-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, UbDHQ5mgxVrUrYavLTSm+GzKLQK3e5KG8vZfHECt/kXVaBu8sZwLxXOR2dR8KJgM ATIUzjD8TB+sA4BhkZ86iA== 0001193805-03-000120.txt : 20030225 0001193805-03-000120.hdr.sgml : 20030225 20030225112615 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193805-03-000120 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-CSR PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20021231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20030225 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20030225 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MERRILL LYNCH INVESTMENT MANAGERS FUNDS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001119261 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-CSR SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-10053 FILM NUMBER: 03578567 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 800 SCUDDERS ROAD STREET 2: SUITE 4000 CITY: PLAINSBORO STATE: NJ ZIP: 08536 BUSINESS PHONE: 6092820785 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 800 SCUDDERS ROAD STREET 2: SUITE 4000 CITY: PLAINSBORO STATE: NJ ZIP: 08536 N-CSR 1 e300078_n-csr.txt SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM N-CSR CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES Investment Company Act file number 811-10053 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund Address: P.O. Box 9011 Princeton, NJ 08543-9011 Name and address of agent for service: Terry K. Glenn, President, Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536. Mailing address: P.O. Box 9011, Princeton, NJ 08543-9011 Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (609) 282-2800 Date of fiscal year end: 06/30/03 Date of reporting period: 07/01/02 - 12/31/02 Item 1 - Is shareholder report attached? - Y [LOGO] Merrill Lynch Investment Managers Semi-Annual Report December 31, 2002 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund www.mlim.ml.com MERRILL LYNCH LOW DURATION FUND Officers and Directors/Trustees Terry K. Glenn, President and Director/Trustee James H. Bodurtha, Director/Trustee Joe Grills, Director/Trustee Herbert I. London, Director/Trustee Andre F. Perold, Director/Trustee Roberta Cooper Ramo, Director/Trustee Robert S. Salomon, Jr., Director/Trustee Melvin R. Seiden, Director/Trustee Stephen B. Swensrud, Director/Trustee Patrick Maldari, Vice President James J. Pagano, Vice President Donald C. Burke, Vice President and Treasurer Phillip S. Gillespie, Secretary Custodian Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 40 Water Street Boston, MA 02109-3661 Transfer Agent Financial Data Services, Inc. 4800 Deer Lake Drive East Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 800-637-3863 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Effective January 1, 2003, Melvin R. Seiden, Director/Trustee of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, retired. The Fund's Board of Directors/Trustees wishes Mr. Seiden well in his retirement. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 DEAR SHAREHOLDER Economic Environment The U.S. economy grew throughout 2002, although the pace of the growth had been quite uneven from quarter to quarter. For the year as a whole, the economy quite likely grew at an annual pace of approximately 3.0% -- modest for sure, but hardly the source for "double-dip" recessionary concerns that dominated the headlines from time to time. Inflation remained virtually non-existent, with the core personal consumption expenditure deflator, the inflation gauge watched by the Federal Reserve Board, rising by only 1.8%. In past economic recoveries, businesses have contributed significantly to growth. However, the continuing corporate profit drought in the face of significant excess capacity left businesses holding back on capital spending and achieving productivity gains through paring down payrolls. The consumer sector, on the other hand, held up remarkably well, despite the weak employment outlook, declining equity markets, and terrorism and geopolitical concerns adding to the decline in consumer confidence. Nevertheless, the sharp drop in mortgage rates during the past year contributed to a healthy housing market and a refinancing boom, helping out the consumer, while heavy economic incentives (such as zero-cost financing) helped keep consumption of durable goods, such as automobiles, robust. Looking ahead, we anticipate the economy to grow at a sub-par rate of below 3% in 2003, with risks to the forecast more evenly balanced. While the prospects for a strong fiscal stimulus package from Washington, D.C. have improved markedly, the timing of the legislation, its scope and its potential positive impact on the economy over the near term remain uncertain. At the same time, the possible end of the mortgage refinancing boom and a murky labor market could further erode consumer confidence, posing downside risks to the economy. Capital spending by businesses is also likely to remain somewhat subdued as the sectors that have contributed historically to capital spending -- telecommunications, utility and energy -- work out past excesses. Government spending is not likely to contribute very much, given the potential for the growing fiscal deficits at state and local government levels somewhat offsetting the spending from Washington. Interest Rates Interest rates essentially followed the economic news through most of the six months ended December 31, 2002. The Federal Reserve Board started the period with the Federal Funds rate at 1.75%, with a balanced view of risk. However, with the economy showing signs of stress in the third quarter, at the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting the Federal Reserve Board changed its bias once again toward "weakness" in the economy. Amid growing deflationary concerns, and the potential for the economy to slip back into a recession, the Federal Reserve Board surprised investors at its November FOMC meeting, by lowering the Federal Funds rate by 50 basis points (.50%) to 1.25%, but changing the bias once again to "balanced." Most Treasury yields reacted to the changing economic prospects throughout the period. Sensing a strong recovery, Treasury yields fell sharply from early April, with most of the declines occurring in the third quarter through October 10, 2002. During this period, two-year note yields declined by 197 basis points, ten-year notes by 177 basis points and 30-year bonds by 111 basis points. Although yields have backed up toward year end, for the year as a whole, the investment-grade sector in general had a solid year. Going forward, we expect the Federal Reserve Board to remain on hold, at least through the first half of 2003. While a slow growing economy with little threat of inflation should keep interest rates range bound, the risks to the fixed income markets have become somewhat asymmetric. The growing budget deficits at the Federal and state levels, along with the absolute low levels of current interest rates, not to mention the stellar performance of the fixed market over the past three years, give us little reason to hope for a sustained drop in interest rates. Accordingly, we anticipate interest rates to have an upward bias and the yield curve to have a bearish steepening bias over the next few months. Portfolio Matters For the six months ended December 31, 2002, the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Shares had total returns of +3.29%, +2.83%, +2.83% and +3.16%, respectively. (Fund results shown do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if sales charges were included. Complete performance information can be found on pages 4 and 5 of this report to shareholders.) This compares to the Fund's unmanaged benchmark, the Merrill Lynch 1 - 3 Year U.S. Treasury Note Index, which had a return of +3.30% for the same six-month period. The Fund continues to be managed with a focus on the spread sectors, including corporate bonds, agency mortgage collateral and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), non-agency CMOs, asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. By stress-testing potential purchases using a combination of fundamental research, prepayment and cash flow vectoring, and scenario analysis, we have been able to find attractive opportunities in spite of unprecedented volatility in the markets. We began the second half of 2002 with more than 65% of the portfolio invested in spread sector securities, and we have gradually increased that weighting to almost 80% of assets. As interest rates have steadily fallen, we have reduced our Treasury and agency holdings, as we believe that the record low interest rates available in the short end of the yield curve offer little more potential for price appreciation. The record low yields have also impacted our duration decision as we have moved from a moderate long position of 107% of the benchmark duration to a short position of approximately 88%. As noted, this decision is based both on the absolute level of rates and our view of potential future changes in curve shape. Going forward, we expect to maintain a portfolio profile reflective of our pro-cyclical bias -- spread sector overweights and duration less than that of the benchmark. Though we believe there is a high probability that there will be a military confrontation with Iraq during the first quarter of 2003, we anticipate that this will ultimately result in a decline in volatility as uncertainty is removed from the markets. We expect this to provide the basis for solid, if unspectacular, economic growth as the year progresses. In Conclusion We appreciate your investment in Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, and we look forward to serving your investment needs in the months and years ahead. Sincerely, /s/ Terry K. Glenn Terry K. Glenn President and Director /s/ Patrick Maldari Patrick Maldari Vice President and Portfolio Manager /s/ James J. Pagano James J. Pagano Vice President and Portfolio Manager January 29, 2003 2 & 3 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 PERFORMANCE DATA About Fund Performance Investors are able to purchase shares of the Fund through the Merrill Lynch Select Pricing(SM) System, which offers four pricing alternatives: o Class A Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge (front-end load) of 3% and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance fees. Class A Shares are available only to eligible investors. o Effective December 1, 2002, Class B Shares are subject to a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 4%, declining to 0% after six years. All Class B Shares purchased prior to December 1, 2002 will maintain the four-year schedule. In addition, Class B Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.65% and an account maintenance fee of 0.25%. These shares automatically convert to Class D Shares after approximately 10 years. (There is no initial sales charge for automatic share conversions.) o Class C Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.65% and an account maintenance fee of 0.25%. In addition, Class C Shares are subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase. o Class D Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge of 3% and an account maintenance fee of 0.25% (but no distribution fee). The performance results depicted on page 5 are those of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund and, prior to October 6, 2000, a predecessor Fund investing in the same underlying portfolio and with the same fees as Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund. Performance results prior to October 6, 2000 reflect the annual operating expenses of the predecessor Fund. If Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund's operating expenses were reflected, the results may have been less than those shown for this time period. Performance results after October 6, 2000 include the actual operating expenses of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund. The Fund commenced operations on October 6, 2000. None of the past results shown should be considered a representation of future performance. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Figures shown in each of the following tables assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions at net asset value on the ex-dividend date. The Portfolio's investment adviser pays annual operating expenses of the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Shares in excess of .58%, 1.48%, 1.48% and .83%, respectively, of the average net assets of each Class. If the investment adviser did not pay such expenses, net returns would be lower. Investment return and principal value of shares will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Dividends paid to each class of shares will vary because of the different levels of account maintenance, distribution and transfer agency fees applicable to each class, which are deducted from the income available to be paid to shareholders. Recent Performance Results*
6-Month 12-Month Since Inception Standardized As of December 31, 2002 Total Return Total Return Total Return 30-Day Yield ================================================================================================================= ML Low Duration Fund Class A Shares* +3.29% +4.52% +90.58% 2.63% - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML Low Duration Fund Class B Shares* +2.83 +3.48 +12.19 1.82 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML Low Duration Fund Class C Shares* +2.83 +3.58 +12.12 1.82 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML Low Duration Fund Class D Shares* +3.16 +4.26 +20.50 2.39 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Merrill Lynch 1 - 3 Year U.S. Treasury Note Index** +3.30 +5.76 +75.23/+24.33/+17.00 -- =================================================================================================================
* Investment results shown do not reflect sales charges; results shown would be lower if a sales charge was included. Total investment returns are based on changes in net asset values for the periods shown, and assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions at net asset value on the ex-dividend date. The Fund's since inception periods are from 5/18/93 for Class A Shares, from 10/06/00 for Class B and Class C Shares, and from 9/24/99 for Class D Shares. ** This unmanaged Index is comprised of Treasury securities with maturities of one to three years. Since inception total returns are from 5/31/93, 9/30/99 and 10/31/00, respectively. Average Annual Total Return % Return Without % Return With Sales Charge Sales Charge** ================================================================================ Class A Shares* ================================================================================ One Year Ended 12/31/02 +4.52% +1.38% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Five Years Ended 12/31/02 +5.62 +4.98 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inception (5/18/93) through 12/31/02 +6.93 +6.59 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Maximum sales charge is 3%. ** Assuming maximum sales charge. % Return % Return Without CDSC With CDSC** ================================================================================ Class B Shares* ================================================================================ One Year Ended 12/31/02 +3.48% -0.52% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inception (10/06/00) through 12/31/02 +5.28 +4.01 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 4% and is reduced to 0% after six years. ** Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge. ================================================================================ % Return % Return Without CDSC With CDSC** ================================================================================ Class C Shares* ================================================================================ One Year Ended 12/31/02 +3.58% +2.58% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inception (10/06/00) through 12/31/02 +5.25 +5.25 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1% and is reduced to 0% after one year. ** Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge. ================================================================================ % Return Without % Return With Sales Charge Sales Charge** ================================================================================ Class D Shares* ================================================================================ One Year Ended 12/31/02 +4.26% +1.13% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inception (9/24/99) through 12/31/02 +5.87 +4.89 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Maximum sales charge is 3%. ** Assuming maximum sales charge. 4 & 5 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
MERRILL LYNCH LOW DURATION FUND As of December 31, 2002 ====================================================================================================================== Assets: Investment in Low Duration Master Portfolio, at value (identified cost--$477,507,394) .............................. $ 480,494,609 Prepaid registration fees and other assets ................... 39,531 ------------- Total assets ................................................. 480,534,140 ------------- ====================================================================================================================== Liabilities: Payables: Dividends to shareholders .................................. $ 527,446 Distributor ................................................ 263,975 Administrator .............................................. 99,973 Reorganization costs ....................................... 87,920 ---------- Total liabilities ............................................ 979,314 ------------- ====================================================================================================================== Net Assets: Net assets ................................................... $ 479,554,826 ============= ====================================================================================================================== Net Assets Class A Shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 Consist of: shares authorized ............................................ $ 35,263 Class B Shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized ............................................ 105,540 Class C Shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized ............................................ 203,180 Class D Shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized ............................................ 121,375 Paid-in capital in excess of par ............................. 478,926,839 Accumulated distributions in excess of investment income--net $ (191,295) Accumulated realized capital losses on investments and foreign currency transactions from the Portfolio--net ................ (2,633,291) Unrealized appreciation on investments from the Portfolio--net 2,987,215 ---------- Total accumulated earnings--net .............................. 162,629 ------------- Net assets ................................................... $ 479,554,826 ============= ====================================================================================================================== Net Asset Class A--Based on net assets of $36,416,861 and 3,526,338 Value: shares outstanding ........................................... $ 10.33 ============= Class B--Based on net assets of $108,698,586 and 10,553,984 shares outstanding ........................................... $ 10.30 ============= Class C--Based on net assets of $209,209,964 and 20,317,987 shares outstanding ........................................... $ 10.30 ============= Class D--Based on net assets of $125,229,415 and 12,137,463 shares outstanding ........................................... $ 10.32 ============= ======================================================================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements. STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
MERRILL LYNCH LOW DURATION FUND For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2002 ====================================================================================================================== Investment Income Net investment income allocated from the Portfolio: From the Portfolio-- Interest ................................................... $ 8,273,568 Net: Dividends .................................................. 69,829 Expenses ................................................... (598,455) ------------- Net investment income from the Portfolio ..................... 7,744,942 ------------- ====================================================================================================================== Expenses: Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class C ........... $ 795,041 Administration fees .......................................... 527,373 Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class B ........... 413,040 Account maintenance fees--Class D ............................ 151,715 Transfer agent fees--Class C ................................. 98,294 Transfer agent fees--Class D ................................. 67,510 Registration fees ............................................ 56,059 Transfer agent fees--Class B ................................. 51,061 Printing and shareholder reports ............................. 33,103 Professional fees ............................................ 18,277 Transfer agent fees--Class A ................................. 17,838 Accounting services .......................................... 1,364 Other ........................................................ 5,542 ---------- Total expenses ............................................... 2,236,217 ------------- Investment income--net ....................................... 5,508,725 ------------- ====================================================================================================================== Realized & Realized gain on investments from the Portfolio--net ......... 