MERRILL LYNCH
CALIFORNIA
INSURED
MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
STRATEGIC
Performance
Annual Report
August 31, 1998
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
The Municipal Market Environment
Long-term tax-exempt bond yields declined slightly during the six months ended
August 31, 1998. Throughout most of this year, foreign economic factors have
continued to outweigh US domestic fundamentals. Thus far this year, the near
absence of inflationary pressures in the United States continued to support low
interest rates. Consistently strong domestic economic growth has caused some
investors to fear that the Federal Reserve Board would be forced eventually to
raise short-term interest rates. Such action would be taken to ensure that the
US economy's present rate of growth would decelerate before any inflationary
pressures could develop. However, the weakening financial conditions in many
Asian countries, combined with the currency devaluation in Russia, calmed
investor concerns of Federal Reserve Board intervention, and fixed-income bond
prices again moved higher. As measured by the Bond Buyer Revenue Bond Index,
long-term uninsured municipal bond yields fell approximately 10 basis points
(0.10%) to end the August quarter at 5.26%. As in late 1997 and early 1998, US
Treasury bond yields benefited from a "flight to quality" as foreign investors
were drawn to the relative safe haven of US Government securities. Additionally,
the sharp US equity market correction at the end of August triggered an
additional flight into US Treasury securities. Long-term US Treasury bond yields
declined approximately 70 basis points to end the August quarter at 5.21%.
Thus far in 1998, the municipal bond market has experienced unexpectedly strong
supply pressures. To a large extent, these supply pressures have prevented
tax-exempt bond yields from declining as much as US Treasury bond yields. During
the first six months of 1998, nearly $150 billion in new tax-exempt bonds were
underwritten, an increase of about 40% compared to the same period a year ago.
During the most recent three months, municipalities issued almost $75 billion in
new securities, an increase of nearly 25% compared to the same three-month
period in 1997.
However, the recent pace of new municipal bond issuance is unlikely to be
maintained. Continued increases in bond issuance will require lower and lower
tax-exempt bond yields to generate the economic savings necessary for additional
municipal bond refinancings. Preliminary estimates for 1998 total municipal bond
issuance are in the $200 bilion-$225 billion range. These estimates suggest that
recent supply pressures, which have lessened recently, are likely to abate later
in the year.
The continued impact of the Asian financial crisis on the US domestic economy's
future growth remains unclear. Current Asian economic conditions continue to
reflect ongoing weakness. Recent trade data indicated that reduced US exports to
these countries might have lowered US economic growth in the first half of 1998
by as much as 2%. Since further trade deterioration is likely in the coming
months, we do not believe that the Federal Reserve Board will be willing to
raise interest rates, barring a dramatic and unexpected resurgence of domestic
inflation.
These factors suggest that over the near term, interest rates in general are
unlikely to rise by any appreciable amount. Recent supply pressures have caused
municipal bond yield ratios to rise relative to US Treasury bond yields. At
August 31, 1998, long-term tax-exempt bond yields were at attractive yield
ratios relative to US Treasury securities of comparable maturities (over 90%),
well in excess of their expected range of 85%-88%. Tax-exempt bond yield ratios
rarely exceeded 90% in the 1980s and 1990s. Previous instances have usually been
associated with potential changes in Federal tax codes that would have adversely
affected the tax-favored status of municipal bonds. The present situation has
developed largely because of a temporary supply imbalance. These imbalances
should soon be corrected as tax-exempt bond issuance slows from its current
rapid pace later this year. Any further pressure on the municipal market may
well represent a very attractive investment opportunity.
Fiscal Year in Review
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the municipal marketplace was
characterized by rather restricted price movements within certain identifiable
trading ranges. A combination of several positive technical and economic factors
contributed to an environment where the fixed-income markets,
1
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
particularly the tax-exempt market, reached historically low levels of nominal
interest rates.
Our strategy during the fiscal year was to strive to remain fully invested,
taking advantage of any dips in market price to position the Fund more
aggressively. The challenge over the past 12 months has been to identify which
periods constituted market retracements in an effort to concentrate the Fund's
buying power during these events, whether through the rather ample 1997-1998
new-issue calendar, or through the secondary marketplace. During April and May
1998, when such a period did arise, we utilized a temporary backup in interest
rates to position the Fund more aggressively.
