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 | 811-5245 |
DREYFUS STRATEGIC MUNICIPALS, INC. |
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter) |
c/o The Dreyfus Corporation | ||
200 Park Avenue | ||
New York, New York 10166 | ||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |
Michael A. Rosenberg, Esq. |
200 Park Avenue |
New York, New York 10166 |
(Name and address of agent for service) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: | (212) 922-6000 |
Date of fiscal year end: | 09/30 |
Date of reporting period: | 09/30/08 |
FORM N-CSR
Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders. |
Contents | ||
THE FUND | ||
|
|
|
2 | A Letter from the CEO | |
3 | Discussion of Fund Performance | |
6 | Selected Information | |
7 | Statement of Investments | |
25 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
26 | Statement of Operations | |
27 | Statement of Changes in Net Assets | |
28 | Financial Highlights | |
29 | Notes to Financial Statements | |
37 | Report of Independent Registered | |
Public Accounting Firm | ||
38 | Additional Information | |
41 | Important Tax Information | |
42 | Proxy Results | |
43 | Board Members Information | |
47 | Officers of the Fund | |
49 | Officers and Directors |
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Back Cover
The | Fund |
Dreyfus |
Strategic Municipals, Inc. |
A LETTER FROM THE CEO
Dear Shareholder:
We present this annual report for Dreyfus Strategic Municipals, Inc., covering the 12-month period from October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008.
These are difficult times for fixed-income investors.A credit crunch that began in 2007 has developed into a full-blown global financial crisis, recently resulting in the failure of several major financial institutions and prompting a massive government rescue effort.The U.S. economic slowdown also has gathered momentum, depressing investor sentiment and consumer confidence. These factors undermined returns in most bond market sectors,including municipal bonds.Even the traditional safe haven of U.S. government securities has encountered heightened volatility. The depth and duration of the economic downturn will depend on how quickly the financial system can be stabilized. We believe that the Temporary Guarantee Program for Money Market Funds and the $700 billion rescue package intended to promote greater liquidity in the general financial markets meet several critical requirements for addressing todays financial stresses, and we expect these measures to contribute to a more orderly deleveraging process. However, recuperation from the financial crisis is likely to take time. In the meantime, we encourage you to keep in touch with your financial advisor and maintain a long-term and disciplined perspective to investing. Indeed, we already are seeing some positive signs, including a likely peak in global inflationary pressures, a bottoming of the U.S. dollar, attractive valuations among municipal securities and a large pool of worldwide financial liquidity that could be deployed gradually as the economic cycle turns.
For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as market perspectives, we have provided a Discussion of Fund Performance given by the funds Portfolio Manager.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
Jonathan R. Baum |
Chief Executive Officer |
The Dreyfus Corporation |
October 15, 2008 |
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period of October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008, as provided by W. Michael Petty, Portfolio Manager
Fund and Market Performance Overview
For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2008, Dreyfus Strategic Municipals achieved a total return of 8.17% (on a net asset value basis). 1 During the same period, the fund provided income dividends of $0.504 per share, which is equal to a distribution rate of 7.47% .2
During the reporting period, municipal bonds encountered severe bouts of heightened volatility, primarily due to intensifying economic concerns and a global financial crisis. Lower-rated, higher-yielding securities proved particularly sensitive to these forces.
The Funds Investment Approach
The funds investment objective is to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital. Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal obligations. Generally, the fund invests at least 50% of its net assets in municipal bonds considered investment grade or the unrated equivalent as determined by Dreyfus in the case of bonds, and in the two highest-rating categories or the unrated equivalent as determined by Dreyfus in the case of short-term obligations having or deemed to have maturities of less than one year.
To this end, we have constructed a portfolio derived from seeking income opportunities through analysis of each bonds structure, including paying close attention to each bonds yield, maturity and early redemption features.
Over time, many of the funds relatively higher-yielding bonds mature or may be called by their issuers, and we generally attempt to replace those bonds, as opportunities arise, with investments consistent with the funds investment policies at prevailing current yields.When we believe an opportunity exists, we also may seek to upgrade the portfolios
The Fund 3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
investments with newly issued bonds that, in our opinion, have better structural or income characteristics than existing holdings.
Economic and Credit Concerns Weighed on Municipal Bonds
Like many other asset classes, municipal bonds encountered heightened volatility amid a U.S. economic downturn and global financial crisis. Led by a sharp slump in home prices, the U.S. economy suffered from rising unemployment, a surge in mortgage foreclosures, and soaring food and energy costs.At the same time,a credit crunch that began before the start of the reporting period in the U.S. sub-prime mortgage market mushroomed into a global financial crisis, resulting in financial distress among investment banks and independent municipal bond insurers, as well as ultimately freezing liquidity in the auction-rate securities market.
Highly leveraged institutional investors were forced to sell creditworthy investments, including municipal bonds, to meet margin calls and redemption requests. In addition, several major bond insurers suffered massive sub-prime related losses, causing investors to question the value of insurance on municipal bonds.The downturn in investor sentiment also led to severely curtailed liquidity conditions in the auction-rate securities sector of the municipal bond market.
These developments effectively boosted the supply of municipal bonds, causing prices to fall and yields to rise. Indeed, February and September 2008 represented two of the worst months in the history of the municipal bond market, and at times during the reporting period, absolute tax-exempt yields were significantly higher than those of comparable taxable U.S.Treasury securities.
Lower-Rated, Longer-Term Securities Suffered
The market downturn proved to be particularly damaging to prices of municipal bonds with BBB credit ratings or lower, as increasingly risk-averse investors flocked toward the traditional safe havens of money markets and highly rated government bonds.Because the funds focus on current income relies to an extent on lower-rated securities, this development detracted from the funds results. In addition, market weakness
4
was particularly pronounced among longer-term bonds, including the funds holdings with maturities in the 20- to 30-year range. Also hurt more than industry averages were the funds investments in municipal bonds backed by the states settlements of litigation with U.S. tobacco companies, which saw a surge in supply early in the reporting period amid slackening demand. Bonds carrying insurance began to trade at levels commensurate with their underlying credit quality when investors effectively disregarded third-party credit enhancements.
Finally, as to the funds leveraging strategy, the fund issues preferred shares on which dividend rates are periodically reset through bank-managed auctions. During the reporting period, these auctions failed, leading the rate paid to preferred shareholders to be determined based on a reference rate as described in the funds organizational documents.The effectiveness of the funds leveraging strategy, however removed, remains tied to the attractiveness of the funds leveraging costs, relative to prevailing yields.
Maintaining a Cautious Investment Posture
As of the reporting periods end, the U.S. economy has remained weak, and the financial crisis has intensified.Therefore, we intend to maintain a relatively conservative approach, including a focus on diversification and current income.
