
requirements would be in effect. For the purposes of these provisions, a 5%-or-
greater holder of shares of beneficial interest (a "Principal Shareholder")
refers to any person who, whether directly or indirectly and whether alone or
together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owns 5% or more of
the outstanding shares of any class of beneficial interest of the Trust. The
transactions subject to these special approval requirements are: (i) the merger
or consolidation of the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust with or into any
Principal Shareholder; (ii) the issuance of any securities of the Trust to any
Principal Shareholder for
37
<PAGE>
cash (except pursuant to the Trust's Dividend Reinvestment Plan); (iii) the
sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the
Trust to any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair
market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purpose of such
computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar
transactions within a twelve-month period); (iv) the sale, lease or exchange to
the Trust or any subsidiary thereof, in exchange for securities of the Trust,
of any assets of any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate
fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purpose of such
computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar
transactions within a twelve-month period). The affirmative vote of at least
75% of each class of the shares of beneficial interest is required to amend the
Declaration of Trust to change any of the foregoing provisions.
The percentage of votes required under these provisions, which are greater
than the minimum requirements under Massachusetts law absent the elections
described above or in the 1940 Act, will make more difficult a change in the
Trust's business or management and may have the effect of depriving holders of
common shares of an opportunity to sell shares at a premium over prevailing
market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of
the Trust in a tender offer or similar transaction. The Trust's board of
trustees, however, has considered these antitakeover provisions and believes
they are in the best interests of shareholders.
CUSTODIAN
The Trust's securities and cash are held under a Custodial Agreement with
State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian"), 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, Massachusetts.
38
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement dated the
date hereof, each underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase, and
the Trust has agreed to sell to such underwriter, the number of New Preferred
Shares set forth opposite the name of such underwriter.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of
Series R7
Name Preferred Shares
---- ----------------
<S> <C>
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. ..................................
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated....................................
PaineWebber Incorporated....................................
Prudential Securities Incorporated..........................
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. ..................................
Goldman, Sachs & Co. .......................................
-------
Total..................................................... 726
=======
</TABLE>
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters
to purchase the shares included in this offering are subject to the approval of
certain legal matters by counsel and to certain other conditions. The
underwriters are obligated to purchase all the New Preferred Shares if they
purchase any of the shares. In the underwriting agreement, the Trust and the
Advisor have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities,
including liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, or to
contribute payments the underwriters may be required to make for any of those
liabilities.
The underwriters propose to initially offer some of the New Preferred Shares
directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page
of this prospectus and some of the New Preferred Shares to certain dealers at
the public offering price less a concession not in excess of $ per share.
The sales load the Trust will pay of per share is equal to % of the
initial offering price. The underwriters may allow, and such dealers may
reallow, a concession not in excess of $ per share on sales to certain other
dealers. After the initial public offering, the underwriters may change the
public offering price and the concession. Investors must pay for any New
Preferred Shares purchased in the initial public offering on or before ,
2000.
The Trust anticipates that the underwriters may from time to time act as
brokers or dealers in executing the Trust's portfolio transactions after they
have ceased to be underwriters. The underwriters are active underwriters of,
and dealers in, securities and act as market makers in a number of such
securities, and therefore can be expected to engage in portfolio transactions
with the Trust.
The Trust anticipates that the underwriters or their respective affiliates
may, from time to time, act in auctions as Broker-Dealers and receive fees as
set forth under "The Auction." Each of the underwriters engages in transactions
with, and perform services for, the Trust in the ordinary course of business.
TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND
DISBURSING AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and registrar for the New
Preferred Shares will be Deutsche Bank Group, 4 Albany Street, New York, New
York. The transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and registrar for the
common shares of the Trust is State Street Bank and Trust Company.
39
<PAGE>
LEGAL OPINIONS
Certain legal matters in connection with the New Preferred Shares offered
hereby will be passed upon for the Trust by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom LLP, New York, New York and for the Underwriters by Simpson Thacher &
Bartlett, New York, New York. Such counsel will rely, as to matters of Florida
law, on the opinion of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P., Jacksonville, Florida.
EXPERTS
The data in the "Financial Highlights" section of this prospectus are based
upon financial statements that have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, Two
World Center, New York, New York, independent auditors, as indicated in their
reports with respect thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein in
reliance on their reports given on their authority as experts in auditing and
accounting.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The Trust sends unaudited semiannual reports and audited annual reports,
including a list of investments held, to shareholders.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Trust is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and the 1940 Act and in accordance therewith is required
to file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Any such
reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at
the public reference facilities of the SEC, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and the SEC's New York Regional Office, Seven
World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048 and its Chicago Regional Office,
Suite 1400, Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60661. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the
Trust can also be inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New
York, New York 10005.
Additional information regarding the Trust and the New Preferred Shares is
contained in the Registration Statement on Form N-2, including amendments,
exhibits and schedules thereto, relating to such shares filed by the Trust with
the SEC. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in
the Registration Statement, including any amendments, exhibits and schedules
thereto. For further information with respect to the Trust and the shares
offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement. Statements
contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other
document referred to are not necessarily complete and in each instance
reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in
all respects by such reference.
A copy of the Registration Statement may be inspected without charge at the
SEC's principal office in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or any part
thereof may be obtained from the SEC upon the payment of certain fees
prescribed by the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that
contains the Registration Statement, other documents incorporated by reference,
and other information the Trust has filed electronically with the SEC,
including proxy statements and reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.
40
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies.................................... S-2
Description of Florida Municipal Obligations......................... S-3
Investment Restrictions.............................................. S-4
Investment Policies and Techniques................................... S-5
Management of the Trust.............................................. S-8
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage................................. S-13
Additional Information Concerning the Auctions for New Preferred
Shares............................................................. S-14
Repurchase of Common Shares.......................................... S-15
Tax Matters.......................................................... S-17
Financial Statements................................................. S-20
Additional Information............................................... S-20
Appendix A--General Characteristics and Risks of Hedging
Transactions....................................................... A-1
Appendix B--Insurance Ratings........................................ B-1
Appendix C-1--Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation........ C-1-1
Appendix C-2--Form of Certificate of Designation..................... C-2-1
</TABLE>
41
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD TABLE
The table below gives the approximate yield a security must earn at various
income brackets to produce after-tax yields equivalent to those of tax-exempt
bonds yielding from 3.00% to 5.00% under the regular Federal income tax law and
tax rates applicable to individuals for 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Marginal
Income Tax exempt yield of:
(Taxable Income*)
- ----------------------------------- Tax 3.00% 3.50% 4.00% 4.50% 5.00%
Single Return Joint Return Bracket is equivalent to a fully taxable yield of:
- ---------------- ----------------- -------- ------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Up to $26,250 Up to $43,850 15.00% 3.53% 4.12% 4.71% 5.29% 5.88%
$26,251-$63,550 $43,851-$105,950 28.00 4.17 4.86 5.56 6.25 6.94
$63,551-$132,600 $105,951-$161,450 31.00 4.35 5.07 5.80 6.52 7.25
$132,601-$28,350 $161,451-$288,350 36.00 4.69 5.47 6.25 7.03 7.81
Over $288,350 Over $288,350 39.60 4.97 5.79 6.62 7.45 8.28
</TABLE>
- --------
* Net amount subject to Federal personal income tax after deductions and
exemptions.
The above indicated Federal income tax brackets do not take into account the
effect of a reduction in the deductibility of itemized deductions for
individual taxpayers with adjusted gross income in excess of $128,950. The tax
brackets also do not show the effects of phaseout of personal exemptions for
single filers with adjusted gross income in excess of $128,950 and joint filers
with adjusted gross income in excess of $193,400. The effective tax brackets
and equivalent taxable yields of those taxpayers will be higher than those
indicated above. The table above does not reflect the effects of the Florida
intangible personal property tax.
Yields shown are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to
represent the Trust's actual yield. No assurance can be given that the Trust
will achieve any specific tax-exempt yield. While it is expected that the Trust
will invest principally in obligations the interest from which is exempt from
the regular Federal income tax, other income received by the Trust may be
taxable. The table does not take into account state or local taxes, if any,
payable on Trust distributions. It should also be noted that the interest
earned on certain "private activity bonds," while exempt from the regular
Federal income tax, is treated as a tax preference item which could subject the
recipient to the Federal alternative minimum tax. The illustrations assume that
the Federal alternative minimum tax is not applicable and do not take into
account any tax credits that may be available.
The information set forth above is as of the date of this prospectus.
Subsequent tax law changes could result in prospective or retroactive changes
in the tax brackets, tax rates, and tax-equivalent yields set forth above.
Investors should consult their tax advisor for additional information.
A-1
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$18,150,000
The BlackRock
Florida Insured Municipal
2008 Term Trust
Auction Rate Municipal Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest
726 Shares, Series R7
----------------
PROSPECTUS
March , 2000
----------------
Salomon Smith Barney
Merrill Lynch & Co.
PaineWebber Incorporated
Prudential Securities
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ The information in this statement of additional information is not +
+ complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the +
+ Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission +
+ is effective. This statement of additional information is not an offer to +
+ sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these +
+ securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED March 3, 2000
THE BLACKROCK FLORIDA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust (the "Trust") is a
closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. This statement of
additional information relating to New Preferred Shares does not constitute a
prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the prospectus relating
hereto dated ________ __, 2000. This statement of additional information does
not include all information that a prospective investor should consider before
purchasing New Preferred Shares, and investors should obtain and read the
prospectus prior to purchasing such shares. A copy of the prospectus may be
obtained without charge by calling (888) 825-2257. You may also obtain a copy of
the prospectus on the Securities and Exchange Commission's web site
(http://www.sec.gov). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this statement
of additional information have the meanings given to them in the prospectus or
the Certificate of Designation and the amendments thereto attached to this
Statement of Additional Information as Appendices C-1and C-2.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
-----
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies......................................... S-2
Description of Florida Municipal Obligations.............................. S-3
Investment Restrictions................................................... S-4
Investment Policies and Techniques........................................ S-5
Management of the Trust................................................... S-8
Portfolio Transactions And Brokerage...................................... S-13
Additional Information Concerning the Auctions for New Preferred Shares... S-14
Repurchase of Common Shares............................................... S-15
Tax Matters............................................................... S-17
Financial Statements...................................................... S-20
Additional Information.................................................... S-20
Appendix A - General Characteristics and Risks of Hedging Transactions.... A-1
Appendix B - Insurance Ratings............................................ B-1
Appendix C-1 - Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation............ C-1-1
Appendix C-2 - Form of Certificate of Designation......................... C-2-1
</TABLE>
This statement of additional information is dated _______ __ ,2000.
S-1
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The Trust has not established any limit on the percentage of its portfolio
that may be invested in municipal obligations subject to the alternative minimum
tax provisions of Federal tax law. New Preferred Shares may not be a suitable
investment for investors who are subject to the Federal alternative minimum tax
or who would become subject to such tax by purchasing New Preferred Shares. The
suitability of an investment in New Preferred Shares will depend upon a
comparison of the after-tax yield likely to be provided from the Trust with that
from comparable tax-exempt investments not subject to the alternative minimum
tax, and from comparable fully taxable investments, in light of each such
investor's tax position. Special considerations apply to corporate investors.
See "Tax Matters."
The types of Florida municipal obligations in which the Trust may invest
include general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, municipal lease obligations,
installment purchase contract obligations, variable and floating rate
obligations, zero coupon securities, tax-exempt notes and municipal commercial
paper.
The two principal classifications of Florida municipal obligations are
"general obligation" bonds and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are
secured by the issuer's pledge of its full 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 excise tax or other specific revenue
source. Industrial development, private activity and pollution control bonds are
in most cases revenue bonds and do not generally constitute the pledge of the
credit or taxing power of the issuer of such bonds. There are, of course,
depending on numerous factors, variations in the quality of Florida municipal
obligations both within a particular classification and between classifications.
Also included within the general category of Florida municipal obligations
are certain lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations and
participations therein (hereinafter collectively called "lease obligations") of
municipal authorities or entities. Although lease obligations do not constitute
general obligations of the municipality for which the municipality's taxing
power is pledged, a lease obligation is ordinarily backed by the municipality's
covenant to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the lease
obligation. Interest on lease obligations is tax-exempt to the same extent as if
the municipality had issued debt obligations to finance the underlying project
or purchase. However, certain lease obligations contain "non-appropriation"
clauses which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or
installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for
such purpose on a yearly basis. In addition to the "non-appropriation" risk,
these securities represent a relatively new type of financing that has not yet
developed the depth of marketability associated with more conventional bonds and
some lease obligations may be illiquid. Although "non-appropriation" lease
obligations are generally secured by the leased property, disposition of the
property in the event of foreclosure might prove difficult. In addition, the tax
treatment of such obligations in the event of non-appropriation is unclear. The
Trust does not intend to invest more than 10% of its total assets in lease
obligations that contain "non-appropriation" clauses.
Certain Florida municipal obligations may carry variable or floating rates
of interest whereby the rate of interest is not fixed but varies with changes in
specified market rates or indices, such as a bank prime rate or a tax-exempt
money market index. Accordingly, the yield on such obligations can be expected
to fluctuate with changes in prevailing interest rates.
Other Florida municipal obligations include zero coupon securities, which
are debt obligations that do not entitle the holder to any periodic payments
prior to maturity and are issued and traded at a discount from their face
amounts. The discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity,
prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and perceived credit
quality of the issuer. Zero coupon Florida municipal obligations may be created
by investment banks under proprietary programs in which they strip the interest
component from the principal component and sell both separately. The market
prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market
prices of securities that pay interest periodically and are likely to respond to
changes in interest rates to a greater degree than do securities having similar
maturities and credit quality that do pay periodic interest.
The term Florida municipal obligations also includes obligations, such as
tax-exempt notes, municipal commercial paper and municipal lease obligations,
having relatively short-term maturities, although, as noted above, the Trust
intends to invest its assets in a portfolio of Florida municipal obligations
which will have an average final
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maturity on or about the Trust's termination date of December 31, 2008, except
in temporary defensive situations in which case investments in short-term assets
may be increased.
DESCRIPTION OF FLORIDA MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
Special Considerations Regarding Florida Municipal Obligations
General. As described in the Prospectus, except during temporary periods,
the Trust will invest substantially all of its assets in Florida municipal
obligations. The Trust is therefore susceptible to political, economic,
regulatory or other factors affecting issuers of Florida municipal obligations.
In addition, the specific Florida municipal obligations in which the Trust will
invest are expected to change from time to time. The following information
constitutes only a brief summary of some of the complex factors which may have
an impact on the financial situation of issuers of Florida municipal obligations
and does not purport to be a complete or exhaustive description of all adverse
conditions to which issuers of Florida municipal obligations may be subject and
is not applicable to "conduit" obligations, such as industrial development
revenue bonds, with respect to which the public issuer itself has no financial
responsibility. Such information is derived from certain official statements of
the State of Florida published in connection with the issuance of specific State
of Florida obligations, as well as from other publicly available documents. Such
information has not been independently verified by the Trust and may not apply
to all Florida municipal obligations acquired by the Trust. The Trust assumes no
responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of such information.
Additionally, many factors, including national, economic, social and
environmental policies and conditions, which are not within the control of such
issuers, could have an adverse impact on the financial condition of such
issuers. The Trust cannot predict whether or to what extent such factors or
other factors may affect the issuers of Florida municipal obligations, the
market value or marketability of such obligations or the ability of the
respective issuers of such obligations acquired by the Trust to pay interest on
or principal of such obligations. The creditworthiness of obligations issued by
local Florida issuers may be unrelated to the creditworthiness of obligations
issued by the State of Florida, and there is no responsibility on the part of
the State of Florida to make payments on such local obligations. There may be
specific factors that are applicable in connection with investment in the
obligations of particular issuers located within Florida, and it is possible the
Trust will invest in obligations of particular issuers as to which such specific
factors are applicable. However, the information set forth below is intended
only as a general summary and not as a discussion of any specific factors that
may affect any particular issuer of Florida municipal obligations.
Florida state and local government obligations may be adversely affected by
political and economic conditions and developments within the State of Florida
and the nation as a whole. Florida's economic outlook is generally projected to
reflect the national economic outlook, and is expected to experience steady if
unspectacular growth over the next couple of years. The Florida constitution and
statutes require a balanced budget, which may affect the ability of the State of
Florida to issue and/or repay its obligations. In addition, various limitations
on the State of Florida, its governmental agencies and its local governments,
including school and special districts and authorities, may inhibit the ability
of these issuers to repay existing indebtedness and issue additional
indebtedness. The ability of such issuers to repay revenue bonds may also depend
on the success of the capital projects to which they relate. The ability of such
issuers to repay general obligation bonds will also depend on the success of
such issuer maintaining its ad valorem tax base.
Investment Practices and Policies of Issuers of Florida Municipal Issuers.
Florida law does provide certain restrictions on the investment of funds for the
State of Florida and its local governments; however, with respect to all
municipalities and its charter counties, such restrictions may be limited by the
constitutional home rule powers of such entities. Although the Florida municipal
obligations which may be purchased by the Trust will be insured, only those
obligations which are insured by Original Issuance Insurance will contain
restrictions on investments improved by the issuer of such insurance. Because
statutory restrictions on investments and investment policies with respect to
the investment of funds is limited by constitutional home rule powers, there can
be no assurance as to whether any issuer will suffer losses as a result of
investments or the magnitude or any such losses.
Population, Income and Employment. Florida has experienced a large
population growth. As of April 1, 1998, Florida ranks fourth with an estimated
population of 15 million. Since the beginning of the eighties, Florida has
surpassed Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania in total population. Because of the
national recession, Florida's net in-
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migration declined to 140,000 in 1992, but migration has since recovered and
reached 232,000 in 1998. The personal income of residents of Florida has been
growing strongly the last several years and generally has historically
outperformed both the nation as a whole and the southeast in particular. The
State's economy since the early seventies has diversified in such a way as to
provide a greater insulation from national economic downturns. The structure of
income of residents of Florida differs from that of the nation and the southeast
in that, due to a proportionately greater retirement age population, property
income (dividends, interest and rent) and transfer payments (Social Security and
pension benefits, among other sources of income) are an important source of
income.
Real personal income in Florida is estimated to increase at 4.5% and 3.6%
for 1999-00 and 2000-01 respectively, while real personal income per capita is
projected to grow 2.5% in 1990-00 and 1.6% in 2000-01.
Florida's economic dependence on the highly cyclical construction and
construction related industries has declined over time. The service and trade
sectors are Florida's largest employers. Presently, the State's service and
trade sectors employment constitutes in excess of 50% of the total non-farm
employment. While structurally the southeast and the nation are endowed with a
greater proportion of manufacturing jobs, which tend to pay higher wages,
service jobs are less sensitive to business cycle swings.
Historically, Florida's unemployment rate has generally tracked below that
of the nation; however, beginning with the recession in the early 1990's, the
trend reversed. Since 1995, the State's unemployment rate has again been below
or about the same as the nation's. The unemployment rate for Florida in 1999 was
4.0% while the nation's rate in 1999 was 4.2%. Florida's unemployment rate is
expected to be 4.3% for fiscal year 1999-00 and 4.5% in 2001-02.
Tourism Industry. Tourism is one of Florida's most important industries.
Approximately 48.7 million people visited the State in 1998. By the end of
fiscal year 1990-00, 51.2 million domestic and international tourists are
estimated to have visited the State. In 2000-01 tourist arrivals should
approximate 52.6 million.
State Financial Operations. Financial operations of the State covering all
receipts and expenditures are maintained through the use of four funds --the
General Revenue Fund, Trust Funds, the Working Capital Fund, and the Budget
Stabilization Fund. In fiscal year 1998-99, the State derived an estimated 67%
of its total direct revenues to these funds from state taxes and fees. Federal
funds and other special revenues accounted for the remaining revenues. Major
sources of tax revenues to the General Revenue Fund are the sales and use tax,
corporate income tax, intangible personal property tax, beverage tax and estate
tax, which amounted to 70%, 8%, 4%, 3% and 4% respectively, of the total General
Revenue funds available. State expenditures are categorized for budget and
appropriation purposes by type of fund and spending unit, which are further
subdivided by line item. In fiscal year 1999-00, appropriations from the General
Revenue Fund for education, health and welfare, and public safety are expected
to amount to approximately 55%, 24% and 16%, respectively, to total General
Revenues.
The sales and use tax is the greatest single source of tax receipts in
Florida. The sales tax is 6% of the sales price of tangible personal property
sold at retail in the State. The use tax is at 6% of the cost price of tangible
personal property when the same is not sold but is used, or stored for use, in
the State. Slightly less than 10% of the sales tax is designated for local
governments and is distributed to the respective counties in which collected for
use by the county and the municipalities therein. In addition to this
distribution, local governments may (be referendum) assess certain discretionary
sales surtaxes within their county, for certain purposes, restricted as to
amount. The proceeds of these surtaxes are required to be applied to the
purposes for which such surtax is assessed.
For the State fiscal year which ended June 30, 1999, receipts from the
sales and use tax were $13,918 million, an increase of 7.3% from fiscal year
1997-98.
The second largest source of State tax receipts, including those
distributed to local governments, is the tax on motor fuels. Preliminary data
show collections from this source in the State fiscal year ending June 30, 1999
were $2,215.7 million. However, these revenues are almost entirely trust funds
dedicated for specific purposes and are not included in the State General
Revenue Fund. Alcoholic beverage tax and license revenues totalled $466.3
million in the State fiscal year ended June 30, 1999. The receipts of corporate
income tax for the State fiscal year ended June 30, 1999 were $1,472.2 million,
an increase of 5.5% over the prior fiscal year. In November 1986, the voters of
the State approved a constitutional amendment to allow the State to operate a
lottery, the proceeds of which are required to be applied as follows: 50% to be
returned to the public as prizes, at least 38% to be deposited in the
Educational
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Enhancement Trust (for public education), and no more than 12% to be spent on
the administrative cost of operating the lottery. State fiscal year 1998-99
produced gross revenues of $2.11 billion of which education received
approximately $802.9 million.
The State Constitution does not permit a personal income tax. An amendment
to the State Constitution would be required to impose a personal income tax in
the State.
For fiscal year 1999-00, the estimated General Revenue plus Working Capital
and Budget Stabilization funds available total $20,455.9 million, a 4.4%
increase over 1998-99.
For fiscal year 2000-01, the estimated General Revenue plus Working Capital
and Budget Stabilization funds available total $21,253.4 million, a 3.9%
increase over 1999-00. The $19,454.7 million in Estimated Revenues represent a
4.6% increase over the analogous figure in 1999-00.
Local Government Revenue Sources. County and municipal governments in
Florida depend primarily upon ad valorem property taxes, and sales, motor fuels
and other local excise taxes and miscellaneous revenue sources, including
revenues from utilities services. Florida school districts derive substantially
all of their revenues from local property taxes. The overall levels of revenues
from these sources is in part dependent upon the local, state and national
economy. Local government obligations held by the Trust may constitute general
obligations or may be special obligations payable solely from one or more
specified revenue sources. The ability of the local governments to repay their
obligations on a timely basis will be dependent upon the continued strength of
the revenues pledged and of the overall fiscal status of the local government.
State Constitutional Amendment Limiting State Revenues. An amendment to the
Constitution of the State of Florida was approved by the voters of the State of
Florida at the November 1994 general election. This amendment limits the amount
of taxes, fees, licenses and charges imposed by the State Legislature and
collected during any fiscal year to the amount of revenues allowed for the prior
fiscal year, plus an adjustment for growth. Growth is defined as the amount
equal to the average annual rate of growth in Florida personal income over the
most recent twenty quarters times the state revenues allowed for the prior
fiscal year. The revenues allowed for any fiscal year could be increased by a
two-thirds vote of the Legislature. The limit was effective in the fiscal year
1995-1996. Excess revenues generated will initially be deposited in the budget
stabilization fund until it is fully funded; any additional excess revenues will
then be refunded to taxpayers. This amendment could limit the amount of actual
revenues from which the State of Florida could appropriate funds, including
funds appropriated to local governments. It is unclear at this point what
effect, if any, this amendment would have on local government debt obligations
payable from state revenues which may be subject to this amendment, such as
state revenue sharing moneys or other state revenues distributed to local
governments. Certain State of Florida debt obligations, which are not by their
terms subject to appropriation, should not be affected, depending upon the
language of the legislation authorizing the issuance of such obligations.
Other Factors. Florida will continue to face enormous spending pressures
well into the future. The large number of elderly residents will continue to
demand health services, an area where cost escalation is significant, and the
constant influx of people to Florida will continue to place sizable pressure on
the State for infrastructure needs.
The value of Florida municipal instruments may also be affected by general
conditions in the money markets or the municipal bond markets, the levels of
federal income tax rates, the supply of tax-exempt bonds, the credit quality and
rating of the issues and perceptions with respect to the level of interest
rates.
There can be no assurance that there will not be a decline in economic
conditions or that particular Florida municipal obligations in the portfolio of
the Trust will not be adversely affected by any such changes.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Trust's investment objective and the following investment restrictions
are fundamental and cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a
majority of the Trust's outstanding voting securities (defined in the 1940 Act
as the lesser of (a) more than 50% of the outstanding shares (including common
shares, New Preferred Shares and any other outstanding preferred shares) or (b)
67% or more of the shares (including common shares and New
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Preferred Shares and any other outstanding preferred shares) represented at a
meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares (including common
shares and New Preferred Shares and any other outstanding preferred shares) are
represented) and the approval of the holders of a majority of New Preferred
Shares and any other outstanding preferred shares voting separately as a class.
All other investment policies or practices are considered by the Trust not to be
fundamental and accordingly may be changed without shareholder approval. If a
percentage restriction on investment or use of assets set forth below is adhered
to at a time a transaction is effected, later changes in the percentage
resulting from changing market values will not be considered a deviation from
policy. The Trust may not:
(1) invest 25% of more of the value of its total assets in any one
industry provided that such limitation shall not be applicable to Florida
municipal obligations other than those Florida municipal obligations backed
only by assets and revenues of non-governmental users;
(2) issue senior securities other than (a) preferred shares not in
excess of the excess of 50% of its total assets over any senior securities
described in clause (b) below that are outstanding, (b) senior securities
other than preferred shares of beneficial interest (including borrowing
money, including on margin if margin securities are owned and through
entering into reverse repurchase agreements) not in excess of 33 1/3% of
its total assets, and (c) borrowings up to 5% of its total assets for
temporary purposes without regard to the amount of senior securities
outstanding under clauses (a) and (b) above; provided, however, that the
Trust's obligations under interest rate swaps, when issued and forward
commitment transactions and similar transactions are not treated as senior
securities if covering assets are appropriately segregated; or pledge its
assets other than to secure such issuances or in connection with Hedging
Transactions, short sales, when-issued and forward commitment transactions
and similar investment strategies. For purposes of clauses (a), (b) and (c)
above, "total assets" shall be calculated after giving effect to the net
proceeds of any such issuance and net of any liabilities and indebtedness
that do not constitute senior securities except for such liabilities and
indebtedness as are excluded from treatment as senior securities by the
proviso to this item (2);
(3) make loans of money or property to any person, except through
loans of portfolio securities, the purchase of fixed income securities
consistent with the Trust's investment objective and policies or the
acquisition of securities subject to repurchase agreements;
(4) underwrite the securities of other issuers, except to the extent
that in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities or the sale
of its own shares the Trust may be deemed to be an underwriter;
(5) invest for the purpose of exercising control over any issuer,
except that the Trust may control a portfolio subsidiary;
(6) purchase or sell real estate or interests therein other than
municipal obligations secured by real estate or interests therein;
(7) purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts except for
purposes, and only to the extent, permitted by applicable law without the
Trust becoming subject to registration with the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission as a commodity pool; or
(8) make any short sale of securities except in conformity with
applicable laws, rules and regulations and unless, giving effect to such
sale, the market value of all securities sold short does not exceed 25% of
the value of the Trust's total assets and the Trust's aggregate short sales
of a particular class of securities does not exceed 25% of the then
outstanding securities of that class.
The Trust has no intention to file a voluntary application for relief under
Federal bankruptcy law of any similar application under state law for as long as
the Trust is solvent and does not foresee becoming insolvent.
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INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
The following information supplements the discussion of the Trust's
investment objective, policies and techniques that are described in the
prospectus.
Hedging Transactions
The following descriptions of types of hedging transactions in which the
Trust may engage supplements the information in the prospectus under the caption
"Other Investment Practices -- Hedging." For additional information, see
Appendix A "General Characteristics and Risks of Hedging Transactions."
Interest Rate Transactions. Among the Hedging Transactions into which the
Trust may enter are interest rate swaps and the purchase or sale of interest
rate caps and floors. The Trust expects to enter into these transactions
primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion
of its portfolio as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Trust anticipates purchasing at a later
date. The Trust intends to use these transactions as a hedge and not as a
speculative investment. The Trust will not sell interest rate caps or floors
that it does not own. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Trust with
another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g.,
an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a
notional amount of principal. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the
purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest
rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the
party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor
entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional
principal amount from the party selling such interest rate floor.
The Trust may enter into interest rate swaps, caps and floors on either an
asset-based or liability-based basis, depending on whether it is hedging its
assets or liabilities, and will usually enter into interest rate-swaps on a net
basis, i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Trust receiving or
paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments on the
payment dates. Inasmuch as these Hedging Transactions are entered into for good
faith hedging purposes, the Advisor and the Trust believe such obligations do
not constitute senior securities and, accordingly, will not treat them as being
subject to its borrowing restrictions. The Trust will accrue the net amount of
the excess, if any, of the Trust's obligations over its entitlements with
respect to each interest rate swap on a daily basis and will segregate with a
custodian an amount of cash or liquid securities having an aggregate net asset
value at least equal to the accrued excess. The Trust will not enter into any
interest rate swap, cap or floor transaction unless the unsecured senior debt or
the claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is rated in the highest
rating category of at least one nationally recognized rating organization at the
time of entering into such transaction. If there is a default by the other party
to such a transaction, the Trust will have contractual remedies pursuant to the
agreements related to the transaction. The swap market has grown substantially
in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting
both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. Caps
and floors are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation has
not yet been developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. In connection with its
hedging and other risk management strategies, the Trust may also enter into
contracts for the purchase or sale for future delivery ("futures contracts") of
debt securities, aggregates of debt securities, financial indices, and U.S.
Government debt securities or options on the foregoing to hedge the value of its
portfolio securities that might result from a change in interest rates or market
movements. The Trust will engage in such transactions only for bona fide
hedging, risk management and other appropriate portfolio management purposes, in
each case, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission.
Calls on Securities Indices and Futures Contracts. In order to enhance
income or reduce fluctuations in net asset value, the Trust may sell or purchase
call options ("calls") on Florida municipal obligations and indices based upon
the prices of debt securities that are traded on US. securities exchanges and in
the over-the-counter markets. A call option gives the purchaser of the option
the right to buy, and obligates the seller to sell, the underlying security,
futures contract or index at the exercise price at any time or at a specified
time during the option period. All such calls sold by the Trust must be
"covered" as long as the call is outstanding (i.e., the Trust must own the
instrument subject to the call or other securities or assets acceptable for
applicable segregation and coverage requirements). A call sold by the Trust
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exposes the Trust during the term of the option to possible loss of opportunity
to realize appreciation in the market price of the underlying security, index or
futures contract and may require the Trust to hold an instrument which it might
otherwise have sold. The purchase of a call gives the Trust the right to buy the
underlying instrument or index at a fixed price. Calls on futures contracts on
Florida municipal obligations written by the Trust must also be covered by
assets or instruments acceptable under applicable segregation and coverage
requirements.
Puts on Securities Indices and Futures Contracts. As with calls, the Trust
may purchase put options ("puts") on Florida municipal obligations (whether or
not it holds such securities in its portfolio). For the same purposes the Trust
may also sell puts on municipal obligations financial indices and puts on
futures contracts on municipal obligations if the Trust's contingent obligations
on such puts are secured by segregated assets consisting of cash or liquid high
grade debt securities having a value not less than the exercise price. The Trust
will not sell puts if, as a result, more than 50% of the Trust's assets would be
required to cover its potential obligation under its hedging and other
investment transactions. In selling puts, there is a risk that the Trust may be
required to buy the underlying instrument or index at higher than the current
market price.
The principal risks relating to the use of Hedging Transactions are: (i)
less than perfect correlation between the prices of the hedging instrument and
the market value of the securities in the Trust's portfolio; (ii) possible lack
of a liquid secondary market for closing out a position in such instruments;
(iii) losses resulting from interest rate or other market movements not
anticipated by the Advisor; and (iv) the obligation to meet additional variation
margin or other payment requirements. See Appendix A "General Characteristics
and Risks of Hedging Transactions."
Certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), may restrict or affect the ability of the Trust to engage in Hedging
Transactions. See "Tax Matters" and the prospectus.
Other Investment Policies and Techniques
Restricted and Illiquid Securities. Certain of the Trust's investments may
be illiquid. Illiquid securities are subject to legal or contractual
restrictions on disposition or lack an established secondary trading market. The
sale of restricted and illiquid securities often requires more time and results
in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than
does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities
exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at
a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on
resale.
Repurchase Agreements. The Trust may invest temporarily, without
limitation, in repurchase agreements, which are agreements pursuant to which
securities are acquired by the Trust from a third party with the understanding
that they will be repurchased by the seller at a fixed price on an agreed date.
These agreements may be made with respect to any of the portfolio securities in
which the Trust is authorized to invest. Repurchase agreements may be
characterized as loans secured by the underlying securities. The Trust may enter
into repurchase agreements with (i) member banks of the Federal Reserve System
having total assets in excess of $500 million and (ii) securities dealers,
provided that such banks or dealers meet the creditworthiness standards
established by the Trust's board of trustees ("Qualified Institutions"). The
Advisor will monitor the continued creditworthiness of Qualified Institutions,
subject to the supervision of the Trust's board of trustees. The resale price
reflects the purchase price plus an agreed upon market rate of interest which is
unrelated to the coupon rate or date of maturity of the purchased security. The
collateral is marked to market daily. Such agreements permit the Trust to keep
all its assets earning interest while retaining "overnight" flexibility in
pursuit of investments of a longer-term nature.
The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if
the seller of securities under a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation
to repurchase the underlying securities, as a result of its bankruptcy or
otherwise, the Trust will seek to dispose of such securities, which action could
involve costs or delays. If the seller becomes insolvent and subject to
liquidation or reorganization under applicable bankruptcy or other laws, the
Trust's ability to dispose of the underlying securities may be restricted.
Finally, it is possible that the Trust may not be able to substantiate its
interest in the underlying securities. To minimize this risk, the securities
underlying the repurchase agreement will be held by the custodian at all times
in an amount at least equal to the repurchase price, including accrued interest.
If the seller fails to repurchase the securities, the Trust may suffer a loss to
the extent proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities are less than the
repurchase price.
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Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Trust may enter into reverse repurchase
agreements with respect to its portfolio investments subject to the investment
restrictions set forth herein and in the prospectus. Reverse repurchase
agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Trust with an agreement by
the Trust to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price, date and
interest payment. At the time the Trust enters into a reverse repurchase
agreement, it may establish and maintain a segregated account with its custodian
containing liquid instruments having a value not less than the repurchase price
(including accrued interest). If the Trust establishes and maintains such a
segregated account, a reverse repurchase agreement will not be considered a
borrowing by the Trust; however, under circumstances in which the Trust does not
establish and maintain such a segregated account, such reverse repurchase
agreement will be considered a borrowing for the purpose of the Trust's
limitation on borrowings. The use by the Trust of reverse repurchase agreements
involves many of the same risks of leverage since the proceeds derived from such
reverse repurchase agreements may be invested in additional securities. Reverse
repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities
acquired in connection with the reverse repurchase agreement may decline below
the price of the securities the Trust has sold but is obligated to repurchase.
Also, reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of
the securities retained in lieu of sale by the Trust in connection with the
reverse repurchase agreement may decline in price.
If the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement files for
bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such buyer or its trustee or receiver may
receive an extension of time to determine whether to enforce the Trust's
obligation to repurchase the securities, and the Trust's use of the proceeds of
the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively be restricted pending such
decision. Also, the Trust would bear the risk of loss to the extent that the
proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement are less than the value of the
securities subject to such agreement.
When-Issued and Forward Commitment Securities. The Trust may purchase
Florida municipal obligations on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell
Florida municipal obligations on a "forward commitment" basis in order to hedge
against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. When such transactions
are negotiated, the price, which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed
at the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the securities
take place at a later date. When-issued securities and forward commitments may
be sold prior to the settlement date, but the Trust will enter into when-issued
and forward commitments only with the intention of actually receiving or
delivering the securities, as the case may be. If the Trust disposes of the
right to acquire a when-issued Florida municipal obligation prior to its
acquisition or disposes of its right to deliver or receive against a forward
commitment, it might incur a gain or loss. At the time the Trust enters into a
transaction on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, it will segregate with
the custodian cash or liquid high grade debt securities with a value not less
than the value of the when-issued or forward commitment securities. The value of
these assets will be monitored daily to ensure that their marked to market value
will at all times equal or exceed the corresponding obligations of the Trust.
There is always a risk that the securities may not be delivered and that the
Trust may incur a loss. Settlements in the ordinary course, which may take
substantially more than five business days, are not treated by the Trust as
when-issued or forward commitment transactions and accordingly are not subject
to the foregoing restrictions.
Borrowings. Although it has no present intention of doing so, the Trust
receives the right to borrow funds to the extent permitted as described under
the caption "Investment Objective and Policies -- Investment Restrictions." The
proceeds of borrowings may be used for any valid purpose including, without
limitation, liquidity, investing and repurchases of capital stock of the Trust.
Borrowing is a form of leverage and, in that respect, entails risks, including
volatility in net asset value, market value and income available for
distribution.
Lending of Securities. The Trust may lend its portfolio securities to
Qualified Institutions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Trust attempts
to increase its income through the receipt of interest on the loan. Any gain or
loss in the market price of the securities loaned that may occur during the term
of the loan will be for the account of the Trust. The Trust may lend its
portfolio securities so long as the terms and the structure of such loans are
not inconsistent with requirements of the 1940 Act, which currently require that
(i) the borrower pledge and maintain with the Trust collateral consisting of
cash, a letter of credit issued by a domestic U.S. bank, or securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government having a value at all times not less than 100%
of the value of the securities loaned, (ii) the borrower add to such collateral
whenever the price of the securities loaned rises (i.e., the value of the loan
is "marked to the market" on a daily basis), (iii) the loan be made subject to
termination by the Trust at any time and (iv) the Trust receive reasonable
interest on the loan (which may include the Trust's investing any cash
collateral in interest bearing short-term investments), any distributions on the
loaned securities and any increase in their market value. The Trust will not
lend portfolio securities if, as a result, the aggregate of such loans exceeds
33 1/3% of the value of the Trust's total assets
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(including such loans). Loan arrangements made by the Trust will comply with all
other applicable regulatory requirements, including the rules of the New York
Stock Exchange, which rules presently require the borrower, after notice, to
redeliver the securities within the normal settlement time of five business
days. All relevant facts and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of
the Qualified Institution, will be monitored by the Advisor, and will be
considered in making decisions with respect to lending of securities, subject to
review by the Trust's board of trustees.