Throughout the 12-month period ended August 31, 1998, we invested in
higher-yielding municipal securities that were within the Fund's credit
standards to seek to maintain an attractive level of tax-exempt income. By
fiscal year-end, with long-term municipal yields nearing 5%, we sold some of the
Fund's more aggressively structured discount securities. Proceeds of these sales
were concentrated in cash reserves or used to purchase less interest
rate-sensitive, income-oriented holdings. Although the fundamental economic
backdrop for the marketplace is still quite supportive, we would expect the
municipal market to participate only marginally in any further price gains. As a
result of these strategies, total returns for the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class
C and Class D Shares were +7.79%, +7.35%, +7.25% and +7.68%, respectively, for
the 12-month period ended August 31, 1998.
Looking ahead, we expect to follow a slightly less aggressive strategy, since
substantial future price gains are unlikely, barring a drastic change in
investor expectations regarding the performance of fixed-income securities in
the current low interest rate environment. Consequently, we expect to remain
focused on seeking to deliver a high level of current income without sacrificing
credit quality.
In Conclusion
We appreciate your investment in Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond
Fund, and we look forward to assisting you with your financial needs in the
months and years ahead.
Sincerely,
/s/ Arthur Zeikel
Arthur Zeikel
President
/s/ Vincent R. Giordano
Vincent R. Giordano
Senior Vice President
/s/ Walter O'Connor
Walter C. O'Connor
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
September 28, 1998
2
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
PERFORMANCE DATA
About Fund Performance
Investors are able to purchase shares of the Fund through the Merrill Lynch
Select Pricing(SM) System, which offers four pricing alternatives:
o Class A Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge (front-end load) of 4%
and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance fees. Class A
Shares are available only to eligible investors.
o Class B Shares are subject to a maximum contingent deferred sales charge
of 4% if redeemed during the first year, decreasing 1% each year
thereafter to 0% after the fourth year. In addition, Class B Shares are
subject to a distribution fee of 0.25% and an account maintenance fee of
0.25%. These shares automatically convert to Class D Shares after
approximately 10 years. (There is no initial sales charge for automatic
share conversions.)
o Class C Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.35% and an account
maintenance fee of 0.25%. In addition, Class C Shares are subject to a 1%
contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase.
o Class D Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge of 4% and an account
maintenance fee of 0.10% (but no distribution fee).
None of the past results shown should be considered a representation of
future performance. Figures shown in the "Recent Performance Results" and
"Average Annual Total Return" tables assume reinvestment of all dividends
and capital gains distributions at net asset value on the payable date.
Investment return and principal value of shares will fluctuate so that
shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Dividends paid to each class of shares will vary because of the different
levels of account maintenance, distribution and transfer agency fees
applicable to each class, which are deducted from the income available to
be paid to shareholders.
Recent Performance Results*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Standardized
12 Month 3 Month Since Inception 30-Day Yield
Total Return Total Return Total Return As of 8/31/98
=================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ML California Insured Municipal Bond Fund Class A Shares +7.79% +2.42% +40.09% 3.83%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML California Insured Municipal Bond Fund Class B Shares +7.35 +2.38 +36.38 3.49
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML California Insured Municipal Bond Fund Class C Shares +7.25 +2.26 +36.36 3.39
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ML California Insured Municipal Bond Fund Class D Shares +7.68 +2.39 +39.19 3.74
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
* Investment results shown do not reflect sales charges; results shown would
be lower if a sales charge was included. Total investment returns are
based on changes in net asset values for the periods shown, and assume
reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions at net asset
value on the payable date. The Fund's inception dates are Class A & Class
B Shares, 2/26/93 and Class C & Class D Shares, 10/21/94.
3
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
PERFORMANCE DATA (concluded)
Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment--Class A Shares and Class B Shares
A line graph depicting the growth of an investment in the Fund's Class A Shares
and Class B Shares compared to growth of an investment in the Lehman Brothers
Municipal Bond Index. Beginning and ending values are:
2/26/93** 8/98
ML California Insured Municipal Bond Fund+--Class A Shares* $9,600 $13,448
ML California Insured Municipal Bond Fund+--Class B Shares* $10,000 $13,638
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index++ $10,000 $14,223
Total Return Based on a $10,000 Investment--Class C Shares and Class D Shares
A line graph depicting the growth of an investment in the Fund's Class C Shares
and Class D Shares compared to growth of an investment in the Lehman Brothers
Municipal Bond Index. Beginning and ending values are:
10/21/94** 8/98
ML California Insured Municipal Bond Fund+--Class C Shares* $10,000 $13,636
ML California Insured Municipal Bond Fund+--Class D Shares* $9,600 $13,363
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index++ $10,000 $14,050
* Assuming maximum sales charge, transaction costs and other operating
expenses, including advisory fees.
** Commencement of Operations.
+ ML California Insured Municipal Bond Fund invests primarily in long-term
investment-grade obligations issued by or on behalf of the state of
California, its political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities and
obligations of other qualifying issuers.