October 15, 2008
1 | Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, based upon net asset | |
value per share. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Market price per share, net asset | ||
value per share and investment return fluctuate. Income may be subject to state and local taxes, | ||
and some income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for certain | ||
investors. Capital gains, if any, are fully taxable. Return figure provided reflects the absorption of | ||
certain fund expenses by The Dreyfus Corporation pursuant to an agreement in effect until | ||
October 31, 2009, at which time it may be extended, modified or terminated. Had these | ||
expenses not been absorbed, the funds return would have been lower. | ||
2 | Distribution rate per share is based upon dividends per share paid from net investment income | |
during the period, divided by the market price per share at the end of the period. |
The Fund 5
SELECTED INFORMATION |
September 30, 2008 (Unaudited) |
Market Price per share September 30, 2008 | $6.75 | |
Shares Outstanding September 30, 2008 | 60,766,921 | |
New York Stock Exchange Ticker Symbol | LEO |
MARKET PRICE (NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE) | ||||||||
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2008 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||
Quarter | Quarter | Quarter | Quarter | |||||
Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | |||||
December 31, 2007 | March 31, 2008 | June 30, 2008 | September 30, 2008 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
High | $8.78 | $9.01 | $8.86 | $8.17 | ||||
Low | 8.05 | 8.29 | 7.85 | 6.57 | ||||
Close | 8.22 | 8.51 | 8.04 | 6.75 |
PERCENTAGE GAIN (LOSS) based on change in Market Price* | ||||
September 23, 1987 (commencement of operations) | ||||
through September 30, 2008 | 194.97% | |||
October 1, 1998 through September 30, 2008 | 25.26 | |||
October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2008 | (1.91) | |||
October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008 | (18.00) | |||
January 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 | (14.09) | |||
April 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 | (18.19) | |||
July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 | (14.67) | |||
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE | ||||
September 23, 1987 (commencement of operations) | $9.32 | |||
September 30, 2007 | 9.11 | |||
December 31, 2007 | 8.96 | |||
March 31, 2008 | 8.64 | |||
June 30, 2008 | 8.44 | |||
September 30, 2008 | 7.88 | |||
PERCENTAGE GAIN based on change in Net Asset Value* | ||||
September 23, 1987 (commencement of operations) | ||||
through September 30, 2008 | 269.45% | |||
October 1, 1998 through September 30, 2008 | 47.55 | |||
October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2008 | 17.53 | |||
October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008 | (8.17) | |||
January 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 | (7.99) | |||
April 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 | (5.93) | |||
July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008 | (5.10) | |||
* | With dividends reinvested. |
6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS |
September 30, 2008 |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments151.9% | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Alabama1.8% | ||||||||
Houston County Health Care | ||||||||
Authority, GO (Insured; AMBAC) | 6.25 | 10/1/09 | 8,000,000 a | 8,387,600 | ||||
Alaska.8% | ||||||||
Alaska Housing Finance | ||||||||
Corporation, General Mortgage | ||||||||
Revenue (Insured; MBIA, Inc.) | 6.00 | 6/1/49 | 4,000,000 | 4,024,240 | ||||
Arizona3.9% | ||||||||
Arizona Housing Finance Authority, | ||||||||
SFMR (Mortgage-Backed Securities | ||||||||
Program) (Collateralized: | ||||||||
FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA) | 5.55 | 12/1/41 | 6,000,000 | 5,309,520 | ||||
Maricopa County Pollution Control | ||||||||
Corporation, PCR (Public | ||||||||
Service Company of New Mexico | ||||||||
Palo Verde Project) | 5.75 | 11/1/22 | 6,000,000 | 5,285,700 | ||||
Navajo County Industrial | ||||||||
Development Authority, IDR | ||||||||
(Stone Container | ||||||||
Corporation Project) | 7.40 | 4/1/26 | 1,585,000 | 1,374,797 | ||||
Scottsdale Industrial Development | ||||||||
Authority, HR (Scottsdale | ||||||||
Healthcare) | 5.80 | 12/1/11 | 6,000,000 a | 6,538,080 | ||||
Arkansas.5% | ||||||||
Arkansas Development Finance | ||||||||
Authority, SFMR (Mortgage | ||||||||
Backed Securities Program) | ||||||||
(Collateralized: FNMA and GNMA) | 6.25 | 1/1/32 | 2,370,000 | 2,408,038 | ||||
California8.3% | ||||||||
California, | ||||||||
GO | 5.25 | 4/1/34 | 5,000 | 4,785 | ||||
California, | ||||||||
GO (Various Purpose) | ||||||||
(Insured; AMBAC) | 4.25 | 12/1/35 | 7,475,000 | 5,792,976 | ||||
California Pollution Control | ||||||||
Financing Authority, SWDR | ||||||||
(Keller Canyon Landfill | ||||||||
Company Project) | 6.88 | 11/1/27 | 2,000,000 | 1,873,840 | ||||
California Statewide Communities | ||||||||
Development Authority, | ||||||||
Environmental Facilities Revenue | ||||||||
(Microgy Holdings Project) | 9.00 | 12/1/38 | 3,000,000 | 2,885,430 |
The Fund 7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued) |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
California (continued) | ||||||||
California Statewide Communities | ||||||||
Development Authority, Revenue | ||||||||
(Bentley School) | 6.75 | 7/1/32 | 1,960,000 | 1,821,271 | ||||
California Statewide Communities | ||||||||
Development Authority, | ||||||||
Revenue (Daughters of | ||||||||
Charity Health System) | 5.00 | 7/1/39 | 5,000,000 | 3,914,050 | ||||
California Statewide Communities | ||||||||
Development Authority, Student | ||||||||
Housing Revenue (CHF-Irvine, | ||||||||
LLC-UCI East Campus | ||||||||
Apartments, Phase II) | 5.75 | 5/15/32 | 2,500,000 | 2,276,375 | ||||
Golden State Tobacco Securitization | ||||||||
Corporation, Tobacco Settlement | ||||||||
Asset-Backed Bonds | 7.80 | 6/1/13 | 8,100,000 a | 9,410,904 | ||||
Golden State Tobacco Securitization | ||||||||
Corporation, Tobacco Settlement | ||||||||
Asset-Backed Bonds | 7.90 | 6/1/13 | 2,000,000 a | 2,331,760 | ||||
Golden State Tobacco | ||||||||
Securitization Corporation, | ||||||||
Tobacco Settlement | ||||||||
Asset-Backed Bonds | 5.00 | 6/1/33 | 5,775,000 | 4,213,324 | ||||
Golden State Tobacco | ||||||||
Securitization Corporation, | ||||||||
Tobacco Settlement | ||||||||
Asset-Backed Bonds | 5.75 | 6/1/47 | 7,050,000 | 5,285,667 | ||||
Colorado4.7% | ||||||||
Beacon Point Metropolitan | ||||||||
District, GO | 6.25 | 12/1/35 | 2,000,000 | 1,577,680 | ||||
Colorado Health Facilities | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue (American | ||||||||
Baptist Homes of the Midwest | ||||||||
Obligated Group) | 5.90 | 8/1/37 | 3,000,000 | 2,395,020 | ||||
Colorado Health Facilities | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue (Poudre | ||||||||
Hospital) (Insured; FSA) | 5.25 | 3/1/40 | 3,000,000 | 2,645,100 | ||||
Colorado Housing Finance Authority | ||||||||
(Single Family Program) | ||||||||
(Collateralized; FHA) | 6.60 | 8/1/32 | 1,565,000 | 1,620,088 |
8
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Colorado (continued) | ||||||||
