-----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, BSug6uLunyVUzmynlEnYbABNNjsGIt1bhvt/UXrQNjWaUuYbzZDmXwISrx0r67jQ tVr14dvi/tje8i62Yl/eVQ== 0001193805-03-000641.txt : 20030731 0001193805-03-000641.hdr.sgml : 20030731 20030731120148 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193805-03-000641 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-CSR PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20030531 FILED AS OF DATE: 20030731 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20030731 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MERRILL LYNCH UTILITIES & TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000868452 IRS NUMBER: 223072498 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1130 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-CSR SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-06180 FILM NUMBER: 03813674 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: P O BOX 9011 CITY: PRINCETON STATE: NJ ZIP: 08543-9011 BUSINESS PHONE: 6092823319 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: P O BOX 9066 CITY: PRINCETON STATE: NJ ZIP: 08543-9011 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MERRILL LYNCH UTILITIES & COMMUNICATIONS FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20020307 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MERRILL LYNCH GLOBAL UTILITY FUND INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 N-CSR 1 e300503_mlutiltel-ncsr.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 811-6180 Name of Fund: Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. Fund Address: P.O. Box 9011 Princeton, NJ 08543-9011 Name and address of agent for service: Terry K. Glenn, President, Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc., 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: 11/30/03 Date of reporting period: 12/01/02 - 05/31/03 Item 1 - Attach shareholder report [LOGO] Merrill Lynch Investment Managers Semi-Annual Report May 31, 2003 Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. www.mlim.ml.com MERRILL LYNCH UTILITIES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND, INC. A pie graph depicting Industry Classification* as a Percentage of Equities as of May 31, 2003. Multi-Utilities & Unregulated Power -- 7.2% Water Utilities -- 0.9% Diversified Telecommunication Services -- 23.3% Oil & Gas -- 2.7% Gas Utilities -- 7.3% Wireless Telecommunication Services -- 3.6% Electric Utilities -- 53.0% Media -- 2.0% * For Fund compliance purposes, "Industry" means any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. A pie graph depicting Geographical Diversification as a Percentage of Equities as of May 31, 2003. Japan -- 0.3% Greece -- 0.4% Mexico -- 0.8% Canada -- 3.3% Germany -- 3.9% United States -- 80.1% France -- 0.3% China -- 0.6% Italy -- 1.6% United Kingdom -- 2.8% Spain -- 5.9% Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., May 31, 2003 DEAR SHAREHOLDER Effective April 14, 2003, the share class names for the Merrill Lynch family of mutual funds were changed to be consistent with the standard share classes of most other mutual fund families. As of that date, all Class A Shares were redesignated Class I Shares. At the same time, Class D Shares were redesignated Class A Shares. There were no changes to the Class B or Class C share class labels. Trading symbols have not been changed nor have current eligibility rules or pricing structures. This redesignation of share classes does not impact your investment in any way. For the six-month period ended May 31, 2003, Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.'s Class A, Class B, Class C and Class I Shares had total returns of +11.17%, +10.75%, +10.84% and +11.32%, respectively. (Investment results shown do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if sales charges were included. For complete performance information, see pages 4 and 5 of this report to shareholders.) For the same period, the Fund's unmanaged benchmarks, the Standard & Poor's (S&P) Utility Index and the S&P 500 Index, had total returns of +20.95% and +3.87%, respectively. Additionally, the Lipper Utility Fund Average had a total return of +12.28% for the six months ended May 31, 2003. The principle reason for the Fund's relative underperformance for the six-month period ended May 31, 2003 was our underweighted position in the independent power producers/merchant energy companies. The companies within this sector staged a significant rally, driven by banks agreeing to refinance non-collateralized loans in exchange for collateralized loans. In turn, this removed the immediate threat of bankruptcy for several of these companies and resulted in banks not having to take significant write-offs for non-performing loans. These refinancings are, for the most part, one year - two years in duration. However, the excessive debt levels of these companies still exist. The supply of electric generation still exceeds demand, and the situation is expected to continue into 2005. Most of the assets of these companies were pledged to banks in order to get the necessary refinancing. The remaining assets of these companies are being put up for sale to raise needed capital to continue running the day-to-day business. Many of the asset sales are taking place at below cost and do not take all the associated debt with a project. Managements admit that there are some structural problems with both the strategic and financial way in which the business is being run and are undergoing revisions to the business plans. Lastly, earnings visibility remains cloudy as a result of generation prices and asset sales, which lead to the sale of earnings power. This confluence of factors provided significant uncertainty and risk, which accounted for our underweighted investment stance in the Fund for the six-month period ended May 31, 2003. We continue to monitor this sector of the utility universe of companies, in order to determine how the companies will rid themselves of their excessive debt burdens, whether it is through bankruptcy filings or a long-term scenario where they will earn their way out of the problem. Portfolio Matters During the six-month period ended May 31, 2003, we made several transactions. We used market rallies to reduce some of our holdings in our more defensive electric utility positions that had done so well for the Fund's performance in 2002. The cash proceeds were redeployed primarily into telecommunications companies in Europe. This sector suffered in the marketplace as a result of excessive debt and managements' focus on growth and not on profitability. Many of these companies have brought in new senior managers to focus on debt reduction. Rating agencies tend to be more favorable to the European telecommunication community than they are in the United States. Second line penetration and substitution of wireless for wireline are not much of an issue in Europe. Moreover, European companies were never subjected to the business structure of separation of local and long distance operations like there is in the United States. We also added to our non-U.S. based electric companies. In our opinion, many of these companies offer competitive dividend yields, better balance sheets and a better operating environment. These changes to the Fund's portfolio helped to offset some of the impact of the negative performance from the independent power/merchant energy sectors. Overall, we retained a defensive bias during the six-month period ended May 31, 2003. The single largest sector weighting in the Fund continued to be domestic dividend-paying electric utilities. Companies within this sector remained focused on reducing financial risk. They accomplished this through the sale of additional equity. For the most part, these stock offerings have been very favorably welcomed by the investment community. Also, recent news of a dividend tax cut for investors brought new attention to the sector. The net result was an increase in valuation levels for many of the companies. Low interest rates have also driven the performance of many of the companies with their 4% - 5% dividend yields. We believe that continued price appreciation for this particular sector will depend on the interest rate outlook, market momentum in terms of how much should be paid for one of these stocks relative to other stocks in the market and lastly, regulatory activity. Domestic telecommunication services was another area in which we made changes to our weightings in the portfolio. The three large regional holding companies continued to be dominant in the Fund's portfolio (Verizon Communications, BellSouth Corporation and SBC Communications Inc.). It appears that earnings have bottomed and the companies were able to implement new marketing plans to help to stem further revenue loss. A pickup in employment numbers is necessary to resume growth within this sector as well as in the long distance market. The wireless sector continued to perform well as a result of an improving financial outlook. The cable television companies continued to dominate the digital subscriber line market for broadband. Lastly, many of the companies in this sector pay above-market yields and therefore may offer a benefit with the change in taxation rules. The remainder of the holdings in the portfolio consists of non-U.S. based companies, which we previously discussed and, to a lesser extent, natural gas and water. The majority of our holdings in this grouping are natural gas local distribution companies. These companies tend to operate in a regulated environment and pay acceptable dividend yields, thus providing attractive total returns. We also have a small weighting in companies that have direct exposure to the supply/demand imbalance of natural gas. