<PAGE> 1
Filed pursuant to Rule 497(e)
Registration Nos. 33-53399 and 811-07171
PROSPECTUS
OCTOBER 21, 1994
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011 - PHONE NO. (609) 282-2800
------------------------
Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is a diversified,
open-end management investment company seeking long-term growth of capital by
investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities of issuers with
relatively small market capitalizations ("SmallCap Issuers") located in various
foreign countries and in the United States. Under normal market conditions, the
Fund expects to invest at least 66% of its total assets in equity securities of
SmallCap Issuers. While the Fund expects to invest primarily in equity
securities of SmallCap Issuers, the Fund reserves the right to invest up to 34%
of its total assets, under normal market conditions, in equity securities of
issuers having larger individual market capitalizations and in debt securities.
It is anticipated that a substantial portion of the Fund's total assets will be
invested in the developed countries of Europe and the Far East and that a
significant portion of its total assets also may be invested in developing
countries. The Fund may employ a variety of investments and techniques to hedge
against market and currency risk. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
investment objective will be achieved. Investments on an international basis in
foreign securities markets involve certain risk factors, as do investments in
SmallCap Issuers. See "Risk Factors and Special Considerations" on page 11,
herein.
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System, the Fund offers
four classes of shares, each with a different combination of sales charges,
ongoing fees and other features. The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System
permits an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that the
investor believes is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the
length of time the investor expects to hold the shares and other relevant
circumstances. As a result of the implementation of the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System, Class A shares of the Fund outstanding prior to October 21,
1994, have been redesignated Class D shares. The Class A shares offered by
this Prospectus differ from the Class A shares offered prior to October 21,
1994, in many respects, including sales charges, exchange privilege and the
classes of persons to whom such shares are offered. See "Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System" on page 5.
Shares may be purchased directly from Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011 ((609)
282-2800), or from securities dealers which have entered into selected dealer
agreements with the Distributor, including Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"). The minimum initial purchase is $1,000, and the
minimum subsequent purchase is $50, except that for retirement plans where the
minimum initial purchase is $100, and the minimum subsequent purchase is $1.
Merrill Lynch may charge its customers a processing fee (presently $4.85) for
confirming purchases and repurchases. Purchases and redemptions directly through
the Fund's transfer agent are not subject to the processing fee. See "Purchase
of Shares" and "Redemption of Shares".
------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus is a concise statement of information about the Fund that is
relevant to making an investment in the Fund. This Prospectus should be retained
for future reference. A statement containing additional information about the
Fund, dated October 21, 1994 (the "Statement of Additional Information"), has
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is available, without
charge, by calling or by writing the Fund at the above telephone number or
address. The Statement of Additional Information is hereby incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus.
------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT -- MANAGER
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. -- DISTRIBUTOR
<PAGE> 2
FEE TABLE
A general comparison of the sales arrangements and other nonrecurring and
recurring expenses applicable to shares of the Fund follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A(a) CLASS B(b) CLASS C(c) CLASS D(d)
----------- ---------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES:
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of
offering price)...................... 5.25%(e) None None 5.25%(e)
Sales Charge Imposed on Dividend
Reinvestments........................ None None None None
Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage
of original purchase price or
redemption proceeds, whichever is
lower)............................... None(f) 4.0% during the first year, 1% for one None(f)
decreasing 1.0% annually year
thereafter to 0.0% after the
fourth year
Exchange Fee........................... None None None None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET
ASSETS)(g):
Management Fees(h)..................... 0.85% 0.85% 0.85% 0.85%
12b-1 Fees(i):
Account Maintenance Fees............. None 0.25% 0.25% 0.25%
Distribution Fees.................... None 0.75% 0.75% None
(Class B shares convert to
Class D shares automatically
after approximately eight years
and cease being subject to
distribution fees)
Other Expenses:
Custodial Fees....................... 0.19% 0.19% 0.19% 0.19%
Shareholder Servicing Costs(j)....... 0.17% 0.20% 0.20% 0.17%
Other................................ 0.24% 0.24% 0.24% 0.24%
Total Other Expenses............. 0.60% 0.63% 0.63% 0.60%
Total Fund Operating Expenses.......... 1.45% 2.48% 2.48% 1.70%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Class A shares are sold to a limited group of investors including certain
retirement plans and investment programs. The Class A shares offered by this
Prospectus differ from the Class A shares offered prior to October 21, 1994.
See "Purchase of Shares -- Initial Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class A and
Class D Shares" -- page 29.
(b) Class B shares convert to Class D shares automatically approximately eight
years after initial purchase. See "Purchase of Shares -- Deferred Sales
Charge Alternatives -- Class B and Class C Shares" -- page 31.
(c) Prior to the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not offered Class C
shares to the public.
(d) Class A shares of the Fund outstanding prior to October 21, 1994, have been
redesignated Class D shares.
(e) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over. Class A or Class D purchases of
$1,000,000 or more may not be subject to an initial sales charge. See
"Purchase of Shares -- Initial Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class A and
Class D Shares" -- page 29.
(f) Class A and Class D shares are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSC"), except that purchases of $1,000,000 or more which may not
be subject to an initial sales charge may instead be subject to a CDSC of
1.0% of amounts redeemed within the first year of purchase.
(g) Information under "Other Expenses" for all classes of shares is estimated
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1995.
(h) See "Management of the Fund -- Management and Advisory Arrangements" -- page
25.
(i) See "Purchase of Shares -- Distribution Plans" -- page 34.
(j) See "Management of the Fund -- Transfer Agency Services" -- page 27.
2
<PAGE> 3
EXAMPLE:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CUMULATIVE EXPENSES PAID
FOR THE PERIOD OF:
------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
------ -------
<S> <C> <C>
An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment
including the maximum $52.50 initial sales charge (Class A and
Class D shares only) and assuming (1) the Total Fund Operating
Expenses for each class set forth above; (2) a 5% annual return
throughout the periods and (3) redemption at the end of the period:
Class A......................................................... $ 66 $ 96
Class B......................................................... $ 65 $ 97
Class C......................................................... $ 35 $ 77
Class D......................................................... $ 69 $ 103
An investor would pay the following expenses on the same $1,000
investment assuming no redemption at the end of the period:
Class A......................................................... $ 66 $ 96
Class B......................................................... $ 25 $ 77
Class C......................................................... $ 25 $ 77
Class D......................................................... $ 69 $ 103
</TABLE>
The foregoing Fee Table is intended to assist investors in understanding
the costs and expenses that a shareholder in the Fund will bear directly or
indirectly. The expenses set forth under "Other Expenses" are based on estimated
amounts through the end of the Fund's first fiscal year on an annualized basis.
The Example set forth above assumes reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions and utilizes a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by Securities
and Exchange Commission regulations. THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A
REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN, AND ACTUAL
EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE ASSUMED FOR
PURPOSES OF THE EXAMPLE. Class B and Class C shareholders who hold their shares
for an extended period of time may pay more in Rule 12b-1 distribution fees than
the economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges permitted under
the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. (the "NASD"). Merrill Lynch may charge its customers a processing fee
(presently $4.85) for confirming purchases and redemptions. Purchases and
redemptions directly through the Fund's transfer agent are not subject to the
processing fee. See "Purchase of Shares" and "Redemption of Shares".
3
<PAGE> 4
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more
detailed information included elsewhere in this Prospectus and in the Statement
of Additional Information.
THE FUND
Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is a diversified,
open-end management investment company.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital
by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities of issuers with
relatively small market capitalizations ("SmallCap Issuers") located in various
foreign countries and in the United States. Under normal market conditions, the
Fund expects to invest at least 66% of its total assets in equity securities of
SmallCap Issuers. The Fund applies U.S. size standards in determining SmallCap
Issuers, and based on recent U.S. share prices, the Fund presently considers
SmallCap Issuers to be issuers with individual market capitalizations of no
greater than $1 billion. However, the Fund presently anticipates that it will
invest primarily in SmallCap Issuers having market capitalizations of $750
million or less. Under normal market conditions, the Fund also may invest up to
34% of its total assets in equity securities of issuers with individual market
capitalizations of greater than U.S.$1 billion ("LargeCap Issuers") and in debt
securities. For purposes of the above, market capitalizations are determined at
the time of purchase. The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in such
securities for temporary defensive purposes.
It is anticipated that a substantial portion of the Fund's total assets
will be invested in the developed countries of Europe and the Far East and that
a significant portion of its total assets also may be invested in developing
countries. While investments in markets of developing countries are subject to
considerable risks (see "Risk Factors and Special Considerations"), the Fund
believes that recent developments, including liberalization of government
policies, development of labor-intensive, export-oriented industries and rapid
growth of securities markets, in such developing countries could present
attractive investment opportunities.
The Fund is authorized to employ a variety of investment techniques to
hedge against market and currency risks. However, the Fund may not necessarily
be engaging in hedging activities when market or currency movements occur. See
"Investment Objective and Policies".
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Investments in securities of SmallCap Issuers involve special
considerations and risks not typically associated with investments in securities
of LargeCap Issuers, including risks associated with limited product lines,
markets or financial and management resources; risks associated with lesser
frequency and volume of trading of stocks of SmallCap Issuers as compared to
LargeCap Issuers and the greater effect of abrupt or erratic price movements on
SmallCap Issuers; and risks associated with the sensitivity of SmallCap Issuers
to market changes.
In addition, investments in securities of issuers located in various
foreign countries involve special considerations and risks not typically
associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, including the
4
<PAGE> 5
risks associated with international investing generally, such as currency
fluctuations; the risks of investing in countries with smaller capital markets,
such as limited liquidity, price volatility and restrictions on foreign
investment; and the risks associated with undeveloped economies of developing
countries, including significant political and social uncertainties, government
involvement in the economies, overburdened infrastructures, archaic legal
systems, environmental problems, and obsolete financial systems. See "Risk
Factors and Special Considerations".
THE MANAGER
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. (the "Manager"or "MLAM") acts as a
manager for the Fund and provides the Fund with management services. Merrill
Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited ("MLAM U.K."), an indirect, wholly-owned
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co.") and an affiliate of the
Manager, acts as the sub-adviser for the Fund and provides investment advisory
services to the Manager with respect to the Fund. The Manager or its affiliate,
Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM"), acts as the investment adviser for over 100
other registered investment companies. The Manager and FAM also offer portfolio
management and portfolio analysis services to individuals and institutions. As
of August 31, 1994, the Manager and FAM had a total of approximately $165.7
billion in investment company and other portfolio assets under management,
including accounts of certain affiliates of the Manager. See "Management of the
Fund -- Management and Advisory Arrangements".
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Shares of the Fund may be purchased at a price equal to the next determined
net asset value per share subject to the sales charges and ongoing fee
arrangements described below. See "Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System" and "Purchase of Shares".
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
It is the Fund's intention to distribute substantially all of its net
investment income. Dividends from such net investment income are paid at least
annually. All net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, will
be distributed to the Fund's shareholders at least annually. See "Additional
Information -- Dividends and Distributions".
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the Fund is determined by the Manager once daily as
of 4:15 p.m., New York time, on each day during which the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading. See "Additional Information -- Determination of
Net Asset Value".
MERRILL LYNCH SELECT PRICING(SM) SYSTEM
The Fund offers four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System. The shares of each class may be purchased at a price equal
to the next determined net asset value per share subject to the sales charges
and ongoing fee arrangements described below. Shares of Class A and Class D
are sold to investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives, and
shares of Class B and Class C are sold to investors choosing the deferred
sales charge alternatives. The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System is used
by more
5
<PAGE> 6
than 50 mutual funds advised by MLAM or an affiliate of MLAM, FAM. Funds advised
by MLAM or FAM are referred to herein as "MLAM-advised mutual funds".
Each Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D share of the Fund represents an
identical interest in the investment portfolio of the Fund and has the same
rights, except that Class B, Class C and Class D shares bear the expenses of the
ongoing account maintenance fees and Class B and Class C shares bear the
expenses of the ongoing distribution fees and the additional incremental
transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements. The
deferred sales charges 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
the Class D shares, will be imposed directly against those classes and not
against all assets of the Fund and, accordingly, such charges will not affect
the net asset value of any other class or have any impact on investors choosing
another sales charge option. Dividends paid by the Fund for each class of shares
will be calculated in the same manner at the same time and will differ only to
the extent that account maintenance and distribution fees and any incremental
transfer agency costs relating to a particular class are borne exclusively by
that class. Each class has different exchange privileges. See "Shareholder
Services -- Exchange Privilege".
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the initial
sales charges with respect to the Class A and Class D shares are the same as
those of the deferred sales charges with respect to the Class B and Class C
shares in that the sales charges applicable to each class provide for the
financing of the distribution of the shares of the Fund. The
distribution-related revenues paid with respect to a class will not be used to
finance the distribution expenditures of another class. Sales personnel may
receive different compensation for selling different classes of shares.
The following table sets forth a summary of the distribution arrangements
for each class of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System,
followed by a more detailed description of each class and a discussion of the
factors that investors should consider in determining the method of purchasing
shares under the Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System that the investor
believes is most beneficial under his particular circumstances. More detailed
information as to each class of shares is set forth under "Purchase of Shares".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCOUNT
MAINTENANCE DISTRIBUTION CONVERSION
CLASS SALES CHARGE(1) FEE FEE FEATURE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A Maximum 5.25% initial No No No
sales charge(2)(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B CDSC for a period of 4 0.25% 0.75% B shares convert to
years, at a rate of 4.0% D shares automatically
during the first year, after approximately
decreasing 1.0% annually to eight years(4)
0.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC for one year 0.25% 0.75% No
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D Maximum 5.25% initial 0.25% No No
sales charge(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Initial sales charges are imposed at the time of purchase as a percentage of
the offering price. Contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCs") are imposed
if the redemption occurs within the applicable CDSC time period. The charge
6
<PAGE> 7
will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the proceeds of
redemption or the cost of the shares being redeemed.
(2) Offered only to eligible investors. See "Purchase of Shares -- Initial Sales
Charge Alternatives -- Class A and Class D Shares -- Eligible Class A
Investors".
(3) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more. Class A and Class D share
purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be subject to an initial sales
charge but instead will be subject to a 1.0% CDSC for one year. See "Class
A" and "Class D" below.
(4) The conversion period for dividend reinvestment shares and certain
retirement plans is modified. Also, Class B shares of certain other
MLAM-advised mutual funds into which exchanges may be made have a ten year
conversion period. If Class B shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class B
shares of another MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period applicable
to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and the holding
period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the holding period for
the shares acquired.
Class A: Class A shares incur an initial sales charge when they are purchased
and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance fees. Class A
shares are offered to a limited group of investors and also will be
issued upon reinvestment of dividends on outstanding Class A shares.
Eligible investors include certain retirement plans and participants in
certain investment programs. In addition, Class A shares will be
offered to 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 to members of the
Boards of MLAM-advised mutual funds. The maximum initial sales charge
is 5.25%, which is reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over. Purchases
of $1,000,000 or more may not be subject to an initial sales charge but
if the initial sales charge is waived, such purchases will be subject
to a CDSC of 1.0% if the shares are redeemed within one year after
purchase. Sales charges also are reduced under a right of accumulation
which takes into account the investor's holdings of all classes of all
MLAM-advised mutual funds. See "Purchase of Shares -- Initial Sales
Charge Alternatives -- Class A and Class D Shares".
Class B: Class B shares do not incur a sales charge when they are purchased,
but they are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25%, an
ongoing distribution fee of 0.75% of the Fund's average net assets
attributable to the Class B shares and a CDSC if they are redeemed
within four years of purchase. Approximately eight years after
issuance, Class B shares will convert automatically into Class D shares
of the Fund, which are subject to an account maintenance fee but no
distribution fee; Class B shares of certain other MLAM-advised mutual
funds into which exchanges may be made convert into Class D shares
automatically after approximately ten years. If Class B shares of the
Fund are exchanged for Class B shares of another MLAM-advised mutual
fund, the conversion period applicable to the Class B shares acquired
in the exchange will apply, and the holding period for the shares
exchanged will be tacked onto the holding period for the shares
acquired. Automatic conversion of Class B shares into Class D shares
will occur at least once each month on the basis of the relative net
asset values of the shares of the two classes on the conversion date,
without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge.
Conversion of Class B shares to Class D shares will not be deemed a
purchase or sale of the shares for Federal income tax purposes. Shares
purchased through reinvestment of dividends on Class B shares also will
convert automatically to Class D shares. The conversion period for
dividend reinvestment shares and for certain retirement plans is
modified as described under "Purchase of Shares --
7
<PAGE> 8
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class B and Class C
Shares -- Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares".
Class C: Class C shares do not incur a sales charge when they are purchased,
but they are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25% and
an ongoing distribution fee of 0.75% of the Fund's average net assets
attributable to Class C shares. Class C shares are also subject to a
CDSC if they are redeemed within one year of purchase. Although Class C
shares are subject to a 1.0% CDSC for only one year (as compared to
four years for Class B), Class C shares have no conversion feature and,
accordingly, an investor that purchases Class C shares will be subject
to distribution fees that will be imposed on Class C shares for an
indefinite period subject to annual approval by the Fund's Board of
Directors and regulatory limitations.
Class D: Class D shares incur an initial sales charge when they are purchased
and are subject to an ongoing account maintenance fee of 0.25% of the
Fund's average net assets attributable to Class D shares. Class D
shares are not subject to an ongoing distribution fee or any CDSC when
they are redeemed. Purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be subject
to an initial sales charge but if the initial sales charge is waived,
such purchases will be subject to a CDSC of 1.0% if the shares are
redeemed within one year after purchase. The schedule of initial sales
charges and reductions for Class D shares is the same as the schedule
for Class A shares. Class D shares also will be issued upon conversion
of Class B shares as described above under "Class B". See "Purchase of
Shares -- Initial Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class A and Class D
Shares".
The following is a discussion of the factors that investors should consider
in determining the method of purchasing shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System that the investor believes is most beneficial under his
particular circumstances.
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives. 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 of the 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. Class A, 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 charges on new initial sales charge purchases. In addition, the
ongoing Class B and Class C account maintenance and distribution fees will cause
Class B and Class C shares to have higher expense ratios, pay lower dividends
and have lower total returns than the initial sales charge shares. The ongoing
Class D account maintenance fees will cause Class D shares to have a higher
expense ratio, pay lower dividends and have a lower total return than Class A
shares.
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives. Because no initial sales charges are
deducted at the time of purchase, Class B and Class C shares provide the benefit
of putting all of the investor's dollars to work from the time the investment is
made. The deferred sales charge alternatives may be particularly appealing to
8
<PAGE> 9
investors who do not qualify for a reduction in initial sales charges. Both
Class B and Class C shares are subject to ongoing account maintenance fees and
distribution fees; however, the ongoing account maintenance and distribution
fees potentially may be offset to the extent any return is realized on the
additional funds initially invested in Class B or Class C shares. In addition,
Class B shares will be converted into Class D shares of the Fund after a
conversion period of approximately eight years, and thereafter investors will be
subject to lower ongoing fees.
Certain investors may elect to purchase Class B shares if they determine it
to be most advantageous to have all their funds invested initially and intend to
hold their shares for an extended period of time. Investors in Class B shares
should take into account whether they intend to redeem their shares within the
CDSC period and, if not, whether they intend to remain invested until the end of
the conversion period and thereby take advantage of the reduction in ongoing
fees resulting from the conversion into Class D shares. Other investors,
however, may elect to purchase Class C shares if they determine that it is
advantageous to have all their assets invested initially and they are uncertain
as to the length of time they intend to hold their assets in MLAM-advised mutual
funds. Although Class C shareholders are subject to a shorter CDSC period at a
lower rate, they forgo the Class B conversion feature, making their investment
subject to account maintenance and distribution fees for an indefinite period of
time. In addition, while both Class B and Class C distribution fees are subject
to the limitations on asset-based sales charges imposed by the NASD, the Class B
distribution fees are further limited under a voluntary waiver of asset-based
sales charges. See "Purchase of Shares -- Limitations on the Payment of Deferred
Sales Charges".
9
<PAGE> 10
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(UNAUDITED)
The financial information in the table is unaudited. Financial statements
for the period August 5, 1994 (commencement of operations) to September 30,
1994, are included in the Statement of Additional Information. Class A shares of
the Fund outstanding as of October 21, 1994, were redesignated Class D shares on
such date, and the Fund has commenced offering shares of a new Class A having
different characteristics. Financial information is not presented for the new
Class A or for Class C shares since no shares of those classes are publicly
issued before the date of this Prospectus.
The following per share data and ratios have been derived from information
provided in the unaudited financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 5, 1994+
TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
(UNAUDITED)
-----------------------------
CLASS A(1) CLASS B
---------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value:
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net Asset Value, beginning of period............................ $ 10.00 $ 10.00
---------- --------
Investment income -- net........................................ .02 .01
Realized and unrealized loss on investments and foreign currency
transactions -- net........................................... (0.13) (0.14)
---------- --------
Total from investment operations................................ (0.11) (0.13)
---------- --------
Net Asset Value, end of period.................................. $ 9.89 $ 9.87
======== ========
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:
Based on net asset value per share** ........................... (1.10)%++ (1.30)%++
======== ========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses, excluding account maintenance and distribution fees... 1.45%* 1.48%*
======== ========
Expenses........................................................ 1.70%* 2.48%*
======== ========
Investment income -- net........................................ 1.70%* 0.92%*
======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)........................ $ 27,176 $133,105
======== ========
Portfolio turnover.............................................. 1.83% 1.83%
======== ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
+ Commencement of Operations.
++ Aggregate total investment return.
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
(1) As of October 21, 1994; the Class A shares for which information is
presented herein were redesignated Class D shares.
10
<PAGE> 11
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Investing in SmallCap Issuers. Under normal market conditions, the Fund
expects to invest at least 66% of its assets in equity securities of SmallCap
Issuers. Based on recent U.S. share prices, the Fund considers SmallCap Issuers
to be issuers with individual market capitalizations of no greater than $1
billion. Market capitalizations of such issuers are determined at the time of
purchase. While the SmallCap Issuers in which the Fund will primarily invest may
offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than LargeCap Issuers,
investments in smaller companies may involve greater risks and thus may be
considered speculative. For example, small companies may have limited product
lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited
management group. Full development of these companies takes time and, for this
reason, the Fund should be considered as a long-term investment and not as a
vehicle for seeking short-term profits, nor should an investment in the Fund be
considered a complete investment program. In addition, many small company stocks
trade less frequently and in smaller volume, and may be subject to more abrupt
or erratic price movements, than stocks of large companies. The securities of
small companies may also be more sensitive to market changes than the securities
of large companies. These factors may result in above-average fluctuations in
the net asset value of the Fund's shares. The Fund is not an appropriate
investment for individual investors requiring safety of principal or a
predictable return of income from their investment.
International Investing. Investments on an international basis involve
certain risks not involved in domestic investment, including fluctuations in
foreign exchange rates, future political and economic developments, different
legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls or
other foreign or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such
investments. Securities prices in different countries are subject to different
economic, financial, political and social factors. Because the Fund will 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 securities in
the portfolio and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments
insofar as U.S. investors are concerned. Foreign currency exchange rates are
determined by forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. These
forces are, in turn, affected by international balance of payments and other
economic and financial conditions, government intervention, speculation and
other factors. With respect to certain countries, there may be the possibility
of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation,
political or social instability or diplomatic developments which could affect
investment in those countries. In addition, certain foreign investments may be
subject to foreign withholding taxes. As a result, management of the Fund may
determine that, notwithstanding otherwise favorable investment criteria, it may
not be practicable or appropriate to invest in a particular country.
It is anticipated that a substantial portion of the securities held by the
Fund will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"), nor will the issuers thereof be subject to the reporting
requirements of such agency. In that regard, there may be less publicly
available information about a foreign company than about a U.S. company, and
foreign companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies
are subject. Moreover, because the Fund emphasizes the stocks of issuers with
smaller market capitalizations (by U.S. standards), the Fund can be expected to
have more difficulty obtaining information about the issuers or valuing or
disposing of its securities than it would if it were to concentrate on more
widely held stocks.
Foreign financial markets, while often growing in volume, have, for the
most part, substantially less volume than U.S. markets, and securities of many
foreign companies are less liquid and their prices may be more volatile than
securities of comparable domestic companies. Such markets have different
clearance and
11
<PAGE> 12
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 Fund
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 Fund are uninvested and no return is earned
thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to
settlement problems could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund
are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to
make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund
to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio
security due to settlement problems either could result in losses to the Fund
due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund
has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser. Brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on
foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than in the U.S. There is
generally less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and
issuers in foreign countries than there is in the U.S.
It is presently anticipated that a significant portion of the Fund's assets
may be invested in the developing countries of the world, including, but not
limited to, countries located in Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Far East.
The risks noted above as well as in "Restrictions on Foreign Investment" below
are often heightened for investments in developing countries, which may increase
the volatility of the Fund's net asset value.
Certain developing countries are especially large debtors to commercial
banks and foreign governments. Trading in debt obligations ("sovereign debt
obligations") issued or guaranteed by developing governments or their agencies
and instrumentalities ("governmental entities") involves a high degree of risk.
The governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt
obligations may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or interest
when due in accordance with the terms of such obligations. A governmental
entity's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely
manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the
relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the
governmental entity's dependence on expected disbursements from third parties,
the governmental entity's policy toward the International Monetary Fund and the
political constraints to which a governmental entity may be subject. As a
result, governmental entities may default on their sovereign debt obligations.
Holders of sovereign debt obligations (including the Fund) may be requested to
participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to
governmental entities. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt
obligations on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in
whole or in part.
The Fund may purchase sponsored or unsponsored American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts
("GDRs") (collectively, "Depositary Receipts") or other securities convertible
into securities of foreign issuers. Depositary Receipts may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they
may be converted. In addition, the issuers of the securities underlying
unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose material
information in the United States and, therefore, there may be less information
available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such
information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. Depositary Receipts
also involve the risks of other investments in foreign securities, as discussed
above.
Restrictions on Foreign Investment. Some countries prohibit or impose
substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly
their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. As
12
<PAGE> 13
illustrations, certain countries require governmental approval prior to
investments by foreign persons, or limit the amount of investment by foreign
persons in a particular company, or limit the investment by foreign persons in a
company to only a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous
terms than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals.
Certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or industries
deemed important to national interests.
The manner in which foreign investors may invest in companies in certain
countries, as well as limitations on such investments, may have an adverse
impact on the operations of the Fund. For example, the Fund may be required in
certain of such countries to invest initially through a local broker or other
entity and then have the shares purchased re-registered in the name of the Fund.
Re-registration may in some instances not be able to occur on a timely basis,
resulting in a delay during which the Fund may be denied certain of its rights
as an investor, including rights as to dividends or to be made aware of certain
corporate actions. There also may be instances where the Fund places a purchase
order but is subsequently informed, at the time of re-registration, that the
permissible allocation of the investment to foreign investors has been filled,
depriving the Fund of the ability to make its desired investment at that time.
Substantial limitations may exist in certain countries with respect to the
Fund's ability to repatriate investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales
of securities by foreign investors. The Fund could be adversely affected by
delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for
repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any
restrictions on investments. No more than 15% of the Fund's net assets may be
comprised, in the aggregate, of assets which are (i) subject to material legal
restrictions on repatriation or (ii) invested in illiquid securities. Even where
there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of
repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operations of the Fund.
A number of countries have authorized the formation of closed-end
investment companies to facilitate indirect foreign investment in their capital
markets. In accordance with the Investment Company Act, the Fund may invest up
to 10% of its total assets in securities of closed-end investment companies.
This restriction on investments in securities of closed-end investment companies
may limit opportunities for the Fund to invest indirectly in certain smaller
capital markets. Shares of certain closed-end investment companies may at times
be acquired only at market prices representing premiums to their net asset
values. If the Fund acquires shares in closed-end investment companies,
shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses in the Fund
(including management fees) and, indirectly, the expenses of such closed-end
investment companies. The Fund also may seek, at its own cost, to create its own
investment entities under the laws of certain countries.
Investing in Debt Securities. While the Fund intends to invest primarily
in equity securities, the Fund reserves the right to invest up to 34% of its
total assets, under normal market conditions, in debt securities, including high
yield/high risk securities (as defined below), foreign sovereign debt
obligations, debt obligations of the U.S. government or its political
subdivisions ("U.S. Government Obligations") and short-term securities such as
money market securities or commercial paper. The Fund has established no rating
criteria for the debt securities in which it may invest, and such securities may
not be rated at all for creditworthiness. Securities rated in the medium to
lower rating categories of nationally recognized statistical rating
organizations and unrated securities of comparable quality ("high yield/high
risk securities") are predominately speculative with respect to the capacity to
pay interest and to repay principal in accordance with the terms of the security
and generally involve a greater volatility of price than securities in higher
rating categories. These securities are commonly referred to as "junk" bonds.
Certain of the sovereign debt obligations in which the Fund may invest may
involve great risk and are deemed to be the equivalent in terms
13
<PAGE> 14
of quality to high yield/high risk securities. The Fund may have difficulty
disposing of certain sovereign debt obligations because there may be no liquid
secondary trading market for such securities. The Fund may invest up to 5% of
its total assets in sovereign debt obligations that are in default. Whenever, in
the judgment of the Manager, market or economic conditions warrant, the Fund may
invest, for temporary defensive purposes, up to 100% of the Fund's total assets
in the debt securities discussed above. See "Investment Objective and
Policies -- Characteristics of Certain Debt Securities".
Derivative Investments. In order to seek to hedge various portfolio
positions, including to hedge against price movements in markets in which the
Fund anticipates increasing its exposure, the Fund may invest in certain
instruments which may be characterized as derivative investments. These
investments include various types of interest rate transactions, options and
futures. Such investments also may consist of indexed securities, including
inverse securities. The Fund has express limitations on the percentage of its
assets that may be committed to certain of such investments. Other of such
investments have no express quantitative limitations, although they may be made
solely for hedging purposes, not for speculation, and may in some cases require
limitations as to the type of permissible counter-party to the transaction.
Interest rate transactions involve the risk of an imperfect correlation between
the index used in the hedging transactions and that pertaining to the securities
which are the subject of such transactions. Similarly, utilization of options
and futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements
in the price of options and futures and movements in the price of the securities
or interest rates which are the subject of the hedge. Investments in indexed
securities, including inverse securities, subject the Fund to the risks
associated with changes in the particular indices, which may include reduced or
eliminated interest payments and losses of invested principal. For a further
discussion of these investments and their attendant risks, see "Investment
Objective and Policies -- Description of Certain Investments -- Indexed and
Inverse Securities," "Other Investment Policies and Practices -- Portfolio
Strategies Involving Options, Futures and Forward Foreign Exchange Transactions"
and "Appendix A -- Options, Futures and Forward Foreign Exchange Transactions."
Management of the Fund believes the above investments are appropriate for the
Fund.
Borrowing. The Fund 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 or to settle securities
transactions. The Fund will not purchase securities while 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 the Fund.
Such leveraging increases the Fund's exposure to capital risk, and borrowed
funds are subject to interest costs which will reduce net income.
Fees and Expenses. The management fee (at the annual rate of 0.85% of the
Fund's average daily net assets) and other operating expenses of the Fund may be
higher than the management fees and operating expenses of other mutual funds
managed by the Manager and other investment advisers or of investment companies
investing exclusively in the U.S. securities market.
Other Special Considerations. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its total
assets in illiquid or otherwise not readily marketable securities. (However,
under the law of certain states, the Fund presently is limited with respect to
such investments to 10% of its net assets).
14
<PAGE> 15
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide long-term growth
of capital by investing primarily in equity securities of companies with
relatively small market capitalizations ("SmallCap Issuers") located in various
foreign countries and in the United States. Under normal conditions, at least
66% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in equity securities of SmallCap
Issuers. The Fund applies U.S. size standards in determining SmallCap Issuers,
and based on recent U.S. share prices, the Fund presently considers SmallCap
Issuers to be issuers with individual market capitalizations of no greater than
$1 billion. However, the Fund presently intends to invest primarily in SmallCap
Issuers with capitalizations of $750 million or less. The Fund does not
generally expect to invest in SmallCap Issuers whose market capitalizations are
less than $50 million. Because the Fund is permitted to apply the U.S. size
standard on a global basis, it may invest in issuers that might in some
countries rank among the largest companies in terms of capitalization. While the
Fund expects to invest primarily in equity securities of SmallCap Issuers, the
Fund may invest up to 34% of its total assets, under normal market conditions,
in equity securities of companies with individual market capitalizations of
greater than U.S.$1 billion ("LargeCap Issuers") and in debt securities. For
purposes of the above, market capitalizations are determined at the time of
purchase. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be
achieved. The investment objective of the Fund is a fundamental policy and may
not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities. The Fund may employ a variety of investments and
techniques to hedge against market and currency risk.
The Fund's investment emphasis is on equities, primarily common stock and,
to a lesser extent, securities convertible into common stock, preferred stock
and rights to subscribe for common stock. The Manager believes that the equity
securities of specific SmallCap Issuers may present different opportunities for
long-term capital appreciation during varying portions of economic or securities
markets cycles, as well as during varying stages of their business development.
The market valuation of SmallCap Issuers tends to fluctuate during economic or
market cycles, presenting attractive investment opportunities at various points
during these cycles. However, investments in SmallCap Issuers may involve
greater risks. See "Risk Factors and Special Considerations". The Fund may
invest in securities of SmallCap Issuers in the relatively early stages of
business development which have a new technology, a unique or proprietary
product or service, or a favorable market position; in securities of relatively
more developed companies that the Manager believes will experience above-average
earnings growth or will receive greater market recognition; and, in securities
of mature companies that the Manager believes to be relatively undervalued in
the marketplace. The Fund's investment policy is further based on the belief
that investment opportunities change rapidly, not only from company to company
and from industry to industry, but also from one national economy to another.
Accordingly, the Fund will invest in a global portfolio of equity securities of
SmallCap Issuers located throughout the world. However, investments in foreign
markets may involve greater risks. See "Risk Factors and Special
Considerations."
Under certain adverse investment conditions, the Fund may restrict the
markets in which its assets will be invested and may increase the proportion of
assets invested in equity securities of LargeCap Issuers and in debt securities.
Investments made for defensive purposes will be maintained only during periods
in which the Manager determines that economic or financial conditions are
adverse for holding or being invested to a greater degree in equity securities
of SmallCap Issuers. The Fund, however, will make such temporary
15
<PAGE> 16
defensive investments only to the extent management of the Fund believes
temporary defensive investments present less risk than the types of investments
in which the Fund normally invests.
Under normal conditions, at least 66% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested in the securities of issuers from at least three different countries.
While there are no prescribed limits on the geographic allocation of the Fund's
investments, management of the Fund anticipates that a substantial portion of
its assets will be invested in the developed countries of Europe and the Far
East. However, for the reasons stated below, management of the Fund will give
special attention to investment opportunities in the developing countries of the
world, including, but not limited to, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Far
East. It is presently anticipated that a significant portion of the Fund's
assets may be invested in such developing countries.
For purposes of the Fund's investment policies, an issuer ordinarily will
be considered to be located in the country under the laws of which it is
organized or where the primary trading market of its securities is located. The
Fund, however, may consider a company to be located in a country, without
reference to its domicile or to the primary trading market of its securities,
when at least 50% of its non-current assets, capitalization, gross revenues or
profits in any one of the two most recent fiscal years represents (directly or
indirectly through subsidiaries) assets or activities located in such country.
The Fund also may consider closed-end investment companies to be located in the
country or countries in which they primarily make their portfolio investments.
The allocation of the Fund's assets among the various foreign securities
markets will be determined by the Manager based primarily on an assessment of
the relative condition and growth potential of the various economies and
securities markets, currency and taxation considerations and other pertinent
financial, social, national and political factors. Within such allocations, the
Manager will seek to identify equity investments in each market which are
expected to provide a total return which equals or exceeds the return of such
market as a whole.
A significant portion of the Fund's assets may be invested in developing
countries. This allocation of the Fund's assets reflects the belief that
attractive investment opportunities may result from an evolving long-term
international trend favoring more market-oriented economies, a trend that may
especially benefit certain developing countries with smaller capital markets.