++ This unmanaged Index consists of long-term revenue bonds, prerefunded
bonds, general obligation bonds and insured bonds. The starting date for
the Index in the Class A & Class B Shares graph is 2/28/93 and in the
Class C and Class D Shares graph is 10/31/94.
Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Average Annual Total Return
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
================================================================================
Class A Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 6/30/98 +7.78% +3.47%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 6/30/98 +6.25 +5.38
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (2/26/93) through 6/30/98 +6.14 +5.33
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
================================================================================
Class B Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 6/30/98 +7.24% +3.24%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Years Ended 6/30/98 +5.71 +5.71
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (2/26/93) through 6/30/98 +5.60 +5.60
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 4% and is reduced to 0% after
4 years.
** Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
================================================================================
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
================================================================================
Class C Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 6/30/98 +7.13% +6.13%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94) through 6/30/98 +8.23 +8.23
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1% and is reduced to 0% after
1 year.
** Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
================================================================================
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
================================================================================
Class D Shares*
================================================================================
Year Ended 6/30/98 +7.67% +3.37%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inception (10/21/94) through 6/30/98 +8.81 +7.62
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum sales charge is 4%.
** Assuming maximum sales charge.
4
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
=================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
California--101.4%
=================================================================================================================================
AAA Aaa $2,500 Alameda County, California, COP (Alameda County Medical Center Project ), 5.30%
due 6/01/2026 (d) $ 2,544
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,000 Anaheim, California, Public Financing Authority, Tax Allocation Revenue Bonds, RITES,
8.97% due 12/28/2018 (d)(e) 1,301
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA- Aa 1,965 California HFA, Home Mortgage Revenue Bonds, AMT, Series F-1, 7% due 8/01/2026 2,134
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Health Facilities Financing Authority Revenue Bonds:
A1+ VMIG1+ 2,130 (Adventist Hospital), VRDN, Series A, 3.50% due 9/01/2028 (a)(d) 2,130
A1+ VMIG1+ 300 (Adventist Hospital), VRDN, Series B, 3.50% due 9/01/2028 (a)(d) 300
AAA Aaa 4,000 RITR, Series 17, 6.87% due 8/15/2030 (d)(e) 4,289
A1+ VMIG1+ 200 Refunding (Saint Joseph Health System), VRDN, Series B, 3.50% due 7/01/2013 (a) 200
AAA Aaa 2,000 (Scripps Memorial Hospital), Series A, 6.375% due 10/01/2022 (d) 2,199
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ NR* 1,100 California Pollution Control Financing Authority, PCR, Refunding (Pacific Gas and Electric Co.),
VRDN, Series F, 3.50% due 11/01/2026 (a) 1,100
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California State Economic Development Financing Authority Revenue Bonds (California
Independent Systems Project), VRDN (a):
A1+ VMIG1+ 1,450 Series A, 3.15% due 4/01/2008 1,450
A1+ VMIG1+ 1,500 Series C, 3.75% due 4/01/2008 1,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California State Public Works Board, Lease Revenue Bonds, Series A (f):
A Aaa 2,000 (Department of Corrections--Monterey County Soledad II), 7% due 11/01/2004 2,372
AAA Aaa 2,000 (Various University of California Projects), 6.40% due 12/01/2002 (b) 2,244
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,705 Contra Costa County, California, Public Financing Authority, Lease Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Various Capital Facilities), Series A, 5.30% due 8/01/2020 (d) 2,792
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,200 Cucamonga County, California, Water District Facilities Refinancing Bonds, COP, 6.50%
due 9/01/2022 (c) 1,307
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Culver City, California, Redevelopment Finance Authority, Tax Allocation Revenue Refunding
Bonds, 4.60% due 11/01/2020 (b) 2,831
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,600 Glendale, California, Unified School District, Series B, 5.125% due 9/01/2023 (g) 2,610
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,500 Industry, California, Urban Development Agency Refunding Bonds (Transportation District
Industrial Redevelopment Project 2), 6.50% due 11/01/2016 (d) 2,766
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,000 Los Angeles, California, Convention and Exhibition Center Authority, Lease Revenue Bonds,
RITR, Series 21, 6.87% due 8/15/2018 (e) 2,108
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A+ Aa3 4,000 Los Angeles, California, Department of Water and Power, Electric Plant Revenue Refunding
Bonds, 6.375% due 2/01/2020 4,335
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Los Angeles, California, Harbor Department Revenue Bonds, AMT:
AAA Aaa 2,000 RITR, Series 7, 8.495% due 11/01/2026 (d)(e) 2,481
AAA Aaa 2,000 Series B, 6.625% due 8/01/2019 (b) 2,194
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
To simplify the listings of Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond
Fund's portfolio holdings in the Schedule of Investments, we have abbreviated
the names of many of the securities according to the list below and at right.