Northwest Parkway Public Highway | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue | 7.13 | 6/15/11 | 10,550,000 a | 11,680,116 | ||||
Southlands Metropolitan District | ||||||||
Number 1, GO | 7.13 | 12/1/14 | 2,000,000 a | 2,357,460 | ||||
Florida3.6% | ||||||||
Florida Housing Finance | ||||||||
Corporation, Housing Revenue | ||||||||
(Nelson Park Apartments) | ||||||||
(Insured; FSA) | 6.40 | 3/1/40 | 12,380,000 | 12,379,133 | ||||
Jacksonville Economic Development | ||||||||
Commission, Health Care | ||||||||
Facilities Revenue | ||||||||
(Florida Proton Therapy | ||||||||
Institute Project) | 6.25 | 9/1/27 | 3,000,000 b | 2,722,110 | ||||
Orange County Health Facilities | ||||||||
Authority, HR (Orlando | ||||||||
Regional Healthcare System) | 6.00 | 10/1/09 | 45,000 a | 46,996 | ||||
Orange County Health Facilities | ||||||||
Authority, HR (Orlando | ||||||||
Regional Healthcare System) | 6.00 | 10/1/26 | 1,955,000 | 1,908,803 | ||||
Georgia2.4% | ||||||||
Brooks County Development | ||||||||
Authority, Senior Health and | ||||||||
Housing Facilities Revenue | ||||||||
(Presbyterian Home, Quitman, Inc.) | ||||||||
(Collateralized; GNMA) | 5.70 | 1/20/39 | 4,445,000 | 4,417,930 | ||||
Fulton County Development | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue (Georgia | ||||||||
Tech North Avenue Apartments | ||||||||
Project) (Insured; XLCA) | 5.00 | 6/1/32 | 2,500,000 | 2,298,275 | ||||
Milledgeville-Baldwin County | ||||||||
Development Authority, Revenue | ||||||||
(Georgia College and State | ||||||||
Foundation) | 6.00 | 9/1/13 | 2,090,000 | 2,326,985 | ||||
Milledgeville-Baldwin County | ||||||||
Development Authority, Revenue | ||||||||
(Georgia College and State | ||||||||
Foundation) | 6.00 | 9/1/14 | 2,000,000 a | 2,261,760 |
The Fund 9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued) |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Hawaii.4% | ||||||||
Hawaii Department of | ||||||||
Transportation, Special | ||||||||
Facility Revenue (Caterair | ||||||||
International Corporation) | 10.13 | 12/1/10 | 1,800,000 | 1,766,718 | ||||
Idaho1.0% | ||||||||
Power County Industrial | ||||||||
Development Corporation, SWDR | ||||||||
(FMC Corporation Project) | 6.45 | 8/1/32 | 5,000,000 | 4,677,250 | ||||
Illinois11.8% | ||||||||
Chicago | ||||||||
(Insured; FGIC) | 6.13 | 7/1/10 | 14,565,000 a | 15,586,735 | ||||
Chicago, | ||||||||
SFMR (Collateralized: FHLMC, | ||||||||
FNMA and GNMA) | 6.55 | 4/1/33 | 2,240,000 | 2,266,342 | ||||
Chicago, | ||||||||
Wastewater Transmission | ||||||||
Revenue (Insured; MBIA, Inc.) | 6.00 | 1/1/10 | 3,000,000 a | 3,160,140 | ||||
Chicago OHare International | ||||||||
Airport, Special Facility | ||||||||
Revenue (American | ||||||||
Airlines, Inc. Project) | 5.50 | 12/1/30 | 5,000,000 | 2,560,500 | ||||
Illinois Educational Facilities | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue | ||||||||
(Northwestern University) | 5.00 | 12/1/38 | 8,000,000 | 7,446,960 | ||||
Illinois Finance Authority, | ||||||||
Revenue (Edward Hospital | ||||||||
Obligated Group) (Insured; AMBAC) | 5.50 | 2/1/40 | 3,500,000 | 3,131,940 | ||||
Illinois Health Facilities | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue (Advocate | ||||||||
Health Care Network) | 6.13 | 11/15/10 | 4,020,000 a | 4,304,938 | ||||
Illinois Health Facilities | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue (OSF | ||||||||
Healthcare System) | 6.25 | 11/15/09 | 7,730,000 a | 8,124,075 | ||||
Illinois Health Facilities | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue (Swedish | ||||||||
American Hospital) | 6.88 | 5/15/10 | 4,950,000 a | 5,275,760 | ||||
Metropolitan Pier and Exposition | ||||||||
Authority, State Tax Revenue | ||||||||
(McCormick Place Expansion | ||||||||
Project) (Insured; MBIA, Inc.) | 5.25 | 6/15/42 | 5,325,000 | 5,151,458 |
10
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Indiana2.3% | ||||||||
Franklin Township School Building | ||||||||
Corporation, First Mortgage Bonds | 6.13 | 7/15/10 | 6,500,000 a | 7,028,710 | ||||
Petersburg, | ||||||||
SWDR (Indianapolis Power and | ||||||||
Light Company Project) | 6.38 | 11/1/29 | 4,150,000 | 3,891,995 | ||||
Kansas5.5% | ||||||||
Kansas Development Finance | ||||||||
Authority, Health Facilities | ||||||||
Revenue (Sisters of Charity of | ||||||||
Leavenworth Health Services | ||||||||
Corporation) | 6.25 | 12/1/28 | 3,000,000 | 3,023,010 | ||||
Sedgwick and Shawnee Counties, | ||||||||
SFMR (Mortgage-Backed | ||||||||
Securities Program) | ||||||||
(Collateralized: FNMA and GNMA) | 6.30 | 12/1/32 | 3,705,000 | 3,739,419 | ||||
Sedgwick and Shawnee Counties, | ||||||||
SFMR (Mortgage-Backed | ||||||||
Securities Program) | ||||||||
(Collateralized: FNMA and GNMA) | 6.45 | 12/1/33 | 7,470,000 | 7,502,270 | ||||
Sedgwick and Shawnee Counties, | ||||||||
SFMR (Mortgage-Backed | ||||||||
Securities Program) | ||||||||
(Collateralized: FNMA and GNMA) | 5.70 | 12/1/35 | 2,005,000 | 2,032,930 | ||||
Wichita, | ||||||||
Hospital Facilities | ||||||||
Improvement Revenue (Via | ||||||||
Christi Health System, Inc.) | 6.25 | 11/15/24 | 10,000,000 | 10,001,900 | ||||
Kentucky.8% | ||||||||
Kentucky Area Development | ||||||||
Districts Financing Trust, COP | ||||||||
(Lease Acquisition Program) | 5.50 | 5/1/27 | 2,000,000 | 1,841,900 | ||||
Louisville/Jefferson County Metro | ||||||||
Government, Health Facilities | ||||||||
Revenue (Jewish Hospital | ||||||||
and Saint Marys | ||||||||
Healthcare, Inc. Project) | 6.13 | 2/1/37 | 2,000,000 | 1,944,820 | ||||
Louisiana1.8% | ||||||||
Lakeshore Villages Master | ||||||||
Community Development District, | ||||||||
Special Assessment Revenue | 5.25 | 7/1/17 | 2,979,000 | 2,592,385 |
The Fund 11
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued) |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Louisiana (continued) | ||||||||
Louisiana Local Government | ||||||||
Environmental Facilities and | ||||||||
Community Development | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue (Westlake | ||||||||
Chemical Corporation Projects) | 6.75 | 11/1/32 | 7,000,000 | 6,159,020 | ||||
Maine.6% | ||||||||
Maine Housing Authority, | ||||||||
Mortgage Purchase | 5.30 | 11/15/23 | 2,825,000 | 2,781,523 | ||||
Maryland2.0% | ||||||||
Maryland Community Development | ||||||||
Administration, Department of | ||||||||
Housing and Community | ||||||||
Development, Residential Revenue | 5.75 | 9/1/37 | 2,330,000 | 2,306,537 | ||||
Maryland Economic Development | ||||||||
Corporation, Senior Student | ||||||||
Housing Revenue (University of | ||||||||
Maryland, Baltimore Project) | 5.75 | 10/1/33 | 4,590,000 | 3,650,014 | ||||
Maryland Economic Development | ||||||||
Corporation, Student Housing | ||||||||
Revenue (University of | ||||||||
Maryland, College Park Project) | 6.50 | 6/1/13 | 3,000,000 a | 3,396,150 | ||||
Massachusetts1.6% | ||||||||
Massachusetts Health and Educational | ||||||||
Facilities Authority, Revenue | ||||||||
(Civic Investments Issue) | 9.00 | 12/15/12 | 1,700,000 a | 2,004,368 | ||||
Massachusetts Health and | ||||||||
Educational Facilities | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue (Partners | ||||||||
HealthCare System Issue) | 5.75 | 7/1/32 | 185,000 | 183,442 | ||||
Massachusetts Industrial Finance | ||||||||
Agency, RRR (Ogden | ||||||||
Haverhill Project) | 5.60 | 12/1/19 | 6,000,000 | 5,693,820 | ||||
Michigan7.5% | ||||||||
Charyl Stockwell Academy, | ||||||||