1,458,183 Unrealized Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments Gain from the from the Portfolio--net ...................................... 4,889,365 Portfolio--Net: ------------- Total realized and unrealized gain from the Portfolio--net ... 6,347,548 ------------- Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ......... $ 11,856,273 ============= ======================================================================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements. 6 & 7 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the Six For the MERRILL LYNCH Months Ended Year Ended LOW DURATION December 31, June 30, FUND Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 2002 2002 =============================================================================================================================== Operations: Investment income--net .............................................. $ 5,508,725 $ 4,119,815 Realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions from the Portfolio--net ............................................. 1,458,183 (832,050) Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments from the Portfolio--net .................................................. 4,889,365 (1,694,397) ------------- ------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ................ 11,856,273 1,593,368 ------------- ------------- =============================================================================================================================== Dividends & Investment income--net: Distributions to Class A ........................................................... (528,877) (486,534) Shareholders: Class B ........................................................... (1,099,539) (1,161,980) Class C ........................................................... (2,117,119) (1,790,475) Class D ........................................................... (1,858,963) (684,885) Realized gain on investments from the Portfolio--net: Class A ........................................................... -- (7,129) Class B ........................................................... -- (18,973) Class C ........................................................... -- (26,954) Class D ........................................................... -- (3,853) ------------- ------------- Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends and distributions to shareholders ....................................... (5,604,498) (4,180,783) ------------- ------------- =============================================================================================================================== Capital Share Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions .. 149,127,543 315,569,072 Transactions: ------------- ------------- =============================================================================================================================== Net Assets: Total increase in net assets ........................................ 155,379,318 312,981,657 Beginning of period ................................................. 324,175,508 11,193,851 ------------- ------------- End of period* ...................................................... $ 479,554,826 $ 324,175,508 ============= ============= *Accumulated distributions in excess of investment income--net ....... $ (191,295) $ (95,522) ============= ============= ===============================================================================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class A The following per share data and ratios have been ---------------------------------------------- derived from information provided in the financial For the Six For the For the MERRILL LYNCH statements. Months Ended Year Ended October 6, 2000+ LOW DURATION December 31, June 30, to June 30, FUND Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 2002 2002 2001 ============================================================================================================================== Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ................ $ 10.17 $ 10.21 $ 10.00 Operating ---------- ---------- ---------- Performance: Investment income--net .............................. .17++ .45++ .40 Realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions from the Portfolio--net .16 .02 .19 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total from investment operations .................... .33 .47 .59 ---------- ---------- ---------- Less dividends and distributions: Investment income--net ............................ (.17) (.50) (.38) Realized gain on investments--net ................. -- (.01) -- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total dividends and distributions ................... (.17) (.51) (.38) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, end of period ...................... $ 10.33 $ 10.17 $ 10.21 ========== ========== ========== ============================================================================================================================== Total Investment Based on net asset value per share .................. 3.29%@ 4.68% 5.95%@ Return:** ========== ========== ========== ============================================================================================================================== Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement+++ ................... .70%* .58% .58%* Net Assets: ========== ========== ========== Expenses+++ ......................................... .70%* .78% 8.51%* ========== ========== ========== Investment income--net .............................. 3.25%* 4.51% 6.00%* ========== ========== ========== ============================================================================================================================== Supplemental Data: Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ............ $ 36,417 $ 23,325 $ 1,156 ========== ========== ========== ==============================================================================================================================
* Annualized. ** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales charges. If applicable, the Portfolio's investment adviser reimbursed a portion of the Fund's expenses. Without such reimbursement, the Fund's performance would have been lower. + Commencement of operations. ++ Based on average shares outstanding. +++ Includes the Fund's share of the Portfolio's allocated expenses. @ Aggregate total investment return. See Notes to Financial Statements. 8 & 9 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)
Class B --------------------------------------------- The following per share data and ratios have been derived For the Six For the For the Period MERRILL LYNCH from information provided in the financial statements. Months Ended Year Ended October 6, 2000+ LOW DURATION December 31, June 30, to June 30, FUND Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 2002 2002 2001 ==================================================================================================================================== Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ....................... $ 10.14 $ 10.18 $ 10.00 Operating --------- --------- --------- Performance: Investment income--net ..................................... .12++ .37++ .33 Realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions from the Portfolio--net ...... .17 .01 .18 --------- --------- --------- Total from investment operations ........................... .29 .38 .51 --------- --------- --------- Less dividends and distributions: Investment income--net ................................... (.13) (.41) (.33) Realized gain on investments--net ........................ -- (.01) -- --------- --------- --------- Total dividends and distributions .......................... (.13) (.42) (.33) --------- --------- --------- Net asset value, end of period ............................. $ 10.30 $ 10.14 $ 10.18 ========= ========= ========= ==================================================================================================================================== Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ......................... 2.83%@ 3.75% 5.16%@ Return:** ========= ========= ========= ==================================================================================================================================== Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement+++ .......................... 1.60%* 1.48% 1.48%* Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= Expenses+++ ................................................ 1.60%* 1.70% 9.41%* ========= ========= ========= Investment income--net ..................................... 2.35%* 3.75% 5.10%* ========= ========= ========= ==================================================================================================================================== Supplemental Data: Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ................... $ 108,699 $ 64,457 $ 5,016 ========= ========= ========= ==================================================================================================================================== Class C --------------------------------------------- The following per share data and ratios have been derived For the Six For the For the Period from information provided in the financial statements. Months Ended Year Ended October 6, 2000+ December 31, June 30, to June 30, Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 2002 2002 2001 ==================================================================================================================================== Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ....................... $ 10.14 $ 10.18 $ 10.00 Operating --------- --------- --------- Performance: Investment income--net ..................................... .12++ .35++ .32 Realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions from the Portfolio--net ...... .17 .03 .18 --------- --------- --------- Total from investment operations ........................... .29 .38 .50 --------- --------- --------- Less dividends and distributions: Investment income--net ................................... (.13) (.41) (.32) Realized gain on investments--net ........................ -- (.01) -- --------- --------- --------- Total dividends and distributions .......................... (.13) (.42) (.32) --------- --------- --------- Net asset value, end of period ............................. $ 10.30 $ 10.14 $ 10.18 ========= ========= ========= ==================================================================================================================================== Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ......................... 2.83%@ 3.75% 5.10%@ Return:** ========= ========= ========= ==================================================================================================================================== Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement+++ .......................... 