MERRILL LYNCH
ARKANSAS
MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND
FUND LOGO
Semi-Annual Report
January 31, 1999
This report is not authorized for use as an offer of sale or a
solicitation of an offer to buy shares of the Fund unless
accompanied or preceded by the Fund's current prospectus. Past
performance results shown in this report should not be considered a
representation of future performance. Investment return and
principal value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Statements and other information herein are as dated and are subject
to change.
Merrill Lynch Arkansas
Municipal Bond Fund
Merrill Lynch Multi-State
Municipal Series Trust
Box 9011
Princeton, NJ
08543-9011
Printed on post-consumer recycled paper
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
The Municipal Market Environment
During the six months ended January 31, 1999, long-term bond yields
moved significantly lower. US domestic economic growth remained
moderate, with losses in the manufacturing sector offset by strong
growth in service-oriented industries. Industrial commodity prices
recently fell to their lowest level in over a decade. This suggests
that the current positive inflationary environment is unlikely to be
challenged in the near term. Additionally, the Federal Reserve Board
lowered short-term interest rates in September, October and
November, in part to ensure that US domestic economic growth would
not be negatively impacted by ongoing weak economic growth overseas.
However, various external factors, as well as increased volatility,
contributed to the decline in bond yields as they have for much of
the past year. Episodes of foreign economic instability generated a
significant "flight to quality" rally in US Treasury securities, as
well as fostering lower tax-exempt bond yields as a result. Periods
of strong foreign equity market appreciation, particularly in Asia,
have at times resulted in higher US bond yields as foreign investors
have sold US fixed-income instruments to reinvest the proceeds in
their own domestic equity markets. Additionally, the continued
distraction of President Clinton's impeachment trial added to recent
interest rate volatility. However, on balance, the favorable
fundamental economic scenario supported lower bond yields. During
the six-month period ended January 31, 1999, the yield on the US
Treasury 30-year bond fell over 60 basis points (0.60%) to 5.09%,
and long-term municipal revenue bond yields declined almost 20 basis
points to 5.17%, as measured by the Bond Buyer Revenue Bond Index.
Throughout most of 1998, the municipal bond market's performance was
impeded by a significant increase in new-issue supply. However, in
recent months, the technical position of the tax-exempt market
improved. Over the last 12 months, almost $285 billion in new long-
term tax-exempt bonds was underwritten, an increase of almost 30%
compared to the same period a year ago. As municipal bond yields
declined in recent years, it has taken increasingly lower bond
yields to generate the cost savings necessary to refinance remaining
higher-couponed debt. Consequently, the rate of increases in
municipal bond issuance slowed in recent quarters. During the last
six months, more than $125 billion in new tax-exempt bonds was
issued, an increase of approximately 5% compared to the same period
a year ago. During the January 31, 1999 quarter, $63 billion in new
long-term municipal bonds was underwritten, representing an increase
of 5% compared to the January 31, 1998 quarter.
The pace of tax-exempt issuance continued to slow in 1999. January's
monthly issuance was less than $15 billion, representing a decline
of almost 25% compared to January 1998's volume. Additionally,
investors received more than $22 billion in coupon payments,
maturities and proceeds from early redemptions in January. Investors
can also expect to receive an additional $15 billion--$18 billion in
February for reinvestment. Consequently, investor demand has been
strong in recent months, easily matching, if not at times exceeding,
available supply. We will monitor this trend closely in the coming
months to determine if the supply pressures exerted in 1998 are
abating and fostering a more balanced supply/demand environment for
1999. Such an environment should allow the tax-exempt market's
performance to more closely mirror that of its taxable counterpart.
