<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
FEBRUARY 27, 1995
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET INCOME FUND, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011 . PHONE NO. (609) 282-2800
----------------
Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is a non-diversified
mutual fund seeking a high level of current income consistent with prudent
risk, through an investment policy utilizing United States and foreign debt,
equity and money market securities, the combination of which will be varied
from time to time both with respect to types of securities and markets in
response to changing market and economic trends. The Fund also seeks capital
appreciation. Under normal conditions, at least 65%, and as much as all, of the
Fund's total assets will be invested in debt securities, and no more than 25%
of the Fund's total assets will be invested in foreign securities. There can be
no assurance that the Fund's investment objectives will be achieved. The Fund
may employ a variety of instruments and techniques to enhance income and to
hedge against market and currency risk. Investments on an international basis
involve certain risks and special considerations. See "Risk Factors and Special
Considerations."
----------------
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System, the Fund offers four
classes of shares, each with a different combination of sales charges, ongoing
fees and other features. The Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM 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 circumstances. See "Merrill Lynch
Select Pricing System" on page 4.
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
the minimum initial purchase is $100 and the minimum subsequent purchase is
$1.00. 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 February 27, 1995 (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>
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(c)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION
EXPENSES:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge
Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of
offering price)....... 4.00%(d) None None 4.00%(d)
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(e) 4.0% during the first 1% for one year None(e)
year, decreasing 1.0%
annually 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)............
Investment Advisory
Fees(f)............... 0.75% 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
12b-1 Fees(g):
Account Maintenance
Fees................ None 0.25% 0.25% 0.25%
Distribution Fees.... None 0.50% 0.55% None
(Class B shares convert to
Class D shares automatically
after approximately ten years
and cease being subject
to distribution fees)
Other Expenses:
Custodial Fees...... 0.15% 0.15% 0.15% 0.15%
Shareholder
Servicing Costs(h). 0.08% 0.10% 0.10% 0.08%
Other............... 4.22% 4.22% 4.22% 4.22%
---- ---- ---- ----
Total Other Ex-
penses............ 4.45% 4.47% 4.47% 4.45%
---- ---- ---- ----
Reimbursement of
Expenses(i)......... (2.70)% (2.72)% (2.72)% (2.70)%
----- ----- ----- -----
TOTAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES............... 2.50% 3.25% 3.30% 2.75%
==== ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Class A shares are sold to a limited group of investors including existing
Class A shareholders, certain retirement plans and investment programs.
See "Purchase of Shares--Initial Sales Charge Alternatives--Class A and
Class D Shares"-- page 28.
(b) Class B shares convert to Class D shares automatically approximately ten
years after initial purchase. See "Purchase of Shares--Deferred Sales
Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares"-- page 29.
(c) Prior to October 21, 1994, the Fund had not offered its Class C and Class
D shares to the public.
(d) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over. Class A or Class D purchases of
$1,000,0000 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 28.
(e) 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.
(f) See "Management of the Fund--Management and Advisory Arrangements"-- page
24.
(g) See "Purchase of Shares--Distribution Plans"-- page 33.
(h) See "Management of the Fund--Transfer Agency Services"-- page 25.
(i) Pursuant to state expense limitations imposed on the Fund for the period
September 2, 1994 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1994, the
Manager was required to reimburse its entire management fee and
voluntarily reimbursed the Fund for all other expenses (excluding 12b-1
fees). "Investment Advisory Fees," "12b-1 Fees" and "Other Expenses," as
shown above, are based upon estimated amounts of expenses of the Fund
expected to be incurred during its fiscal year ending December 31, 1995.
2
<PAGE>
EXAMPLE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CUMULATIVE EXPENSES PAID FOR THE PERIOD OF:
-------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
-------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
An investor would pay the fol-
lowing expenses on a $1,000 in-
vestment including the maximum
$40 initial sales charge (Class
A and Class D shares only) and
assuming (1) the Total Fund Op-
erating Expenses for each class
set forth above; (2) a 5% an-
nual return throughout the pe-
riods; and (3) redemption at
the end of the period:
Class A........................ $64 $115 $168 $312
Class B........................ $73 $120 $170 $355
Class C........................ $43 $102 $172 $359
Class D........................ $67 $122 $180 $336
An investor would pay the fol-
lowing expenses on the same
$1,000 investment assuming no
redemption at the end of the
period:
Class A........................ $64 $115 $168 $312
Class B........................ $33 $100 $170 $355
Class C........................ $33 $102 $172 $359
Class D........................ $67 $122 $180 $336
</TABLE>
The foregoing Fee Table is intended to assist investors in understanding the
costs and expenses that a shareholder in the Fund will bear directly or
indirectly. The Example set forth above assumes reinvestment of all dividends
and distributions and utilizes a 5% annual rate of return as mandated by
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. ("NASD"). 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."
MERRILL LYNCH SELECT PRICINGSM SYSTEM
The Fund offers four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
PricingSM System. The shares of each class may be purchased at a price equal to
the next determined net asset value per share subject to the sales charges and
ongoing fee arrangements described below. Shares of Class A and Class D are
sold to investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives, and shares of
Class B and Class C are sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge
alternatives. The Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System is used by more than 50
mutual funds advised by Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM" or the
"Manager") or an affiliate of MLAM, Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("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,
3
<PAGE>
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
CLASS SALES CHARGE(/1/) FEE FEE CONVERSION FEATURE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A Maximum 4.00% initial No No No
sales charge(/2/),(/3/)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B CDSC for a period of 4 years, at a rate 0.25% 0.50% B shares convert to D shares
of 4.0% during the first year, automatically after approximately ten
decreasing 1.0% annually to 0.0% years(/4/)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC for one year 0.25% 0.55% No
decreasing to 0.0% after the first year
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D Maximum 4.00% initial sales charge(/3/) 0.25% No No
</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 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 and over. Class A or Class D 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 an eight year
conversion period. If Class B shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class B
shares of another MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period
applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and
the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the
holding period for the shares acquired.
4
<PAGE>
Class A: Class A shares incur an initial sales charge when they are purchased
and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance fees. Class A
shares are offered to a limited group of investors and also will be
issued upon reinvestment of dividends on outstanding Class A shares.
Investors that currently own Class A shares in a shareholder account
are entitled to purchase additionalClass A shares in that account.
Other eligible investors include certain retirement plans and
participants in certain investment programs. In addition, Class A
shares will be offered to Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("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 4.00%, 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% 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% of
the Fund's average net assets attributable to the Class B shares, an
ongoing distribution fee of 0.50% and a CDSC if they are redeemed
within four years of purchase. Approximately ten 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 eight years. If Class B shares of
the Fund are exchanged for Class B shares of another MLAM-advised
mutual fund, the conversion period applicable to the Class B shares
acquired in the exchange will apply, and the holding period for the
shares exchanged will be tacked onto the holding period for the shares
acquired. Automatic conversion of Class B shares into Class D shares
will occur at least once a 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--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% of
average net assets and an ongoing distribution fee of 0.55%. 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.
5
<PAGE>
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
average net assets. Class D shares are not subject to an ongoing
distribution fee or any CDSC when they are redeemed. Purchase of $1
million 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% if shares are redeemed within one year of purchase. The
schedule of initial sales charges and reductions for the 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
PricingSM System that the investor believes is most beneficial under the
investor's 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. Although some investors that
previously purchased Class A shares may no longer be eligible to purchase Class
A shares of other MLAM-advised mutual funds, those previously purchased Class A
shares, together with Class B, Class C and Class D share holdings, will count
toward a right of accumulation 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 investors who do not qualify for a reduction in initial sales
charges. Both Class B and Class C shares are subject to ongoing account
maintenance fees and distribution fees; however, the ongoing account
maintenance and distribution fees potentially may be offset to the extent any
return is realized on the additional funds initially invested in Class B or
Class C shares. In addition, Class B shares will be converted into Class D
shares of the Fund after a conversion period of approximately ten years, and
thereafter investors will be subject to lower ongoing fees.
Certain investors may elect to purchase Class B shares if they determine it
to be most advantageous to have all their funds invested initially and intend
to hold their shares for an extended period of time. Investors in Class B
shares should take into account whether they intend to redeem their shares
within the CDSC
6
<PAGE>
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."
7
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial information in the table below is for the period September 2,
1994 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1994 (for Class A and Class B
shares of the Fund) and for the period October 21, 1994 to December 31, 1994
(for Class C and Class D shares of the Fund). Financial statements for the
period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994 are included in the Statement of
Additional Information. The following per share data and ratios have been
derived from information provided in the Fund's audited financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD FOR THE PERIOD
SEPTEMBER 2, 1994+ TO OCTOBER 21, 1994+ TO
DECEMBER 31, 1994 DECEMBER 31, 1994
-------------------------- --------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN
NET ASSET VALUE:
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value,
beginning of period.... $ 10.00 $ 10.00 $9.88 $9.88
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Investment Income--
net.................. .18 .16 .10 .11
Realized and
unrealized loss on
investments--net..... (.32) (32) (.19) (.19)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment
operations............. (.14) (.16) (.09) (.08)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
LESS DIVIDENDS:
Investment income--
net.................. (.18) (.16) (.10) (.11)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total dividends......... (.18) (.16) (.10) (.11)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of
period................. $ 9.68 $ 9.68 $ 9.69 $9.69
========== ========== ========== ==========
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN*:
Based on net asset value
per share.............. (1.37)%++ (1.62)%++ (.94)%++ (.83)%++
========== ========== ========== ==========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET
ASSETS:
Expenses, excluding
distribution fees and
net of reimbursement... .00%** .00%** .00%** .00%**
========== ========== ========== ==========
Expenses, net of
reimbursement.......... 5.20%** 5.29%** 4.95%** 4.89%**
========== ========== ========== ==========
Expenses................ 5.20%** 6.04%** 5.75%** 5.14%**
========== ========== ========== ==========
Investment income--net.. 5.64%** 4.86%** 5.19%** 5.70%**
========== ========== ========== ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of
period
(in thousands)......... $ 1,147 $ 6,797 $154 $63
========== ========== ========== ==========
Portfolio turnover...... .83% .83% .83% .83%
========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Aggregate total investment return.
* Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
** Annualized.
Further information about the performance of the Fund is contained in the
Fund's Annual Report, which can be obtained, without charge, upon request.
8
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Fund may invest in U.S. and foreign securities, although no more than 25%
of the Fund's total assets will be invested in foreign securities. The foreign
securities in which the Fund may invest are not limited to securities of
issuers in developed countries or economies and may include securities of
issuers in less developed or emerging market economies. Investments in
securities of foreign entities and securities denominated in foreign currencies
involve risks not typically involved in domestic investment, including
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, future foreign political and economic
developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign
or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments. Since
the Fund may invest in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other
than the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the
value of investments in the portfolio and the unrealized appreciation or
depreciation of investments insofar as U.S. investors are concerned. Changes in
foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the
U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets denominated in those currencies and the
Fund's yield on such assets. Foreign currency exchange rates are determined by
forces of supply and demand on the foreign exchange markets. These forces are,
in turn, affected by the international balance of payments and other economic
and financial conditions, government intervention, speculation, and other
factors. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national
product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency
and balance of payments position.
With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of
expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability
or diplomatic developments which could affect investment in those countries.
There may be less publicly available information about a foreign financial
instrument than about a U.S. instrument, and foreign entities may not be
subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
requirements comparable to those to which U.S. entities are subject. In
addition, certain foreign investments may be subject to foreign withholding
taxes. Foreign financial markets, while generally growing in volume, typically
have substantially less volume than U.S. markets, and securities of many
foreign companies are less liquid and their prices more volatile than
securities of comparable domestic companies. Foreign markets also have
different clearance and settlement procedures and in certain markets there have
been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of
securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions.
Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the 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
portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either 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. Costs associated with transactions in
foreign securities are generally higher than with transactions in U.S.
securities. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of
exchanges, financial institutions and issuers in foreign countries than there
is in the U.S.
The operating expense ratio of the Fund can be expected to be higher than
that of an investment company investing exclusively in U.S. securities because
the expenses of the Fund, such as custodial costs, are higher.
9
<PAGE>
The Fund may engage in various portfolio strategies to seek to increase its
return through the use of options on portfolio securities and to hedge its
portfolio against movements in the securities markets and exchange rates
between currencies by the use of derivatives, such as options, futures and
options thereon. 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 currencies which are the
subject of the hedge. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market
for options and futures contracts will exist at any specific time. See
"Investment Objectives and Policies--Portfolio Strategies Involving Options and
Futures."
Certain derivative securities in which the Fund may invest, 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 values
of such securities will generally be more volatile than the market values of
fixed-rate securities. See "Investment Objectives and Policies--Other
Investment Policies and Practices--Derivative Securities."
The net asset value of the Fund's shares, to the extent the Fund invests in
fixed income securities, will be affected by changes in the general level of
interest rates. When interest rates decline, the value of a portfolio of fixed
income securities can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates
rise, the value of a portfolio of fixed income securities can be expected to
decline.
As a non-diversified investment company, the Fund may invest a larger
percentage of its assets in individual issuers than a diversified investment
company. In this regard, the Fund is not subject to the general limitation that
it not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one
issuer. To the extent the Fund makes investments in excess of 5% of its assets
in a particular issuer, its exposure to credit and market risks associated with
that issuer is increased.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Fund is a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. The
Fund's primary investment objective is to seek a high level of current income,
consistent with prudent risk, through an investment policy utilizing United
States and foreign debt, equity and money market securities the combination of
which will be varied from time to time both with respect to types of securities
and markets in response to changing market and economic trends. A secondary
investment objective is capital appreciation. These objectives are fundamental
policies which the Fund may not change without a vote of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
investment objectives will be achieved. Under normal conditions, at least 65%,
and as much as all, of the Fund's total assets will be invested in debt
securities, and no more than 25% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in
foreign securities. The Fund may employ a variety of instruments and techniques
to enhance income and to hedge against market and currency risk, as described
under "Portfolio Strategies Involving Options and Futures" below.
The Fund invests in a portfolio of U.S. and foreign debt, equity and money
market securities. The composition of the portfolio among these securities and
markets are varied from time to time by the Fund's Manager in response to
changing market and economic trends. This investment approach provides the Fund
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with the opportunity to benefit from anticipated shifts in the relative
performance of different types of securities and different capital markets. For
example, at times the Fund may increase its emphasis on debt securities in
anticipation of significant declines in interest rates and at other times the
Fund's investments in equity securities may be increased, not to exceed 35%
under normal market conditions, in anticipation of significant advances in
stock markets. Similarly, the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets,
not to exceed 25%, in foreign markets when such markets are expected to
outperform, in U.S. dollar terms, the U.S. markets. The Fund will seek to
identify longer-term structural or cyclical changes in the various economies
and markets of the world which are expected to benefit certain capital markets
and certain securities in those markets to a greater extent than other
investment opportunities.
In determining the allocation of assets among capital markets within the
limits set forth above, the Manager considers, among other factors, the
relative valuation, condition and growth potential of the various economies,
including current and anticipated changes in the rates of economic growth,
rates of inflation, corporate profits, capital reinvestment, resources, self-
sufficiency, balance of payments, governmental deficits or surpluses and other
pertinent financial, social and political factors which may affect such
markets. In allocating among debt, equity and money market securities within
each market, the Manager also considers the relative opportunity for capital
appreciation of equity and debt securities, dividend yields, and the level of
interest rates paid on debt securities of various maturities.
In selecting securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Manager
considers, among other factors, the effect of movement in currency exchange
rates on the U.S. dollar value of such securities. An increase in the value of
a currency will increase the total return to the Fund of securities denominated
in such currency. Conversely, a decline in the value of the currency will
reduce the total return. The Manager may seek to hedge all or a portion of the
Fund's foreign securities through the use of forward foreign currency
contracts, currency options, futures contracts and options thereon. See
"Portfolio Strategies Involving Options and Futures" below.
The Manager anticipates that it will invest that portion of the Fund's
portfolio consisting of foreign securities primarily in the securities of
corporate and governmental issuers domiciled or located in Canada, Western
Europe and the Far East. However, the Fund reserves the right to invest
substantially all of its assets in U.S. markets or U.S. dollar-denominated
obligations when market conditions warrant.
Although up to 100% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in debt
securities, the Manager anticipates that the Fund's portfolio generally will
include both equity and debt securities.
DEBT SECURITIES
The debt securities in which the Fund may invest include securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies or instrumentalities, by
foreign governments (including foreign states, provinces and municipalities)
and agencies or instrumentalities thereof and debt obligations issued by U.S.
and foreign corporations. Such securities may include mortgage-backed
securities issued or guaranteed by governmental entities or by private issuers.
In addition, the Fund may invest in debt securities issued or guaranteed by
international organizations designed or supported by multiple governmental
entities (which are not obligations of the U.S. Government or foreign
governments) to promote economic reconstruction or
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development ("supranational entities") such as the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (the "World Bank").
U.S. Government securities 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 U.S.; and
(ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or
instrumentalities, including government guaranteed mortgage-related 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 pass-through certificates. Prepayment rates are
important because of their effect on the yield and price of the securities.
Accelerated prepayments adversely impact yields for pass-through 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 pass-through securities purchased at a discount. The Fund may purchase
mortgage-related securities at a premium or at a discount.
The obligations of foreign governmental entities have various kinds of
government support and include obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign
governmental entities with taxing power. These obligations may or may not be
supported by the full faith and credit of a foreign government. The Fund
invests in foreign government securities of issuers considered stable by the
Manager. The Manager does not believe that the credit risk inherent in the
obligations of stable foreign governments is significantly greater than that of
U.S. Government securities.
The Fund invests the portion of its assets allocated to debt obligations in
the securities of governmental issuers and in corporate debt securities,
including convertible debt securities, rated A or better by Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("S&P") or by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or which,
in the Manager's judgment, possess similar credit characteristics. See the
Statement of Additional Information for more information regarding ratings of
debt securities. The Manager considers the ratings assigned by S&P and Moody's
as one of several factors in its independent credit analysis of issuers. If a
debt security in the Fund's portfolio is downgraded below investment grade, the
Manager will consider factors such as price, credit risk, market conditions and
interest rates and will sell such security only if, in the Manager's judgment,
it is advantageous to do so.
The average maturity of the Fund's portfolio of debt securities will vary
based on the Manager's assessment of pertinent economic market conditions. As
with all debt securities, changes in market yields will affect the value of
such securities. Prices generally increase when interest rates decline and
decrease when
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interest rates rise. Prices of longer term securities generally fluctuate more
in response to interest rate changes than do shorter term securities.
EQUITY SECURITIES
Within the portion, if any, of the Fund's portfolio allocated to equity
securities, the Manager seeks to identify the securities of companies and
industry sectors which are expected to provide high total return relative to
alternative equity investments. The Fund generally seeks to invest in
securities the Manager believes to be undervalued. Undervalued issues include
securities selling at a discount from the price-to-book value ratios and
price/earnings ratios computed with respect to the relevant stock market
averages. The Fund may also consider as undervalued, securities selling at a
discount from their historic price-to-book value or price/earnings ratios, even
though these ratios may be above the ratios for the stock market averages.
