<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 1999
Securities Act File No. 33-53887
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7177
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
----------------
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [_]
[X]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 9
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
[X]
Amendment No. 10
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
----------------
MERRILL LYNCH
ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
Fundamental Value Portfolio
Quality Bond Portfolio
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
Global Opportunity Portfolio
Growth Opportunity Portfolio
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including Area Code: (609) 282-2800
TERRY K. GLENN
Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc.
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
----------------
Copies to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Counsel for the Fund:
BROWN & WOOD, LLP Michael J. Hennewinkel, Esq.
One World Trade Center MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
New York, New York 10048-0557 P.O. Box 9011
Attention: Frank P. Bruno, Esq. Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
</TABLE>
----------------
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[_]immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[X]on June 1, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b)
[_] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[_]on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[_]75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[_]on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
[_]This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
----------------
Title of Securities Being Registered: Shares of Common Stock, par value $.10
per share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Prospectus
[LOGO OF MERRILL LYNCH APPEARS HERE]
Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
JUNE 1, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus contains information you should know
before investing, including information about risks.
Please read it before you invest and keep it for
future reference.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not
approved or disapproved these securities or passed
upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
KEY FACTS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc. ................................... 3
Fundamental Value Portfolio at a Glance...................................... 3
Risk/Return Bar Chart for Fundamental Value Portfolio....................... 5
Fees and Expenses for Fundamental Value Portfolio........................... 6
Quality Bond Portfolio at a Glance........................................... 8
Risk/Return Bar Chart for Quality Bond Portfolio........................... 10
Fees and Expenses for Quality Bond Portfolio............................... 11
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio at a Glance............................ 13
Risk/Return Bar Chart for U.S. Government Securities Portfolio............. 15
Fees and Expenses for U.S. Government Securities Portfolio................. 16
Global Opportunity Portfolio at a Glance.................................... 18
Risk/Return Bar Chart for Global Opportunity Portfolio..................... 21
Fees and Expenses for Global Opportunity Portfolio......................... 22
Growth Opportunity Portfolio at a Glance.................................... 24
Risk/Return Bar Chart for Growth Opportunity Portfolio..................... 26
Fees and Expenses for Growth Opportunity Portfolio......................... 27
[BINOCULARS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
DETAILS ABOUT THE PROGRAM
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How Each Portfolio Invests.................................................. 29
Fundamental Value Portfolio................................................. 29
Investment Risks for Fundamental Value Portfolio........................... 30
Quality Bond Portfolio...................................................... 31
Investment Risks for Quality Bond Portfolio................................ 32
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio........................................ 33
Investment Risks for U.S. Government Securities Portfolio...................33
Global Opportunity Portfolio.................................................34
Investment Risks for Global Opportunity Portfolio.......................... 37
Growth Opportunity Portfolio................................................ 38
Investment Risks for Growth Opportunity Portfolio.......................... 40
Investment Strategies....................................................... 41
Types of Investment Risks.................................................. 48
[YOUR ACCOUNT LOGO APPEARS HERE]
YOUR ACCOUNT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System for the
Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc. ................................. 52
How to Buy, Sell, Transfer and Exchange Shares.............................. 57
[COMPASS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
MANAGEMENT OF THE PROGRAM
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Asset Management.............................................. 63
Financial Highlights........................................................ 65
[TELEPHONE AND LETTER LOGO APPEARS HERE]
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Reports................................................. Back Cover
Statement of Additional Information................................. Back Cover
</TABLE>
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
In an effort to help you better understand the many concepts involved in making
an investment decision, we have defined the highlighted terms in this
prospectus in the sidebar.
Equity Securities -- securities representing ownership of a company ("common
stock") or securities whose price is linked to the value of securities that
represent company ownership.
Common Stocks -- shares of ownership in a corporation.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc. (the "Program") consists of five
separate portfolios ("Portfolio(s)"):
. Fundamental Value Portfolio
. Quality Bond Portfolio
. U.S. Government Securities
Portfolio
. Global Opportunity Portfolio
. Growth Opportunity Portfolio
Each Portfolio is a separate series of the Program issuing its own shares.
Shares of each Portfolio are available for purchase solely by holders of
individual retirement plans, Roth individual retirement accounts, individual
retirement rollover accounts and simplified employee pension plans and simple
retirement accounts (collectively "IRAs") for which Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") acts as custodian and CBA SM
accounts or CMA Sub-Accounts SM established pursuant to the Uniform Gifts to
Minors Acts or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Acts (or similar state
statutes).
Each Portfolio has its own goals, investment strategies and risks which are
described below. We cannot guarantee that any of the Portfolios will achieve
its goals.
FUNDAMENTAL VALUE PORTFOLIO AT A GLANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is the Portfolio's investment objective?
Fundamental Value Portfolio's main investment objective is to seek capital
appreciation and, secondarily, income by investing in securities, primarily in
equity securities. In other words, it tries to choose investments that will
increase in value over time and that provide income through above-average
dividends.
What are the Portfolio's main investment strategies?
In trying to meet its goals, the Fundamental Value Portfolio purchases common
stocks of companies that its management believes are undervalued, which means
that their prices are less than Portfolio management believes they are worth.
The Fundamental Value Portfolio management places particular emphasis on
companies that pay above-average dividends and have
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
3
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
below-average price-earnings ratios. The Fundamental Value Portfolio purchases
primarily common stocks of U.S. companies in trying to meet its goals. The
Fundamental Value Portfolio may also invest in securities issued by foreign
companies and in securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S.
dollar.
What are the main risks of investing in the Portfolio?
As with any mutual fund, the value of the Fundamental Value Portfolio's
investments, and therefore the value of your shares in the Portfolio, may
fluctuate. These changes in the value of the Fundamental Value Portfolio's
investments may occur because the stock market in general is rising or falling.
At other times, there are specific factors that may affect the value of a
particular investment. If the value of the Fundamental Value Portfolio's
investment, goes down, you may lose money. Because foreign markets may differ
significantly from U.S. markets in terms of both economic conditions and
government regulation, investments in foreign securities involve special risks.
Who should invest?
Fundamental Value Portfolio may be an appropriate investment for you if you:
. Are investing with long term
goals, such as retirement or
funding a child's education.
. Want a professionally managed
portfolio.
. Are willing to accept the risk
that the value of your investment
may fluctuate over the short term
in order to seek long term
capital appreciation.
. Are not looking for a significant
amount of current income.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
4
<PAGE>
RISK/RETURN BAR CHART FOR FUNDAMENTAL VALUE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bar chart and table shown below provide an indication of the risks of
investing in the Fundamental Value Portfolio. The bar chart shows changes in
the Portfolio's performance for Class B shares for the complete calendar year
since the Portfolio's inception. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar
chart. If these amounts were reflected, returns would be less than those shown.
The table compares the average annual total returns for each class of the
Portfolio's shares for the periods shown with those of the S&P 500 Index. How
the Portfolio performed in the past is not necessarily an indication of how the
Portfolio will perform in the future.
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1996 17.86%
1997 18.53%
1998 6.78%
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a quarter was
13.28% (quarter ended March 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a quarter was -
12.47% (quarter ended September 30, 1998). The year-to-date return as of March
31, 1999 was 0.66%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the calendar year ended Past
December 31, 1998) One Year Since Inception
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Fundamental Value Portfolio* A 2.31% 15.46%+
- ------------------------------------------------------------
B 2.78% 15.66%+
- ------------------------------------------------------------
C 5.78% 15.81%+
- ------------------------------------------------------------
D 2.01% 15.20%+
- ------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index** 28.58% 30.41%
- ------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Includes sales charges.
** The S&P 500(R) is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 stocks, a
widely recognized, unmanaged Index of common stock prices. Past performance
is not predictive of future performance.
+ Inception date is February 1, 1995.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
5
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
UNDERSTANDING EXPENSES
Program investors pay various fees and expenses either directly or indirectly.
Listed below are some of the main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may
charge:
Expenses paid directly by the shareholder:
Shareholder fees -- These include sales charges which you may pay when you buy
or sell shares of the Portfolio.
Expenses paid indirectly by the shareholder:
Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses -- expenses that cover the costs of
operating the Portfolio.
Management Fee -- a fee paid to the Investment Adviser for managing the
Portfolio.
Distribution Fees -- fees used to support the Portfolio's marketing and
distribution efforts, such as compensating Financial Consultants, advertising
and promotion.
Service (Account Maintenance) Fees -- fees used to compensate securities
dealers for account maintenance activities.
FEES AND EXPENSES FOR FUNDAMENTAL VALUE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fundamental Value Portfolio offers four different classes of shares. Your money
will be invested based on the investment objective of the Portfolio. Although
your money will be invested the same way no matter which class of shares you
buy, there are differences among the fees and expenses associated with each
class. Not everyone is eligible to buy every class. After determining which
classes you are eligible to buy, decide which class best suits your needs. Your
Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant can help you with this decision.
This table shows the different fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold the different classes of shares of the Fundamental Value Portfolio.
Future expenses may be greater or less than those indicated below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fundamental Value Portfolio
------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees (fees paid
directly from your investment)(a): Class A Class B(b) Class C Class D
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) imposed on
purchases (as a percentage of offering
price) 5.25%(c) None None 5.25%(c)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
(as a percentage of original purchase
price or
redemption proceeds, whichever is
lower) None(d) 4.0%(c) 1.0%(c) None(d)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) imposed on
Dividend Reinvestments None None None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption Fee None None None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange Fee None None None None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from
Portfolio assets):
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.65% 0.65% 0.65% 0.65%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1)
Fees(e) None 1.00% 1.00% 0.25%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses (including transfer
agency fees)(f) 0.80% 0.90% 0.93% 0.80%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Portfolio Operating
Expenses 1.45% 2.55% 2.58% 1.70%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) In addition, Merrill Lynch may charge clients a processing fee (currently
$5.35) when a client buys or redeems shares.
(b) Class B shares automatically convert to Class D shares about 8 years after
you buy them and will no longer be subject to distribution fees.
(c) Some investors may qualify for reductions in the sales charge (load).
(d) You may pay a deferred sales charge if you purchase $1 million or more and
you redeem within one year.
(e) The Portfolio calls the "Service Fee" an "Account Maintenance Fee." Account
Maintenance Fee is the term used elsewhere in this Prospectus and in all
other Program materials. If you hold Class B or Class C shares for a long
time, it may cost you more in distribution (12b-1) fees than the maximum
sales charge that you would have paid if you had bought one of the other
classes.
(f) The Portfolio pays the Transfer Agent $11.00 for each Class A and Class D
shareholder account and $14.00 for each Class B and Class C shareholder
account and reimburses the Transfer Agent's out-of-pocket expenses. The
Portfolio pays a 0.10% fee for certain accounts
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
6
<PAGE>
(footnotes continued from previous page)
that participate in the Merrill Lynch Mutual Fund Advisor program. The
Portfolio also pays a $0.20 monthly closed account charge, which is assessed
upon all accounts that close during the year. This fee begins the month
following the month the account is closed and ends at the end of the calendar
year. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, the fee paid by the
Portfolio to the Transfer Agent was $528,375. The Investment Adviser provides
accounting services to the Program at its cost. For the fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999, the Portfolio reimbursed the Investment Adviser $97,773 for
these services.
Examples:
These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Fundamental Value Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
These examples assume that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time
periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that you pay
the sales charges, if any, that apply to the particular class and that the
Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. This assumption is not meant to
indicate you will receive a 5% annual rate of return. Your annual return may be
more or less than the 5% used in this example. Although your actual costs may
be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
EXPENSES IF YOU DID REDEEM YOUR SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $665 $ 960 $1,276 $2,169
- ------------------------------------------
Class B $658 $ 994 $1,355 $2,702*
- ------------------------------------------
Class C $361 $ 802 $1,370 $2,915
- ------------------------------------------
Class D $689 $1,033 $1,400 $2,428
- ------------------------------------------
EXPENSES IF YOU DID NOT REDEEM YOUR SHARES
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $665 $ 960 $1,276 $2,169
- ------------------------------------------
Class B $258 $ 794 $1,355 $2,702*
- ------------------------------------------
Class C $261 $ 802 $1,370 $2,915
- ------------------------------------------
Class D $689 $1,033 $1,400 $2,428
- ------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Assumes conversion to Class D shares approximately eight years after
purchase. See note (a) to the Fees and Expenses table above.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
7
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Fixed income securities --instruments that pay a stated rate of interest or
other form of scheduled payment, including regular debt obligations as well as
preferred stock that carries a promised level of dividend payments.
Maturity -- the time at which the full principal amount of a debt security is
scheduled to be repaid. The maturity of a debtinstrument may be short-term (two
years or under), intermediate-term (two to ten years) or long-term (over ten
years).
Investment grade -- fixed income securities may be rated according to their
credit quality. Securities with credit quality equivalent to any of the four
highest rating categories can be called "investment grade."
Corporate Bond -- a fixed-income debt security issued by a corporation, as
distinct from one issued by a government agency or instrumentality.
QUALITY BOND PORTFOLIO AT A GLANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is the Portfolio's investment objective?
The primary investment objective of Quality Bond Portfolio is to provide a high
level of current income. An additional objective is to seek capital
appreciation.
What are the Portfolio's main investment strategies?
Quality Bond Portfolio seeks its objective by investing primarily in long-term
corporate debt securities. The Quality Bond Portfolio anticipates that under
normal circumstances more than 90% of the assets of the Portfolio will be
invested in fixed income securities of any maturity rated above investment
grade (i.e., within the three highest grades as determined by Standard & Poor's
(AAA, AA or A) or Moody's (Aaa, Aa or A)). These securities may include
convertible and nonconvertible debt securities and preferred stock. The
Investment Adviser considers the ratings assigned by nationally recognized
rating agencies as one of several factors in its independent credit analysis of
issuers. If a debt security in the Quality Bond Portfolio is downgraded below A
the Investment Adviser will consider factors such as price, credit risk, market
conditions and interest rates and will sell such security only if, in the
Investment Adviser's judgment, it is advantageous to do so. Under normal
circumstances, the Quality Bond Portfolio invests at least 65% of the value of
its total assets in corporate bonds.
The securities in the Quality Bond Portfolio will be varied from time to time
depending on the judgment of the Investment Adviser as to conditions in the
economy and the securities markets and the prospects for interest rate changes.
The Investment Adviser will attempt to mitigate adverse changes in the price of
the Quality Bond Portfolio shares and to optimize favorable price changes by
actively shifting the maturity and/or quality structure of the Quality Bond
Portfolio within its overall investment guidelines. We cannot guarantee that
the Quality Bond Portfolio will achieve this objective.
What are the main risks of investing in the Portfolio?
As with any mutual fund, the value of the Quality Bond Portfolio's investments,
and therefore the value of your shares in the Portfolio, may fluctuate. These
changes may occur in response to interest rate changes or in response to other
factors that may affect a particular issuer or obligation. Generally, when
interest rates go up, the value of fixed-income instruments goes down. If the
value of the Quality Bond Portfolio's investments goes down, you may lose
money.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
8
<PAGE>
The investments the Quality Bond Portfolio makes are also subject to credit
risk. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will be unable to pay the
interest or principal on an obligation when due. The degree of credit risk
depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the
obligation.
Who should invest?
Quality Bond Portfolio may be an appropriate investment for you if you:
. Want a professionally managed and
diversified portfolio without the
administrative burden of investing
directly in corporate bonds.
. Are looking for a steady stream
of income, with higher returns
over time, than money market
funds.
. Are willing to accept the risk of
loss of income and principal and
greater volatility than a money
market fund in return for the
possibility of receiving higher
current income.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
9
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
RISK/RETURN BAR CHART FOR QUALITY BOND PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bar chart and table shown below provide an indication of the risks of
investing in the Quality Bond Portfolio. The bar chart shows changes in the
Portfolio's performance for Class B shares for the complete calendar year since
the Portfolio's inception. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar chart. If
these amounts were reflected, returns would be less than those shown. The table
compares the average annual total returns for each class of the Portfolio's
shares for the periods shown with those of the Merrill Lynch (ML) Corporate
Masters Bond Index. How the Portfolio performed in the past is not necessarily
an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1996 1.95%
1997 8.39%
1998 8.39%
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a quarter was
3.95% (quarter ended September 30, 1998) and the lowest return for a quarter
was -2.55% (quarter ended March 31, 1996). The year-to-date return as of March
31, 1999 was -0.90%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the calendar year ended Past
December 31, 1998) One Year Since Inception
- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Quality Bond Portfolio* A 4.94% 6.56%+
- -------------------------------------------------------------
B 4.39% 6.55%+
- -------------------------------------------------------------
C 7.33% 6.69%+
- -------------------------------------------------------------
D 4.58% 6.27%+
- -------------------------------------------------------------
ML Corporate Masters Bond Index** 8.72% 10.60%
- -------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Includes sales charges.
** This unmanaged Index is comprised of all investment-grade corporate bonds
rated BBB3 or higher, of all maturities. Past performance is not predictive
of future performance.
+ Inception date is February 1, 1995.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
10
<PAGE>
UNDERSTANDING EXPENSES
Program investors pay various fees and expenses either directly or indirectly.
Listed below are some of the main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may
charge:
Expenses paid directly by the shareholder:
Shareholder fees -- These include sales charges which you may pay when you buy
or sell shares of the Portfolio.
Expenses paid indirectly by the shareholder:
Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses -- expenses that cover the costs of
operating the Portfolio.
Management Fee -- a fee paid to the Investment Adviser for managing the
Portfolio.
Distribution Fees -- fees used to support the Portfolio's marketing and
distribution efforts, such as compensating Financial Consultants, advertising
and promotion.
Service (Account Maintenance) Fees -- fees used to compensate securities
dealers for account maintenance activities.
FEES AND EXPENSES FOR QUALITY BOND PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quality Bond Portfolio offers four different classes of shares. Your money will
be invested based on the investment objective of the Portfolio. Although your
money will be invested the same way, no matter which class of shares you buy,
there are differences among the fees and expenses associated with each class.
Not everyone is eligible to buy every class. After determining which classes
you are eligible to buy, decide which class best suits your needs. Your Merrill
Lynch Financial Consultant can help you with this decision.
This table shows the different fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold the different classes of shares of the Quality Bond Portfolio. Future
expenses may be greater or less than those indicated below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quality Bond Portfolio
------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees (fees
paid directly from
your investment)(a): Class A Class B(b) Class C Class D
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) imposed on
purchases (as a
percentage of offering
price) 4.00%(c) None None 4.00%(c)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales
Charge (Load) (as a
percentage of original
purchase price or
redemption proceeds,
whichever is lower) None(d) 4.0%(c) 1.0%(c) None(d)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) imposed on
Dividend Reinvestments None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption Fee None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange Fee None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Portfolio
Operating Expenses
(expenses that are
deducted from Portfolio
assets):
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or
Service (12b-1) Fees(e) None 0.75% 0.80% 0.25%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses (including
transfer agency fees)(f) 1.50% 1.46% 1.52% 1.33%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Portfolio
Operating Expenses 2.00% 2.71% 2.82% 2.08%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) In addition, Merrill Lynch may charge clients a processing fee (currently
$5.35) when a client buys or redeems shares.
(b) Class B shares automatically convert to Class D shares about ten years
after you buy them and will no longer be subject to distribution fees.
(c) Some investors may qualify for reductions in the sales charge (load).
(d) You may pay a deferred sales charge if you purchase $1 million or more and
you redeem within one year.
(e) The Portfolio calls the "Service Fee" an "Account Maintenance Fee." Account
Maintenance Fee is the term used elsewhere in this Prospectus and in all
other Program materials. If you hold Class B or Class C shares for a long
time, it may cost you more in distribution (12b-1) fees than the maximum
sales charge that you would have paid if you had bought one of the other
classes.
(f) The Portfolio pays the Transfer Agent $11.00 for each Class A and Class D
shareholder account and $14.00 for each Class B and Class C shareholder
account and reimburses the Transfer Agent's out-of-pocket expenses. The
Portfolio pays a 0.10% fee for certain accounts that participate in the
Merrill Lynch Mutual Fund Advisor program. The Portfolio also pays a
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
11
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
(footnotes continued from previous page)
$0.20 monthly closed account charge, which is assessed upon all accounts that
close during the year. This fee begins the month following the month the
account is closed and ends at the end of the calendar year. For the fiscal
year ended January 31, 1999, the fee paid by the Portfolio to the Transfer
Agent was $74,726. The Investment Adviser provides accounting services to the
Program at its cost. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, the Portfolio
reimbursed the Investment Adviser $13,853 for these services.
Examples:
These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Quality Bond Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
These examples assume that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time
periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that you pay
the sales charges, if any, that apply to the particular class and that the
Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. This assumption is not meant to
indicate you will receive a 5% annual rate of return. Your annual return may be
more or less than the 5% used in this example. Although your actual costs may
be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
EXPENSES IF YOU DID REDEEM YOUR SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $595 $1,002 $1,435 $2,634
- ------------------------------------------
Class B $674 $1,041 $1,435 $3,041
- ------------------------------------------
Class C $385 $ 874 $1,489 $3,147
- ------------------------------------------
Class D $603 $1,026 $1,474 $2,714
- ------------------------------------------
EXPENSES IF YOU DID NOT REDEEM YOUR SHARES
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $595 $1,002 $1,435 $2,634
- ------------------------------------------
Class B $274 $ 841 $1,435 $3,041
- ------------------------------------------
Class C $285 $ 874 $1,489 $3,147
- ------------------------------------------
Class D $603 $1,026 $1,474 $2,714
- ------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
12
<PAGE>
Government Obligations -- fixed income securities issued by a government or its
agencies or instrumentalities, as distinct from securities issued by a
corporation.
Maturity -- the time at which the full principal amount of a debt security is
scheduled to be repaid. The maturity of a debt instrument may be short-term
(two years or under), intermediate-term (two to ten years) or long-term (over
ten years).
Agencies -- entities that are part of or sponsored by the federal government,
such as the Government National Mortgage Administration ("Ginnie Mae"), the
Tennessee Valley Authority or the Federal Housing Administration.
Government sponsored enterprises -- private corporations sponsored by the
federal government that have the legal status of government agencies, such as
the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), the Student Loan
Marketing Association ("Sallie Mae") or Fannie Mae.
Mortgage backed securities --securities backed by pools of mortgages that, in
many cases, are guaranteed by government agencies such as Ginnie Mae.
Volatility -- the amount and frequency of changes to a security's value.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO AT A GLANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is the Portfolio's investment objective?
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio investment objective is to seek a high
current income through investment in U.S. government obligations of any
maturity.
What are the Portfolio's main investment strategies?
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio invests in a portfolio of bonds and other
debt securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or U.S.
government agencies or government sponsored enterprises. The Portfolio may
invest a substantial portion of its portfolio in mortgage backed securities
issued or guaranteed by government sponsored enterprises. The U.S. Government
Securities Portfolio may invest in securities of any maturity. The Investment
Adviser selects securities depending on its assessment of the relative yields
available on securities of different maturities and its assessment of future
interest rate patterns. Thus, at various times the average maturity of the
Portfolio may be relatively short (from under one year to five years, for
example) and at other times may be relatively long (over 10 years, for
example).
What are the main risks of investing in the Portfolio?
As with any mutual fund, the value of the U.S. Government Securities
Portfolio's investments, and therefore the value of your shares in the
Portfolio, may fluctuate. Although government securities involve minimal credit
risk, changes in the value of government securities may occur in response to
interest rate movements -- generally, when interest rates go up, the value of
most government securities, like other fixed income investments, goes down. If
the value of the U.S. Government Securities Portfolio's investments goes down,
you may lose money.
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio may invest a substantial portion of its
portfolio in mortgage backed securities. Mortgage backed securities involve
special risks, including prepayment risk and extension risk, and may involve
more volatility than other fixed income securities of similar maturities.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
13
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Who should invest?
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio may be an appropriate investment for you
if you:
. Are investing with long term
goals, such as retirement or
funding a child's education.
. Are looking for an investment
that provides current income with
relatively minimal credit risk.
. Are willing to accept the risk
that the value of the Portfolio's
shares may decline as the result
of interest rate movements.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
14
<PAGE>
RISK/RETURN BAR CHART FOR
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bar chart and table shown below provide an indication of the risks of
investing in the U.S. Government Securities Portfolio. The bar chart shows
changes in the Portfolio's performance for Class B shares for the complete
calendar year since the Portfolio's inception. Sales charges are not reflected
in the bar chart. If these amounts were reflected, returns would be less than
those shown. The table compares the average annual total returns for each class
of the Portfolio's shares for the periods shown with those of the Salomon
Brothers Mortgage Index. How the Portfolio performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
[CHART APPEARS HERE]
1996 4.57%
1997 8.95%
1998 8.42%
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a quarter was
4.44% (quarter ended September 30, 1998) and the lowest return for a quarter
was -0.30% (quarter ended March 31, 1996). The year-to-date return as of March
31, 1999 was 0.08%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the calendar year ended Past
December 31, 1998) One Year Since Inception
- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio* A 4.87% 8.67%+
- --------------------------------------------------------------
B 4.42% 8.73%+
- --------------------------------------------------------------
C 7.46% 8.86%+
- --------------------------------------------------------------
D 4.60% 8.38%+
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Index** 6.99% 9.22%
- --------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Includes sales charges.
** This unmanaged Index reflects the performance of a capital market weighting
of the outstanding agency issued mortgage backed securities. Past
performance is not predictive of future performance.
+ Inception date is February 1, 1995.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
15
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
UNDERSTANDING EXPENSES
Program investors pay various fees and expenses either directly or indirectly.
Listed below are some of the main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may
charge:
Expenses paid directly by the shareholder:
Shareholder fees -- These include sales charges which you may pay when you buy
or sell shares of the Portfolio.
Expenses paid indirectly by the shareholder:
Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses -- expenses that cover the costs of
operating the Portfolio.
Management Fee -- a fee paid to the Investment Adviser for managing the
Portfolio.
Distribution Fees -- fees used to support the Portfolio's marketing and
distribution efforts, such as compensating Financial Consultants, advertising
and promotion.
Service (Account Maintenance) Fees -- fees used to compensate securities
dealers for account maintenance activities.
FEES AND EXPENSES FOR U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio offers four different classes of shares.
Your money will be invested based on the investment objective of the Portfolio.
Although your money will be invested the same way, no matter which class of
shares you buy, there are differences among the fees and expenses associated
with each class. Not everyone is eligible to buy every class. After determining
which classes you are eligible to buy, decide which class best suits your
needs. Your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant can help you with this decision.
This table shows the different fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold the different classes of shares of the U.S. Government Securities
Portfolio. Future expenses may be greater or less than those indicated below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees (fees
paid directly from
your investment)(a): Class A Class B(b) Class C Class D
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) imposed on
purchases (as a
percentage of offering
price) 4.00%(c) None None 4.00%(c)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales
Charge (Load) (as a
percentage of original
purchase price or
redemption proceeds,
whichever is lower) None(d) 4.0%(c) 1.0%(c) None(d)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) imposed on
Dividend Reinvestments None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption Fee None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange Fee None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Account Fee None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Portfolio
Operating Expenses
(expenses that are
deducted from Portfolio
assets):
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or
Service (12b-1) Fees(e) None 0.75% 0.80% 0.25%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses (including
transfer agency fees)(f) 1.23% 1.09% 1.17% 0.92%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Portfolio
Operating Expenses 1.73% 2.34% 2.47% 1.67%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) In addition, Merrill Lynch may charge clients a processing fee (currently
$5.35) when a client buys or redeems shares.
(b) Class B shares automatically convert to Class D shares about ten years
after you buy them and will no longer be subject to distribution fees.
(c) Some investors may qualify for reductions in the sales charge (load).
(d) You may pay a deferred sales charge if you purchase $1 million or more and
you redeem within one year.
(e) The Portfolio calls the "Service Fee" an "Account Maintenance Fee." Account
Maintenance Fee is the term used elsewhere in this Prospectus and in all
other Program materials. If you hold Class B or Class C shares for a long
time, it may cost you more in distribution (12b-1) fees than the maximum
sales charge that you would have paid if you had bought one of the other
classes.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
16
<PAGE>
(footnotes continued from previous page)
(f) The Portfolio pays the Transfer Agent $11.00 for each Class A and Class D
shareholder account and $14.00 for each Class B and Class C shareholder
account and reimburses the
Transfer Agent's out-of-pocket expenses. The Portfolio pays a 0.10% fee for
certain accounts that participate in the Merrill Lynch Mutual Fund Advisor
program. The Portfolio also pays a $0.20 monthly closed account charge, which
is assessed upon all accounts that close during the year. This fee begins the
month following the month the account is closed and ends at the end of the
calendar year. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, the fee paid by the
Portfolio to the Transfer Agent was $44,781. The Investment Adviser provides
accounting services to the Program at its cost. For the fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999, the Portfolio reimbursed the Investment Adviser $15,907 for
these services.
Examples:
These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual
funds.
These examples assume that you invest $10,000 in Portfolio for the time periods
indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that you pay the
sales charges, if any, that apply to the particular class and that the
Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. This assumption is not meant to
indicate you will receive a 5% annual rate of return. Your annual return may be
more or less than the 5% used in this example. Although your actual costs may
be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
EXPENSES IF YOU DID REDEEM YOUR SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $569 $923 $1,301 $2,359
- ------------------------------------------
Class B $637 $930 $1,250 $2,676
- ------------------------------------------
Class C $350 $770 $1,316 $2,806
- ------------------------------------------
Class D $563 $905 $1,271 $2,297
- ------------------------------------------
EXPENSES IF YOU DID NOT REDEEM YOUR SHARES
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $569 $923 $1,301 $2,359
- ------------------------------------------
Class B $237 $730 $1,250 $2,676
- ------------------------------------------
Class C $250 $770 $1,316 $2,806
- ------------------------------------------
Class D $563 $905 $1,271 $2,297
- ------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
17
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Total Investment Return -- the combination of capital appreciation (from
increases or decreases in the market value of investments) and current income
(from interest or dividends).
Equity Securities -- securities representing ownership of a company ("common
stock") or securities whose price is linked to the value of securities that
represent company ownership.
Fixed income securities --instruments that pay a stated rate of interest or
other repayment, including regular debt obligations as well as preferred stock
that carries a promised level of dividend payments.
GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO AT A GLANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is the Portfolio's investment objective?
The investment objective of Global Opportunity Portfolio is to seek high total
investment return.
What are the Portfolio's main investment strategies?
Global Opportunity Portfolio tries to choose some investments that will
increase in value and others that pay dividends or interest. Global Opportunity
Portfolio invests in U.S. and foreign equity securities (primarily common
stocks of large companies), fixed income securities and money market
securities. There are no limits on the amount of equity or debt securities in
which the Global Opportunity Portfolio may invest. It usually invests in both
equity and fixed income securities. The amount of these securities in the
Portfolio will vary from time to time depending on changing market and economic
trends. In determining how to allocate the Portfolio's assets among various
capital markets, the Investment Adviser will consider, among other factors, the
relative value, condition and potential for growth of various economies,
including current and anticipated changes in the rates of economic growth,
rates of inflation, corporate profits, capital reinvestment, resources, self-
sufficiency, balance of payments, governmental deficits or surpluses and other
pertinent financial, social and political factors which may affect such
markets. In determining how to allocate the Portfolio's assets among equity,
debt and money market securities, the Investment Adviser will consider the
relative opportunity for an increase in the price of equity and debt
securities, dividend yields and the level of interest rates paid on securities
of different maturities. There are no limits on Global Opportunity Portfolio's
ability to invest in specific geographic regions. At the present time, Global
Opportunity Portfolio focuses on investments in Canada, Western Europe, the Far
East, and Latin America, as well as in the U.S. The Global Opportunity
Portfolio normally invests in at least three countries at any given time.
This fully managed investment approach provides Global Opportunity Portfolio
with the opportunity to benefit from anticipated shifts in the relative
performance of different types of securities and different capital markets. For
example, at times Global Opportunity Portfolio may emphasize investments in
equity securities in anticipation of significant advances in stock markets and
at times may emphasize debt securities in anticipation of significant declines
in interest rates. Similarly, Global Opportunity Portfolio may emphasize
foreign markets in its security selection when such
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
18
<PAGE>
Investment grade -- fixed income securities may be rated according to their
credit quality. Securities with credit quality equivalent to any of the four
highest rating categories can be called "investment grade."
Junk Bonds -- fixed income securities rated below invest grade by recognized
rating agencies, including Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard &
Poor's, or unrated securities of comparable quality.
markets are expected to outperform, in U.S. dollar terms, the U.S. markets. The
Global Opportunity Portfolio will seek to identify longer-term changes in the
various economies and markets of the world which are expected to benefit
certain capital markets and certain securities in those markets to a greater
extent than other investment opportunities. When it invests in fixed income
securities, the Global Opportunity Portfolio will primarily select investment
grade corporate securities, and obligations of U.S. or foreign governments and
agencies or international organizations. The Global Opportunity Portfolio may
invest up to 34% of the Portfolio's assets in debt securities rated below
investment grade or which possess similar credit characteristics. The Global
Opportunity Portfolio can invest in securities issued by foreign governmental
entities and in securities denominated in foreign currencies.
What are the main risks of investing in the Portfolio?
As with any mutual fund, the value of the Global Opportunity Portfolio's
investments, and therefore the value of your shares in the Portfolio, may
fluctuate. These changes in the value of the Global Opportunity Portfolio's
equity investments may occur because one or more stock markets around the world
are generally rising or falling. Changes in the value of the Global Opportunity
Portfolio's fixed income securities may occur in response to interest rate
movements. Generally, when interest rates go up, the value of fixed income
securities goes down. Changes in the value of the Global Opportunity
Portfolio's equity and fixed income investments may also occur as the result of
specific factors that affect the value of a particular investment. If the value
of the Global Opportunity Portfolio's investments goes down, you may lose
money.
Global Opportunity Portfolio can invest a significant portion of its assets in
foreign securities. Foreign investing involves special risks, including foreign
currency risk and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse
political, economic or other developments. Foreign securities may also be less
liquid and harder to value than U.S. securities. These risks are greater for
investments in emerging markets.
Global Opportunity Portfolio can invest in securities rated below investment
grade (junk bonds). Although junk bonds generally pay higher rates of interest
than investment grade bonds, they are high risk investments that may be
volatile and subject to liquidity, credit and other types of risk.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
19
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Who should invest?
Global Opportunity Portfolio may be an appropriate investment for you if you:
. Are investing for long term
goals, such as retirement or
funding a child's education.
. Want a professionally managed,
diversified portfolio.
. Are looking for exposure to a
variety of asset classes,
including investments in foreign
markets.
. Are willing to accept higher risk
in order to seek long term growth
of capital.
. Are not looking for a significant
amount of current income.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
20
<PAGE>
RISK/RETURN BAR CHART FOR GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bar chart and table shown below provide an indication of the risks of
investing in the Global Opportunity Portfolio. The bar chart shows changes in
the Portfolio's performance for Class B shares for the complete calendar year
since the Portfolio's inception. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar
chart. If these amounts were reflected, returns would be less than those shown.
The table compares the average annual total returns for each class of the
Portfolio's shares for the periods shown with those of the Morgan Stanley
Capital International (MSCI) World Index and the Salomon Brothers World
Government Bond Index. How the Portfolio performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
[BAR GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
10.48% 8.14% 6.64%
1996 1997 1998
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a quarter was
11.47% (quarter ended June 30, 1997) and the lowest return for a quarter was -
11.78% (quarter ended September 30, 1998). The year-to-date return as of March
31, 1999 was 0.42%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the calendar year ended Past
December 31, 1998) One Year Since Inception
- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Global Opportunity Portfolio* A 2.16% 8.26%+
- -------------------------------------------------------------
B 2.64% 8.39%+
- -------------------------------------------------------------
C 5.56% 8.54%+
- -------------------------------------------------------------
D 1.90% 8.01%+
- -------------------------------------------------------------
MSCI World Index** 24.34% 19.39%++
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon Brothers World Government
Bond Index*** 15.30% 8.98%
- -------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Includes sales charges.
** This unmanaged market capitalization-weighted Index is comprised of a
representative sampling of stocks of large-, medium-, and small-
capitalization companies in 22 countries, including the United States. Past
performance is not predictive of future performance.
*** This unmanaged market capitalization-weighted Index tracks the performance
of the government bond markets of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United
States. Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
+ Inception date is February 1, 1995.
++ Since January 31, 1995.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
21
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
UNDERSTANDING EXPENSES
Program investors pay various fees and expenses either directly or indirectly.
Listed below are some of the main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may
charge:
Expenses paid directly by the shareholder:
Shareholder fees -- These include sales charges which you may pay when you buy
or sell shares of the Portfolio.
Expenses paid indirectly by the shareholder:
Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses -- expenses that cover the costs of
operating the Portfolio.
Management Fee -- a fee paid to the Investment Adviser for managing the
Portfolio.
Distribution Fees -- fees used to support the Portfolio's marketing and
distribution efforts, such as compensating Financial Consultants, advertising
and promotion.
Service (Account Maintenance) Fees -- fees used to compensate securities
dealers for account maintenance activities.
FEES AND EXPENSES FOR GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Opportunity Portfolio offers four different classes of shares. Your
money will be invested based on the investment objective of the Portfolio.
Although your money will be invested the same way in any portfolio, no matter
which class of shares you buy, there are differences among the fees and
expenses associated with each class. Not everyone is eligible to buy every
class. After determining which classes you are eligible to buy, decide which
class best suits your needs. Your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant can help
you with this decision.
These tables show the different fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold the different classes of shares of the Global Opportunity Portfolio.
Future expenses may be greater or less than those indicated below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Global Opportunity Portfolio
------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees (fees
paid directly from
your investment)(a): Class A Class B(b) Class C Class D
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) imposed on
purchases (as a
percentage of offering
price) 5.25%(c) None None 5.25%(c)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales
Charge (Load) (as a
percentage of original
purchase price or
redemption proceeds,
whichever is lower) None(d) 4.0%(c) 1.0%(c) None(d)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) imposed on
Dividend Reinvestments None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption Fee None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange Fee None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Portfolio
Operating Expenses
(expenses that are
deducted from Portfolio
assets):
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.75% 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or
Service (12b-1) Fees(e) None 1.00% 1.00% 0.25%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses (including
transfer agency fees)(f) 0.97% 1.07% 1.12% 0.97%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Portfolio
Operating Expenses 1.72% 2.82% 2.87% 1.97%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) In addition, Merrill Lynch may charge clients a processing fee (currently
$5.35) when a client buys or redeems shares.
(b) Class B shares automatically convert to Class D shares about 8 years after
you buy them and will no longer be subject to distribution fees.
(c) Some investors may qualify for reductions in the sales charge (load).
(d) You may pay a deferred sales charge if you purchase $1 million or more and
you redeem within one year.
(e) The Portfolio calls the "Service Fee" an "Account Maintenance Fee." Account
Maintenance Fee is the term used elsewhere in this Prospectus and in all
other Program materials. If you hold Class B or Class C shares for a long
time, it may cost you more in distribution (12b-1) fees than the maximum
sales charge that you would have paid if you had bought one of the other
classes.
(f) The Portfolio pays the Transfer Agent $11.00 for each Class A and Class D
shareholder account and $14.00 for each Class B and Class C shareholder
account and reimburses the Transfer Agent's out-of-pocket expenses. The
Portfolio pays a 0.10% fee for certain accounts that participate in the
Merrill Lynch Mutual Fund Advisor program. The Portfolio also pays a
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
22
<PAGE>
footnotes continued from previous page)
$0.20 monthly closed account charge, which is assessed upon all accounts that
close during the year. This fee begins the month following the month the
account is closed and ends at the end (of the calendar year. For the fiscal
year ended January 31, 1999, the fee paid by the Portfolio to the Transfer
Agent was $393,308. The Investment Adviser provides accounting services to the
Program at its cost. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, the Portfolio
reimbursed the Investment Adviser $52,604 for these services.
Examples:
These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Global Opportunity Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
These examples assume that you invest $10,000 in Portfolio for the time periods
indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that you pay the
sales charges, if any, that apply to the particular class and that the
Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. This assumption is not meant to
indicate you will receive a 5% annual rate of return. Your annual return may be
more or less than the 5% used in this example. Although your actual costs may
be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
EXPENSES IF YOU DID REDEEM YOUR SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $691 $1,038 $1,409 $2,449
- ------------------------------------------
Class B $685 $1,074 $1,489 $2,969*
- ------------------------------------------
Class C $390 $ 889 $1,513 $3,195
- ------------------------------------------
Class D $714 $1,111 $1,532 $2,700
- ------------------------------------------
EXPENSES IF YOU DID NOT REDEEM YOUR SHARES
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $691 $1,038 $1,409 $2,449
- ------------------------------------------
Class B $285 $ 874 $1,489 $2,969*
- ------------------------------------------
Class C $290 $ 889 $1,513 $3,195
- ------------------------------------------
Class D $714 $1,111 $1,532 $2,700
- ------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Assumes conversion to Class D shares approximately eight years after
purchase. See note (a) to the Fees and Expenses table above.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
23
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Equity Securities -- securities representing ownership of a company ("common
stock") or securities whose price is linked to the value of securities that
represent company ownership.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO AT A GLANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is the Portfolio's investment objective?
The investment objective of Growth Opportunity Portfolio is to seek long term
growth of capital.
What are the Portfolio's main investment strategies?
Growth Opportunity Portfolio tries to choose investments that will increase in
value over time. The Growth Opportunity Portfolio primarily invests in equity
securities of growth companies. The Growth Opportunity Portfolio selects
companies on the basis of their long term potential for expanding their
earnings, profitability and size. The Growth Opportunity Portfolio also selects
companies on the basis of their long term potential for gaining increased
market recognition for their securities. The Growth Opportunity Portfolio does
not select companies with the objective of providing current income. Growth
Opportunity Portfolio may also invest in securities issued by foreign entities
and in securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
What are the main risks of investing in the Portfolio?
As with any mutual fund, the value of the Growth Opportunity Portfolio's
investments, and therefore the value of your shares in the Portfolio, may
fluctuate. These changes may occur because the stock market is rising or
falling. At other times, there are specific factors that may affect the value
of a particular investment. If the value of the Growth Opportunity Portfolio's
investments goes down, you may lose money.
Growth Opportunity Portfolio may invest in foreign securities. Foreign
investing involves special risks, including foreign currency risk and the
possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or
other developments. Foreign securities may also be less liquid and harder to
value than U.S. securities. These risks are greater for investments in emerging
markets.
Growth Opportunity Portfolio is a non-diversified portfolio, which means that
it may invest more of its assets in fewer companies than if it were a
diversified fund. By concentrating in a smaller number of investments, the
Growth Opportunity Portfolio's risk is increased because each investment has a
greater effect on the Portfolio's performance. This helps the Portfolio's
performance when its investments are successful, but hurts the Portfolio's
performance when its investments are unsuccessful.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
24
<PAGE>
Who should invest?
Growth Opportunity Portfolio may be an appropriate investment for you if you:
. Are investing for long term
goals, such as retirement or
funding a child's education.
. Want a professionally managed
portfolio.
. Are willing to accept higher risk
in order to seek long term growth
of capital.
. Are not looking for a significant
amount of current income.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
25
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
RISK/RETURN BAR CHART FOR GROWTH OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bar chart and table shown below provide an indication of the risks of
investing in the Growth Opportunity Portfolio. The bar chart shows changes in
the Portfolio's performance for Class B shares for the complete calendar year
since the Portfolio's inception. Sales charges are not reflected in the bar
chart. If these amounts were reflected, returns would be less than those shown.
The table compares the average annual total returns for each class of the
Portfolio's shares for the periods shown with those of the S&P 500 Index and
the Lipper Growth Fund Index. How the Portfolio performed in the past is not
necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.
[CHART APPEARS HERE]
1997 27.19%
1998 32.05%
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a quarter was
26.74% (quarter ended December 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a quarter
was -13.29% (quarter ended September 30, 1998). The year-to-date return as of
March 31, 1999 was 7.56%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the calendar year ended Past
December 31, 1998) One Year Since Inception
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Growth Opportunity Portfolio* A 26.48% 23.05%+
- ----------------------------------------------------------
B 28.05% 23.58%+
- ----------------------------------------------------------
C 30.95% 23.97%+
- ----------------------------------------------------------
D 26.09% 22.81%+
- ----------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index** 28.58% 30.41%
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Lipper Growth Fund Index*** 25.69% 23.25%++
- ----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Includes sales charges.
** The S&P 500(R) is the Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 stocks, a
widely recognized, unmanaged Index of common stock prices. Past performance
is not predictive of future performance.
*** Lipper Growth Fund Index is an equally weighted Index of the largest mutual
funds which normally invest in companies whose long term earnings are
expected to grow significantly faster than the earnings of the stocks
represented in the major unmanaged stock indexes. The index is adjusted for
reinvestment of capital gains distributions and income dividends. Past
performance is not predictive of future performance.
+ Inception date is February 2, 1996.
++ Since February 1, 1996.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
26
<PAGE>
UNDERSTANDING EXPENSES
Program investors pay various fees and expenses either directly or indirectly.
Listed below are some of the main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may
charge:
Expenses paid directly by the shareholder:
Shareholder fees -- These include sales charges which you may pay when you buy
or sell shares of the Portfolio.
Expenses paid indirectly by the shareholder:
Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses -- expenses that cover the costs of
operating the Portfolio.
Management Fee -- a fee paid to the Investment Adviser for managing the
Portfolio.
Distribution Fees -- fees used to support the Portfolio's marketing and
distribution efforts, such as compensating Financial Consultants, advertising
and promotion.
Service (Account Maintenance) Fees -- fees used to compensate securities
dealers for account maintenance activities.
FEES AND EXPENSES FOR GROWTH OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth Opportunity Portfolio offers four different classes of shares. Your
money will be invested based on the investment objective of the Portfolio.
Although your money will be invested the same way no matter which class of
shares you buy, there are differences among the fees and expenses associated
with each class. Not everyone is eligible to buy every class. After determining
which classes you are eligible to buy, decide which class best suits your
needs. Your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant can help you with this decision.
This table shows the different fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy
and hold the different classes of shares of the Growth Opportunity Portfolio.
Future expenses may be greater or less than those indicated below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Growth Opportunity Portfolio
------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees (fees
paid directly from
your investment)(a): Class A Class B(b) Class C Class D
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) imposed on
purchases (as a
percentage of offering
price) 5.25%(c) None None 5.25%(c)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales
Charge (Load) (as a
percentage of original
purchase price or
redemption proceeds,
whichever is lower) None(d) 4.0%(c) 1.0%(c) None(d)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) imposed on
Dividend Reinvestments None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption Fee None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange Fee None None None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Portfolio
Operating Expenses
(expenses that are
deducted from Portfolio
assets):
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 0.65% 0.65% 0.65% 0.65%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or
Service (12b-1) Fees(e) None 1.00% 1.00% 0.25%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses (including
transfer agency fees)(f) 0.91% 1.01% 1.06% 0.90%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Portfolio
Operating Expenses 1.56% 2.66% 2.71% 1.80%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) In addition, Merrill Lynch may charge clients a processing fee (currently
$5.35) when a client buys or redeems shares.
(b) Class B shares automatically convert to Class D shares about eight years
after you buy them and will no longer be subject to distribution fees.
(c) Some investors may qualify for reductions in the sales charge (load).
(d) You may pay a deferred sales charge if you purchase $1 million or more and
you redeem within one year.
(e) The Portfolio calls the "Service Fee" an "Account Maintenance Fee." Account
Maintenance Fee is the term used elsewhere in this Prospectus and in all
other Program materials. If you hold Class B or Class C shares for a long
time, it may cost you more in distribution (12b-1) fees than the maximum
sales charge that you would have paid if you had bought one of the other
classes.