The Trust may pay reasonable negotiated fees in connection with loaned
securities, so long as such fees are set forth in a written contract and
approved by the Trust's board of trustees. In addition, voting rights may pass
with the loaned securities, but if a material event were to occur affecting such
a loan, the loan must be called and the securities voted.
Zero Coupon Bonds. The Trust may invest in zero coupon bonds. A zero coupon
bond is a bond that does not pay interest for its entire life. The market prices
of zero coupon bonds are affected to a greater extent by changes in prevailing
levels of interest rates and thereby tend to be more volatile in price than
securities that pay interest periodically. In addition, because the Trust
accrues income with respect to these securities prior to the receipt of such
interest, it may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous
circumstances in order to obtain cash needed to pay income dividends in amounts
necessary to avoid unfavorable tax consequences.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
The officers of the Trust manage its day to day operations. The officers
are directly responsible to the Trust's board of trustees which sets broad
policies for the Trust and chooses its officers. The following is a list of the
trustees and officers of the Trust and a brief statement of their present
positions and principal occupations during the past five years. Trustees who are
interested persons of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) are denoted by an
asterisk (*). The business address of the Advisor is 400 Bellevue Parkway,
Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The business address of the Trust and its board
members and officers is 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, unless
specified otherwise below. The trustees listed below are either trustees or
directors of other closed-end funds in which BlackRock Advisors or an affiliate
acts as investment advisor.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Occupation
During the Past Five
Name and Address Title Years and Other Affiliations
- ----------------------------- --------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Andrew F. Brimmer Trustee President of Brimmer & Company, Inc., a
4400 MacArthur Blvd., N.W. Washington, D.C. based economic and financial
Suite 302 consulting firm. Director of CarrAmerica Realty
Washington, DC 20007 Corporation and Borg-Warner Automotive.
Age: 72 Formerly member of the Board of Governors the
Federal Reserve System. Formerly Director of
AirBorne Express, BankAmerica Corporation
(Bank of America), BellSouth Corporation, College
Retirement Equities Fund (Trustee), Commodity
Exchange, Inc. (Public Governor), Connecticut
Mutual Life Insurance Company, E.I. duPont de
Nemours & Company, Equitable Life Assurance
Society of the United States, Gannett Company
(publishing), MNC Financial Corporation
(American Security Bank), NMC Capital
Management, Navistar International Corporation
(truck manufacturing), and UAL Corporation
(United Airlines).
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Occupation
During the Past Five
Name and Address Title Years and Other Affiliates
- ---------------- ----- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Richard E. Cavanagh Trustee President and Chief Executive Officer of The
845 Third Avenue Conference Board, Inc., a leading global business
New York, NY 10022 membership organization, from 1995-present. Former
Age: 52 Executive Dean of the John F. Kennedy School of
Government at Harvard University from 1988-1995.
Acting Director, Harvard Center for Government
(1991-1993). Formerly Partner (principal) of
McKinsey & Company, Inc. (1980-1988). Former
Executive Director of Federal Cash Management,
White House Office of Management and Budget
(1977-1979). Co-author, THE WINNING
PERFORMANCE (best selling management book
published in 13 national editions). Trustee, Wesleyan
University, Drucker Foundation, Educational Testing
Services (ETS) and Airplanes Group, Aircraft Finance
Trust (AFT). Director, Arch Chemicals (chemicals),
Fremont Group (investments) and The Guardian Life
Insurance Company of America (insurance).
Kent Dixon Trustee Consultant/Investor. Former President and Chief
9495 Blind Pass Road Executive Officer of Empire Federal Savings Bank of
Unit #602 America and Banc PLUS Savings Association, former
St. Petersburg, FL 33706 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Age: 61 Officer of Northeast Savings. Former Director of
ISFA (the owner of INVEST, a national securities
brokerage service designed for banks and thrift
institutions).
Frank J. Fabozzi Trustee Consultant. Editor of THE JOURNAL OF
858 Tower View Circle PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT and Adjunct
New Hope, PA 18938 Professor of Finance at the School of Management at
Age: 50 Yale University. Director, Guardian Mutual Trusts
Group. Author and editor of several books on fixed
income portfolio management. Visiting Professor of
Finance and Accounting at the Sloan School of
Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
from 1986 to August 1992.
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Occupation
During the Past Five
Name and Address Title Years and Other Affiliates
- ---------------- ----- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Laurence D. Fink* Trustee Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock
Age: 47 Financial Management, Inc., BlackRock Advisors,
Inc. and BlackRock Inc. Formerly a Managing
Director of The First Boston Corporation, member of
its Management Committee, co-head of its Taxable
Fixed Income Division and head of its Mortgage and
Real Estate Products Group (December 1980-March
1988). Currently, Chairman of the board and Director
of each of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.'s
Trusts and Anthracite Capital, Inc. Trustee of New
York University Medical Center, Dwight Englewood
School, National Outdoor Leadership School and
Phoenix House. A Director of VIMRx
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Innovir Laboratories, Inc.
James Clayburn LaForce, Jr. Trustee Dean Emeritus of The John E. Anderson Graduate
P.O. Box 1595 School of Management, University of California since
Pauma Valley, CA 92061 July 1, 1993. Director, Jacobs Engineering Group,
Age: 69 Inc., Rockwell International Corporation, Payden &
Rygel Investment Trusts (investment companies),
Timken Company (roller bearing and steel) and Motor
Cargo Industries (transportation). Acting Dean of The
School of Business, Hong Kong University of Science
and Technology 1990-1993. From 1978 to September
1993, Dean of The John E. Anderson Graduate
School of Management, University of California.
Walter F. Mondale Trustee Partner, Dorsey & Whitney, a law firm (December
220 South Sixth Street 1996-present, September 1987-August 1993).
Minneapolis, MN 55402 Formerly U.S. Ambassador to Japan (1993-1996).
Age: 71 Formerly Vice President of the United States, U.S.
Senator and Attorney General of the State of
Minnesota. 1984 Democratic Nominee for President
of the United States.
Ralph L. Schlosstein* Trustee and President President of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.,
Age: 48 BlackRock Advisors, Inc. and BlackRock Inc.
Formerly a Managing Director of Lehman Brothers,
Inc. and co-head of its Mortgage and Savings
Institutional Group. Currently President of each of
the closed-end funds in which BlackRock Financial
Management, Inc. acts as investment advisor. Trustee
of Denison University and New Visions for Public
Education in New York City. A Director of the Pulte
Corporation and a member of the Visiting Board of
Overseers of the John F. Kennedy School of
Government at Harvard University.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Occupation
During the Past Five
Name and Address Title Years and Other Affiliates
- ---------------- ----- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Keith T. Anderson Vice President Managing Director of BlackRock Advisors, Inc. since
Age: 40 January 1991. Managing Director of BlackRock
Financial Management, Inc. since January 1991.
Director of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.
from April 1988 to January 1991. From February
1987 to April 1988, Vice President at The First
Boston Corporation in the Fixed Income Research
Department. Previously Vice President and Senior
Portfolio Manager at Criterion Investment
Management Company (now Nicholas-Applegate).
Henry Gabbay Treasurer Managing Director of BlackRock Advisors, Inc. since
Age: 52 January 1990. Managing Director of BlackRock
Financial Management, Inc. since January 1990.
Director of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.
from February 1989 to January 1990. From
September 1984 to February 1989, Vice President at
The First Boston Corporation.
Robert S. Kapito Vice President Vice Chairman of BlackRock Advisors, Inc. since
Age: 42 March 1988. Vice Chairman of BlackRock Financial
Management, Inc. since March 1988. Formerly Vice
President the First Boston Corporation in the
Mortgage Products Group (from December 1985 to
March 1988).
James Kong Assistant Treasurer Managing Director of BlackRock Financial
Age: 39 Management, Inc. since January 1996. Director of
BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. from January
1993 to January 1996. Vice President and Associate
of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. from
January 1991 and April 1989 to January 1993 and
January 1991, respectively. From April 1987 to April
1989, Assistant Vice President at The First Boston
Corporation in the CMO/ABO Administration
Department. Previously affiliated with Deloitte
Haskins & Sells (now Deloitte & Touche LLP).
Karen H. Sabath Secretary Managing Director of BlackRock Advisors, Inc. and
Age: 34 BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. since January
1993. Vice President and Associate of BlackRock
Financial Management, Inc. from January 1989 and
August 1988 to January 1993 and January 1989,
respectively. From June 1986 to July 1988, Associate
at The First Boston Corporation in the Mortgage
Finance Department. From August 1988 to December
1992, Associate Vice President of BlackRock
Advisors.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Occupation
During the Past Five
Name and Address Title Years and Other Affiliates
- ---------------- ----- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Michael C. Huebsch Vice President Managing Director of the BlackRock Financial
Age: 41 Management, Inc. since January 1991. Director of
BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. from January
1989 to January 1991. From July 1985 to January
1989, Vice President at The First Boston Corporation
in the Fixed Income Research Department.
Kevin Klingert Vice President Managing Director of BlackRock Advisors, Inc. since
Age: 37 January 1996. Managing Director of BlackRock
Financial Management, Inc. since January 1996.
Director of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.
from January 1994 to January 1996. Vice President
of BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. from
October 1991 to January 1994. From March 1985 to
October 1991, Assistant Vice President at Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith in the Unit Investment
Trust Department.
Richard Shea, Esq. Vice President Effective January 2000 Managing Director of
Age: 40 BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. Director of
BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. from January
1996 to January 2000. Vice President of BlackRock
Financial Management, Inc. from February 1993 to
January 1996. From December 1988 to February
1993, Associate Vice President and Tax Counsel at
Prudential Securities Incorporated. From August
1984 to December 1988, Senior Tax Specialist at
Laventhol & Horwath.
</TABLE>
As of February 4, 2000, no person is known to the Trust to own of record
or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding common shares or preferred shares,
except Cede & Co., Bowling Green Station, P.O. Box 20, New York, NY 10274-0020,
which owned of record all of the outstanding common and preferred shares.
Laurence D. Fink and Ralph L. Schlosstein serve as members of the executive
committee of the board of trustees. The executive committee, which meets
between regular meetings of the board of trustees, is authorized to exercise all
of the powers of the board of trustees except as otherwise set forth in the
Declaration of Trust.
The Trust has an Audit Committee consisting of those trustees who are not
interested persons of the Advisor.
No officer or employee of the Trust receives any compensation from the
Trust for serving as an officer or trustee of the Trust. The Trust pays each
trustee who is not an "interested person" of the Trust (as defined in the 1940
Act) $6,000 per year plus $1,500 per board meeting attended in person or by
telephone for travel and out-of-pocket expenses.
The aggregate estimated compensation received by each current trustee of
the Trust for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999 and the aggregate
estimated compensation to be received by each current director/trustee of the
BlackRock family of funds for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999 as a
whole are estimated as follows:
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 Estimated
Aggregate Estimated Total Compensation from
Compensation From the Trust and Fund
Name of Board Member Trust Complex Paid to Board Member*
- -------------------- ----- -----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Andrew R. Brimmer $5,008 $160,000
Richard E. Cavanagh $5,008 $160,000
Kent Dixon $5,008 $160,000
Frank J. Fabozzi $5,008 $160,000
Laurence D. Fink N/A N/A
James Grosfeld** $4,479 $140,000
James Clayburn LaForce, Jr. $5,008 $160,000
Ralph L. Schlosstein N/A N/A
Walter F. Mondale $5,008 $160,000
</TABLE>
* The BlackRock family of funds consists of 22 closed-end funds. Total
compensation from the Trust and Trust complex paid to each board member is
capped at $160,000; Trustee fees paid by the Trust may be reduced based on
the Trust's relative net asset value in the event that the cap is
applicable.
** Resigned on November 17, 1999.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
The Advisor is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the
Trust, the selection of brokers and dealers to effect the transactions and the
negotiation of prices and any brokerage commissions. The securities in which the
Trust invests are traded principally in the over-the-counter market. In the
over-the-counter market, securities are generally traded on a "net" basis with
dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission,
although the price of the security usually includes a mark-up to the dealer.
Securities purchased in underwritten offerings generally include, in the price,
a fixed amount of compensation for the manager(s), underwriter(s) and dealer(s).
The Trust may also purchase certain money market instruments directly from an
issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid. Purchases and sales
of debt securities on a stock exchange are effected through brokers who charge a
commission for their services.
The Advisor is responsible for effecting securities transactions of the
Trust and will do so in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to shareholders of
the Trust and not according to any formula. The Advisor's primary considerations
in selecting the manner of executing securities transactions for the Trust will
be prompt execution of orders, the size and breadth of the market for the
security, the reliability, integrity and financial condition and execution
capability of the firm, the amount of difficulty in executing the order, and the
best net price. There are many instances when, in the judgment of the Advisor,
more than one firm can offer comparable execution services. In selecting among
such firms, consideration is given to those firms which supply research and
other services in addition to execution services. Consideration may also be
given to the sale of shares of the Trust. However, it is not the policy of the
Advisor, absent special circumstances, to pay higher commissions to a firm
because it has supplied such research or other services.
The Advisor is able to fulfill its obligations to furnish a continuous
investment program to the Trust without receiving such information from brokers;
however, it considers access to such information to be an important element of
financial management. Although such information is considered useful, its value
is not determinable, as it must be reviewed and assimilated by the Advisor, and
does not reduce the Advisor's normal research activities in rendering investment
advice. It is possible that the Advisor's expenses could be materially increased
if it attempted to purchase this type of information or generate it through its
own staff.
One or more of the other investment companies or accounts which the Advisor
manages may own from time to time some of the same investments as the Trust.
Investment decisions for the Trust are made independently from those of such
other investment companies or accounts; however, from time to time, the same
investment decision may be made for more than one company or account. When two
or more companies or accounts seek to purchase or sell the same securities, the
securities actually purchased or sold will be allocated among the companies and
accounts on a good faith equitable basis by the Advisor in its discretion in
accordance with the accounts' various investment objectives. In
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<PAGE>
some cases, this system may adversely affect the price or size of the position
obtainable for the Trust. In other cases, however, the ability of the Trust to
participate in volume transactions may produce better execution for the Trust.
It is the opinion of the Trust's board of trustees that this advantage, when
combined with the other benefits available due to the Advisor's organization,
outweighs any disadvantages that may be said to exist from exposure to
simultaneous transactions.
Although the investment management agreement contains no restrictions on
portfolio turnover, it is not the Trust's policy to engage in transactions with
the objective of seeking profits from short-term trading. It is expected that
the annual portfolio turnover rate of the Trust will be less than 100% excluding
securities having a maturity of one year or less. Because it is difficult to
predict accurately portfolio turnover rates, actual turnover may be higher or
lower. Higher portfolio turnover results in increased Trust expenses, including
brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale
of securities and on the reinvestment in other securities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING
THE AUCTIONS FOR NEW PREFERRED SHARES
General
Auction Agency Agreement. The Trust will enter into an auction agency
agreement with the auction agent (currently, Deutsche Bank Group) which
provides, among other things, that the auction agent will follow the auction
procedures for purposes of determining the applicable rate for the New Preferred
Shares so long as the applicable rate for such shares is to be based on the
results of an auction.
Broker-Dealer Agreements. Each auction requires the participation of one
or more Broker-Dealers. The auction agent will enter into broker-dealer
agreements with several Broker-Dealers selected by the Trust, which provide for
the participation of those Broker-Dealers in auctions for New Preferred Shares.
Securities Depository. The Depository Trust Company will act as securities
depository for the Agent Members with respect to the New Preferred Shares. One
certificate for all of the New Preferred Shares will be registered in the name
of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. Such certificate will bear a legend to the
effect that such certificate is issued subject to the provisions restricting
transfers of shares of New Preferred Shares contained in the Certificate of
Designation. The Trust will also issue stop-transfer instructions to the
transfer agent for New Preferred Shares. Prior to the commencement of the right
of holders of preferred shares of the Trust to elect a majority of the Trust's
trustees, as described under "Description of New Preferred Shares-Voting Rights"
in the prospectus, Cede & Co. will be the holder of record of all shares of the
New Preferred Shares and owners of such shares will not be entitled to receive
certificates representing their ownership interest in such shares.
DTC, a New York-chartered limited purpose trust company, performs services
for its participants (including the Agent Members), some of whom (and/or their
representatives) own DTC. DTC maintains lists of its participants and will
maintain the positions (ownership interests) held by each such participant (the
"Agent Member") in New Preferred Shares, whether for its own account or as a
nominee for another person. Additional information concerning DTC and the DTC
depository system is included as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement of
which this statement of additional information forms a part.
Concerning the Auction Agent
The auction agent will act as agent for the Trust in connection with
auctions. In the absence of bad faith or negligence on its part, the auction
agent will not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted or for any
error of judgment made by it in the performance of its duties under the auction
agency agreement and will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good
faith unless the auction agent will have been negligent in ascertaining the
pertinent facts.
The auction agent may rely upon, as evidence of the identities of the
existing holders of New Preferred Shares, the auction agent's registry of
existing holders, the results of auctions and notices from any Broker-Dealer (or
other person, if permitted by the Trust) with respect to transfers described
under "The Auction" in the prospectus and notices
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<PAGE>
from the Trust. The auction agent is not required to accept any such notice for
an auction unless it is received by the auction agent by 3:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the business day preceding such auction.
The auction agent may terminate the auction agency agreement upon notice to
the Trust on a date no earlier than 60 days after such notice. If the auction
agent should resign, the Trust will use its best efforts to enter into an
agreement with a successor auction agent containing substantially the same terms
and conditions as the auction agency agreement. The Trust may remove the auction
agent provided that prior to such removal the Trust shall have entered into such
an agreement with a successor auction agent.
Broker-Dealers
The auction agent after each auction for New Preferred Shares will pay to
each Broker-Dealer, from funds provided by the Trust, a service charge at the
annual rate of 0.25% in the case of any auction immediately preceding a dividend
period of less 28 days or less or a percentage agreed to by the Trust and the
Broker-Dealers in the case of any auction immediately preceding a dividend
period of 35 days or longer, of the purchase price of shares of New Preferred
Shares placed by such Broker-Dealer at such auction. For the purposes of the
preceding sentence, New Preferred Shares will be placed by a Broker-Dealer if
such shares were (a) the subject of hold orders deemed to have been submitted to
the auction agent by the Broker-Dealer and were acquired by such Broker- Dealer
for its own account or were acquired by such Broker-Dealer for its customers who
are beneficial owners or (b) the subject of an order submitted by such Broker-
Dealer that is (i) a submitted bid of an existing holder that resulted in such
existing holder continuing to hold such shares as a result of the auction or
(ii) a submitted bid of a potential holder that resulted in such potential
holder purchasing such shares as a result of the auction or (iii) a valid hold
order. The Trust may request the auction agent to terminate one or more Broker-
Dealer Agreements at any time, provided that at least one Broker-Dealer
Agreement is in effect after such termination.
The broker-dealer agreements provide that a Broker-Dealer (other than an
affiliate of the Trust) may submit orders in auctions for its own account,
unless the Trust notifies all Broker-Dealers that they may no longer do so, in
which case Broker-Dealers may continue to submit hold orders and sell orders for
their own accounts. Any Broker-Dealer that is an affiliate of the Trust may
submit orders in auctions, but only if such orders are not for its own account.
If a Broker-Dealer submits an order for its own account in any auction, it might
have an advantage over other bidders because it would have knowledge of all
orders submitted by it in that auction; such Broker-Dealer, however, would not
have knowledge of orders submitted by other Broker-Dealers in that auction.
REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES
The Trust is a closed-end investment company and as such its common
shareholders will not have the right to cause the Trust to redeem their shares.
Instead, the Trust's common shares will trade in the open market at a price that
will be a function of several factors, including dividend levels (which are in
turn affected by expenses), net asset value, call protection, price, dividend
stability, relative demand for and supply of such shares in the market, general
market and economic conditions and other factors. Because shares of a closed-end
investment company may frequently trade at prices lower than net asset value,
the Trust's board of trustees may consider actions that might be taken to reduce
or eliminate any material discount from net asset value in respect of common
shares, which may include the repurchase of such shares in the open market or in
private transactions, the making of a tender offer for such shares at net asset
value, or the conversion of the Trust to an open-end investment company. The
board of trustees may not decide to take any of these actions. In addition,
there can be no assurance that share repurchases or tender offers, if
undertaken, will reduce market discount.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time when preferred shares of the
Trust are outstanding, the Trust may not purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire
any of its common shares unless (1) all accrued dividends on preferred shares
have been paid and (2) at the time of such purchase, redemption or acquisition,
the net asset value of the Trust's portfolio (determined after deducting the
acquisition price of the common shares) is at least 200% of the liquidation
value of the outstanding preferred shares (expected to equal the original
purchase price per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon). The
staff of the SEC currently requires that any tender offer made by a closed-end
investment company for its shares must be at a price equal to the net asset
value of such shares on the close of business on the last
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day of the tender offer. Any service fees incurred in connection with any tender
offer made by the Trust will be borne by the Trust and will not reduce the
stated consideration to be paid to tendering shareholders.
Subject to its investment limitations, the Trust may borrow to finance the
repurchase of common shares or to make a tender offer. Interest on any
borrowings to finance share repurchase transactions or the accumulation of cash
by the Trust in anticipation of share repurchases or tenders will reduce the
Trust's net income. Any share repurchase, tender offer or borrowing that might
be approved by the Trust's board of trustees would have to comply with the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations
under each of those acts.
Although the decision to take action in response to a discount from net
asset value will be made by the board of trustees at the time it considers such
issue, it is the board's present policy, which may be changed by the board of
trustees, not to authorize repurchases of common shares or a tender offer for
such shares if (1) such transactions, if consummated, would (a) result in the
delisting of the common shares from the NYSE, or (b) impair the Trust's status
as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (which
would make the Trust a taxable entity, causing the Trust's income to be taxed at
the corporate level in addition to the taxation of shareholders who receive
dividends from the Trust) or as a registered closed-end investment company under
the 1940 Act; (2) the Trust would not be able to liquidate portfolio securities
in an orderly manner and consistent with the Trust's investment objective and
policies in order to repurchase shares; or (3) there is, in the board's
judgment, any (a) material legal action or proceeding instituted or threatened
challenging such transactions or otherwise materially adversely affecting the
Trust, (b) general suspension of or limitation on prices for trading securities
on the NYSE, (c) declaration of a banking moratorium by Federal or state
authorities or any suspension of payment by United States banks in which the
Trust invests, (d) material limitation affecting the Trust or the issuers of its
portfolio securities by Federal or state authorities on the extension of credit
by lending institutions or on the exchange of foreign currency, (e) commencement
of war, armed hostilities or other international or national calamity directly
or indirectly involving the United States, or (f) other event or condition which
would have a material adverse effect (including any adverse tax effect) on the
Trust or its shareholders if shares were repurchased. The board of trustees may
in the future modify these conditions in light of experience.
The repurchase by the Trust of its common shares at prices below net asset
value will result in an increase in the net asset value of those shares that
remain outstanding. However, there can be no assurance that share repurchases or
tenders at or below net asset value will result in the Trust's common shares
trading at a price equal to their net asset value. Nevertheless, the fact that
the Trust's shares may be the subject of repurchase or tender offers at net
asset value from time to time, or that the Trust may be converted to an open-end
company, may reduce any spread between market price and net asset value that
might otherwise exist.
In addition, a purchase by the Trust of its common shares will decrease the
Trust's total assets which would likely have the effect of increasing the
Trust's expense ratio. Any purchase by the Trust of its common shares at a time
when preferred shares are outstanding will increase the leverage applicable to
the outstanding common shares then remaining and decrease the asset coverage of
the preferred shares.
Before deciding whether to take any action if the common shares trade below
net asset value, the Trust's board of trustees would likely consider all
relevant factors, including the extent and duration of the discount, the
liquidity of the Trust's portfolio, the impact of any action that might be taken
on the Trust or its shareholders and market considerations. Based on these
considerations, even if the Trust's shares should trade at a discount, the board
of trustees may determine that, in the interest of the Trust and its
shareholders, no action should be taken.
TAX MATTERS
The Trust has qualified and elected, and intends to continue to qualify
under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), as a regulated investment company and to satisfy conditions which
enable dividends on common shares or Preferred Shares which are attributable to
interest on tax-exempt municipal securities to be exempt from Federal income tax
in the hands of owners of such shares, subject to the possible application of
the Federal alternative minimum tax.
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To qualify for tax treatment as a regulated investment company, the Trust
must, among other things: (a) distribute to its shareholders at least an amount
equal to the sum of (i) 90% of its net investment income (which is its
investment company taxable income as that term is defined in the Code but
determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and (ii) 90% of
its net tax-exempt interest income and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at
the end of each fiscal quarter of the Trust (i) at least 50% of the market value
of the Trust's assets is represented by cash, cash items, U.S. government
securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and other
securities, with these other securities limited, with respect to any one issuer,
to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the Trust's total assets, and to
not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii)
not more than 25% of the market value of the Trust's assets is invested in the
securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities or
securities of other regulated investment companies). In meeting these
requirements, the Trust may be restricted in the utilization of certain of the
investment techniques described above and in the prospectus. If in any year the
Trust should fail to qualify for tax treatment as a regulated investment
company, the Trust would incur a regular Federal corporate income tax upon its
taxable income for that year, and distributions to its shareholders would be
taxable to such holders as ordinary income to the extent of the Trust's earnings
and profits. A regulated investment company that fails to distribute, by the
close of each calendar year, at least an amount equal to the sum of 98% of its
ordinary taxable income for such year and 98% of its capital gain net income for
the one year period ending October 31 in such year, plus any shortfalls from the
prior year's required distribution, is liable for a 4% excise tax on the portion
of the undistributed amount of such income that is less than the required amount
for such distributions. To avoid the imposition of this excise tax, the Trust
generally makes the required distributions of its ordinary taxable income, if
any, and its capital gain net income, to the extent possible, by the close of
each calendar year.
Certain of the Trust's investment practices are subject to special
provisions of the Code that, among other things, may defer the use of certain
deductions or losses of the Trust, affect the holding period of securities held
by the Trust and alter the character of the gains or losses realized by the
Trust. These provisions may also require the Trust to recognize income or gain
without receiving cash with which to make distributions in the amounts necessary
to satisfy the requirements for maintaining regulated investment company status
and for avoiding income and excise taxes. The Trust will monitor its
transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the effect
of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Trust as a regulated
investment company.
The Trust intends to qualify to pay "exempt-interest" dividends, as defined
in the Code on its common shares and Preferred Shares. Under the Code, at the
close of each quarter of its taxable year, if at least 50% of the value of the
Trust's total assets consists of municipal bonds, the Trust will be qualified to
pay exempt-interest dividends to its shareholders. Exempt-interest dividends are
dividends or any part thereof (other than a capital gain dividend) paid by the
Trust which are attributable to interest on municipal bonds and are so
designated by the Trust within 60 days of the Trust's fiscal year-end. Exempt-
interest dividends will be exempt from Federal income tax, subject to the
possible application of the Federal alternative minimum tax. Insurance proceeds
received by the Trust under any insurance policies in respect of scheduled
interest payments on defaulted municipal bonds, as described herein, will
generally be excludable from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code. In
the case of non-appropriation by a political subdivision, however, there can be
no assurance that payments made by the issuer representing interest on such
"non-appropriation" municipal lease obligations will be excludable from gross
income for Federal income tax purposes. See "Investment Objective and Policies"
above. Gains of the Trust that are attributable to market discount on certain
municipal obligations acquired after April 30, 1993 are treated as ordinary
income. The interest on private activity bonds in most instances is not
Federally tax-exempt to a person who is a "substantial user" of a facility
financed by such bonds or a "related person" of such "substantial user." As a
result, the Trust may not be an appropriate investment for shareholders who are
considered either a "substantial user" or a "related person" within the meaning
of the Code. In general, a "substantial user" of a facility includes a "non-
exempt person who regularly uses a part of such facility in his trade or
business." "Related persons" are in general defined to include persons among
whom there exists a relationship, either by family or business, which would
result in a disallowance of losses in transactions among them under various
provisions of the Code (or if they are members of the same controlled group of
corporations under the Code), including a partnership and each of its partners
(and certain members of their families), an S corporation and each of its
shareholders (and certain members of their families) and various combinations of
these and other relationships. The foregoing is not a complete description of
all of the provisions of the Code covering the definitions of "substantial user"
and "related person." The Code provides that every holder of Preferred Shares
required to file a tax return must include for information purposes on such
return the amount of tax-exempt interest received during the taxable year,
including any exempt-interest dividends received from the Trust.
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Federal tax law imposes an alternative minimum tax with respect to both
corporations and individuals. Interest on certain municipal obligations, such as
bonds issued to make loans for housing purposes or to private entities (but not
to certain tax-exempt organizations such as universities and non-profit
hospitals) is included as an item of tax preference in determining the amount of
a taxpayer's alternative minimum taxable income. To the extent that the Trust
receives income from municipal obligations subject to the Federal alternative
minimum tax, a portion of the dividends paid by it, although otherwise exempt
from Federal income tax, will be taxable to its shareholders to the extent that
their tax liability is determined under the alternative minimum tax. The Trust
will annually supply a report indicating the percentage of the Trust's income
attributable to municipal obligations subject to the Federal alternative minimum
tax. In addition, for certain corporations, alternative minimum taxable income
is increased by 75% of the difference between an alternative measure of income
("adjusted current earnings") and the amount otherwise determined to be the
alternative minimum taxable income. Interest on all municipal obligations, and
therefore all distributions by the Trust that would otherwise be tax-exempt, is
included in calculating a corporation's adjusted current earnings. Certain small
corporations are not subject to the alternative minimum tax.
Tax-exempt income, including exempt-interest dividends paid by the Trust,
is taken into account in calculating the amount of social security and railroad
retirement benefits that may be subject to Federal income tax.
Distributions to shareholders by the Trust of net income received, if any,
from taxable temporary investments and net short-term capital gains, if any,
realized by the Trust will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income.
Distributions by the Trust of net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-
term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, are taxable as
long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has
owned common shares or Preferred Shares. The amount of taxable income and net
capital gain allocable to the Trust's Preferred Shares will depend upon the
amount of such income and gain realized by the Trust, but is not generally
expected to be significant. Except for dividends paid on Preferred Shares which
include an allocable portion of any net capital gain or other taxable income,
the Trust anticipates that all dividends paid on shares of its Preferred Shares
will constitute exempt-interest dividends for Federal income tax purposes.
Distributions, if any, in excess of the Trust's earnings and profits will first
reduce the adjusted tax basis of a shareholder's shares and, after that basis
has been reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to the shareholder
(assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). As long as the Trust
qualifies as a regulated investment company under the Code, no part of its
distributions to shareholders will qualify for the dividends-received deduction
for corporations.
The Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") requires that a regulated
investment company that has two or more classes of shares designate to each such
class proportionate amounts of each type of its income for each tax year based
upon the percentage of total dividends distributed to each class for such year.
The Trust intends each year to allocate, to the fullest extent practicable, net
tax-exempt interest income, net capital gain and other taxable income, if any,
between its common shares and preferred shares, including the Preferred Shares,
in proportion to the total dividends paid to each class with respect to such
year. To the extent permitted under applicable law, the Trust reserves the right
to make special allocations of income within a class, consistent with the
objective of the Trust. The Trust may, at its election, notify the auction agent
of the amount of any net capital gain or other income taxable for Federal income
tax purposes to be included in any dividend on shares of its Preferred Shares
prior to the auction establishing the applicable rate for such dividend. If the
Trust allocates any net capital gain or other taxable income for Federal income
tax purposes to its Preferred Shares without having given advance notice thereof
as described above, the Trust generally will be required to make payments to
holders of its Preferred Shares to which such allocation was made in order to
offset the Federal income tax effect of the taxable income so allocated as
described under "Description of Preferred Shares-Dividends and Dividend Periods-
Additional Dividends" in the prospectus.
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid,
dividends declared in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of
record on a specified date in one of those months and paid during the following
January will be treated as having been distributed by the Trust (and received by
the shareholders) on December 31 of the year declared.
If at any time when the Trust's Preferred Shares are outstanding the Trust
fails to meet the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act
Preferred Shares Asset Coverage, the Trust will be required to suspend
distributions to holders of its common shares until such maintenance amount or
asset coverage, as the case may be, is restored. See "Description of New
Preferred Shares-Dividends and Dividend Periods" in the prospectus. This may
prevent the Trust from distributing at least an amount equal to the sum of 90%
of its investment company taxable
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income and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income, and may therefore
jeopardize the Trust's qualification for taxation as a regulated investment
company or cause the Trust to incur a tax liability or a non-deductible 4%
excise tax on the undistributed taxable income (including gain), or both. Upon
failure to meet the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act
Preferred Shares Asset Coverage, the Trust will be required to redeem its
Preferred Shares in order to maintain or restore such maintenance amount or
asset coverage and avoid the adverse consequences to the Trust and its
shareholders of failing to qualify as a regulated investment company. There can
be no assurance, however, that any such redemption would achieve such objective.
The Trust may, at its option, redeem its Preferred Shares in whole or in
part, and is required to redeem Preferred Shares to the extent required to
maintain the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and the 1940 Act
Preferred Shares Asset Coverage. Gain or loss, if any, resulting from a
redemption of Preferred Shares will be taxed as gain or loss from the sale or
exchange of Preferred Shares under Section 302 of the Code rather than as a
dividend, but only if the redemption distribution (a) is deemed not to be
essentially equivalent to a dividend, (b) is in complete redemption of an
owner's interest in the Trust, (c) is substantially disproportionate with
respect to the owner, or (d) with respect to a non-corporate owner, is in
partial liquidation of the owner's interest in the Trust. For purposes of (a),
(b) and (c) above, a shareholder's ownership of common shares will be taken into
account.
The sale or other disposition of common shares or Preferred Shares will
normally result in capital gain or loss to shareholders. Present law taxes both
long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the rates applicable
to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, however, under current law
short-term capital gains and ordinary income will be taxed at a maximum rate of
39.6% while long-term capital gains generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of
20%. However, because of the limitations on itemized deductions and the
deduction for personal exemptions applicable to higher income taxpayers, the
effective rate of tax may be higher in certain circumstances. Losses realized by
a shareholder on the sale or exchange of shares of the Trust held for six months
or less are disallowed to the extent of any distribution of exempt- interest
dividends received with respect to such shares, and, if not disallowed, such
losses are treated as long-term capital losses to the extent of any distribution
of net capital gain received with respect to such shares. A shareholder's
holding period is suspended for any periods during which the shareholder's risk
of loss is diminished as a result of holding one or more other positions in
substantially similar or related property, or through certain options or short
sales. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Trust will be
disallowed to the extent those shares of the Trust are replaced by other shares
within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the
date of disposition of the original shares. In that event, the basis of the
replacement shares of the Trust will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
The Code provides that interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to
purchase or carry the Trust's shares to which exempt-interest dividends are
allocated is not deductible. Under rules used by the IRS for determining when
borrowed funds are considered used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying
particular assets, the purchase or ownership of shares may be considered to have
been made with borrowed funds even though such funds are not directly used for
the purchase or ownership of such shares.
Nonresident alien individuals and certain foreign corporations and other
entities ("foreign investors") generally are subject to U.S. withholding tax at
the rate of 30% (or possibly a lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty)
on distributions of net investment income (which includes net short-term capital
gain). To the extent received by foreign investors, exempt-interest dividends,
distributions of net capital gain and gain from the sale or other disposition of
Preferred Shares generally are exempt from United States Federal income
taxation. Different tax consequences may result if the owner is engaged in a
trade or business in the United States or, in the case of an individual, is
present in the United States for 183 or more days during a taxable year.
The Trust is required in certain circumstances to backup withhold 31% of
taxable dividends and certain other payments paid to non-corporate holders of
the Trust's shares who do not furnish to the Trust their correct taxpayer
identification number (in the case of individuals, their social security number)
and certain certifications, or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld from payments
made to a shareholder may be refunded or credited against such shareholder's
United States Federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required
information is furnished to the IRS.
The foregoing is a general, summary of the provisions of the Code and
regulations thereunder presently in effect as they directly govern the taxation
of the Trust and its shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by
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legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive.
Moreover, the foregoing does not address many of the factors that may be
determinative of whether an investor will be liable for the Federal alternative
minimum tax. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisors for more
detailed information concerning the Federal income tax consequences of
purchasing, holding and disposing of Trust shares.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP, located at Two World Financial Center, New York, New
York, provides auditing services to the Trust. The financial statements and
independent auditors report incorporated by reference into this statement of
additional information have been so incorporated and the financial highlights
included in the prospectus have been so included, in reliance upon the report of
Deloitte & Touche LLP given on their authority as experts in auditing and
accounting.
Incorporation by Reference
The Trust's Portfolio of Investments, dated December 31, 1999 (audited);
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, dated December 31, 1999 (audited);
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1999 (audited);
Statement of Changes in Net Investment Assets for the two years ended December
31, 1999 (audited) and the independent auditors report included in the Trust's
Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31,1999 (the "Reports"), which
accompany this statement of additional information, are incorporated herein by
reference. The Trust will furnish, without charge, a copy of the Reports upon
written request to the Trust at 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey
08536 or by telephone request at (800) 688-0928.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A Registration Statement on Form N-2, including amendments thereto,
relating to the shares offered hereby, has been filed by the Trust with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. The prospectus and this
statement of additional information do not contain all of the information set
forth in the Registration Statement, including any exhibits and schedules
thereto. For further information with respect to the Trust and the shares
offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement. Statements
contained in the prospectus and this statement of additional information as to
the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily
complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or
other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such
statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
A copy of the Registration Statement may be inspected without charge at the
SEC's principal office in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or any part
thereof may be obtained from the SEC upon the payment of certain fees prescribed
by the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the
Registration Statement, other documents incorporated by reference, and other
information the Trust has filed electronically with the SEC, including proxy
statements and reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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APPENDIX A
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS AND
RISKS OF HEDGING TRANSACTIONS
In order to hedge against changes in the value of its portfolio securities,
the Trust may from time to time engage in certain hedging strategies. The Trust
will engage in such activities from time to time in the Advisor's discretion,
and may not necessarily be engaging in such activities when movements in
interest rates that could affect the value of the assets of the Trust occur. The
Trust's ability to pursue certain of these strategies may be limited by the
Commodity Exchange Act, applicable regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission ("CFTC") and the federal income tax requirements applicable to
regulated investment companies.