1.60%* 1.48% 1.48%* Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= Expenses+++ ................................................ 1.60%* 1.68% 9.41%* ========= ========= ========= Investment income--net ..................................... 2.35%* 3.62% 5.10%* ========= ========= ========= ==================================================================================================================================== Supplemental Data: Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ................... $ 209,210 $ 126,380 $ 4,754 ========= ========= ========= ==================================================================================================================================== Class D --------------------------------------------- The following per share data and ratios have been derived For the Six For the For the Period from information provided in the financial statements. Months Ended Year Ended October 6, 2000+ December 31, June 30, to June 30, Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 2002 2002 2001 ==================================================================================================================================== Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ....................... $ 10.16 $ 10.19 $ 10.00 Operating --------- --------- --------- Performance: Investment income--net ..................................... .16++ .34++ .36 Realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions from the Portfolio--net ...... .16 .12 .19 --------- --------- --------- Total from investment operations ........................... .32 .46 .55 --------- --------- --------- Less dividends and distributions: Investment income--net ................................... (.16) (.48) (.36) Realized gain on investments--net ........................ -- (.01) -- --------- --------- --------- Total dividends and distributions .......................... (.16) (.49) (.36) --------- --------- --------- Net asset value, end of period ............................. $ 10.32 $ 10.16 $ 10.19 ========= ========= ========= ==================================================================================================================================== Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ......................... 3.16%@ 4.53% 5.58%@ Return:** ========= ========= ========= ==================================================================================================================================== Ratios to Average Expenses, net of reimbursement+++ .......................... .95%* .83% .83%* Net Assets: ========= ========= ========= Expenses+++ ................................................ .95%* 1.02% 8.76%* ========= ========= ========= Investment income--net ..................................... 3.02%* 4.04% 5.75%* ========= ========= ========= ==================================================================================================================================== Supplemental Data: Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ................... $ 125,229 $ 110,014 $ 268 ========= ========= ========= ====================================================================================================================================
* Annualized. ** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales charges. If applicable, the Portfolio's investment adviser reimbursed a portion of the Fund's expenses. Without such reimbursement, the Fund's performance would have been lower. + Commencement of operations. ++ Based on average shares outstanding. +++ Includes the Fund's share of the Portfolio's allocated expenses. @ Aggregate total investment return. See Notes to Financial Statements. 10 & 11 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MERRILL LYNCH LOW DURATION FUND 1. Significant Accounting Policies: Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund (the "Fund") is a fund of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers Funds, Inc. (the "Company"). The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end management investment company, which is organized as a Maryland Corporation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing all of its assets in Low Duration Master Portfolio (the "Portfolio") of Fund Asset Management Master Trust, which has the same investment objective as the Fund. The value of the Fund's investment in the Portfolio reflects the Fund's proportionate interest in the net assets of the Portfolio. The performance of the Fund is directly affected by the performance of the Portfolio. The financial statements of the Portfolio, including the Schedule of Investments, are included elsewhere in this report and should be read in conjunction with the Fund's financial statements. The percentage of the Portfolio owned by the Fund at December 31, 2002 was 74.4%. The Fund's financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, 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, and the additional incremental transfer agency costs resulting from the deferred sales charge arrangements. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to its account maintenance and distribution expenditures. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class) and realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments and foreign currency transactions are allocated daily to each class based on its relative net assets. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund. (a) Valuation of investments -- The Fund records its investment in the Portfolio at fair value. Valuation of securities held by the Portfolio is discussed in Note 1a of the Portfolio's Notes to Financial Statements, which are included elsewhere in this report. (b) Investment income and expenses -- The Fund records daily its proportionate share of the Portfolio's income, expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses. In addition, the Fund accrues its own expenses. (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 shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required. (d) Prepaid registration fees -- Prepaid registration fees are charged to expense as the related shares are issued. (e) 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. (f) Investment transactions -- Investment transactions in the Portfolio are accounted for on a trade date basis. 2. Transactions with Affiliates: The Company has entered into an Administration Agreement with Fund Asset Management, L.P. ("FAM"). The general partner of FAM is Princeton Services, Inc. ("PSI"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is the limited partner. The Fund pays a monthly fee at an annual rate of ..25% of the Fund's average daily net assets for the performance of administrative services (other than investment advice and related portfolio activities) necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Company has also entered into a Distribution Agreement and Distributions Plans with FAM Distributors, Inc. ("FAMD" or the "Distributor"), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Group, Inc. Pursuant to the Distribution Plans adopted by the Company 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 .................................. .25% .65% Class C .................................. .25% .65% Class D .................................. .25% -- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 December 31, 2002, FAMD earned underwriting discounts and MLPF&S earned dealer concessions on sales of the Fund's Class A and Class D Shares as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FAMD MLPF&S - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A .............................. $ 113 $ 788 Class D .............................. $14,539 $71,451 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the six months ended December 31, 2002, MLPF&S received contingent deferred sales charges of $146,668 and $91,491 relating to transactions in Class B and Class C Shares, respectively. Furthermore, MLPF&S received contingent deferred sales charges of $2,100 and $25,392 relating to transactions subject to front-end sales charge waivers in Class A and Class D Shares, respectively. Financial Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of ML & Co., is the Fund's transfer agent. Certain officers and/or directors of the Company are officers and/or directors of FAM, PSI, FAMD, FDS, and/or ML & Co. 3. Investments: Increases and decreases in the Fund's investment in the Portfolio for the six months ended December 31, 2002 were $190,338,415 and $48,868,169, respectively. 4. Capital Share Transactions: Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions was $149,127,543 and $315,569,072 for the six months ended December 31, 2002 and the year ended June 30, 2002, respectively. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows: - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares for the Six Months Dollar Ended December 31, 2002 Shares Amount - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 2,466,595 $ 25,284,621 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends ........... 19,128 196,521 ------------- ------------- Total issued ........................... 2,485,723 25,481,142 Shares redeemed ........................ (1,253,235) (12,851,252) ------------- ------------- Net increase ........................... 1,232,488 $ 12,629,890 ============= ============= - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 & 13 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded) MERRILL LYNCH LOW DURATION FUND - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares for the Year Dollar Ended June 30, 2002 Shares Amount - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 2,933,256 $ 30,121,533 Shares issued resulting from reorganization ......................... 19,772 202,490 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions ...................... 7,781 79,753 ------------- ------------- Total issued ........................... 2,960,809 30,403,776 Shares redeemed ........................ (780,233) (7,983,028) ------------- ------------- Net increase ........................... 2,180,576 $ 22,420,748 ============= ============= - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B Shares for the Six Months Dollar Ended December 31, 2002 Shares Amount - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 5,678,875 $ 58,029,865 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends ........... 65,966 675,471 ------------- ------------- Total issued ........................... 5,744,841 58,705,336 Automatic conversion of shares ......... (343,488) (3,497,652) Shares redeemed ........................ (1,203,779) (12,310,481) ------------- ------------- Net increase ........................... 4,197,574 $ 42,897,203 ============= ============= - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B Shares for the Year Dollar Ended June 30, 2002 Shares Amount - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 5,986,542 $ 61,312,584 Shares issued resulting from reorganization ......................... 