(f) The Portfolio pays the Transfer Agent $11.00 for each Class A and Class D
shareholder account and $14.00 for each Class B and Class C shareholder
account and reimburses the Transfer Agent's out-of-pocket expenses. The
Portfolio pays a 0.10% fee for certain accounts that participate in the
Merrill Lynch Mutual Fund Advisor program. The Portfolio also pays a
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
27
<PAGE>
[KEY FACTS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
(footnotes continued from the previous page)
$0.20 monthly closed account charge, which is assessed upon all accounts that
close during the year. This fee begins the month following the month the
account is closed and ends at the end of the calendar year. For the fiscal
year ended January 31, 1999, the fee paid by the Portfolio to the Transfer
Agent was $486,613. The Investment Adviser provides accounting services to the
Program at its cost. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, the Portfolio
reimbursed the Investment Adviser $76,370 for these services.
Examples:
These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Growth Opportunity Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
These examples assume that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time
periods indicated, that your investment has a 5% return each year, that you pay
the sales charges, if any, that apply to the particular class and that the
Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. This assumption is not meant to
indicate you will receive a 5% annual rate of return. Your annual return may be
more or less than the 5% used in this example. Although your actual costs may
be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
EXPENSES IF YOU DID REDEEM YOUR SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $675 $ 992 $1,330 $2,284
- ------------------------------------------
Class B $669 $1,026 $1,410 $2,812*
- ------------------------------------------
Class C $374 $ 841 $1,435 $3,041
- ------------------------------------------
Class D $698 $1,062 $1,449 $2,530
- ------------------------------------------
EXPENSES IF YOU DID NOT REDEEM YOUR SHARES
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $675 $ 992 $1,330 $2,284
- ------------------------------------------
Class B $269 $ 826 $1,410 $2,812*
- ------------------------------------------
Class C $274 $ 841 $1,435 $3,041
- ------------------------------------------
Class D $698 $1,062 $1,449 $2,530
- ------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Assumes conversion to Class D shares approximately eight years after
purchase. See note (a) to the Fees and Expenses table above.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
28
<PAGE>
[LOGO APPEARS HERE]
ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTAL VALUE PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Geraldine Gunn-Hertig is the Portfolio Manager and has been a First Vice
President of the Investment Adviser since 1997 and was a Vice President from
1989 to 1997. She has been a Securities Analyst for the Merrill Lynch Basic
Value Fund since 1984.
ABOUT THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Program is managed by Merrill Lynch Asset Management.
[LOGO APPEARS HERE]
HOW EACH PORTFOLIO INVESTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fundamental Value Portfolio
The Fundamental Value Portfolio's main goal is growth of capital. The
Fundamental Value Portfolio also seeks income, but its investments emphasize
growth of capital more than income. The Fundamental Value Portfolio tries to
achieve its goals by investing in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily
of common stocks. Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of its net
assets will be invested in equity securities.
In selecting securities, Fundamental Value Portfolio management emphasizes
stocks that it believes are undervalued. The Fundamental Value Portfolio's
management places particular emphasis on companies with below average
price/earnings ratios that may pay above average dividends. The Portfolio
management may also determine a company is undervalued if its stock price is
down because of temporary factors that the Portfolio management believes the
company will recover from.
Fundamental Value Portfolio follows a basic contrary opinion, out-of-favor
investment style. The Portfolio management believes that favorable changes in
market prices are more likely to occur when:
. Stocks are out of favor.
. Company earnings are depressed.
. Price/earnings ratios are
relatively low.
. Investment expectations are
limited.
. There is no general interest in a
security or industry.
On the other hand, the Portfolio management believes that negative developments
are more likely to occur when:
. Investment expectations are
generally high.
. Stock prices are advancing or
have advanced rapidly.
. Price/earnings ratios have been
inflated.
. An industry or security continues
to become popular among
investors.
In other words, the Portfolio management believes that stocks with relatively
high price/earnings ratios are more vulnerable to price declines from
unexpected adverse developments. At the same time, stocks with relatively low
price/earnings ratios are more likely to benefit from favorable but generally
unanticipated events. Thus, the Fundamental Value Portfolio may invest a large
part of its net assets in stocks that have weak research ratings.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
29
<PAGE>
[DETAILS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Fundamental Value Portfolio may also invest in preferred stocks and non-
convertible debt securities. Fundamental Value Portfolio may invest up to 30%
of its total assets in the securities of foreign companies. Additional
investment strategies for Fundamental Value Portfolio are reflected in the
chart below and described in detail in the Investment Strategies section of
this Prospectus. See page 41.
Investment Risks for Fundamental Value Portfolio
This table shows additional investment policies applicable to Fundamental
Value Portfolio and the investment limitations, if any, as a percentage of
Portfolio assets. The principal types of risk associated with each investment
policy are also listed. Numbers in this table show maximum allowable use only;
for actual use, consult the Program's annual/semi-annual reports.
[CHART APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leverage Credit Market Information Valuation Political Currency Liquidity Correlation Selection
risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk
- --------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ----------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Borrowing 33 1/3+ X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Investments/
Repurchase Agreements * X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securities Lending 33 1/3 X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term Trading * X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When-issued securities/
forward commitments * X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-investment
grade securities 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Securities 30 X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restricted
and Illiquid Securities 15 X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Covered call options 15 X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indexed derivative
securities * X X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Futures and Options * X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Cap Securities * X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage Backed Securities 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concentration 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convertible Securities * X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currency contracts 20 X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Key:
# Maximum % of total assets
* No restriction on usage
P Permitted, but used rarely
0 Not permitted
X Type of risk involved with investment strategy
+ The Portfolio does not intend to borrow money in excess of 5% of its total
assets.
Each of these policies and risks is explained in the Investment Strategies and
Investment Risks sections of this Prospectus. See page 41.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
30
<PAGE>
Quality Bond Portfolio
Under normal circumstances, Quality Bond Portfolio invests at least 65% of the
value of its total assets in corporate bonds and at least 90% will be invested
in fixed income securities. The fixed income securities in which Quality Bond
Portfolio invests consist of:
. short, intermediate and long term
U.S. government obligations.
. short, intermediate and long term
corporate debt securities issued
by U.S. companies.
. convertible and non-convertible
debt securities and preferred
stock.
. money market securities.
. mortgage backed securities.
Quality Bond Portfolio invests primarily in fixed income securities of any
maturity rated within the three highest grades as determined by Standard &
Poor's (AAA, AA or A) or Moody's (Aaa, Aa or A) or in securities that have
similar credit characteristics in the judgment of Quality Bond Portfolio's
Portfolio Management. Quality Bond Portfolio may continue to hold securities
which are downgraded to a rating below the top three rating categories after
being purchased by Quality Bond Portfolio. It may also continue to hold unrated
securities that have a similar decline in quality in the Portfolio Management's
judgment. The Portfolio Management will consider factors such as price, credit
risk, market conditions and interest rates and will sell a downrated security
only if, in the Portfolio Management's opinion, it is advantageous to do so.
Additional investment strategies for Quality Bond Portfolio are reflected in
the chart below and described in the Investment Strategies section of this
Prospectus. See page 41.
ABOUT THE QUALITY BOND PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Christopher G. Ayoub is the Portfolio Manager. Mr. Ayoub was a Vice President
of the Investment Adviser from 1985 to January 1998. He has been a First Vice
President of the Investment Adviser since January 1998 and Portfolio Manager
since 1985.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
31
<PAGE>
[DETAILS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Investment Risks for Quality Bond Portfolio
This table shows additional investment policies applicable to Quality Bond
Portfolio and the investment limitations, if any, as a percentage of Portfolio
assets. The principle types of risk associated with each investment policy are
also listed. Numbers in this table show maximum allowable use only; for actual
use, consult the Program's annual/semi-annual reports.
[CHART APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leverage Credit Market Information Valuation Political Currency Liquidity Correlation Selection
risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk
- --------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ----------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Borrowing 33 1/3+ X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Investments/
Repurchase Agreements * X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securities Lending 33 1/3 X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term Trading * X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When-issued securities/
forward commitments * X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-investment
grade securities 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Securities 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restricted
and Illiquid Securities 15 X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Covered call options 15 X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indexed derivative
securities * X X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Futures and Options * X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Cap Securities 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage Backed Securities P X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concentration 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convertible Securities * X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currency contracts 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Key:
# Maximum % of total assets
* No restriction on usage
P Permitted, but used rarely
0 Not permitted
X Type of risk involved with investment strategy
+ The Portfolio does not intend to borrow money in excess of 5% of its total
assets.
Each of these policies and risks is explained in the Investment Strategies and
Investment Risks sections of this Prospectus. See page 41.
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio may invest in all securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Certain securities, such as
U.S. Treasury obligations are direct obligations of the U.S. Government. U.S.
Government Securities Portfolio also invests in securities that are issued by
government sponsored enterprises or agencies but that are not direct
obligations of U.S. Government. These securities are, however, backed by the
credit of the particular agency or government sponsored enterprise that issued
the securities and are generally considered to have a relatively low risk of
default.
ABOUT THE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Gregory Mark Maunz is the Portfolio Manager. Mr. Maunz was a Vice President of
the Investment Adviser from 1985 to 1997. He has been a First Vice President of
the Investment Adviser since 1997 and Portfolio Manager since 1984.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
32
<PAGE>
It is anticipated that under certain circumstances, a significant portion of
the Portfolio may consist of GNMA mortgage-backed certificates and other U.S.
Government securities representing ownership interests in mortgage pools.
Additional investment strategies for the U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
are reflected in the chart below and described in the Investment Strategies
section of this Prospectus. See page 41.
Investment Risks for U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
This table shows additional investment policies applicable to the U.S.
Government Securities Portfolio and the investment limitations, if any, as a
percentage of Portfolio assets. The principal types of risk associated with
each investment policy are also listed. Numbers in this table show maximum
allowable use only; for actual use, consult the Program's annual/semi-annual
reports.
[CHART APPEARS HERE]
Key:
# Maximum % of total assets
* No restriction on usage
P Permitted, but used rarely
0 Not permitted
X Type of risk involved with investment strategy
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leverage Credit Market Information Valuation Political Currency Liquidity Correlation Selection
risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk
- --------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ----------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Borrowing 33 1/3+ X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Investments/
Repurchase Agreements * X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securities Lending 33 1/3 X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term Trading * X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When-issued securities/
forward commitments * X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-investment
grade securities 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Securities 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restricted
and Illiquid Securities 15 X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Covered call options 15 X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indexed derivative
securities * X X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Futures and Options * X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Cap Securities 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage Backed Securities * X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concentration 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convertible Securities 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currency contracts 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
+ The Portfolio does not intend to borrow money in excess of 5% of its total
assets.
Each of these policies and risks is explained in the Investment Strategies and
Investment Risks sections of this Prospectus. See page 41.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
33
<PAGE>
[DETAILS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
ABOUT THE GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Thomas R. Robinson is the Portfolio Manager. Mr. Robinson was a Vice President
of the Investment Adviser from 1995 to 1997. He has been a First Vice President
of the Investment Adviser since 1997.
Global Opportunity Portfolio
Global Opportunity Portfolio can invest in both equity securities and fixed
income securities. Equity securities consist of:
. common stock
. preferred stock
. securities convertible into
common stock
. derivative securities, such as
options and futures, the value of
which is based on a common stock
or group of common stocks
Fixed income securities consist of:
. short, intermediate, and long
term U.S. and foreign government
debt securities
. mortgage backed securities
. short, intermediate, and long
term corporate debt securities
issued by U.S. and foreign
companies
. term preferred stock (that is,
preferred stock which returns
principal at a set time) issued
by U.S. and foreign companies
. corporate debt securities
convertible into common stock
. money market securities
Global Opportunity Portfolio may invest entirely in equity securities, entirely
in fixed income securities, or partly in equity securities and partly in fixed
income securities. The Global Opportunity Portfolio will usually hold at least
some equity securities and some fixed income securities. Under unusual market
or economic conditions, the Global Opportunity Portfolio may invest up to 100%
of its assets in money market securities or in securities issued or guaranteed
by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities.
There are no limits on the Global Opportunity Portfolio's ability to invest in
any country or geographic region. The Global Opportunity Portfolio can invest
primarily in U.S. securities, primarily in foreign securities, or partly in
U.S. securities and partly in foreign securities. At the present time, the
Global Opportunity Portfolio focuses on investments in Canada, Western Europe,
the Far East, and Latin America, as well as in the United States. The Global
Opportunity Portfolio normally invests in at least three countries at any given
time. The Global Opportunity Portfolio may invest in companies in emerging
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
34
<PAGE>
markets, but the Portfolio's management anticipates that a substantially
greater portion of the Global Opportunity Portfolio's equity investments will
be in companies in developed markets.
The Portfolio's management will select the percentages of the total portfolio
invested in equity securities and fixed income securities, as well as the
geographic allocation of the Global Opportunity Portfolio's investments, based
on its views of general economic and financial trends in various countries and
industries. The Portfolio management may place particular emphasis on the
following considerations:
. inflation,
. commodity prices,
. the direction of interest and
currency movements,
. social and political factors,
. estimates of growth in industrial
output and profits, and
. government fiscal policies.
Portfolio Management's analysis of economic and financial trends does not
guarantee successful results.
The debt securities in which Global Opportunity Portfolio invests will
generally be those that are rated investment grade by Standard & Poor's or
Moody's, or unrated securities which, in the opinion of Portfolio management,
are of comparable quality. The Global Opportunity Portfolio may, however,
invest up to 34% of its total assets in debt securities rated below investment
grade or have characteristics of below investment grade securities in the
judgment of the Portfolio management (junk bonds). The Global Opportunity
Portfolio may invest in fixed income securities of any maturity.
The Portfolio's management will seek to allocate the Global Opportunity
Portfolio's investments among the various types of securities in which the
Global Opportunity Portfolio may invest in a manner that it believes will best
capitalize on the economic and financial trends that it perceives. For example,
if the Portfolio management believes that falling commodity prices and
decreasing estimates of industrial output globally signal low growth and
limited returns from equity securities, the Global Opportunity Portfolio may
emphasize fixed income investments. Similarly, if the Portfolio management
believes that low inflation, new technologies and improvements in economic
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
35
<PAGE>
[DETAILS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
productivity in a country or region signal a promising environment for equity
securities in that country or region, the Global Opportunity Portfolio may
emphasize equity investments in that country or region. There is no guarantee
that Portfolio management will be able to correctly forecast economic or
financial trends or be able to select investments that will benefit from the
trends perceived by Portfolio management.
Additional investment strategies for the Global Opportunity Portfolio are
reflected in the chart below and described in the Investment Strategies section
of this Prospectus. See page 41.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
36
<PAGE>
Investment Risks for Global Opportunity Portfolio
This table shows additional investment policies applicable to the Global
Opportunity Portfolio and the investment limitations, if any, as a percentage
of Portfolio assets. The principal types of risk associated with each
investment policy are also listed. Numbers in this table show maximum allowable
use only; for actual use, consult the Program's annual/semi-annual reports.
[CHART APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leverage Credit Market Information Valuation Political Currency Liquidity Correlation Selection
risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk
- --------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ----------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Borrowing 33 1/3+ X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Investments/
Repurchase Agreements * X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securities Lending 33 1/3 X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term Trading * X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When-issued securities/
forward commitments * X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-investment
grade securities 34 X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Securities * X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restricted
and Illiquid Securities 15 X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Covered call options 15 X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indexed derivative
securities * X X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Futures and Options * X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Cap Securities P X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage Backed Securities P X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concentration 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convertible Securities 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currency contracts 20 X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
# Maximum % of total assets
* No restriction on usage
P Permitted, but used rarely
0 Not permitted
X Type of risk involved with investment strategy
+ The Portfolio does not intend to borrow money in excess of 5% of its total
assets.
Each of these policies and risks is explained in the Investment Strategies and
Investment Risks sections of this Prospectus. See page 41.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
37
<PAGE>
[DETAILS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
ABOUT THE GROWTH OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Lawrence R. Fuller is the Portfolio Manager. Mr. Fuller was a Senior Vice
President and Director of Benefit Capital Management from 1984 to 1992. He was
a Vice President of the Investment Adviser from 1992 to 1997 and has been a
First Vice President since 1997.
Growth Opportunity Portfolio
Growth Opportunity Portfolio tries to choose investments for capital
appreciation -- that is, investments that will increase in value. The Growth
Opportunity Portfolio will invest in a diversified portfolio primarily
consisting of equity securities of U.S. companies. Equity securities consist
of:
. common stock
. preferred stock
. securities convertible into
common stock
. rights to subscribe for common
stock
Growth Opportunity Portfolio also can invest in non-convertible preferred stock
and fixed income securities of growth companies during temporary periods if
warranted by market or economic conditions. Under normal circumstances, the
Growth Opportunity Portfolio invests at least 65% of its total assets in equity
securities.
Portfolio management emphasizes growth companies which possess above-average
growth rates in earnings, resulting from a variety of factors including, but
not limited to, above-average growth rates in sales, profit margin improvement,
proprietary or niche products or services, leading market shares, and
underlying strong industry growth. Management of the Growth Opportunities
Portfolio believes that companies which possess above-average earnings growth
frequently provide the prospect of above-average stock market returns, although
such companies tend to have higher relative stock market valuations. Emphasis
also will be given to companies having medium to large stock market
capitalizations ($500 million or more). Portfolio management may also select
growth companies on the basis of their long term potential for gaining
increased market recognition for their Portfolios. The Growth Opportunity
Portfolio does not select companies with the objective of providing current
income.
To analyze a security, Portfolio management focuses on the long range view of a
company's prospects including a fundamental analysis of:
. company's management
. financial structure
. product development
. marketing ability
. other relevant factors
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
38
<PAGE>
Portfolio management's fundamental analysis of a company does not guarantee
successful results. Additionally, full realization of the market potential of
aggressive growth companies takes time and, for this reason, the Growth
Opportunity Portfolio should be considered a long term investment and not as a
vehicle for seeking short term profits.
Portfolio management will select the percentages of the total portfolio
invested in equity, fixed income and other types of securities based on its
view of market or economic conditions. Portfolio management may consider
general economic and financial trends in various industries, such as inflation,
commodity prices, interest movements, estimates of growth in industrial output
and profits, and government fiscal policies. Portfolio management will seek to
allocate the Growth Opportunity Portfolio's investments among the various types
of securities in which the Growth Opportunity Portfolio may invest in a manner
that it believes will best capitalize on the economic and financial trends that
it perceives. There is no guarantee that Portfolio management will be able to
correctly forecast economic or financial trends or be able to select
investments that will benefit from the trends perceived by Portfolio
management.
Growth Opportunity Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets in equity
securities of foreign issuers. There are no limits on the geographical
allocations of these investments. Investments in American Depository Receipts
are not subject to the 20% restriction.
Additional investment strategies for the Growth Opportunity Portfolio are
reflected in the chart below and described in the Investment Strategies section
of this Prospectus. See page 41.
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[DETAILS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Investment Risks for Growth Opportunity Portfolio
This table shows additional investment policies applicable to the Growth
Opportunity Portfolio and the investment limitations, if any, as a percentage
of Portfolio assets. The principal types of risk associated with each
investment policy are also listed. Numbers in this table show maximum allowable
use only; for actual use, consult the Program's annual/semi-annual reports.
[CHART APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leverage Credit Market Information Valuation Political Currency Liquidity Correlation Selection
risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk risk
- --------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ----------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Borrowing 33 1/3+ X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Investments/
Repurchase Agreements * X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securities Lending 33 1/3 X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term Trading * X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When-issued securities/
forward commitments * X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-investment
grade securities 5 X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Securities 20++ X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restricted
and Illiquid Securities 15 X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Covered call options 15 X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indexed derivative
securities * X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Futures and Options *
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Cap Securities P X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage Backed Securities 0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concentration * X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convertible Securities * X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currency contracts 20 X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Key:
# Maximum % of total assets
* No restriction on usage
P Permitted, but used rarely
0 Not permitted
X Type of risk involved with investment strategy
+ The Portfolio does not intend to borrow money in excess of 5% of its total
assets.
++ This percentage does not include investments in American Depository
Receipts.
Each of these policies and risks is explained in the Investment Strategies and
Investment Risks sections of this Prospectus. See page 41.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
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<PAGE>
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This section contains a discussion of certain investment strategies that may be
used by the Portfolios. The forepart of this Prospectus indicates which of the
following strategies may be used by each Portfolio. The risks associated with
each of these strategies are described in greater detail in the following
section of this Appendix, "Types of Investment Risk". As with any mutual fund,
there can be no guarantee that a Portfolio will meet its goals or that a
Portfolio's performance will be positive for any period of time.
Borrowing and Leverage -- Each Portfolio may borrow for temporary emergency
purposes including to meet redemptions. Borrowings may exaggerate changes in
the net asset value of Portfolio shares and in the yield on the Portfolio.
Borrowing will cost the Portfolio interest expense and other fees. The cost of
borrowing may reduce the Portfolio's return. Borrowing involves leverage risk.
Short-Term Investments -- Each Portfolio will normally invest a portion of its
assets in short-term debt securities, such as commercial paper or treasury bill
agreements. As a temporary measure for defensive purposes, each Portfolio may
invest more heavily in these securities, without limitation. A Portfolio may
also increase its investment in these securities when Portfolio management is
unable to find enough attractive long-term investments, to reduce exposure to
long-term investments when management believes it is advisable to do so on a
temporary basis, or to meet redemptions. Investments in short-term debt
securities can be sold easily and have limited risk of loss but earn only
limited returns. Short-term investments may, therefore limit the potential for
a Portfolio to achieve its investment objective. Short-term investments involve
credit risk.
Repurchase Agreements -- Each Portfolio may invest in repurchase agreements. A
repurchase agreement involves the purchase of a security together with a
simultaneous agreement to resell the security to the seller at a later date at
approximately the purchase price less an amount that represents interest to the
buyer. Repurchase agreements are considered relatively safe, liquid investments
for short-term cash, but involve the risk that the seller will fail to
repurchase the security and that the Portfolio will have to attempt to sell the
security in the market for its current value, which may be less than the amount
the Portfolio paid for the security. Repurchase agreements involve credit risk.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
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<PAGE>
[DETAILS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Securities Lending -- Each Portfolio may lend a portion of its securities. A
Portfolio may lend its securities to financial institutions in return for
collateral in the form of government securities or cash. A Portfolio making a
securities loan will either receive a fee from the borrower or pay the borrower
interest in return for the right to seek to invest cash collateral at a higher
rate. If a borrower fails to return a Portfolio's security, the Portfolio will
have to attempt to liquidate the borrower's collateral, which may be worth less
than the Portfolio's security. Securities loans involve leverage risk and
credit risk.
Short-Term Trading -- Each Portfolio can buy and sell securities whenever it
sees a market opportunity, and therefore each Portfolio may engage in short-
term trading. Short-term trading may increase a Portfolio's expenses and have
tax consequences. Short-term trading involves market risk and selection risk.
When-Issued Securities, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments --
Each Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment
basis and may purchase or sell securities for delayed delivery. When-issued and
delayed-delivery securities and forward commitments involve the risk that the
security a Portfolio buys will lose value prior to its delivery. There also is
the risk that the security will not be issued or that the other party will not
meet its obligation. If this occurs, the Portfolio both loses the investment
opportunity for the assets it has set aside to pay for the security and any
gain in the security's price. When-issued and delayed delivery securities and
forward commitments involve market risk, selection risk and leverage risk.
Non-Investment Grade Securities -- The Global Opportunity and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios may invest in securities rated below investment grade.
Non-investment grade securities, otherwise known as "junk bonds", are debt
securities that are rated below investment grade by the major rating agencies
or are unrated securities that Portfolio management believes are of comparable
quality. Although junk bonds generally pay higher rates of interest than
investment grade bonds, they are high risk investments that may cause income
and principal losses for a Portfolio. Junk bonds generally are less liquid and
experience more price volatility than higher rated debt securities. The issuers
of junk bonds may have a larger amount of outstanding debt relative to their
assets than issuers of investment grade bonds. In the event of an issuer
bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of junk
bond holders, leaving few or no assets available to repay junk bond holders.
Junk bonds involve credit risk, market
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
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<PAGE>
risk, selection risk, valuation risk and liquidity risk, and certain junk bonds
may also involve information risk, political risk or currency risk.
Foreign Securities -- The Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios may invest in foreign securities. Foreign investing
involves special risks not present in U.S. securities that may increase the
chance a Portfolio will lose money, including foreign currency risk and the
possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or
other developments. Foreign securities may also be less liquid and harder to
value than U.S. securities. These risks are greater for investments in emerging
markets. Foreign investing involves market risk, selection risk and political
risk, and certain foreign investments may also involve credit risk, information
risk, valuation risk, currency risk and liquidity risk.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities -- Each Portfolio may invest a portion of
its assets in restricted and illiquid securities, which are investments that
the Portfolio cannot easily resell within seven days at current value or that
have contractual or legal restrictions on resale. If the Portfolio buys
illiquid securities it may be unable to quickly resell them or may be able to
sell them only at a price below current value. Restricted and illiquid
securities involve credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk, selection risk and
valuation risk, and may involve information risk.
Covered Call Options -- Each Portfolio can sell covered call options, which are
options that give the purchaser the right to require a Portfolio to sell a
security owned by the Portfolio to the purchaser at a specified price within a
limited time period. The Portfolios may also sell the purchaser a right to
require the Portfolio to make a payment based on the level of an index that is
closely correlated with some of the Portfolio's holdings. A Portfolio will
receive a premium (an upfront payment) for selling a covered call option, and
if the option expires unexercised because the price of the underlying security
has gone down the premium received by the Portfolio will partially offset any
losses on the underlying security. By writing a covered call option, however, a
Portfolio limits its ability to sell the underlying security and gives up the
opportunity to profit from any increase in the value of the underlying security
beyond the sale price specified in the option. Covered call options involve
market risk, correlation risk, liquidity risk and selection risk.
Indexed Derivative Securities -- Each Portfolio may invest in debt securities
the potential returns of which are directly related to changes in an underlying
index or interest rate, known as indexed securities. The return on
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
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<PAGE>
[DETAILS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
indexed securities will rise when the underlying index or interest rate rises
and fall when the index or interest rate falls. The Portfolios may also invest
in securities whose return is inversely related to changes in an index or
interest rate. In general, inverse securities change in value in a manner that
is opposite to most securities -- that is, the return of inverse securities
will decrease when the index increases in value and increase in value when the
index decreases. Investments in indexed and inverse securities may subject the
Portfolio to the risks of reduced or eliminated interest payments and losses of
principal. In addition, certain indexed and inverse securities may increase or
decrease in value at a greater rate than the underlying index, which
effectively leverages the Portfolio's investment. As a result, the market value
of such securities will generally be more volatile than that of other
securities. Indexed and inverse securities involve credit risk, market risk and
selection risk, and may also involve leverage risk, valuation risk, political
risk, currency risk, liquidity risk or correlation risk.
Futures and Options -- Each Portfolio may use futures and options. Futures are
exchange-traded contracts involving the obligation of the seller to deliver,
and the buyer to receive, certain assets (or a money payment based on the
change in value of certain assets or an index) at a specified time. Futures
involve leverage risk and correlation risk and may involve currency risk and
political risk. Options are exchange-traded or private contracts involving the
right of a holder to deliver (a "put") or receive (a "call") certain assets (or
a money payment based on the change of certain assets or an index) from another
party at a specified price within a specified time period. Options involve
leverage risk and correlation risk. Private options also involve credit risk,
valuation risk and liquidity risk. Options may involve currency risk and
political risk. Both futures and options involve market risk.
The Portfolios will use futures and options primarily for hedging purposes --
that is, to offset the risk that other holdings may decrease in value or that
potential investment opportunities may increase in value before the Fund can
fully implement its investment strategy. The Portfolios may use options,
however, to enhance total return as well as for hedging purposes. While hedging
can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains if markets move in a
different manner than anticipated by the Portfolio or if the cost of the future
or option outweighs the benefit of the hedge. Hedging also involves the risk
that changes in the value of the future or option will not match those of the
holdings being hedged as expected by the Portfolio, in which case losses on the
holdings being hedged may not be reduced.
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<PAGE>
Small Cap and Emerging Growth Securities -- The Fundamental Value, Global
Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios' foreign equity investment risks
are often heightened by investments in small capital markets. Small cap or
emerging growth companies may have limited product lines or markets. They may
be less financially secure than larger, more established companies. They may
depend on a small number of key personnel. If a product fails, or if management
changes, or there are other adverse developments, the Portfolios' investment in
small cap or emerging growth companies may lose substantial value.
Small cap or emerging growth securities generally trade in lower volumes and
are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than larger cap
securities or the stock market as a whole. Investing in small caps and emerging
growth securities requires a long-term view.
Mortgage backed securities -- The U.S. Government Securities, Quality Bond and
Global Opportunity Portfolios may invest in GNMA Certificates and other
mortgage backed government securities. Mortgage backed securities represent the
right to receive a portion of principal and/or interest payments made on a pool
of residential or commercial mortgage loans. When interest rates fall,
borrowers may refinance or otherwise repay principal on their mortgages earlier
than scheduled. When this happens, certain types of mortgage backed securities
will be paid off more quickly than originally anticipated and the Portfolio has
to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields. This risk is known as
"prepayment risk". When interest rates rise, certain types of mortgage backed
securities will be paid off more slowly than originally anticipated and the
value of these securities will fall. This risk is known as extension risk.
Because of prepayment risk and extension risk mortgage backed securities react
differently to changes in interest rates than other fixed income securities.
Small movements in interest rates (both increase and decrease) may quickly and
significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage backed securities.
Most mortgage backed securities are issued by Federal government agencies, such
as the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), the Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) or Federal National Mortgage
Association (Fannie Mae). Principal and interest payments on mortgage backed
securities issued by the Federal government agencies are guaranteed by either
Federal government or the government agency. Such securities have very little
credit risk. Mortgage backed securities
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
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<PAGE>
[DETAILS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
that are issued by private corporations rather than Federal agencies have
credit risk as well as prepayment risk and extension risk.
Mortgage backed securities may be either pass through securities or
collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs). Pass through securities represent a
right to receive principal and interest payments collected on a pool of
mortgages, which are passed through to security holders (less servicing costs).
CMOs are created by dividing the principal and interest payments collected on a
pool of mortgages into several revenue streams (tranches) with different
priority rights to portions of the underlying mortgage payments. Certain CMO
tranches may represent a right to receive interest only (IOs), principal only
(POs) or an amount that remains after other floating-rate tranches are paid (an
inverse floater). These securities are frequently referred to as "mortgage
derivatives" and may be extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates. If
the Portfolio invests in CMO tranches (including CMO tranches issued by
government agencies) and interest rates move in a manner not anticipated by
Portfolio management, it is possible that the Portfolio could lose all or
substantially all of its investment.
Concentration -- The Growth Opportunity Portfolio is a non-diversified
portfolio. By concentrating in a smaller number of investments, the Portfolio's
risk is increased because each investment has a greater effect on the
Portfolio's performance.
Convertibles -- The Fundamental Value, Quality Bond and Growth Opportunity
Portfolios may invest in convertible securities. Convertibles are generally
debt securities or preferred stocks that may be converted into common stock.
Convertibles typically pay current income as either interest (debt security
convertibles) or dividends (preferred stocks). A convertible's value usually
reflects both the stream of current income payments and the value of the
underlying common stock. The market value of a convertible perform like regular
debt securities, that is, if market interest rates rise, the value of a
convertible usually falls. Since it is convertible into common stock, the
convertible also has the same types of market and issuer risk as the value of
the underlying common stock.
Conversion and Call Risk -- For some convertibles, the issuer can choose
when to convert to common stock, or can "call" (redeem) the convertible
security. An issuer may convert or call a convertible when it is
disadvantageous for the Portfolio, causing the Portfolio to lose an
opportunity for gain. For other convertibles, the Portfolio can
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
46
<PAGE>
choose when to convert the security to common stock or put (sell) the
convertible back to the issuer. Some convertibles may convert only under
certain circumstances and carry the additional risk that conversion may
never occur. Others may convert into a cash payment, which is generally
based on the underlying stock's value.
Synthetics -- The Portfolios that can invest in convertibles may combine
fixed income securities (fixed income component) with a right to acquire
equities (convertibility component) to create synthetic convertible
securities. Synthetic convertible securities provide the flexibility to
create an investment that is not available in the market directly. The
separate components of synthetic convertibles trade separately; each has
its own trading market and value. The value of the synthetic convertible
is the sum of the value of the fixed income and convertibility components.
However, because its components trade separately, often in different
markets, the value of a synthetic convertible may respond differently to
market movements and other events than a traditional convertible. The
convertibility component in a synthetic convertible may be a warrant or
option to purchase common stock at a set price (exercise price), or an
option on a stock index. If the price of the underlying common stock falls
below the exercise price, the warrant or option may lose all value.
Currency Contracts -- The Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios may buy securities denominated or quoted in currencies
other than the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will
affect the value of the securities of the Portfolio. In order to seek to limit
such changes, these Portfolios may buy or sell contracts relating to foreign
currencies for hedging purposes. Hedging is a strategy in which a currency
contract is used to offset the risk that other Portfolio holdings may decrease
in U.S. dollar value as the result of changes in exchange rates. Losses on the
other investment may be substantially reduced by gains on a currency contract
that reacts in an opposite manner to market movements. While hedging can reduce
losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains if exchange rates move in a
different manner than anticipated by the Portfolio or if the cost of the
currency contract outweighs the benefit of the hedge. Hedging also involves the
risk that changes in the value of the currency contract will not match those of
the holdings being hedged as expected by the Portfolio, in which case any
losses on the holdings being hedged may not be reduced. A Portfolio may not be
able to (or may not try to) hedge all
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
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<PAGE>
[DETAILS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
currency risks, and there is no guaranty that a Portfolio's currency hedging,
if attempted, will be successful. A Portfolio may attempt to hedge through
several different types of currency contracts, including currency forwards,
currency options and currency-indexed instruments. Currency contracts involve
currency risk, market risk, political risk and correlation risk and may also
involve credit risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk and leverage risk.
TYPES OF INVESTMENT RISK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This section contains a discussion of various risks that may be associated with
certain investment strategies. The forepart of this Prospectus indicates which
investment strategies may be used by each Portfolio.
Correlation risk -- The risk that changes in the value of two investments do
not track or offset each other in the manner anticipated by Portfolio
management. Correlation risk is associated with hedging transactions, in which
a Portfolio uses a derivative to offset the risk that other Portfolio holdings
may decrease in value or that potential investment opportunities may increase
in value before the Portfolio can fully implement its investment strategy.
Correlation risk means that changes in the value of the derivative may not
match those of the holdings being hedged as expected by the Portfolio, in which
case any losses on the holdings or potential holdings being hedged may not be
reduced.
Credit risk -- The risk that the issuer of an investment or other party to a
trade will be unable to honor its obligations to a Portfolio.
Currency risk -- The risk that changes in the exchange rate between currencies
will adversely affect the value (in U.S. dollar terms) of an investment.
Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, a
security denominated in that currency loses value to a U.S. investor because
the currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars.
Information risk -- The risk that important information about a security or
market is inaccurate, unreliable or unavailable.
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<PAGE>
Leverage risk -- The risk associated with certain types of investments or
trading strategies (such as borrowing money to increase the amount of
investments) that relatively small market movements may result in large changes
in value of an investment. Certain investments or trading strategies that
involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally
invested.
Liquidity risk -- The risk that certain securities may be difficult or
impossible to sell at the time that a Portfolio would like or at the price that
Portfolio management believes the security is currently worth.
Market risk/Interest Rate risk -- The risk
that the entire market will undergo an
unanticipated change in value, including the
possibility that the market will go down
sharply and unpredictably. For fixed-income
investments, this includes the risk that the
value of an investment will decrease as a
result of changes in interest rates.
Generally, when interest rates increase,
fixed-income securities decrease in value and
longer-term fixed-income securities decrease
in value more than short-term fixed-income
securities.
Political risk -- The risk of losses arising
from government or legal events, such as
changes in tax or trade laws, imposition of
currency controls, adverse court or
administrative rulings, or change of a
government or political system.
Selection risk -- The risk that a specific Portfolio investment will
underperform the market.
Valuation risk -- The risk that a Portfolio has valued an investment at a
higher price than it can actually obtain upon a sale.
SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FOREIGN
INVESTMENTS GENERALLY --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Market Risk -- Investment in foreign
securities involves the following risks,
which are generally greater for investments
in emerging markets.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
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<PAGE>
[DETAILS LOGO APPEARS HERE]
. The economies of some foreign markets often do not compare favorably with
that of the United States in areas such as growth of gross domestic
product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments. Some
of these economies may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign
capital. They may be more vulnerable to adverse diplomatic developments,
the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or
countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers and
other protectionist or retaliatory measures.
. Investments in foreign markets may be adversely affected by governmental
actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of
companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of
punitive taxes.
. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial
restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain
industries. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices.
They could also impair the Portfolio's ability to purchase or sell
foreign securities or transfer its assets or income back into the United
States, or otherwise adversely affect the Portfolio's operations.
. Other foreign market risks include foreign exchange controls,
difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on foreign government
securities, difficulties in enforcing favorable legal judgments in
foreign courts and political and social instability. Legal remedies
available to investors in some foreign countries may be less extensive
than those available to investors in the United States.
. Because there are generally fewer investors on foreign exchanges and a
smaller number of shares traded each day, it may be difficult for a
Portfolio to buy and sell securities on those exchanges. In addition,
prices of foreign securities may go up and down more than prices of
securities traded in the United States.
. Foreign markets may have difficult clearance and settlement procedures.
In certain markets, settlements may be unable to keep pace with the
volume of securities transactions. If this occurs, settlement may be
delayed and a Portfolio's assets may be uninvested and not earning
returns. The Portfolio may miss investment opportunities or be unable to
sell an investment because of these delays.
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<PAGE>
Certain Risks of Holding Portfolio Assets Outside the United States -- A
Portfolio generally holds its foreign securities and cash in foreign banks and
securities depositories. Some foreign banks and securities depositories may be
recently organized or new to the foreign custody business. In addition, there
may be limited or no regulatory oversight over their operations. Also, the laws
of certain countries may put limits on a Portfolio's ability to recover its
assets if a foreign bank, depository or issuer of a security, or any of their
agents, goes bankrupt. In addition, it is often more expensive for a Portfolio
to buy, sell and hold securities in certain foreign markets than in the U.S.
The increased expense of investing in foreign markets reduces the amount a
Portfolio can earn on its investments and typically results in a higher
operating expense ratio for a Portfolio than investment companies invested only
in the U.S.
Special Risks Associated with European Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU") -- A
number of European countries have agreed to enter EMU in an effort to reduce
trade barriers between themselves and eliminate fluctuations in their
currencies. EMU established a single European currency (the euro), which was
introduced on January 1, 1999 and is expected to replace the existing national
currencies of all initial EMU participants by July 1, 2002. Upon introduction
of the euro, certain securities (beginning with government and corporate bonds)
were redenominated in the euro. These securities trade and make dividend and
other payments only in euros. Like other investment companies and business
organizations, including the companies in which a Portfolio may invest, a
Portfolio could be adversely affected if the euro, or EMU as a whole, does not
take effect as planned or if a participating country withdraws from EMU.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like further information about the Program, including how it
invests, please see the Statement of Additional Information.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
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<PAGE>
[YOUR ACCOUNT LOGO APPEARS HERE]
MERRILL LYNCH SELECT PRICINGSM SYSTEM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Program offers five Portfolios. Each Portfolio is a separate series of the
Program issuing four share classes, each with its own sales charge and expense
structure, allowing you to invest in the way that best suits your needs. When
you choose your Portfolio and your class of shares, you should consider the
size of your investment and how long you plan to hold your shares. Your Merrill
Lynch Financial Consultant can help you determine which Portfolio and share
class are best suited to your personal financial goals.
For example, if you select Class A or D shares, you generally pay a sales
charge at the time of purchase. If you buy Class D shares, you also pay an
ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25%. You may be eligible for a sales
charge waiver.
The Program has adopted a plan under Rule 12b-1 that allows each Portfolio to
pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution of its shares. If you
select Class B or C shares, you will invest the full amount of your purchase
price, but you will be subject to a distribution fee of 0.75% for Class B and
Class C shares of the Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios and 0.50% for Class B shares and 0.55% for Class C
shares of the Quality Bond and U.S. Government Securities Portfolios and an
account maintenance fee of 0.25% for each of the Portfolios. Because these fees
are paid out of the Portfolio's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these
fees increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying an
initial sales charge. In addition, you may be subject to a deferred sales
charge when you sell Class B or C shares.
The Program's shares are distributed by Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, a
division of Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc., an affiliate of Merrill Lynch.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
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The table below summarizes key features of the Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM
System.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Class B Class C Class D
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Availability Limited to certain Generally available Generally available Generally available
investors through Merrill through Merrill through Merrill
including: Lynch. Limited Lynch. Limited Lynch. Limited
.Current Class A availability availability availability
shareholders through other through other through other
.Certain Retirement securities dealers. securities dealers. securities dealers.
Plans
.Participants in
certain Merrill
Lynch
sponsored programs
.Certain affiliates
of
Merrill Lynch.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial Sales Charge? Yes. Payable at No. Entire purchase No. Entire purchase Yes. Payable at
time of purchase. price is invested price is invested time of purchase.
Lower sales charges in shares of the in shares of the Lower sales charges
available for Fund. Fund. available for
larger investments. larger investments.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred Sales Charge? No. (May be charged Yes. Payable if you Yes. Payable if you No. (May be charged
for purchases over redeem within four redeem within one for purchases over
$1 million that are years of purchase. year of purchase. $1 million that are
redeemed within redeemed within
one year.) one year.)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Maintenance and No. 0.25% Account 0.25% Account 0.25% Account
Distribution Fees? Maintenance Fee Maintenance Fee Maintenance Fee No
0.75% Distribution 0.75% Distribution Distribution Fee.
Fee for the Fee for the
Fundamental Value, Fundamental Value,
Global Opportunity Global Opportunity
and Growth and Growth
Opportunity Opportunity
Portfolios. Portfolios.
0.50% Distribution 0.55% Distribution
Fee for the Quality Fee for the Quality
Bond and U.S. Bond and U.S.
Government Government
Securities Securities
Portfolios. Portfolios.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conversion to Class D No. Yes, automatically No. No.
shares? after approximately
eight years for the
Fundamental Value,
Global Opportunity
and Growth
Opportunity
Portfolios and ten
years for the
Quality Bond and
U.S. Government
Securities
Portfolios.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
53
<PAGE>
[YOUR ACCOUNT LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Class A and Class D Shares -- Initial Sales Charge Options
If you select Class A or Class D shares, you will pay a sales charge at the
time of purchase.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios
--------------------------------------------------
Dealer
Compensation
As a % of As a % of as a % of
Your Investment Offering Price Your Investment* Offering Price
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than
$25,000 5.25% 5.54% 5.00%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
$25,000 but less
than $50,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.50%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 but less
than $100,000 4.00% 4.17% 3.75%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 but
less than
$250,000 3.00% 3.09% 2.75%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 but
less than
$1,000,000 2.00% 2.04% 1.80%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,000,000 and
over** 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quality Bond and U.S. Government Portfolios
----------------------------------------------
Dealer
Compensation
As a % of As a % of as a % of
Your Investment Offering Price Your Investment* Offering Price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than
$25,000 4.00% 4.17% 3.75%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
$25,000 but less
than $50,000 3.75% 3.90% 3.50%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 but less
than $100,000 3.25% 3.36% 3.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 but
less than
$250,000 2.50% 2.56% 2.25%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 but
less than
$1,000,000 1.50% 1.52% 1.25%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,000,000 and
over** 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
** If you invest $1,000,000 or more in Class A or Class D shares, you may not
pay an initial sales charge. However, if you redeem your shares within one
year after purchase, you may be charged a deferred sales charge. This charge
is 1% of the lesser of the original cost of the shares being redeemed or
your redemption proceeds. A sales charge of 0.75% will be charged on
purchases of $1,000,000 or more of Class A or Class D shares by certain
employer sponsored retirement or savings plans.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
54
<PAGE>
No initial sales charge applies to Class A or Class D shares that you buy
through reinvestment of dividends.
A reduced or waived sales charge on a purchase of Class A or Class D shares may
apply for:
. Purchases under a Right of
Accumulation or Letter of Intent.
. TMA SM Managed Trusts.
. Certain Merrill Lynch investment
or central asset accounts.
. Certain employer-sponsored
retirement or savings plans.
. Purchases using proceeds from the
sale of certain Merrill Lynch
closed-end funds under certain
circumstances.
. Certain investors, including
directors of Merrill Lynch mutual
funds and Merrill Lynch
employees.
Only certain investors are eligible to buy Class A shares. Your Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant can help you determine whether you are eligible to buy
Class A shares or to participate in any of these programs.
If you decide to buy shares under the initial sales charge alternative and you
are eligible to buy both Class A and Class D shares, you should buy Class A
since Class D shares are subject to a 0.25% account maintenance fee, while
Class A shares are not.
If you redeem Class A or Class D shares and within 30 days buy new shares of
the same class, you will not pay a sales charge on the new purchase amount. The
amount eligible for this "Reinstatement Privilege" may not exceed the amount of
your redemption proceeds. To exercise the privilege, contact your Merrill Lynch
Financial Consultant or the Program's Transfer Agent at 1-800-MER-FUND.
Class B and Class C Shares -- Deferred Sales Charge Options
If you select Class B or Class C shares, you do not pay an initial sales charge
at the time of purchase. However, if you redeem your Class B shares within four
years after purchase, or your Class C shares within one year after purchase,
you may be required to pay a deferred sales charge. You will also pay distribu-
tion fees of 0.75% for Class B and Class C shares of the Fundamental Value,
Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios and distribution fees of
0.50% for Class B shares and 0.55% for Class C shares of the Quality Bond and
U.S. Government Securities Portfolios and account maintenance fees of 0.25% for
each of the Portfolios each year under distribution plans that the Program has
adopted under Rule 12b-1. Because
Right of Accumulation -- permits you to pay the sales charge that would apply
to the cost or value (whichever is higher) of all shares you own in the Merrill
Lynch mutual funds that offer Select Pricing options.
Letter of Intent -- permits you to pay the sales charge that would be
applicable if you add up all shares of Merrill Lynch Select Pricing System
funds that you agree to buy within a 13 month period. Certain restrictions
apply.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
55
<PAGE>
[YOUR ACCOUNT LOGO APPEARS HERE]
these fees are paid out of each Portfolio's assets on an ongoing basis, over
time these fees increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than
paying an initial sales charge. The Distributor uses the money that it receives
from the deferred sales charges and the distribution fees to cover the costs of
marketing, advertising and compensating the Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant
or other securities dealer who assists you in purchasing Program shares.
Class B Shares
If you redeem Class B shares within four years after purchase, you may be
charged a deferred sales charge. The amount of the charge gradually decreases
as you hold your shares over time, according to the following schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Since Purchase Sales Charge*
--------------------------------------
<S> <C>
0-1 4.00%
--------------------------------------
1-2 3.00%
--------------------------------------
2-3 2.00%
--------------------------------------
3-4 1.00%
--------------------------------------
4 and thereafter 0.00%
--------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The percentage charge will apply to the lesser of the original cost of the
shares being redeemed or the proceeds of your redemption. Shares acquired
through reinvestment of dividends are not subject to a deferred sales
charge. Not all Merrill Lynch funds have identical deferred sales charge
schedules. If you exchange your shares for shares of another fund or
Portfolio, the higher charge will apply.
The deferred sales charge relating to Class B shares may be reduced or waived
in certain circumstances, such as:
. Certain post-retirement
withdrawals from an IRA or other
retirement plan if you are over
59 1/2 years old.