Put and Call Options on Securities and Indices
The Trust may purchase and sell put and call options on securities and
financial indices. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to
sell and the seller the obligation to buy the underlying security at the
exercise price during the option period. Index options are similar to options on
securities except that, rather than taking or making delivery of securities
underlying the option at a specified price upon exercise, an index option gives
the holder the right to receive cash upon exercise of the option if the level of
the index upon which the option is based is greater, in the case of a call, or
less, in the case of a put, than the exercise price of the option. The purchase
of a put option on a debt security would be designed to protect the Trust's
holdings in a security against a substantial decline in the market value. A call
option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy and the seller the
obligation to sell the underlying security at the exercise price during the
option period. The purchase of a call option on a security would be intended to
protect the Trust against an increase in the price of a security that it
intended to purchase in the future. In the case of either put or call options
that it has purchased, if the option expires without being sold or exercised,
the Trust will experience a loss in the amount of the option premium plus any
related commissions. When the Trust sells put and call options, it receives a
premium as the seller of the option. The premium that the Trust receives for
selling the option will serve as a partial hedge, in the amount of the option
premium, against changes in the value of the securities in its portfolio. During
the term of the option, however, a covered call seller has, in return for the
premium on the option, given up the opportunity for capital appreciation above
the exercise price of the option if the value of the underlying security
increases, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying
security decline. Conversely, a secured put seller retains the risk of loss
should the market value of the underlying security decline below the exercise
price of the option, less the premium received on the sale of the option. The
Trust is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options and over-the-
counter options ("OTC Options") which are privately negotiated with the
counterparty to such contract. Listed options are issued by the Options Clearing
Corporation ("OCC"), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the
parties to such options. All put and call options written by the Trust will be
covered.
The Trust's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of
an exchange-listed put or call option is dependent upon the existence of a
liquid secondary market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid
secondary market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in
certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii)
trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities; (iv)
interruption of the normal operations on an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the
facilities of an exchange or the OCC to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a
decision by one or more exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a
particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on
that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist,
although outstanding options on that exchange that had been listed by the OCC as
a result of trades on that exchange would generally continue to be exercisable
in accordance with their terms. OTC options are purchased from or sold to
dealers, financial institutions or other counterparties which have entered into
direct agreements with the Trust. With OTC Options, such variables as expiration
date, exercise price and premium will be agreed upon between the Trust and the
counterparty, without the intermediation of a third party such as the OCC. If
the counterparty fails to make or take delivery of the securities underlying an
option it has written, or otherwise settle the transaction in accordance with
the terms of that option as written, the Trust would lose the premium paid for
the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. As the Trust
must rely on the credit quality of the counterparty rather than the guarantee of
the OCC, it will only enter into OTC Options with counterparties with the
highest long-term credit ratings, and with primary U.S. Government securities
dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank in New York.
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The hours of trading for options on debt securities may not conform to the
hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the
option markets close before the markets for the underlying securities,
significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets
that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
Characteristics. The Trust may purchase and sell futures contracts and
purchase put and call options on such futures contracts traded on recognized
domestic exchanges as a hedge against anticipated interest rate changes or other
market movements and future risk management. The sale of a futures contract
creates an obligation by the Trust, as seller, to deliver the specific type of
financial instrument called for in the contract at a specified future time for a
specified price. Options on futures contracts are similar to options on
securities except that an option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the
right in return for the premium paid to assume a position in a futures contract
(a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a
put).
Margin Requirements. At the time a futures contract is purchased or sold,
the Trust must allocate cash or securities as a deposit payment ("initial
margin"). It is expected that the initial margin that the Trust will pay may
range from approximately 1% to approximately 5% of the value of the instruments
underlying the contract. In certain circumstances, however, such as periods of
high volatility, the Trust may be required by an exchange to increase the level
of its initial margin payment Additionally, initial margin requirements may be
increased in the future pursuant to regulatory action. An outstanding futures
contract is valued daily and the payment in cash of "variation margin" may be
required, a process known as "marking to the market." Transactions in listed
options and futures are usually settled by entering into an offsetting
transaction, and are subject to the risk that this position may not be able to
be closed if no offsetting transaction can be arranged.
Limitations on Use of Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts.
The Trust's use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts will in
all cases be consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and in
particular, the rules and regulations of the CFTC and will be entered into only
for bona fide hedging purposes or other appropriate risk management and duration
management or other appropriate portfolio strategies. In addition, the Trust may
not sell futures contracts if the value of such futures contracts exceeds the
total market value of the Trust's portfolio securities.
The Trust will not engage in transactions in futures contracts or options
thereon for speculative purposes but only as a hedge against changes resulting
from market conditions in the values of securities in its portfolio. In
addition, the Trust will not enter into a futures contract or option thereon if,
immediately thereafter, the sum of the amount of its initial deposits and
premiums on open contracts and options would exceed 5% of the Trust's total
assets (taken at current value); provided, however, that in the case of an
option that is in-the-money at the time of the purchase, the in-the-money amount
may be excluded in calculating the 5% limitation. Also, when required, a
segregated account of cash or cash equivalents will be maintained and marked to
market in an amount equal to the market value of the contract. The Advisor
reserves the right to comply with such different standards as may be established
from time to time by CFTC rules and regulations with respect to the purchase and
sale of futures contracts and options thereon.
Segregation and Cover Requirements. Futures contracts, interest rate
swaps, caps, floors and collars, and options on securities, indices and futures
contracts sold by the Trust are generally subject to segregation and coverage
requirements established by either the CFTC or the SEC, with the result that, if
the Trust does not hold the instrument underlying the futures contract or
option, the Trust will be required to segregate on an ongoing basis with its
custodian, cash, U.S. Government securities, or other liquid high grade debt
obligations in an amount at least equal to the Trust's obligations with respect
to such instruments. Such amounts will fluctuate as the market value of the
obligations increases or decreases. The segregation requirement can result in
the Trust maintaining positions it would otherwise liquidate and consequently
segregating assets with respect thereto at a time when it might be
disadvantageous to do so.
_______________
Hedging Transactions present certain risks. In particular, the variable
degree of correlation between price movements of hedging instruments and price
movements in the position being hedged creates the possibility that losses on
the hedge may be greater than gains in the value of the Trust's positions. In
addition, certain hedging instruments and markets may not be liquid in all
circumstances. As a result, in volatile markets, the Trust may not be able to
close out a transaction in certain of these instruments without incurring losses
substantially greater than the initial deposit.
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Although the contemplated use of these instruments should tend to minimize the
risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same
time they tend to limit any potential gain which might result from an increase
in the value of such position. The ability of the Trust to hedge successfully
will depend on the Advisor's ability to predict pertinent market movements,
which cannot be assured. Finally, the daily variation margin deposit
requirements in futures contracts that the Trust has sold create an ongoing
greater potential financial risk than do options transactions, where the
exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium and transaction costs
paid by the Trust. Losses due to Hedging Transactions will reduce net asset
value.
The Trust's use of Hedging Transactions may be limited or affected by
certain provisions of the Code and rating agency guidelines.
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APPENDIX B
INSURANCE RATINGS
The Trust will purchase or obtain insurance in respect of Florida municipal
obligations only from insurers having claims-paying ability ratings of Aaa from
Moody's Investors Service, ("Moody's") and AAA from Standard & Poor's ("S&P")
or, if unrated, which are viewed by the Advisor to have similar claims-paying
abilities.
A Moody's insurance claims-paying ability rating is an opinion of the
ability of an insurance company to repay punctually senior policyholder
obligations and claims. An insurer with an insurance claims-paying ability
rating of Aaa is adjudged by Moody's to be of the best quality. In the opinion
of Moody's, the policy obligations of an insurance company with an insurance
claims-paying ability rating of Aaa carry the smallest degree of credit risk
and, while the financial strength of these companies is likely to change, such
changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the company's
fundamentally strong position. An S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating is
an assessment of an operating insurance company's financial capacity to meet
obligations under an insurance policy in accordance with the terms. An insurer
with an insurance claims-paying ability rating of AAA has the highest rating
assigned by S&P. Capacity to honor insurance contracts is adjudged by S&P to be
extremely strong and highly likely to remain so over a long period of time.
An insurance claims-paying ability rating by Moody's or S&P does not
constitute an opinion on any specific contract in that such an opinion can only
be rendered upon the review of the specific insurance contract. Furthermore, an
insurance claims-paying ability rating does not take into account deductibles,
surrender or cancellation penalties or the timeliness of payment; nor does it
address the ability of a company to meet non-policy obligations (i.e., debt
contracts).
The assignment of ratings by Moody's or S&P to debt issues that are fully
or partially supported by insurance policies, contracts or guarantees is a
separate process from the determination of claims-paying ability ratings. The
likelihood of a timely flow of funds from the insurer to the trustee for the
bondholders is a key element in the rating determination for such debt issues.
Each of AMBAC Indemnity Corporation ("AMBAC"), Municipal Bond Investors
Assurance Corporation ("MBIA") and its subsidiaries Bond Investors Guaranty
Insurance Company ("BIGI") and Capital Markets Assurance Company ("CAPMAC"),
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company ("FGIC") and Financial Security Assurance,
Inc. ("FSA") has a claims-paying ability rating of Aaa from Moody's and AAA from
S&P, and the Trust expects to purchase insurance from any such firm in respect
of particular Florida municipal obligations.
AMBAC has received a letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service which
holds in effect that insurance proceeds representing maturing interest on
defaulted Florida municipal obligations paid by AMBAC to municipal bond funds
substantially similar to the Trust, under policy provisions substantially
identical to the policy described herein, will be excludable from Federal gross
income under Section 103(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
As of September 30, 1999, AMBAC's insured portfolio (unaudited) was
approximately $232 billion supported by approximately $4.8 billion in claims
paying resources (unaudited).
As of September 30, 1999, MBIA's insured portfolio (unaudited) was
approximately $396 billion supported by approximately $8.3 billion in claims
paying resources (unaudited).
As of September 30, 1999, FGIC's insured portfolio (unaudited) was
approximately $136 billion supported by approximately $2.7 billion in claims
paying resources (unaudited).
As of September 30, 1999, FSA's insured portfolio (unaudited) was
approximately $126 billion supported by approximately $2.4 billion in claims
paying resources (unaudited).
None of AMBAC, MBIA, FGIC and FSA or any associate thereof, has any
material business relationship, direct or indirect, with the Trust.
B-1
<PAGE>
AMBAC, MBIA, FGIC and FSA are subject to regulation by the department of
insurance in each state in which they are qualified to do business. Such
regulation, however, is not a guarantee that any of AMBAC, MBIA, FGIC or FSA
will be able to perform on its contractual insurance in the event a claim should
be made thereunder at some time in the future.
The information relating to AMBAC, MBIA, FGIC and FSA set forth above,
including the financial information, has been furnished by such corporations.
Financial information with respect to AMBAC, MBIA, FGIC and FSA appears in
reports filed by AMBAC, MBIA, FGIC and FSA with insurance regulatory authorities
and is subject to audit and review by such authorities. No representation is
made herein as to the accuracy or adequacy of such information with respect to
AMBAC, MBIA, FGIC or FSA or as to the absence of material adverse changes in
such information subsequent to the date thereof.
B-2
<PAGE>
APPENDIX C-1
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Amended and Restated
Certificate of Designation Establishing
Preferred Shares
I, Karen H. Sabath, Assistant Secretary, of The BlackRock Florida Insured
Municipal 2008 Term Trust (the "Trust") located at 800 Scudders Mill Road,
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536, do hereby certify that the following designation
establishing and designating preferred shares of beneficial interest and
determining the relative rights and preferences thereof was duly adopted by the
Trustees of the Trust at a duly convened meeting held on September 3, 1992 and
by the Executive Committee by unanimous consent on November 16, 1992:
FIRST: Pursuant to authority expressly vested in the Board of Trustees of
the Trust in the Trust's Declaration of Trust, the Board of Trustees has
authorized 2,640 unissued shares of beneficial interest with preference rights
of the Trust as a single series of 2,640 preferred shares of beneficial
interest, par value $.01 per share, liquidation preference $25,000 per share
plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned
or declared) thereon plus the premium, if any, resulting from the designation of
a Premium Call Period, is hereby designated "Auction Rate Municipal Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, Series R7". Each share of Auction Rate Municipal
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, Series R7 shall be issued on November
23, 1992; have an Initial Dividend Rate of 2.50% per annum and the Initial
Dividend Payment Date shall be December 4, 1992; and have such other
preferences, limitations and relative voting rights, in addition to those
required by applicable law or set forth in the Trust's Declaration of Trust
applicable to preferred shares of beneficial interest of the Trust, as are set
forth in this Certificate of Designation. The Auction Rate Municipal Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, Series R7 shall constitute a separate series of
preferred shares of beneficial interest of the Trust, and each share of Auction
Rate Municipal Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, Series R7 shall be
identical.
SECOND: The Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee of the Board of
Trustees of the Trust, acting in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws,
have fixed the preferences, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
dividends, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption, of the
preferred shares of beneficial interest as follows:
1. Definitions. (a) Unless the context or use indicates another or
-----------
different meaning or intent, in this Certificate of Designation the following
terms have the following meanings, whether used in the singular or plural:
"`AA' Composite Commercial Paper Rate" for any period less than 183 days
as of any date means (i) the Interest Equivalent of the rate on commercial
paper for such period placed on behalf of issuers whose corporate bonds are
rated "AA" by S&P, or the equivalent of such rating by S&P or another nationally
recognized statistical rating organization, as the rate for such period is made
available on a discount basis or otherwise by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York for the Business Day immediately preceding such date, or (ii) in the event
that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not make available such a rate,
then the arithmetic average of the Interest Equivalent of the rate on commercial
paper for such period placed on behalf of such issuers, as quoted to the Auction
Agent on a discount basis or otherwise by the Commercial Paper Dealers for the
close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such date. If a
Commercial Paper Dealer does not quote a rate required to determine the "AA"
Composite Commercial Paper Rate for such period, the "AA" Composite Commercial
Paper Rate for such period will be determined on the basis of the quotation or
quotations furnished by any Substitute Commercial Paper Dealer or Substitute
Commercial Paper Dealers selected by the Trust to provide such rate or rates not
being supplied by the Commercial Paper Dealer.
"Accountant's Confirmation" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 7(c) of
this Certificate of Designation.
"Additional Dividend" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 2(e) of this
Certificate of Designation.
<PAGE>
"Adviser" means the Trust's investment adviser, BlackRock Financial
Management L.P., formerly Blackstone Financial Management L.P., and any
successor thereto.
"Affiliate" shall mean any Person, known to the Auction Agent to be
controlled by, in control of, or under common control with, the Trust.
"Agent Member" means a member of the Securities Depository that will act on
behalf of an Existing Holder of one or more Preferred Shares or a Potential
Holder.
"Anticipation Notes" means the following New York Municipal Obligations:
tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes and tax and revenue
anticipation notes.
"Applicable Percentage" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 11(a)(vi) of
this Certificate of Designation.
"Applicable Rate" means (i) for purposes of the Auction Procedures, the
rate per annum or, in connection with any Auction in which Bid Requirements are
imposed by the Trust, the method by which one or more such rates may be
determined, at which cash dividends are payable (if declared) on the Preferred
Shares or Other Preferred Shares, as the case may be, for any Dividend Period
and any Dividend Payment Period included therein and (ii) for purposes of
determining the amount of cash dividends payable (if declared) at any Dividend
Payment Date, the rate per annum (including in the case of any Applicable Rate
expressed as a Spread the rate per annum determined by periodic application of
such Spread to the applicable Reference Index or Reference Security at the
frequency and weighting, if any, specified in the related Bid Requirements,
subject to any Maximum Applicable Rate or Minimum Applicable Rate applicable to
such Dividend Payment Period) at which cash dividends are payable (if declared)
on the Preferred Shares, and includes, to the extent provided by paragraph
2(c)(i) of this Certificate of Designation, any late charge provided for by such
paragraph.
"Auction" means a periodic operation of the Auction Procedures.
"Auction Agent" means Bankers Trust Company unless and until another
commercial bank, trust company or other financial institution appointed by a
resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Trust or a duly authorized committee
thereof enters into an agreement with the Trustees to follow the Auction
Procedures for the purpose of determining the Applicable Rate and to act as
transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent for
the Preferred Shares and other Preferred Shares.
"Auction Procedures" means the procedures for conducting Auctions set forth
in paragraph 11 of this Certificate of Designation.
"Bid Requirements" means (i) any requirement for a Special Dividend Period
longer than 91 days that Bids by Potential Holders shall be expressed as a
Spread below, at or above the rate of a specified Reference Index or Reference
Security, (ii) the Reference Index or Reference Security, the most recently
announced rate thereof and the frequency with which the rate of Reference Index
or the Reference Security, as the case may be, shall be recalculated for
purposes of determining rates expressed as Spreads thereon in accordance with
this Certificate of Designation, which frequency shall be the same as the
frequency with which the person maintaining the Reference Index being utilized
recalculates such Reference Index, or the same as the frequency with which the
interest rate on the Reference Security being utilized changes or such other
frequency as the Trust shall specify (which specification may include a formula
specified by the Trust indicating the weighting to be given to each
recalculation of the Reference Index or change in the rate of the Reference
Security during a specified period), (iii) the frequency of Dividend Payment
Dates during such Special Dividend Period (which shall not be more often than
the frequency specified pursuant to clause (ii) above), (iv) one or more Minimum
Applicable Rate or Rates (the Indicated Minimum Applicable Rate or Rates in the
case of Bid Requirements set forth in a Request for Special Dividend Period)
and/or (v) one or more Special Dividend Period Reference Rate or Rates and the
Maximum Applicable Rate or Rates (the Indicated Maximum Applicable Rate or Rates
in the case of Bid Requirements set forth in a Request for Special Dividend
Period) derivable from such Special Dividend Period Reference Rate or Rates, in
each case as set forth in the Notice of Special Dividend Period for such Special
Dividend Period.
C-1-2
<PAGE>
"Broker-Dealer" shall mean any broker-dealer, or other entity permitted by
law to perform the functions required of a Broker-Dealer in paragraph 11 of this
Certificate of Designation, that has been selected by the Trust and has entered
into a Broker-Dealer Agreement with the Auction Agent that remains effective.
"Broker-Dealer Agreement" shall mean an agreement between the Auction Agent
and a Broker-Dealer pursuant to which such Broker-Dealer agrees to follow the
procedures specified in paragraph 11 of this Certificate of Designation.
"Business Day" means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. is
open for trading and which is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks
in the City of New York are authorized or obligated by law to close.
"Closing Transaction" means the termination of a futures contract or option
position by taking a position opposite thereto.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Commercial Paper Dealers" means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated and such other commercial paper dealer or dealers as the Trust may
from time to time appoint, or, in lieu of any thereof, their respective
affiliates or successors.
"Common Shares of Beneficial Interest" means the common shares of
beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share, of the Trust.
"Date of Original Issue" means November 23, 1992, with respect to the
Preferred Shares and the date on which the Trust originally issues any Other
Preferred Shares with respect to such Other Preferred Shares.
"Declaration of Trust" means the Declaration of Trust, as amended and
supplemented (including this Certificate of Designation), of the Trust on file
with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
"Deposit Securities" means cash, the book value of Florida Municipal
Obligations sold for which payment is due within five Business Days with
counterparties rated at least Baa by Moody's and before the next Dividend
Payment Date or Valuation Date, as the case may be, and Florida Municipal
Obligations rated at least A-1+ or SP-l+ by S&P, VMIG-1 or MIG-1 by Moody's.
"Discounted Value" means (i) with respect to a Moody's Eligible Asset, the
lower of par and the quotient of the Market Value thereof divided by the
applicable Moody's Discount Factor and (ii) with respect to an S&P Eligible
Asset, the quotient of the Market Value thereof divided by the applicable S&P
Discount Factor.
"Dividend Coverage Amount," as of any Valuation Date, means (i) the
aggregate amount of cash dividends that will accumulate on all Outstanding
Preferred Shares and Other Preferred Shares, in each case to (but not including)
the next Dividend Payment Date therefor that follows such Valuation Date
(calculated, in the case of cash dividends determined by application of a Spread
to a Reference Index or Reference Security, by assuming that the Applicable Rate
in effect for the immediately preceding Dividend Payment Period will remain in
effect until the next Dividend Payment Period) plus the aggregate amount of any
liabilities of the Trust that are required to be paid on or prior to the next
Dividend Payment Date less (ii) the combined Market Value of Deposit Securities
irrevocably deposited with the Auction Agent for the payment of cash dividends
on all Preferred Shares and Other Preferred Shares.
"Dividend Coverage Assets," as of any Valuation Date, means, in the case of
Preferred Shares and Other Preferred Shares, Deposit Securities with maturity or
tender payment dates not later in each case than the Dividend Payment Date
therefor that follows such Valuation Date.
"Dividend Payment Date," with respect to Preferred Shares, has the meaning
set forth in paragraph 2(b)(i) of this Certificate of Designation and, with
respect to Other Preferred Shares, has the equivalent meaning.
"Dividend Payment Period" means the Initial Dividend Period and any
Subsequent Dividend Payment Period.
C-1-3
<PAGE>
"Dividend Period" means the Initial Dividend Period, any 7-day Dividend
Period (in the case of Series R7 Preferred Shares) and any Special Dividend
Period.
"Existing Holder" means a Person who is listed as the holder of record of
Preferred Shares in the Share Books.
"Florida Municipal Obligations" means debt obligations issued by or on
behalf of the State of Florida, its political subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities and by other qualifying issuers that pay interest which, in
the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, is exempt from Federal, Florida State
and local income tax.
"Holder" means a Person identified as a holder of record of Preferred
Shares in the Share Register.
"Independent Accountant" means a nationally recognized accountant, or firm
of accountants, that is, with respect to the Trust, an independent public
accountant or firm of independent public accountants under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.
"Indicated Maximum Applicable Rate" means the Maximum Applicable Rate that
would apply if the Auction with respect to which it is specified were conducted
on the date of the Request for Special Dividend Period in which such Indicated
Maximum Applicable Rate is specified.
"Indicated Minimum Applicable Rate" means the Minimum Applicable Rate that
would apply if the Auction with respect to which it is specified were conducted
on the date of the Request for Special Dividend Period in which such Indicated
Minimum Applicable Rate is specified.
"Initial Dividend Payment Date" means the Initial Dividend Payment Date
specified herein with respect to the Preferred Shares or Other Preferred Shares,
as the case may be.
"Initial Dividend Period," with respect to Preferred Shares, has the
meaning set forth in paragraph 2(c)(i) of this Certificate of Designation and,
with respect to Other Preferred Shares, has the equivalent meaning.
"Initial Dividend Rate," with respect to the Preferred Shares, means the
rate per annum applicable to the Initial Dividend Period for the Preferred
Shares and, with respect to Other Preferred Shares, has the equivalent meaning.
"Initial Margin" means the amount of cash or securities deposited with a
broker as a margin payment at the time of purchase or sale of a futures
contract.
"Interest Equivalent" means a yield on a 360-day basis of a discount basis
security which is equal to the yield on an equivalent interest-bearing security.
"Mandatory Redemption Price" means $25,000 per share of Preferred Shares
plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned
or declared) to the date fixed for redemption plus the premium, if any,
resulting from the designation of a Premium Call Period.
"Market Value" of any asset of the Trust shall be the market value
thereof determined by the Pricing Service. Market Value of any asset shall
include any interest accrued thereon. The Pricing Service shall value portfolio
securities at the lower of the quoted bid price or the mean between the quoted
bid and ask price or the yield equivalent when quotations are not readily
available. Securities for which quotations are not readily available shall be
valued at fair value as determined by the Pricing Service using methods which
include consideration of: yields or prices of municipal obligations of
comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating; indications as
to value from dealers; and general market conditions. The Pricing Service may
employ electronic data processing techniques and/or a matrix system to determine
valuations. If the Pricing Service fails to provide the Market Value of any
Florida Municipal Obligation, such Florida Municipal Obligation shall be valued
at the lower of two bid quotations (one of which shall be in writing) obtained
by the Trust from two dealers who are members of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. and are making a market in such Florida Municipal
Obligation. Futures contracts and options are valued at closing prices for such
instruments established by the exchange or board of trade on which they are
traded, or if market quotations are not readily available, are valued at fair
value as determined by the Pricing Service or if the Pricing
C-1-4
<PAGE>
Service is not able to value such instruments they shall be valued at fair value
on a consistent basis using methods determined in good faith by the Board of
Trustees.
"Maximum Applicable Rate," for any Dividend Payment Period with respect to
Preferred Shares, has the meaning set forth in paragraph 11(a)(vi) of this
Certificate of Designation and, with respect to Other Preferred Shares, has the
equivalent meaning.
"Maximum Marginal Tax Rate" means the maximum marginal regular Federal
individual income tax rate applicable to ordinary income or the maximum marginal
regular Federal corporate income tax rate, whichever is greater.
"Maximum Potential Additional Dividend Liability," as of any Valuation
Date, means the aggregate amount of Additional Dividends that would be due if
the Trust were to make Retroactive Taxable Allocations, with respect to any
fiscal year, estimated based upon dividends paid and the amount of undistributed
realized net capital gains and other taxable income earned by the Trust, as of
the end of the calendar month immediately preceding such Valuation Date and
assuming such Additional Dividends are fully taxable.
"Minimum Applicable Rate," for any Dividend Payment Period with respect to
Preferred Shares, has the meaning set forth in paragraph 11(a)(vii) of this
Certificate of Designation and, with respect to Other Preferred Shares, has the
equivalent meaning.
"Minimum Liquidity Level" means, as of any Valuation Date, an aggregate
Market Value of the Trust's Dividend Coverage Assets not less than the Dividend
Coverage Amount.
"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service or its successors.
"Moody's Discount Factor" means, for purposes of determining the Discounted
Value of any Moody's Eligible Asset which is a Florida Municipal Obligation or
Other Municipal Obligation, the percentage determined by reference to (i) (A)
the rating by Moody's or S&P on such asset or (B) in the event the Florida
Municipal Obligation or Other Municipal Obligation, is insured under an
insurance policy which guarantees the timely payment of interest on such Florida
Municipal Obligation or Other Municipal Obligation and principal thereof to
maturity, the Moody's insurance claims-paying ability rating of the issuer of
the insurance policy (provided that for purposes of clause (B) if the insurance
claims-paying ability of an issuer of an insurance policy is not rated by
Moody's but is rated by S&P, such issuer shall be deemed to have a Moody's
insurance claims-paying ability rating which is one full category lower than the
S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating) and (ii) the shortest Moody's
Collateral Period set forth opposite such rating that is the same length as or
is longer than the Moody's Exposure Period in accordance with the table set
forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Category
-----------------------------------
Moody's Collateral Period Aaa* Aa* A* Baa* Other**
- ----------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
7 weeks or less.............. 151% 159% 168% 202% 229%
8 weeks or less but greater
than seven weeks............. 154 164 173 205 235
9 weeks or less but greater
than eight weeks............. 158 169 179 209 242
</TABLE>
____________________
* Moody' s rating.
** Florida Municipal Obligations and Other Municipal Obligations not rated by
Moody's but rated BBB or BBB+ by S&P.
; provided, however, in the event a Moody's Discount Factor applicable to a
-------- -------
Florida Municipal Obligation or Other Municipal Obligation is determined by
reference to an insurance claims-paying ability rating in accordance with clause
(i)(B), such Moody's Discount Factor shall be increased by an amount equal to
50% of the difference between
C-1-5
<PAGE>
(a) the percentage set forth in the foregoing table under the applicable rating
category and (b) the percentage set forth in the foregoing table under the
rating category which is one category lower than the applicable rating category.
If a Florida Municipal Obligation or Other Municipal Obligation is covered by a
Portfolio Insurance policy which provides the Trust with an option to obtain
Permanent Insurance with respect to such Florida Municipal Obligation or Other
Municipal Obligation and such Portfolio Insurance policy has been approved in
writing by Moody's, the Moody's Discount Factor rating category shall be
determined by averaging the insurance claims paying ability rating of the
Portfolio Insurance provider and the next lowest rating category.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Moody's Discount Factor for short-
term Florida Municipal Obligations and Other Municipal Obligations will be 115%
so long as such Florida Municipal Obligations and Other Municipal Obligations
are rated at least MIG-1, VMIG-1 or P-1 by Moody's or 125% if such Florida
Municipal Obligations and Other Municipal Obligations are not rated by Moody's
but are rated A-l+ or SP-1+ or AA by S&P and mature or have a demand feature at
par exercisable in 30 days or less, and (ii) no Moody's Discount Factor will be
applied to cash or to Municipal Receivables (except to the extent provided in
the definition thereof).
"Moody's Eligible Asset" means cash, a Municipal Receivable or a Florida
Municipal Obligation or Other Municipal Obligation that (i) pays interest in
cash, (ii) is publicly rated Baa or higher by Moody's or, if not rated by
Moody's but rated by S&P, is rated at least BBB by S&P (provided that, for
purposes of determining the Moody's Discount Factor applicable to any such S&P-
rated Florida Municipal Obligation or other Municipal Obligation, such Florida
Municipal Obligation or Other Municipal Obligation (excluding any short-term
Florida Municipal Obligation or Other Municipal Obligation) will be deemed to
have a Moody's rating which is one full rating category lower than its S&P
rating), (iii) does not have its Moody's rating suspended by Moody's and (iv) is
part of an issue of Florida Municipal Obligations and Other Municipal
Obligations of at least $10,000,000. In addition, Florida Municipal Obligations
and Other Municipal Obligations in the Trust's portfolio must be within the
following diversification requirements in order to be included within Moody's
Eligible Assets:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Maximum Maximum Maximum
Minimum Underlying Issue Type County Maximum State
Issue Size Obligor Concentration Concentration Concentration
Rating ($ Millions) (%)(1) (%) (1)(3)(6) (%) (1)(4)(6) (%) (1)(5)
- ----------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Aaa.............. 10 100 100 100 100
Aa............... 10 20 60 60 60
A................ 10 10 40 40 40
Baa.............. 10 6 20 20 20
Other(2)......... 10 4 12 12 12
</TABLE>
______________________
(1) The reference percentages represent maximum cumulative totals for the
related rated category and each lower rating category.
(2) Florida Municipal Obligations and Other Municipal Obligations not rated by
Moody's but rated BBB or BBB+ by S&P.
(3) Does not apply to general obligation bonds.
(4) Applicable to general obligation bonds only.
(5) Does not apply to Florida Municipal Obligations.
(6) Does not apply to Other Municipal Obligations.
For purposes of the maximum underlying obligor requirement described above,
any such bond backed by the guaranty, letter of credit or insurance issued by a
third party will be deemed to be issued by such third party if the issuance of
such third party credit is the sole determinant of the rating on such bond. For
purposes of the issue type concentration requirement described above, Florida
Municipal Obligations and Other Municipal Obligations will be classified within
one of the following categories: health care issues (teaching and non-teaching
hospitals, public and private), housing issues (single- and multi-family),
educational facilities issues (public and private schools), student loan issues,
resource recovery issues, transportation issues (mass transit, airport and
highway bonds), industrial revenue/pollution control bond issues, utility issues
(including water, sewer and electricity), general obligation issues,
C-1-6
<PAGE>
lease obligations/certificates of participation, escrowed bonds and other issues
("Other Issues") not falling within one of the aforementioned categories
(includes special obligations to crossover, excise and sales tax revenue,
recreation revenue, special assessment and telephone revenue bonds). In no event
shall (a) more than 10% of Moody's Eligible Assets consist of student loan
issues, (b) more than 10% of Moody's Eligible Assets consist of resource
recovery issues or (c) more than 10% of Moody's Eligible Assets consist of Other
Issues. When the Trust sells a Florida Municipal Obligation or Other Municipal
Obligation and agrees to repurchase it at a future date, the Trust must count as
a liability for the purposes of the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount
the amount of the repurchase price of such Florida Municipal Obligation or Other
Municipal Obligation and such Florida Municipal Obligation or Other Municipal
Obligation is considered a Moody's Eligible Asset to the extent it satisfies
Moody's current guidelines. When the Trust buys a Florida Municipal Obligation
or Other Municipal Obligation and agrees to sell it to another party at a future
date and the long-term debt of such other party is rated at least A2 and the
transaction has a term of 30 days or less, the cash to be received by the Trust
will be counted as a Moody's Eligible Asset; otherwise such Florida Municipal
Obligation or Other Municipal Obligation will be counted as a Moody's Eligible
Asset to the extent it satisfies Moody's current guidelines.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an asset will not be considered a Moody's
Eligible Asset if it is held in a margin account or if it is subject to any
material lien, mortgage, pledge, security interest or security agreement of any
kind, except for (i) Liens to secure payment for services rendered or cash
advanced to the Trust by the Adviser, the custodian of the Trust's assets, the
Auction Agent or any Broker-Dealers and (ii) any Lien by virtue of a repurchase
agreement. In addition, an asset irrevocably deposited for the payment of any of
the items set forth in clauses (i) A through F of the Preferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount will not be considered Moody's Eligible Assets.
For purposes of the definition of Moody's Eligible Asset, references to the
S&P rating BBB shall be deemed to include the S&P ratings BBB and BBB+.
"Moody's Exposure Period" means a period that is the same length or longer
than the number of days used in calculating the cash dividend component of the
Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and shall initially be the period
commencing on a given Valuation Date and ending 48 days thereafter.
"Moody's Hedging Transaction" means the selling of an exchange traded
futures contract based on the Municipal Index or Treasury Bonds or the purchase
of an exchange traded put option on such a futures contract or the writing of an
exchange traded call option on such a futures contract.
"Moody's Volatility Factor" means 100% during any Dividend Period of
greater than 49 days until 49 days prior to the last day of such Dividend
Period; otherwise, "Moody's Volatility Factor" means 272% except during that
time period where legislation increasing the federal income tax rate has been
enacted into law and such increase has not yet taken effect, in which case for
such time period Moody's Volatility Factor shall be determined by reference to
the increase in the Maximum Marginal Tax Rate as follows: for increases of up
to 5%, 292%; for increases greater than 5% and up to 10%, 313%; for increases
greater than 10% and up to 15%, 338%; for increases greater than 15% and up to
20%, 364%; for increases greater than 20% and up to 25%, 396%; for increases
greater than 25% and up to 30%, 432%; for increases greater than 30% and up to
35%, 472%; for increases greater than 35% and up to 40%, 520%.
"Municipal Index" means The Bond Buyer Municipal Bond Index.
"Municipal Receivables" means no more than the aggregate of the following:
(i) the book value of receivables for Florida Municipal Obligations sold as of
or prior to a relevant Valuation Date if such receivables are due within five
Business Days of such Valuation Date, and if the trades which generated such
receivables are (A) settled through clearing house firms with respect to which
the Trust has received prior written authorization from Moody's or (B) with
counterparties having a Moody's long-term debt rating of at least Baa3; and (ii)
the Moody's Discounted Value of Florida Municipal Obligations sold as of or
prior to such Valuation Date which generated receivables, if such receivables
are due within five Business Days of such Valuation Date but do not comply with
either of conditions (A) or (B) of the preceding clause (i).
"1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time
to time.
C-1-7
<PAGE>
"1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage" means asset coverage, as
defined in section 18(h) of the 1940 Act , of at least 200% with respect to all
outstanding senior securities of the Trust which are shares of beneficial
interest, including all outstanding Preferred Shares and Other Preferred Shares
(or such other asset coverage as may in the future be specified in or under the
1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior securities which are stock of
a closed-end investment company as a condition of paying dividends on its common
shares of beneficial interest).
"1940 Act Cure Date," with respect to the failure by the Trust to maintain
the 1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage (as required by paragraph 6 of this
Certificate of Designation) as of the last Business Day of each month, means the
last Business Day of the following month.
"Non-Call Period" has the meaning set forth under "Specific Redemption
Provisions" below.
"Non-Payment Period," with respect to each series of Preferred Shares,
means any period commencing on and including the day on which the Trust shall
fail to (i) declare, prior to the close of business on the second Business Day
preceding any Dividend Payment Date, for payment on or (to the extent permitted
by paragraph 2(c)(i) of this Certificate of Designation) within three Business
Days after such Dividend Payment Date to the Holders as of 12:00 noon, New York
City time, on the Business Day preceding such Dividend Payment Date, the full
amount of any dividend on Preferred Shares payable on such Dividend Payment Date
or (ii) deposit, irrevocably in trust, in same-day funds, with the Auction Agent
by 12:00 noon, New York City time, (A) on such Dividend Payment Date the full
amount of any cash dividend on such shares payable (if declared) on such
Dividend Payment Date or (B) on any redemption date for any Preferred Shares
called for redemption, the Mandatory Redemption Price per share of such
Preferred Shares or, in the case of an optional redemption, the Optional
Redemption Price per share, and ending on and including the Business Day on
which, by 12:00 noon, New York City Time, all unpaid cash dividends and unpaid
redemption prices shall have been so deposited or shall have otherwise been made
available to Holders in same-day funds; provided that, Non-Payment Period shall
not end unless the Trust shall have given at least five days, but no more than
30 days written notice of such deposit or availability to the Auction Agent, all
Existing Holders (at their addresses appearing in the Share Books) and the
Securities Depository. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure by the Trust
to deposit the funds provided for by clauses (ii)(A) and (ii)(B) above within
three Business Days after a Dividend Payment Date or any Redemption Date, as the
case may be, in each case to the extent contemplated by paragraph 2(c)(i) of
this Certificate of Designation, shall not constitute a "Non-Payment Period".
"Non-Payment Period Rate" means, initially, 250% of the 30-day "AA"
Composite Commercial Paper Rate (or 300% of such rate if the Trust has provided
notification to the Auction Agent prior to the Auction establishing the
Applicable Rate for any dividend pursuant to paragraph 2(f) hereof that net
capital gains or other taxable income will be included in such dividend on
Preferred Shares). Such percentages will be used to calculate the Applicable
Rate for any Non-Payment Period which occurs during a Special Dividend Period on
either series of Preferred Shares and will be applied to the applicable Special
Dividend Period Reference Rate then in effect with respect to such series.