Securities offering dividend yields higher than the yields for the relevant
stock market averages or higher than such securities' historic yield may also
be considered to be undervalued. The Fund may also invest in the securities of
small and emerging growth companies when such companies are expected to provide
a higher total return than other equity investments. Such companies are
characterized by rapid historical growth rates, above-average returns on equity
or special investment value in terms of their products or services, research
capabilities or other unique attributes. The Manager seeks to identify small
and emerging growth companies that possess superior management, marketing
ability, research and product development skills and sound balance sheets.
Investment in the securities of small and emerging growth companies involves
greater risk than investment in larger, more established companies. Such risks
include the fact that securities of small or emerging growth companies may be
subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger, more
established companies or the market average in general. Also, these companies
may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be
dependent on a limited management group.
There may be periods when market and economic conditions exist that favor
certain types of tangible assets as compared to other types of investments. For
example, the value of precious metals can be expected to benefit from such
factors as rising inflationary pressures or other economic, political or
financial uncertainty or instability. Real estate values, which are influenced
by a variety of economic, financial and local factors, tend to be cyclical in
nature. During periods when the Manager believes that conditions favor a
particular real asset as compared to other investment opportunities, the Fund
may emphasize, within the portion of its portfolio allocated to equity
securities, investments related to that asset such as investments in precious
or industrial metal-related securities or real estate-related securities as
described below. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in any
particular industry sector.
Precious and Industrial Metal-Related Securities. Precious and industrial
metal-related securities are equity securities of companies that explore for,
extract, process or deal in precious or industrial metals, i.e., gold, silver,
platinum, iron, copper and aluminum, and asset-based securities indexed to the
value of such metals. Based on historical experience, during periods of
economic or financial instability the securities of such companies may be
subject to extreme price fluctuations, reflecting the high volatility of
precious and industrial metal prices during such periods. In addition, the
instability of precious and industrial metal prices may result in volatile
earnings of precious and industrial metal-related companies which, in turn, may
affect adversely the financial condition of such companies. Asset-based
securities are debt securities, preferred stock or convertible securities, the
principal amount, redemption terms or conversion terms of which are related to
the market price of some precious or industrial metal such as gold bullion. The
Fund will purchase only
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asset-based securities which are rated, or are issued by issuers that have
outstanding debt obligations rated, A or better by S&P or Moody's or commercial
paper rated A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's or of issuers that the Manager has
determined to be of similar creditworthiness. If the asset-based security is
backed by a bank letter of credit or other similar facility, the Manager may
take such backing into account in determining the creditworthiness of the
issuer.
Real Estate-Related Securities. The real estate-related securities which are
emphasized are equity securities of real estate investment trusts, which own
income-producing properties, and mortgage real estate investment trusts which
make various types of mortgage loans often combined with equity features. The
securities of such trusts generally pay above average dividends and may offer
the potential for capital appreciation. Such securities will be subject to the
risks customarily associated with the real estate industry, including declines
in the value of the real estate investments of the trusts. Real estate values
are affected by numerous factors including (i) governmental regulation (such as
zoning and environmental laws) and changes in tax laws; (ii) operating costs;
(iii) the location and the attractiveness of the properties; (iv) changes in
economic conditions (such as fluctuations in interest and inflation rates and
business conditions); and (v) supply and demand for improved real estate. Such
trusts also are dependent on management skill and may not be diversified in
their investments.
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES
Money market securities in which the Fund may invest consist of short-term
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its agencies and
instrumentalities; commercial paper, including variable amount master demand
notes, rated at least "A" by S&P or "Prime" by Moody's; and repurchase
agreements, purchase and sale contracts, and money market instruments issued by
commercial banks, domestic savings banks, and savings and loan associations
with total assets of at least one billion dollars. The obligations of
commercial banks may be issued by U.S. banks, foreign branches of U.S. banks
("Eurodollar" obligations) or U.S. branches of foreign banks ("Yankeedollar"
obligations).
PORTFOLIO STRATEGIES INVOLVING OPTIONS AND FUTURES
The Fund may engage in various portfolio strategies to seek to increase its
return through the use of options on portfolio securities and 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 deal
in forward foreign exchange transactions and foreign currency options and
futures, and related options on such futures. Each of these portfolio
strategies is described below. Although certain risks are involved in options
and futures transactions (as discussed below and in "Risk Factors in Options
and Futures Transactions" further below), the Manager believes that, because
the Fund will (i) write only covered options on portfolio securities and (ii)
engage in other options and futures transactions only 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. 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. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
hedging transactions will be effective. Furthermore, the Fund will only engage
in hedging activities from time to time and may not necessarily be engaging in
hedging activities
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when movements in the equity, debt and currency markets occur. Reference is
made to the Statement of Additional Information for further information
concerning these strategies.
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 or equity securities
denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S. currencies with a securities depository
with a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the underlying
securities. By writing a put, the 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.
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 stated 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 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 an 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 market-
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wide 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, e.g., the S&P 500 Index, or on a narrow
index representing an industry or market segment, e.g., the AMEX Oil & Gas
Index.
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 advance, it
may purchase futures in order to gain rapid market exposure that may in part or
entirely offset increases in the cost of securities that the Fund intends to
purchase. As such purchases are made, an equivalent amount of futures contracts
will be terminated by offsetting sales. The Fund 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 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"). In
general, exchange-traded contracts are third-party contracts (i.e., performance
of the parties' obligations is guaranteed by an exchange or clearing
corporation) with standardized strike prices and expiration dates. OTC options
transactions are two-party contracts with
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prices and terms negotiated by the buyer and seller. See "Restrictions on OTC
Options" below for information as to restrictions on the use of OTC options.
Foreign Currency Hedging. The 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 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. 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 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 yen denominated security. In such
circumstances, for example, the Fund may purchase a foreign currency put option
enabling it to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars at a specified price
by a future date. To the extent the hedge is successful, a loss in the value of
the yen relative to the dollar will tend to be offset by an increase in the
value of the put option. To offset, in whole or in part, the cost of acquiring
such a put option, the Fund may also sell a call option which, if exercised,
requires it to sell a specified amount of yen for dollars at a specified price
by a future date (a technique called a "straddle"). By selling such a call
option in this illustration, the Fund gives up the opportunity to profit
without limit from increases in the relative value of the yen 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. 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
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denominated currency. The Fund may not incur potential net liabilities of more
than 20% 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 ("CFTC") applicable to the Fund provide that the
futures trading activities described herein will not result in the Fund being
deemed a "commodity pool," as defined 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
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.
These restrictions are in addition to other restrictions on the Fund's hedging
activities mentioned herein.
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
over-the-counter stock index options, over-the-counter 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 which have capital of at least $50 million
or whose obligations are guaranteed by an entity having capital of at least $50
million.
The staff of the Securities and Exchange 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 10% 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. 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
Securities and Exchange Commission staff of its position.
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Risk Factors in Options and Futures Transactions. Utilization of derivatives,
such as options and futures, to hedge the portfolio involves the risk of
imperfect correlation in movements in the price of options and futures and
movements in the price of the securities or currencies which are the subject of
the hedge. If the price of the options or futures moves more or less than the
price of the hedged securities or currencies, the 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 correctly predict price movements in the market
involved in a particular options or futures transaction. To compensate for
imperfect correlations, the Fund may purchase or sell stock index options or
futures contracts in a greater dollar amount than the hedged securities if the
volatility of the hedged securities is historically greater than the volatility
of the stock index options or futures contracts. Conversely, the Fund may
purchase or sell fewer stock index options or futures contracts if the
volatility of the price of the hedged securities is historically less than that
of the stock index options or futures contracts. The risk of imperfect
correlation generally tends to diminish as the maturity date of the stock index
option or futures contract approaches.
The Fund intends to enter into options and futures transactions, on an
exchange or in the over-the-counter market, only if there appears to be a
liquid secondary market for such options or futures or, in the case of over-
the-counter transactions, the Manager believes the Fund can receive on each
business day at least two independent bids or offers. However, there can be no
assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist at any specific time. Thus,
it may not be possible to close an options or futures position. The inability
to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the
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 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 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. 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.
The Fund presently does not intend to invest in other types of derivative
transactions; however, in response to changes in market conditions or if other
types of derivative instruments are developed in the future which the Manager
believes are appropriate for the Fund, the Fund will notify investors of its
intention to invest in these instruments.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Non-Diversified Status. The Fund is classified as non-diversified within the
meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"), which means that the
Fund is not limited by the Act in the proportion of its assets that it may
invest in securities of a single issuer. However, the Fund's investments will
be limited so as to qualify as a "regulated investment company" for purposes of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). See "Additional
Information--Taxes." To qualify, among other requirements, the
19
<PAGE>
Fund will limit its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of the
taxable year, (i) not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund's total
assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer and (ii) with
respect to 50% of the market value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the
market value of its total assets will be invested in the securities of a single
issuer, and the Fund will not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of a single issuer. A fund which elects to be classified as
"diversified" under the Act must satisfy the foregoing 5% and 10% requirements
with respect to 75% of its total assets. To the extent that the Fund assumes
large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, the Fund's
yield may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified company as a
result of changes in the financial condition or in the market's assessment of
the issuers.
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" above. Where
possible, the Fund 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 in the execution of
transactions in portfolio securities. Under the Investment Company Act, persons
affiliated with the Fund, 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 Securities and
Exchange Commission. Affiliated persons of the Fund, and affiliated persons of
such affiliated persons, may serve as its broker in transactions conducted on
an exchange and in over-the-counter transactions conducted on an agency basis.
In addition, consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD, 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 with transactions in U.S. securities, although the Fund will
endeavor to achieve the best net results in effecting such transactions.
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. Purchasing a security on a when-
issued or delayed basis can involve a risk that the market price at the time of
delivery may be lower than the agreed upon purchase price, in which case there
could be an unrealized loss at the time of delivery. 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 or equity 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.
20
<PAGE>
Derivative Securities. The Fund may invest in a variety of instruments which
may be characterized as "Derivative Securities." The Fund may invest in
derivative securities whose potential investment return is based on the change
in particular measurements of value or rate (an "index"). As an illustration,
the Fund may invest in a security that pays interest and returns principal
based on the change in an index of interest rates or of the value of a precious
or industrial metal. 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.
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 values of such securities will
generally be more volatile than the market values of fixed-rate securities. The
Fund believes that indexed securities, including inverse securities, represent
flexible portfolio management instruments that may allow the Fund to seek
potential investment rewards, hedge other portfolio positions, or vary the
degree of portfolio leverage relatively efficiently under different market
conditions.
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 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 0.5% 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 90 days and
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, will not exceed
10% of its 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 or equity 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. 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
21
<PAGE>
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 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. In the case of repurchase
agreements, 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 under one week. Repurchase agreements may be construed to
be collateralized loans by the purchaser to the seller secured by the
securities transferred to the purchaser. In the case of a repurchase agreement,
as a purchaser, 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 of 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 would depend on 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 10% of its net assets in repurchase agreements or purchase and
sale contracts maturing in more than seven days.
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.
Such collateral 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
receives the income on the loaned securities and either receives the income on
the collateral or other compensation, i.e., negotiated loan premium or fee, for
entering into the loan and thereby increases its yield. 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 that the value
of the collateral falls below the market value of the borrowed securities.
Investment Restrictions. The Fund's investment activities are subject to
further restrictions that are described in the Statement of Additional
Information. Investment restrictions and policies which are fundamental
policies may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority
of the Fund's outstanding voting securities (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
22
<PAGE>
may not 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).
Other fundamental policies include policies which (i) limit investments in
securities which 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, (ii) limit
investments in securities of other investment companies, except in connection
with certain specified transactions and with respect to investments of up to 5%
of the Fund's assets in the securities of any one investment company and up to
an aggregate of 10% of the Fund's assets in securities of investment companies
and (iii) restrict the issuance of senior securities and limit bank borrowings
except that the Fund may borrow amounts of up to 33 1/3% of its assets for
extraordinary purposes or to meet redemptions. The Fund will not purchase
securities while borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets. The Fund has no
present intention to borrow money in amounts exceeding 5% of its total assets.
Although not a fundamental policy, the Fund will include OTC options and the
securities underlying such options in calculating the amount of its total
assets subject to the limitation set forth in clause (i) above. However, as
discussed above, the Fund may treat the securities it uses as cover for written
OTC options as liquid, and, therefore, will be excluded from this restriction,
provided it follows a specified procedure. The Fund will not change or modify
this policy prior to the change or modification by the staff of the Securities
and Exchange Commission of its position regarding OTC options, as discussed
above.
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 circumstances 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 200%
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. High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater transaction
costs in the form of dealer spreads and brokerage commissions, which are borne
directly by the Fund. In addition, high portfolio turnover can be expected to
result in the recognition of capital gains and losses. To the extent the Fund
distributes short-term capital gains, such distributions will be taxable as
dividends. The Fund's ability to enter into certain short-term transactions
will be limited by the requirement that gains on certain securities held by the
Fund for less than three months may not exceed 30% of its annual gross income
for Federal income tax purposes.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Fund consists of six individuals, five of whom
are not "interested persons" of the Fund as defined in the 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 Act. The Board of Directors elects officers of
the Fund annually.
23
<PAGE>
The Directors of the Fund and their principal employment are as follows:
Arthur Zeikel*--President and Chief Investment Officer of the Manager and
Fund Asset Management, L.P.; President and Director of Princeton Services,
Inc., Executive Vice President of ML & Co. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"); and Director of Merrill
Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.
Walter Mintz--Special Limited Partner of Cumberland Partners (investment
partnership).
Melvin R. Seiden--President of Silbanc Properties, Ltd. (real estate,
consulting and investments).
Stephen B. Swensrud--Principal of Fernwood Associates (financial
consultants).
Joe Grills--Member of the Committee on Investment of Employee Benefits
Assets of the Financial Executives Institute.
Harry Woolf--Professor and former Director of the Institute for Advanced
Study (private institution devoted to the encouragement, support and
patronage of learning).
- --------
* Interested person, as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the Fund.
MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY ARRANGEMENTS
The Manager, Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P., which does business as
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, ("MLAM") is owned and controlled by Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc., a financial services holding company and the parent of
Merrill Lynch. The Manager provides the Fund with management and investment
advisory services. The Manager or an affiliate, FAM, acts as the manager for
more than 130 registered investment companies. The Manager also provides
investment advisory services to individual and institutional accounts. As of
January 31, 1995, the Manager and FAM had a total of approximately $166.5
billion in investment company and other portfolio assets under management,
including accounts of certain affiliates of the Manager.
The management agreement with the Manager (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.
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.
For the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994, the Manager received
management fees from the Fund in the amount of $16,460 (representing .75% of
its average net assets).
The Manager provides the portfolio manager for the Fund who considers
analyses from various sources (including brokerage firms with which the Fund
does business), makes the necessary decisions, and places transactions
accordingly. 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. Joel Heymsfeld, who has been a Vice
President of the Manager since 1978, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day
management of the Fund's portfolio.
24
<PAGE>
The Management Agreement provides that the Fund will pay the Manager a
monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the
Fund. This fee is higher than that of most mutual funds, but management of the
Fund believes this fee, which is typical for a global fund, is justified by the
global nature of the Fund.
The Management Agreement obligates the Fund to pay certain expenses incurred
in its operations including, among other things, the investment advisory fee,
legal and audit fees, registration fees, unaffiliated Directors' fees and
expenses, custodian and transfer agency fees, accounting costs, the costs of
issuing and redeeming shares and certain of the costs of printing proxies,
shareholder reports, prospectuses and statements of additional information. The
Fund's total expenses for the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994,
were 5.20% and 6.04% of average daily net assets for the period September 2,
1994 to December 31, 1994 represented by Class A and Class B shares,
respectively, and 5.75% and 5.14% of average daily net assets for the period
October 21, 1994 to December 31, 1994 represented by Class C and Class D
shares, respectively. 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 September 2, 1994 to
December 31, 1994, the Fund paid the Manager $10,120 in connection with
accounting services.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Board of Directors of the Fund has adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule
17j-1 of the Act which incorporates the Code of Ethics of the Manager
(together, the "Codes"). The Codes significantly restrict the personal
investing activities of all employees of the Manager and, as described below,
impose additional, more onerous, restrictions on fund investment personnel.
The Codes require that all employees of the Manager preclear any personal
securities investment (with limited exceptions, such as government securities).
The preclearance requirement and associated procedures are designed to identify
any substantive prohibition or limitation applicable to the proposed
investment. The substantive restrictions applicable to all employees of the
Manager include a ban on acquiring any securities in a "hot" initial public
offering and a prohibition from profiting on short-term trading in securities.
In addition, no employee may purchase or sell any security which at the time is
being purchased or sold (as the case may be), or to the knowledge of the
employee is being considered for purchase or sale, by any fund advised by the
Manager. Furthermore, the Codes provide for trading "blackout periods" which
prohibit trading by investment personnel of the Fund within periods of trading
by the Fund in the same (or equivalent) security (15 or 30 days depending upon
the transaction).
TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES
Financial Data Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), which is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 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.
25
<PAGE>
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. (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 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
PricingSM System, as described below. The applicable offering price for
purchase orders is based upon the net asset value of the Fund next determined
after receipt of the purchase orders by the Distributor. As to purchase orders
received by securities dealers prior to the close of business on the New York
Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m., New York time), which includes orders
received after the close of business on the previous day, the applicable
offering price will be based on the net asset value as of 15 minutes after the
close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m., New York
time), on the day the orders are placed with the Distributor, provided the
orders are received prior to 30 minutes after the close of business on the New
York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m., New York time), on that day. If the
purchase orders are not received by the Distributor prior to 30 minutes after
the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 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
PricingSM System, which permits each investor to choose the method of
purchasing shares that the investor believes is most beneficial given the
amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the
shares and other relevant circumstances. Class A and Class D shares 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
alternative. 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
PricingSM System is set forth under "Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System" on
page 4.
Each Class A, Class B, Class C and 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 Class D
26
<PAGE>
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 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 PricingSM System.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCOUNT
MAINTENANCE DISTRIBUTION
CLASS SALES CHARGE (1) FEE FEE CONVERSION FEATURE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A Maximum 4.00% initial sales charge(2),(3) No No No
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B CDSC for a period of 4 years, at a rate of 0.25% 0.50% B shares convert to D shares
4.0% during the first year, decreasing automatically after approximately
1.0% annually to 0.0% ten years(4)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC for one year 0.25% 0.55% No
decreasing to 0.0% after the first year
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D Maximum 4.00% initial sales charge 0.25% No No
</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 "Purchase of Shares--Initial Sales
Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares--Eligible Class A
Investors."