This trend may be facilitated by local or international political, economic or
financial developments that could benefit the capital markets of such countries.
Certain such countries, particularly so-called "emerging" countries, developing
more market-oriented economies may experience relatively high rates of economic
growth.
In accordance with the foregoing, the Fund may purchase securities issued
by United States or foreign corporations or financial institutions. The Fund
also may purchase securities issued or guaranteed by United States or foreign
governments (including foreign states, provinces and municipalities) or their
agencies and instrumentalities ("governmental entities") or issued or guaranteed
by international organizations designated or supported by multiple governmental
entities to promote economic reconstruction or development ("supranational
entities").
As a result of its global investment focus, the Fund may invest in
securities denominated in any currency or multinational currency unit. An
illustration of a multinational currency unit is the European Currency Unit
("ECU") which is a "basket" consisting of specified amounts of the currencies of
certain of the twelve member states of the European Community, a Western
European economic cooperative association including France, Germany, the
Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The specific amounts of currencies
comprising the ECU may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers of the European
Community to reflect changes in
16
<PAGE> 17
relative values of the underlying currencies. The Manager does not believe that
such adjustments will adversely affect holders of ECU-denominated obligations or
the marketability of such securities. European supranational entities (described
further below), in particular, issue ECU-denominated obligations. The Fund may
invest in securities denominated in the currency of one nation although issued
by a governmental entity, corporation or financial institution of another
nation. For example, the Fund may invest in a British pound sterling-denominated
security issued by a United States corporation. Such investments involve risks
associated with the issuer and currency risks associated with the currency in
which the obligation is denominated.
While the Fund intends to invest primarily in equity securities of domestic
and foreign SmallCap Issuers, the Fund also may invest up to 34% of its total
assets in debt securities, including high yield/high risk securities, foreign
sovereign debt obligations, U.S. Government Obligations and short-term
securities including money market securities or commercial paper. The Fund has
established no rating criteria for the debt securities in which it may invest,
and such securities may not be rated at all for creditworthiness. See
"Characteristics of Certain Debt Securities" below.
The Fund may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of
Depositary Receipts or other securities convertible into securities of foreign
issuers. The Depositary Receipts 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. GDRs are
receipts issued throughout the world which evidence a similar ownership
arrangement. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the
U.S. securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in
European securities markets. GDRs are tradeable both in the U.S. and Europe and
are designed for use throughout the world. The Fund may invest in unsponsored
Depositary Receipts. The issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not
obligated to disclose material information in the United States, and therefore,
there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of
such securities.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVESTMENTS
Illiquid Securities. The Fund may purchase securities that are not
registered ("restricted securities") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), but can be offered and sold to "qualified
institutional buyers" under Rule 144A under that Act. However, the Fund will not
invest more than 15% of its net assets in securities subject to contractual
restrictions on resale, or otherwise restricted securities, unless the Fund's
Board of Directors determines, based on the trading markets for the specific
restricted security, that it is liquid. (However, under the law of certain
states, the Fund presently is limited with respect to such investments to 10% of
its net assets.) The Board of Directors has determined to treat as liquid Rule
144A securities which are freely tradeable in their primary markets offshore.
The Board of Directors may adopt guidelines and delegate to the Manager the
daily function of determining and monitoring liquidity of restricted securities.
The Board of Directors, 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 develop, the
Board of Directors will carefully monitor the Fund's investments in these
securities, focusing on such factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and
availability of information.
17
<PAGE> 18
This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of
illiquidity in the Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become
for a time uninterested in purchasing these securities.
Indexed and Inverse Securities. The Fund may invest in securities whose
potential return is based on the change in particular measurements of value or
rate (an "index"). As an illustration, the Fund may invest in a debt security
that pays interest and returns principal based on the change in an equity index,
an interest rate index of interest rates or an index based on the value one or
more precious or industrial metals. Interest and principal payable on a security
may also be based on relative changes among particular indices. In addition, the
Fund may invest in securities whose potential investment return is inversely
based on the change in particular indices. For example, the Fund may invest in
securities that pay a higher rate of interest and principal when a particular
index decreases and pay a lower rate of interest and principal when the value of
the index increases. To the extent that the Fund invests in such types of
securities, it will be subject to the risks associated with changes in the
particular indices, which may include reduced or eliminated interest payments
and losses of invested principal. Examples of such types of securities are
indexed or inverse securities issued with respect to a stock market index in a
particular foreign country.
Certain indexed securities, including certain inverse securities, may have
the effect of providing a degree of investment leverage, because they may
increase or decrease in value at a rate that is a multiple of the changes in
applicable indices. As a result, the market value of such securities will
generally be more volatile than the market values of fixed-rate securities.
Management of the Fund believes that indexed securities, including inverse
securities, represent flexible portfolio management instruments that may allow
the Fund to hedge other portfolio positions, including serving as an
anticipatory hedge in markets in which the Fund is seeking a higher degree of
exposure, or vary the degree of portfolio leverage relatively efficiently under
certain market conditions.
CHARACTERISTICS OF CERTAIN DEBT SECURITIES
No Rating Criteria for Debt Securities. The Fund has established no rating
criteria for the debt securities in which it may invest and such securities may
not be rated at all for creditworthiness. Securities rated in the medium to low
rating categories of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations such
as Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") and Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's") and unrated securities of comparable quality (referred to herein as
"high yield/high risk securities") are predominantly speculative with respect to
the capacity to pay interest and to repay principal in accordance with the terms
of the security and generally involve a greater volatility of price than
securities in higher rating categories. See "Statement of Additional
Information -- Appendix". These securities are commonly referred to as "junk"
bonds. In purchasing such securities, the Fund will rely on the Manager's
judgment, analysis and experience in evaluating the creditworthiness of an
issuer of such securities. The Manager will take into consideration, among other
things, the issuer's financial resources, its sensitivity to economic conditions
and trends, its operating history, the quality of the issuer's management and
regulatory matters. The Fund is not authorized to purchase debt securities that
are in default, except for sovereign debt obligations (discussed below). The
Fund may invest no more than 5% of its total assets in sovereign debt
obligations which are in default.
The market values of high yield/high risk securities tend to reflect
individual issuer developments to a greater extent than do higher rated
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. Issuers of high yield/high risk securities may be highly
leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of
financing. Therefore, the risk associated with acquiring the securities of
18
<PAGE> 19
such issuers generally is greater than is the case with higher rated securities.
For example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising
interest rates, issuers of high yield/high risk securities may be more likely to
experience financial stress, especially if such issuers are highly leveraged.
During such periods, such issuers may not have sufficient revenues to meet their
interest payment obligations. The issuer's ability to service its debt
obligations also may be adversely affected by specific issuer developments, or
the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business forecasts, or the
unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by the
issuer is significantly greater for the holders of high yield/high risk
securities because such securities may be unsecured and may be subordinated to
other creditors of the issuer.
High yield/high risk securities may have call or redemption features which
would permit an issuer to repurchase the securities from the Fund. If a call
were exercised by the issuer during a period of declining interest rates, the
Fund likely would have to replace such called securities with lower yielding
securities, thus decreasing the net investment income to the Fund and dividends
to shareholders.
The Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain high yield/high risk
securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. To
the extent that a secondary trading market for high yield/high risk securities
does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for higher
rated securities. Reduced secondary market liquidity may have an adverse impact
on market price and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular issues when
necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific
economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer.
Reduced secondary market liquidity for certain high yield/high risk securities
also may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market
quotations for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio. Market quotations are
generally available on many high yield/high risk securities only from a limited
number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or
prices for actual sales. The Fund's Directors, or the Manager, will carefully
consider the factors affecting the market for high yield, high risk, lower rated
securities in determining whether any particular security is liquid or illiquid
and whether current market quotations are readily available.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, which may not be based on
fundamental analysis, also may decrease the value and liquidity of high
yield/high risk securities, particularly in a thinly traded market. Factors
adversely affecting the market value of high yield/high risk securities are
likely to adversely affect the Fund's net asset value. In addition, the Fund may
incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a
default on a portfolio holding or to participate in the restructuring of the
obligation.
Foreign Sovereign Debt. Certain developing countries owe significant
amounts of debt to commercial banks and foreign governments. Investment in
sovereign debt obligations of such countries, in particular, involves a high
degree of risk. The governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign
debt obligations may not be able or willing to repay the principal and/or
interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt. A governmental
entity's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely
manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the
extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange
on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to
the economy as a whole, the governmental entity's policy towards the
International Monetary Fund and the political constraints to which a
governmental entity may be subject. Governmental entities may also be dependent
on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and
others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The
commitment on the part of these governments, agencies and others to make such
disbursements may be conditioned on a governmental entity's implementation of
economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of such
19
<PAGE> 20
debtor's obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of
economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the
cancellation of such third parties' commitments to lend funds to the
governmental entity, which may further impair such debtor's ability or
willingness to timely service its debts. Consequently, governmental entities may
default on their sovereign debt obligations.
Holders of sovereign debt obligations, including the Fund, may be requested
to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to
governmental entities. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt
obligations on which a governmental entity has defaulted may be collected in
whole or in part.
Certain of the sovereign debt obligations in which the Fund may invest
involve great risk and are deemed to be the equivalent in terms of quality to
high yield/high risk securities discussed above and are subject to many of the
same risks as such securities. Similarly, the Fund may have difficulty disposing
of such sovereign debt obligations because there may be a thin trading market
for such securities. The Fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets
in sovereign debt obligations which are in default.
Supranational Entities. The Fund also may invest in debt securities of
supranational entities. These entities include international organizations
designated or supported by governmental entities to promote economic
reconstruction or development and international banking institutions and related
government agencies. Examples include the International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (the World Bank), the European Steel and Coal Community, the
Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. The government
members, or "stockholders", usually make initial capital contributions to the
supranational entity and in many cases are committed to make additional capital
contributions if the supranational entity is unable to repay its borrowings.
United States Government Obligations. United States Government Obligations
in which the Fund may invest include: (i) U.S. Treasury obligations (bills,
notes and bonds), which differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance, all of which are backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States; and (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or
instrumentalities, including government guaranteed mortgage-related or
asset-backed securities, some of which are backed by the full faith and credit
of the U.S. Treasury (e.g., direct pass-through certificates of the Government
National Mortgage Association), some of which are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government (e.g., obligations of Federal Home
Loan Banks) and some of which are backed only by the credit of the issuer itself
(e.g., obligations of the Student Loan Marketing Association).
In the case of mortgage-related securities, prepayments occur when the
holder of an individual mortgage prepays the remaining principal before the
mortgage's scheduled maturity date. As a result of the pass-through of
prepayments of principal on the underlying securities, a mortgage-related
security is often subject to more rapid prepayment of principal than its stated
maturity would indicate. Because the prepayment characteristics of the
underlying mortgages vary, it is not possible to predict accurately the realized
yield or average life of a particular issue of the mortgage-related securities.
(Asset-backed securities, other than those backed by home equity loans,
generally do not prepay in response to changes in interest rates but may be
subject to prepayment in response to other factors.) Prepayment rates are
important because of their effect on the yield and price of the securities.
Accelerated prepayments adversely impact yields for securities purchased at a
premium (i.e., a price in excess of principal amount) and may involve additional
risk of loss of principal because the premium may not have been fully amortized
at the time the obligation is repaid. The opposite is true for securities
20
<PAGE> 21
purchased at a discount. The Fund may purchase mortgage-related (and
asset-backed) securities at a premium or at a discount.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Portfolio Strategies Involving Options, Futures and Forward Foreign
Exchange Transactions. The Fund is authorized to engage in various portfolio
strategies to hedge its portfolio against adverse movements in the equity, debt
and currency markets.
The Fund has authority to write (i.e., sell) covered put and call options
on its portfolio securities, purchase put and call options on securities and
engage in transactions in stock index options, stock index futures and financial
futures, and related options on such futures. The Fund may also engage in
forward foreign exchange transactions and enter into foreign currency options
and futures, and related options on such futures. Each of these portfolio
strategies is described in more detail in Appendix A attached to this
Prospectus. Although certain risks are involved in options and futures
transactions (as discussed in "Risk Factors in Options, Futures and Currency
Transactions" in Appendix A to this Prospectus), the Manager believes that,
because the Fund will engage in such transactions only for hedging (including
anticipatory hedging) purposes, the options, futures and currency portfolio
strategies of the Fund will not subject the Fund to the risks frequently
associated with the speculative use of options, futures and currency
transactions. While the Fund's use of hedging strategies is intended to reduce
the volatility of the net asset value of its shares, the net asset value of Fund
shares will fluctuate. Reference is made to the Appendix to this Prospectus and
to the Statement of Additional Information for further information concerning
these strategies.
There can be no assurance that the Fund's hedging transactions will be
effective. Suitable hedging instruments may not be available with respect to
securities of developing countries on a timely basis and on acceptable terms.
Furthermore, the Fund may only engage in hedging activities from time to time
and may not necessarily engage in hedging transactions when movements in the
equity, debt or currency markets occur.
Portfolio Transactions. Since portfolio transactions may be effected on
foreign securities exchanges, the Fund may incur settlement delays on certain of
such exchanges. See "Risk Factors and Special Considerations". In executing
portfolio transactions, the Manager seeks to obtain the best net results for the
Fund, 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. The Fund may invest in certain securities
traded in the OTC market and, 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 are acting as principal for their own account. On occasion,
securities may be purchased directly from the issuer. Such portfolio securities
are generally traded on a net basis and do not normally involve either brokerage
commissions or transfer taxes. Securities firms may receive brokerage
commissions on certain portfolio transactions, including options, futures and
options on futures transactions and the purchase and sale of underlying
securities upon exercise of options. The Fund has no obligation to deal with any
broker or group of brokers in the execution of transactions in portfolio
securities. Under the Investment Company Act, persons affiliated with the Fund
and persons who are affiliated with such affiliated persons, including Merrill
Lynch, are prohibited from dealing with the Fund as a principal in the purchase
and sale of securities unless a permissive order allowing such transactions is
obtained from the Commission. Affiliated persons of the Fund, and affiliated
persons of such affiliated persons, may serve as the Fund's broker in
transactions conducted on
21
<PAGE> 22
an exchange and in OTC transactions conducted on an agency basis and may receive
brokerage commissions from the Fund. In addition, consistent with the Rules of
Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., the Fund
may consider sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of brokers
or dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund. It is expected that
the majority of the shares of the Fund will be sold by Merrill Lynch. Costs
associated with transactions in foreign securities are generally higher than in
the U.S., although the Fund will endeavor to achieve the best net results in
effecting its portfolio transactions.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may from time to time lend
securities from its portfolio, with a value not exceeding 33 1/3% of its total
assets, to banks, brokers and other financial institutions and receive
collateral in cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government
which will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the
current market value of the loaned securities. This limitation is a fundamental
policy, and it may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, as defined in the
Investment Company Act. During the period of such a loan, the Fund typically
receives the income on both the loaned securities and the collateral and thereby
increases its yield. In certain circumstances, the Fund may receive a flat fee.
Such loans are terminable at any time, and the borrower, after notice, will be
required to return borrowed securities within five business days. In the event
that the borrower defaults on its obligation to return borrowed securities
because of insolvency or otherwise, the Fund 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.
Portfolio Turnover. The Manager, will effect portfolio transactions
without regard to holding period, if, in its judgment, such transactions are
advisable in light of a change in circumstance in general market, economic or
financial conditions. As a result of its investment policies, the Fund may
engage in a substantial number of portfolio transactions. Accordingly, while the
Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate should not exceed 100%
under normal conditions, it is impossible to predict portfolio turnover rates.
The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of the Fund's
annual sales or purchases of portfolio securities (exclusive of purchases or
sales of securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or
less) by the monthly average value of the securities in the portfolio during the
year. A high portfolio turnover rate involves certain tax consequences and
correspondingly greater transaction costs in the form of dealer spreads and
brokerage commissions, which are borne directly by the Fund.
When-Issued Securities and Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Fund may
purchase securities on a when-issued basis, and it may purchase or sell
securities for delayed delivery. These transactions occur when securities are
purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the
future to secure what is considered an advantageous yield and price to the Fund
at the time of entering into the transaction. Although the Fund has not
established any limit on the percentage of its assets that may be committed in
connection with such transactions, the Fund will maintain a segregated account
with its custodian of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or
other high grade liquid debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S.
currencies in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of its commitments in
connection with such purchase transactions.
There can be no assurance that the securities purchased on a when-issued
basis or purchased or sold for delayed delivery will be issued, and the value of
the security, if issued, on the delivery date may be more or less than its
purchase price. The Fund 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.
22
<PAGE> 23
Standby Commitment Agreements. The Fund may from time to time enter into
standby commitment agreements. Such agreements commit the Fund, for a stated
period of time, to purchase a stated amount of a fixed income security or a
stated number of shares of equity securities which may be issued and sold to the
Fund at the option of the issuer. The price and coupon of the security is fixed
at the time of the commitment. At the time of entering into the agreement the
Fund is paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether or not the security is
ultimately issued, which is typically approximately 0.50% of the aggregate
purchase price of the security which the Fund has committed to purchase. The
Fund will enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the
security underlying the commitment at a yield and price which is considered
advantageous to the Fund. The Fund will not enter into a standby commitment with
a remaining term in excess of 45 days and presently will limit its investment in
such commitments so that the aggregate purchase price of the 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 assets taken at the time of acquisition of such a commitment. The
Fund will at all times maintain a segregated account with its custodian of cash,
cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or other high grade liquid debt
securities denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S. currencies in an aggregate
amount equal to the purchase price of the securities underlying a 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 Fund
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 will
thereafter be reflected in the calculation of the Fund'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; Purchase and Sale Contracts. The Fund may invest in
securities pursuant to repurchase agreements or purchase and sale contracts.
Under a repurchase agreement, the seller agrees, upon entering into the contract
with the Fund, to repurchase a security (typically a security issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government) at a mutually agreed upon time and price,
thereby determining the yield during the term of the agreement. This insulates
the Fund from fluctuations in the market value of the underlying security during
such period, although, to the extent the repurchase agreement is not denominated
in U.S. dollars, the Fund's return may be affected by currency fluctuations.
Repurchase agreements may be entered into only with a member bank of the Federal
Reserve System, a primary dealer in U.S. government securities or an affiliate
thereof. A purchase and sale contract is similar to a repurchase agreement, but
purchase and sale contracts, unlike repurchase agreements, allocate interest on
the underlying security to the purchaser during the term of the agreement. In
all instances, the Fund takes possession of the underlying securities when
investing in repurchase agreements or purchase and sale contracts. Nevertheless,
if the seller were to default on its obligation to repurchase a security under a
repurchase agreement or purchase and sale contract and the market value of the
underlying security at such time was less than the Fund had paid to the seller,
the Fund would realize a loss. The Fund may not invest more than 10% of its net
assets in repurchase agreements or purchase and sale contracts maturing in more
than seven days, together with all other illiquid securities.
23
<PAGE> 24
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund's investment activities are subject to further restrictions that
are described in the Statement of Additional Information. Investment
restrictions and policies which are fundamental policies may not be changed
without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
voting securities (which for this purpose and under the Investment Company Act
means the lesser of (a) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more
than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented or (b) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares). Among its fundamental policies, the Fund may not (i) invest
more than 25% of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each
investment, in the securities of issuers of any particular industry (excluding
the U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities); (ii) with respect to
75% of its total assets, invest in the securities of any one issuer if,
immediately after and as a result of such investment, the value of the holdings
of the Fund in the securities of such issuer exceeds 5% of the Fund's total
assets, taken at market value; and (iii) with respect to 75% of its total
assets, invest in the securities of any one issuer if, immediately after and as
a result of such investment, the Fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer. As a non-fundamental policy, the Fund will,
for purposes of the 25%, 5% and 10% restrictions set forth above and to the
extent required by the Commission, consider securities issued or guaranteed by
the government of any one foreign country as the obligations of a single issuer.
Other fundamental policies include policies which restrict the issuance of
senior securities and limit borrowings, except that the Fund may borrow from
banks in amounts of up to 33 1/3% of its assets for temporary purposes such as
to meet redemption requests or settle investment transactions or for
extraordinary or emergency purposes. The Fund will not purchase securities while
borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets, except (a) to honor prior commitments
or (b) to exercise subscription rights where outstanding borrowings have been
obtained exclusively for settlements for other securities transactions. The
purchase of securities while borrowings are outstanding will have the effect of
leveraging the Fund. Such leveraging or borrowing increases the Fund's exposure
to capital risk, and borrowed funds are subject to interest costs which will
reduce net income.
As another non-fundamental policy, the Fund will not invest in securities
which are (a) subject to material legal restrictions on repatriation of assets
or (b) cannot be readily resold because of legal or contractual restrictions or
which are not otherwise readily marketable, including repurchase agreements and
purchase and sale contracts maturing in more than seven days, if, regarding all
such securities, more than 15% of its net assets, taken at market value would be
invested in such securities.
Nothing in the foregoing investment restrictions shall be deemed to
prohibit the Fund from purchasing the securities of any issuer pursuant to the
exercise of subscription rights distributed to the Fund by the issuer, except
that no such purchase may be made if as a result the Fund will no longer be a
diversified investment company as defined in the Investment Company Act or fail
to meet the diversification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code").
While the Fund may not purchase illiquid securities in an amount exceeding
15% of its net assets (or 10%, to the extent presently required by state law),
the Fund may purchase without regard to that limitation securities that are not
registered under the Securities Act, but that can be offered and sold to
"qualified institutional buyers" under Rule 144A under the Securities Act,
provided that the Fund's Board of Directors continuously determines, based on
the trading markets for the specific Rule 144A security, that it is liquid. The
Board of Directors may adopt guidelines and delegate to the Manager the daily
function of determining and monitoring liquidity of restricted securities. The
Board has determined that securities which are freely
24
<PAGE> 25
tradeable in their primary market offshore should be deemed liquid. 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 the market
for restricted securities sold and offered under Rule 144A will develop, the
Board of Directors will carefully monitor the Fund's investments in these
securities, focusing on such factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and
availability of information. This investment practice could have the effect of
increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund to the extent that qualified
institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing these
restricted securities.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Fund consists of five individuals, four of
whom are not "interested persons" of the Fund as defined in the Investment
Company Act. The Board of Directors of the Fund is responsible for the overall
supervision of the operations of the Fund and performs the various duties
imposed on the directors of investment companies by the Investment Company Act.
The Directors of the Fund are:
ARTHUR ZEIKEL* -- President and Chief Investment Officer of the Manager;
President and Director of Princeton Services, Inc.; Executive Vice President of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."); Executive Vice President of Merrill
Lynch; Director of the Distributor.
DONALD CECIL -- Special Limited Partner of Cumberland Partners (an
investment partnership).
EDWARD H. MEYER -- Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Grey Advertising Inc.
CHARLES C. REILLY -- Self-employed financial consultant; former President
and Chief Investment Officer of Verus Capital, Inc.; former Senior Vice
President of Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc.; Adjunct Professor, Columbia
University Graduate School of Business.
RICHARD R. WEST -- Professor of Finance, and Dean from 1984 to 1993, New
York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business Administration.
- ---------------
* Interested person, as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Fund.
MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. acts as the manager of the Fund and
provides the Fund with management and investment advisory services. The Manager
is owned and controlled by ML & Co., a financial services holding company and
the parent of Merrill Lynch. The Manager, or an affiliate of the Manager, FAM,
acts as the investment adviser to more than 100 other registered investment
companies and provides investment advisory services to individual and
institutional accounts. As of August 31, 1994, the Manager and FAM had a total
of approximately $165.7 billion in investment company and other portfolio assets
under management, including accounts of certain affiliates of the Manager.
25
<PAGE> 26
The Fund has entered into a management agreement (the "Management
Agreement") with the Manager. As described in the Management Agreement, the
Manager receives for its services to the Fund monthly compensation at the rate
of 0.85% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. For the period August 5,
1994 to September 30, 1994, the fee paid by the Fund to the Manager was $182,083
(based upon average net assets of approximately $137.2 million).
The Management Agreement provides that, subject to the direction of the
Board of Directors of the Fund, the Manager is responsible for the actual
management of the Fund's portfolio and constantly reviews the Fund's holdings in
light of its own research analysis and that from other relevant sources. The
responsibility for making decisions to buy, sell or hold a particular security
rests with the Manager, subject to review by the Board of Directors. The Manager
is also obligated to perform certain administrative and management services for
the Fund and is obligated to provide all of the office space, facilities,
equipment and personnel necessary to perform its duties under the Management
Agreement.
The Manager has entered into a sub-advisory agreement (the "Sub-Advisory
Agreement") with Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited, an indirect,
wholly-owned subsidiary of ML & Co. and an affiliate of the Manager, pursuant to
which the Manager pays MLAM U.K. a fee for providing investment advisory
services to the Manager with respect to the Fund in an amount to be determined
from time to time by the Manager and MLAM U.K. but in no event in excess of the
amount that the Manager actually receives for providing services to the Fund
pursuant to the Management Agreement. For the period August 5, 1994 to September
30, 1994, MLAM paid MLAM U.K. a fee of $18,208 pursuant to such agreement. MLAM
U.K. has offices at Ropemaker Place, 25 Ropemaker Street, 1st Floor, London EC24
9LY, England.
The Fund pays certain expenses incurred in its operations, including, among
other things, the management fees; legal and audit fees; unaffiliated Directors'
fees and expenses; registration fees; custodian and transfer agency fees;
accounting and pricing costs; and certain of the costs of printing proxies,
shareholder reports, prospectuses and statements of additional information.
Also, accounting services are provided to the Fund by the Manager, and the Fund
reimburses the Manager for its costs in connection with such services on a
semi-annual basis. For the period August 5, 1994 to September 30, 1994, the Fund
reimbursed the Manager $11,478 for accounting services. For the period August 5,
1994 to September 30, 1994, for the former Class A shares (now redesignated
Class D shares) the ratio of total expenses, excluding account maintenance fees,
to average net assets was 1.45% (annualized); for Class B shares, the ratio of
total expenses, excluding account maintenance and distribution fees to average
net assets was 1.48% (annualized). Including such fees, the ratios were 1.70%
(annualized) and 2.48% (annualized) for Class A and Class B shares,
respectively.
Decisions concerning the allocation of the Fund's assets among the three
prime regions outside the United States (i.e., Europe, Latin America and the
Pacific Basin) will be centralized in London, with country and individual
security decisions made in both London and Princeton, New Jersey. The names of
the persons associated with the Manager who are primarily responsible for the
day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio and their titles and business
experience during the past five years are as follows:
Andrew John Bascand (Vice President of the Fund) -- Director of MLAM U.K.
since 1993 and Director of Merrill Lynch Global Asset Management Limited
("MLGAM") since 1994. Most recently, Mr. Bascand was with A.M.P. Asset
Management plc in London and had previously served as Chief Economist with
A.M.P. Investments (NZ) in New Zealand. He has served as Economic Adviser to the
Chief Economist of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and as Research Officer of
the Bank of England's
26
<PAGE> 27
International Department. Mr. Bascand is the Asset Allocator for the Fund and,
as such, is primarily responsible for determining the allocation of the Fund's
assets among world markets.
Adrian Holmes (Vice President of the Fund) -- Managing Director of MLAM
U.K. since 1993, Vice President from 1990 to 1993 and an employee thereof since
1987; Director of MLGAM since 1993. Mr. Holmes is primarily responsible for
European investments.
Grace Pineda (Vice President of the Fund) -- Vice President of the Manager
since 1989. Prior to joining the Manager, Ms. Pineda was a portfolio manager
with Clemente Capital, Inc. Ms. Pineda is primarily responsible for investments
in Latin America.
Dennis W. Stattman (Vice President of the Fund) -- Vice President of the
Manager since 1989; Vice President of Meridian Management Company from 1984 to
1989. Mr. Stattman is primarily responsible for investments in North America.
James Russell (Vice President of the Fund) -- Vice President of the Manager
since 1992. Manager, Foreign Investments, Taylor & Co. from 1990 to 1992; Vice
President, Merrill Lynch Japan, Inc., 1989-90. Mr. Russell is primarily
responsible for investments in Japan.
Ken Chiang (Vice President of the Fund) -- Employee of the Manager since
1991. Prior to joining the Manager, Mr. Chiang was employed with Prudential
Insurance Company from 1990 to 1991, and was an employee of Boston Consulting
Group in 1989. Mr. Chiang is primarily responsible for Asian investments outside
of Japan.
TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES
Financial Data Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), which is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of ML & Co., acts as the Fund's transfer agent pursuant
to a Transfer Agency, Dividend Disbursing Agency and Shareholder Servicing
Agency Agreement (the "Transfer Agency Agreement"). Pursuant to the Transfer
Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible for the issuance, transfer
and redemption of shares and the opening and maintenance of shareholder
accounts. Pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent receives
an annual fee of $11.00 per Class A or Class D shareholder account and $14.00
per Class B or Class C shareholder account, nominal miscellaneous fees (e.g.,
account closing fees) and is entitled to reimbursement for out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by it under the Transfer Agency Agreement.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
The Distributor, an affiliate of both the Manager and of Merrill Lynch,
acts as the distributor of the shares of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are
offered continuously for sale by the Distributor and other eligible securities
dealers (including Merrill Lynch). Shares of the Fund may be purchased from
securities dealers or by mailing a purchase order directly to the Transfer
Agent. The minimum initial purchase is $1,000, and the minimum subsequent
purchase is $50, except for retirement plans, the minimum initial purchase is
$100, and the minimum subsequent purchase is $1.
The Fund is offering its shares in four classes at a public offering price
equal to the next determined net asset value per share plus sales charges
imposed either at the time of purchase or on a deferred basis depending upon the
class of shares selected by the investor under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System,
27
<PAGE> 28
as described below. The applicable offering price for purchase orders is based
upon the net asset value of the Fund next determined after receipt of the
purchase orders by the Distributor. As to purchase orders received by securities
dealers prior to 4:15 p.m., New York time, which includes orders received after
the determination of net asset value on the previous day, the applicable
offering price will be based on the net asset value as of 4:15 p.m., New York
time, on the day the orders are placed with the Distributor, provided the orders
are received by the Distributor prior to 4:30 p.m., New York time, on that day.
If the purchase orders are not received prior to 4:30 p.m., New York time, such
orders shall be deemed received on the next business day. The Fund or the
Distributor may suspend the continuous offering of the Fund's shares of any
class at any time in response to conditions in the securities markets or
otherwise and may thereafter resume such offering from time to time. Any order
may be rejected by the Distributor or the Fund. 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
$4.85) to confirm a sale of shares to such customers. Purchases directly through
the Transfer Agent are not subject to the processing fee.
The Fund issues four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System, which permits each investor to choose the method of
purchasing shares that the investor believes is most beneficial given the
amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the
shares and other relevant circumstances. Shares of Class A and Class D are sold
to investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives, and shares of
Class B and Class C are sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge
alternatives. Investors should determine whether under their particular
circumstances it is more advantageous to incur an initial sales charge or to
have the entire initial purchase price invested in the Fund with the investment
thereafter being subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and ongoing
distribution fees. A discussion of the factors that investors should consider
in determining the method of purchasing shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System is set forth under "Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System"
on page 5.
Each Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D share of the Fund represents
identical interests in the investment portfolio of the Fund and has the same
rights, except the 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 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 Fund and, accordingly, such charges will not affect the net
asset value of any other class or have any impact on investors choosing another
sales charge option. Dividends paid by the Fund for each class of shares will be
calculated in the same manner at the same time and will differ only to the
extent that account maintenance and distribution fees and any incremental
transfer agency costs relating to a particular class are borne exclusively by
that class. Class B, Class C and Class D shares each have exclusive voting
rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1 distribution plan adopted with respect to
such class pursuant to which account maintenance and/or distribution fees are
paid. See "Distribution Plans" below. Each class has different exchange
privileges. See "Shareholder Services -- Exchange Privilege".
Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the initial
sales charges with respect to Class A and Class D shares are the same as those
of the deferred sales charges with respect to Class B and Class C shares in that
the sales charges applicable to each class provide for the financing of the
distribution of
28
<PAGE> 29
the shares of the Fund. The distribution-related revenues paid with respect to a
class will not be used to finance the distribution expenditures of another
class. Sales personnel may receive different compensation for selling different
classes of shares. Investors are advised that only Class A and Class D shares
may be available for purchase through securities dealers, other than Merrill
Lynch, which are eligible to sell shares.
The following table sets forth a summary of the distribution arrangements
for each class of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCOUNT
MAINTENANCE DISTRIBUTION CONVERSION
CLASS SALES CHARGE(1) FEE FEE FEATURE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A Maximum 5.25% initial sales No No No
charge(2)(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B CDSC for a period of 4 0.25% 0.75% B shares convert to
years, at a rate of 4.0% D shares automatically
during the first year, after approximately
decreasing 1.0% annually to eight years(4)
0.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC for one year 0.25% 0.75% No
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D Maximum 5.25% initial 0.25% No No
sales charge(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Initial sales charges are imposed at the time of purchase as a percentage of
the offering price. CDSCs may be imposed if the redemption occurs within the
applicable CDSC time period. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal
to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the shares being
redeemed.
(2) Offered only to eligible investors. See "Initial Sales Charge
Alternatives -- Class A and Class D Shares -- Eligible Class A Investors".
(3) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 or more. Class A and Class D share
purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be subject to an initial sales
charge but instead will be subject to a 1.0% CDSC for one year.
(4) The conversion period for dividend reinvestment shares and certain
retirement plans is modified. Also, Class B shares of certain other
MLAM-advised mutual funds into which exchanges may be made have a ten year
conversion period. If Class B shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class B
shares of another MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period applicable
to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and the holding
period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the holding period for
the shares acquired.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVES -- CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
Investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives who are eligible
to purchase Class A shares should purchase Class A shares rather than Class D
shares because there is an account maintenance fee imposed on Class D shares.
29
<PAGE> 30
The public offering price of Class A and Class D shares for purchasers
choosing the initial sales charge alternatives is the next determined net asset
value plus varying sales charges (i.e., sales loads), as set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES LOAD AS SALES LOAD AS DISCOUNT TO
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE* OF SELECTED DEALERS
OF OFFERING THE NET AMOUNT AS PERCENTAGE OF
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE PRICE INVESTED THE OFFERING PRICE
- --------------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $25,000.................................. 5.25% 5.54% 5.00%
$25,000 but less than $50,000...................... 4.75 4.99 4.50
$50,000 but less than $100,000..................... 4.00 4.17 3.75
$100,000 but less than $250,000.................... 3.00 3.09 2.75
$250,000 but less than $1,000,000.................. 2.00 2.04 1.80
$1,000,000 and over**.............................. 0.00 0.00 0.00
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
** The initial sales charge may be waived on Class A and Class D purchases of
$1,000,000 or more made on or after October 21, 1994. If the sales charge is
waived, such purchases will be subject to a CDSC of 1.0% if the shares are
redeemed within one year after purchase. Class A purchases made prior to
October 21, 1994, are subject to a CDSC if the shares are redeemed within one
year of purchase at the following rates: 1.00% on purchases of $1,000,000 to
$2,500,000; 0.60% on purchases of $2,500,001 to $3,500,000; 0.40% on
purchases of $3,500,001 to $5,000,000; and 0.25% on purchases of more than
$5,000,000 in lieu of paying an initial sales charge. 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. 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 401(k) plans.
The Distributor may reallow discounts to selected dealers and retain the
balance over such discounts. At times the Distributor may reallow the entire
sales charge to such dealers. Since securities dealers selling Class A and Class
D shares of the Fund will receive a concession equal to most of the sales
charge, they may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act of 1933.
As noted above, as a result of the implementation of the Merrill Lynch
Select Pricing(SM) System, Class A shares of the Fund outstanding prior to
October 21, 1994, have been redesignated Class D shares. The Class A shares
offered by this Prospectus differ from the Class A shares offered prior to
October 21, 1994, in many respects, including sales charges, exchange
privilege and the classes of persons to whom such shares are offered.