However, the Board of Trustees of the Trust shall have the authority to adjust,
modify, alter or change from time to time the initial Non-Payment Period Rate if
the Board of Trustees of the Trust determines and Moody's and S&P (and any
Substitute Rating Agency in lieu of Moody's or S&P in the event either of such
parties shall not rate the Preferred Shares) advise the Trust in writing that
such adjustment, modification, alteration or change will not adversely affect
their then-current ratings on the Preferred Shares.
"Normal Dividend Payment Date" has the meaning set forth in paragraph
2(b)(i) of this Certificate of Designation.
"Notice of Redemption" means any notice with respect to the redemption of
Preferred Shares pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Certificate of Designation.
"Notice of Revocation" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 2(c)(iii) of
this Certificate of Designation.
"Notice of Special Dividend Period" has the meaning set forth in paragraph
2(c)(iii) of this Certificate of Designation.
C-1-8
<PAGE>
"Optional Redemption Price" shall mean $25,000 per share plus an amount
equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) to
the date fixed for redemption plus the premium, if any, resulting from the
designation of a Premium Call Period.
"Original Issue Insurance" means insurance guaranteeing the timely payment
of principal of, and interest on, a Florida Municipal Obligation purchased by
the issuer of a Florida Municipal Obligation or by a third party at the time of
issuance of such Florida Municipal Obligation, as the case may be.
"Other Municipal Obligations" means long-term obligations issued by or on
behalf of states, territories or possessions of the United States, political
subdivisions of the foregoing, or agencies and instrumentalities paying interest
which, in the opinion of the bond counsel to the issuer, is exempt from Federal
but not Florida State and local income tax.
"Other Preferred Shares" means the Auction Rate Municipal Preferred Shares
of Beneficial Interest of the Trust, other than the Preferred Shares.
"Outstanding" means, as of any date (i) with respect to Preferred Shares,
Preferred Shares theretofore issued by the Trust except, without duplication,
(A) any Preferred Shares theretofore cancelled or delivered to the Auction Agent
for cancellation, or redeemed by the Trust, or as to which a Notice of
Redemption shall have been given and moneys shall have been deposited in trust
by the Trust pursuant to paragraph 4(c) and (B) any Preferred Shares as to which
the Trust or any Affiliate thereof shall be an Existing Holder and (ii) with
respect to shares of Other Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, has the
equivalent meaning.
"Parity Shares of Beneficial Interest" means the Preferred Shares and each
other outstanding series of Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest the holders
of which, together with the holders of the Preferred Shares, shall be entitled
to the receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in proportion to the full
respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled, without preference
or priority one over the other.
"Permanent Insurance" means insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of
principal of, and interest on, a Municipal Obligation purchased by the Trust
upon payment of a single, predetermined insurance premium pursuant to an
irrevocable commitment of the issuer of Portfolio Insurance covering such
Municipal Obligation.
"Person" shall mean and include an individual, a partnership a corporation,
a trust, an unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Portfolio Insurance" means insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of
principal of, and interest on, a covered Florida Municipal Obligation only while
such Florida Municipal Obligation is owned by the Trust.
"Potential Holder" shall mean any Person, including any Existing Holder,
who may be interested in acquiring Preferred Shares (or, in the case of an
Existing Holder, additional Preferred Shares).
"Preferred Shares" means Auction Rate Municipal Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest, Series R7.
"Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount" as of any Valuation Date,
means the dollar amount equal to (i) the sum of (A) the product of the number of
Preferred Shares and Other Preferred Shares outstanding on such Valuation Date
multiplied by $25,000 plus the premium, if any, resulting from the designation
of a Premium Call Period; (B) the aggregate amount of cash dividends that will
have accumulated (whether or not earned or declared) for each share of Preferred
Shares and Other Preferred Shares outstanding, in each case, to (but not
including) the next Dividend Payment Date therefor that follows such Valuation
Date (calculated, in the case of cash dividends determined by application of a
Spread to a Reference Index or Reference Security, by assuming that the
Applicable Rate in effect for the immediately preceding Dividend Payment Period
will remain in effect until the next Dividend Payment Period); (C) the aggregate
amount of cash dividends that would accumulate at the then current Maximum
Applicable Rate (assuming notification has been given to the Auction Agent that
net capital gains or other taxable income will be included in the relevant
dividend as contemplated pursuant to paragraphs 2(f) and 11(a)(vi) of this
Certificate of Designation) on any Preferred Shares and Other Preferred Shares
outstanding from such Dividend Payment Date through the 48th day after such
C-1-9
<PAGE>
Valuation Date, multiplied by the larger of the Moody's Volatility Factor and
the S&P Volatility Factor determined from time to time by Moody's and S&P
respectively (except that if such Valuation Date occurs during a Non-Payment
Period, the cash dividend for purposes of calculation would accumulate at the
then current Non-Payment Period Rate); (D) the amount of anticipated expenses of
the Trust for the 90 days subsequent to such Valuation Date; (E) the amount of
the Trust's Maximum Potential Additional Dividend Liability as of such Valuation
Date; and (F) any current liabilities as of such Valuation Date to the extent
not reflected in any of (i)(A) through (i)(E) (including, without limitation,
and immediately upon determination, payables for Florida Municipal Obligations
purchased as of such Valuation Date) less (ii) the lesser of (A) either the
Discounted Value of the Trust's assets irrevocably deposited by the Trust for
the payment of any of (i)(A) through (i)(F) or the face value of such
irrevocably deposited assets that mature prior to the payment date of the
liabilities for which they are being deposited and are either fully guaranteed
by the U.S. government or have a rating of either P-1, VMIG-1 or MIG-1 by
Moody's or A-1+ and SP-1+ by S&P, and (B) the Market Value of any of the Trust's
assets irrevocably deposited by the Trust for the payment of any of (i)(A)
through (i)(F).
For purposes of determining as of any Valuation Date whether the Trust has
Moody's Eligible Assets and S&P Eligible Assets each with an aggregate
Discounted Value at least equal to the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance
Amount, the Trust shall include as a liability in the calculation of the
Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount an amount calculated semi-annually
equal to 150% of the estimated cost of obtaining Permanent Insurance with
respect to Moody's Eligible Assets or S&P Eligible Assets, as applicable, that
are (i) covered by Portfolio Insurance policies which provide the Trust with the
option to obtain such Permanent Insurance and (ii) are discounted by a Moody's
Discount Factor or S&P Discount Factor, as applicable, determined by reference
to the insurance claims-paying ability rating of the issuer of such Portfolio
Insurance policy.
"Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Cure Date," with respect to the failure
by the Trust to satisfy the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount (as
required by paragraph 7(a) of this Certificate of Designation) as of a given
Valuation Date, means the fifth Business Day following such Valuation Date.
"Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Report" means a report signed by the
President, Treasurer, or Vice President of the Trust which sets forth, as of the
related Valuation Date, the assets of the Trust, the Market Value and the
Discounted Value thereof (seriatim and in aggregate), and the Preferred Shares
Basic Maintenance Amount.
"Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest" means the preferred shares of
beneficial interest of the Trust, and includes Preferred Shares and Other
Preferred Shares.
"Premium Call Period" has the meaning set forth under "Specific
Redemption Provisions" below.
"Pricing Service" shall mean J.J. Kenny Co., Inc. or any pricing service
designated by the Board of Trustees of the Trust provided the Trust obtains
written assurance from S&P that such designation will not impair the rating then
assigned by S&P to the Preferred Shares.
"Quarterly Valuation Date" means the last Business Day of each fiscal
quarter of the Trust in each fiscal year of the Trust, commencing December 31,
1992.
"Reference Index" shall mean an index of interest rates on Treasury
Securities, Municipal Obligations or high quality commercial paper or dividend
rates on preferred stock of issuers registered as closed-end management
investment companies under the 1940 Act that invest primarily in Municipal
Obligations or any other index or instrument selected and approved by the
Trust's Board of Trustees, after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, as being
an appropriate index or instrument, in each case expressed as a rate and devised
and calculated not less often than monthly by one or more parties that are not
affiliated with the Trust and made available to the Trust, the Auction Agent,
the Broker-Dealers and existing and potential beneficial owners of the Preferred
Shares.
"Reference Rate" means the higher of the 30-day "AA" Composite Commercial
Paper Rate and the Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate, or,
in the case of a Special Dividend Period with a single Applicable Rate
throughout such Special Dividend Period, the Special Dividend Period Reference
Rate or, in the case of a Special Dividend Period with a varying Applicable
Rate, the Reference Rate specified in the definition of S&P Volatility Factor
that most closely approximates the length of the interval between periodic
applications of the Spread to the relevant Reference Index or Reference
Security.
C-1-10
<PAGE>
"Reference Security" shall mean, in the case of a debt obligation, a
particular debt obligation which is publicly traded, which is non-callable prior
to the termination of the Special Dividend Period with respect to which such
Reference Security is relevant and the outstanding aggregate principal amount of
which at the time of the Notice of Special Dividend Period exceeds $100 million
or, in the case of a preferred stock, a preferred stock issue which is publicly
traded, which is non-redeemable prior to the termination of the Special Dividend
Period with respect to which such Reference Security is relevant and the
outstanding liquidation value of which at the time of the Notice of Special
Dividend Period exceeds $50 million.
"Request for Special Dividend Period" has the meaning set forth in
paragraph 2(c)(iii) of this Certificate of Designation.
"Response" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 2(c)(iii) of this
Certificate of Designation.
"Retroactive Taxable Allocation" has the meaning set forth in paragraph
2(e) of this Certificate of Designation.
"Right," with respect to Preferred Shares, has the meaning set forth in
paragraph 2(e) of this Certificate of Designation and, with respect to Other
Preferred Shares, has the equivalent meaning.
"Rightholder" has the meaning set forth in paragraph 2(e) of this
Certificate of Designation.
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Corporation or its successors.
"S&P Discount Factor" means, for purposes of determining the Discounted
Value of any Florida Municipal Obligation which constitutes an S&P Eligible
Asset, the percentage determined by reference to (a)(i) in the event the Florida
Municipal Obligation is covered by a Portfolio Insurance policy which does not
provide the Trust with the option to obtain Permanent Insurance with respect to
such Florida Municipal Obligation, or is not covered by bond insurance, the S&P
or Moody's rating on such Florida Municipal Obligation, (ii) in the event the
Florida Municipal Obligation is covered by an Original Issue Insurance policy or
a Secondary Insurance policy, the S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating of
the issuer of the policy or (iii) in the event the Florida Municipal Obligation
is covered by a Portfolio Insurance policy which provides the Trust with the
option to obtain Permanent Insurance with respect to such Florida Municipal
Obligation and such Portfolio Insurance policy has been reviewed and approved in
writing by S&P, at the Trust's option, the S&P or Moody's rating on such Florida
Municipal Obligation or the S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating of the
issuer of the Portfolio Insurance policy and (b) the shortest S&P Collateral
Period set forth opposite such rating that is the same length as or is longer
than the S&P Exposure Period, in accordance with the table set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rating Category
-----------------------------------
For Florida Municipal Obligations: AAA* AA* A* BBB*
- ------------------------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
S&P Collateral Period
40 Business Days.................. 210% 215% 230% 270%
22 Business Days.................. 190 195 210 250
10 Business Days.................. 175 180 195 235
7 Business Days.................. 170 175 190 230
3 Business Days.................. 150 155 170 210
</TABLE>
____________________
* S&P rating.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the S&P Discount Factor for short-term
Florida Municipal Obligations will be 115%, so long as such Florida Municipal
Obligations are rated A-1+ or SP-1+ by S&P or 125% if such Florida Municipal
Obligations are not rated by S&P but are rated VMIG-1, P-1 or MIG-1 by Moody's
and mature or have a
C-1-11
<PAGE>
demand feature exercisable in 30 days or less; provided, however, that such
Moody's rated short-term Florida Municipal Obligations must be backed by a
letter of credit, liquidity facility or guarantee from a bank or other financial
institution, such bank or institution having a short-term rating of at least A-
1+ from S&P; and further provided that such short-term Florida Municipal
Obligations rated by Moody's but not rated by S&P may comprise no more than 50%
of short-term Florida Municipal Obligations that qualify as S&P Eligible Assets
and (ii) no S&P Discount Factor will be applied to cash or to the book value of
Florida Municipal Obligations sold for which payment is due within five Business
Days. The Trust may adopt S&P Discount Factors for Other Municipal Obligations
provided that S&P advises the Trust in writing that such action will not
adversely affect its then current rating on the Preferred Shares. Anticipation
Notes rated SP-1+ or, if not rated by S&P, rated MIG-1 or VMIG-1 by Moody's,
which do not mature or have a demand feature at par exercisable in 30 days and
which do not have a long-term rating, will be considered to be short term
Florida Municipal Obligations for purposes of determining the Discounted Value
of S&P Eligible Assets.
"S&P Eligible Asset" means cash or the book value of Florida Municipal
Obligations sold for which payment is due within five Business Days of a
Valuation Date or a Florida Municipal Obligation that (i) is interest bearing
and pays interest at least semiannually; (ii) is payable with respect to
principal and interest in United States Dollars; (iii) is publicly rated BBB or
higher by S&P or, if not rated by S&P but rated by Moody's, is rated at least A
by Moody's (provided that such Moody's-rated Florida Municipal Obligations will
be included in S&P Eligible Assets only to the extent the Market Value of such
Florida Municipal Obligations do not exceed 50% of the aggregate Market Value of
the S&P Eligible Assets; and further provided that, for purposes of determining
the S&P Discount Factor applicable to any such Moody's - rated Florida Municipal
Obligation, such Florida Municipal Obligation will be deemed to have an S&P
rating which is one full rating category lower than its Moody's rating); (iv) is
not subject to a covered call or covered put option written by the Trust; (v) is
not part of a private placement of Florida Municipal Obligations; and (vi) is
part of an issue of Florida Municipal Obligations with an original issue size of
at least $20 million or, if of an issue with an original issue size below $20
million (but in no event below $10 million), is issued by an issuer with a total
of at least $50 million of securities outstanding. Notwithstanding the
foregoing:
(1) Florida Municipal Obligations of any one issuer or guarantor
(excluding bond insurers) will be considered S&P Eligible Assets only to
the extent the Market Value of such Florida Municipal Obligations does not
exceed 20% of the aggregate Market Value of the S&P Eligible Assets, except
that Florida Municipal Obligations falling within the utility issue type
category will be broken down into three sub-categories (as described below)
and such Florida Municipal Obligations will be considered S&P Eligible
Assets to the extent the Market Value of such Bonds in each such sub-
category does not exceed 20% of the aggregate market value of S&P Eligible
Assets. For purposes of the issue type category requirement described
above, Florida Municipal Obligations will be classified within one of the
following categories: health care issues, housing issues, educational
facilities issues, student loan issues, transportation issues, industrial
development bond issues, utility issues, general obligation issues, lease
obligations, escrowed bonds and other issues not falling within one of the
aforementioned categories. For purposes of the issue type category
requirement described above, Florida Municipal Obligations in the utility
issue type category will be classified within one of the three following
sub-categories: (i) electric, gas and combination issues (if the
combination issue includes an electric issue), (ii) water and sewer
utilities and combination issues (if the combination issue does not include
an electric issue), and (iii) irrigation, resource recovery, solid waste
and other utilities, provided that Florida Municipal Obligations included
in this sub-category (iii) must be rated by S&P in order to be included in
S&P Eligible Assets.
The Trust may include Other Municipal Obligations as S&P Eligible
Assets pursuant to guidelines and restrictions to be established by S&P
provided that S&P advises the Trust in writing that such action will not
adversely affect its then current rating on the Preferred Shares.
"S&P Exposure Period" means the maximum period of time following a
Valuation Date, including the Valuation Date and the Preferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Cure Date, (currently 10 Business Days) that the Trust has under
this Certificate of Designation to cure any failure to maintain, as of such
Valuation Date, the Discounted Value for its portfolio at least equal to the
Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount (as described in paragraph 7(a) of
this Certificate of Designation).
"S&P Hedging Transaction" means the purchasing or selling of a futures
contract based on the Municipal Index or Treasury Bonds or the purchasing of an
option on such a futures contract.
C-1-12
<PAGE>
"S&P Volatility Factor" means, depending on the applicable Reference Rate,
the following:
Reference Rate
- --------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate................. 277%
30-day "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate.............................. 228%
60-day "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate.............................. 228%
90-day "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate.............................. 222%
180-day "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate............................. 217%
1-year U.S. Treasury Bill Rate........................................... 198%
2-year U.S. Treasury Note Rate........................................... 185%
3-year U.S. Treasury Note Rate........................................... 178%
4-year U.S. Treasury Note Rate........................................... 171%
5-year U.S. Treasury Note Rate........................................... 169%
</TABLE>
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the S&P Volatility Factor may mean such other
potential dividend rate increase factor as S&P advises the Trust in writing is
applicable.
"Secondary Insurance" means insurance guaranteeing the timely payment of
principal of, and interest on, a Florida Municipal Obligation purchased by the
Trust or a third party subsequent to the original issuance of such Florida
Municipal Obligation.
"Securities Depository" means The Depository Trust Company or any successor
company or other entity selected by the Trust as securities depository for the
Preferred Shares that agrees to follow the procedures required to be followed by
such securities depository in connection with the Preferred Shares.
"Series R7 Preferred Shares" means the Auction Rate Municipal Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, Series R7, liquidation preference $25,000 per
share plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether
or not earned or declared), plus the premium, if any, resulting from the
designation of a Premium Call Period, of the Trust.
"Service" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"7-day Dividend Period" means any Dividend Period of 7 days for the
Preferred Shares.
"Special Dividend Period" means a Dividend Period consisting of a specified
number of days (other than 7), evenly divisible by seven (subject to adjustment
as provided in paragraph 2(c)(iii)).
"Special Dividend Period Reference Rate" means the rate or rates per annum
specified by the Trust (which may be expressed as the lower of a specified rate
or rates or a Spread under, at or over the Reference Index or Reference Security
being specified for such Special Dividend Period) in the Notice of Special
Dividend Period relating to a particular Special Dividend Period and specifying
a Reference Index or Reference Security or, if the Trust shall fail to so
specify any such rate or rates, then (i), in the case of a Special Dividend
Period of 182 days or less, the "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate which most
closely matches the length of the Special Dividend Period, provided that in no
case shall the Special Dividend Reference Rate be a "AA" Composite Commercial
Paper Rate which is shorter in time than the 30-day "AA" Composite Commercial
Paper Rate, or, in the case of a Special Dividend Period of longer than 182
days, the Treasury Rate which most closely matches the length of the Special
Dividend Period.
C-1-13
<PAGE>
"Specific Redemption Provisions" means, with respect to a Special Dividend
Period either, or any combination of, (i) a period (a "Non-Call Period")
determined by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, after consultation with the
Auction Agent and the Broker-Dealers, during which the Preferred Shares subject
to such Dividend Period shall not be subject to redemption at the option of the
Trust and (ii) a period (a "Premium Call Period"), consisting of a number of
whole years and determined by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, after
consultation with the Auction Agent and the Broker-Dealers, during each year of
which the Preferred Shares subject to such Dividend Period shall be redeemable
at a price per share equal to $25,000 plus accumulated but unpaid dividends plus
a premium expressed as a percentage of $25,000 as determined by the Board of
Trustees of the Trust after consultation with the Auction Agent and the Broker-
Dealers; provided, however, that the Trust shall not adopt Specific Redemption
-------- -------
Provisions unless Moody's and S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency advises the
Trust in writing that such adoption will not adversely affect their then-current
ratings on the Preferred Shares.
"Spread" means the negative or positive difference or the absence of any
difference, expressed in whole and fractional basis points, below, at or above a
Reference Index or Reference Security specified by the Trust in a Notice of
Special Dividend Period.
"Share Books" means the books maintained by the Auction Agent setting forth
at all times a current list, as determined by the Auction Agent, of Existing
Holders of the Preferred Shares.
"Share Register" means the register of Holders maintained on behalf of the
Trust by the Auction Agent in its capacity as transfer agent and registrar for
the Preferred Shares.
"Subsequent Dividend Payment Period," with respect to Preferred Shares, has
the meaning set forth in paragraph 2(c)(i) of this Certificate of Designation
and, with respect to Other Preferred Shares, has the equivalent meaning.
"Substitute Commercial Paper Dealers" means such Substitute Commercial
Paper Dealer or Dealers as the Trust may from time to time appoint or, in lieu
of any thereof, their respective affiliates or successors.
"Substitute Rating Agency" and "Substitute Rating Agencies" shall mean a
nationally recognized securities rating organization and two nationally
recognized securities rating organizations, respectively, selected by Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, or its respective affiliates and
successors, after consultation with the Trust, to act as a substitute rating
agency or substitute rating agencies, as the case may be, to determine the
credit ratings of the Series R7 Preferred Shares.
"Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate" means (i) 90%
of (A) the per annum rate expressed on an interest equivalent basis equal to the
index, made available for the Business Day immediately preceding such date but
in any event not later than 8:30 A.M., New York City time, on such date by Kenny
Information Systems or any successor thereto, based upon 30-day yield
evaluations at par of bonds the interest on which is excludable for Federal
income tax purposes under the Code, of not less than "high grade" component
issuers selected by Kenny Information Systems or any such successor from time to
time in its discretion, which component issuers shall include, without
limitation, issuers of general obligation bonds but shall exclude any bonds the
interest on which is subject to the Federal alternative minimum tax or similar
tax under the Code, unless all bonds the interest on which is so excludable for
Federal income tax purposes are subject to such tax and (B) divided by 1 minus
the Maximum Marginal Regular Federal individual income tax rate applicable to
the character of the income being distributed or the maximum marginal regular
Federal corporate income tax rate applicable to the character of the income
being distributed (in each case expressed as a decimal), whichever is greater;
or (ii) in lieu of the rate determined pursuant to clause (i) above, a
percentage, determined by the Trust, of (A) the per annum rate expressed on an
interest equivalent basis equal to any substitute index prepared by any person
(other than an Affiliate of the Trust), selected from time to time by the Trust,
based on bonds the interest on which is excludable from gross income for Federal
income tax purposes under the Code, and (B) divided by 1 minus the Maximum
Marginal Regular Federal individual income tax rate applicable to the character
of the income being distributed or the Maximum Marginal Regular Federal
corporate income tax rate applicable to the character of the income being
distributed (in each case expressed as a decimal), whichever is greater, as made
available on a discount basis or otherwise by the preparer of such index for the
Business Day immediately preceding such date but in any event not later than
8:30 A.M., New York City time, on such date; provided that the Trust shall not
select any such substitute index or determine any such percentage unless the
Trust has received confirmation
C-1-14
<PAGE>
from Moody's and S&P (or any Substitute Rating Agency) that the use of such
index or percentage would not affect the ratings assigned to the Preferred
Shares by Moody's and S&P (or any Substitute Rating Agency); provided, however,
that if the index then used by the Trust for purposes of determining the Taxable
Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate is not made so available by
8:30 A.M., the case of the index described in clause (i) above or by the
preparer of such index in the case of any substitute index described in clause
(ii) above, the Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate shall
mean the per annum rate expressed on an interest equivalent basis equal to the
most recent such index so made available for any preceding Business Day, without
being multiplied by the 90% factor in the case of the index described in such
clause (i) or the percentage determined by the Trust referred to in such clause
(ii) in the case of the index described in clause (ii).
"30-day `AA' Composite Commercial Paper Rate," on any date, means (i) the
Interest Equivalent of the 30-day rate on commercial paper placed on behalf of
issuers whose corporate bonds are rated "AA" by S&P, or the equivalent of such
rating by S&P or another nationally recognized statistical rating organization,
as such 30-day rate is made available on a discount basis or otherwise by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the Business Day immediately preceding such
date, or (i) in the event that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not
make available such a rate, then the arithmetical average of the Interest
Equivalent of the 30-day rate on commercial paper placed on behalf of such
issuers, as quoted to the Auction Agent on a discount basis or otherwise by the
Commercial Paper Dealer for the close of business on the Business Day
immediately preceding such date. If the Commercial Paper Dealer does not quote
a rate required to determine the 30-day "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate,
the 30-day "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate will be determined on the basis
of the quotation or quotations furnished by any Substitute Commercial Paper
Dealer or Substitute Commercial Paper Dealers selected by the Trust to provide
such rate or rates not being supplied by the Commercial Paper Dealer.
"Treasury Bonds" means United States Treasury Bonds with remaining
maturities of ten years or more.
"Treasury Rate," on any date for any Special Dividend Period exceeding 182
days, means:
(i) the yield on the most recently auctioned non-callable
direct obligations of the U.S. Government (excluding "flower" bonds) with a
remaining maturity closest to the duration of such Special Dividend Period,
as quoted in The Wall Street Journal on such date for the Business Day next
-----------------------
preceding such date; or
(ii) in the event that any such rate is not published by The
Wall Street Journal, then the arithmetic average of the yields on the most
--------------------
recently auctioned noncallable direct obligations of the U.S. Government
(excluding "flower" bonds) with a remaining maturity closest to the
duration of such Special Dividend Period as quoted on a discount basis or
otherwise by the U.S. Government Securities Dealers to the Auction Agent
for the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding such
date.
If any U.S. Government Securities Dealer does not quote a rate required to
determine the Treasury Rate, the Treasury Rate shall be determined on the basis
of the quotation or quotations furnished by the remaining U.S. Government
Securities Dealer or U.S. Government Securities Dealers and any Substitute U.S.
Government Dealers selected by the Trust to provide such rate or rates not being
supplied by any U.S. Government Securities Dealer or U.S. Government Securities
Dealers, as the case may be, or, if the Trust does not select any such
Substitute U.S. Government Securities Dealer or Substitute U.S. Government
Securities Dealers, by the remaining U.S. Government Securities Dealer or U.S.
Government Securities Dealers.
"Treasury Securities" means United States Treasury bills, notes or bonds.
"Trust" means The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust, a
Massachusetts business trust.
"28-day Dividend Period" means any Dividend Period of 28 days for a series
of Preferred Shares.
"U.S. Government Securities Dealer" means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated and its respective affiliates or successors, if such entity
is a U.S. Government securities dealer. As used herein, "Substitute U.S.
Government Securities Dealer" shall mean Kidder, Peabody & Co. Incorporated,
PaineWebber Incorporated, Prudential
C-1-15
<PAGE>
Securities Incorporated and Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc. or their respective
affiliates or successors, if such entity is a U.S. Government securities dealer,
provided that none of such entities shall be a U.S. Government Securities
Dealer.
"Valuation Date" means, for purposes of determining whether the Trust is
maintaining the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and the Minimum
Liquidity Level, each Friday which is a Business Day, or the Business Day
preceding any Friday which is not a Business Day, and the Date of Original
Issue.
"Variation Margin" means, in connection with an outstanding futures
contract owned or sold by the Trust, the amount of cash or securities paid to
and received from a broker (subsequent to the Initial Margin payment) from time
to time as the price of such futures contract fluctuates.
(b) The foregoing definitions of Accountant's Confirmation, Deposit
Securities, Discounted Value, Dividend Coverage Amount, Dividend Coverage
Assets, Independent Accountant, Market Value, Maximum Potential Additional
Dividend Liability, Minimum Liquidity Level, Moody's Discount Factor, Moody's
Eligible Asset, Moody's Exposure Period, Moody's Hedging Transaction, Moody's
Volatility Factor, Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, Preferred Shares
Basic Maintenance Cure Date, Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Report,
Reference Rate, S&P Discount Factor, S&P Eligible Asset, S&P Exposure Period,
S&P Hedging Transaction, S&P Volatility Factor and Valuation Date have been
determined by the Board of Trustees of the Trust in order to obtain an "aaa"
rating from Moody's and an AAA rating from S&P on the Preferred Shares on their
Date of Original Issue; and such definitions shall be adjusted from time to time
and without further action by the Board of Trustees to reflect changes made
thereto independently by Moody's, S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency if each of
Moody's, S&P and any Substitute Rating Agency has advised the Trust in writing
(i) separately or collectively of such adjustments and (ii) collectively that
such adjustments will not adversely affect their then-current ratings on the
Preferred Shares. The adjustments contemplated by the preceding sentence shall
be made effective upon the time the Trust receives the written notice from
Moody's S&P and any Substitute Rating Agency contemplated by clause (ii) of the
preceding sentence.
2. Dividends. (a) The Holders shall be entitled to receive, when, as
---------
and if declared by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, out of funds legally
available therefor, cumulative dividends each consisting of (i) cash at the
Applicable Rate and (ii) an uncertificated Right to receive cash as set forth in
paragraph 2(e) below, and no more, payable on the respective dates set forth
below. Dividends on the Preferred Shares so declared and payable shall be paid
(i) in preference to and in priority over any dividends declared and payable on
the Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, and (ii) to the extent permitted by
law and to the extent available, out of net tax-exempt income earned on the
Trust's investments. To the extent permitted by law, dividends on Preferred
Shares will be designated as exempt-interest dividends. For the purposes of
this section, the term "net tax-exempt income" shall exclude capital gains and
other taxable income of the Trust.
(b) (i) Cash dividends on Preferred Shares shall accumulate from the
Date of Original Issue and shall be payable commencing on the Initial
Dividend Payment Date with respect to each series of Preferred Shares.
Following the Initial Dividend Payment Date for each series of Preferred
Shares, dividends on the Preferred Shares will be payable, at the option of
the Trust, (ii) with respect to any Dividend Period of 35 or fewer days on
the day next succeeding the last day thereof, (iii) with respect to any
Dividend Period of more than 35 and fewer than 92 days, on the day next
succeeding each period of 30 days to occur during such Dividend Period (or
in the case of any Dividend Period of more than 91 days, as specified in
the relevant Notice of Special Dividend Period), and on the day next
succeeding the last day thereof, (iv) with respect to any Dividend Period
of 365 days or more, monthly on the first day of each calendar month during
such Dividend Period (or in the case of any Dividend Period of more than 91
days, as specified in the relevant Notice of Special Dividend Period), and
on the day next succeeding the last day thereof (each such date referred to
in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) being hereinafter referred to as a
"Normal Dividend Payment Date"), except that (i) if such Normal Dividend
Payment Date is not a Business Day, then the Dividend Payment Date shall be
the next succeeding date if both such dates following the Normal Dividend
Payment Date are Business Days, or (ii) if the date following such Normal
Dividend Payment Date is not a Business Day, then the Dividend Payment Date
will be the date next preceding such Normal Dividend Payment Date if both
such date and such Normal Dividend Payment Date are Business Days or (iii)
if such Normal Dividend Payment Date and either the preceding date or the
succeeding date are not Business Days, then the Dividend Payment Date shall
be the first Business Day next preceding such Normal Dividend Payment Date
that is next succeeded by a Business Day. If, however, the Securities
Depository shall make available to its participants and members
C-1-16
<PAGE>
in funds immediately available in New York City on Dividend Payment Dates,
the amount due as dividends on such Dividend Payment Dates (and the
Securities Depository shall have so advised the Trust), and if the day that
otherwise would be the Dividend Payment Date is not a Business Day, then
the Dividend Payment Date shall be the next succeeding Business Day.
Although any particular Dividend Payment Date may not occur on a Normal
Dividend Payment Date because of the exceptions discussed above, the next
succeeding Dividend Payment Date shall be, subject to such provisos, the
next Normal Dividend Payment Date. If for any reason a Dividend Payment
Date cannot be fixed as described above, then the Board of Trustees shall
fix the Dividend Payment Date. Each dividend payment date determined as
provided above is hereinafter referred to as a "Dividend Payment Date."
(ii) Each dividend shall be paid to the Holders as they appear
in the Share Register as of 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Business
Day preceding the Dividend Payment Date. Dividends in arrears for any past
Dividend Period may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to
any regular Dividend Payment Date, to the Holders as they appear on the
Share Register on a date, not exceeding 15 days prior to the payment date
therefor, as may be fixed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
(c) (i) During the period from and including the Date of Original
Issue to but excluding the Initial Dividend Payment Date (the "Initial
Dividend Period"), the Applicable Rate shall be the Initial Dividend Rate.
Commencing on the Initial Dividend Payment Date, the Applicable Rate for
each subsequent Dividend Period or portion thereof (hereinafter referred to
as a "Subsequent Dividend Payment Period"), which Subsequent Dividend
Payment Period shall commence on a Dividend Payment Date, and shall end on
the calendar day prior to the next Dividend Payment Date, shall be equal to
the lesser of (x) the Maximum Applicable Rate for such Dividend Period, or
for such Subsequent Dividend Payment Period included therein or (y) the
greater of (i) the Minimum Applicable Rate for such Dividend Period or for
such Subsequent Dividend Payment Period included therein or (ii) the rate
per annum that results for such Dividend Period or Subsequent Dividend
Payment Period included therein from implementation of the Auction
Procedures including any periodic application of a Spread to a specified
Reference Index or Reference Security.
Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Applicable Rate for each
Dividend Period commencing during a Non-Payment Period shall be equal to
the Non-Payment Period Rate and each Dividend Payment Period for the
Preferred Shares, commencing after the first day of, and during, a Non-
Payment Period shall be a 7-day Dividend Payment Period. Except in the
case of the willful failure of the Trust to pay a dividend on a Dividend
Payment Date or to redeem any Preferred Shares on the date set for such
redemption, any amount of any dividend due on any Dividend Payment Date
(if, prior to the close of business on the second Business Day preceding
such Dividend Payment Date, the Trust has declared such dividend payable on
such Dividend Payment Date to the Holders of such Preferred Shares as of
12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Business Day preceding such Dividend
Payment Date) or redemption price with respect to any Preferred Shares not
paid to such Holders when due may be paid to such Holders in the same form
of funds by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on any of the first three
Business Days after such Dividend Payment Date or due date, as the case may
be, provided that, such amount is accompanied by a late charge calculated
for such period of non-payment at the Non-Payment Period Rate applied to
the amount of such non-payment based on the actual number of days
comprising such period divided by 365. In the case of a willful failure of
the Trust to pay a dividend on a Dividend Payment Date or to redeem any
Preferred Shares on the date set for such redemption, the preceding
sentence shall not apply and the Applicable Dividend Rate for the Dividend
Period commencing during the Non-Payment Period resulting from such failure
shall be the Non-Payment Period Rate. For the purposes of the foregoing,
payment to a person in same-day funds on any Business Day at any time shall
be considered equivalent to payment to such person in New York Clearing
House (next-day) funds at the same time on the preceding Business Day, and
any payment made after 12:00 noon, New York City time, on any Business Day
shall be considered to have been made instead in the same form of funds and
to the same person before 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the next
Business Day.
(ii) The amount of cash dividends per share of Preferred Shares
payable (if declared) for any Dividend Payment Period or part thereof shall
be computed by multiplying the Applicable Rate for such Dividend Payment
Period by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of days in
such Dividend Payment Period or part thereof such share was outstanding and
the denominator of which shall be
C-1-17
<PAGE>
365 (or 360 for a Dividend Period of 365 days or more), multiplying the
amount so obtained by $25,000, and rounding the amount so obtained to the
nearest cent.
(iii) With respect to each Dividend Period that the Trust
desires to be a Special Dividend Period, the Trust may, at its sole option
and to the extent permitted by law, by telephonic and written notice (a
"Request for Special Dividend Period") to the Auction Agent and to each
Broker-Dealer, request that the next succeeding Dividend Period for such
series of Preferred Shares be a number of days (other than 7), evenly
divisible by seven and specified in such notice, provided that for any
Auction occurring after the initial Auction, the Trust may not give a
Request for Special Dividend Period (and any such request shall be null and
void) unless Sufficient Clearing Bids were made in the last occurring
Auction and unless full cumulative dividends, any amounts due with respect
to mandatory redemptions, and any Additional Dividends payable prior to
such date have been paid in full. Such Request for Special Dividend Period,
in the case of a Dividend Period of 182 days or less, shall be given on or
prior to the 4th day but not more than 7 days prior to an Auction Date for
the Preferred Shares and, in the case of a Dividend Period of more than 182
days, shall be given on or prior to the 14th day but not more than 28 days
prior to an Auction Date for the Preferred Shares. Such Request for Special
Dividend Period shall also specify any proposed Bid Requirements. Upon
receiving such Request for Special Dividend Period, the Broker-Dealer(s)
shall jointly determine whether, given the factors set forth below, it is
advisable that the Trust issue a Notice of Special Dividend Period for the
Preferred Shares as contemplated by such Request for Special Dividend
Period and, if advisable, the Specific Redemption Provisions and shall give
the Trust and the Auction Agent written notice (a "Response") of such
determination by no later than the third day prior to such Auction Date. In
making such determination the Broker-Dealer(s) will consider (1) existing
short-term and long-term market rates and indices of such short-term and
long-term rates, (2) existing market supply and demand for short-term and
long-term securities, (3) existing yield curves for short-term and long-
term securities comparable to the Preferred Shares, (4) industry and
financial conditions which may affect the Preferred Shares, (5) the
investment objective of the Trust, and (6) the Dividend Periods and
dividend rates at which current and potential beneficial holders of the
Preferred Shares would remain or become beneficial holders. If none of the
Broker-Dealer(s) give the Trust and the Auction Agent a Response by such
third day or if the Response of all of the Broker-Dealers providing a
Response states that given the factors set forth above it is not advisable
that the Trust give a Notice of Special Dividend Period for the Preferred
Shares, the Trust may not give a Notice of Special Dividend Period in
respect of such Request for Special Dividend Period. In the event the
Response of at least one Broker-Dealer does not indicate that it is not
advisable that the Trust give a Notice of Special Dividend Period for the
Preferred Shares, the Trust may by no later than the second day prior to
such Auction Date give a notice (a "Notice of Special Dividend Period")
to the Auction Agent, the Securities Depository and each Broker-Dealer
which notice will specify the duration of the Special Dividend Period, the
Bid Requirements (if any) applicable to the Auction relating to such
Special Dividend Period and Specific Redemption Provisions (if any). The
Trust shall not give a Notice of Special Dividend Period or convert to a
Special Dividend Period and, if the Trust has given a Notice of Special
Dividend, the Trust is required to give telephonic and written notice of
revocation (a "Notice of Revocation") to the Auction Agent, each Broker-
Dealer, and the Securities Depository on or prior to the Business Day prior
to the relevant Auction Date if it has not obtained the advice in writing
of Moody's and S&P or any Substitute Rating Agency that the proposed
Special Dividend Period will not adversely affect their then-current rating
on the Preferred Shares or if (w) either the 1940 Act Preferred Shares
Asset Coverage is not satisfied or the Trust shall fail to maintain S&P
Eligible Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets each with an aggregate
Discounted Value at least equal to the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance
Amount, in each case on each of the two Valuation Dates immediately
preceding the Business Day prior to the relevant Auction Date (and in each
case, with respect to Moody's Eligible Assets, using a Moody's Exposure
Period equivalent to 14 days longer than normal) on an actual basis and on
a pro forma basis giving effect to the proposed Special Dividend Period
(using as a pro forma dividend rate with respect to such Special Dividend
Period the dividend rate which the Broker-Dealers shall advise the Trust is
an approximately equal rate for securities similar to the Preferred Shares
with an equal frequency of recalculation of the Reference Index or
Reference Security as is utilized by the Trust with respect to the first
Dividend Payment Period within such Special Dividend Period and using as a
pro forma Maximum Applicable Rate the highest rate specified in the Notice
of Special Dividend Period for the Dividend Payment Periods covering not
less than the first 49 days of such proposed Special Dividend Period or, if
no such rate is specified in the Notice of Special Dividend Period, the
Maximum Applicable Rate resulting by operation of the definition of Special
Dividend Period Reference Rate for the Special Dividend Period specified in
such Notice of Special Dividend Period), (x) sufficient funds for the
C-1-18
<PAGE>
payment of dividends payable on the immediately succeeding Dividend Payment
Date have not been irrevocably deposited with the Auction Agent by the
close of business on third Business Day preceding the related Auction Date,
(y) the Broker-Dealer(s) jointly advise the Trust that after consideration
of the factors listed above they have concluded that it is advisable to
give a Notice of Revocation or (z) the Trust has determined to terminate
the Special Dividend Period for any reason. If the Trust is prohibited from
giving a Notice of Special Dividend Period as a result of any of the
factors enumerated in clause (w), (x), (y) or (z) of the prior sentence or
if the Trust gives a Notice of Revocation with respect to a Notice of
Special Dividend Period, the next succeeding Dividend Period will be a 7-
day Dividend Period. In addition, in the event Sufficient Clearing Bids are
not made in the applicable Auction or such Auction is not held for any
reason, such next succeeding Dividend Period will be a 7-day Dividend
Period and the Trust may not again give a Notice of Special Dividend Period
for the Preferred Shares (and any such attempted notice shall be null and
void) until Sufficient Clearing Bids have been made in an Auction with
respect to a 7-day Dividend Period.