. Redemption by certain eligible
401(a) and 401(k) plans, certain
related accounts and certain
retirement plan rollovers.
. Withdrawals resulting from
shareholder death or disability
as long as the waiver request is
made within one year of death or
disability or, if later,
reasonably promptly following
completion of probate, or in
connection with involuntary
termination of an account in
which Fund shares are held.
. Withdrawal through the Merrill
Lynch Systematic Redemption Plan
or Systematic Redemption Program.
Your Class B shares convert automatically into Class D shares approximately
eight years after purchase for the Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
56
<PAGE>
and Growth Opportunity Portfolios and approximately ten years after purchase
for the Quality Bond and U.S. Government Securities Portfolios. Any Class B
shares received through reinvestment of dividends paid on converting shares
will also convert at that time. Class D shares are subject to lower annual
expenses than Class B shares. The conversion of Class B to Class D shares is
not a taxable event for Federal income tax purposes.
Different conversion schedules apply to Class B shares of different Merrill
Lynch mutual funds. For example, Class B shares of a fixed income fund convert
approximately ten years after purchase compared to approximately eight years
for equity funds. If you acquire your Class B shares in an exchange from
another fund with a shorter conversion schedule, the Portfolio's conversion
schedule will apply. If you exchange your Class B shares in the Portfolio for
Class B shares of a fund with a longer conversion schedule, the other fund's
conversion schedule will apply. The length of time that you hold both the
original and exchanged Class B shares in both the Portfolio and the other fund
will count toward the conversion schedule. The conversion schedule may be
modified in certain other cases as well.
Class C Shares
If you redeem Class C shares within one year after purchase, you may be charged
a deferred sales charge of 1.00%. The charge will apply to the lesser of the
original cost of the shares being redeemed or the proceeds of your redemption.
You will not be charged a deferred sales charge when you redeem shares that you
acquire through reinvestment of Portfolio dividends. The deferred sales charge
relating to Class C shares may be reduced or waived in connection with
involuntary termination of an account in which Portfolio shares are held and
withdrawals through the Systematic Redemption Plan or Systematic Redemption
Program.
Class C shares do not offer a conversion privilege.
HOW TO BUY, SELL, TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The chart below summarizes how to buy, sell, transfer and exchange shares
through Merrill Lynch or other securities dealers. Because the selection of a
mutual fund involves many considerations, your Merrill Lynch Financial
Consultant may help you with this decision.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
57
<PAGE>
[YOUR ACCOUNT LOGO APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Information Important for You to
If You Want To Your Choices Know
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <C> <S>
Buy Shares First, determine your The Program offers shares of each
eligibility Portfolio solely to holders of IRAs
for which Merrill Lynch acts as
custodian, including:
.individual retirement rollover
accounts
.ROTH IRAs
.SEP-IRAs
.SRA-IRAs
.CBA(R) and CMA(R) Sub Accounts for
UGMAs/UTMAs
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, select the Refer to the Merrill Lynch Select
Portfolio and share class Pricing table on page 53. Be sure
appropriate for you to read this prospectus carefully.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Determine the amount of The minimum initial investment for
your investment each Portfolio is $100.
(The minimums for initial
investments may be waived under
certain circumstances.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Have your Merrill Lynch The price of your shares is based
Financial Consultant or on the next calculation of net
securities dealer submit asset value after your order is
your purchase order placed. Any purchase orders placed
within fifteen minutes after the
close of business on the New York
Stock Exchange will be priced at
the net asset value determined that
day.
Purchase orders placed after that
time will be priced at the net
asset value determined on the next
business day. The Program may
reject any order to buy shares and
may suspend the sale of shares at
any time. Merrill Lynch may charge
a processing fee to confirm a
purchase. This fee is currently
$5.35.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Add to Your Purchase additional The minimum investment for
Investment shares additional purchases is $1.
(The minimums for additional
purchases may be waived under
certain circumstances.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Acquire additional shares All ordinary income and capital
through the automatic gains dividends are automatically
dividend reinvestment reinvested without a sales charge.
plan
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Participate in the You may invest a specific amount on
automatic investment plan a periodic basis through certain
Merrill Lynch investment or central
asset accounts.
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
58
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Information Important for You to
If You Want To Your Choices Know
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <C> <S>
Transfer Shares Transfer to another You may transfer your Portfolio
Merrill Lynch-custodied shares only to another Merrill
account Lynch-custodied IRA or a CBA(R)
account or CMA(R) SubAccount.
Otherwise, if you wish to transfer
your shares to another securities
dealer, you must redeem your shares
(paying any applicable CDSC) to
have cash proceeds transferred to
another securities dealer. All
future trading of these assets must
be coordinated by the receiving
firm.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sell Your Have your Merrill Lynch The price of your shares is based
Shares Financial Consultant on the next calculation of net
submit your sales order asset value after your order is
placed. For your redemption request
to be priced at the net asset value
on the day of your request, you
must submit your request to your
dealer within fifteen minutes after
that day's close of business on the
New York Stock Exchange (generally
4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Any
redemption request placed after
that time will be priced at the net
asset value at the close of
business on the next business day.
Dealers must submit redemption
requests to the Fund not more than
thirty minutes after the close of
business on the New York Stock
Exchange on the day the request was
received.
Merrill Lynch may charge a fee to
process a redemption of shares.
Merrill Lynch currently charges a
fee of $5.35. Redemption requests
should not be sent to the Program
or to the Transfer Agent. In the
case of an IRA account, the request
must bear the signature of the
person or persons for whose benefit
the IRA is maintained; and in the
case of a CBA(R) Account or CMA(R)
SubAccount, the request must bear
the signature of the individual
named as custodian for the account.
You should be aware, however, that
redemption of shares of a Portfolio
and reinvestment of the proceeds in
shares of another fund advised by
the Investment Adviser or an
affiliate may subject the
investor's IRA to an annual IRA
account fee or the investor's
CBA(R) or CMA SubAccount SM account
to the annual CBA(R) or CMA
SubAccount SM fee, as the case may
be. For information about the
current IRA fees charged by Merrill
Lynch, consult the applicable
Merrill Lynch IRA disclosure
schedule. For information about the
current CBA(R) fees charged by
Merrill Lynch, consult the Capital
Builder(TM) Account Program
description. For information about
the current CMA SubAccount SM fees
charged by Merrill Lynch, consult
the Cash Management Account(R)
Program description.
The Program may reject an order to
sell shares under certain
circumstances.
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
59
<PAGE>
[YOUR ACCOUNT LOGO APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Information Important for You to
If You Want To Your Choices Know
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <C> <S>
Sell Shares Participate in the If you are 59 1/2 or older and your
Systematically Program's Systematic shares are held in a non-Roth IRA
Redemption Plan or account, or have been held in a
Systematic Redemption Roth IRA account for more than five
Program years, you can choose to receive
systematic payments from your
account either by check or through
direct deposit to your bank account
on a monthly or quarterly basis
through the Systematic Redemption
Plan. If you have a Merrill Lynch
CBA(R) Account or CMA(R)
SubAccount, you can arrange for
systematic redemptions of a fixed
dollar amount on a monthly, bi-
monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or
annual basis through the Systematic
Redemption Program, subject to
certain conditions. The deferred
sales charge is waived for
systematic redemptions. Ask your
Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant
for details.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange Your Select the fund or You can exchange your shares of any
Shares Portfolio into which you Portfolio for shares of each of the
want to exchange. Be sure other Portfolios and many other
to read that fund's Merrill Lynch mutual funds. If,
prospectus however, you exchange your shares
for shares of another Merrill Lynch
mutual fund, other than portfolios
of the Merrill Lynch Index Funds,
Inc., Merrill Lynch will reinstate
the IRA, CBA(R) or CMA(R)
SubAccount annual account fee, as
the case may be. You must have held
the shares used in the exchange for
at least 15 calendar days before
you can exchange to another fund.
Each class of Portfolio shares is
generally exchangeable for shares
of the same class of another fund.
If you own Class A shares and wish
to exchange into a fund in which
you have no Class A shares, you
will exchange into Class D shares.
Some of the Merrill Lynch mutual
funds impose a different initial or
deferred sales charge schedule. If
you exchange Class A or D shares
for shares of a fund with a higher
initial sales charge than you
originally paid, you will be
charged the difference at the time
of exchange. If you exchange Class
B shares for shares of a fund with
a different deferred sales charge
schedule, the higher schedule will
apply. The time you hold Class B or
C shares in both funds will count
when determining your holding
period for calculating a deferred
sales charge at redemption. If you
exchange Class A or D shares for
money market fund shares, you will
receive Class A shares of Summit
Cash Reserves Fund. Class B or C
shares of the Fund will be
exchanged for Class B shares of
Summit.
Although there is currently no
limit on the number of exchanges
that you can make, the exchange
privilege may be modified or
terminated at any time in the
future.
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
60
<PAGE>
HOW SHARES ARE PRICED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value -- the market value of each Portfolio's total assets after
deducting liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding.
When you buy shares, you pay the net asset value, plus any applicable sales
charge. This is the offering price. Shares are also redeemed at their net asset
value, minus any applicable deferred sales charge. A Portfolio calculates its
net asset value (generally by using market quotations) each day the New York
Stock Exchange is open, fifteen minutes after the close of business on the
Exchange (the Exchange generally closes at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The net
asset value used in determining your price is the next one calculated after
your purchase or redemption order is placed. Foreign securities owned by a
Portfolio may trade on weekends or other days when the Portfolio does not price
its shares. As a result, the Portfolio's net asset value may change on days
when you will not be able to purchase or redeem the Portfolio's shares.
Generally, Class A shares will have the highest net asset value because that
class has the lowest expenses, and Class D shares will have a higher net asset
value than Class B or Class C shares. Also dividends paid on Class A and Class
D shares will generally be higher than dividends paid on Class B and Class C
shares because Class A and Class D shares have lower expenses.
DIVIDENDS AND TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends -- ordinary income and capital gains paid by the Program to
shareholder accounts. Dividends may be reinvested in additional Portfolio
shares as they are paid.
The Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios
will distribute any net investment income annually and any net realized long
and/or short term capital gains at least annually. The Quality Bond and U.S.
Government Securities Portfolios will distribute any net investment income
monthly. The U.S. Government Securities Portfolio will distribute primarily
income dividends. The Growth Opportunity Portfolio will distribute primarily
capital gain dividends. The type of dividends paid by the remaining Portfolios
may vary. Each Portfolio may also pay a special distribution at the end of the
calendar year to comply with Federal tax requirements. If your account is with
Merrill Lynch and you would like to receive dividends in cash, contact your
Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant. If your account is with the Transfer Agent
and you would like to receive dividends in cash, contact the Transfer Agent.
Because of special tax rules applicable to IRAs, you will not be currently
taxed on dividends paid by the Program to your account. In general, you will be
taxed only when you receive a distribution from the account. If your shares are
held in a Roth IRA, you generally will not be taxed on receipt of
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
61
<PAGE>
[YOUR ACCOUNT LOGO APPEARS HERE]
dividends from the Program in your account. Substantial penalties (for Roth
IRAs and other IRAs) and ordinary income tax (generally, on the whole
distribution, for IRAs other than Roth IRA accounts and on the portion
representing accumulated earnings on contributions, for Roth IRA accounts) will
be imposed if amounts are withdrawn from the account prior to age 59 1/2,
unless certain exceptions apply. Provided the proceeds stay in your IRA, you
will not be taxed on the redemption or exchange of Fund shares. You should
consult your tax advisor about the tax implications of investing in different
types of accounts and about the tax impact of making withdrawals from the
account.
Different tax consequences apply for investments outside of an IRA or if an IRA
in which amounts are invested becomes ineligible for the special tax treatment
discussed above.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
62
<PAGE>
[LOGO] MANAGEMENT OF THE PROGRAM
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, the Program's Investment Adviser, manages the
Program's investments and its business operations under the overall supervision
of the Program's Board of Directors. The Investment Adviser has the
responsibility for making all investment decisions for the Program. The
Investment Adviser has a sub-advisory agreement with Merrill Lynch Asset
Management U.K. Limited, an affiliate, under which the Investment Adviser may
pay a fee for services it receives.
Set forth below is the amount which the Program's Investment Adviser received
in advisory fees attributable to each Portfolio of the Program for the fiscal
year ended January 31, 1999 as well as the percentage of average daily net
assets of each Portfolio which such advisory fee represents.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Fiscal
Investment Year Ended
Advisory Fee* January 31, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Fundamental Value Portfolio 0.65% $606,626
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Quality Bond Portfolio 0.50% $ 68,809
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Government Securities
Portfolio 0.50% $ 75,332
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Global Opportunity Portfolio 0.75% $482,964
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Growth Opportunity Portfolio 0.65% $475,238
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* As a % of average daily net assets.
Merrill Lynch Asset Management is part of the Asset Management Group, which had
approximately $523 billion in investment company and other portfolio assets
under management as of April 1999. This amount includes assets managed for
Merrill Lynch affiliates.
A Note About Year 2000
Many computer systems were designed using only two digits to designate years.
These systems may not be able to distinguish the Year 2000 from the Year 1900
(commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem"). The Program could be adversely
affected if the computer systems used by the Program's management or other
Program service providers do not properly address this problem before January
1, 2000. The Program's management expects to have addressed this problem before
then, and does not anticipate that the services it provides will be adversely
affected. The Program's other service providers have told the Program's
management that they also expect to resolve the
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
63
<PAGE>
[MANAGEMENT OF THE PROGRAM LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Year 2000 Problem, and the Program's management will continue to monitor the
situation as the Year 2000 approaches. However, if the problem has not been
fully addressed, the Program could be negatively affected. The Year 2000
Problem could also have a negative impact on the issuers of securities in which
the Program invests. This negative impact may be greater for companies in
foreign markets, especially developing markets, since they may be less prepared
for the Year 2000 Problem than domestic companies and markets. If the companies
in which the Program invests have Year 2000 Problems, the Program's returns
could be adversely affected.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
64
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR FUNDAMENTAL VALUE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand each
Portfolio's financial performance for the periods shown. Certain information
reflects financial results for a single Portfolio share. The total returns in
the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned on an
investment in the Portfolio (assuming reinvestment of all dividends). This
information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose report, along with
each Portfolio's financial statements, are included in the Program's annual
report to shareholders, which is available upon request.
[CAPTION]<TABLE>
Fundamental Value Portfolio*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Class B
------------------------------- -------------------------------------
For the Year For the Year
Ended January 31, Ended January 31,
Increase (Decrease) in ------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996+ 1999 1998 1997 1996+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating
Performance:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $13.98 $13.58 $11.67 $10.00 $ 13.75 $ 13.39 $ 11.55 $ 10.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income
(loss) -- net .11 .07 (.01) .25 (.05) (.09) (.15) (.07)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized
gain on investments --
net 1.05 2.22 2.70 1.76 1.03 2.19 2.65 1.96
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations 1.16 2.29 2.69 2.01 .98 2.10 2.50 1.89
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
Realized gain on
investments -- net (.96) (1.89) (.78) (.20) (.81) (1.74) (.66) (.20)
In excess of realized
gain on investments --
net -- -- -- (.11) -- -- -- (.11)
Return of capital -- net -- -- -- (.03) -- -- -- (.03)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (.96) (1.89) (.78) (.34) (.81) (1.74) (.66) (.34)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $14.18 $13.98 $13.58 $11.67 $ 13.92 $ 13.75 $ 13.39 $ 11.55
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment
Return:**
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value
per share 8.51% 17.12% 23.20% 20.10%# 7.32% 15.91% 21.79% 18.89%#
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Net
Assets:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net of
reimbursement 1.45% 1.63% 2.03% 1.54% 2.55% 2.72% 3.11% 3.29%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.45% 1.63% 2.03% 2.00% 2.55% 2.72% 3.11% 3.39%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income
(loss) -- net .75% .48% (.07)% 1.99% (.35%) (.60)% (1.15)% (.61)%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Data:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands) $ 359 $ 317 $ 209 $121 $62,419 $48,073 $34,828 $20,989
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 40.10% 68.75% 80.60% 51.37% 40.10% 68.75% 80.60% 51.37%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Based on average shares outstanding.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ The Program commenced operations on February 1, 1995.
# Aggregate total investment return.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
65
<PAGE>
[MANAGEMENT OF THE PROGRAM LOGO APPEARS HERE]
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR FUNDAMENTAL VALUE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fundamental Value Portfolio*
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Class D
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
For the Year For the Year
Ended January 31, Ended January 31,
Increase (Decrease) in ------------------------------------ -------------------------------
Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996+ 1999 1998 1997 1996+
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating
Performance:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $ 13.75 $ 13.39 $ 11.55 $10.00 $13.94 $13.54 $11.65 $10.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income
(loss) -- net (.06) (.09) (.15) (.09) .07 .03 (.04) .03
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized
gain on investments --
net 1.03 2.19 2.66 1.98 1.04 2.22 2.68 1.96
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations .97 2.10 2.51 1.89 1.11 2.25 2.64 1.99
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
Realized gain on
investments -- net (.81) (1.74) (.67) (.20) (.92) (1.85) (.75) (.20)
In excess of realized
gain on investments --
net -- -- -- (.11) -- -- -- (.11)
Return of capital -- net -- -- -- (.03) -- -- -- (.03)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (.81) (1.74) (.67) (.34) (.92) (1.85) (.75) (.34)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $ 13.91 $ 13.75 $ 13.39 $11.55 $14.13 $13.94 $13.54 $11.65
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment
Return:**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value
per share 7.23% 15.93% 21.82% 18.89%# 8.19% 16.89% 22.82% 19.90%#
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Net
Assets:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net of
reimbursement 2.58% 2.75% 3.15% 3.38% 1.70% 1.89% 2.27% 2.45%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 2.58% 2.75% 3.15% 3.46% 1.70% 1.89% 2.27% 2.56%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income
(loss) -- net (.39%) (.63)% (1.19)% (.75)% .50% .23% (.31)% .24%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Data:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands) $31,188 $22,896 $15,022 $7,990 $6,236 $5,314 $4,180 $2,471
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 40.10% 68.75% 80.60% 51.37% 40.10% 68.75% 80.60% 51.37%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Based on average shares outstanding.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ The Program commenced operations on February 1, 1995.
# Aggregate total investment return.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
66
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR QUALITY BOND PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quality Bond Portfolio
----------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Class B
------------------------------ -------------------------------
For the Year For the Year
Ended January 31, Ended January 31,
Increase (Decrease) in ------------------------------ -------------------------------
Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996+ 1999 1998 1997 1996+
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating
Performance:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $10.10 $ 9.79 $10.27 $10.00 $ 10.09 $ 9.79 $10.27 $10.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net .66 .69 .68 .62 .58 .60 .59 .54
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on
investments -- net .18 .31 (.44) .27 .19 .30 (.44) .27
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations .84 1.00 .24 .89 .77 .90 .15 .81
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends and
distributions:
Investment income -- net (.66) (.69) (.68) (.62) (.58) (.60) (.59) (.54)
Realized gain on
investments -- net (.07) -- (.04) -- (.07) -- (.04) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total dividends and
distributions (.73) (.69) (.72) (.62) (.65) (.60) (.63) (.54)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $10.21 $10.10 $ 9.79 $10.27 $ 10.21 $10.09 $ 9.79 $10.27
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment
Return:*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value
per share 8.57% 10.59% 2.51% 9.26%# 7.88% 9.55% 1.62% 8.35%#
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Net
Assets:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net of
reimbursement .00% .00% .00% .00% .75% .75% .78% .79%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 2.00% 2.62% 3.23% 2.60% 2.71% 3.51% 4.08% 3.31%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net 6.56% 7.01% 6.85% 6.22% 5.74% 6.14% 6.00% 5.52%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Data:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands) $ 84 $1,214 $2,254 $2,196 $11,874 $6,095 $4,824 $3,049
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 123.80% 114.61% 91.10% 86.68% 123.80% 114.61% 91.10% 86.68%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ The Program commenced operations on February 1, 1995.
# Aggregate total investment return.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
67
<PAGE>
[MANAGEMENT OF THE PROGRAM LOGO APPEARS HERE]
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR QUALITY BOND PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quality Bond Portfolio
---------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Class D
------------------------------ ------------------------------
For the Year For the Year
Ended January 31, Ended January 31,
Increase (Decrease) in ------------------------------ ------------------------------
Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996+ 1999 1998 1997 1996+
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating
Performance:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $10.09 $ 9.79 $10.27 $10.00 $10.09 $ 9.79 $10.27 $10.00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net .58 .60 .58 .53 .63 .66 .65 .60
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on
investments -- net .19 .30 (.44) .27 .19 .30 (.44) .27
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations .77 .90 .14 .80 .82 .96 .21 .87
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends and
distributions:
Investment income -- net (.58) (.60) (.58) (.53) (.63) (.66) (.65) (.60)
Realized gain on
investments -- net (.07) -- (.04) -- (.07) -- (.04) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total dividends and
distributions (.65) (.60) (.62) (.53) (.70) (.66) (.69) (.60)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $10.21 $10.09 $ 9.79 $10.27 $10.21 $10.09 $ 9.79 $10.27
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment
Return:*
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value
per share 7.83% 9.46% 1.55% 8.27%# 8.41% 10.21% 2.25% 8.99%#
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Net
Assets:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net of
reimbursement .80% .80% .85% .87% .25% .25% .16% .19%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 2.82% 3.60% 4.15% 3.44% 2.08% 2.90% 3.47% 2.70%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net 5.69% 6.05% 5.93% 5.46% 6.21% 6.75% 6.62% 6.11%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Data:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands) $4,587 $2,814 $1,885 $1,123 $1,583 $ 609 $ 452 $ 221
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 123.80% 114.61% 91.10% 86.68% 123.80% 114.61% 91.10% 86.68%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ The Program commenced operations on February 1, 1995.
# Aggregate total investment return.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
68
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Class B
------------------------------- --------------------------------
For the Year For the Year
Ended January 31, Ended January 31,
Increase (Decrease) in ------------------------------- --------------------------------
Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996+ 1999 1998 1997 1996+
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating
Performance:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $10.48 $10.20 $10.48 $10.00 $ 10.48 $10.20 $10.48 $10.00
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net .64 .69 .69 .76 .56 .61 .60 .68
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on
investments -- net .21 .35 (.21) .74 .20 .35 (.21) .74
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations .85 1.04 .48 1.50 .76 .96 .39 1.42
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends and
distributions:
Investment income -- net (.64) (.69) (.69) (.76) (.56) (.61) (.60) (.68)
Realized gain on
investments -- net (.17) (.07) (.07) (.26) (.17) (.07) (.07) (.26)
In excess of realized
gain on investments --
net -- ++ -- -- -- -- ++ -- -- --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total dividends and
distributions (.81) (.76) (.76) (1.02) (.73) (.68) (.67) (.94)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $10.52 $10.48 $10.20 $10.48 $ 10.51 $10.48 $10.20 $10.48
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment
Return:*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value
per share 8.39% 10.66% 4.76% 15.47%# 7.48% 9.76% 3.90% 14.53%#
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Net
Assets:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net of
reimbursement .00% .00% .00% .00% .75% .75% .78% .81%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.73% 2.00% 2.92% 2.54% 2.34% 2.82% 3.72% 3.35%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net 6.13% 6.80% 6.69% 7.30% 5.26% 5.94% 5.85% 6.28%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Data:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands) $1,278 $3,233 $4,486 $5,463 $14,817 $6,627 $4,514 $3,043
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 310.91% 361.31% 27.32% 113.05% 310.91% 361.31% 27.32% 113.05%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ The Program commenced operations on February 1, 1995.
++ Amount is less than $.01 per share.
# Aggregate total investment return.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
69
<PAGE>
[MANAGEMENT OF THE PROGRAM LOGO APPEARS HERE]
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Class D
------------------------------- -------------------------------
For the Year For the Year
Ended January 31, Ended January 31,
Increase (Decrease) in ------------------------------- -------------------------------
Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996+ 1999 1998 1997 1996+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating
Performance:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $10.48 $10.19 $10.47 $10.00 $10.48 $10.20 $10.48 $10.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net .55 .60 .59 .67 .61 .67 .66 .74
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on
investments -- net .20 .36 (.21) .73 .21 .35 (.21) .74
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations .75 .96 .38 1.40 .82 1.02 .45 1.48
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends and
distributions:
Investment income -- net (.55) (.60) (.59) (.67) (.61) (.67) (.66) (.74)
Realized gain on
investments -- net (.17) (.07) (.07) (.26) (.17) (.07) (.07) (.26)
In excess of realized
gain on investments --
net -- ++ -- -- -- -- ++ -- -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total dividends and
distributions (.72) (.67) (.66) (.93) (.78) (.74) (.73) (1.00)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $10.51 $10.48 $10.19 $10.47 $10.52 $10.48 $10.20 $10.48
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment
Return:*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value
per share 7.43% 9.79% 3.83% 14.36%# 8.12% 10.38% 4.49% 15.13%#
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Net
Assets:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net of
reimbursement .80% .80% .85% .86% .25% .25% .21% .22%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 2.47% 2.90% 3.78% 3.41% 1.67% 2.25% 3.14% 2.77%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income -- net 5.21% 5.88% 5.78% 6.21% 5.73% 6.53% 6.42% 6.90%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Data:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands) $4,679 $2,057 $1,757 $1,089 $1,701 $ 315 $ 313 $ 182
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 310.91% 361.31% 27.32% 113.05% 310.91% 361.31% 27.32% 113.05%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ The Program commenced operations on February 1, 1995.
++ Amount is less than $.01 per share.
# Aggregate total investment return.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
70
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Global Opportunity Portfolio*
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Class B
------------------------------ ----------------------------------
For the Year For the Year
Ended January 31, Ended January 31,
Increase (Decrease) in ------------------------------ ----------------------------------
Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996+ 1999 1998 1997 1996+
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating
Performance:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $11.40 $11.93 $10.82 $10.00 $ 11.30 $ 11.86 $ 10.76 $ 10.00
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income
(loss) -- net .16 .16 .15 .34 .03 .02 (.04) .13
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized
gain on investments and
foreign currency
transactions -- net .94 .69 1.21 .77 .93 .68 1.29 .85
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations 1.10 .85 1.36 1.11 .96 .70 1.25 .98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends and
distributions:
Investment income -- net -- (.05) -- (.20) -- (.02) -- (.15)
In excess of investment
income on investments --
net -- (.20) (.13) (.06) -- (.11) (.03) (.04)
Realized gain on
investments -- net -- (.99) (.12) -- -- (.99) (.12) --
In excess of realized
gain on investments --
net (.04) (.14) -- (.03) (.03) (.14) -- (.03)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total dividends and
distributions (.04) (1.38) (.25) (.29) (.03) (1.26) (.15) (.22)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $12.46 $11.40 $11.93 $10.82 $ 12.23 $ 11.30 $ 11.86 $ 10.76
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment
Return:**
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value
per share 9.63% 7.27% 12.68% 11.15%# 8.48% 5.97% 11.67% 9.89%#
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Net
Assets:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net of
reimbursement 1.72% 1.87% 2.47% 2.01% 2.82% 2.96% 3.76% 3.50%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.72% 1.87% 2.90% 2.32% 2.82% 2.96% 4.01% 3.61%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income
(loss) -- net 1.37% 1.28% 1.83% 2.92% .26% .18% (.39%) 1.20%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Data:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands) $ 193 $ 167 $ 129 $3,025 $44,455 $40,687 $30,469 $16,117
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 134.89% 99.11% 125.68% 83.14% 134.89% 99.11% 125.68% 83.14%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Based on average shares outstanding.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ The Program commenced operations on February 1, 1995.
# Aggregate total investment return.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
71
<PAGE>
[MANAGEMENT OF THE PROGRAM LOGO APPEARS HERE]
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Global Opportunity Portfolio*
------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Class D
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
For the Year For the Year
Ended January 31, Ended January 31,
Increase (Decrease) in --------------------------------- ------------------------------
Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996+ 1999 1998 1997 1996+
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating
Performance:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $ 11.28 $ 11.84 $ 10.75 $10.00 $11.39 $11.92 $10.80 $10.00
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income
(loss) -- net .02 .02 (.05) .12 .13 .13 .05 .22
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized
gain on investments and
foreign currency
transactions -- net .93 .68 1.29 .85 .94 .70 1.29 .85
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations .95 .70 1.24 .97 1.07 .83 1.34 1.07
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends and
distributions:
Investment income -- net -- (.02) -- (.15) -- (.04) -- (.18)
In excess of investment
income on investments --
net -- (.11) (.03) (.04) -- (.19) (.10) (.06)
Realized gain on
investments -- net -- (.99) (.12) -- -- (.99) (.12) --
In excess of realized
gain on investments --
net (.03) (.14) -- (.03) (.04) (.14) -- (.03)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total dividends and
distributions (.03) (1.26) (.15) (.22) (.04) (1.36) (.22) (.27)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $ 12.20 $ 11.28 $ 11.84 $10.75 $12.42 $11.39 $11.92 $10.80
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment
Return:**
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value
per share 8.40% 5.99% 11.61% 9.81%# 9.35% 7.02% 12.56% 10.80%#
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Net
Assets:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net of
reimbursement 2.87% 3.00% 3.81% 3.58% 1.97% 2.12% 2.91% 2.67%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 2.87% 3.00% 4.06% 3.65% 1.97% 2.12% 3.17% 2.77%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income
(loss) -- net .20% .13% (.46%) 1.07% 1.11% 1.03% .48% 2.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Data:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands) $18,342 $15,951 $10,659 $4,770 $3,375 $3,149 $2,596 $1,513
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 134.89% 99.11% 125.68% 83.14% 134.89% 99.11% 125.68% 83.14%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Based on average shares outstanding.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ The Program commenced operations on February 1, 1995.
# Aggregate total investment return.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
72
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR GROWTH OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Growth Opportunity Portfolio++
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Class B
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
For the Year For the Period For the Year For the Period
Ended January 31, February 2, 1996+ Ended January 31, February 2, 1996+
Increase (Decrease) in ----------------- to January 31, ----------------- to January 31,
Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating
Performance:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $ 13.42 $ 11.79 $10.00 $ 13.27 $ 11.68 $10.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income
(loss) -- net (.06) (.07) .03 (.23) (.22) (.21)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized
gain on investments --
net 5.63 2.83 1.76 5.54 2.80 1.89
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations 5.57 2.76 1.79 5.31 2.58 1.68
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from
realized gain on
investments -- net (.46) (1.13) -- (.32) (.99) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $ 18.53 $ 13.42 $11.79 $ 18.26 $ 13.27 $11.68
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment
Return:**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value
per share 42.02% 23.52% 17.90%# 40.41 % 22.16% 16.80%#
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Net
Assets:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net of
reimbursement 1.56% 1.98% 2.44%* 2.66 % 3.09% 3.84%*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.56% 1.98% 3.08%* 2.66 % 3.09% 4.00%*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income
(loss) -- net (.39%) (.55%) .23%* (1.50)% (1.66)% (1.93)%*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Data:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands) $ 582 $ 207 $ 58 $ 69,601 $ 25,752 $9,816
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 40.59% 60.24% 51.63% 40.59 % 60.24% 51.63%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Based on average shares outstanding.
# Aggregate total investment return.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
73
<PAGE>
[MANAGEMENT OF THE PROGRAM LOGO APPEARS HERE]
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR GROWTH OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Growth Opportunity Portfolio++
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Class D
------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
For the Year For the Year
Ended For the Period Ended For the Period
January 31, February 2, 1996+ January 31, February 2, 1996+
Increase (Decrease) in ----------------- to January 31, --------------- to January 31,
Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating
Performance:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $ 13.26 $ 11.67 $10.00 $13.42 $11.78 $10.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment loss -- net (.24) (.23) (.22) (.10) (.11) (.11)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and unrealized
gain on investments --
net 5.55 2.81 1.89 5.62 2.84 1.89
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations 5.31 2.58 1.67 5.52 2.73 1.78
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from
realized gain on
investments -- net (.33) (.99) -- (.43) (1.09) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $ 18.24 $ 13.26 $11.67 $18.51 $13.42 $11.78
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investment
Return:**
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on net asset value
per share 40.39 % 22.17% 16.70%# 41.59% 23.30% 17.80%#
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to Average Net
Assets:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses, net of
reimbursement 2.71 % 3.14% 3.88%* 1.80% 2.23% 2.94%*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 2.71 % 3.14% 4.05%* 1.80% 2.23% 3.13%*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment loss -- net (1.55)% (1.71)% (1.98)%* (.64%) (.80)% (1.00)%*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Data:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands) $40,710 $13,059 $4,649 $3,700 $1,612 $ 819
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover 40.59 % 60.24% 51.63% 40.59% 60.24% 51.63%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Based on average shares outstanding.
# Aggregate total investment return.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
74
<PAGE>
[CHART APPEARS HERE]
POTENTIAL
INVESTORS
Open an account (two options).
1 2
MERRILL LYNCH TRANSFER AGENT
FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
OR SECURITIES DEALER Financial Data Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 45289
Advises shareholders on their Jacksonville, FL 32232-5289
Program investments.
Performs shareholders recordkeeping
and reporting services.
DISTRIBUTOR
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor,
a division of Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc.
P.O. Box 9081
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081
Arranges for the sale of Program shares.
COUNSEL CUSTODIAN
THE PROGRAM
Brown & Wood LLP The Bank of New York
One World Trade Center The Board of 90 Washington Street
New York, New York 10048-0557 Directors 12th Floor
oversees the New York, New York 10286
Provides legal advice Program.
to the Program. Holds the Program's assets for
safekeeping.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP INVESTMENT ADVISER
117 Campus Drive Fund Asset Management, L.P.
Princeton, New Jersey 08540-6400
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Audits the financial 800 Scudders Mill Road
statements of the Program on behalf of Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
the shareholders.
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
TELEPHONE NUMBER
1-800-MER-FUND
Manages the Program's day-to-day
activities.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET BUILDER PROGRAM, INC.
<PAGE>
[FOR MORE INFORMATION LOGO APPEARS HERE]
Shareholder Reports
Additional information about the Program's investments is available in the Pro-
gram's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Program's annual
report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment
strategies that significantly affected the Program's performance during its
last fiscal year. You may obtain these reports at no cost by calling 1-800-MER-
FUND.
The Program will send you one copy of each shareholder report and certain other
mailings, regardless of the number of Program accounts you have. To receive
separate shareholder reports for each account, call your Merrill Lynch Finan-
cial Consultant or write to the Transfer Agent at its mailing address. Include
your name, address, tax identification number and Merrill Lynch brokerage or
mutual fund account number. If you have any questions, please call your Merrill
Lynch Financial Consultant or the Transfer Agent at 1-800-MER-FUND.
Statement of Additional Information
The Program's Statement of Additional Information contains further information
about the Program and is incorporated by reference (legally considered to be
part of this prospectus). You may request a free copy by writing the Transfer
Agent at Financial Data Services, Inc., P.O. Box 45289, Jacksonville, Florida
32232-5289 or by calling 1-800-MER-FUND.
Contact your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant or the Fund, at the telephone
number or address indicated above, if you have any questions.
Information about the Program (including the Statement of Additional Informa-
tion) can be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washing-
ton, D.C. Call 1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the operation of the public
reference room. This information is also available on the SEC's internet site
at http://www.sec.gov and copies may be obtained upon payment of a duplicating
fee by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C. 20549-
6009.
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. No one is
authorized to provide you with information that is different from information
contained in this Prospectus.
Investment Company Act file #811-7177
Code #18472-5-99
(C)Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P.
Prospectus
[LOGO OF MERRILL LYNCH APPEARS HERE]
Merrill Lynch Asset
Builder Program, Inc.
June 1, 1999
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc.
P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011 . Phone No. (609) 282-2800
---------------
Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc. (the "Program") is a
professionally managed, open-end investment company. The Program consists of
five separate portfolios: the Merrill Lynch Fundamental Value Portfolio (the
"Fundamental Value Portfolio"), the Merrill Lynch Quality Bond Portfolio (the
"Quality Bond Portfolio"), the Merrill Lynch U.S. Government Securities
Portfolio (the "U.S. Government Securities Portfolio"), the Merrill Lynch
Global Opportunity Portfolio (the "Global Opportunity Portfolio") and the
Merrill Lynch Growth Opportunity Portfolio (the "Growth Opportunity
Portfolio") (each a "Portfolio"). Each Portfolio has its own separate
investment objectives and may employ a variety of instruments and techniques
to enhance income and to hedge against market risk and, in the case of the
Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios,
currency risk.
The Fundamental Value Portfolio is a diversified portfolio seeking capital
appreciation and, secondarily, income by investing in securities, primarily
equities, that the management of the Portfolio believes are undervalued and
therefore represent investment value.
The Quality Bond Portfolio is a diversified portfolio seeking income and,
secondarily, capital appreciation by investing primarily in long term
corporate bonds that are rated A or better by a nationally recognized rating
agency such as Standard & Poor's, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")
and Fitch IBCA, Inc. ("Fitch"), or that possess, in the judgment of the
Investment Adviser, similar credit characteristics.
The U.S. Government Securities Portfolio is a diversified portfolio seeking
high current return by investing in U.S. Government and government agency
securities, including Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA")
mortgage backed securities and other mortgage backed government securities.
The Global Opportunity Portfolio is a diversified portfolio seeking high
total investment return through a fully-managed investment policy utilizing
United States and foreign equity, debt and money market securities, the
combination of which will be varied from time to time, both with respect to
types of securities and markets, in response to changing market and economic
trends.
The Growth Opportunity Portfolio is a non-diversified portfolio seeking
growth of capital and, secondarily, income by investing in a portfolio of
equity securities placing principal emphasis on those securities which
management of the Portfolio believes to be undervalued.
Each Portfolio is a separate series of the Program issuing its own shares.
Shares of each Portfolio are available for purchase solely by holders of the
individual retirement plans, Roth individual retirement accounts, individual
retirement rollover accounts and simplified employee pension plans and simple
retirement accounts (collectively "IRAs") for which Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") acts as custodian and CBA SM
accounts or CMA Sub-Accounts SM established pursuant to the Uniform Gifts to
Minors Acts or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Acts (or similar state
statutes).
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System, each Portfolio
offers four classes of shares, each with a different combination of sales
charges, ongoing fees and other features. The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM
System permits an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that the
investor believes is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the
length of time the investor expects to hold the shares and other relevant
circumstances. See "Purchase of Shares."
---------------
This Statement of Additional Information of the Program is not a prospectus
and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Program, dated
June 1, 1999 (the "Prospectus"), which has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and can be obtained, without charge, by
calling 1-800-637-3863 or by writing the Program at the above address. The
Prospectus is incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional
Information, and this Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by
reference into the Prospectus. The Program's audited financial statements are
incorporated in this Statement of Additional Information by reference to its
1999 annual report to shareholders. You may request a copy of the annual
report or a Prospectus at no charge by calling (800) 456-4587, ext. 789
between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on any business day.
---------------
Merrill Lynch Asset Management -- Investment Adviser
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor -- Distributor
---------------
The date of this Statement of Additional Information is June 1, 1999.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
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Investment Objective and Policies......................................... 3
Fundamental Value Portfolio............................................. 3
Quality Bond Portfolio.................................................. 3
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio.................................... 4
Global Opportunity Portfolio............................................ 5
Growth Opportunity Portfolio............................................ 6
Other Investment Policies and Practices of the Portfolios................. 7
Investments in Equity Securities........................................ 7
Investments in Foreign Securities....................................... 7
International Investing in Countries with Smaller Capital Markets....... 9
Investments in Debt Securities.......................................... 9
Investments in Securities Denominated in Foreign Currencies............. 12
Investments in Fixed Income Securities.................................. 13
Investments in Money Market Securities.................................. 13
When Issued Securities, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward
Commitments............................................................ 13
Standby Commitment Agreements........................................... 13
Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts................... 14
Derivatives............................................................. 14
Securities Lending...................................................... 16
Illiquid or Restricted Securities....................................... 17
144A Securities......................................................... 17
Portfolio Transactions.................................................. 18
Borrowings and Leverage................................................. 18
Non-Diversified Status.................................................. 19
Suitability............................................................. 20
Investment Restrictions................................................. 20
Portfolio Turnover...................................................... 22
Management of the Program................................................. 22
Directors and Officers.................................................. 22
Compensation of Directors............................................... 24
Management and Advisory Arrangements.................................... 25
Code of Ethics.......................................................... 26
Purchase of Shares........................................................ 27
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class A and Class D Shares......... 29
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class B and Class C Shares........ 35
Distribution Plans...................................................... 41
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges.................... 43
Redemption of Shares...................................................... 46
Reinstatement Privilege -- Class A and Class D Shares................... 46
Pricing of Shares......................................................... 47
Determination of Net Asset Value........................................ 47
Computation of Offering Price Per Share................................. 48
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage...................................... 49
Shareholder Services...................................................... 51
Investment Account...................................................... 51
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends..................................... 52
Systematic Redemption and Automatic Investment Plans.................... 52
Exchange Privilege...................................................... 52
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
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<S> <C>
Dividends and Taxes....................................................... 55
Federal Tax............................................................. 55
State Tax............................................................... 58
Performance Data.......................................................... 58
General Information....................................................... 65
Description of Shares................................................... 65
Independent Auditors.................................................... 65
Custodian............................................................... 65
Transfer Agent.......................................................... 66
Legal Counsel........................................................... 66
Reports to Shareholders................................................. 66
Shareholder Inquiries................................................... 66
Additional Information.................................................. 66
Financial Statements...................................................... 67
Appendix I................................................................ I-1
Appendix II............................................................... II-1
Appendix III.............................................................. III-1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The Program consists of five separate Portfolios: the Fundamental Value
Portfolio, the Quality Bond Portfolio, the U.S. Government Securities
Portfolio, the Global Opportunity Portfolio and the Growth Opportunity
Portfolio, each with its own separate investment objectives. Each of the
Portfolios pursues its investment objectives through separate investment
policies. Set forth below are the specific investment objectives and policies
of each Portfolio, followed by a description of general investment policies
applicable to some or all of the Portfolios. Management of the Program
believes that all of the Portfolios' investments will be appropriate for the
retirement plans, CBA(R) and CMA(R) accounts for which the Program is
designed.
Fundamental Value Portfolio
The Fundamental Value Portfolio seeks capital appreciation and, secondarily,
income by investing in securities, with at least 65% of the Portfolio's assets
being invested in equities. These objectives are fundamental policies of the
Fundamental Value Portfolio and may not be changed without the approval of a
majority of the Portfolio's outstanding voting securities. The Portfolio seeks
special opportunities in securities that the Investment Adviser believes are
undervalued and therefore represent investment value, including securities
that are selling at a discount, either from book value or historical price-
earnings ratios, or seem capable of recovering from temporarily out-of-favor
considerations. Particular emphasis is placed on securities which provide an
above-average dividend return and sell at a below-average price-earnings
ratio. There can be no assurance that the objectives of the Fundamental Value
Portfolio will be achieved.
Investment emphasis is on equities, primarily common stock and, to a lesser
extent, securities convertible into common stocks. The Fundamental Value
Portfolio also may invest in preferred stocks and non-convertible debt
securities. The Portfolio may invest up to 30% of its total assets, taken at
market value at the time of acquisition, in the securities of foreign issuers.
See "Other Investment Policies and Practices of the Portfolios" below for
additional investment policies applicable to the Fundamental Value Portfolio.
Quality Bond Portfolio
The Quality Bond Portfolio seeks a high level of current income and,
secondarily, capital appreciation through investment in a diversified
portfolio of debt obligations, such as corporate bonds and notes, convertible
securities, preferred stocks and governmental obligations. The Portfolio will
invest primarily in securities rated in the top three rating categories
(typically "A" or better) of a nationally recognized rating agency such as
Moody's, Standard & Poor's or Fitch, or in securities that possess, in the
judgment of the Investment Adviser, similar credit characteristics. This
objective is a fundamental policy of the Quality Bond Portfolio and may not be
changed without the approval of a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding
voting securities. The credit risk of the Portfolio should be minimized by the
quality of the bonds in which it will invest, but the long maturities that
typically provide the best yields will subject the Portfolio to possible
substantial price changes resulting from market yield fluctuations. Portfolio
management strategy will attempt to mitigate adverse price changes and
optimize favorable price changes through active trading that shifts the
maturity and/or quality structure of the Portfolio within the overall
investment guidelines. There can be no assurance that the objectives of the
Quality Bond Portfolio will be achieved.
The Quality Bond Portfolio may continue to hold securities which, after
being purchased by the Portfolio, are downgraded to a rating below the top
three rating categories of a nationally recognized rating agency as well as
any unrated securities which, in the Investment Adviser's judgment, have
suffered a similar decline in quality.
The securities in the Quality Bond Portfolio will be varied from time to
time depending upon the judgment of management as to prevailing conditions in
the economy and the securities markets and the prospects for
3
<PAGE>
interest rate changes among different categories of fixed income securities.
The Portfolio anticipates that under normal circumstances more than 90% of the
assets of the Portfolio will be invested in fixed income securities, including
convertible and non-convertible debt securities and preferred stock. In
addition, as a matter of operating policy, at least 65% of the assets of the
Portfolio will under normal circumstances be invested in corporate bonds. The
remaining assets of the Portfolio may be held in cash or, as described herein,
may be used in connection with hedging transactions in futures contracts,
related options, and options on debt securities, or in connection with non-
hedging transactions in options on debt securities. The Portfolio does not
intend to invest in common stocks, rights or other equity securities.
Transactions in options on debt securities for non-hedging purposes may have
certain speculative characteristics. See "Other Investment Policies and
Practices of the Portfolios" below for additional investment policies
applicable to the Quality Bond Portfolio.
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
The U.S. Government Securities Portfolio seeks a high current return through
investments in U.S. Government and Government agency securities, including
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") mortgage backed certificates
and other mortgage backed government securities. This investment objective is
a fundamental policy of the Portfolio which may not be changed without a vote
of a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding voting securities. There can be
no assurance that the objectives of the U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
will be achieved.
The securities in which the U.S. Government Securities Portfolio may invest
are marketable securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, by
various agencies of the U.S. Government and by various instrumentalities which
have been established or sponsored by the U.S. Government ("U.S. Government
securities"). Certain of these obligations, including U.S. Treasury bills,
notes and bonds and securities of GNMA and the Federal Housing Administration
("FHA"), are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and supported by the
full faith and credit of the United States. Other U.S. Government securities
are issued or guaranteed by Federal agencies or government-sponsored
enterprises and are not direct obligations of the United States but involve
sponsorship or guarantees by Government agencies or enterprises. The guarantee
by Federal agencies or government-sponsored enterprises of their securities
does not extend to the Program's shares. These obligations include securities
that are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury,
such as obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, and securities that are
supported only by the credit of the instrumentality, such as Federal National
Mortgage Association ("FNMA") bonds. Because the U.S. Government is not
obligated to provide support to its instrumentalities, the Portfolio will
invest in obligations issued by these instrumentalities where the Portfolio is
satisfied that the credit risk with respect to the issuers is minimal. In
addition, the Portfolio may invest up to 5% of its assets in obligations
issued or guaranteed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (the "World Bank").
The Portfolio has authority to invest in all U.S. Government securities. It
is anticipated that under certain circumstances as described below, a
significant portion of its portfolio of U.S. Government securities may consist
of GNMA mortgaged backed certificates ("GNMA Certificates") and other U.S.
Government securities representing ownership interests in mortgage pools.