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. 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 MLAM-advised Mutual Funds. Also eligible to purchase Class A shares
at net asset value are participants in certain investment programs including
TMA(SM) Managed Trusts to which Merrill Lynch Trust Company provides
discretionary trustee services and certain purchases made in connection with
the Merrill Lynch Mutual Fund Adviser program. In addition, Class A shares
will be offered at net asset value to ML & Co. and its subsidiaries and their
directors and employees and to members of the Boards of MLAM-advised
investment companies, including the Fund. Certain persons who acquired shares
of certain MLAM-advised closed-end funds who wish to reinvest the net proceeds
from a sale of their closed-end fund shares of common stock in
30
<PAGE> 31
shares of the Fund also may purchase Class A shares of the Fund if certain
conditions set forth in the Statement of Additional Information are met. For
example, Class A shares of the Fund and certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds
are offered at net asset value to shareholders of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating
Rate Fund, Inc. who wish to reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of certain of
their shares of common stock of Merrill Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. in
shares of such funds.
Reduced Initial Sales Charges. No initial sales charges are imposed upon
Class A and Class D shares issued as a result of the automatic reinvestment of
dividends or capital gains distributions. Class A and Class D sales charges also
may be reduced under a Right of Accumulation and a Letter of Intention.
Class A shares are offered at net asset value to certain eligible Class A
investors as set forth above under "Eligible Class A Investors".
Class D shares are also offered at net asset value without sales charge to
an investor who has a business relationship with a Merrill Lynch financial
consultant, if certain conditions set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information are met. Class D shares may be offered at net asset value in
connection with the acquisition of assets of other investment companies.
Additional information concerning these reduced initial sales charges,
including information regarding investment by Employee Sponsored Retirement and
Savings Plans, is set forth in the Statement of Additional Information.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVES -- CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
Investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives should consider
Class B shares if they intend to hold their shares for an extended period of
time and Class C shares if they are uncertain as to the length of time they
intend to hold their assets in MLAM-advised mutual funds.
The public offering price of Class B and Class C shares for investors
choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives is the next determined net asset
value per share without the imposition of a sales charge at the time of
purchase. As discussed below, Class B shares are subject to a four year CDSC,
while Class C shares are subject only to a one year 1.0% CDSC. On the other
hand, approximately eight years after Class B shares are issued, such Class B
shares, together with shares issued upon dividend reinvestment with respect to
those shares, are automatically converted into Class D shares of the Fund and
thereafter will be subject to lower continuing fees. See "Conversion of Class B
Shares to Class D Shares" below. Both Class B and Class C shares are subject to
an account maintenance fee of 0.25% of net assets and a distribution fee of
0.75% of net assets as discussed below under "Distribution Plans".
Class B and Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge so that
the Fund will receive the full amount of the investor's purchase payment.
Merrill Lynch compensates its financial consultants for selling Class B and
Class C shares at the time of purchase from its own funds. See "Distribution
Plans" below.
Proceeds from the CDSC and the distribution fee are paid to the Distributor
and are used in whole or in part by the Distributor to defray the expenses of
dealers (including Merrill Lynch) related to providing distribution-related
services to the Fund in connection with the sale of the Class B and Class C
shares, such as the payment of compensation to financial consultants for selling
Class B and Class C shares, from its own funds. The combination of the CDSC and
the ongoing distribution fee facilitates the ability of the Fund to sell the
Class B and Class C shares without a sales charge being deducted at the time of
purchase. Approximately
31
<PAGE> 32
eight years after issuance, Class B shares will convert automatically into Class
D shares of the Fund, which are subject to an account maintenance fee but no
distribution fee; Class B shares of certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds into
which exchanges may be made convert into Class D shares automatically after
approximately ten years. If Class B shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class B
shares of another MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period applicable to
the Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and the holding period
for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the holding period for the shares
acquired.
Imposition of the CDSC and the distribution fee on Class B and Class C
shares is limited by the NASD asset-based sales charge rule. See "Limitations on
the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges" below. The proceeds from the ongoing
account maintenance fee are used to compensate Merrill Lynch for providing
continuing account maintenance activities. Class B shareholders of the Fund
exercising the exchange privilege described under "Shareholder
Services -- Exchange Privilege" will continue to be subject to the Fund's CDSC
schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the Class
B shares acquired as a result of the exchange.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges -- Class B Shares. Class B shares which
are redeemed within four years of purchase may be subject to a CDSC at the rates
set forth below charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto.
The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the proceeds of
redemption or the cost of the shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no CDSC will
be imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price. In
addition, no CDSC will be assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of
dividends or capital gains distributions.
The following table sets forth the rates of the Class B CDSC:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B CDSC
YEAR SINCE AS A PERCENTAGE
PURCHASE OF DOLLAR AMOUNT
PAYMENT MADE SUBJECT TO 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>
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the
calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest possible
rate being charged. Therefore, it will be assumed that the redemption is first
of shares held for over four years or shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment
of dividends or distributions and then of shares held longest during the
four-year period. The charge will not be applied to dollar amounts representing
an increase in the net asset value since the time of purchase. A transfer of
shares from a shareholder's account to another account will be assumed to be
made in the same order as a redemption.
To provide an example, assume an investor purchases 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 through 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 the CDSC because of dividend reinvestment. With respect
to the remaining 40 shares, the CDSC is applied only to the original cost of $10
32
<PAGE> 33
per share and not to the increase in net asset value of $2 per share. Therefore,
$400 of the $600 redemption proceeds will be charged at a rate of 2.0% (the
applicable rate in the third year after purchase).
The Class B CDSC is waived on redemptions of shares in connection with
certain post-retirement withdrawals from an Individual Retirement Account
("IRA") or other retirement plan or following the death or disability (as
defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) of a shareholder. The
Class B CDSC also is waived on redemptions of shares by certain eligible 401(a)
and eligible 401(k) plans. The CDSC also is waived for any Class B shares which
are purchased by eligible 401(k) or eligible 401(a) plans which 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 also is waived for any
Class B shares which 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. Additional
information concerning the waiver of the Class B CDSC is set forth in the
Statement of Additional Information.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges -- Class C Shares. Class C shares which
are redeemed within one year after purchase may be subject to a 1.0% CDSC
charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. The charge will be
assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the
cost of the shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no Class C CDSC will be imposed
on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price. In addition,
no Class C CDSC will be assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of
dividends or capital gains distributions.
In determining whether a Class C CDSC is applicable to a redemption, the
calculation will be determined in the manner that results in the lowest possible
rate being charged. Therefore, it will be assumed that the redemption is first
of shares held for over one year or shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment of
dividends or distributions and then of shares held longest during the one-year
period. The charge will not be 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.
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares. After approximately eight
years (the "Conversion Period"), Class B shares will be converted automatically
into Class D shares of the Fund. Class D shares are subject to an ongoing
account maintenance fee of 0.25% of net assets but are not subject to the
distribution fee that is borne by Class B shares. Automatic conversion of Class
B shares into Class D shares will occur at least once each month (on the
"Conversion Date") on the basis of the relative net asset values of the shares
of the two classes on the Conversion Date, without the imposition of any sales
load, fee or other charge. Conversion of Class B shares to Class D shares will
not be deemed a purchase or sale of the shares for Federal income tax purposes.
In addition, shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends on Class B
shares also will convert automatically to Class D shares. The Conversion Date
for dividend reinvestment shares will be calculated taking into account the
length of time the shares underlying such dividend reinvestment shares were
outstanding. If at a Conversion Date the conversion of Class B shares to Class D
shares of the Fund in a single account will result in less than $50 worth of
Class B shares being left in the account on the Conversion Date, those shares
will be Converted to Class D shares of the Fund.
33
<PAGE> 34
In general, Class B shares of equity MLAM-advised mutual funds will convert
approximately eight years after initial purchase, and Class B shares of taxable
and tax-exempt fixed income MLAM-advised mutual funds will convert approximately
ten years after initial purchase. If, during the Conversion Period, a
shareholder exchanges Class B shares with an eight-year Conversion Period for
Class B shares with a ten-year Conversion Period, or vice versa, the Conversion
Period applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and
the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the holding
period for the shares acquired.
Share certificates for Class B shares of the Fund to be converted must be
delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date
applicable to those shares. In the event such certificates are not received by
the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date, the related
Class B shares will convert to Class D shares on the next scheduled Conversion
Date after such certificates are delivered.
The Conversion Period is modified for shareholders who purchased Class B
shares through certain retirement plans which qualified for a waiver of the CDSC
normally imposed on purchases of Class B shares ("Class B Retirement Plans").
When the first share of any MLAM-advised mutual fund purchased by a Class B
Retirement Plan has been held for ten years (i.e., ten years from the date the
relationship between MLAM-advised mutual funds and the Class B Retirement Plan
was established), all Class B shares of all MLAM-advised mutual funds held in
that Class B Retirement Plan will be converted into Class D shares of the
appropriate funds. Subsequent to such conversion, that Class B Retirement Plan
will be sold Class D shares of the appropriate funds at net asset value.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Fund has adopted separate distribution plans for Class B, Class C and
Class D shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act (each a
"Distribution Plan") with respect to the account maintenance and/or distribution
fees paid by the Fund to the Distributor with respect to such classes. The Class
B and Class C Distribution Plans provide for the payment of account maintenance
fees and distribution fees, and the Class D Distribution Plan provides for the
payment of account maintenance fees.
The Distribution Plans for Class B, Class C and Class D shares each provide
that the Fund pays the Distributor an account maintenance fee relating to the
shares of the relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate
of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to shares of
the relevant class in order to compensate the Distributor and Merrill Lynch
(pursuant to a sub-agreement) in connection with account maintenance activities.
The Distribution Plans for Class B and Class C shares each provide that the
Fund also pays the Distributor a distribution fee relating to the shares of the
relevant class, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.75% of
the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to the shares of the
relevant class in order to compensate the Distributor and Merrill Lynch
(pursuant to a sub-agreement) for providing shareholder and distribution
services, and bearing certain distribution-related expenses of the Fund,
including payments to financial consultants for selling Class B and Class C
shares of the Fund. The Distribution Plans relating to Class B and Class C
shares are designed to permit an investor to purchase Class B and Class C shares
through dealers without the assessment of an initial sales charge and at the
same time permit the dealer to compensate its financial consultants in
connection with the sale of the Class B and Class C shares. In this regard, the
purpose and function of the ongoing distribution fees and the CDSC are the same
as those of the
34
<PAGE> 35
initial sales charge with respect to the Class A and Class D shares of the Fund
in that the deferred sales charges provide for the financing of the distribution
of the Fund's Class B and Class C shares.
The 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. This information is presented annually as of December 31 of each year on
a "fully allocated accrual" basis and quarterly on a "direct expense and
revenue/cash" basis. On the fully allocated accrual basis, revenues consist of
the account maintenance fees, distribution fees, the CDSCs and certain other
related revenues, and expenses consist of financial consultant compensation,
branch office and regional operation center selling and transaction processing
expenses, advertising, sales promotion and 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.
LIMITATIONS ON THE PAYMENT OF DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges. The maximum sales
charge rule in the Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD imposes a limitation on
certain asset-based sales charges such as the distribution fee and the CDSC
borne by the Class B and Class C shares but not the account maintenance fee. The
maximum sales charge rule is applied separately to each class. As applicable to
the Fund, the maximum sales charge rule limits the aggregate of distribution fee
payments and CDSCs payable by the Fund to (1) 6.25% of eligible gross sales of
Class B shares and Class C shares, computed separately (defined to exclude
shares issued pursuant to dividend reinvestments and exchanges), plus (2)
interest on the unpaid balance for the respective class, computed separately, at
the prime rate plus 1% (the unpaid balance being the maximum amount payable
minus amounts received from the payment of the distribution fee and the CDSC).
In connection with the Class B shares, the Distributor has voluntarily agreed to
waive interest charges on the unpaid balance in excess of 0.50% of eligible
gross sales. Consequently, the maximum amount payable to the Distributor
(referred to as the "voluntary maximum") in connection with the Class B shares
is 6.75% of eligible gross sales. The Distributor retains the right to stop
waiving the interest charges at any time. To the extent payments would exceed
the voluntary maximum, the Fund will not make further payments of the
distribution fee with respect to Class B shares, and any CDSCs will be paid to
the Fund rather than to the Distributor; however, the Fund will continue to make
payments of the account maintenance fees. In certain circumstances the amount
payable pursuant to the voluntary maximum may exceed the amount payable under
the NASD formula. In such circumstances payment in excess of the amount payable
under the NASD formula will not be made.
---------------------------
The Fund has no obligation with respect to distribution and/or account
maintenance-related expenses incurred by the Distributor and Merrill Lynch in
connection with Class B, Class C and Class D shares, and there is no assurance
that the Directors of the Fund will approve the continuance of the Distribution
Plans from year to year. However, the Distributor intends to seek annual
continuation of the Distribution Plans. In their review of the Distribution
Plans, the Directors will be asked to take into consideration expenses incurred
in connection with the account maintenance and/or distribution of each class of
shares separately. The initial
35
<PAGE> 36
sales charges, the account maintenance fee, the distribution fee and/or the
CDSCs received with respect to one class will not be used to subsidize the sale
of shares of another class. Payments of the distribution fee on Class B shares
will terminate upon conversion of those Class B shares into Class D shares as
set forth under "Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives -- Class B and Class C
Shares -- Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares".
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The Fund is required to redeem for cash all shares of the Fund on receipt
of a written request in proper form. The redemption price is the net asset value
per share next determined after the initial receipt of proper notice of
redemption. Except for any CDSC which may be applicable there will be no charge
for redemption if the redemption request is sent directly to the Transfer Agent.
Shareholders liquidating their holdings will receive upon redemption all
dividends reinvested through the date of redemption. The value of shares at the
time of redemption may be more or less than the shareholder's cost, depending on
the market value of the securities held by the Fund at such time.
REDEMPTION
A shareholder wishing to redeem shares may do so without charge by
tendering the shares directly to the Transfer Agent, Financial Data Services,
Inc., Transfer Agency Mutual Fund Operations, P.O. Box 45289, Jacksonville,
Florida 32232-5289. Redemption requests delivered other than by mail should be
delivered to Financial Data Services, Inc., Transfer Agency Mutual Fund
Operations, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484. Proper
notice of redemption in the case of shares deposited with the Transfer Agent may
be accomplished by a written letter requesting redemption. Proper notice of
redemption in the case of shares for which certificates have been issued may be
accomplished by a written letter as noted above accompanied by certificates for
the shares to be redeemed. The notice in either event requires the signatures of
all persons in whose names the shares are registered, signed exactly as their
names appear on the Transfer Agent's register or on the certificate, as the case
may be. The signature(s) on the redemption request must be guaranteed by an
"eligible guarantor institution" (including, for example, Merrill Lynch branches
and certain other financial institutions) as such is defined in Rule 17Ad-15
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the existence and
validity of which may be verified by the Transfer Agent through the use of
industry publications. Notarized signatures are not sufficient. In certain
instances, the Transfer Agent may require additional documents, such as, but not
limited to, trust instruments, death certificates, appointments as executor or
administrator, or certificates of corporate authority. For shareholders
redeeming directly with the Transfer Agent, payment will be mailed within seven
days of receipt of a proper notice of redemption.
At various times the Fund may be requested to redeem shares for which it
has not yet received good payment. The Fund may delay or cause to be delayed the
mailing of a redemption check until such time as good payment (e.g., cash or
certified check drawn on a U.S. bank) has been collected for the purchase of
such shares. Normally, this delay will not exceed 10 days.
REPURCHASE
The Fund also will repurchase shares through a shareholder's listed
securities dealer. The Fund normally will accept orders to repurchase shares by
wire or telephone from dealers for their customers at the net asset
36
<PAGE> 37
value next computed after receipt of the order by the dealer, provided that the
request for repurchase is received by the dealer prior to the close of business
on the New York Stock Exchange on the day received and that such request is
received by the Fund from such dealer not later than 4:30 p.m., New York time,
on the same day. Dealers have the responsibility of submitting such repurchase
requests to the Fund not later than 4:30 p.m., New York time, in order to obtain
that day's closing price.
The foregoing repurchase arrangements are for the convenience of
shareholders and do not involve a charge by the Fund (other than any applicable
CDSC). Securities firms which do not have selected dealer agreements with the
Distributor, however, may impose a transaction charge on the shareholder for
transmitting the notice of repurchase to the Fund. Merrill Lynch may charge its
customers a processing fee (presently $4.85) to confirm a repurchase of shares
to such customers. Redemptions directly through the Transfer Agent are not
subject to the processing fee. The Fund reserves the right to reject any order
for repurchase, which right of rejection might adversely affect shareholders
seeking redemption through the repurchase procedure. A shareholder whose order
for repurchase is rejected by the Fund may redeem shares as set forth above.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE -- CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
Shareholders who have redeemed their Class A or Class D shares have a
one-time privilege to reinstate their accounts by purchasing Class A or Class D
shares of the Fund, as the case may be, at net asset value without a sales
charge up to the dollar amount redeemed. The reinstatement privilege may be
exercised by sending a notice of exercise along with a check for the amount to
be reinstated to the Transfer Agent within 30 days after the date the request
for redemption was accepted by the Transfer Agent or the Distributor. 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. The reinstatement privilege is a one-time privilege and
may be exercised by the Class A or Class D shareholder only the first time such
shareholder makes a redemption.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Fund offers a number of shareholder services and investment plans
designed to facilitate investment in shares of the Fund. Full details as to each
of such services, copies of the various plans described below and instructions
as to how to participate in the various services or plans, or to change options
with respect thereto, can be obtained from the Fund by calling the telephone
number on the cover page hereof or from the Distributor or Merrill Lynch.
Certain of these services are available only to U.S. investors.
Investment Account. Each shareholder whose account is maintained at the
Transfer Agent has an Investment Account and will receive statements, at least
quarterly, from the Transfer Agent. These statements will serve as transaction
confirmations for automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of
ordinary income dividends and long-term capital gain distributions. The
statements will also show any other activity in the account since the preceding
statement. Shareholders will receive separate transaction confirmations for each
purchase or sale transaction other than automatic investment purchases and the
reinvestment of income dividends and long-term capital gain distributions. A
shareholder may make additions to his Investment Account at any time by mailing
a check directly to the Transfer Agent. Shareholders also may maintain their
accounts through Merrill Lynch. Upon the transfer of shares out of a Merrill
Lynch brokerage account, an
37
<PAGE> 38
Investment Account in the transferring shareholder's name will be opened
automatically without charge, at the Transfer Agent. Shareholders considering
transferring their Class A or Class D shares from Merrill Lynch to another
brokerage firm or financial institution should be aware that, if the firm to
which the Class A or Class D shares are to be transferred will not take delivery
of shares of the Fund, a shareholder either must redeem the Class A or Class D
shares (paying any applicable CDSC) so that the cash proceeds can be transferred
to the account at the new firm or such shareholder must continue to maintain an
Investment Account at the Transfer Agent for those Class A or Class D shares.
Shareholders interested in transferring their Class B or Class C shares from
Merrill Lynch and who do not wish to have an Investment Account maintained for
such shares at the Transfer Agent may request their new brokerage firm to
maintain such shares in an account registered in the name of the brokerage firm
for the benefit of the shareholder. Shareholders considering transferring a tax
deferred retirement account such as an IRA from Merrill Lynch to another
brokerage firm or financial institution should be aware that, if the firm to
which the retirement account is to be transferred will not take delivery of
shares of the Fund, 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 such shareholder must continue to maintain a retirement account
at Merrill Lynch for those shares.
Systematic Withdrawal Plans. A Class A or Class D shareholder may elect to
receive systematic withdrawal payments from his Investment Account in the form
of payments by check or through automatic payment by direct deposit to his bank
account on either a monthly or quarterly basis. A Class A or Class D shareholder
whose shares are held within a CMA(R), CBA(R) or Retirement Account may elect to
have shares redeemed on a monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual
basis through the Systematic Redemption Program, subject to certain conditions.
Automatic Investment Plans. Regular additions of Class A, Class B, Class C
or Class D shares may be made to an investor's Investment Account by
pre-arranged charges of $50 or more to his regular bank account. Investors who
maintain CMA(R) accounts may arrange to have periodic investments made in the
Fund in their CMA(R) account or in certain related accounts in amounts of $100
or more through the CMA(R) Automated Investment Program.
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions. All dividends and
capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested in full and fractional
shares of the Fund, without sales charge, at the net asset value per share next
determined after the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the ex-dividend
date of such dividend or distribution. A shareholder may at any time, by written
notification to Merrill Lynch if the shareholder's account is maintained with
Merrill Lynch or by written notification or telephone call (1-800-MER-FUND) to
the Transfer Agent if the shareholder's account is maintained with the Transfer
Agent, elect to have subsequent dividends or capital gains distributions, or
both, paid in cash, rather than reinvested, in which event payment will be
mailed on or about the payment date. Cash payments can also be directly
deposited to the shareholder's bank account. No deferred sales charge will be
imposed on redemptions of shares issued as a result of the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
Exchange Privilege. Shareholders of each class of shares of the Fund have
an exchange privilege with certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds. There is
currently no limitation on the number of times a shareholder may exercise the
exchange privilege. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
38
<PAGE> 39
Under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System, Class A shareholders may
exchange Class A shares of the Fund for Class A shares of a second MLAM-advised
mutual fund if the shareholder holds any Class A shares of the second fund in
his account in which the exchange is made at the time of the exchange or is
otherwise eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second fund. If the Class A
shareholder wants to exchange Class A shares for shares of a second MLAM-advised
mutual fund, and the shareholder does not hold Class A shares of the second fund
in his account at the time of the exchange and is not otherwise eligible to
acquire Class A shares of the second fund, the shareholder will receive Class D
shares of the second fund as a result of the exchange. Class D shares also may
be exchanged for Class A shares of a second MLAM-advised mutual fund at any time
as long as, at the time of the exchange, the shareholder holds Class A shares of
the second fund in the account in which the exchange is made or is otherwise
eligible to purchase Class A shares of the second fund.
Exchanges of Class A and Class D shares are made on the basis of the
relative net asset values per Class A or Class D share, respectively, plus an
amount equal to the difference, if any, between the sales charge previously paid
on the Class A or Class D shares being exchanged and the sales charge payable at
the time of the exchange on the shares being acquired.
Class B, Class C and Class D shares will be exchangeable with shares of the
same class of other MLAM-advised mutual funds.
Shares of the Fund which are subject to a CDSC will be exchangeable on the
basis of relative net asset value per share without the payment of any CDSC that
might otherwise be due upon redemption of the shares of the Fund. For purposes
of computing the CDSC that may be payable upon a disposition of the shares
acquired in the exchange, the holding period for the previously owned shares of
the Fund is "tacked" to the holding period of the newly acquired shares of the
other Fund.
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares also will be exchangeable for
shares of certain MLAM-advised money market funds specifically designated as
available for exchange by holders of Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D
shares. The period of time that Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D shares are
held in a money market fund, however, will not count toward satisfaction of the
holding period requirement for reduction of any CDSC imposed on such shares, if
any, and, with respect to Class B shares, toward satisfaction of the Conversion
Period.
Class B shareholders of the Fund exercising the exchange privilege will
continue to be subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher
than the CDSC schedule relating to the new Class B shares. In addition, Class B
shares of the Fund acquired through use of the exchange privilege will be
subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the CDSC
schedule relating to the Class B shares of the MLAM-advised mutual fund from
which the exchange has been made.
Exercise of the exchange privilege is treated as a sale for Federal income
tax purposes. For further information, see "Shareholder Services -- Exchange
Privilege" in the Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund's exchange privilege is modified with respect to purchases of
Class A and Class D shares under the Merrill Lynch Mutual Fund Adviser ("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 MLAM-advised mutual fund for Class A or Class D shares of the Fund will be
made solely on the basis of the relative net asset values of the shares being
exchanged. Therefore, there will not be a charge for
39
<PAGE> 40
any difference between the sales charge previously paid on the shares of the
other MLAM-advised mutual fund and the sales charge payable on the shares of the
Fund being acquired in the exchange under the MFA program.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time the Fund may include its average annual total return for
various specified time periods in advertisements or information furnished to
present or prospective shareholders. Average annual total return is computed
separately for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares in accordance with a
formula specified by the Commission.
Average annual total return quotations for the specified periods will be
computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return (based on net
investment income and any capital gains or losses on portfolio investments over
such periods) that would equate the initial amount invested to the redeemable
value of such investment at the end of each period. Average annual total return
will be computed assuming all dividends and distributions are reinvested and
taking into account all applicable recurring and nonrecurring expenses,
including 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 such as in the case of Class B and Class C
shares. Dividends paid by the Fund with respect to all shares, to the extent any
dividends are paid, will be calculated in the same manner at the same time on
the same day and will be in the same amount, except that account maintenance
fees, distribution charges and any incremental transfer agency costs relating to
each class of shares will be borne exclusively by that class. The Fund will
include performance data for all classes of shares of the Fund in any
advertisement or information including performance data of the Fund.
The Fund may also quote total return and aggregate total return performance
data for various specified time periods. Such data will be calculated
substantially as described above, except that (1) the rates of return calculated
will not be average annual rates, but rather, actual annual, annualized or
aggregate rates of return, and (2) the maximum applicable sales charges will not
be included with respect to annual or annualized rates of return calculations.
Aside from the impact on the performance data calculations of including or
excluding the maximum applicable sales charges, actual annual or annualized
total return data generally will be lower than average annual total return data
since the average annual rates of return reflect compounding; aggregate total
return data generally will be higher than average annual total return data since
the aggregate rates of return reflect compounding over longer periods of time.
In advertisements directed to investors whose purchases are subject to waiver of
the CDSC in the case of Class B shares (such as investors in certain retirement
plans) or to reduced sales charges in the case of Class A and Class D shares,
performance data may take into account the reduced, and not the maximum, sales
charge, or may not take into account the CDSC and therefore may reflect greater
total return since, due to the reduced sales charges or waiver of the CDSC, a
lower amount of expenses may be deducted. See "Purchase of Shares". The Fund's
total return may be expressed either as a percentage or as a dollar amount in
order to illustrate the effect of such total return on a hypothetical $1,000
investment in the Fund at the beginning of each specified period.
Total return figures are based on the Fund's historical performance and are
not intended to indicate future performance. The Fund's total return will vary
depending on market conditions, the securities comprising the Fund's portfolio,
the Fund's operating expenses and the amount of realized and unrealized net
capital gains or
40
<PAGE> 41
losses during the period. The value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate,
and an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their
original cost.
On occasion, the Fund may compare its performance to the Standard & Poor's
500 Composite Stock Price Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, or to
performance data published by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar
Publications, Inc., Money Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Business Week, CDA
Investment Technology, Inc., Forbes Magazine, Fortune Magazine or other industry
publications. In addition, from time to time the Fund may include the Fund's
risk adjusted performance ratings assigned by Morningstar Publications, Inc. in
advertising or supplemental sales literature. As with other performance data,
performance comparisons should not be considered representative of the Fund's
relative performance for any future period.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
It is the Fund's intention to distribute all its net investment income, if
any. Dividends from such net investment income will be paid at least annually.
All net realized long-or short-term capital gains, if any, will be distributed
to the Fund's shareholders at least annually. See "Additional
Information -- Determination of Net Asset Value". Dividends and distributions
may be reinvested automatically in shares of the Fund at net asset value without
a sales charge. Shareholders may elect in writing to receive any such dividends
or distributions, or both, in cash. Dividends and distributions are taxable to
shareholders as discussed below whether they are reinvested in shares of the
Fund or received in cash. From time to time, the Fund may declare a special
distribution at or about the end of the calendar year in order to comply with a
Federal income tax requirement that certain percentages of its ordinary income
and capital gains be distributed during the calendar year.
The per share dividends and distributions on each class of shares will be
reduced as a result of any account maintenance, distribution and transfer agency
fees applicable to that class.
Certain gains or losses attributable to foreign currency gains or losses
from certain forward contracts may increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's
income available for distribution to shareholders. If such losses exceed other
ordinary income during a taxable year, (a) the Fund would not be able to make
any ordinary income dividend distributions and (b) distributions made before the
losses were realized but in the same taxable year would be recharacterized as a
return of capital to shareholders, rather than as an ordinary income dividend,
reducing each shareholder's tax basis in Fund shares for Federal income tax
purposes, and resulting in a capital gain for any shareholder who received a
distribution greater than the shareholder's tax basis in Fund shares (provided
such shares were held as a capital asset). See "Additional
Information -- Taxes".
TAXES
The Fund intends to elect and to qualify for the special tax treatment
afforded regulated investment companies ("RICs") under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). If it so qualifies, the Fund (but not its
shareholders) will not be subject to Federal income tax on the part of its net
ordinary income and net realized capital gains which it distributes to Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders (together the "shareholders"). The
Fund intends to distribute substantially all of such income.
Dividends paid by the Fund from its ordinary income and distributions of
the Fund's net realized short-term capital gains (together referred to hereafter
as "ordinary income dividends") are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
Distributions made from the Fund's net realized long-term capital gains
(including long-
41
<PAGE> 42
term gains from certain transactions in futures and options) ("capital gain
dividends") are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless
of the length of time the shareholder has owned Fund shares. Distributions in
excess of the Fund's earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax
basis of a holder's shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to
zero, will constitute capital gains to such holder (assuming the shares are held
as a capital asset).
Dividends are taxable to shareholders even though they are reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund. Not later than 60 days after the close of its
taxable year, the Fund will provide its shareholders with a written notice
designating the amounts of any ordinary income dividends or capital gain
dividends. A portion of the Fund's ordinary income dividends may be eligible for
the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code, if
certain requirements are met. If the Fund pays a dividend in January which was
declared in the previous October, November or December to shareholders of record
on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated
for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by its shareholders on
December 31 of the year in which such dividend was declared.
Ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund to shareholders who are
nonresident aliens or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding
tax under existing provisions of the Code applicable to foreign individuals and
entities unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is
provided under applicable treaty law. Nonresident shareholders are urged to
consult their own tax advisers concerning the applicability of the U.S.
withholding tax.
Dividends and interest received by the Fund may give rise to withholding
and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain
countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders may be
able to claim U.S. foreign tax credits with respect to such taxes, subject to
certain conditions and limitations contained in the Code. For example, certain
retirement accounts cannot claim foreign tax credits on investments in foreign
securities held in the Fund. If more than 50% in value of the Fund's total
assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign
corporations, the Fund will be eligible, and intends, to file an election with
the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to which shareholders of the Fund will be
required to include their proportionate shares of such withholding taxes in
their U.S. income tax returns as gross income, treat such proportionate shares
as taxes paid by them, and deduct such proportionate shares in computing their
taxable incomes or, alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits against their
U.S. income taxes. No deductions for foreign taxes, however, may be claimed by
noncorporate shareholders who do not itemize deductions. A shareholder that is a
nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation may be subject to U.S.
withholding tax on the income resulting from the Fund's election described in
this paragraph but may not be able to claim a credit or deduction against such
U.S. tax for the foreign taxes treated as having been paid by such shareholder.
The Fund will report annually to its shareholders the amount per share of such
withholding taxes.
Under certain provisions of the Code, some shareholders may be subject to a
31% withholding tax on ordinary income dividends, capital gain dividends and
redemption payments ("backup withholding"). Generally, shareholders subject to
backup withholding will be those for whom no certified taxpayer identification
number is on file with the Fund or who, to the Fund's knowledge, have furnished
an incorrect number. When establishing an account, an investor must certify
under penalty of perjury that such number is correct and that such investor is
not otherwise subject to backup withholding.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of
closed-end investment companies. If the Fund purchases shares of an investment
company (or similar investment entity) organized under foreign law,
42
<PAGE> 43
the Fund will be treated as owning shares in a passive foreign investment
company ("PFIC") for U.S. Federal income tax purposes. The Fund may be subject
to U.S. Federal income tax, and an additional tax in the nature of interest (the
"interest charge"), on a portion of the distributions from such a company and on
gain from the disposition of the shares of such a company (collectively referred
to as "excess distributions"), even if such excess distributions are paid by the
Fund as a dividend to its shareholders. The Fund may be eligible to make an
election with respect to certain PFICs in which it owns shares that will allow
it to avoid the taxes on excess distributions. However, such election may cause
the Fund to recognize income in a particular year in excess of the distributions
received from such PFICs. Alternatively, under proposed regulations the Fund
would be able to elect to "mark to market" at the end of each taxable year all
shares that it holds in PFICs. If it made this election, the Fund would
recognize as ordinary income any increase in the value of such shares.
Unrealized losses, however, would not be recognized. By making the
mark-to-market election, the Fund could avoid imposition of the interest charge
with respect to its distributions from PFICs, but in any particular year might
be required to recognize income in excess of the distributions it received from
PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock.
Under Code Section 988, foreign currency gains or losses from certain debt
instruments, from certain forward contracts, from futures contracts that are not
"regulated futures contracts" and from unlisted options will generally be
treated as ordinary income or loss. Such Code Section 988 gains or losses will
generally increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company
taxable income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income.
Additionally, if Code Section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable
income during a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to make any ordinary
income dividend distributions, and any distributions made before the losses were
realized but in the same taxable year would be recharacterized as a return of
capital to shareholders, thereby reducing the basis of each shareholder's Fund
shares and resulting in a capital gain for any shareholder who received a
distribution greater than the shareholder's tax basis in Fund shares (provided
the shares were held as a capital asset).
No gain or loss will be recognized by Class B shareholders on the
conversion of their Class B shares into Class D shares. A shareholder's basis in
the Class D shares acquired will be the same as such shareholder's basis in the
Class B shares converted, and the holding period of the acquired Class D shares
will include the holding period for the converted Class B shares.
If a shareholder exercises an exchange privilege within 90 days of
acquiring the shares, then the loss the shareholder can recognize on the
exchange will be reduced (or the gain increased) to the extent any sales charge
paid to the Fund on the exchanged shares reduces any sales charge the
shareholder would have owed upon purchase of the new shares in the absence of
the exchange privilege. Instead, such sales charge will be treated as an amount
paid for the new shares.
A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be
disallowed if other Fund shares are acquired (whether through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days
before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In
such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss.
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 or administrative action either
prospectively or retroactively.
Ordinary income and capital gain dividends may also be subject to state and
local taxes.
43
<PAGE> 44
Certain states exempt from state income taxation dividends paid by RICs
which are derived from interest on U.S. Government obligations. State law varies
as to whether dividend income attributable to U.S. Government obligations is
exempt from state income tax.
Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific
questions as to Federal, foreign, state or local taxes. Foreign investors should
consider applicable foreign taxes in their evaluation of an investment in the
Fund.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the shares of all the classes of the Fund is
determined once daily at 4:15 p.m., New York time, on each day during which the
New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. 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 net asset value is computed by dividing the value
of the securities held by the Fund plus any cash or other assets (including
interest and dividends accrued but not yet received) minus all liabilities
(including accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding at such
time. Expenses, including the fees payable to the Manager and the Distributor,
are accrued daily.
The per share net asset value of the Class A shares generally will be
higher than the per share net asset value of shares of the other classes,
reflecting the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance, distribution
and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to Class B and Class C
shares and the daily expense accruals of the account maintenance fees applicable
with respect to Class D shares; moreover, the per share net asset value of Class
D shares generally will be higher than the per share net asset value of Class B
and Class C shares, reflecting the daily expense accruals of the distribution
and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to Class B and Class C
shares. It is expected, however, that the per share net asset value of the
classes will tend to converge immediately after the payment of dividends or
distributions which will differ by approximately the amount of the expense
accrual differentials between the classes.
Portfolio securities which 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. 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 Board of Directors as
the primary market. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued
at the last available bid price in the over-counter market prior to the time of
valuation. When the Fund writes a call option, the amount of the premium
received is recorded on the books of the Fund as an asset and an equivalent
liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently valued to reflect the
current market value of the option written, based upon the last sale price in
the case of exchange-traded options or, in the case of options traded in the
over-the-counter market, the last asked price. Options purchased by the Fund are
valued at their last sale price in the case of exchange-traded options or, in
the case of options traded in the over-the-counter market, the last bid price.