(d) (i) Holders shall not be entitled to any dividends, whether
payable in cash, property or shares, in excess of full cumulative dividends, as
herein provided, on the Preferred Shares. No interest, or sum of money in lieu
of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment on the
Preferred Shares that may be in arrears.
(ii) For so long as any share of the Preferred Shares is
outstanding, the Trust shall not declare, pay or set apart for payment any
dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid
in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase,
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest or other shares of beneficial
interest, if any, ranking junior to the Preferred Shares as to dividends or
upon liquidation) in respect of the Common Shares of Beneficial Interest or
any other shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ranking junior to or
on a parity with the Preferred Shares as to dividends or upon liquidation,
or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any shares of the Common Shares of Beneficial Interest or any
other such junior shares of beneficial interest (except by conversion into
or exchange for shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ranking junior
to the Preferred Shares as to dividends and upon liquidation) or any other
such Parity Shares of Beneficial Interest (except by conversion into or
exchange for shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ranking junior to
or on a parity with the Preferred Shares as to dividends and upon
liquidation), unless (A) immediately after such transaction, the Trust
shall have Moody's Eligible Assets and S&P Eligible Assets each with an
aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than the Preferred Shares
Basic Maintenance Amount and the Trust shall maintain the 1940 Act
Preferred Shares Asset Coverage, (B) full cumulative dividends on Preferred
Shares and shares of Other Preferred Shares due on or prior to the date of
the transaction have been declared and paid or shall have been declared and
sufficient funds for the payment thereof deposited with the Auction Agent,
(C) any Additional Dividend required to be paid under paragraph 2(e) below
on or before the date of such declaration or payment has been paid and (D)
the Trust has redeemed the full number of Preferred Shares required to be
redeemed by any provision for mandatory redemption contained herein.
(e) Each dividend shall consist of (i) cash at the Applicable Rate
and (ii) an uncertificated right (a "Right") to receive an Additional Dividend
(as defined below). Each Right shall thereafter be independent of the share or
Preferred Shares on which the dividend was paid. The Trust shall cause to be
maintained a record of each Right received by the respective Holders. The Trust
shall not be required to recognize any transfer of a Right.
If, in the case of a Dividend Period of 28 days or fewer, the Trust
retroactively allocates any net capital gains or other taxable income to
Preferred Shares without having given advance notice thereof to the Auction
Agent as described in paragraph 2(f) hereof (the amount of such allocation
referred to herein as a "Retroactive Taxable Allocation") solely by reason of
the fact that such allocation is made as a result of the redemption of all or a
portion of the outstanding Preferred Shares or the liquidation of the Trust, the
Trust will, within 90 days (and generally within 60 days) after the end of the
Trust's fiscal year for which a Retroactive Taxable Allocation is made, provide
notice thereof to the Auction Agent and to each holder of a Right applicable to
such Preferred Shares (initially Cede & Co. as nominee of The Depository Trust
Company) during such fiscal year at such holder's address as the same appears or
last appeared on the Share Books of the Trust. The Trust will, within 30 days
after such notice is given to the Auction Agent, pay to the Auction Agent (who
will then distribute to such holders of Rights), out of funds legally available
therefor, an amount equal to the aggregate Additional Dividend with respect to
all Retroactive Taxable Allocations made to such holders during the fiscal year
in question.
C-1-19
<PAGE>
If the Trust, in the case of a Dividend Period of 35 days or more, makes a
Retroactive Taxable Allocation to a dividend paid on Preferred Shares, the Trust
will, within 90 days (and generally within 60 days) after the end of the Trust's
fiscal year for which a Retroactive Taxable Allocation is made, provide notice
thereof to the Auction Agent and to each holder of a Right applicable to such
Preferred Shares (initially Cede & Co. as nominee of The Depository Trust
Company) during such fiscal year at such holder's address as the same appears or
last appeared on the Share Books of the Trust. The Trust will, within 30 days
after such notice is given to the Auction Agent, pay to the Auction Agent (who
will then distribute to such holders of Rights), out of funds legally available
therefor, an amount equal to the aggregate Additional Dividend with respect to
all Retroactive Taxable Allocations made to such holders during the fiscal year
in question.
An "Additional Dividend" means payment to a holder of Preferred Shares of
an amount which, when taken together with the aggregate amount of Retroactive
Taxable Allocations allocated to such holder with respect to the fiscal year in
question, would cause such holder's dividends from the aggregate of both the
Retroactive Taxable Allocations and the Additional Dividend to be equal to the
dollar amount of the dividends which would have been received and retained by
such holder if the Retroactive Taxable Allocations had not been made. Such
Additional Dividend shall be calculated (i) without consideration being given to
the time value of money; (ii) assuming that no holder of Preferred Shares is
subject to the Federal alternative minimum tax with respect to dividends
received from the Trust; and (iii) assuming that each Retroactive Taxable
Allocation would be taxable in the hands of each holder of Preferred Shares at
the maximum marginal combined regular Federal and Florida State and local income
tax rate, if any, applicable to individuals or corporations (taking into account
the Federal income tax deductibility of state taxes paid or incurred), whichever
is greater, in effect at the end of the fiscal year in question.
(f) Whenever the Trust intends to include any net capital gains or
other taxable income in any dividend on Preferred Shares, the Applicable Rate
for which will be established at the next succeeding Auction, the Trust will, in
the case of a Dividend Period of 28 days or fewer, and may, in the case of a
Dividend Period of 35 days or more, notify the Auction Agent of the amount to be
so included at least five Business Days prior to the Auction Date on which the
Applicable Rate for such dividend is to be established. If, in the case of a
Dividend Period of 28 days or fewer, the Trust retroactively allocates any net
capital gains or other taxable income to a dividend paid on Preferred Shares
without having given advance notice thereof to the Auction Agent as described in
paragraph 2(f) hereof solely by reason of the fact that such allocation is made
as a result of the redemption of all or a portion of the outstanding Preferred
Shares or the liquidation of the Trust, the Trust will make certain payments to
holders of Preferred Shares to offset the tax effect thereof. If, in the case
of a Dividend Period of 35 days or more, the Trust allocates any net capital
gains or other taxable income to a dividend paid on Preferred Shares without
having given advance notice thereof to the Auction Agent as described in
Paragraph 2(f) hereof, the Trust will make certain payments to holders of
Preferred Shares to offset the tax effect thereof.
(g) No fractional share of Preferred Shares shall be issued.
3. Liquidation Rights. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up
------------------
of the Trust, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Holders shall be entitled to
receive, out of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to
shareholders, before any distribution or payment is made upon any Common Shares
of Beneficial Interest or any other capital shares of beneficial interest
ranking junior in right of payment upon liquidation to the Preferred Shares, the
sum of $25,000 per share plus accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not
earned or declared) thereon plus the premium, if any, resulting from the
designation of a Premium Call Period to the date of distribution, and after such
payment the holders of Preferred Shares will be entitled to no other payments
other than Additional Dividends as provided in paragraph 2(e) hereof. If upon
any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, the amounts payable
with respect to the Preferred Shares and any other outstanding class or series
of Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest of the Trust ranking on a parity with
the Preferred Shares as to payment upon liquidation are not paid in full, the
Holders and the holders of such other class or series will share ratably in any
such distribution of assets in proportion to the respective preferential amounts
to which they are entitled. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distribution to which they are entitled, the Holders will not be entitled to any
further participation in any distribution of assets by the Trust except for any
Additional Dividends. A consolidation or merger of the Trust with or into any
corporation or corporations or a sale, whether for cash, shares of stock,
securities or properties, of all or substantially all or any part of the assets
of the Trust shall not be deemed or construed to be a liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the Trust.
C-1-20
<PAGE>
4. Redemption. (a) Preferred Shares shall be redeemable by the Trust as
----------
provided below:
(i) To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and
Massachusetts law, upon giving a Notice of Redemption, the Trust at its
option may redeem Preferred Shares, in whole or in part, out of funds
legally available therefor, at the Optional Redemption Price per share, on
any Dividend Payment Date; provided that no Preferred Shares shall be
subject to optional redemption during a Non-Call Period. In addition,
holders of Preferred Shares which are redeemed shall be entitled to receive
Additional Dividends to the extent provided herein. The Trust may not give
a Notice of Redemption relating to an optional redemption as described in
this paragraph 4(a)(i) or effect an optional redemption unless, at the time
of giving such Notice of Redemption or effecting such optional redemption,
the Trust has available Deposit Securities with maturity or tender dates
not later than the day preceding the applicable redemption date and having
a value not less than the amount due to Holders by reason of the redemption
of their Preferred Shares on such redemption date and, if as a result of
such optional redemption, the Trust would fail to maintain S&P Eligible
Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets each with an aggregate Discounted Value
equal to the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
(ii) The Trust shall redeem, out of funds legally available
therefor, at the Mandatory Redemption Price per share, Preferred Shares to
the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and Massachusetts law, on a date
fixed by the Board of Trustees, if the Trust fails to maintain Moody's
Eligible Assets and S&P Eligible Assets each with an aggregate Discounted
Value equal to or greater than the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance
Amount as provided in paragraph 7(a) or to satisfy the 1940 Act Preferred
Shares Asset Coverage as provided in paragraph 6 and such failure is not
cured on or before the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Cure Date or the
1940 Act Cure Date (herein respectively referred to as the "Cure Date"),
as the case may be. In addition, holders of Preferred Shares so redeemed
shall be entitled to receive Additional Dividends to the extent provided
herein. The number of Preferred Shares to be redeemed shall be equal to
the lesser of (i) the minimum number of Preferred Shares the redemption of
which, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening of
business on the Cure Date, would together with all shares of Other
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest subject to redemption or
retirement, result in the Trust having S&P Eligible Assets and Moody's
Eligible Assets each with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater
than the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or satisfaction of the
1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage, as the case may be, on such Cure
Date (provided that, if there is no such minimum number of Preferred Shares
and shares of Other Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest the redemption
of which would have such result, all Preferred Shares and shares of Other
Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be redeemed), and (ii) the maximum
number of Preferred Shares, together with all shares of other Preferred
Stock subject to redemption or retirement, that can be redeemed out of
funds expected to be legally available therefor on such redemption date.
In determining the number of Preferred Shares required to be redeemed in
accordance with the foregoing, the Trust shall allocate the number required
to be redeemed which would result in the Trust having Moody's Eligible
Assets and S&P Eligible Assets each with an aggregate Discounted Value
equal to or greater than the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or
satisfaction of the 1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage, as the case
may be, pro rata among Preferred Shares, Other Preferred Shares and other
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest subject to redemption pursuant to
provisions similar to those contained in this paragraph 4(a)(ii) provided
that, Preferred Shares which may not be redeemed at the option of the Trust
(a) will be subject to mandatory redemption only to the extent that other
shares are not available to satisfy the number of shares required to be
redeemed and (b) will be selected for redemption in an ascending order of
outstanding number of days in the Non-Call Period during which such shares
are not subject to optional redemption (with shares with the lowest number
of days to be redeemed first) and by lot in the event of shares having an
equal number of days in such period. The Trust shall effect such
redemption on a Business Day which is not later than 30 days after such
Cure Date, except that if the Trust does not have funds legally available
for the redemption of all of the required number of Preferred Shares and
shares of other Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest which are subject
to mandatory redemption or the Trust otherwise is unable to effect such
redemption on or prior to 30 days after such Cure Date, the Trust shall
redeem those Preferred Shares which it is unable to redeem on the earliest
practicable date on which it is able to effect such redemption out of funds
legally available therefor.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph 4, no
Preferred Shares may be redeemed pursuant to paragraph 4(a)(i) of this
Certificate of Designation unless all dividends in arrears on all remaining
outstanding shares of Parity Shares of Beneficial Interest shall have been or
are being contemporaneously paid or
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declared and set apart for payment. In the event that less than all the
outstanding Preferred Shares are to be redeemed and there is more than one
Holder, the shares to be redeemed shall be selected by lot or such other method
as the Trust shall deem fair and equitable.
(c) Whenever Preferred Shares are to be redeemed, the Trust, not less
than 20 or more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption, shall mail
a notice ("Notice of Redemption") by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to each
Holder of Preferred Shares to be redeemed and to the Auction Agent. The Trust
shall cause the Notice of Redemption also to be published in the eastern and
national editions of The Wall Street Journal. The Notice of Redemption to set
-----------------------
forth (i) the redemption date, (ii) the amount of the redemption price, (iii)
the aggregate number of Preferred Shares to be redeemed, (iv) the place or
places where Preferred Shares are to be surrendered for payment of the
redemption price, (v) a statement that dividends on the shares to be redeemed
shall cease to accumulate on such redemption date (except that holders may be
entitled to Additional Dividends) and (vi) the provision of this Certificate of
Designation pursuant to which such shares are being redeemed. No defect in the
Notice of Redemption or in the mailing or publication thereof shall affect the
validity of the redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law.
If the Notice of Redemption shall have been given as aforesaid and,
concurrently or thereafter, the Trust shall have deposited in trust with the
Auction Agent a cash amount equal to the redemption payment for the Preferred
Shares as to which such Notice of Redemption has been given with irrevocable
instructions and authority to pay the redemption price to the Holders of such
shares, then upon the date of such deposit or, if no such deposit is made, then
upon such date fixed for redemption (unless the Trust shall default in making
the redemption payment), all rights of the Holders of such shares as
shareholders of the Trust by reason of the ownership of such shares will cease
and terminate (except their right to receive the redemption price in respect
thereof and any additional dividends, but without interest), and such shares
shall no longer be deemed outstanding. The Trust shall be entitled to receive,
from time to time, from the Auction Agent the interest, if any, on such moneys
deposited with it and the Holders of any shares so redeemed shall have no claim
to any of such interest. In case the Holder of any shares so called for
redemption shall not claim the redemption payment for his shares within one year
after the date of redemption, the Auction Agent shall, upon demand, pay over to
the Trust such amount remaining on deposit and the Auction Agent shall thereupon
be relieved of all responsibility to the Holder of such shares called for
redemption and such Holder thereafter shall look only to the Trust for the
redemption payment.
5. Voting Rights. (a) General. Except as otherwise provided in the
------------- -------
Declaration of Trust, each Holder of Preferred Shares shall be entitled to one
vote for each share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of
the Trust to which the shareholders are entitled to vote, and the holders of
outstanding shares of Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, including
Preferred Shares, and of shares of Common Shares of Beneficial Interest shall
vote together as a single class with respect to all matters on which all
Shareholders are entitled to vote. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, at
the first annual meeting of Shareholders, the holders of outstanding shares of
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, including Preferred Shares, represented
in person or by proxy shall be entitled as a class, and to the exclusion of the
holders of all other securities and classes of capital shares of beneficial
interest of the Trust, to elect one Class I trustee and one Class II trustee and
shall thereafter be so entitled to elect any successors from time to time to the
Class I and Class II trustees so elected at any meeting of shareholders in which
successors are elected. At each meeting of shareholders at which entire classes
of Class I and Class II trustees are to be elected, or at any meeting at which a
successor to a trustee elected by the holders of Preferred Shares of Beneficial
Interest in accordance with this Section is to be elected (including trustees
elected pursuant to this sentence), the holders of outstanding shares of
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, including Preferred Shares, represented
in person or by proxy shall be entitled as a class and to the exclusion of the
holders of all other securities and classes of capital shares of beneficial
interest of the Trust to elect one Class I and one Class II trustee or to elect
such successor. In the event that the Declaration of Trust is amended to
eliminate the classification of the Trust's Board of Trustees, the holders of
outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including Preferred Shares, represented
in person or by proxy shall be entitled as a class, and to the exclusion of the
holders of all other securities and classes of capital shares of beneficial
interest of the Trust, to elect two trustees. Subject to paragraph 5(b) hereof,
the holders of outstanding shares of capital shares of beneficial interest of
the Trust, voting as a single class, shall elect the balance of the trustees.
(b) Right to Elect Majority Board of Trustees. During any period in
-----------------------------------------
which any one or more of the conditions described below shall exist (such period
being referred to herein as a "Voting Period"), the number of trustees
constituting the Board of Trustees shall be automatically increased by the
smallest number that, when added
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<PAGE>
to the two trustees elected exclusively by the holders of shares of Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, would constitute a majority of the Board of
Trustees as so increased by such smallest number; and the holders of shares of
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest shall be entitled, voting as a class on
a one-vote-per-share basis (to the exclusion of the holders of all other
securities and classes of capital shares of beneficial interest of the Trust),
to elect such smallest number of additional trustees, together with the two
trustees that such holders are in any event entitled to elect. A Voting Period
shall commence:
(i) if at any time accumulated dividends (whether or not earned
or declared, and whether or not funds are then legally available in an
amount sufficient therefor) on the outstanding Preferred Shares equal to at
least two full years' dividends shall be due and unpaid and sufficient cash
or specified securities shall not have been deposited with the Auction
Agent for the payment of such accumulated dividends; or
(ii) if at any time holders of any Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest are entitled to elect a majority of the trustees of the
Trust under the 1940 Act.
Upon the termination of a Voting Period, the voting rights described in
this paragraph 5(b) shall cease, subject always, however, to the revesting of
such voting rights in the Holders upon the further occurrence of any of the
events described in this paragraph 5(b).
(c) Right to Vote with Respect to Certain Other Matters. So long as
---------------------------------------------------
any Preferred Shares are outstanding, the Trust shall not, without the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Outstanding shares of
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest outstanding at the time, in person or by
proxy, at a meeting (voting separately as one class) or by the unanimous written
consent of the holders of all Outstanding shares of Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest: (i) authorize, create or issue, or increase the authorized
or issued amount of, any class or series of shares of beneficial interest
ranking prior to or on a parity with any series of Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of
assets on liquidation, or increase the authorized amount of Preferred Shares or
any other Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (except that, notwithstanding
the foregoing, but subject to the provisions of Section 13 of the 1940 Act, the
Board of Trustees, without the vote or consent of the Holders of Preferred
Shares, may from time to time authorize, create and issue, and may increase the
authorized or issued amount of, classes or series of Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest, including Preferred Shares, ranking on a parity with the
Preferred Shares with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution
of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the
Trust, subject to continuing compliance by the Trust with 1940 Act Preferred
Shares Asset Coverage and Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount
requirements, provided that the Fund obtains written confirmation from Moody's
(if Moody's is then rating Preferred Shares), S&P (if S&P is then rating
Preferred Shares) or any Substitute Rating Agency (if any such Substitute Rating
Agency is then rating Preferred Shares) that the issuance of such class or
series would not impair the rating then assigned by such rating agency to the
Preferred Shares), (ii) amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Declaration
of Trust whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to adversely
affect any of the contract rights expressly set forth in the Declaration of
Trust of holders of Preferred Shares or any Other Preferred Shares of Beneficial
Interest, (iii) authorize the Trust's conversion from a closed-end to an open-
end investment company as defined in Section 5(a) of the 1940 Act, or (iv) amend
the provisions of the Declaration of Trust which provide for the classification
of the Board of Trustees of the Trust into three classes, each with a term of
office of three years with only one class of trustees standing for election in
any year (presently Article VI of the Declaration of Trust). To the extent
permitted under the 1940 Act, the Trust shall not approve any of the actions set
forth in clause (i) or (ii) which adversely affects the contract rights
expressly set forth in the Declaration of Trust of a Holder of shares of a
series of Preferred Shares differently than those of a Holder of shares of any
other series of Preferred Shares without the affirmative vote of the holders of
at least a majority of the Preferred Shares of each series adversely affected
and Outstanding at such time, in person or by proxy, at a meeting (each such
adversely affected series voting separately as a class) or by the unanimous
written consent of the holders of all Outstanding shares of Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest. The Trust shall notify Moody's and S&P 10 Business Days
prior to any such vote described in clauses (i) and (ii). Unless a higher
percentage is provided for under the Declaration of Trust, the affirmative vote
of the holders of a majority of the Outstanding shares of Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest, including Preferred Shares, voting together as a single
class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization (including
bankruptcy proceedings) adversely affecting such shares or any action requiring
a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act. The class vote
of holders of shares of Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, including
Preferred Shares, described above will in each case be in addition to a separate
vote of the requisite percentage
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<PAGE>
of shares of Common Shares of Beneficial Interest and shares of Preferred Shares
of Beneficial Interest, including Preferred Shares, voting together as a single
class necessary to authorize the action in question. Notwithstanding the
preceding sentence, to the extent permitted by Massachusetts General Laws, no
vote of holders of Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, either separately or
together with holders of Preferred Shares as a single class, shall be necessary
to take the actions contemplated by clauses (i) and (ii) of the first sentence
of this Section 5(c) and the holders of Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
shall not be entitled to vote in respect of such matters, unless, in the case of
the actions contemplated by clause (ii) of the first sentence of this Section
5(c), the action would adversely affect the contract rights expressly set forth
in the Declaration of Trust of the holders of Common Shares of Beneficial
Interest.
(d) Voting Procedures.
-----------------
(i) As soon as practicable after the accrual of any right of
the Holders of shares of Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest to elect
additional trustees as described in paragraph 5(b) above, the Trust shall
notify the Secretary of the Trust and instruct the Secretary to call a
special meeting of such Holders, by mailing a notice of such special
meeting to such Holders, such meeting to be held not less than 10 nor more
than 20 days after the date of mailing of such notice. If the Secretary of
the Trust does not call such a special meeting, it may be called by Holders
of at least 25% of the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting on like
notice. The record date for determining the Holders entitled to notice of
and to vote at such special meeting shall be the close of business on the
fifth Business Day preceding the day on which such notice is mailed. At any
such special meeting and at each meeting held during a Voting Period, such
Holders, voting together as a class (to the exclusion of the holders of all
other securities and classes of capital shares of beneficial interest of
the Trust), shall be entitled to elect the number of trustees prescribed in
paragraph 5(b) above on a one-vote-per-share basis. At any such meeting or
adjournment thereof in the absence of a quorum, a majority of such holders
present in person or by proxy shall have the power to adjourn the meeting
without notice, other than by an announcement at the meeting, to a date not
more than 120 days after the original record date.
(ii) For purposes of determining any rights of the Holders to
vote on any matter or the number of shares required to constitute a quorum,
whether such right is created by this Certificate of Designation, by the
other provisions of the Declaration of Trust, by statute or otherwise, a
share of Preferred Shares which is not outstanding shall not be counted.
(iii) The terms of office of all persons who are trustees of the
Trust at the time of a special meeting of Holders and holders of other
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest to elect trustees shall continue,
notwithstanding the election at such meeting by the Holders and such other
holders of the number of trustees that they are entitled to elect, and the
persons so elected by the Holders and such other holders, together with the
two incumbent trustees elected by the Holders and such other holders of
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest and the remaining incumbent
trustees elected by the holders of the Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
and Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, shall constitute the duly
elected trustees of the Trust.
(iv) The terms of office of the additional trustees elected by
the Holders and holders of other Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest
pursuant to paragraph 5(b) above shall terminate on the earliest date
permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws following the termination of a
Voting Period, the remaining trustees shall constitute the trustees of the
Trust and the voting rights of the Holders and such other holders to elect
additional trustees pursuant to paragraph 5(b) above shall cease, subject
to the provisions of the last sentence of paragraph 5 (b)(ii) .
(e) Exclusive Remedy. Unless otherwise required by law, the Holders
----------------
of Preferred Shares shall not have any relative rights or preferences or other
special rights other than those specifically set forth herein. The Holders of
Preferred Shares shall have no preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting.
In the event that the Trust fails to pay any dividends on the Preferred Shares,
the exclusive remedy of the Holders shall be the right to vote for trustees
pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph 5.
(f) Notification to Moody's and S&P. In the event a vote of Holders
-------------------------------
of Preferred Shares is required pursuant to the provisions of Section 13(a) of
the 1940 Act, the Trust shall, not later than ten business days prior to the
date on which such vote is to be taken, notify Moody's and S&P that such vote is
to be taken and the nature
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<PAGE>
of the action with respect to which such vote is to be taken. Upon completion of
any such vote, the Trust shall notify Moody's and S&P as to the result of such
vote.
6. 1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage. The Trust shall maintain,
----------------------------------------
as of the last Business Day of each month in which any share of Preferred Shares
is outstanding, the 1940 Act Preferred Shares Asset Coverage.
7. Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount. (a) The Trust shall
-----------------------------------------
maintain, on each Valuation Date, and shall verify to its satisfaction that it
is maintaining on such Valuation Date, (i) Moody's Eligible Assets having an
aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than the Preferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount and (ii) S&P Eligible Assets having an aggregate Discounted
Value equal to or greater than the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
Upon any failure to maintain the required Discounted Value, the Trust will use
its best efforts to alter the composition of its portfolio to reattain the
Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount on or prior to the Preferred Shares
Basic Maintenance Cure Date.
(b) On or before 5:00 p.m., Florida time, on the third Business Day
after a Valuation Date on which the Trust fails to satisfy the Preferred Shares
Basic Maintenance Amount, the Trust shall complete and deliver to the Auction
Agent, Moody's and S&P a complete Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Report as
of the date of such failure, which will be deemed to have been delivered to the
Auction Agent if the Auction Agent receives a copy or telecopy, telex or other
electronic transcription thereof and on the same day the Trust mails to the
Auction Agent for delivery on the next Business Day the complete Preferred
Shares Basic Maintenance Report. The Trust shall also give a notice of cure of
its failure to satisfy the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount along with
the complete Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Report to the Auction Agent,
Moody's and S&P within three Business Days of its determination that it has
satisfied such requirement following any period during which it has failed to
satisfy such requirement. The Trust will also deliver a Preferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Report to the Auction Agent as of (i) the fifteenth day of each
month (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day)
and (ii) the last Business Day of each month, in each case on or before the
third Business Day after such day. The Trust will also deliver a Preferred
Shares Basic Maintenance Report to Moody's or S&P, as the case may be, for each
Valuation Date that the Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible Assets or S&P
Eligible Assets is less than or equal to 125% of the Preferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount, provided, however, that if the Valuation Date is every day
that is a Business Day, the Trust will deliver a Preferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Report to Moody's or S&P, as the case may be, for each Valuation
Date that the Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible Assets or S&P Eligible Assets
is less than or equal to 105% of the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
The Trust will deliver a Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Report to Moody's
upon request and when the Trust redeems any shares of Common Shares of
Beneficial Interest. The Trust will deliver a Preferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Report to S&P upon request. A failure by the Trust to deliver a
Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Report under this paragraph 7(b) shall be
deemed to be delivery of a Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Report indicating
the Discounted Value for S&P Eligible Assets and Moody's Eligible Assets of the
Trust is less than the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, as of the
relevant Valuation Date.
(c) Within ten Business Days after the date of delivery of a Preferred
Shares Basic Maintenance Report and a Certificate of Minimum Liquidity in
accordance with paragraph 7(b) above relating to a Quarterly Valuation Date, the
Trust shall cause the Independent Accountant to confirm in writing to the
Auction Agent, Moody's and S&P (i) the mathematical accuracy of the calculations
reflected in such Report (and in any other Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance
Report, randomly selected by the Independent Accountant, that was delivered by
the Trust during the quarter ending on such Quarterly Valuation Date) and (with
respect to S&P only while S&P is rating the Preferred Shares) such Certificate,
(ii) that, in such Report (and in such randomly selected Report), the Trust
correctly determined the assets of the Trust which constitute S&P Eligible
Assets or Moody's Eligible Assets, as the case may be, at such Quarterly
Valuation Date in accordance with this Certificate of Designation, (iii) that,
in such Report (and in such randomly selected Report), the Trust determined
whether the Trust had, at such Quarterly Valuation Date (and at the Valuation
Date addressed in such randomly-selected Report) in accordance with this
Certificate of Designation, S&P Eligible Assets of an aggregate Discounted Value
at least equal to the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and Moody's
Eligible Assets of an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the Preferred
Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, (iv) that (with respect to S&P only) in such
Certificate, the Trust determined the Minimum Liquidity Level and the Trust's
Deposit Securities in accordance with this Certificate of Designation, including
maturity or tender date, (v) with respect to the S&P rating on Municipal
Obligations, the issuer name, issue size and coupon rate listed in such Report
and (with respect to S&P only) such Certificate, that the Independent Accountant
has requested that S&P verify
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<PAGE>
such information and the Independent Accountant shall provide a listing in its
letter of any differences, (vi) with respect to the Moody's ratings on Municipal
Obligations, the issuer name, issue size and coupon rate listed in such Report
and (with respect to S&P only) such Certificate, that such information has been
verified by Moody's (in the event such information is not verified by Moody's,
the Independent Accountant will inquire of Moody's what such information is, and
provide a listing in its letter of any differences), and (vii) with respect to
the bid or mean price (or such alternative permissible factor used in
calculating the Market Value) provided by the custodian of the Trust's assets to
the Trust for purposes of valuing securities in the Trust's portfolio, the
Independent Accountant has traced the price used in such Report and (with
respect to S&P only) such Certificate to the bid or mean price listed in such
Report and (with respect to S&P only) such Certificate as provided to the Trust
and verified that such information agrees (in the event such information does
not agree, the Independent Accountant will provide a listing in its letter of
such differences) (such confirmation is herein called the "Accountant's
Confirmation").
(d) Within ten Business Days after the date of delivery to the Auction
Agent, S&P and Moody's of a Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Report in
accordance with paragraph 7(b) above relating to any Valuation Date on which the
Trust failed to maintain S&P Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value
and Moody's Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or
greater than the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, and relating to the
Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Cure Date with respect to such failure, the
Independent Accountant will provide to the Auction Agent, S&P and Moody's an
Accountant's Confirmation as to such Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Report.
(e) If any Accountant's Confirmation delivered pursuant to
subparagraph (c) or (d) of this paragraph 7 shows that an error was made in the
Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Report for a particular Valuation Date for
which such Accountant's Confirmation was required to be delivered, or shows that
a lower aggregate Discounted Value for the aggregate of all S&P Eligible Assets
or Moody's Eligible Assets, as the case may be, of the Trust was determined by
the Independent Accountant, the calculation or determination made by such
Independent Accountant shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding on the
Trust, and the Trust shall accordingly amend and deliver the Preferred Shares
Basic Maintenance Report to the Auction Agent, S&P and Moody's promptly
following receipt by the Trust of such Accountant's Confirmation.
(f) On or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the first Business
Day after the Date of Original Issue of the Preferred Shares, the Trust will
complete and deliver to S&P and Moody's a Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance
Report as of the close of business on such Date of Original Issue. Within five
business days of such Date of Original Issue, the Trust shall cause the
Independent Accountant to confirm in writing to S&P and Moody's (i) the
mathematical accuracy of the calculations reflected in such Report and (ii) that
the aggregate Discounted Value of S&P Eligible Assets and the aggregate
Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible Assets reflected thereon equals or exceeds
the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount reflected thereon.
(g) For so long as Preferred Shares are rated by Moody's, in managing
the Trust's portfolio, the Trust shall require that the Adviser will not alter
the composition of the Trust's portfolio if, in the reasonable belief of the
Adviser, the effect of any such alteration would be to cause the Trust to have
Moody's Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value, as of the
immediately preceding Valuation Date, less than the Preferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount as of such Valuation Date; provided, however, that in the
event that, as of the immediately preceding Valuation Date, the aggregate
Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible Assets exceeded the Preferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount by twenty-five percent or less (or, in the event the
Valuation Date is every day that is a Business Day, five percent or less), the
Adviser will not alter the composition of the Trust's portfolio in a manner
reasonably expected to reduce the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible
Assets unless the Trust shall have confirmed that, after giving effect to such
alteration, the aggregate Discounted Value of Moody's Eligible Assets would
exceed the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
8. Minimum Liquidity Level. (i) For so long as any Preferred Shares are
-----------------------
rated by S&P, the Trust shall be required to have, as of each Valuation
Date, Dividend Coverage Assets having in the aggregate a value not less
than the Dividend Coverage Amount.
(ii) As of each Valuation Date as long as any Preferred Shares
are rated by S&P, the Trust shall determine (A) the Market Value of the
Dividend Coverage Assets owned by the Trust as of that Valuation Date, (B)
the Dividend Coverage Amount on that Valuation Date, and (C) whether the
Minimum
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<PAGE>
Liquidity Level is met as of that Valuation Date. The calculations of the
Dividend Coverage Assets, the Dividend Coverage Amount and whether the
Minimum Liquidity Level is met shall be set forth in a certificate (a
"Certificate of Minimum Liquidity") dated as of the Valuation Date. The
Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Report and the Certificate of Minimum
Liquidity may be combined in one certificate. The Trust shall cause the
Certificate of Minimum Liquidity to be delivered to S&P not later than the
close of business on the third Business Day after the Valuation Date
applicable to such Certificate pursuant to paragraph 7(b). The Minimum
Liquidity Level shall be deemed to be met as of any date of determination
if the Trust has timely delivered a Certificate of Minimum Liquidity
relating to such date which states that the same has been met and which is
not manifestly inaccurate. In the event that a Certificate of Minimum
Liquidity is not delivered to S&P when required, the Minimum Liquidity
Level shall be deemed not to have been met as of the applicable date.
(iii) If the Minimum Liquidity Level is not met as of any
Valuation Date, then the Trust shall purchase or otherwise acquire Dividend
Coverage Assets to the extent necessary so that the Minimum Liquidity Level
is met as of the fifth Business Day following such Valuation Date. The
Trust shall, by such fifth Business Day, provide to S&P a Certificate of
Minimum Liquidity setting forth the calculations of the Dividend Coverage
Assets and the Dividend Coverage Amount and showing that the Minimum
Liquidity Level is met as of such fifth Business Day together with a report
of the custodian of the Trust's assets confirming the amount of the Trust's
Dividend Coverage Assets as of such fifth Business Day.
9. Certain Other Restrictions. (a) So long as there are Preferred
--------------------------
Shares Outstanding, the Trust will enter into futures and options transactions
only for bona fide hedging purposes and not for leveraging or speculative
purposes. So long as Moody's and S&P are rating the Preferred Shares, the Trust
will only engage in futures or options transactions in accordance with the then-
current guidelines of such ratings agencies, only if it is valuing its assets
daily and only after it has received written confirmation from Moody's and S&P,
as appropriate, that such transactions would not impair the ratings then
assigned by S&P and Moody's to Preferred Shares. The S&P guidelines in effect
as of the Date of Original Issue are set forth in their entirety in the
following paragraph. The Trust may engage in futures and options transactions
in accordance therewith and such transactions shall have the consequences
included in such guidelines set forth therein (as such guidelines are amended,
modified and supplemented from time to time by S&P), provided, however, that it
may not engage in any such transactions unless it has satisfied the relevant
provisions of this paragraph relating to complying with Moody's guidelines and
obtaining written confirmation from Moody's and S&P.
For so long as Preferred Shares are rated by S&P, the Trust will not,
unless it has received written confirmation from S&P that any such action would
not impair the rating then assigned by S&P to Preferred Shares, purchase or sell
futures contracts or options thereon or write uncovered put or uncovered call
options on portfolio securities except (provided that the Trust has received
such written confirmation in advance from S&P) that (i) the Trust may engage in
S&P Hedging Transactions based on the Municipal Index, provided that (A) the
Trust shall not engage in any S&P Hedging Transaction based on the Municipal
Index (other than Closing Transactions) which would cause the Trust at the time
of such transaction to own or have sold (1) more than 1,000 outstanding futures
contracts based on the Municipal Index, (2) outstanding futures contracts based
on Municipal Index exceeding in number 25% of the quotient of the fair market
value of the Trust's total assets divided by 100,000 or (3) outstanding futures
contracts based on the Municipal Index exceeding in number 10% of the average
number of daily traded futures contracts based on the Municipal Index in the
month prior to the time of effecting such transaction as reported by The Wall
--------
Street Journal and (ii) the Trust may engage in S&P Hedging Transactions based
- --------------
on Treasury Bonds, provided that (A) the Trust shall not engage in any S&P
Hedging Transactions based on Treasury Bonds (other than Closing Transactions)
which would cause the Trust at the time of such transaction to own or have sold
the lesser of (1) outstanding futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds
exceeding in number 25% of the quotient of the fair market value of the Trust's
total assets divided by 100,000 or (2) outstanding futures contracts based on
Treasury Bonds exceeding in number 10% of the average number of daily traded
futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds in the month prior to the time of
effecting such transaction as reported by The Wall Street Journal. For so long
-----------------------
as Preferred Shares are rated by S&P, the Trust will engage in Closing
Transactions to close out any outstanding futures contract which the Trust owns
or has sold or any outstanding option thereon owned by the Trust in the event
(i) the Trust does not have S&P Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted
Value equal to or greater than the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount on
two consecutive Valuation Dates and (ii) the Trust is required to pay Variation
Margin on the second such Valuation Date. For so long as Preferred Shares are
rated by S&P, the Trust will engage in a Closing Transaction to close out any
outstanding futures contract or option thereon in the month prior to the
delivery month under the terms of such futures
C-1-27
<PAGE>
contract or option thereon unless the Trust holds securities deliverable under
such terms. For purposes of calculating the Discounted Value of S&P Eligible
Assets to determine compliance with the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance
Amount, such Discounted Value shall be reduced by an amount equal to (i) 30% of
the aggregate settlement value, as marked to market, of any outstanding futures
contracts based on the Municipal Index which are owned by the Trust plus (ii)
25% of the aggregate settlement value, as marked to market, of any outstanding
futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds which contracts are owned by the
Trust. For so long as Preferred Shares are rated by S&P, when the Trust writes a
futures contract or option thereon, it will maintain an amount of cash, cash
equivalents or short-term, fixed-income securities in a segregated account with
the Trust's custodian, so that the amount so segregated plus the amount of
Initial Margin and Variation Margin held in the account of the Trust's broker
equals the fair market value of the futures contract, except that in the event
the Trust writes a futures contract or option thereon which requires delivery of
an underlying security, the Trust shall hold such underlying security.