Foreign investors have rarely been active investors in the tax-
exempt bond market since they are unable to benefit from the
inherent tax advantage of municipal securities. Consequently, the
municipal bond market has not been able to benefit from the strong
flight to quality demand enjoyed by US Treasury securities since
late 1997. This inability has in large part resulted in
significantly smaller declines in municipal bond yields compared to
US Treasury securities. However, this has resulted in the
opportunity to purchase tax-exempt securities with yields very close
to or, in some instances, exceeding those of comparable US Treasury
bonds. By January 31, 1999, long-term tax-exempt bond yields were at
102% of US Treasury securities of comparable maturities, nearly
matching the least expensive level of the past year. Municipal bond
yield ratios have averaged approximately 95% for the last six months
and 92% for all of 1998. During 1997, tax-exempt bond yield ratios
averaged 84%. It is likely that the combination of the increase in
new-issue volume and the "safe-haven" status of US Treasury
securities drove municipal bond yield ratios to their present
attractive levels. Should new volume decline and/or foreign
financial markets regain stability in 1999, tax-exempt bond yield
ratios could quickly return to their more historic levels (85%--
88%).
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
Looking ahead, the expected combination of moderate economic growth
in the United States and continued negligible inflation suggests a
relatively stable interest rate environment into early 1999.
However, it is likely that foreign financial markets will again be a
critical factor in determining US bond yields. Economic problems in
Russia and Brazil remain unresolved, suggesting that additional
shocks to the world's financial system are possible. On the other
hand, the continued robustness of the US economy has led to some
back up in interest rates. However, at present these factors
indicate that there is little immediate risk of sustained
significant increases in long-term bond yields.
Portfolio Strategy
Throughout the six months ended January 31, 1999, we maintained a
constructive investment strategy for Merrill Lynch Arkansas
Municipal Bond Fund. We believed that strong domestic economic
growth seen in late 1998 and thus far this year would be offset by a
combination of deteriorating global economic conditions and low
inflation. Consequently, as 1998 ended, we expected tax-exempt bond
yields to trade in a relatively narrow range, with a bias toward
lower bond yields. We maintained the Fund's fully invested position
in order to seek to enhance shareholder income and participate fully
in any market improvement.
Looking ahead, we expect little change in the Fund's existing
structure. Current economic fundamentals and a strong domestic
economy offset by the lack of significant inflationary pressures
suggest that interest rates should remain stable.
In Conclusion
We appreciate your ongoing interest in Merrill Lynch Arkansas
Municipal Bond Fund, and we look forward to serving your investment
needs in the months and years to come.
Sincerely,
(Terry K. Glenn)
Terry K. Glenn
Executive Vice President
(Vincent R. Giordano)
Vincent R. Giordano
Senior Vice President
(Hugh T. Hurley III)
Hugh T. Hurley III
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
March 11, 1999
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
PERFORMANCE DATA
About Fund Performance
Investors are able to purchase shares of the Fund through the
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System, which offers four pricing
alternatives:
* Class A Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge (front-end
load) of 4% and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance
fees. Class A Shares are available only to eligible investors.
* Class B Shares are subject to a maximum contingent deferred sales
charge of 4% if redeemed during the first year, decreasing 1% each
year thereafter to 0% after the fourth year. In addition, Class B
Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.25% and an account
maintenance fee of 0.25%. These shares automatically convert to
Class D Shares after approximately 10 years. (There is no initial
sales charge for automatic share conversions.)
* Class C Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.35% and an
account maintenance fee of 0.25%. In addition, Class C Shares are
subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within
one year of purchase.
* Class D Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge of 4% and an
account maintenance fee of 0.10% (but no distribution fee).
None of the past results shown should be considered a representation
of future performance. Figures shown in the "Recent Performance
Results" and "Average Annual Total Return" tables assume
reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions at net
asset value on the payable date. Investment return and principal
value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be
worth more or less than their original cost. Dividends paid to each
class of shares will vary because of the different levels of account
maintenance, distribution and transfer agency fees applicable to
each class, which are deducted from the income available to be paid
to shareholders.
<TABLE>
Recent Performance Results*
<CAPTION>
Standardized
12 Month 3 Month Since Inception 30-Day Yield
Total Return Total Return Total Return As of 1/31/99
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ML Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund Class A Shares +4.80% +1.32% +35.25% 3.02%
ML Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund Class B Shares +4.27 +1.29 +32.29 2.64
ML Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund Class C Shares +4.07 +1.17 +32.27 2.54
ML Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund Class D Shares +4.69 +1.39 +35.28 2.92
<FN>
*Investment results shown do not reflect sales charges; results
would be lower if a sales charge was included. Total investment
returns are based on changes in net asset values for the periods
shown, and assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains
distributions at net asset value on the payable date. The Fund's
since inception periods are Class A & Class B Shares, from 9/30/94
to 1/31/99 and Class C & Class D Shares, from 10/21/94 to 1/31/99.