586,789 5,992,678 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions ...................... 47,102 480,957 ------------- ------------- Total issued ........................... 6,620,433 67,786,219 Automatic conversion of shares ......... (4,006) (40,782) Shares redeemed ........................ (752,805) (7,701,393) ------------- ------------- Net increase ........................... 5,863,622 $ 60,044,044 ============= ============= - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C Shares for the Six Months Dollar Ended December 31, 2002 Shares Amount - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 9,978,861 $ 101,958,629 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends ........... 146,077 1,495,213 ------------- ------------- Total issued ........................... 10,124,938 103,453,842 Shares redeemed ........................ (2,272,376) (23,238,725) ------------- ------------- Net increase ........................... 7,852,562 $ 80,215,117 ============= ============= - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C Shares for the Year Dollar Ended June 30, 2002 Shares Amount - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 12,912,508 $ 131,999,635 Shares issued resulting from reorganization ......................... 35,929 366,860 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions ...................... 105,436 1,076,381 ------------- ------------- Total issued ........................... 13,053,873 133,442,876 Shares redeemed ........................ (1,055,611) (10,778,366) ------------- ------------- Net increase ........................... 11,998,262 $ 122,664,510 ============= ============= - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class D Shares for the Six Months Dollar Ended December 31, 2002 Shares Amount - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 2,152,110 $ 22,055,327 Automatic conversion of shares ......... 342,861 3,497,652 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends ........... 101,422 1,039,982 ------------- ------------- Total issued ........................... 2,596,393 26,592,961 Shares redeemed ........................ (1,288,320) (13,207,628) ------------- ------------- Net increase ........................... 1,308,073 $ 13,385,333 ============= ============= - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class D Shares for the Year Dollar Ended June 30, 2002 Shares Amount - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 7,115,133 $ 72,653,961 Automatic conversion of shares ......... 3,999 40,782 Shares issued resulting from reorganization ......................... 4,998,284 51,139,515 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions ...................... 18,450 188,585 ------------- ------------- Total issued ........................... 12,135,866 124,022,843 Shares redeemed ........................ (1,332,776) (13,583,073) ------------- ------------- Net increase ........................... 10,803,090 $ 110,439,770 ============= ============= - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Capital Loss Carryforward: On June 30, 2002, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $3,436,404, of which $488,336 expires in 2003, $1,015,207 expires in 2004, $1,288,726 expires in 2005, $142,956 expires in 2006, $110,946 expires in 2007, $270,092 expires in 2008 and $120,141 expires in 2009. This amount will be available to offset like amounts of any future taxable gains. 14 & 15 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in U.S. dollars)
Low Duration Master Portfolio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Face Industries Amount Investments Value ==================================================================================================================================== Corporate Bonds & Aerospace & Defense-- $ 3,000,000 Lockheed Martin Corp., 7.25% Due 5/15/2006 $ 3,378,633 Notes--32.2% 0.9% 2,000,000 Northrop-Grumman Corp., 8.625% due 10/15/2004 2,173,268 ----------- 5,551,901 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Automotive--2.5% 4,200,000 Daimler-Chrysler NA Holdings, 3.40% due 12/15/2004 4,228,753 Ford Motor Credit Company: 2,000,000 7.50% due 3/15/2005 2,040,528 4,400,000 7.60% due 8/01/2005 4,492,598 General Motors Acceptance Corp.: 5,000,000 7.625% due 6/15/2004 5,250,250 250,000 6.85% due 6/17/2004 260,357 ----------- 16,272,486 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Banking--3.7% 5,000,000 Bank of America Corporation, 4.75% due 10/15/2006 5,291,375 5,000,000 First Security Corporation--Delaware, 5.875% due 11/01/2003 5,165,255 1,000,000 FleetBoston Financial Corp., 7.25% due 9/15/2005 1,107,278 5,000,000 US Bancorp, 6.875% due 12/01/2004 5,451,315 6,500,000 Wells Fargo Company, 6.625% due 7/15/2004 6,953,414 ----------- 23,968,637 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cable & Media--2.4% Clear Channel Communications: 4,000,000 7.25% due 9/15/2003 4,080,724 1,800,000 7.875% due 6/15/2005 1,970,672 2,940,000 Comcast Cable Communications, 6.375% due 1/30/2006 3,076,096 4,500,000 TCI Communications Inc., 2.11% due 3/11/2003 (a) 4,500,225 1,000,000 Turner Broadcasting, 7.40% due 2/01/2004 1,024,534 1,000,000 USA Interactive, 6.75% due 11/15/2005 1,047,215 ----------- 15,699,466 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commercial Services & 1,100,000 Cendant Corporation, 6.875% due 8/15/2006 1,141,428 Supplies--0.2% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Electric--0.4% 2,500,000 PSE&G Power LLC, 6.875% due 4/15/2006 2,621,050 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Electric Utilities--2.7% 6,000,000 Boston Edison Company, 2.275% due 10/15/2005 (a) 5,998,638 4,450,000 Conectiv Inc., 5.30% due 6/01/2005 4,633,211 2,000,000 Detroit Edison Company, 5.05% due 10/01/2005 2,118,430 2,500,000 Dominion Resources Inc., 7.625% due 7/15/2005 2,742,542 2,000,000 FirstEnergy Corporation, 5.50% due 11/15/2006 2,011,294 ----------- 17,504,115 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial Services--7.3% 5,000,000 Associates Corp. NA, 6% due 7/15/2005 5,392,785 4,475,000 Bear Stearns Companies Inc., 6.15% due 3/02/2004 4,681,333 1,425,000 Citigroup Inc., 5.70% due 2/06/2004 1,482,224 Countrywide Home Loan: 1,600,000 5.25% due 5/22/2003 1,621,357 2,400,000 5.25% due 6/15/2004 2,496,151 1,450,000 Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Inc., 6.875% due 11/01/2005 1,584,501 2,000,000 Goldman Sachs Group Inc., 7.50% due 1/28/2005 2,197,718 Household Finance Corporation: 4,000,000 6.50% due 1/24/2006 4,259,688 470,000 5.875% due 2/01/2009 482,411 325,000 7% due 5/15/2012 355,969 International Lease Finance Corporation: 5,000,000 5.50% due 6/07/2004 5,165,910 1,900,000 4.375% due 12/15/2005 1,922,711 5,000,000 Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., 6.625% due 4/01/2004 5,271,175 3,060,000 MBNA Corporation, 5.625% due 11/30/2007 3,125,245 Pemex Finance Ltd.: 252,000 9.14% due 8/15/2004 267,589 2,769,583 8.45% due 2/15/2007 3,097,391 3,350,000 Salomon Inc., 6.75% due 8/15/2003 3,454,178 ----------- 46,858,336 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Distribution--0.8% 5,000,000 Pepsi Bottling Holdings Inc., 5.375% due 2/17/2004 (c) 5,204,580 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foods--0.2% 1,200,000 Conagra Inc., 7.40% due 9/15/2004 1,300,303 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gaming & Lodging--0.0% 230,000 Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc., 6.70% due 11/15/2096 231,076 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hospitals--0.7% 4,000,000 HCA Healthcare Inc., 7.125% due 6/01/2006 4,238,948 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Industrials--0.7% 2,000,000 Tyson Foods, Inc., 6.625% due 10/01/2004 2,126,520 2,500,000 Waste Management Inc., 6.50% due 5/15/2004 2,578,008 ----------- 4,704,528 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insurance--0.6% 3,500,000 Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc., 6.625% due 6/15/2004 3,738,291 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Multi-Sector Holdings--0.2% 1,579,200 Lehman Brothers, TRAINS, 6.259% due 8/15/2008 (a)(c)(f) 1,626,197 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil--Integrated--0.9% 2,400,000 Ashland Inc., 2.02% due 3/07/2003 (a) 2,399,136 3,000,000 Conoco Funding Company, 5.45% due 10/15/2006 3,238,098 ----------- 5,637,234 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paper Products--0.3% 1,700,000 Abitibi-Consolidated Inc., 6.95% due 12/15/2006 1,765,866 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Real Estate Investment 1,000,000 Avalonbay Communities, 6.58% due 2/15/2004 1,048,651 Trust--4.7% 5,000,000 Developers Divers Realty, 6.95% due 7/23/2004 5,228,075 Health Care Properties Inc.: 900,000 9% due 3/01/2004 961,807 3,000,000 7.48% due 4/05/2004 3,165,939 3,500,000 Highwoods Realty LP, 8% due 12/01/2003 3,661,276 Nationwide Health Properties: 1,400,000 7.60% due 11/20/2028 1,473,625 5,000,000 6.90% due 10/01/2037 5,331,305 1,400,000 6.59% due 7/07/2038 1,450,093 6,951,000 Susa Partnership LP, 6.95% due 7/01/2006 7,770,509 ----------- 30,091,280 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 & 17 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) (in U.S. dollars)
Low Duration Master Portfolio (continued) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Face Industries Amount Investments Value ==================================================================================================================================== Corporate Bonds & Telecommunications-- $ 2,500,000 British Telecom PLC, 7.875% Due 12/15/2005 $ 2,819,262 Notes 2.7% 2,500,000 Deutsche Telekom International Finance, 8.25% (concluded) due 6/15/2005 2,733,515 2,500,000 France Telecom, 8.70% due 3/01/2006 2,737,160 5,000,000 Qwest Capital Funding, 5.875% due 8/03/2004 4,200,000 Sprint Capital Corporation: 2,000,000 5.70% due 11/15/2003 1,990,000 2,000,000 5.875% due 5/01/2004 1,980,000 5,000,000 WorldCom, Inc., 7.55% due 4/01/2004 (e) 1,175,000 ------------ 17,634,937 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation--0.3% 2,000,000 CSX Corporation, 6.46% due 6/22/2005 2,154,096 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Corporate Bonds & Notes (Cost--$207,813,012) 207,944,755 ==================================================================================================================================== Government Agency Collateralized Mortgage Fannie Mae: Mortgage-Backed Obligations--0.8% 299,355 1993-6 S, 20.895% due 1/25/2008 (a) 314,984 Securities**--14.2% 29,975 1994-60 D, 7% due 4/25/2024 30,156 71,000 Freddie Mac, 1617-D, 6.50% due 11/15/2023 (c) 71,721 4,981,751 Ginnie Mae, 2002-83 A, 3.313% due 4/16/2017 5,025,223 ------------ 5,442,084 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pass-Through Fannie Mae: Securities--13.4% 40,000,000 8% (d) 42,875,680 343,604 1999-53 AT, 6% due 10/25/2013 344,180 Freddie Mac: 13,900,745 E00975, 6% due 5/01/2016 14,553,857 3,145,432 E01009, 6.50% due 8/01/2016 3,326,314 4,087,273 E01139, 6% due 4/01/2017 4,276,856 4,736,276 E88102, 6.50% due 2/01/2017 4,998,674 4,479,233 E88913, 