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are
valued at fair market value as determined in good faith by or under the
direction of the Board of Directors of the Fund.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
The Fund was incorporated under Maryland law on April 12, 1994. It has an
authorized capital of 400,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per
share, divided into four classes, designated Class A,
44
<PAGE> 45
Class B, Class C and Class D Common Stock, each of which consists of 100,000,000
shares. Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares represent interests in the
assets of the Fund and are identical in all respects except that the Class B,
Class C and Class D shares bear certain expenses related to the account
maintenance associated with such shares, and Class B and Class C shares bear
certain expenses related to the distribution of such shares. Each class has
exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to such account
maintenance fees and distribution expenditures. See "Purchase of Shares". The
Fund has received an order from the Commission permitting the issuance and sale
of multiple classes of shares. Such order permits the Fund to issue additional
classes of shares if the Board of Directors deems such issuance to be in the
best interest of the Fund. Shares issued are fully paid, non-assessable and have
no preemptive or conversion rights.
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 matters submitted to a shareholder vote. The Fund does not intend to
hold an annual meeting of shareholders in any year in which the Investment
Company Act does not require shareholders to elect Directors. Also, the by-laws
of the Fund require that a special meeting of shareholders be held upon the
written request of at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Fund entitled
to vote at such meeting, if they comply with applicable Maryland law. The Fund
will assist in shareholder communications in the manner described in Section
16(c) of the Investment Company Act. Voting rights for Directors are not
cumulative. Shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable and have no
preemptive rights. Shares have the conversion rights described in this
Prospectus. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to participate equally in
dividends and distributions declared by the Fund and in the net assets of the
Fund upon liquidation or dissolution after satisfaction of outstanding
liabilities, except that, as noted above, expenses related to the distribution
of the shares of a class will be borne solely by such class.
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS
Only one copy of each shareholder report and certain shareholder
communications will be mailed to each identified shareholder regardless of the
number of accounts such shareholder has. If a shareholder wishes to receive
separate copies of each report and communication for each of the shareholder's
related accounts, the shareholder should notify in writing:
Financial Data Services, Inc.
Attn: TAMFO
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, FL 32232-5289
The written notification should include the shareholder's name, address,
tax identification number and Merrill Lynch and/or mutual fund account numbers.
If you have any questions regarding this, please call your Merrill Lynch
financial consultant or Financial Data Services, Inc. at 1-800-637-3863.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
Shareholder inquiries may be addressed to the Fund at the address or
telephone number set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
45
<PAGE> 46
APPENDIX A
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS
The Fund is authorized to engage in various portfolio hedging strategies.
These strategies are described in more detail below:
The Fund may engage in various portfolio strategies to hedge its portfolio
against investment and currency risks. These strategies include the use of
options on portfolio securities, currency and stock index options and futures,
options on such futures and forward foreign exchange transactions. The Fund may
enter into such transactions only in connection with its hedging strategies.
While the Fund's use of hedging strategies is intended to reduce the volatility
of the net asset value of Fund shares, the net asset value of the Fund's shares
will fluctuate. There can be no assurance that the Fund's hedging transactions
will be effective. Furthermore, the Fund may not necessarily be engaging in
hedging activities when movements in the equity markets or currency exchange
rates occur. Reference is made to the Statement of Additional Information for
further information concerning these strategies.
Although certain risks are involved in options and futures transactions (as
discussed below in "Risk Factors in Options, Futures and Currency
Transactions"), the Manager believes that, because the Fund will only engage in
these transactions for hedging purposes, the options and futures portfolio
strategies of the Fund will not subject the Fund to the risks frequently
associated with the speculative use of options and futures transactions. Tax
requirements may limit the Fund's ability to engage in the hedging transactions
and strategies discussed below. See "Additional Information -- Taxes".
Set forth below are descriptions of certain hedging strategies in which the
Fund is authorized to engage.
Writing Covered Options. The Fund is authorized to write (i.e., sell)
covered call options on the securities in which it may invest and to enter into
closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such options. A covered
call option is an option where the Fund in return for a premium gives another
party a right to buy specified securities owned by the Fund at a specified
future date and price set at the time of the contract. The principal reason for
writing call options is to attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums,
a greater return than would be realized on the securities alone. By writing
covered call options, the Fund gives up the opportunity, while the option is in
effect, to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the
option exercise price. In addition, the Fund's ability to sell the underlying
security will be limited while the option is in effect unless the Fund effects a
closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction cancels out the
Fund's position as the writer of an option by means of an offsetting purchase of
an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has written.
Covered call options serve as a partial hedge against the price of the
underlying security declining.
The Fund also may write put options which give the holder of the option the
right to sell the underlying security to the Fund at the stated exercise price.
The Fund will receive a premium for writing a put option which increases the
Fund's return. The Fund writes only covered put options, which means that so
long as the Fund is obligated as the writer of the option it will, through its
custodian, have deposited and maintained cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government
securities or other high grade liquid debt securities denominated in U.S.
dollars or non-U.S. currencies with a securities depository with a value equal
to or greater than the exercise price of the underlying securities. By writing a
put, the Fund will be obligated to purchase the underlying security at a price
that may be higher than the market value of that security at the time of
exercise
46
<PAGE> 47
for as long as the option is outstanding. The Fund may engage in closing
transactions in order to terminate put options that it has written. The Fund
will not write put options if the aggregate value of the obligations underlying
the put options shall exceed 50% of the Fund's net assets.
Purchasing Options. The Fund is authorized to purchase put options to
hedge against a decline in the market value of its securities. By buying a put
option the Fund has a right to sell the underlying security at the exercise
price, thus limiting the Fund's risk of loss through a decline in the market
value of the security until the put option expires. The amount of any profit on
the sale 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 Fund's position as
the purchaser of an option by means of any offsetting sale of an identical
option prior to the expiration of the option it has purchased.
In certain circumstances, the Fund may purchase call options on securities
held in its portfolio on which it has written call options or on securities
which it intends to purchase. The Fund will not purchase options on securities
(including stock index options discussed below) if, as a result of such
purchase, the aggregate cost of all outstanding options on securities held by
the Fund would exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund's total assets.
Stock Index Options and Futures and Financial Futures. The Fund is
authorized to engage in transactions in stock index options and futures and
financial futures, and related options on such futures. The Fund may purchase or
write put and call options on stock indices to hedge against the risks of
marketwide stock price movements in the securities in which the Fund invests.
Options on indices 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. The Fund may invest in stock
index options based on a broad market index or based on a narrow index
representing an industry, country or market segment.
The Fund may also purchase and sell stock index futures contracts and
financial futures contracts ("futures contracts") as a hedge against adverse
changes in the market value of its portfolio securities as described below. 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 security for a set price on a future date. Unlike most other futures
contracts, a stock index futures contract does not require actual delivery of
securities but results in 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 Fund may effect transactions in stock index futures contracts in
connection with the equity securities in which it invests and in financial
futures contracts in connection with the debt securities in which it invests.
Transactions by the Fund in stock index futures and financial futures are
subject to limitations as described below under "Restrictions on the Use of
Futures Transactions".
The Fund may sell futures contracts in anticipation of or during a market
decline to attempt to offset the decrease in market value of the Fund's
securities portfolio that might otherwise result. When the Fund is not fully
invested in the securities markets and anticipates a significant market advance,
it may purchase futures in order to gain rapid market exposure. This technique
generally will allow the Fund to gain exposure to a market in a manner which is
more efficient than purchasing individual securities, and may in part or
entirely offset
47
<PAGE> 48
increases in the cost of securities in such market that the Fund ultimately
purchases. As such purchases are made, an equivalent amount of futures contracts
will be terminated by offsetting sales. The Manager does not consider purchases
of futures contracts to be a speculative practice under these circumstances. It
is anticipated that, in a substantial majority of these transactions, the Fund
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., the Fund experiences a significant amount of redemptions),
a long futures position may be terminated without the corresponding purchase of
securities.
The Fund also has authority to purchase and write call and put options on
futures contracts and stock indices 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 the Fund enters into futures
transactions. The Fund may purchase put options or write call options on futures
contracts and stock indices rather than selling the underlying futures contract
in anticipation of a decrease in the market value of its securities. Similarly,
the Fund may purchase call options, or write put options on futures contracts
and stock indices, as a substitute for the purchase of such futures to hedge
against the increased cost resulting from an increase in the market value of
securities which the Fund intends to purchase.
The Fund may engage in options and futures transactions on U.S. and foreign
exchanges and in options in the over-the-counter markets ("OTC options").
Exchange-traded contracts are third-party contracts (i.e., performance of the
parties' obligations is guaranteed by an exchange or clearing corporation)
which, in general, have standardized strike prices and expiration dates. OTC
options transactions are two-party contracts with prices and terms negotiated by
the buyer and seller. The Fund may engage in OTC options to effect the same
strategies as it would through exchange-traded options. See "Restrictions on OTC
Options" below for information as to restrictions on the use of OTC options.
Foreign Currency Hedging. The Fund has authority to deal in forward
foreign exchange among currencies of the different countries in which it will
invest and multinational currency units as a hedge against possible variations
in the foreign exchange rates among these currencies. This is accomplished
through contractual 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 Fund's 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 Fund accruing in connection
with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities, the sale and redemption
of shares of the Fund or the payment of dividends and distributions by the Fund.
Position hedging is the sale of forward foreign currency with respect to
portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in such foreign currency. The
Fund has no limitation on transaction hedging. The Fund will not speculate in
forward foreign exchange. If the Fund enters into a position hedging
transaction, the Fund's custodian will place cash or liquid debt securities in a
separate account of the Fund in an amount equal to the value of the Fund's total
assets committed to the consummation of such forward contract. If the value of
the securities placed in the separate account declines, additional cash or
securities will be placed in the account so that the value of the account will
equal the amount of the Fund's commitment with respect to such contracts.
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
48
<PAGE> 49
currency should rise. Moreover, it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge
against a devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able
to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it
anticipates. Investors should be aware that U.S. dollar-denominated securities
may not be available in some or all developing countries, that the forward
currency market for the purchase for U.S. dollars in most, if not all,
developing countries is not highly developed and that in certain developing
countries no forward market for foreign currencies currently exists or such
market may be closed to investment by the Fund.
The Fund also is authorized to purchase or sell listed or OTC foreign
currency options, foreign currency futures and related options on foreign
currency futures, for example, 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 Fund,
sold by the Fund but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be
purchased by the Fund. As an illustration, the Fund may use such techniques to
hedge the stated value in U.S. dollars of an investment in a pound sterling
denominated security. In such circumstances, for example, the Fund may purchase
a foreign currency put option enabling it to sell a specified amount of pounds
for dollars at a specified price by a future date. To the extent the hedge is
successful, a loss in the value of the pound 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 Fund may also sell a call
option which, if exercised, requires it to sell a specified amount of pounds 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 Fund gives up the
opportunity to profit without limit from increases in the relative value of the
pound to the dollar. The Manager believes that "straddles" of the type which may
be utilized by the Fund 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. Listed options are
third-party contracts (i.e., performance of the parties' obligations is
guaranteed by an exchange or clearing corporation) which are issued by a
clearing corporation, traded on an exchange and have standardized strike prices
and expiration dates. OTC options are two-party contracts and have negotiated
strike prices and expiration dates. 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. The Fund
will not speculate in foreign currency options, futures or related options.
Accordingly, the Fund will not 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 Fund but not yet delivered, the proceeds thereof in its
denominated currency. Further, the Fund will segregate at its custodian cash,
liquid equity or debt securities having a market value substantially
representing any subsequent decrease in the market value of such hedged
security, less any initial or variation margin held in the account of its
broker. The Fund may not incur potential net liabilities of more than 33 1/3% of
its total assets from foreign currency options, futures or related options.
Restrictions on the Use of Futures Transactions. Regulations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission applicable to the Fund provide that the
futures trading activities described herein will not result in the Fund being
deemed a "commodity pool" under such regulations if the Fund adheres to certain
restrictions. In particular, the Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts
and options thereon (i) for bona fide hedging purposes, and (ii) for non-hedging
purposes, if the aggregate initial margin and premiums
49
<PAGE> 50
required to establish positions in such contracts and options does not exceed 5%
of the liquidation value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account
unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contracts and options.
When the Fund 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 with the Fund's custodian so that the amount
so segregated, plus the amount of initial and variation margin held in the
account of its broker, equals the market value of the futures contract, thereby
ensuring that the use of such futures contract is unleveraged.
Restrictions on OTC Options. The Fund will engage in OTC options,
including OTC stock index options, OTC foreign currency options and options on
foreign currency futures, only with member banks of the Federal Reserve System
and primary dealers in U.S. Government securities or with affiliates of such
banks or dealers that have capital of at least $50 million or whose obligations
are guaranteed by an entity having capital of at least $50 million or any other
bank or dealer having capital of at least $150 million or whose obligations are
guaranteed by an entity having capital of at least $150 million.
The staff of the Commission has taken the position that purchased OTC
options and the assets used as cover for written OTC options are illiquid
securities. Therefore, the Fund 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 Fund, the market value
of the underlying securities covered by OTC call options currently outstanding
which were sold by the Fund and margin deposits on the Fund's existing OTC
options on futures contracts exceeds 15% of the net assets of the Fund, taken at
market value, together with all other assets of the Fund which are illiquid or
are not otherwise readily marketable. However, if the OTC option is sold by the
Fund to a primary U.S. Government securities dealer recognized by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York and if the Fund has the unconditional contractual right
to repurchase such OTC option from the dealer at a predetermined price, then the
Fund 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 the Fund and may be amended by the
Directors of the Fund without the approval of the Fund's shareholders. However,
the Fund will not change or modify this policy prior to the change or
modification by the commission staff of its position.
Risk Factors in Options, Futures and Currency Transactions. Utilization of
options and futures transactions to hedge the portfolio, including to affect the
Fund's exposure in various markets, 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 Fund will experience a gain or loss which will not
be completely offset by movements in the price of the subject of the hedge. The
successful use of options and futures also depends on the Manager's ability to
predict correctly price movements in the market involved in a particular options
or futures transaction. In addition, options and futures transactions in foreign
markets are subject to the risk factors associated with foreign investments
generally. See "Risk Factors and Special Considerations".
50
<PAGE> 51
The Fund intends to enter into options and futures transactions, on an
exchange or in the OTC market, only if there appears to be a liquid secondary
market for such options or futures or, in the case of OTC transactions, the
Manager believes the Fund can receive on each business day at least two
independent bids or offers, unless a quotation from only one dealer is
available, in which case only that dealer's price will be used, or which can be
sold at a formula price provided for in the OTC option agreement. There can be
no assurance, however, 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 Fund's ability to hedge effectively its portfolio. There is also
the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits or collateral in the event of
the bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Fund has an open position in an option,
a futures contract or related option.
The exchanges on which the Fund intends to conduct options transactions
generally have established limitations governing the maximum number of call or
put options on the same underlying security or currency (whether or not covered)
that may be written by a single investor, whether acting alone or in concert
with others (regardless of whether such options are written on the same or
different exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or through
one or more brokers). "Trading limits" are imposed on the maximum number of
contracts that any person may trade on a particular trading day. The Manager
does not believe that these trading and position limits will have any adverse
impact on the portfolio strategies for hedging the Fund's portfolio.
51
<PAGE> 52
[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
52
<PAGE> 53
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP VALUE FUND, INC. -- AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART 1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SHARE PURCHASE APPLICATION
I, being of legal age, wish to purchase: (choose one)
/ / Class A shares / / Class B shares
/ / Class C shares / / Class D shares
of Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc. and establish an Investment Account
as described in the Prospectus. In the event that I am not eligible to purchase
Class A share, I understand that Class D shares will be purchased.
Basis for establishing an Investment Account:
A. I enclose a check for $.......... payable to Financial Data Services,
Inc. as an initial investment (minimum $1,000). I understand that this
purchase will be executed at the applicable offering price next to be
determined after this Application is received by you.
B. I already own shares of the following Merrill Lynch mutual funds that
would qualify for the Right of Accumulation as outlined in the Statement of
Additional Information: (Please list all funds. Use a separate sheet of paper
if necessary.)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1. .......................................................... 4. ...............................................
2. .......................................................... 5. ...............................................
3. .......................................................... 6. ...............................................
</TABLE>
Name............................................................................
First Name Initial Last Name
Name of Co-Owner (if any).......................................................
First Name Initial Last Name
Address.........................................................................
.................................................... Date ....................
(Zip Code)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Occupation ......................................... Name and Address of Employer.................................................
.............................................................................
.............................................................................
................................................... .............................................................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner (if any)
</TABLE>
(In the case of co-owners, a joint tenancy with right of survivorship will be
presumed unless otherwise specified.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Ordinary Income Dividends Long-Term Capital Gains
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
SELECT / / Reinvest SELECT / / Reinvest
ONE: / / Cash ONE: / / Cash
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
</TABLE>
If no election is made, dividends and capital gains will be automatically
reinvested at net asset value without a sales charge.
IF CASH, SPECIFY HOW YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO YOU: / / Check
or / / Direct Deposit to bank account
IF DIRECT DEPOSIT TO BANK ACCOUNT IS SELECTED, PLEASE COMPLETE BELOW:
I hereby authorize payment of dividend and capital gain distributions by direct
deposit to my bank account and, if necessary, debit entries and adjustments for
any credit entries made to my account in accordance with the terms I have
selected on the Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc. Authorization Form.
Specify type of account (check one): / / checking / / savings
Name on your account............................................................
Bank Name.......................................................................
Bank Number ................................................... Account
Number..........................................................................
Bank Address....................................................................
I agree that this authorization will remain in effect until I provide written
notification to Financial Data Services, Inc. amending or terminating this
service.
Signature of Depositor..........................................................
Signature of Depositor ......................................................
Date............................................................................
(if joint account, both must sign)
NOTE: If direct deposit to bank account is selected, your blank, unsigned check
marked "VOID" or a deposit slip from your savings account should accompany this
application.
A-1
<PAGE> 54
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND, INC. -- AUTHORIZATION FORM
(PART 1) -- (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number
Under penalty of perjury, I certify (1) that the number set forth above is my
correct Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number and (2) that I
am not subject to backup withholding (as discussed under "Additional
Information--Taxes") either because I have not been notified that I am subject
thereto as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has notified me that I am no longer subject
thereto.
INSTRUCTION: YOU MUST STRIKE OUT THE LANGUAGE IN (2) ABOVE IF YOU HAVE BEEN
NOTIFIED THAT YOU ARE SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING DUE TO UNDER-REPORTING AND
IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE IRS THAT BACKUP WITHHOLDING HAS BEEN
TERMINATED. THE UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZES THE FURNISHING OF THIS CERTIFICATION TO
OTHER MERRILL LYNCH SPONSORED MUTUAL FUNDS.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
............................................................. ............................................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner (if any)
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. LETTER OF INTENTION -- CLASS A AND D SHARES ONLY (See terms and conditions in
the Statement of Additional Information)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
......................,
19 . . . .
Dear Sir/Madam: Date of initial purchase
</TABLE>
Although I am not obligated to do so, I intend to purchase shares of Merrill
Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc. or any other investment company with an initial
sales charge or deferred sales charge for which Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor,
Inc. acts as distributor over the next 13 month period which will equal or
exceed:
/ / $25,000 / / $50,000 / / $100,000
/ / $250,000 / / $1,000,000
Each purchase will be made at the then reduced offering price applicable to
the amount checked above, as described in the Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap
Fund, Inc. Prospectus.
I agree to the terms and conditions of this Letter of Intention. I hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc., my
attorney, with full power of substitution, to surrender for redemption any or
all shares of Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc. held as security.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
By:.............................................................. ...............................................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner
(If registered in joint names, both must sign)
</TABLE>
In making purchases under this letter, the following are the related accounts
on which reduced offering prices are to apply:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(1) Name ................................................... (2) Name....................................................
Account Number ............................................ Account Number..............................................
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. FOR DEALER ONLY
Branch Office, Address, Stamp
This form when completed should be mailed to:
Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc.
c/o Financial Data Services, Inc.
Transfer Agency Mutual Fund Operations
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289
We hereby authorize Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. to act as our agent in
connection with transactions under this authorization form and agree to notify
the Distributor of any purchases made under a Letter of Intention or Systematic
Withdrawal Plan. We guarantee the Shareholder's signature.
...............................................................
Dealer Name and Address
By ............................................................
Authorized Signature of Dealer
- --------- ------------
- --------- ------------ ..............................
Branch-Code F/C No. F/C Last Name
- --------- ---------------
- --------- ---------------
Dealer's Customer A/C No.
A-2
<PAGE> 55
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND, INC. -- AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART 2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: THIS FORM IS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THE SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL OF AUTOMATIC
INVESTMENT PLANS ONLY.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(PLEASE PRINT) ------------------------------------
Name................................................................................ ------------------------------------
First Name Initial Last Name Social Security No.
or Taxpayer Identification No.
Name of Co-Owner (if any)...........................................................
First Name Initial Last Name
Address.............................................................................
.................................................................................... Account Number...........................
(Zip Code) (if existing account)
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN -- CLASS A AND D SHARES ONLY (See terms and
conditions in the Statement of Additional Information)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: $10,000 for monthly disbursements, $5,000 for
quarterly, of / / Class A or / / Class D shares in Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap
Fund, Inc. at cost or current offering price. Withdrawals to be made either
(check one) / / Monthly on the 24th day of each month, or / / Quarterly on the
24th day of March, June, September and December. If the 24th falls on a weekend
or holiday, the next succeeding business day will be utilized. Begin systematic
withdrawals on _____________ or as soon as possible thereafter.
(month)
SPECIFY HOW YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR WITHDRAWAL PAID TO YOU (CHECK ONE): / / $______
or / / $___% of the current value of / / Class A or / / Class D shares in the
account.
SPECIFY WITHDRAWAL METHOD: / / check or / / direct deposit to bank account
(check one and complete part (a) or (b) below):
DRAW CHECKS PAYABLE (CHECK ONE)
(a) I hereby authorize payment by check
/ / as indicated in Item 1.
/ / to the order of..........................................................
Mail to (check one)
/ / the address indicated in Item 1.
/ / Name (please print)......................................................
Address.........................................................................
......................................................................
Signature of Owner.......................................Date...................
Signature of Co-Owner (if any)..................................................
(B) I HEREBY AUTHORIZE PAYMENT BY DIRECT DEPOSIT TO BANK ACCOUNT AND, IF
NECESSARY, DEBIT ENTRIES AND ADJUSTMENTS FOR ANY CREDIT ENTRIES MADE TO MY
ACCOUNT. I AGREE THAT THIS AUTHORIZATION WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL I PROVIDE
WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC. AMENDING OR TERMINATING
THIS SERVICE.
Specify type of account (check one): / / checking / / savings
Name on your Account............................................................
Bank Name.......................................................................
Bank Number ......................................... Account Number............
Bank Address....................................................................
..............................................................
Signature of Depositor............................... Date......................
Signature of Depositor..........................................................
(if joint account, both must sign)
NOTE: IF DIRECT DEPOSIT IS ELECTED, YOUR BLANK, UNSIGNED CHECK MARKED "VOID" OR
A DEPOSIT SLIP FROM YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT SHALL ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION.
A-3
<PAGE> 56
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND, INC. -- AUTHORIZATION FORM
(PART 2) -- (CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. APPLICATION FOR AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
I hereby request that Financial Data Services, Inc. draw an automated
clearing house ("ACH") debit on my checking account as described below each
month to purchase: (choose one)
/ / Class A shares / / Class B shares
/ / Class C shares / / Class D shares
of Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc. subject to the terms set forth
below. In the event that I am not eligible to purchase Class A shares, I
understand that Class D shares will be purchased.
FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
You are hereby authorized to draw an ACH debit each month on my bank account for
investment in Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc., as indicated below:
Amount of each ACH debit $...................................................
Account No...................................................................
Please date and invest ACH debits on the 20th of each month
beginning _____________ or as soon as thereafter as possible.
(month)
I agree that you are drawing these ACH debits voluntarily at my request and
that you shall not be liable for any loss arising from any delay in preparing or
failure to prepare any such debit. If I change banks or desire to terminate or
suspend this program, I agree to notify you promptly in writing. I hereby
authorize you to take any action to correct erroneous ACH debits of my bank
account or purchases of fund shares including liquidating shares of the Fund and
crediting my bank account. I further agree that if a debit is not honored upon
presentation, Financial Data Services, Inc. is authorized to discontinue
immediately the Automatic Investment Plan and to liquidate sufficient shares
held in my account to offset the purchase made with the dishonored debit.
................. .......................................
Date Signature of Depositor
.......................................
Signature of Depositor
(If joint account, both must sign)
AUTHORIZATION TO HONOR ACH DEBITS
DRAWN BY FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC.
To..........................................................................Bank
(Investor's Bank)
Bank Address....................................................................
City .......... State .......... Zip............................................
As a convenience to me, I hereby request and authorize you to pay and charge to
my account ACH debits drawn on my account by and payable to Financial Data
Services, Inc., I agree that your rights in respect to each such debit shall be
the same as if it were a check drawn on you and signed personally by me. This
authority is to remain in effect until revoked by me in writing. Until you
receive such notice, you shall be fully protected in honoring any such debit. I
further agree that if any such debit be dishonored, whether with or without
cause and whether intentionally or inadvertently, you shall be under no
liability.
................. .......................................
Date Signature of Depositor
................. .......................................
Bank Account Signature of Depositor
Number (If joint account, both must sign)
NOTE: IF AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN IS ELECTED, YOUR BLANK, UNSIGNED CHECK MARKED
"VOID" SHOULD ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION.
A-4
<PAGE> 57
[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
<PAGE> 58
[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
<PAGE> 59
MANAGER
Merrill Lynch Asset Management
Administrative Offices:
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
DISTRIBUTOR
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.
Administrative Offices:
800 Scudders Mill Road
Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9011
Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011
TRANSFER AGENT
Financial Data Services, Inc.
Administrative Offices:
Transfer Agency Mutual Fund Operations
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289
CUSTODIAN
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
40 Water Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
117 Campus Drive
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
COUNSEL
Brown & Wood
One World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0057
<PAGE> 60
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFER CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE FUND, THE INVESTMENT ADVISER OR THE DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE
MADE.
-------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Fee Table............................. 2
Prospectus Summary.................... 4
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM)
System.............................. 5
Financial Highlights.................. 10
Risk Factors and Special
Considerations...................... 11
Investment Objective and Policies..... 15
Description of Certain
Investments...................... 17
Characteristics of Certain Debt
Securities....................... 18
Other Investment Policies
and Practices.................... 21
Investment Restrictions............. 24
Management of the Fund................ 25
Board of Directors.................. 25
Management and Advisory
Arrangements..................... 25
Transfer Agency Services............ 27
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....... 31
Distribution Plans.................. 34
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred
Sales Charges....................... 35
Redemption of Shares.................. 36
Redemption.......................... 36
Repurchase.......................... 36
Reinstatement Privilege -- Class A
and Class D Shares............... 37
Shareholder Services.................. 37
Performance Data...................... 40
Additional Information................ 41
Dividends and Distributions......... 41
Taxes............................... 41
Determination of Net Asset Value.... 44
Organization of the Fund............ 44
Shareholder Reports................. 45
Shareholder Inquiries............... 45
Appendix A............................ 46
Authorization Form.................... A-1
</TABLE>
Code #18187-1094
[LOGO]
MERRILL LYNCH
GLOBAL SMALLCAP
FUND, INC.
[ART]
PROSPECTUS
October 21, 1994
Distributor:
Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc.
This Prospectus should be
retained for future reference.
<PAGE> 61
Filed pursuant to Rule 497(e)
Registration Nos. 33-53399 and 811-07171
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011 - PHONE NO. (609) 282-2800
-------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is a diversified,
open-end management investment company seeking long-term growth of capital by
investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities of issuers with
relatively small market capitalizations ("SmallCap Issuers") located in various
countries and in the United States. Under normal market conditions, the Fund
expects to invest at least 66% of its total assets in equity securities of
SmallCap Issuers. While the Fund expects to invest primarily in equity
securities of SmallCap Issuers, the Fund reserves the right to invest up to 34%
of its total assets, under normal market conditions, in equity securities of
issuers having larger individual market capitalizations and in debt securities.
It is anticipated that a substantial portion of the Fund's assets will be
invested in the developed countries of Europe and the Far East and that a
significant portion of its assets also may be invested in developing countries.
The Fund may employ a variety of investments and techniques to hedge against
market and currency risk. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment
objective will be achieved.
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System, the Fund offers
four classes of shares each with a different combination of sales charges,
ongoing fees and other features. The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System
permits an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that the
investor believes is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the
length of time the investor expects to hold the shares and other relevant
circumstances.
-------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information of the Fund is not a prospectus
and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus of the Fund, dated October
21, 1994 (the "Prospectus"), which has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and can be obtained, without charge, by calling or writing
the Fund at the above telephone number or address. This Statement of Additional
Information has been incorporated by reference into the Prospectus. Capitalized
terms used but not defined herein have the same meanings as in the Prospectus.
-------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT -- MANAGER
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. -- DISTRIBUTOR
-------------------------------
The date of this Statement of Additional Information is October 21, 1994.
<PAGE> 62
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital
by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities of issuers with
relatively small market capitalizations located in various foreign countries and
in the United States. Reference is made to "Investment Objective and Policies"
in the Prospectus for a discussion of the investment objective and policies of
the Fund.
The securities markets of many countries have at times in the past moved
relatively independently of one another due to different economic, financial,
political and social factors. When such lack of correlation, or negative
correlation, in movements of these securities markets occurs, it may reduce risk
for the Fund's portfolio as a whole. This negative correlation also may offset
unrealized gains the Fund has derived from movements in a particular market. To
the extent the various markets move independently, total portfolio volatility is
reduced when the various markets are combined into a single portfolio. Of
course, movements in the various securities markets may be offset by changes in
foreign currency exchange rates. Exchange rates frequently move independently of
securities markets in a particular country. As a result, gains in a particular
securities market may be affected by changes in exchange rates.
While it is the policy of the Fund generally not to engage in trading for
short-term gains, Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. (the "Manager"), will
effect portfolio transactions without regard to holding period if, in their
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. As a result of the investment policies
described in the Prospectus, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher
than that of other investment companies. Accordingly, while the Fund anticipates
that its annual portfolio turnover rate should not exceed 100% under normal
conditions, it is impossible to predict portfolio turnover rates. The portfolio
turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of the Fund's annual sales or
purchases of portfolio securities (exclusive of purchases or sales of securities
whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less) by the
monthly average value of the securities in the portfolio during the year. The
Fund is subject to the Federal income tax requirement that less than 30% of the
Fund's gross income must be derived from gains from the sale or other
disposition of securities held for less than three months.
The Fund may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of
American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"),
Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") (collectively, the "Depositary Receipts") or
other securities convertible into securities of foreign issuers. The Depositary
Receipts 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. GDRs are receipts issued
throughout the world which evidence a similar ownership arrangement. Generally,
ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets,
and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European securities markets.
GDRs are tradeable both in the U.S. and Europe and are designed for use
throughout the world. The Fund may invest in unsponsored Depositary Receipts.
The issuers of unsponsored Depositary Receipts are not obligated to disclose
material information in the United States, and therefore, there may not be a
correlation between such information and the market value of such securities.
The Fund's ability and decisions 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 Fund are
2
<PAGE> 63
redeemable on a daily basis on each day the Fund determines its net asset value
in U.S. dollars, the Fund intends to manage its portfolio so as to give
reasonable assurance that it will be able to obtain U.S. dollars to the extent
necessary to meet anticipated redemptions. See "Redemption of Shares". Under
present conditions, the Manager does not believe that these considerations will
have any significant effect on its portfolio strategy, although there can be no
assurance in this regard.
HEDGING TECHNIQUES
Reference is made to the discussion concerning hedging techniques under the
caption "Investment Objective and Policies -- Other Investment Policies and
Practices -- Portfolio Strategies Involving Options, Futures and Forward Foreign
Exchange Transactions" and in the Appendix to the Prospectus.
The Fund may engage in various portfolio strategies to hedge its portfolio
against investment and currency risks. These strategies include the use of
options on portfolio securities, currency options and futures, stock index
options and futures, and options on such futures and forward foreign currency
transactions. While the Fund's use of hedging strategies is intended to reduce
the volatility of the net asset value of its shares, the net asset value of the
Fund's shares will fluctuate.
Although certain risks are involved in options and futures transactions (as
discussed in the Prospectus and below), the Manager believes that, because the
Fund will only engage in these transactions for hedging purposes, the options
and futures portfolio strategies of the Fund will not subject the Fund to the
risks frequently associated with the speculative use of options and futures
transactions.
The following information relates to the hedging instruments the Fund may
utilize with respect to currency risks.
Writing Covered Options. The Fund is authorized to write (i.e., sell)
covered call options on the securities in which it may invest and to enter into
closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such options. A covered
call option is an option where the Fund, in return for a premium, gives another
party a right to buy specified securities owned by the Fund at a specified
future date and price set at the time of the contract. The principal reason for
writing call options is to attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums,
a greater return than would be realized on the securities alone. By writing
covered call options, the Fund gives up the opportunity, while the option is in
effect, to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the
option exercise price. In addition, the Fund's ability to sell the underlying
security will be limited while the option is in effect unless the Fund effects a
closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction cancels out the
Fund's position as the writer of an option by means of an offsetting purchase of
an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has written.
Covered call options serve as a partial hedge against a decline in the price of
the underlying security.
The writer of a covered call option has no control over when he may be
required to sell his securities since he may be assigned an exercise notice at
any time prior to the termination of his obligation as a writer. If an option
expires unexercised, the writer would realize a gain in the amount of the
premium. Such a gain, of course, may be offset by a decline in the market value
of the underlying security during the option period. If a call option is
exercised, the writer would realize a gain or loss from the sale of the
underlying security.
The Fund also may write put options which give the holder of the option the
right to sell the underlying security to the Fund at the stated exercise price.
The Fund will receive a premium for writing a put option
3
<PAGE> 64
which increases the Fund's return. The Fund writes only covered put options
which means that so long as the Fund is obligated as the writer of the option,
it will, through its custodian, have deposited and maintained cash, cash
equivalents, U.S. Government securities or other high grade liquid debt
securities denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S. currencies with a securities
depository with a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the
underlying securities. By writing a put, the Fund will be obligated to purchase
the underlying security at a price that may be higher than the market value of
that security at the time of exercise for as long as the option is outstanding.
The Fund may engage in closing transactions in order to terminate put options
that it has written. The Fund will not write a put option if the aggregate value
of the obligations underlying the put shall exceed 50% of the Fund's net assets.
Options referred to herein and in the Fund's Prospectus may be options
traded on foreign securities exchanges. An option position may be closed only on
an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option of the same series.
If a secondary market does not exist, it might not be possible to effect closing
transactions in particular options, with the result, in the case of a covered
call option, that the Fund will not be able to sell the underlying security
until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise.
Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the
following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options;
(ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or
closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other
restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of
options or underlying securities; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may
interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or
the Options Clearing Corporation (the "Clearing Corporation") may not, at all
times, be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more
exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some
future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or
series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in
that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding
options on that exchange that had been issued by the Clearing Corporation as a
result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance
with their terms.
The Fund may also enter into over-the-counter options transactions ("OTC
options"), which are two party contracts with prices and terms negotiated
between the buyer and seller. The Fund will only enter into OTC options
transactions with respect to portfolio securities for which management believes
the Fund can receive on each business day at least two independent bids or
offers (one of which will be from an entity other than a party to the option).
The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") has taken
the position that OTC options and the assets used as cover for written OTC
options are illiquid securities.