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
PERFORMANCE DATA (concluded)
Average Annual Total Return
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
Class A Shares*
Year Ended 12/31/98 +4.76% +0.57%
Inception (9/30/94)
through 12/31/98 +7.11 +6.09
[FN]
*Maximum sales charge is 4%.
**Assuming maximum sales charge.
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
Class B Shares*
Year Ended 12/31/98 +4.13% +0.13%
Inception (9/30/94)
through 12/31/98 +6.54 +6.54
[FN]
*Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 4% and is reduced to 0%
after 4 years.
**Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
Class C Shares*
Year Ended 12/31/98 +4.13% +3.13%
Inception (10/21/94)
through 12/31/98 +6.66 +6.66
[FN]
*Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1% and is reduced to 0%
after 1 year.
**Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
Class D Shares*
Year Ended 12/31/98 +4.66% +0.47%
Inception (10/21/94)
through 12/31/98 +7.22 +6.19
[FN]
*Maximum sales charge is 4%.
**Assuming maximum sales charge.
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
PORTFOLIO ABBREVIATIONS
To simplify the listings of Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond
Fund's portfolio holdings in the Schedule of Investments, we have
abbreviated the names of many of the securities according to the
list at right.
AMT Alternative Minimum Tax (subject to)
GO General Obligation Bonds
IDR Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
PCR Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
S/F Single-Family
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in Thousands)
<CATION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
Arkansas--85.4%
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C>
Arkansas State Development Finance Authority, S/F Mortgage Revenue Bonds (b):
AAA NR* $ 620 AMT, Series A, 7.30% due 3/01/2013 (d) $ 659
AAA NR* 465 (Mortgage-Backed Securities Program), Series H, 6.15% due 7/01/2016 499
AA NR* 500 Arkansas State Development Finance Authority, Wastewater System Revenue Bonds
(Revolving Loan Fund), Series A, 5.85% due 12/01/2019 544
AA Aa3 350 Arkansas State, GO, Refunding (Waste Disposal and Pollution), Series B, 6.25%
due 7/01/2020 374
NR* A 350 Arkansas State Student Loan Authority Revenue Bonds, AMT, Sub-Series B,
7.25% due 6/01/2009 414
BBB+ Baa2 275 Baxter County, Arkansas, IDR, Refunding (Aeroquip Corp. Project), 5.80% due
10/01/2013 304
BBB+ A3 1,000 Camden, Arkansas, Environmental Improvement Revenue Bonds (International Paper Co.
Project), AMT, Series A, 7.625% due 11/01/2018 1,148
A+ NR* 500 Conway, Arkansas, Public Facilities Board, Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds
(Hendrix College Project), 6% due 10/01/2026 536
NR* P1 200 Crossett, Arkansas, PCR (Georgia Pacific Corp. Project), VRDN, 2.65% due
10/01/2007 (a) 200
AAA Aaa 350 Fort Smith, Arkansas, Water, Sewer and Construction Revenue Refunding Bonds,
6% due 10/01/2012 (f) 384
AAA Aaa 250 Independence County, Arkansas, PCR, Refunding (Arkansas Power & Light Co.