COP | 5.90 | 10/1/35 | 2,580,000 | 2,102,442 | ||||
Detroit School District, | ||||||||
School Building and Site | ||||||||
Improvement Bonds (GO | ||||||||
Unlimited Tax) (Insured; FGIC) | 5.00 | 5/1/28 | 6,930,000 | 6,446,632 |
12
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Michigan (continued) | ||||||||
Kent Hospital Finance Authority, | ||||||||
Revenue (Metropolitan | ||||||||
Hospital Project) | 6.00 | 7/1/35 | 5,930,000 | 5,121,089 | ||||
Kent Hospital Finance Authority, | ||||||||
Revenue (Metropolitan | ||||||||
Hospital Project) | 6.25 | 7/1/40 | 3,000,000 | 2,689,950 | ||||
Michigan Hospital Finance | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue (Ascension | ||||||||
Health Credit Group) | 6.13 | 11/15/09 | 5,000,000 a | 5,252,600 | ||||
Michigan Strategic Fund, | ||||||||
LOR (The Detroit Edison | ||||||||
Company Exempt Facilities | ||||||||
Project) (Insured; XLCA) | 5.25 | 12/15/32 | 3,000,000 | 2,510,310 | ||||
Michigan Strategic Fund, | ||||||||
SWDR (Genesee Power | ||||||||
Station Project) | 7.50 | 1/1/21 | 12,900,000 | 11,923,470 | ||||
Minnesota5.9% | ||||||||
Dakota County Community | ||||||||
Development Agency, SFMR | ||||||||
(Mortgage-Backed Securities | ||||||||
Program) (Collateralized: | ||||||||
FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA) | 5.15 | 12/1/38 | 2,423,296 | 2,265,321 | ||||
Dakota County Community | ||||||||
Development Agency, SFMR | ||||||||
(Mortgage-Backed Securities | ||||||||
Program) (Collateralized: | ||||||||
FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA) | 5.30 | 12/1/39 | 2,685,726 | 2,419,517 | ||||
Duluth Economic Development | ||||||||
Authority, Health Care | ||||||||
Facilities Revenue (Saint | ||||||||
Lukes Hospital) | 7.25 | 6/15/32 | 5,000,000 | 5,114,200 | ||||
North Oaks, | ||||||||
Senior Housing Revenue | ||||||||
(Presbyterian Homes of North | ||||||||
Oaks, Inc. Project) | 6.25 | 10/1/47 | 5,265,000 | 4,752,242 | ||||
Saint Paul Housing and | ||||||||
Redevelopment Authority, | ||||||||
Hospital Facility Revenue | ||||||||
(HealthEast Project) | 6.00 | 11/15/25 | 2,000,000 | 1,887,580 |
The Fund 13
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued) |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Minnesota (continued) | ||||||||
Saint Paul Housing and | ||||||||
Redevelopment Authority, | ||||||||
Hospital Facility Revenue | ||||||||
(HealthEast Project) | 6.00 | 11/15/30 | 5,500,000 | 5,173,025 | ||||
Saint Paul Housing and | ||||||||
Redevelopment Authority, | ||||||||
Hospital Facility Revenue | ||||||||
(HealthEast Project) | 6.00 | 11/15/35 | 2,000,000 | 1,853,980 | ||||
Winona, | ||||||||
Health Care Facilities Revenue | ||||||||
(Winona Health Obligated Group) | 6.00 | 7/1/26 | 5,000,000 | 4,819,800 | ||||
Mississippi4.6% | ||||||||
Claiborne County, | ||||||||
PCR (System Energy Resources, | ||||||||
Inc. Project) | 6.20 | 2/1/26 | 4,545,000 | 4,152,857 | ||||
Mississippi Business Finance | ||||||||
Corporation, PCR (System | ||||||||
Energy Resources, Inc. Project) | 5.88 | 4/1/22 | 14,310,000 | 13,211,851 | ||||
Warren County, | ||||||||
Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue | ||||||||
(International Paper | ||||||||
Company Projects) | 6.50 | 9/1/32 | 5,000,000 | 4,581,800 | ||||
Missouri3.1% | ||||||||
Missouri Development Finance | ||||||||
Board, Infrastructure | ||||||||
Facilities Revenue (Branson | ||||||||
Landing Project) | 5.38 | 12/1/27 | 2,000,000 | 1,746,300 | ||||
Missouri Development Finance | ||||||||
Board, Infrastructure | ||||||||
Facilities Revenue (Branson | ||||||||
Landing Project) | 5.50 | 12/1/32 | 4,500,000 | 3,917,880 | ||||
Missouri Development Finance | ||||||||
Board, Infrastructure Facilities | ||||||||
Revenue (Independence, | ||||||||
Crackerneck Creek Project) | 5.00 | 3/1/28 | 2,000,000 | 1,776,520 | ||||
Missouri Health and Educational | ||||||||
Facilities Authority, Health | ||||||||
Facilities Revenue (Saint | ||||||||
Anthonys Medical Center) | 6.25 | 12/1/10 | 6,750,000 a | 7,312,140 |
14
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Montana.3% | ||||||||
Montana Board of Housing, | ||||||||
SFMR | 6.45 | 6/1/29 | 1,200,000 | 1,220,328 | ||||
Nevada2.6% | ||||||||
Washoe County, | ||||||||
GO Convention Center | ||||||||
Revenue (Reno-Sparks | ||||||||
Convention and Visitors | ||||||||
Authority) (Insured; FSA) | 6.40 | 1/1/10 | 12,000,000 a | 12,572,280 | ||||
New Hampshire2.8% | ||||||||
New Hampshire Business Finance | ||||||||
Authority, PCR (Public Service | ||||||||
Company of New Hampshire) | ||||||||
(Insured; AMBAC) | 6.00 | 5/1/21 | 7,000,000 | 6,613,950 | ||||
New Hampshire Health and | ||||||||
Educational Facilities Authority, | ||||||||
Revenue (Exeter Project) | 6.00 | 10/1/24 | 1,000,000 | 1,002,560 | ||||
New Hampshire Health and | ||||||||
Educational Facilities Authority, | ||||||||
Revenue (Exeter Project) | 5.75 | 10/1/31 | 1,000,000 | 938,260 | ||||
New Hampshire Industrial | ||||||||
Development Authority, PCR | ||||||||
(Connecticut Light and Power | ||||||||
Company Project) | 5.90 | 11/1/16 | 5,000,000 | 5,059,900 | ||||
New Jersey3.5% | ||||||||
New Jersey Economic Development | ||||||||
Authority, Cigarette Tax Revenue | 5.75 | 6/15/34 | 5,500,000 | 4,686,440 | ||||
New Jersey Economic Development | ||||||||
Authority, School Facilities | ||||||||
Construction Revenue | ||||||||
(Insured; AMBAC) | 5.00 | 9/1/37 | 1,235,000 | 1,154,503 | ||||
New Jersey Higher Education | ||||||||
Student Assistance Authority, | ||||||||
Student Loan Revenue (Insured; | ||||||||
Assured Guaranty) | 6.13 | 6/1/30 | 5,000,000 | 4,645,800 | ||||
Tobacco Settlement Financing | ||||||||
Corporation of New Jersey, | ||||||||
Tobacco Settlement | ||||||||
Asset-Backed Bonds | 7.00 | 6/1/13 | 5,640,000 a | 6,437,552 |
The Fund 15
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued) |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
New Mexico1.3% | ||||||||
Farmington, | ||||||||
PCR (Tucson Electric Power | ||||||||
Company San Juan Project) | 6.95 | 10/1/20 | 4,000,000 | 4,008,760 | ||||
New Mexico Mortgage Finance | ||||||||
Authority, Single Family | ||||||||
Mortgage Program Revenue | ||||||||
(Collateralized: FHLMC, FNMA | ||||||||
and GNMA) | 7.00 | 9/1/31 | 1,070,000 | 1,078,378 | ||||
New Mexico Mortgage Finance | ||||||||
Authority, Single Family | ||||||||
Mortgage Program Revenue | ||||||||
(Collateralized: FHLMC, FNMA | ||||||||
and GNMA) | 6.15 | 7/1/35 | 1,260,000 | 1,290,668 | ||||
New York3.3% | ||||||||
New York City Industrial Development | ||||||||
Agency, Liberty Revenue (7 World | ||||||||
Trade Center Project) | 6.25 | 3/1/15 | 3,275,000 | 3,274,804 | ||||
New York City Industrial | ||||||||
Development Agency, Special | ||||||||
Facility Revenue (American | ||||||||
Airlines, Inc. John F. Kennedy | ||||||||
International Airport Project) | 8.00 | 8/1/28 | 2,800,000 | 2,436,364 | ||||
Tobacco Settlement Financing | ||||||||
Corporation of New York, | ||||||||
Asset-Backed Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
(State Contingency Contract | ||||||||
Secured) (Insured; AMBAC) | 5.25 | 6/1/21 | 5,000,000 | 4,963,100 | ||||
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue | 5.25 | 11/15/30 | 5,220,000 | 5,066,793 | ||||
North Carolina2.7% | ||||||||
North Carolina Housing Finance | ||||||||
Agency, Home Ownership Revenue | 5.88 | 7/1/31 | 3,445,000 | 3,229,412 | ||||
University of North Carolina Board | ||||||||