Purchasing Options. The Fund may purchase put options to hedge against a
decline in the market value of its equity holdings. By buying a put, the Fund
has a right to sell the underlying security at the exercise price, thus limiting
the Fund's risk of loss through a decline in the market value of the security
until the put option expires. The amount of any appreciation in the value of the
underlying security will be offset partially by the amount of the premium paid
for the put option and any related transaction costs. Prior to its expiration, a
put option may be sold in a closing sale transaction; profit or loss from the
sale will depend on whether the amount received is more or less than the premium
paid for the put option plus the related transaction cost. A closing sale
transaction cancels out the Fund's position as the purchaser of an option by
means of an offsetting sale of an identical option prior to the expiration of
the option it has purchased. In certain circumstances, the Fund
4
<PAGE> 65
may purchase call options on securities held in its portfolio on which it has
written call options or on securities which it intends to purchase. The Fund may
purchase either exchange-traded options or OTC options. The Fund will not
purchase options on securities (including stock index options discussed below)
if as a result of such purchase, the aggregate cost of all outstanding options
on securities held by the Fund would exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund's
total assets.
Stock Index Options and Futures and Financial Futures. As described in the
Prospectus, the Fund is authorized to engage in transactions in stock index
options and futures and financial futures, and related options on such futures.
Set forth below is further information concerning futures transactions.
A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a
security, or, in the case of an index-based futures contract, to make and accept
a cash settlement for a set price on a future date. A majority of transactions
in futures contracts, however, do not result in the actual delivery of the
underlying instrument or cash settlement, but are settled through liquidation,
i.e., by entering into an offsetting transaction.
The purchase or sale of a futures contract differs from the purchase or
sale of a security in that no price or premium is paid or received. Instead, an
amount of cash or securities acceptable to the broker and the relevant contract
market, which varies, but is generally about 5% of the contract amount, must be
deposited with the broker. This amount is known as "initial margin" and
represents a "good faith" deposit assuring the performance of both the purchaser
and seller under the futures contract. Subsequent payments to and from the
broker, called "variation margin", are required to be made on a daily basis as
the price of the futures contract fluctuates, making the long and short
positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as
"mark to the market". At any time prior to the settlement date of the futures
contract, the position may be closed out by taking an opposite position which
will operate to terminate the position in the futures contract. A final
determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to
be paid to or released by the broker, and the purchaser realizes a loss or gain.
In addition, a nominal commission is paid on each completed sale transaction.
An order has been obtained from the Commission exempting the Fund from the
provisions of Section 17(f) and Section 18(f) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"), in connection with its strategy
of investing in futures contracts. Section 17(f) relates to the custody of
securities and other assets of an investment company and may be deemed to
prohibit certain arrangements between the Fund and commodities brokers with
respect to initial and variation margin. Section 18(f) of the Investment Company
Act prohibits an open-end investment company such as the Fund from issuing a
"senior security" other than a borrowing from a bank. The staff of the
Commission has in the past indicated that a futures contract may be a "senior
security" under the Investment Company Act.
Risk Factors in Options and Futures Transactions. Utilization of options
and futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements
in the prices of options and futures contracts and movements in the prices of
the securities and currencies which are the subject of the hedge. If the prices
of the options and futures contract move more or less than the prices of the
hedged securities and currencies, the Fund will experience a gain or loss which
will not be completely offset by movements in the prices of the securities and
currencies which are the subject of the hedge. The successful use of options and
futures also depends on the Manager's ability to predict correctly price
movements in the market involved in a particular options or futures transaction.
5
<PAGE> 66
Prior to exercise or expiration, an exchange-traded option position can
only be terminated by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. This
requires a secondary market on an exchange for call or put options of the same
series. The Fund will enter into an option or futures transaction on an exchange
only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market for such option or future.
However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for
any particular call or put option or futures contract at any specific time.
Thus, it may not be possible to close an option or futures position. The Fund
will acquire only over-the-counter options for which management believes the
Fund can receive on each business day at least two independent bids or offers
(one of which will be from an entity other than a party to the option) unless
there is only one dealer, in which case such dealer's price will be used [or
which can be sold at a formula price provided for in the over-the-counter option
agreement]. In the case of a futures position or an option on a futures position
written by the Fund, in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would
continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. In such
situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio
securities to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be
disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Fund may be required to take or make
delivery of the security or currency underlying the futures contracts it holds.
The inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse
impact on the Fund's ability to hedge effectively its portfolio. There is also
the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a
broker with whom the Fund has an open position in a futures contract or related
option. The risk of loss from investing in futures transactions is theoretically
unlimited.
The exchanges on which the Fund intends to conduct options transactions
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 through
one or more brokers). "Trading limits" are imposed on the maximum number of
contracts which any person may trade on a particular trading day. An exchange
may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of these limits,
and it may impose other sanctions or restrictions. The Manager does not believe
that these trading and position limits will have any adverse impact on the
portfolio strategies for hedging the Fund's portfolio.
Forward Foreign Exchange Transactions. Generally, the foreign exchange
transactions of the Fund will be conducted on a spot, i.e., cash, basis at the
spot rate for purchasing or selling currency prevailing in the foreign exchange
market. This rate under normal market conditions differs from the prevailing
exchange rate in an amount generally less than 1/10 of 1% due to the costs of
converting from one currency to another. However, the Fund has authority to deal
in forward foreign exchange between currencies of the different countries in
whose securities it will invest as a hedge against possible variations in the
foreign exchange rates between these currencies. This is accomplished through
contractual agreements to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified
future date and price set at the time of the contract. The Fund's 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 Fund accruing in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio
securities, the sale and redemption of shares of the Fund or the payment of
dividends and distributions by the Fund. Position hedging is the sale of forward
foreign currency with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or
quoted in such foreign currency. The Fund will not speculate in forward foreign
exchange. The Fund may not position hedge with respect to the currency of a
particular country to an extent greater than the aggregate market value (at the
time of making such sale) of the securities held in its portfolio denominated or
quoted in that
6
<PAGE> 67
particular foreign currency. If the Fund enters into a position hedging
transaction, its custodian will place cash or liquid debt securities in a
separate account of the Fund in an amount equal to the value of the Fund's total
assets committed to the consummation of such forward contract. If the value of
the securities placed in the separate account declines, additional cash or
securities will be placed in the account so that the value of the account will
equal the amount of the Fund's commitment with respect to such contracts. The
Fund will not enter into a position hedging commitment if, as a result thereof,
the Fund would have more than 15% of the value of its assets committed to such
contracts. The Fund will not enter into a forward contract with a term of more
than one year.
The Fund is also authorized to purchase or sell listed or over-the-counter
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 Fund, sold by the Fund
but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased by the Fund.
As an illustration, the Fund may use such techniques to hedge the stated value
in U.S. dollars of an investment in a pound denominated security. In such
circumstances, for example, the Fund may purchase a foreign currency put option
enabling it to sell a specified amount of pounds for dollars at a specified
price by a future date. To the extent the hedge is successful, a loss in the
value of the relative to the dollar will tend to be offset by an increase in the
value of the put option. To offset, in whole or part, the cost of acquiring such
a put option, the Fund may also sell a call option which, if exercised, requires
it to sell a specified amount of pounds for dollars a specified price by a
future date (a technique called a "straddle"). By selling such call option in
this illustration, the Fund gives up the opportunity to profit without limit
from increases in the relative value of the pound to the dollar. The Manager
believes that "straddles" of the type which may be utilized by the Fund
constitute hedging transactions and are consistent with the policies described
above.
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 the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so
generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency
at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. The cost to the Fund of
engaging in foreign currency transactions varies with such factors as the
currencies involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions
then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign currency exchange are usually
conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Diversified Status. The Fund is classified as diversified within the
meaning of the Investment Company Act, which means that the Fund is limited by
such Act in the proportion of its assets that it may invest in securities of a
single issuer. See "Investment Objectives and Policies -- Investment
Restrictions". The Fund's investment also will be limited in order to qualify as
a "regulated investment company" for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"). See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes --
Taxes". To qualify under both the Investment Company Act and the Code, the Fund
will comply with certain requirements, including limiting its investments so
that at the time of investment and at the close of each quarter of the taxable
year (i) not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund's total assets will
be invested in the securities of a single issuer and (ii) with respect to 75% of
the market value of its total assets,
7
<PAGE> 68
not more than 5% of the market value of its total assets will be invested in the
securities of a single issuer, and the Fund will not own more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.
When-Issued Securities and Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Fund may
purchase securities on a when-issued basis, and it may purchase or sell
securities for delayed delivery. These transactions occur when securities are
purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the
future to secure what is considered an advantageous yield and price to the Fund
at the time of entering into the transaction. Although the Fund has not
established any limit on the percentage of its assets that may be committed in
connection with such transactions, the Fund will maintain a segregated account
with its custodian of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or
other high grade liquid debt securities denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S.
currencies in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of its commitment in
connection with such purchase transactions.
Standby Commitment Agreements. The Fund may from time to time enter into
standby commitment agreements. Such agreements commit the Fund, for a stated
period of time, to purchase a stated amount of a fixed income security or a
stated number of shares of equity securities which may be issued and sold to the
Fund at the option of the issuer. The price and coupon of the security is fixed
at the time of the commitment. At the time of entering into the agreement the
Fund is paid a commitment fee, regardless of whether or not the security is
ultimately issued, which is typically approximately 0.50% of the aggregate
purchase price of the security that the Fund has committed to purchase. The Fund
will enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the
security underlying the commitment at a yield and price that is considered
advantageous to the Fund. The Fund will not enter into a standby commitment with
a remaining term in excess of 45 days and presently will limit its investment in
such commitment so that the aggregate purchase price of the 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% (which presently is further limited by state law to 10%) of its net assets
taken at the time of acquisition of such commitment or security. The Fund will
at all times maintain a segregated account with its custodian of cash, cash
equivalents, U.S. Government securities or other high grade liquid debt
securities denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S. currencies 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. Because the issuance
of the security underlying the commitment is at the option of the issuer, the
Fund 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 agreement and the related
commitment fee will be recorded on the date which the security can reasonably be
expected to be issued, and the value of the security will thereafter be
reflected in the calculation of the Fund'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. The Fund may invest in securities pursuant to
repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements may be entered into only with a
member bank of the Federal Reserve System or a primary dealer in U.S. Government
securities or an affiliate thereof. Under such agreements, the other party
8
<PAGE> 69
agrees, upon entering into the contract with the Fund, 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 it may be affected by currency fluctuations. The prices at which the
trades are conducted do not reflect the accrued interest on the underlying
obligations. Such agreements usually cover short periods, often less than 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.
As a purchaser, the Fund will require the seller to provide additional
collateral if the market value of the securities falls below the repurchase
price at any time during the term of the repurchase agreement. In the event of
default by the seller under a repurchase agreement construed to be a
collateralized loan, the underlying securities are not owned by the Fund but
constitute only collateral for the seller's obligation to pay the repurchase
price. Therefore, the Fund may suffer time delays and incur costs or possible
losses in connection with the disposition of the collateral. In the event of a
default under such a repurchase agreement, instead of the contractual fixed rate
of return, the rate of return to the Fund shall be dependent upon intervening
fluctuations of the market values of such securities and the accrued interest on
the securities. In such event, the Fund would have rights against the seller for
breach of contract with respect to any losses arising from market fluctuations
following the failure of the seller to perform. The Fund may not invest more
than 15% (which presently is further limited to 10% by applicable state law) of
its net assets in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. Subject to investment restriction (3)
below, the Fund may lend securities from its portfolio to approved borrowers and
receive collateral in cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government which are maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100%
of the current market value of the loaned securities. The purpose of such loans
is to permit the borrowers to use such securities for delivery to purchasers
when such borrowers have sold short. If cash collateral is received by the Fund,
it is invested in short-term money market securities, and a portion of the yield
received in respect of such investment is retained by the Fund. Alternatively,
if securities are delivered to the Fund as collateral, the Fund and the borrower
negotiate a rate for the loan premium to be received by the Fund for lending its
portfolio securities. In either event, the total return on the Fund's portfolio
is increased by loans of its portfolio securities. The Fund will have the right
to regain record ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights
such as voting rights, subscription rights and rights to dividends, interest or
other distributions. Such loans are terminable at any time, and the borrower,
after notice, will be required to return borrowed securities within five
business days. The Fund may pay reasonable finder's, administrative and
custodial fees in connection with such loans. With respect to the lending of
portfolio securities, there is the risk of failure by the borrower to return the
securities involved in such transactions.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
In addition to the investment restrictions set forth in the Prospectus, the
Fund has adopted the following restrictions and policies relating to the
investment of its assets and its activities, which are fundamental policies and
may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting securities (which for this purpose and under the
Investment Company Act, 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). The Fund may not:
9
<PAGE> 70
1. Invest more than 25% of its assets, taken at market value at the
time of each investment, in the securities of issuers in any particular
industry (excluding the U.S. Government and its agencies and
instrumentalities).
2. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
3. Purchase or sell real estate or real estate mortgage loans, except
that the Fund may invest in securities directly or indirectly secured by
real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in
real estate or interests therein.
4. Make loans to other persons, except that the acquisition of bonds,
debentures or other corporate debt securities and investment in government
obligations, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances and repurchase agreements and similar instruments shall not be
deemed to be the making of a loan, and except further that the Fund may
lend its portfolio securities provided that such loans may be made only in
accordance with applicable law and guidelines set forth in the Fund's
Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information.
5. Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate
applicable law.
6. Borrow money or pledge its assets, except that the Fund (a) may
borrow from a bank as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency
purposes or to meet redemptions in amounts not exceeding 33 1/3% (taken at
market value) of its total assets and pledge its assets to secure such
borrowings, (b) may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for
the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities and (c) may
purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law.
(However, at the present time, applicable law prohibits the Fund from
purchasing securities on margin.) (The deposit or payment by the Fund of
initial or variation margin in connection with futures contracts or options
transactions is not considered the purchase of a security on margin.)
7. Underwrite securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Fund
technically may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act in
purchasing and selling portfolio securities.
8. Purchase or sell commodities or contracts on commodities, except to
the extent the Fund may do so in accordance with applicable law and the
Fund's Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, and without
registering as a commodity pool operator under the Commodities Exchange
Act.
9. With respect to 75% of its total assets, (a) invest in the
securities of any one issuer if, immediately after and as a result of such
investment, the value of the holdings of the Fund in the securities of such
issuer exceeds 5% of the Fund's total assets, taken at market value; and
(b) invest in the securities of any one issuer if, immediately after and as
a result of such investment, the Fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer.
Additional investment restrictions adopted by the Fund, which may be
changed by the Directors, provide that the Fund may not:
a. Purchase securities of other investment companies except to the
extent that such purchases are permitted by applicable law. Applicable law
currently prohibits the Fund from purchasing the securities of other
investment companies only if immediately thereafter not more than (i) 3% of
the total outstanding voting stock of such company is owned by the Fund,
(ii) 5% of the Fund's total assets, taken
10
<PAGE> 71
at market value, would be invested in any one such company, (iii) 10% of
the Fund's total assets, taken at market value, would be invested in such
securities, and (iv) the Fund, together with other investment companies
having the same investment adviser and companies controlled by such
companies, owns not more than 10% of the total outstanding stock of any one
closed-end investment company. Investments by the Fund in wholly-owned
investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be
deemed an investment in other investment companies.
b. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position except
to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Fund does not, however,
currently intend to engage in short sales.
c. Invest in securities which cannot be readily resold because of
legal or contractual restrictions, or which cannot otherwise be marketed,
redeemed, put to the issuer or to a third party, or which do not mature
within seven days, or which the Board of Directors of the Fund have not
determined to be liquid pursuant to applicable law, if at the time of
acquisition more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in such
securities. Notwithstanding the fact that the Board may determine that a
Rule 144A security is liquid and not subject to the 15% restriction on
illiquid securities, the State of Ohio does not recognize Rule 144A
securities as securities which are free of restrictions as to resale. To
the extent required by Ohio law, the Fund will not invest more than 5% of
its total assets in securities of issuers which are restricted as to
disposition, including Rule 144A securities.
d. Invest in warrants if at the time of acquisition its investments in
warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market value, would exceed 5% of
the Fund's net assets; included within such limitation, but not to exceed
2% of the Fund's net assets, are warrants which are not listed on the New
York Stock Exchange or American Stock Exchange or a major foreign exchange.
For purposes of this restriction, warrants acquired by the Fund in units or
attached to securities may be deemed to be without value.
e. Invest in securities of companies having a record, together with
predecessors, of less than three years of continuous operation, if more
than 5% of its total assets would be invested in such securities. This
restriction shall not apply to mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed
securities or obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities.
f. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer, if those
individual officers and directors of the Fund, the Manager or any
subsidiary thereof each owning more than one-half of one percent of the
securities of such issuer own in the aggregate more than 5% of the
securities of such issuer.
g. Invest in real estate limited partnership interests or interests in
oil, gas or other mineral leases or exploration or development programs,
except that the Fund may invest in securities issued by companies that
engage in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development activities.
h. Write, purchase or sell puts, calls, straddles, spreads or
combinations thereof, except to the extent permitted in the Fund's
Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, as amended from
time to time.
i. Purchase securities while borrowings exceed 5% (taken at market
value) of its total assets.
Portfolio securities of the Fund generally may not be purchased from, sold
or loaned to the Manager 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.
11
<PAGE> 72
The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") has
taken the position that purchased over-the-counter ("OTC") options and the
assets used as cover for written OTC options are illiquid securities. Therefore,
the Fund 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 which are held by the Fund,
the market value of the underlying securities covered by OTC call options
currently outstanding which were sold by the Fund and margin deposits on the
Fund's existing OTC options on futures contracts exceeds 15% of the total assets
of the Fund, taken at market value, together with all other assets of the Fund
which are illiquid or are not otherwise readily marketable. (Under the law of
certain states, the Fund presently is limited with respect to such investments
to 10% of its net assets.) However, if the OTC option is sold by the Fund to a
primary U.S. Government securities dealer recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York and if the Fund has the unconditional contractual right to
repurchase such OTC option from the dealer at a predetermined price, then the
Fund 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 the Fund and may be amended by
the Board of Directors of the Fund without the approval of the Fund's
shareholders. However, the Fund will not change or modify this policy prior to
the change or modification by the Commission staff of its position.
In addition, as a non-fundamental policy which may be changed by the Board
of Directors and to the extent required by the Commission or its staff, the Fund
will, for purposes of investment restriction (1), treat securities issued or
guaranteed by the government of any one foreign country as the obligations of a
single issuer.
Because of the affiliation of the Manager with the Fund, the Fund is
prohibited from engaging in certain transactions involving such firm 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, the Fund would be
prohibited from engaging in portfolio transactions with the Manager or its
affiliates acting as principal and from purchasing securities in public
offerings which are not registered under the Securities Act in which such firms
or any of their affiliates participate as an underwriter or dealer.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Directors and executive officers of the Fund and their principal
occupations for at least the last five years are set forth below. Unless
otherwise noted, the address of each executive officer and Director is P.O. Box
9011, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-9011.
ARTHUR ZEIKEL -- President and Director(1)(2) -- President of the Manager
(which term as used herein includes its corporate predecessor) since 1977 and
Chief Investment Officer since 1976; President of Fund Asset Management, L.P.
("FAM") (which term as used herein includes its corporate predecessor) since
1977 and Chief Investment Officer since 1976; President and Director of
Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton Services") since 1993; Executive Vice
President of Merrill Lynch since 1990 and a Senior Vice
12
<PAGE> 73
President thereof from 1985 to 1990; Executive Vice President of Merrill Lynch &
Co., Inc. ("ML&Co.") since 1990; Director of the Distributor.
DONALD CECIL -- Director(2) -- 1114 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York 10036. Special Limited Partner of Cumberland Partners (investment
partnership) since 1982; Member of Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts;
Member and Chairman of Westchester County (N.Y.) Board of Transportation.
EDWARD H. MEYER -- Director(2) -- 777 Third Avenue, New York, New York
10017. President of Grey Advertising Inc. since 1968, Chief Executive Officer
since 1970 and Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1972; Director of The
May Department Stores Company, Bowne & Co., Inc. (financial printers), Ethan
Allen Interiors Inc. and Harman International Industries, Inc.
CHARLES C. REILLY -- Director(2) -- 9 Hampton Harbor Road, Hampton Bays,
N.Y. 11946. Self-employed financial consultant since 1990; President and Chief
Investment Officer of Verus Capital, Inc. from 1979 to 1990; former Senior Vice
President of Arnold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. from 1973 to 1990; Adjunct
Professor, Columbia University Graduate School of Business since 1990; Adjunct
Professor, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 1990; Director, Harvard
Business School Alumni Association.
RICHARD R. WEST -- Director(2) -- 482 Tepi Drive, Southbury, Connecticut
06488. Professor of Finance since 1984, and Dean from 1984 to 1993, of New York
University Leonard N. Stern School of Business Administration; Director of Re
Capital Corp. (reinsurance holding company), Bowne & Co., Inc. (financial
printers), Vornado, Inc. (real estate holding company), Smith-Corona Corporation
(manufacturer of typewriters and word processors) and Alexander's Inc.
TERRY K. GLENN -- Executive Vice President(1)(2) -- Executive Vice
President of the Manager and FAM since 1983; Executive Vice President and
Director of Princeton Services since 1993; President and Director of the
Distributor since 1986.
NORMAN R. HARVEY -- Senior Vice President(1)(2) -- Senior Vice President of
the Manager and FAM since 1982; Senior Vice President of Princeton Services
since 1993.
DONALD C. BURKE -- Vice President(1)(2)Vice President and Director of
Taxation of the Manager since 1990; employee of Deloitte & Touche LLP from 1982
to 1990.
ANDREW JOHN BASCAND -- Vice President(1) -- Director of MLAM U.K. since
1993 and Director of Merrill Lynch Global Asset Management Limited ("MLGAM")
since 1994; Senior Economist of A.M.P. Asset Management plc in London from 1992
to 1993 and Chief Economist of A.M.P. Investments (NZ) in New Zealand from 1989
to 1991; Economic Adviser to the Chief Economist of the Reserve Bank of New
Zealand from 1987 to 1989.
ADRIAN HOLMES -- Vice President(1) -- Managing Director of MLAM U.K. since
1993, Vice President from 1990 to 1993 and an employee thereof since 1987;
Director of MLGAM since 1993.
GRACE PINEDA -- Vice President(1) -- Vice President of the Manager since
1989. Prior to joining the Manager, Ms. Pineda was a portfolio manager with
Clemente Capital, Inc.
DENNIS W. STATTMAN -- Vice President(1) -- Vice President of the Manager
since 1989; Vice President of Meridian Management Company from 1984 to 1989.
13
<PAGE> 74
JAMES RUSSELL -- Vice President(1) -- Vice President of the Manager since
1992. Manager, Foreign Investments, Taylor & Co. from 1990 to 1992; Vice
President, Merrill Lynch Japan, Inc., 1989-90.
KEN CHIANG -- Vice President(1) -- Employee of the Manager since 1991.
Prior to joining the Manager, Mr. Chiang was employed with Prudential Insurance
Company from 1990 to 1991, and was an employee of Boston Consulting Group in
1989.
GERALD M. RICHARD -- Treasurer(1)(2) -- Senior Vice President and Treasurer
of the Manager and FAM since 1974; Senior Vice President and Treasurer of
Princeton Services since 1993; Vice President of the Distributor since 1981 and
Treasurer since 1984.
ROBERT HARRIS -- Secretary(1)(2) -- Vice President of the Manager since
1984; Secretary of MLFD since 1982.
- ---------------
(1) Interested person, as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Fund.
(2) Such Director or officer is a director, trustee or officer of certain other
investment companies for which the Manager, or its subsidiary FAM, acts as
investment adviser or manager.
At September 30, 1994, the officers and Directors of the Fund as a group
(16 persons) owned an aggregate of less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the
Fund. At such date, Mr. Zeikel, a Director of the Fund, and the other officers
of the Fund, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of
ML&Co.
The Fund pays each Director not affiliated with the Manager a fee of $3,500
per year plus $500 per Board meeting attended, together with such Director's
actual out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings. The Fund also
compensates members of its Audit Committee, which consists of all of the non-
affiliated Directors, at a rate of $500 per meeting attended. The Chairman of
the Audit Committee receives an additional fee of $250 per meeting attended.
MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
Reference is made to "Management of the Fund -- Management and Advisory
Arrangements" in the Prospectus for certain information concerning the
management and advisory arrangements of the Fund.
Securities held by the Fund may also be held by, or be appropriate
investments for, other funds or investment advisory clients for which the
Manager or its affiliates act as an adviser. Because of different objectives or
other factors, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when
one or more clients are selling the same security. If purchases or sales of
securities by the Manager or MLAM U.K. for the Fund or other funds for which
they act as investment adviser or for other advisory clients arise for
consideration at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be
made, insofar as feasible, for the respective funds and clients in a manner
deemed equitable to all. To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than
one client of the Manager or its affiliates during the same period may increase
the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of securities being
sold, there may be an adverse effect on price.
The Fund has entered into a management agreement (the "Management
Agreement") with the Manager. As described in the Prospectus, the Manager
receives for its services to the Fund monthly compensation at the rate of 0.85%
of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
14
<PAGE> 75
The Manager has also entered into a sub-advisory agreement with Merrill
Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited ("MLAM U.K."), a wholly-owned, indirect
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and an affiliate of the Manager,
pursuant to which the Manager pays MLAM U.K. a fee in an amount to be determined
from time to time by the Manager and MLAM U.K. but in no event in excess of the
amount that the Manager actually receives for providing services to the Fund
pursuant to the Management Agreement.
The State of California imposes limitations on the expenses of the Fund.
These expense limitations require that the Manager reimburse the Fund in an
amount necessary to prevent the ordinary operating expenses of the Fund
(excluding interest, taxes, distribution fees, brokerage fees and commissions
and extraordinary charges such as litigation costs) from exceeding in any fiscal
year 2.5% of the Fund's first $30 million of average daily net assets, 2.0% of
the next $70 million of average daily net assets and 1.5% of the remaining
average daily net assets. The Manager's obligation to reimburse the Fund is
limited to the amount of the management fee. No fee payment will be made to the
Manager during any fiscal year which will cause such expenses to exceed the most
restrictive expense limitation applicable at the time of such payment.
The Management Agreement obligates the Manager to provide investment
advisory services and to pay all compensation of and furnish office space for
officers and employees of the Fund connected with investment and economic
research, trading and investment management of the Fund, as well as the fees of
all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated persons of the Manager or its
affiliates. The Fund pays all other expenses incurred in the operation of the
Fund, including, among other things, taxes; expenses for legal and auditing
services; costs of printing proxies, stock certificates, shareholder reports and
prospectuses and statements of additional information (except to the extent paid
by the Distributor); charges of the custodian, any sub-custodian and transfer
agent; expenses of redemption of shares; Commission fees; expenses of
registering the shares under Federal, state or foreign laws; fees and expenses
of unaffiliated Directors; accounting and pricing costs (including the daily
calculation of net asset value); insurance; interest; brokerage costs;
litigation and other extraordinary or non-recurring expenses; and other expenses
properly payable by the Fund. Accounting services are provided to the Fund by
the Manager, and the Fund reimburses the Manager for its costs in connection
with such services on a semi-annual basis. The Distributor will pay certain
promotional expenses of the Fund incurred in connection with the offering of its
shares. Certain expenses will be financed by the Fund pursuant to distribution
plans in compliance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. See
"Purchase of Shares -- Distribution Plans".
The Manager is a limited partnership, the partners of which are Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc., Merrill Lynch Investment Management, Inc. and Princeton
Services, Inc.
Duration and Termination. Unless earlier terminated as described herein,
the Management Agreement will continue in effect for a period of two years from
the date of execution and will remain in effect from year to year thereafter if
approved annually (a) by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by a majority of
the outstanding shares of the Fund and (b) by a majority of the Directors who
are not parties to such contracts 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 thereto or by the vote of a majority of the shareholders of the
Fund.
15
<PAGE> 76
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Reference is made to "Purchase of Shares" in the Prospectus for certain
information as to the purchase of Fund shares.
The Fund issues four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
Pricing(SM) System: shares of Class A and Class D are sold to investors choosing
the initial sales charge alternatives, and shares of Class B and Class C are
sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives. Each Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D share of the Fund represents identical interests in
the investment portfolio of the Fund and has the same rights, except that Class
B, Class C and Class D shares bear the expenses of the ongoing account
maintenance fees, and Class B and Class C shares bear the expenses of the
ongoing distribution fees and the additional incremental transfer agency costs
resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements. Class B, Class C and
Class D shares each have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1
distribution plan adopted with respect to such class pursuant to which account
maintenance and/or distribution fees are paid. Each class has different exchange
privileges. See "Shareholder Services -- Exchange Privilege".
The Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System is used by more than 50 mutual
funds advised by the Manager or its affiliate, FAM. Funds advised by the Manager
or FAM are referred to herein as "MLAM-advised mutual funds".
The Fund has entered into separate distribution agreements with the
Distributor in connection with the continuous offerings of each class of shares
of the Fund (the "Distribution Agreements"). The Distribution Agreements
obligate the Distributor to pay certain expenses in connection with the offering
of each class of shares of the Fund. After the prospectuses, statements of
additional information and periodic reports have been prepared, set in type and
mailed to shareholders, the Distributor pays for the printing and distribution
of copies thereof used in connection with the offering to dealers and investors.
The Distributor also pays for other supplementary sales literature and
advertising costs. The Distribution Agreements are subject to the same renewal
requirements and termination provisions as the Management Agreement described
above.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE -- CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
As a result of the implementation of the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM)
System, Class A shares of the Fund outstanding prior to October 21, 1994, have
been redesignated Class D shares. The Class A shares currently being offered
differ from the Class A shares offered prior to October 21, 1994 in many
respects, including sales charges, exchange privilege and the classes of persons
to whom such shares are offered.
The term "purchase" as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information 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 spouse and their children under the
age of 21 years purchasing shares for his or their own account and 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 which has not been in existence for at least six months or
which has no purpose other than the purchase of shares of the Fund or shares of
other registered investment companies at a discount; provided, however, that it
shall not include purchases by any group of individuals whose sole
organizational nexus is that the participants therein are credit cardholders of
a company,
16
<PAGE> 77
policyholders of an insurance company, customers of either a bank or
broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.
Closed-End Fund Investment Option. Class A shares of the Fund and other
MLAM-advised mutual funds (the "Eligible Class A Shares") are offered at net
asset value to shareholders of certain closed-end funds advised by MLAM or the
Investment Adviser who purchased such closed-end Fund shares prior to October
21, 1994 and wish to reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of their closed-end
fund shares of common stock in Eligible Class A or Class D Shares, if the
conditions set forth below are satisfied. Alternatively, closed-end fund
shareholders who purchased such shares on or after October 21, 1994, and wish to
reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of their closed-end fund shares are
offered Class A shares (if eligible to buy Class A shares) or Class D shares of
the Fund and other MLAM-advised mutual funds ("Eligible Class D Shares"), if the
following conditions are met. First, the sale of the closed-end fund shares must
be made through Merrill Lynch, and the net proceeds therefrom must be
immediately reinvested in Eligible Class A Shares. Second, the closed-end fund
shares must have been either 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. Class A
shares of the Fund are offered at net asset value to shareholders of Merrill
Lynch Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. ("Senior Floating Rate Fund") who wish to
reinvest the net proceeds from a sale of certain of their shares of common stock
of Senior Floating Rate Fund in shares of the Fund. In order to exercise this
investment option, Senior Floating Rate Fund shareholders must sell their Senior
Floating Rate Fund shares to the Senior Floating Rate Fund in connection with a
tender offer conducted by the Senior Floating Rate Fund and reinvest the
proceeds immediately in the Fund. This investment option is available only with
respect to the proceeds of Senior Floating Rate Fund shares as to which no Early
Withdrawal Charge (as defined in the Senior Floating Rate Fund prospectus) is
applicable. Purchase orders from Senior Floating Rate Fund shareholders wishing
to exercise this investment option will be accepted only on the day that the
related Senior Floating Rate Fund tender offer terminates and will be effected
at the net asset value of the Fund at such day.
REDUCED INITIAL SALES CHARGES -- CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
Right of Accumulation. The reduced sales charges are applicable through a
right of accumulation under which eligible investors are permitted to purchase
shares of the Fund subject to an initial sales charge at the offering price
applicable to the total of (a) the dollar amount then being purchased plus (b)
an amount equal to the then current net asset value or cost, whichever is
higher, of the purchaser's combined holdings of all classes of shares of the
Fund and of other MLAM-advised mutual funds. For any such right of accumulation
to be made available, the Distributor must be provided at the time of purchase,
by the purchaser or the purchaser's securities dealer, with sufficient
information to permit confirmation of qualification, and acceptance of the
purchase order is subject to such confirmation. The right of accumulation may be
amended or terminated at any time.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are applicable to purchases
aggregating $25,000 or more of Class A or Class D shares of the Fund or any
other made within a thirteen-month period starting with the first purchase
pursuant to a Letter of Intention in the form provided in the Prospectus. The
Letter of Intention is available only to investors whose accounts are maintained
at the Fund's transfer agent. The Letter of Intention is not available to
employee benefit plans for which Merrill Lynch provides plan-participant
record-keeping
17
<PAGE> 78
services. The Letter of Intention is not a binding obligation to purchase any
amount of Class A or Class D shares; however, its execution will result in the
purchaser paying a lower sales charge at the appropriate quantity purchase
level. A purchase not originally made pursuant to a Letter of Intention may be
included under a subsequent Letter of Intention executed within 90 days of such
purchase if the Distributor is informed in writing of this intent within such
90-day period. The value of Class A and Class D shares of the Fund and of other
MLAM-advised mutual funds presently held, at cost or maximum offering price
(whichever is higher), on the date of the first purchase under the Letter of
Intention, may be included as a credit toward completion of such Letter, but the
reduced sales charge applicable to the amount covered by such Letter will be
applied only to new purchases. If the total amount of shares does not equal the
amount stated in the Letter of Intention (minimum of $25,000), the investor will
be notified and must pay, within 20 days of the expiration of such Letter, the
difference between the sales charge on the Class A 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 five percent of
the intended amount will be held in escrow during the thirteen-month period
(while remaining registered in the name of the purchaser) for this purpose. The
first purchase under the Letter of Intention must be at least five percent of
the dollar amount of such Letter. If a purchase during the term of such Letter
would otherwise be subject to a further reduced sales charge based on the right
of accumulation, the purchaser will be entitled on that purchase and subsequent
purchases to the reduced percentage sales charge which 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 charges on any previous purchase.
The value of any shares redeemed or otherwise disposed of by the purchaser
prior to termination or completion of the Letter of Intention will be deducted
from the total purchases made under such Letter. An exchange from Merrill Lynch
U.S. Treasury Money Fund, Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust, Merrill Lynch
Retirement Reserves Money Fund, Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Money Fund or
Merrill Lynch U.S.A. Government Reserves into the Fund that creates a sales
charge will count toward completing a new or existing Letter of Intention from
the Fund.
Employer Sponsored Retirement and Savings Plans. Class A shares are
offered at net asset value to employer sponsored retirement or savings plans,
such as tax qualified retirement plans within the meaning of Section 401(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), deferred
compensation plans within the meaning of Sections 403(b) and 457 of the Code,
other deferred compensation arrangements, Voluntary Employee Benefits
Association ("VEBA") plans, and non-qualified After Tax Savings and Investment
programs, maintained on the Merrill Lynch Group Employee Services system, herein
referred to as "Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans", provided the
plan has accumulated $20 million or more in MLAM-advised mutual funds (in the
case of Class A shares) or $5 million or more in MLAM-advised mutual funds (in
the case of Class D shares). Class D shares may be offered at net asset value to
new Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans, provided the plan has $3
million or more initially invested in MLAM-advised mutual funds. Assets of
Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans sponsored by the same sponsor or
an affiliated sponsor may be aggregated. Class A shares and Class D shares also
are offered at net asset value to Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans
that have at least 1,000 employees eligible to participate in the plan (in the
case of Class A shares) or between 500 and 999 employees eligible to participate
in the plan (in the case of Class D shares). Employees eligible to participate
in Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans of the same sponsoring
employer or its affiliates may be aggregated. Tax qualified retirement plans
within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code meeting any of
18
<PAGE> 79
the foregoing requirements and which are provided specialized services (e.g.,
plans whose participants may direct on a daily basis their plan allocations
among a wide range of investments including individual corporate equities and
other securities in addition to mutual fund shares) by the Merrill Lynch
Blueprint(SM) Program, are offered Class A shares at a price equal to net asset
value per share plus a reduced sales charge of 0.50%. Any Employer Sponsored
Retirement or Savings Plan which does not meet the above described
qualifications to purchase Class A shares at net asset value has the option of
(i) purchasing Class A shares at the initial sales charge schedule and possible
CDSC schedule disclosed in the Prospectus if it is otherwise eligible to
purchase Class A shares, (ii) purchasing Class D shares at the initial sales
charge and possible CDSC schedule disclosed in the Prospectus, (iii) if the
Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plan meets the specified requirements,
purchasing Class B shares with a waiver of the CDSC upon redemption, or if the
Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plan does not qualify to purchase Class
B shares with a waiver of the CDSC upon redemption, purchasing Class C shares at
the CDSC schedule disclosed in the Prospectus. The minimum initial and
subsequent purchase requirements are waived in connection with all the above
referenced Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans.