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)
COP Certificates of Participation
GO General Obligation Bonds
HFA Housing Finance Agency
INFLOS Inverse Floating Rate Municipal Bonds
PCR Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
RITES Residual Interest Tax-Exempt Securities
RITR Residual Interest Trust Receipts
UT Unlimited Tax
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
5
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
=================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
California (concluded)
=================================================================================================================================
AAA Aaa $2,000 Modesto, California, Irrigation District Financing Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Domestic Water Project), Series D, 4.75% due 9/01/2022 (b) $ 1,927
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,000 Monterey County, California, COP (Natividad Medical Center Improvement), Series E,
4.75% due 8/01/2025 (d) 1,916
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,140 Mount Diablo, California, Unified School District, Community Facilities--Special District Tax
No. 1, 6.30% due 8/01/2022 (b) 2,348
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,500 Mountain View, California, Capital Improvements Financing Authority Revenue Bonds
(City Hall Community Theatre), 6.50% due 8/01/2016 (d) 2,718
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,500 Northern California Public Power Agency, Revenue Refunding Bonds (Hydroelectric Project
No. 1), Series A, 6.25% due 7/01/2012 (d) 3,832
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,000 Northern California, Transmission Revenue Bonds, RITR, Series 16, 6.62% due 5/01/2020 (d)(e) 2,065
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 3,000 Orchard, California, School District, GO, UT, Series A, 6.50% due 8/01/2019 (c) 3,463
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,400 Pittsburg, California, Redevelopment Agency, Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds (Los Medanos
Community Development Project), 5.50% due 8/01/2007 (c) 1,491
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 2,000 Sacramento, California, Municipal Utility District, Electric Revenue Bonds, INFLOS,
9.071% due 8/15/2018 (c)(e) 2,383
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Francisco, California, City and County Airport Commission, International Airport Revenue
Bonds, Second Series:
AAA Aaa 5,000 Issue 15B, 4.50% due 5/01/2028 (d) 4,630
AAA Aaa 3,750 Refunding, Issue 1, 6.50% due 5/01/2013 (b) 4,126
AAA Aaa 2,500 Refunding, Issue 2, 6.75% due 5/01/2020 (d) 2,820
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA Aaa 1,500 Saratoga, California, Unified School District, UT, Series A, 5.375% due 9/01/2017 (c) 1,569
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A1+ VMIG1+ 1,500 Southern California Public Power Authority, Revenue Refunding Bonds (Southern
Transmission Project), VRDN, 2.25% due 7/01/2019 (a) 1,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockton, California, COP, Revenue Bonds (Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion),
Series A (c)(f):
AAA Aaa 2,500 6.70% due 9/01/2004 2,915
AAA Aaa 2,500 6.80% due 9/01/2004 2,929
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of California Revenue Bonds (d):
AAA Aaa 3,685 (Multiple Purpose Projects), Series D, 6.30% due 9/01/2002 (f) 4,100
AAA Aaa 1,100 RITR, Series 13, 8.87% due 9/01/2019 (e) 1,353
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments (Cost--$89,796)--101.4% 95,272
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets--(1.4%) (1,286)
--------
Net Assets--100.0% $93,986
========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) The interest rate is subject to change periodically based upon prevailing
market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in effect at August 31,
1998.
(b) AMBAC Insured.
(c) FGIC Insured.
(d) MBIA Insured.
(e) The interest rate is subject to change periodically and inversely based
upon prevailing market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in
effect at August 31, 1998.
(f) Prerefunded.
(g) FSA Insured.
* Not Rated.