(b) For so long as Preferred Shares are rated by Moody's or S&P, the
Trust will not, unless it has received written confirmation from Moody's and/or
S&P, as the case may be, that such action would not impair the ratings then
assigned to Preferred Shares by Moody's and/or S&P, as the case may be, (i)
borrow money, (ii) engage in short sales of securities, (iii) lend any
securities, (iv) issue any class or series of shares of beneficial interest
ranking prior to or on a parity with the Preferred Shares with respect to the
payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation
or winding up of the Trust, (v) reissue any Preferred Shares previously
purchased or redeemed by the Trust, (vi) merge or consolidate into or with any
other trust, (vii) change the Pricing Service or (viii) engage in reverse
repurchase agreements.
10. Notice. All notices or communications, unless otherwise specified in
-------
this Certificate of Designation, shall be sufficiently given if in writing and
delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid. Notice
shall be deemed given on the earlier of the date received or the date seven days
after which such notice is mailed.
11. Auction Procedures. (a) Certain definitions. As used in this
------------------ -------------------
paragraph 11, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the
context otherwise requires:
(i) "Auction Date" shall mean the first Business Day preceding
the first day of a Dividend Period.
(ii) "Available Preferred Shares" shall have the meaning
specified in paragraph 11(d)(i) below.
(iii) "Bid" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph
11(b)(i) below.
(iv) "Bidder" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph
11(b)(i) below.
(v) "Hold Order" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph
11(b)(i) below.
(vi) "Maximum Applicable Rate," for any Dividend Payment Period
for the Preferred Shares will be the Applicable Percentage of the higher of
the 30-day "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate and the Taxable Equivalent
of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate except in the case of a Special
Dividend Period in which case the Maximum Applicable Rate for any Dividend
Payment Period included in such Special Dividend Period will be the
Applicable Percentage (determined on the date of the Notice of Special
Dividend Period in the case of any such Notice that specifies a Maximum
Applicable Rate applicable to such Special Dividend Payment Period) of the
Special Dividend Period Reference Rate for such Dividend Payment Period.
The Applicable Percentage will be determined based on (i) the lower of the
credit rating or ratings assigned on such date to such shares by Moody's
and S&P (or if Moody's or S&P or both shall not make such rating available,
the equivalent of either or both of such ratings by a Substitute Rating
Agency or two Substitute Rating Agencies or, in the event that only one
such rating shall be available, such rating) and (ii) whether the Trust has
provided notification to the Auction Agent prior to the Auction
establishing the Applicable Rate for any dividend pursuant to paragraph
2(f) hereof that net capital gains or other taxable income will be included
in such dividend on Preferred Shares as follows:
C-1-28
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Credit Ratings Applicable Percentage: Applicable Percentage:
- --------------------------------------------
Moody's S&p No Notification Notification
- -------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
"aa3" or higher AA- or higher 110% 150%
"a3" to "a1" A- to A+ 125% 160%
"baa3" to "baa1" BBB- to BBB+ 150% 250%
"ba3" to "ba1" BB- to BB+ 200% 275%
Below "ba3" Below BB- 250%
</TABLE>
The Trust will take all reasonable action necessary to enable
Moody's and S&P to provide a rating for the Preferred shares. If either
Moody's or S&P shall not make such a rating available, or neither Moody's
nor S&P shall make such a rating available, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated or its affiliates and successors, after consultation
with the Trust, will select a nationally recognized statistical rating
organization (a "Substitute Rating Agency") or two nationally recognized
statistical rating organizations ("Substitute Rating Agencies") to act as
Substitute Rating Agency or Substitute Rating Agencies, as the case may be;
provided that if such a rating is not made available with respect to the
Preferred Shares, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith or its affiliates
and successors, after consultation with the Corporation, shall select a
Substitute Rating Agency or Agencies.
(vii) "Minimum Applicable Rate," for any Dividend Payment Period
included in a Special Dividend Period for which Bid Requirements are
imposed will be such rate as may be specified by the Trust in the Notice of
Special Dividend Period relating to the Special Dividend Period within
which such Dividend Payment Period occurs.
(viii) "Order" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph
11(b)(i) below.
(ix) "Preferred Shares" shall mean the Preferred Shares being
auctioned pursuant to this paragraph 11.
(x) "Sell Order" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph
11(b)(i) below.
(xi) "Submission Deadline" shall mean 1:00 P.M., New York City
time, on any Auction Date or such other time on any Auction Date as may be
specified by the Auction Agent from time to time as the time by which each
Broker-Dealer must submit to the Auction Agent in writing all orders
obtained by it for the Auction to be conducted on such Auction Date.
(xii) "Submitted Bid" shall have the meaning specified in
paragraph 11(d)(i) below.
(xiii) "Submitted Hold Order" shall have the meaning specified
in paragraph 11(d)(i) below.
(xiv) "Submitted Order" shall have the meaning specified in
paragraph 11(d)(i) below.
(xv) "Submitted Sell Order" shall have the meaning specified
in paragraph 11(d)(i) below.
(xvi) "Sufficient Clearing Bids" shall have the meaning
specified in paragraph 11(d)(i) below.
(xvii) "Winning Bid Rate" shall have the meaning specified in
paragraph 11(d)(i) below.
(b) Orders by Existing Holders and Potential Holders.
------------------------------------------------
(i) On or prior to the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date:
C-1-29
<PAGE>
(A) each Existing Holder may submit to a Broker-Dealer information as
to:
(1) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of Preferred
Shares held by such Existing Holder which such Existing Holder desires
to continue to hold without regard to the Applicable Rate for the next
succeeding Dividend Period;
(2) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of Preferred
Shares held by such Existing Holder which such Existing Holder desires
to continue to hold, provided that the Applicable Rate for the next
succeeding Dividend Period shall not be less than the rate per annum
or, in the case of an Auction with Bid Requirements including a
Spread, the Spread specified by such Existing Holder; and/or
(3) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of Preferred
Shares held by such Existing Holder which such Existing Holder offers
to sell without regard to the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding
Dividend Period; and
(B) each Broker-Dealer, using a list of Potential Holders that shall
be maintained in good faith for the purpose of conducting a competitive
Auction, shall contact Potential Holders, including Persons that are not
Existing Holders, on such list to determine the number of outstanding
shares, if any, of Preferred Shares which each such Potential Holder offers
to purchase, provided that the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding
Dividend Period shall not be less than the rate per annum or Spread
specified by such Potential Holder.
For the purposes hereof, the communication to a Broker-Dealer of
information referred to in clause (A) or (B) of this paragraph 11(b)(i) is
hereinafter referred to as an "Order" and each Existing Holder and each
Potential Holder placing an order is hereinafter referred to as a "Bidder"; an
order containing the information referred to in clause (A)(1) of this paragraph
11(b)(i) is hereinafter referred to as a "Hold Order"; an Order containing the
information referred to in clause (A)(2) or (B) of this paragraph 11(b)(i) is
hereinafter referred to as a "Bid"; and an order containing the information
referred to in clause (A)(3) of this paragraph 11(b)(i) is hereinafter referred
to as a "Sell Order".
(ii) (A) A Bid by an Existing Holder shall constitute an
irrevocable offer to sell:
(1) the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares specified in
such Bid if the Applicable Rate determined on such Auction Date shall
be less than the rate per annum or Spread specified in such Bid; or
(2) such number of a lesser number of Outstanding Preferred
Shares to be determined as set forth in paragraph 11(e)(i)(D) if the
Applicable Rate determined on such Auction Date shall be equal to the
rate per annum or Spread specified therein; or
(3) a lesser number of Outstanding Preferred Shares to be
determined as set forth in paragraph 11(e)(ii)(C) if such specified
rate per annum shall be higher than the Maximum Applicable Rate and
Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist.
(B) A Sell Order by an Existing Holder shall constitute an
irrevocable offer to sell:
(1) the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares specified in
such Sell Order; or
(2) such number or a lesser number of Outstanding Preferred
Shares to be determined as set forth in paragraph 11(e)(ii)(C) if
Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist.
(C) A Bid by a Potential Holder shall constitute an irrevocable offer
to purchase:
(1) the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares specified in
such Bid if the Applicable Rate determined on such Auction Date shall
be higher than the rate per annum or Spread specified in such Bid; or
C-1-30
<PAGE>
(2) such number or a lesser number of Outstanding Preferred
Shares to be determined as set forth in paragraph 11(e)(i)(E) if the
Applicable Rate determined on such Auction Date shall be equal to the
rate per annum or Spread specified therein.
(c) Submission of Orders by Broker-Dealers to Auction Agent.
-------------------------------------------------------
(i) Each Broker-Dealer shall submit in writing or through the
Auction Agent's Auction Processing System to the Auction Agent prior to the
Submission Deadline on each Auction Date all Orders obtained by such
Broker-Dealer and specifying with respect to each Order:
(A) the name of the Bidder placing such Order;
(B) the aggregate number of Outstanding Preferred Shares that are the
subject of such Order;
(C) to the extent that such Bidder is an Existing Holder:
(1) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of Preferred
Shares subject to any Hold Order placed by such Existing Holder;
(2) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of Preferred
Shares subject to any Bid placed by such Existing Holder and the rate
per annum or Spread specified in such Bid; and
(3) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of Preferred
Shares subject to any Sell Order placed by such Existing Holder; and
(D) (i) to the extent such Bidder is a Potential Holder, the rate
per annum or Spread specified in such Potential Holder's Bid.
(ii) If any rate per annum or Spread specified in any Bid
contains more than three figures to the right of the decimal point, the
Auction Agent shall round such rate up to the next highest one-thousandth
(.001) of 1% and shall round such Spread to the next highest one-thousandth
(.001) of a basis point.
(iii) If an Order or Orders covering all of the Outstanding
Preferred Shares held by an Existing Holder is not submitted to the Auction
Agent prior to the Submission Deadline, the Auction Agent shall deem a Hold
Order to have been submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder covering the
number of Outstanding Preferred Shares held by such Existing Holder and not
subject to Orders submitted to the Auction Agent; provided, however, that
with respect to an Auction to establish a Special Dividend Period longer
than 91 days, the Auction Agent shall deem a Sell Order to have been
submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder covering such number of
Outstanding Preferred Shares.
(iv) If one or more Orders on behalf of an Existing Holder
covering in the aggregate more than the number of Outstanding Preferred
Shares held by such Existing Holder are submitted to the Auction Agent,
such orders shall be considered valid as follows and in the following order
of priority:
(A) any Hold Order submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder shall
be considered valid up to and including the number of Outstanding Preferred
Shares held by such Existing Holder; provided that if more than one Hold
Order is submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder and the number of
Preferred Shares subject to such Hold Orders exceeds the number of
Outstanding Preferred Shares held by such Existing Holder, the number of
Preferred Shares subject to each of such Hold Orders shall be reduced pro
rata so that such Hold Orders, in the aggregate, will cover exactly the
number of Outstanding Preferred Shares held by such Existing Holder;
(B) any Bids submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder shall be
considered valid, in the ascending order of their respective rates per
annum or Spread, if more than one Bid is submitted on behalf of such
Existing Holder, up to and including the excess of the number of
Outstanding Preferred Shares held by
C-1-31
<PAGE>
such Existing Holder over the number of Preferred Shares subject to any
Hold Order referred to in paragraph 11(c)(iv)(A) above (and if more than
one Bid submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder specifies the same rate
per annum or Spread and together they cover more than the remaining number
of shares that can be the subject of valid Bids after application of
paragraph 11(c)(iv)(A) above and of the foregoing portion of this paragraph
11(c)(iv)(B) to any Bid or Bids specifying a lower rate or rates per annum
or Spread, the number of shares subject to each of such Bids shall be
reduced pro rata so that such Bids, in the aggregate, cover exactly such
remaining number of shares); and the number of shares, if any, subject to
Bids not valid under this paragraph 11(c)(iv)(B) shall be treated as the
subject of a Bid by a Potential Holder; and
(C) any Sell Order shall be considered valid up to and including the
excess of the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares held by such Existing
Holder over the number of Preferred Shares subject to Hold Orders referred
to in paragraph 11(c)(iv)(A) and Bids referred to in paragraph
11(c)(iv)(B); provided that if more than one Sell Order is submitted on
behalf of any Existing Holder and the number of Preferred Shares subject to
such Sell Orders is greater than such excess, the number of Preferred
Shares subject to each of such Sell Orders shall be reduced pro rata so
that such Sell Orders, in the aggregate, cover exactly the number of
Preferred Shares equal to such excess.
(v) If more than one Bid is submitted on behalf of any Potential
Holder, each Bid submitted shall be a separate Bid with the rate per annum
or Spread and number of Preferred Shares specified.
(vi) Any Bid by an Existing Holder that specifies a Spread, with
respect to an Auction in which a Spread is not included in any Bid
Requirements or in which there are no Bid Requirements and any order that
does not specify a Spread with respect to an Auction in which a Spread is
included in any Bid Requirements shall be treated as a Sell Order.
(d) Determination of Sufficient Clearing Bids, Winning Bid Rate and
---------------------------------------------------------------
Applicable Rate.
- ---------------
(i) Not earlier than the Submission Deadline on each Auction
Date, the Auction Agent shall assemble all Orders submitted or deemed
submitted to it by the Broker-Dealers (each such Order as submitted or
deemed submitted by a Broker-Dealer being hereinafter referred to
individually as a "Submitted Hold Order", a "Submitted Bid" or a "Submitted
Sell Order", as the case may be, or as a "Submitted Order") and shall
determine:
(A) the excess of the total number of Outstanding Preferred Shares
over the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares that are the subject of
Submitted Hold Orders (such excess being hereinafter referred to as the
"Available Preferred Shares");
(B) from the Submitted Orders whether the number of outstanding
Preferred Shares that are the subject of Submitted Bids by Potential
Holders specifying one or more rates per annum or Spreads that result in
one or more rates per annum on such date equal to or lower than the Maximum
Applicable Rate in effect for the first Dividend Payment Period after the
Auction Date exceeds or is equal to the sum of:
(1) the number of outstanding Preferred Shares that are the
subject of Submitted Bids by Existing Holders specifying one or more
rates per annum or Spreads that result in one or more rates per annum
on such date higher than such Maximum Applicable Rate, and
(2) the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares that are subject
to Submitted Sell Orders (if such excess or such equality exists
(other than because the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares in
clauses (1) and (2) above are each zero because all of the Outstanding
Preferred Shares are the subject of Submitted Hold Orders), such
Submitted Bids by Potential Holders being hereinafter referred to
collectively as "Sufficient Clearing Bids"); and
(C) if Sufficient Clearing Bids exist, the lowest rate per annum or,
in the case of an Auction with Bid Requirements including a Spread, the
lowest Spread specified in the Submitted Bids (the "Winning Bid Rate") that
if:
C-1-32
<PAGE>
(1) each Submitted Bid from Existing Holders specifying the
Winning Bid Rate and all other Submitted Bids from Existing Holders
specifying lower rates per annum or Spreads were rejected, thus
entitling such Existing Holders to continue to hold the Preferred
Shares that are the subject of such Submitted Bids, and
(2) each Submitted Bid from Potential Holders specifying the
Winning Bid Rate and all other Submitted Bids from Potential Holders
specifying lower rates per annum or Spreads were accepted, thus
entitling the Potential Holders to purchase the Preferred Shares that
are the subject of such Submitted Bids, would result in the number of
shares subject to all Submitted Bids specifying the Winning Bid Rate
or a lower rate per annum or Spread being at least equal to the
Available Preferred Shares.
(D) For purposes of this Certificate of Designation, a positive
Spread shall be considered lower than another positive Spread to the extent
it is a lower number, a Spread of zero shall be considered lower than a
positive Spread, a negative Spread shall be considered lower than a Spread
of zero and a negative Spread shall be considered lower than another
negative Spread to the extent it is a higher number.
(ii) Promptly after the Auction Agent has made the
determinations pursuant to paragraph 11(d)(i), the Auction Agent shall
advise the Trust of the Maximum Applicable Rate (or, in the event the Trust
has specified a Maximum Applicable Rate or Rates, or a Minimum Applicable
Rate or Rates the Auction Agent shall confirm to the Trust the calculation
of such Maximum Applicable Rate or Rates or such Minimum Applicable Rate or
Rates) and, based on such determinations, the Applicable Rate for the next
succeeding Dividend Period as follows:
(A) if Sufficient Clearing Bids exist, that the Applicable Rate for
the next succeeding Dividend Period shall be equal to the Winning Bid Rate,
subject to the effect of any applicable Minimum Applicable Rate and any
applicable Maximum Applicable Rate;
(B) if Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist (other than because all
of the Outstanding Preferred Shares are the subject of Submitted Hold
Orders and other than in the event the Auction is being conducted with
respect to a Special Dividend Period), that the Applicable Rate for the
next succeeding Dividend Period shall be equal to the Maximum Applicable
Rate;
(C) if all of the Outstanding Preferred Shares are the subject of
Submitted Hold Orders, that the Dividend Period next succeeding the Auction
shall automatically be the same length as the immediately preceding
Dividend Period and the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend
Period will be the higher of the 30-day "AA" Composite Commercial Paper
Rate and the Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate
multiplied by 1 minus the maximum marginal combined regular Federal Florida
income tax rate then applicable to ordinary income or the maximum marginal
regular Federal corporate tax rate then applicable, whichever is greater
(or 90% of such rate if the Trust has provided notification to the Auction
Agent prior to the Auction establishing the Applicable Rate for any
dividend pursuant to paragraph 2(f) hereof that net capital gains or other
taxable income will be included in such dividend on Preferred Shares) on
the date of the Auction; or
(D) if the Auction is being conducted with respect to a Special
Dividend Period and Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist, that the
Dividend Period next succeeding the Auction shall automatically be 7 days
and the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend Period will be as
set forth in paragraph 11(d)(ii)(C) above.
(e) Acceptance and Rejection of Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell
-------------------------------------------------------------
Orders and Allocation of Shares. Based on the determinations made pursuant to
- -------------------------------
paragraph 11(d)(i), the Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders shall be
accepted or rejected and the Auction Agent shall take such other action as set
forth below:
(i) If Sufficient Clearing Bids have been made, subject to the
provisions of paragraph 11(e)(iii) and paragraph 11(e)(iv), Submitted Bids
and Submitted Sell Orders shall be accepted or rejected in the following
order of priority and all other Submitted Bids shall be rejected:
C-1-33
<PAGE>
(A) the Submitted Sell Orders of Existing Holders shall be accepted
and the Submitted Bid of each of the Existing Holders specifying any rate
per annum or Spread that is higher than the Winning Bid Rate shall be
accepted, thus requiring each such Existing Holder to sell the Outstanding
Preferred Shares that are the subject of such Submitted Sell Order or
Submitted Bid;
(B) the Submitted Bid of each of the Existing Holders specifying any
rate per annum or Spread that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate shall be
rejected, thus entitling each such Existing Holder to continue to hold the
Outstanding Preferred Shares that are the subject of such Submitted Bid;
(C) the Submitted Bid of each of the Potential Holders specifying any
rate per annum that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate or Spread shall be
accepted;
(D) the Submitted Bid of each of the Existing Holders specifying a
rate per annum or Spread that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate shall be
rejected, thus entitling each such Existing Holder to continue to hold the
Outstanding Preferred Shares that are the subject of such Submitted Bid,
unless the number of outstanding Preferred Shares subject to all such
Submitted Bids shall be greater than the number of Outstanding Preferred
Shares ("Remaining Shares") equal to the excess of the Available Preferred
Shares over the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares subject to Submitted
Bids described in paragraph 11(e)(i)(B) and paragraph 11(e)(i)(C), in which
event the Submitted Bids of each such Existing Holder shall be accepted,
and each such Existing Holder shall be required to sell outstanding
Preferred Shares, but only in an amount equal to the difference between (1)
the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares then held by such Existing
Holder subject to such Submitted Bid and (2) the number of Preferred Shares
obtained by multiplying (x) the number of Remaining Shares by (y) a
fraction the numerator of which shall be the number of Outstanding
Preferred Shares held by such Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid
and the denominator of which shall be the sum of the numbers of Outstanding
Preferred Shares subject to such Submitted Bids made by all such Existing
Holders that specified a rate per annum or Spread equal to the Winning Bid
Rate; and
(E) the Submitted Bid of each of the Potential Holders specifying a
rate per annum or Spread that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate shall be
accepted but only in an amount equal to the number of Outstanding Preferred
Shares obtained by multiplying (x) the difference between the Available
Preferred Shares and the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares subject to
Submitted Bids described in paragraph 11(e)(i)(B), paragraph 11(e)(i)(C)
and paragraph 11(e)(i)(D) by (y) a fraction the numerator of which shall be
the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares subject to such Submitted Bid
and the denominator of which shall be the sum of the numbers of Outstanding
Preferred Shares subject to such Submitted Bids made by all such Potential
Holders that specified a rate per annum or Spread equal to the Winning Bid
Rate.
(ii) If Sufficient Clearing Bids have not been made (other than
because all of the Outstanding Preferred Shares are subject to Submitted
Hold Orders), subject to the provisions of paragraph 11(e)(iii), Submitted
Orders shall be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order of
priority and all other Submitted Bids shall be rejected:
(A) the Submitted Bid of each Existing Holder specifying any rate per
annum or Spread that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Applicable Rate
(a Bid specifying a Spread being converted to a rate per annum for this
purpose by applying the Spread to the most recently available Reference
Index or Reference Security) shall be rejected, thus entitling such
Existing Holder to continue to hold the Outstanding Preferred Shares that
are the subject of such Submitted Bid;
(B) the Submitted Bid of each Potential Holder specifying any rate
per annum or Spread that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Applicable
Rate (a Bid specifying a Spread being converted to a rate per annum for
this purpose by applying the Spread to the most recently available
Reference Index or Reference Security) shall be accepted, thus requiring
such Potential Holder to purchase the Outstanding Preferred Shares that are
the subject of such Submitted Bid; and
(C) the Submitted Bids of each Existing Holder specifying any rate
per annum or Spread that is higher than the Maximum Applicable Rate (a Bid
specifying a Spread being converted to a rate per annum
C-1-34
<PAGE>
for this purpose by applying the Spread to the most recently available
Reference Index or Reference Security) shall be accepted and the Submitted
Sell Orders of each Existing Holder shall be accepted, in both cases only
in an amount equal to the difference between (1) the number of Outstanding
Preferred Shares then held by such Existing Holder subject to such
Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order and (2) the number of Preferred
Shares obtained by multiplying (x) the difference between the Available
Preferred Shares and the aggregate number of Outstanding Preferred Shares
subject to Submitted Bids described in paragraph 11(e)(ii)(A) and paragraph
11(e)(ii)(B) by (y) a fraction the numerator of which shall be the number
of Outstanding Preferred Shares held by such Existing Holder subject to
such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order and the denominator of which
shall be the number of Outstanding Preferred Shares subject to all such
Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders.
(iii) If, as a result of the procedures described in paragraph
11(e)(i) or paragraph 11(e)(ii), any Existing Holder would be entitled or
required to sell, or any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to
purchase, a fraction of a share of Preferred Shares on any Auction Date,
the Auction Agent shall, in such manner as in its sole discretion it shall
determine, round up or down the number of Preferred Shares to be purchased
or sold by any Existing Holder or Potential Holder on such Auction Date so
that each Outstanding share of Preferred Shares purchased or sold by each
Existing Holder or Potential Holder on such Auction Date shall be a whole
share of Preferred Shares.
(iv) If, as a result of the procedures described in paragraph
11(e)(i), any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase
less than a whole share of Preferred Shares on any Auction Date, the
Auction Agent shall, in such manner as in its sole discretion it shall
determine, allocate Preferred Shares for purchase among Potential Holders
so that only whole Preferred Shares are purchased on such Auction Date by
any Potential Holder, even if such allocation results in one or more of
such Potential Holders not purchasing any Preferred Shares on such Auction
Date.
(v) Based on the results of each Auction, the Auction Agent
shall determine, with respect to each Broker-Dealer that submitted Bids or
Sell Orders on behalf of Existing Holders or Potential Holders, the
aggregate number of Outstanding Preferred Shares to be purchased and the
aggregate number of Outstanding Preferred Shares to be sold by such
Potential Holders and Existing Holders and, to the extent that such
aggregate number of Outstanding shares to be purchased and such aggregate
number of Outstanding shares to be sold differ, the Auction Agent shall
determine to which other Broker-Dealer or Broker-Dealers acting for one or
more purchasers such Broker-Dealer shall deliver, or from which other
Broker-Dealer or Broker-Dealers acting for one or more sellers such Broker-
Dealer shall receive, as the case may be, Outstanding Preferred Shares.
(f) Miscellaneous. An Existing Holder (A) may sell, transfer or
-------------
otherwise dispose of Preferred Shares only pursuant to a Bid or Sell Order in
accordance with the procedures described in this paragraph 11 or to or through a
Broker-Dealer, provided that in the case of all transfers other than pursuant to
Auctions such Existing Holder, its Broker-Dealer or its Agent Member advises the
Auction Agent of such transfer and (B) except as otherwise required by law,
shall have the ownership of the Preferred Shares held by it maintained in book
entry form by the Securities Depository in the account of its Agent Member,
which in turn will maintain records of such Existing Holder's beneficial
ownership. Neither the Trust nor any Affiliate shall submit an Order in any
Auction. Any Existing Holder that is an Affiliate shall not sell, transfer or
otherwise dispose of Preferred Shares to any Person other than the Trust. All
of the Outstanding Preferred Shares shall be represented by a single certificate
registered in the name of the nominee of the Securities Depository unless
otherwise required by law or unless there is no Securities Depository. If there
is no Securities Depository, at the Trust's option and upon its receipt of such
documents as it deems appropriate, any Preferred Shares may be registered in the
Share Register in the name of the Existing Holder thereof and such Existing
Holder thereupon will be entitled to receive certificates therefor and required
to deliver certificates therefor upon transfer or exchange thereof.
12. Securities Depository; Share Certificates. (a) If there is a
-----------------------------------------
Securities Depository, one certificate for all of the Preferred Shares shall be
issued to the Securities Depository and registered in the name of the Securities
Depository or its nominee. Additional certificates may be issued as necessary
to represent Preferred Shares. All such certificates shall bear a legend to the
effect that such certificates are issued subject to the provisions restricting
the transfer of Preferred Shares contained in this Certificate of Designation.
Unless the Trust shall have elected, during a
C-1-35
<PAGE>
Non-Payment Period, to waive this requirement, the Trust will also issue stop-
transfer instructions to the Auction Agent for the Preferred Shares. Except as
provided in paragraph (b) below, the Securities Depository or its nominee will
be the Holder, and no existing Holder shall receive certificates representing
its ownership interest in such shares.
(b) If the Applicable Rate applicable to all Preferred Shares shall
be the Non-Payment Period Rate or there is no Securities Depository, the Trust
may at its option issue one or more new certificates with respect to such shares
(without the legend referred to in paragraph 12(a)) registered in the names of
the Existing Holders or their nominees and rescind the stop-transfer
instructions referred to in paragraph 12(a) with respect to such shares.
13. Interpretations. The Board of Trustees may interpret the provisions
---------------
of this Certificate of Designation to resolve any inconsistency or ambiguity,
remedy any formal defect or make any other change or modification that does not
adversely affect the rights of Existing Holders of Preferred Shares.
C-1-36
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Amended and Restated
Certificate of Designation Establishing Preferred Shares to be executed as of
June 13, 1995.
/s/ Karen H. Sabath
----------------------------
Karen H. Sabath
Secretary
State of New York )
) ss
County of New York )
Then personally appeared before me Karen H. Sabath, who acknowledged the
foregoing instrument to be her free act and deed and the free act and deed in
her capacity as Secretary of the BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term
Trust.
Before me,
MARY A. PABON
Notary Public, State of New York
No. 01-PA5032777
Qualified in Orange County
Commission Expires Sept. 6, 1996
Notary Public [Mary Pabon]
My commission expires:_________________________
C-1-37
<PAGE>
Appendix C-2
FORM OF
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
of The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust
THE BLACKROCK FLORIDA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST, a Massachusetts
business trust (the "Trust"), certifies to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts that:
FIRST: Pursuant to the authority expressly vested in the Board of Trustees
of the Trust in the Trust's Declaration of Trust, the Board of Trustees has
authorized 726 preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per
share, liquidation preference $25,000, by increasing the number of authorized
preferred shares of beneficial interest designated as Auction Rate Municipal
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, Series R7 from 2,640 to 3,366.
SECOND: All of the authorized shares of the Auction Rate Municipal
Preferred Stock, Series R7 shall be subject in all respects to identical
preferences, voting powers, restrictions, qualifications, and terms and
conditions of redemption; provided, however, that the Initial Dividend Period
for such 726 shares shall be ____ days and the Initial Dividend Rate for such
shares shall be ____ %.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has caused this Certificate of Designation to
be signed and acknowledged in its name and on its behalf on this ___ day of
_____________, 2000, by its President, who acknowledges that this Certificate of
Designation is the act of the Trust and, to the best of his knowledge,
information and belief and under penalties of perjury, all matters and facts
contained in this Certificate of Designation are true in all material respects.
THE BLACKROCK FLORIDA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008
TERM TRUST
By:______________________________
Ralph L. Schlosstein
President
Attest:
_________________________________
Karen H. Sabath
Secretary
<PAGE>
PART C - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Included in Part A of the Registration Statement
Financial Highlights for the period ended December 31, 1992 each of the seven
years ended December 31, 1999.
PART I
Incorporated by reference to Registrant's most recent Annual Report to
Shareholders dated December 31, 1999:
Independent Auditors Report for year ended December 31, 1999
Portfolio of Investments, December 31, 1999 (audited)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, December 31, 1999 (audited)
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1999 (audited)
Statement of Changes in Net Investment Assets for the two years ended December
31, 1999 (audited)
(2) EXHIBITS
The exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the Exhibit Index
located elsewhere herein.
ITEM 25: MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS
See the forms of Purchase Agreement, Master Agreement Among Underwriters and
Master Selected Dealer Agreement filed herewith as Exhibits (h) (1), (h) (2) and
(h) (3)
ITEM 26: OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
Securities and Exchange Commission fees $ 4,792
Printing and engraving expenses 100,000
Legal fees 90,000
Accounting expenses 5,000
Rating Agency fees 35,000
Blue Sky filing fees and expenses 5,000
Miscellaneous expenses 60,208
Total* $300,000
__________
* Estimated
ITEM 27: PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
The Trust is not under common control with any person except to the extent that
the existence of identical boards of directors or trustees as the case may be,
at other investment companies advised by the Advisor would render the
C-1
<PAGE>
Trust under common control with such other investment companies. The Trust does
not control any person.
ITEM 28: NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
At February 4, 2000:
NUMBER OF
TITLE OF CLASS RECORD HOLDERS
-------------- --------------
Common Stock, $.01 par value 304
Preferred Shares, $.01 par value 1
ITEM 29: INDEMNIFICATION
Article V of the Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides as
follows:
Section 5.1 No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees, etc. No
----------------------------------------------------
Shareholder of the Trust shall be subject to any personal liability whatsoever
to any Person in connection with Trust Property or the acts, obligations or
affairs of the Trust. No Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall
be subject to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person, other than the
Trust or its Shareholders, in connection with Trust Property or the affairs of
the Trust, save only that arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross
negligence or reckless disregard for his duty to such Person; and all such
Persons shall look solely to the Trust Property for satisfaction of claims of
any nature arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. If any
Shareholder, Trustee, officer, employee, or agent, as such, of the Trust, is
made a party to any suit or proceeding to enforce any such liability, he shall
not, on account thereof, be held to any personal liability. The Trust shall
indemnify and hold each Shareholder harmless from and against all claims and
liabilities to which such Shareholder may become subject by reason of his being
or having been a Shareholder, and shall reimburse such Shareholder for all legal
and other expenses reasonably incurred by him in connection with any such claim
or liability. The rights accruing to a Shareholder under this Section 5.1 shall
not exclude any other right to which such Shareholder may be lawfully entitled,
nor shall anything herein contained restrict the right of the Trust to indemnify
or reimburse a Shareholder in any appropriate situation even though not
specifically provided herein.
Section 5.2 Non-Liability of Trustees, etc. Subject to Section 5.3(b)
------------------------------
below, no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be liable to
the Trust, its Shareholders, or to any Shareholder, Trustee, officer, employee
or agent thereof for any action or failure to act (including without limitation
the failure to compel in any way a former or acting Trustee to redress any
breach of trust) except for his own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of his duties involved in the conduct of his
office.
Section 5.3 Mandatory Indemnification.
--------------------------
14. Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b)
below:
(a) every person who is or has been a Trustee or officer of the Trust
shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against
all liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in
connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes
involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Trustee
or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement
thereof;
(b) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding shall apply
to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or
other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words "liability" and
"expenses" shall include, without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments,
amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
15. No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Trustee or
officer:
C-2
<PAGE>
(a) against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason
of a final adjudication by the court or other body before which the proceeding
was brought that he engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence
or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office;
(b) with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been finally
adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his
action was in the best interest of the Trust;
(c) in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a
final adjudication as provided in paragraph (b)(i) or (b)(ii) resulting in a
payment by a Trustee or officer, unless there has been either a determination
that such Trustee or officer did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his officer by the court or other body approving the settlement or other
disposition or a reasonable determination, based upon a review of readily
available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) that he did not
engage in such conduct:
(i) by vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting
on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then
in office act on the matter); or
(ii) by written opinion of independent legal counsel.
16. The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against
by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any
other rights to which any Trustee or officer may now or hereafter be entitled,
shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to be such Trustee or officer and
shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns
of such Person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to
indemnification to which personnel of the Trust other than Trustees and officers
may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
17. Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim,
action, suit, or proceeding of the character described in paragraph (a) of this
Section 5.3 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof
upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such
amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification
under this Section 5.3, provided that either
(a) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other
appropriate security or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out
of any such advances; or
(b) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter
(provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on
the matter) or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall
determine, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full
trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient
ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
As used in this Section 5.3, a "Disinterested Trustee" is one (i) who is
not an "Interested Person" of the Trust (including anyone who has been exempted
from being an "Interested Person" by any rule, regulation or order of the
Commission), and (ii) against whom none of such actions, suits or other
proceedings or another action, suit or other proceeding on the same or similar
grounds is then or had been pending.
Section 5.4 No Bond Required of Trustees. No Trustee shall be obligated
-----------------------------
to give any bond or other security for the performance of any of his duties
hereunder.
Section 5.5 No Duty of Investigation; Notice in Trust Instruments, etc.
----------------------------------------------------------
No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other Person dealing with the Trustee or
any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be bound to make any inquiry
concerning the validity of any transaction purporting to be made by the Trustee
or by said officer, employee or agent or be liable for the application of money
or property paid, loaned or delivered to or on the order of the Trustees or of
said officer, employee or agent. Every obligation, contract, instrument,
certificate, Common Share or Preferred Share, other security of the Trust or
undertaking, and every other act or thing whatsoever executed in connection with
the Trust shall be conclusively presumed to have been executed or done by the
executors thereof only in their capacity as Trustees under the Declaration or in
their capacity as officers, employees
C-3
<PAGE>
or agents of the Trust. Every written obligation, contract, instrument,
certificate, Common Share or Preferred Share, other security of the Trust or
undertaking made or issued by the Trustees shall recite that the same is
executed or made by them not individually, but as Trustees under the
Declaration, and that the obligations of the Trust under any such instrument are
not binding upon any of the Trustees or Shareholders, individually, but bind
only the trust estate, and may contain any further recital which they or he may
deem appropriate, but the omission of such recital shall not operate to bind the
Trustees or Shareholders individually. The Trustees shall seek diligently at all
times to maintain insurance for the protection of the Trust Property, its
Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents in such amount as the
Trustees shall deem adequate to cover possible tort liability, and such other
insurance as the Trustees in their sole judgment shall deem advisable.
Section 5.6 Reliance on Experts, etc. Each Trustee and officer or
------------------------
employee of the Trust shall, in the performance of his duties, be fully and
completely justified and protected with regard to any act or any failure to act
resulting from reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records
of the Trust, upon an opinion of counsel, or upon reports made to the Trust by
any of its officers or employees or by the Investment Advisor, the Distributor,
Transfer Agent, selected dealers, accountants, appraisers or other experts or
consultants selected with reasonable care by the Trustees, officers or employees
of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel or expert may also be a
Trustee.
The underwriting agreements filed as Exhibit h hereto contain provisions
requiring indemnification of the Registrant's underwriters by the Registrant.
ITEM 30: BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR
See "Management of the Trust" in the Prospectus and for information regarding
the business of the investment advisor. For information as to the business,
profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of each of the
officers and directors of BlackRock Advisors, Inc., reference is made to the
Advisor's current Form ADV filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 31: LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
The accounts and records of the Registrant are maintained in part at the office
of the Advisor at 400 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, in part at
the offices of State Street, 1776 Heritage Drive, North Quincy, Massachusetts
02171, in part at the offices of State Street Bank & Trust Company, 150 Royal
Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021 and in part at the offices of the
Administrator, 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536.
ITEM 32: MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Except as described in Part I of this Registration Statement under the caption
"Management of the Trust," the Registrant is not a party to any management
service related contract.
ITEM 33: UNDERTAKINGS
(1) Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of its shares until it amends
its prospectus if (a) subsequent to the effective date of its Registration
Statement, the net assets value declines more than 10 percent from its net asset
value as of the effective date of the Registration Statement, or (b) the net
asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in
the prospectus.