Project), 6.25% due 1/01/2021 (c) 276
BBB+ Baa2 200 Jefferson County, Arkansas, PCR, Refunding (Arkansas Power & Light Co. Project),
6.30% due 6/01/2018 214
AA Aa3 500 Little Rock, Arkansas, GO, Refunding (Capital Improvement), 6.25% due 2/01/2008 515
AAA Aaa 375 Little Rock, Arkansas, Municipal Airport Revenue Refunding Bonds, 6% due
11/01/2014 (f) 403
AAA Aaa 400 North Little Rock, Arkansas, Electric Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series A,
6.50% due 7/01/2015 (f) 487
BBB+ Baa2 300 Pope County, Arkansas, PCR, Refunding (Arkansas Power & Light Co. Project),
6.30% due 12/01/2016 322
AA Aa2 1,000 Pulaski County, Arkansas, Health Facilities Board Revenue Bonds (Catholic
Health Initiatives), Series A, 5% due 12/01/2028 998
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
S&P Moody's Face Value
Ratings Ratings Amount Issue (Note 1a)
Arkansas (concluded)
<S> <S> <C> <S> <C>
A- NR* $ 500 Pulaski County, Arkansas, Hospital Revenue Bonds (Arkansas Children's Hospital
Project), Series A, 6.20% due 3/01/2022 $ 528
AAA Aaa 500 Saline County, Arkansas, Retirement Housing and Healthcare Facilities Board,
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Evangelist Lutheran Project), 5.80% due 6/01/2011 (e) 548
NR* A1 500 University of Arkansas, Various Facility Revenue Bonds (Fayetteville Campus),
5% due 11/01/2022 498
Puerto Rico--13.6%
AAA Aaa 325 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, GO, 6.50% due 7/01/2004 (g) 375
A Aaa 320 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, Highway and Transportation Authority, Highway Revenue
Bonds, Series T, 6.625% due 7/01/2002 (g) 358
A1+ VMIG1++ 100 Puerto Rico Commonwealth, Highway and Transportation Authority, Highway Revenue
Refunding Bonds, VRDN, Series X, 2.35% due 7/01/1999 (a) 100
BBB+ Baa1 500 Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series EE,
4.75% due 7/01/2024 482
AAA Aaa 250 Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority Revenue Bonds (Guaranteed Government
Facilities), Series B, 5% due 7/01/2027 (e) 251
Total Investments (Cost--$10,476)--99.0% 11,417
Other Assets Less Liabilities--1.0% 114
-------
Net Assets--100.0% $11,531
=======
<FN>
(a)The interest rate is subject to change periodically based upon
prevailing market rates. The interest rate shown is the rate in
effect at January 31, 1999.
(b)GNMA Collateralized.
(c)FSA Insured.
(d)FNMA Collateralized.
(e)AMBAC Insured.
(f)MBIA Insured.
(g)Prerefunded.
*Not Rated.
++Highest short-term rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of January 31, 1999
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$10,476,349) (Note 1a) $ 11,416,900
Cash 3,334
Interest receivable 145,301
Deferred organization expenses (Note 1e) 14,395
Prepaid registration fees and other assets (Note 1e) 15,232
------------
Total assets 11,595,162
------------
Liabilities: Payables:
Dividends to shareholders (Note 1f) $ 7,168
Distributor (Note 2) 3,070
Investment adviser (Note 2) 881 11,119
------------
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 53,427
------------
Total liabilities 64,546
------------
Net Assets: Net assets $ 11,530,616
============
Net Assets Class A Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited
Consist of: number of shares authorized $ 26,836
Class B Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited
number of shares authorized 59,088
Class C Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited
number of shares authorized 11,644
Class D Shares of beneficial interest, $.10 par value, unlimited
number of shares authorized 9,205
Paid-in capital in excess of par 10,571,587
Accumulated realized capital losses on investments--net (65,910)
Accumulated distributions in excess of realized capital gains on
investments--net (Note 1f) (22,385)
Unrealized appreciation on investments--net 940,551
------------
Net assets $ 11,530,616
============
Net Asset Value: Class A--Based on net assets of $2,898,546 and 268,360 shares of
beneficial interest outstanding $ 10.80
============
Class B--Based on net assets of $6,380,193 and 590,882 shares of
beneficial interest outstanding $ 10.80
============
Class C--Based on net assets of $1,257,816 and 116,439 shares of
beneficial interest outstanding $ 10.80
============
Class D--Based on net assets of $994,061 and 92,052 shares of
beneficial interest outstanding $ 10.80
============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
Statement of Operations
<CAPTION>
For the Six Months Ended
January 31, 1999
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Investment Income Interest and amortization of premium and discount earned $ 326,707
(Note 1d):
Expenses: Investment advisory fees (Note 2) $ 32,189
Professional fees 26,588
Accounting services (Note 2) 17,597
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class B (Note 2) 16,003
Printing and shareholder reports 15,275
Registration fees (Note 1e) 6,627
Amortization of organization expenses (Note 1e) 5,997
Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class C (Note 2) 3,616
Transfer agent fees--Class B (Note 2) 2,118
Pricing fees 1,947
Transfer agent fees--Class A (Note 2) 835
Custodian fees 744
Account maintenance fees--Class D (Note 2) 527
Transfer agent fees--Class C (Note 2) 367
Trustees' fees and expenses 352
Transfer agent fees--Class D (Note 2) 289