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan recently suggested that a shortage of natural gas could impede growth in the United States. We believe this would benefit some of our holdings. In Conclusion We constantly re-evaluate the holdings in the Fund in search of fundamental shifts and/or valuation considerations that could warrant a change to the portfolio. Our focus remains on finding what we believe are attractive companies on both fundamentals and valuation within the utility and telecommunication sector for a given level of risk. We appreciate your investment in Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., 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/ Kathleen M. Anderson Kathleen M. Anderson Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager June 18, 2003 2 & 3 Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., May 31, 2003 PERFORMANCE DATA About Fund Performance Effective April 14, 2003, Class A Shares were redesignated Class I Shares and Class D Shares were redesignated Class A Shares. Investors are able to purchase shares of the Fund through multiple pricing alternatives: o Class A Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge of 4% and an account maintenance fee of 0.25% (but no distribution fee). o Effective June 1, 2001, 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 June 1, 2001 will maintain the four-year schedule. In addition, Class B Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.50% and an account maintenance fee of 0.25%. These shares automatically convert to Class A Shares after approximately ten years. (There is no initial sales charge for automatic share conversions.) o Class C Shares are subject to a distribution fee of 0.55% 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 I Shares incur a maximum initial sales charge (front-end load) of 4% and bear no ongoing distribution or account maintenance fees. Class I Shares are available only to eligible investors. 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. 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
Ten-Year/ 6-Month 12-Month Since Inception As of May 31, 2003 Total Return Total Return Total Return =================================================================================================================== ML Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. Class A Shares* +11.17% - 7.83% +80.70% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. Class B Shares* +10.75 - 8.37 +80.72 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. Class C Shares* +10.84 - 8.42 +72.56 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. Class I Shares* +11.32 - 7.70 +95.19 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P 500 Index** + 3.87 - 8.06 +157.84/+140.33 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P Utilities Index*** +20.95 - 11.99 + 46.60/+ 63.70 ===================================================================================================================
* 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 ten-year/since inception total returns are for ten years for Class B and Class I Shares and from 10/21/94 for Class A and Class C Shares. ** The S&P 500 Index covers 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the U.S. markets (mostly NYSE issues). The unmanaged Index represents about 75% of NYSE market capitalization and 30% of NYSE issues. Ten-year/since inception total returns are for ten years and from 10/21/94, respectively. *** This unmanaged capitalization Index is comprised of all stocks designed to measure the performance of all the utility sectors of the S&P 500 Index. Ten-year/since inception total returns are for ten years and from 10/31/94, respectively. Average Annual Total Return % Return Without % Return With Sales Charge Sales Charge** ================================================================================ Class A Shares* ================================================================================ One Year Ended 5/31/03 - 7.83% - 11.52% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Five Years Ended 5/31/03 - 0.58 - 1.38 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inception (10/21/94) through 5/31/03 + 7.11 + 6.61 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Maximum sales charge is 4%. ** Assuming maximum sales charge. % Return % Return Without CDSC With CDSC** ================================================================================ Class B Shares* ================================================================================ One Year Ended 5/31/03 - 8.37% - 11.94% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Five Years Ended 5/31/03 - 1.10 - 1.28 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ten Years Ended 5/31/03 + 6.10 + 6.10 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * 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 5/31/03 - 8.42% - 9.31% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Five Years Ended 5/31/03 - 1.08 - 1.08 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inception (10/21/94) through 5/31/03 + 6.54 + 6.54 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * 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 I Shares* ================================================================================ One Year Ended 5/31/03 - 7.70% - 11.39% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Five Years Ended 5/31/03 - 0.33 - 1.14 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ten Years Ended 5/31/03 + 6.92 + 6.48 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Maximum sales charge is 4%. ** Assuming maximum sales charge. 4 & 5 Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., May 31, 2003 SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (in U.S. dollars)
Shares Percent of COUNTRY Industry* Held Common Stocks Value Net Assets ==================================================================================================================================== Canada Diversified 165,200 BCE Inc. $ 3,637,704 2.6% Telecommunication Services ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil & Gas 23,400 EnCana Corp. 853,666 0.6 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Common Stocks in Canada 4,491,370 3.2 ==================================================================================================================================== China Electric Utilities 18,000 Huaneng Power International, Inc. (ADR) (a) 752,400 0.5 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Common Stocks in China 752,400 0.5 ==================================================================================================================================== France Multi-Utilities & 26,400 Suez SA 448,678 0.3 Unregulated Power ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Common Stocks in France 448,678 0.3 ==================================================================================================================================== Germany Diversified 198,200 +Deutsche Telekom AG (Registered Shares) 2,967,527 2.1 Telecommunication Services ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Electric Utilities 38,400 E.On AG 1,977,738 1.4 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Multi-Utilities & 13,300 RWE AG 386,220 0.3 Unregulated Power ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Common Stocks in Germany 5,331,485 3.8 ==================================================================================================================================== Greece Electric Utilities 30,400 +Public Power Corporation (GDR) (b) 486,982 0.3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Common Stocks in Greece 486,982 0.3 ==================================================================================================================================== Italy Diversified 99,300 Telecom Italia SpA 917,982 0.6 Telecommunication Services 149,900 Telecom Italia SpA (Registered Non-Convertible) 837,448 0.6 ----------- ---- 1,755,430 1.2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Electric Utilities 56,600 Enel SpA 394,095 0.3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Common Stocks in Italy 2,149,525 1.5 ==================================================================================================================================== Japan Wireless Telecommunication 200 NTT DoCoMo, Inc. 419,715 0.3 Services ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Common Stocks in Japan 419,715 0.3 ==================================================================================================================================== Mexico Diversified 35,000 Telefonos de Mexico SA (ADR) (a) 1,060,500 0.7 Telecommunication Services ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Common Stocks in Mexico 1,060,500 0.7 ==================================================================================================================================== Spain Diversified 204,700 Telefonica SA 2,299,237 1.6 Telecommunication Services ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Electric Utilities 71,200 Endesa SA 1,138,889 0.8 260,900 Iberdrola SA 4,559,901 3.2 ----------- ---- 5,698,790 4.