of Governors of the University | ||||||||
of North Carolina at Chapel | ||||||||
Hill, General Revenue | 5.00 | 12/1/34 | 10,000,000 | 9,563,600 | ||||
North Dakota.1% | ||||||||
North Dakota Housing Finance | ||||||||
Agency, Home Mortgage Revenue | ||||||||
(Housing Finance Program) | 6.15 | 7/1/31 | 410,000 | 416,187 |
16
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Ohio6.3% | ||||||||
Buckeye Tobacco Settlement | ||||||||
Financing Authority, Tobacco | ||||||||
Settlement Asset-Backed Bonds | 6.50 | 6/1/47 | 20,000,000 | 16,308,400 | ||||
Canal Winchester Local School | ||||||||
District, School Facilities | ||||||||
Construction and | ||||||||
Improvement and Advance | ||||||||
Refunding Bonds | ||||||||
(GOUnlimited Tax) | ||||||||
(Insured; MBIA, Inc.) | 0.00 | 12/1/29 | 3,955,000 c | 1,140,780 | ||||
Canal Winchester Local School | ||||||||
District, School Facilities | ||||||||
Construction and Improvement | ||||||||
and Advance Refunding | ||||||||
Bonds (GOUnlimited Tax) | ||||||||
(Insured; MBIA, Inc.) | 0.00 | 12/1/31 | 3,955,000 c | 1,006,192 | ||||
Cuyahoga County, | ||||||||
Revenue | 6.00 | 1/1/32 | 750,000 | 757,620 | ||||
Ohio, | ||||||||
SWDR (USG Corporation Project) | 5.60 | 8/1/32 | 7,555,000 | 5,109,673 | ||||
Port of Greater Cincinnati | ||||||||
Development Authority, Tax | ||||||||
Increment Development Revenue | ||||||||
(Fairfax Village Red Bank | ||||||||
Infrastructure Project) | 5.63 | 2/1/36 | 3,000,000 | 2,390,520 | ||||
Toledo Lucas County Port | ||||||||
Authority, Airport Revenue | ||||||||
(Baxter Global Project) | 6.25 | 11/1/13 | 3,500,000 | 3,324,580 | ||||
Oklahoma3.0% | ||||||||
Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, | ||||||||
SFMR (Homeownership Loan | ||||||||
Program) | 7.55 | 9/1/28 | 940,000 | 948,883 | ||||
Oklahoma Housing Finance | ||||||||
Agency, SFMR (Homeownership | ||||||||
Loan Program) (Collateralized: | ||||||||
FNMA and GNMA) | 7.55 | 9/1/27 | 655,000 | 666,102 | ||||
Oklahoma Industries Authority, | ||||||||
Health System Revenue | ||||||||
(Obligated Group) | ||||||||
(Insured; MBIA, Inc.) | 5.75 | 8/15/09 | 5,160,000 a | 5,360,105 |
The Fund 17
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued) |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Oklahoma (continued) | ||||||||
Oklahoma Industries Authority, | ||||||||
Health System Revenue (Obligated | ||||||||
Group) (Insured; MBIA, Inc.) | 5.75 | 8/15/09 | 7,070,000 a | 7,344,175 | ||||
Pennsylvania2.2% | ||||||||
Pennsylvania Economic Development | ||||||||
Financing Authority, Exempt | ||||||||
Facilities Revenue (Reliant | ||||||||
Energy Seward, LLC Project) | 6.75 | 12/1/36 | 2,500,000 | 2,202,075 | ||||
Pennsylvania Economic Development | ||||||||
Financing Authority, SWDR (USG | ||||||||
Corporation Project) | 6.00 | 6/1/31 | 8,310,000 | 6,461,025 | ||||
Philadelphia Authority for | ||||||||
Industrial Development, | ||||||||
Revenue (Please Touch | ||||||||
Museum Project) | 5.25 | 9/1/31 | 2,500,000 | 2,033,225 | ||||
South Carolina2.0% | ||||||||
Greenville County School District, | ||||||||
Installment Purchase Revenue | ||||||||
(Building Equity Sooner for | ||||||||
Tomorrow) | 5.50 | 12/1/12 | 8,825,000 a | 9,658,609 | ||||
Tennessee5.3% | ||||||||
Johnson City Health and | ||||||||
Educational Facilities Board, | ||||||||
Hospital First Mortgage | ||||||||
Revenue (Mountain States | ||||||||
Health Alliance) | 7.50 | 7/1/12 | 5,000,000 a | 5,849,300 | ||||
Johnson City Health and | ||||||||
Educational Facilities Board, | ||||||||
Hospital First Mortgage | ||||||||
Revenue (Mountain States | ||||||||
Health Alliance) | 7.50 | 7/1/12 | 3,000,000 a | 3,509,580 | ||||
Knox County Health, Educational | ||||||||
and Housing Facility Board, | ||||||||
Revenue (University Health | ||||||||
System, Inc.) | 5.25 | 4/1/36 | 9,300,000 | 7,778,055 | ||||
Memphis Center City Revenue | ||||||||
Finance Corporation, Sports Facility | ||||||||
Revenue (Memphis Redbirds | ||||||||
Baseball Foundation Project) | 6.50 | 9/1/28 | 10,000,000 | 8,093,500 |
18
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Texas21.0% | ||||||||
Austin Convention Enterprises | ||||||||
Inc., Convention Center Hotel | ||||||||
First Tier Revenue | 6.70 | 1/1/11 | 4,000,000 a | 4,332,120 | ||||
Austin Convention Enterprises, Inc., | ||||||||
Convention Center Hotel | ||||||||
Second Tier Revenue | 5.75 | 1/1/34 | 3,000,000 | 2,462,670 | ||||
Brazos River Authority, | ||||||||
PCR (TXU Electric Company | ||||||||
Project) | 8.25 | 5/1/33 | 7,000,000 | 6,770,960 | ||||
Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, | ||||||||
Dallas/Fort Worth | ||||||||
International Airport, | ||||||||
Facility Improvement | ||||||||
Corporation Revenue | ||||||||
(American Airlines, Inc.) | 6.38 | 5/1/35 | 10,630,000 | 5,523,561 | ||||
Cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, | ||||||||
Dallas/Fort Worth | ||||||||
International Airport, Joint | ||||||||
Revenue (Insured; MBIA, Inc.) | 6.25 | 11/1/28 | 3,000,000 | 2,888,700 | ||||
Gulf Coast Industrial Development | ||||||||
Authority, Environmental | ||||||||
Facilities Revenue (Microgy | ||||||||
Holdings Project) | 7.00 | 12/1/36 | 6,000,000 | 4,702,500 | ||||
Harris County Health Facilities | ||||||||
Development Corporation, HR | ||||||||
(Memorial Hermann | ||||||||
Healthcare System) | 6.38 | 6/1/11 | 8,500,000 a | 9,283,020 | ||||
Houston, | ||||||||
Airport System Special | ||||||||
Facilities Revenue | ||||||||
(Continental Airlines, Inc. | ||||||||
Terminal E Project) | 6.75 | 7/1/29 | 5,125,000 | 4,175,747 | ||||
Houston, | ||||||||
Airport System Special | ||||||||
Facilities Revenue | ||||||||
(Continental Airlines, Inc. | ||||||||
Terminal E Project) | 7.00 | 7/1/29 | 3,800,000 | 3,186,756 | ||||
North Texas Tollway Authority, | ||||||||
First Tier System Revenue | 5.75 | 1/1/40 | 20,000,000 | 18,477,400 |
The Fund |
19
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued) |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Texas (continued) | ||||||||
North Texas Tollway Authority, | ||||||||
Second Tier System Revenue | 5.75 | 1/1/38 | 5,500,000 | 4,982,340 | ||||
Sabine River Authority, | ||||||||
PCR (TXU Electric Company | ||||||||
Project) | 6.45 | 6/1/21 | 11,300,000 | 9,331,653 | ||||
Sam Rayburn Municipal Power | ||||||||
Agency, Power Supply System | ||||||||
Revenue | 5.75 | 10/1/21 | 6,000,000 | 5,740,740 | ||||
Texas Affordable Housing | ||||||||
Corporation, SFMR | ||||||||
(Collateralized: FHLMC, FNMA | ||||||||
and GNMA) | 5.85 | 4/1/41 | 6,975,000 | 6,705,765 | ||||
Texas Department of Housing and | ||||||||
Community Affairs, Home | ||||||||
Mortgage Revenue (Collateralized: | ||||||||
FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA) | 10.48 | 7/2/24 | 850,000 d | 891,846 | ||||
Texas Turnpike Authority, | ||||||||
Central Texas Turnpike System | ||||||||
Revenue (Insured; AMBAC) | 5.75 | 8/15/38 | 7,100,000 | 6,911,850 | ||||
Tyler Health Facilities | ||||||||
Development Corporation, HR, | ||||||||
Refunding and Improvement | ||||||||
Bonds (East Texas Medical | ||||||||
Center Regional Healthcare | ||||||||
System Project) | 5.25 | 11/1/32 | 5,500,000 | 4,397,580 | ||||
Vermont.2% | ||||||||
Vermont Housing Finance Agency, | ||||||||
SFHR (Insured; FSA) | 6.40 | 11/1/30 | 755,000 | 761,312 | ||||
Virginia2.4% | ||||||||
Greater Richmond Convention Center | ||||||||