The Investment Adviser will effect portfolio transactions without regard to
any holding period if, in its judgment, such transactions are advisable in
light of a change in general market, economic or financial conditions. A high
portfolio turnover rate involves correspondingly greater transaction costs in
the form of dealer spreads and brokerage commissions, which are borne directly
by the Portfolio. Such turnover also has certain tax consequences for the
Portfolio. See "Other Investment Policies and Practices of the Portfolios"
below for additional investment policies applicable to the U.S. Government
Securities Portfolio.
4
<PAGE>
Global Opportunity Portfolio
The Global Opportunity Portfolio seeks a high total investment return
through a fully-managed investment policy utilizing United States and foreign
equity, and debt and money market securities, the combination of which will be
varied from time to time, both with respect to types of securities and
markets, in response to changing market and economic trends. Total investment
return is the aggregate of capital value changes and income. This objective is
a fundamental policy of the Global Opportunity Portfolio and may not be
changed without the approval of a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding
voting securities. There can be no assurance that the objectives of the Global
Opportunity Portfolio will be achieved.
The Global Opportunity Portfolio will invest in a portfolio of U.S. and
foreign equity, debt and money market securities. The composition of the
portfolio among these securities and markets will be varied from time to time
by the Investment Adviser in response to changing market and economic trends.
This fully managed investment approach provides the Portfolio with the
opportunity to benefit from anticipated shifts in the relative performance of
different types of securities and different capital markets. For example, at
times the Portfolio may emphasize investments in equity securities in
anticipation of significant advances in stock markets and at times may
emphasize debt securities in anticipation of significant declines in interest
rates. Similarly, the Portfolio may emphasize foreign markets in its security
selection when such markets are expected to outperform, in U.S. dollar terms,
the U.S. markets. The Portfolio will seek to identify longer term structural
or cyclical changes in the various economies and markets of the world which
are expected to benefit certain capital markets and certain securities in
those markets to a greater extent than other investment opportunities.
In determining the allocation of assets among capital markets, the
Investment Adviser will consider, among other factors, the relative valuation,
condition and growth potential of the various economies, including current and
anticipated changes in the rates of economic growth, rates of inflation,
corporate profits, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency, balance
of payments, governmental deficits or surpluses and other pertinent financial,
social and political factors which may affect such markets. In allocating
among equity, debt and money market securities within each market, the
Investment Adviser also will consider the relative opportunity for capital
appreciation of equity and debt securities, dividend yields, and the level of
interest rates paid on debt securities of various maturities.
While there are no prescribed limits on the geographical allocation of the
Portfolio's assets, the Investment Adviser anticipates that it will invest
primarily in the securities of corporate and governmental issuers domiciled or
located in the United States, Canada, Western Europe and the Far East. In
addition, the Investment Adviser anticipates that a portion of the Portfolio's
assets normally will be invested in the U.S. securities markets and the other
major capital markets. Under normal conditions, the Portfolio's investments
will be denominated in at least three currencies or multinational currency
units. However, the Portfolio reserves the right to invest substantially all
of its assets in U.S. markets or U.S. dollar-denominated obligations when
market conditions warrant.
Similarly, there are no prescribed limits on the allocation of the
Portfolio's assets among equity, debt and money market securities. Therefore,
at any given time, the Portfolio's assets may be primarily invested in either
equity, debt or money market securities or in any combination thereof.
However, the Investment Adviser anticipates that the Portfolio's holdings
generally will include both equity and debt securities.
The Global Opportunity Portfolio may invest up to 34% of the Portfolio's
assets in debt securities rated below "investment grade" (i.e., Ba or lower by
Moody's or BB or lower by Standard & Poor's or Fitch) or which possess, in the
judgment of the Investment Adviser, similar credit characteristics. Investment
in debt securities rated in the medium to lower rating categories of a
nationally recognized rating agency or in unrated securities of comparable
quality involve special risks which are described more fully below under
"Other Investment Policies and Practices of the Portfolios -- Investments in
Debt Securities -- Credit Quality." See "Other Investment Policies and
Practices of the Portfolios" below for additional investment policies
applicable to the Global Opportunity Portfolio.
5
<PAGE>
Growth Opportunity Portfolio
The Growth Opportunity Portfolio seeks long term growth of capital. The
Portfolio will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing in a
portfolio of equity securities placing particular emphasis on companies that
have exhibited above-average growth rates in earnings. The investment
objective of the Portfolio set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph
is a fundamental policy of the Portfolio which may not be changed without
approval of a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding voting securities.
The Portfolio will give particular emphasis to companies which possess
above-average growth rates in earnings, resulting from a variety of factors
including, but not limited to, above-average growth rates in sales, profit
margin improvement, proprietary or niche products or services, leading market
shares, and underlying strong industry growth. Management of the Portfolio
believes that companies which possess above-average earnings growth frequently
provide the prospect of above-average stock market returns, although such
companies tend to have higher relative stock market valuations. Emphasis also
will be given to companies having medium to large stock market capitalizations
($500 million or more).
Investment emphasis will be on equities, primarily common socks and, to a
lesser extent, securities convertible into common stocks. The Portfolio also
may invest in nonconvertible preferred stocks and debt securities during
temporary periods as market or economic conditions may warrant. Up to 5% of
the Portfolio's total assets may be invested in debt securities rated below
investment grade (i.e., Ba or lower by Moody's or BB or lower by Standard &
Poor's or Fitch), or which possess, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser,
similar credit characteristics. See "Other Investment Policies and Practices
of the Portfolios -- Investments in Debt Securities -- Credit Quality."
The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of is total assets in equity securities
of foreign issuers with the foregoing characteristics. Except as otherwise set
forth herein, there are no prescribed limits on the geographical allocation of
the Portfolio's assets. (Purchases of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"),
however, will not be subject to this restriction.) The Portfolio may invest in
securities of foreign issuers in the form of ADRs, European Depositary
Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") or other securities
convertible into securities of foreign issuers. These securities may not
necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which
they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by an American bank
or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a
foreign corporation. EDRs are receipts issued in Europe which evidence a
similar ownership arrangement. Generally, ADRs, which are issued in registered
form, are designed for use in the United States securities markets and EDRs,
which are issued in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities
markets. GDRs are tradeable both in the United States and Europe and are
designed for use throughout the world.
The Growth Opportunity Portfolio is classified as non-diversified within the
meaning of the Investment Company Act, which means that the Portfolio is not
limited by such Act in the proportion of its assets that it may invest in
securities of a single issuer. The Portfolio's investments will be limited,
however, in order to qualify for the special tax treatment afforded regulated
investment companies under the Code. See "Dividends and Taxes". To qualify,
the Portfolio will comply with certain requirements, including limiting its
investments so that at the close of each quarter of the taxable year (i) not
more than 25% of the market value of the Portfolio's total assets will be
invested in the securities of a single issuer and (ii) with respect to 50% of
the market value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the market value of
its total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and
the Portfolio will not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities
of a single issuer. A fund which elects to be classified as "diversified"
under the Investment Company Act must satisfy the foregoing 5% and 10%
requirements with respect to 75% of its total assets. To the extent that the
Portfolio assumes large positions in the securities of a small number of
issuers, the Portfolio's net asset value may fluctuate to a greater extent
than that of the other Portfolios or of another diversified company as a
result of changes in the financial condition or in the market's assessment of
the issuers, and the Portfolio may be more susceptible to any single economic,
political or regulatory occurrence than a diversified company.
6
<PAGE>
For purposes of the diversification requirements set forth above with respect
to regulated investment companies, and to the extent required by the
Commission, the Portfolio, as a non-fundamental policy, will consider
securities issued or guaranteed by the government of any one foreign country as
the obligations of a single issuer. See "Other Investment Policies and
Practices of the Portfolios" below for additional investment policies
applicable to the Growth Opportunity Portfolio.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF THE PORTFOLIOS
Set forth below are additional investment policies applicable to some or all
of the Portfolios.
Investments in Equity Securities
The Fundamental Value Portfolio will invest primarily (at least 65% of the
Portfolio's net assets) in equity securities. The Growth Opportunity Portfolio
will also, except during temporary periods as market or economic conditions may
warrant, maintain at least 65% of its total assets invested in equity
securities. A significant portion of the Global Opportunity Portfolio also may
be invested in equity securities. In purchasing equity securities for these
Portfolios, the Investment Adviser will seek to identify the securities of
companies and industry sectors which are expected to provide high total return
relative to alternative equity investments. These Portfolios generally will
seek to invest in securities the Investment Adviser believes to be undervalued.
Undervalued issues include securities selling at a discount from the price-to-
book value ratios and price-earnings ratios computed with respect to the
relevant stock market averages. A Portfolio also may consider as undervalued
securities selling at a discount from their historic price-to-book value or
price-earnings ratios, even though these ratios may be above the ratios for the
stock market averages. Securities offering dividend yields higher than the
yields for the relevant stock market averages or higher than such securities'
historic yields may also be considered to be undervalued. The Portfolios may
also invest in the securities of small and emerging growth companies when such
companies are expected to provide a higher total return than other equity
investments. Such companies are characterized by rapid historical growth rates,
above-average returns on equity or special investment value in terms of their
products or services, research capabilities or other unique attributes. The
Investment Adviser will seek to identify small and emerging growth companies
that possess superior management, marketing ability, research and product
development skills and sound balance sheets.
Investment in the securities of small and emerging growth companies involves
greater risk than investment in larger, more established companies. Such risks
include the fact that securities of small or emerging growth companies may be
subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger, more
established companies or the market average in general. Also, these companies
may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be
dependent on a limited management group.
There may be periods when market and economic conditions exist that favor
certain types of tangible assets as compared to other types of investments.
Investments in Foreign Securities
The Fundamental Value Portfolio may invest up to 30% of its total assets, the
Growth Opportunity Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its total assets and the
Global Opportunity Portfolio may invest without limitation, in the securities
of foreign issuers. Investments in securities of foreign entities and
securities denominated in foreign currencies involve risks not typically
involved in domestic investment, including fluctuations in foreign exchange
rates, future foreign political and economic developments, and the possible
imposition of exchange controls or other foreign or U.S. governmental laws or
restrictions applicable to such investments. Since the Fundamental Value,
Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios may invest in securities
denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in
foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of investments in the
portfolio and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments
insofar as U.S. investors are concerned. Changes in foreign currency exchange
rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the
7
<PAGE>
U.S. dollar value of the Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios' assets denominated in those currencies and the
corresponding Portfolios' yields on such assets. Foreign currency exchange
rates are determined by forces of supply and demand on the foreign exchange
markets. These forces are, in turn, affected by the international balance of
payments and other economic and financial conditions, government intervention,
speculation, and other factors. Moreover, individual foreign economies may
differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as
growth of gross national products, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of
expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social
instability or diplomatic developments which could affect investment in those
countries. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign
financial instrument than about a U.S. instrument, and foreign entities may
not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
requirements comparable to those to which U.S. entities are subject. Foreign
financial markets, while growing in volume, generally have substantially less
volume than U.S. markets, and securities of many foreign companies are less
liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable domestic
companies. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement
procedures and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have
been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it
difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in
temporary periods when assets of the Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity or
Growth Opportunity Portfolios are uninvested and no return is earned thereon.
The inability of a Portfolio to make intended security purchases due to
settlement problems could cause that Portfolio to miss attractive investment
opportunities. Inability to dispose of securities in a Portfolio due to
settlement problems could result either in losses to that Portfolio due to
subsequent declines in value of the portfolio securities or, if the Portfolio
has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser. Costs associated with transactions in foreign
securities generally are higher than costs associated with transactions in
U.S. securities. There is generally less government supervision and regulation
of exchanges, financial institutions and issuers in foreign countries than
there is in the United States.
The operating expense ratios of the Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity
and Growth Opportunity Portfolios can be expected to be higher than those of
an investment company investing exclusively in U.S. securities because the
expenses of each Portfolio, such as custodial costs, may be higher.
Dividends and interest received by the Global Opportunity Portfolio and, to
a lesser extent, the Fundamental Value and Growth Opportunity Portfolios, may
give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax
conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or
eliminate such taxes. Even if a Portfolio is eligible to pass such taxes
through to shareholders, because their ownership is through an IRA,
shareholders will generally not be able to credit or deduct such taxes in
computing their taxable incomes. See "Dividends and Taxes."
European Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU"). For a number of years, certain
European countries have been seeking economic unification that would, among
other things, reduce barriers between countries, increase competition among
companies, reduce government subsidies in certain industries, and reduce or
eliminate currency fluctuations among these European countries. The Treaty on
European Union (the "Maastricht Treaty") set out a framework for the European
Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU") among the countries that comprise the
European Union ("EU"). EMU established a single common European currency (the
"euro") that was introduced on January 1, 1999 and is expected to replace the
existing national currencies of all EMU participants by July 1, 2002. EMU took
effect for the initial EMU participants on January 1, 1999. Certain securities
issued in participating EU countries (beginning with government and corporate
bonds) were redenominated in the euro, and are listed, traded, and make
dividend and other payments only in euros.
No assurance can be given that EMU will take full effect, that all the
changes planned for the EU can be successfully implemented, or that these
changes will result in the economic and monetary unity and stability intended.
There is a possibility that EMU will not be completed, or will be completed
but then partially or completely unwound. Because any participating country
may opt out of EMU within the first three years, it is
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also possible that a significant participant could choose to abandon EMU,
which could diminish its credibility and influence. Any of these occurrences
could have adverse effects on the markets of both participating and non-
participating countries, including sharp appreciation or depreciation of
participants' national currencies and a significant increase in exchange rate
volatility, a resurgence in economic protectionism, an undermining of
confidence in the European markets, an undermining of European economic
stability, the collapse or slowdown of the drive toward European economic
unity, and/or reversion of the attempts to lower government debt and inflation
rates that were introduced in anticipation of EMU. Also, withdrawal from EMU
by an initial participant could cause disruption of the financial markets as
securities redenominated in euros are transferred back into that country's
national currency, particularly if the withdrawing country is a major economic
power. Such developments could have an adverse impact on the Portfolios'
investments in Europe generally or in specific countries participating in EMU.
Gains or losses from euro conversions may be taxable to Portfolio shareholders
under foreign or, in certain limited circumstances, U.S. tax laws.
International Investing in Countries with Smaller Capital Markets
The risks associated with investments in foreign securities discussed above
are often heightened for investments in small capital markets.
There may be less publicly available information about an issuer in a
smaller capital market than would be available about a U.S. company, and it
may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. As a
result, traditional investment measurements, such as price-earnings ratios, as
used in the United States, may not be applicable in certain capital markets.
Smaller capital markets, while often growing in trading volume, typically
have substantially less volume than U.S. markets, and securities in many
smaller capital markets are less liquid and their prices may be more volatile
than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Brokerage commissions, custodial
services, and other costs relating to investment in smaller capital markets
are generally more expensive than in the United States. Such markets have
different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there
have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume
of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
Further, satisfactory custodial services for investment securities may not be
available in some countries having smaller capital markets, which may result
in the Portfolio's incurring additional costs and delays in transporting and
custodying such securities outside such countries. Delays in settlement could
result in temporary periods when assets of the Portfolio are uninvested and no
return is earned thereon. The inability of the Portfolio to make intended
security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Portfolio to
miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio
security due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the
Portfolio due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if
the Portfolio has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result
in possible liability to the purchaser. There is generally less government
supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers in countries
having smaller capital markets than there is in the United States.
As a result, management of the Program may determine that, notwithstanding
otherwise favorable investment criteria, it may not be practicable or
appropriate to invest in a particular country. The Portfolios may invest in
countries in which foreign investors, including management of the Program,
have had no or limited prior experience.
Investments in Debt Securities
The Quality Bond and U.S. Government Securities Portfolios will invest
primarily in debt securities. A significant portion of the Global Opportunity
Portfolio also may be invested in debt securities. The Growth Opportunity
Portfolio may also invest up to 5% of its total assets in debt securities. The
average maturity of a Portfolio's holdings of debt securities will vary based
on the Investment Adviser's assessment of pertinent economic and market
conditions. As with all debt securities, changes in market yields will affect
the value of
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such securities. Prices generally increase when interest rates decline and
decrease when interest rates rise. Prices of longer term securities generally
fluctuate more in response to interest rate changes than do shorter term
securities.
The debt securities in which these Portfolios may invest include securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies or
instrumentalities and debt obligations issued by U.S. corporations. Such
securities may include mortgage backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S.
governmental entities or by private issuers. In addition, the Fundamental
Value and Global Opportunity Portfolios may invest in debt securities issued
by foreign corporations or issued or guaranteed by foreign governments
(including foreign states, provinces and municipalities), by agencies and
instrumentalities thereof or by international organizations designed or
supported by multiple governmental entities (which are not obligations of the
U.S. Government or foreign governments) to promote economic reconstruction or
development ("supranational entities") such as the World Bank.
GNMA Certificates and Other Mortgage Backed Government Securities. The U.S.
Government Securities, Quality Bond and Global Opportunity Portfolios may
invest in GNMA Certificates and other mortgage backed government securities.
GNMA Certificates are mortgage backed securities of the modified pass-through
type, which means that both interest and principal payments (including
prepayments) are passed through monthly to the holder of the Certificate. The
National Housing Act provides that the full faith and credit of the United
States is pledged to the timely payment of principal and interest by GNMA of
amounts due on these GNMA Certificates. Each Certificate evidences an interest
in a specific pool of mortgage loans insured by the FHA or the Farmers Home
Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration ("VA"). GNMA is a
wholly-owned corporate instrumentality of the United States within the
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The average life of GNMA Certificates varies with the maturities of the
underlying mortgage instruments which have maximum maturities of 30 years. The
average life is likely to be substantially less than the original maturity of
the mortgage pools underlying the securities as a result of prepayments or
refinancing of such mortgages. Such prepayments are passed through to the
registered holder with the regular monthly payments of principal and interest.
In addition, GNMA offers a pass-through security backed by adjustable-rate
mortgages. As prepayment rates vary widely, it is not possible to predict
accurately the average life of a particular pool. The actual yield of each
GNMA Certificate is influenced by the prepayment experience of the mortgage
pool underlying the certificate.
In addition to GNMA Certificates, the U.S. Government Securities and Global
Opportunity Portfolios may invest in mortgage backed securities issued by FNMA
and by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"). FNMA, a
federally-chartered and privately-owned corporation, issued pass-through
securities and certificates representing an interest in a pool of FNMA pass-
through securities which are guaranteed as to payment of principal and
interest by FNMA. FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the United States,
issues participation certificates which represent an interest in mortgages
from FHLMC's portfolio and securities representing an interest in a pool of
FHLMC participation certificates. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of
interest and the ultimate collection of principal. As is the case with GNMA
Certificates, the actual maturity of and realized yield on particular FNMA and
FHLMC mortgage backed securities will vary based on the prepayment experience
of the underlying pool of mortgages. Securities guaranteed by FNMA and FHLMC
are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.
Mortgage backed U.S. Government securities typically provide a higher
potential for current income than other types of U.S. Government securities;
however, U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds typically provide a higher
potential for capital appreciation than mortgage backed securities.
Payments of principal of and interest on mortgage backed securities are made
more frequently than are payments on conventional debt securities. In
addition, holders of mortgage backed securities may receive unscheduled
payments of principal at any time representing prepayments on the underlying
mortgage loans or financial assets. Such prepayments may usually be made by
the related obligor without penalty. Prepayment rates
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are affected by changes in prevailing interest rates and numerous other
economic, geographic, social and other factors. Changes in the rate of
prepayments will generally affect the yield to maturity of the security.
Moreover, when the holder of the security attempts to reinvest prepayments or
even the scheduled payments of principal and interest, it may receive a rate
of interest which is higher or lower than the rate on the mortgage backed
securities originally held. To the extent that mortgage backed securities are
purchased at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and principal prepayments may
result in a loss to the extent of the premium paid. If such securities are
bought at a discount, both scheduled payments of principal and unscheduled
prepayments will increase current and total returns of the Portfolio.
Stripped Mortgage Backed Securities. The U.S. Government Securities and
Global Opportunity Portfolios may invest in stripped mortgage backed
securities ("SMBSs") issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the United
States. SMBSs are derivative multiclass mortgage backed securities. SMBS
arrangements commonly involve two classes of securities that receive different
proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage
assets. A common variety of SMBS is where one class (the principal-only or
"PO" class) receives some of the interest and most of the principal from the
underlying assets, while the other class (the interest-only or "IO" class)
receives most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most
extreme case, the IO class receives all of the interest, while the PO class
receives all of the principal. The yield to maturity of an IO class is
extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments)
on the related underlying assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments in
excess of that considered in pricing the securities will have a material
adverse effect on an IO security's yield to maturity. If the underlying
mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated payments of principal, a
Portfolio may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in IOs. In addition,
there are certain types of IOs which represent the interest portion of a
particular class as opposed to the interest portion of the entire pool. The
sensitivity of this type of IO to interest rate fluctuations may be increased
because of the characteristics of the principal portion to which they relate.
As a result of the above factors, the Portfolios generally will purchase IOs
only as a component of so-called "synthetic" securities. This means that
purchases of IOs will be matched with certain purchases of other securities
such as inverse floating rate collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") or
fixed rate securities; as interest rates fall, presenting a greater risk of
unanticipated prepayments of principal, the negative effect on the Portfolio
because of its holdings of IOs should be diminished somewhat because of the
increased yield on the inverse floating rate CMOs or the increased
appreciation on the fixed rate securities. IOs and POs of SMBSs are considered
by the staff of the Commission to be illiquid securities and, consequently, as
long as the staff maintains this position, the Portfolio will not invest in
IOs or POs in an amount which, taken together with the Portfolio's other
investments in illiquid securities, exceeds 15% (10% to the extent required by
certain state laws) of the Portfolio's total assets.
Foreign Debt Securities. The obligations of foreign governmental entities
have various kinds of government support and include obligations issued or
guaranteed by foreign governmental entities with taxing power. These
obligations may or may not be supported by the full faith and credit of a
foreign government. The Global Opportunity Portfolio will invest in foreign
government securities of issuers considered stable by the Investment Adviser.
The Investment Adviser does not believe that the credit risk inherent in the
obligations of stable foreign governments is significantly greater than that
of U.S. Government securities.
Portfolio Maturity. Neither the U.S. Government Securities Portfolio nor the
portion of the Global Opportunity or Growth Opportunity Portfolios invested in
debt securities is limited as to the maturities of its portfolio investments.
The Investment Adviser may adjust the average maturity of a Portfolio's
investments from time to time, depending on its assessment of the relative
yields available on securities of different maturities and its assessment of
future interest rate patterns. Thus, at various times the average maturity of
the Portfolio may be relatively short (from under one year to five years, for
example) and at other times may be relatively long (over 10 years, for
example).
Credit Quality. The Quality Bond Portfolio will invest primarily in
securities rated in the top three (typically A or better) rating categories of
a nationally recognized rating agency such as Moody's, Standard & Poor's or
Fitch, or in securities that possess, in the judgment of the Investment
Adviser, similar credit characteristics.
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The Investment Adviser considers the ratings assigned by nationally
recognized rating agencies as one of several factors in its independent credit
analysis of issuers. If a debt security in the Quality Bond Portfolio is
downgraded below A the Investment Adviser will consider factors such as price,
credit risk, market conditions and interest rates and will sell such security
only if, in the Investment Adviser's judgment, it is advantageous to do so.
The Global Opportunity Portfolio is authorized to invest without limitation
and the Growth Opportunity Portfolio is authorized to invest up to 5% of its
total assets in fixed income securities rated below Ba by Moody's or BB by
Standard & Poor's or Fitch or in unrated securities which, in the Investment
Adviser's judgment, possess similar credit characteristics ("high yield
bonds"). The Program's Board of Directors has adopted a policy that the Global
Opportunity Portfolio will not invest more than 34% of its assets in
obligations rated by a nationally recognized rating agency below investment
grade, or in obligations deemed by the Investment Adviser to possess similar
credit characteristics. Investment in high yield bonds (which are sometimes
referred to as "junk" bonds) involves substantial risk. Investments in high
yield bonds will be made only when, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser,
such securities provide attractive total return potential, relative to the
risk of such securities, as compared to higher quality debt securities.
Securities rated BB or lower by Standard & Poor's or Fitch or Ba or lower by
Moody's are considered by those rating agencies to have varying degrees of
speculative characteristics. Consequently, although high yield bonds can be
expected to provide higher yields, such securities may be subject to greater
market price fluctuations and risk of loss of principal than lower yielding,
higher rated fixed income securities. The Global Opportunity and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios will not invest in debt securities in the lowest rating
categories (CC or lower for Standard & Poor's or Fitch or Ca or lower for
Moody's) unless the Investment Adviser believes that the financial condition
of the issuer or the protection afforded the particular securities is stronger
than would otherwise be indicated by such low ratings. See Appendix II--"Long
Term and Short Term Obligation Ratings" for additional information regarding
high yield bonds.
High yield bonds may be issued by less creditworthy companies or by larger,
highly leveraged companies and are frequently issued in corporate
restructurings such as mergers and leveraged buyouts. Such securities are
particularly vulnerable to adverse changes in the issuer's industry and in
general economic conditions. High yield bonds frequently are junior
obligations of their issuers, so that in the event of the issuer's bankruptcy,
claims of the holders of high yield bonds will be satisfied only after
satisfaction of the claims of senior security holders. While the high yield
bonds in which the portfolios may invest normally do no include securities
which, at the time of investment, are in default or the issuers of which are
in bankruptcy, there can be no assurance that such events will not occur after
the Portfolios purchase a particular security, in which case the Portfolios
may experience losses and incur costs.
High yield bonds tend to be more volatile than higher rated fixed income
securities so that adverse economic events may have a greater impact on the
prices of high yield bonds than on higher rated fixed income securities. Like
higher rated fixed income securities, high yield bonds are generally purchased
and sold through dealers who make a market in such securities for their own
accounts. However, there are fewer dealers in the high yield bond market which
may be less liquid than the market for higher rated fixed income securities
even under normal economic conditions. Also, there may be significant
disparities in the prices quoted for high yield bonds by various dealers.
Adverse economic conditions or investor perceptions (whether or not based on
economic fundamentals) may impair the liquidity of this market and may cause
the prices the Portfolio receives for its high yield bonds to be reduced, or
the Portfolios may experience difficulty in liquidating a portion of its
portfolio. Under such conditions, judgment may play a greater role in valuing
certain of the Portfolios' securities than in the case of securities trading
in a more liquid market.
Investments in Securities Denominated in Foreign Currencies
The Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios
may invest in securities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
In selecting securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Investment
Adviser will consider, among other factors, the effect of movement in currency
exchange rates
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on the U.S. dollar value of such securities. An increase in the value of a
currency will increase the total return to the Portfolio of securities
denominated in such currency. Conversely, a decline in the value of the
currency will reduce the total return. The Investment Adviser may seek to
hedge all or a portion of a Portfolio's foreign securities through the use of
forward foreign currency contracts, currency options, futures contracts and
options thereon or derivative securities. See "Indexed and Inverse Securities"
and "Portfolio Strategies Involving Options and Futures" below and Appendix I
- -- "Options and Futures Transactions."
Investments in Fixed Income Securities
All of the Portfolios are authorized to invest in fixed income securities.
To the extent a portfolio invests in fixed income securities, the net asset
value of its shares will be affected by changes in the general level of
interest rates. Typically, when interest rates decline, the value of a
portfolio of fixed income securities can be expected to rise. Conversely, when
interest rates rise typically the value of a portfolio of fixed income
securities can be expected to decline.
Investments in Money Market Securities
The Global Opportunity Portfolio may invest a significant portion of its
assets in short term, high quality debt instruments. In addition, for
temporary or defensive purposes or in anticipation of redemptions, each of the
Portfolios is authorized to invest up to 100% of its assets in such money
market instruments, including obligations of or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government or its instrumentalities or agencies, certificates of deposit,
bankers' acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial paper rated in the
highest category by a nationally recognized rating agency or other fixed
income securities deemed by the Investment Adviser to be consistent with the
objectives of the Portfolio, or the Portfolio may hold its assets in cash. The
obligations of commercial banks may be issued by U.S. banks, foreign branches
of U.S. banks ("Eurodollar" obligations) or U.S. branches of foreign banks
("Yankeedollar" obligations). Except during extraordinary periods, the Growth
Opportunity Portfolio would not expect that such securities or cash held for
redemptions would exceed 20% of its total assets.
When Issued Securities, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments
Each Portfolio may purchase or sell securities that it is entitled to
receive on a when issued basis. Each Portfolio may also purchase or sell
securities on a delayed delivery basis. Each Portfolio may also purchase or
sell securities through a forward commitment. These transactions involve the
purchase or sale of securities by a Portfolio at an established price with
payment and delivery taking place in the future. A Portfolio enters into these
transactions to obtain what is considered an advantageous price to the
Portfolio at the time of entering into the transaction. The Portfolio has not
established any limit on the percentage of its assets that may be committed in
connection with these transactions. When the Portfolio purchases securities in
these transactions, the Portfolio segregates liquid securities in an amount
equal to the amount of its purchase commitments.
There can be no assurance that a security purchased on a when issued basis
will be issued or that a security purchased or sold through a forward
commitment will be delivered. The value of securities in these transactions on
the delivery date may be more or less than the Portfolio's purchase price. The
Portfolio may bear the risk of a decline in the value of the security in these
transactions and may not benefit from an appreciation in the value of the
security during the commitment period.
Standby Commitment Agreements
Each Portfolio may enter into standby commitment agreements. These
agreements commit a Portfolio, for a stated period of time, to purchase a
stated amount of securities which may be issued and sold to the Portfolio at
the option of the issuer. The price of the security is fixed at the time of
the commitment. At the time of entering into the agreement the Portfolio is
paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether or not the security is ultimately
issued. The Portfolio will enter into such agreements for the purpose of
investing in the security underlying the commitment at a price that is
considered advantageous to the Portfolio. The Portfolio will not enter into a
standby
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commitment with a remaining term in excess of 45 days and will limit its
investment in such commitments so that the aggregate purchase price of
securities subject to such commitments, together with the value of portfolio
securities subject to legal restrictions on resale that affect their
marketability, will not exceed 15% of its net assets taken at the time of the
commitment. The Portfolio segregates liquid assets in an aggregate amount
equal to the purchase price of the securities underlying the commitment.
There can be no assurance that the securities subject to a standby
commitment will be issued, and the value of the security, if issued, on the
delivery date may be more or less than its purchase price. Since the issuance
of the security underlying the commitment is at the option of the issuer, the
Portfolio may bear the risk of a decline in the value of such security and may
not benefit from an appreciation in the value of the security during the
commitment period.
The purchase of a security subject to a standby commitment agreement and the
related commitment fee will be recorded on the date on which the security can
reasonably be expected to be issued, and the value of the security thereafter
will be reflected in the calculation of the Portfolio's net asset value. The
cost basis of the security will be adjusted by the amount of the commitment
fee. In the event the security is not issued, the commitment fee will be
recorded as income on the expiration date of the standby commitment.
Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts
Each Portfolio may invest in securities pursuant to repurchase agreements or
purchase and sale contracts. Repurchase agreements and purchase and sale
contracts may be entered into only with financial institutions which have
capital of at least $50 million or whose obligations are guaranteed by an
entity having capital of at least $50 million. Under such agreements, the
other party agrees, upon entering into the contract with a Portfolio, to
repurchase the security at a mutually agreed upon time and price in a
specified currency, thereby determining the yield during the term of the
agreement. This results in a fixed rate of return insulated from market
fluctuations during such period, although such return may be affected by
currency fluctuations. In the case of repurchase agreements, the prices at
which the trades are conducted do not reflect accrued interest on the
underlying obligation; whereas, in the case of purchase and sale contracts,
the prices take into account accrued interest. Such agreements usually cover
short periods, such as under one week. Repurchase agreements may be construed
to be collateralized loans by the purchaser to the seller secured by the
securities transferred to the purchaser. In the case of a repurchase
agreement, as a purchaser, a Portfolio will require the seller to provide
additional collateral if the market value of the securities falls below the
repurchase price at any time during the term of the repurchase agreement; the
Portfolio does not have the right to seek additional collateral in the case of
purchase and sale contracts. In the event of default by the seller under a
repurchase agreement construed to be a collateralized loan, the underlying
securities are not owned by the Portfolio but only constitute collateral for
the seller's obligation to pay the repurchase price. Therefore, a Portfolio
may suffer time delays and incur costs or possible losses in connection with
disposition of the collateral.
A purchase and sale contract differs from a repurchase agreement in that the
contract arrangements stipulate that the securities are owned by the
Portfolio. In the event of a default under such a repurchase agreement or
under a purchase and sale contract, instead of the contractual fixed rate, the
rate of return to the Portfolio would be dependent upon intervening
fluctuations of the market values of such securities and the accrued interest
on the securities. In such event, the Portfolio would have rights against the
seller for breach of contract with respect to any losses arising from market
fluctuations following the failure of the seller to perform. A Portfolio may
not invest in repurchase agreements or purchase and sale contracts maturing in
more than seven days if such investments, together with the Portfolio's other
illiquid investments, would exceed 15% of the Portfolio's total assets.
Derivatives
Each Portfolio may use instruments referred to as "Derivatives." Derivatives
are financial instruments the value of which is derived from another security,
a commodity (such as gold or oil) or an index (a measure of
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value or rates, such as the Standard & Poor's Composite 500 Index or the prime
lending rate). Derivatives allow the Portfolio to increase or decrease the
level of risk to which the Portfolio is exposed more quickly and efficiently
than transactions in other types of instruments.
The Portfolios may use the following types of derivative instruments and
trading strategies:
Indexed and Inverse Securities
The Portfolios may invest in securities the potential return of which is
based on an index. As an illustration, the Portfolios may invest in a debt
security that pays interest based on the current value of an interest rate
index, such as the prime rate. The Portfolios may also invest in a debt
security which returns principal at maturity based on the level of a
securities index or a basket of securities, or based on the relative changes
of two indices. In addition, the Portfolios may invest in securities the
potential return of which is based inversely on the change in an index (that
is, a security the value of which will move in the opposite direction of
changes to an index). For example, the Portfolios may invest in securities
that pay a higher rate of interest when a particular index decreases and pay a
lower rate of interest (or do not fully return principal) when the value of
the index increases. If the Portfolios invest in such securities, they may be
subject to reduced or eliminated interest payments or loss of principal in the
event of an adverse movement in the relevant index or indices. Indexed and
inverse securities involve credit risk, and certain indexed and inverse
securities may involve leverage risk, liquidity risk, and currency risk. The
Portfolios may invest in indexed and inverse securities for hedging purposes
only. When used for hedging purposes, indexed and inverse securities involve
correlation risk.
Portfolio Strategies Involving Options and Futures
Each Portfolio may engage in various portfolio strategies to seek to
increase its return through the use of listed or over-the-counter ("OTC")
options on its portfolio securities and to hedge its portfolio against adverse
movements in the markets in which it invests. Each Portfolio is authorized to
write (i.e., sell) covered put and call options on its portfolio securities or
securities in which it anticipates investing and purchase put and call options
on securities. In addition, the Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and
Growth Opportunity Portfolios may engage in transactions in stock index
options, stock index futures and related options on such futures and may deal
in forward foreign exchange transactions and foreign currency options and
futures and related options on such futures. The Quality Bond, U.S. Government
Securities, Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios may engage in
transactions in interest rate futures and related options on such futures.
Each of these portfolio strategies is described in more detail in "Appendix
I -- Options and Futures Transactions" attached to this Statement of
Additional Information. Although certain risks are involved in options and
futures transactions (as discussed in the Appendix), the Investment Adviser
believes that, because the Portfolios will (i) write only covered options on
portfolio securities or securities in which they anticipate investing and (ii)
engage in other options and futures transactions only for hedging purposes,
the options and portfolio strategies of the Portfolios will not subject any
Portfolio to the risks frequently associated with the speculative use of
options and futures transactions. While each Portfolio's use of hedging
strategies is intended to reduce the volatility of the net asset value of
shares of that Portfolio, each Portfolio's net asset value will fluctuate.
There can be no assurance that any Portfolio's hedging transactions will be
effective. Furthermore, each Portfolio will only engage in hedging activities
from time to time and may not necessarily be engaging in hedging activities
when movements in the equity or debt markets, interest rates or currency
exchange rates occur. Additional information on these Derivatives is set forth
in Appendix I to the Statement of Additional Information.
Writing of Covered Call Options
Each Portfolio may from time to time write (i.e., sell) covered call options
on its portfolio securities and may enter into closing purchase transactions
with respect to certain of such options. The Fundamental Value, Global
Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolio may also engage in transactions
in stock index options, the performance of which is substantially correlated
to the securities held in its portfolio. A call option is considered covered
where the writer of the option owns the underlying securities. By writing a
covered call
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option, the Portfolio, in return for the premium income realized from the sale
of the option may give up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in
the underlying security above the option exercise price. In addition, the
Portfolio will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option
expires, is exercised or the Program effects a closing purchase transaction as
described below. A closing purchase transaction cancels out the Program's
position as the writer of an option by means of an offsetting purchaser of an
identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has written. If the
option expires unexercised, the Program realizes a gain in the amount of the
premium received for the option which may be offset by a decline in the market
price of the underlying security during the option period. The use of covered
call options is not a primary investment technique of any of the Portfolios
and such options normally will be written on underlying securities as to which
management does not anticipate significant short term capital appreciation. In
its use of options, the Program's Investment Adviser has access to personnel
of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") with
extensive experience in options research and strategy. No Portfolio may write
covered options on underlying securities exceeding 15% of that Portfolio's
total assets.
All options referred to herein and in the Program's Prospectus are options
issued by The Options Clearing Corporation (the "Clearing Corporation") which
are currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, American Stock
Exchange, Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Pacific Stock Exchange or New York
Stock Exchange ("NYSE"). An option gives the purchaser of the option the right
to buy, and obligates the writer (seller) to sell the underlying security at
the exercise price during the option period. The option period normally ranges
from three to nine months from the date the option is written. For writing an
option, the Program receives a premium, which is the price of such option on
the exchange on which it is traded. The exercise price of the option may be
below, equal to, or above the current market value of the underlying security
at the time the option is written.
The writer may terminate its obligation prior to the expiration date of the
option by executing a closing purchase transaction which is effected by
purchasing on an exchange an option of the same series (i.e., same underlying
security, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously
written. Such a purchase does not result in the ownership of an option. A
closing purchase transaction ordinarily will be effected to realize a profit
on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from being
called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or to permit the writing
of a new call option containing different terms on such underlying security.
The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transaction costs may be greater
than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the
Portfolio will have incurred a loss in the transaction. An option may be
closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option
of the same series and there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on
an exchange will exist for any particular option. A covered option writer
unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the
underlying security until the option expires or the underlying security is
delivered upon exercise, with the result that the writer will be subject to
the risk of market decline in the underlying security during such period. A
Portfolio will write an option on a particular security only if management
believes that a liquid secondary market will exist on an exchange for options
of the same series which will permit the Portfolio to make a closing purchase
transaction in order to close out its position.
Due to the relatively short time that exchanges have been dealing with
options, options involve risks of possible unforeseen events which can be
disruptive to the option markets or could result in the institution of certain
procedures, including restriction of certain types of orders.
Securities Lending
Each portfolio may lend securities with a value not exceeding 33 1/3% of its
total assets. In return, each Portfolio receives collateral in an amount equal
to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities in cash
or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government. This limitation is
a fundamental policy and it may not be changed without the approval of the
holders of a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding voting securities, as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Portfolio receives
securities as collateral for the loaned securities and the Portfolio and the
borrower negotiate a rate for the loan premium to be received by the Portfolio
for the loaned securities, which increases the Portfolio's yield. The
Portfolio may
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receive a flat fee for its loans. The loans are terminable at any time and the
borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within five
business days. The Portfolio may pay reasonable finder's, administrative and
custodial fees in connection with its loans. In the event that the borrower
defaults on its obligation to return borrowed securities because of insolvency
or for any other reason, the Portfolio could experience delays and costs in
gaining access to the collateral and could suffer a loss to the extent the
value of the collateral falls below the market value of the borrowed
securities.
Illiquid or Restricted Securities
Each Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities that
lack an established secondary trading market or otherwise are considered
illiquid. Liquidity of a security relates to the ability to dispose easily of
the security and the price to be obtained upon disposition of the security,
which may be less than would be obtained for a comparable more liquid
security. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more
liquid investments. Investment of a Portfolio's assets in illiquid securities
may restrict the ability of a Portfolio to dispose of its investments in a
timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage
of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be
particularly acute where a Portfolio's operations require cash, such as when a
Portfolio redeems shares or pays dividends, and could result in a Portfolio
borrowing to meet short term cash requirements or incurring capital losses on
the sale of illiquid investments.
Each Portfolio may invest in securities that are not registered ("restricted
securities") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"). Restricted securities may be sold in private placement transactions
between the issuers and their purchasers and may be neither listed on an
exchange nor traded in other established markets. In many cases, privately
placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the
applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. As a
result of the absence of a public trading market, privately placed securities
may be less liquid and more difficult to value than publicly traded
securities. To the extent that privately placed securities may be resold in
privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales, due to
illiquidity, could be less than those originally paid by the Program or less
than their fair market value. In addition, issuers whose securities are not
publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor
protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were
publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by a Portfolio are
required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more
jurisdictions before being resold, a Portfolio may be required to bear the
expenses of registration. Certain of a Portfolio's investments in private
placements may consist of direct investments and may include investments in
smaller, less-seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks. These issuers
may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be
dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in such
securities, a Portfolio may obtain access to material nonpublic information
which may restrict a Portfolio's ability to conduct portfolio transactions in
such securities.
Although not a fundamental policy, each Portfolio will include OTC options
and securities underlying such options (to the extent provided under
"Restrictions on OTC Options" in Appendix I hereto) in calculating the amount
of its assets subject to the limitation on restricted securities. No Portfolio
will change or modify this policy prior to the change or modification by the
Commission staff of its positions regarding OTC options.
144A Securities
A Portfolio may purchase restricted securities that can be offered and sold
to "qualified institutional buyers" under Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
The Board has determined to treat as liquid Rule 144A securities that are
either freely tradable in their primary markets offshore or have been
determined to be liquid in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted
by the Program's Board. The Board has adopted guidelines and delegated to the
Investment Adviser the daily function of determining and monitoring liquidity
of restricted securities. The Board, however, will retain sufficient oversight
and be ultimately responsible for the determinations. Since it is not possible
to predict with assurance exactly how this market for restricted securities
sold and offered under Rule 144A will continue to develop, the Board will
carefully monitor each Portfolio's
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investments in these securities. This investment practice could have the
effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in a Portfolio to the extent
that qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in
purchasing these securities.
Portfolio Transactions
Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors of the Program,
the Investment Adviser is primarily responsible for the Program's portfolio
decisions and the execution of the Program's portfolio transactions. With
respect to such transactions, the Investment Adviser seeks to obtain the best
results for each Portfolio, taking into account such factors as price
(including the applicable fee, brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of
order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm
involved, the firm's risk in positioning a block of securities and the
provision of supplemental investment research by the firm. While the
Investment Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive fees, commissions or
spreads, the Portfolios will not necessarily be paying the lowest fee,
commission or spread available. The Board of Directors of the Program has
adopted procedures to ensure that brokerage transactions with affiliated
persons, including the frequency of such transactions, the receipt of
commissions payable and the selection of the broker effecting the
transactions, are fair and reasonable to the Program's shareholders.
The fixed income securities and certain equity securities in which the
Portfolios will invest are traded in the OTC markets, and where possible the
Portfolios intend to deal directly with the dealers who make markets in the
securities involved, except in those circumstances where better prices and
execution are available elsewhere. Under the Investment Company Act, except as
permitted by exemptive order, persons affiliated with the Program are
prohibited from dealing with any Portfolio as principal in the purchase and
sale of securities. Since transactions in the OTC market usually involve
transactions with dealers acting as principal for their own account, the
Portfolios will not deal with affiliated persons, including Merrill Lynch and
its affiliates, in connection with such transactions. In addition, the
Portfolios may not purchase securities during the existence of any
underwriting syndicate for such securities of which Merrill Lynch is a member
or in a private placement in which Merrill Lynch serves as placement agent
except pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Directors of the
Program which either comply with rules adopted by the Commission or with
interpretations of the Commission staff. Affiliated persons of the Program may
serve as its broker in OTC transactions conducted on an agency basis.
No Portfolio has any obligation to deal with any broker or dealer in the
execution of its portfolio transactions. Subject to obtaining the best price
and execution, securities firms, including Merrill Lynch, which provide
supplemental investment research to the Investment Adviser may receive orders
for transactions by the Portfolios. Information so received is in addition to
and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Investment
Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement, and the expenses of the
Investment Adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt
of such supplemental information. Supplemental investment research received by
the Investment Adviser also may be used in connection with other investment
advisory accounts of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates. Each Portfolio
will pay brokerage fees to Merrill Lynch in connection with portfolio
transactions executed on its behalf by Merrill Lynch.
The Program anticipates that its brokerage transactions involving securities
of companies domiciled in countries other than the United States generally
will be conducted primarily on the principal stock exchanges of such
countries. Brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on foreign stock
exchange transactions are generally higher than in the United States although
the Portfolios will endeavor to achieve the best net results in effecting such
transactions. There is generally less governmental supervision and regulation
of foreign stock exchanges and brokers than in the United States.
Borrowings and Leverage
Each Portfolio may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, taken at market
value, but only from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary or
emergency purposes, including to meet redemptions (so as not to force
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the Program to liquidate securities at a disadvantageous time) or to settle
securities transactions. Each Portfolio will not purchase securities at any
time when borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets, except (a) to honor prior
commitments or (b) to exercise subscription rights when outstanding borrowings
have been obtained exclusively for settlements of other securities
transactions. The purchase of securities while borrowings are outstanding will
have the effect of leveraging a Portfolio. Such leveraging increases the
Program's exposure to capital risk, and borrowed funds are subject to interest
costs that will reduce net income.
The use of leverage by a Portfolio creates an opportunity for greater total
return, but, at the same time, creates special risks. For example, leveraging
may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of a Portfolio's shares and in
the yield on any Portfolio. Although the principal of such borrowings will be
fixed, a Portfolio's assets may change in value during the time the borrowings
are outstanding. Borrowings will create interest expenses for a Portfolio
which can exceed the income from the assets purchased with the borrowings. To
the extent the income or capital appreciation derived from securities
purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest a Portfolio will have to
pay on the borrowings, a Portfolio's return will be greater than if leverage
had not been used. Conversely, if the income or capital appreciation from the
securities purchased with such borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the
cost of borrowing, the return to a Portfolio will be less than if leverage had
not been used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to
shareholders as dividends and other distributions will be reduced. In the
latter case, the Investment Adviser in its best judgment nevertheless may
determine to maintain a Portfolio's leveraged position if it expects that the
benefits to a Portfolio's shareholders of maintaining the leveraged position
will outweigh the current reduced return.
Certain types of borrowings by a Portfolio may result in a Portfolio being
subject to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage,
portfolio composition requirements and other matters. It is not anticipated
that observance of such covenants would impede the Investment Adviser from
managing a Portfolio in accordance with a Portfolio's investment objectives
and policies. However, a breach of any such covenants not cured within the
specified cure period may result in acceleration of outstanding indebtedness
and require a Portfolio to dispose of portfolio investments at a time when it
may be disadvantageous to do so.
A Portfolio at times may borrow from affiliates of the Investment Adviser,
provided that the terms of such borrowings are no less favorable than those
available from comparable sources of funds in the marketplace. [As discussed
under "Management and Advisory Arrangements," the fee paid to the Investment
Adviser will be calculated on the basis of the Program's assets including
proceeds from borrowings.]