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Common Stocks in Spain 7,998,027 5.6 ==================================================================================================================================== United Kingdom Electric Utilities 74,400 Scottish and Southern Energy PLC 773,413 0.6 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Multi-Utilities & 113,775 National Grid Group PLC 735,361 0.5 Unregulated Power 59,700 United Utilities PLC 600,551 0.4 ----------- ---- 1,335,912 0.9 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wireless Telecommunication 73,300 Vodafone Group PLC (ADR) (a) 1,606,003 1.1 Services ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Common Stocks in the United Kingdom 3,715,328 2.6 ==================================================================================================================================== United States Diversified 51,000 ALLTEL Corporation 2,441,880 1.7 Telecommunication Services 40,640 AT&T Corp. 792,074 0.6 193,800 BellSouth Corporation 5,137,638 3.6 42,700 CenturyTel, Inc. 1,437,709 1.0 185,000 SBC Communications Inc. 4,710,100 3.3 138,800 Verizon Communications 5,253,580 3.7 ----------- ---- 19,772,981 13.9 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Electric Utilities 28,600 Ameren Corporation 1,301,300 0.9 103,700 American Electric Power Company, Inc. 3,011,448 2.1 74,562 Cinergy Corp. 2,828,882 2.0 96,000 Cleco Corporation 1,670,400 1.2 94,700 Constellation Energy Group 3,139,305 2.2 153,000 DPL Inc. 2,501,550 1.8 79,300 DTE Energy Company 3,436,069 2.4 77,737 Dominion Resources, Inc. 4,897,431 3.5 68,900 +Edison International 1,121,692 0.8 64,200 Entergy Corporation 3,318,498 2.3 62,500 Exelon Corporation 3,581,250 2.5 67,200 FPL Group, Inc. 4,466,784 3.1 111,300 FirstEnergy Corp. 4,096,953 2.9 60,900 NSTAR 2,839,767 2.0 72,700 PPL Corporation 2,939,988 2.1 37,100 Pepco Holdings, Inc. 758,324 0.5 49,600 Pinnacle West Capital Corporation 1,877,856 1.3 73,100 Progress Energy, Inc. 3,439,355 2.4 107,600 Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated 4,597,748 3.2 72,000 The Southern Company 2,266,560 1.6 99,000 TXU Corp. 2,003,760 1.4 30,100 Wisconsin Energy Corporation 838,285 0.6 ----------- ---- 60,933,205 42.8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gas Utilities 35,400 AGL Resources Inc. 925,002 0.7 78,600 KeySpan Corporation 2,768,292 1.9 101,700 New Jersey Resources Corporation 3,597,129 2.5 62,700 NiSource Inc. 1,229,547 0.9 56,200 Vectren Corporation 1,389,264 1.0 ----------- ---- 9,909,234 7.0 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 & 7 Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., May 31, 2003 SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded) (in U.S. dollars)
Shares Held/ Percent of COUNTRY Industry* Beneficial Interest Common Stocks Value Net Assets ==================================================================================================================================== United States Media 26,900 +Cablevision Systems Corporation (Class A) $ 520,784 0.4% (concluded) 29,735 +Comcast Corporation (Class A) 895,321 0.6 45,300 +Comcast Corporation (Special Class A) 1,305,546 0.9 ----------- ---- 2,721,651 1.9 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Multi-Utilities & 44,300 Duke Energy Corporation 858,534 0.6 Unregulated Power 35,600 Energy East Corporation 757,568 0.5 18,100 Equitable Resources, Inc. 728,706 0.5 70,700 National Fuel Gas Company 1,807,799 1.3 25,600 Questar Corporation 826,368 0.6 75,200 SCANA Corporation 2,531,984 1.8 ----------- ---- 7,510,959 5.3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil & Gas 13,900 Devon Energy Corporation 722,800 0.5 47,100 EOG Resources, Inc. 2,030,010 1.4 ----------- ---- 2,752,810 1.9 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Water Utilities 51,700 Philadelphia Suburban Corporation 1,215,984 0.8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wireless Telecommunication 223,208 +AT&T Wireless Services Inc. 1,734,326 1.2 Services 72,400 +Nextel Communications, Inc. (Class A) 1,085,276 0.8 ----------- ---- 2,819,602 2.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Common Stocks in the United States 107,636,426 75.6 ==================================================================================================================================== Total Common Stocks (Cost--$120,953,835) 134,490,436 94.4 ==================================================================================================================================== Preferred Stocks ==================================================================================================================================== United States Electric Utilities 1,092,450 Aes Trust III, 6.75% 667,977 0.5 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Preferred Stocks in the United States (Cost--$654,921) 667,977 0.5 ==================================================================================================================================== Short-Term Securities ==================================================================================================================================== $8,521,191 Merrill Lynch Liquidity Series, LLC Cash Sweep Series I (c) 8,521,191 6.0 $5,859,263 Merrill Lynch Liquidity Series, LLC Money Market Series (c)(d) 5,859,263 4.1 3,154,987 Merrill Lynch Premier Institutional Fund (c)(d) 3,154,987 2.2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Short-Term Securities (Cost--$17,535,441) 17,535,441 12.3 ==================================================================================================================================== Total Investments (Cost--$139,144,197) 152,693,854 107.2 Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (10,232,827) (7.2) ------------ ----- Net Assets $142,461,027 100.0% ============ ===== ====================================================================================================================================
* For Fund compliance purposes, "Industry" means any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indexes or ratings group indexes, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine such industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. + Non-income producing security. (a) American Depositary Receipts (ADR). (b) Global Depositary Receipts (GDR). (c) Investments in companies considered to be an affiliate of the Fund (such companies are defined as "Affiliated Companies" in Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940) are as follows: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend/ Net Interest Affiliate Activity Income -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Merrill Lynch Liquidity Series, LLC Cash Sweep Series I $ 4,287,738 $ 27,883 Merrill Lynch Liquidity Series, LLC Money Market Series $ (6,374,483) $ 8,969 Merrill Lynch Premier Institutional Fund (11,797,368) $ 7,112 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (d) Security was purchased with the cash proceeds from securities loans. See Notes to Financial Statements. 8 & 9 Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., May 31, 2003 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES As of May 31, 2003 ================================================================================================================================= Assets: Investments, at value (including securities loaned of $8,863,390) (identified cost--$139,144,197) ............................................ $ 152,693,854 Receivables: Dividends ................................................................ $ 407,826 Capital shares sold ...................................................... 110,996 Interest ................................................................. 15,911 Securities lending--net .................................................. 1,424 536,157 ----------- Prepaid registration fees .................................................. 24,166 ------------- Total assets ............................................................... 153,254,177 ------------- ================================================================================================================================= Liabilities: Collateral on securities loaned, at value .................................. 9,014,250 Payables: Securities purchased ..................................................... 1,285,018 Capital shares redeemed .................................................. 308,659 Investment adviser ....................................................... 