Authority, Hotel Tax Revenue | ||||||||
(Convention Center | ||||||||
Expansion Project) | 6.25 | 6/15/10 | 10,500,000 a | 11,233,425 | ||||
Pittsylvania County Industrial | ||||||||
Development Authority, Exempt | ||||||||
Facility Revenue (Multitrade of | ||||||||
Pittsylvania County, L.P. Project) | 7.65 | 1/1/10 | 400,000 | 412,228 | ||||
Washington4.8% | ||||||||
Seattle, | ||||||||
Water System Revenue | ||||||||
(Insured; FGIC) | 6.00 | 7/1/09 | 10,000,000 a | 10,376,700 |
20
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Washington (continued) | ||||||||
Washington Health Care Facilities | ||||||||
Authority, Mortgage Revenue | ||||||||
(Highline Medical Center) | ||||||||
(Collateralized; FHA) | 6.25 | 8/1/36 | 6,000,000 | 6,021,240 | ||||
Washington Health Care Facilities | ||||||||
Authority, Revenue (Kadlec | ||||||||
Medical Center) (Insured; | ||||||||
Assured Guaranty) | 5.00 | 12/1/30 | 930,000 | 834,554 | ||||
Washington Higher Education | ||||||||
Facilities Authority, Revenue | ||||||||
(Seattle University Project) | ||||||||
(Insured; AMBAC) | 5.25 | 11/1/37 | 5,960,000 | 5,629,280 | ||||
West Virginia1.4% | ||||||||
The County Commission of Pleasants | ||||||||
County, PCR (Allegheny Energy | ||||||||
Supply Company, LLC Pleasants | ||||||||
Station Project) | 5.25 | 10/15/37 | 5,000,000 | 4,286,400 | ||||
West Virginia Water Development | ||||||||
Authority, Water Development | ||||||||
Revenue (Insured; AMBAC) | 6.38 | 7/1/39 | 2,250,000 | 2,250,540 | ||||
Wisconsin8.6% | ||||||||
Badger Tobacco Asset | ||||||||
Securitization Corporation, | ||||||||
Tobacco Settlement | ||||||||
Asset-Backed Bonds | 6.13 | 6/1/27 | 10,915,000 | 10,982,455 | ||||
Badger Tobacco Asset | ||||||||
Securitization Corporation, | ||||||||
Tobacco Settlement | ||||||||
Asset-Backed Bonds | 7.00 | 6/1/28 | 22,995,000 | 23,731,990 | ||||
Madison, | ||||||||
IDR (Madison Gas and Electric | ||||||||
Company Projects) | 5.88 | 10/1/34 | 2,390,000 | 2,282,331 | ||||
Wisconsin Health and Educational | ||||||||
Facilities Authority, Revenue | ||||||||
(Aurora Health Care, Inc.) | 6.40 | 4/15/33 | 4,000,000 | 3,935,720 | ||||
Wyoming1.7% | ||||||||
Sweetwater County, | ||||||||
SWDR (FMC Corporation Project) | 5.60 | 12/1/35 | 4,500,000 | 3,712,545 | ||||
Wyoming Municipal Power Agency, | ||||||||
Power Supply System Revenue | 5.50 | 1/1/33 | 2,360,000 | 2,192,936 |
The Fund 21
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued) |
Long-Term Municipal | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | |||||
Investments (continued) | Rate (%) | Date | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Wyoming (continued) | ||||||||
Wyoming Municipal Power Agency, | ||||||||
Power Supply System Revenue | 5.38 | 1/1/42 | 2,750,000 | 2,442,358 | ||||
U.S. Related1.5% | ||||||||
Guam Housing Corporation, | ||||||||
SFMR (Guaranteed | ||||||||
Mortgage-Backed Securities | ||||||||
Program) (Collateralized; FHLMC) | 5.75 | 9/1/31 | 965,000 | 895,520 | ||||
Puerto Rico Highways and | ||||||||
Transportation Authority, | ||||||||
Transportation Revenue | 6.00 | 7/1/10 | 6,000,000 a | 6,386,760 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Total Investments (cost $766,683,224) | 151.9% | 726,769,888 | ||||||
Cash and Receivables (Net) | 7.7% | 36,816,584 | ||||||
Preferred Stock, at redemption value | (59.6%) | (285,000,000) | ||||||
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders | 100.0% | 478,586,472 |
a These securities are prerefunded; the date shown represents the prerefunded date. Bonds which are prerefunded are |
collateralized by U.S. Government securities which are held in escrow and are used to pay principal and interest on |
the municipal issue and to retire the bonds in full at the earliest refunding date. |
b Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933.This security may be resold in |
transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At September 30, 2008, this security |
amounted to $2,722,110 or .6% of net assets applicable to Common Shareholders. |
c Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through the accretion of discount. |
d Inverse floater securitythe interest rate is subject to change periodically. |
22
Summary of Abbreviations | ||||||
ABAG | Association of Bay Area Governments | ACA | American Capital Access | |||
AGC | ACE Guaranty Corporation | AGIC | Asset Guaranty Insurance Company | |||
AMBAC | American Municipal Bond | |||||
Assurance Corporation | ARRN | Adjustable Rate Receipt Notes | ||||
BAN | Bond Anticipation Notes | BIGI | Bond Investors Guaranty Insurance | |||
BPA | Bond Purchase Agreement | CGIC | Capital Guaranty Insurance Company | |||
CIC | Continental Insurance Company | CIFG | CDC Ixis Financial Guaranty | |||
CMAC | Capital Market Assurance Corporation | COP | Certificate of Participation | |||
CP | Commercial Paper | EDR | Economic Development Revenue | |||
EIR | Environmental Improvement Revenue | FGIC | Financial Guaranty Insurance | |||
Company | ||||||
FHA | Federal Housing Administration | FHLB | Federal Home Loan Bank | |||
FHLMC | Federal Home Loan Mortgage | FNMA | Federal National | |||
Corporation | Mortgage Association | |||||
FSA | Financial Security Assurance | GAN | Grant Anticipation Notes | |||
GIC | Guaranteed Investment Contract | GNMA | Government National | |||
Mortgage Association | ||||||
GO | General Obligation | HR | Hospital Revenue | |||
IDB | Industrial Development Board | IDC | Industrial Development Corporation | |||
IDR | Industrial Development Revenue | LOC | Letter of Credit | |||
LOR | Limited Obligation Revenue | LR | Lease Revenue | |||
MFHR | Multi-Family Housing Revenue | MFMR | Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue | |||
PCR | Pollution Control Revenue | PILOT | Payment in Lieu of Taxes | |||
RAC | Revenue Anticipation Certificates | RAN | Revenue Anticipation Notes | |||
RAW | Revenue Anticipation Warrants | RRR | Resources Recovery Revenue | |||
SAAN | State Aid Anticipation Notes | SBPA | Standby Bond Purchase Agreement | |||
SFHR | Single Family Housing Revenue | SFMR | Single Family Mortgage Revenue | |||
SONYMA | State of New York Mortgage Agency | SWDR | Solid Waste Disposal Revenue | |||
TAN | Tax Anticipation Notes | TAW | Tax Anticipation Warrants | |||
TRAN | Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes | XLCA | XL Capital Assurance |
The Fund 23
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (continued) |
Summary of Combined Ratings (Unaudited) | ||||||||||
Fitch | or | Moodys | or | Standard & Poors | Value (%) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
AAA | Aaa | AAA | 32.0 | |||||||
AA | Aa | AA | 9.8 | |||||||
A | A | A | 15.3 | |||||||
BBB | Baa | BBB | 24.9 | |||||||
BB | Ba | BB | 4.0 | |||||||
B | B | B | 4.4 | |||||||
CCC | Caa | CCC | 1.1 | |||||||
Not Rated e | Not Rated e | Not Rated e | 8.5 | |||||||
100.0 |
24
| Based on total investments. | |
e | Securities which, while not rated by Fitch, Moodys and Standard & Poors, have been determined by the Manager to | |
be of comparable quality to those rated securities in which the fund may invest. | ||
See notes to financial statements. |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2008 |
Cost | Value | |||
|
|
|
||
Assets ($): | ||||
Investments in securitiesSee Statement of Investments | 766,683,224 | 726,769,888 | ||
Receivable for investment securities sold | 48,885,293 | |||