(3) 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 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 an eight year
conversion period. If Class B shares of the Fund are exchanged for Class B
shares of another MLAM-advised mutual fund, the conversion period
applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange will apply, and
the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto the
holding period for the shares acquired.
27
<PAGE>
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVES--CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
Investors choosing the initial sales charge alternatives who are eligible to
purchase Class A shares should purchase Class A shares rather than Class D
shares because there is an account maintenance fee imposed on Class D shares.
The public offering price of Class A and Class D shares for purchasers
choosing the initial sales charge alternative is the next determined net asset
value plus varying sales charges (i.e., sales loads) as set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES CHARGE AS DISCOUNT TO
SALES CHARGE AS PERCENTAGE* OF SELECTED DEALERS
PERCENTAGE OF THE NET AMOUNT AS PERCENTAGE OF
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE THE OFFERING PRICE INVESTED THE OFFERING PRICE
- ------------------ ------------------ --------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $25,000........ 4.00% 4.17% 3.75%
$25,000 but less than
$50,000................. 3.75 3.90 3.50
$50,000 but less than
$100,000................ 3.25 3.36 3.00
$100,000 but less than
$250,000................ 2.50 2.56 2.25
$250,000 but less than
$1,000,000.............. 1.50 1.52 1.25
$1,000,000 and over**.... 0.00 0.00 0.00
</TABLE>
- --------
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
** Class A and Class D purchases of $1,000,000 or more may not be subject to
an initial sales charge but will be subject to a CDSC of 1% if the shares
are redeemed within one year after purchase. Class A purchases made prior
to October 21, 1994 may be subject to a CDSC if the shares are redeemed
within one year of purchase at the following annual rates: 0.75% on
purchases of $1,000,000 to $2,500,000; 0.40% on purchases of $2,500,001 to
$3,500,000; 0.25% on purchases of $3,500,001 to $5,000,000; and 0.20% 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 million or more of Class
A or Class D shares by certain employee sponsored retirement or savings
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 amended (the "Securities Act"). For the period September 2, 1994
to December 31, 1994, the Fund sold 124,621 Class A shares for aggregate net
proceeds of $1,237,577. The gross sales charge for the sale of Class A shares
of the Fund was $19,582, of which $424 and $19,158 were received by the
Distributor and Merrill Lynch, respectively. For the period October 21, 1994
to December 31, 1994, the Fund sold 6,419 Class D shares for aggregate net
proceeds of $62,936. The gross sales charge for the sale of Class D shares of
the Fund was $0.
Eligible Class A Investors. Class A shares are offered to a limited group of
investors and also will be issued upon reinvestment of dividends from
outstanding Class A shares. Investors who currently own Class A shares in a
shareholder account including participants in the Merrill Lynch BlueprintSM
Program, are entitled to purchase additional Class A shares in that account.
Certain employer sponsored retirement or savings plans, including eligible
401(k) plans, may purchase Class A shares at net asset value provided such
plans meet the required minimum number of eligible employees or required
amount of assets advised by MLAM or any of its affiliates. Class A shares are
available at net asset value to corporate warranty insurance reserve fund
programs provided that the program has $3 million or more initially invested
in MLAM-advised
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<PAGE>
mutual funds. Also eligible to purchase Class A shares at net asset value are
participants in certain investment programs including TMA(TM) 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
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. 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 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 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 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.
Class D shares are offered with reduced sales charges and, in certain
circumstances, at net asset value, to participants in the Merrill Lynch
BlueprintSM Program.
Additional information concerning these reduced initial sales charges,
including information regarding investments by Employee Sponsored Retirement or
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 ten years after Class B shares are issued, such Class B
shares, together with shares issued upon dividend reinvestment with respect to
those shares, are automatically converted into Class D shares of the Fund and
thereafter will be subject to lower continuing fees. See "Conversion of Class B
Shares to Class D Shares" below. Both Class B and Class C shares are subject to
an account maintenance fee of 0.25% of net assets and a distribution fee of
0.50% and 0.55%, respectively, of net assets as discussed below under
"Distribution Plans." The proceeds from the
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<PAGE>
account maintenance fees are used to compensate Merrill Lynch for providing
continuing account maintenance activities.
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, from its own funds, of compensation to financial
consultants for selling Class B and Class C shares. 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 ten 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 eight years. If Class B shares
of the Fund are exchanged for Class B shares of another MLAM-advised mutual
fund, the conversion period applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the
exchange will apply, and the holding period for the shares exchanged will be
tacked onto the holding period for the shares acquired.
Imposition of the CDSC and the distribution fee on Class B and Class C shares
is limited by the NASD asset-based sales charge rule. See "Limitations on the
Payment of Deferred Sales Charges" below. 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 Charge--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 sales
charge will be imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial
purchase price. In addition, no charge will be assessed on shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
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<PAGE>
The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC on Class B shares
applicable for the period starting October 21, 1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES
CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE DOLLAR AMOUNT
PAYMENT MADE SUBJECT TO CHARGE
------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C>
0-1.......................... 4.0%
1-2.......................... 3.0%
2-3.......................... 2.0%
3-4.......................... 1.0%
4 and thereafter............. 0.0%
</TABLE>
For the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994, the Distributor
received CDSCs of $968 with respect to Class B shares, all of which was paid to
Merrill Lynch.
In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge 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 purchased 100 shares at $10 per
share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the third year after purchase, the net asset
value per share is $12, and during such time, the investor has acquired 10
additional shares 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 charge because of dividend reinvestment. With
respect to the remaining 40 shares, the charge is applied only to the original
cost of $10 per share and not to the increase in net asset value of $2 per
share. Therefore, $400 of the $600 redemption proceeds will be charged at a
rate of 2.0% (the applicable rate in the third year after purchase).
The Class B CDSC is waived on redemptions of shares in connection with
certain post-retirement withdrawals from Individual Retirement Accounts
("IRAs") or other retirement plans or following the death or disability (as
defined in the Code) of a shareholder.
The Class B CDSC also is waived on redemptions of shares by certain eligible
401(a) and eligible 401(k) plans and in connection with certain group plans
placing orders through the Merrill Lynch BlueprintSM Program. The CDSC is also
waived for any Class B shares which are purchased by an eligible 401(k) or
eligible 401(a) plan and 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 is also 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.
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<PAGE>
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge--Class C Shares. Class C shares which are
redeemed within one year of purchase may be subject to a 1.0% CDSC charged as a
percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. The charge will be assessed on
an amount equal to the lesser of the proceeds of redemption or the cost of the
shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no Class C CDSC will be imposed on
increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no
Class C CDSC will be assessed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends
or capital gains distributions.
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.
For the period October 21, 1994 to December 31, 1994, the Distributor did not
receive any CDSCs with respect to Class C shares of the Fund.
Conversion of Class B Shares to Class D Shares. After approximately ten years
(the "Conversion Period"), Class B shares will be converted automatically into
Class D shares of the Fund. Class D shares are subject to an ongoing account
maintenance fee of 0.25% 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 will also convert automatically to Class D shares. The Conversion Date
for dividend reinvestment shares will be calculated taking into account the
length of time the shares underlying such dividend reinvestment shares were
outstanding. If at a Conversion Date the conversion of Class B shares to Class
D shares of the Fund in a single account will result in less than $50 worth of
Class B shares being left in the account, all of the Class B shares of the Fund
held in the account on the Conversion Date will be converted to Class D shares
of the Fund.
Share certificates for Class B shares of the Fund to be converted must be
delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date
applicable to those shares. In the event such certificates are not received by
the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to the Conversion Date, the related
Class B shares will convert to Class D shares on the next scheduled Conversion
Date after such certificates are delivered.
In general, Class B shares of equity MLAM-advised mutual funds will convert
approximately eight years after initial purchase, and Class B shares of taxable
and tax-exempt fixed income MLAM-advised mutual funds will convert
approximately ten years after initial purchase. If, during the Conversion
Period, a shareholder exchanges Class B shares with an eight-year Conversion
Period for Class B shares with a ten-year Conversion Period, or vice versa, the
Conversion Period applicable to the Class B shares acquired in the exchange
will apply, and the holding period for the shares exchanged will be tacked onto
the holding period for the shares acquired.
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<PAGE>
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 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 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 0.50% for
Class B shares and 0.55% for Class C shares of the average daily net assets of
the Fund attributable to the shares of the relevant class in order to
compensate the Distributor and Merrill Lynch (pursuant to a sub-agreement) for
providing shareholder and distribution services, and bearing certain
distribution-related expenses of the Fund, including payments to financial
consultants for selling Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. The
Distribution Plans relating to Class B and Class C shares are designed to
permit an investor to purchase Class B and Class C shares through dealers
without the assessment of an initial sales charge and at the same time permit
the dealer to compensate its financial consultants in connection with the sale
of the Class B and Class C shares. In this regard, the purpose and function of
the ongoing distribution fees and the CDSC are the same as those of the initial
sales charge with respect to the Class A and Class D shares of the Fund in that
the deferred sales charges provide for the financing of the distribution of the
Fund's Class B and Class C shares.
For the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994, the Fund paid the
Distributor distribution and account maintenance fees of $13,874, $162, and $25
under the Class B Distribution Plan, Class C Distribution Plan, and Class D
Distribution Plan, respectively.
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
33
<PAGE>
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 expenses and revenue/cash" basis. On the fully
allocated accrual basis, revenues consist of the account maintenance fees,
distribution fees, the CDSC 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 contingent deferred sales
charges, and the expenses consist of financial consultant compensation. For the
period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994, direct cash expenses exceeded
direct cash revenues of Class B shares by approximately $75,670. For the period
October 21, 1994 to December 31, 1994, direct cash expenses exceeded direct
cash revenues of Class C shares by $600.
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 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."
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 Fund's
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.
34
<PAGE>
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The Fund is required to redeem for cash all shares of the Fund upon receipt
of a written request in proper form. The redemption price is the net asset
value per share next determined after the initial receipt of proper notice of
redemption. Except for any CDSC 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 Funds
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 notice must be guaranteed by an
"eligible guarantor institution" (including, for example, Merrill Lynch branch
offices and certain other financial institutions) as such term is defined in
Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the
existence and validity of which may be verified by the Transfer Agent through
the use of industry publications. Notarized signatures are not sufficient. In
certain instances, the Transfer Agent may require additional documents, such
as, but not limited to, trust instruments, death certificates, appointments as
executor or administrator, or certificates of corporate authority. For
shareholders redeeming directly with the Transfer Agent, 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 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 30 minutes after the close of
business on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m., New York time),
on the same day. Dealers have the responsibility of submitting such repurchase
requests to the Fund not later than 30 minutes after the close of business on
the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m., New York time), in order to
obtain that day's closing price.
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<PAGE>
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, however, 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, as the case may be, of the Fund 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
described below which are designed to facilitate investment in its shares.
Certain of such services are not available to investors who place purchase
orders for the Fund's shares through the Merrill Lynch BlueprintSM Program.
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 plans and
services, 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 reinvestments of ordinary 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 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
36
<PAGE>
aware that, if the firm to which the shares are to be transferred will not take
delivery of shares of the Fund, a shareholder either must 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 an
Investment Account at the Transfer Agent for those shares. Shareholders
interested in transferring their Class B or Class C shares from Merrill Lynch
and who do not wish to have an Investment Account maintained for such shares at
the Transfer Agent may request their new brokerage firm to maintain such shares
in an account registered in the name of the brokerage firm for the benefit of
the shareholder at the Transfer Agent. Shareholders considering transferring a
tax-deferred retirement account such as an individual retirement account 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.
Exchange Privilege. Shareholders of each class of shares of the Fund each
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.
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, 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.
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<PAGE>
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 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 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.
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions. All
dividends and capital gains distributions are reinvested automatically in full
and fractional shares of the Fund at the net asset value per share next
determined on the payable 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 CDSC will be imposed upon redemption of shares issued as a result of the
automatic reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
Systematic Withdrawal Plans. A 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 prearranged
charges of $50 or more to his regular bank account.
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<PAGE>
Investors who maintain CMA(R) accounts may arrange to have periodic investments
made in the Fund in their CMA(R) accounts or in certain related accounts in
amounts of $100 or more through the CMA(R) Automated Investment Program.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors of the Fund, the
Manager is responsible for the Fund's portfolio decisions and the placing of
the Fund's portfolio transactions. With respect to 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 will not necessarily be paying the lowest commission or spread available.
The Fund has no obligation to deal with any broker or dealer in the execution
of its portfolio transactions. The Fund pays brokerage fees to Merrill Lynch in
connection with portfolio transactions executed by Merrill Lynch.
Brokers and dealers, including Merrill Lynch, who provide supplemental
investment research to the Manager may receive orders for transactions by the
Fund. Information so received is 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. Supplemental investment research
received by the Manager also may be used in connection with other investment
advisory accounts of the Manager and its affiliates. Whether or not a
particular broker-dealer sells shares of the Fund neither qualifies nor
disqualifies such broker-dealer to execute transactions for the Fund.
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 Securities and Exchange 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 any CDSC that would be applicable to a complete redemption of the
investment at the end of the specified period such as in the case of Class B
and Class C shares and the maximum sales charge in the case of Class A and
Class D shares. Dividends paid by the Fund with respect to 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 and distribution fees 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.
39
<PAGE>
The Fund also may quote total return and aggregate total return performance
data for various specified time periods. Such data will be calculated
substantially as described above, except that (1) the rates of return
calculated will not be average annual rates, but rather, actual annual,
annualized or aggregate rates of return, and (2) the maximum applicable sales
charges will not be included with respect to 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 and Class C shares (such
as investors in certain retirement plans) or 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
contingent deferred sales charge and therefore may reflect greater total return
since, due to the reduced sales charges or waiver of the contingent deferred
sales charge, 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.
Yield quotations will be computed based on a 30-day period by dividing (a)
the net income based on the yield to maturity of each security held during the
period by (b) the average daily numbers of shares outstanding during the period
that were entitled to receive dividends multiplied by the maximum offering
price per share on the last day of the period. The yield for the 30-day period
ending December 31, 1994 was 6.24% for Class A shares, 5.76% for Class B
shares, 5.81% for Class C shares, and 6.01% for Class D shares.
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 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
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 indicative of the Fund's
relative performance for any future period.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
All or a portion of the Fund's net investment income will be declared as
dividends daily prior to the determination of net asset value on that day and
paid monthly. The Fund may at times pay out less than the
40
<PAGE>
entire amount of net investment income earned in any particular period and may
at times pay out such accumulated undistributed income in addition to net
investment income earned in any particular period in order to permit the Fund
to maintain a more stable level of distributions. As a result, the distribution
paid by the Fund for any particular period may be more or less than the amount
of net investment income earned by the Fund during such period. However, it is
the Fund's intention to distribute during any fiscal year all its net
investment income. Shares will accrue dividends as long as they are issued and
outstanding. Shares are issued and outstanding as of the settlement date of a
purchase order to the settlement date of a redemption order. All net realized
long- or short-term capital gains, if any, are distributed to the Fund's
shareholders at least annually.
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. 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 described 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.
Certain gains or losses attributable to foreign currency related gains or
losses from certain of the Fund's investments may increase or decrease the
amount of the Fund's income available for distribution to shareholders. If such
losses exceed other income during a taxable year, (a) the Fund would not be
able to make any ordinary dividend distributions, and (b) distributions made
before the losses were realized would be recharacterized as returns of capital
to shareholders, rather than as ordinary dividends, reducing each shareholder's
tax basis in his Fund shares for federal income tax purposes. For a detailed
discussion of the federal tax considerations relevant to foreign currency
transactions, see "Additional Information--Taxes." If in any fiscal year the
Fund has net income from certain foreign currency transactions, such income
will be distributed annually.
All net realized long- or short-term capital gains, if any, are declared and
distributed to the Fund's shareholders annually after the close of the Fund's
fiscal year. Capital gains distributions will be automatically reinvested in
shares unless the shareholder elects to receive such distributions in cash.
See "Shareholder Services--Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and Capital
Gains Distributions" for information as to how to elect either dividend
reinvestment or cash payments. Dividends and distributions are taxable to
shareholders as described below whether they are reinvested in shares of any
portfolio or received in cash.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the shares of all classes is determined once daily by
the Manager immediately after the declaration of dividends as of 15 minutes
after the closing time (generally 4:00 p.m. New York City time) on each day
during which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on any other
day on
41
<PAGE>
which there is sufficient trading in the Fund's portfolio securities that net
asset value might be materially affected but only if on any such day the Fund
is required to sell or redeem shares.
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 per share is computed by dividing the market 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 any account maintenance and for
distribution fees payable to 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 the 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 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
traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last available bid
price or yield equivalents obtained from one or more dealers in the over-the-
counter market prior to the time of valuation. The Fund employs Merrill Lynch
Securities Pricing Service ("MLSPS"), an affiliate of the Manager, to provide
securities prices for the Fund. Portfolio securities which are traded both in
the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the
broadest and most representative market. Other investments, including futures
contracts and related options, are stated at market value. Securities and
assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair
value as determined in good faith under the direction of the Board of Directors
of the Fund.
TAXES
The Fund intends to continue to elect 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 gains.
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
42
<PAGE>
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 if 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 and 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 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.
Dividends and interest received by the Fund may give rise to withholding and
other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax treaties 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. The Fund will report annually to its shareholders
the amount per share of such withholding taxes.
Under certain provisions of the Code, certain non-corporate shareholders may
be subject to a 31% withholding tax on ordinary income dividends and capital
gain dividends and on 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.
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 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 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.
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
43
<PAGE>
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 the sales charge paid to the Fund
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 dividends 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 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.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
The Fund was incorporated under Maryland law on June 6, 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, 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 Common Stock represent an interest in the same
assets of the Fund and are identical in all respects except that Class B, Class
C and Class D shares bear certain expenses related to the account maintenance
services 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 account maintenance
and distribution expenditures, as applicable. See "Purchase of Shares." The
Fund has received an order from the Securities and Exchange Commission
permitting the issuance and sale of multiple classes of Common Stock. The Board
of Directors of the Fund may classify and reclassify the shares of the Fund
into additional classes of Common Stock at a future date.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and fractional
votes for fractional shares held and will vote on the election of Directors and
any other matters submitted to a shareholder vote. The Fund
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<PAGE>
does not intend to hold meetings of shareholders in any year in which the
Investment Company Act does not require shareholders to act on any of the
following matters: (i) election of Directors; (ii) approval of an investment
advisory agreement; (iii) approval of a distribution agreement; and (iv)
ratification of selection of independent auditors. 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. 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 on liquidation or dissolution after
satisfaction of outstanding liabilities, except as noted above, the Class B,
Class C and Class D shares bear certain additional expenses.