(2) Not applicable
(3) Not applicable
(4) Not applicable
C-4
<PAGE>
(5) Registrant undertakes that:
(a) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as
a part of a registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule
497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be a part
of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared
effective.
(b) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating
to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
(6) Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed
to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of a
written or oral request, any Statement of Additional Information.
(7) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding (is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
C-5
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of New York, and State of New York, on the 6th day of March, 2000.
THE BLACKROCK FLORIDA INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST
*
-------------------------
Ralph L. Schlosstein
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the date indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signatures Title Date
---------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
* President (Principal Executive March 6, 2000
- -----------------------------
Ralph L. Schlosstein Officer) and Director
* Treasurer (Principal Financial March 6, 2000
- -----------------------------
Henry Gabbay and Accounting Officer)
* Director March 6, 2000
- -----------------------------
Laurence D. Fink
* Director March 6, 2000
- -----------------------------
Andrew F. Brimmer
* Director March 6, 2000
- -----------------------------
Richard E. Cavanagh
* Director March 6, 2000
- -----------------------------
Kent Dixon
* Director March 6, 2000
- -----------------------------
Frank J. Fabozzi
* Director March 6, 2000
- -----------------------------
James Clayburn LaForce, Jr.
* Director March 6, 2000
- -----------------------------
Walter F. Mondale
</TABLE>
______________
* Signed by Karen Sabath pursuant to power of attorney, dated January 3, 2000.
/s/ Karen Sabath
- ----------------
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT NUMBERED
NUMBER PAGE
- ------ ----
<S> <C>
a. (1) Agreement and Declaration of Trust*
(2) Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation dated June 13, 1995
(for outstanding preferred shares)*
(3) Form of Amendment to the Certificate of Designation (for outstanding
preferred shares)*
b. By-Laws*
c. None
d. (1) Specimen Certificate Representing Common Shares of
Beneficial Interest*
(2) Form of Specimen Certificate Representing Series R7 Preferred Shares*
e. Dividend Reinvestment Plan*
f. Not Applicable
g. (1) Advisory Agreement*
(2) Administration Agreement*
h. (1) Form of Purchase Agreement for initial public offering*
(2) Form of Master Agreement Among Underwriters for initial public
offering*
(3) Form of Master Selected Dealer Agreement for initial public
offering*
i. Not Applicable
j. (1) Custodian Agreement*
(2) Transfer Agent Agreement*
k. (1) Auction Agent Agreement*
(2) Form of Broker-Dealer Agreement*
(3) Depository Agreement
l. Opinion and consent of counsel+
m. Not Applicable
n. Consent of Independent Accountants+
o. Not Applicable
p. Not Applicable
q. Not Applicable
r. (1) Form of Code of Ethics of the Trust+
(2) Code of Ethics of the Advisor+
s. Powers of Attorney*
</TABLE>
______________
* Previously filed
+ Filed herewith.
<PAGE>
March 6, 2000
The BlackRock Florida Insured
Municipal 2008 Term Trust
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
Re: The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term
Trust -- Registration on Form N-2
-------------------------------------------------
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel to The BlackRock Florida Insured
Municipal 2008 Term Trust, a voluntary association with transferable shares
organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (commonly referred to as a "Massachusetts business trust") (the
"Trust"), in connection with the offering by the Trust of 726 of the Trust's
preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, liquidation
preference $25,000 per share (the "New Preferred Shares").
In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals or copies,
certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the amended
Notification of Registration of the Trust as an investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), on Form N-8A, dated
March 20, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") on March 21, 1997, (ii) the Registration Statement of the Trust on
Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-95347 and 811-07092) as filed with the Commission on
January 25, 2000 and amended by Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on March 3,
<PAGE>
The BlackRock Florida Insured
Municipal 2008 Term Trust
Page 2
2000 and Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 on March 6, 2000, under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") (such Registration Statement, as so
amended and proposed to be amended, being hereinafter referred to as the
"Registration Statement"); (iii) the form of the Underwriting Agreement (the
"Underwriting Agreement") proposed to be entered into be between the Trust, as
issuer, Salomon Smith Barney Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, PaineWebber Incorporated, Prudential Securities Incorporated, A.G.
Edwards & Sons, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co. as underwriters (the
"Underwriters"), filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement; (iv) a
specimen certificate representing the New Preferred Shares; (v) the Declaration
of Trust of the Trust, as presently in effect; (vi) The form of Certificate of
Designation relating to the New Preferred Shares (the "Certificate of
Designation") and the Certificate of Designation dated June 13,1995 establishing
the rights and preferences of the currently outstanding Auction Rate Municipal
Preferred Shares of the Trust, (vii) the By-Laws of the Trust, as presently in
effect; and (viii) certain resolutions of the Board of Trustees of the Trust
relating to the issuance and sale of the New Preferred Shares and related
matters. We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise
identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Trust and such
agreements, certificates of public officials, certificates of officers or other
representatives of the Trust and others, and such other documents ments,
certificates and records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis
for the opinions set forth herein.
In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural
persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all
documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or photostatic copies and the
authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. In making our
examination of documents executed or to be executed by parties other than the
Trust, we have assumed that such parties had or will have the power, corporate
or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and have also
assumed the due authorization by all requisite action, corporate or other, and
execution and delivery by such parties of such documents and the validity and
binding effect thereof. We also have assumed that the Certificate of
Designations ultimately adopted by the Board of Trustees is substantially
similar to the form of Certificate of Designations reviewed by us. As to any
facts material to the opinions expressed herein which we have not independently
established or verified, we have relied upon statements and representations of
officers and other representatives of the Trust and others.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that
when (i) the Registration Statement becomes effective, (ii) the Underwriting
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered and (iii) the New Preferred
Shares
<PAGE>
The BlackRock Florida Insured
Municipal 2008 Term Trust
Page 3
have been duly issued, executed and authenticated in accordance with the
Declaration of Trust and the Certificate of Designations and delivered and paid
for in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement, the issuance and sale of the
New Preferred Shares will have been duly authorized, and the New Preferred
Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to
our firm under the caption "Legal Opinions" in the Registration Statement. In
giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the
category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the 1933 Act or
the rules and regulations of the Commission.
Very truly yours,
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Pre-Effective Amendment No.
6 to the Registration Statement of The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008
Term Trust, Inc. (Investment Company Registration No. 811-7092) of our report
dated February 11, 2000, relating to the financial statements of The BlackRock
Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust, Inc. as of December 31, 1999 and for
the period then ended in the Statement of Additional Information which is part
of such registration statement.
We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the heading "Report of
Independent Auditors" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
March 6, 2000
<PAGE>
FORM
OF
CODE OF ETHICS
I. INTRODUCTION
This Code of Ethics (the "Code") has been adopted by the Board of
[Directors/Trustees] of the BlackRock investment companies listed on Schedule 1
(each a "Fund") in compliance with Rule 17j-1 (the "Rule") under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), to establish standards and
procedures necessary to ensure that personnel of the Fund, in connection with
their personal trading activities, comply with their ethical and legal
obligations with respect to the Fund and the anti-fraud provisions under the
Rule.
II. STATEMENT OF GENERAL PRINCIPALS
This Code is based on the principle that the officers, directors and
employees of the Fund owe a fiduciary duty to the shareholders of the Fund, to
conduct their personal securities transactions in a manner that does not
interfere with Fund portfolio transactions or otherwise take unfair advantage of
their relationship to the Fund. Persons covered by this Code must adhere to
this general principle as well as comply with the Code's specific provisions to
avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of such person's
position of trust and responsibility and to prevent such persons from engaging
in conduct prohibited by the 1940 Act.
III DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Code, the following definitions shall apply.
A. "Access Person" means any trustee, officer, general partner, or
Advisory Person of the Fund or of the Advisor.
B. "Advisor" means BlackRock Advisors, Inc., investment adviser to the
Fund.
C. "Advisory Person" means:
1. Any employee of the Fund or the Advisor or of any company in a
control relationship to the Fund or the Advisor who, in connection with such
person's regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains
information regarding the purchase or sale of a Security by the Fund, or whose
functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such
purchases or sales; and
<PAGE>
2. Any natural person in a control relationship to the Fund or the
Advisor who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with
regard to the purchase or sale of a held in the name of members of such
person's immediate family sharing the same household including any child,
stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-
in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-
in-law and adoptive relationships; or Security.
D. "Beneficial Ownership" of a security is interpreted in the same manner
as it is under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "1934 Act") in determining whether a person is subject to the
provisions of Section 16 of the 1934 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder.
A person is considered the beneficial owner of securities in which such person
has the opportunity to directly or indirectly through any contract, arrange
ment, understanding, relationship or otherwise, profit or share in any profit
derived from a transaction in securities. Generally, a person is regarded as
having beneficial ownership of securities
1. held in the name of members of such person's immediate family
sharing the same household including any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent,
stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-
law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law and adoptive
relationships; or
2. if such person has the right to acquire securities immediately or
some time in the future, such as through the exercise or conversion of any
derivative security, whether or not presently exercisable.
E. "Compliance Personnel" shall mean appropriate management or compliance
personnel appointed by the Board from time to time to review reports and monitor
personal investment activity pursuant to the Rule and this Code.
F. "Initial Public Offering" or "IPO" is an offering of securities
registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"), by issuers not
previously subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.
G. "Investment Personnel" means:
1. portfolio managers and any other employees of the Fund or the
Advisor or of any company in a control relationship to the Fund or the Advisor
who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or
participates in making investment recommendations to the Fund regarding the
purchase or sale of securities; and
2
<PAGE>
2. any natural person in a control relationship to the Fund or the
Advisor who obtain information about investment recommendations made to the Fund
regarding the purchase or sale of securities.
H. "Limited Offering" is an offering that is exempt from registration
under the 1933 Act and includes private placement offerings that are exempt from
registration under the 1933 Act as well as offerings that are not public under
the 1933 Act.
I. "Purchase or sale of a Security" includes, inter alia, the writing of
----- ----
an option to purchase or sell a Security.
J. "Security" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940
Act but does not include direct obligations of the U.S. government, bankers'
acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, high-quality short-
term debt securities, including repurchase agreements, and shares issued by
registered open-end investment companies.
K. "Security held or to be acquired" by the Fund means any Security
which, within the most recent 15 days (i) is or has been held by the Fund; (ii)
is being or has been considered by the Fund or its Advisor for purchase by the
Fund or (iii) any option to purchase or sell, and any security convertible into
or exchangeable for a Security.
IV. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
A. It shall be a violation of the Code for any affiliated person of the
Fund or the Advisor, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or
indirectly, of a "Security held or to be acquired" by the Fund:
1. To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the Fund;
2. To make to the Fund any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state to the Fund a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements made to the Fund, in light of the circumstances under which they are
made, not misleading;
3. To engage in any act, practice, or course of business which
operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon the Fund; or
4. To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to the Fund.
3
<PAGE>
B. The Fund shall use reasonable diligence and institute the procedures
set forth below which are reasonably necessary to prevent violations of this
Code and shall investigate any matter the facts of which suggest that the Code
has been violated.
C. All employees, officers and directors of the Fund are encouraged to
seek advice from counsel with respect to any action or transaction which may
violate the provisions of this Code and to refrain from any action or
transaction which might lead to the appearance of a viola tion.
V. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A. Initial and Annual Holdings Reports. No later than 10 days after
-----------------------------------
becoming an Access Person and thereafter, annually, each Access Person must
furnish a report showing (i) the date of the report, (ii) the title, number of
shares and principal amount of each Security, which had been owned directly or
indirectly, by the Access Person and (iii) the name of any broker, dealer or
bank with an account holding any securities for the direct or indirect benefit
of the Access Person, as of the date the reporting person became an Access
Person, or in the case of annual reports, no more than 30 days before the annual
report is submitted by the Access Person.
B. Quarterly Transaction Reports. No later than 10 days after the end of
-----------------------------
the calendar quarter with respect to:
1. any transaction in a Security during the quarter in which an
Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership, such Access
Person must furnish a report showing (i) the date of the report; (ii) the date
of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and maturity date (if
applicable), the number of shares, and the principal amount of each Security in
volved; (iii) the nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other
type of acquisition or disposition); (iv) the price at which the transaction was
effected; and (v)the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which
the transaction was effected; and
2. any account established by an Access Person in which any
securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of
such Access Person, such Access Person must furnish a report showing (i) the
name of the broker, dealer or bank with which established the account; (ii) the
date the account was established; and (iii) the date report submitted.
C. Any report required to be made pursuant to paragraphs A and B may
contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by
the person making such report that he has any direct or indirect beneficial
ownership in the security to which the report relates.
4
<PAGE>
D. Any report required to be made pursuant to paragraphs A and B shall be
consid ered to be made if:
1. Such reporting person requests that each broker who effects
transactions for such reporting person provides to the Fund monthly account
information (in the form attached as Exhibit A).
2. In the event no reportable transactions occurred during the
quarter, such reporting person so notes on the report and returns such report
signed and dated.
3. Such reporting person is otherwise required to file (and files)
such reports pursuant to the code of ethics of the Advisor.
E. Compliance Personnel appointed by the Fund and the Advisor shall
review all securities transactions and holdings reports required to be filed
under paragraphs A and B, and the Fund will maintain a record of the names of
such persons performing the review.
F. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs A
and B, no person shall be required to make a report:
1. With respect to transactions effected for any account over which
such person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control; or
2. If such person is not an "interested person" of the Fund within
the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and would be required to make
such a report solely by reason of being a director of the Fund, except where
such director knew or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his official duties
as a director of the Fund, should have known that during the 15-day period
immediately preceding or after the date of the transaction in a security by the
director, such security is or was purchased or sold by the Fund or such purchase
or sale by the Fund is or was considered by the Fund or the Advisor.
VI. PRIOR APPROVAL OF CERTAIN INVESTMENTS
A. Investment Personnel must obtain written approval before directly or
indirectly acquiring beneficial ownership in any securities in an initial public
offering or a limited offering transaction.
1. Approvals for transactions must be obtained in writing by
completing and signing a form provided for that purpose by the Fund, which form
shall set forth the details of the proposed transaction. An example of such
form is attached as Exhibit B.
5
<PAGE>
2. Compliance Personnel assigned by the Fund will review each
request for approval and determine whether to pre-clear such transaction and the
Fund will maintain a written record of each approval of, and rationale
supporting, a pre-clearance transaction.
B. Compliance Personnel may refuse to grant clearance of a personal
transaction in such person's sole discretion without being required to specify
any reason for the refusal.
C. Generally, Compliance Personnel will consider the following factors in
making a pre-clearance determination:
1. whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for the
Fund and its shareholders; and
2. whether the opportunity is being offered to an individual by
virtue of such person's position with the Fund.
Whether the Fund has the ability to invest in a particular security
(as a result of investment restrictions or otherwise) is not a basis for pre-
clearance.
VII ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
The administration of this Code shall be the responsibility of Compliance
Personnel of the Fund whose duties shall include:
A. Maintaining a list of all Access Persons who are under duty to make
reports or pre-clear transactions under this Code and providing each such person
with a copy of the Code and informing them of their duties and obligations
hereunder.
B. Approving or denying requests for pre-clearance transactions submitted
to the Fund and maintaining a record of such decision and if approved,
supporting reasons of such approval.
C. Reviewing all quarterly securities transactions and holdings reports
required to be filed pursuant to this Code, and maintaining a record of such
review, including the name of the Compliance Personnel performing the review.
D. Preparing listings of all transactions effected by such persons and
comparing all reported personal securities transactions with completed
portfolio transactions of the Fund and securities being considered for purchase
or sale by the Fund to determine whether a violation of this Code may have
occurred.
6
<PAGE>
E. Conducting such inspections or investigations as shall reasonably be
required to detect and report any apparent violations of this Code to the Board
or any person or persons appointed by the Board to deal with such information.
F. Submitting reports to the Board containing a description of any
violation and sanction imposed and other significant information concerning the
appropriateness of this Code.
VII RESPONSIBILITIES OF ADVISOR
A. The Advisor (including, where applicable, any sub-advisor) of the Fund
shall submit for Board review and approval, (i) a copy of its code of ethics
adopted by such Advisor pursuant to the Rule; (ii) promptly report to the Board
for review and approval, any amendments to such code of ethics; (iii)furnish to
the Board upon request, copies of any reports made pursuant to its code of
ethics by any person who is an Access Person as to the Fund; and (iv)
immediately furnish to the Board, without request, all material information
regarding any violation of its code of ethics by any Access Person or Investment
Personnel as to the Fund.
B. On an annual basis, the Advisor shall prepare a written report to the
Board that (i) describes any issues arising under the Code since the last report
including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code
and sanctions imposed in response to such violations; and (ii) certifies that it
has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent violations of the Code.
IX. MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS
Compliance Personnel of the Fund shall maintain and cause to be maintained
in an easily accessible place, the following records:
A. A copy of any code of ethics adopted by the Fund pursuant to the Rule
which is or has been in effect during the past five years;
B. A list of all persons who are, or within the preceding five years have
been, required to make reports pursuant to the Rule and this Code;
C. A copy of each report made pursuant to the Rule and this Code within
the preceding five years;
D. A copy of any decision and reasons supporting such decision to approve
a pre-clearance transaction pursuant to this
7
<PAGE>
Code, made within the past five years after the end of the fiscal year in which
such approval is granted; and
E. A copy of any record or report of violation of this Code and any
action taken as a result of such violation.
X. CODE VIOLATIONS AND SANCTIONS
A. Compliance Personnel or any officer or [director/trustee] of the Fund
who discovers a violation or apparent violation of this Code by any other person
shall bring the matter to the attention of the President of the Fund who shall
then report the matter to the Board. The Board shall determine whether a
violation has occurred and, if it so finds, may impose such sanc tions, if any,
as it considers appropriate. Before making any determination that a violation
has been committed by any person, the Board shall give such person an
opportunity to supply additional explanatory material.
B. Any violation of this Code will be subject to the imposition of such
sanctions by the Fund that the Board may deem appropriate under the
circumstances to achieve the purposes of the Rule and this Code which may
include suspension without pay, dismissal and/or restitu tion of an amount
equal to the difference between the price paid or received by the Fund and the
more advantageous price paid or received by the offending person or any other
sanction which the Board shall determine to be reasonable and proper.
I. ADOPTION OF CODE OF ETHICS
This Code has been adopted by the Board of [Directors/Trustees] of the
Fund, including a majority of the [Directors/Trustees] who are not "interested
persons," as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, at a meeting held on [
].
Prior to adopting this Code, the Board reviewed and approved the code of
ethics adopted by the Fund's Advisor, including all procedures or provisions
related to the enforcement of this Code. The Board based its approval of this
Code and the code of ethics of the Advisor on (i) certifications from the Fund
and the Advisor that adequate procedures are in place to prevent violations of
the codes and (ii) a determination that such codes are adequate and contain
provisions reasonably necessary to ensure that personnel of the Fund and the
Advisor comply with the Rule and this Code.
8
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 1
CODE OF ETHICS
OF
BLACKROCK FUNDS
BlackRock Advantage Term Trust
BlackRock Broad Investment Grade 2009 Term Trust
BlackRock California Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust
BlackRock California Investment Quality Municipal Trust
BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust
BlackRock Florida Investment Quality Municipal Trust
BlackRock High Yield Trust
BlackRock Income Trust
BlackRock Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust Inc,
BlackRock Insured Municipal Term Trust
BlackRock Investment Quality Municipal Trust
BlackRock Investment Quality Term Trust
BlackRock Municipal Target Term Trust
BlackRock New Jersey Investment Quality Municipal Trust
BlackRock New York Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust
BlackRock New York Investment Quality Municipal Trust
BlackRock North American Government Income Trust
BlackRock Pennsylvania Strategic Municipal Trust
BlackRock Strategic Municipal Trust
9
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT __
To:
This letter will confirm that in lieu of submitting a quarterly
report, I have instructed all brokers with whom I have a brokerage account to
submit to you on a monthly basis all transactions which were effected in
securities of which I had or by reason of such transaction acquired, direct or
indirect, beneficial ownership and which are required to be reported pursuant to
Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Fund's
Code of Ethics.
Very truly yours,
____________________________________
Dated:_____________________
10
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT __
INITIAL SECURITIES
HOLDINGS REPORT
Sign and return no later than 10 days after becoming obligated to file this
report. Use reverse side if additional space is needed.
The following lists all securities in which I have any direct or indirect
beneficial ownership.
- ----------------------------------
Title Number Broker/Dealer
of of Principal Holding
Date Security Shares Amount Account
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_____
Name:_________________________
Date:_____________________ Signature:_____________________
11
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT ___
ANNUAL SECURITIES
HOLDINGS REPORT
Sign and return to the Fund. Use reverse side if additional space is
needed.
The following lists all securities in which I have or had any direct or
indirect beneficial ownership during the last calendar year. Information
provided on this report is current as of not more than 30 days before the date
report submitted.
- ----------------------------------
Title Number Broker/Dealer
of of Principal Holding
Date Security Shares Amount Account
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_____
Name:_________________________
Date:_____________________ Signature:_____________________
12
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT __
QUARTERLY SECURITIES
TRANSACTIONS REPORT
Sign and return to the Fund no later than the 10/th/ day of the month
following the end of the quarter. Use reverse side if additional space is
needed. If no transactions took place write "None".
The following lists all transactions in securities in which I had any
direct or indirect beneficial ownership during the last calendar quarter.
Purchases and Acquisitions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Broker/Dealer
Title Number Rate/ making Trans.
of of Maturity Principal Unit Total or Holding
Date Security Shares Date Amount Price Price an Account
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_____
Sales and Other Dispositions
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_____
Name:__________________________
Date:_____________________ Signature:_____________________
13
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT __
Initial Public Offering Approval Request
______________________________ ________________________________
Name (Please Print) Department & Job Title
1. Name of company:_________________________________________________________
2. Type of security: [ ] Equity [ ] Fixed income
3. Planned date of transaction:_____________________________________________
4. Size of offering:________________________________________________________
5. Number of shares to be purchased:________________________________________
6. Is it a "hot issue"?_____________________________________________________
7. What firm is making this IPO available to you?___________________________
8. Do you do business with this firm in connection with managing fund or
client accounts?_________________________________________________________
9. Do you believe this IPO is being made available to you in order to
influence brokerage order flow for fund or client accounts?______________
10. Have you in the past received IPO allocations from this firm?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
If "yes", please provide a list of all previously purchased IPO's________
_________________________________________________________________________
11. Are other Firm personnel or clients involved? [ ] Yes [ ] No
If "yes", please describe:______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
12. Does a fund that you manage have an investment objective that would make
this IPO an opportunity that should first be made available to a fund or
client you manage money for? [ ] Yes [ ] No
13. Describe how you became aware of this investment opportunity:____________
_________________________________________________________________________
I understand that approval, if granted, is based upon the information provided
herein and I agree to observe any conditions imposed upon such approval.
I represent (i) that I have read and understand the firm's code of ethics with
respect to personal trading and recognize that I am subject thereto; (ii) that
the above trade is in compliance with the code; (iii) that to the best of my
knowledge the above trade does not represent a conflict of interest, or an
appearance of a conflict of interest, with any client or fund; and (iv) that I
have no knowledge of any pending client orders in this security nor is the above
trade in a related security which indirectly would result in a transaction in a
security in which there are pending client orders. Furthermore, I acknowledge
that no action should be taken by me to effect the trade(s) listed above until I
have received formal approval.
14
<PAGE>
Signature Date
Date Received by Compliance Personnel:____________________________
Approved:____________________ Disapproved:____________________ Date:________
Name Name:
Title: Title:
15
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT __
Private Placement Approval Request
(attach a copy of the Private Placement Memorandum, Offering Memorandum or any
other relevant documents)
______________________________ ________________________________
Name (Please Print) Department & Job Title
14. Name of corporation, partnership or other entity (the "Organization")
___________________________________________________________________________
15. Is the organization: [ ] Public [ ] Private
16. Type of security or fund:
17. Nature of participation (e.g., Stockholder, General Partner, Limited
Partner). Indicate all applicable:
___________________________________________________________________________
18. Planned date of transaction:_______________________________________________
19. Size of offering (if a fund, size of fund):________________________________
20. Size of your participation:________________________________________________
21. Would investment carry limited or unlimited liability?
[ ] Limited [ ] Unlimited
22. Would the investment require any use of the Firm's premises, facilities or
materials? [ ] Yes [ ] No
If "yes", please describe:_________________________________________________
23. Are other Firm personnel or clients involved? [ ] Yes [ ] No
If "yes", please describe:________________________________________________
24. Describe the business to be conducted by the Organization:_________________
___________________________________________________________________________
If organization is a fund:
. Describe investment objectives of fund (e.g.,value, growth or speciality)
_________________________________________________________________________
. Does a fund that you manage have an investment objective that would make
this private placement an opportunity that should first be made available
to a fund or client you manage money for? [ ] Yes [ ] No
If "yes", please describe which client or fund:____________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________
25. Will you participate in any investment decisions? [ ] Yes [ ] No
If "yes", please describe:
___________________________________________________________________________
16
<PAGE>
26. Describe how you became aware of this investment opportunity:
___________________________________________________________________________
I understand that approval, if granted, is based upon the information provided
herein and I agree to observe any conditions imposed upon such approval. I will
notify the firm in writing if any aspect of the investment is proposed to be
changed (e.g., investment focus of fund, compensation, involvement in
organization's management) and I hereby acknowledge that such changes may
require further approvals, or disinvestment by me.
I represent (i) that I have read and understand the Code of Ethics with respect
to personal trading and recognize that I am subject thereto; (ii) that the above
trade is in compliance with the Code; (iii) that to the best of my knowledge the
above trade does not represent a conflict of interest, or an appearance of a
conflict of interest, with any client or fund; and (iv) that I have no knowledge
of any pending client orders in this security nor is the above trade in a
related security which indirectly would result in a transaction in a security in
which there are pending client orders. Furthermore, I acknowl edge that no
action should be taken by me to effect the trade(s) listed above until I have
received formal approval.
Signature Date
Date Received by [Compliance Personnel]:______________________________________
Approved:_______________________ Disapproved:_____________________________
Name Name:
Title: Title:
Date: ____________________________
17
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT __
Code of Ethics
Exception Reporting Form
Account Name(s) _________________________________________________
Account Number(s) #_____________________________________________
Trade/Exception Date(s) ___/___/___
Settlement Date(s), if any ___/___/___
How was exception detected? ______________________________________
Detection Date ___/___/___
Reporting Date ___/___/___
Reporting Person/
Name: _______________________________________
Phone # _____________________________________
Details of the exception:______________________________________
Portfolio Manager/Analyst Trade? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Was there a direct conflict of interest with a client account? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Effects of the exception (i.e., ______________________________________
interest costs and gains/losses ______________________________________
Corrective action taken or to ______________________________________
be taken (please provide ______________________________________
details of correcting trades) ______________________________________
List any changes to ______________________________________
procedures or controls ______________________________________
Was Board of Directors of the [ ] Yes [ ] No
Fund notified (if required)? ______________________________________
If yes, in what form and when? ______________________________________
Details of reimbursement or ______________________________________
payment (amount, date, payee) ______________________________________
Any additional notes ______________________________________
18
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT __
To:
This letter will confirm that in lieu of submitting a quarterly report, I
have instructed all brokers with whom I have a brokerage account to submit to
you on a monthly basis all transactions which were effected in securities of
which I had or by reason of such transaction acquired, direct or indirect,
beneficial ownership and which are required to be reported pursuant to Rule
17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Fund's Code of
Ethics.
Very truly yours,
______________________________________
Dated:______________________
19
<PAGE>
ANNUAL CERTIFICATION
UNDER RULE 17J-1 OF THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act") and pursuant to the Code of Ethics (the "Code") for the
BlackRock invesment companies listed below (the "Funds"), each of the Funds
hereby certifies to such Fund's Board of Directors that such Fund has adopted
procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons (as defined in the
Code) from violating the Code.
Date:____________________ By:_______________________
Name:
Title:
BlackRock Advantage Term Trust
BlackRock Broad Investment Grade 2009 Term Trust
BlackRock California Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust
BlackRock California Investment Quality Municipal Trust
BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust
BlackRock Florida Investment Quality Municipal Trust
BlackRock High Yield Trust
BlackRock Income Trust
BlackRock Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust Inc,
BlackRock Insured Municipal Term Trust
BlackRock Investment Quality Municipal Trust
BlackRock Investment Quality Term Trust
BlackRock Municipal Target Term Trust
BlackRock New Jersey Investment Quality Municipal Trust
BlackRock New York Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust
BlackRock New York Investment Quality Municipal Trust
BlackRock North American Government Income Trust
BlackRock Pennsylvania Strategic Municipal Trust
BlackRock Strategic Municipal Trust
20
<PAGE>
ANNUAL CERTIFICATION
UNDER RULE 17J-1 OF THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act") and pursuant to the Code of Ethics for BlackRock
Advisors, Inc. ("BlackRock") and the Code of Ethics for the Funds (collectively,
the "Code"), BlackRock certifies to the Board of Directors of the Funds that
BlackRock has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons
(as defined in the Code) from violating the Code.
Date:____________________ By:_______________________
Name:
Title:
21
<PAGE>
Exhibit 99.(R)(2)
EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT TRANSACTION POLICY
--------------------------------------
For
BLACKROCK, INC.
And
ITS AFFILIATED COMPANIES
Effective October 1, 1998
<PAGE>
EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT TRANSACTION POLICY
--------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS i
I. PREAMBLE.............................................................................. 1
A. General Principles............................................................... 1
B. The General Scope Of The Policy's Application To Personal Investment Transactions 3
C. The Organization Of This Policy.................................................. 3
D. Questions........................................................................ 4
II. PERSONAL INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS...................................................... 4
A. In General....................................................................... 4
B. Reporting Obligations............................................................ 4
1. Use Of Broker-Dealers And Futures Commission Merchants...................... 4
2. Initial Report.............................................................. 5
3. New Accounts................................................................ 6
4. Timely Reporting Of Investment Transactions................................. 6
5. Related Accounts............................................................ 6
6. Exemptions From Reporting................................................... 6
C. Prohibited Or Restricted Investment Transactions................................. 7
1. Initial Public Offerings.................................................... 7
2. Private Placements.......................................................... 7
D. Investment Transactions Requiring Prior Notification............................. 8
1. Prior Notification Procedure................................................ 8
2. Exemptions From Prior Notification.......................................... 9
(a) Transactions Exempt From Prior Notification.......................... 9
(b) Securities Exempt From Prior Notification............................ 9
(c) Futures Contracts Exempt From Prior Notification..................... 9
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E. Ban On Short-Term Trading Profits................................................ 10
F. Blackout Periods................................................................. 10
1. Specific Blackout Periods................................................... 10
2. Exemptions From Blackout Restrictions....................................... 11
III. INSIDE INFORMATION AND SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR.......................................... 11
A. Inside Information............................................................... 11
B. Service As A Director............................................................ 12
IV. EXEMPTIONS............................................................................ 12
V. COMPLIANCE............................................................................ 13
A. Certifications................................................................... 13
1. Upon Receipt Of This Policy................................................. 13
2. Annual Certificate Of Compliance............................................ 13
B. Supervisory Procedures........................................................... 14
1. The Compliance Committee.................................................... 14
2. The Compliance Officer...................................................... 14
3. Post-Trade Monitoring And Investigations.................................... 14
4. Remedial Actions............................................................ 15
5. Reports Of Violations Requiring Significant Remedial Action................. 15
6. Annual Reports.............................................................. 15
VI. EFFECTIVE DATE........................................................................ 15
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Appendices
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I. Definitions Of Capitalized Terms
II. Acknowledgment Of Receipt Of The Policy
III. Annual Certification Of Compliance With The Policy
IV. Initial Report Of Accounts
V. Request For Duplicate Broker Reports
VI. Investment Transaction Prior Notification Form
VII. Fully Discretionary Account Form
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EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT TRANSACTION POLICY
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FOR BLACKROCK, INC. AND
ITS AFFILIATED COMPANIES
I. PREAMBLE
A. General Principles
This Employee Investment Transaction Policy (the "Policy") is based on
the principle that you, as an officer, director or other Advisory Employee of an
Advisor affiliated with BlackRock, Inc. ("BlackRock"), owe a fiduciary duty of
undivided loyalty to the registered investment companies, institutional
investment clients, personal trusts and estates, guardianships, employee benefit
trusts, and other Advisory Clients which that Advisor serves./1/ Accordingly,
you must avoid transactions, activities, and relationships that might interfere
or appear to interfere with making decisions in the best interests of those
Advisory Clients.
At all times, you must observe the following general principles:
1. You must place the interests of Advisory Clients first. As a
fiduciary you must scrupulously avoid serving your own personal
interests ahead of the interests of Advisory Clients. You must
adhere to this general fiduciary principle as well as
___________________
/1/ This Policy uses a number of capitalized terms, e.g., Advisor, Advisory
Client, Advisory Employee, Beneficial Ownership, Exempt Security, Fixed Income
Security, Fully Discretionary Account, Futures Contract, Immediate Family,
Investment Transaction, Personal Account, Portfolio Employee, Portfolio Manager,
Related Account, and Security. The first time a capitalized term is used, a
definition is stated in the text or in a footnote. The full definitions of these
capitalized terms are set forth in Appendix I. To understand your
responsibilities under the Policy, it is important that you review and
understand all of the definitions of capitalized terms in Appendix I. As
indicated in Appendix I:
The term "Advisor" means any entity affiliated with BlackRock, whether
now in existence or formed after the date hereof, that is registered as
(i) an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as
amended, or (ii) a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, other than any such investment advisor or broker-
dealer that has adopted its own employee investment transaction policy.
The term "Advisory Client" means a registered investment company, an
institutional investment client, a personal trust or estate, a
guardianship, an employee benefit trust, or another client with which
the Advisor by which you are employed or with which you are associated
has an investment management, advisory or sub-advisory contract or
relationship.
The term "Advisory Employee" means an officer, director, or employee of
an Advisor, or any other person identified as a "control person" on the
Form ADV or the Form BD filed by the Advisor with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission, (1) who, in connection with his or her regular
functions or duties, generates, participates in, or obtains information
regarding that Advisor's purchase or sale of a Security by or on behalf
of an Advisory Client; (2) whose regular functions or duties relate to
the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or
sales; (3) who obtains information or exercises influence concerning
investment recommendations made to an Advisory Client of that Advisor;
or (4) who has line oversight or management responsibilities over
employees described in (1), (2) or (3), above.
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comply with the Policy's specific provisions. Technical
compliance with the Policy will not automatically insulate from
scrutiny any Investment Transaction/2/ that indicates an abuse
of your fiduciary duties or that creates an appearance of such
abuse.
Your fiduciary obligation applies not only to your personal
Investment Transactions but also to actions taken on behalf of
Advisory Clients. In particular, you may not cause an Advisory
Client to take action, or not to take action, for your personal
benefit rather than for the benefit of the Advisory Client. For
example, you would violate this Policy if you caused an Advisory
Client to purchase a Security you owned for the purpose of
increasing the value of that Security. If you are a Portfolio
Employee,/3/ you would also violate this Policy if you made a
personal investment in a Security that might be an appropriate
___________________
/2/ For purposes of this Policy, the term "Investment Transaction" means any
transaction in a Security or Futures Contract in which you have, or by reason of
the transaction will acquire, a Beneficial Ownership interest.
As a general matter, the term "Security" means any stock, note, bond,
debenture or other evidence of indebtedness (including any loan participation or
assignment), limited partnership interest or investment contract other than an
Exempt Security (as defined above). The term "Security" includes an option on a
Security, an index of Securities, a currency or a basket of currencies,
including such an option traded on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange or on
the New York, American, Pacific or Philadelphia Stock Exchanges as well as such
an option traded in the over-the-counter market. The term "Security" does not
include a physical commodity or a Futures Contract.
The term "Futures Contract" includes (a) a futures contract and an
option on a futures contract traded on a U.S. or foreign board of trade, such as
the Chicago Board of Trade, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the New York
Mercantile Exchange, or the London International Financial Futures Exchange (a
"Publicly-Traded Futures Contract"), as well as (b) a forward contract, a
"swap", a "cap", a "collar", a "floor" and an over-the-counter option (other
than an option on a foreign currency, an option on a basket of currencies, an
option on a Security or an option on an index of Securities) (a "Privately-
Traded Futures Contract").
As a general matter, you are considered to have a "Beneficial Ownership"
interest in a Security or Futures Contract if you have the opportunity, directly
or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in
that Security or Futures Contract. You are presumed to have a Beneficial
Ownership interest in any Security or Futures Contract held, individually or
jointly, by you and/or by a member of your Immediate Family (as defined below).
In addition, unless specifically excepted by the Compliance Officer based on a
showing that your interest or control is sufficiently attenuated to avoid the
possibility of a conflict, you will be considered to have a Beneficial Ownership
interest in a Security held by: (1) a joint account to which you are a party,
(2) a partnership in which you are a general partner, (3) a limited liability
company in which you are a manager-member, (4) a trust in which you or a member
of your Immediate Family has an interest or (5) an investment club in which you
are a member.
See Appendix I for more complete definitions of the terms "Beneficial
Ownership," "Futures Contract," and "Security."
/3/ The term "Portfolio Employee" means a Portfolio Manager or an Advisory
Employee who provides information or advice to a Portfolio Manager, who helps
execute a Portfolio Manager's decisions, or who directly supervises a Portfolio
Manager. The term "Portfolio Manager" means any employee of an Advisor who has
the authority, whether sole or shared or only from time to time, to make
investment decisions or to direct trades affecting an Advisory Client.
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investment for an Advisory Client without first considering the
Security as an investment for the Advisory Client.
2. You must conduct all of your personal Investment Transactions in
full compliance with this Policy, the PNC Code of Ethics, and
the other policies of PNC Bank Corp. ("PNC") (including the
policies that prohibit insider trading or that restrict trading
in PNC Securities). BlackRock encourages you and your family to
develop personal investment programs. However, those investment
programs must remain within boundaries reasonably necessary to
insure that appropriate safeguards exist to protect the
interests of our Advisory Clients and to avoid even the
appearance of unfairness or impropriety. Doubtful situations
should be resolved in favor of our Advisory Clients and against
your personal Investment Transactions.
3. You must not take inappropriate advantage of your position. The
receipt of investment opportunities, perquisites, gifts or
gratuities from persons seeking to do business, directly or
indirectly, with BlackRock, an affiliate, or an Advisory Client
could call into question the independence of your business
judgment. Doubtful situations should be resolved against your
personal interests.