Other 511
------------
Total expenses before reimbursement 131,582
Reimbursement of expenses (Note 2) (26,336)
------------
Total expenses after reimbursement 105,246
------------
Investment income--net 221,461
------------
Realized & Realized gain on investments--net 10,639
Unrealized Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net 144,130
Gain on ------------
Investments Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $ 376,230
- --Net (Notes ============
1b, 1d & 3):
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
<CAPTION>
For the Six For the
Months Ended Year Ended
January 31, July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 1999 1998
<S> <S> <C> <C>
Operations: Investment income--net $ 221,461 $ 460,156
Realized gain on investments--net 10,639 37,606
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments--net 144,130 (5,006)
------------ ------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 376,230 492,756
------------ ------------
Dividends & Investment income--net:
Distributions to Class A (62,932) (97,870)
Shareholders Class B (115,995) (274,166)
(Note 1f): Class C (21,265) (42,239)
Class D (21,269) (45,881)
Realized gain on investments--net:
Class A (8,097) (5,546)
Class B (17,602) (24,787)
Class C (3,166) (3,803)
Class D (2,770) (3,470)
In excess of realized gain on investments--net:
Class A -- (3,301)
Class B -- (14,755)
Class C -- (2,264)
Class D -- (2,065)
------------ ------------
Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends and
distributions to shareholders (253,096) (520,147)
------------ ------------
Beneficial Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from beneficial
Interest interest transactions (741,819) 998,869
Transactions ------------ ------------
(Note 4):
Net Assets: Total increase (decrease) in net assets (618,685) 971,478
Beginning of period 12,149,301 11,177,823
------------ ------------
End of period $ 11,530,616 $ 12,149,301
============ ============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights
<CAPTION>
Class A
For the For the
Six Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Months Sept. 30,
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended 1994++ to
Jan. 31, For the Year Ended July 31, July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $ 10.69 $ 10.72 $ 10.34 $ 10.29 $ 10.00
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .22 .47 .52 .55 .50
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments--net . .14 .03 .38 .05 .29
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .36 .50 .90 .60 .79
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net (.22) (.47) (.52) (.55) (.50)
Realized gain on investments--net (.03) (.04) -- -- --
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net -- (.02) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions (.25) (.53) (.52) (.55) (.50)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $ 10.80 $ 10.69 $ 10.72 $ 10.34 $ 10.29
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share 3.42%+++ 4.79% 8.94% 5.94% 8.13%+++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement 1.45%* 1.18% .83% .49% .11%*
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses 1.90%* 1.63% 1.92% 3.17% 2.32%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net 4.13%* 4.38% 4.96% 5.28% 5.94%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 2,899 $ 3,246 $ 1,781 $ 1,710 $ 2,251
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover .00% 61.45% 41.07% 28.82% 28.64%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<FN>
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
++Commencement of operations.
+++Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights (continued)
<CAPTION>
Class B
For the For the
Six Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Months Sept. 30,
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended 1994++ to
Jan. 31, For the Year Ended July 31, July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $ 10.69 $ 10.71 $ 10.34 $ 10.29 $ 10.00
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .19 .42 .46 .50 .46
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments--net .14 .04 .37 .05 .29
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .33 .46 .83 .55 .75
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net (.19) (.42) (.46) (.50) (.46)
Realized gain on investments--net (.03) (.04) -- -- --
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net -- (.02) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions (.22) (.48) (.46) (.50) (.46)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $ 10.80 $ 10.69 $ 10.71 $ 10.34 $ 10.29
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share 3.15%+++ 4.35% 8.29% 5.39% 7.68%+++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement 1.96%* 1.70% 1.34% 1.00% .63%*
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses 2.41%* 2.16% 2.44% 3.69% 2.83%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net 3.62%* 3.89% 4.46% 4.77% 5.41%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 6,380 $ 6,539 $ 7,527 $ 7,573 $ 8,145
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover .00% 61.45% 41.07% 28.82% 28.64%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<FN>
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
++Commencement of operations.