Non-Diversified Status
The Growth Opportunity Portfolio is classified as non-diversified within the
meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment
Company Act"), which means that the Portfolio is not limited by such Act in
the proportion of its assets that it may invest in securities of a single
issuer. The Portfolio's investments are limited, however, in order to qualify
for the special tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). See "Taxes." To
qualify, the Portfolio will comply with certain requirements, including
limiting its investments so that at the close of each quarter of the taxable
year (i) not more than 25% of the market value of the Portfolio's total assets
will be invested in the securities of a single issuer and (ii) with respect to
50% of the market value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the market
value of its total assets will be invested in the securities of a single
issuer, and the Portfolio will not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of a single issuer. A fund which elects to be classified as
"diversified" under the Investment Company Act must satisfy the foregoing 5%
and 10% requirements with respect to 75% of its total assets. To the extent
that the Portfolio assumes large positions in the securities of a small number
of issuers, the Portfolio's net asset value may fluctuate to a greater extent
than that of a diversified company as a result of changes in the financial
condition or in the market's assessment of the issuers, and the Portfolio may
be more susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence
than a diversified company.
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Suitability
The economic benefit from an investment in the Growth Opportunity Portfolio
depends upon many factors beyond the control of the Portfolio, the Investment
Adviser and its affiliates. Because of the proportion of its assets that may
be invested in the obligations of a single issuer, the Portfolio should be
considered as a vehicle for diversification and not as a balanced investment
program. The suitability for any particular investor of a purchase of shares
of the Program will depend upon, among other things, such investor's
investment objectives and ability to accept the risks of investing in such
industry including the risk of a loss of principal.
Investment Restrictions
In addition to the investment restrictions set forth in the Prospectus, each
of the Portfolios has adopted a number of fundamental and non-fundamental
investment policies and restrictions. The fundamental policies and
restrictions set forth below may not be changed without the approval of the
holders of a majority of the Portfolio's outstanding voting securities (which
for this purpose means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares represented at a
meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented or
(ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares). Unless otherwise provided, all
references to the assets of the Portfolios below are in terms of current
market value. The Portfolios may not:
1. Make any investment inconsistent with the Portfolio's classification
as a diversified company under the Investment Company Act. This investment
restriction does not apply to Growth Opportunity Portfolio which is non-
diversified. See "Investment Objectives and Policies -- Growth Opportunity
Portfolio."
2. Invest more than 25% of its total assets, taken at market value, in
the securities of issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S.
Government and its agencies and instrumentalities).
3. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management.
4. Purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, a Portfolio may invest in securities directly or indirectly
secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which
invest in real estate or interests therein.
5. Make loans to other persons, except that the acquisition of bonds,
debentures or other corporate debt securities and investment in government
obligations, commercial paper, pass-through instruments, certificates of
deposit, bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements or any similar
instruments shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan, and except
further that a Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities, provided that
the lending of portfolio securities may be made only in accordance with
applicable law and the guidelines set forth in the Program's Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, as they may be amended from time to
time.
6. Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate
applicable law.
7. Borrow money, except that (i) a Portfolio may borrow from banks (as
defined in the Investment Company Act) in amounts up to 33 1/3% of its
total assets (including the amount borrowed), (ii) a Portfolio may borrow
up to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, (iii) a
Portfolio may obtain such short term credit as may be necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities and (iv) a
Portfolio may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by
applicable law. A Portfolio may not pledge its assets other than to secure
such borrowings or, to the extent permitted by such Portfolio's investment
policies as set forth in the Program's Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information, as they may be amended from time to time, in
connection with hedging transactions, short sales, when issued and forward
commitment transactions and similar investment strategies. No Portfolio
will purchase securities while borrowings exceed 5% of its assets. None of
the Portfolios has a present intention to borrow money in amounts exceeding
5% of its assets.
8. Underwrite securities of other issuers except insofar as a Portfolio
technically may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"), in selling portfolio securities.
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9. Purchase or sell commodities or contracts on commodities, except to
the extent that a Portfolio may do so in accordance with applicable law and
the Program's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as they
may amended from time to time, and without registering as a commodity pool
operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
Additional investment restrictions adopted by the Portfolios, which may be
changed by the Program's Board of Directors, without approval of the Program's
shareholders, provide that the Portfolios may not:
a. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to the
extent such purchases are permitted by applicable law. As a matter of
policy, however, the Portfolios will not purchase shares of any registered
open-end investment company or registered unit investment trust, in
reliance on Section 12(d)(l)(F) or (G) (the "fund of funds" provisions) of
the Investment Company Act at any time the Portfolios' shares are owned by
another investment company that is part of the same group of investment
companies as the Program.
b. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, except to
the extent permitted by applicable law.
c. Invest in securities which cannot be readily resold because of legal
or contractual restrictions or which cannot otherwise be marketed, redeemed
or put to the issuer or a third party, if at the time of acquisition more
than 15% of its total assets would be invested in such securities. This
restriction shall not apply to securities which mature within seven days or
securities which the Board of Directors of the Program has otherwise
determined to be liquid pursuant to applicable law. Securities purchased in
accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (a "Rule 144A security")
and determined to be liquid by the Program's Board of Directors are not
subject to the limitations set forth in this investment restriction.
d. Notwithstanding fundamental investment restriction (7) above, borrow
amounts in excess of 10% of its total assets, taken at market value, and
then only from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency
purposes such as the redemption of Portfolio shares. A Portfolio will not
purchase securities while borrowings exceed 5% (taken at market value) of
its total assets.
Portfolio securities of the Program generally may not be purchased from,
sold or loaned to the Investment Adviser or its affiliates or any of their
directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a
rule or exemptive order under the Investment Company Act.
The staff of the Commission has taken the position that purchased over-the-
counter ("OTC") options and the assets used as cover from written OTC options
are illiquid securities. Therefore, each Portfolio has adopted an investment
policy pursuant to which it will not purchase or sell OTC options if, as a
result of any such transaction, the sum of the market value of OTC options
currently outstanding that are held by the Portfolio, the market value of the
underlying securities covered by OTC call options currently outstanding that
were sold by the Portfolio and margin deposits on the Portfolio's existing OTC
options on financial futures contracts, exceeds 15% of the net assets of a
Portfolio, taken at market value, together with al other assets of a Portfolio
that are illiquid or are not otherwise readily marketable. However, if the OTC
option is sold by a Portfolio to a primary U.S. Government securities dealer
recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and if a Portfolio has the
unconditional contractual right to repurchase such OTC option from the dealer
at a predetermined price, then a Portfolio will treat as illiquid such amount
of the underlying securities as is equal to the repurchase price less the
amount by which the option is "in-the-money" (i.e., current market value of
the underlying securities minus the option's strike price). The repurchase
price with the primary dealers is typically a formula price which is generally
based on a multiple of the premium received for the option, plus the amount by
which the option is "in-the-money." This policy as to OTC options is not a
fundamental policy of each Portfolio and may be amended by the Board of
Directors of a Portfolio without the approval of the Portfolio's shareholders.
However, a Portfolio will not change or modify this policy prior to the change
or modification by the Commission staff of its position.
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Because of the affiliation of Merrill Lynch with the Investment Adviser,
each Portfolio is prohibited from engaging in certain transactions involving
Merrill Lynch or its affiliates except for brokerage transactions permitted
under the Investment Company Act involving only usual and customary
commissions or transactions pursuant to an exemptive order under the
Investment Company Act. See "Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage." Without
such an exemptive order each Portfolio would be prohibited from engaging in
portfolio transactions with Merrill Lynch or any of its affiliates acting as
principal.
Portfolio Turnover
Fundamental Value Portfolio. The rate of portfolio turnover is not a
limiting factor and, given the Portfolio's investment policies, it is
anticipated that there may be periods when high portfolio turnover will exist.
The use of covered call options at times when the underlying securities are
appreciating in value may result in higher portfolio turnover. The Portfolio
pays brokerage commissions in connection with writing call options and
effecting closing purchase transactions, as well as in connection with
purchases and sales of portfolio securities. The portfolio turnover rate for
each of the Portfolios is calculated by dividing the lesser of the Portfolio's
annual sales or purchases of portfolio securities (exclusive of purchases or
sales of all securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year
or less) by the monthly average value of the securities in the portfolio
during the year.
Quality Bond Portfolio. The rate of portfolio turnover is not a limiting
factor when management deems it appropriate to purchase or sell securities.
During periods when interest rates fluctuate significantly, as they have
during the past few years, the portfolio turnover rate may be substantially
higher. In any particular year, however, market conditions could result in
portfolio activity at a greater or lesser rate than anticipated. A high rate
of portfolio turnover results in correspondingly greater transaction costs in
the form of dealer spreads and brokerage commissions, which are borne directly
by the Portfolio.
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio. The Investment Adviser will effect
portfolio transactions without regard to any holding period if, in its
judgment, such transactions are advisable in light of a change in general
market, economic or financial conditions. A high portfolio turnover rate
involves correspondingly greater transaction costs in the form of dealer
spreads and brokerage commissions, which are borne directly by the Portfolio.
See "Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage -- Portfolio Turnover."
Global Opportunity Portfolio. While it is the policy of the Portfolio
generally not to engage in trading for short term gains, the Investment
Adviser will effect portfolio transactions without regard to holding period
if, in its judgment, such transactions are advisable in light of a change in
circumstances of a particular company or within a particular industry or due
to general market, economic or financial conditions. A high rate of portfolio
turnover results in correspondingly greater transaction costs in the form of
dealer spreads and brokerage commissions, which are borne directly by the
Portfolio.
Growth Opportunity Portfolio. While the Portfolio generally does not expect
to engage in trading for short term gains, it will effect portfolio
transactions without regard to holding period if, in its management's
judgment, such transactions are advisable in light of a change in
circumstances of a particular company or within a particular industry or in
general market, economic or financial conditions. A high rate of portfolio
turnover results in correspondingly greater transaction costs in the form of
dealer spreads and brokerage commissions, which are borne directly by the
Portfolio.
MANAGEMENT OF THE PROGRAM
Directors and Officers
The Board of Directors of the Program consists of six individuals, five of
whom are not "interested persons" of the Program as defined in the Investment
Company Act (the "non-interested Directors"). The Directors are responsible
for the overall supervision of the operations of the Program and perform the
various duties imposed on the directors of investment companies by the
Investment Company Act.
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Information about the Directors, executive officers and the portfolio
manager of the Program, including their ages and their principal occupations
for at least the last five years, is set forth below. Unless otherwise noted,
the address of each Director, executive officer and the portfolio manager is
P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011.
Terry K. Glenn (58) -- President and Director (1) (2) -- Executive Vice
President of the Investment Adviser and FAM since 1983; Executive Vice
President and Director of Princeton Services since 1993; President of
Princeton Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD") since 1986 and Director thereof
since 1991; President of Princeton Administrators, L.P. since 1988.
Arthur Zeikel (66) -- Director(1)(2) -- Chairman of the Investment Adviser
and Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM") (which terms as used herein include
their corporate predecessors) from 1997 to 1999; President of the Investment
Adviser and FAM from 1977 to 1997; Chairman of Princeton Services, Inc.
("Princeton Services") from 1997 to 1999 and Director thereof from 1993 to
1999; President of Princeton Services from 1993 to 1997; Executive Vice
President of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co.") from 1990 to 1999.
Joe Grills (64) -- Director(2) -- P.O. Box 98, Rapidan, Virginia 22733.
Member of the Committee of Investment of Employee Benefit Assets of the
Financial Executives Institute ("CIEBA") since 1986; Member of CIEBA's
Executive Committee since 1988 and its Chairman from 1991 to 1992; Assistant
Treasurer of International Business Machines Incorporated ("IBM") and Chief
Investment Officer of IBM Retirement Funds from 1986 until 1993; Member of the
Investment Advisory Committees of the State of New York Common Retirement Fund
and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute since 1997; Director, Duke Management
Company since 1992 and elected Vice Chairman in May 1998; Director, LaSalle
Street Fund since 1995; Director, Hotchkis and Wiley Mutual Funds since 1996;
Director, Kimco Realty Corporation since 1997; Member of the Investment
Advisory Committee of the Virginia Retirement System since 1998 Director,
Montpelier Foundation since December 1998.
Walter Mintz (70) -- Director(2) -- 1114 Avenue of the Americas, New York,
New York 10036. Special Limited Partner of Cumberland Associates (investment
partnership) since 1982.
Robert S. Salomon, Jr. (62) -- Director(2) -- 106 Dolphin Cove Quay,
Stamford, Connecticut 06902. Principal of STI Management (investment adviser)
since 1994; Trustee, The Common Fund since 1980; Chairman and CEO of Salomon
Brothers Asset Management from 1992 until 1995; Chairman of Salomon Brothers
equity mutual funds from 1992 until 1995; Monthly columnist with Forbes
magazine since 1992; Director of Stock Research and U.S. Equity Strategist at
Salomon Brothers from 1975 until 1991.
Melvin R. Seiden (68) -- Director(2) -- 780 Third Avenue, Suite 2502, New
York, New York 10017. Director of Silbanc Properties, Ltd. (real estate,
investment and consulting) since 1987; Chairman and President of Seiden & de
Cuevas, Inc. (private investment firm) from 1964 to 1987.
Stephen B. Swensrud (65) -- Director(2) -- 24 Federal Street, Suite 400,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Chairman of Fernwood Advisors (investment
adviser) since 1996; Principal, Fernwood Associates (financial consultant)
since 1975.
Joseph T. Monagle, Jr. (49) -- Senior Vice President(1) (2) -- Senior Vice
President of the Investment Adviser and FAM since 1990; Department Head of the
Global Fixed Income Division of the Investment Adviser and FAM since 1997;
Senior Vice President of Princeton Services since 1993.
Lawrence R. Fuller (58) -- Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager (1)
- -- First Vice President of the Investment Adviser since 1997 and Vice
President of the Investment Adviser from 1992 to 1997.
Geraldine Gunn-Hertig (39) -- Senior Vice President(1) -- First Vice
President of the Investment Adviser since 1997; Vice President of the
Investment Adviser from 1989 to 1997; Securities Analyst for Basic Value Fund
since 1984.
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Thomas R. Robinson (54) -- Vice President(1) (2) -- First Vice President of
the Investment Adviser since 1997; Vice President of the Investment Adviser
from 1995 to 1997; Senior Portfolio Manager of the Investment Adviser since
November 1995; Manager of International Equity Strategy of ML & Co.'s Global
Securities Research and Economics Group from 1989 to 1995.
Christopher G. Ayoub (41) -- Vice President(1) (2) -- First Vice President
of the Investment Adviser since 1998; Vice President of the Investment Adviser
from 1985 to 1997; Assistant Vice President of the Investment Adviser from
1984 to 1985 and employee since 1982.
Gregory Mark Maunz (45) -- Vice President(1) (2) -- First Vice President of
the Investment Adviser since 1997; Vice President of the Investment Adviser
from 1985 to 1997 and Portfolio Manager since 1984.
Donald C. Burke (38) -- Vice President and Treasurer (1) (2) -- Senior Vice
President and Treasurer of the Investment Adviser and FAM since 1999; First
Vice President of the Investment Adviser from 1997 to 1999; Vice President of
the Investment Adviser from 1990 to 1997; Director of Taxation of the
Investment Adviser since 1990; Senior Vice President and Treasurer of
Princeton Services since 1999; Vice President of PFD since 1999.
Barbara G. Fraser (55) -- Secretary (1) (2) -- First Vice President of the
Investment Adviser since 1996; Vice President of the Investment Adviser from
1994 until 1996; attorney in private practice from 1991 to 1994.
- --------
(1) Interested Person, as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the
Program.
(2) Such Director or officer is a director, trustee or officer of one or more
investment companies for which the Investment Adviser, or its affiliate
FAM, acts as investment adviser or manager.
As of May 3, 1999, the Directors and the officers of the Program as a group
(16 persons) owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the outstanding shares of
the Program. At such date, Mr. Glenn, an officer and a Director of the Program
and Mr. Zeikel, a Director of the Program, and the other officers of the
Program owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the outstanding shares of common
stock of ML & Co.
Compensation of Directors
The Program pays each non-interested Director a fee of $1,500 per year plus
$250 per meeting attended. The Program also compensates members of its Audit
and Nominating Committee (the "Committee"), which consists of all the non-
interested Directors, a fee of $1,500 per year plus $250 for each Committee
meeting attended. The Program reimburses each non-interested Director for his
out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at Board and Committee meetings.
The following table shows the compensation earned by the non-interested
Directors for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999 and the aggregate
compensation paid to them from all registered investment companies advised by
the Investment Adviser and its affiliate, FAM ("MLAM/FAM-advised funds"), for
the calender year ended December 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aggregate
Pension or Estimated Compensation from
Retirement Benefits Annual Program and Other
Position with Compensation Accrued as Part of Benefits upon MLAM/FAM-
Name Program from Program Program Expense Retirement Advised Funds(1)
- ---- ------------- ------------ ------------------- ------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Joe Grills.............. Director $5,000 None None $198,333
Walter Mintz............ Director $5,000 None None $178,583
Robert S. Salomon,
Jr. ................... Director $5,000 None None $178,583
Melvin R. Seiden........ Director $5,000 None None $178,583
Stephen B. Swensrud..... Director $5,000 None None $195,583
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The Directors serve on the boards of MLAM/FAM-advised funds as follows:
Joe Grills (23 registered investment companies consisting of 55
portfolios), Walter Mintz (21 registered investment companies consisting
of 42 portfolios), Robert S. Salomon, Jr. (21 registered investment
companies consisting of 42 portfolios), Melvin R. Seiden (21 registered
investment companies consisting of 42 portfolios), Stephen B. Swensrud
(24 registered investment companies consisting of 57 portfolios).
24
<PAGE>
Directors of the Program may purchase Class A shares of the Program at net
asset value. See "Purchase of Shares -- Initial Sales Charge Alternatives --
Class A and Class D Shares -- Reduced Initial Sales Charges -- Purchase
Privilege of Certain Persons."
Management and Advisory Arrangements
Management Services. The Investment Adviser provides the Program with
investment advisory and management services. Subject to the supervision of the
Board of Directors, the Investment Adviser is responsible for the actual
management of the Program's portfolio and constantly reviews the Program's
holdings in light of its own research analysis and that from other relevant
sources. The responsibility for making decisions to buy, sell or hold a
particular security rests with the Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser
performs certain of the other administrative services and provides all the
office space, facilities, equipment and necessary personnel for management of
the Program.
Management Fee. As compensation for its services to the Portfolios, the
Investment Adviser will receive from each Portfolio a monthly fee based on the
average daily value of that Portfolio's net assets at the following annual
rates:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
U.S.
Fundamental Quality Government Global Growth
Value Bond Securities Opportunity Opportunity
Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio Portfolio
- ----------- --------- ---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
0.65% 0.50% 0.50% 0.75% 0.65%
</TABLE>
The table below sets forth for the periods indicated, the total advisory fee
paid by each Portfolio to the Investment Adviser:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fee Amount ($)
--------------------------
For the fiscal year ended
--------------------------
Portfolio 1999 1998 1997
--------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fundamental Value.............................. $606,626 $428,666 $284,074
Quality Bond................................... 68,809 48,576 40,461
U.S. Government Securities..................... 75,332 55,861 52,827
Global Opportunity............................. 482,964 411,965 255,998
Growth Opportunity............................. 475,238 176,230 57,884
</TABLE>
Payment of Program Expenses. The Investment Advisory Agreement obligates the
Investment Adviser to provide investment advisory services and to pay all
compensation of and furnish office space for officers and employees of the
Program connected with investment and economic research, trading and
investment management of the Program, as well as the fees of all Directors of
the Program who are affiliated persons of ML & Co. or any of its affiliates.
The Program pays all other expenses incurred in the operation of the Program,
including among other things: taxes, expenses for legal and auditing services,
costs of printing proxies, stock certificates, shareholder reports,
prospectuses and statements of additional information, except to the extent
paid by Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, a division of PFD (the
"Distributor"); charges of the custodian and the transfer agent; expenses of
redemption of shares; Commission fees; expenses of registering the shares
under Federal and state securities laws; fees and expenses of unaffiliated
Directors; accounting and pricing costs (including the daily calculations of
net asset value); insurance; interest; brokerage costs; litigation and other
extraordinary or non-recurring expenses; and other expenses properly payable
by the Program. Accounting services are provided for the Program by the
Investment Adviser and the Program reimburses the Investment Adviser for its
costs in connection with such services. See "Purchase of Shares --
Distribution Plans."
Organization of the Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser is a limited
partnership, the partners of which are ML & Co., a financial services holding
company and the parent of Merrill Lynch, and Princeton Services. ML & Co. and
Princeton Services are "controlling persons" of the Investment Adviser as
defined under the Investment Company Act because of their ownership of its
voting securities or their power to exercise a controlling influence over its
management or policies.
25
<PAGE>
The Investment Adviser has also entered into sub-advisory agreements with
respect to Fundamental Value Portfolio, Global Opportunity Portfolio and
Growth Opportunity Portfolio with Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited
("MLAM U.K.") pursuant to which the Investment Adviser pays MLAM U.K. a fee
for providing investment advisory services to the Investment Adviser with
respect to each Portfolio in an amount to be determined from time to time by
the Investment Adviser and MLAM U.K. but in no event in excess of the amount
that the Investment Adviser actually receives for providing services to the
Program pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The following entities
may be considered "controlling persons" of MLAM U.K.: Merrill Lynch Europe PLC
(MLAM U.K.'s parent), a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch International Holdings,
Inc., a subsidiary of Merrill Lynch International, Inc., a subsidiary of ML &
Co.
Duration and Termination. Unless earlier terminated as described herein, the
Investment Advisory Agreement for each Portfolio will remain in effect from
year to year if approved annually (a) by the Board of Directors of the Program
or by a majority of the outstanding shares of the subject Portfolio and (b) by
a majority of the Directors who are not parties to such contract or interested
persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of any such party. Such
contracts are not assignable and may be terminated without penalty on 60 days'
written notice at the option of either party or by vote of the shareholders of
the Portfolios.
Transfer Agency Services. Financial Data Services, Inc. (the "Transfer
Agent"), a subsidiary of ML & Co., acts as the Program's Transfer Agent
pursuant to a Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and Shareholder
Servicing Agency Agreement (the "Transfer Agency Agreement"). Pursuant to the
Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible for the issuance,
transfer and redemption of shares and the opening and maintenance of
shareholder accounts. Pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer
Agent receives a fee of $11.00 per Class A or Class D account and $14.00 per
Class B or Class C account and is entitled to reimbursement for certain
transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Transfer Agent
under the Transfer Agency Agreement. Additionally, a $.20 monthly closed
account charge will be assessed on all accounts which close during the
calendar year. Application of this fee will commence the month following the
month the account is closed. At the end of the calendar year, no further fees
will be due. For purposes of the Transfer Agency Agreement, the term "account"
includes a shareholder account maintained directly by the Transfer Agent and
any other account representing the beneficial interest of a person in the
relevant share class on a recordkeeping system, provided the recordkeeping
system is maintained by a subsidiary of ML & Co.
Distribution Expenses. The Portfolio has entered into four separate
distribution agreements with the Distributor in connection with the continuous
offering of each class of shares of the Portfolio (the "Distribution
Agreements"). The Distribution Agreements obligate the Distributor to pay
certain expenses in connection with the offering of each class of shares of
the Portfolio. After the prospectuses, statements of additional information
and periodic reports have been prepared, set in type and mailed to
shareholders, the Distributor pays for the printing and distribution of copies
thereof used in connection with the offering to dealers and investors. The
Distributor also pays for other supplementary sales literature and advertising
costs. The Distribution Agreements are subject to the same renewal
requirements and termination provisions as the Investment Advisory Agreement
described above.
Code of Ethics
The Board of Directors of the Program has adopted a Code of Ethics under
Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act which incorporates the Code of Ethics
of Investment Adviser (together, the "Codes"). The Codes significantly
restrict the personal investing activities of all employees of the Investment
Adviser and, as described below, impose additional, more onerous, restrictions
on fund investment personnel.
The Codes require that all employees of the Investment Adviser pre-clear any
personal securities investment (with limited exceptions, such as government
securities). The pre-clearance requirement and associated procedures are
designed to identify any substantive prohibition or limitation applicable to
the proposed investment. The substantive restrictions applicable to all
employees of the Investment Adviser include a ban on
26
<PAGE>
acquiring any securities in a "hot" initial public offering and a prohibition
from profiting on short term trading in securities. In addition, no employee
may purchase or sell any security that at the time is being purchased or sold
(as the case may be), or to the knowledge of the employee is being considered
for purchase or sale, by any fund advised by the Investment Adviser.
Furthermore, the Codes provide for trading "blackout periods" which prohibit
trading by investment personnel of the Program within periods of trading by
the Program in the same (or equivalent) security (15 or 30 days depending upon
the transaction.)
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Reference is made to "How to Buy, Sell, Transfer and Exchange Shares" in the
Prospectus.
The Program offers shares solely to holders of IRAs for which Merrill Lynch
acts as custodian, including individual retirement rollover accounts, Roth
IRAs, SEP-IRAs, SRA-IRAs and to CBA(R) and CMA(R) accounts established
pursuant to the Uniform Gifts to Minors Acts or the Uniform Transfers to
Minors Acts (or similar state statutes).
The Distributor, an affiliate of each of the Investment Adviser and Merrill
Lynch, acts as the distributor of the shares of each Portfolio. Shares of the
Portfolios are offered continuously for sale by the Distributor and other
eligible securities dealers (including Merrill Lynch). Shares of the
Portfolios may be purchased from securities dealers. The minimum initial
purchase is $100, and the minimum subsequent purchase is $1.
The Program offers shares of the Portfolios in four classes at a public
offering price equal to the next determined net asset value per share plus
sales charges imposed either at the time of purchase or on a deferred basis
depending upon the class of shares selected by the investor under the Merrill
Lynch Select PricingSM System, as described below. The applicable offering
price for purchase orders is based upon the net asset value of the Portfolio
next determined after receipt of the purchase orders by the Distributor. As to
purchase orders received by securities dealers prior to the close of business
on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 P.M., Eastern time), which includes orders
received after the close of business on the previous day, the applicable
offering price will be based on the net asset value as of 15 minutes after the
close of business on the NYSE, on the day the orders are placed with the
Distributor, provided the orders are received by the Distributor prior to 30
minutes after the close of business on the NYSE on that day. If the purchase
orders are not received by the Distributor prior to 30 minutes after the close
of business on the NYSE such orders shall be deemed received on the next
business day. The Program or the Distributor may suspend the continuous
offering of any Portfolio's shares of any class at any time in response to
conditions in the securities markets or otherwise and may thereafter resume
such offering from time to time. Any order may be rejected by the Distributor
or the Program. Neither the Distributor nor the dealers are permitted to
withhold placing orders to benefit themselves by a price change. Merrill Lynch
may charge its customers a processing fee (presently $5.35) to confirm a sale
of shares to such customers.
The Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System is used by more than 50 registered
investment companies advised by MLAM or FAM. Funds advised by MLAM or FAM that
utilize the Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System are referred to herein as
"Select Pricing Funds." Each Portfolio issues four classes of shares under the
Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System, which permits each investor to choose
the method of purchasing shares that the investor believes is most beneficial
given the amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to
hold the shares and other relevant circumstances. Shares of Class A and Class
D are sold to investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives and
shares of Class B and Class C are sold to investors choosing the deferred
sales charge alternatives. Investors should determine whether under their
particular circumstances it is more advantageous to incur an initial sales
charge or to have the entire initial purchase price invested in the Portfolio
with the investment thereafter being subject to a CDSC and ongoing
distribution fees.
Shareholders considering transferring an IRA, CBA(R) account or CMA
SubAccountSM in which Program shares are held from Merrill Lynch to another
brokerage firm or financial institution should be aware that shares of the
Portfolios may only be held in a Merrill Lynch custodied IRA or a CMA(R)
account or CMA SubAccountSM
27
<PAGE>
established pursuant to the Uniform Gifts to Minors Acts or Uniform Transfers
to Minors Acts (or similar state statutes). Prior to any such transfer, a
shareholder must either redeem the shares (paying any applicable CDSC), so
that the cash proceeds can be transferred to the account at the new firm or
exchange the shares for shares of another Select Pricing Fund pursuant to the
exchange privilege. It is possible, however, that the firm to which the
account is to be transferred will not take delivery of shares of such other
Select Pricing Fund, in which case the shareholder would have to redeem these
shares (paying any applicable CDSC) so that the cash proceeds can be
transferred or continue to maintain an IRA, CBA(R) account or CMA SubAccountSM
at Merrill Lynch for those shares.
Cash balances of participants who elect to have such funds automatically
invested in shares of a Portfolio will be invested as follows. Cash balances
arising from the sale of securities held in the IRA account which do not
settle on the day of the transaction (such as most common and preferred stock
transactions) become available to the Program and will be invested in shares
of a Portfolio on the business day following the day that proceeds with
respect thereto are received in the IRA account. Proceeds giving rise to cash
balances from the sale of securities held in the IRA account settling on a
same day basis and from principal repayments on debt securities held in the
account become available to the Program and will be invested in shares of a
Portfolio on the next business day following receipt. Cash balances arising
from dividends or interest payments on securities held in the IRA account or
from a contribution to the IRA account are invested in shares of the
Portfolios on the business day following the date the payment is received in
the IRA account.
Merrill Lynch has advised the Program that it will not charge an annual
account fee upon any IRA, UGMA, UTMA accounts in a CBA(R) account or CMA
SubAccountSM which participates in the Merrill Lynch Asset BuilderSM Service,
provided the account receives additional contributions of $250 annually and is
invested solely in one or more of the Program's Portfolios, a money market
fund advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates or a bank deposit
program administered by Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch has further advised the
Program that it will not charge an annual account fee under certain other
circumstances. If, however, a shareholder of any of the Portfolios exchanges
any of his or her shares of a Portfolio for shares of another Select Pricing
Fund, Merrill Lynch will reinstate the IRA, CBA(R) or CMA SubAccountSM annual
account fee, as the case may be. For information about current IRA fees
charged by Merrill Lynch, consult the applicable Merrill Lynch IRA disclosure
schedule. For information about the current CBA(R) fees charged by Merrill
Lynch, consult the Capital BuilderTM Account Program description. For
information about current CMA SubAccountSM fees charged by Merrill Lynch,
consult the Cash Management Account(R) Program description.
Each Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D share of a Portfolio represents
an identical interest in the same investment portfolio and has the same
rights, except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear the expenses of
the ongoing account maintenance fees, and Class B and Class C shares bear the
expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and the additional incremental
transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements.
The deferred sales charges, distribution and account maintenance fees that are
imposed on Class B and Class C shares, as well as the account maintenance fees
that are imposed on Class D shares, will be imposed directly against those
classes and not against all assets of the Portfolio and, accordingly, such
charges will not affect the net asset value of any other class or have any
impact on investors choosing another sales charge option. The proceeds from
the account maintenance fees are used to compensate the Distributor and
Merrill Lynch (pursuant to a sub-agreement) for providing continuing account
maintenance activities. Dividends paid by a Portfolio for each class of shares
will be calculated in the same manner at the same time and will differ only to
the extent that account maintenance and distribution fees and any incremental
transfer agency costs relating to a particular class are borne exclusively by
that class. Class B, Class C and Class D shares each have exclusive voting
rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1 distribution plan adopted with respect
to such class pursuant to which account maintenance and/or distribution fees
are paid (except that Class B shareholders may vote upon any material changes
to expenses charged under the Class D Distribution Plan). See "Distribution
Plans" below. Each class has different exchange privileges. See "Shareholder
Services -- Exchange Privilege." If pursuant to the exchange privilege, shares
of any Portfolio are exchanged for shares of a fund other than a Portfolio of
the Program, money market fund advised by the Investment Adviser or its
affiliates or a bank deposit program administered by Merrill Lynch, then the
imposition of the IRA, CBA(R) or CMA SubAccountSM annual account
28
<PAGE>
fee, as the case may be, may result. For information about current IRA fees
charged by Merrill Lynch, consult the applicable Merrill Lynch IRA disclosure
schedule. For information about current CBA(R) fees charged by Merrill Lynch,
consult the Capital BuilderTM Account Agreement. For more information about
current CMA SubaccountSM fees charged by Merrill Lynch, consult the Cash
Management Account(R) Agreement.
The Program has entered into separate distribution agreements with the
Distributor on behalf of each Portfolio in connection with the continuous
offering of each class of shares of each of the Portfolios (the "Distribution
Agreements"). The Distribution Agreements obligate the Distributor to pay
certain expenses in connection with the offering of each class of shares of
the Portfolios. After the prospectuses, statements of additional information
and periodic reports have been prepared, set in type and mailed to
shareholders, the Distributor pays for the printing and distribution of copies
thereof used in connection with the offering to dealers and investors. The
Distributor also pays for other supplementary sales literature and advertising
costs. The Distribution Agreements are subject to the same renewal
requirements and termination provisions as the Management Agreement described
above.
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the initial
sales charges with respect to Class A and Class D shares are the same as those
of the CDSCs and distribution fees with respect to Class B and Class C shares
in that the sales charges and distribution fees applicable to each class
provide for the financing of the distribution of the shares of the Program.
The distribution-related revenues paid with respect to a class will not be
used to finance the distribution expenditures of another class. Sales
personnel may receive different compensation for selling different classes of
shares. Investors are advised that only Class A and Class D shares may be
available for purchase through securities dealers, other than Merrill Lynch,
that are eligible to sell shares.
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class A and Class D Shares
Investors who prefer an initial sales charge alternative may elect to
purchase Class D shares or, if an eligible investor, Class A shares, Investors
choosing the initial sales charge alternative who are eligible to purchase
Class A shares should purchase Class A shares rather than Class D shares
because there is an account maintenance fee imposed on Class D shares.
Investors qualifying for significantly reduced initial sales charges may find
the initial sales charge alternative particularly attractive because similar
sales charge reductions are not available with respect to the deferred sales
charges imposed in connection with purchases of Class B or Class C shares.
Investors not qualifying for reduced initial sales charges who expect to
maintain their investment for an extended period of time also may elect to
purchase Class A or Class D shares, because over time the accumulated ongoing
account maintenance and distribution fees on Class B or Class C shares may
exceed the initial sales charge and, in the case of Class D shares, the
account maintenance fee. Although some investors who previously purchased
Class A shares may no longer be eligible to purchase Class A shares of other
Select Pricing Funds, those previously purchased Class A shares, together with
Class B, Class C and Class D share holdings, will count toward a right of
accumulation which may qualify the investor for reduced initial sales charge
on new initial sales charge purchases. In addition, the ongoing Class B and
Class C account maintenance and distribution fees will cause Class B and Class
C shares to have higher expense ratios, pay lower dividends and have lower
total returns than the initial sales charge shares. The ongoing Class D
account maintenance fees will cause Class D shares to have a higher expense
ratio, pay lower dividends and have a lower total return than Class A shares.
The term "purchase," as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information in connection with an investment in Class A and Class D
shares of the Portfolios, refers to a single purchase by an individual or to
concurrent purchases, which in the aggregate are at least equal to the
prescribed amounts, by an individual, his or her spouse and their children
under the age of 21 years purchasing shares for his, her or their own account
and to single purchases by a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing shares for
a single trust estate or single fiduciary account although more than one
beneficiary is involved. The term "purchase" also includes purchases by any
"company," as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act, but does not
include purchases by any such company that has not been in existence for at
least six months or which has no purpose other than the purchase of shares of
the Portfolio or shares of other registered investment companies at a
discount; provided, however,
29
<PAGE>
that it shall not include purchases by any group of individuals whose sole
organizational nexus is that the participants therein are credit cardholders
of a company, policyholders of an insurance company, customers of either a
bank or broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.
Eligible Class A Investors
Class A shares are offered to a limited group of investors and also will be
issued upon reinvestment of dividends on outstanding Class A shares. Investors
who currently own Class A shares are entitled to purchase additional Class A
shares of a Portfolio in that account. Certain Employer Sponsored Retirement
or Savings Plans, including eligible 401(k) plans, may purchase Class A shares
at net asset value provided such plans meet the required minimum number of
eligible employees or required amount of assets advised by MLAM or any of its
affiliates. Class A shares are available at net asset value to corporate
warranty insurance reserve fund programs provided that the program has $3
million or more initially invested in Select Pricing Funds. Also eligible to
purchase Class A shares at a net asset value are participants in certain
investment programs including TMASM Managed Trusts to which Merrill Lynch
Trust Company provides discretionary trustee services, collective investment
trusts for which Merrill Lynch Trust Company serves as trustee and certain
purchases made in connection with certain fee-based programs. In addition,
Class A shares are offered at net asset value to ML & Co. and its subsidiaries
and their directors and employees and to members of the Boards of MLAM/FAM-
advised investment companies. Certain persons who acquired shares of certain
MLAM-advised closed-end funds in their initial offerings who wish to reinvest
the net proceeds from a sale of their closed-end fund shares of common stock
in shares of a Portfolio also may purchase Class A shares of that Portfolio if
certain conditions are met. In addition, Class A shares of a Portfolio and
certain other Select Pricing Funds are offered at net asset value to
shareholders of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. and, if certain
conditions are met, to shareholders of Merrill Lynch Municipal Strategy Fund,
Inc. and Merrill Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. who wish to
reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of certain of their shares of common
stock pursuant to a tender offer conducted by such funds in shares of a
Portfolio and certain other Select Pricing Funds.
30
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth information regarding Class A and Class D
sales charge information.
Class A and Class D Sales Charge Information
Fundamental Value Portfolio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
January 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $326 $16 $310 $ 0
1998 $368 $18 $350 $ 0
1997 $183 $ 9 $174 $ 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class D Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
January 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $41,048 $2,085 $38,963 $ 0
1998 $35,731 $1,745 $33,986 $ 0
1997 $34,665 $1,669 $32,996 $ 0
</TABLE>
Quality Bond Portfolio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
January 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
1998 $13 $ 1 $12 $ 0
1997 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class D Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
January 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $3,790 $264 $3,526 $ 0
1998 $2,692 $172 $2,520 $ 0
1997 $4,677 $307 $4,370 $ 0
</TABLE>
31
<PAGE>
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
January 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
1998 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
1997 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class D Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
January 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $2,465 $207 $2,258 $ 0
1998 $ 611 $ 38 $ 573 $ 0
1997 $1,829 $120 $1,709 $ 0
</TABLE>
Global Opportunity Portfolio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
January 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $117 $ 5 $112 $ 0
1998 $125 $ 6 $119 $ 0
1997 $ 98 $ 3 $ 95 $ 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class D Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
January 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $15,145 $ 724 $14,421 $ 0
1998 $26,921 $1,226 $25,695 $ 0
1997 $28,819 $1,415 $27,404 $ 0
</TABLE>
32
<PAGE>
Growth Opportunity Portfolio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
January 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $171 $ 8 $163 $ 0
1998 $ 25 $ 1 $ 24 $ 0
1997 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class D Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year Gross Sales Sales Charges Sales Charges CDSCs Received on
ended Charges Retained by Paid to Redemption of
January 31, Collected Distributor Merrill Lynch Load-Waived Shares
----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $43,620 $2,177 $41,443 $ 0
1998 $24,165 $1,165 $23,000 $ 0
1997 $20,469 $1,004 $19,465 $ 0
</TABLE>
The Distributor may reallow discounts to selected dealers and retain the
balance over such discounts. At times the Distributor may reallow the entire
sales charge to such dealers. Since securities dealers selling Class A and
Class D shares of the Portfolios will receive a concession equal to most of
the sales charge, they may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities
Act.
Reduced Initial Sales Charges
Reductions in or exemptions from the imposition of a sales load are due to
the nature of the investors and/or the reduced sales efforts that will be
needed in obtaining such investments.
Reinvested Dividends. No initial sales charges are imposed upon Class A and
Class D shares issued as a result of the automatic reinvestment of dividends.
Right of Accumulation. Reduced sales charges are applicable through a right
of accumulation under which eligible investors are permitted to purchase
shares of a Portfolio subject to an initial sales charge at the offering price
applicable to the total of (a) the public offering price of the shares then
being purchased plus (b) an amount equal to the then current net asset value
or cost, whichever is higher, of the purchaser's combined holdings of all
classes of shares of a Portfolio and of any other Select Pricing Funds. For
any such right of accumulation to be made available, the Distributor must be
provided at the time of purchase, by the purchaser or the purchaser's
securities dealer, with sufficient information to permit confirmation of
qualification. Acceptance of the purchase order is subject to such
confirmation. The right of accumulation may be amended or terminated at any
time. Shares held in the name of a nominee or custodian under pension, profit-
sharing or other employee benefit plans may not be combined with other shares
to qualify for the right of accumulation.
Letter of Intent. Reduced sales charges are applicable to purchases
aggregating $25,000 or more of the Class A or Class D shares of the Portfolios
or any Select Pricing Funds made within a 13-month period starting with the
first purchase pursuant to a Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is
available only to investors whose accounts are established and maintained at
the Program's Transfer Agent. The Letter of Intent is not available to
employee benefit plans for which Merrill Lynch provides plan participant
recordkeeping services. The Letter of Intent is not a binding obligation to
purchase any amount of Class A or Class D shares; however, its execution will
result in the purchaser paying a lower sales charge at the appropriate
quantity purchase level. A purchase not originally made pursuant to a Letter
of Intent may be included under a subsequent Letter of Intent executed within
90 days of such purchase if the Distributor is informed in writing of this
intent within such 90-day period. The value of Class A and Class D shares of
the Portfolios and of other Select Pricing Funds presently held, at cost or
maximum offering price (whichever is higher), on the date of the first
purchase under the Letter of Intent,
33
<PAGE>
may be included as a credit toward the completion of such Letter, but the
reduced sales charge applicable to the amount covered by such Letter will be
applied only to new purchases. If the total amount does not equal the amount
stated in the Letter of Intent (minimum of $25,000), the investor will be
notified and must pay, within 20 days of the expiration of such Letter, the
difference between the sales charge on the Class A or Class D shares purchased
at the reduced rate and the sales charge applicable to the shares actually
purchased through the Letter. Class A or Class D shares equal to at least 5.0%
of the intended amount will be held in escrow during the 13-month period
(while remaining registered in the name of the purchaser) for this purpose.
The first purchase under the Letter of Intent must be at least 5.0% of the
dollar amount of such Letter. If a purchase during the term of such Letter
would otherwise be subject to a further reduced sales charge based on the
right of accumulation, the purchaser will be entitled on that purchase and
subsequent purchases to the further reduced percentage sales charge that would
be applicable to a single purchase equal to the total dollar value of the
Class A or Class D shares then being purchased under such Letter, but there
will be no retroactive reduction of the sales charge on any previous purchase.
The value of any shares redeemed or otherwise disposed of by the purchaser
prior to termination or completion of the Letter of Intent will be deducted
from the total purchases made under such Letter. An exchange from the Summit
Cash Reserves Fund into a Portfolio that creates a sales charge will count
toward completing a new or existing Letter of Intent from that Portfolio.
TMASM Managed Trusts. Class A shares are offered at net asset value to TMASM
Managed Trusts to which Merrill Lynch Trust Company provides discretionary
trustee services.
Employee AccessSM Accounts. Provided applicable threshold requirements are
met, either Class A or Class D shares are offered at net asset value to
Employee AccessSM Accounts available through authorized employers. The initial
minimum investment for such accounts is $500, except that the initial minimum
investment for shares purchased for such accounts pursuant to the Automatic
Investment Program is $50.
Employer-Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans and Certain Other
Arrangements. Certain employer-sponsored retirement or savings plans and
certain other arrangements may purchase Class A or Class D shares at net asset
value, based on the number of employees or number of employees eligible to
participate in the plan, the aggregate amount invested by the plan in
specified investments and/or the services provided by Merrill Lynch to the
plan. Additional information regarding purchases by employer-sponsored
retirement or savings plans and certain other arrangements is available toll-
free from Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services at 1-800-237-7777.
Purchase Privilege of Certain Persons. Directors of the Portfolios, members
of the Boards of other MLAM-advised funds, ML & Co. and its subsidiaries (the
term "subsidiaries," when used herein with respect to ML & Co., includes MLAM,
FAM and certain other entities directly or indirectly wholly owned and
controlled by ML & Co.) and their directors and employees, and any trust,
pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for such persons, may purchase
Class A Shares of a Portfolio at net asset value.
Class D shares of a Portfolio are offered at net asset value, without a
sales charge, to an investor that has a business relationship with a Financial
Consultant who joined Merrill Lynch from another investment firm within six
months prior to the date of purchase by such investor, if the following
conditions are satisfied: first, the investor must advise Merrill Lynch that
it will purchase Class D shares of a Portfolio with proceeds from a redemption
of shares of a mutual fund that was sponsored by the Financial Consultant's
previous firm and was subject to a sales charge either at the time of purchase
or on a deferred basis; and, second, the investor must establish that such
redemption had been made within 60 days prior to the investment in that
Portfolio and the proceeds from the redemption had been maintained in the
interim in cash or a money market fund.
Class D shares of a Portfolio are also offered at net asset value, without a
sales charge, to an investor that has a business relationship with a Merrill
Lynch Financial Consultant and that has invested in a mutual fund sponsored by
a non-Merrill Lynch company for which Merrill Lynch has served as a selected
dealer and where Merrill Lynch has either received or given notice that such
arrangement will be terminated ("notice") if the
34
<PAGE>
following conditions are satisfied: first, the investor must purchase Class D
shares of the Portfolio with proceeds from a redemption of shares of such
other mutual fund and the shares of such other fund were subject to a sales
charge either at the time of purchase or on a deferred basis; and, second,
such purchase of Class D shares must be made within 90 days after such notice.
Class D shares of a Portfolio are offered at net asset value, without a
sales charge, to an investor that has a business relationship with a Merrill
Lynch Financial Consultant and that has invested in a mutual fund for which
Merrill Lynch has not served as a selected dealer if the following conditions
are satisfied: first, the investor must advise Merrill Lynch that it will
purchase Class D shares of the Portfolio with proceeds from the redemption of
shares of such other mutual fund and that such shares have been outstanding
for a period of no less than six months; and, second, such purchase of Class D
shares must be made within 60 days after the redemption and the proceeds from
the redemption must be maintained in the interim in cash or a money market
fund.
Closed-End Fund Investment Option. Class A shares of a Portfolio and certain
other Select Pricing Funds ("Eligible Class A Shares") are offered at net
asset value to shareholders of certain closed-end funds advised by FAM or MLAM
who purchased such closed-end fund shares prior to October 21, 1994 (the date
the Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System commenced operations) and wish to
reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of their closed-end fund shares of
common stock in Eligible Class A Shares, if the conditions set forth below are
satisfied. Alternatively, closed-end fund shareholders who purchased such
shares on or after October 21, 1994 and wish to reinvest the net proceeds from
a sale of their closed-end fund shares are offered Class A shares (if eligible
to buy Class A shares) or Class D shares of the Portfolio and other Select
Pricing Funds ("Eligible Class D Shares"), if the following conditions are
met. First, the sale of closed-end fund shares must be made through Merrill
Lynch, and the net proceeds therefrom must be immediately reinvested in
Eligible Class A or Eligible Class D Shares. Second, the closed-end fund
shares must either have been acquired in the initial public offering or be
shares representing dividends from shares of common stock acquired in such
offering. Third, the closed-end fund shares must have been continuously
maintained in a Merrill Lynch securities account. Fourth, there must be a
minimum purchase of $250 to be eligible for the investment option.