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: Transfer Agency Mutual Fund Operations
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, FL 32232-5289
The written notification should include the shareholder's name, address, tax
identification number and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
and/or mutual fund account numbers. If you have any questions regarding this,
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
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[This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
46
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET INCOME FUND--AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART 1)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SHARE PURCHASE APPLICATION
I, being of legal age, wish to purchase: (choose one)
[_] Class A shares [_] Class B shares [_] Class C shares [_] Class D shares
of Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund and establish an Investment Account as
described in the Prospectus. In the event that I am not eligible to purchase
Class A shares, I understand that Class D shares will be purchased.
Basis for establishing an Investment Account:
A. I enclose a check for $............ payable to Financial Data Services,
Inc. as an initial investment (minimum $1,000). I understand that this
purchase will be executed at the applicable offering price next to be
determined after this Application is received by you.
B. I already own shares of the following Merrill Lynch mutual funds that
would qualify for the right of accumulation as outlined in the Statement of
Additional Information: (Please list all funds. Use a separate sheet of
paper if necessary.)
1. .................................... 4. ................................
2. .................................... 5. ................................
3. .................................... 6. ................................
Name...........................................................................
First Name Initial Last
Name
Name of Co-Owner (if any)......................................................
First Name Initial Last
Address................................ Name
Name and Address of Employer ......
....................................... ...................................
(Zip Code) ...................................
Occupation............................. ...................................
....................................... Signature of Co-Owner (if any)
Signature of Owner
(In the case of co-owner, a joint tenancy with right of survivorship will be
presumed unless otherwise specified.)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
Ordinary Income Dividends Long-Term Capital Gains
Select [_] Reinvest Select [_] Reinvest
One: [_] Cash One: [_] Cash
If no election is made, dividends and capital gains will be automatically
reinvested at net asset value without a sales charge.
IF CASH, SPECIFY HOW YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR DISTRIBUTIONS PAID TO YOU:
[_] Check or [_] Direct Deposit to bank account
IF DIRECT DEPOSIT TO BANK ACCOUNT IS SELECTED, PLEASE COMPLETE BELOW:
I hereby authorize payment of dividend and capital gain distributions by
direct deposit to my bank account and, if necessary, debit entries and
adjustments for any credit entries made to my account in accordance with the
terms I have selected on the Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund Authorization
Form.
SPECIFY TYPE OF ACCOUNT (CHECK ONE) [_] checking [_] savings
Name on your account ..........................................................
Bank Name ...................... Bank Number ............. Account Number ....
Bank Address ..................................................................
I AGREE THAT THIS AUTHORIZATION WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL I PROVIDE WRITTEN
NOTIFICATION TO 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.
47
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET INCOME FUND--AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART 1) -- (CONTINUED)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
[_][_][_][_][_][_][_][_][_]
Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number
Under penalty of perjury, I certify (1) that the number set forth above is
my correct Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number and (2)
that I am not subject to backup withholding (as discussed in the Prospectus
under "Distributions and Taxes--Taxes") either because I have not been
notified that I am subject thereto as a result of a failure to report all
interest or dividends, or the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has notified me
that I am no longer subject thereto.
INSTRUCTION: YOU MUST STRIKE OUT THE LANGUAGE IN (2) ABOVE IF YOU HAVE BEEN
NOTIFIED THAT YOU ARE SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING DUE TO UNDER-REPORTING AND
IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE IRS THAT BACKUP WITHHOLDING HAS
BEEN TERMINATED. THE UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZES THE FURNISHING OF THIS
CERTIFICATION TO OTHER MERRILL LYNCH SPONSORED MUTUAL FUNDS.
Signature of Owner................... Signature of Co-Owner (if any).......
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. LETTER OF INTENTION--CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES ONLY (SEE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS IN THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
..................., 19......
Date of Initial Purchase
Dear Sir/Madam:
Although I am not obligated to do so, I intend to purchase shares of Merrill
Lynch Asset Income Fund or any other investment company with an initial sales
charge or deferred sales charge for which Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor,
Inc. acts as distributor over the next 13 month period which will equal or
exceed:
[_] $25,000 [_] $50,000 [_] $100,000 [_] $250,000 [_] $1,000,000
Each purchase will be made at the then reduced offering price applicable to
the amount checked above, as described in the Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund
Prospectus.
I agree to the terms and conditions of the 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 Asset Income Fund held as security.
By .................................. .....................................
Signature of Owner Signature of Co-Owner
(If registered in joint names, both must sign)
In making purchases under this letter, the following are the related
accounts on which reduced offering prices are to apply:
(1) Name............................. (2) Name.............................
Account Number.......................
Account Number.......................
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. FOR DEALER ONLY
Branch Office, Address, Stamp. We hereby authorize Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc. to act as
- - - our agent in connection with
transactions under this
authorization form and agree to
notify the Distributor of any
purchases made under a Letter of
Intention or Systematic Withdrawal
Plan. We guarantee the Shareholder's
signature.
.....................................
Dealer Name and Address
- - -
This form, when completed, should By ..................................
be mailed to: Authorized Signature of Dealer
Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund [_][_][_] [_][_][_][_]
Branch-Code F/C No.
c/o Financial Data Services, Inc. .................
Transfer Agency Mutual Fund F/C Last Name
Operations
P.O. Box 45289 [_][_][_] [_][_][_][_][_]
Jacksonville, FL 32232-5289 Dealer's Customer A/C No.
48
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET INCOME FUND--AUTHORIZATION FORM (PART 2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: THIS FORM IS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THE SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL OR
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS ONLY.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
Name of Owner......................
[_][_][_][_][_][_][_][_][_]
Social Security Number or
Name of Co-Owner (if any).......... Taxpayer Identification
Number
Address............................ Account Number ....................
(if existing account)
...............................
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN--CLASS A AND CLASS 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 Asset Income
Fund at cost or current offering price. Withdrawals to be made either (check
one) [_] Monthly on the 24th day of each month, or [_] Quarterly on the 24th
day of March, June, September and December. If the 24th falls on a weekend or
holiday, the next succeeding business day will be utilized. Begin systematic
withdrawal on 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 MY BANK ACCOUNT AND, IF
NECESSARY, DEBIT ENTRIES AND ADJUSTMENTS FOR ANY CREDIT ENTRIES MADE TO MY
ACCOUNT. I AGREE THAT THIS AUTHORIZATION WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL I PROVIDE
WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC. AMENDING OR TERMINATING
THIS SERVICE.
Specify type of account (check one): [_] checking [_] savings
Name on your account...........................................................
Bank Name......................................................................
Bank Number........................ Account Number............................
Bank Address...................................................................
...............................................................................
Signature of Depositor................................. Date..................
Signature of Depositor.........................................................
(If joint account, both must sign)
NOTE: IF DIRECT DEPOSIT IS ELECTED, YOUR BLANK, UNSIGNED CHECK MARKED "VOID"
OR A DEPOSIT SLIP FROM YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT SHOULD ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION.
49
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET INCOME FUND--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 Asset Income Fund subject to the terms set forth below. In
the event that I am not eligible to purchase Class A shares, I understand that
Class D shares will be purchased.
AUTHORIZATION TO HONOR ACH DEBITS
FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES, INC. DRAWN BY FINANCIAL DATA SERVICES,
INC.
You are hereby authorized to draw an To...............................Bank
ACH debit each month on my bank (Investor's Bank)
account for investment in Merrill
Lynch Asset Income Fund as indicated Bank Address.........................
below:
City...... State...... Zip Code......
Amount of each ACH debit $........
As a convenience to me, I hereby
Account Number ................... request and authorize you to pay and
charge to my account ACH debits
Please date and invest ACH debits on drawn on my account by and payable
the 20th of each month beginning to Financial Data Services, Inc. I
agree that your rights in respect to
......(month) or as soon thereafter as each such debit shall be the same as
possible. if it were a check drawn on you and
signed personally by me. This
I agree that you are drawing these authority is to remain in effect
ACH debits voluntarily at my request until revoked personally by me in
and that you shall not be liable for writing. Until you receive such
any loss arising from any delay in notice, you shall be fully protected
preparing or failure to prepare any in honoring any such debit. I
such debit. If I change banks or further agree that if any such debit
desire to terminate or suspend this be dishonored, whether with or
program, I agree to notify you without cause and whether
promptly in writing. I hereby intentionally or inadvertently, you
authorize you to take any action to shall be under no liability.
correct erroneous ACH debits of my
bank account or purchases of fund
shares including liquidating shares ............ .....................
of the Fund and credit my bank Date Signature of
account. I further agree that if a Depositor
check or debit is not honored upon
presentation, Financial Data ............ .....................
Services, Inc. is authorized to Bank Signature of Depositor
discontinue immediately the Automatic Account (If joint account,
Investment Plan and to liquidate Number both must sign)
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)
NOTE: IF AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN IS ELECTED, YOUR BLANK, UNSIGNED CHECK
MARKED "VOID" SHOULD ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION.
50
<PAGE>
MANAGER
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, LP
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:
Attn: Transfer Agency Mutual Fund Operations
P.O. Box 45289
Jacksonville, Florida 32232-5289
CUSTODIAN
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
4 MetroTech Center, 18th Floor
Brooklyn, New York 11245
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
117 Campus Drive
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
COUNSEL
Rogers & Wells
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
<PAGE>
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESEN-
TATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE
OFFER CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMA-
TION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY
THE FUND, THE MANAGER OR THE DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE
AN OFFERING IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
-------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Fee Table.................................................................. 2
Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System...................................... 4
Financial Highlights....................................................... 8
Risk Factors and Special Considerations.................................... 9
Investment Objectives and Policies......................................... 10
Debt Securities........................................................... 11
Equity Securities......................................................... 13
Money Market Securities................................................... 14
Portfolio Strategies Involving Options and Futures........................ 14
Other Investment Policies and Practices................................... 19
Management of the Fund..................................................... 23
Board of Directors........................................................ 23
Management and Advisory Arrangements...................................... 24
Code of Ethics............................................................ 25
Transfer Agency Services.................................................. 25
Purchase of Shares......................................................... 26
Initial Sales Charge Alternatives--Class A and Class D Shares............. 28
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares............ 29
Distribution Plans........................................................ 33
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges...................... 34
Redemption of Shares....................................................... 35
Redemption................................................................ 35
Repurchase................................................................ 35
Reinstatement Privilege--Class A and Class D Shares....................... 36
Shareholder Services....................................................... 36
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage....................................... 39
Performance Data........................................................... 39
Additional Information..................................................... 40
Dividends and Distributions............................................... 40
Determination of Net Asset Value.......................................... 41
Taxes..................................................................... 42
Organization of the Fund.................................................. 44
Shareholder Reports....................................................... 45
Shareholder Inquiries..................................................... 45
Authorization Form......................................................... 47
</TABLE>
Code #18235--0295
LOGO MERRILL LYNCH
Merrill Lynch
Asset Income Fund, Inc.
[ART]
PROSPECTUS
February 27, 1995
Distributor:
Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc.
This Prospectus should be retained for future reference.
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- -----------------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET INCOME FUND, INC.
P.O. BOX 9011, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08543-9011 . PHONE NO. (609) 282-2800
----------------
Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is a non-diversified
mutual fund primarily seeking a high level of current income, consistent with
prudent risk, through an investment policy utilizing United States and foreign
debt, equity and money market securities, the combination of which will be
varied from time to time both with respect to types of securities and markets
in response to changing market and economic trends. The Fund will also seek
capital appreciation. Under normal conditions, at least 65%, and as much as
all, of the Fund's total assets will be invested in debt securities, and no
more than 25% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in foreign
securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objectives
will be achieved. The Fund may employ a variety of instruments and techniques
to enhance income and to hedge against market and currency risk.
----------------
Pursuant to the Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System, the Fund offers four
classes of shares each with a different combination of sales charges, ongoing
fees and other features. The Select Pricing 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 February
27, 1995 (the "Prospectus"), which has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and can be obtained, without charge, by calling or by
writing the Fund at the above telephone number or address. This Statement of
Additional Information has been incorporated by reference into the Prospectus.
----------------
MERRILL LYNCH ASSET MANAGEMENT -- MANAGER
MERRILL LYNCH FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. -- DISTRIBUTOR
----------------
The date of this Statement of Additional Information is February 27, 1995.
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Fund's primary investment objective is to seek a high level of current
income, consistent with prudent risk, through an investment policy utilizing
United States and foreign debt, equity and money market securities the
combination of which will be varied from time to time both with respect to
types of securities and markets in response to changing market and economic
trends. A secondary investment objective is capital appreciation. These
objectives are fundamental policies which the Fund may not change without a
vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. Under normal
conditions, at least 65%, and as much as all, of the Fund's total assets will
be invested in debt securities, and no more than 25% of the Fund's total assets
will be invested in foreign securities. Reference is made to "Investment
Objectives and Policies" in the Prospectus for a discussion of the investment
objectives and policies of the Fund.
Although up to 100% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in debt
securities, the Manager anticipates that the Fund's portfolio generally will
include both equity and debt securities.
The Fund will invest the portion of its assets allocated to debt obligations
in the securities of governmental issuers and in corporate debt securities,
including convertible debt securities, rated A or better by Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or which, in
the Manager's judgment, possess similar credit characteristics. See Appendix.
The Manager considers the ratings assigned by S&P and Moody's as one of several
factors in its independent credit analysis of issuers. If a debt security in
the Fund's portfolio is downgraded below investment grade, the Manager will
consider factors such as price, credit risk, market conditions and interest
rates and will sell the security only if, in the Manager's judgment, it is
advantageous to do so.
While it is the policy of the Fund generally not to engage in trading for
short-term gains, Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P., doing business as
Merrill Lynch Asset Management (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 circumstances of a
particular company or within a particular industry or due to general market,
economic or financial conditions. Accordingly, while the Fund anticipates that
its annual turnover rate should not exceed 200% 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'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 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 Fund does not believe that these considerations will have any
significant effect on its portfolio strategy, although there can be no
assurance in this regard.
2
<PAGE>
PRECIOUS AND INDUSTRIAL METAL-RELATED SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in the equity securities of companies that explore for,
extract, process or deal in precious or industrial metals, i.e., gold, silver,
platinum, iron, copper and aluminum, and in asset-based securities indexed to
the value of such metals. Such securities may be purchased when they are
believed to be attractively priced in relation to the value of a company's
precious or industrial metal-related assets or when the value of precious or
industrial metals are expected to benefit from inflationary pressure or other
economic, political or financial uncertainty or instability. The prices of
precious and industrial metals and of the securities of precious and industrial
metal-related companies historically have been subject to high volatility. In
addition, the earnings of precious and industrial metal-related companies may
be adversely affected by volatile metals prices which may adversely affect the
financial condition of such companies.
The major producers of gold include the Republic of South Africa, the former
republics of the Soviet Union, Canada, the United States, Brazil and Australia.
Sales of gold by the former republics of the Soviet Union are largely
unpredictable and often relate to political and economic considerations rather
than to market forces. Economic, social and political developments within South
Africa may significantly affect South African gold production.
The Fund may invest in debt securities, preferred stock or convertible
securities, the principal amount, redemption terms or conversion terms of which
are related to the market price of some metals such as gold bullion. These
securities are referred to as "asset-based securities." The Fund will purchase
only asset-based securities which are rated, or are issued by issuers that have
outstanding debt obligations rated, A or better by S&P or Moody's or commercial
paper rated A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's or of issuers that the Manager has
determined to be of similar creditworthiness. If the asset-based security is
backed by a bank letter of credit or other similar facility, the Manager may
take such backing into account in determining the creditworthiness of the
issuer. While the market prices for an asset-based security and the related
natural resource asset generally are expected to move in the same direction,
there may not be perfect correlation in the two price movements. Asset-based
securities may not be secured by a security interest in or claim on the
underlying natural resource asset. The asset-based securities in which the Fund
may invest may bear interest or pay preferred dividends at below market (or
even at relatively nominal) rates. As an example, assume gold is selling at a
market price of $300 per ounce and an issuer sells a $1,000 face amount gold
related note with a seven year maturity, payable at maturity at the greater of
either $1,000 in cash or in the then market price of three ounces of gold. If
at maturity, the market price of gold is $400 per ounce, the amount payable on
the note would be $1,200. Certain asset-based securities may be payable at
maturity in cash at the stated principal amount or, at the option of the
holder, directly in a stated amount of the asset to which it is related. In
such instance, because the Fund presently does not intend to invest directly in
natural resource assets, the Fund would sell the asset-based security in the
secondary market, to the extent one exists, prior to maturity if the value of
the stated amount of the asset exceeds the stated principal amount and thereby
realize the appreciation in the underlying asset.
REAL ESTATE-RELATED SECURITIES
The real estate-related securities which will be emphasized by the Fund are
equity securities of real estate investment trusts, which own income-producing
properties, and mortgage real estate investment trusts which make various types
of mortgage loans often combined with equity features. The securities of such
trusts
3
<PAGE>
generally pay above average dividends and may offer the potential for capital
appreciation. Such securities will be subject to the risks customarily
associated with the real estate industry, including declines in the value of
the real estate investments of the trusts. Real estate values are affected by
numerous factors including (i) governmental regulations (such as zoning and
environmental laws) and changes in tax laws, (ii) operating costs, (iii) the
location and the attractiveness of the properties, (iv) changes in economic
conditions (such as fluctuations in interest and inflation rates and business
conditions) and (v) supply and demand for improved real estate. Such trusts
also are dependent on management skill and may not be diversified in their
investments.
PORTFOLIO STRATEGIES INVOLVING OPTIONS AND FUTURES
Reference is made to the discussion under the caption "Investment Objectives
and Policies--Portfolio Strategies Involving Options and Futures" in the
Prospectus for information with respect to various portfolio strategies
involving options and futures. The Fund may seek to increase its return through
the use of options on portfolio securities and to hedge its portfolio against
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 stock futures and financial futures, and
related options on such futures. The Fund may also deal in forward foreign
transactions and foreign currency options and futures, and related options on
such futures. Each of such portfolio strategies is described in the Prospectus.
Although certain risks are involved in transactions in derivatives, such as
options and futures (as discussed in the Prospectus and below), the Manager
believes that, because the Fund will (i) write only covered call options on
portfolio securities and (ii) engage in other options and futures transactions
only 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. 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. There
can be no assurance that the Fund's hedging transactions will be effective. The
following is further information relating to portfolio strategies involving
options and futures that the Fund may utilize.
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 particular hedge against the price of the
underlying security declining.
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,
4
<PAGE>
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 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 or equity securities
denominated in U.S. dollars or non-U.S. currencies with a securities depository
with a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the underlying
securities. By writing a put, the 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.
Options referred to herein and in the Fund's Prospectus may be options issued
by The Options Clearing Corporation (the "Clearing Corporation") which are
currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, American Stock
Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, Philadelphia Stock Exchange and Pacific
Stock Exchange. Options referred to herein and in the Fund's Prospectus may
also be options traded on foreign securities exchanges such as the London Stock
Exchange and the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. An option position may be closed out
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 a closing transaction in a particular option, 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 until 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 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 option transactions ("OTC
options"), which are two party contracts with price and terms negotiated
between the buyer and seller. The staff of the Securities and Exchange
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
5
<PAGE>
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
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 Securities and Exchange 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 Securities and Exchange Commission has in the past indicated
that a futures contract may be a "senior security" under the Investment Company
Act.