62,921 Distributor .............................................................. 55,805 Other affiliates ......................................................... 49,220 1,761,623 ----------- Accrued expenses and other liabilities ..................................... 17,277 ------------- Total liabilities .......................................................... 10,793,150 ------------- ================================================================================================================================= Net Assets: Net assets ................................................................. $ 142,461,027 ============= ================================================================================================================================= Net Assets Class A Shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value, Consist of: 100,000,000 shares authorized .............................................. $ 490,486 Class B Shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized .............................................. 856,312 Class C Shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized .............................................. 136,397 Class I Shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized .............................................. 279,573 Paid-in capital in excess of par ........................................... 170,613,150 Undistributed investment income--net ....................................... $ 498,885 Accumulated realized capital losses on investments and foreign currency transactions--net ..................................... (43,963,302) Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions--net ................................................. 13,549,526 ----------- Total accumulated losses--net .............................................. (29,914,891) ------------- Net assets ................................................................. $ 142,461,027 ============= ================================================================================================================================= Net Asset Class A--Based on net assets of $39,765,568 and 4,904,861 shares outstanding $ 8.11 Value: ============= Class B--Based on net assets of $69,119,200 and 8,563,119 shares outstanding $ 8.07 ============= Class C--Based on net assets of $10,924,721 and 1,363,974 shares outstanding $ 8.01 ============= Class I--Based on net assets of $22,651,538 and 2,795,735 shares outstanding $ 8.10 ============= =================================================================================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements. STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2003 ================================================================================================================ Investment Income: Dividends (net of $44,599 foreign withholding tax) .. $ 2,659,369 Interest ............................................ 34,052 Securities lending--net ............................. 16,081 ------------- Total income ........................................ 2,709,502 ------------- ================================================================================================================ Expenses: Investment advisory fees ............................ $ 400,916 Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class B .. 258,710 Transfer agent fees--Class B ........................ 83,364 Accounting services ................................. 46,673 Account maintenance fees--Class A ................... 42,641 Account maintenance and distribution fees--Class C .. 40,869 Professional fees ................................... 35,510 Transfer agent fees--Class A ........................ 35,381 Directors' fees and expenses ........................ 29,562 Registration fees ................................... 29,512 Printing and shareholder reports .................... 22,870 Transfer agent fees--Class I ........................ 21,078 Transfer agent fees--Class C ........................ 12,461 Custodian fees ...................................... 10,024 Pricing fees ........................................ 1,590 Other ............................................... 9,047 ------------ Total expenses ...................................... 1,080,208 ------------- Investment income--net .............................. 1,629,294 ------------- ================================================================================================================ Realized & Realized loss on: Unrealized Gain Investments--net .................................. (2,421,720) (Loss) on Foreign currency transactions--net ................ (10,995) (2,432,715) Investments & ------------ Foreign Currency Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on: Transactions-- Net: Investments--net .................................. 14,716,603 Foreign currency transactions--net ................ (682) 14,715,921 ------------ ------------- Total realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions--net .................. 12,283,206 ------------- Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $ 13,912,500 ============= ================================================================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements. 10 & 11 Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., May 31, 2003 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the Six For the Months Ended Year Ended May 31, November 30, Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: 2003 2002 =============================================================================================================================== Operations: Investment income--net ............................................ $ 1,629,294 $ 5,070,298 Realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions--net (2,432,715) (41,170,515) Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions--net ................................ 14,715,921 (3,926,627) ------------- ------------- Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations ... 13,912,500 (40,026,844) ------------- ------------- =============================================================================================================================== Dividends & Investment income--net: Distributions to Class A ......................................................... (494,237) (1,167,420) Shareholders: Class B ......................................................... (769,810) (2,889,181) Class C ......................................................... (117,117) (310,345) Class I ......................................................... (312,231) (832,654) Realized gain on investments--net: Class A ......................................................... -- (441,431) Class B ......................................................... -- (1,716,573) Class C ......................................................... -- (127,179) Class I ......................................................... -- (317,830) ------------- ------------- Net decrease in net assets resulting from dividends and distributions to shareholders ..................................... (1,693,395) (7,802,613) ------------- ------------- =============================================================================================================================== Capital Share Net decrease in net assets derived from capital share transactions (9,505,550) (33,660,519) Transactions: ------------- ------------- =============================================================================================================================== Net Assets: Total increase (decrease) in net assets ........................... 2,713,555 (81,489,976) Beginning of period ............................................... 139,747,472 221,237,448 ------------- ------------- End of period* .................................................... $ 142,461,027 $ 139,747,472 ============= ============= =============================================================================================================================== * Undistributed investment income--net .............................. $ 498,885 $ 562,986 ============= ============= ===============================================================================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class A++ --------------------------------------------------------- The following per share data and ratios have been For the derived from information provided in the financial Six Months statements. Ended For the Year Ended November 30, May 31, -------------------------------------------- Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 ================================================================================================================================= Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ............. $ 7.40 $ 9.67 $ 11.81 $ 19.17 $ 19.49 Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Performance: Investment income--net+ .......................... .10 .26 .32 .39 .30 Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions--net ........... .72 (2.14) (1.46) .68 1.15 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total from investment operations ................. .82 (1.88) (1.14) 1.07 1.45 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Less dividends and distributions: Investment income--net ......................... (.11) (.28) (.33) (.41) (.30) Realized gain on investments--net .............. -- (.11) (.67) (7.80) (1.47) In excess of realized gain on investments--net . -- -- -- (.22) -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total dividends and distributions ................ (.11) (.39) (1.00) (8.43) (1.77) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net asset value, end of period ................... $ 8.11 $ 7.40 $ 9.67 $ 11.81 $ 19.17 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ================================================================================================================================= Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ............... 11.17%@ (19.83%) (10.67%) 4.72% 7.96% Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ================================================================================================================================= Ratios to Average Expenses ......................................... 1.33%* 1.26% 1.11% 1.08% 1.07% Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Investment income--net ........................... 2.70%* 3.13% 2.86% 2.34% 1.60% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ================================================================================================================================= Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ......... $ 39,766 $ 34,038 $ 36,794 $ 18,383 $ 14,747 Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Portfolio turnover ............................... 11.00% 31.16% 45.66% 51.79% 7.43% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================
* Annualized. ** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales charges. + Based on average shares outstanding. ++ Effective April 14, 2003, Class D Shares were redesignated Class A Shares.. @ Aggregate total investment return. See Notes to Financial Statements. 12 & 13 Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., May 31, 2003 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)
Class B -------------------------------------------------------- The following per share data and ratios have been For the derived from information provided in the financial Six Months statements. Ended For the Year Ended November 30, May 31, ------------------------------------------- Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 =================================================================================================================================== Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ................. $ 7.37 $ 9.61 $ 11.75 $ 19.10 $ 19.42 Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Performance: Investment income--net+ .............................. .08 .22 .26 .31 .20 Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions--net ................... .70 (2.13) (1.47) .67 1.15 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total from investment operations ..................... .78 (1.91) (1.21) .98 1.35 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Less dividends and distributions: Investment income--net ............................. (.08) (.22) (.26) (.31) (.20) Realized gain on investments--net .................. -- (.11) (.67) (7.80) (1.47) In excess of realized gain on investments--net ..... -- -- -- (.22) -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total dividends and distributions .................... (.08) (.33) (.93) (8.33) (1.67) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net asset value, end of period ....................... $ 8.07 $ 7.37 $ 9.61 $ 11.75 $ 19.10 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================== Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ................... 10.75%@ (20.16%) (11.25%) 4.25% 7.41% Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================== Ratios to Average Expenses ............................................. 1.87%* 1.77% 1.63% 1.59% 1.59% Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Investment income--net ............................... 2.20%* 2.63% 2.40% 1.83% 1.06% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================== Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ............. $ 69,119 $ 74,822 $147,549 $246,279 $299,912 Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Portfolio turnover ................................... 11.00% 31.16% 45.66% 51.79% 7.43% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================== Class C -------------------------------------------------------- The following per share data and ratios have been For the derived from information provided in the financial Six Months statements. Ended For the Year Ended November 30, May 31, ------------------------------------------- Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 =================================================================================================================================== Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ................. $ 7.31 $ 9.55 $ 11.68 $ 19.04 $ 19.37 Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Performance: Investment income--net+ .............................. .08 .21 .25 .28 .19 Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions--net ............... .70 (2.11) (1.45) .69 1.14 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total from investment operations ..................... .78 (1.90) (1.20) .97 1.33 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Less dividends and distributions: Investment income--net ............................. (.08) (.23) (.26) (.31) (.19) Realized gain on investments--net .................. -- (.11) (.67) (7.80) (1.47) In excess of realized gain on investments--net ..... -- -- -- (.22) -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total dividends and distributions .................... (.08) (.34) (.93) (8.33) (1.66) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net asset value, end of period ....................... $ 8.01 $ 7.31 $ 9.55 $ 11.68 $ 19.04 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================== Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ................... 10.84%@ (20.27%) (11.24%) 4.17% 7.34% Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================== Ratios to Average Expenses ............................................. 1.92%* 1.84% 1.69% 1.65% 1.65% Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Investment income--net ............................... 2.13%* 2.55% 2.31% 1.75% 1.02% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================== Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ............. $ 10,925 $ 10,545 $ 10,194 $ 11,416 $ 8,381 Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Portfolio turnover ................................... 11.00% 31.16% 45.66% 51.79% 7.43% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================== Class I++ -------------------------------------------------------- The following per share data and ratios have been For the derived from information provided in the financial Six Months statements. Ended For the Year Ended November 30, May 31, ------------------------------------------- Increase (Decrease) in Net Asset Value: 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 =================================================================================================================================== Per Share Net asset value, beginning of period ................. $ 7.39 $ 9.66 $ 11.81 $ 19.16 $ 19.49 Operating -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Performance: Investment income--net+ .............................. .11 .29 .34 .44 .34 Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions--net ................... .71 (2.15) (1.47) .68 1.14 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total from investment operations ..................... .82 (1.86) (1.13) 1.12 1.48 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Less dividends and distributions: Investment income--net ............................. (.11) (.30) (.35) (.45) (.34) Realized gain on investments--net .................. -- (.11) (.67) (7.80) (1.47) In excess of realized gain on investments--net ..... -- -- -- (.22) -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total dividends and distributions .................... (.11) (.41) (1.02) (8.47) (1.81) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net asset value, end of period ....................... $ 8.10 $ 7.39 $ 9.66 $ 11.81 $ 19.16 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================== Total Investment Based on net asset value per share ................... 11.32%@ (19.64%) (10.54%) 5.07% 8.17% Return:** ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================== Ratios to Average Expenses ............................................. 1.08%* 1.00% .86% .83% .82% Net Assets: ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Investment income--net ............................... 2.96%* 3.39% 3.15% 2.59% 1.82% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =================================================================================================================================== Supplemental Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ............. $ 22,651 $ 20,342 $ 26,700 $ 32,698 $ 38,309 Data: ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Portfolio turnover ................................... 11.00% 31.16% 45.66% 51.79% 7.43% ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ===================================================================================================================================