6% due 4/01/2017 4,689,684 3,988,830 E89435, 6% due 5/01/2017 4,173,847 4,228,670 E90312, 6% due 6/01/2017 4,424,812 2,567,681 G11267, 6.50% due 1/01/2017 2,715,339 ------------ 86,379,243 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Government Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost--$90,796,206) 91,821,327 ==================================================================================================================================== Government Agency 9,280,000 Federal Farm Credit Bank, 5.15% due 3/05/2004 9,673,147 Obligations--5.1% 11,000,000 Federal Home Loan Bank, 5.25% due 2/13/2004 11,466,312 11,360,000 Freddie Mac, 3.25% due 12/15/2003 11,574,545 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Government Agency Obligations (Cost--$31,867,367) 32,714,004 ==================================================================================================================================== Asset-Backed 5,000,000 ARNC Auto Owner Trust, 2001-A A3, 3.76% due 10/17/2005 5,061,160 Securities**--18.7% 104,230 Advanta Mortgage Loan Trust, 1998-2 A17, 6.05% due 9/25/2018 105,270 434,381 Asset-Backed Funding Certificates, 1999-1 A2F, 7.641% due 10/25/2030 447,050 5,000,000 CIT Equipment Collateral, 2002-VT1 A3, 4.03% due 1/20/2006 5,132,692 California Infrastructure PG&E: 1,600,000 1997-1 A6, 6.38% due 9/25/2008 1,747,424 2,000,000 1997-1 A7, 6.42% due 9/25/2008 2,177,129 Centex Home Equity: 3,166,685 2001-B A2, 5.35% due 10/25/2022 3,182,732 4,000,000 2001-C A2, 3.94% due 2/25/2025 4,030,445 3,000,000 2002-C AF2, 2.87% due 8/25/2018 3,021,882 3,500,000 Chase Funding Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, 2002-3 1A3, 3.55% due 3/25/2022 3,549,301 5,000,000 Chase Manhattan Auto Owner Trust, 2002-B, 4.24% due 1/15/2009 5,184,206 1,164,762 CityScape Home Equity Loan Trust, 1996-4 A10, 7.40% due 9/25/2027 (c) 1,205,603 364,683 Countrywide Home Equity Loan Trust, 1999-A, 1.74% due 4/15/2025 (a) 363,302 5,000,000 DaimlerChrysler Auto Trust, 2001-D A4, 3.78% due 2/06/2007 5,177,301 10,000,000 First Franklin Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, 2002-FF4 2A2, 2.80% due 2/25/2033 10,000,000 Freddie Mac: 5,000,000 T-45 A2, 2.91% due 8/27/2007 5,029,225 14,000,000 T-50 A3, 2.182% due 9/27/2007 13,965,000 5,000,000 GMAC Mortgage Corporation Loan Trust, 2002-HE A2, 4.63% due 6/25/2027 (c) 5,070,130 78,358 Green Tree Recreational, Equipment & Consumer Trust, 1996-C A1, 1.66% due 10/15/2017 (a) 78,367 2,500,000 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Trust, 2001-2 A2, 4.72% due 6/15/2009 2,611,712 2,030,677 IndyMac Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed Trust, 2001-B AF3, 5.692% due 3/25/2027 (a) 2,044,215 5,000,000 John Deere Owner Trust, 2001-A A3, 3.26% due 10/17/2005 5,067,356 2,590,000 M & I Auto Loan Trust, 2001-1 A4, 4.97% due 3/20/2007 2,730,874 5,368,984 PSE&G Transition Funding LLC, 2001-1 A2, 5.74% due 3/15/2007 5,615,796 9,000,000 Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc., 2002-RZ1 A2, 4.30% due 4/25/2023 9,157,971 Residential Asset Securities Corporation: 5,000,000 2002-KS5 AIB2, 2.47% due 8/25/2022 5,011,315 5,000,000 2002-KS6 AI2, 3.09% due 11/25/2022 5,040,374 5,000,000 2002-KS8 A2, 3.04% due 6/25/2023 5,039,063 2,000,000 USAA Auto Owner Trust, 2001-2 A3, 3.20% due 2/15/2006 2,018,150 2,000,000 Whole Auto Loan Trust, 2002-1 B, 2.91% due 4/15/2009 2,021,246 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Asset-Backed Securities (Cost--$119,263,086) 120,886,291 ==================================================================================================================================== Non-Agency Collateralized Mortgage ABN AMRO Mortgage Corporation: Mortgage-Backed Obligations--11.5% 1,482,805 2001-1A 1A3, 4.75% due 11/25/2031 1,482,981 Securities**--13.8% 2,642,082 2001-8 2A1, 6.50% due 1/25/2032 2,673,100 830,846 Bank of America Mortgage Securities, 2000-A A-1, 6.944% due 1/25/2031 (a) 837,700 327,719 Blackrock Capital Finance LP, 1997-R2 AP, 9.03% due 12/25/2035 (a)(c) 347,661 6,584,482 Chase Mortgage Finance Corporation, 1999-S4 A1, 6.50% due 4/25/2029 6,762,795 Citicorp Mortgage Securities, Inc.: 104,573 1989-8 A1, 10.50% due 6/25/2019 113,489 217,881 1994-4 A6, 6% due 2/25/2009 219,554 2,390 Countrywide Funding Corp., 1994-17 A9, 8% due 7/25/2024 2,395 2,324,318 GE Capital Mortgage Services, Inc., 1996-5 A4, 6.75% due 3/25/2011 2,327,038
18 & 19 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in U.S. dollars)
Low Duration Master Portfolio (concluded) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Face Amount Investments Value =================================================================================================================================== Non-Agency Collateralized Mortgage $ 93,393 Housing Securities Inc., 1994-2 B1, 6.50% due 7/25/2009 $ 73,838 Mortgage-Backed Obligations 1,130,590 Ocwen Residential MBS Corporation, 1998-R2 AP, 7.124% Securities** (concluded) due 11/25/2034 (a)(c) 1,150,198 (concluded) 9,735,000 PNC Mortgage Securities Corp., 1999-4 1A5, 6.20% due 6/25/2029 10,000,804 5,000,000 Permanent Financing PLC, 1 2A, 4.20% due 6/10/2007 5,175,000 1,106,267 Residential Funding Mortgage Securities I, 2001-S24 A8, 5.50% due 10/25/2031 1,118,702 106,206 Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VI, 1986-1 A, 6% due 12/25/2011 108,940 9,361,409 Structured Asset Securities Corporation, 2002-19 A1, 4.20% due 10/25/2032 9,528,885 Structured Mortgage Asset Residential Trust: 10,873 1991-1H, 8.25% due 6/25/2022 11,277 29,690 1992-3A AA, 8% due 10/25/2007 30,660 34,037 1993-5A AA, 8.575% due 6/25/2024 (a) 36,919 271,048 Walsh Acceptance, 1997-2 A, 2.42% due 3/01/2027 (a)(c) 162,629 Washington Mutual: 1,900,000 2000-1 B1, 5.42% due 1/25/2040 (a)(c) 1,892,281 9,695,588 2002-AR15 A3, 4.07% due 12/25/2032 9,934,996 5,000,000 2002-AR19 A3, 3.492% due 1/25/2033 5,015,625 6,836,043 2002-S3 1A1, 6.50% due 6/25/2032 7,015,372 Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust: 3,112,370 2002-A A2, 5.90% due 3/25/2032 3,122,228 5,127,661 2002-3 A1, 5.50% due 3/25/2032 5,220,215 ------------ 74,365,282 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commercial Mortgage- 2,568,656 Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Inc., 2000-1 A1A, 7.109% Backed Securities--2.3% due 11/15/2008 2,871,406 CS First Boston Mortgage Securities Corporation: 4,637,603 1995-WF1 AX, 1.338% due 12/21/2027 (a)(b)(c) 26,934 3,938,562 2001-CK6 A1, 4.393% due 7/15/2006 4,086,651 1,120,116 First Union NB-Bank of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, 2001-C1 A1, 5.711% due 3/15/2033 1,205,071 3,036,759 GS Mortgage Securities Corporation II, 1998-C1 A1, 6.06% due 10/18/2030 3,221,259 2,676,501 Nomura Asset Securities Corporation, 1995-MD3 A1B, 8.15% due 3/04/2020 2,947,458 ------------ 14,358,779 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stripped Mortgage- 22,843,358 Asset Securitization Corporation, 1997-D5 ACS1, 2.091% Backed Securities--0.0% due 2/14/2043 (a)(b) 129,419 13,725,000 Saxon Asset Securities Trust, 2000-2 AIO, 6% due 7/25/2030 (b) 4,289 ------------ 133,708 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost--$88,004,177) 88,857,769 =================================================================================================================================== Shares Held =================================================================================================================================== Preferred 1,500 Home Ownership Funding 2 (c) 929,273 Stock--0.1% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Preferred Stock (Cost--$1,500,000) 929,273 =================================================================================================================================== Face Amount =================================================================================================================================== U.S. Treasury U.S. Treasury Notes: Obligations--2.0% $ 3,890,000 4.75% due 2/15/2004 4,042,258 4,303,000 1.875% due 9/30/2004 4,333,087 4,500,000 3.25% due 8/15/2007 4,611,447 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total U.S. Treasury Obligations (Cost--$12,639,997) 12,986,792 =================================================================================================================================== Short-Term Commercial Paper* 11,340,000 Autoliv ASP Inc., 1.33% due 1/02/2003 11,340,000 Investments--19.7% 17,408,000 BMW US Capital Group, 1.35% due 1/09/2003 17,403,431 30,000,000 Barton Capital Corporation, 1.36% due 1/07/2003 29,994,333 15,700,000 Ciesco LP, 6.253% due 1/03/2003 15,697,273 27,600,000 Fortis Funding LLC, 1.35% due 1/23/2003 27,578,265 13,500,000 Variable Funding Capital Corp., 1.34% due 1/14/2003 13,493,970 12,000,000 Viacom, 2.02% due 1/14/2003 11,994,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Short-Term Investments (Cost--$127,499,192) 127,501,272 =================================================================================================================================== Total Investments (Cost--$679,383,037)--105.8% 683,641,483 Time Deposit--0.0%*** 37,158 Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets--(5.8%) (37,622,636) ------------ Net Assets--100.0% $646,056,005 ============ ===================================================================================================================================
(a) Floating rate note. (b) Represents the interest-only portion of a mortgage-backed obligation. (c) The security may be offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. (d) Represents a "to-be-announced" (TBA) transaction. The Portfolio has committed to purchasing securities for which all specific information is not available at this time. (e) Non-income producing security. (f) Target Return Index Securities (TRAINS). * Commercial Paper is traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown reflect the discount rates paid at the time of purchase by the Portfolio. ** Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities are subject to principal paydowns as a result of prepayments or refinancings of the underlying instruments. As a result, the average life may be substantially less than the original maturity. *** Time deposit bears interest at 0.74% and matures on 1/02/2003. See Notes to Financial Statements. 20 & 21 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