Foreign Currency Hedging. Generally, the foreign exchange transactions of the
Fund will be conducted on a spot, i.e., cash basis at the spot rate of
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
6
<PAGE>
generally less than one tenth of one percent due to the costs of converting
from one currency to another. However, the Fund has authority to deal in
forward foreign exchange among currencies of the different countries in which
it will invest 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
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 particular foreign currency. If the Fund enters
into a position hedging transaction, its custodian will place cash or liquid
equity or 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 enter into such transactions only to
the extent, if any, deemed appropriate by the Manager. 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 yen denominated security. In such
circumstances, for example, the Fund may purchase a foreign currency put option
enabling it to sell a specified amount of Japanese yen for dollars at a
specified price by a future date. To the extent the hedge is successful, a loss
in the value of the yen relative to the dollar will tend to be offset by an
increase in the value of the put option. To offset, in whole or 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 yen for dollars at 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 yen 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
7
<PAGE>
period and the market conditions then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign
currency exchange usually are conducted on a principal basis, no fees or
commissions are involved.
Risk Factors in Options and Futures Transactions. Utilization of derivatives
such as options and futures 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 price of the options and futures contract moves more or less than the
prices of the hedged securities or 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 correctly
predict price movements in the market involved in a particular options or
futures transaction.
Prior to exercise or expiration, an exchange-traded option or futures
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 options or futures. 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
that dealer's price is used. 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 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.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Non-Diversified Status. The Fund is classified as non-diversified within the
meaning of the Investment Company Act, which means that the Fund is not limited
by such Act in the proportion of its assets that it
8
<PAGE>
may invest in securities of a single issuer. However, the Fund's investments
will be limited so as to qualify as a "regulated investment company" for
purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. See "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes--Taxes." To qualify, among other requirements, the Fund
will limit its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of the taxable
year, (i) not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund's total assets will
be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (ii) with respect to 50%
of the market value of its total assets, not more than 5% of the market value
of its total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and
the Fund will not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a
single issuer. A fund which elects to be classified as "diversified" under the
Investment Company Act must satisfy the foregoing 5% and 10% requirements with
respect to 75% of its total assets. To the extent that the Fund assumes large
positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, the Fund's net asset
value may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified company as a
result of changes in the financial condition or in the market's assessment of
the issuers.
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 or equity 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 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 0.5% of the aggregate purchase price of the security which the
Fund has committed to purchase. The Fund will enter into such agreement 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 90 days and
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, will not exceed
10% of its 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 or equity 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. Since the issuance of the security
underlying the commitment is at the option of the issuer, the Fund may bear the
risk
9
<PAGE>
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. The Fund may invest in securities pursuant to
repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements may be entered into only with a
member bank of the Federal Reserve System or primary dealer in U.S. Government
securities or an affiliate thereof. Under such agreements, the other party
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. In the case of repurchase
agreements, 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 under one week. Repurchase agreements may be construed to
be collateralized loans by the purchaser to the seller secured by the
securities transferred to the purchaser. In the case of a repurchase agreement,
as a purchaser, 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 of possible
losses in connection with the disposition of the collateral. From time to time
the Fund also may invest in securities pursuant to a purchase and sales
contract. While purchase and sales contracts are similar to repurchase
agreements, purchase and sales contracts are structured to be in substance more
like a purchase and sale of the underlying security than is the case with
repurchase agreements. The Fund may not invest more than 10% of its net assets
in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. Subject to investment restriction (5) below,
the Fund may lend securities from its portfolio to approved borrowers and
receive therefor 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 borrower to use such securities for delivery to
purchasers when such borrower has 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 yield 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. 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.
10
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
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:
1. Make any investment inconsistent with the Fund's classification as a
diversified company under the Investment Company Act.
2. Invest more than 25% of its assets, taken at market value, in the
securities of issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S.
Government and its agencies and instrumentalities).
3. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management.
4. Purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, 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.
5. Make loans to other persons, except that the acquisition of bonds,
debentures or other corporate debt securities and investment in government
obligations, commercial paper, pass-through instruments, certificates of
deposit, bankers' acceptances, repurchase agreements or any similar
instruments shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan, and except
further that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided that the
lending of portfolio securities may be made only in accordance with
applicable law and the guidelines set forth in the Fund's Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, as they may be amended from time to
time.
6. Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate
applicable law.
7. Borrow money, except that (i) the Fund may borrow from banks (as
defined in the Investment Company Act) in amounts up to 33 1/3% of its
total assets (including the amount borrowed), (ii) the Fund may borrow up
to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, (iii) the
Fund may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities and (iv) the Fund
may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable
law. The Fund may not pledge its assets other than to secure such
borrowings or, to the extent permitted by the Fund's investment policies as
set forth in its Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as
they may be amended from time to time, in connection with hedging
transactions, short sales, when-issued and forward commitment transactions
and similar investment strategies.
8. Underwrite securities of other issuers except insofar as the Fund
technically may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act") in selling portfolio securities.
9. 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 Statement of Additional Information, as they may be
amended from time to time, and without registering as a commodity pool
operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
11
<PAGE>
Additional investment restrictions adopted by the Fund, which may be changed
by the Directors, provide that the Fund may not:
(i) 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, except in connection with a plan of merger,
consolidation, reorganization, or acquisition, or by purchase in the open
market of securities of investment companies where no underwriter or
dealer's commission or profit, other than the customary broker's
commission, is involved and 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 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 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.
(ii) Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position except
to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Fund currently does not
intend to engage in short sales, except short sales "against the box."
(iii) Invest in securities which cannot be readily resold because of
legal or contractual restrictions or which cannot otherwise be marketed,
redeemed, or put to the issuer or to a third party, if at the time of
acquisition more than 15% of its total assets would be invested in such
securities. This restriction shall not apply to securities which mature
within seven days, or securities which the Board of Directors of the Fund
has otherwise determined to be liquid pursuant to applicable law.
Notwithstanding the 15% limitation herein, to the extent the laws of any
state in which the Fund's shares are registered or qualified for sale
require a lower limitation, the Fund will observe such limitation. As of
the date hereof, therefore, the Fund will not invest more than 10% of its
total assets in securities which are subject to this investment restriction
(iii). Securities purchased in accordance with Rule 144A under the
Securities Act (a "Rule 144A security") and determined to be liquid by the
Fund's Board of Directors are not subject to the limitations set forth in
this investment restriction (iii). Notwithstanding the fact that the Board
may determine that a Rule 144A security is liquid and not subject to
limitations set forth in this investment restriction (iii), the State of
Ohio does not recognize Rule 144A securities as securities that are free of
restrictions as to resale. To the extent required by Ohio law, the Fund
will not invest more than 50% of its total assets in securities of issuers
that are restricted as to disposition, including Rule 144A securities.
(iv) Invest in warrants if at the time of acquisition its investment 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.
(v) Invest in securities of companies having a record, together with
predecessors, of less than three years of continuous operation, if more
than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in such
12
<PAGE>
securities. This restriction will not apply to mortgage-backed securities,
asset-backed securities or obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
(vi) 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 beneficially 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.
(vii) 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.
(viii) Write, purchase or sell puts, calls, straddles, spreads or
combinations thereof, except to the extent permitted in the Fund's
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, as they may be amended
from time to time.
(ix) Notwithstanding fundamental investment restriction (7) above, the
Fund currently does not intend to borrow amounts in excess of 33 1/3% of
its total assets, taken at market value, and then only from banks as a
temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes such as the
redemption of Fund shares. In addition, the Fund will not purchase
securities while borrowings are outstanding.
The Fund has undertaken to certain state securities administrators that as a
matter of operating policy it will not:
(a) Purchase securities of issuers which the company is restricted from
selling to the public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933
(including restricted securities determined by the Fund or the Board of
Directors to be liquid) if by any reason thereof the value of its aggregate
investment in such securities will exceed 10% of its total assets;
(b) Invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of
unseasoned issuers, including equity securities of issuers which are not
readily marketable;
(c) Invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities of one or more
real estate investment trusts;
(d) Engage in short term trading; or
(e) Invest in the securities of any open-end investment company.
The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (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
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 10% 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. 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
13
<PAGE>
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.
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, general
partners, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule
or exemptive order under the Investment Company Act.
Because of the affiliation of the Manager with the Fund, the Fund is
prohibited from engaging in certain transactions involving the Manager's
affiliate, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill
Lynch"), or its affiliates except for brokerage transactions permitted under
the Investment Company Act involving only usual and customary commissions or
transactions pursuant to an exemptive order under the Investment Company Act.
See "Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage." Without such an exemptive order,
the Fund would be prohibited from engaging in portfolio transactions with
Merrill Lynch or its affiliates acting as principal and from purchasing
securities in public offerings which are not registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, in which such firm or any of its affiliates
participate as an underwriter or dealer.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Directors and executive officers of the Fund and their ages and 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 (62)--President and Director(1)(2)--President of the Manager
since 1977 and Chief Investment Officer and Director of the Manager (which term
as used herein includes its corporate predecessors) since 1976; President and
Chief Investment Officer of Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM") (which term as
used herein includes its corporate predecessors) since 1977; President and
Director of Princeton Services, Inc. ("Princeton Services") since 1993;
Director of Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.; Executive Vice President of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated since 1990.
Joe Grills (59)--Director--183 Soundview Lane, New Canaan, Connecticut 06840.
Member of the Committee on Investment of Employee Benefits Assets of the
Financial Executives Institute ("CIEBA") since 1986, member of CIEBA's
Executive Committee since 1988 and its Chairman from 1991 to 1992; Assistant
Treasurer of International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") and Chief
Investment Officer of the IBM Retirement Funds from 1986 until 1992.
Walter Mintz (65)--Director--1114 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York
10036. Special Limited Partner of Cumberland Partners (investment partnership)
since 1982.
14
<PAGE>
Melvin R. Seiden (64)--Director--780 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
President of Silbanc Properties, Ltd. (real estate, consulting and
investments) since 1987; Chairman and President of Seiden & de Cuevas, Inc.
(private investment firm) from 1964 to 1987.
Stephen B. Swensrud (61)--Director--24 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02110. Principal of Fernwood Associates (financial consultants); Director,
Hitchiner Manufacturing Company.
Harry Woolf (71)--Director--The Institute for Advanced Study, Olden Lane,
Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Professor and former Director of The Institute
for Advanced Study (private institution devoted to the encouragement, support
and patronage of learning) since 1976; Director, Alex. Brown Funds, Flag
Investors Funds and Advanced Technology Laboratories and Space Labs Medical
(medical equipment manufacturing and marketing).
Terry K. Glenn (54)--Executive Vice President(1)(2)--Executive Vice
President of the Manager and FAM since 1983 and Director since 1991; President
and Director of Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor")
since 1986; Executive Vice President and Director of Princeton Services since
1993; and Director of Financial Data Services, Inc. since 1985.
Bernard J. Durnin (52)--Senior Vice President(1)(2)--Senior Vice President
of the Manager since 1981 and Vice President from 1977 to 1981.
Donald C. Burke (34)--Vice President(1)(2)--Vice President of the Manager
since 1990; employee of Deloitte & Touche LLP from 1982 to 1990.
Joel Heymsfeld (50)--Vice President(1)(2)--Vice President of the Manager
since 1978.
Gerald M. Richard (45)--Treasurer(1)(2)--Senior Vice President and Treasurer
of the Manager and FAM since 1984; Treasurer of the Distributor since 1984 and
Vice President since 1981; and Senior Vice President and Treasurer of
Princeton Services since 1993.
Mark B. Goldfus (48)--Secretary(1)(2)--Vice President of the Manager since
1985.
- --------
(1) Interested person, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, of
the Company.
(2) The officers of the Fund are officers of certain other investment
companies for which the Manager or FAM acts as investment adviser.
15
<PAGE>
Set forth below is a chart showing the aggregate compensation paid by the
Fund to each of its non-interested Directors for the period September 2, 1994
to December 31, 1994, as well as the total compensation paid to each Director
of the Fund by the Fund and by other investment companies advised by the
Manager or FAM (collectively, the "Fund Complex") for their services as
Directors or Trustees of such investment companies for the calendar year ending
December 31, 1994.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PENSION OR
RETIREMENT BENEFITS TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION ACCRUED AS PART FUND AND FUND COMPLEX
NAME OF DIRECTOR FROM THE FUND OF FUND EXPENSES PAID TO DIRECTORS
- ---------------- ---------------------- ------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Joe Grills (1).......... $4,050 None $190,383
Walter Mintz(1)......... $4,050 None $157,325
Melvin Seiden(1)........ $4,050 None $157,325
Stephen Swensrud(1)..... $4,050 None $165,325
Harry Woolf(1).......... $4,050 None $157,325
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The Directors serve on the boards of other FAM/MLAM Advisory Funds as
follows: Joe Grills (18 boards), Walter Mintz (18 boards), Melvin Seiden
(18 boards), Stephen Swensrud (19 boards) and Harry Woolf (18 boards).
At February 1, 1995, the officers and Directors of the Fund as a group (12
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
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
As of February 1, 1995, Providian Corporation Thrift Savings, P.O. Box 30532,
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08989, owned 5.7% of the outstanding shares of the
Fund.
The Fund pays each Director not affiliated with the Manager a fee of $2,600
per year plus $250 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, a fee of $800 per year, plus a fee at the rate of $150
per meeting attended. For the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994,
fees and expenses paid to the unaffiliated Directors of the Fund aggregated
$7,754.
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 for the Fund or other funds for which it acts as
investment adviser or for its 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 with the Manager (the
"Management Agreement"). As discussed in the Prospectus, the Management
Agreement provides that the Fund will pay the Manager a
16
<PAGE>
monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the
Fund. This fee is higher than that of most mutual funds, but management of the
Fund believes this fee, which is typical for a global fund, is justified by the
global nature of the Fund.
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 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.
For the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994, the management fees
paid by the Fund to the Manager totaled $16,460 all of which was reimbursed.
The Fund reimbursed additional expenses of $99,325 for the period ended
December 31, 1994.
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 any of their
affiliates. The Fund pays all other expenses incurred in its operation,
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. For the period ended
December 31, 1994, the amount of such reimbursement was $10,120. The
Distributor will pay certain promotional expenses of the Fund incurred in
connection with the offering of its shares. Certain expenses in connection with
the distribution of shares 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. The Management Agreement was approved by the Board
of Directors, including a majority of the disinterested directors, on July 13,
1994. Unless earlier terminated as described below, the Management Agreement
will remain in effect from year to year if approved annually (a) by the Board
of Directors 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 the
shareholders of the Fund.
17
<PAGE>
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Reference is made to "Purchase of Shares" in the Prospectus for certain
information as to the purchase of Fund shares.
ALTERNATIVE SALES ARRANGEMENTS
The Fund issues four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select
PricingSM System: shares of Class A and Class D are sold to investors choosing
the initial sales charge alternatives, and shares of Class B and Class C are
sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternatives. Each Class
A, Class B, Class C and Class D share of the Fund represents 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.
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 the account maintenance and/or distribution fees are paid.
Each class has different exchange privileges. See "Shareholder Services--
Exchange Privilege."
The Merrill Lynch Select PricingSM System is used by more than 60 mutual
funds advised by MLAM or its affiliate, FAM. Funds advised by MLAM or FAM are
referred to herein as "MLAM-advised mutual funds."
The Fund has entered into separate distribution agreements with Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor") in connection with the continuous
offering of each class of shares of the Fund (the "Distribution Agreements").
The Distribution Agreements obligate the Distributor to pay certain expenses in
connection with the offering of each class of shares of the Fund. After the
prospectuses, statements of additional information and periodic reports have
been prepared, set in type and mailed to shareholders, the Distributor pays for
the printing and distribution of copies thereof used in connection with the
offering to dealers and 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
provision as the Management Agreement described under "Management of the Fund--
Management and Advisory Arrangements."
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS A AND CLASS D SHARES
The term "purchase," as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information in connection with an investment in Class A and Class D
shares of the Fund, refers to a single purchase by an individual, or to
concurrent purchases, which in the aggregate are at least equal to the
prescribed amounts, by an individual, his spouse and their children under the
age of 21 years purchasing shares for his or their own account and to single
purchases by a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing shares for a single trust
estate or single fiduciary account (including a pension, profit-sharing or
other employee benefit trust created pursuant to a plan qualified under Section
401 of the Code) 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 does not include
purchases by any group of individuals whose sole organizational nexus is that
the participants therein are credit cardholders of a company, policyholders of
an insurance company, customers of either a bank or broker-dealer or clients of
18
<PAGE>
an investment adviser. For the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994,
the Distributor received $3,822 as sales charges on shares sold, of which
$3,551 was paid to Merrill Lynch, the only selected dealer for the Fund during
such period.
REDUCED INITIAL SALES CHARGES
Right of Accumulation. Reduced sales charges are applicable through a right
of accumulation under which eligible investors are permitted to purchase shares
of the Fund subject to an initial sales charge at the offering price applicable
to the total of (a) the public offering price of the shares then being
purchased plus (b) an amount equal to the then current net asset value or cost,
whichever is higher, of the purchaser's combined holdings of all classes of
shares of the Fund and of other MLAM-advised mutual funds. For any such right
of accumulation to be made available, the Distributor must be provided at the
time of purchase, by the purchaser or the purchaser's securities dealer, with
sufficient information to permit confirmation of qualification. Acceptance of
the purchase order is subject to such confirmation. The right of accumulation
may be amended or terminated at any time. Shares held in the name of a nominee
or custodian under pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plans may
not be combined with other shares to qualify for the right of accumulation.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are applicable to purchases
aggregating $25,000 or more of Class A or Class D shares of the Fund or any
other MLAM-advised mutual funds made within a 13-month period starting with the
first purchase pursuant to a Letter of Intention in the form provided in the
Prospectus. The Letter of Intention is available only to investors whose
accounts are maintained at the Fund's transfer agent. The Letter of Intention
is not available to employee benefit plans for which Merrill Lynch provides
plan-participant recordkeeping 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 purchased 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 shares or Class D shares equal to 5% of
the intended amount will be held in escrow during the 13-month period (while
remaining registered in the name of the purchaser) for this purpose. The first
purchase under the Letter of Intention must be at least 5% 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 but there will be no retroactive reduction of
the sales charges on any previous purchase. The value of any shares redeemed or
otherwise disposed of by the purchaser prior to termination or completion of
the Letter of Intention will be deducted from the total purchases made under
such Letter. An exchange from a MLAM-advised money market fund into the Fund
that creates a sales charge will count toward completing a new or existing
Letter of Intention for the Fund.