+++Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights (continued)
<CAPTION>
Class C
For the For the
Six Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Months Oct. 21,
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended 1994++ to
Jan. 31, For the Year Ended July 31, July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $ 10.69 $ 10.72 $ 10.34 $ 10.30 $ 9.92
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .19 .41 .46 .49 .41
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments--net .14 .03 .38 .04 .38
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .33 .44 .84 .53 .79
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net (.19) (.41) (.46) (.49) (.41)
Realized gain on investments--net (.03) (.04) -- -- --
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net -- (.02) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions (.22) (.47) (.46) (.49) (.41)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $ 10.80 $ 10.69 $ 10.72 $ 10.34 $ 10.30
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share 3.11%+++ 4.16% 8.29% 5.19% 8.13%+++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement 2.05%* 1.80% 1.44% 1.11% .85%*
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses 2.50%* 2.25% 2.51% 3.81% 2.90%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net 3.53%* 3.79% 4.36% 4.68% 5.00%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 1,258 $ 1,202 $ 843 $ 681 $ 558
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover .00% 61.45% 41.07% 28.82% 28.64%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<FN>
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
++Commencement of operations.
+++Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (concluded)
<TABLE>
Financial Highlights (concluded)
<CAPTION>
Class D
For the For the
Six Period
The following per share data and ratios have been derived Months Oct. 21,
from information provided in the financial statements. Ended 1994++ to
Jan. 31, For the Year Ended July 31, July 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
<S> <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period $ 10.69 $ 10.71 $ 10.34 $ 10.29 $ 9.92
Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Performance: Investment income--net .22 .46 .51 .54 .46
Realized and unrealized gain on
investments--net .14 .04 .37 .05 .37
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations .36 .50 .88 .59 .83
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Investment income--net (.22) (.46) (.51) (.54) (.46)
Realized gain on investments--net (.03) (.04) -- -- --
In excess of realized gain on
investments--net -- (.02) -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions (.25) (.52) (.51) (.54) (.46)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period $ 10.80 $ 10.69 $ 10.71 $ 10.34 $ 10.29
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Based on net asset value per share 3.37%+++ 4.79% 8.73% 5.84% 8.54%+++
Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement 1.54%* 1.29% .92% .60% .29%*
Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Expenses 1.99%* 1.74% 2.03% 3.31% 2.37%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Investment income--net 4.03%* 4.29% 4.87% 5.18% 5.64%*
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 994 $ 1,162 $ 1,027 $ 1,081 $ 723
Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Portfolio turnover .00% 61.45% 41.07% 28.82% 28.64%
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<FN>
*Annualized.
**Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales loads.
++Commencement of operations.
+++Aggregate total investment return.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Significant Accounting Policies:
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is part of
the Merrill Lynch Multi-State Municipal Series Trust (the "Trust").