Interest receivable | 14,091,763 | |||
Prepaid expenses | 25,027 | |||
789,771,971 | ||||
|
|
|
||
Liabilities ($): | ||||
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliatesNote 3(b) | 481,038 | |||
Cash overdraft due to Custodian | 2,966,456 | |||
Payable for investment securities purchased | 22,299,399 | |||
Dividends payable to Preferred Shareholders | 251,614 | |||
Commissions payable | 23,174 | |||
Accrued expenses | 163,818 | |||
26,185,499 | ||||
|
|
|
||
Auction Preferred Stock, Series M,T,W,Th and F, | ||||
par value $.001 per share (11,400 shares issued and | ||||
outstanding at $25,000 per share liquidation preference)Note 1 | 285,000,000 | |||
|
|
|||
Net Assets applicable to Common Shareholders ($) | 478,586,472 | |||
|
|
|
||
Composition of Net Assets ($): | ||||
Common Stock, par value, $.001 per share | ||||
(60,766,921 shares issued and outstanding) | 60,767 | |||
Paid-in capital | 572,970,948 | |||
Accumulated undistributed investment incomenet | 1,384,427 | |||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | (55,916,334) | |||
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | ||||
(depreciation) on investments | (39,913,336) | |||
|
|
|
||
Net Assets applicable to Common Shareholders ($) | 478,586,472 | |||
|
|
|
||
Shares Outstanding | ||||
(500 million shares authorized) | 60,766,921 | |||
Net Asset Value, per share of Common Stock ($) | 7.88 |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 25
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2008 |
Investment Income ($): | ||
Interest Income | 48,853,252 | |
Expenses: | ||
Management feeNote 3(a) | 6,113,690 | |
Interest and expense related to | ||
floating rate notes issuedNote 4 | 891,366 | |
Commission feesNote 1 | 759,731 | |
Custodian feesNote 3(b) | 120,519 | |
Professional fees | 100,339 | |
Shareholder servicing costsNote 3(b) | 94,289 | |
Shareholders reports | 74,775 | |
Registration fees | 67,250 | |
Directors fees and expensesNote 3(c) | 59,653 | |
Interest expenseNote 2 | 2,224 | |
Miscellaneous | 83,276 | |
Total Expenses | 8,367,112 | |
Lessreduction in management fee | ||
due to undertakingNote 3(a) | (815,159) | |
Lessreduction in fees due to | ||
earnings creditsNote 1(b) | (12,711) | |
Net Expenses | 7,539,242 | |
Investment IncomeNet | 41,314,010 | |
|
|
|
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on InvestmentsNote 4 ($): | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | (8,756,448) | |
Net realized gain (loss) on financial futures | 229,263 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | (8,527,185) | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | (67,515,841) | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | (76,043,026) | |
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (10,069,467) | |
Net (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | (44,798,483) |
See notes to financial statements. |
26
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Year Ended September 30, | ||||
|
||||
2008 | 2007 | |||
|
|
|
||
Operations ($): | ||||
Investment incomenet | 41,314,010 | 41,967,516 | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | (8,527,185) | 5,886,541 | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | ||||
(depreciation) on investments | (67,515,841) | (28,062,142) | ||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (10,069,467) | (10,268,700) | ||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | ||||
Resulting from Operations | (44,798,483) | 9,523,215 | ||
|
|
|
||
Dividends to Common Shareholders from ($): | ||||
Investment incomenet | (30,611,039) | (30,564,302) | ||
|
|
|
||
Capital Stock Transactions ($): | ||||
Dividends reinvested | 397,727 | 1,248,316 | ||
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (75,011,795) | (19,792,771) | ||
|
|
|
||
Net Assets ($): | ||||
Beginning of Period | 553,598,267 | 573,391,038 | ||
End of Period | 478,586,472 | 553,598,267 | ||
Undistributed investment incomenet | 1,384,427 | 826,560 | ||
|
|
|
||
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): | ||||
Increase in Shares Outstanding as a | ||||
Result of Dividends Reinvested | 46,087 | 132,203 |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 27
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
The following table describes the performance for the fiscal periods indicated.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and dis-tributions.These figures have been derived from the funds financial statements, and with respect to common stock, market price data for the funds common shares.
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 9.12 | 9.46 | 9.38 | 9.18 | 9.14 | |||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||
Investment incomenet a | .68 | .69 | .66 | .66 | .63 | |||||
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | (1.25) | (.36) | .09 | .21 | .12 | |||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | ||||||||||
from investment incomenet | (.17) | (.17) | (.15) | (.10) | (.06) | |||||
Total from Investment Operations | (.74) | .16 | .60 | .77 | .69 | |||||
Distributions to Common Shareholders: | ||||||||||
Dividends from investment incomenet | (.50) | (.50) | (.52) | (.57) | (.65) | |||||
Net asset value, end of period | 7.88 | 9.12 | 9.46 | 9.38 | 9.18 | |||||
Market value, end of period | 6.75 | 8.74 | 9.18 | 8.87 | 8.86 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Return (%) b | (18.00) | .46 | 9.74 | 6.87 | 1.55 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses to average | ||||||||||
net assets applicable to Common Stock c | 1.58 | 1.63 | 1.55 | 1.47 | 1.43 | |||||
Ratio of net expenses to average | ||||||||||
net assets applicable to Common Stock c | 1.42 | 1.48 | 1.40 | 1.33 | 1.43 | |||||
Ratio of net investment income to average | ||||||||||
net assets applicable to Common Stock c | 7.79 | 7.38 | 7.15 | 7.03 | 6.97 | |||||
Ratio of total expenses to | ||||||||||
total average net assets | 1.03 | 1.09 | 1.03 | .98 | .94 | |||||
Ratio of net expenses to | ||||||||||
total average net assets | .92 | .99 | .93 | .89 | .94 | |||||
Ratio of net investment income | ||||||||||
to total average net assets | 5.07 | 4.92 | 4.75 | 4.67 | 4.59 | |||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 48.60 | 34.75 | 31.44 | 27.96 | 27.31 | |||||
Asset coverage of Preferred Stock, | ||||||||||
end of period | 268 | 294 | 301 | 299 | 295 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Assets, net of Preferred Stock, | ||||||||||
end of period ($ x 1,000) | 478,586 | 553,598 | 573,391 | 568,264 | 556,235 | |||||
Preferred Stock outstanding, | ||||||||||
end of period ($ x 1,000) | 285,000 | 285,000 | 285,000 | 285,000 | 285,000 |
a | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. | |
b | Calculated based on market value. | |
c | Does not reflect the effect of dividends to Preferred Stockholders. | |
See notes to financial statements. |
28
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus Strategic Municipals, Inc. (the fund) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Act), as a diversified closed-end management investment company.The funds investment objective is to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital. The Dreyfus Corporation (the Manager or Dreyfus), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon), serves as the funds investment advisor. The funds Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol LEO.