19
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch BlueprintSM Program. Class D shares of the Fund are offered to
participants in the Merrill Lynch BlueprintSM Program ("Blueprint"). In
addition, participants in Blueprint who own Class A shares of the Fund may
purchase additional Class A shares of the Fund through Blueprint. Blueprint is
directed to small investors, group Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs") and
participants in certain affinity groups such as credit unions, trade
associations and benefit plans. Investors placing orders to purchase Class A or
Class D shares of the Fund through Blueprint will acquire the Class A or Class
D shares at net asset value plus a sales charge calculated in accordance with
the Blueprint sales charge schedule (i.e., up to $5,000 at 3.50% plus $3.00 and
$5,000.01 or more at the standard sales charge rates disclosed in the
Prospectus). In addition, Class A or Class D shares of the Fund are offered at
net asset value plus a sales charge of 1/2 of 1% for corporate or group IRA
programs placing orders to purchase their Class A or Class D shares through
Blueprint. Services, including the exchange privilege, available to Class A and
Class D investors through Blueprint, however, may differ from those available
to other investors in Class A or Class D shares.
Class A and Class D shares are offered at net asset value to Blueprint
participants through the Merrill Lynch Directed IRA Rollover Program ("IRA
Rollover Program") available from Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services, a
business unit of Merrill Lynch. The IRA Rollover Program is available to
custodian rollover assets from Employer Sponsored Retirement and Savings Plans
(as defined below) whose Trustee and/or Plan Sponsor offers the Merrill Lynch
Directed IRA Rollover Program.
Orders for purchases and redemptions of Class A or Class D shares of the Fund
may be grouped for execution purposes which, in some circumstances, may involve
the execution of such orders two business days following the day such orders
are placed. The minimum initial purchase price is $100, with a $50 minimum for
subsequent purchases through Blueprint. There are no minimum initial or
subsequent purchase requirements for participants who are part of an automatic
investment plan. Additional information concerning purchases through Blueprint,
including any annual fees and transaction charges, is available from Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, The BlueprintSM Program, P.O. Box
30441, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08989-0441.
Employer Sponsored Retirement and Savings Plans. Class A shares and Class D
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 Section 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 at least $5 million in MLAM-advised mutual
funds for Class D shares or at least $20 million in MLAM-advised mutual funds
for Class A shares. Class D shares may be offered at net asset value to new
Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans, provided the plan has at least
$3 million 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 are
also offered at net asset value, provided the plan has between 500-999
employees eligible to participate in the plan for Class D shares or at least
1,000 employees eligible to participate in the plan for Class A shares.
Employees eligible to participate in Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings
Plans of the same sponsoring employer
20
<PAGE>
or its affiliates may be aggregated. Tax qualified retirement plans within the
meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code meeting any of 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 BlueprintSM 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
or Class D shares at net asset value has the option of (i) purchasing Class D
shares at the initial sales charge schedule disclosed in the Prospectus for
purchases of up to $1,000,000 and at .75% for purchases of $1,000,000 or more,
(ii) 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 (iii) if the Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plan does
not qualify to purchase Class B shares with a waiver upon redemption,
purchasing Class B or Class C shares at their respective CDSC schedule
disclosed in the prospectus.
Certain Employer Sponsored Retirement or Savings Plans, which were permitted
prior to October 21, 1994 to purchase Class A shares at the initial sales
charge schedule in the then current prospectus for purchases up to $1,000,000
and at .75% for purchases of $1,000,000 or more, may purchase Class A shares at
the initial sales charge schedule disclosed in the Prospectus for purchases of
up to $1,000,000 and at .75% for purchases of $1,000,000 or more. 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 and 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 their directors and employees, and any trust, pension, profit-sharing
or other benefit plan for such persons may purchase Class A shares of the Fund
at net asset value. Class D shares of the Fund 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 they will purchase Class D shares of the Fund with proceeds from a
redemption of shares of a mutual fund that was sponsored by the financial
consultant's previous firm and was subject to a sales charge either at the time
of purchase or on a deferred basis. Second, the investor must also establish
that such redemption had been made within 60 days prior to the investment in
the Fund, and the proceeds from the redemption had been maintained in the
interim in cash or a money market fund.
Class A shares of the Fund are offered at net asset value to shareholders of
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
21
<PAGE>
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.
Class A shares of the Fund and other MLAM-advised mutual funds ("Eligible
Class A Shares") are offered at net asset value to shareholders of certain
closed-end funds advised by the Manager or FAM 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 shares of the
Fund, 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. Closed-end fund shareholders must
(i) sell their closed-end fund shares through Merrill Lynch and reinvest the
proceeds immediately in the Fund, (ii) have acquired the shares in the closed-
end fund's initial public offering or through reinvestment of dividends earned
on shares purchased in such offering, (iii) have maintained their closed-end
fund shares continuously in a Merrill Lynch account, and (iv) purchase a
minimum of $250 worth of Fund shares.
Class D shares of the Fund will be offered at the 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 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 they will
purchase Class D shares of the Fund with proceeds from a redemption of such
shares of other mutual funds that have been outstanding for a period of no less
than six months. Second, the investor must also establish that such purchase of
Class D shares had been made within 60 days after the redemption 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, 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; and second,
such purchase of Class D shares must be made within 90 days after such notice
of termination.
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
22
<PAGE>
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. See "General
Information--Description of Shares." Among other things, each Distribution Plan
provides that the Distributor will provide and the Directors will 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 to its related class of shareholders. Each Distribution Plan further
provides that, so long as such 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"),
will 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
shareholders, and all material amendments are required to be approved by the
vote of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors who have
no direct or indirect financial interest in such Distribution Plan, cast in
person at a meeting called for that purpose. Rule 12b-1 further requires that
the Fund preserve copies of such Distribution Plan and any reports made
pursuant to such plan for a period of not less than six years from the date of
the Distribution Plan or such reports, 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
23
<PAGE>
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.
The following tables set forth comparative information as of December 31,
1994 with respect to Class B shares and Class C shares of the Fund indicating
the maximum allowable payments that can be made under the NASD maximum sales
charge rule and, with respect to the Class B shares, the Distributor's
voluntary maximum for the period September 2, 1994 (commencement of Class B
operations) to December 31, 1994 for Class B shares, and for the period
October 21, 1994 (commencement of Class C operations) to December 31, 1994 for
Class C shares.
DATA CALCULATED AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1994
CLASS B
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL
ALLOWABLE AMOUNT DISTRIBUTION
ALLOWABLE INTEREST MAXIMUM PREVIOUSLY AGGREGATE FEE AT CURRENT
ELIGIBLE AGGREGATE ON UNPAID AMOUNT PAID TO UNPAID NET ASSET
GROSS SALES(1) SALES CHARGES BALANCE(2) PAYABLE DISTRIBUTOR(3) BALANCE LEVEL(4)
-------------- ------------- ---------- ------- -------------- --------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Under NASD Rule as
Adopted................ $6,093 $381 $ 9 $390 $10 $380 $34
Under Distributor's
Voluntary Waiver....... $6,093 $381 $30 $411 $10 $401 $34
</TABLE>
CLASS C
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL
ALLOWABLE AMOUNT DISTRIBUTION
ALLOWABLE INTEREST MAXIMUM PREVIOUSLY AGGREGATE FEE AT CURRENT
ELIGIBLE AGGREGATE ON UNPAID AMOUNT PAID TO UNPAID NET ASSET
GROSS SALES(5) SALES CHARGES BALANCE(2) PAYABLE DISTRIBUTOR(3) BALANCE LEVEL(4)
-------------- ------------- ---------- ------- -------------- --------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Under NASD Rule as
Adopted................ $154 $10 $ 0 $10 $ 0 $10 $ 0
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Purchase price of all eligible Class B shares sold since September 2, 1994
(commencement of Class B operations) other than shares acquired through
dividend reinvestment and the exchange privilege.
(2) Interest is computed on a monthly average prime rate basis based upon the
prime rate, as reported in The Wall Street Journal, plus 1.0%, as
permitted under the NASD Rule.
(3) Consists of CDSC payments, distribution fee payment and accruals.
(4) Provided to illustrate the extent to which the current level of
distribution fee payments (not including any CDSC payments) is amortizing
the unpaid balance. No assurance can be given that payments of the
distribution fee will reach either the voluntary maximum or the NASD
maximum.
(5) Purchase price of all eligible Class C shares sold since October 21, 1994
(commencement of Class C operations) other than shares acquired through
dividend reinvestment and the exchange privilege.
24
<PAGE>
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 only for any period 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.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE--CLASS B SHARES
As discussed in the Prospectus under "Purchase of Shares--Deferred Sales
Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares," while Class B shares redeemed
within four years of purchase are subject to a CDSC 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 payments (not less frequently than annually) made for 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.
For the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994, Merrill Lynch received
CDSCs of $968 with respect to the Class B shares of the Fund.
Merrill Lynch BlueprintSM Program. Class B shares are offered to certain
participants in the Merrill Lynch BlueprintSM Program ("Blueprint"). Blueprint
is directed to small investors, group IRAs and participants in certain affinity
groups such as trade associations and credit unions. Class B shares of the Fund
are offered through Blueprint only to members of certain affinity groups. The
CDSC is waived in connection with purchase orders placed through Blueprint.
Services, including the exchange privilege, available to Class B investors
through Blueprint, however, may differ from those available to other investors
in Class B shares. Orders for purchases and redemptions of Class B shares of
the Fund will be grouped for execution purposes which, in some circumstances,
may involve the execution of such orders two business days following the day
such orders are placed. The minimum initial purchase price is $100, with a $50
minimum for subsequent purchases through Blueprint. There is no minimum initial
or subsequent purchase requirement for investors who are part of the Blueprint
automatic investment plan. Additional information concerning these Blueprint
programs, including any annual fees or transaction charges, is available from
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, The BlueprintSM Program,
P.O. Box 30441, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08989-0441.
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<PAGE>
Retirement Plans. Any Retirement Plan which does not meet the qualifications
to purchase Class A or Class D shares at net asset value may purchase Class B
shares with a waiver of the CDSC upon redemption if the following
qualifications are met. 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. CDSC is also waived for
Class B redemptions from a 401(a) plan qualified under the Code, provided that
each such plan has the same or an affiliated sponsoring employer as an Eligible
401(k) Plan purchasing Class B shares ("Eligible 401(a) Plan"). Other tax
qualified retirement plans within the meaning of Section 401(a) and 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 may also purchase Class B shares with a waiver of the CDSC. The CDSC is
also 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 is also waived for shares 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
Reference is made to "Investment Objectives and Policies--Other Investment
Policies and Practices--Portfolio Transactions" in the Prospectus.
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. 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. Subject to obtaining
the best price and execution, 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. In addition, consistent with the
Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
and policies established by the 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. It is possible that certain of
the 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.
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
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<PAGE>
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 governmental supervision and regulation of foreign stock
exchanges and brokers than in the United States.
The Fund invests in certain securities traded in the over-the-counter market
and, where possible, deals directly with the dealers who make a market in the
securities involved except in those circumstances in which 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 over-the-counter market
usually involve transactions with dealers acting as principal for their own
accounts, affiliated persons of the Fund, including Merrill Lynch and any of
its affiliates, will not serve as the Fund's dealer in such transactions.
However, affiliated persons of the Fund may serve as its broker in listed or
over-the-counter transactions conducted on an agency basis provided that, among
other things, the fee or commission received by such affiliated broker is
reasonable and fair compared to the fee or commission received by non-
affiliated brokers in connection with comparable transactions.
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.
Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, generally
prohibits members of the U.S. national securities exchanges from executing
exchange transactions for their affiliates and institutional accounts which
they manage unless the member (i) has obtained prior express authorization from
the account to effect such transactions, (ii) at least annually furnishes the
account with 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.
The Directors have 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 Directors made a determination not to seek
such recapture. The Directors will reconsider this matter from time to time.
For the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994, the Fund paid total
brokerage commissions of $4,985 of which $342 was paid to Merrill Lynch.
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<PAGE>
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
Reference is made to "Additional Information--Determination of Net Asset
Value" on page 42 of the Prospectus. The net asset value of the shares of the
Fund is determined once daily by the Manager immediately after the declaration
of dividends as of 15 minutes after the closing time (generally 4:00 p.m. New
York City time) on each day during which the New York Stock Exchange is open
for trading and on any other day on which there is sufficient trading in the
Fund's portfolio securities that net asset value might be materially affected
but only if on any such day the Fund is required to sell or redeem shares. The
New York Stock Exchange is not open on New Year's Day, Presidents' 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.
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 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 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 (although not necessarily
meet) immediately after the payment of dividends or distributions, which will
differ by approximately the amount of the expense accrual differential between
the classes.
Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last
available bid price or yield equivalents obtained from one or more dealers in
the over-the-counter market prior to the time of valuation. The Fund employs
Merrill Lynch Securities Pricing Service ("MLSPS"), an affiliate of the
Manager, to provide securities prices for the Fund. 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 asked price in the case of exchange-traded options or, in
the case of options traded in the over-the-counter market, 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, 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. Portfolio securities
which are traded on stock exchanges are valued at the last sale price on the
principal market 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. Portfolio securities which are traded both in the
over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the
broadest and most representative market. Other investments, including futures
contracts and related options, are stated at market value. Securities and
assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair
value as determined in good faith under the direction of the Board of Directors
of the Fund, including valuations furnished by a pricing service retained by
the Fund, which
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<PAGE>
may utilize a matrix system for valuations. The procedures of the pricing
service and its valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Fund under the
general supervision of the Board of 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 and copies of the various plans described below 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 showing any reinvestments of dividends and capital gains
distributions activity in the account since the previous statement.
Shareholders also will receive separate confirmations for each purchase or sale
transaction other than reinvestment of dividends and capital gains
distributions. A shareholder may make additions to his Investment Account at
any time by mailing a check directly to the transfer agent.
Share certificates are issued only for full shares and only upon the specific
request of the shareholder. 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.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS
A shareholder may make additions to an Investment Account at any time by
purchasing Class A shares (if 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 $150 or more ($1 for
retirement accounts) through the CMA(R) Automated 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 shares of the Fund,
without sales charge, 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.
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<PAGE>
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 on 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.
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 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
reinvested automatically 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 Fund's transfer agent or
the Distributor.
Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield or income.
Each withdrawal is a taxable event. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed
reinvested dividends, the shareholder's original investment may be reduced
correspondingly. Purchases of additional 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
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<PAGE>
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. 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 at least 15 days. It is contemplated that the
exchange privilege may be applicable to other new mutual funds whose shares may
be distributed by the Distributor.
Exchanges of Class A or Class D shares outstanding ("outstanding Class A or
Class D shares") for Class A or Class D shares of another MLAM-advised mutual
fund ("new Class A or Class D shares") are transacted on the basis of relative
net asset value per Class A or Class D share, respectively, plus an amount
equal to the difference, if any, between the sales charge previously paid on
the outstanding Class A or Class D shares and the sales charge payable at the
time of the exchange on the new Class A or Class D shares. With respect to
outstanding Class A or Class D shares as to which previous exchanges have taken
place, the "sales charge previously paid" shall include the aggregate of the
sales charges paid with respect to such Class A or Class D shares in the
initial purchase and any subsequent exchange. Class A or Class D shares issued
pursuant to dividend reinvestment are sold on a no-load basis in each of the
funds offering Class A or Class D shares. For purposes of the exchange
privilege, Class A or Class D shares acquired through dividend reinvestment
shall be deemed to have been sold with a sales charge equal to the sales charge
previously paid on the Class A or Class D shares on which the dividend was
paid. Based on this formula, Class A and Class D shares 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 and 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 contingent deferred sales charge schedule if such
schedule is higher than the deferred sales charge schedule relating to the new
Class B shares acquired through use of the exchange privilege. In addition,
Class B or Class C 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
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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 Global Resources Trust
(formerly Merrill Lynch Natural Resources Trust) after having held the Fund's
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 Merrill Lynch Global
Resources Trust and receive cash. There will be no contingent deferred sales
charge due on this redemption, since by "tacking" the two and a half year
holding period of the Fund's Class B shares to the three year holding period
for the Merrill Lynch Global Resources Trust Class B shares, the investor will
be deemed to have held the new Class B shares for more than four years.
Shareholders also may exchange shares of the Fund into shares of a money
market fund advised by the Manager or its affiliates, respectively, 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 Class B or Class C
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
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% contingent deferred sales charge that would have been due had the Class B
shares of the Fund been redeemed for cash rather than exchanged for shares of
Merrill Lynch 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 continues to hold for an additional one 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).
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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.
Merrill Lynch Arizona 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 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, High total investment return,
Inc. ............................... 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 Balanced Fund for
Investment and Retirement, Inc. ....
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, Capital appreciation and, secondarily,
Inc. ............................... 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 as high
a level of income exempt from Federal
and California income taxes as is
consistent
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<PAGE>
with prudent investment management
through investment in a portfolio
consisting primarily of insured
California Municipal Bonds.
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 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 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, Current income from three separate
Inc................................. 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.
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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.
Merrill Lynch Eurofund............... Capital appreciation primarily through
investment in equity securities of
corporations domiciled in Europe.
Merrill Lynch Federal Securities High current return through investments
Trust............................... 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, Long-term growth through investment in
Inc. ............................... a portfolio of good quality
securities, primarily common stock,
potentially positioned to benefit from
demographic and cultural changes as
they affect consumer markets.
Merrill Lynch Fundamental Growth
Fund, Inc. .........................
Long-term growth of capital through
investment in a diversified portfolio
of equity securities placing
particular emphasis on companies that
have exhibited an above-average growth
rate in earnings.
35
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Fundamental Value
Portfolio...........................
(Available only for A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Retirement
exchanges by certain individual Asset Builder Program, Inc., a series
retirement accounts for which fund, whose objective is to provide
Merrill Lynch acts as custodian) capital appreciation and income by
investing in securities, with at least
65% of the portfolio's assets being
invested in equities.
Merrill Lynch Global Allocation
Fund, Inc. .........................
High total investment return,
consistent with prudent risk, through
a fully managed investment policy
utilizing United States and foreign
equity, debt, and money market
securities, the combination of which
will be varied from time to time both
with respect to types of securities
and markets in response to changing
market and economic trends.
Merrill Lynch Global Bond Fund for
Investment and Retirement...........
High total investment return from
investment in a global portfolio of
debt instruments 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, Inc.
(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 Opportunity
Portfolio...........................
(Available only for A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Retirement
exchanges by certain individual Asset Builder Program Inc., a series
retirement accounts for which fund, whose objective is to provide a
Merrill Lynch acts as custodian) high total investment return through
an investment policy utilizing United
States and foreign equity, debt and
money market securities, the
combination of which will vary
depending upon changing market and
economic trends.
Merrill Lynch Global Resources Long-term growth and protection of
Trust............................... capital from investment in securities
of domestic and foreign companies that
possess substantial natural resource
assets.
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<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Global SmallCap Fund,
Inc. ...............................