The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a
non-diversified, open-end management investment company. The Fund's
financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles which may require the use of
management accruals and estimates. These unaudited financial
statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the
interim period presented. All such adjustments are of a normal
recurring nature. The Fund offers four classes of shares under the
Merrill Lynch Select Pricing SM System. Shares of Class A and Class D
are sold with a front-end sales charge. Shares of Class B and Class
C may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. All classes
of shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other
rights and the same terms and conditions, except that Class B, Class
C and Class D Shares bear certain expenses related to the account
maintenance of such shares, and Class B and Class C Shares also bear
certain expenses related to the distribution of such shares. Each
class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating
to its account maintenance and distribution expenditures. The
following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed
by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of investments--Municipal bonds and other portfolio
securities are traded primarily in the over-the-counter municipal
bond and money markets and are valued at the last available bid
price in the over-the-counter market or on the basis of yield
equivalents as obtained from one or more dealers that make markets
in the securities. Financial futures contracts and options thereon,
which are traded on exchanges, are valued at their settlement prices
as of the close of such exchanges. Short-term investments with a
remaining maturity of sixty days or less are valued on an amortized
cost basis, which approximates market value. Securities and assets
for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at
fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of
the Board of Trustees of the Trust, including valuations furnished
by a pricing service retained by the Trust, which may utilize a
matrix system for valuations. The procedures of the pricing service
and its valuations are reviewed by the officers of the Trust under
the general supervision of the Trustees.
(b) Derivative financial instruments--The Fund may engage in various
portfolio strategies to seek to increase its return by hedging its
portfolio against adverse movements in the debt markets. Losses may
arise due to changes in the value of the contract or if the
counterparty does not perform under the contract.
* Financial futures contracts--The Fund may purchase or sell
financial rate futures contracts and options on such futures
contracts for the purpose of hedging the market risk on existing
portfolio holdings or the intended purchase of securities. Futures
contracts are contracts for delayed delivery of securities at a
specific future date and at a specific price or yield. Upon entering
into a contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such
initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction
is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive
from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily
fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are
known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized
gains or losses. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a
realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of
the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it
was closed.
(c) Income taxes--It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its
taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax
provision is required.
(d) Security transactions and investment income--Security
transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered
into (the trade dates). Interest income is recognized on the accrual
basis. Discounts and market premiums are amortized into interest
income. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are
determined on the identified cost basis.
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
(e) Deferred organization expenses and prepaid registration fees--
Deferred organization expenses are charged to expense on a straight-
line basis over a period not exceeding five years. Prepaid
registration fees are charged to expense as the related shares are
issued.
(f) Dividends and distributions--Dividends from net investment
income are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of capital
gains are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Distributions in excess
of realized capital gains are due primarily to differing tax
treatments for futures transactions and post-October losses.
2. Investment Advisory Agreement and
Transactions with Affiliates:
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Fund
Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM"). The general partner of FAM is
Princeton Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is the
limited partner. The Fund has also entered into a Distribution
Agreement and Distribution Plans with Merrill Lynch Funds
Distributor ("MLFD" or "Distributor"), a division of Princeton Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("PFD"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Merrill Lynch Group, Inc.
FAM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and
provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain
other services necessary to the operations of the Fund. For such
services, the Fund pays a monthly fee based upon the average daily
value of the Fund's net assets at the following annual rates: 0.55%
of the Fund's average daily net assets not exceeding $500 million;
0.525% of average daily net assets in excess of $500 million but not
exceeding $1 billion; and 0.50% of average daily net assets in
excess of $1 billion. For the six months ended January 31, 1999, FAM
earned fees of $32,189, of which $26,336 was voluntarily waived.
Pursuant to the Distribution Plans adopted by the Fund in accordance
with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund
pays the Distributor ongoing account maintenance and distribution
fees. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly at annual rates
based upon the average daily net assets of the shares as follows:
Account
Maintenance Distribution
Fee Fee
Class B 0.25% 0.25%
Class C 0.25% 0.35%
Class D 0.10% --
Pursuant to a sub-agreement with the Distributor, Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a subsidiary of ML &
Co., also provides account maintenance and distribution services to
the Fund. The ongoing account maintenance fee compensates the
Distributor and MLPF&S for providing account maintenance services to
Class B, Class C and Class D shareholders. The ongoing distribution
fee compensates the Distributor and MLPF&S for providing shareholder
and distribution-related services to Class B and Class C
shareholders.
For the six months ended January 31, 1999, 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 $5 $ 69
Class D $8 $113
For the six months ended January 31, 1999, MLPF&S received
contingent deferred sales charges of $2,189 relating to transactions
in Class B Shares.
Financial Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
ML & Co., is the Fund's transfer agent.
Accounting services are provided to the Fund by FAM at cost.