+ Highest short-term rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Ratings of issues shown have not been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of August 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$89,795,561) (Note 1a) ............... $ 95,271,553
Cash ......................................................................... 62,455
Receivables:
Interest ................................................................... $ 1,249,494
Beneficial interest sold ................................................... 263,288 1,512,782
-----------
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1e) ......................... 18,312
------------
Total assets ................................................................. 96,865,102
------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Securities purchased ....................................................... 2,598,189
Beneficial interest redeemed ............................................... 77,963
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f) ........................................ 70,962
Investment adviser (Note 2) ................................................ 39,654
Distributor (Note 2) ....................................................... 28,794 2,815,562
-----------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities ....................................... 63,973
------------
Total liabilities ............................................................ 2,879,535
------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Net assets ................................................................... $ 93,985,567
============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets Class A Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
Consist of: shares authorized ............................................................ $ 118,742
Class B Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ............................................................ 633,496
Class C Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ............................................................ 43,042
Class D Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited number of
shares authorized ............................................................ 95,953
Paid-in capital in excess of par ............................................. 88,484,691
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments--net (Note 5) ............. (866,349)
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net .................................. 5,475,992
------------
Net assets ................................................................... $ 93,985,567
============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value: Class A--Based on net assets of $12,520,426 and 1,187,422 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ........................................... $ 10.54
============
Class B--Based on net assets of $66,804,025 and 6,334,960 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ........................................... $ 10.55
============
Class C--Based on net assets of $4,536,704 and 430,419 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ........................................... $ 10.54
============
Class D--Based on net assets of $10,124,412 and 959,525 shares
of beneficial interest outstanding ........................................... $ 10.55
============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statement of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended
August 31, 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned ..................... $ 5,067,158
(Note 1d):
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) ............................................ $ 502,296
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class B (Note 2) .................. 336,037
Accounting services (Note 2) ................................................. 68,135
Registration fees (Note 1e) .................................................. 55,730
Professional fees ............................................................ 55,400
Account maintenance & distribution fees--Class C (Note 2) .................... 29,896
Transfer agent fees--Class B (Note 2) ........................................ 20,814
Custodian fees ............................................................... 12,592
Printing and shareholder reports ............................................. 10,820
Account maintenance fees--Class D (Note 2) ................................... 7,024
Trustees' fees and expenses .................................................. 6,262
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1e) .............................. 5,580
Pricing fees ................................................................. 5,485
Transfer agent fees--Class A (Note 2) ........................................ 3,021
Transfer agent fees--Class D (Note 2) ........................................ 1,776
Transfer agent fees--Class C (Note 2) ........................................ 1,591
-----------
Total expenses before reimbursement .......................................... 1,122,459
Reimbursement of expenses (Note 2) ........................................... (6,357)
-----------
Total expenses after reimbursement ........................................... 1,116,102
------------
Investment income--net ....................................................... 3,951,056
------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized & Realized gain on investments--net ............................................ 1,946,789
Unrealized Gain on Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net ........................ 614,862
Investments--Net ------------
(Notes 1b, 1d & 3): Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ......................... $ 6,512,707
============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended
August 31,
--------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1998 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net ....................................................... $ 3,951,056 $ 4,404,297
Realized gain on investments--net ............................................ 1,946,789 1,351,724
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net ........................ 614,862 2,532,891
------------ ------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ......................... 6,512,707 8,288,912
------------ ------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends to Investment income--net:
Shareholders Class A .................................................................... (573,903) (695,974)
(Note 1f): Class B .................................................................... (2,846,254) (3,248,319)
Class C .................................................................... (206,008) (228,905)
Class D .................................................................... (324,891) (231,099)
------------ ------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends to shareholders .......... (3,951,056) (4,404,297)
------------ ------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beneficial Interest Net decrease in net assets derived from beneficial interest transactions ..... (633,889) (8,506,453)
Transactions ------------ ------------
(Note 4):
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets: Total increase (decrease) in net assets ...................................... 1,927,762 (4,621,838)
Beginning of year ............................................................ 92,057,805 96,679,643
------------ ------------
End of year .................................................................. $ 93,985,567 $ 92,057,805
============ ============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A
The following per share data and ratios have been derived -------------------------------------------------------------
from information provided in the financial statements. For the Year Ended August 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year ... $ 10.25 $ 9.84 $ 9.65 $ 9.54 $ 10.23
Operating --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Performance: Investment income--net ............... .49 .50 .52 .52 .51
Realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments--net .................. .29 .41 .19 .11 (.65)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment operations ..... .78 .91 .71 .63 (.14)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ............. (.49) (.50) (.52) (.52) (.51)