Shareholders of certain MLAM-advised continuously offered closed-end funds
may reinvest at net asset value the net proceeds from a sale of certain shares
of common stock of such funds in shares of a Portfolio. Upon exercise of this
investment option, shareholders of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund,
Inc. will receive Class A shares of that Portfolio and shareholders of Merrill
Lynch Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch High Income Municipal
Bond Fund, Inc. will receive Class D shares of that Portfolio, except that
shareholders already owning Class A shares of the Portfolio will be eligible
to purchase additional Class A shares pursuant to this option, if such
additional Class A shares will be held in the same account as the existing
Class A shares and the other requirements pertaining to the reinvestment
privilege are met. In order to exercise this investment option, a shareholder
of one of the above-referenced continuously offered closed-end funds (an
"eligible fund") must sell his or her shares of common stock of the eligible
fund (the "eligible shares") back to the eligible fund in connection with a
tender offer conducted by the eligible fund and reinvest the proceeds
immediately in the designated class of shares of the Portfolio. This
investment option is available only with respect to eligible shares as to
which no Early Withdrawal Charge or CDSC (each as defined in the eligible
fund's prospectus) is applicable. Purchase orders from eligible fund
shareholders wishing to exercise this investment option will be accepted only
on the day that the related tender offer terminates and will be effected at
the net asset value of the designated class of the Portfolio on such day.
Acquisition of Certain Investment Companies. Class D shares may be offered
at net asset value in connection with the acquisition of the assets of or
merger or consolidation with a personal holding company or a public or private
investment company.
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class B and Class C Shares
Investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives should consider
Class B shares if they intend to hold their shares for an extended period of
time and Class C shares if they are uncertain as to the length of time they
intend to hold their assets in Select Pricing Funds.
35
<PAGE>
The public offering price of Class B and Class C shares for investors
choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives is the next determined net
asset value per share without the imposition of a sales charge at the time of
purchase. See "Pricing of Shares -- Determination of Net Asset Value" below.
Because no initial sales charges are deducted at the time of the purchase,
Class B and Class C shares provide the benefit of putting all of the
investor's dollars to work from the time the investment is made. The deferred
sales charge alternatives may be particularly appealing to investors that do
not qualify for the reduction in initial sales charges. Both Class B and Class
C shares are subject to ongoing account maintenance fees and distribution
fees; however, the ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees
potentially may be offset to the extent any return is realized on the
additional funds initially invested in Class B and Class C shares. In
addition, Class B shares will be converted into Class D shares after a
conversion period of approximately eight years for the Fundamental Value,
Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios and approximately ten
years for the Quality Bond and U.S. Government Securities Portfolios, and
thereafter investors will be subject to lower ongoing fees.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges -- Class B Shares
The Class B shares that are redeemed within four years of purchase may be
subject to a CDSC at the rates set forth below charged as a percentage of the
dollar amount subject thereto. In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to
a redemption, the calculation will be determined in the manner that results in
the lowest applicable rate being charged. The charge will be assessed on an
amount equal to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the
shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no CDSC will be imposed on increases in
net asset value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no CDSC will be
assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends. It will be assumed
that the redemption is first of shares held for over four years or shares
acquired pursuant to reinvestment of dividends and then of shares held longest
during the four-year period. A transfer of shares from a shareholder's account
to another account will be assumed to be made in the same order as a
redemption.
The following table sets forth the Class B CDSC for each of the Portfolios:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CDSC as a Percentage
of Dollar Amount
Year Since Purchase Payment Made Subject to Charge
-------------------------------- --------------------
<S> <C>
0-1................................................... 4.0%
1-2................................................... 3.0%
2-3................................................... 2.0%
3-4................................................... 1.0%
4 and thereafter...................................... None
</TABLE>
To provide an example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10 per
share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the third year after purchase, the net
asset value per share is $12 and, during such time, the investor has acquired
10 additional shares upon dividend reinvestment. If at such time the investor
makes his or her first redemption of 50 shares (proceeds of $600), 10 shares
will not be subject to a CDSC because of dividend reinvestment. With respect
to the remaining 40 shares, the charge is applied only to the original cost of
$10 per share and not to the increase in net asset value of $2 per share.
Therefore, $400 of the $600 redemption proceeds will be charged at a rate of
2.0% (the applicable rate in the third year after purchase).
The Class B CDSC may be waived on redemptions of shares in connection with
certain post-retirement withdrawals from an Individual Retirement Account
("IRA") or other retirement plan or following the death or disability (as
defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) of a shareholder
(including one who owns the Class B shares as joint tenant with his or her
spouse), provided the redemption is requested within one year of the death or
initial determination of disability or, if later, reasonably promptly
following completion of probate. The Class B CDSC may be waived on redemptions
of shares by certain eligible 401(a) and eligible
36
<PAGE>
401(k) plans. The CDSC may also be waived for any Class B shares that are
purchased by eligible 401(k) or eligible 401(a) plans that are rolled over
into a Merrill Lynch or Merrill Lynch Trust Company custodied IRA and held in
such account at the time of redemption. The Class B CDSC may be waived for any
Class B shares that were acquired and held at the time of the redemption in an
Employee Access Account available through employers providing eligible 401(k)
plans. The Class B CDSC may also be waived for any Class B shares that are
purchased by a Merrill Lynch rollover IRA that was funded by a rollover from a
terminated 401(k) plan managed by the MLAM Private Portfolio Group and held in
such account at the time of redemption. The Class B CDSC may be waived or its
terms may be modified in connection with certain fee-based programs. The Class
B CDSC may also be waived in connection with involuntary termination of an
account in which Portfolio shares are held or for redemptions through the
Merrill Lynch Systematic Redemption Plan. See "Shareholder Services --
Systematic Redemption Plans" or "Systematic Redemption Program." See
"Shareholder Services -- Fee-Based Programs."
Employer-Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans and Certain Other
Arrangements. Certain employer-sponsored retirement or savings plans and
certain other arrangements may purchase Class B shares with a waiver of the
CDSC upon redemption, based on the number of employees or number of employees
eligible to participate in the plan, the aggregate amount invested by the plan
in specified investments and/or the services provided by Merrill Lynch to the
plan. Such Class B shares will convert into Class D shares approximately ten
years after the plan purchases the first share of any Select Pricing Fund.
Minimum purchase requirements may be waived or varied for such plans.
Additional information regarding purchases by employer-sponsored retirement or
savings plans and certain other arrangements is available toll-free from
Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services at 1-800-237-7777.
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares. After approximately eight
years in the case of the Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios and ten years in the case of the Quality Bond and U.S.
Government Securities Portfolios (the "Conversion Period"), Class B shares
will be converted automatically into Class D shares of the Portfolio. Class D
shares are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25% of the
average daily net assets of the Portfolio but are not subject to the
distribution fee that is borne by Class B shares. Automatic conversion of
Class B shares into Class D shares will occur at least once each month (on the
"Conversion Date") on the basis of the relative net asset value of the shares
of the two classes on the Conversion Date, without the imposition of any sales
load, fee or other charge. Conversion of Class B shares to Class D shares will
not be deemed a purchase or sale of shares for Federal income tax purposes.
In addition, shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends on Class B
shares also will convert automatically to Class D shares. The Conversion Date
for dividend reinvestment shares will be calculated taking into account the
length of time the shares underlying such dividend reinvestment shares were
outstanding. If at the Conversion Date the conversion of Class B shares to
Class D shares of a Portfolio in a single account will result in less than $50
worth of Class B shares being left in the account, all of the Class B shares
of that Portfolio held in the account on the Conversion Date will be converted
to Class D shares of that Portfolio.
In general, Class B shares of equity Select Pricing Funds will convert
approximately eight years after initial purchase and Class B shares of taxable
and tax-exempt fixed income Select Pricing Funds will convert approximately
ten years after initial purchase. If, during the Conversion Period, a
shareholder exchanges Class B shares with an eight-year Conversion Period for
Class B shares with a ten-year Conversion Period, or vice versa, the
Conversion Period applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange
will apply and the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked on
to the holding period for the shares acquired. The conversion period also may
be modified for investors that participate in certain fee-based programs.
Class B shareholders of a Portfolio exercising the exchange privilege
described under "Shareholder Services -- Exchange Privilege" will continue to
be subject to the Portfolio's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than
the CDSC schedule relating to the Class B shares acquired as a result of the
exchange.
37
<PAGE>
Share certificates for Class B shares of the Portfolio to be converted must
be delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion
Date applicable to those shares. In the event such certificates are not
received by the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date,
the related Class B shares will convert to Class D shares on the next
scheduled Conversion Date after such certificates are delivered.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges -- Class C Shares
Class C shares that are redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject
to a 1.0% CDSC charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto.
In determining whether a Class C CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the
calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest
possible rate being charged. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to
the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the shares being
redeemed. Accordingly, no Class C CDSC will be imposed on increases in net
asset value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no Class C CDSC
will be assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends. It will be
assumed that the redemption is first of shares held for over one year or
shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment of dividends and then of shares held
longest during the one-year period. The charge will not be applied to dollar
amounts representing an increase in the net asset value since the time of
purchase. A transfer of shares from a shareholder's account to another account
will be assumed to be made in the same order as a redemption. The Class C CDSC
may be reduced or waived in connection with an involuntary termination of an
account in which Portfolio shares are held and redemptions through the Merrill
Lynch Systematic Redemption Plan. See "Shareholder Services -- Systematic
Redemption Plan."
Class B and Class C Sales Charge Information
Fundamental Value Portfolio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B Shares*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year
ended CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
January 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
----------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 $94,426 $94,426
1998 $82,799 $82,799
1997 $55,593 $55,593
</TABLE>
* Additional Class B CDSCs payable to the Distributor
with respect to the fiscal years ended January 31,
1997, 1998 and 1999 may have been waived or
converted to a contingent obligation in connection
with a shareholder's participation in certain fee-
based programs.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year
ended CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
January 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
----------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 $8,806 $8,806
1998 $5,816 $5,816
1997 $5,793 $5,793
</TABLE>
38
<PAGE>
Quality Bond Portfolio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B Shares*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year
ended CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
January 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
----------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 $30,955 $30,955
1998 $18,443 $18,443
1997 $ 7,529 $ 7,529
</TABLE>
* Additional Class B CDSCs payable to the Distributor
with respect to the fiscal years ended January 31,
1997, 1998 and 1999 may have been waived or
converted to a contingent obligation in connection
with a shareholder's participation in certain fee-
based programs.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year
ended CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
January 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
----------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 $1,360 $1,360
1998 $ 706 $ 706
1997 $1,038 $1,038
</TABLE>
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B Shares*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year
ended CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
January 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
----------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 $23,267 $23,267
1998 $12,110 $12,110
1997 $ 5,590 $ 5,590
</TABLE>
* Additional Class B CDSCs payable to the Distributor
with respect to the fiscal years ended January 31,
1997, 1998 and 1999 may have been waived or
converted to a contingent obligation in connection
with a shareholder's participation in certain fee-
based programs.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year
ended CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
January 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
----------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 $1,694 $1,694
1998 $432 $432
1997 $358 $358
</TABLE>
39
<PAGE>
Global Opportunity Portfolio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B Shares*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year
ended CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
January 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
----------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 $84,260 $84,260
1998 $72,591 $72,591
1997 $51,643 $51,643
</TABLE>
* Additional Class B CDSCs payable to the Distributor
with respect to the fiscal years ended January 31,
1997, 1998 and 1999 may have been waived or
converted to a contingent obligation in connection
with a shareholder's participation in certain fee-
based programs.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year
ended CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
January 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
----------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 $5,723 $5,723
1998 $4,532 $4,532
1997 $4,084 $4,084
</TABLE>
Growth Opportunity Portfolio
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B Shares*
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year
ended CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
January 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
----------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 $71,336 $71,336
1998 $28,794 $28,794
1997 $ 9,146 $ 9,146
</TABLE>
* Additional Class B CDSCs payable to the Distributor
with respect to the fiscal years ended January 31,
1997, 1998 and 1999 may have been waived or
converted to a contingent obligation in connection
with a shareholder's participation in certain fee-
based programs.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C Shares
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the
fiscal year
ended CDSCs Received CDSCs Paid to
January 31, by Distributor Merrill Lynch
----------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 $8,019 $8,019
1998 $3,019 $3,019
1997 $1,138 $1,138
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch compensates its Financial Consultants for selling Class B and
Class C shares at the time of purchase from its own funds. Proceeds from the
CDSC and the distribution fee are paid to the Distributor and are used in
whole or in part by the Distributor to defray the expenses of dealers
(including Merrill Lynch) related to providing distribution-related services
to the Portfolio in connection with the sale of the Class B and Class C
shares, such as the payment of compensation to financial consultants for
selling Class B and Class C shares from the dealer's own funds. The
combination of the CDSC and the ongoing distribution fee facilitates the
ability of
40
<PAGE>
the Portfolio to sell the Class B and Class C shares without a sales charge
being deducted at the time of purchase. See "Distribution Plans" below.
Imposition of the CDSC and the distribution fee on Class B and Class C shares
is limited by the NASD asset-based sales charge rule. See "Limitations on the
Payment of Deferred Sales Charges" below.
Distribution Plans
The Program has adopted separate distribution plans on behalf of each of the
Portfolios for Class B, Class C and Class D shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the Investment Company Act (each a "Distribution Plan") with respect to
the account maintenance and/or distribution fees paid by the Portfolios to the
Distributor with respect to such classes.
The Distribution Plans for Class B, Class C and Class D shares each provides
that the Portfolio pays the Distributor an account maintenance fee relating to
the shares of the relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the
annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio
attributable to shares of the relevant class in order to compensate the
Distributor and Merrill Lynch (pursuant to a sub-agreement) in connection with
account maintenance activities with respect to Class B, Class C and Class D
shares. Each of those classes has exclusive voting rights with respect to the
Distribution Plan adopted with respect to such class pursuant to which account
maintenance and/or distribution fees are paid (except that Class B
shareholders may vote upon any material changes to expenses charged under the
Class D Distribution Plan).
The Distribution Plans for Class B and Class C shares each provides that the
Portfolio also pays the Distributor a distribution fee relating to the shares
of the relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of
(i) 0.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to the shares of the
relevant class for the Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios or (ii) at the annual rate of 0.50% and 0.55% of the
average daily net assets attributable to the shares of the relevant class,
respectively, of the Quality Bond and U.S. Government Securities Portfolios in
order to compensate the Distributor and Merrill Lynch (pursuant to a sub-
agreement) for providing shareholder and distribution services and bearing
certain distribution-related expenses of the Portfolio, including payments to
financial consultants for selling Class B and Class C shares of the Portfolio.
The Distribution Plans relating to Class B and Class C shares are designed to
permit an investor to purchase Class B and Class C shares through dealers
without the assessment of an initial sales charge and at the same time permit
the dealer to compensate its financial consultants in connection with the sale
of the Class B and Class C shares.
The Portfolios' Distribution Plans are subject to the provisions of Rule
12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. In their consideration of each
Distribution Plan, the Directors must consider all factors they deem relevant,
including information as to the benefits of the Distribution Plan to the
Portfolio and each related class of shareholders. Each Distribution Plan
further provides that, so long as the Distribution Plan remains in effect, the
selection and nomination of Independent Directors shall be committed to the
discretion of the Independent Directors then in office. In approving each
Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1, the Independent Directors
concluded that there is reasonable likelihood that each Distribution Plan will
benefit the Portfolio and its related class of shareholders. Each Distribution
Plan can be terminated at any time, without penalty, by the vote of a majority
of the Independent Directors or by the vote of the holders of a majority of
the outstanding related class of voting securities of the Portfolio. A
Distribution Plan cannot be amended to increase materially the amount to be
spent by the Portfolio without the approval of the related class of
shareholders and all material amendments are required to be approved by the
vote of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors who have
no direct or indirect financial interest in the Distribution Plan, cast in
person at a meeting called for that purpose. Rule 12b-1 further requires that
the Portfolio preserve copies of the Distribution Plan and any report made
pursuant to such plan for a period of not less than six years from the date of
the Distribution Plan or such report, the first two years in an easily
accessible place.
Among other things, each Distribution Plan provides that the Distributor
shall provide and the Directors shall review quarterly reports of the
disbursement of the account maintenance and/or distribution fees paid to the
41
<PAGE>
Distributor. Payments under the Distribution Plans are based on a percentage
of average daily net assets attributable to the shares regardless of the
amount of expenses incurred and, accordingly, distribution-related revenues
from the Distribution Plans may be more or less than distribution-related
expenses. Information with respect to the distribution-related revenues and
expenses is presented to the Directors for their consideration in connection
with their deliberations as to the continuance of the Class B and Class C
Distribution Plans annually, as of December 31, of each year, on a "fully
allocated accrual" basis and quarterly on a "direct expense and revenue/cash"
basis. On the fully allocated accrual basis, revenues consist of the account
maintenance fees, distribution fees, the CDSCs and certain other related
revenues, and expenses consist of financial consultant compensation, branch
office and regional operation center selling and transaction processing
expenses, advertising, sales promotion and marketing expenses, corporate
overhead and interest expense. On the direct expense and revenue/cash basis,
revenues consist of the account maintenance fees, distribution fees and CDSCs
and the expenses consist of financial consultant compensation.
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, the Portfolios paid the
Distributor based on the average net assets of each Portfolio, the amounts set
forth below under the Plans.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B Class C Class D
Distribution Plan Distribution Plan Distribution Plan
--------------------- --------------------- -------------------
Account Maintenance Account Maintenance Account Maintenance
Portfolio and Distribution Fees and Distribution Fees Fees
- --------- --------------------- --------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fundamental Value....... $583,572 $285,221 $15,220
Quality Bond............ $ 63,798 $ 28,835 $ 2,390
U.S. Government
Securities............. $ 67,024 $ 23,373 $ 1,931
Global Opportunity...... $434,442 $174,741 $ 8,251
Growth Opportunity...... $451,189 $250,864 $ 6,331
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1998, the last date for which fully allocated accrual
data is available, the fully allocated accrual expenses of the Distributor and
Merrill Lynch for the period since the commencement of operations of Class B
shares of the Fundamental Value Portfolio exceeded fully allocated accrual
revenues by approximately $1,519,000 (2.46% of Class B net assets at that
date). As of January 31, 1999, direct cash revenues for the period since the
commencement of operations of Class B shares exceeded direct cash expenses by
$819,831 (1.31% of Class B net assets at that date). As of December 31, 1998,
the fully allocated accrual expenses of the Distributor and Merrill Lynch for
the period since the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded the
fully allocated accrual revenues by approximately $799,000 (2.61% of Class C
net assets at that date). As of January 31, 1999, direct cash revenues for the
period since the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded direct
cash expenses by $455,344 (1.46% of Class C net assets at that date).
As of December 31, 1998, the last date for which fully allocated accrual
data is available, the fully allocated accrual expenses of the Distributor and
Merrill Lynch for the period since the commencement of operations of Class B
shares of the Quality Bond Portfolio exceeded fully allocated accrual revenues
by approximately $366,000 (3.22% of Class B net assets at that date). As of
January 31, 1999, direct cash revenues for the period since the commencement
of operations of Class B shares exceeded direct cash expenses by $58,162 (.49%
of Class B net assets at that date). As of December 31, 1998, the fully
allocated accrual expenses of the Distributor and Merrill Lynch for the period
since the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded the fully
allocated accrual revenues by approximately $143,000 (3.18% of Class C net
assets at that date). As of January 31, 1999, direct cash revenues for the
period since the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded direct
cash expenses by $42,862 (.93% of Class C net assets at that date).
As of December 31, 1998, the last date for which fully allocated accrual
data is available, the fully allocated accrual expenses of the Distributor and
Merrill Lynch for the period since the commencement of operations of Class B
shares of the U.S. Government Securities Portfolio exceeded fully allocated
accrual revenues by approximately $225,000 (1.55% of Class B net assets at
that date). As of January 31, 1999, direct cash revenues for the period since
the commencement of operations of Class B shares exceeded direct cash expenses
by
42
<PAGE>
$76,248 (.51% of Class B net assets at that date). As of December 31, 1998,
the fully allocated accrual expenses of the Distributor and Merrill Lynch for
the period since the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded the
fully allocated accrual revenues by approximately $86,000 (1.87% of Class C
net assets at that date). As of January 31, 1999, direct cash revenues for the
period since the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded direct
cash expenses by $37,678 (.81% of Class C net assets at that date).
As of December 31, 1998, the last date for which fully allocated accrual
data is available, the fully allocated accrual expenses of the Distributor and
Merrill Lynch for the period since the commencement of operations of Class B
shares of the Global Opportunity Portfolio exceeded fully allocated accrual
revenues by approximately $1,132,000 (2.57% of Class B net assets at that
date). As of January 31, 1999, direct cash revenues for the period since the
commencement of operations of Class B shares exceeded direct cash expenses by
$735,170 (1.65% of Class B net assets at that date). As of December 31, 1998,
the fully allocated accrual expenses of the Distributor and Merrill Lynch for
the period since the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded the
fully allocated accrual revenues by approximately $609,000 (3.36% of Class C
net assets at that date). As of January 31, 1999, direct cash revenues for the
period since the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded direct
cash expenses by $300,267 (1.64% of Class C net assets at that date).
As of December 31, 1998, the last date for which fully allocated accrual
data is available, the fully allocated accrual expenses of the Distributor and
Merrill Lynch for the period since the commencement of operations of Class B
shares of the Growth Opportunity Portfolio exceeded fully allocated accrual
revenues by approximately $1,463,000 (2.41% of Class B net assets at that
date). As of January 31, 1999, direct cash revenues for the period since the
commencement of operations of Class B shares exceeded direct cash expenses by
$127,216 (.18% of Class B net assets at that date). As of December 31, 1998,
the fully allocated accrual expenses of the Distributor and Merrill Lynch for
the period since the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded the
fully allocated accrual revenues by approximately $742,000 (2.10% of Class C
net assets at that date). As of January 31, 1999, direct cash revenues for the
period since the commencement of operations of Class C shares exceeded direct
cash expenses by $255,124 (.63% of Class C net assets at that date).
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges
The maximum sales charge rule in the Conduct Rules of the NASD imposes a
limitation on certain asset-based sales charges such as the distribution fee
and the CDSC borne by the Class B and Class C shares but not the account
maintenance fee. The maximum sales charge rule is applied separately to each
class. As applicable to a Portfolio, the maximum sales charge rule limits the
aggregate of distribution fee payments and CDSCs payable by the Portfolio to
(1) 6.25% of eligible gross sales of Class B shares and Class C shares,
computed separately (defined to exclude shares issued pursuant to dividend
reinvestments and exchanges), plus (2) interest on the unpaid balance for the
respective class, computed separately, at the prime rate plus 1% (the unpaid
balance being the maximum amount payable minus amounts received from the
payment of the distribution fee and the CDSC). In connection with the Class B
shares, the Distributor has voluntarily agreed to waive interest charges on
the unpaid balance in excess of 0.50% of eligible gross sales. Consequently,
the maximum amount payable to the Distributor (referred to as the "voluntary
maximum") in connection with the Class B shares is 6.75% of eligible gross
sales. The Distributor retains the right to stop waiving the interest charges
at any time. To the extent payments would exceed the voluntary maximum, the
Portfolio will not make further payments of the distribution fee with respect
to Class B shares and any CDSCs will be paid to the Program rather than to the
Distributor; however, the Portfolio will continue to make payments of the
account maintenance fee. In certain circumstances the amount payable pursuant
to the voluntary maximum may exceed the amount payable under the NASD formula.
In such circumstances payment in excess of the amount payable under the NASD
formula will not be made.
43
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth comparative information as of January 31,
1999 with respect to the Class B and Class C shares indicating the maximum
allowable payments that can be made under the NASD maximum sales charge rule
and, with respect to the Class B shares, the Distributor's voluntary maximum
for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Data Calculated as of January 31, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)
Annual
Distribution
Allowable Allowable Amounts Fee at
Eligible Aggregate Interest on Maximum Previously Aggregate Current
Gross Sales Unpaid Amount Paid to Unpaid Net Asset
Sales(1) Charges(2) Balance(3) Payable Distributor(4) Balance Level(5)
-------- ---------- ----------- ------- -------------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class B Shares, for the
period February 1, 1995
(commencement of
operations) to January
31, 1999:
Under NASD Rule as
Adopted
Fundamental Value
Portfolio.............. 57,285 3,579 537 4,116 1,339 2,777 468
Quality Bond Portfolio.. 10,684 668 95 763 165 598 59
Global Opportunity
Portfolio.............. 43,394 2,711 435 3,146 1,110 2,036 333
U.S. Government
Securities Portfolio... 7,983 500 79 579 146 433 74
Growth Opportunity
Portfolio (5).......... 48,164 3,009 282 3,291 627 2,664 522
Under Distributor's
Voluntary Waiver
Fundamental Value
Portfolio.............. 57,285 3,579 286 3,865 1,339 2,526 468
Quality Bond Portfolio.. 10,684 668 53 721 165 556 59
Global Opportunity
Portfolio.............. 43,394 2,711 217 2,928 1,110 1,818 333
U.S. Government
Securities Portfolio... 7,983 500 40 540 146 394 74
Growth Opportunity
Portfolio (5).......... 48,164 3,009 241 3,250 627 2,623 522
Class C Shares, for the
period February 1, 1995
(commencement of
operations) to January
31, 1999:
Under NASD Rule as
Adopted
Fundamental Value
Portfolio.............. 34,197 2,137 338 2,475 501 1,974 234
Quality Bond Portfolio.. 5,029 314 54 368 48 320 25
Global Opportunity
Portfolio.............. 22,477 1,405 243 1,648 331 1,317 138
U.S. Government
Securities Portfolio... 3,875 242 42 284 40 244 26
Growth Opportunity
Portfolio (5).......... 31,441 1,965 174 2,139 282 1,857 305
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Purchase price of all eligible Class B or Class C shares sold during the
periods indicated other than shares acquired through dividend reinvestment
and the exchange privilege.
(2) Includes amounts attributable to exchanges from Summit Cash Reserves Fund
("Summit") which are not reflected in Eligible Gross Sales. Shares of
Summit can only be purchased by exchange from another fund (the "redeemed
fund"). Upon such an exchange, the maximum allowable sales charge payment
to the redeemed fund is reduced in accordance with the amount of the
redemption. This amount is then added to the maximum allowable sales
charge payment with respect to Summit. Upon an exchange out of Summit, the
remaining balance of this amount is deducted from the maximum allowable
sales charge payment to Summit and added to the maximum allowable sales
charge payment to the fund into which the exchange is made.
(3) Interest is computed on a monthly basis based upon the prime rate, as
reported in The Wall Street Journal, plus 1.0%, as permitted under the
NASD Rule.
(4) Consists of CDSC payments, distribution fee payments and accruals. Of the
distribution fee payments made with respect to Class B shares prior to
July 6, 1993 under the distribution plan in effect at that time, at a 1.0%
rate, 0.75% of average daily net assets has been treated as a distribution
fee and 0.25% of average daily net assets has been deemed to have been a
service fee and not subject to the NASD maximum sales charge rule. See
"What are the Program's fees and expenses?" in the Prospectus. This figure
may include CDSCs that were deferred when a shareholder redeemed shares
prior to the expiration of the applicable CDSC period and invested the
proceeds, without the imposition of a sales charge, in Class A shares in
conjunction with the shareholder's participation in the Merrill Lynch
Mutual Fund Advisor (Merrill Lynch MFASM) Program (the "MFA Program"). The
CDSC is booked as a contingent obligation that may be payable if the
shareholder terminates participation in the MFA Program.
(5) Provided to illustrate the extent to which the current level of
distribution fee payments (not including any CDSC payments) is amortizing
the unpaid balance. No assurance can be given that payments of the
distribution fee will reach either the voluntary maximum (with respect to
Class B shares) or the NASD maximum (with respect to Class B and Class C
shares).
44
<PAGE>
There are four types of self-directed plans which are eligible to invest in
the Portfolios: the individual retirement account, the Roth individual
retirement account ("Roth IRA"), the individual retirement rollover account
("IRRA") and the Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEP-IRA") (collectively,
"IRAs"). Although the amount which may be contributed to an IRA account in any
one year is subject to certain limitations, assets already in an IRA account
may be invested in the Portfolios without regard to such limitations.
Shareholders considering transferring an IRA, CBA(R) account or CMA
SubAccountSM in which Program shares are held from Merrill Lynch to another
brokerage firm or financial institution should be aware that Program shares
may only be held in a Merrill Lynch custodied IRA, or in a CBA(R) account or
CMA SubAccountSM established pursuant to the Uniform Gifts to Minors Acts or
Uniform Transfers to Minors Acts (or other similar state statutes). Prior to
any such transfer, a shareholder must either redeem the shares (paying any
applicable CDSC), so that the cash proceeds can be transferred to the account
at the new firm or exchange the shares for shares of another mutual fund
advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates pursuant to the exchange
privilege. It is possible, however, that the firm to which the account is to
be transferred will not take delivery of shares of such other MLAM-advised
mutual fund, and then the shareholder would have to redeem these shares so
that the cash proceeds can be transferred or continue to maintain an IRA,
CBA(R) account or CMA SubAccountSM at Merrill Lynch for those shares.
Cash balances of participants who elect to have such funds automatically
invested in shares of a Portfolio will be invested as follows. Cash balances
arising from the sale of securities held in the account which do not settle on
the day of the transaction (such as most common and preferred stock
transactions) become available to the Program and will be invested in shares
of a Portfolio on the business day following the day that proceeds with
respect thereto are received in the account. Proceeds giving rise to cash
balances from the sale of securities held in the account settling on a same
day basis and from principal repayments on debt securities held in the account
become available to the Program and will be invested in shares of a Portfolio
on the next business day following receipt. Cash balances arising from
dividends or interest payments on securities held in the account or from a
contribution to the IRA account or a deposit into the CBA(R) account or CMA
SubAccountSM are invested in shares of the Portfolios on the business day
following the date the payment is received in the account.
Merrill Lynch has advised the Program that it will not charge an annual
account fee upon any IRA, UGMA, UTMA accounts in a CBA(R) account or CMA
SubAccountSM which participates in the Merrill Lynch Asset BuilderSM Service,
provided the account receives additional contributions of $250 annually and is
invested solely in one or more of the Program's Portfolios, a money market
fund advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates or a bank deposit
account administered by Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch has further advised the
Program that it will not charge an annual account fee under certain other
circumstances. If, however, a shareholder of any of the Portfolios exchanges
any of his or her shares of a Portfolio for shares of another MLAM-advised
mutual fund, Merrill Lynch will reinstate the IRA, CBA(R) or CMA SubAccountSM
annual account fee, as the case may be. For information about current IRA fees
charged by Merrill Lynch, consult the applicable Merrill Lynch IRA disclosure
schedule. For information about the current CBA(R) fees charged by Merrill
Lynch, consult the Capital BuilderTM Account Program description. For
information about current CMA SubAccountSM fees charged by Merrill Lynch,
consult the Cash Management Account(R) Program description.
Investors should read materials concerning their IRAs, including copies of
the IRAs and the forms necessary to establish an IRA, which are available from
Merrill Lynch. Investors should read such materials carefully before
establishing an IRA and should consult with their attorney or tax adviser to
determine if any of the IRAs are suited to their needs and circumstances. The
laws applicable to the IRAs, including the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA") and the Code are complex and include a
variety of transitional rules, which may be applicable to some investors.
These laws should be reviewed by investors' attorneys to determine their
applicability. Investors are further advised that the tax treatment of the
IRAs under applicable state law may vary.
45
<PAGE>
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Reference is made to "How to Buy, Sell, Transfer and Exchange Shares" in the
Prospectus.
The right to redeem shares or to receive payment with respect to any such
redemption may be suspended for more than seven days only for any period
during which trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") or such Exchange is closed (other
than customary weekend and holiday closings), for any period during which an
emergency exists as defined by the Commission as a result of which disposal of
portfolio securities or determination of the net asset value of any Portfolio
is not reasonably practicable, and for such other periods as the Commission
may by order permit for the protection of shareholders of the Portfolios.
Distributions from an IRA account to a participant prior to the time the
participant reaches age 59 1/2 may subject the participant to income and
excise taxes. See "Dividends and Taxes." There are, however, no adverse tax
consequences resulting from redemptions of shares of the Portfolios where the
redemption proceeds remain in the IRA account and are otherwise invested.
Shareholders should be aware, however, that redemption of shares of a
Portfolio and reinvestment of the proceeds in shares of another fund advised
by the Investment Adviser or an affiliate may subject the investor's IRA to an
annual IRA account fee or the investor's CBA(R) or CMA SubAccountSM account to
the annual CBA(R) or CMA SubAccountSM fee, as the case may be. For information
about the current IRA fees charged by Merrill Lynch, consult the applicable
Merrill Lynch IRA disclosure schedule. For information about the current
CBA(R) fees charged by Merrill Lynch, consult the Capital Builder(TM) Account
Program description. For information about the current CMA SubAccountSM fees
charged by Merrill Lynch, consult the Cash Management Account(R) Program
description.
The Program is required to redeem for cash all shares of each portfolio of
the Program at the request of the shareholder. The redemption price is the net
asset value per share next determined after the initial receipt of proper
notice of redemption as described below. If such notice is received by Merrill
Lynch prior to the determination of net asset value on any day (15 minutes
after the close of business on the NYSE), the redemption will be effective on
that day and payment generally will be made on the next business day. If the
notice is received after the determination of net asset value on any day, the
redemption will be effective on the next business day and payment will be made
on the second business day after receipt of the notice. Shareholders
liquidating their holdings will receive upon redemption all dividends
reinvested through the date of redemption. Accrued but unpaid dividends will
be paid on the payable date next following the date of redemption.
The value of shares at the time of redemption may be more or less than the
shareholder's cost, depending on the market value of the securities held by
the Program at any such time.
Any shareholder may redeem shares of the Portfolios by submitting a written
notice of redemption to Merrill Lynch. Participants in the Program should
contact their Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant to effect such redemptions.
Redemption requests should not be sent to the Program or to its Transfer
Agent. In the case of an IRA account, the notice must bear the signature of
the person in whose name the IRA is maintained, signed exactly as his or her
name appears on the IRA adoption agreement. In the case of a CBA(R) or CMA(R)
account, the notice must bear the signature of the person named as custodian
for the account.
Reinstatement Privilege -- Class A and Class D Shares
Shareholders who have redeemed their Class A or Class D shares of a
Portfolio have a privilege to reinstate their accounts by purchasing Class A
or Class D shares, as the case may be, of that Portfolio at net asset value
without a sales charge up to the dollar amount redeemed. The reinstatement
privilege may be exercised by sending a notice of exercise along with a check
for the amount to be reinstated to the Transfer Agent within 30 days after the
date the request for redemption was accepted by the Transfer Agent or the
Distributor. Alternatively, the reinstatement privilege may be exercised
through the investor's Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant within 30 days after
the date the request for redemption was accepted by the Transfer Agent or the
Distributor. The reinstatement will be made at the net asset value per share
next determined after the notice of reinstatement is received and cannot
exceed the amount of the redemption proceeds.
46
<PAGE>
PRICING OF SHARES
Determination of Net Asset Value
Reference is made to "How Shares are Priced" in the Prospectus.
The net asset value of the shares of each Portfolio is determined once daily
Monday through Friday as of fifteen minutes after the close of business on the
NYSE on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The NYSE generally closes at
4:00 p.m., Eastern time. Any assets or liabilities initially expressed in
terms of non-U.S. dollar currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the
prevailing market rates as quoted by one or more banks or dealers on the day
of valuation. The NYSE is not open for trading on New Year's Day, Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Net asset value is computed by dividing the value of the securities held by
a Portfolio plus any cash or other assets (including interest and dividends
accrued but not yet received) minus all liabilities (including accrued
expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding at such time, rounded to
the nearest cent. Expenses, including the fees payable to the Investment
Adviser and Distributor, are accrued daily.
The per share net asset value of Class B, Class C and Class D shares
generally will be lower than the per share net asset value of Class A shares,
reflecting the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance, distribution
and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to Class B and Class C
shares, and the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance fees
applicable with respect to the Class D shares; moreover, the per share net
asset value of the Class B and Class C shares generally will be lower than the
per share net asset value of Class D shares reflecting the daily expense
accruals of the distribution fees and higher transfer agency fees applicable
with respect to Class B and Class C shares of a Portfolio. It is expected,
however, that the per share net asset value of the four classes will tend to
converge (although not necessarily meet) immediately after the payment of
dividends, which will differ by approximately the amount of the expense
accrual differentials between the classes.
Portfolio securities that are traded on stock exchanges are valued at the
last sale price (regular way) on the exchange on which such securities are
traded as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued
or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price for long positions, and
at the last available ask price for short positions. In cases where securities
are traded on more than one exchange, the securities are valued on the
exchange designated by or under the authority of the Directors as the primary
market. Long positions in securities traded in the over-the-counter ("OTC")
market are valued at the last available bid price in the OTC market prior to
the time of valuation. Short positions in securities traded in the OTC market
are valued at the last available ask price in the OTC market prior to the time
of valuation. Portfolio securities that are traded both in the OTC market and
on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most
representative market. When a Portfolio writes an option, the amount of the
premium received is recorded on the books of the Portfolio as an asset and an
equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently valued to
reflect the current market value of the option written, based upon the last
sale price in the case of exchange-traded options or, in the case of options
traded in the OTC market, the last asked price. Options purchased by a
Portfolio are valued at their last sale price in the case of exchange-traded
options or, in the case of options traded in the OTC market, the last bid
price. Other investments, including financial futures contracts and related
options, are stated at market value. Securities and assets for which market
quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in
good faith by or under the direction of the Directors of a Portfolio. Such
valuations and procedures will be reviewed periodically by the Directors.
Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities, as well as U.S. Government
securities and money market instruments, is substantially completed each day
at various times prior to the close of business on the NYSE. The values of
such securities used in computing the net asset value of a Portfolio's shares
are determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also
generally determined prior to the close of business on the NYSE. Occasionally,
events affecting the values of such securities and such exchange rates may
occur between the times
47
<PAGE>
at which they are determined and the close of business on the NYSE that will
not be reflected in the computation of a Portfolio's net asset value. If
events materially affecting the value of such securities occur during such
period, then these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined
in good faith by the Directors.
The Program values corporate debt securities, mortgage backed securities,
municipal securities, asset backed securities and other debt securities on the
basis of valuations provided by dealers or by a pricing service which uses
information with respect to transactions in such securities, quotations from
dealers, market transactions in comparable securities, various relationships
between securities and yield to maturity. Portfolio securities (other than
short term obligations but including listed issues) may be valued on the basis
of prices furnished by one or more pricing services which determine prices for
normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities using market
information, transactions for comparable securities and various relationships
between securities which are generally recognized by institutional traders.
Obligations with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at
amortized cost unless this method no longer produces fair valuations.
The per share net asset value of Class A shares generally will be higher
than the per share net asset value of shares of the other classes, reflecting
the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance, distribution and higher
transfer agency fees applicable with respect to Class B and Class C shares and
the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance fees applicable with
respect to Class D shares; moreover, the per share net asset value of Class D
shares generally will be higher than the per share net asset value of the
Class B and Class C shares, reflecting the daily expense accruals of the
distribution and the higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to
Class B and Class C shares. It is expected, however, that the per share net
asset value of the classes will tend to converge (although not necessarily
meet) immediately after the payment of dividends which will differ by
approximately the amount of the expense accrual differentials between the
classes.
Option Accounting Principles. When a Portfolio sells an option, an amount
equal to the premium received by the Portfolio is included in that Portfolio's
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a deferred credit. The amount of such
liability subsequently will be marked-to-market to reflect the current market
value of the option written. If current market value exceeds the premium
received there is an unrealized loss; conversely, if the premium exceeds
current market value there is an unrealized gain. The current market value of
a traded option is the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, the last
offering price. If an option expires on its stipulated expiration date or if a
Portfolio enters into a closing purchase transaction, the affected Portfolio
will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction
exceeds the premium received when the option was sold) without regard to any
unrealized gain or loss on the underlying security, and the liability related
to such option will be extinguished. If an option is exercised, the Program
will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the
proceeds of sales are increased by the premium originally received.
Computation of Offering Price Per Share
An illustration of the computation of the offering price for Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D shares of each Portfolio based on the value of each
Portfolio's net assets and number of shares outstanding on January 31, 1999 is
set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fundamental Value Portfolio Global Opportunity Portfolio
------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Class A Class B Class C Class D Class A Class B Class C Class D
-------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Assets.............. $358,938 $62,419,416 $31,188,015 $6,235,768 $193,188 $44,454,526 $18,342,501 $3,374,614
======== =========== =========== ========== ======== =========== =========== ==========
Number of Shares
Outstanding............ 25,317 4,484,962 2,242,175 441,210 15,507 3,635,126 1,503,324 271,815
======== =========== =========== ========== ======== =========== =========== ==========
Net Asset Value Per
Share (net assets
divided by number of
shares outstanding).... $ 14.18 $ 13.92 $ 13.91 $ 14.13 $ 12.46 $ 12.23 $ 12.20 $ 12.42
Sales Charge (Class A
and Class D shares:
5.25% of offering
price; 5.54% of net
asset value)........... .79 ** ** .78 .69 ** ** .69
-------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Offering Price.......... $ 14.97 $ 13.92 $ 13.91 $ 14.91 $ 13.15 $ 12.23 $ 12.20 $ 13.11
======== =========== =========== ========== ======== =========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
48
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quality Bond Portfolio U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Class A Class B Class C Class D Class A Class B Class C Class D
------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Assets.............. $84,478 $11,873,880 $4,587,376 $1,582,740 $1,278,251 $14,817,401 $4,678,802 $1,700,868
======= =========== ========== ========== ========== =========== ========== ==========
Number of Shares
Outstanding............ 8,276 1,163,268 449,426 155,087 121,561 1,409,358 445,066 161,684
======= =========== ========== ========== ========== =========== ========== ==========
Net Asset Value Per
Share (net assets
divided by number of
shares outstanding).... $ 10.21 $ 10.21 $ 10.21 $ 10.21 $ 10.52 $ 10.51 $ 10.51 $ 10.52
Sales Charge (Class A
and Class D shares:
4.00% of offering
price; 4.17% of net
asset value)........... .43 ** ** .43 .44 ** ** .44
------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Offering Price.......... $ 10.64 $ 10.21 $ 10.21 $ 10.64 $ 10.96 $ 10.51 $ 10.51 $ 10.96
======= =========== ========== ========== ========== =========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Growth Opportunity Portfolio
-------------------------------------------
Class A Class B Class C Class D
-------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Assets........................ $581,647 $69,601,335 $40,710,321 $3,699,646
======== =========== =========== ==========
Number of Shares Outstanding...... 31,391 3,810,955 2,232,323 199,883
======== =========== =========== ==========
Net Asset Value Per Share (net
assets divided by number of
shares outstanding).............. $ 18.53 $ 18.26 $ 18.24 $ 18.51
Sales Charge (Class A and Class D
shares: 5.25% of offering price;
5.54% of net asset value)........ 1.03 ** ** 1.03
-------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Offering Price.................... $ 19.56 $ 18.26 $ 18.24 $ 19.54
======== =========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent; assumes maximum sales charge
is applicable.
** Class B and Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but
may be subject to a CDSC on redemption of shares. See "Purchase of Shares
-- Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class B and Class C shares --
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges --Class B Shares" and "-- Contingent
Deferred Sales Charges -- Class C Shares" herein.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors of the Program,
the Investment Adviser is primarily responsible for the portfolio decisions of
each of the Portfolios and the placing of the portfolio transactions for each
of the Portfolios. With respect to such transactions, the Investment Adviser
seeks to obtain the best net results for each Portfolio, taking into account
such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer
spread), size of order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of
the firm involved and the firm's risk in positioning a block of securities.
While the Investment Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission
rates, the Portfolios will not necessarily be paying the lowest commission or
spread available. Transactions with respect to the securities of small and
emerging growth companies in which the Fundamental Value and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios may invest may involve specialized services on the part
of the broker or dealer and thereby entail higher commissions or spreads than
would be the case with transactions involving more widely traded securities of
more established companies. The Portfolios have no obligation to deal with any
broker in the execution of transactions for their portfolio securities. In
addition, consistent with the Conduct Rules of the NASD and policies
established by the Directors of the Program, the Investment Adviser may
consider sales of shares of the Portfolios as a factor in the selection of
brokers or dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Portfolios.
The Program has been informed by Merrill Lynch that it will in no way, at
any time, attempt to influence or control the placing by the Investment
Adviser or by the Program of orders for brokerage transactions. Brokers and
dealers, including Merrill Lynch, who provide supplemental investment research
(such as securities and economic research and market forecasts) to the
Investment Adviser may receive orders for transactions by the
49
<PAGE>
Portfolios. If, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, a Portfolio will be
benefited by such supplemental research services, the Investment Adviser is
authorized to pay commissions to brokers furnishing such services which are in
excess of commissions which another broker may charge for the same
transaction. Information so received is in addition to and not in lieu of the
services required to be performed by the Investment Adviser under the
Investment Advisory Agreement with the Program, and the expenses of the
Investment Adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt
of such supplemental information. Supplemental investment research received by
the Investment Adviser may also be used in connection with other investment
advisory accounts of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates.
The Portfolios also may invest in securities traded in the over-the-counter
("OTC") market. Transactions in the OTC market generally are principal
transactions with dealers and the costs of such transactions involve dealer
spreads. With respect to the OTC transactions, the Portfolios, where possible,
will deal directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities
involved except in those circumstances where better prices and execution are
available elsewhere. Such dealers usually act as principals for their own
account. On occasion, securities may be purchased directly from the issuer.
Bonds and money market securities are generally traded on a net basis and do
not normally involve either brokerage commissions or transfer taxes. The cost
of portfolio securities transactions of the Quality Bond and the U.S.
Government Securities Portfolios will consist primarily of dealer or
underwriter spreads.
Under the Investment Company Act, persons affiliated with the Program and
persons who are affiliated with such persons are prohibited from dealing with
the Program as principal in the purchase and sale of securities unless a
permissive order allowing such transactions is obtained from the Commission.
Since transactions in the over-the-counter market usually involve transactions
with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts, affiliated persons of
the Program, including Merrill Lynch and any of its affiliates, will not serve
as the Program's dealer in such transactions. However, affiliated persons of
the Program may serve as its broker in listed or over-the-counter transactions
conducted on an agency basis provided that, among other things, the fee or
commission received by such affiliated broker is reasonable and fair compared
to the fee or commission received by non-affiliated brokers in connection with
comparable transactions. In addition, the Program may not purchase securities
during the existence of any underwriting syndicate for such securities of
which Merrill Lynch is a member or in a private placement in which Merrill
Lynch serves as placement agent except pursuant to procedures adopted by the
Board of Directors of the Program that either comply with rules adopted by the
Commission or with interpretations of the Commission staff.
The ability and decisions of the Global Opportunity, Fundamental Value and
Growth Opportunity Portfolios to purchase or sell portfolio securities may be
affected by laws or regulations relating to the convertibility and
repatriation of assets. Because the shares of the Portfolios are redeemable on
a daily basis in U.S. dollars, the Global Opportunity, Fundamental Value and
Growth Opportunity Portfolios intend to manage their portfolios so as to give
reasonable assurance that they will be able to obtain U.S. dollars to the
extent necessary to meet anticipated redemptions. Under present conditions, it
is not believed that these considerations will have any significant effect on
portfolio strategies.
The Global Opportunity, Fundamental Value and Growth Opportunity Portfolios
anticipate that brokerage transactions involving securities of companies
domiciled in countries other than the U.S. will be conducted primarily on the
principal stock exchanges of such countries. Brokerage commissions and other
transaction costs on foreign stock exchange transactions are generally higher
than in the U.S., although the Global Opportunity, Fundamental Value and
Growth Opportunity Portfolios will endeavor to achieve the best net results in
effecting the transactions. There is generally less governmental supervision
and regulation of foreign stock exchanges and brokers than in the U.S.