* Annualized. ** Total investment returns exclude the effects of sales charges. + Based on average shares outstanding. ++ Effective April 14, 2003, Class A Shares were redesignated Class I Shares. @ Aggregate total investment return. See Notes to Financial Statements. 14 & 15 Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., May 31, 2003 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Significant Accounting Policies: Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, open-end management investment company. 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 multiple classes of shares. Effective April 14, 2003, Class A Shares were redesignated Class I Shares and Class D Shares were redesignated Class A Shares. The Fund's financial statements and financial highlights contained within this report reflect the new share class redesignation. Shares of Class A and Class I 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 A, Class B and Class C Shares bear certain expenses related to the account maintenance of such shares, and Class B and Class C Shares also bear certain expenses related to the distribution of such shares. Each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to its account maintenance and distribution expenditures. 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 securities -- Portfolio securities that are traded on stock exchanges or Nasdaq National 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 for long positions, and at the last available ask price for short positions. Securities 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 Directors 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. Options written or purchased are valued at the last sale price in the case of exchange-traded options. In the case of options traded in the over-the-counter market, valuation is the last asked price (options written) or the last bid price (options purchased). 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 value quotations are not available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Fund's Board of Directors. Occasionally, events affecting the values of securities and other assets may occur between the times at which valuations of such securities are determined (that is, close of the market on which such securities trade) and the close of business on the NYSE. If events (for example, company announcement, natural disasters, market volatility) occur during such periods that are expected to materially affect the value for such securities, those securities may be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Fund's Board of Directors or by the investment adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund. (b) 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. (c) Derivative financial instruments -- The Fund may engage in various portfolio investment strategies both to increase the return of the Fund and to hedge, or protect, its exposure to interest rate movement and movements in the securities markets. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract. o Options -- The Fund is authorized to purchase and write call options and put options. When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked to market to reflect the current market value of the option written. When a security is purchased or sold through an exercise of an option, the related premium paid (or received) is added to (or deducted from) the basis of the security acquired or deducted from (or added to) the proceeds of the security sold. When an option expires (or the Fund enters into a closing transaction), the Fund realizes a gain or loss on the option to the extent of the premiums received or paid (or gain or loss to the extent the cost of the closing transaction exceeds the premium paid or received). Written and purchased options are non-income producing investments. o Financial futures contracts -- The Fund may purchase or sell financial futures contracts and options on such futures contracts. Futures contracts are contracts for delayed delivery of securities at a specific future date and at a specific price or yield. Upon entering into a contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. o Forward foreign exchange contracts -- The Fund is authorized to enter into forward foreign exchange contracts as a hedge against either specific transactions or portfolio positions. The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. o Foreign currency options and futures -- The Fund may also purchase or sell listed or over-the-counter foreign currency options, foreign currency futures and related options on foreign currency futures as a short or long hedge against possible variations in foreign exchange rates. Such transactions may be effected with respect to hedges on non-U.S. dollar denominated securities owned by the Fund, sold by the Fund but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased by the Fund. (d) 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 all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required. Under the applicable foreign tax law, a withholding tax may be imposed on interest, dividends and capital gains at various rates. (e) Security transactions and investment income -- Security transactions are recorded on the dates the transactions are entered into (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. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend dates. Dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have 16 & 17 Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., May 31, 2003 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) passed are subsequently recorded when the Fund has determined the ex-dividend dates. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. (f) Prepaid registration fees -- Prepaid registration fees are charged to expense as the related shares are issued. (g) Dividends and distributions -- Dividends and distributions paid by the Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend dates. (h) Securities lending -- The Fund may lend securities to financial institutions that provide cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government as collateral, which will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of business of the Fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. Where the Fund receives securities as collateral for the loaned securities, it collects a fee from the borrower. The Fund typically receives the income on the loaned securities but does not receive the income on the collateral. Where the Fund receives cash collateral, it may invest such collateral and retain the amount earned on such investment, net of any amount rebated to the borrower. Loans of securities are terminable at any time and the borrower, after notice, is required to return borrowed securities within five business days. The Fund may pay reasonable finder's, lending agent, administrative and custodial fees in connection with its loans. In the event that the borrower defaults on its obligation to return borrowed securities because of insolvency or for any other reason, the Fund could experience delays and costs in gaining access to the collateral. The Fund also could suffer a loss where the value of the collateral falls below the market value of the borrowed securities, in the event of borrower default or in the event of losses on investments made with cash collateral. 2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Transactions with Affiliates: The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. ("MLIM"). The general partner of MLIM is Princeton Services, Inc. ("PSI"), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML & Co."), which is the limited partner. The Fund has also entered into a Distribution Agreement and Distribution Plans with FAM Distributors, Inc. ("FAMD" or the "Distributor"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Group, Inc. MLIM is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio and provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary to the operation of the Fund. For such services, the Fund pays a monthly fee of ..60%, on an annual basis, of the average daily value of the Fund's net assets. MLIM has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with Merrill Lynch Asset Management U.K. Limited ("MLAM U.K."), an affiliate of MLIM, pursuant to which MLAM U.K. provides investment advisory services to MLIM with respect to the Fund. There is no increase in the aggregate fees paid by the Fund for these services. Pursuant to the Distribution Plans adopted by the Fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund pays the Distributor ongoing account maintenance and distribution fees. The fees are accrued daily and paid monthly at annual rates based upon the average daily net assets of the shares as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Account Distribution Maintenance Fee Fee - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A ................................ .25% -- Class B ................................ .25% .50% Class C ................................ .25% .55% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 A, Class B and Class C 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 May 31, 2003, FAMD earned underwriting discounts and MLPF&S earned dealer concessions on sales of the Fund's Class A and Class I Shares as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FAMD MLPF&S - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A .............................. $ 256 $5,471 Class I .............................. $ 5 $ 51 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the six months ended May 31, 2003, MLPF&S received contingent deferred sales charges of $21,493 and $907, relating to transactions in Class B Shares and Class C Shares, respectively. The Fund has received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission permitting it to lend portfolio securities to MLPF&S or its affiliates. Pursuant to that order, the Fund also has retained Merrill Lynch Investment Advisors, LLC ("MLIM, LLC"), an affiliate of MLIM, as the securities lending agent for a fee based on a share of the returns on investment of cash collateral. MLIM, LLC may, on behalf of the Fund, invest cash collateral received by the Fund for such loans, among other things, in a private investment company managed by MLIM, LLC or in registered money market funds advised by MLIM or its affiliates. For the six months ended May 31, 2003, MLIM, LLC received $6,772 in securities lending agent fees. Financial Data Services, Inc. ("FDS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ML & Co., is the Fund's transfer agent. In addition, MLPF&S received $6,762 in commissions on the execution of portfolio security transactions for the Fund for the six months ended May 31, 2003. For the six months ended May 31, 2003, the Fund reimbursed MLIM $1,484 for certain accounting services. Certain officers and/or directors of the Fund are officers and/or directors of MLIM, PSI, MLAM U.K., FDS, FAMD, and/or ML & Co. 3. Investments: Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, for the six months ended May 31, 2003 were $14,292,595 and $26,816,677, respectively. Net realized losses for the six months ended May 31, 2003 and net unrealized gains (losses) as of May 31, 2003 were as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Realized Unrealized Losses Gains (Losses) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term investments .................. $ (2,421,720) $ 13,549,657 Foreign currency transactions .......... (10,995) (131) ------------ ------------ Total .................................. $ (2,432,715) $ 13,549,526 ============ ============ - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of May 31, 2003, net unrealized appreciation for Federal income tax purposes aggregated $13,438,069, of which $20,801,149 related to appreciated securities and $7,363,080 related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost of investments at May 31, 2003 for Federal income tax purposes was $139,255,785. 18 & 19 Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., May 31, 2003 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded) 4. Capital Share Transactions: Net decrease in net assets derived from capital share transactions was $9,505,550 and $33,660,519 for the six months ended May 31, 2003 and for the year ended November 30, 2002, respectively. Transactions in capital shares for each class were as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares for the Six Months Dollar Ended May 31, 2003+ Shares Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 140,068 $ 1,045,616 Automatic conversion of shares ......... 786,234 5,794,002 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends ........... 16,048 120,730 ----------- ----------- Total issued ........................... 942,350 6,960,348 Shares redeemed ........................ (637,196) (4,679,213) ----------- ----------- Net increase ........................... 305,154 $ 2,281,135 =========== =========== - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Effective April 14, 2003, Class D Shares were redesignated Class A Shares. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares for the Year Dollar Ended November 30, 2002+ Shares Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 241,526 $ 2,137,205 Automatic conversion of shares ......... 1,778,706 14,893,930 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions ...................... 155,543 1,297,235 ------------ ------------ Total issued ........................... 2,175,775 18,328,370 Shares redeemed ........................ (1,382,002) (11,743,315) ------------ ------------ Net increase ........................... 793,773 $ 6,585,055 ============ ============ - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Effective April 14, 2003, Class D Shares were redesignated Class A Shares. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B Shares for the Six Months Dollar Ended May 31, 2003 Shares Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 388,684 $ 2,909,512 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends ........... 27,698 207,562 ------------ ------------ Total issued ........................... 416,382 3,117,074 Automatic conversion of shares ......... (789,757) (5,794,002) Shares redeemed ........................ (1,222,057) (8,895,816) ------------ ------------ Net decrease ........................... (1,595,432) $(11,572,744) ============ ============ - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B Shares for the Year Dollar Ended November 30, 2002 Shares Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 609,287 $ 5,228,661 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions ...................... 429,372 3,664,181 ------------ ------------ Total issued ........................... 1,038,659 8,892,842 Automatic conversion of shares ......... (1,788,199) (14,893,930) Shares redeemed ........................ (4,439,634) (37,734,429) ------------ ------------ Net decrease ........................... (5,189,174) $(43,735,517) ============ ============ - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C Shares for the Six Months Dollar Ended May 31, 2003 Shares Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 127,445 $ 947,419 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends ........... 3,877 28,889 ----------- ----------- Total issued ........................... 131,322 976,308 Shares redeemed ........................ (209,584) (1,545,357) ----------- ----------- Net decrease ........................... (78,262) $ (569,049) =========== =========== - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C Shares for the Year Dollar Ended November 30, 2002 Shares Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 782,321 $ 6,863,827 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions ...................... 42,072 348,913 ----------- ----------- Total issued ........................... 824,393 7,212,740 Shares redeemed ........................ (449,285) (3,647,754) ----------- ----------- Net increase ........................... 375,108 $ 3,564,986 =========== =========== - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class I Shares for the Six Months Dollar Ended May 31, 2003+ Shares Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 456,461 $ 3,403,897 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends ........... 11,816 88,865 ----------- ----------- Total issued ........................... 468,277 3,492,762 Shares redeemed ........................ (423,544) (3,137,654) ----------- ----------- Net increase ........................... 44,733 $ 355,108 =========== =========== - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Effective April 14, 2003, Class A Shares were redesignated Class I Shares. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class I Shares for the Year Dollar Ended November 30, 2002+ Shares Amount - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares sold ............................ 884,103 $ 7,483,008 Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends and distributions ...................... 119,882 1,003,566 ----------- ----------- Total issued ........................... 1,003,985 8,486,574 Shares redeemed ........................ (1,016,242) (8,561,617) ----------- ----------- Net decrease ........................... (12,257) $ (75,043) =========== =========== - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Effective April 14, 2003, Class A Shares were redesignated Class I Shares. 