Purchase Privilege of Certain Persons. Directors of the Fund, members of
the Boards of other MLAM-advised investment companies, directors and employees
of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., and its subsidiaries (the term "subsidiaries",
when used herein with respect to Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., includes MLAM, FAM
and certain other entities directly or indirectly wholly-owned and controlled by
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.), and any trust, pension, profit-sharing or other
benefit plan for such persons may purchase Class A shares of the Fund at net
asset value.
Class D shares of the Fund will be offered at net asset value, without a
sales charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with a financial
consultant who joined Merrill Lynch from another investment firm within six
months prior to the date of purchase by such investor if the following
conditions are satisfied: first, the investor must advise Merrill Lynch that it
will purchase Class D shares of the Fund with proceeds from a redemption of a
mutual fund that was sponsored by the financial consultant's previous firm and
was subject to a sales charge either at the time of purchase or on a deferred
basis. Second, the investor also must establish that such redemption had been
made within 60 days prior to the investment in the Fund, and the proceeds from
the redemption must have been maintained in the interim in cash or a money
market fund.
Class D shares of the Fund are also offered at net asset value, without
sales charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with a Merrill
Lynch financial consultant and who has invested in a mutual fund sponsored by a
non-Merrill Lynch company for which Merrill Lynch has served as a selected
dealer and where Merrill Lynch has either received or given notice that such
arrangement will be terminated ("notice"), if the following conditions are
satisfied: first, the investor must purchase Class D shares of the Fund with
proceeds from a redemption of shares of such other mutual fund and such fund was
subject to a sales charge either at the time of purchase or on a deferred basis;
second, such purchase of Class D shares must be made within 90 days after
notice.
Class D shares of the Fund will be offered at net asset value, without a
sales charge, to an investor who has a business relationship with a Merrill
Lynch financial consultant and who has invested in a mutual fund for which
Merrill Lynch has not served as a selected dealer if the following conditions
are satisfied: First, the investor must advise Merrill Lynch that it will
purchase Class D shares of the Fund with proceeds from the redemption of such
shares of other mutual funds and that such shares have been outstanding for a
period of no less than six months. Second, such purchase of Class D shares must
be made within 60 days after the
19
<PAGE> 80
redemption and the proceeds from the redemption must be maintained in the
interim in cash or a money market fund.
TMA(SM) Managed Trusts. Class A shares are offered to TMA(SM) Managed
Trusts to which Merrill Lynch Trust Company provides discretionary trustee
services at net asset value.
Acquisition of Certain Investment Companies. The public offering price of
Class D shares may be reduced to the net asset value per Class D share in
connection with the acquisition of the assets of or merger or consolidation with
a public or private investment company. The value of the assets or company
acquired in a tax-free transaction may be adjusted in appropriate cases to
reduce possible adverse tax consequences to the Fund which might result from an
acquisition of assets having net unrealized appreciation which is
disproportionately higher at the time of acquisition than the realized or
unrealized appreciation of the Fund. The issuance of Class D shares for
consideration other than cash is limited to bona fide reorganizations, statutory
mergers or other acquisitions of portfolio securities which (i) meet the
investment objectives and policies of the Fund; (ii) are acquired for investment
and not for resale (subject to the understanding that the disposition of the
Fund's portfolio securities shall at all times remain within its control); and
(iii) are liquid securities, the value of which is readily ascertainable, which
are not restricted as to transfer either by law or liquidity of market (except
that the Fund may acquire through such transactions restricted or illiquid
securities to the extent the Fund does not exceed the applicable limits on
acquisition of such securities set forth under "Investment Objective and
Policies" herein).
Reductions in or exemptions from the imposition of a sales load are due to
the nature of the investors and/or the reduced sales efforts that will be needed
in obtaining such investments.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Reference is made to "Purchase of Shares -- Distribution Plans" in the
Prospectus for certain information with respect to the separate distribution
plans for Class B, Class C and Class D shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act (each a "Distribution Plan") with respect to the account
maintenance and/or distribution fees paid by the Fund to the Distributor with
respect to such classes.
Payments of the account maintenance fees and/or distribution fees are
subject to the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. 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 fees and/or distribution fees paid to the Distributor. In
their consideration of each Distribution Plan, the Directors must consider all
factors they deem relevant, including information as to the benefits of the
Distribution Plan to the Fund and its related class of shareholder. Each
Distribution Plan further provides that, so long as the Distribution Plan
remains in effect, the selection and nomination of Directors who are not
"interested persons" of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act (the
"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 a
reasonable likelihood that such Distribution Plan will benefit the Fund and its
related class of shareholders. Each Distribution Plan can be terminated at any
time, without penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Independent Directors or
by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding related class of
voting securities of the Fund. A Distribution Plan cannot be amended to increase
materially the amount to be spent by the Fund without the approval of the
related class of shareholder, and all material amendments are required
20
<PAGE> 81
to be approved by the vote of the Directors, including a majority of the
Independent Directors who have no direct or indirect financial interest in such
Distribution Plan, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose. Rule
12b-1 further requires that the Fund preserve copies of each Distribution Plan
and any report made pursuant to such plan for a period of not less than six
years from the date of such Distribution Plan or such report, the first two
years in an easily accessible place.
LIMITATIONS ON THE PAYMENT OF DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
The maximum sales charge rule in the Rules of Fair Practice of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") imposes a limitation on certain
asset-based sales charges such as the distribution fee and the CDSC borne by the
Class B and Class C shares but not the account maintenance fee. The maximum
sales charge rule is applied separately to each class. As applicable to the
Fund, the maximum sales charge rule limits the aggregate of distribution fee
payments and CDSCs payable by the Fund to (1) 6.25% of eligible gross sales of
Class B shares and Class C shares, computed separately (defined to exclude
shares issued pursuant to dividend reinvestments and exchanges), plus (2)
interest on the unpaid balance for the respective class, computed separately, at
the prime rate plus 1% (the unpaid balance being the maximum amount payable
minus amounts received from the payment of the distribution fee and the CDSC).
In connection with the Class B shares, the Distributor has voluntarily agreed to
waive interest charges on the unpaid balance in excess of 0.50% of eligible
gross sales. Consequently, the maximum amount payable to the Distributor
(referred to as the "voluntary maximum") in connection with the Class B shares
is 6.75% of eligible gross sales. The Distributor retains the right to stop
waiving the interest charges at any time. To the extent payments would exceed
the voluntary maximum, the Fund will not make further payments of the
distribution fee with respect to Class B shares, and any CDSCs will be paid to
the Fund rather than to the Distributor; however, the Fund will continue to make
payments of the account maintenance fee. In certain circumstances the amount
payable pursuant to the voluntary maximum may exceed the amount payable under
the NASD formula. In such circumstances payment in excess of the amount payable
under the NASD formula will not be made.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Reference is made to "Redemption of Shares" in the Prospectus for certain
information as to the redemption and repurchase of Fund shares.
The right to redeem shares or to receive payment with respect to any such
redemption may be suspended for more than seven days only for periods during
which trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by 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 the Fund is not reasonably practicable,
and for such other periods as the Commission may by order permit for the
protection of shareholders of the Fund.
The value of shares at the time of redemption may be more or less than the
shareholder's cost, depending on the market value of the securities held by the
Fund at such time.
21
<PAGE> 82
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE -- CLASS B SHARES
As discussed in the Prospectus under "Purchase of Shares -- Deferred Sales
Charge Alternative -- Class B and Class C Shares", while Class B shares redeemed
within four years of purchase are subject to a CDSC under most circumstances,
the charge is waived on redemptions of Class B shares in connection with certain
post-retirement withdrawals from an Individual Retirement Account ("IRA") or
other retirement plan or following the death or disability of a Class B
shareholder. Redemptions for which the waiver applies are: (a) any partial or
complete redemption in connection with a tax-free distribution following
retirement under a tax-deferred retirement plan or attaining age 59 1/2 in the
case of an IRA or other retirement plan or part of a series of equal periodic
payment (not less frequently than annually) made the life (or life expectancy),
or any redemption resulting from the tax-free return of an excess contribution
to an IRA; or (b) any partial or complete redemption following the death or
disability (as defined in the Code) of a Class B shareholder (including one who
owns the Class B shares as joint tenant with his or her spouse), provided the
redemption is requested within one year of the death or initial determination of
disability.
Retirement Plans. Any Retirement Plan which does not meet the
qualifications to purchase Class A or Class D shares at net asset value has the
option of purchasing Class A or Class D shares at the sales charge schedule
disclosed in the Prospectus, or if the Retirement Plan meets the following
requirements, then it may purchase Class B shares with a waiver of the CDSC upon
redemption. The CDSC is waived for any Eligible 401(k) Plan redeeming Class B
shares. "Eligible 401(k) Plan" is defined as a retirement plan qualified under
Section 401(k) of the Code with a salary reduction feature offering a menu of
investments to plan participants. The CDSC is also waived for redemptions from a
401(a) plan qualified under the Code, provided, however, that each such plan has
the same or an affiliated sponsoring employer as an Eligible 401(k) Plan
purchasing Class B shares of MLAM-advised mutual funds ("Eligible 401(a) Plan").
Other tax qualified retirement plans within the meaning of Section 401(a) or
403(b) of the Code which are provided specialized services (e.g., plans whose
participants may direct on a daily basis their plan allocations among a menu of
investments) by independent administration firms contracted through Merrill
Lynch also may purchase Class B shares with a waiver of the CDSC. The CDSC also
is waived for any Class B shares which are purchased by an Eligible 401(k) Plan
or Eligible 401(a) Plan and 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 also is waived for any Class B shares which 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 minimum initial and subsequent
purchase requirements are waived in connection with all the above referenced
Retirement Plans.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors of the Fund, the
Manager is primarily responsible for the execution of the Fund's portfolio
transactions and the allocation of brokerage. In executing such transactions,
the Manager seeks to obtain the best net results for the Fund, 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 Manager generally seeks reasonably competitive commission
rates, the Fund does not necessarily pay the lowest commission or spread
available. The Fund has no obligation to deal with any broker or group of
brokers in execution of transactions in portfolio securities. Subject to
obtaining the best price and execution,
22
<PAGE> 83
brokers who provide supplemental investment research to the Manager may receive
orders for transactions by the Fund. Information so received will be in addition
to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Manager under
the Management Agreement and the expenses of the Manager will not necessarily be
reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information. It is
possible that certain supplementary investment research so received will
primarily benefit one or more other investment companies or other accounts for
which investment discretion is exercised. Conversely, the Fund may be the
primary beneficiary of the research or services received as a result of
portfolio transactions effected for such other accounts or investment companies.
In addition, consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and policies established by the Board of
Directors of the Fund, the Manager may consider sales of shares of the Fund as a
factor in the selection of brokers or dealers to execute portfolio transactions
for the Fund.
The Fund anticipates that its brokerage transactions involving securities
of companies domiciled in countries other than the United States 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 Fund
will endeavor to achieve the best net results in effecting its portfolio
transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of
foreign stock exchanges and brokers than in the United States.
Foreign equity securities may be held by the Fund in the form of ADRs,
EDRs, GDRs or other securities convertible into foreign equity securities. ADRs,
EDRs and GDRs may be listed on stock exchanges or traded in over-the-counter
markets in the United States or Europe, as the case may be. ADRs, like other
securities traded in the United States, as well as GDRs traded in the United
States, will be subject to negotiated commission rates.
The Fund may invest in securities traded in the OTC markets and intends 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, persons affiliated with the Fund
and persons who are affiliated with such affiliated persons are prohibited from
dealing with the Fund as principal in the purchase and sale of securities unless
a permissive order allowing such transactions is obtained from the Commission.
Since transactions in the OTC market usually involve transactions with dealers
acting as principal for their own account, the Fund will not deal with
affiliated persons, including Merrill Lynch and its affiliates, in connection
with such transactions. However, affiliated persons of the Fund may serve as its
broker in OTC 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. See "Investment Objective
and Policies -- Investment Restrictions".
The Fund's ability and decisions 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 Fund are redeemable on a daily
basis in U.S. dollars, the Fund intends to manage its portfolio so as to give
reasonable assurance that it 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 its
portfolio strategy.
23
<PAGE> 84
The Board of Directors has considered the possibilities of seeking to
recapture for the benefit of the Fund brokerage commissions and other expenses
of possible portfolio transactions by conducting portfolio transactions through
affiliated entities. For example, brokerage commissions received by affiliated
brokers could be offset against the advisory fee paid by the Fund. After
considering all factors deemed relevant, the Board of Directors made a
determination not to seek such recapture. The Board will reconsider this matter
from time to time.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Securities Exchange Act"), generally prohibits members of the U.S. national
securities exchanges from executing exchange transactions for their affiliates
and institutional accounts which they manage unless the member (i) has obtained
prior express authorization from the account to effect such transactions, (ii)
at least annually furnishes the account with the aggregate compensation received
by the member in effecting such transactions, and (iii) complies with any rules
the Commission has prescribed with respect to the requirements of clauses (i)
and (ii). To the extent Section 11(a) would apply to Merrill Lynch acting as a
broker for the Fund in any of its portfolio transactions executed on any such
securities exchange of which it is a member, appropriate consents have been
obtained from the Fund and annual statements as to aggregate compensation will
be provided to the Fund.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the shares of the Fund is determined once daily
Monday through Friday at 4:15 p.m., New York time, on each day during which the
New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. The New York Stock Exchange is not
open on New Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 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 Fund also will determine its net asset
value on any day in which there is sufficient trading in its portfolio
securities that the net asset value might be affected materially, but only if on
any such day the Fund is required to sell or redeem shares. Net asset value is
computed by dividing the value of the securities held by the Fund plus any cash
or other assets (including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received)
minus all liabilities (including accrued expenses) by the total number of shares
outstanding at such time. Expenses, including the management fees and any
account maintenance and/or distribution fees, are accrued daily. The per share
net asset value of the Class B, Class C and Class D shares generally will be
lower than the per share net asset value of the Class A shares reflecting the
daily expense accruals of the account maintenance, distribution and higher
transfer agency fees applicable with respect to the 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 its Class D shares reflecting the daily expense accruals of the
distribution fees and higher transfer agency fees applicable with respect to the
Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. It is expected, however that the per
share net asset value of the four classes will tend to converge immediately
after the payment of dividends or distributions, which will differ by
approximately the amount of the expense accrual differential between the
classes.
Portfolio securities which 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. In cases where
securities are traded on more than
24
<PAGE> 85
one exchange, the securities are valued on the exchange designated by or under
the authority of the Board of Directors as the primary market. Securities traded
in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last available bid price in the
over-the-counter market prior to the time of valuation. When the Fund writes a
call option, the amount of the premium received is recorded on the books of the
Fund as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is
subsequently valued to reflect the current market value of the option written,
based upon the last sale price in the case of exchange-traded options or, in the
case of options traded in the over-the-counter market, the last asked price.
Options purchased by the Fund are valued at their last sale price in the case of
exchange-traded options or, in the case of options traded in the
over-the-counter market, the last bid price.
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available
are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction
of the Board of Directors of the Fund.
Generally, trading in foreign 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 the New York Stock Exchange. The values of
such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund's shares are
determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally
determined prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange. Occasionally,
events affecting the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur
between the times at which they are determined and the close of the New York
Stock Exchange which will not be reflected in the computation of the Fund'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.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Fund offers a number of shareholder services described below which are
designed to facilitate investment in its shares. Full details as to each of such
services, copies of the various plans described below and instructions as to how
to participate in the various services or plans, or how to change options with
respect thereto, can be obtained from the Fund, the Distributor or Merrill
Lynch. Certain of these services are available only to U.S. investors.
INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
Each shareholder whose account is maintained at the Transfer Agent has an
Investment Account and will receive statements, at least quarterly, from the
transfer agent. These statements will serve as transaction confirmations for
automatic investment purchases and the reinvestment of income dividends and
long-term capital gain distributions. The statements will also show any other
activity in the account since the preceding statement. Shareholders also will
receive separate confirmations for each purchase or sale transaction other than
reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.
Share certificates are issued only for full shares and only upon the
specific request of the shareholder. Issuance of certificates representing all
or only part of the full shares in an Investment Account may be requested by a
shareholder directly from the transfer agent.
Shareholders considering transferring their Class A or Class D shares from
Merrill Lynch to another brokerage firm or financial institution should be aware
that, if the firm to which the Class A or Class D shares
25
<PAGE> 86
are to be transferred will not take delivery of shares of the Fund, a
shareholder either must redeem the Class A or Class D shares so that the cash
proceeds can be transferred to the account at the new firm or such shareholder
must continue to maintain an Investment Account at the transfer agent for those
Class A or Class D shares. Shareholders interested in transferring their Class B
or Class C shares from Merrill Lynch and who do not wish to have an Investment
Account maintained for such shares at the transfer agent may request their new
brokerage firm to maintain such shares in an account registered in the name of
the brokerage firm for the benefit of the shareholder. If the new brokerage firm
is willing to accommodate the shareholder in this manner, the shareholder must
request that he be issued certificates for his shares and then must turn the
certificates over to the new firm for re-registration as described in the
preceding sentence.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS
A U.S. shareholder may make additions to an Investment Account at any time
by purchasing Class A shares (if he or she is an eligible Class A investor as
described in the Prospectus) or Class B, Class C or Class D shares at the
applicable public offering price either through the shareholder's securities
dealer or by mail directly to the transfer agent, acting as agent for such
securities dealer. Voluntary accumulation also can be made through a service
known as the Automatic Investment Plan whereby the Fund is authorized through
pre-authorized checks or automated clearing house debits of $50 or more to
charge the regular bank account of the shareholder on a regular basis to provide
systematic additions to the Investment Account of such shareholder. An investor
whose shares of the Fund are held within a CMA(R) account may arrange to have
periodic investments made in the Fund in amounts of $100 or more ($1 for
retirement accounts) through the CMA(R) Automatic Investment Program.
AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
Unless specific instructions to the contrary are given as to the method of
payment of dividends and capital gains distributions, dividends and
distributions will be reinvested automatically in additional shares of the Fund.
Such reinvestment will be at the net asset value of the shares of the Fund, as
of the close of business on the ex-dividend date of the dividend or
distribution. Shareholders may elect in writing to receive either their
dividends or capital gains distributions, or both, in cash, in which event
payment will be mailed or direct deposited on or about the payment date.
Shareholders may, at any time, notify the transfer agent in writing or by
telephone (1-800-MER-FUND) that they no longer wish to have their dividends
and/or distributions reinvested in shares of the Fund or vice versa, and
commencing ten days after receipt by the transfer agent of such notice, those
instructions will be effected.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS -- CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
A Class A or Class D shareholder may elect to make systematic withdrawals
from an Investment Account on either a monthly or quarterly basis as provided
below. Quarterly withdrawals are available for shareholders who have acquired
Class A or Class D shares of the Fund having a value, based upon cost or the
current offering price, of $5,000 or more, and monthly withdrawals are available
for shareholders with Class A or Class D shares with such a value of $10,000 or
more.
26
<PAGE> 87
At the time of each withdrawal payment, sufficient Class A or Class D
shares are redeemed from those on deposit in the shareholder's account to
provide the withdrawal payment specified by the shareholder. The shareholder may
specify either a dollar amount or a percentage of the value of his Class A or
Class D shares. Redemptions will be made at net asset value as determined at the
close of business of the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 P.M., New York
City time) on the 24th day of each month or the 24th day of the last month of
each quarter, whichever is applicable. If the Exchange is not open for business
on such date, the Class A or Class D shares will be redeemed at the close of
business on the following business day. The check for the withdrawal payment
will be mailed or the direct deposit of the withdrawal payment will be made on
the next business day following redemption. When a shareholder is making
systematic withdrawals, dividends and distributions on all Class A or Class D
shares in the Investment Account are automatically reinvested in Fund Class A or
Class D shares, respectively. A shareholder's Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be
terminated at any time, without charge or penalty, by the shareholder, the Fund,
the transfer agent or the Distributor.
Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield or income.
Each withdrawal is a taxable event. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed
reinvested dividends, the shareholder's original investment may be
correspondingly reduced. Purchases of additional Class A or Class D shares
concurrent with withdrawals are ordinarily disadvantageous to the shareholder
because of sales charges and tax liabilities. The Fund will not knowingly accept
purchase orders for Class A or Class D shares of the Fund from investors who
maintain a Systematic Withdrawal Plan unless such purchase is equal to at least
one year's scheduled withdrawals or $1,200, whichever is greater. Periodic
investments may not be made into an Investment Account in which the shareholder
has elected to make systematic withdrawals.
A Class A or Class D shareholder whose shares are held within a CMA(R),
CBA(R) or Retirement Account may elect to have shares redeemed on a monthly,
bimonthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis through the Systematic
Redemption Program. The minimum fixed dollar amount redeemable is $25. The
proceeds of systematic redemptions will be posted to the shareholder's account
five business days after the date the shares are redeemed. Monthly systematic
redemptions will be made at net asset value on the first Monday of each month;
bimonthly systematic redemptions will be made at net asset value on the first
Monday of every other month; and quarterly, semiannual or annual redemptions are
made at net asset value on the first Monday of months selected at the
shareholder's option. If the first Monday of the month is a holiday, the
redemption will be processed at net asset value on the next business day. The
Systematic Redemption Program is not available if Fund shares are being
purchased within the account pursuant to the Automatic Investment Program. For
more information on the Systematic Redemption Program, eligible shareholders
should contact their Financial Consultant.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Shareholders of each class of shares of the Fund have an exchange privilege
with certain other MLAM-advised mutual funds listed below. Under the Merrill
Lynch Select PricingSM System, Class A shareholders may exchange Class A shares
of the Fund for Class A shares of a second MLAM-advised mutual fund if the
shareholder holds any Class A shares of the second fund in his account in which
the exchange is made at the time of the exchange or is otherwise eligible to
purchase Class A shares of the second fund. If the Class A shareholder wants to
exchange Class A shares for shares of a second MLAM-advised mutual fund but does
not hold Class A shares of the second fund in his 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
27
<PAGE> 88
fund as a result of the exchange. Class D shares also may be exchanged for Class
A shares of a second MLAM-advised mutual fund at any time as long as, at the
time of the exchange, the shareholder holds Class A shares of the second fund in
the account in which the exchange is made or is otherwise eligible to purchase
Class A shares of the second fund. Class B, Class C and Class D shares will be
exchangeable with shares of the same class of other MLAM-advised mutual funds.
For purposes of computing the CDSC that may be payable upon a disposition of the
shares acquired in the exchange, the holding period for the previously owned
shares of the Fund is "tacked" to the holding period of the newly acquired
shares of the other Fund as more fully described below. Class A, Class B, Class
C and Class D shares also will be exchangeable for shares of certain
MLAM-advised money market funds specifically designated below as available for
exchange by holders of Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D shares. Shares with
a net asset value of at least $100 are required to qualify for the exchange
privilege, and any shares utilized in an exchange must have been held by the
shareholder for 15 days. It is contemplated that the exchange privilege may be
applicable to other new mutual funds whose shares may be distributed by the
Distributor.
Exchanges of Class A or Class D shares outstanding ("outstanding Class A or
Class D shares") for Class A or Class D shares of another MLAM-advised mutual
fund ("new Class A or Class D shares") are transacted on the basis of relative
net asset value per Class A or Class D share, respectively, plus an amount equal
to the difference, if any, between the sales charge previously paid on the
outstanding Class A or Class D shares and the sales charge payable at the time
of the exchange on the new Class A or Class D shares. With respect to
outstanding Class A or Class D shares as to which previous exchanges have taken
place, the "sales charge previously paid" shall include the aggregate of the
sales charge paid with respect to such Class A or Class D shares in the initial
purchase and any subsequent exchange. Class A or Class D shares issued pursuant
to dividend reinvestment are sold on a no-load basis in each of the funds
offering Class A or Class D shares. For purposes of the exchange privilege,
Class A and Class D shares acquired through dividend reinvestment shall be
deemed to have been sold with a sales charge equal to the sales charge
previously paid on the Class A or Class D shares on which the dividend was paid.
Based on this formula, Class A and Class D shares of the Fund generally may be
exchanged into the Class A or Class D shares of the other funds or into shares
of the Class A or Class D money market funds with a reduced or without a sales
charge.
In addition, each of the funds with Class B and Class C shares outstanding
("outstanding Class B or Class C shares") offers to exchange its Class B or
Class C shares for Class B or Class C shares, respectively, of another
MLAM-advised mutual fund ("new Class B or Class C shares") on the basis of
relative net asset value per Class B or Class C share, without the payment of
any CDSC that might otherwise be due on redemption of the outstanding shares.
Class B shareholders of the Fund exercising the exchange privilege will continue
to be subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such schedule is higher than the
CDSC schedule relating to the new Class B shares acquired through use of the
exchange privilege. In addition, Class B shares of the Fund acquired through use
of the exchange privilege will be subject to the Fund's CDSC schedule if such
schedule is higher than the CDSC schedule relating to the Class B shares of the
fund from which the exchange has been made. For purposes of computing the sales
charge that may be payable on a disposition of the new Class B or Class C
shares, the holding period for the outstanding Class B or Class C shares is
"tacked" to the holding period of the new Class B or Class C shares. For
example, an investor may exchange Class B shares of the Fund for those of
Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund, Inc. ("Special Value Fund") after having held
the Fund Class B shares for two and a half years. The 2% sales charge 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
28
<PAGE> 89
by "tacking" the two and a half year holding period of Fund Class B shares to
the three year holding period for the Special Value Fund Class B shares, the
investor will be deemed to have held the new Class B shares for more than five
years.
Shareholders also may exchange shares of the Fund into shares of a money
market fund advised by the Manager or its affiliates, but the period of time
that Class B or Class C shares are held in a money market fund will not count
towards satisfaction of the holding period requirement for purposes of reducing
the CDSC or with respect to Class B shares, towards satisfaction of the
conversion period. However, shares of a money market fund which were acquired as
a result of an exchange for Class B or Class C shares of the Fund may, in turn,
be exchanged back into Class B or Class C shares, respectively, of any fund
offering such shares, in which event the holding period for Class B or Class C
shares of the fund will be aggregated with previous holding periods for purposes
of reducing the CDSC. Thus, for example, an investor may exchange Class B shares
of the Fund for shares of Merrill Lynch Institutional Fund ("Institutional
Fund") after having held the Fund Class B shares for two and a half years and
three years later decide to redeem the shares of Institutional Fund for cash. At
the time of this redemption, the 2% CDSC that would have been due had the Class
B shares of the Fund been redeemed for cash rather than exchanged for shares of
Institutional Fund will be payable. If instead of such redemption the
shareholder exchanged such shares for Class B shares of a fund which the
shareholder continued to hold for an additional two and a half years, any
subsequent redemption will not incur a CDSC.
Set forth below is a description of the investment objectives of the other
funds into which exchanges can be made:
Funds Issuing Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Shares:
MERRILL LYNCH ADJUSTABLE RATE
SECURITIES FUND, INC. High current income consistent with a policy of
limiting the degree of fluctuation in net asset
value by investing primarily in a portfolio of
adjustable rate securities, consisting
principally of mortgage-backed and asset-backed
securities.
MERRILL LYNCH AMERICAS INCOME
FUND, INC. A high level of current income, consistent with
prudent investment risk, by investing primarily
in debt securities denominated in a currency of
a country located in the Western Hemisphere
(i.e., North and South America and the
surrounding waters).
MERRILL LYNCH ARIZONA LIMITED
MATURITY MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide as
high a level of income exempt from Federal and
Arizona income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management through
investment in a portfolio primarily of
intermediate-term investment grade Arizona
Municipal Bonds.
29
<PAGE> 90
MERRILL LYNCH ARIZONA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide investors with as high
a level of income exempt from Federal and
Arizona income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management.
MERRILL LYNCH ARKANSAS
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series Fund, whose
objective is to provide as high a level of
income exempt from Federal and Arkansas income
taxes as is consistent with prudent investment
management.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET
GROWTH FUND, INC. High total investment return, consistent with
prudent risk, from investment in United States
and foreign equity, debt and money market
securities the combination of which will be
varied both with respect to types of securities
and markets in response to changing market and
economic trends.
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET
INCOME FUND, INC. A high level of current income through
investment primarily in United States fixed
income securities.
MERRILL LYNCH BALANCED FUND
FOR INVESTMENT AND
RETIREMENT As high a level of total investment return as
is consistent with reasonable risk by investing
in common stocks and other types of securities,
including fixed income securities and
convertible securities.
MERRILL LYNCH BASIC VALUE
FUND, INC. Capital appreciation and, secondarily, income
through investment in securities, primarily
equities, that are undervalued and therefore
represent basic investment value.
MERRILL LYNCH CALIFORNIA
INSURED MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch California
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide shareholders with as
high a level of income exempt from Federal and
California income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management through
investment in a portfolio consisting primarily
of insured California Municipal Bonds.
30
<PAGE> 91
MERRILL LYNCH CALIFORNIA
LIMITED MATURITY MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide
shareholders with as high a level of income
exempt from Federal and California income taxes
as is consistent with prudent investment
management through investment in a portfolio
primarily of intermediate-term investment grade
California Municipal Bonds.
MERRILL LYNCH CALIFORNIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch California
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide investors with as high
a level of income exempt from Federal and
California income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management.
MERRILL LYNCH CAPITAL
FUND, INC. The highest total investment return consistent
with prudent risk through a fully managed
investment policy utilizing equity, debt and
convertible securities.
MERRILL LYNCH COLORADO
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide as high a level of
income exempt from Federal and Colorado income
taxes as is consistent with prudent investment
management.
MERRILL LYNCH CONNECTICUT
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide as high a level of
income exempt from Federal and Connecticut
income taxes as is consistent with prudent
investment management.
MERRILL LYNCH CORPORATE BOND
FUND, INC. Current income from three separate diversified
portfolios of fixed income securities.
MERRILL LYNCH DEVELOPING
CAPITAL MARKETS FUND, INC. Long-term appreciation through investment in
securities, principally equities, of issuers in
countries having smaller capital markets.
MERRILL LYNCH DRAGON
FUND, INC. Capital appreciation primarily through
investment in equity and debt securities of
issuers domiciled in developing countries
located in Asia and the Pacific Basin, other
than Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
31
<PAGE> 92
MERRILL LYNCH EUROFUND Capital appreciation primarily through
investment in equity securities of corporations
domiciled in Europe.
MERRILL LYNCH FEDERAL
SECURITIES TRUST High current return through investments in U.S.
Government and Government agency securities,
including GNMA mortgage-backed certificates and
other mortgage-backed Government securities.
MERRILL LYNCH FLORIDA LIMITED
MATURITY MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide as
high a level of income exempt from Federal
income taxes as is consistent with prudent
investment management while serving to offer
shareholders the opportunity to own securities
exempt from Florida intangible personal
property taxes through investment in a
portfolio primarily of intermediate-term
investment grade Florida Municipal Bonds.
MERRILL LYNCH FLORIDA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide as high a level of
income exempt from Federal income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment management
while seeking to offer shareholders the
opportunity to own securities exempt from
Florida intangible personal property taxes.
MERRILL LYNCH FUND FOR
TOMORROW, INC. Long-term growth through investment in a
quality-oriented portfolio of securities,
primarily common stocks, of issuers,
potentially positioned to benefit from
demographic and cultural changes as they affect
consumer markets.
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDAMENTAL
GROWTH FUND, INC. Long-term growth through investment in a
diversified portfolio of equity securities
placing particular emphasis on companies that
have exhibited above-average growth rates in
earnings.
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL
ALLOCATION FUND, INC. High total return consistent with prudent risk,
through a fully managed investment policy
utilizing U.S. and foreign equity, debt and
money market securities, the combination of
which will be varied from time to time both
with respect to the types of securities and
markets in response to changing market and
economic trends.
32
<PAGE> 93
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL BOND FUND
FOR INVESTMENT AND
RETIREMENT High total investment return from investment in
a global portfolio of debt investments
denominated in various currencies and
multinational currency units.
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL
CONVERTIBLE FUND, INC. High total return from investment primarily in
an internationally diversified portfolio of
convertible debt securities, convertible
preferred stock and "synthetic" convertible
securities consisting of a combination of debt
securities or preferred stock and warrants or
options.
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL HOLDINGS
(RESIDENTS OF ARIZONA MUST
MEET INVESTOR SUITABILITY
STANDARDS) The highest total investment return consistent
with prudent risk through worldwide investment
in an internationally diversified portfolio of
securities.
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL
RESOURCES TRUST Long-term growth and protection of capital from
investment in securities of domestic and
foreign companies that possess substantial
natural resource assets.
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL UTILITY
FUND, INC. Capital appreciation and current income through
investment of at least 65% of its total assets
in equity and debt securities issued by
domestic and foreign companies which are
primarily engaged in the ownership or operation
of facilities used to generate, transmit or
distribute electricity, telecommunications, gas
or water.
MERRILL LYNCH GROWTH FUND FOR
INVESTMENT AND RETIREMENT Growth of capital and, secondarily, income from
investment in a diversified portfolio of equity
securities placing principal emphasis on those
securities which management of the fund
believes to be undervalued.
MERRILL LYNCH HEALTHCARE FUND,
INC. (RESIDENTS OF
WISCONSIN MUST MEET INVESTOR
SUITABILITY STANDARDS) Capital appreciation through worldwide
investment in equity securities of companies
that derive or are expected to derive a
substantial portion of their sales from
products and services in healthcare.
33
<PAGE> 94
MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL
EQUITY FUND Capital appreciation and, secondarily, income
by investing in a diversified portfolio of
equity securities of issuers located in
countries other than the United States.
MERRILL LYNCH LATIN AMERICA
FUND, INC. Capital appreciation by investing primarily in
Latin American equity and debt securities.
MERRILL LYNCH MARYLAND
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide as high a level of
income exempt from Federal and Maryland income
taxes as is consistent with prudent investment
management.
MERRILL LYNCH MASSACHUSETTS
LIMITED MATURITY MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide as
high a level of income exempt from Federal and
Massachusetts income taxes as is consistent
with prudent investment management through
investment in a portfolio primarily of
intermediate-term investment grade
Massachusetts Municipal Bonds.
MERRILL LYNCH MASSACHUSETTS
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide as high a level of
income exempt from Federal and Massachusetts
income taxes as is consistent with prudent
investment management.
MERRILL LYNCH MICHIGAN LIMITED
MATURITY MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide as
high a level of income exempt from Federal and
Michigan income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management through
investment in a portfolio primarily of
intermediate-term investment grade Michigan
Municipal Bonds.
MERRILL LYNCH MICHIGAN
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide as high a level of
income exempt from Federal and Michigan income
taxes as is consistent with prudent investment
management.
34
<PAGE> 95
MERRILL LYNCH MINNESOTA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide as high a level of
income exempt from Federal and Minnesota
personal income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management.
MERRILL LYNCH MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND, INC. Tax-exempt income from three separate
diversified portfolios of municipal bonds.
MERRILL LYNCH MUNICIPAL
INTERMEDIATE TERM FUND Currently the only portfolio of Merrill Lynch
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide as high a level as
possible of income exempt from Federal income
taxes by investing in investment grade
obligations with a dollar weighted average
maturity of five to twelve years.