LOW DURATION MASTER PORTFOLIO As of December 31, 2002 ======================================================================================================================== Assets: Investments, at value (identified cost--$679,383,037) ............ $683,641,483 Time deposit ..................................................... 37,158 Cash ............................................................. 4,453 Receivables: Interest ....................................................... $ 4,629,288 Paydowns ....................................................... 3,455,852 Contributions .................................................. 3,336,842 11,421,982 ----------- Prepaid expenses ................................................. 698 ------------ Total assets ..................................................... 695,105,774 ------------ ======================================================================================================================== Liabilities: Payables: Securities purchased ........................................... 42,953,055 Withdrawals .................................................... 5,883,036 Investment adviser ............................................. 114,890 48,950,981 ----------- Accrued expenses and other liabilities ........................... 98,788 ------------ Total liabilities ................................................ 49,049,769 ------------ ======================================================================================================================== Net Assets: Net assets ....................................................... $646,056,005 ============ ======================================================================================================================== Net Assets Investors' capital ............................................... $641,797,559 Consist of: Unrealized appreciation on investments--net ...................... 4,258,446 ------------ Net assets ....................................................... $646,056,005 ============ ========================================================================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements. STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
LOW DURATION MASTER PORTFOLIO For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2002 ======================================================================================================================== Investment Interest ......................................................... $ 11,903,429 Income: Dividends ........................................................ 100,591 ------------ Total income ..................................................... 12,004,020 ------------ ======================================================================================================================== Expenses: Investment advisory fees ......................................... $ 638,937 Accounting services .............................................. 140,788 Custodian fees ................................................... 24,905 Professional fees ................................................ 24,311 Trustees' fees and expenses ...................................... 10,461 Pricing fees ..................................................... 6,112 Printing and shareholder reports ................................. 2,321 Other ............................................................ 11,699 ----------- Total expenses ................................................... 859,534 ------------ Investment income--net ........................................... 11,144,486 ------------ ======================================================================================================================== Realized & Realized gain on investments--net ................................ 2,041,755 Unrealized Gain on Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments--net 7,146,509 Investments--Net: ------------ Total realized and unrealized gain on investments--net ........... 9,188,264 ------------ Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ............. $ 20,332,750 ============ ========================================================================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements. 22 & 23 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the Six For the Months Ended Year Ended LOW DURATION December 31, June 30, MASTER PORTFOLIO Increase in Net Assets: 2002 2002 ============================================================================================================================= Operations: Investment income--net ............................................ $ 11,144,486 $ 17,080,656 Realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions--net 2,041,755 914,391 Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments--net 7,146,509 (3,287,313) ------------- ------------- Net increase in net assets resulting from operations .............. 20,332,750 14,707,734 ------------- ------------- ============================================================================================================================= Capital Proceeds from contributions ....................................... 320,920,427 551,288,181 Transactions: Fair value of withdrawals ......................................... (207,532,041) (359,175,221) ------------- ------------- Net increase in net assets derived from capital transactions ...... 113,388,386 192,112,960 ------------- ------------- ============================================================================================================================= Net Assets: Total increase in net assets ...................................... 133,721,136 206,820,694 Beginning of period ............................................... 512,334,869 305,514,175 ------------- ------------- End of period ..................................................... $ 646,056,005 $ 512,334,869 ============= ============= =============================================================================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For the Six For the For the Period Months Ended Year Ended October 6, 2000+ LOW DURATION The following ratios have been derived December 31, June 30, to June 30, MASTER PORTFOLIO from information provided in the financial statements. 2002 2002 2001 ================================================================================================================================ Total Investment 3.50%++ 5.59% -- Return:** =========== =========== =========== ================================================================================================================================ Ratios to Average Expenses ........................................... .28%* .32% .30%* Net Assets: =========== =========== =========== Investment income--net ............................. 3.66%* 5.03% 6.78%* =========== =========== =========== ================================================================================================================================ Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ........... $ 646,056 $ 512,335 $ 305,514 Data: =========== =========== =========== Portfolio turnover ................................. 153.98% 70.92% 192.04% =========== =========== =========== ================================================================================================================================
* Annualized. ** Total return is required to be disclosed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2000. + Commencement of operations. ++ Aggregate total investment return. See Notes to Financial Statements. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS LOW DURATION MASTER PORTFOLIO 1. Significant Accounting Policies: Low Duration Master Portfolio ("the "Portfolio") is a fund of Fund Asset Management Master Trust (the "Master Trust"). The Master Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and is organized as a Delaware business trust. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue nontransferable interests in the Portfolio, subject to certain limitations. The Portfolio's financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, 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 following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolio. (a) Valuation of investments -- Portfolio securities that are traded on stock exchanges are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. Securities that are traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last available bid price prior to the time of valuation. In cases where securities are traded on more than one exchange, the securities are valued on the exchange designated by or under the authority of the Board of Trustees as the primary market. Securities that are traded both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market. Short-term securities are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. 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 by or under the direction of the Master Trust's Board of Trustees. (b) Derivative financial instruments -- The Portfolio may engage in various portfolio investment techniques to increase or decrease the level of risk to which the Portfolio is exposed more quickly and efficiently than transactions in other types of investments. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract. o Financial futures contracts -- The Portfolio may purchase or sell financial futures contracts and options on such futures contracts for the purpose of hedging the market risk on existing securities or the intended purchase of securities. Upon entering into a contract, the Portfolio deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Portfolio agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Portfolio as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is closed, the Portfolio 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. o Interest rate spreadlocks -- The Portfolio is authorized to enter into interest rate spreadlocks, which are over-the-counter contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in the market value of a specified security, basket of securities or index in exchange for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the change in market value of a different security, basket of securities or index. Agreements may be used to obtain exposure to the underlying investments without taking physical custody of the securities in 24 & 25 Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, December 31, 2002 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded) LOW DURATION MASTER PORTFOLIO circumstances where direct investment is restricted by law or is otherwise impractical. (c) Foreign currency transactions -- Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing when recognized. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are valued at the exchange rate at the end of the period. Foreign currency transactions are the result of settling (realized) or valuing (unrealized) assets or liabilities expressed in foreign currencies into U.S. dollars. Realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments include the effects of foreign exchange rates on investments. (d) Income taxes -- The Portfolio is classified as a partnership for Federal income tax purposes. As such, each investor in the Portfolio is treated as owner of its proportionate share of the net assets, income, expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses of the Portfolio. Accordingly, as a "pass through" entity, the Portfolio pays no income dividends or capital gains distributions. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required. It is intended that the Portfolio's assets will be managed so an investor in the Portfolio can satisfy the requirements of subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. (e) Security transactions and investment income -- Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold (the trade dates). Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. 2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Transactions with Affiliates: The Master Trust has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement for the Portfolio 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. FAM is responsible for the management of the Portfolio's investments and provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary to the operations of the Portfolio. For such services, the Portfolio pays a monthly fee based upon the average daily value of the Portfolio's net assets at the annual rate of 0.21%. For the six months ended December 31, 2002, the Portfolio reimbursed FAM $8,691 for certain accounting services. Certain officers and/or trustees of the Master Trust are officers and/or directors of FAM, PSI, and/or ML & Co. 3. Investments: Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the six months ended December 31, 2002 were $931,176,862 and $829,230,186, respectively. Net realized gains for the six months ended December 31, 2002 and net unrealized gains as of December 31, 2002 were as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Realized Unrealized Gains Gains - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term investments .................... $1,921,539 $4,256,366 Short-term investments ................... 7,721 2,080 Interest rate spreadlock ................. 65,620 -- Options written .......................... 46,875 -- ---------- ---------- Total investments ........................ $2,041,755 $4,258,446 ========== ========== - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transactions in put options written for the six months ended December 31, 2002 were as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nominal Value Covered by Premiums Options Written Received - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding put options written, beginning of period ...................... -- -- Options written .......................... 5,000,000 -- Options expired .......................... (5,000,000) -- ---------- ---------- Outstanding put options written, beginning of period ...................... -- -- ========== ========== - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of December 31, 2002, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income tax purposes aggregated $4,255,888, of which $10,599,277 related to appreciated securities and $6,343,389 related to depreciated securities. At December 31, 2002, the aggregate cost of investments for Federal income tax purposes was $679,385,595. 4. Short-Term Borrowings: The Master Trust on behalf of the Portfolio, along with certain other funds managed by FAM and its affiliates, is a party to a $500,000,000 credit agreement with Bank One, N.A. and certain other lenders. The Portfolio may borrow under the credit agreement to fund investor withdrawals and for other lawful purposes other than for leverage. The Portfolio may borrow up to the maximum amount allowable under the Portfolio's current prospectus and statement of additional information, subject to various other legal, regulatory or contractual limits. The Portfolio pays a commitment fee of .09% per annum based on the Portfolio's pro rata share of the unused portion of the credit agreement. Amounts borrowed under the credit agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at each fund's election, the Federal Funds rate plus .50% or a base rate as determined by Bank One, N.A. On November 29, 2002, the credit agreement was renewed for one year under the same terms, except that the total commitment was reduced from $1,000,000,000 to $500,000,000. The Portfolio did not borrow under the credit agreement during the six months ended December 31, 2002. 26 & 27 [LOGO] Merrill Lynch Investment Managers [GRAPHICS OMITTED] 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. The Fund seeks to maximize total return, consistent with capital preservation. The Fund will seek to achieve its objective by investing all of its assets in Low Duration Master Portfolio of Fund Asset Management Master Trust, which has the same investment objective as the Fund. The Portfolio may invest a portion of its assets in non-investment-grade debt securities, commonly referred to as high yield "junk" bonds, which may be subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than securities in higher rating categories. The Portfolio may also invest a portion of its assets in emerging markets and other foreign securities, which involve special risks including fluctuating foreign exchange rates, foreign government regulations, differing degrees of liquidity, and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers Funds, Inc. Box 9011 Princeton, NJ 08543-9011 [RECYCLED LOGO] Printed on post-consumer recycled paper #ML--3070--12/02 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item 2 - Did registrant adopt a code of ethics, as of the end of the period covered by this report, that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party? If not, why not? Briefly describe any amendments or waivers that occurred during the period. State here if code of ethics/amendments/waivers are on website and give website address-. State here if fund will send code of ethics to shareholders without charge upon request-- N/A (not answered until July 15, 2003 and only annually for funds) Item 3 - Did the registrant's board of directors determine that the registrant either: (i) has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee; or (ii) does not have an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee? If yes, disclose name of financial expert and whether he/she is "independent," (fund may, but is not required, to disclose name/independence of more than one financial expert) If no, explain why not. -N/A (not answered until July 15, 2003 and only annually for funds) Item 4 - Disclose annually only (not answered until December 15, 2003) (a) Audit Fees - Disclose aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. N/A. (b) Audit-Related Fees - Disclose aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category. N/A. (c) Tax Fees - Disclose aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category. N/A. (d) All Other Fees - Disclose aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category. N/A. (e)(1) Disclose the audit committee's pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. N/A. (e)(2) Disclose the percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. N/A. (f) If greater than 50%, disclose the percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant's engagement to audit the registrant's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees. N/A. (g) Disclose the aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant's accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant. N/A. (h) Disclose whether the registrant's audit committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any subadviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence. N/A. Items 5-6 - Reserved Item 7 - For closed-end funds that contain voting securities in their portfolio, describe the policies and procedures that it uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to those portfolio securities. N/A. Item 8 -- Reserved Item 9(a) - Disclose the conclusions of the registrant's principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, about the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(c))) based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph. N/A. Item 9(b) -- There were no significant changes in the registrant's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. Item 10 - Exhibits 10(a) - Attach code of ethics or amendments/waivers, unless code of ethics or amendments/waivers is on website or offered to shareholders upon request without charge. N/A. 10(b) - Attach certifications (4 in total pursuant to Sections 302 and 906 for CEO/CFO). Attached hereto. EX-99.CERT 3 e300078_ex-cert.txt CERTIFICATION EX-99. CERT CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I, Donald C. Burke, Chief Financial Officer of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund and Master Low Duration Bond Fund; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; and 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report. Date: February 18, 2003 /s/ Donald C. Burke ------------------------------- Donald C. Burke, Chief Financial Officer of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund By: /s/ Donald C. Burke ------------------------------- Donald C. Burke, Chief Financial Officer of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund Date: February 18, 2003 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By: /s/ Donald C. Burke ------------------------------- Donald C. Burke, Chief Financial Officer of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund Date: February 18, 2003 By: ------------------------------- ------------------------------- Date: February ___, 2003 EX-99. CERT CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I, Terry K. Glenn, President of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund and Master Low Duration Bond Fund; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; and 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report. Date: February 18, 2003 /s/ Terry K. Glenn ------------------------------- Terry K. Glenn, President of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund By: /s/ Terry K. Glenn ------------------------------- Terry K. Glenn, President of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund Date: February 18, 2003 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By: /s/ Terry K. Glenn ------------------------------- Terry K. Glenn, President of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund Date: February 18, 2003 By: ------------------------------- ------------------------------- Date: February ___, 2003 EX-99.1 4 e300078_ex99-1.txt CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 Exhibit 99.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act I, Donald C. Burke, Chief Financial Officer of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund (the "Fund"), certify that: 1. The N-CSR of the Fund (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Fund. Dated: February 18, 2003 /s/ Donald C. Burke ------------------------------- Donald C. Burke, Chief Financial Officer of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund Exhibit 99.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act I, Terry K. Glenn, President of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund (the "Fund"), certify that: 1. The N-CSR of the Fund (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Fund. Dated: February 18, 2003 /s/ Terry K. Glenn ------------------------------- Terry K. Glenn, President of Merrill Lynch Low Duration Fund -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----