5. Short-Term Borrowings: The Fund, along with certain other funds managed by MLIM and its affiliates, is a party to a $500,000,000 credit agreement with Bank One, N.A. and certain other lenders. The Fund may borrow under the credit agreement to fund shareholder redemptions and for other lawful purposes other than for leverage. The Fund may borrow up to the maximum amount allowable under the Fund's current prospectus and statement of additional information, subject to various other legal, regulatory or contractual limits. The Fund pays a commitment fee of .09% per annum based on the Fund'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 commitment was reduced from $1,000,000,000 to $500,000,000. The Fund did not borrow under the credit agreement during the six months ended May 31, 2003. 6. Commitments: At May 31, 2003, the Fund had entered into foreign exchange contracts under which it had agreed to purchase various foreign currencies with an approximate value of $812,000. 7. Capital Loss Carryforward: On November 30, 2002, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $40,916,903, all of which expires in 2010. This amount will be available to offset like amounts of any future taxable gains. 20 & 21 Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc., May 31, 2003 PORTFOLIO INFORMATION Worldwide Investments As of May 31, 2003 Ten Largest Holdings Percent of (Equity Investments) Net Assets Verizon Communications ............................................. 3.7% BellSouth Corporation .............................................. 3.6 Dominion Resources, Inc. ........................................... 3.5 SBC Communications Inc. ............................................ 3.3 Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated ....................... 3.2 Iberdrola SA ....................................................... 3.2 FPL Group, Inc. .................................................... 3.1 FirstEnergy Corp. .................................................. 2.9 BCE Inc. ........................................................... 2.6 New Jersey Resources Corporation ................................... 2.5 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Terry K. Glenn, President and Director Ronald W. Forbes, Director Cynthia A. Montgomery, Director Charles C. Reilly, Director Kevin A. Ryan, Director Roscoe S. Suddarth, Director Richard R. West, Director Edward D. Zinbarg, Director Robert C. Doll, Jr., Senior Vice President Kathleen M. Anderson, Vice President Donald C. Burke, Vice President and Treasurer Phillip S. Gillespie, Secretary Custodian J.P. Morgan Chase Bank 4 MetroTech Center, 18th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11245 Transfer Agent Financial Data Services, Inc. 4800 Deer Lake Drive East Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 800-637-3863 22 & 23 [LOGO] Merrill Lynch Investment Managers 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. A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-800-MER-FUND (1-800-637-3863); (2) on www.mutualfunds.ml.com; and (3) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Merrill Lynch Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc. Box 9011 Princeton, NJ 08543-9011 [RECYCLED LOGO] Printed on post-consumer recycled paper #11693--5/03 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 (annual requirement only and not required to be answered until the registrant's fiscal year-end on or after July 15, 2003) 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 (annual requirement only and not required to be answered until the registrant's fiscal year-end on or after July 15, 2003) 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. Item 5 - If the registrant is a listed issuer as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, state whether or not the registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. If the registrant has such a committee, however designated, identify each committee member. If the entire board of directors is acting as the registrant's audit committee in Section 3(a)(58)(B) of the Exchange Act, so state. N/A If applicable, provide the disclosure required by Rule 10A-3(d) under the Exchange Act regarding an exemption from the listing standards for audit committees. N/A (Listed issuers must be in compliance with the new listing rules by the earlier of their first annual shareholders meeting after January 2004, or October 31, 2004 (annual requirement)) Item 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) - The registrant's certifying officers have reasonably designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure material information relating to the registrant is made known to us by others particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared. The registrant's certifying officers have determined that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are effective based on our evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report. 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 pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Attached hereto. 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 Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. By: /s/ Terry K. Glenn ------------------ Terry K. Glenn, President of Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. Date: July 23, 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 Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. Date: July 23, 2003 By: /s/ Donald C. Burke ------------------- Donald C. Burke, Chief Financial Officer of Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. Date: July 23, 2003 Attached hereto as a furnished exhibit are the certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. EX-99.CERT 3 e300503_ex-99cert.txt CERTIFICATION EX-99. CERT CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I, Terry K. Glenn, President of Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc., certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. (the "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 Fund as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The Fund's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the Fund and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Fund, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Fund's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5. The Fund's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the Fund's auditors and the audit committee of the Fund's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Fund's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data and have identified for the Fund's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Fund's internal controls; and 6. The Fund's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. Date: July 23, 2003 /s/ Terry K. Glenn ------------------ Terry K. Glenn, President of Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. 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 Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc., certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. (the "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; 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 Fund as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The Fund's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-2(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the Fund and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Fund, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Fund's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; 5. The Fund's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the Fund's auditors and the audit committee of the Fund's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Fund's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data and have identified for the Fund's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Fund's internal controls; and 6. The Fund's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. Date: July 23, 2003 /s/ Donald C. Burke ------------------- Donald C. Burke, Chief Financial Officer of Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. EX-99.1350 CERT 4 e300503_ex99-1350cert.txt CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 Exhibit 99.1350CERT Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act I, Terry K. Glenn, President of Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. (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: July 23, 2003 /s/ Terry K. Glenn ------------------ Terry K. Glenn, President of Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. and will be retained by Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. Exhibit 99.1350CERT Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act I, Donald C. Burke, Chief Financial Officer of Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. (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: July 23, 2003 /s/ Donald C. Burke ------------------- Donald C. Burke, Chief Financial Officer of Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. and will be retained by Merrill Lynch Utilities and Communications Fund, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----