MERRILL LYNCH NEW JERSEY
LIMITED MATURITY
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide as
high a level of income exempt from Federal and
New Jersey income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management through a
portfolio primarily of intermediate-term
investment grade New Jersey Municipal Bonds.
MERRILL LYNCH NEW JERSEY
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide as high a level of
income exempt from Federal and New Jersey
income taxes as is consistent with prudent
investment management.
MERRILL LYNCH NEW MEXICO
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide as high a level of
income exempt from Federal and New Mexico
income taxes as is consistent with prudent
investment management.
MERRILL LYNCH NEW YORK
LIMITED MATURITY
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide as
high a level of income exempt from Federal, New
York State and New York City income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment management
through investment in a portfolio primarily of
intermediate-term investment grade New York
Municipal Bonds.
35
<PAGE> 96
MERRILL LYNCH NEW YORK
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is as high a level of income exempt
from Federal, New York State and New York City
income taxes as is consistent with prudent
investment management.
MERRILL LYNCH NORTH CAROLINA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is as high a level of income exempt
from Federal and North Carolina income taxes as
is consistent with prudent investment
management.
MERRILL LYNCH OHIO
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is as high a level of income exempt
from Federal and Ohio income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment management.
MERRILL LYNCH OREGON
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is as high a level of income exempt
from Federal and Oregon income taxes as is
consistent with prudent investment management.
MERRILL LYNCH PACIFIC
FUND, INC. Capital appreciation by investing in equity
securities of corporations domiciled in Far
Eastern and Western Pacific countries,
including Japan, Australia, Hong Kong,
Singapore and the Philippines.
MERRILL LYNCH PENNSYLVANIA
LIMITED MATURITY
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust, a
series fund, whose objective is to provide as
high a level of income exempt from Federal and
Pennsylvania income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management through
investment in a portfolio of intermediate-term
investment grade Pennsylvania Municipal Bonds.
MERRILL LYNCH PENNSYLVANIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is as high a level of income exempt
from Federal and Pennsylvania income taxes as
is consistent with prudent investment
management.
36
<PAGE> 97
MERRILL LYNCH PHOENIX
FUND, INC. Long-term growth of capital by investing in
equity and fixed income securities, including
tax-exempt securities, of issuers in weak
financial condition or experiencing poor
operating results believed to be undervalued
relative to the current or prospective
condition of such issuer.
MERRILL LYNCH SHORT-TERM
GLOBAL INCOME FUND, INC. As high a level of current income as is
consistent with prudent investment management
from a global portfolio of high quality debt
securities denominated in various currencies
and multinational currency units and having
remaining maturities not exceeding three years.
MERRILL LYNCH SPECIAL VALUE
FUND, INC. Long-term growth of capital from investments in
securities, primarily common stocks, of
relatively small companies believed to have
special investment value and emerging growth
companies regardless of size.
MERRILL LYNCH STRATEGIC
DIVIDEND FUND Long-term total return from investment in
dividend paying common stocks which yield more
than Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
Price Index.
MERRILL LYNCH TECHNOLOGY FUND,
INC. Capital appreciation through worldwide
investment in equity securities of companies
that derive or are expected to derive a
substantial portion of their sales from
products and services in technology.
MERRILL LYNCH TEXAS MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objective is as high a level of income exempt
from Federal income taxes as is consistent with
prudent investment management by investing
primarily in a portfolio of long-term,
investment grade obligations issued by the
State of Texas, its political subdivisions,
agencies and instrumentalities.
MERRILL LYNCH UTILITY INCOME
FUND, INC. High current income through investment in
equity and debt securities issued by companies
which are primarily engaged in the ownership or
operation of facilities used to generate,
transmit or distribute electricity,
telecommunications, gas or water.
37
<PAGE> 98
MERRILL LYNCH WORLD INCOME
FUND, INC. High current income by investing in a global
portfolio of fixed income securities
denominated in various currencies, including
multinational currencies.
Class A Money Market Funds:
MERRILL LYNCH READY ASSETS
TRUST Preservation of capital, liquidity and the
highest possible current income consistent with
the foregoing objectives from the short-term
money market securities in which the Trust
invests.
MERRILL LYNCH RETIREMENT
RESERVES MONEY FUND
(available only for
exchanges within certain
retirement plans)........... Currently the only portfolio of Merrill Lynch
Retirement Series Trust, a series fund, whose
objectives are current income, preservation of
capital and liquidity available from investing
in a diversified portfolio of short-term money
market securities.
MERRILL LYNCH U.S.A.
GOVERNMENT RESERVES Preservation of capital, current income and
liquidity available from investing in direct
obligations of the U.S. Government and
repurchase agreements relating to such
securities.
MERRILL LYNCH U.S. TREASURY
MONEY FUND Preservation of capital, liquidity and current
income through investment exclusively in a
diversified portfolio of short-term marketable
securities which are direct obligations of the
U.S. Treasury.
Class B, Class C and Class D
Money Market Funds:
MERRILL LYNCH GOVERNMENT FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Funds for
Institutions Series, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide current income
consistent with liquidity and security of
principal from investment in securities issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies and instrumentalities and in
repurchase agreements secured by such
obligations.
MERRILL LYNCH INSTITUTIONAL
FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Funds for
Institutions Series, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide maximum current income
consistent with liquidity and the maintenance
of a high-quality portfolio of money market
securities.
38
<PAGE> 99
MERRILL LYNCH INSTITUTIONAL
TAX-EXEMPT FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Funds for
Institutions Series, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide current income exempt
from Federal income taxes, preservation of
capital and liquidity available from investing
in a diversified portfolio of short-term, high
quality municipal bonds.
MERRILL LYNCH TREASURY FUND A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Funds for
Institutions Series, a series fund, whose
objective is to provide current income
consistent with liquidity and security of
principal from investment in direct obligations
of the U.S. Treasury and up to 10% of its total
assets in repurchase agreements secured by such
obligations.
Before effecting an exchange, shareholders of the Fund should obtain a
currently effective prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is to be
made.
To exercise the exchange privilege, shareholders should contact their
Merrill Lynch financial consultant, who will advise the Fund of the exchange.
Shareholders of the Fund, and shareholders of the other funds described above,
with shares for which certificates have not been issued may exercise the
exchange privilege by wire through their securities dealers. The Fund reserves
the right to require a properly completed Exchange Application. This exchange
privilege may be modified or terminated in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund reserves the right to limit the
number of times an investor may exercise the exchange privilege. Certain funds
may suspend the continuous offering of their shares 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. In addition, the exchange privilege also may be modified if the Merrill
Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System is adopted. See "Purchase of Shares --
Alternative Sales Arrangements."
TAXES
The Fund intends to elect and to qualify for the special tax treatment
afforded regulated investment companies ("RICs") under the Code. If it so
qualifies, the Fund (but not its shareholders) will not be subject to Federal
income tax on the part of its net ordinary income and net realized capital gains
which it distributes to Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders
(together, the "shareholders"). The Fund intends to distribute substantially all
of such income.
Dividends paid by the Fund from its ordinary income and distributions of
the Fund's net realized short-term capital gains (together referred to hereafter
as "ordinary income dividends") are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
Distributions made from the Fund's net realized long-term capital gains
(including long-term gains from certain transactions in futures and options)
("capital gain dividends") are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital
gains, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has owned Fund shares.
Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares held for six months or less,
however, will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital
gain dividends received by the shareholder. Distributions in excess of the
Fund's earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a
holder's shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will
constitute capital gains to such holder (assuming the shares are held as a
capital asset).
39
<PAGE> 100
Dividends are taxable to shareholders even though they are reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund. Not later than 60 days after the close of its
taxable year, the Fund will provide its shareholders with a written notice
designating the amounts of any ordinary income dividends or capital gain
dividends. A portion of the Fund's ordinary income dividends may be eligible for
the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code, if
certain requirements are met. For this purpose, the Fund will allocate dividends
eligible for the dividends received deduction among the Class A, Class B, Class
C and Class D shareholders according to a method (which it believes is
consistent with the Commission's exemptive order permitting the issuance and
sale of multiple classes of stock) that is based on the gross income allocable
to Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders during the taxable year,
or such other method as the Internal Revenue Service may prescribe. If the Fund
pays a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October, November
or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months,
then such dividend will be treated for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund
and received by its shareholders on December 31 of the year in which such
dividend was declared.
Ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund to shareholders who are
nonresident aliens or foreign entities will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding
tax under existing provisions of the Code applicable to foreign individuals and
entities unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is
provided under applicable treaty law. Nonresident shareholders are urged to
consult their own tax advisers concerning the applicability of the U.S.
withholding tax.
Under certain provisions of the Code, some shareholders may be subject to a
31% withholding tax on ordinary income dividends, capital gain dividends, and
redemption payments ("backup withholding"). Generally, shareholders subject to
backup withholding will be those for whom no certified taxpayer identification
number is on file with the Fund or who, to the Fund's knowledge, have furnished
an incorrect number. When establishing an account, an investor must certify
under penalty of perjury that such number is correct and that such investor is
not otherwise subject to backup withholding.
Dividends and interest received by the Fund may give rise to withholding
and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain
countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders may be
able to claim U.S. foreign tax credits with respect to such taxes, subject to
certain conditions and limitations contained in the Code. For example, certain
retirement accounts cannot claim foreign tax credits on investments in foreign
securities held in the Fund. If more than 50% in value of the Fund's total
assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign
corporations, the Fund will be eligible, and intends, to file an election with
the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to which shareholders of the Fund will be
required to include their proportionate shares of such withholding taxes in
their U.S. income tax returns as gross income, treat such proportionate shares
as taxes paid by them and deduct such proportionate shares in computing their
taxable incomes or, alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits against their
U.S. income taxes. No deductions for foreign taxes, however, may be claimed by
noncorporate shareholders who do not itemize deductions. A shareholder that is a
nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation may be subject to U.S.
withholding tax on the income resulting from the Fund's election described in
this paragraph but may not be able to claim a credit or deduction against such
U.S. tax for the foreign taxes treated as having been paid by such shareholder.
The Fund will report annually to its shareholders the amount per share of such
withholding taxes. For this purpose, the Fund will allocate foreign taxes and
foreign source income among the Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D
shareholders according to a method similar to that described above for the
allocation of dividends eligible for the dividends received deduction.
40
<PAGE> 101
No gain or loss will be recognized by Class B shareholders on the
conversion of their Class B shares into Class D shares. A shareholder's basis in
the Class D shares acquired will be the same as such shareholder's basis in the
Class B shares converted, and the holding period of the acquired Class D shares
will include the holding period for the converted Class B shares.
If a shareholder exercises an exchange privilege within 90 days of
acquiring the shares, then the loss the shareholder can recognize on the
exchange will be reduced (or the gain increased) to the extent any sales charge
paid to the Fund on the exchanged shares reduces any sales charge the
shareholder would have owed upon purchase of the new shares in the absence of
the exchange privilege. Instead, such sales charge will be treated as an amount
paid for the new shares.
A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be
disallowed if other Fund shares are acquired (whether through the automatic
reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days
before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In
such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss.
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 Fund intends to distribute its income and
capital gains in the manner necessary to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax,
there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund's taxable income
and capital gains will be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the
tax. In such event, the Fund will be liable for the tax only on the amount by
which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of
closed-end investment companies. If the Fund purchases shares of an investment
company (or similar investment entity) organized under foreign law, the Fund
will be treated as owning shares in a passive foreign investment company
("PFIC") for U.S. Federal income tax purposes. The Fund may be subject to U.S.
Federal income tax, and an additional tax in the nature of interest (the
"interest charge"), on a portion of the distributions from such a company and on
gain from the disposition of the shares of such a company (collectively referred
to as "excess distributions"), even if such excess distributions are paid by the
Fund as a dividend to its shareholders. The Fund may be eligible to make an
election with respect to certain PFICs in which it owns shares that will allow
it to avoid the taxes on excess distributions. However, such election may cause
the Fund to recognize income in a particular year in excess of the distributions
received from such PFICs. Alternatively, under proposed regulations the Fund
would be able to elect to "mark to market" at the end of each taxable year all
shares that it holds in PFICs. If it made this election, the Fund would
recognize as ordinary income any increase in the value of such shares.
Unrealized losses, however, would not be recognized. By making the
mark-to-market election, the Fund could avoid imposition of the interest charge
with respect to its distributions from PFICs, but in any particular year might
be required to recognize income in excess of the distributions it received from
PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock.
The Fund may invest in securities rated in the medium to lower rating
categories of nationally recognized rating organizations, and in unrated
securities ("high yield/high risk securities"), as described in the Prospectus.
Some of these high yield/high risk securities may be purchased at a discount and
may therefore cause the Fund to accrue income before amounts due under the
obligations are paid. In addition, a portion of the interest payments on such
high yield/high risk securities may be treated as dividends for federal income
41
<PAGE> 102
tax purposes; in such case, if the issuer of such high yield/high risk
securities is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Fund will be
eligible for the dividends received deduction to the extent of the deemed
dividend portion of such interest payments.
TAX TREATMENT OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may write, purchase or sell options, futures or forward foreign
exchange contracts. Options and futures contracts that are "Section 1256
contracts" will be "marked to market" for Federal income tax purposes at the end
of each taxable year, i.e., each such option or futures contract will be treated
as sold for its fair market value on the last day of the taxable year. Unless
such contract is a forward foreign exchange contract, or is a non-equity option
or a regulated futures contract for a non-U.S. currency for which the Fund
elects to have gain or loss treated as ordinary gain or loss under Code Section
988 (as described below), gain or loss from Section 1256 contracts will be 60%
long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. The mark-to-market rules
outlined above, however, will not apply to certain transactions entered into by
the Fund solely to reduce the risk of changes in price or interest or currency
exchange rates with respect to its investments.
A forward foreign exchange contract that is a Section 1256 contract will be
marked to market, as described above. However, the character of gain or loss
from such a contract will generally be ordinary under Code Section 988. The Fund
may, nonetheless, elect to treat the gain or loss from certain forward foreign
exchange contracts as capital. In this case, gain or loss realized in connection
with a forward foreign exchange contract that is a Section 1256 contract will be
characterized as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss.
Code Section 1092, which applies to certain "straddles", may affect the
taxation of the Fund's transactions in options, futures and forward foreign
exchange contracts. Under Section 1092, the Fund may be required to postpone
recognition for tax purposes of losses incurred in certain closing transactions
in options and futures contracts.
One of the requirements for qualification as a RIC is that less than 30% of
the Fund's gross income be derived from gains from the sale or other disposition
of securities held for less than three months. Accordingly, the Fund may be
restricted in effecting closing transactions within three months after entering
into an options or futures contract.
SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
In general, gains from "foreign currencies" and from foreign currency
options, foreign currency futures and forward foreign exchange contracts
relating to investments in stock, securities or foreign currencies will be
qualifying income for purposes of determining whether the Fund qualifies as a
RIC. It is currently unclear, however, who will be treated as the issuer of a
foreign currency instrument or how foreign currency options, foreign currency
futures and forward foreign exchange contracts will be valued for purposes of
the RIC diversification requirements applicable to the Fund.
Under Code Section 988, special rules are provided for certain transactions
in a currency other than the taxpayer's functional currency (i.e., unless
certain special rules apply, currencies other than the U.S. dollar). In general,
foreign currency gains or losses from certain debt instruments, from certain
forward contracts, from futures contracts that are not "regulated futures
contracts" and from unlisted options will be treated as ordinary income or loss
under Code Section 988. In certain circumstances, the Fund may elect capital
gain or
42
<PAGE> 103
loss treatment for such transactions. Regulated futures contracts, as described
above, will be taxed under Code Section 1256 unless application of Section 988
is elected by the Fund. In general, however, Code Section 988 gains or losses
will increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable
income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income.
Additionally, if Code Section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable
income during a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to make any ordinary
income dividend distributions, and any distributions made before the losses were
realized but in the same taxable year would be recharacterized as a return of
capital to shareholders, thereby reducing the basis of each shareholder's Fund
shares, and resulting in a capital gain for any shareholder who received a
distribution greater than the shareholder's tax basis in Fund shares (assuming
the shares were held as a capital asset). These rules and the mark-to-market
rules described above, however, will not apply to certain transactions entered
into by the Fund solely to reduce the risk of currency fluctuations with respect
to its investments.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable
provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations presently in effect. For the
complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and
the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder. The Code and the Treasury
regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative action either
prospectively or retroactively.
Ordinary income and capital gain dividends may also be subject to state and
local taxes.
Certain states exempt from state income taxation dividends paid by RICs
which are derived from interest on U.S. Government obligations. State law varies
as to whether dividend income attributable to U.S. 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
Fund.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time the Fund may include its average annual total return and
other total return data in advertisements or information furnished to present or
prospective shareholders. Total return figures are based on the Fund's
historical performance and are not intended to indicate future performance.
Average annual total return is determined separately for Class A, Class B, Class
C and Class D shares in accordance with a formula specified by the Commission.
Average annual total return quotations for the specified periods are
computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return (based on net
investment income and any realized and unrealized capital gains or losses on
portfolio investments over such periods) that would equate the initial amount
invested to the redeemable value of such investment at the end of each period.
Average annual total return is computed assuming all dividends and distributions
are reinvested and taking into account all applicable recurring and nonrecurring
expenses, including the maximum sales charge in the case of Class A and Class D
shares and the CDSC that would be applicable to a complete redemption of the
investment at the end of the specified period in the case of Class B and Class C
shares.
The Fund also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total return
and aggregate total return performance data, both as a percentage and as a
dollar amount based on a hypothetical $1,000 investment, for various periods
other than those noted below. Such data will be computed as described above,
except that
43
<PAGE> 104
(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.
In order to reflect the reduced sales charges, in the case of Class A
shares, or the waiver of the contingent deferred sales charge, in the case of
Class B shares, applicable to certain investors, as described under "Purchase of
Shares" and "Redemption of Shares", respectively, the total return data quoted
by the Fund in advertisements directed to such investors may take into account
reduced, and not the maximum, sales charge or may not take into account the
contingent deferred sales charge 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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Fund was incorporated under Maryland law on April 12, 1994. It has an
authorized capital of 400,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per
share. At the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the shares of
the Fund are divided into Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares, each of
which consists of 100,000,000 shares. Under the Articles of Incorporation of the
Fund, the Directors have the authority to issue separate classes of shares which
would represent interests in the assets of the Fund and have identical voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions except
that expenses related to the distribution and/or account maintenance of the
shares of a class may be borne solely by such class, and a class may have
exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to the expenses being
borne only by such class. The Fund has received an order (the "Multi-Class
System Order") from the Commission permitting the issuance and sale of multiple
classes of shares. The Multi-Class System Order permits the Fund to issue
additional classes of shares if the Board of Directors deems such reissuance to
be in the best interest of the Fund. Upon liquidation of the Fund, shareholders
of each class are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of the Fund
available for distribution to shareholders, except for any expenses which may be
attributable only to one class. Shares have no preemptive rights. The
redemption, conversion and exchange rights are described elsewhere herein and in
the Prospectus. Shares issued are fully paid and nonassessable by the Fund.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and
fractional votes for fractional shares held in the election of Directors (to the
extent hereafter provided) and on other matters submitted to a vote of
shareholders, except that shareholders of a class bearing distribution and/or
account maintenance expenses as provided above shall have exclusive voting
rights with respect to matters relating to such distribution and/or account
maintenance expenditures. The Fund does not intend to hold annual meetings of
shareholders in any year in which the Investment Company Act does not require
shareholders to elect Directors. Also, the by-laws of the Fund require that a
special meeting of stockholders be held upon the written request of at least 10%
of the outstanding shares of the Fund entitled to vote at such meeting, if they
comply with applicable Maryland
44
<PAGE> 105
law. Voting rights for Directors are not cumulative. Each share of Common Stock
is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by
the Fund and in the net assets of the Fund upon liquidation or dissolution after
satisfaction of outstanding liabilities, except that expenses related to the
account maintenance and/or distribution of the shares within a class will be
borne solely by such class. Stock certificates are issued by the transfer agent
only on specific request. Certificates for fractional shares are not issued in
any case.
The Manager provided the initial capital for the Fund by purchasing 10,000
shares of common stock of the Fund for $100,000. Such shares were acquired for
investment and can only be disposed of by redemption. The organizational
expenses of the Fund (estimated at approximately $88,100) will be paid by the
Fund and will be amortized over a period not exceeding five years. The proceeds
realized by the Manager upon the redemption of any of the shares initially
purchased by it will be reduced by the proportional amount of the unamortized
organizational expenses which the number of such initial shares being redeemed
bears to the number of shares initially purchased.
COMPUTATION OF OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
An illustration of the computation of the offering price for Class B and
Class D shares of the Fund based on the projected value of the Fund's net assets
and shares outstanding as of September 30, 1994, is as set forth below.
Information is not provided for new Class A shares or Class C shares since no
new Class A shares or Class C shares were publicly offered prior to the date of
this Statement of Additional Information. The offering price for Class B and
Class C shares of the Fund is the net asset value of Class B and Class C shares,
respectively.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS D
(FORMERLY
CLASS B CLASS A)
------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Net Assets.............................................. $133,104,797 $27,175,711
=========== ==========
Number of Shares Outstanding............................ 13,481,384 2,748,978
=========== ==========
Net Asset Value Per Share (net assets divided by number
of shares outstanding)................................ $ 9.87 $ 9.89
Sales Charge (for Class D Shares:
5.25% of offering price (5.54% of net amount
invested*))........................................... ** 0.55
------------ -----------
Offering Price.......................................... $ 9.87 $ 10.44
=========== ==========
</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 contingent deferred sales charge on
redemption of shares. See "Purchase of Shares -- Deferred Sales
Charge Alternatives -- Class B and Class C Shares" in the
Prospectus and "Redemption of Shares -- Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge -- Class B Shares" herein.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 117 Campus Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, has
been selected as the independent auditors of the Fund. The selection of
independent auditors is subject to ratification by the shareholders of the Fund.
The independent auditors are responsible for auditing the annual financial
statements of the Fund.
45
<PAGE> 106
CUSTODIAN
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(the "Custodian"), acts as the custodian of the Fund's assets. Under its
contract with the Fund, the Custodian is authorized, among other things, to
establish separate accounts in foreign currencies and to cause foreign
securities owned by the Fund to be held in its offices outside the U.S. and with
certain foreign banks and securities depositories. The Custodian is responsible
for safeguarding and controlling the Fund's cash and securities, handling the
receipt and delivery of securities and collecting interest and dividends on the
Fund's investments.
TRANSFER AGENT
Financial Data Services, Inc., Transfer Agency Mutual Fund Operations, 4800
Deer Lake Drive East, Jacksonville, Florida 32246-6484, acts as the Fund's
transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent"). The Transfer Agent is responsible for the
issuance, transfer and redemption of shares and the opening, maintenance and
servicing of shareholder accounts. See "Management of the Fund -- Transfer
Agency Services" in the Prospectus.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Brown & Wood, One World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0557, is
counsel for the Fund.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The fiscal year of the Fund ends on June 30 of each year. The Fund sends to
its shareholders at least semi-annually reports showing the Fund's portfolio and
other information. An annual report, containing financial statements audited by
independent auditors, is sent to shareholders each year. After the end of each
year shareholders will receive Federal income tax information regarding
dividends and capital gains distributions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits
relating thereto, which the Fund has filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act, and the Investment
Company Act, to which reference is hereby made.
Under a separate agreement, Merrill Lynch has granted the Fund 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 Fund at any time or to grant the use of such name
to any other company, and the Fund has granted Merrill Lynch, under certain
conditions, the use of any other name it might assume in the future, with
respect to any corporation organized by Merrill Lynch.
To the knowledge of the Fund, no person or entity owned beneficially 5% or
more of the Fund's common stock on September 30, 1994.
46
<PAGE> 107
APPENDIX
RATINGS OF DEBT SECURITIES
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.'S
("MOODY'S") CORPORATE 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 edged". 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 risk appear
somewhat larger than the 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 some time 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 the 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 B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher
47
<PAGE> 108
end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range
ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of
its generic rating category.
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
The term "commercial paper" as used by Moody's means promissory obligations
not having an original maturity in excess of nine months. Moody's makes no
representations as to whether such commercial paper is by any other definition
"commercial paper" or is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.
Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in
excess of nine months. Moody's makes no representation that such obligations are
exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, nor does it represent
that any specific note is a valid obligation of a rated issuer or issued in
conformity with any applicable law. Moody's employs the following three
designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative
repayment capacity of rated issuers.
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability
will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:
-- Leading market positions in well established industries.
-- High rates of return on funds employed.
-- Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on
debt and ample asset protection.
-- Broad margins in 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 promissory obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. The effect of
industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced.
Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of
debt protection measurements and may require 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 Commercial Paper 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.
48
<PAGE> 109
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS
Because of the fundamental differences between preferred stocks and bonds,
a variation of the bond rating symbols is being used in the quality ranking of
preferred stocks. The symbols presented below are designed to avoid comparison
with bond quality in absolute terms. It should always be borne in mind that
preferred stock occupies a junior position to bonds within a particular capital
structure and that these securities are rated within the universe of preferred
stocks.
Preferred stock rating symbols and their definitions are as follows:
"aaa" An issue which is rated "aaa" is considered to be a top-quality preferred
stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of
dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.
"aa" An issue which is rated "aa" is considered a high-grade preferred stock.
This rating indicates that there is reasonable assurance the earnings and
asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in the
foreseeable future.
"a" An issue which is rated "a" is considered to be an upper-medium grade
preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in
the "aaa" and "aa" classifications, earnings and asset protection are,
nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.
"baa" An issue which is rated "baa" is considered to be a medium grade
preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings
and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable
over any great length of time.
"ba" An issue which is rated "ba" is considered to have speculative elements
and its future cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset
protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse
periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this
class.
"b" An issue which is rated "b" generally lacks the characteristics of a
desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of
other terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.
"caa" An issue which is rated "caa" is likely to be in arrears on dividend
payments. This rating designation does not purport to indicate the future
status of payments.
"ca" An issue which is rated "ca" is speculative in a high degree and is
likely to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual
payments.
"c" This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. 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 rating
classification: 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 that the issue ranks in the lower end of
its generic rating category.
49
<PAGE> 110
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP'S
("STANDARD & POOR'S") CORPORATE DEBT RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's corporate or municipal debt rating is a current
assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific
obligation. This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as
guarantors, insurers or lessees.
The debt 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 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.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
(1) likelihood of default capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the
terms of the obligation; (2) nature of and provisions of the obligation; and (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.
AAA Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small
degree.
A Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt
in higher rated categories.
BBB Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay
interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher
rated categories.
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded as having predominantly
speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and
C the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which
could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and
principal payments. The BB rating category is also used for debt
subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
BBB- rating.
50
<PAGE> 111
B Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments.
Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely
impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
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 Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default,
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 The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt that is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.
C The rating C typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating
may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been
filed, but debt service payments are continued.
CI The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used
when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date
due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless
Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during
such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of
a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments 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 dependent 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
51
<PAGE> 112
failure of, such completion. The investor should exercise his own
judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.
* 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.
Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories
are rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal 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 COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt considered short-term in the relevant
market. Ratings are graded into several categories, ranging from "A-l" for the
highest quality obligations to "D" for the lowest. These categories are as
follows:
A-1 This highest category indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated "A-1".
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely payment.
They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
B Issues rated "B" are regarded as having only speculative capacity for
timely payment.
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful
capacity for payment.
D Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due, even
if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's
believes that such payments will be made during such grace period.
A commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase, 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.
52
<PAGE> 113
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's preferred stock rating is an assessment of the capacity
and willingness of an issuer to pay preferred stock dividends and any applicable
sinking fund obligations. A preferred stock rating differs from a bond rating
inasmuch as it is assigned to an equity issue, which issue is intrinsically
different from, and subordinated to, a debt issue. Therefore, to reflect this
difference, the preferred stock rating symbol will normally not be higher than
the debt rating symbol assigned to, or that would be assigned to, the senior
debt of the same issuer.
The preferred stock ratings are based on the following considerations:
I. Likelihood of payment-capacity and willingness of the issuer to meet the
timely payment of preferred stock dividends and any applicable sinking
fund requirements in accordance with the terms of the obligation.
II. Nature of, and provisions of, the issue.
III. Relative position of the issue in the event of bankruptcy,
reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and
other laws affecting or creditors' rights.
AAA This is the highest rating that may be assigned by Standard & Poor's to a
preferred stock issue and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay
the preferred stock obligations.
AA A preferred stock issue rated "AA" also qualifies as a high-quality filed
income security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations is very
strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated "AAA".
A An issue rated "A" is backed by a sound capacity to pay the preferred
stock obligations, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.
BBB An issue rated "BBB" is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay
the preferred stock obligations. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make
payments for a preferred stock in this category than for issues in the
"A" category.
BB Preferred stock rated "BB", "B", and "CCC" are regarded, on balance, as
B predominately speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
CCC preferred stock obligations. "BB" indicates the lowest degree of
speculation and "CCC" the highest degree of speculation. While such
issues will likely have some quality and protective characteristics,
these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to
adverse conditions.
CC The rating "CC" is reserved for a preferred stock issue in arrears on
dividends or sinking fund payments but that is currently paying.
C A preferred stock rated "C" is a non-paying issue.
D A preferred stock rated "D" is a non-paying issue with the issuer in
default on debt instruments.
NR Indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not
rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
53
<PAGE> 114
Plus (+) or minus (-): To provide more detailed indications of preferred
stock quality, 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.
A preferred stock 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.
54
<PAGE> 115
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors and Shareholder,
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND, INC.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Merrill
Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc. as of June 14, 1994. This financial statement
is the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on this financial statement based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such statement of assets and liabilities presents fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund,
Inc. as of June 14, 1994 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
June 15, 1994
55
<PAGE> 116
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
JUNE 14, 1994
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Assets:
Cash in Bank...................................................................... $100,000
Prepaid registration fees (Note 3)................................................ 109,700
Deferred organization expenses (Note 4)........................................... 88,100
--------
Total Assets................................................................. 297,800
Liabilities -- accrued expenses................................................... 197,800
--------
Net Assets (equivalent to $10.00 per share on 5,000 Class A shares of common stock
(par value $0.10) and 5,000 Class B shares of common stock (par value $0.10)
outstanding with 200,000,000 shares authorized) (Note 1)........................ $100,000
========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
Notes to Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(1) Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") was organized as a
Maryland corporation on April 12, 1994. The Fund is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end management investment
company.
(2) The Fund intends to enter into a Management Agreement (the "Management
Agreement") with Merrill Lynch Asset Management (the "Manager"), and
distribution agreements (the "Distribution Agreements") with Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor"). (See "Management of the
Fund -- Management and Advisory Arrangements" in the Statement of
Additional Information.) Certain officers and/or directors of the Fund are
officers and/or directors of the Manager and the Distributor.
(3) Prepaid registration fees are charged to income as the related shares are
issued.
(4) Deferred organization expenses will be amortized over a period from the date
the Fund commences operations not exceeding five years. In the event that
the Manager (or any subsequent holder) redeems any of its original shares
prior to the end of the five-year period, the proceeds of the redemption
payable in respect of such shares shall be reduced by the pro rata share
(based on the proportionate share of the original shares redeemed to the
total number of original shares outstanding at the time of redemption) of
the unamortized deferred organization expenses as of the date of such
redemption. In the event that the Fund is liquidated prior to the end of
the five-year period, the Manager (or any subsequent holder) shall bear the
unamortized deferred organization expenses.
56
<PAGE> 117
THE FOLLOWING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FUND FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 5,
1994 (COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1994, ARE UNAUDITED. THESE
UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REFLECT ALL ADJUSTMENTS WHICH ARE, IN THE
OPINION OF MANAGEMENT, NECESSARY TO A FAIR STATEMENT OF THE RESULTS FOR THE
INTERIM PERIOD PRESENTED. ALL SUCH ADJUSTMENTS ARE OF A NORMAL RECURRING NATURE.
57
<PAGE> 118
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE PERCENT OF
INDUSTRIES SHARES HELD INVESTMENTS COST (NOTE 1A) NET ASSETS
-------------------- ----------- ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
EUROPE
Austria Utilities -- Electric 30,000 Oesterreichische
Elektrizitats AG
(Verbund)................... $ 1,796,047 $ 1,816,433 1.1%
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in
Austria..................... 1,796,047 1,816,433 1.1
------------ ------------ ---
Belgium Building Materials 6,300 Glaverbel S.A. (Ordinary).... 1,001,340 840,659 0.5
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in
Belgium..................... 1,001,340 840,659 0.5
------------ ------------ ---
Finland 75,000
Engineering & Valmet Corporation, Class
A........................... 1,502,031 1,413,928 0.9
------------ ------------ ---
Construction Total Investments in
Finland..................... 1,502,031 1,413,928 0.9
------------ ------------ ---
Germany Capital Goods 20,000 Kloeckner Werke AG........... 2,054,758 1,768,883 1.1
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in
Germany..................... 2,054,758 1,768,883 1.1
------------ ------------ ---
Ireland Banking & Financial 700,000 Anglo Irish Bank Corp. PLC... 607,595 589,718 0.4
Foods 71,000 Greencore Group PLC.......... 427,417 426,453 0.3
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in
Ireland..................... 1,035,012 1,016,171 0.7
------------ ------------ ---
Italy Building & 387,400 Fochi Filippo (Ordinary)..... 1,197,342 1,198,965 0.8
Construction
Home Furnishings 70,000 Merloni Electrodomestici..... 115,354 120,907 0.1
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in Italy... 1,312,696 1,319,872 0.9
------------ ------------ ---
India Insurance 70,000 Videocon International Ltd.
(ADR)....................... 612,500 402,500 0.3
Tobacco 30,500 Indian Tobacco Co.
(ADR)(a).................... 785,375 598,715 0.4
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in India... 1,397,875 1,001,215 0.7
------------ ------------ ---
Netherlands Capital Goods 19,000 Ahrend Groep NV.............. 1,547,278 1,837,473 1.1
Retail Trade 36,700 Deboer Winkelbedr............ 1,396,936 1,427,728 0.9
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in the
Netherlands................. 2,944,214 3,265,201 2.0
------------ ------------ ---
Spain Forest Products 45,000 Empresa National de Celulosas
S.A......................... 1,008,393 1,130,697 0.7
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in Spain... 1,008,393 1,130,697 0.7
------------ ------------ ---
Sweden Engineering & 99,000 Svedala Industri 'AB' Free... 2,129,815 2,119,092 1.3
Construction
Forest Products/ 1,120,000 Rottneros Bruks 'AB' Free.... 1,536,254 1,618,216 1.0
------------ ------------ ---
Paper & Packaging Total Investments in
Sweden...................... 3,666,069 3,737,308 2.3
------------ ------------ ---
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Switzerland Engineering & 1,010 Daetwyler Holdings AG........ 1,775,725 1,780,965 1.1
Construction 1,725 STG Schweiz Industries....... 1,802,127 1,705,527 1.1
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in
Switzerland................. 3,577,852 3,486,492 2.2
------------ ------------ ---
Turkey Building Materials 12,800 Cim Izmir Cim Fab Tas........ 29,681 30,316 0.0
Beverages 20,000 Erciyas Biracili............. 19,708 19,006 0.0
Steel 1,295,000 Izmir Demir Celik Sanayii
AS.......................... 97,129 109,810 0.1
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in
Turkey...................... 146,518 159,132 0.1
------------ ------------ ---
United Kingdom Automobile Parts 47,000 Autoliv 'AB'................. 1,524,195 1,414,735 0.9
100,000 Croda International PLC
(Ordinary).................. 578,822 556,681 0.3
------------ ------------ ---
2,103,017 1,971,416 1.2
Building & 450,000 Amec PLC..................... 820,536 766,422 0.5
Construction 1,000,000 Costain Group PLC
(Ordinary).................. 435,213 346,940 0.2
------------ ------------ ---
1,255,749 1,113,362 0.7
Diversified 680,000 Howden Group PLC............. 1,006,478 919,549 0.6
</TABLE>
58
<PAGE> 119
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE PERCENT OF
INDUSTRIES SHARES HELD INVESTMENTS COST (NOTE 1A) NET ASSETS
-------------------- ----------- ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
United Kingdom Food & Beverage 250,000 Hazlewood Foods PLC.......... $ 554,983 $ 477,043 0.3%
(concluded) Health/Personal Care 480,000 London International Group
(Ordinary).................. 705,957 666,125 0.4
Manufacturing 85,000 Low & Bonar PLC (Ordinary)... 574,006 545,563 0.3
Media/Publishing 300,000 International Business
Communications (Ordinary)... 1,043,116 1,073,937 0.7
Transportation 230,000 Ocean Group PLC (Ordinary)... 981,019 921,283 0.6
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in the
United Kingdom.............. 8,224,325 7,688,278 4.8
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in
Europe...................... 29,667,130 28,644,269 18.0
------------ ------------ ---
LATIN AMERICA
Argentina Electrical Equipment 645,000 Astra Corp................... 1,450,852 1,451,395 0.9
Tobacco 100,126 Nobleza Piccando S.A......... 501,811 490,667 0.3
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in
Argentina................... 1,952,663 1,942,062 1.2
------------ ------------ ---
Brazil Energy 36,900,000 Compania Brasil Petro
Ipiranga (Preferred)........ 609,941 627,993 0.4
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in
Brazil...................... 609,941 627,993 0.4
------------ ------------ ---
Mexico Banking 8,800 Servicios Financieros
Quadrum, S.A. de C.V.