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net ................... -- -- -- -- (.04)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total dividends and distributions .... (.49) (.50) (.52) (.52) (.55)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of year ......... $ 10.54 $ 10.25 $ 9.84 $ 9.65 $ 9.54
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ... 7.79% 9.50% 7.44% 6.94% (1.44%)
Return:* ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement ....... .81% .63% .49% .47% .33%
Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Expenses ............................. .82% .89% .85% .87% .96%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Investment income--net ............... 4.74% 5.03% 5.20% 5.53% 5.16%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) $ 12,520 $ 12,438 $ 14,183 $ 14,204 $ 15,946
Data: ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio turnover ................... 82.91% 67.28% 87.77% 61.53% 93.04%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
The following per share data and ratios have been derived -------------------------------------------------------------
from information provided in the financial statements. For the Year Ended August 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of year ... $ 10.25 $ 9.84 $ 9.65 $ 9.54 $ 10.23
Operating --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Performance: Investment income--net ............... .44 .45 .47 .48 .46
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments--net ..................... .30 .41 .19 .11 (.65)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from investment operations ..... .74 .86 .66 .59 (.19)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net ............. (.44) (.45) (.47) (.48) (.46)
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net ................... -- -- -- -- (.04)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total dividends and distributions .... (.44) (.45) (.47) (.48) (.50)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net asset value, end of year ......... $ 10.55 $ 10.25 $ 9.84 $ 9.65 $ 9.54
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ... 7.35% 8.95% 6.89% 6.38% (1.93%)
Return:* ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement ....... 1.31% 1.14% .99% .97% .83%
Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Expenses ............................. 1.32% 1.39% 1.36% 1.38% 1.48%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Investment income--net ............... 4.24% 4.52% 4.69% 5.02% 4.67%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of year (in thousands) $ 66,805 $ 69,320 $ 73,292 $ 71,670 $ 74,982
Data: ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Portfolio turnover ................... 82.91% 67.28% 87.77% 61.53% 93.04%
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
11
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
Financial Highlights (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C
--------------------------------------------
For the
Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Oct. 21,
from information provided in the financial statements. For the Year Ended July 31, 1994+ to
-------------------------------- July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ............... $ 10.24 $ 9.84 $ 9.64 $ 9.19
Operating -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net ............................. .43 .44 .46 .39
Realized and unrealized gain on investments--net ... .30 .40 .20 .45
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ................... .73 .84 .66 .84
-------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends from investment income--net ......... (.43) (.44) (.46) (.39)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period ..................... $ 10.54 $ 10.24 $ 9.84 $ 9.64
======== ======== ======== ========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ................. 7.25% 8.74% 6.90% 9.38%++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement ..................... 1.42% 1.24% 1.10% 1.09%*
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses ........................................... 1.42% 1.49% 1.46% 1.49%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net ............................. 4.13% 4.42% 4.59% 4.76%*
======== ======== ======== ========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ........... $ 4,537 $ 5,361 $ 4,901 $ 1,778
Data: ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover ................................. 82.91% 67.28% 87.77% 61.53%
======== ======== ======== ========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
Financial Highlights (concluded)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class D
--------------------------------------------
For the
Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Oct. 21,
from information provided in the financial statements. For the Year Ended July 31, 1994+ to
-------------------------------- July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1998 1997 1996 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ............... $ 10.26 $ 9.85 $ 9.65 $ 9.19
Operating -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net ............................. .48 .49 .51 .44
Realized and unrealized gain on investments--net ... .29 .41 .20 .46
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ................... .77 .90 .71 .90
-------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends from investment income--net ......... (.48) (.49) (.51) (.44)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period ..................... $ 10.55 $ 10.26 $ 9.85 $ 9.65
======== ======== ======== ========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ................. 7.68% 9.39% 7.44% 9.99%++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement ..................... .91% .74% .59% .57%*
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses ........................................... .92% .98% .95% .97%*
======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net ............................. 4.63% 4.92% 5.09% 5.33%*
======== ======== ======== ========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ........... $ 10,124 $ 4,939 $ 4,304 $ 1,845
Data: ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover ................................. 82.91% 67.28% 87.77% 61.53%
======== ======== ======== ========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
13
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is part of
Merrill Lynch California Municipal Series Trust (the "Trust"). The Fund is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified,
open-end management investment company. The Fund offers four classes of shares
under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System. Shares of Class A and Class D
are sold with a front-end sales charge. Shares of Class B and Class C may be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. All classes of shares have
identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and
conditions, except that Class B, Class C and Class D Shares bear certain
expenses related to the account maintenance of such shares, and Class B and
Class C Shares also bear certain expenses related to the distribution of such
shares. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating
to its account maintenance and distribution expenditures. The following is a
summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments--Municipal bonds and other portfolio securities in
which the Fund invests are traded primarily in the over-the-counter municipal
bond and money markets and are valued at the last available bid price in the
over-the-counter market or on the basis of yield equivalents as obtained from
one or more dealers that make markets in the securities. Financial futures
contracts and options thereon, which are traded on exchanges, are valued at
their settlement prices as of the close of such exchanges. Short-term
investments with remaining maturities of sixty days or less are valued on an
amortized cost basis, which approximates market value. Securities and assets for
which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees of
the Trust, including valuations furnished by a pricing service retained by the
Trust, which may utilize a matrix system for valuations. The procedures of the
pricing service and its valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Trust
under the general supervision of the Trustees.