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
Certain officers and/or trustees of the Fund are officers and/or
directors of FAM, PSI, FDS, PFD, and/or ML & Co.
3. Investments:
Sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the six
months ended January 31, 1999 were $283,750.
Net realized gains for the six months ended January 31, 1999 and net
unrealized gains as of January 31, 1999 were as follows:
Realized Unrealized
Gains Gains
Long-term investments $ 10,639 $ 940,551
---------- ----------
Total $ 10,639 $ 940,551
========== ==========
As of January 31, 1999, net unrealized appreciation for Federal
income tax purposes aggregated $940,551, all of which related to
appreciated securities. The aggregate cost of investments at January
31, 1999 for Federal income tax purposes was $10,476,349.
4. Beneficial Interest Transactions:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from beneficial
interest transactions was $(741,819) and $998,869 for the six months
ended January 31, 1999 and for the year ended July 31, 1998,
respectively.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest for each class were as
follows:
Class A Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
Shares sold 17,881 $ 193,734
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 4,259 45,853
----------- -----------
Total issued 22,140 239,587
Shares redeemed (57,361) (619,397)
----------- -----------
Net decrease (35,221) $ (379,810)
=========== ===========
Class A Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
Shares sold 171,813 $ 1,840,104
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 4,902 52,499
----------- -----------
Total issued 176,715 1,892,603
Shares redeemed (39,318) (419,167)
----------- -----------
Net increase 137,397 $ 1,473,436
=========== ===========
Class B Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
Shares sold 20,082 $ 216,713
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 4,200 45,185
----------- -----------
Total issued 24,282 261,898
Shares redeemed (45,077) (486,777)
----------- -----------
Net decrease (20,795) $ (224,879)
=========== ===========
Class B Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
Shares sold 41,745 $ 446,670
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 9,094 97,266
----------- -----------
Total issued 50,839 543,936
Shares redeemed (141,770) (1,516,844)
----------- -----------
Net decrease (90,931) $ (972,908)
=========== ===========
Class C Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
Shares sold 11,532 $ 123,484
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 1,988 21,403
----------- -----------
Total issued 13,520 144,887
Shares redeemed (9,471) (102,002)
----------- -----------
Net increase 4,049 $ 42,885
=========== ===========
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
Class C Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
Shares sold 42,286 $ 450,449
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 4,009 42,904
----------- -----------
Total issued 46,295 493,353
Shares redeemed (12,517) (133,300)
----------- -----------
Net increase 33,778 $ 360,053
=========== ===========
Class D Shares for the Six Months Dollar
Ended January 31, 1999 Shares Amount
Shares sold 295 $ 3,179
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 1,303 14,029
----------- -----------
Total issued 1,598 17,208
Shares redeemed (18,251) (197,223)
----------- -----------
Net decrease (16,653) $ (180,015)
=========== ===========
Class D Shares for the Year Dollar
Ended July 31, 1998 Shares Amount
Shares sold 15,871 $ 170,444
Shares issued to shareholders
in reinvestment of dividends
and distributions 2,427 25,954
----------- -----------
Total issued 18,298 196,398
Shares redeemed (5,458) (58,110)
----------- -----------
Net increase 12,840 $ 138,288
=========== ===========
Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal Bond Fund
January 31, 1999
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
Arthur Zeikel, President and Trustee
James H. Bodurtha, Trustee
Herbert I. London, Trustee
Robert R. Martin, Trustee
Joseph L. May, Trustee
Andre F. Perold, Trustee
Terry K. Glenn, Executive Vice President
Vincent R. Giordano, Senior Vice President
Hugh T. Hurley III, Vice President
Kenneth A. Jacob, Vice President
Donald C. Burke, Vice President and Treasurer
Robert E. Putney, III, Secretary
Gerald M. Richard, Treasurer of Merrill Lynch Arkansas Municipal
Bond Fund has recently retired. His colleagues at Merrill Lynch
Asset Management, L.P. join the Fund's Board of Trustees in wishing
Mr. Richard well in his retirement.
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
P.O. Box 351
Boston, MA 02101
Transfer Agent
Financial Data Services, Inc.
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
(800) 637-3863