Long-term growth of capital by
investing primarily in equity
securities of companies with
relatively small market
capitalizations located in various
foreign countries and in the United
States.
Merrill Lynch Global Utility Fund, Capital appreciation and current income
Inc. ............................... 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 U.S. Government
Securities Portfolio................
(Available A portfolio of Merrill Lynch Retirement
only for exchanges by certain Asset Builder Program, Inc., a series
individual retirement accounts for fund, whose objective is to provide a
which Merrill Lynch acts as high current return through
custodian) investments in U.S. Government and
government agency securities,
including GNMA mortgage-backed
certificates and other mortgage-backed
government securities.
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.
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, Capital appreciation by investing
Inc. ............................... primarily in Latin American equity and
debt securities.
37
<PAGE>
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.
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 income taxes as
is consistent with prudent investment
management.
38
<PAGE>
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.
39
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch New York 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, 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 to provide 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 to provide 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 to provide 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 and Singapore.
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.
40
<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania income taxes
as is consistent with prudent
investment management.
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, Long-term growth of capital from
Inc. ............................... 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 Long-term total return from investment
Fund................................ in dividend paying common stocks which
yield more than Standard & Poor's 500
Composite Stock Price Index.
Merrill Lynch Technology Fund, Capital appreciation through worldwide
Inc. ............................... 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 to provide 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.
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<PAGE>
Merrill Lynch Utility Income Fund, High current income through investment
Inc. ............................... 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.
Merrill Lynch World Income Fund, High current income by investing in a
Inc. ............................... global portfolio of fixed income
securities denominated in various
currencies, including multinational
currencies.
Before effecting an exchange, shareholders should obtain a currently
effective prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is to be made.
Class A Share 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 if the
exchange occurs 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 Preservation of capital, liquidity and
Fund................................ 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 Share 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.
42
<PAGE>
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.
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.
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
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.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
All or a portion of the Fund's net investment income will be declared as
dividends daily prior to the determination of net asset value on that day and
paid monthly. The Fund may at times pay out less than the entire amount of net
investment income earned in any particular period and may at times pay out such
accumulated undistributed income in addition to net investment income earned in
any particular period in order to permit the Fund to maintain a more stable
level of distributions. As a result, the distribution paid by the Fund for any
particular period may be more or less than the amount of net investment income
earned by the Fund during such period. However, it is the Fund's intention to
distribute during any fiscal year all its net investment income. Shares will
accrue dividends as long as they are issued and outstanding. Shares are issued
and outstanding as of the settlement date of a purchase order or the settlement
date of a redemption
43
<PAGE>
order. All net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, will be
distributed to the Fund's shareholders at least annually. See "Shareholder
Services--Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions"
for information concerning the manner in which dividends and distributions may
be reinvested automatically in shares of the Fund. Shareholders may elect in
writing to receive any such dividends or distributions, or both, in cash.
Dividends and distributions are taxable to shareholders as described below
whether they are invested in shares of the Fund or received in cash. The per
share dividends and distributions on Class B and Class C shares will be lower
than the per share dividends and distributions on Class A and Class D shares as
a result of the account maintenance, distribution and higher transfer agency
fees applicable with respect to the Class B and Class C shares. Similarly, the
per share dividends and distributions on Class D shares will be lower than the
per share dividends and distributions on Class A shares as a result of the
account maintenance fees applicable with respect to the Class D shares. See
"Determination of Net Asset Value."
TAXES
The Fund intends to elect 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 and gains.
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.
Distributions in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits will first reduce
the adjusted tax basis of a holder's shares and, after such adjusted tax basis
is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such holder (assuming the
shares are held as a capital asset). Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Fund
shares held for six months or less, however, will be treated as long-term
capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received by the
shareholder.
Dividends are taxable to shareholders even if 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 and 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 between the Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders according to a method (which it
believes is consistent with the Securities and Exchange Commission 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
44
<PAGE>
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, certain non-corporate shareholders may
be subject to a 31% withholding tax on certain ordinary income dividends and
capital gain dividends and on 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.
No gain or loss will be recognized by Class B shareholders on the conversion
of their Class B shares for 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 of the converted Class B shares.
If a shareholder exercises the 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 the sales charge paid to the Fund
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.
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. 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 and the Fund elects to have gain or loss in connection
45
<PAGE>
with the contract 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 and futures 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 may 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. The Fund intends to monitor developments
in this area and may request a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service on some or all of these issues.
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
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 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 income available
to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income. Additionally, if Code
Section 988 losses exceed other ordinary income during a taxable year, the Fund
would not be able to make any ordinary 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. 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.
46
<PAGE>
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 dividends 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 (i) as required by the periods of the quotations, actual annual,
annualized or aggregate data, rather than average annual data, may be quoted,
and (ii) the maximum applicable sales charges will not be included. 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 longer periods of time.
47
<PAGE>
Set forth below is total return information for Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class D shares for the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPRESSED AS A REDEEMABLE VALUE OF A
PERCENTAGE BASED HYPOTHETICAL $1,000
ON A HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT AT THE
PERIOD $1,000 INVESTMENT END OF THE PERIOD
------ --------------------- ------------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(INCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGES)
<S> <C> <C>
Inception (September 2,
1994) to December 31,
1994
Class A............... (15.30)% $946.90
Class B............... (15.78)% $945.10
Inception (October 21,
1994) to December 31,
1994
Class C............... (9.49)% $980.80
Class D............... (22.34)% $952.00
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(EXCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGES)
<S> <C> <C>
Inception (September 2,
1994) to December 31,
1994
Class A............... (1.37)% $986.30
Class B............... (1.62)% $983.80
Inception (October 21,
1994) to December 31,
1994
Class C............... (0.94)% $990.60
Class D............... (0.83)% $991.70
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN
(INCLUDING MAXIMUM APPLICABLE SALES CHARGES)
<S> <C> <C>
Inception (September 2,
1994) to December 31,
1994
Class A............... (5.31)% $946.90
Class B............... (5.49)% $945.10
Inception (October 21,
1994) to December 31,
1994
Class C............... (1.92)% $980.80
Class D............... (4.80)% $952.00
</TABLE>
In order to reflect the reduced sales charges, in the case of Class A or
Class D shares, or the waiver of the contingent deferred sales charge, in the
case of Class B or Class C shares, applicable to certain investors, as
described under "Purchase of Shares" and "Redemption of Shares," respectively,
the total return data quoted by the Fund in advertisements directed to such
investors may take into account the reduced, and not the maximum, sales charge
or may not take into account the 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 June 6, 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, 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 Common Stock represent an interest in the same
assets of the Fund and are identical in all respects except that the Class B,
Class C and Class D shares bear certain expenses related to
48
<PAGE>
the account maintenance and/or distribution of such shares and have exclusive
voting rights with respect to matters relating to such account maintenance and
distribution expenditures. The Fund has received an order from the Commission
permitting the issuance and sale of multiple classes of Common Stock. The
Board of Directors of the Fund may classify and reclassify the shares of the
Fund into additional classes of Common Stock at a future date.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and fractional
votes for fractional shares held and will vote on the election of Directors
and any other matter submitted to a shareholder vote. The Fund does not intend
to hold meetings of shareholders in any year in which the Investment Company
Act does not require shareholders to act upon any of the following matters:
(i) election of Directors; (ii) approval of an investment advisory agreement;
(iii) approval of a distribution agreement; and (iv) ratification of selection
of independent accountants. 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.
Voting rights for Directors are not cumulative. Shares issued are fully paid
and non-assessable and have no preemptive or conversion rights. Redemption and
conversion rights are discussed elsewhere herein and in the Prospectus. Each
share 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. 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 5,000
shares of each of Class A and Class B stock for an aggregate of $100,000. Such
shares were acquired for investment and can only be disposed of by redemption.
The organizational expenses of the Fund will be paid by the Fund and amortized
over a period not exceeding five years. The proceeds realized by the Manager
upon redemption of any of such shares will be reduced by the proportionate
amount of the unamortized organizational expenses which the number of shares
redeemed bears to the number of shares initially purchased.
COMPUTATION OF OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE
The offering price for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares of the
Fund, based on the value of the Fund's net assets and number of shares
outstanding as of October 31, 1994, is calculated as set forth below. 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 A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D
---------- ---------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Assets.............................. $1,147,251 $6,796,880 $154,114 $62,369
========== ========== ======== =======
Number of Shares Outstanding............ 118,464 701,853 15,910 6,439
========== ========== ======== =======
Net Asset Value Per Share (net assets
divided by number of shares
outstanding)........................... $ 9.68 $ 9.68 $ 9.69 $ 9.69
Sales Charge (for Class A shares: 4.00%
of offering price (4.17% of net amount
invested))*............................ .40 ** ** .40
---------- ---------- -------- -------
Offering Price.......................... $ 10.08 $ 9.68 $ 9.69 $ 10.09
========== ========== ======== =======
</TABLE>
- --------
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent; assumes maximum sales charge
is applicable.
** Class B shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but may be
subject to a CDSC on redemption of shares. See "Purchase of Shares--
Deferred Sales Charge Alternatives--Class B and Class C Shares" in the
Prospectus.
49
<PAGE>
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.
CUSTODIAN
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., 4 MetroTech Center, 18th Floor, Brooklyn, New
York 11245 (the "Custodian"), acts as the custodian of the Fund's assets. Under
its contract with the Fund, the Custodian is authorized 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 (the "Transfer Agent"),
acts as the Fund's transfer agent. The Transfer Agent is responsible for the
issuance, transfer and redemption of shares and the opening, maintenance and
servicing of shareholder accounts. See "Management of the Fund--Transfer Agency
Services" in the Prospectus.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Rogers & Wells, 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166, is counsel for the
Fund.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The fiscal year of the Fund ends on December 31 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 of 1933 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.
50
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
RATINGS OF FIXED INCOME 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 edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be
visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position
of such issues.
Aa Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds
because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities
or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or
there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks
appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in
the future.
Baa Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations,
(i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding
investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics
as well.
Ba Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not
well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time
may be small.
Caa Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Ca Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in
a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues
so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
51
<PAGE>
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 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:
PRIME-1. Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt 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.
PRIME-2. Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally
be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
PRIME-3. Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an
acceptable ability for repayment of senior short term obligations. The effect
of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced.
Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of
debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial
leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
NOT PRIME. 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, then the name or names
of such supporting entity or entities are listed within the parentheses beneath
the name of the issuer, or there is a footnote referring the reader to another
page for the
52
<PAGE>
name or names of the supporting 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. You are cautioned to review with
your counsel any questions regarding particular support arrangements.
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 stock. 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 a 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 protections 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.
53
<PAGE>
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.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION'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 any 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 for 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.
Speculative Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded as having
Grade 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.
54
<PAGE>
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.
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 is typically 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
categories.
N.R. 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.
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 Legal Investment Laws of various states may impose certain rating or other
standards for
55
<PAGE>
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 having an original maturity of no more
than 365 days. Ratings are graded into four categories, ranging from "A-1" for
the highest quality obligations to "D" for the lowest. The four categories are
as follows:
A Issues assigned this highest rating are regarded as having the greatest
capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are delineated
with the numbers 1, 2, and 3 to indicate the relative degree of safety.
A-1 This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those issues
determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are
denoted with a plus (+) sign designation.
A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
strong. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated "A-1."
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have a satisfactory capacity for
timely payment. They are, however, somewhat 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 an adequate capacity for
timely payment. However, such capacity may be damaged by changing
conditions or short-term adversities.
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful
capacity for payment.
D Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used
when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date
due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless
Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such
grace period.
A commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase or sell a
security. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard &
Poor's by the issuer or obtained from other sources it considers reliable. The
ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or
unavailability of such information.
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD & POOR'S 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 bond 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.
56
<PAGE>
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 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
fixed 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,
B as predominately speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity
CCC to pay 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.
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.
The preferred stock ratings are not a recommendation to purchase or sell a
security, inasmuch as market price is not considered in arriving at the rating.
Preferred stock ratings are wholly unrelated to Standard & Poor's earnings and
dividend rankings for common stocks.
The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard & Poor's
by the issuer, and obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it
considers reliable. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a
result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information.
57
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors, Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund,
Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, of Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund, Inc. as of
December 31, 1994, the related statements of operations, changes in net assets
and the financial highlights for the period September 2, 1994 (commencement of
operations) to December 31, 1994. These financial statements and the financial
highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights
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 statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at
December 31, 1994, by correspondence with the custodian and broker. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Merrill Lynch Asset
Income Fund, Inc. as of December 31, 1994, the results of its operations, the
changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the respective
stated period in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
February 3, 1995
58
<PAGE>
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59
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (In US dollars)
<CAPTION>
Shares Value Percent of
COUNTRY Industries Held Common Stocks Cost (Note 1a) Net Assets
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
Argentina Banking 600 Banco Frances del Rio de la
Plata S.A. (ADR)* $ 18,594 $ 12,825 0.2%
Oil & Gas Producers 800 Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales
S.A. (Class D) (Sponsored)
(ADR)* 18,614 17,100 0.2
Total Common Stocks in Argentina 37,208 29,925 0.4
Australia Multi-Industry 6,000 CSR Ltd. 20,467 20,698 0.3
6,000 Pacific Dunlop Ltd. 18,156 15,954 0.2
---------- ---------- ------
38,623 36,652 0.5
Total Common Stocks in Australia 38,623 36,652 0.5
Canada Natural Resources 1,900 Canadian Pacific Ltd. 33,447 28,500 0.3
Telecommunications 500 Northern Telecommunications Ltd. 17,405 16,687 0.2
Total Common Stocks in Canada 50,852 45,187 0.5
France Building & 200 Compagnie de Saint Gobain 25,427 23,031 0.3
Construction
Capital Goods 1,500 Alcatel Alsthom (ADR)* 32,271 25,500 0.3
Petroleum 300 TOTAL S.A. (Class B) 17,819 17,453 0.2
Total Common Stocks in France 75,517 65,984 0.8
Germany Electronics 50 Siemens AG 22,176 20,963 0.3
Machinery & 70 ++Mannesmann AG 19,573 19,083 0.2
Equipment
Total Common Stocks in Germany 41,749 40,046 0.5
Hong Kong Chemicals 50,000 Shanghai Petrochemical Co., Ltd. 16,523 14,219 0.2
Multi-Industry 2,000 Swire Pacific 'A' Ltd. 16,946 12,461 0.2
Real Estate 2,000 Sun Hung Kai Properties, Ltd. 15,357 11,944 0.1
Utilities-- 3,000 China Light & Power Co., Ltd. 15,713 12,797 0.2
Electric
Total Common Stocks in Hong Kong 64,539 51,421 0.7
Indonesia Telecommunications 520 P.T. Indonesia Satellite (ADR)* 20,272 18,590 0.2
Total Common Stocks in Indonesia 20,272 18,590 0.2
Japan Building & 2,000 Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. 24,617 24,724 0.3
Construction 2,000 Maeda Corp. 22,346 20,905 0.3
2,000 Okumura Corp. 17,151 14,975 0.2
---------- ---------- ------
64,114 60,604 0.8
Capital Goods 2,000 Hitachi Cable Ltd. 17,296 16,683 0.2
2,000 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Inc. 16,156 15,276 0.2
---------- ---------- ------
33,452 31,959 0.4
Electrical Equipment 3,000 Mitsubishi Electric Co. 20,723 21,317 0.3
Electronics 1,000 Canon, Inc. 17,439 16,985 0.2
</TABLE>
60
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
1,000 Matsushita Electric Industrial
Co., Ltd. 16,802 16,482 0.2
1,000 Sharp Corp. 17,969 18,090 0.2
---------- ---------- ------
52,210 51,557 0.6
Insurance 3,000 Nippon Fire & Marine Insurance
Co., Ltd. 22,453 20,864 0.3
2,000 Tokio Marine & Fire Insurance
Co., Ltd. 23,827 24,523 0.3
---------- ---------- ------
46,280 45,387 0.6
Machinery 2,000 Makino Milling Machine Co. 17,764 18,050 0.2
Petroleum 3,000 Nippon Oil Co., Ltd. 22,211 19,990 0.2
Printing & 1,000 Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. 18,630 17,085 0.2
Publishing
Shipping 2,000 Kamigumi Co. 23,315 21,307 0.3
Textiles 2,000 Toray Industries Ltd. 15,740 14,573 0.2
Trading 2,000 Sumimoto Corp. 20,137 20,503 0.2
Total Common Stocks in Japan 334,576 322,332 4.0
Mexico Advertising 1,500 Consorcio G Grupo Dina S.A. de
C.V. (ADR)* 19,778 14,250 0.2
Capital Goods 2,000 Cementos Mexicano, S.A. de C.V.