(b) Derivative financial instruments--The Fund may engage in various portfolio
strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its portfolio against
adverse movements in the debt markets. Losses may arise due to changes in the
value of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the
contract.
o Financial futures contracts--The Fund may purchase or sell financial futures
contracts and options on such futures contracts for the purpose of hedging the
market risk on existing securities or the intended purchase of securities.
Futures contracts are contracts for delayed delivery of securities at a specific
future date and at a specific price or yield. Upon entering into a contract, the
Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the
exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the
Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the
daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known
as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses.
When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to
the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and
the value at the time it was closed.
(c) Income taxes--It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required.
(d) Security transactions and investment income--Security transactions are
recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade dates).
Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Discounts and market
premiums are amortized into interest income. Realized gains and losses on
security transactions are determined on the identified cost basis.
(e) Deferred organization expenses and prepaid registration fees--Deferred
organization expenses are charged to expense on a straight-line basis over a
period not exceeding five years. Prepaid registration fees are charged to
expense as the related shares are issued.
(f) Dividends and distributions--Dividends from net investment income are
declared daily and paid
14
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
monthly. Distributions of capital gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Fund Asset
Management, L.P. ("FAM"). The general partner of FAM is Princeton Services, Inc.
("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML &
Co."), which is the limited partner. The Fund has also entered into a
Distribution Agreement and Distribution Plans with Merrill Lynch Funds
Distributor ("MLFD" or "Distributor"), a division of Princeton Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("PFD"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch
Group, Inc.
FAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and provides the
necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary
to the operations of the Fund. For such services, the Fund pays a monthly fee
based upon the average daily value of the Fund's net assets at the following
annual rates: 0.55% of the Fund's average daily net assets not exceeding $500
million; 0.525% of average daily net assets in excess of $500 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; and 0.50% of average daily net assets in excess of $1
billion. For the year ended August 31, 1998, FAM earned fees of $502,296, of
which $6,357 was voluntarily waived.
Pursuant to the Distribution Plans adopted by the Fund in accordance with Rule
12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund pays the Distributor
ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees. The fees are accrued daily
and paid monthly at annual rates based upon the average daily net assets of the
shares as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Distribution
Maintenance Fee Fee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B ............................... 0.25% 0.25%
Class C ............................... 0.25% 0.35%
Class D ............................... 0.10% --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to a sub-agreement with the Distributor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a subsidiary of ML & Co., also provides account
maintenance and distribution services to the Fund. The ongoing account
maintenance fee compensates the Distributor and MLPF&S for providing account
maintenance services to Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders. The ongoing
distribution fee compensates the Distributor and MLPF&S for providing
shareholder and distribution-related services to Class B and Class C
shareholders.
For the year ended August 31, 1998, MLFD earned underwriting discounts and
MLPF&S earned dealer concessions on sales of the Fund's Class A and Class D
Shares as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLFD MLPF&S
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A ............................... $ 46 $ 567
Class D ............................... $1,083 $8,718
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the year ended August 31, 1998, MLPF&S received contingent deferred sales
charges of $93,829 and $8,328 relating to transactions in Class B and Class C
Shares, respectively.
Financial Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ML & Co., is
the Fund's transfer agent.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by FAM at cost.
Certain officers and/or trustees of the Fund are officers and/or directors of
FAM, PSI, FDS, PFD, and/or ML & Co.
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the
year ended August 31, 1998 were $72,543,892 and $75,751,387, respectively.
Net realized gains (losses) for the year ended August 31, 1998 and net
unrealized gains as of August 31, 1998 were as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized Unrealized
Gains (Losses) Gains
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term investments ................. $1,897,613 $5,475,992
Short-term investments ................ (25) --
Financial futures contracts ........... 49,201 --
---------- ----------
Total ................................. $1,946,789 $5,475,992
========== ==========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of August 31, 1998, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income tax
purposes aggregated $5,475,992, all of which is related to appreciated
securities. The aggregate cost of investments at August 31, 1998 for Federal
income tax purposes was $89,795,561.