B. The General Scope Of The Policy's Application To Personal
Investment Transactions
Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
requires reporting of all personal Investment Transactions in Securities (other
than certain "Exempt Securities") by Advisory Employees, whether or not they are
Securities that might be purchased or sold by or on behalf of an Advisory
Client. This Policy implements that reporting requirement.
However, since a primary purpose of the Policy is to avoid conflicts of
interest arising from personal Investment Transactions in Securities and other
instruments that are held or might be acquired on behalf of Advisory Clients,
this Policy only places restrictions on personal Investment Transactions in such
investments. This Policy also requires reporting and restricts personal
Investment Transactions in certain Futures Contracts which, although they are
not Securities, are instruments that Advisors buy and sell for Advisory Clients.
Although this Policy applies to all officers, directors and other
Advisory Employees of BlackRock, the Policy recognizes that Portfolio Managers,
and the other Portfolio Employees who provide them with advice and who execute
their decisions, occupy more sensitive positions than other Advisory Employees,
and that it is appropriate to subject their personal Investment Transactions to
greater restrictions.
C. The Organization Of This Policy
The remainder of this Policy is divided into four main topics. Section
II concerns personal investment transactions. Section III describes restrictions
that apply to Advisory Employees who receive inside information or seek to serve
on a board of directors or similar governing body. Section IV outlines the
procedure for seeking case-by-case exemptions from the Policy's requirements.
Section V summarizes the methods for ensuring compliance under this Policy. In
addition, the following Appendices are also a part of this Policy:
I. Definitions Of Capitalized Terms
II. Acknowledgment Of Receipt Of The Policy
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III. Annual Certification Of Compliance With The Policy
IV. Initial Report Of Accounts
V. Request For Duplicate Broker Reports
VI. Investment Transaction Prior Notification Form
VII. Fully Discretionary Account Form
D. Questions
Questions regarding this Policy should be addressed to the Compliance
Officer. If you have any question regarding the interpretation of this Policy or
its application to a potential Investment Transaction, you should consult the
Compliance Officer before you execute that transaction.
II. PERSONAL INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
A. In General
Subject to the limited exceptions described below, you are required to
report all Investment Transactions in Securities and Futures Contracts made by
you, a member of your Immediate Family, a trust or an investment club in which
you have an interest, or on behalf of any account in which you have an interest
or which you direct./4/ In addition, you must provide prior notification of
certain Investment Transactions in Securities and Futures Contracts that an
Advisor holds or may acquire on behalf of an Advisory Client. (The exercise of
an option is an Investment Transaction for purposes of these requirements.) The
details of these reporting and prior notification requirements are described
below.
B. Reporting Obligations
1. Use Of Broker-Dealers And Futures Commission Merchants
You must use a registered broker-dealer or futures commission merchant
to engage in any purchase or sale of a publicly traded Security or Futures
Contract. This requirement also applies to any purchase or sale of a Security or
Futures Contract in which you have, or by reason of the Investment Transaction
will acquire, a Beneficial Ownership interest. Thus, as a general matter, any
Securities or Futures Contract transactions by members of your Immediate Family
will need to be made through a registered broker-dealer or futures commission
merchant.
2. Initial Report
Soon after commencing employment or after any event that causes you to
become subject to this Policy, you must supply to the Compliance Officer copies
of the most recent statements for each and every Personal Account and Related
Account that holds or is likely to hold a
_________________
/4/ The term "Immediate Family" means any of the following persons who
reside in your household or who depend on you for basic living support: your
spouse, any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent,
sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-
law, or sister-in-law, including any adoptive relationships.
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Security or Futures Contract in which you have a Beneficial Ownership interest,
as well as copies of confirmations for any and all transactions subsequent to
the effective dates of those statements./5/ These documents should be supplied
to the Compliance Officer by attaching them to the form attached hereto as
Appendix IV.
On that same form you should supply the name of any registered broker-
dealer and/or futures commission merchant and the number for any Personal
Account and Related Account that holds or is likely to hold a Security or
Futures Contract in which you have a Beneficial Ownership interest for which you
cannot supply the most recent account statement. You must also certify, where
indicated on the form, that the contents of the form and the documents attached
thereto disclose all such Personal Accounts and Related Accounts.
In addition, you must also supply, where indicated on the form, the
following information for each Security or Futures Contract in which you have a
Beneficial Ownership interest, to the extent that this information is not
available from the statements attached to the form:
1. A description of the Security or Futures Contract,
including its name or title;
2. The quantity (e.g., in terms of numbers of shares, units or
contracts) and value (in dollars) of the Security or
Futures Contract; and
3. The custodian of the Security or Futures Contract.
3. New Accounts
Upon the opening of a new Personal Account or a Related Account that
holds or is likely to hold a Security or a Futures Contract in which you have a
Beneficial Ownership interest, you
_________________
/5/ The term "Personal Account" means the following accounts that hold or
are likely to hold a Security or Futures Contract in which you have a Beneficial
Ownership interest:
. any account in your individual name;
. any joint or tenant-in-common account in which you have an interest
or are a participant;
. any account for which you act as trustee, executor, or custodian; and
. any account over which you have investment discretion or have the
power (whether or not exercised) to direct the acquisition or
disposition of Securities or Futures Contracts (other than an
Advisory Client's account that you manage or over which you have
investment discretion), including the accounts of any individual or
entity that is managed or controlled directly or indirectly by or
through you, such as the account of an investment club to which you
belong. There is a presumption that you can control accounts held by
members of your Immediate Family sharing the same household. This
presumption may be rebutted only by convincing evidence.
The term "Related Account" means any account, other than a Personal
Account, that holds a Security or Futures Contract in which you have a direct or
indirect Beneficial Ownership interest (other than an account over which you
have no investment discretion and cannot otherwise exercise control) and any
account (other than an Advisory Client's account) of any individual or entity to
whom you give advice or make recommendations with regard to the acquisition or
disposition of Securities or Futures Contracts (whether or not such advice is
acted upon).
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must give written notice to the Compliance Officer of the name of the registered
broker-dealer or futures commission merchant for that account and the
identifying number for that Personal Account or Related Account.
4. Timely Reporting Of Investment Transactions
You must cause each broker-dealer or futures commission merchant that
maintains a Personal Account or a Related Account that holds a Security or a
Futures Contract in which you have a Beneficial Ownership interest to provide to
the Compliance Officer, on a timely basis, duplicate copies of confirmations of
all transactions in that account and of periodic statements for that account
("Duplicate Broker Reports"). A form for that purpose is attached hereto as
Appendix V.
In addition, you must report to the Compliance Officer, on a timely basis, any
transaction in a Security or Futures Contract in which you have or acquired a
Beneficial Ownership interest that was made without the use of a registered
broker-dealer or futures commission merchant.
5. Related Accounts
The reporting obligations described above also apply to any Related
Account (as defined in Appendix I) and to any Investment Transaction in a
Related Account.
It is important that you recognize that the definitions of "Personal
Account," "Related Account" and "Beneficial Ownership" in Appendix I probably
will require you to provide, or to arrange for the broker-dealer or futures
commission merchant to furnish, copies of reports for any account used by or for
a member of your Immediate Family or a trust in which you or a member of your
Immediate Family has an interest, as well as for any other accounts in which you
may have the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in the
profit derived from any Investment Transaction in that account, including the
account of any investment club to which you belong.
6. Exemptions From Reporting
You need not report Investment Transactions in any account, including a
Fully Discretionary Account,/6/ over which neither you nor an Immediate Family
Member has or had any direct or indirect influence or control. For example,
Investment Transactions in the account of your spouse in an employee benefit
plan would not have to be reported if neither you nor your spouse has any
influence or control over those Investment Transactions.
You also need not report Investment Transactions in Exempt Securities
nor need you furnish, or require a broker-dealer or futures commission merchant
to furnish, copies of
_________________
/6/ The term "Fully Discretionary Account" means a Personal Account or
Related Account managed or held by a broker-dealer, futures commission merchant,
investment advisor or trustee as to which neither you nor an Immediate Family
Member: (a) exercises any investment discretion; (b) suggests or receives notice
of transactions prior to their execution; and (c) you do not otherwise has any
direct or indirect influence or control. In addition, to qualify as a Fully
Discretionary Account, the individual broker, registered representative or
merchant responsible for that account must not be responsible for nor receive
advance notice of any purchase or sale of a Security or Futures Contract on
behalf of an Advisory Client. To qualify an account as a Fully Discretionary
Account, the Compliance Officer must receive and approve a written notice, in
the form attached hereto as Appendix VIII, that the account meets the foregoing
qualifications as a Fully Discretionary Account.
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confirmations or periodic statements for accounts that hold only Exempt
Securities./7/ This includes accounts that only hold U.S. Government securities,
money market interests, or shares in registered open-end investment companies
(i.e., mutual funds). This exemption from reporting will end immediately,
however, at such time as there is an Investment Transaction in that account in a
Security that is not an Exempt Security.
C. Prohibited Or Restricted Investment Transactions
1. Initial Public Offerings
As an Advisory Employee, you may not acquire Beneficial Ownership of any
Security in an initial public offering, except that, with the approval of the
Compliance Committee and the General Counsel of BlackRock, you may acquire
Beneficial Ownership of a Security in an initial public offering directed or
sponsored by BlackRock. For purposes of this Policy, an initial public offering
shall not include the purchase of a Security in an initial public offering by
(i) a savings bank to its depositors, (ii) a mutual insurance company to its
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policyholders, (iii) an issuer of debt securities (other than debt securities
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convertible into common or preferred stock) or (iv) with respect to an Advisory
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Employee employed by BlackRock International, Ltd. a building society to its
depositors.
2. Private Placements
If you are a Portfolio Employee, you may not acquire Beneficial
Ownership of any Security in a private placement, or subsequently sell that
interest, unless you have received the prior written approval of the Compliance
Officer and of any supervisor designated by the Compliance Officer. Approval
will not be given unless a determination is made that the investment opportunity
should not be reserved for one or more Advisory Clients, and that the
opportunity to invest has not been offered to you by virtue of your position
with an Advisor.
If you have acquired Beneficial Ownership of Securities in a private
placement, you must disclose that investment to your supervisor when you play a
part in any consideration of any investment by an Advisory Client in the issuer
of the Securities, and any decision to make such an investment must be
independently reviewed by a Portfolio Manager who does not have a Beneficial
Ownership interest in any Securities of the issuer.
D. Investment Transactions Requiring Prior Notification
_________________
/7/ The term "Exempt Security" means any Security (as defined in Appendix I)
not included within the definition of Security in SEC Rule 17j-1(e)(5) under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, including:
1. A direct obligation of the Government of the United States;
2. Shares of registered open-end investment companies (i.e., mutual
funds); and
3. High quality short-term debt instruments, including, but not limited
to, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial
paper and repurchase agreements.
See Appendix I for a more complete definition of "Exempt Security."
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You must give prior notification to the Compliance Officer of any
Investment Transaction in Securities or Futures Contracts in a Personal Account
or Related Account, or in which you otherwise have or will acquire a Beneficial
Ownership interest, unless that Investment Transaction, Security or Futures
Contract falls into one of the following categories that are identified as
"exempt from prior notification." The purpose of prior notification is to permit
the Compliance Officer and the Compliance Committee to take reasonable steps to
investigate whether that Investment Transaction is in accordance with this
Policy. Satisfaction of the prior notification requirement does not, however,
constitute approval or authorization of any Investment Transaction for which you
have given prior notification. As a result, the primary responsibility for
compliance with this Policy rests with you.
1. Prior Notification Procedure
Prior notification must be given by completing and submitting to the
Compliance Officer a copy of the prior notification form attached hereto as
Appendix VII. No Investment Transaction requiring prior notification may be
executed prior to notice by the Compliance Officer that the prior notification
process has been completed. The time and date of that notice will be reflected
on the prior notification form. Unless otherwise specified, an Investment
Transaction requiring prior notification must be placed and executed by the end
of trading in New York City or, in the case of Advisory Employees employed by
BlackRock International, Ltd., by the end of trading in the United Kingdom on
the day of notice from the Compliance Officer that the prior notification
process has been completed. If a proposed Investment Transaction is not
executed (with the exception of a limit order) within the time specified, you
must repeat the prior notification process before executing the transaction. A
notice from a Compliance Officer that the prior notification process has been
completed is no longer effective if you discover, prior to executing your
Investment Transaction, that the information on your prior notification form is
no longer accurate, or if the Compliance Officer revokes his or her notice for
any other reason.
The Compliance Officer may undertake such investigation as he or she
considers necessary to investigate whether an Investment Transaction for which
prior notification has been sought complies with the terms of this Policy and is
consistent with the general principles described at the beginning of this
Policy.
As part of that investigation, the Compliance Officer or a designee of
the Compliance Officer will determine whether there is a pending buy or sell
order in the same equity Security or Futures Contract, or a Related Security, on
behalf of an Advisory Client./8/ If such an order exists, the Compliance Officer
will not provide notice that the prior notification process has been completed
until the Advisory Client's order is executed or withdrawn.
2. Exemptions From Prior Notification
Prior notification will not be required for the following Investment
Transactions, Securities and Futures Contracts. They are exempt only from the
Policy's prior notification requirement, and, unless otherwise indicated, remain
subject to the Policy's other requirements, including its reporting
requirements.
_________________
/8/ The term "Related Security" means, as to any Security, any instrument
related in value to that Security, including, but not limited to, any option or
warrant to purchase or sell that Security, and any Security convertible into or
exchangeable for that Security.
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(a) Transactions Exempt From Prior Notification
Prior notification is not required for any of the following Investment
Transactions:
1. Any Investment Transaction in a Fully Discretionary Account that has
been approved as such by the Compliance Officer.
2. Purchases of Securities under dividend reinvestment plans.
3. Purchases of Securities by an exercise of rights issued to the holders
of a class of Securities pro rata, to the extent those rights are
issued with respect to Securities of which you have Beneficial
Ownership.
4. Acquisitions or dispositions of Securities as the result of a stock
dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, merger, consolidation,
spin-off or other similar corporate distribution or reorganization
applicable to all holders of a class of Securities of which you have
Beneficial Ownership.
5. Purchases of common stock of PNC Bank Corp. under the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan.
6. With respect to Advisory Employees who are employed by BlackRock
International, Inc., automatic investments by direct debit into a
personal equity plan (PEP), or similar type of plan in Exempt
Securities if the pre-notification process was completed for the first
such investment.
7. Investment Transactions made by a person who serves on the Board of
Directors of an Advisor and is not involved with the Advisory
operations of such Advisor nor engages in the type of activities
described under (1) (2) or (3) under the term Advisory Employee as
defined in Appendix I.
(b) Securities Exempt From Prior Notification
Prior notification is not required for an Investment Transaction in an Exempt
Security, as defined in Appendix I, e.g., U.S. Government securities, shares in
registered open-end investment companies (i.e., mutual funds) and "high quality
short-term debt instruments" (as defined in Appendix I).
(c) Futures Contracts Exempt From Prior Notification
Prior notification is not required for an Investment Transaction in the
following Futures Contracts:
1. Currency futures.
2. U.S. Treasury futures.
3. Eurodollar futures.
4. Physical commodity futures (e.g., contracts for future delivery of
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grain, livestock, fiber or metals).
5. Futures contracts to acquire Fixed Income Securities issued by a U.S.
Government agency, a foreign government, or an international or
supranational agency.
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6. Futures contracts on the Standard and Poor's 500 (S&P 500) or the Dow
Jones Industrial Average stock indexes.
7. For Advisory Employees who are employed by BlackRock International,
Ltd., futures contracts on the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100
(FTSE) Index.
E. Ban On Short-Term Trading Profits
You may not profit from the purchase and sale, or the sale and purchase,
within 60 calendar days, of the same Securities and/or Related Security. Any
such short-term trade must be reversed or unwound, or if that is not practical,
the profits must be disgorged and distributed in a manner determined by the
Compliance Committee.
This short-term trading ban does not apply to Investment Transactions in
Exempt Securities (as defined in Appendix I) or in Futures Contracts. This ban
also does not apply to a purchase or sale in connection with a Transaction
Exempt From Prior Notification (as described above in Section II.D.2.(a)), a
transaction in a Fully Discretionary Account or a transaction exempt from the
"blackout" periods pursuant to Section II.F.2 below.
You are considered to profit from a short-term trade if Securities of which
you have Beneficial Ownership (including Securities held by Immediate Family
members) are sold for more than their purchase price, even though the Securities
purchased and the Securities sold are held of record or beneficially by
different persons or entities.
F. Blackout Periods
Your ability to engage in certain Investment Transactions may be prohibited or
restricted during the "blackout" periods described below:
1. Specific Blackout Periods
a. You may not purchase or sell a Security, a Related Security,
or Futures Contract at a time when you intend or know of
another's intention to purchase or sell that same Security,
a Related Security, or Futures Contract, on behalf of an
Advisory Client of any Advisor (the "Specific Knowledge
Blackout Period").
b. In addition, if you are a Portfolio Employee, you may not
purchase or sell a Security, a Related Security or a Futures
Contract which you are actively considering or which you
have actively considered and rejected for purchase or sale
for an Advisory Client within the previous 15 calendar days
(the "15-Day Blackout Period") unless the Compliance
Officer, after consultation with your supervisor, has
approved your Investment Transaction./9/
/9/ SEC Rule 17j-1 places restrictions on the purchase or sale of any "security
held or to be acquired" by a registered investment company. Rule 17j-1(e)(6)
defines a "security held or to be acquired" by a registered investment
company as including any security which, within the most recent 15 days, "is
being or has been considered by such company or its investment adviser for
purchase by such company."
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c. Finally, if you are a Portfolio Manager, you may not
purchase or sell a Security, a Related Security, or Futures
Contract within 7 calendar days before or after a
transaction in that Security, a Related Security, or Futures
Contract, by an Advisory Client for which you are
responsible (the "7-Day Blackout Period").
For Portfolio Employees or Portfolio Managers, the Compliance Officer will not
give such notice until any applicable 15-Day Blackout Period or 7-Day Blackout
Period has expired or any required approvals or exemptions have been obtained.
An Investment Transaction that violates one of these Blackout restrictions must
be reversed or unwound, or if that is not practical, the profits must be
disgorged and distributed in a manner determined by the Compliance Committee.
2. Exemptions From Blackout Restrictions
The foregoing blackout period restrictions do not apply to Investment
Transactions in:
a. Exempt Securities, as defined in Appendix I.
b. Securities of a company listed on the Standard & Poor's 100 (S & P
100) Index.
c. A Futures Contract Exempt From Prior Notification under this Policy
(as described above).
d. A Fully Discretionary Account.
e. With respect to Advisory Employees who are employed by BlackRock
International, Ltd., securities of a company listed on the Financial
Times Stock Exchange 100 (FTSE 100).
III. INSIDE INFORMATION AND SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR
A. Inside Information
As an employee of a subsidiary of PNC, you must comply with the PNC Insider
Trading Policy. A copy of that policy is included in Section E of the PNC Code
of Ethics. In addition, as an Advisory Employee, you must notify the General
Counsel of BlackRock if you receive or expect to receive material non-public
information about an entity that issues securities. The General Counsel will
determine the restrictions, if any, that will apply to your communications and
activities while in possession of that information. In general, those
restrictions will include:
1. An undertaking not to trade, either on your own behalf or on
behalf of an Advisory Client, in the securities of the entity
about which you have material non-public information.
2. An undertaking not to disclose material non-public information
to other Advisory Employees.
3. An undertaking not to participate in discussions with or
decisions by other Advisory Employees relating to the entity
about which you have material non-public information.
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The General Counsel, in cooperation with the Compliance Officer, will maintain a
"restricted list" of entities about which Advisory Employees may have material
non-public information. This "restricted list" will be available to the
Compliance Officer when he or she conducts investigations or reviews related to
the Prior Notification Procedure described previously in Section II(D)(1) or the
Post-Trade Monitoring process described below in Section V(B)(3).
B. Service As A Director
You may not serve on the board of directors or other governing board of any
entity unless you have received the prior written approval of the General
Counsel of PNC, to the extent such approval is required under the terms of the
PNC Code of Ethics, and the General Counsel of BlackRock. If permitted to serve
on a governing board, an Advisory Employee will be isolated from those Advisory
Employees who make investment decisions regarding the securities of that entity,
through a "Chinese wall" or other procedures determined by the General Counsel
of BlackRock. In general, the "Chinese wall" or other procedures will include:
1. An undertaking not to trade or to cause a trade on behalf of an
Advisory Client in the securities of the entity on whose board
you serve.
2. An undertaking not to disclose material non-public information
about that entity to other Advisory Employees.
3. An undertaking not to participate in discussions with or
decisions by other Advisory Employees relating to the entity on
whose board you serve.
Any entity on whose board an Advisory Employee serves will be included on the
"restricted list" referenced in subsection A, above.
IV. EXEMPTIONS
The Compliance Committee, in its discretion, may grant case-by-case exceptions
to any of the foregoing requirements, restrictions or prohibitions, except that
the Compliance Committee may not exempt any Investment Transaction in a Security
(other than an Exempt Security) or a Futures Contract from the Policy's
reporting requirements. Exemptions from the Policy's prior notification
requirements and from the Policy's restrictions on acquisitions in initial
public offerings, short-term trading and trading during blackout periods will
require a determination by the Compliance Committee that the exempted
transaction does not involve a realistic possibility of violating the general
principles described at the beginning of this Policy. An application for a
case-by-case exemption, in accordance with this paragraph, should be made in
writing to the Compliance Officer, who will promptly forward that written
request to the members of the Compliance Committee.
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V. COMPLIANCE
A. Certifications
1. Upon Receipt Of This Policy
Upon commencement of your employment or the effective date of this Policy,
whichever occurs later, you will be required to acknowledge receipt of your copy
of this Policy by completing and returning to the Compliance Officer a copy of
the form attached hereto as Appendix II. By that acknowledgment, you will also
agree:
1. To read the Policy, to make a reasonable effort to understand its
provisions, and to ask the Compliance Officer questions about
those provisions you find confusing or difficult to understand.
2. To comply with the Policy, including its general principles, its
reporting requirements, its prohibitions, its prior notification
requirements, its short-term trading and blackout restrictions.
3. To advise the members of your Immediate Family about the
existence of the Policy, its applicability to their personal
Investment Transactions, and your responsibility to assure that
their personal Investment Transactions comply with the Policy.
4. To cooperate fully with any investigation or inquiry by or on
behalf of the Compliance Officer or the Compliance Committee to
determine your compliance with the provisions of the Policy.
In addition, your acknowledgment will recognize that any failure to comply with
the Policy and to honor the commitments made by your acknowledgment may result
in disciplinary action, including dismissal.
2. Annual Certificate Of Compliance
You are required to certify on an annual basis, on a copy of the form attached
hereto as Appendix III, that you have complied with each provision of your
initial acknowledgment (see above). In particular, your annual certification
will require that you certify that you have read and that you understand the
Policy, that you recognize that you are subject to its provisions, that you
complied with the requirements of the Policy during the year just ended and that
you have disclosed, reported, or caused to be reported all Investment
Transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the requirements
of the Policy.
B. Supervisory Procedures
1. The Compliance Committee
The Policy will be implemented, monitored and reviewed by the Compliance
Committee. The initial members of the Compliance Committee will be appointed by
the management committee of BlackRock. The Compliance Committee, by a simple
majority of its members, may appoint new members of the Committee, may replace
existing members of the Committee, and may fill vacancies on the Committee.
Among other responsibilities, the Compliance Committee will consider requests
for case-by-case exemptions (described above) and will conduct investigations
(described below) of any actual or suspected violations of the Policy. The
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Compliance Committee will determine what remedial actions, if any, should be
taken by an Advisor in response to a violation of the Policy. The Compliance
Committee will also provide reports (described below) regarding significant
violations of the Policy and the procedures to implement the Policy. The
Compliance Committee may recommend changes to those procedures or to the Policy
to the management of the Advisors. Finally, the Compliance Committee will
designate one person to act as Compliance Officer for all Advisors.
2. The Compliance Officer
The Compliance Officer designated by the Compliance Committee will be
responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Policy for all Advisors,
subject to the direction and control of the Compliance Committee. Based on
information supplied by the management of each Advisor, the Compliance Officer
will forward a copy of the Policy to each Advisory Employee subject to the
Policy and will notify each such person of his or her designation as an Advisory
Employee, Portfolio Employee or Portfolio Manager. The Compliance Officer will
also be responsible for administration of the reporting and prior notification
functions described in the Policy, and will maintain the reports required by
those functions. In addition, the Compliance Officer will attempt to answer any
questions from an Advisory Employee regarding the interpretation or
administration of the Policy. When necessary or desirable, the Compliance
Officer will consult with the Compliance Committee about such questions. The
Compliance Officer may designate one or more Assistant Compliance Officers to
whom the Compliance Officer may delegate any of the duties described in this
paragraph or in the succeeding paragraph, and who shall be empowered to act on
the Compliance Officer's behalf when the Compliance Officer is absent or
unavailable.
3. Post-Trade Monitoring And Investigations
The Compliance Officer will review the Duplicate Broker Reports and other
information supplied for each Advisory Employee so that the Compliance Officer
can detect and prevent potential violations of the Policy. This information may
also be disclosed to the Advisor's auditors, attorneys and regulators. If,
based on his or her review of information supplied for an Advisory Employee, or
based on other information, the Compliance Officer suspects that the Policy may
have been violated, the Compliance Officer will perform such investigations and
make such inquiries as he or she considers necessary. You should expect that,
as a matter of course, the Compliance Officer will make inquiries regarding any
personal Investment Transaction in a Security or Futures Contract that occurs on
the same day as a transaction in the same Security or Futures Contract on behalf
of an Advisory Client. If the Compliance Officer reaches a preliminary
conclusion that an Advisory Employee may have violated this Policy, the
Compliance Officer will report that preliminary conclusion in a timely manner to
the Compliance Committee and will furnish to the Committee all information that
relates to the Compliance Officer's preliminary conclusion. The Compliance
Officer may also report his or her preliminary conclusion and the information
relating to that preliminary conclusion to the Advisor's auditors, attorneys and
regulators.
Promptly after receiving the Compliance Officer's report of a possible
violation of the Policy, the Compliance Committee, with the aid and assistance
of the Compliance Officer, will conduct an appropriate investigation to
determine whether the Policy has been violated and will determine what remedial
action should be taken by the Advisor in response to any such violation(s). For
purposes of these determinations, a majority of the Compliance Committee will
constitute a quorum and action taken by a simple majority of that quorum will
constitute action by the Committee.
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4. Remedial Actions
The remedial actions that may be recommended by the Compliance Committee may
include, but are not limited to, disgorgement of profits, imposition of a fine,
censure, demotion, suspension or dismissal. As part of any sanction, e.g., for
violation of the Policy's restrictions on short-term trading or trading during
blackout periods, you may be required to reverse or unwind a transaction and to
forfeit any profit or to absorb any loss from the transaction. If an Investment
Transaction may not be reversed or unwound, you may be required to disgorge any
profits associated with the transaction, which profits will be distributed in a
manner prescribed by the Compliance Committee in the exercise of its discretion.
Profits derived from Investment Transactions in violation of this Policy may not
be offset by any losses from Investment Transactions in violation of this
Policy. Finally, evidence suggesting violations of criminal laws will be
reported to the appropriate authorities, as required by applicable law.
In determining what, if any, remedial action is appropriate in response to a
violation of the Policy, the Compliance Committee will consider, among other
factors, the gravity of your violation, the frequency of your violations,
whether any violation caused harm or the potential of harm to any Advisory
Client, whether you knew or should have known that your Investment Transaction
violated the Policy, whether you engaged in an Investment Transaction with a
view to making a profit on the anticipated market action of a transaction by an
Advisory Client, your efforts to cooperate with the Compliance Officer's
investigation, and your efforts to correct any conduct that led to a violation.
In rare instances, the Compliance Committee may find that, for equitable
reasons, no remedial action should be taken.
5. Reports Of Violations Requiring Significant Remedial Action
In a timely manner, and not less frequently than annually, the Compliance
Committee will report to the management committee of BlackRock, and to the
directors or trustees of each investment company that is an Advisory Client, any
known Policy violation requiring significant remedial action (as defined below)
and the disposition of that violation. For this purpose, a significant remedial
action means any action that has a significant financial effect on the violator.
Evidence suggesting violations of criminal laws will be reported to the
appropriate authorities, as required by applicable law.
6. Annual Reports
The Compliance Committee will furnish an annual report to the management
committee of BlackRock, and to the directors or trustees of each investment
company that is an Advisory Client, that, at a minimum, will:
1. Summarize existing procedures and restrictions concerning personal
investing by Advisory Employees and any changes in those procedures
and restrictions that were made during the previous year;
2. Summarize any violations of the Policy that resulted in significant
remedial action during the previous year; and
3. Describe any changes in existing procedures or restrictions that the
Compliance Committee recommends based upon its experience under the
Policy, evolving industry practices, or developments in applicable
laws or regulations.
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VI. EFFECTIVE DATE
The provisions of this Policy will take effect on October 1, 1998. Amendments
to this Policy will take effect at the time such amendments are promulgated and
distributed to the Advisory Employees governed by this Policy.
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APPENDIX I
Definitions Of Capitalized Terms
The following definitions apply to the capitalized terms used in the Policy:
Advisor
The term "Advisor" means any entity affiliated with BlackRock, whether now in
existence or formed after the date hereof, that is registered as (i) an
investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or
(ii) a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
other than any such investment advisor or broker-dealer that has adopted its own
employee investment transaction policy.
Advisory Client
The term "Advisory Client" means a registered investment company, an
institutional investment client, a personal trust or estate, a guardianship, an
employee benefit trust, or another client with which the Advisor by which you
are employed or with which you are associated has an investment management,
advisory or sub-advisory contract or relationship.
Advisory Employee
The term "Advisory Employee" means an officer, director, or employee of an
Advisor, or any other person identified as a "control person" on the Form ADV or
the Form BD filed by the Advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, (1) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties,
generates, participates in, or obtains information regarding that Advisor's
purchase or sale of a Security by or on behalf of an Advisory Client; (2) whose
regular functions or duties relate to the making of any recommendations with
respect to such purchases or sales; or (3) who obtains information or exercises
influence concerning investment recommendations made to an Advisory Client of
that Advisor or who has line oversight or management responsibilities over
employees who obtain such information or who exercise such influence.
Beneficial Ownership
As a general matter, you are considered to have a "Beneficial Ownership"
interest in a Security or Futures Contract if you have the opportunity, directly
or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in
that Security. You are presumed to have a Beneficial Ownership interest in any
Security or Futures Contract held, individually or jointly, by you and/or by a
member of your Immediate Family (as defined below). In addition, unless
specifically excepted by the Compliance Officer based on a showing that your
interest or control is sufficiently attenuated to avoid the possibility of a
conflict, you will be considered to have a Beneficial Ownership interest in a
Security or Futures Contract held by: (1) a joint account to which you are a
party, (2) a partnership in which you are a general partner, (3) a limited
liability company in which you are a manager-member, or (4) a trust in which you
or a member of your Immediate Family has a vested interest. Although you may
have a Beneficial Ownership interest in a Security or Futures Contract held in a
Fully Discretionary Account (as defined below), the application of this Policy
to such a Security or Futures Contract may be modified by the special exemptions
provided for Fully Discretionary Accounts.
As a technical matter, the term "Beneficial Ownership" for purposes of this
Policy will be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under SEC Rule 16a-
1(a)(2) in determining
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whether a person has beneficial ownership of a security for purposes of Section
16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations
thereunder.
BlackRock
The term "BlackRock" means BlackRock, Inc.
Compliance Committee
The term "Compliance Committee" means the committee of persons who have
responsibility for implementing, monitoring and reviewing the Policy, in
accordance with Section V(B)(1) of the Policy.
Compliance Officer
The term "Compliance Officer" means the person designated by the Compliance
Committee as responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Policy in
accordance with Section V(B)(2) of the Policy.
Duplicate Broker Reports
The term "Duplicate Broker Reports" means duplicate copies of confirmations of
transactions in your Personal or Related Accounts and of periodic statements for
those accounts.
Exempt Security
The term "Exempt Security" means any Security (as defined below) not included
within the definition of Security in SEC Rule 17j-1(e)(5) under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, including:
1. A direct obligation of the Government of the United States;
2. Shares of registered open-end investment companies; and
3. High quality short-term debt instruments, including, but not limited to,
bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and
repurchase agreements. For these purposes, a "high quality short-term debt
instrument" means any instrument having a maturity at issuance of less
than 366 days and which is rated in one of the highest two rating
categories by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization, or
which is unrated but is of comparable quality.
4. For Advisory Employees employed by BlackRock International, Ltd., shares
of authorized unit trusts, open-ended investment companies (OEIC's) and
direct obligations of the Government of the United Kingdom.
Fixed Income Securities
For purposes of this Policy, the term "Fixed Income Securities" means fixed
income Securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of, or unconditionally
guaranteed by, the Government of the United States, corporate debt Securities,
mortgage-backed and other asset-backed Securities, fixed income Securities
issued by state or local governments or the political subdivisions thereof,
structured notes and loan participations, foreign government debt Securities,
and debt Securities of international agencies or supranational agencies. For
purposes
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of this Policy, the term "Fixed Income Securities" will not be interpreted to
include U.S. Government Securities or any other Exempt Security (as defined
above).
Fully Discretionary Account
The term "Fully Discretionary Account" means a Personal Account or Related
Account (as defined below) managed or held by a broker-dealer, futures
commission merchant, investment advisor or trustee as to which neither you nor
an Immediate Family Member (as defined below): (a) exercises any investment
discretion; (b) suggests or receives notice of transactions prior to their
execution; and (c) otherwise has any direct or indirect influence or control.
In addition, to qualify as a Fully Discretionary Account, the individual broker,
registered representative or merchant responsible for that account must not be
responsible for nor receive advance notice of any purchase or sale of a Security
or Futures Contract on behalf of an Advisory Client. To qualify an account as a
Fully Discretionary Account, the Compliance Officer must receive and approve a
written notice, in the form attached hereto as Appendix VIII, that the account
meets the foregoing qualifications as a Fully Discretionary Account.
Futures Contract
The term "Futures Contract" includes (a) a futures contract and an option on a
futures contract traded on a U.S. or foreign board of trade, such as the Chicago
Board of Trade, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the New York Mercantile
Exchange, or the London International Financial Futures Exchange (a "Publicly-
Traded Futures Contract"), as well as (b) a forward contract, a "swap", a "cap",
a "collar", a "floor" and an over-the-counter option (other than an option on a
foreign currency, an option on a basket of currencies, an option on a Security
or an option on an index of Securities, which fall within the definition of
"Security") (a "Privately-Traded Futures Contract"). You should consult with
the Compliance Officer if you have any doubt about whether a particular
Investment Transaction you contemplate involves a Futures Contract. For
purposes of this definition, a Publicly-Traded Futures Contract is defined by
its expiration month, i.e., a Publicly-Traded Futures Contract on a U.S.
Treasury Bond that expires in June is treated as a separate Publicly-Traded
Futures Contract, when compared to a Publicly-Traded Futures Contract on a U.S.
Treasury Bond that expires in July.
Immediate Family
The term "Immediate Family" means any of the following persons who reside in
your household or who depend on you for basic living support: your spouse, any
child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, mother-
in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-
in-law, including any adoptive relationships.
Investment Transaction
For purposes of this Policy, the term "Investment Transaction" means any
transaction in a Security or Futures Contract in which you have, or by reason of
the transaction will acquire, a Beneficial Ownership interest. The exercise of
an option to acquire a Security or Futures Contract is an Investment Transaction
in that Security or Futures Contract.
Personal Account
The term "Personal Account" means the following accounts that hold or are
likely to hold a Security or Futures Contract in which you have a Beneficial
Ownership interest:
. any account in your individual name;
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. any joint or tenant-in-common account in which you have an interest or
are a participant;
. any account for which you act as trustee, executor, or custodian; and
. any account over which you have investment discretion or have the power
(whether or not exercised) to direct the acquisition or disposition of
Securities or Futures Contracts (other than an Advisory Client's account
that you manage or over which you have investment discretion), including
the accounts of any individual or entity that is managed or controlled
directly or indirectly by or through you. There is a presumption that
you can control accounts held by members of your Immediate Family
sharing the same household. This presumption may be rebutted only by
convincing evidence.
Policy
The term "Policy" means this Employee Investment Transaction Policy.
Portfolio Employee
The term "Portfolio Employee" means a Portfolio Manager or an Advisory
Employee who provides information or advice to a Portfolio Manager, who helps
execute a Portfolio Manager's decisions, or who directly supervises a Portfolio
Manager.
Portfolio Manager
The term "Portfolio Manager" means any employee of an Advisor who has the
authority, whether sole or shared or only from time to time, to make investment
decisions or to direct trades affecting an Advisory Client.
Related Account
The term "Related Account" means any account, other than a Personal Account,
that holds a Security or Futures Contract in which you have a direct or indirect
Beneficial Ownership interest (other than an account over which you have no
investment discretion and cannot otherwise exercise control) and any account
(other than an Advisory Client's account) of any individual or entity to whom
you give advice or make recommendations with regard to the acquisition or
disposition of Securities or Futures Contracts (whether or not such advice is
acted upon).
Related Security
The term "Related Security" means, as to any Security, any instrument related
in value to that Security, including, but not limited to, any option or warrant
to purchase or sell that Security, and any Security convertible into or
exchangeable for that Security. For example, the purchase and exercise of an
option to acquire a Security is subject to the same restrictions that would
apply to the purchase of the Security itself.
Security
As a general matter, the term "Security" means any stock, note, bond,
debenture or other evidence of indebtedness (including any loan participation or
assignment), limited partnership interest, or investment contract, other than an
Exempt Security (as defined above). The term "Security" includes an option on a
Security, an index of Securities, a currency or a basket of
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currencies, including such an option traded on the Chicago Board of Options
Exchange or on the New York, American, Pacific or Philadelphia Stock Exchanges
as well as such an option traded in the over-the-counter market. The term
"Security" does not include a physical commodity or a Futures Contract. The term
"Security" may include an interest in a limited liability company (LLC) or in a
private investment fund.
As a technical matter, the term "Security" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, which defines a Security
to mean:
Any note, stock, treasury stock, bond debenture, evidence of indebtedness,
certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement,
collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription,
transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate,
certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in
oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or
privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any
group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on
the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege
entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign
currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a
"security", or any certificate of interest or instrument commonly known as
a "security", or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary
or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, warrant or right to
subscribe to or purchase any of the foregoing,
except that the term "Security" does not include any Security that is an Exempt
Security (as defined above), a Futures Contract (as defined above), or a
physical commodity (such as foreign exchange or a precious metal).
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