(Class B) (Cemex) 18,043 10,633 0.1
Telecommunications 1,000 Empresas ICA Sociedad Controla-
dora S.A. de C.V. (ADR)* 31,364 15,500 0.2
Total Common Stocks in Mexico 69,185 40,383 0.5
Norway Capital Goods 400 Kvaerner, Inc. (Class B) 16,976 18,117 0.2
Diagnostics 1,000 Hafslund Nycomed Inc. (ADR)* 18,184 20,625 0.3
Total Common Stocks in Norway 35,160 38,742 0.5
Singapore Machinery 2,000 Jurong Shipyard Ltd. 19,114 15,379 0.2
Shipping 11,000 Neptune Orient Lines Ltd. 17,077 15,105 0.2
Total Common Stocks in Singapore 36,191 30,484 0.4
Spain Energy & Petroleum 600 Repsol S.A. (ADR)* 19,311 16,350 0.2
Total Common Stocks in Spain 19,311 16,350 0.2
Sweden Engineering & 1,000 SKF AB 'B' Free 17,877 16,519 0.2
Construction
Total Common Stocks in Sweden 17,877 16,519 0.2
Switzerland Electrical Equipment 25 BBC Brown Boveri & Cie (Bearer) 22,679 21,549 0.3
Machinery 25 Sulzer Gebrueder AG 18,002 17,323 0.2
Total Common Stocks in
Switzerland 40,681 38,872 0.5
Thailand Real Estate 500 MDX Company Ltd. (Foreign) 1,622 1,694 0.0
Total Common Stocks in Thailand 1,622 1,694 0.0
United Beverages 700 Grand Metropolitan PLC (ADR)* 19,242 17,500 0.2
Kingdom
Chemicals 400 Imperial Chemical Industries
PLC (ADR)* 20,682 18,600 0.2
Conglomerates 1,000 Hanson PLC (ADR)* 19,185 18,000 0.2
Electrical Equipment 5,000 General Electric Co. PLC 22,639 21,454 0.3
Utilities--Gas 400 British Gas PLC (ADR)* 18,428 19,500 0.2
Total Common Stocks in the
United Kingdom 100,176 95,054 1.1
</TABLE>
61
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
Shares Value Percent of
COUNTRY Industries Held Common Stocks Cost (Note 1a) Net Assets
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
United States Aerospace 500 United Technologies Corp. $ 31,447 $ 31,437 0.4%
Banking 300 Morgan (J.P.) & Co. Inc. 19,074 16,800 0.2
Chemicals 300 Eastman Chemical Co. 15,958 15,150 0.2
Computer Technology 200 Hewlett-Packard Co. 17,891 19,975 0.2
Consumer--Services 1,100 Kelly Services, Inc. (Class A) 33,500 29,975 0.4
Environmental 1,900 ++Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. 31,172 28,025 0.3
Control Systems
Foods 1,050 Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. 18,154 21,656 0.3
Oil--Integrated 1,000 Phillips Petroleum Co. 34,364 32,750 0.4
Oil Field Equipment 600 Schlumberger Ltd., Inc. 33,232 30,225 0.4
Petroleum 1,000 Dresser Industries, Inc. 20,435 18,875 0.2
Pharmaceuticals 600 Abbott Laboratories 18,936 19,575 0.2
900 Merck & Co., Inc. 30,882 34,312 0.4
---------- ---------- ------
49,818 53,887 0.6
Telecommunications 400 AT&T Corp. 21,682 20,100 0.2
Total Common Stocks in the
United States 326,727 318,855 3.8
Total Investments in Common
Stocks 1,310,266 1,207,090 14.8
Face
Amount Fixed-Income Securities
Canada C$ 300,000 National Bank of Canada, 7.25%
due 6/01/2003 201,403 190,562 2.3
Total Fixed-Income Securities
in Canada 201,403 190,562 2.3
Germany DM 300,000 Bundes Obligations, 6.375% due
5/20/1998 197,809 189,741 2.3
Total Fixed-Income Securities
in Germany 197,809 189,741 2.3
United Kingdom Pound Sterling 150,000 UK Treasury Gilt, 7.25% due
3/30/1998 231,941 226,238 2.8
Total Fixed-Income Securities
in the United Kingdom 231,941 226,238 2.8
United States US Treasury Notes:
US$2,500,000 6.875% due 8/31/1999 2,453,203 2,406,250 29.5
2,500,000 7.25% due 8/15/2004 2,433,164 2,399,600 29.4
---------- ---------- ------
4,886,367 4,805,850 58.9
Total Fixed-Income Securities
in the United States 4,886,367 4,805,850 58.9
Total Investments in Fixed-
Income Securities 5,517,520 5,412,391 66.3
Short-Term Securities
United States Commercial US$ 293,000 General Electric Capital Corp.,
Paper** 5.80% due 1/03/1995 293,000 293,000 3.6
</TABLE>
62
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
Total Investments in Commercial
Paper 293,000 293,000 3.6
US Government 300,000 Federal Home Loan Bank, 5.75% due
& Agency 1/17/1995 299,329 299,329 3.7
Obligations** 300,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Association, 5.61% due 1/04/1995 299,954 299,954 3.7
200,000 Federal National Mortgage
Association, 5.78% due 1/23/1995 199,358 199,358 2.4
Total Investments in US Government
& Agency Obligations 798,641 798,641 9.8
Total Investments in Short-Term
Securities 1,091,641 1,091,641 13.4
Total Investments $7,919,427 7,711,122 94.5
==========
Unrealized Depreciation on Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts*** (1,550) 0.0
Other Assets Less Liabilities 451,042 5.5
---------- ------
Net Assets $8,160,614 100.0%
========== ======
<FN>
*American Depositary Receipt (ADR).
**Commercial Paper and certain US Government & Agency Obligations
are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown are the
rates paid at the time of purchase by the Fund.
***Forward foreign exchange contracts as of December 31, 1994 were
as follows:
Unrealized
Foreign Currency Expiration Depreciation
Sold Date (Note 1c)
YEN 20,000,000 July 1995 $(1,550)
Total Unrealized Depreciation on
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts
(US Commitment--$204,499) $(1,550)
=======
++Non-income producing security.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
63
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
<CAPTION>
As of December 31, 1994
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$7,919,427) (Note 1a) $7,711,122
Cash 100
Receivables:
Interest $ 142,328
Capital shares sold 115,493
Investment adviser (Note 2) 99,325
Dividends 2,852 359,998
----------
Deferred organization expenses (Note 1g) 100,945
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1g) 87,309
----------
Total assets 8,259,474
----------
Liabilities: Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign exchange contracts
(Note 1c) 1,550
Payables:
Capital shares redeemed 32,044
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1h) 20,556
Distributor (Note 2) 4,387
Securities purchased 1,621 58,608
----------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 38,702
----------
Total liabilities 98,860
----------
Net Assets: Net assets $8,160,614
==========
Net Assets Class A Shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, 100,000,000
Consist of: shares authorized $ 11,847
Class B Shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized 70,185
Class C Shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized 1,591
Class D Shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized 644
Paid-in capital in excess of par 8,286,289
Undistributed realized capital gains on investments and foreign
currency transactions--net 122
Unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency
transactions--net (210,064)
----------
Net assets $8,160,614
==========
Net Asset Value: Class A--Based on net assets of $1,147,251 and 118,464 shares
outstanding $ 9.68
==========
Class B--Based on net assets of $6,796,880 and 701,853 shares
outstanding $ 9.68
==========
Class C--Based on net assets of $154,114 and 15,910 shares
outstanding $ 9.69
==========
Class D--Based on net assets of $62,369 and 6,439 shares
outstanding $ 9.69
==========
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
64
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
<CAPTION>
For the Period September 2, 1994++ to December 31, 1994
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Investment Interest and discount earned $ 116,321
Income Dividends (net of $509 foreign withholding tax) 6,916
(Notes 1e & 1f): ----------
Total income 123,237
----------
Expenses: Registration fees (Note 1g) $ 40,761
Investment advisory fees (Note 2) 16,460
Printing and shareholder reports 15,000
Distribution fees--Class B (Note 2) 13,874
Accounting services (Note 2) 10,120
Professional fees 8,216
Directors' fees and expenses 7,754
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1g) 7,210
Custodian fees 3,200
Transfer agent fees--Class B (Note 2) 1,837
Pricing fees 805
Transfer agent fees--Class A (Note 2) 252
Distribution fees--Class C (Note 2) 124
Account maintenance fees--Class D (Note 2) 25
Transfer agent fees--Class C (Note 2) 14
Transfer agent fees--Class D (Note 2) 7
Other 4,149
----------
Total expenses before reimbursements 129,808
Reimbursement of expenses (Note 2) (115,785)
----------
Total expenses after reimbursement 14,023
----------
Investment income--net 109,214
----------
Realized & Realized gain (loss) from:
Unrealized Gain Investments--net $ 2,130
(Loss) on Foreign currency transactions--net (2,008) 122
Investment & ----------
Foreign Currency Unrealized depreciation on:
Transactions Investments--net (208,305)
- --Net (Notes Foreign currency transactions--net (1,759) (210,064)
1c, 1d, ---------- ----------
1f & 3): Net realized and unrealized loss on investments and foreign
currency transactions (209,942)
----------
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $ (100,728)
==========
<FN>
++Commencement of Operations.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
65
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<CAPTION>
For the Period September 2, 1994++
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: to December 31, 1994
<S> <S> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net $ 109,214
Realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions--net 122
Unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions--net (210,064)
----------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations (100,728)
----------
Dividends to Investment income--net:
Shareholders Class A (18,023)
(Note 1h): Class B (89,843)
Class C (796)
Class D (552)
----------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends to shareholders (109,214)
----------
Capital Share Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions 8,270,556
Transactions ----------
(Note 4):
Net Assets: Total increase in net assets 8,060,614
Beginning of period 100,000
----------
End of period $8,160,614
==========
<FN>
++Commencement of Operations.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
66
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<CAPTION>
The following per share data and
ratios have been derived from information For the Period For the Period
provided in the financial statements. Sept. 2, 1994++ to Oct. 21, 1994++ to
Dec. 31, 1994 Dec. 31, 1994
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: Class A Class B Class C Class D
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $ 10.00 $ 10.00 $ 9.88 $ 9.88
Operating ------- ------- ------- -------
Performance: Investment income--net .18 .16 .10 .11
Realized and unrealized loss on investments and
foreign currency transactions--net (.32) (.32) (.19) (.19)
------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations (.14) (.16) (.09) (.08)
------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends:
Investment income--net (.18) (.16) (.10) (.11)
------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends (.18) (.16) (.10) (.11)
------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period $ 9.68 $ 9.68 $ 9.69 $ 9.69
======= ======= ======= =======
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share (1.37%)+++ (1.62%)+++ (.94%)+++ (.83%)+++
Return:** ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratios to Expenses, net of reimbursement and excluding
Average Net account maintenance and distribution fees .00%* .00%* .00%* .00%*
Assets: ======= ======= ======= =======
Expenses, excluding account maintenance and
distribution fees 5.20%* 5.29%* 4.95%* 4.89%*
======= ======= ======= =======
Expenses 5.20%* 6.04%* 5.75%* 5.14%*
======= ======= ======= =======
Investment income--net 5.64%* 4.86%* 5.19%* 5.70%*
======= ======= ======= =======
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 1,147 $ 6,797 $ 154 $ 63
Data: ======= ======= ======= =======
Portfolio turnover .83% .83% .83% .83%
======= ======= ======= =======
<FN>
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effect of sales loads.
++Commencement of Operations.
+++Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
67
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Merrill Lynch Asset Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified,
open-end management investment company. Prior to commencement of
operations on September 2, 1994, the Fund had no operations other
than those relating to organizational matters and the sale of 5,000
Class A Shares and 5,000 Class B Shares of common stock to Merrill
Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM") for $100,000. The Fund offers
four classes of shares under the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM
System. Shares of Class A and Class D are sold with a front-end
sales charge. Shares of Class B and Class C may be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge. All classes of shares have
identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the
same terms and conditions, except that Class B, Class C and Class D
Shares bear certain expenses related to the account maintenance of
such shares, and Class B and Class C Shares also bear certain
expenses related to the distribution of such shares. Each class has
exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to its
account maintenance and distribution expenditures. The following is
a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments--Portfolio securities which are traded
on stock exchanges are valued at the last sale price on the
principal market 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
traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last
available bid price or yield equivalents obtained from one or more
dealers in the over-the-counter market prior to the time of
valuation. The Fund employs Merrill Lynch Securities Pricing Service
("MLSPS"), an affiliate of MLAM, to provide securities prices for
the Fund. 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.
Other investments, including futures contracts and related options,
are stated at market value.
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.
* Options--The Fund is authorized to write and purchase call and 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 bought through an exercise of an option,
the related premium received (or paid) is deducted from (or added
to) the basis of the security sold. 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.
* Financial futures contracts--The Fund may purchase or sell stock
index 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.
(d) Foreign currency transactions--Transactions denominated in
foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange
68
<PAGE>
Short-term securities are valued at amortized cost, which approximates
market value.
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, 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, 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.
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, including
valuations furnished by MLSPS, which may utilize a matrix system for
valuations.
(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.
(c) Derivative financial instruments--The Fund may engage in various
portfolio strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its
portfolio against adverse movements in the equity, debt and currency
markets. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the
contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.
* Forward foreign exchange contracts--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.
* Foreign currency options and futures--The Fund may also purchase or
sell listed or over-the-counter foreign
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.
(e) Income taxes--It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its
taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax
provision is required. Under the applicable foreign tax law, a
withholding tax may be imposed on interest, dividends, and capital
gains at various rates.
(f) 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
(including amortization of discount) is recognized on the accrual
basis. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are
determined on the identified cost basis.
(g) 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.
(h) 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
MLAM. The general partner of MLAM is Princeton Services, Inc.
("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co.,
Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is the limited partner. The Fund has also
entered into a Distribution
69
<PAGE>
Agreement and Distribution Plans with Merrill Lynch Funds Distributor, Inc.
("MLFD" or "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch
Group, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
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 0.75%, on an annual basis,
of the average daily value of the Fund's net assets. 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. 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. For
the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994, MLAM earned fees
of $16,460, all of which were waived. MLAM also reimbursed the Fund
for additional expenses of $99,325.
Pursuant to the distribution plans ("the Distribution Plans")
adopted by the Fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund pays the Distributor
ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees. The fees are
accrued daily and paid monthly at annual rates based upon the
average daily net assets of the shares as follows:
Account Distribution
Maintenance Fee Fee
Class B 0.25% 0.50%
Class C 0.25% 0.55%
Class D 0.25% --
3. Investments:
Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities,
for the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994 were
$6,860,969 and $35,695, respectively.
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) as of December 31, 1994
were as follows:
Realized Unrealized
Gains (Losses) Losses
Long-term investments $ 2,062 $ (208,305)
Short-term investments 68 --
Forward foreign exchange contracts -- (1,550)
Foreign currency transactions (2,008) (209)
----------- ----------
Total $ 122 $ (210,064)
=========== ==========
As of December 31, 1994, net unrealized depreciation for Federal
income tax purposes aggregated $208,305, of which $16,782 related to
appreciated securities and $225,087 related to depreciated
securities. At December 31, 1994, the aggregate cost of investments
for Federal income tax purposes was $7,919,427.
4. Capital Share Transactions:
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions
was $8,270,556 for the period September 2, 1994 to December 31,
1994.
Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows:
Class A Shares for the Period Dollar
September 2, 1994++ to December 31, 1994 Shares Amount
Shares sold 124,621 $1,237,577
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of dividends 923 9,012
---------- ----------
Total issued 125,544 1,246,589
Shares redeemed (12,080) (119,643)
---------- ----------
Net increase 113,464 $1,126,946
========== ==========
[FN]
++Commencement of Operations. Prior to September 2, 1994, the Fund
issued 5,000 shares to MLAM for $50,000.
70
<PAGE>
Pursuant to a sub-agreement with the Distributor, Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. ("MLPF&S"), a subsidiary of ML & Co.,
also provides account maintenance and distribution services to the
Fund. The ongoing account maintenance fee compensates the
Distributor and MLPF&S for providing account maintenance services to
Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders. The ongoing distribution
fee compensates the Distributor and MLPF&S for providing shareholder
and distribution-related services to Class B and Class C
shareholders.
For the period ended December 31, 1994, MLFD earned underwriting
discounts and MLPF&S earned dealer concessions on sales of the
Fund's Class A and Class D Shares as follows:
MLFD MLPF&S
Class A $424 $19,158
Class D $ -- $ --
MLPF&S received contingent deferred sales charges of $968 relating
to transactions in Class B Shares of beneficial interest, and $342
in commissions on the execution of portfolio security transactions
for the Fund for the period ended December 31, 1994.
Financial Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
ML & Co., is the Fund's transfer agent.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by MLAM at cost.
During the period September 2, 1994 to December 31, 1994, the Fund
paid MLSPS $805 for security price quotations to compute the net
asset value of the Fund.
Certain officers and/or directors of the Fund are officers and/or
directors of MLAM, PSI, MLPF&S, FDS, MLFD and/or ML & Co.
Class B Shares for the Period Dollar
September 2, 1994++ to December 31, 1994 Shares Amount
Shares sold 771,236 $7,656,187
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of dividends 5,204 50,756
---------- ----------
Total issued 776,440 7,706,943
Shares redeemed (79,587) (781,691)
---------- ----------
Net increase 696,853 $6,925,252
========== ==========
[FN]
++Commencement of Operations. Prior to September 2, 1994, the Fund
issued 5,000 shares to MLAM for $50,000.
Class C Shares for the Period Dollar
October 21, 1994++ to December 31, 1994 Shares Amount
Shares sold 15,858 $ 154,725
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of dividends 52 504
---------- ----------
Total issued 15,910 155,229
Shares redeemed -- --
---------- ----------
Net increase 15,910 $ 155,229
========== ==========
[FN]
++Commencement of Operations.
Class D Shares for the Period Dollar
October 21, 1994++ to December 31, 1994 Shares Amount
Shares sold 6,419 $ 62,936
Shares issued to shareholders in
reinvestment of dividends and 31 303
---------- ----------
Total issued 6,450 63,239
Shares redeemed (11) (110)
---------- ----------
Net increase 6,439 $ 63,129
========== ==========
[FN]
++Commencement of Operations.
5. Commitments:
At December 31, 1994, the Fund had entered into
foreign exchange contracts under which it had agreed to
purchase foreign currencies with an approximate value
of $1,620.
71
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Investment Objectives and Policies......................................... 2
Precious and Industrial Metal-Related Securities.......................... 3
Real Estate-Related Securities............................................ 3
Portfolio Strategies Involving Options and Futures........................ 4
Other Investment Policies and Practices................................... 8
Investment Restrictions................................................... 11
Management of the Fund..................................................... 14
Directors and Officers.................................................... 14
Management and Advisory Arrangements...................................... 16
Purchase of Shares......................................................... 18
Alternative Sales Arrangements............................................ 18
Initial Sales Charge Alternative--
Class A and Class D Shares............................................... 18
Reduced Initial Sales Charges............................................. 19
Distribution Plans........................................................ 23
Limitations on the Payment of Deferred Sales Charges...................... 23
Redemption of Shares....................................................... 25
Deferred Sales Charge--Class B Shares..................................... 25
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage....................................... 26
Determination of Net Asset Value........................................... 28
Shareholder Services....................................................... 29
Investment Account........................................................ 29
Automatic Investment Plans................................................ 29
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and Capital Gains Distributions....... 29
Systematic Withdrawal Plans--
Class A and Class D Shares............................................... 30
Exchange Privilege........................................................ 30
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes......................................... 43
Dividends and Distributions............................................... 43
Taxes..................................................................... 44
Performance Data........................................................... 47
General Information........................................................ 48
Description of Shares..................................................... 48
Computation of Offering Price Per Share................................... 49
Independent Auditors....................................................... 50
Custodian.................................................................. 50
Transfer Agent............................................................. 50
Legal Counsel.............................................................. 50
Reports to Shareholders.................................................... 50
Additional Information..................................................... 50
Appendix................................................................... 51
Independent Auditors' Report............................................... 58
Financial Statements....................................................... 60
</TABLE>
Code #18238-0295
LOGO MERRILL LYNCH
Merrill Lynch
Asset Income Fund, Inc.
[ART]
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
February 27, 1995
Distributor:
Merrill Lynch
Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX FOR GRAPHIC AND IMAGE MATERIAL
Pursuant to Rule 304 of Regulation S-T, the following table presents
fair and accurate narrative descriptions of graphic and image material omitted
from this EDGAR Submission file due to ASCII-incompatibility and cross-
references this material to the location of each occurrence in the text.
DESCRIPTION OF OMITTED LOCATION OF GRAPHIC
GRAPHIC OR IMAGE OR IMAGE IN TEXT
- ---------------------- -------------------
Compass plate, circular Back cover of Prospectus and
graph paper and Merrill Lynch back cover of Statement of
logo including stylized market Additional Information
bull