15
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
4. Beneficial Interest Transactions:
Net decrease in net assets derived from beneficial interest transactions was
$633,889 and $8,506,453 for the years ended August 31, 1998 and August 31, 1997,
respectively.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as follows:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended August 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 138,525 $ 1,443,428
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................. 22,421 233,084
---------- -------------
Total issued ................................. 160,946 1,676,512
Shares redeemed .............................. (187,174) (1,944,039)
---------- -------------
Net decrease ................................. (26,228) $ (267,527)
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended August 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 167,842 $ 1,721,861
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................. 26,473 266,230
---------- -------------
Total issued ................................. 194,315 1,988,091
Shares redeemed .............................. (422,075) (4,313,656)
---------- -------------
Net decrease ................................. (227,760) $ (2,325,565)
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended August 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 828,509 $ 8,616,719
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................. 111,086 1,155,080
---------- -------------
Total issued ................................. 939,595 9,771,799
Automatic conversion of
shares ....................................... (20,589) (213,856)
Shares redeemed .............................. (1,347,479) 13,984,484)
---------- -------------
Net decrease ................................. (428,473) $ (4,426,541)
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended August 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 925,806 $ 9,285,667
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................. 132,283 1,330,133
---------- -------------
Total issued ................................. 1,058,089 10,615,800
Automatic conversion of
shares ....................................... (30,435) (307,865)
Shares redeemed .............................. (1,712,394) (17,203,405)
---------- -------------
Net decrease ................................. (684,740) $ (6,895,470)
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended August 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 179,790 $ 1,869,542
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................. 9,562 99,409
---------- -------------
Total issued ................................. 189,352 1,968,951
Shares redeemed .............................. (282,275) (2,922,823)
---------- -------------
Net decrease ................................. (92,923) $ (953,872)
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended August 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 252,747 $ 2,537,534
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................. 14,024 140,882
---------- -------------
Total issued ................................. 266,771 2,678,416
Shares redeemed .............................. (241,739) (2,416,566)
---------- -------------
Net increase ................................. 25,032 $ 261,850
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended August 31, 1998 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 507,308 $ 5,320,115
Automatic conversion of
shares ....................................... 20,583 213,856
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................. 19,926 207,485
---------- -------------
Total issued ................................. 547,817 5,741,456
Shares redeemed .............................. (69,842) (727,405)
---------- -------------
Net increase ................................. 477,975 $ 5,014,051
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended August 31, 1997 Shares Amount
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold .................................. 59,711 $ 601,386
Automatic conversion of
shares ....................................... 30,417 307,865
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends ................. 15,575 156,681
---------- -------------
Total issued ................................. 105,703 1,065,932
Shares redeemed .............................. (61,225) (613,200)
---------- -------------
Net increase ................................. 44,478 $ 452,732
========== =============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Capital Loss Carryforward:
At August 31, 1998, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of
approximately $677,000, all of which expires in 2004. This amount will be
available to offset like amounts of any future taxable gains.
16
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders, Merrill Lynch California Insured
Municipal Bond Fund of Merrill Lynch California Municipal Series Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, of Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond
Fund of Merrill Lynch California Municipal Series Trust as of August 31, 1998,
the related statements of operations for the year then ended and changes in net
assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the
financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended.
These financial statements and the financial highlights are the responsibility
of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and the financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at August
31, 1998 by correspondence with the custodian and broker. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Merrill Lynch
California Insured Municipal Bond Fund of Merrill Lynch California Municipal
Series Trust as of August 31, 1998, the results of its operations, the changes
in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the respective stated
periods in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
October 7, 1998
17
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION (unaudited)
All of the net investment income distributions paid monthly by Merrill Lynch
California Insured Municipal Bond Fund during its taxable year ended August 31,
1998 qualify as tax-exempt interest dividends for Federal income tax purposes.
Additionally, there were no capital gains distributions made by the Fund during
the year.
Please retain this information for your records.
18
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch California Insured Municipal Bond Fund August 31, 1998
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
Arthur Zeikel, President and Trustee
James H. Bodurtha, Trustee
Herbert I. London, Trustee
Robert R. Martin, Trustee
Joseph L. May, Trustee
Andre F. Perold, Trustee
Terry K. Glenn, Executive Vice President
Vincent R. Giordano, Senior Vice President
Donald C. Burke, Vice President
Kenneth A. Jacob, Vice President
Walter C. O'Connor, Vice President
Gerald M. Richard, Treasurer
Robert E. Putney, III, Secretary
Custodian
The Bank of New York
90 Washington Street, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10286
Transfer Agent
Financial Data Services, Inc.
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
(800) 637-3863
19
<PAGE>
This report is not authorized for use as an offer of sale or a solicitation of
an offer to buy shares of the Fund unless accompanied or preceded by the Fund's
current prospectus. Past performance results shown in this report should not be
considered a representation of future performance. Investment return and
principal value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be
worth more or less than their original cost. Statements and other information
herein are as dated and are subject to change.
Merrill Lynch
California Insured
Municipal Bond Fund
Merrill Lynch California
Municipal Series Trust
Box 9011
Princeton, NJ
08543-9011 #16575--8/98
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