The Board of Directors of the Program has considered the possibilities of
seeking to recapture for the benefit of the Program brokerage commissions,
dealer spreads and other expenses of possible portfolio transactions, such as
underwriting commissions and tender offer solicitation fees, by conducting
such portfolio transactions through affiliated entities, including Merrill
Lynch. For example, brokerage commissions received by Merrill Lynch could
50
<PAGE>
be offset against the advisory fee payable by the Program to the Investment
Adviser. After considering all factors deemed relevant, the Board made a
determination not to seek such recapture. The Board will reconsider this
matter from time to time. The Investment Adviser has arranged for the
Program's custodian to receive any tender offer solicitation fees on behalf of
the Program payable with respect to portfolio securities of the Program.
The Global Opportunity, Fundamental Value and Growth Opportunity Portfolios
may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of American
Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) or other
securities convertible into securities of foreign issuers. These securities
may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into
which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by an American
bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued
by a foreign corporation. EDRs are receipts issued in Europe which evidence a
similar ownership arrangement. Generally, ADRs, which are issued in registered
form, are designed for use in the United States securities markets and EDRs,
which are issued in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities
markets.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 generally prohibits
members of the national securities exchanges from executing exchange
transactions for their affiliates and institutional accounts which they manage
unless the member (i) has obtained prior express authorization from the
account to effect such transactions, (ii) at least annually furnishes the
account with the aggregate compensation received by the member in effecting
such transactions, and (iii) complies with any rules the Commission has
prescribed with respect to the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii). To the
extent Section 11(a) would apply to Merrill Lynch acting as a broker for the
Portfolios in any of the portfolio transactions executed on any such
securities exchange of which it is a member, appropriate consents have been
obtained from the Program, and annual statements as to aggregate compensation
will be provided to the Portfolios. The Commission has the authority to issue
regulations to broaden the prohibition contained in Section 11(a) to extend to
transactions executed otherwise than on a national securities exchange. While
there is no indication that it will do so, the Commission could under this
authority issue regulations at any time which would prohibit affiliates from
executing portfolio transactions for the Portfolios on foreign securities
exchanges.
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999, brokerage commissions paid to
Merrill Lynch aggregated $25,542, which comprised 7.03% of the Program's
aggregate brokerage commissions paid and involved 8.58% of the Program's
aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving payment of commissions
during the year. Aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Program are set
forth in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Brokerage Commissions Paid
--------------------------
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1999 1998 1997
------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fundamental Value Portfolio...................... $101,851 $153,414 $141,506
Quality Bond Portfolio........................... $ -- -- --
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio............. $ -- -- --
Global Opportunity Portfolio..................... $184,635 $130,263 $ 86,689
Growth Opportunity Portfolio..................... $ 76,819 $ 39,108 --
</TABLE>
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Program offers a number of shareholder services and investment plans
described below that are designed to facilitate investment in its shares. Full
details as to each of such services, copies of the various plans and
instructions as to how to participate in the various services or plans, or how
to change options with respect thereto, can be obtained from the Program, by
calling the telephone number on the cover page hereof, or from the Distributor
or Merrill Lynch.
Investment Account
A shareholder who maintains his or her account through a Merrill Lynch-
custodied IRA will receive information regarding activity in his or her
Merrill Lynch IRA as part of the Merrill Lynch retirement account statement. A
shareholder who maintains his or her account through the CBA(R) or CMA(R)
program will receive
51
<PAGE>
information regarding activity in the CBA(R) account or CMA SubAccountSM as
part of his CBA(R) or CMA(R) statement. Shareholders also will receive
separate confirmations for each purchase or sale transaction other than
reinvestments of ordinary income dividends and long-term capital gains
distributions. Shareholders considering transferring an IRA, CBA(R) account or
CMA SubAccountSM in which Program shares are held from Merrill Lynch to
another brokerage firm or financial institution should be aware that Program
shares may only be held in a Merrill Lynch-custodied IRA, or in a CBA(R)
account or CMA SubAccountSM established pursuant to the Uniform Gifts to
Minors Acts or Uniform Transfers to Minors Acts (or other similar state
statutes). Prior to any such transfer, a shareholder must either redeem the
shares (paying any applicable CDSC) so that the cash proceeds can be
transferred to the account at the new firm or exchange the shares for shares
of another mutual fund advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates
pursuant to the exchange privilege. It is possible, however, that the firm to
which the account is to be transferred will not take delivery of shares of
such fund, and then the shareholder would have to redeem these shares so that
the cash proceeds can be transferred or such shareholder must continue to
maintain a retirement account at Merrill Lynch for those shares. In addition,
shareholders considering transferring the holdings in their IRA, CBA(R)
account or CMA SubAccountSM to a Merrill Lynch brokerage account should be
aware that because Program shares may only be held in a Merrill Lynch-
custodied IRA, or in a CBA(R) account or CMA SubAccountSM established pursuant
to the Uniform Gifts to Minors Acts or Uniform Transfers to Minors Acts (or
other similar state statutes), the shares will also in this instance have to
be redeemed prior to such transfer or exchanged for another mutual fund
advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates.
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends
Unless specific instructions are given as to the method of payment of
dividends, all dividends of a Portfolio are reinvested automatically in full
and fractional shares of that Portfolio, at the net asset value per share, of
the respective Portfolio next determined on the ex-dividend date of such
dividend. A shareholder may, at any time, by written notification or by
telephone to Merrill Lynch, elect to have subsequent dividends paid in cash,
rather than reinvested, in which event payment will be mailed on the payment
date. The Program is not responsible for any failure of delivery to the
shareholder's address of record and no interest will accrue on amounts
represented by uncashed dividend or redemption checks. No CDSC will be imposed
on redemption of shares issued as a result of the automatic reinvestment of
dividends.
Systematic Redemption and Automatic Investment Plans
At age 59 1/2, a shareholder whose shares are held in a non-Roth IRA account
may elect to receive systematic redemption payments from his or her Investment
Account in the form of payments by check or through automatic payment by
direct deposit to his or her bank account on either a monthly or quarterly
basis. A shareholder who is 59 1/2 and whose shares have been held in a Roth
IRA account for more than 5 years, likewise, may elect to receive such
systematic redemption payments from his or her account. Investors holding
their Program shares in a CBA(R) account or CMA SubAccountSM may arrange to
have periodic investments made in shares of the Portfolios in such account in
amounts of $100 or more through the CMA(R)/CBA(R) Automated Investment
Program. In addition, Merrill Lynch offers an automated funding service which
permits regular current year IRA contributions of up to $2,000 of compensation
per year to be made to IRAs and an automated investment program which may be
used for automated subsequent purchases of shares of the Program. A
shareholder may elect to have shares redeemed on a monthly, bimonthly,
quarterly, semiannual or annual basis through the Systematic Redemption
Program, subject to certain conditions. See "Dividends and Taxes" for
consequences of withdrawals from IRA accounts prior to age 59 1/2.
Exchange Privilege
U.S. shareholders of each class of shares of each Portfolio have an exchange
privilege with certain other Select Pricing Funds and Summit Cash Reserves
Fund ("Summit"), a series of Financial Institutions Series Trust, which is a
Merrill Lynch-sponsored money market fund specifically designated as available
for exchange
52
<PAGE>
by holders of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares of Select Pricing
Funds. If a shareholder exchanges any of his or her shares of a Portfolio for
shares of another Select Pricing Fund, other than portfolios of the Merrill
Lynch Index Funds, Inc., Merrill Lynch will reinstate the IRA annual account
fee, the CBA(R) account fee or CMA SubAccountSM fee, as the case may be. For
information about the current IRA fees charged by Merrill Lynch, consult the
applicable Merrill Lynch IRA disclosure schedule. For information about the
current CBA(R) fees charged by Merrill Lynch, consult the Capital Builder(TM)
Account Program description. For information about the current CMA
SubAccountSM fees charged by Merrill Lynch, consult the Cash Management
Account(R) Program description.
Shares with a net asset value of at least $100 are required to qualify for
the exchange privilege and any shares utilized in an exchange must have been
held by the shareholder for at least 15 days. Before effecting an exchange,
shareholders should obtain a currently effective prospectus of the fund into
which the exchange is to be made. Exercise of the exchange privilege is
ordinarily treated as a sale of the exchanged shares and a purchase of the
acquired shares for Federal income tax purposes. However, shareholders will
not be subject to Federal income tax on an exchange if the shares remain in
the IRA account.
Exchanges of Class A and Class D Shares. Class A shareholders may exchange
Class A shares of a Portfolio for Class A shares of a second Select Pricing
Fund if the shareholder holds any Class A shares of the second fund in his or
her account in which the exchange is made at the time of the exchange or is
otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second fund. If the Class
A shareholder wants to exchange Class A shares for shares of a second Select
Pricing Fund, but does not hold Class A shares of the second fund in his or
her account at the time of the exchange and is not otherwise eligible to
acquire Class A shares of the second fund, the shareholder will receive Class
D shares of the second fund as a result of the exchange. Class D shares also
may be exchanged for Class A shares of a second Select Pricing Fund at any
time as long as, at the time of the exchange, the shareholder holds Class A
shares of the second fund in the account in which the exchange is made or is
otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second fund. Class D
shares are exchangeable with shares of the same class of other Select Pricing
Funds.
Exchanges of Class A or Class D shares outstanding ("outstanding Class A or
Class D shares") for Class A or Class D shares of other Select Pricing Funds
or for Class A shares of Summit ("new Class A or Class D shares") are
transacted on the basis of relative net asset value per Class A or Class D
share, respectively, plus an amount equal to the difference, if any, between
the sales charge previously paid on the outstanding Class A or Class D shares
and the sales charge payable at the time of the exchange on the new Class A or
Class D shares. With respect to outstanding Class A or Class D shares as to
which previous exchanges have taken place, the "sales charge previously paid"
shall include the aggregate of the sales charges paid with respect to such
Class A or Class D shares in the initial purchase and any subsequent exchange.
Class A or Class D shares issued pursuant to dividend reinvestment are sold on
a no-load basis in each of the funds offering Class A or Class D shares. For
purposes of the exchange privilege, Class A or Class D shares acquired through
dividend reinvestment shall be deemed to have been sold with a sales charge
equal to the sales charge previously paid on the Class A or Class D shares on
which the dividend was paid. Based on this formula, Class A and Class D shares
generally may be exchanged into the Class A or Class D shares, respectively,
of the other funds with a reduced sales charge or without a sales charge.
Exchanges of Class B and Class C Shares. Certain Select Pricing Fund with
Class B or Class C shares outstanding ("outstanding Class B or Class C
shares") offer to exchange their Class B or Class C shares for Class B or
Class C shares, respectively, of certain other Select Pricing Funds or for
Class B shares of Summit ("new Class B or Class C shares") on the basis of
relative net asset value per Class B or Class C share, without the payment of
any CDSC that might otherwise be due on redemption of the outstanding shares.
Class B shareholders of a Portfolio exercising the exchange privilege will
continue to be subject to the Portfolio's CDSC schedule if such schedule is
higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the new Class B shares acquired
through use of the exchange privilege. In addition, Class B shares of a
Portfolio acquired through use of the exchange privilege will be subject to
the Portfolio's CDSC schedule is such schedule is higher than the CDSC
schedule relating to the Class B shares of the fund from which the exchange
has been made. For purposes of computing
53
<PAGE>
the CDSC that may be payable on a disposition of the new Class B or Class C
shares, the holding period for the outstanding Class B or Class C shares is
"tacked" to the holding period of the new Class B or Class C shares. For
example, an investor may exchange Class B or Class C shares of a Portfolio for
those of Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund, Inc. ("Special Value Fund") after
having held the Portfolio's Class B shares for two and a half years. The 2%
CDSC that generally would apply to a redemption would not apply to the
exchange. Three years later the investor may decide to redeem the Class B
shares of Special Value Fund and receive cash. There will be no CDSC due on
this redemption, since by "tacking" the two and a half year holding period of
Portfolio Class B shares to the three-year holding period for the Special
Value Fund Class B shares, the investor will be deemed to have held the
Special Value Fund Class B shares for more than five years.
Exchanges for Shares of a Money Market Fund. Class A and Class D shares are
exchangeable for Class A shares of Summit and Class B and Class C shares are
exchangeable for Class B shares of Summit. Class A shares of Summit have an
exchange privilege back into Class A or Class D shares of Select Pricing
Funds; Class B shares of Summit have an exchange privilege back into Class B
or Class C shares of Select Pricing Funds and, in the event of such an
exchange, the period of time that Class B shares of Summit are held will count
toward satisfaction of the holding period requirement for purposes of reducing
any CDSC and toward satisfaction of any Conversion Period with respect to
Class B shares. Class B shares of Summit will be subject to a distribution fee
at an annual rate of 0.75% of average daily net assets of such Class B shares.
This exchange privilege does not apply with respect to certain Merrill Lynch
fee-based programs for which alternative exchange arrangements may exist.
Please see your Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant for further information.
Prior to October 12, 1998, exchanges from a Portfolio and other Select
Pricing Funds into a money market fund were directed to certain Merrill Lynch-
sponsored money market funds other than Summit. Shareholders who exchanged
Select Pricing Fund shares for such other money market funds and subsequently
wish to exchange those money market fund shares for shares of a Portfolio will
be subject to the CDSC schedule applicable to such Portfolio shares, if any.
The holding period for those money market fund shares will not count toward
satisfaction of the holding period requirement for reduction of the CDSC
imposed on such shares, if any, and, with respect to Class B shares, toward
satisfaction of the Conversion Period. However, the holding period for Class B
or Class C shares received in exchange for such money market fund shares will
be aggregated with the holding period for the original Select Pricing Fund
shares for purposes of reducing the CDSC or satisfying the Conversion Period.
Exchanges by Participants in the MFA Program. The exchange privilege is
modified with respect to certain retirement plans which participate in the MFA
Program. Such retirement plans may exchange Class B, Class C or Class D shares
that have been held for at least one year for Class A shares of the same fund
on the basis of relative net asset values in connection with the commencement
of participation in the MFA Program, i.e., no CDSC will apply. The one year
holding period does not apply to shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividends. Upon termination of participation in the MFA Program, Class A
shares will be re-exchanged for the class of shares originally held. For
purposes of computing any CDSC that may be payable upon redemption of Class B
or Class C shares so reacquired, or the Conversion Period for Class B shares
so reacquired, the holding period for the Class A shares will be "tacked" to
the holding period for the Class B or Class C shares originally held. A
Portfolio's exchange privilege is also modified with respect to purchases of
Class A and Class D shares by non-retirement plan investors under the MFA
Program. First, the initial allocation of assets is made under the MFA
Program. Then, any subsequent exchange under the MFA Program of Class A or
Class D shares of a Select Pricing Fund for Class A or Class D shares of a
Portfolio will be made solely on the basis of the relative net asset values of
the shares being exchanged. Therefore, there will not be a charge for any
difference between the sales charge previously paid on the shares of the other
Select Pricing Fund and the sales charge payable on the shares of the
Portfolio being acquired in the exchange under the MFA Program.
Exercise of the Exchange Privilege. To exercise the exchange privilege, a
shareholder should contact his or her Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant, who
will advise the Portfolio of the exchange. Shareholders of the Portfolio, and
shareholders of the other Select Pricing Funds with shares for which
certificates have not been issued, may exercise the exchange privilege by wire
through their securities dealers. The Portfolio reserves the
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<PAGE>
right to require a properly completed Exchange Application. This exchange
privilege may be modified or terminated in accordance with the rules of the
Commission. The Portfolio reserves the right to limit the number of times an
investor may exercise the exchange privilege. Certain funds may suspend the
continuous offering of their shares to the general public at any time and may
thereafter resume such offering from time to time. The exchange privilege is
available only to U.S. shareholders in states where the exchange legally may
be made. It is contemplated that the exchange privilege may be applicable to
other new mutual funds whose shares may be distributed by the Distributor.
Merrill Lynch has advised the Program that it will not charge an annual
account fee upon any IRA, UGMA or UTMA accounts in a CBA(R) account or CMA
SubAccountSM which participates in the Merrill Lynch Asset BuilderSM Service,
provided the account receives additional contributions of $250 annually and is
invested solely in one or more of the Program's Portfolios, a money market
fund advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates or a bank deposit
program administered by Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch has further advised the
Program that it will not charge an annual account fee under certain other
circumstances. If, however, a shareholder of any of the Portfolios exchanges
any of his or her shares of a Portfolio for shares of another Select Pricing
Fund, Merrill Lynch will reinstate the IRA, CBA(R) or CMA SubAccountSM annual
account fee, as the case may be. For information about current IRA fees
charged by Merrill Lynch, consult the applicable Merrill Lynch IRA disclosure
schedule. For information about the current CBA(R) fees charged by Merrill
Lynch, consult the Capital Builder(TM) Account Program description. For
information about current CMA SubAccountSM fees charged by Merrill Lynch,
consult the Cash Management Account(R) Program description.
DIVIDENDS AND TAXES
Federal Tax
RICs. The following is a general summary of the treatment of regulated
investment companies ("RICs") and their shareholders under the Code. The
Program intends to continue to qualify each of the Portfolios for the special
tax treatment afforded RICs under the Code. If it so qualifies, each Portfolio
will not be subject to Federal income tax with respect to the net ordinary
income and net realized capital gains which it distributes to Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D shareholders. The Program intends to cause each
Portfolio to distribute substantially all of such income.
Each Portfolio of the Program is treated as a separate corporation for
Federal income tax purposes. Each Portfolio therefore is considered to be a
separate entity in determining its treatment under the rules for RICs
described herein. Losses in one Portfolio do not offset gains in another
Portfolio, and the requirements (other than certain organizational
requirements) for qualifying for RIC status will be determined at the
Portfolio level rather than the Program level.
The Code requires a RIC to pay a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the extent
the RIC does not distribute, during each calendar year, 98% of its ordinary
income, determined on a calendar year basis, and 98% of its capital gains,
determined, in general, on an October 31 year end, plus certain undistributed
amounts from previous years. While the Program intends to cause each Portfolio
to distribute its income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize
imposition of the 4% excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient
amounts of each Portfolio's taxable income and capital gains will be
distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the tax. In such event, the
Portfolios will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which they do not
meet the foregoing distribution requirements.
Dividends paid by a Portfolio from its ordinary income or from an excess of
net short term capital gains over net long term capital losses (together
referred to hereafter as "ordinary income dividends") are ordinarily taxable
to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions made from an excess of net
long term capital gains over net short term capital losses (including gains or
losses from certain transactions in futures and options) ("capital gain
dividends") are ordinarily taxable to shareholders as long term capital gains,
regardless of the
55
<PAGE>
length of time the shareholder has owned Portfolio shares. Any loss upon the
sale or exchange of Portfolio shares held for six months or less will be
treated as long term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends
received by the shareholder. Distributions in excess of a Portfolio's earnings
and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder's shares and,
after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will ordinarily constitute
capital gains to such holder (assuming the shares are held as a capital
asset). Certain categories of capital gain are taxable at different rates.
Generally not later than 60 days after the close of its taxable year, the
Program will provide its shareholders with a written notice designating the
amounts of any capital gain dividends. Dividends are ordinarily taxable to
shareholders even though they are reinvested in additional shares of a
Portfolio.
Under certain provisions of the Code, some shareholders may be subject to a
31% withholding tax on ordinary income dividends, capital gain dividends and
redemption payments ("backup withholding"). Generally, shareholders subject to
backup withholding will be those for whom no certified taxpayer identification
number is on file with the Program or who, to the Program's knowledge, have
furnished an incorrect number. When establishing an account, an investor must
certify under penalty of perjury that such number is correct and that such
investor is not otherwise subject to backup withholding.
IRAs. With the exception of CBA(R) accounts and CMA SubAccounts SM
established pursuant to the Uniform Gifts to Minors Acts or the Uniform
Transfers to Minors Acts (or similar state statutes), investment in the
Portfolios is limited to participants in IRAs for which Merrill Lynch acts as
custodian. Accordingly, the general description of the tax treatment of RICs
as set forth above is qualified for the IRA participants with respect to the
special tax treatment afforded IRAs under the Code. Under the Code, neither
ordinary income dividends nor capital gain dividends represent current income
to shareholders holding shares through an IRA.
The amount which may be contributed to a Plan in any one year is subject to
certain limitations under the Code; however, assets already in a Plan account
may be invested without regard to such limitations on contributions. Plan
participants may have a portion of their compensation contributed, up to the
maximum permitted under the Code, to their Plans. For Plans other than Roth
IRAs, these amounts, plus any additional income earned on such contributions,
will ordinarily not be taxed until distributed to the participant. Amounts
contributed to a Roth IRA are taxed in the year of contribution, but earnings
on such contributions may generally accumulate and be distributed tax-free.
Contributions to an IRA in excess of those allowed by law are subject to a six
percent excise tax if not withdrawn, together with the income attributable to
such excess contributions, prior to the date the participant files his income
tax return for the year in which the excess contribution was made. If an
excess amount is contributed in one year and is not withdrawn by such date,
the excess amount will be subject to a cumulative six percent excise tax each
year until it is eliminated. Elimination of the excess may be accomplished
either by reducing allowable contributions (and deductions) in succeeding
year(s), or by withdrawal of the excess amount. Distributions of excess
contributions and income attributable to excess contributions may be
considered a premature distribution subject to the ten (or twenty-five)
percent penalty tax on premature distributions discussed below, and, except
for Roth IRAs, for which the distribution would only be taxed to the extent of
any accumulated earnings, may be taxable as ordinary income at the applicable
rate for the year in which it is distributed.
Distributions from an IRA (other than a Roth IRA) will be taxable as
ordinary income at the rate applicable to the participant at the time of the
distribution. For IRAs other than Roth IRAs, such distributions would include
(i) any pre-tax contributions to the IRA (including pre-tax contributions that
have been rolled over from another IRA or qualified retirement plan), and (ii)
dividends (whether or not such dividends are classified as ordinary income or
capital gain dividends). In addition to ordinary income tax, participants may
be subject to the imposition of a 10% (or, in the case of certain SRA-IRA
distributions, 25%) excise tax on any amount withdrawn from an IRA prior to
the participant's attainment of age 59 1/2, unless one of the exceptions
discussed below applies.
The exceptions to the 10% or 25% penalty ("IRA Exceptions") include: 1)
distributions after the death of the shareholder; 2) distributions
attributable to disability; 3) distributions used to pay certain medical
expenses;
56
<PAGE>
4) distributions that are part of a scheduled series of substantially equal
periodic payments for the life (or life expectancy) of the shareholder or the
joint lives (or joint life and last survivor expectancy) of the shareholder
and the shareholder's beneficiary; 5) withdrawals for medical insurance if the
shareholder has received unemployment compensation for 12 weeks and the
distribution is made in the year such unemployment compensation is received or
the following year; 6) distributions to pay qualified higher education
expenses of the shareholder or certain family members of the shareholder; and
7) distributions used to buy a first home (subject to $10,000 lifetime limit).
For Roth IRA participants, distributions, including accumulated earnings on
contributions, will not be includible in income if such distributions are made
more than five years after the first tax year of contribution and the account
holder is either age 59 1/2 or older, has become disabled, is purchasing a
first new home (subject to the $10,000 lifetime limit) or has died. As with
other IRAs, a 10% excise tax applies to amounts withdrawn from the Roth IRA
prior to reaching age 59 1/2 unless one of the IRA Exceptions applies. Such a
withdrawal would also be included in income to the extent of earnings on
contributions, with distributions treated as made first from contributions and
then from earnings.
A participant, upon reaching age 59 1/2 and for Roth IRA participants, after
waiting five years from the first contribution, generally may make withdrawals
from his Plan account as he chooses without tax penalties. However, the Code
requires that amounts in all Plans other than Roth IRAs must commence being
distributed to a participant on or before April 1 of the calendar year
following the calendar year in which he reaches age 70 1/2, even if the
employee has not retired. With respect to the Roth IRAs, however, no mandatory
withdrawals are required during the account holder's life.
If the minimum payout required from a Plan for a particular year is not
made, a 50% excise tax will be imposed on the amount representing the
difference between the minimum payout required from the Plan and the amount
actually distributed under Section 4974 of the Code. Since there are no
minimum payouts required for Roth IRAs during the grantor's lifetime, there
are no such penalties until the minimum payout obligation becomes operative
for the grantor's beneficiaries.
Generally, amounts from another retirement plan may be "rolled over" into an
IRA account which is not a Roth IRA account or a simple retirement account
without current tax or application of a penalty.
Under certain limited circumstances (for example, if an individual for whose
benefit an IRA is established engages in any transaction prohibited under
Section 4975 of the Code with respect to such account), the IRA could cease to
qualify for the special treatment afforded certain IRAs under the Code as of
the first day of such taxable year that such transaction causing
disqualification occurred. If an IRA through which a shareholder holds
Portfolio shares becomes ineligible for special tax treatment, such
shareholder will be treated as having received a distribution on such first
day of the taxable year from the IRA in an amount equal to the fair market
value of all assets in the account. Thus, a shareholder (except shareholders
in Roth IRAs) would be taxed currently on the amount of any pre-tax
contributions and previously untaxed dividends held within the account. A Roth
IRA shareholder would be taxed currently on the distribution to the extent of
accumulated earnings on contributions. All shareholders would be taxed on all
ordinary income and capital gain dividends paid by the Portfolios subsequent
to such event, whether such dividends were received in cash or reinvested in
additional shares. These ordinary income dividends and capital gain dividends
also might be subject to state and local taxes. In the event of IRA
disqualification, shareholders also could be subject to the excise tax
described above. Additionally, IRA disqualification may subject a nonresident
alien shareholder to a 30% United States withholding tax on ordinary income
dividends paid by a Portfolio unless a reduced rate of withholding or a
withholding exemption is provided under applicable treaty law.
In certain circumstances, shareholders also may be able to make
nondeductible contributions to their retirement accounts. As described above,
ordinary income dividends and capital gain dividends received with respect to
such contributions will not be taxed currently. Unlike the Roth IRA, described
above, earnings on nondeductible contributions made to the account will be
taxed when distributed.
57
<PAGE>
Dividends and interest received by the Global Opportunity Portfolio and, to
a lesser extent, the Fundamental Value and Growth Opportunity Portfolios, may
give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax
conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or
eliminate such taxes. Because of their participation in an IRA, shareholders
will not be able to credit or deduct such taxes in computing their taxable
incomes. However, in the event of IRA disqualification, as discussed above,
shareholders of the Global Opportunity Portfolio might be entitled to a credit
or deduction with respect to their proportionate shares of foreign taxes paid
by the Portfolio, subject to certain conditions and limitations in the Code,
if the Portfolio is eligible and makes an election with the Internal Revenue
Service. It is unlikely, however, that either the Fundamental Value or the
Growth Opportunity Portfolio would be able to make this election.
The Global Opportunity Portfolio and the Growth Opportunity Portfolio, to a
lesser degree, may invest in junk bonds, as described in the Prospectus.
Additionally, the U.S. Government Securities and Global Opportunity Portfolios
may invest in asset backed securities, mortgaged backed securities and
derivative mortgage backed securities. Furthermore, all of the Portfolios may
invest in instruments the return on which includes nontraditional features
such as indexed principal or interest payments. These investments may be
subject to special tax rules under which a Portfolio may be required to accrue
and distribute income before amounts due under the obligations are paid.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations presently in effect. For the
complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections
and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder. The Code and the Treasury
regulations are subject to change by legislative, judicial or administrative
action either prospectively or retroactively. The tax rules applicable to IRAs
are complex and may vary depending on the type of plan in which you are
invested. This discussion does not purport to address all issues applicable to
an investment in an IRA, nor does it cover the specific treatment of all of
the different types of plans in which one could invest. You should consult
with your tax advisor about the tax implications of investing in different
types of plans and of making withdrawals from the account.
State Tax
Ordinary income dividends and capital gain dividends on RIC shares held in a
disqualified IRA or outside of an IRA may also be subject to state and local
taxes. Generally, however, states exempt from state income taxation dividends
on shares held within an IRA, and commence taxation on amounts actually
distributed from an IRA. Such amounts are generally treated as ordinary
income. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the state tax
treatment of amounts distributed from a Roth IRA.
Certain states exempt from state income taxation dividends paid by RICs
which are derived from interest on United States Government obligations. State
law varies as to whether dividend income attributable to United States
Government obligations is exempt from state income tax.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to Federal, foreign, state or local taxes. Foreign investors
should consider applicable foreign taxes in their evaluation of an investment
in the Program.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time the Program may include each Portfolio's average annual
total return and, in the case of the Quality Bond and U.S. Government
Securities Portfolios, yield for various specified time periods in
advertisements or information furnished to present or prospective
shareholders. Average annual total return is determined separately for Class
A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares in accordance with formulas specified
by the Commission.
Average annual total return quotations for each Portfolio for the specified
periods are computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return
(based on net investment income and any realized and unrealized
58
<PAGE>
capital gains or losses on portfolio investments over such periods) that would
equate the initial amount invested to the redeemable value of such investment
at the end of each period. Average annual total return is computed assuming
all dividends and distributions are reinvested and taking into account all
applicable recurring and nonrecurring expenses, including the maximum sales
charge in the case of Class A and Class D shares and the CDSC that would be
applicable to a complete redemption of the investment at the end of the
specified period in the case of Class B and Class C shares.
Yield quotations will be computed based on a 30-day period by dividing (a)
the net income based on the yield of each security earned during the period by
(b) the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were
entitled to receive dividends multiplied by the maximum offering price per
share on the last day of the period. Tax equivalent yield quotations will be
computed by dividing (a) the part of the Portfolio's yield that is tax-exempt
by (b) one minus a stated tax rate and (c) adding the result to that part, if
any, of the Portfolio's yield that is not tax-exempt.
The Program also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total
return and aggregate total return performance data for various periods other
than those noted below. Such data will be computed as described above, except
that (1) as required by the periods of the quotations, actual annual,
annualized or aggregate data, rather than average annual data, may be quoted
and (2) the maximum applicable sales charges will not be included with respect
to annual or annualized rates of return calculations. Aside from the impact on
the performance data calculations of including or excluding the maximum
applicable sales charges, actual annual or annualized total return data
generally will be lower than average annual total return data since the
average rates of return reflect compounding of return; aggregate total return
data generally will be higher than average annual total return data since the
aggregate rates of return reflect compounding over a longer period of time.
Each Portfolio's total return may be expressed either as a percentage or as a
dollar amount in order to illustrate such total return on a hypothetical
$1,000 investment in the Portfolio at the beginning of each specified period.
59
<PAGE>
Set forth in the tables below is total return information for the Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shares of the Portfolios for the periods
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares Class B Shares
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Redeemable Redeemable
Value of a Value of a
Expressed as a hypothetical Expressed as a hypothetical
percentage based $1,000 investment percentage based $1,000 investment
on a hypothetical at the end of on a hypothetical at the end of
$1,000 investment the period $1,000 investment the period
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Fundamental Value
Portfolio
- -----------------
Average Annual Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year ended January
31, 1999............... 2.81% $1,028.10 3.32% $1,033.20
----- --------- ----- ---------
Inception (February 1,
1995) through the
fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999....... 15.54% $1,781.60 15.70% $1,791.30
<CAPTION>
Annual Total Return
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended January 31,
1999.................. 8.51% $1,085.10 7.32% $1,073.20
1998.................. 17.12% $1,171.20 15.91% $1,159.10
--------- ----- ---------
1997.................. 23.20% $1,232.00 21.79% $1,217.90
--------- ----- ---------
1996.................. 20.10%* $1,201.00 18.89%* $1,188.90
----- --------- ----- ---------
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (February 1,
1995) through the
fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999....... 78.16% $1,781.60 79.13% $1,791.30
--------- ----- ---------
<CAPTION>
Quality Bond Portfolio
- ----------------------
Average Annual Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year ended January
31, 1999............... 4.23% $1,042.30 3.88% $1,038.80
--------- ----- ---------
Inception (February 1,
1995) through the
fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999....... 6.60% $1,291.10 6.60% $1,291.30
--------- ----- ---------
<CAPTION>
Annual Total Return
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended January 31,
1999.................. 8.57% $1,085.70 7.88% $1,078.80
--------- ----- ---------
1998.................. 10.59% $1,105.90 9.55% $1,095.50
--------- ----- ---------
1997.................. 2.51% $1,025.10 1.62% $1,016.20
--------- ----- ---------
1996.................. 9.26%* $1,092.60 8.35%* $1,083.50
----- --------- ----- ---------
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Total Return
(including maximum application sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (February 1,
1995) through the
fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999..... 29.11% $1,291.10 29.13% $1,291.30
</TABLE>
- --------
* Commencement of operations was February 1, 1995.
60
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares Class B Shares
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Redeemable Redeemable
Value of a Value of a
Expressed as a hypothetical Expressed as a hypothetical
percentage based $1,000 investment percentage based $1,000 investment
on a hypothetical at the end of on a hypothetical at the end of
$1,000 investment the period $1,000 investment the period
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
U.S. Government Securities
Portfolio
- --------------------------
Average Annual Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year ended January 31,
1999..................... 4.05% $1,040.50 3.48% $1,034.80
----- --------- ----- ---------
Inception (February 1,
1995) through the fiscal
year ended January 31,
1999..................... 8.64% $1,392.80 8.66% $1,393.80
----- --------- ----- ---------
<CAPTION>
Annual Total Return
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended January 31,
1999.................... 8.39% $1,083.90 7.48% $1,074.80
1998.................... 10.66% $1,106.60 9.76% $1,097.60
----- --------- ----- ---------
1997.................... 4.76% $1,047.60 3.90% $1,039.00
----- --------- ----- ---------
1996.................... 15.47%* $1,154.70 14.53%* $1,145.30
----- --------- ----- ---------
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (February 1,
1995) through the fiscal
year ended January 31,
1999..................... 39.28% $1,392.80 39.38% $1,393.80
----- --------- ----- ---------
<CAPTION>
Global Opportunity
Portfolio
- ------------------
Average Annual Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year ended January 31,
1999..................... 3.87% $1,038.70 4.48% $1,044.80
----- --------- ----- ---------
Inception (February 1,
1995) through the fiscal
year ended January 31,
1999..................... 8.69% $1,395.40 8.79% $1,400.50
----- --------- ----- ---------
<CAPTION>
Annual Total Return
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended January 31,
1999.................... 9.63% $1,096.30 8.48% $1,084.80
--------- ----- ---------
1998.................... 7.27% $1,072.70 5.97% $1,059.70
----- --------- ----- ---------
1997.................... 12.68% $1,126.80 11.67% $1,116.70
----- --------- ----- ---------
1996.................... 11.15%* $1,111.50 9.89%* $1,098.90
----- --------- ----- ---------
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Total Return
(including maximum application sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (February 1,
1995) through the fiscal
year ended January 31,
1999..................... 39.54% $1,395.40 40.05% $1,400.50
----- --------- ----- ---------
</TABLE>
- --------
* Commencement of operations was February 1, 1995.
61
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares Class B Shares
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Redeemable Value Redeemable Value
Expressed as a of a hypothetical Expressed as a of a hypothetical
percentage based $1,000 investment percentage based $1,000 investment
on a hypothetical at the end of on a hypothetical at the end of
$1,000 investment the period $1,000 investment the period
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Growth Opportunity
Portfolio
------------------
Average Annual Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year ended January
31, 1999............... 34.56% $1,345.60 36.41% $1,364.10
Inception (February 2,
1996)
through the fiscal year
ended
January 31, 1999....... 25.19% $1,959.70 25.69% $1,983.30
<CAPTION>
Annual Total Return
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended January 31,
1999.................. 42.02% $1,420.20 40.41% $1,404.10
1998.................. 23.52% $1,235.20 22.16% $1,221.60
Inception (February 2,
1996)
through the fiscal year
ended
January 31, 1997....... 17.90% $1,179.00 16.80% $1,168.00
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (February 2,
1996)
through the fiscal year
ended
January 31, 1999....... 95.97% $1,959.70 98.33% $1,983.30
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C Shares Class D Shares
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Redeemable Value Redeemable Value
Expressed as a of a hypothetical Expressed as a of a hypothetical
percentage based $1,000 investment percentage based $1,000 investment
on a hypothetical at the end of on a hypothetical at the end of
$1,000 investment the period $1,000 investment the period
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Fundamental Value
Portfolio
-----------------
Average Annual Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year ended January
31, 1999............... 6.23% $1,062.30 2.51% $1,025.10
Inception (February 1,
1995)
through the fiscal year
ended
January 31, 1999....... 15.85% $1,800.60 15.27% $1,764.60
<CAPTION>
Annual Total Return
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended January 31,
1999.................. 7.23% $1,072.30 8.19% $1,081.90
1998.................. 15.93% $1,159.30 16.89% $1,168.90
1997.................. 21.82% $1,218.20 22.82% $1,228.20
1996.................. 18.89%* $1,188.90 19.90%* $1,199.00
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (February 1,
1995)
through the fiscal year
ended
January 31, 1999....... 80.06% $1,800.60 76.46% $1,764.60
</TABLE>
- --------
* Commencement of operations was February 1, 1995
62
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C Shares Class D Shares
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Redeemable Value Redeemable Value
Expressed as a of a hypothetical Expressed as a of a hypothetical
percentage based $1,000 investment percentage based $1,000 investment
on a hypothetical at the end of on a hypothetical at the end of
$1,000 investment the period $1,000 investment the period
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Quality Bond Portfolio
----------------------
Average Annual Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year ended January 31,
1999..................... 6.83% $1,068.30 4.08% $1,040.80
Inception (February 1,
1995)
through the fiscal year
ended
January 31, 1999......... 6.74% $1,297.70 6.34% $1,278.40
<CAPTION>
Annual Total Return
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended January 31,
1999.................... 7.83% $1,078.30 8.41% $1,084.10
1998.................... 9.46% $1,094.60 10.21% $1,102.10
1997.................... 1.55% $1,015.50 2.25% $1,022.50
1996.................... 8.27%* $1,082.70 8.99%* $1,089.90
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (February 1,
1995)
through the fiscal year
ended
January 31, 1999......... 29.77% $1,297.70 27.84% $1,278.40
<CAPTION>
U.S. Government Securities
Portfolio
- --------------------------
Average Annual Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year ended January 31,
1999..................... 6.43% $1,064.30 3.79% $1,037.90
Inception (February 1,
1995)
through the fiscal year
ended
January 31, 1999......... 8.79% $1,400.40 8.36% $1,378.40
<CAPTION>
Annual Total Return
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended January 31,
1999.................... 7.43% $1,074.30 8.12% $1,081.20
1998.................... 9.79% $1,097.90 10.38% $1,103.80
1997.................... 3.83% $1,038.30 4.49% $1,044.90
1996.................... 14.36%* $1,143.60 15.13%* $1,151.30
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (February 1,
1995)
through the fiscal year
ended
January 31, 1999......... 40.04% $1,400.40 37.84% $1,378.40
</TABLE>
- --------
* Commencement of operations was February 1, 1995.
63
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C Shares Class D Shares
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Redeemable Redeemable
Value of a Value of a
Expressed as a hypothetical Expressed as a hypothetical
percentage based $1,000 investment percentage based $1,000 investment
on a hypothetical at the end of on a hypothetical at the end of
$1,000 investment the period $1,000 investment the period
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Global Opportunity
Portfolio
- ------------------
Average Annual Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year ended January
31, 1999............... 7.40% $1,074.00 3.61% $1,036.10
Inception (February 1,
1995) through the
fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999....... 8.94% $1,408.20 8.45% $1,382.90
<CAPTION>
Annual Total Return
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended January 31,
1999.................. 8.40% $1,084.00 9.35% $1,093.50
1998.................. 5.99% $1,059.90 7.02% $1,070.20
1997.................. 11.61% $1,116.10 12.56% $1,125.60
1996.................. 9.81%* $1,098.10 10.80%* $1,108.00
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (February 1,
1995) through the
fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999....... 40.82% $1,408.20 38.29% $1,382.90
<CAPTION>
Growth Opportunity
Portfolio
- ------------------
Average Annual Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year ended January
31, 1999............... 39.39% $1,393.90 34.16% $1,341.60
Inception (February 2,
1996) through the
fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999....... 26.08% $2,001.60 24.95% $1,948.60
<CAPTION>
Annual Total Return
(excluding maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended January 31,
1999.................. 40.39% $1,403.90 41.59% $1,415.90
1998.................. 22.17% $1,221.70 23.30% $1,233.00
Inception (February 2,
1996) through the
fiscal year ended
January 31, 1997)...... 16.70% $1,167.00 17.80% $1,178.00
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Total Return
(including maximum applicable sales charges)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Inception (February 2,
1996) through the
fiscal year ended
January 31, 1999....... 100.16% $2,001.60 94.86% $1,948.60
</TABLE>
- --------
* Commencement of operations was February 1, 1995.
In order to reflect the reduced sales charges in the case of Class A or
Class D shares or the waiver of the CDSC in the case of Class B or Class C
shares applicable to certain investors, as described under "Purchase of
Shares" and "Redemption of Shares," respectively, the total return data quoted
by the Program in advertisements directed to such investors may take into
account the reduced, and not the maximum, sales charge or may not take into
account the CDSC and therefore may reflect greater total return since, due to
the reduced sales charges or the waiver of sales charges, a lower amount of
expenses may be deducted.
On occasion, a Portfolio may compare its performance to that of the Standard
& Poor's Composite 500 Index, the Value Line Composite Index, the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, other market indices or performance data published by
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar Publications, Inc., Money
Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Business Week, Forbes Magazine and Fortune
Magazine or other industry publications. When comparing its performance to a
market index, a Portfolio may refer to various statistical measures derived
from
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<PAGE>
the historic performance of the Portfolio and the index, such as standard
deviation and beta. In addition, from time to time a Portfolio may include the
Portfolio's risk-adjusted performance ratings assigned by Morningstar
Publications, Inc. in advertising or supplemental sales literature. As with
other performance data, performance comparisons should not be considered
indicative of the Portfolio's relative performance for any future period.
The Portfolio's total return will vary depending on market conditions, the
securities comprising the portfolio, the Portfolio's operating expenses and
the amount of realized and unrealized net capital gains or losses during the
period. The value of an investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate and an
investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their
original cost.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Description of Shares
The Program was incorporated under Maryland law on May 12, 1994. As of the
date of this Statement of Additional Information, the Program has an
authorized capital of 200,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per
share, of which 176,250,000 have been designated as follows: Fundamental Value
Portfolio Series Common Stock which consists of 6,250,000 Class A shares,
10,000,000 Class B shares, 6,250,000 Class C shares and 6,250,000 Class D
shares; Quality Bond Portfolio Series Common Stock which consists of 6,250,000
Class A shares, 6,250,000 Class B shares, 6,250,000 Class C shares and
6,250,000 Class D shares; U.S. Government Securities Portfolio Series Common
Stock which consists of 26,250,000 Class A shares, 26,250,000 Class B shares,
6,250,000 Class C shares and 6,250,000 Class D shares; Global Opportunity
Portfolio Series Common Stock which consists of 6,250,000 Class A shares,
10,000,000 Class B shares, 6,250,000 Class C shares and 6,250,000 Class D
shares; and Growth Opportunity Portfolio Series Common Stock which consists of
6,250,000 Class A shares, 10,000,000 Class B shares, 6,250,000 Class C shares
and 6,250,000 Class D shares. The Board of Directors of the Program may
classify and reclassify the shares of a Portfolio into additional classes of
Common Stock at a future date.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and fractional
votes for fractional shares held and will vote on the election of Directors
and any other matter submitted to a shareholder vote. The Program does not
intend to hold meetings of shareholders in any year in which the Investment
Company Act does not require shareholders to act on any of the following
matters: (i) election of Directors; (ii) approval of an investment advisory
agreement; (iii) approval of a distribution agreement; and (iv) ratification
of selection of independent auditors. Generally, under Maryland law, a meeting
of shareholders may be called for any purpose on the written request of the
holders of at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Program. Voting
rights for Directors are not cumulative. Shares issued are fully paid and non-
assessable and have no preemptive or conversion rights. Redemption rights are
discussed elsewhere herein and in the Prospectus. Each share is entitled to
participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Program and
in the net assets of the Program on liquidation or dissolution after
satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Stock certificates are issued by the
Transfer Agent only on specific request. Certificates for fractional shares
are not issued in any case.
Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 117 Campus Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540-6400,
has been selected as the independent auditors of the Program. The selection of
independent auditors is subject to approval by the non-interested Directors of
the Program. The independent auditors are responsible for auditing the annual
financial statements of the Program.
Custodian
The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, 12th Floor, New York, New York
10286, (the "Custodian") acts as the Custodian of the Program's assets. Under
its contract with the Program, the Custodian is authorized to establish
separate accounts in foreign currencies and to cause foreign securities owned
by the Program to be
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<PAGE>
held in its offices outside the United States and with certain foreign banks
and securities depositories. The Custodian is responsible for safeguarding and
controlling the Program's cash and securities, handling the receipt and
delivery of securities and collecting interest and dividends on the Program's
investments.
Transfer Agent
Financial Data Services, Inc., P.O. Box 45289, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-
5289, acts as the Program's transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent"). The
Transfer Agent is responsible for the issuance, transfer and redemption of
shares and the opening, maintenance and servicing of shareholder accounts.
Legal Counsel
Brown & Wood LLP, One World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0557, is
counsel for the Program.
Reports to Shareholders
The fiscal year of the Program ends on January 31 of each year. The Program
sends to its shareholders at least semi-annually reports showing the Program's
portfolio and other information. An annual report, containing financial
statements audited by independent auditors, is sent to shareholders each year.
After the end of each year, shareholders will receive Federal income tax
information regarding dividends and capital gains distributions.
Shareholder Inquiries
Shareholder inquiries may be addressed to the Program at the address or
telephone number set forth on the cover page of this Statement of Additional
Information.
Additional Information
The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits
relating thereto, which the Program has filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act and the Investment
Company Act, to which reference is hereby made.
Under a separate agreement, ML & Co. has granted the Program the right to
use the "Merrill Lynch" name and has reserved the right to withdraw its
consent to the use of such name by the Program at any time or to grant the use
of such name to any other company, and the Program has granted ML & Co., under
certain conditions, the use of any other name it might assume in the future,
with respect to any corporation organized by ML & Co.
To the knowledge of the Program, the following persons or entities owned
beneficially 5% or more of any class of the stock of the Portfolios indicated
as of May 3, 1999.
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Address Percent of Class
---- ------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ABP US Government Securities
Merrill Lynch Group Inc. P.O. Box 9000 56% of Class A
C/O ML Accounting Princeton, NJ 08543-9000
Attn John Bligh
MLPF&S Cust FPO 1380 Butter Churn Drive 9.9% of Class A
Edward G. Stacy IRRA Horndon, VA 20170
FBO Edward G. Stacy
MLPF&S Cust FPO 1630 Timberlake Manor Pkwy 7.9% of Class A
Francis J. Murphy Jr. IRRA Chesterfield, MO 63017
FBO Francis J. Murphy Jr.