(ADR)(a).................... 161,700 140,800 0.1
Financial Services 75,500 Grupo Financiero (GBM)
Atlantico, S.A. de C.V...... 1,549,260 1,528,875 1.0
Leisure 80,000 Grupo Posadas, S.A. de C.V.
(ADR)(a).................... 1,431,600 1,820,000 1.1
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in
Mexico...................... 3,142,560 3,489,675 2.2
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in Latin
America..................... 5,705,164 6,059,730 3.8
------------ ------------ ---
NORTH AMERICA
Canada Mining 60,000 Cambior Inc.................. 796,219 950,408 0.6
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in
Canada...................... 796,219 950,408 0.6
------------ ------------ ---
United States Apparel 28,300 Farah, Inc................... 362,194 321,913 0.2
Auto Parts 71,000 Capco Automotive Products.... 946,359 896,375 0.6
Banking 30,000 Co-op Bank of Concord........ 535,773 495,000 0.3
73,500 UNC Inc...................... 435,488 477,750 0.3
------------ ------------ ---
971,261 972,750 0.6
Banks & Finance 50,000 Charter One Financial Inc.... 1,061,620 1,012,500 0.6
Biotechnology 10,000 Genetic Therapy Inc.......... 100,050 77,500 0.1
Computer Services 80,000 Cognos Inc................... 970,000 1,030,000 0.6
Computer Software 65,000 Symantec Corp................ 869,250 958,750 0.6
Computers 25,000 System House Inc............. 125,000 137,500 0.1
Electrical Equipment 20,000 Comptek Research............. 238,700 297,500 0.2
Engineering & 12,000 Blount Inc. (Class A)........ 523,696 528,000 0.3
Construction
Financial Services 70,000 Roosevelt Financial Group
Inc......................... 1,134,338 1,155,000 0.7
Healthcare -- 90,000 Beverly Enterprises.......... 1,194,853 1,383,750 0.9
Products/Services 53,800 Ramsey Health Care........... 330,777 390,050 0.2
------------ ------------ ---
1,525,630 1,773,800 1.1
Home -- Builders 20,000 Washington Homes Inc......... 106,000 105,000 0.1
Hotel(s) 90,400 Four Seasons Hotels Inc...... 986,371 1,070,571 0.7
Household Products 30,000 Crown Crafts Inc............. 447,788 487,500 0.3
Industrials 75,000 Burlington Industries,
Inc......................... 873,330 787,500 0.5
Insurance 29,000 Ace Limited.................. 683,240 696,000 0.4
</TABLE>
59
<PAGE> 120
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE PERCENT OF
INDUSTRIES SHARES HELD INVESTMENTS COST (NOTE 1A) NET ASSETS
-------------------- ----------- ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
United States 10,000 Capital Guaranty Corp........ $ 154,350 $ 153,750 0.1%
(concluded) 50,000 First Colony Corp............ 1,052,038 1,043,750 0.7
22,500 Harleysville Group Inc....... 459,037 556,875 0.4
35,000 PXRE Corp.................... 813,325 988,750 0.6
20,000 Partner Holdings Ltd......... 421,250 430,000 0.3
47,500 Security -- Connecticut
Corp........................ 1,003,162 979,688 0.6
------------ ------------ ---
4,586,402 4,848,813 3.1
Manufactured 51,000 Redman Industries, Inc....... 913,875 943,500 0.6
Housing
Medical Services 70,000 Applied Bioscience
International Inc........... 439,525 367,500 0.2
14,000 Coram Healthcare Corp........ 185,465 260,750 0.2
------------ ------------ ---
624,990 628,250 0.4
Oil & Gas Producers 20,000 Brown (Tom) Inc.............. 227,050 270,000 0.2
Oil -- Integrated 50,000 Total Petroleum (North
America) Ltd................ 613,000 668,750 0.4
Petroleum 100,000 COHO Resources, Inc.......... 466,689 500,000 0.3
51,600 Plains Resources, Inc........ 322,500 354,750 0.2
------------ ------------ ---
789,189 854,750 0.5
Pharmaceutical -- 5,000 Cor Therapeutics, Inc........ 70,000 73,750 0.0
Diversified 15,000 Liposome Inc................. 77,864 108,750 0.1
------------ ------------ ---
147,864 182,500 0.1
Real Estate 27,000 Carr Realty Corp............. 539,996 546,750 0.3
50,000 Crown American Realty
Trust....................... 726,750 668,750 0.4
------------ ------------ ---
1,266,746 1,215,500 0.7
Restaurants 28,000 TPI Enterprises Inc.......... 176,007 178,500 0.1
Retail Stores 13,500 Catherines Stores............ 139,591 128,250 0.1
15,000 J. Baker Inc................. 281,250 305,625 0.2
10,000 Jones Apparel Group Inc...... 221,850 245,000 0.2
20,000 Pier 1 Imports Inc........... 166,000 160,000 0.1
75,000 Service Merchandise Company
Inc......................... 394,375 478,125 0.3
------------ ------------ ---
1,203,066 1,317,000 0.9
Savings and Loan 7,500 Bankers Corp................. 113,737 127,500 0.1
Associations
Utilities -- Gas 91,600 BC Gas....................... 1,003,176 990,824 0.6
Utilities -- Water 10,000 American Water Works Company,
Inc......................... 276,850 263,750 0.2
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in the
United States............... 23,183,539 24,101,796 15.2
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in North
America..................... 23,979,758 25,052,204 15.8
------------ ------------ ---
</TABLE>
60
<PAGE> 121
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE PERCENT OF
INDUSTRIES SHARES HELD INVESTMENTS COST (NOTE 1a) NET ASSETS
-------------------- ----------- ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PACIFIC BASIN
Hong Kong Banking 3,857,000 Winton Holdings Ltd.......... $ 1,403,726 $ 1,347,781 0.8%
Broadcasting & 1,772,000 Ming Pao Enterprise Corp.
Publishing Ltd......................... 1,335,877 1,272,807 0.8
Distribution 11,650 Amway Asia Pacific Ltd....... 347,629 350,956 0.2
Machinery 841,000 Beiren Printing Machinery,
(Class H)................... 456,480 421,224 0.3
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments in Hong
Kong........................ 3,543,712 3,392,768 2.1
------------ ------------ ---
Japan Automobile Parts 19,000 Murakami Corp................ 594,422 576,923 0.4
65,000 Sanoh Industrial............. 893,990 828,947 0.5
45,000 Yamakawa Industrial Co....... 520,901 560,223 0.4
------------ ------------ ---
2,009,313 1,966,093 1.3
Beverages 71,000 Hokkaido Coca-Cola Bottling
Co.......................... 1,189,890 1,142,611 0.7
68,000 Sanyo Coca-Cola Bottling Co.,
Ltd......................... 1,130,306 1,032,389 0.6
------------ ------------ ---
2,320,196 2,175,000 1.3
Biotechnology 36,000 Kanto Biomedical
Laboratory.................. 769,958 765,182 0.5
Chemicals 57,000 Katakura Chikkarin Co.,
Ltd......................... 696,214 680,769 0.4
Computer Software 34,800 TKC Corp..................... 1,161,607 1,109,514 0.7
Conglomerates 87,000 Goldwin Inc.................. 1,144,223 1,039,069 0.7
56,000 Marufuji Sheet Piling........ 617,486 565,101 0.4
------------ ------------ ---
1,761,709 1,604,170 1.1
Containers 109,000 Tomoku Co., Ltd.............. 859,183 824,119 0.5
Distribution 20,000 Arcland Sakamoto............. 476,480 463,563 0.3
Electrical Equipment 67,000 Energy Support............... 514,606 518,097 0.3
Electronics 27,000 Japan CBM Corp............... 1,048,326 1,019,332 0.6
25,000 Shinmei Electric Co.......... 1,299,199 1,113,360 0.7
------------ ------------ ---
2,347,525 2,132,692 1.3
Engineering & 50,000 Ichiken Co., Ltd............. 1,462,638 1,315,790 0.8
Construction 49,900 Japan Foundation
Engineering................. 1,237,740 1,191,943 0.7
52,000 Sukegawa Electric Co......... 682,343 552,632 0.3
107,000 Yondenko Corp................ 1,048,451 1,008,269 0.6
------------ ------------ ---
4,431,172 4,068,634 2.4
Financial Services 12,700 Bank of the Ryukyus.......... 753,533 719,838 0.5
Foods/Food 26,000 Ariake Japan Co. Ltd......... 1,117,058 1,134,210 0.7
Processing 98,000 Fuji Oil..................... 896,906 892,712 0.6
------------ ------------ ---
2,013,964 2,026,922 1.3
Health Services 50,000 SRL Inc...................... 1,188,600 1,148,785 0.7
Home -- Builders 36,000 Tsuchiya Home Co............. 1,467,244 1,512,146 0.9
Household Durables 27,000 Nitori Co.................... 1,171,047 1,175,101 0.7
Household Products 75,000 Daika Corporation............ 1,260,017 1,093,117 0.7
Leasing 47,000 Nissho Iwai Steel Leasing
Co.......................... 624,366 523,279 0.3
Machinery 46,640 Giken Seisakusho Co. Inc..... 1,454,121 1,180,162 0.7
99,000 Organa Corp.................. 1,162,214 1,142,308 0.7
77,000 Showa Manufacturing Co....... 761,869 717,783 0.5
------------ ------------ ---
3,378,204 3,040,253 1.9
Manufacturing 42,000 Roland Corp.................. 1,070,029 947,976 0.6
65,000 Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd.......... 589,799 592,105 0.4
------------ ------------ ---
1,659,828 1,540,081 1.0
</TABLE>
61
<PAGE> 122
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE PERCENT OF
INDUSTRIES SHARES HELD INVESTMENTS COST (NOTE 1a) NET ASSETS
-------------------- ----------- ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Japan Metal(s) 95,000 Nippon Chutetsukan........... $ 650,474 $ 596,154 0.4%
(concluded) Packaging 28,000 Chuo Kagaku Co. Ltd.......... 1,512,887 1,360,324 0.9
Pharmaceuticals 12,000 Towa Pharmaceutical Co....... 1,006,174 1,005,668 0.6
Real Estate 53,000 Keihanshin Real Estate....... 525,507 536,437 0.3
28,000 TOC Corp..................... 596,958 592,308 0.4
------------ ------------ ----
1,122,465 1,128,745 0.7
------------ ------------ ----
Restaurants 24,000 Aim Services Co., Ltd........ 88,364 13,765 0.5
26,000 Mos Food Services............ 1,052,945 1,021,053 0.6
36,000 Ohsho Food Service Corp...... 1,200,059 1,136,842 0.7
------------ ------------ ----
3,041,368 2,971,660 1.8
Retail Specialty 25,000 Home Wide Corp............... 614,084 569,332 0.4
Retail Stores 109,000 Sotetsu Rosen................ 1,022,033 976,366 0.6
Semiconductor(s) 36,000 Ado Electric Industrial
Co.......................... 1,216,265 1,220,648 0.8
31,000 Maspro Denkoh Corp........... 1,066,883 1,038,563 0.7
------------ ------------ ----
2,283,148 2,259,211 1.5
Steel 70,000 Mory Industries.............. 605,050 567,510 0.4
Technology 17,000 Roki Techno Co., Ltd......... 583,149 595,344 0.4
Textiles 77,000 Komatsu Seiren Co., Ltd...... 1,179,255 1,145,648 0.7
Trucking 52,000 Nippon Konpu Unyu Soko....... 537,035 502,632 0.3
65,000 Tonami Transportation........ 518,492 546,053 0.3
------------ ------------ ----
1,055,527 1,048,685 0.6
------------ ------------ ----
Total Investments in Japan... 45,540,380 43,312,004 27.1
------------ ------------ ----
Malaysia Broadcast -- Media 270,000 Sistem Televisyen Malaysia... 799,585 705,814 0.4
Foods 123,000 Nestle AG BHD................ 796,356 758,252 0.5
Newspaper/ 384,000 New Straits Times Press
Publishing BHD......................... 1,574,923 1,543,192 1.0
------------ ------------ ----
Total Investments in
Malaysia.................... 3,170,864 3,007,258 1.9
------------ ------------ ----
New Zealand Broadcasting & 229,000 Independent News Ltd......... 711,948 696,182 0.4
Publishing ------------ ------------ ----
Total Investments in New
Zealand..................... 711,948 696,182 0.4
------------ ------------ ----
Total Investments in the
Pacific Basin............... 52,966,904 50,408,210 31.5
------------ ------------ ----
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Indonesia Banking 241,000 PT Bank Bali................. 693,604 659,045 0.4
Consumer -- Goods 17,000 PT Wicaksana Overseas
International............... 29,430 41,019 0.0
------------ ------------ ----
Total Investments in
Indonesia................... 723,004 700,064 0.4
------------ ------------ ----
Thailand Real Estate 158,000 Bangkok Land Co., Ltd........ 521,516 518,863 0.3
Telecommunications 21,800 United Communication Industry
(Foreign)................... 590,048 621,610 0.4
------------ ------------ ----
Total Investments in
Thailand.................... 1,111,564 1,140,473 0.7
------------ ------------ ----
Total Investments in
Southeast Asia.............. 1,834,598 1,840,537 1.1
------------ ------------ ----
</TABLE>
62
<PAGE> 123
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE VALUE PERCENT OF
INDUSTRIES AMOUNT SHORT-TERM SECURITIES COST (NOTE 1a) NET ASSETS
-------------------- ----------- ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Commercial Paper* $3,226,000 General Electric Capital
Corp., 4.95%
due 10/03/1994.............. $ 3,225,112 $ 3,225,113 2.0%
5,000,000 Student Loan Marketing
Association, 4.73% due
10/20/1994.................. 4,987,518 4,987,518 3.1
------------ ------------ ----
Total Investments in
Commercial Paper*........... 8,212,630 8,212,631 5.1
------------ ------------ ----
US Government & 25,000,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Agency Obligations* Corp., 4.75% due
10/25/1994.................. 24,920,833 24,920,833 15.5
20,000,000 Federal National Mortgage
Association, 4.83% due
10/31/1994.................. 19,919,500 19,919,500 12.4
US Treasury Bills:
30,000 4.54% due 12/22/1994......... 29,689 29,676 0.0
350,000 4.55% due 12/22/1994......... 321,932 346,224 0.2
20,000 4.57% due 12/22/1994......... 19,791 19,784 0.0
50,000 4.77% due 12/22/1994......... 49,456 49,461 0.0
------------ ------------ ----
Total Investments in US
Government & Agency
Obligations................. 45,261,201 45,285,478 28.1
------------ ------------ ----
Total Investments in
Short-Term
Securities.................. 53,473,831 53,498,109 33.2
------------ ------------ ----
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS/ PREMIUMS
FACE AMOUNT OPTIONS PURCHASED PAID
----------- ----------------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Call Options $ 85,839 Topix Index, expiring
Purchased September 1995
at Yen 231.................. $ 200,000 $ 160,948 0.0%
Currency Put 7,000,000 Japanese Yen, expiring
Options Purchased February 1995
at Yen 100.................. 146,300 136,500 0.0
10,000,000 Japanese Yen, expiring
February 1995
at Yen 101.................. 200,000 156,000 0.0
------------ ------------ ---
Total Options Purchased...... 546,300 453,448 0.0
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments............ 168,173,685 165,956,507 103.4
============ ============ ========
</TABLE>
63
<PAGE> 124
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS/ PREMIUMS VALUE PERCENT OF
INDUSTRIES FACE AMOUNT OPTIONS WRITTEN RECEIVED (NOTE 1a) NET ASSETS
-------------------- ----------- ----------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Currency Call 17,000,000 Japanese Yen, expiring
Options Written February 1995
at Y96...................... $ (346,300) $ (302,250) 0.0%
------------ ------------ ---
Total Options Written........ (346,300) (302,250) 0.0
------------ ------------ ---
Total Investments, Net of
Options
Written..................... 167,827,385 165,654,257 103.4
============ ============ ========
Unrealized Depreciation on
Forward Foreign Exchange
Contracts**................. (194,896) (0.1)
Variation Margin on Stock
Index Futures
Contracts***................ (62,400) 0.0
Liabilities in Excess of
Other Assets................ (5,116,453) (3.3)
------------ ---
Net Assets................... $160,280,508 100.0%
============ =========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) American Depositary Receipt (ADR).
* Commercial Paper and certain US Government & Agency Obligations are traded
on a discount basis; the interest rates shown are the discount rates paid at
the time of purchase by the Fund.
** Forward foreign exchange contracts as of September 30, 1994 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOREIGN UNREALIZED
CURRENCY EXPIRATION DEPRECIATION
SOLD DATE (NOTE 1c)
- ---------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Y1,484,125,000 February 1995 $ (194,896)
TOTAL (US
COMMITMENT -- $15,000,000) (194,896)
-------------
TOTAL UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION ON
FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE
CONTRACTS $ (194,896)
==========
</TABLE>
*** Stock index futures contracts as of September 30, 1994 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF EXPIRATION VALUE
CONTRACTS ISSUE DATE (NOTE 1e)
- ---------- ------------ -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
39 S&P Index December 1994 $ 9,033,375
-------------
TOTAL STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS (TOTAL
CONTRACT
PRICE -- $9,155,925) $ 9,033,375
===========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
64
<PAGE> 125
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND, INC. SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITES (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments, at value (identified cost--$167,627,385) (Note 1a)........ $165,503,059
Put options purchased, at value (cost--$546,300) (Notes 1a & 1d)....... 453,448
Foreign cash........................................................... 3,083,662
Receivables:
Securities sold.................................................... $ 6,808,139
Capital shares sold................................................ 2,735,084
Dividends.......................................................... 147,284 9,690,507
-----------
Deferred organization expenses (Note 1h)............................... 88,100
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1h)................... 109,700
------------
Total assets.................................................. 178,928,476
------------
LIABILITIES:
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign exchange contracts (Note
1c).................................................................. 194,896
Call options written, at value (premium received--$346,300)
(Notes 1a & 1d)...................................................... 302,250
Payables:
Securities purchased............................................... 17,102,910
Capital shares redeemed............................................ 263,512
Distributor (Note 2)............................................... 107,788
Investment adviser (Note 2)........................................ 105,078
Variation margin (Note 1e)......................................... 62,400 17,641,688
-----------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities................................. 509,134
------------
Total liabilities............................................. 18,647,968
------------
NET ASSETS:
Net assets.................................................... $160,280,508
============
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
Class A Shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, 100,000,000 shares
authorized........................................................... $ 274,898
Class B Shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, 100,000,000 shares
authorized........................................................... 1,348,138
Paid-in capital in excess of par....................................... 160,658,321
Undistributed investment income--net................................... 226,104
Undistributed realized capital gains on investments and foreign
currency transactions--net........................................... 237,996
Unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency
transactions--net.................................................... (2,464,949)
------------
Net assets.................................................... $160,280,508
============
NET ASSET VALUE:
Class A--Based on net assets of $27,175,711 and 2,748,978 shares
outstanding.......................................................... $ 9.89
============
Class B--Based on net assets of $133,104,797 and 13,481,384 shares
outstanding.......................................................... $ 9.87
============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
65
<PAGE> 126
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND, INC. SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 5, 1994+
TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (NOTES 1f & 1g):
Interest and discount earned..................................... $ 501,805
Dividends (net of $19,644 foreign withholding tax)............... 227,462
-----------
Total income........................................... 729,267
-----------
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fee (Note 2)................................. 182,083
Distribution and maintenance fees--Class B (Note 2).............. 177,599
Custodian fees................................................... 39,678
Transfer agent fees--Class B (Note 2)............................ 34,789
Registration fees (Note 1h)...................................... 17,230
Accounting services (Note 2)..................................... 11,478
Printing and shareholder reports................................. 10,901
Maintenance fee--Class A (Note 2)................................ 9,154
Transfer agent fees--Class A (Note 2)............................ 6,107
Directors' fees and expenses..................................... 5,018
Professional fees................................................ 4,008
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1h).................. 2,589
Pricing fees..................................................... 441
Other............................................................ 2,088
-----------
Total expenses................................................... 503,163
-----------
Investment income--net........................................... 226,104
-----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS & FOREIGN
CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS--NET (NOTES 1c, 1g & 3):
Realized gain (loss) from:
Investment--net............................................. $ 302,318
Foreign currency transactions--net.......................... (64,322) 237,996
-----------
Unrealized depreciation on:
Investments--net............................................ (2,285,927)
Foreign currency transactions--net.......................... (179,022) (2,464,949)
----------- -----------
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments and foreign
currency transactions.......................................... (2,226,953)
-----------
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS............. $(2,000,849)
==========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
+ Commencement of Operations.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
66
<PAGE> 127
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND, INC. SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 5, 1994+ TO
SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
------------------
<S> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Investment income--net................................................ $ 226,104
Realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions--net... 237,996
Unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency
transactions--net.................................................... (2,464,949)
------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations.................. (2,000,849)
------------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 4):
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions.... 162,181,357
------------
NET ASSETS:
Total increase in net assets.......................................... 160,180,508
Beginning of period................................................... 100,000
------------
End of period*........................................................ $160,280,508
===========
*Undistributed investment income--net................................. $ 226,104
===========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
+ Commencement of Operations.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
67
<PAGE> 128
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND, INC. SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
The following per share data and ratios have been derived from information
provided in the financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 5, 1994+ TO
SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
----------------------
CLASS A CLASS B
------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE:
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..................................... $ 10.00 $ 10.00
------- --------
Investment income--net................................................... 0.02 0.01
Realized and unrealized loss on investments and foreign currency
transactions--net...................................................... (0.13) (0.14)
------- --------
Total from investment operations......................................... (0.11) (0.13)
------- --------
Net asset value, end of period....................................... $ 9.89 $ 9.87
======== =========
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:**
Based on net asset value per share....................................... (1.10)%++ (1.30)%++
======== =========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses, excluding account maintenance and distribution fees............ 1.45%* 1.48%*
======== =========
Expenses................................................................. 1.70%* 2.48%*
======== =========
Investment income--net................................................... 1.70%* 0.92%*
======== =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)................................. $27,176 $133,105
======== =========
Portfolio turnover....................................................... 1.83% 1.83%
======== =========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Annualized.
** Total investment returns exclude the effect of sales loads.
+ Commencement of Operations.
++ Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
68
<PAGE> 129
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund (the "Fund') is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment
company. Prior to commencement of operations on August 5, 1994, the Fund had no
operations other than those relating to organizational matters and the issue of
10,000 capital shares of the Fund to Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P.
("MLAM") for $100,000. The shares of the Fund are divided into Class A Shares
and Class B Shares. Class A Shares are sold with a front-end sales charge. Class
B Shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Both classes of
shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the
same terms and conditions, except that Class A Shares bear the expenses of the
account maintenance fee and Class B Shares bear the expenses of the account
maintenance fee and distribution fee and have exclusive voting rights with
respect to matters relating to such distribution expenditures. The following is
a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments -- Portfolio securities which are traded on
stock exchanges are valued at the last sale price 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. Securities
and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at
fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of
Directors of the Fund. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are
valued at the last available bid price in the over-the-counter market prior to
the time of valuation. 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 Board of Directors as the primary market. Short-term securities
are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Securities and
assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair
value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of
Directors of the Fund.
Options written by the Fund are valued at the last asked price in the case
of exchange-traded options or in the case of options traded in the
over-the-counter market, at the average of the last asked price as obtained from
one or more dealers. Options purchased by the Fund are valued at their last bid
price in the case of exchange-traded options or in the case of options traded in
the over-the-counter market, at the average of the last bid price as obtained
from two or more dealers, unless there is only one dealer, in which case that
dealer's price is used.
(b) Repurchase agreements -- The Fund invests in US Government securities
pursuant to repurchase agreements with a member bank of the Federal Reserve
System or a primary dealer in US Government securities. Under such agreements,
the bank or primary dealer agrees to repurchase the security at a mutually
agreed upon time and price. The Fund takes possession of the underlying
securities, marks to market such securities and, if necessary, receives
additions to such securities daily to ensure that the contract is fully
collateralized.
69
<PAGE> 130
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: -- (CONTINUED)
(c) Foreign currency transactions -- Transactions denominated in foreign
currencies are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing when recognized. Assets
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are valued at the exchange
rate at the end of the period. Foreign currency transactions are the result of
settling (realized) or valuing (unrealized) assets or liabilities expressed in
foreign currencies into US dollars. Realized and unrealized gains or losses from
investments include the effects of foreign exchange rates on investments.
The Fund is authorized to enter into forward foreign exchange contracts as
a hedge against either specific transactions or portfolio positions. Such
contracts are not entered on the Fund's records. However, the effect on
operations is recorded from the date the Fund enters into such contracts.
Premium or discount is amortized over the life of the contracts.
The Fund may also purchase or sell listed or over-the-counter 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-US dollar denominated securities owned by the Fund, sold by the Fund but not
yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased by the Fund.
(d) Options -- The Fund can write covered call options and purchase put
options. When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received
by the Fund is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of
the liability is subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of
the option written.
When a security is sold or purchased through an exercise of an option, the
related premium received (or paid) is deducted from (or added to) the basis of
the security sold or purchased. When an option expires (or the Fund enters into
a closing transaction), the Fund realizes a gain or loss on the option to the
extent of the premiums received or paid (or gain or loss to the extent the cost
of the closing transaction exceeds the premium paid or received).
Written and purchased options are non-income producing investments.
(e) Futures contracts -- The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts
and options on such futures contracts. Upon entering into a contract, the Fund
deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the
exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the
Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the
daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known
as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses.
When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to
the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and
the value at the time it was closed.
(f) Income taxes -- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements
of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute substantially all of its taxable income to
70
<PAGE> 131
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: -- (CONCLUDED)
its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required. Under
the applicable foreign tax law, a withholding tax may be imposed on interest,
dividends, and capital gains at various rates.
(g) Security transactions and investment income -- Security transactions
are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (the trade dates).
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend dates except that if the
ex-dividend date has passed, certain dividends from foreign securities are
recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend date. Interest
income is recognized on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on security
transactions are determined on the identified cost basis.
(h) Deferred organization expenses and prepaid registration
fees -- Deferred organization expenses are charged to expense on a straight-line
basis over a five-year period. Prepaid registration fees are charged to expense
as the related shares are issued.
(i) Dividends and distributions -- Dividends and distributions paid by the
Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend dates.
2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM"). The general partner of MLAM is Princeton
Services, Inc., ("PSI") an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch and
Co. The limited partners are ML & Co. and Merrill Lynch Investment Management,
Inc. ("MLIM") which is also an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ML & Co. The
Fund has also entered into a Distribution Agreement and a Distribution Plan with
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. ("MLFD" or "Distributor"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of MLIM.
MLAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and provides
the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services
necessary to the operations of the Fund. For such services, the Fund pays a
monthly fee of 0.85%, on an annual basis, of the average daily net assets of the
Fund, MLAM has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement (the "Sub-Advisory
Agreement") with Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K., Limited, ("MLAM U.K."), an
affiliate of MLAM, pursuant to which MLAM pays MLAM U.K. a fee 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 Advisor actually receives.
For the period August 5, 1994 to September 30, 1994, MLAM paid MLAM U.K. a fee
of $18,208 pursuant to such Agreement. Certain of the states in which the shares
of the Fund are qualified for sale impose limitations on the expenses of the
Fund. The most restrictive annual expense limitation requires that the
Investment Adviser reimburse the Fund to the extent the Fund's expenses
(excluding interest, taxes, distribution fees, brokerage fees and commissions,
and extraordinary items) exceed 2.5% of the Fund's first $30 million of average
daily net assets, 2.0% of the next $70 million of average daily net assets, and
1.5% of the average daily net assets in excess thereof. MLAM's obligation to
reimburse the Fund is limited to the amount of the management fee.
71
<PAGE> 132
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH
AFFILIATES: -- (CONCLUDED)
No fee payment will be made to MLAM during any fiscal year which will cause such
expenses to exceed the most restrictive expense limitation at the time of such
payment.
Pursuant to a distribution plan (the "Distribution Plan") adopted by the
fund in accordance with Rule 12B-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the
Fund pays the Distributor (a) an account maintenance fee relating to Class A
shares, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annual rate of 0.25% of the
average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to Class A shares in order to
compensate the Distributor and Merrill Lynch and (b) an account maintenance fee
and a distribution fee, relating to Class B shares, which are accrued daily and
paid monthly, at annual rates of 0.25% and 0.75%, respectively, of the average
daily net asset of the Class B shares of the Fund. Pursuant to a sub-agreement
with the Distributor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner, and Smith ("MLPF&S"), a
subsidiary of ML & Co.; also provides account maintenance and distribution
services to the Fund. The ongoing account maintenance fee compensates the
Distributor and MLPF&S for providing account maintenance services to Class B
shareholders. The ongoing distribution fee compensates the Distributor and
MLPF&S for providing shareholder and distribution services and bearing certain
distribution-related expenses of the Fund. For the period August 5, 1994 to
September 30, 1994 (commencement of operations) MLFD earned $9,154 and $177,599
for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, under the Distribution Plans, of
which all was paid to MLPF&S pursuant to the agreement.
For the period ended September 30, 1994, MLFD earned underwriting discounts
of $12,574, and MLPF&S earned dealer concessions of $974,628, on sales of the
Fund's Class A Shares.
MLPF&S also received contingent deferred sales charges of $4,993 relating
to transactions in Class B Shares and for the Fund during the period.
Financial Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc., is the Fund's transfer agent.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by MLAM at cost.
3. INVESTMENT:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for
the period from August 5, 1994 (commencement of operations) to September 30,
1994 were $115,086,917 and $1,100,393, respectively.
72
<PAGE> 133
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
3. INVESTMENT: -- (CONCLUDED)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) as of September 30, 1994 were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REALIZED UNREALIZED
GAINS GAINS
(LOSSES) (LOSSES)
-------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Investments:
Long-term.................................................. $167,026 $(2,148,598)
Short-term................................................. (1,288) 24,273
Stock index futures contracts.............................. 136,580 (122,550)
Options purchased.......................................... -- (39,052)
-------- -----------
Total Investments............................................ 302,318 (2,285,927)
Currency Transactions:
Options written............................................ -- 44,050
Options purchased.......................................... -- (53,800)
Forward foreign exchange contracts......................... 386,985 (194,895)
Foreign currency transactions.............................. (451,307) 25,623
-------- -----------
Total currency transactions.................................. (64,322) (179,022)
-------- -----------
Total........................................................ $237,996 $(2,464,949)
======== ==========
</TABLE>
Transactions in call options written for the period August 5, 1994 to
September 30, 1994 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE
COVERED BY
WRITTEN OPTIONS PREMIUMS RECEIVED
--------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding call options written at beginning of
period.............................................. -- --
Options written....................................... 17,000,000 $ 346,300
------------ --------------
Outstanding call options written at end of period..... 17,000,000 $ 346,300
============ ==============
</TABLE>
As of September 30, 1994, net unrealized depreciation for Federal income
tax purposes aggregated $2,163,377, of which $2,838,823 related to appreciated
securities and $5,002,200 related to depreciated securities. At September 30,
1994, the aggregate cost of investments, for Federal income tax purposes was
$167,627,385.
73
<PAGE> 134
MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL SMALLCAP FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONCLUDED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
4. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions was
$162,181,357 for the period August 5, 1994 to September 30, 1994.
Transactions in capital shares for Class A and Class B Shares were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES FOR THE PERIOD DOLLAR
AUGUST 5, 1994+ TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1994 SHARES AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares sold.................................................. 2,914,069 $29,143,045
Shares redeemed.............................................. (170,091) (1,700,257)
--------- -----------
Net increase................................................. 2,743,978 $27,442,788
======== ==========
</TABLE>
--------------------
+ Prior to August 5, 1994 (commencement of operations), the Fund issued
5,000 shares to MLAM for $50,000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES FOR THE PERIOD DOLLAR
AUGUST 5, 1994+ TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1994 SHARES AMOUNT
----------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares sold................................................ 13,806,522 $138,035,816
Shares redeemed............................................ (330,138) (3,297,247)
---------- ------------
Net increase............................................... 13,476,384 $134,738,569
========= ===========
</TABLE>
--------------------
+ Prior to August 5, 1994 (commencement of operations), the Fund issued
5,000 shares to MLAM for $50,000.
5. COMMITMENTS:
At September 30, 1994, the Fund had entered into forward foreign exchange
contracts under which it agreed to purchase various foreign currencies with an
approximate value of $5,110,514, respectively.
74
<PAGE> 135
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies..... 2
Hedging Techniques.................. 3
Other Investment Policies and
Practices........................ 7
Investment Restrictions............. 9
Management of the Fund................ 12
Management and Advisory Arrangements 14
Purchase of Shares.................... 16
Initial Sales Charge Alternative --
Class A and Class D Shares....... 16
Reduced Initial Sales Charge --
Class A and Class D Shares....... 17
Redemption of Shares.................. 21
Deferred Sales Charge -- Class B
Shares.............................. 22
Portfolio Transaction and Brokerage... 22
Determination of Net Asset Value...... 24
Shareholder Services.................. 25
Investment Account.................. 25
Automatic Investment Plans.......... 26
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends
and Capital Gains
Distributions.................... 26
Systematic Withdrawal Plans --
Class A and Class D Shares....... 26
Exchange Privilege.................. 27
Taxes................................. 39
Tax Treatment of Options, Futures
and Forward Foreign Exchange
Transactions..................... 42
Special Rules for Certain Foreign
Currency Transactions............ 42
Performance Data...................... 43
General Information................... 44
Description of Shares............... 44
Computation of Offering Price
per share........................ 45
Independent Auditors................ 45
Custodian........................... 46
Transfer Agent...................... 46
Legal Counsel....................... 46
Reports to Shareholders............. 46
Additional Information.............. 46
Appendix.............................. 47
Independent Auditors' Report.......... 55
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
(audited)........................... 56
Financial Statements (unaudited)...... 57
</TABLE>
Code #18186-1094
[LOGO]
MERRILL LYNCH
GLOBAL SMALLCAP
FUND, INC.
[ART]
Statement of
Additional Information
October 21, 1994
Distributor:
Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE> 136
APPENDIX FOR GRAPHIC AND IMAGE MATERIAL
Pursuant to Rule 304 of Regulation S-T, the following table presents
fair and accurate narrative descriptions of graphic and image material omitted
from this EDGAR Submission File due to ASCII-incompatibility and
cross-references this material to the location of each occurrence in the text.
DESCRIPTION OF OMITTED LOCATION OF GRAPHIC
GRAPHIC OR IMAGE OR IMAGE IN TEXT
- ---------------------- -------------------
Compass plate, circular Back cover of Prospectus and
graph paper and Merrill Lynch back cover of Statement of
logo including stylized market Additional Information
bull