MLPF&S Cust FPO 1800 W Roscoe St. # 229 7.2% of Class A
Jennifer Roche Chicago, IL 60857
William E. Arnold, Co. PO Box 371 38.7% of Class D
William E. Arnold, Jr. Jacksonville, Florida 32201
MLPF&S Cust FPO 600A Revere Blvd 7.5% of Class D
Peter S. Deck IRRA Sinking SPG, PA 19808
Ms. Leatrice J. Harpster 15300 Pine Orchard Dr. #3A 5.7% of Class D
Silver Spring, MD 20906
ABP Quality Bond
MLPF&S Cust FBO 2227 Estate Gate Dr. 42% of Class A
Mr. Barron W. Dowling IRRA San Antonio, TX 78280
FBO Mr. Barron W. Dowling
Merrill Lynch Asset Mgmt. LP P.O. Box 9011 14.6% of Class A
Attn Donald C. Burke Princeton, NJ 08543-9011
MLPF&S Cust FPO 32483 Meadow Mountain Lane 6.8% of Class A
Frank J. Marek Evergreen, CO 80439
FBO Frank J. Marek
Wendy R. Wright C/F 13640 Capstan Drive 6.3% of Class A
Meaghan D. Wright UTMA/AK Anchorage, AK 99516
Until age 21
Wendy R. Wright C/F 13640 Capstan Drive 5.9% of Class A
Darcy C. Wright UTMA/AK Anchorage, AK 99516
Until age 21
Lorbrook Corp. P.O. BOX 347 43.2% of Class D
Hudson, NY 12534
Mr. Don Alan Perkins 7354 Conestoga Drive 6% of Class D
Mrs. Cynthia Elaine Perkins TIC Greenwel SPGS, LA 70739
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Program's audited financial statements are incorporated in this
Statement of Additional Information by reference to its 1999 annual report to
shareholders. You may request a copy of the annual report at no charge by
calling 1-800-456-4587 ext. 789 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on any
business day.
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<PAGE>
APPENDIX I: Options and Futures Transactions
As described under "Other Investment Policies and Practices of the
Portfolios--Portfolio Strategies Involving Options and Futures", each
Portfolio is authorized to engage in various portfolio management strategies
involving options, futures and options on futures. These strategies are
described in detail below:
Writing Covered Options. Each Portfolio is authorized to write (i.e., sell)
covered call options on the securities in which it may invest and to enter
into closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such options. A
covered call option is an option where a Portfolio in return for a premium
gives another party a right to buy specified securities owned by the Portfolio
at a specified future date and price set at the time of the contract. The
principal reason for writing call options is to attempt to realize, through
the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the
securities alone. By writing covered call options, a Portfolio gives up the
opportunity, while the option is in effect, to profit from any price increase
in the underlying security above the option exercise price. In addition, the
Portfolio's ability to sell the underlying security will be limited while the
option is in effect unless the Portfolio effects a closing purchase
transaction. A closing purchase transaction cancels out the Portfolio's
position as the writer of an option by means of an offsetting purchase of an
identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has written. Covered
call options serve as a partial hedge against the price of the underlying
security declining.
Each Portfolio also may write put options which give the holder of the
option the right to sell the underlying security to the Portfolio at the
stated exercise price. A Portfolio will receive a premium for writing a put
option, which increases the Portfolio's return. The Portfolios write only
covered put options, which means that so long as the Portfolio is obligated as
the writer of the option it will, through its custodian, have deposited and
maintained cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or other high
grade liquid debt or equity securities denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S.
currencies with a securities depository with a value equal to or greater than
the exercise price of the underlying securities. By writing a put, the
Portfolio will be obligated to purchase the underlying security at a price
that may be higher than the market value of that security at the time of
exercise for as long as the option is outstanding. A Portfolio may engage in
closing transactions in order to terminate put options that it has written.
Purchasing Options. Each Portfolio is authorized to purchase put options to
hedge against a decline in the market value of its securities. By buying a put
option, a Portfolio has a right to sell the underlying security at the
exercise price, thus limiting the Portfolio's risk of loss through a decline
in the market value of the security until the put option expires. The amount
of any appreciation in the value of the underlying security will be partially
offset by the amount of the premium paid for the put option and any related
transaction costs. Prior to its expiration, a put option may be sold in a
closing sale transaction, and profit or loss from the sale will depend on
whether the amount received is more or less than the premium paid for the put
option plus the related transaction costs. A closing sale transaction cancels
out the Portfolio's position as the purchaser of an option by means of an
offsetting sale of an identical option prior to the expiration of the option
it has purchased. In certain circumstances, a Portfolio may purchase call
options on securities held in its portfolio on which it has written call
options or on securities which it intends to purchase. A Portfolio will not
purchase options on securities (including stock index options discussed below)
if, as a result of such purchase, the aggregate cost of all outstanding
options on securities held by the Portfolio would exceed 5% of the market
value of the Portfolio's total assets.
Stock Index Options. The Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios are authorized to engage in transactions in stock index
options. These Portfolios may purchase or write put and call options on stock
indexes to hedge against the risks of market-wide stock price movements in the
securities in which either Portfolio invests. Options on indexes are similar
to options on securities, except that on exercise or assignment, the parties
to the contract pay or receive an amount of cash equal to the difference
between the closing value of the index and the exercise price of the option
times a specified multiple. A Portfolio may invest in stock index options
based on a broad market index, e.g., the Standard & Poor's Composite 500
Index, or on a narrow index representing an industry or market segment, e.g.,
the AMEX Oil & Gas Index.
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<PAGE>
Stock Index Futures and Interest Rate Futures Contracts. The Fundamental
Value, Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios may purchase and
sell stock index futures contracts, and the Quality Bond, Global Opportunity,
U.S. Government Securities and Growth Opportunity Portfolios may purchase and
sell interest rate futures contracts, as a hedge against adverse changes in
the market value of portfolio securities, as described below. Stock index
futures contracts and interest rate futures contracts are herein together
referred to as "futures contracts."
A futures contract is an agreement between two parties which obligates the
purchaser of the futures contract to buy and the seller of a futures contract
to sell a financial instrument for a set price on a future date. The terms of
a futures contract require either actual delivery of the financial instrument
underlying the contract or, in the case of a stock index futures contract, a
cash settlement based upon the difference in value of the index between the
time the contract was entered into and the time of its settlement. The
Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios may
effect transactions in stock index futures contracts in connection with the
equity securities in which they invest; the Quality Bond, Global Opportunity,
U.S. Government Securities and Growth Opportunity Portfolios may invest in
interest rate futures contracts in connection with the debt securities in
which they invest. Transactions by a Portfolio in futures contracts are
subject to limitations as described below under "Restrictions on the Use of
Futures Transactions."
The Portfolios may sell futures contracts in anticipation of or during a
market decline to attempt to offset the decrease in market value of such
Portfolio's securities that might otherwise result. When a Portfolio is not
fully invested in the securities markets and anticipates a significant
advance, it may purchase futures in order to gain rapid market exposure. This
technique generally will allow the Portfolios to gain exposure to a market in
a manner which is more efficient than purchasing individual securities and may
in part or entirely offset increases in the cost of securities in such market
that the Portfolio ultimately purchases. As such purchases are made, an
equivalent amount of futures contracts will be terminated by offsetting sales.
The Program does not consider purchases of futures contracts by the Portfolios
to be a speculative practice under these circumstances. It is anticipated
that, in a substantial majority of these transactions, each Portfolio will
purchase such securities upon termination of the long futures position,
whether the long position is the purchase of a futures contract or the
purchase of a call option or the writing of a put option on a future, but
under unusual circumstances (e.g., a Portfolio experiences a significant
amount of redemptions), a long futures position may be terminated without the
corresponding purchase of securities.
Each Portfolio also has authority to purchase and write call and put options
on futures contracts (and, in the case of the Fundamental Value, Global
Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios, stock indexes) in connection
with its hedging (including anticipatory hedging) activities. Generally, these
strategies are utilized under the same market and market sector conditions
(i.e., conditions relating to specific types of investments) in which a
Portfolio enters into futures transactions. A Portfolio may purchase put
options or write call options on futures contracts or stock indexes rather
than selling the underlying futures contract in anticipation of a decrease in
the market value of its securities. Similarly, a Portfolio may purchase call
options, or write put options on futures contracts or stock indexes, as a
substitute for the purchase of such futures contract to hedge against the
increased cost resulting from an increase in the market value of securities
which the Portfolio intends to purchase.
Each Portfolio may engage in options and futures transactions on U.S. (and,
in the case of the Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth
Opportunity Portfolios, foreign) exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets
("OTC options"). In general, exchange-traded contracts are third-party
contracts (i.e., performance of the parties' obligations is guaranteed by an
exchange or clearing corporation) with standardized strike prices and
expiration dates. OTC options are two-party contracts with prices and terms
negotiated by the buyer and seller. See "Restrictions on OTC Options" below
for information as to restrictions on the use of OTC options.
Foreign Currency Hedging. The Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and
Growth Opportunity Portfolios are authorized to deal in forward foreign
exchange among currencies of the different countries in which they will invest
and multinational currency units as a hedge against possible variations in the
foreign exchange rates among these currencies. Foreign currency hedging is
accomplished through contractual
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<PAGE>
agreements to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified future date
(up to one year) and price set at the time of the contract. The Fundamental
Value, Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios' dealings in
forward foreign exchange will be limited to hedging involving either specific
transactions or portfolio positions.
Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward foreign currency with
respect to specific receivables or payables of the Portfolio accruing in
connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities, the sale
and redemption of shares of the Portfolio or the payment of dividends and
distributions by the Portfolio. Position hedging is the sale of forward
foreign currency with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or
quoted in such foreign currency. No Portfolio will speculate in forward
foreign exchange.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also preclude the
opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise.
Moreover, it may not be possible for a Portfolio to hedge against a
devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the Portfolio is not able to
contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it
anticipates.
The Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios
also are authorized to purchase or sell listed or OTC foreign currency
options, foreign currency futures and related options on foreign currency
futures as a short or long hedge against possible variations in foreign
exchange rates. Such transactions may be effected with respect to hedges on
non-U.S. dollar denominated securities owned by the Portfolio, sold by the
Portfolio but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased
by the Portfolio. As an illustration, a Portfolio may use such techniques to
hedge the stated value in U.S. dollars of an investment in a yen denominated
security. In such circumstances, for example, the Portfolio may purchase a
foreign currency put option enabling it to sell a specified amount of yen for
dollars at a specified price by a future date. To the extent the hedge is
successful, a loss in the value of the yen relative to the dollar will tend to
be offset by an increase in the value of the put option. To offset, in whole
or in part, the cost of acquiring such a put option, the Portfolio may also
sell a call option which, if exercised, requires it to sell a specified amount
of yen for dollars at a specified price by a future date (a technique called a
"straddle"). By selling such a call option in this illustration, the Portfolio
gives up the opportunity to profit without limit from increases in the
relative value of the yen to the dollar. The Investment Adviser believes that
"straddles" of the type which may be utilized by the Fundamental Value, Global
Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios constitute hedging transactions
and are consistent with the policies described above.
Certain differences exist between these foreign currency hedging
instruments. Foreign currency options provide the holder thereof the right to
buy or sell a currency at a fixed price on a future date. A futures contract
on a foreign currency is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a
specified amount of a currency for a set price on a future date. Futures
contracts and options on futures contracts are traded on boards of trade or
futures exchanges. Neither the Fundamental Value, the Global Opportunity nor
the Growth Opportunity Portfolio will speculate in foreign currency options,
futures or related options. Accordingly, none of these Portfolios will hedge a
currency substantially in excess of the market value of securities which it
has committed or anticipates to purchase which are denominated in such
currency and, in the case of securities which have been sold by the Portfolio
but not yet delivered, the proceeds thereof in its denominated currency. The
Fundamental Value, Global Opportunity and Growth Opportunity Portfolios each
are limited regarding potential net liabilities from foreign currency options,
futures or related options to no more than 20% of such Portfolio's total
assets.
Restrictions on the Use of Futures Transactions. Regulations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") applicable to the Portfolios
provide that the futures trading activities described herein will not result
in any Portfolio being deemed a "commodity pool" as defined under such
regulations if each Portfolio adheres to certain restrictions. In particular,
a Portfolio may purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon (i)
for bona fide hedging purposes and (ii) for non-hedging purposes, if the
aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish positions in such
contracts and options does not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the
Portfolio's holdings, after taking into account unrealized profits and
unrealized losses on
I-3
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any such contracts and options. Margin deposits may consist of cash or
securities acceptable to the broker and the relevant contract market.
When a Portfolio purchases a futures contract, or writes a put option or
purchases a call option thereon, an amount of cash and cash equivalents will
be deposited in a segregated account in the name of the Portfolio with the
Program's custodian so that the amount so segregated, plus the amount of
initial and variation margin held in the account of its broker, equals the
market value of the futures contract, thereby ensuring that the use of such
futures contract is unleveraged.
Restrictions on OTC Options. The Portfolios may engage in OTC options,
including OTC stock index options, OTC foreign currency options and options on
foreign currency futures, only with such banks or dealers which have capital
of at least $50 million or whose obligations are guaranteed by an entity
having capital of at least $50 million.
The staff of the SEC has taken the position that purchased OTC options and
the assets used as cover for written OTC options are illiquid securities.
Therefore, each Portfolio has adopted an investment policy pursuant to which
it will not purchase or sell OTC options (including OTC options on futures
contracts) if, as a result of such transaction, the sum of the market value of
OTC options currently outstanding which are held by the Portfolio, the market
value of the underlying securities covered by OTC call options currently
outstanding which were sold by the Portfolio and margin deposits on the
Portfolio's existing OTC options on futures contracts exceed 15% (10% to the
extent required by certain state laws) of the total assets of the Portfolio,
taken at market value, together with all other assets of the Portfolio which
are illiquid or are not otherwise readily marketable. However, if the OTC
option is sold by the Portfolio to a primary U.S. Government securities dealer
recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and if the Portfolio has
the unconditional contractual right to repurchase such OTC option from the
dealer at a predetermined price, then the Portfolio will treat as illiquid
such amount of the underlying securities as is equal to the repurchase price
less the amount by which the option is "in-the-money" (i.e., current market
value of the underlying security minus the option's strike price). The
repurchase price with the primary dealers is typically a formula price which
is generally based on a multiple of the premium received for the option, plus
the amount by which the option is "in-the-money". This policy as to OTC
options is not a fundamental policy of each Portfolio and may be amended by
the Directors of the Program without the approval of the Portfolio's
shareholders. However, no Portfolio will change or modify this policy prior to
the change or modification by the SEC staff of its position.
Options on GNMA Certificates. The following information relates to unique
characteristics of options on GNMA Certificates. Since the remaining principal
balance of GNMA Certificates declines each month as a result of mortgage
payments, the U.S. Government Securities Portfolio, as a writer of a GNMA call
holding GNMA Certificates as "cover" to satisfy its delivery obligation in the
event of exercise, may find that the GNMA Certificates it holds no longer have
a sufficient remaining principal balance for this purpose. Should this occur,
the Portfolio will purchase additional GNMA Certificates from the same pool
(if obtainable) or other GNMA Certificates in the cash market in order to
maintain its "cover."
A GNMA Certificate held by the Portfolio to cover an option position in any
but the nearest expiration month may cease to represent cover for the option
in the event of a decline in the GNMA coupon rate at which new pools are
originated under the FHA/VA loan ceiling in effect at any given time. If this
should occur, the Portfolio will no longer be covered, and the Portfolio will
either enter into a closing purchase transaction or replace such Certificate
with a certificate which represents cover. When the Portfolio closes its
position or replaces such Certificate, it may realize an unanticipated loss
and incur transaction costs.
Risks Factors in Options and Futures Transactions. Utilization of options
and futures transactions to hedge a Portfolio involves the risk of imperfect
correlation in movements in the price of options and futures and movements in
the price of the securities or currencies which are the subject of the hedge.
If the price of the options or futures moves more or less than the price of
the hedged securities or currencies, the Portfolio will experience a gain or
loss which will not be completely offset by movements in the price of the
subject of the
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hedge. The successful use of options and futures also depends on the
Investment Adviser's ability to correctly predict price movements in the
market involved in a particular options or futures transaction. To compensate
for imperfect correlations, the Portfolio may purchase or sell index options
or futures contracts in a greater dollar amount than the hedged securities if
the volatility of the hedged securities is historically greater than the
volatility of the stock index options or futures contracts. Conversely, the
Portfolio may purchase or sell fewer stock index options or futures contracts
if the volatility of the price of the hedged securities is historically less
than that of the stock index options or futures contracts. The risk of
imperfect correlation generally tends to diminish as the maturity date of the
stock index option or futures contract approaches.
The Portfolios intend to enter into options and futures transactions, on an
exchange or in the over-the-counter market, only if there appears to be a
liquid secondary market for such options or futures or, in the case of over-
the-counter transactions, the Investment Adviser believes the Portfolio can
receive in each business day at least two independent bids or offers. However,
there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist at any
specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close an options or futures
position. The inability to close options and futures positions also could have
an adverse impact on the Portfolio's ability to hedge effectively its
portfolio. There is also a risk of loss by the Portfolio of margin deposits or
collateral in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Portfolio has
an open position in an option, a futures contract or a related option.
The exchanges on which the Portfolios intend to conduct options transactions
have generally established limitations governing the maximum number of call or
put options on the same underlying security or currency (whether or not
covered) which may be written by a single investor, whether acting alone or in
concert with others (regardless of whether such options are written on the
same or different exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or
though one or more brokers). "Trading limits" are imposed on the maximum
number of contracts which any person may trade on a particular trading day.
The investment Adviser does not believe that these trading and position limits
will have any adverse impact on the portfolio strategies for hedging the
Portfolios' holdings.
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APPENDIX II: Long Term and Short Term Obligation Ratings
(Including Mortgage Backed and Asset-Backed Securities)
Description of Standard & Poor's ("Standard & Poor's") Long Term Issue Credit
Ratings
A Standard & Poor's issue credit rating is a current opinion of the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial
obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial
program (including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial paper
programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors,
insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes
into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The issue
credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial
obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability
for a particular investor.
Issue credit ratings are based on current information furnished by the
obligors or obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers
reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any
credit rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information.
Credit ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes
in, or unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances.
Issue credit ratings can be either long term or short term. Short term
ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short term in
the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an
original maturity of no more than 365 days including commercial paper. Short
term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with
respect to put features on long term obligations. The result is a dual rating,
in which the short term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the
usual long term rating. Medium term notes are assigned long term ratings.
Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:
1. Likelihood of payment capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the
obligation;
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the
event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As
such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are
typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority
in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity
has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured
obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)
Accordingly, in the case of junior debt, the rating may not conform exactly
with the category definition.
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment is
extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest rated obligations
only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's
capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still
strong.
BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
II-1
<PAGE>
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded as having
significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least
degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will
likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be
outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which
could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than
obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to
meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's
capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation. The B rating category is also used for debt subordinated
to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BB or BB-
rating.
CCC An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions
to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the
event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is
not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
The CCC rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior
debt that is assigned an actual or implied B or B- rating.
CC An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy
petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but
payments on this obligation are continued.
CI The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is
used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even
if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard &
Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace
period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a
bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action if payments on an
obligation are jeopardized.
Plus
(+) or
minus
(-):
The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus
or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating
categories.
c The letter c indicates that the holder's option to tender the
security for purchase may be canceled under certain prestated
conditions enumerated in the tender option documents.
L The letter L indicates that the rating pertains to the principal
amount of those bonds to the extent that the underlying deposit
collateral is federally insured and interest is adequately
collateralized. In the case of certificates of deposit, the letter L
indicates that the deposit, combined with other deposits being held
in the same right and capacity, will be honored for principal and
accrued pre-default interest up to the federal insurance limits
within 30 days after closing of the insured institution or, in the
event that the deposit is assumed by a successor insured institution,
upon maturity.
p The letter p indicates that the rating is provisional. A provisional
rating assumes the successful completion of the project being
financed by the debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt
service requirements is largely or entirely depending upon the
successful and timely completion of the project. This rating,
however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to completion of
the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of, or the risk of
default upon failure of, such completion. The investor should
exercise his own judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.
II-2
<PAGE>
* Continuance of the rating is contingent upon Standard & Poor's
receipt of an executed copy of the escrow agreement or closing
documentation confirming investments and cash flows.
N.R. Not rated.
Obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are
rated on the same basis as domestic long term and short term issues. The
ratings measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into
account currency exchange and related uncertainties.
Bond Investment Quality Standards: Under present commercial bank regulations
issued by the Comptroller of the Currency, bonds rated in the top four
categories ("AAA", "AA", "A", "BBB", commonly known as "Investment Grade"
ratings) are generally regarded as eligible for bank investment. In addition,
the laws of various states governing legal investments impose certain rating
or other standards for obligations eligible for investment by savings banks,
trust companies, insurance companies and fiduciaries generally.
Description of Standard & Poor's Short Term Issue Credit Ratings
A Standard & Poor's short term issue credit rating is a current opinion of
the likelihood of timely payment of an obligation considered short term in the
relevant market. Ratings are graded into several categories, ranging from A-1
for the highest quality obligations to D for the lowest. These categories are
as follows:
A-1 A short term obligation rated "A-1" is rated in the highest category
by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain
obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that
the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these
obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 An obligation rated "A-2" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's
capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
satisfactory.
A-3 An obligation rated "A-3" exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
B An obligation rated "B" is regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major
ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate
capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
C An obligation rated "C" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions
for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D An obligation rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category
is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due
even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard &
Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace
period. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a
bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on
an obligation are jeopardized.
A short term issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell,
or hold a security inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or
suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are based on current
information furnished to Standard & Poor's by the issuer or obtained by
Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor's
does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion,
rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed,
suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such
information, or based on other circumstances.
II-3
<PAGE>
Description of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") Long Term Debt
Ratings
Aaa Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally
referred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large
or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While
the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as
can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong
position of such issues.
Aa Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are
generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the
best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa
securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater
amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long
term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but
elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
sometime in the future.
Baa Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be
characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such
bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well.
Ba Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the
protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and
thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the
future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of desirable
investments. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of
time may be small.
Caa Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Ca Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative
in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.
C Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of
ever attaining any real investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the security
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2
indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the
lower end of its generic rating category.
Description of Moody's Short Term Debt Ratings
Moody's short term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original
maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted. Moody's employs the
following three designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate
the relative repayment ability of rated issuers.
II-4
<PAGE>
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability
for repayment of short term promissory obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability
will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:
-- Leading market positions in well-established industries.
-- High rates of return on funds employed.
-- Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and
ample asset protection.
-- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high
internal cash generation.
-- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for
repayment of short term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by
many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings
trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected
by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt
protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage.
Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
If an issuer represents to Moody's that its short term debt obligations are
supported by the credit of another entity or entities, in assigning ratings to
such issuers, Moody's evaluates the financial strength of the affiliated
corporations, commercial banks, insurance companies, foreign governments or
other entities, but only as one factor in the total rating assessment. Moody's
makes no representation and gives no opinion on the legal validity or
enforceability of any support arrangement.
Description of Fitch IBCA, Inc.'s ("Fitch") International Long Term Credit
Ratings
Fitch investment grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security. The ratings
represent Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to meet the obligations
of a specific debt issue or class of debt in a timely manner.
The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor,
as well as the economic and political environment that might affect the
issuer's future financial strength and credit quality.
Fitch ratings do not reflect any credit enhancement that may be provided by
insurance policies or financial guarantees unless otherwise indicated.
Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily identical
credit quality since the rating categories do not fully reflect small
differences in the degrees of credit risk.
Fitch ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any security.
Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any
security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of
payments made in respect of any security. Fitch ratings are based on
information obtained from issuers, other obligors, underwriters, their
experts, and other sources Fitch believes to be reliable. Fitch does not audit
or verify the truth or accuracy of such information. Ratings may be changed,
suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the unavailability of,
information or for other reasons.
II-5
<PAGE>
AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned
only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of
financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely
affected by foreseeable events.
AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate
very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This
capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for
timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This
capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in
circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher
ratings.
BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low expectation of credit
risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is
considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in
economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is
the lowest investment grade category.
BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing,
particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time;
however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow
financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are
not investment grade.
B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited
margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being
met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a
sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC, Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial
CC, C commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or
economic developments. A "CC" rating indicates that default of some
kind appears probable. "C" ratings signal imminent default.
DDD, Securities are not meeting current obligations and are extremely
DD, speculative. "DDD" designates the highest potential for recovery of
and D amounts outstanding on any securities involved. For U.S. corporates,
for example, "DD" indicates expected recovery of 50%-90% of such
outstandings, and "D" the lowest recovery potential, i.e. below 50%.
Description of Fitch's International Short Term Credit Ratings
A short term rating has a time horizon of less than 12 months for most
obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance securities, and thus
places greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial
commitments in a timely manner.
F1 Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong
credit feature.
F2 A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but
the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher
ratings.
F3 The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate;
however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-
investment grade.
B Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus
vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
conditions.
C Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial
commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and
economic environment.
D Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
II-6
<PAGE>
Notes:
"+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within
major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the "AAA" long-term
rating category, to categories below "CCC," or to short-term ratings other
than "FI".
"NR" indicates that Fitch does not rate the issuer or issue in question.
"Withdrawn": A rating is withdrawn when Fitch deems the amount of
information available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an
obligation matures, is called, or refinanced.
RatingWatch: Ratings are placed on RatingWatch to notify investors that
there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction
of such change. These are designated as "Positive", indicating a potential
upgrade, "Negative", for a potential downgrade, or "Evolving", if ratings may
be raised, lowered or maintained. RatingWatch is typically resolved over a
relatively short period.
II-7
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Code #18472-05-99
<PAGE>
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. Exhibits.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number
-------
<C> <S>
1(a) -- Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.(a)
(b) -- Articles of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of Registrant
filed on November 9, 1994.(a)
(c) -- Articles of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation, filed on
December 19, 1994.(d)
(d) -- Articles of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of Registrant
filed on July 20, 1995.(e)
(e) -- Articles Supplementary to Articles of Incorporation of Registrant
filed on July 20, 1995.(e)
(f) -- Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Registrant
filed on May 21, 1996.(f)
(g) -- Articles Supplementary to the Articles of Incorporation of
Registrant filed on December 22, 1997.(i)
(h) -- Articles Supplementary to the Articles of Incorporation of
Registrant filed on December 28, 1998.(j)
2 -- By-Laws of the Registrant.(b)
3(a) -- Portions of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the
Registrant defining the rights of holders of shares of common stock
of the Registrant.(c)
4(a) -- Management Agreement between the Registrant and MLAM.(a)
(b) -- Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between MLAM and Merrill Lynch Asset
Management U.K. Limited.(g)
5(a) -- Form of Class A Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. (now known as Princeton Funds
Distributor, Inc.) (the "Distributor") (including Form of Selected
Dealers Agreement).(a)
(b) -- Class B Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and the
Distributor.(a)
(c) -- Form of Class C Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and
the Distributor (including Form of Selected Dealers Agreement).(a)
(d) -- Form of Class D Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and
the Distributor (including Form of Selected Dealers Agreement).(a)
6 -- None.
7 -- Custody Agreement between the Registrant and The Bank of New
York.(a)
8(a) -- Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and Shareholder
Servicing Agency Agreement between the Registrant and Merrill Lynch
Financial Data Services, Inc. (now known as Financial Data Services,
Inc.)(d)
(b) -- Agreement between Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and Registrant relating
to Registrant's use of Merrill Lynch name.(a)
9(a) -- Opinion of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the Registrant.(a)
(b) -- Consent of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the Registrant.
10 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors of the
Registrant.
11 -- None.
12 -- Certificate of Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P.(a)
13(a) -- Form of Class B Distribution Plan of the Registrant and Class B
Distribution Plan Sub-Agreement.(a)
(b) -- Form of Class C Distribution Plan of the Registrant and Class C
Distribution Plan Sub-Agreement.(a)
(c) -- Form of Class D Distribution Plan of the Registrant and Class D
Distribution Plan Sub-Agreement.(a)
14(a) -- Financial Data Schedules for Fundamental Value Portfolio.(j)
(b) -- Financial Data Schedules for Quality Bond Portfolio.(j)
(c) -- Financial Data Schedules for U.S. Government Securities
Portfolio.(j)
(d) -- Financial Data Schedules for Global Opportunity Portfolio.(j)
(e) -- Financial Data Schedules for Growth Opportunity Portfolio.(j)
15 -- Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-
3.(h)
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Filed on December 16, 1994 as an Exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-53887)
under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Registration Statement").
(b) Filed on May 27, 1994, as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement.
C-1
<PAGE>
(c) Reference is made to Articles IV, V (Sections 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6), VI, VII
and IX of the Registrant's Articles of Incorporation, as amended, filed as
Exhibits 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) to the Registration Statement; and to
Articles II, III (Sections 1, 3, 5, 6 and 17), VI, VII, XII, XIII and XIV
of the Registrant's By-Laws, filed as Exhibit 2 to the Registration
Statement.
(d) Filed on May 30, 1995, as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to
the Registration Statement.
(e) Filed on August 9, 1995, as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2
to the Registration Statement.
(f) Filed on May 29, 1996, as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to
the Registration Statement.
(g) Filed on May 23, 1997, as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to
the Registration Statement.
(h) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13
to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, filed on January 25, 1996 relating to shares of Merrill
Lynch New York Municipal Bond Fund series of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust (File No. 2-99473).
(i) Filed on May 19, 1998, as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to
the Registration Statement.
(j) Filed on April 1, 1999, as an Exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to
the Registration Statement.
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
The Registrant is not controlled by or under common control with any other
person.
Item 25. Indemnification
Reference is made to Article V of the Registrant's Articles of
Incorporation, Article VI of the Registrant's By-Laws, Section 2-418 of the
Maryland General Corporation Law and Section 9 of the Class A, Class B,
Class C and Class D Distribution Agreements.
Insofar as the conditional advancing of indemnification moneys for actions
based on the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") may
be concerned, Article VI of the Registrant's By-Laws provides that such
payments will be made only on the following conditions: (i) advances may be
made only on receipt of a written affirmation of such person's good faith
belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification has been met
and a written undertaking to repay any such advance if it is ultimately
determined that the standard of conduct has not been met; and (ii) (a) such
promise must be secured by a security for the undertaking in form and amount
acceptable to the Registrant, (b) the Registrant is insured against losses
arising by receipt by the advance, or (c) a majority of a quorum of the
Registrant's disinterested non-party Directors, or an independent legal
counsel in a written opinion, shall determine, based upon a review of readily
available facts, that at the time the advance is proposed to be made, there is
reason to believe that the person seeking indemnification will ultimately be
found to be entitled to indemnification.
In Section 9 of the Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Shares
Distribution Agreements relating to the securities being offered hereby, the
Registrant agrees to indemnify the Distributor and each person, if any, who
controls the Distributor within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act"), against certain types of civil liabilities arising
in connection with the Registration Statement or Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may be
permitted to Directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant and
the principal underwriter pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a Director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant and the principal underwriter in connection with the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
Director, officer or controlling person or the principal underwriter in
connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
C-2
<PAGE>
Item 26. Business and Other Connections of the Manager.
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM" or "Manager"), acts as the
investment adviser for the following open-end registered investment companies:
Merrill Lynch Adjustable Rate Securities Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Americas
Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Asset Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Capital Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Convertible Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Developing Capital Markets Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Dragon Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch EuroFund, Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Global Allocation Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Bond Fund for
Investment and Retirement, Merrill Lynch Global Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Global Holdings, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Resources Trust, Merrill
Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Technology Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Global Utility Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Value Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Growth Fund, Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Intermediate Government Bond Fund, Merrill Lynch International Equity
Fund, Merrill Lynch Latin America Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Middle East/Africa
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Municipal Series Trust, Merrill Lynch Pacific Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust, Merrill Lynch Real Estate Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Retirement Series Trust, Merrill Lynch Series Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Short-Term Global Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Strategic
Dividend Fund, Merrill Lynch Technology Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch U.S.
Treasury Money Fund, Merrill Lynch U.S.A. Government Reserves, Merrill Lynch
Utility Income Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc. and
Hotchkis and Wiley funds (advised by Hotchkis and Wiley, a division of MLAM);
and for the following closed-end registered investment companies: Merrill
Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch Senior Floating
Rate Fund, Inc. MLAM also acts as sub-adviser to Merrill Lynch World Strategy
Portfolio and Merrill Lynch Basic Value Equity Portfolio, two investment
portfolios of EQ Advisors Trust.
Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM"), an affiliate of the Manager, acts as
the investment manager for the following open-end registered investment
companies: CBA Money Fund, CMA Government Securities Fund, CMA Money Fund, CMA
Multi-State Municipal Series Trust, CMA Tax-Exempt Fund, CMA Treasury Fund,
The Corporate Fund Accumulation Program, Inc., Financial Institutions Series
Trust, Merrill Lynch Basic Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch California
Municipal Series Trust, Merrill Lynch Corporate Bond Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Emerging Tigers Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Federal Securities Trust, Merrill Lynch Funds for Institutions
Series, Merrill Lynch Multi-State Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust,
Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust, Merrill Lynch Municipal Bond
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Phoenix Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Special Value
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch World Income Fund, Inc., and The Municipal Fund
Accumulation Program, Inc.; and for the following closed-end registered
investment companies: Apex Municipal Fund, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund,
Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund II, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund III, Inc.,
Debt Strategies Fund, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund II, Inc., Debt Strategies
Fund III, Inc., Income Opportunities Fund 1999, Inc., Income Opportunities
Fund 2000, Inc., Merrill Lynch Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc., MuniAssets Fund,
Inc., MuniEnhanced Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings Fund II,
Inc., MuniHoldings California Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings California
Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings California Insured Fund III, Inc.,
MuniHoldings California Insured Fund IV, Inc., MuniHoldings Florida Insured
Fund, MuniHoldings Florida Insured Fund II, MuniHoldings Florida Insured Fund
III, MuniHoldings Florida Insured Fund IV, MuniHoldings Insured Fund, Inc.,
MuniHoldings Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings Michigan Insured Fund, Inc.,
MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured
Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings New Jersey Insured Fund III, Inc., MuniHoldings
New York Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund, Inc., MuniHoldings
New York Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniHoldings New York Insured Fund III, Inc.,
MuniHoldings Pennsylvania Insured Fund, MuniInsured Fund, Inc., MuniVest Fund,
Inc., MuniVest Fund II, Inc., MuniVest Florida Fund, MuniVest Michigan Insured
Fund, Inc., MuniVest New Jersey Fund, Inc., MuniVest Pennsylvania Insured
Fund, MuniYield Arizona Fund, Inc., MuniYield California Fund, Inc., MuniYield
California Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield California Insured Fund II, Inc.,
MuniYield Florida Fund, MuniYield Florida Insured Fund, MuniYield Fund, Inc.,
MuniYield Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield Michigan Fund, Inc., MuniYield
Michigan Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield New Jersey Fund, Inc., MuniYield New
Jersey Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield New York Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield
New York Insured Fund II, Inc., MuniYield Pennsylvania Fund, MuniYield Quality
Fund, Inc., MuniYield Quality Fund II, Inc., Senior High Income Portfolio,
Inc. and Worldwide DollarVest Fund, Inc.
C-3
<PAGE>
The address of each of these registered investment companies is P.O. Box
9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011, except that the address of Merrill
Lynch Funds for Institutions Series and Merrill Lynch Intermediate Government
Bond Fund is One Financial Center, 23rd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-
2665. The address of FAM, MLAM, Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton
Services") and Princeton Administrators, L.P. ("Princeton Administrators") is
also P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011. The address of Princeton
Funds Distributors, Inc. ("PFD") and of Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor
("MLFD") is P.O. Box 9081, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081. The address of
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") and
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co.") is World Financial Center, North Tower,
250 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10281-1201. The address of the Program's
transfer agent, Financial Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), is 4800 Deer Lake Drive
East, Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484.
Set forth below is a list of each executive officer and partner of the
Investment Adviser indicating each business, profession, vocation or
employment of a substantial nature in which each such person or entity has
been engaged since November 1, 1996 for his, her or its own account or in the
capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee. In addition, Mr. Glenn is
President and Mr. Burke is Vice President and Treasurer of substantially all
of the investment companies described in the first two paragraphs of this Item
26, and Messrs. Giordano and Monagle are officers of one or more of such
companies.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Other Substantial
Business,
Position(s) with Profession, Vocation or
Name the Manager Employment
---- --------------------- -------------------------
<C> <C> <S>
ML & Co. ................... Limited Partner Financial Services
Holding Company; Limited
Partner of FAM
Princeton Services.......... General Partner General Partner of FAM
Jeffrey M. Peek............. President President of FAM;
President and Director of
Princeton Services;
Executive Vice President
of ML & Co.; Managing
Director and Co-Head of
the Investment Banking
Division of Merrill Lynch
(in 1997); Senior Vice
President and Director of
the Global Securities and
Economics Division of
Merrill Lynch (from 1995
to 1997)
Terry K. Glenn.............. Executive Vice Executive Vice President
President of FAM; Executive Vice
President and Director of
Princeton Services;
President and Director of
PFD; Director of FDS;
President of Princeton
Administrators; Senior
Vice President of
Princeton Services
Donald C. Burke............. Senior Vice Senior Vice President and
President, Treasurer Treasurer of FAM; Senior
and Director of Vice President and
Taxation Treasurer of Princeton
Services; Vice President
of PFD; First Vice
President of MLAM from
1997 to 1999; Vice
President of MLAM from
1990 to 1997
Michael G. Clark............ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of
FAM; Senior Vice
President of Princeton
Services; Director and
Treasurer of PFD; First
Vice President of MLAM
from 1997 to 1999; Vice
President of MLAM from
1996 to 1997
Mark A. Desario............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of
FAM; Senior Vice
President of Princeton
Services
Linda L. Federici........... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of
FAM; Senior Vice
President of Princeton
Services
</TABLE>
C-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Position(s) with Other Substantial
---- the Manager Business,
--------------------- Profession, Vocation or
Employment
------------------------
<C> <C> <S>
Vincent R. Giordano........... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of
FAM; Senior
Vice President of
Princeton Services
Michael J. Hennewinkel........ Senior Vice Senior Vice President,
President, Secretary Secretary and General
and General Counsel Counsel of FAM; Senior
Vice President of
Princeton Services
Philip L. Kirstein............ Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of
FAM; Senior
Vice President, Director
and Secretary of
Princeton Services
Ronald M. Kloss............... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of
FAM; Senior
Vice President of
Princeton Services
Debra W. Landsman-Yaros....... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of
FAM; Senior
Vice President of
Princeton Services;
Vice President of PFD
Stephen M. M. Miller.......... Senior Vice President Executive Vice President
of Princeton
Administrators; Senior
Vice President of
Princeton Services
Joseph T. Monagle, Jr. ....... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of
FAM; Senior
Vice President of
Princeton Services
Brian A. Murdock.............. Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of
FAM; Senior
Vice President of
Princeton Services
Gregory D. Upah............... Senior Vice President Senior Vice President of
FAM; Senior
Vice President of
Princeton Services
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited ("MLAM U.K.") acts as sub-
adviser for the following registered investment companies: The Corporate Fund
Accumulation Program, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc., Corporate High
Yield Fund II, Inc., Corporate High Yield Fund III, Inc., Debt Strategies
Fund, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund II, Inc., Debt Strategies Fund III, Inc.,
Income Opportunities Fund 1999, Inc., Income Opportunities Fund 2000, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Americas Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Basic Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Capital Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Consults International Portfolio, Merrill Lynch Convertible
Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Corporate Bond Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Corporate
High Yield Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Developing Capital Markets Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Dragon Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Emerging Tigers Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch EuroFund, Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Global Allocation Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Bond Fund for
Investment and Retirement, Merrill Lynch Global Growth Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch Global Holdings, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Resources Trust, Merrill
Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Technology Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Global Utility Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Global Value Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Growth Fund, Merrill Lynch Healthcare Fund, Inc., Merrill
Lynch International Equity Fund, Merrill Lynch Latin America Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Middle East/Africa Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Pacific Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Phoenix Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Real Estate Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Series Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund,
Inc., Merrill Lynch Short-Term Global Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Special
Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Strategic Dividend Fund, Merrill Lynch
Technology Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Utility Income Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch
Variable Series Funds, Inc., Merrill Lynch World Income Fund, Inc., The
Municipal Fund Accumulation Program, Inc. and Worldwide DollarVest Fund, Inc.
The address of each of these registered investment companies is P.O. Box 9011,
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011. The address of MLAM U.K. is 33 King William
Street, London EC4R 9AS, England.
C-5
<PAGE>
Set forth below is a list of each executive officer and director of MLAM
U.K. indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a
substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged since July 1,
1996, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer,
partner or trustee. In addition, Messrs. Glenn, Burke and Albert are officers
of one or more of the registered investment companies listed in the first two
paragraphs of this Item 26:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Other Substantial
Business,
Profession, Vocation or
Name Positions with MLAM U.K. Employment
---- --------------------------- ------------------------
<C> <C> <S>
Terry K. Glenn.............. Chairman and Director Executive Vice President
of MLAM and FAM;
Executive Vice President
and Director of
Princeton Services;
President and Director
of PFD; Director of FDS;
President of Princeton
Administrators;
Alan J. Albert.............. Senior Managing Director Vice President of MLAM
Nicholas C.D. Hall.......... Director Director of Merrill
Lynch Europe PLC;
General Counsel of
Merrill Lynch
International Private
Banking Group
Donald C. Burke............. Treasurer Senior Vice President
and Treasurer of MLAM
and FAM; Director of
Taxation of MLAM; Senior
Vice President and
Treasurer of Princeton
Services; Vice President
of PFD; First Vice
President of MLAM from
1997 to 1999; Vice
President of MLAM from
1990 to 1997
Carol Ann Langham........... Company Secretary None
Debra Anne Searle........... Assistant Company Secretary None
</TABLE>
Item 27. Principal Underwriters.
(a) MLFD, a division of PFD, acts as the principal underwriter for the
Registrant and for each of the open-end registered investment companies
referred to in the first two paragraphs of Item 26 except CBA Money Fund, CMA
Government Securities Fund, CMA Money Fund, CMA Multi-State Municipal Series
Trust, CMA Tax-Exempt Fund, CMA Treasury Fund, The Corporate Fund Accumulation
Program, Inc. and The Municipal Fund Accumulation Program, Inc.; MLFD also
acts as the principal underwriter for the following closed-end registered
investment companies: Merrill Lynch High Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Municipal Strategy Fund, Inc. and Merrill Lynch Senior Floating
Rate Fund, Inc. A separate division of PFD acts as the principal underwriter
of a number of other investment companies.
C-6
<PAGE>
(b) Set forth below is information concerning each director and officer of
PFD. The principal business address of each such person is P.O. Box 9081,
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9081, except that the address of Messrs. Breen,
Crook, Fatseas and Wasel is One Financial Center, 23rd Floor, Boston,
Massachusetts 02111-2665.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position(s) and
Office(s) Position(s) and Office(s)
Name with PFD with Registrant
- ---- ------------------------ ----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Terry K. Glenn.......... President and Director President and Director
Michael G. Clark........ Director and Treasurer None
Thomas J. Verage........ Director None
Robert W. Crook......... Senior Vice President None
Michael J. Brady........ Vice President None
William M. Breen........ Vice President None
James T. Fatseas........ Vice President None
Debra W. Landsman-
Yaros.................. Vice President None
Michelle T. Lau......... Vice President None
Salvatore Venezia....... Vice President None
William Wasel........... Vice President None
Donald C. Burke......... Vice President Vice President and Treasurer
Robert Harris........... Secretary None
</TABLE>
(c) Not applicable.
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records.
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section
31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder are maintained at the offices
of the Registrant (800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536), and
its transfer agent, Financial Data Services, Inc. (4800 Deer Lake Drive East,
Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484).
Item 29. Management Services.
Other than as set forth under the caption "Management of the Program --
Merrill Lynch Asset Management" in the Prospectus constituting Part A of the
Registration Statement and under "Management of the Program -- Management and
Advisory Arrangements" in the Statement of Additional Information constituting
Part B of the Registration Statement, the Registrant is not a party to any
management-related service contract.
Item 30. Undertakings.
Not applicable.
C-7
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Investment
Company Act, the Registrant certifies, that it meets all the requirements for
effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the
Securities Act and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Township of
Plainsboro, and the State of New Jersey, on the 28th day of May, 1999.
Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program,
Inc.
(Registrant)
/s/ Terry K. Glenn
By: _________________________________
(Terry K. Glenn, President)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration
statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the date(s) indicated.
Signature Title Date
Terry K. Glenn President (Principal
- ------------------------------------- Executive Officer)
(Terry K. Glenn) and Director
Donald C. Burke* Vice President and
- ------------------------------------- Treasurer
(Donald C. Burke) (Principal
Financial and
Accounting Officer)
Joe Grills* Director
- -------------------------------------
(Joe Grills)
Walter Mintz* Director
- -------------------------------------
(Walter Mintz)
Robert S. Salomon, Jr.* Director
- -------------------------------------
(Robert S. Salomon, Jr.)
Melvin R. Seiden* Director
- -------------------------------------
(Melvin R. Seiden)
Stephen B. Swensrud* Director
- -------------------------------------
(Stephen B. Swensrud)
/s/ Terry K. Glenn
*By: ________________________________
(Terry K. Glenn, Attorney-in-Fact) May 28, 1999
C-8
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned, the Directors/Trustees and the officers of each of the
registered investment companies listed below, hereby authorize Terry K. Glenn,
Donald C. Burke and Joseph T. Monagle, Jr. or any of them, as attorney-in-
fact, to sign on his behalf in the capacities indicated any Registration
Statement or amendment thereto (including post-effective amendments) for each
of the following registered investment companies and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission: Merrill
Lynch Adjustable Rate Securities Fund, Inc.; Apex Municipal Fund, Inc.;
Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc.; Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc.;
Corporate High Yield Fund II, Inc.; Corporate High Yield Fund III, Inc.;
Merrill Lynch Federal Securities Trust; Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth Fund,
Inc.; Income Opportunities Fund 1999, Inc.; Income Opportunities Fund 2000,
Inc.; MuniHoldings Insured Fund II, Inc.; MuniHoldings Insured Fund III, Inc.;
MuniInsured Fund, Inc.; MuniYield Insured Fund, Inc.; Merrill Lynch Phoenix
Fund, Inc.; Merrill Lynch Real Estate Fund, Inc.; Merrill Lynch Retirement
Reserves Money Fund of Merrill Lynch Retirement Series Trust and Summit Cash
Reserves Fund of Financial Institution Series Trust.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signatures Title Date
---------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Terry K. Glenn President (Principal Executive
_____________________________________ Officer), Director and Trustee
(Terry K. Glenn April 13, 1999
/s/ Donald C. Burke Vice President and Treasurer
_____________________________________ (Principal Financial and Accounting
(Donald C. Burke) Officer) April 13, 1999
/s/ Joe Grills Director/Trustee
_____________________________________
(Joe Grills) April 13, 1999
/s/ Walter Mintz Director/Trustee
_____________________________________
(Walter Mintz) April 13, 1999
/s/ Robert S. Salomon, Jr. Director/Trustee
_____________________________________
(Robert S. Salomon, Jr.) April 13, 1999
/s/ Melvin R. Seiden Director/Trustee
_____________________________________
(Melvin R. Seiden) April 13, 1999
/s/ Stephen B. Swensrud Director/Trustee April 13, 1999
_____________________________________
(Stephen B. Swensrud)
/s/ Arthur Zeikel Director/Trustee April 13, 1999
_____________________________________
(Arthur Zeikel)
</TABLE>
C-9
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description
------- -----------
<C> <S>
9(b) Consent of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the Registrant.
10 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors for the
Registrant.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.9B
BROWN & WOOD LLP
ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10048-0557
TELEPHONE: 212-839-5300
FACSIMILE: 212-839-5599
May 27, 1999
Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc.
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendment No. 9
to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-53887 and 811-7177) of
our opinion, dated December 16, 1994, filed on December 16, 1994, as an Exhibit
to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to such Registration Statement and to the use
of our name in the prospectus and statement of additional information
constituting parts thereof.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Brown & Wood LLP
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
Merrill Lynch Asset Builder Program, Inc.:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment
No. 9 to Registration Statement No. 33-53887 of our report dated March 19, 1999
appearing in the annual report to shareholders of Merrill Lynch Asset
Builder Program, Inc. for the year ended January 31, 1999, and to the reference
to us under the caption "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus, which is a
part of such Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
May 26, 1999