Effective July 1, 2008, BNY Mellon has reorganized and consolidated a number of its banking and trust company subsidiaries. As a result of the reorganization, any services previously provided to the fund by Mellon Bank, N.A. or Mellon Trust of New England, N.A. are now provided by The Bank of New York, which has changed its name to The Bank of New York Mellon.
The fund has outstanding 2,280 shares of Series M, Series T, Series W, Series TH and Series F for a total of 11,400 shares of Auction Preferred Stock (APS), with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share (plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends upon liquidation). APS dividend rates are determined pursuant to periodic auctions. Deutsche Bank Trust Company America, as Auction Agent, receives a fee from the fund for its services in connection with such auctions. The fund also compensates broker-dealers generally at an annual rate of .25% of the purchase price of the shares of APS.
The fund is subject to certain restrictions relating to the APS. Failure to comply with these restrictions could preclude the fund from declaring any distributions to common shareholders or repurchasing common shares and/or could trigger the mandatory redemption of APS at liquidation value.
The holders of the APS, voting as a separate class, have the right to elect at least two directors.The holders of the APS will vote as a sep-
The Fund 29
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
arate class on certain other matters, as required by law. The fund has designated Robin A. Melvin and John E. Zuccotti as directors to be elected by the holders of APS.
The funds financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown.The fund does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.
(a) Portfolio valuation: Investments in municipal debt securities are valued on the last business day of each week and month by an independent pricing service (the Service). Investments for which quoted bid prices are readily available and are representative of the bid side of the market in the judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for such securities). Other investments (which constitute a majority of the portfolio securities) are carried at fair value as determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration of: yields or prices of municipal securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. Options and financial futures on municipal and U.S.Treasury securities are valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange on which such securities are primarily traded or at the last sales price on the national securities market on the last business day of each week and month.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 Fair Value Measurements (FAS 157). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements.The application of FAS
30
157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management does not believe that the application of this standard will have a material impact on the financial statements of the fund.
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest income, adjusted for accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is earned from settlement date and recognized on the accrual basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date.
The fund has an arrangement with the custodian bank whereby the fund receives earnings credits from the custodian when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
(c) Dividends to shareholders of Common Stock (Common Shareholders(s)): Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from investment income-net are declared and paid monthly. Dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
For Common Shareholders who elect to receive their distributions in additional shares of the fund, in lieu of cash, such distributions will be reinvested at the lower of the market price or net asset value per share (but not less than 95% of the market price) as defined in the dividend reinvestment and cash purchase plan.
The Fund 31
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
On September 29, 2008, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $.042 per share from investment income-net, payable on October 31, 2008 to Common Shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 14, 2008.
(d) Dividends to shareholders of APS: Dividends, which are cumulative, are generally reset every 7 days for each Series of APS pursuant to a process specified in related fund charter documents. Dividend rates as of September 30, 2008 for each Series of APS were as follows: Series M-8.50%, Series T-12.57%, Series W-12.26%, Series TH-11.73% and Series F-10.21% . These rates reflect the maximum rates under the governing instruments as a result of failed auctions in which sufficient clearing bids are not received.
(e) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, which can distribute tax exempt dividends, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code and to make distributions of income and net realized capital gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
The fund adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the funds tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are more-likely-than-not of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Liability for tax positions not deemed to meet the more likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current year.The adoption of FIN 48 had no impact on the operations of the fund for the period ended September 30, 2008.
As of and during the period ended September 30, 2008, the fund did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax positions. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
32
Each of the tax years in the four-year period ended September 30, 2008 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
At September 30, 2008, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows: undistributed tax exempt income $2,119,003, accumulated capital losses $47,105,572 and unrealized depreciation $39,702,399. In addition, the fund had $9,021,699 of capital losses realized after October 31, 2007, which were deferred for tax purposes to the first day of the following fiscal year.
The accumulated capital loss carryover is available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to September 30, 2008. If not applied, $19,582,677 of the carryover expires in fiscal 2011, $27,258,106 expires in fiscal 2012 and $264,789 expires in fiscal 2016.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal periods ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 were as follows: tax exempt income $40,680,506 and $40,833,002, respectively.
During the period ended September 30, 2008, as a result of permanent book to tax differences, primarily due to the tax treatment for amortization adjustments, the fund decreased accumulated undistributed investment income-net by $75,637, increased net realized gain (loss) on investments by $64,714 and increased paid-in capital by $10,923. Net assets and net asset value per share were not affected by this reclassification.
NOTE 2Bank Lines of Credit: |
Prior to May 1, 2008, the fund participated with other Dreyfus managed funds in a $100 million unsecured line of credit primarily to be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes including the financing of redemptions. Effective May 1, 2008, the fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $300 million unsecured lines of credit.The
The Fund 33
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
terms of the line of credit agreement limit the amount of individual fund borrowings. Interest is charged to the fund based on prevailing market rates in effect at the time of borrowing. Effective October 15, 2008, the $300 million unsecured line of credit was terminated.
The average daily amount of borrowings outstanding under the lines of credit during the period ended September 30, 2008, was $50,000, with a related weighted average annualized interest rate of 3.81% .
NOTE 3Management Fee and Other Transactions With Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to a management agreement (Agreement) with the Manager, the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .75% of the value of the funds average weekly net assets, inclusive of the outstanding auction preferred stock, and is payable monthly. The Agreement provides for an expense reimbursement from the Manager should the funds aggregate expenses, exclusive of taxes, interest on borrowings, brokerage and extraordinary expenses, in any full fiscal year exceed the lesser of (1) the expense limitation of any state having jurisdiction over the fund or (2) 2% of the first $10 million, 1 1 / 2 % of the next $20 million and 1% of the excess over $30 million of the average value of the funds net assets. The fund has currently undertaken for the period from October 1, 2007 through October 31, 2009, to waive receipt of a portion of the funds management fee, in the amount of .10% of the value of the funds average weekly net assets (including net assets representing auction preferred stock outstanding).The reduction in management fee, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $815,159 during the period ended September 30, 2008.
(b) The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus, under a custody agreement for providing custodial services to the fund. During the period ended September 30, 2008, the fund was charged $120,519 pursuant to the custody agreement.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a transfer agency agreement for providing personnel and facilities to perform
34
transfer agency services for the fund. During the period ended September 30, 2008, the fund was charged $94,289 pursuant to the transfer agency agreement.
During the period ended September 30, 2008, the fund was charged $5,907 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer.
The components of Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: management fees $485,485, custodian fees $27,061, transfer agency per account fees $31,726 and chief compliance officer fees $1,497, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $64,731.
(c) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
NOTE 4Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended September 30, 2008, amounted to $395,624,695 and $425,419,089, respectively.
The fund may participate in secondary inverse floater structures in which fixed-rate, tax-exempt municipal bonds purchased by the fund are transferred to a trust. The trust subsequently issues two or more variable rate securities that are collateralized by the cash flows of the fixed-rate, tax-exempt municipal bonds. One or more of these variable rate securities pays interest based on a short-term floating rate set by a remarketing agent at predetermined intervals. A residual interest tax-exempt security is also created by the trust, which is transferred to the fund, and is paid interest based on the remaining cash flow of the trust, after payment of interest on the other securities and various expenses of the trust.
The fund accounts for the transfer of bonds to the trusts as secured borrowings, with the securities transferred remaining in the funds investments, and the related floating rate certificate securities reflected
The Fund 35
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) |
as fund liabilities under the caption, Payable for floating rate notes issued in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. At September 30, 2008, there were no floating rate notes outstanding.
The fund may invest in financial futures contracts in order to gain exposure to or protect against changes in the market.The fund is exposed to market risk as a result of changes in the value of the underlying financial instruments. Investments in financial futures require the fund to mark to market on a daily basis, which reflects the change in the market value of the contracts at the close of each days trading.Typically, variation margin payments are received or made to reflect daily unrealized gains or losses. When the contracts are closed, the fund recognizes a realized gain or loss.These investments require initial margin deposits with a custodian, which consist of cash or cash equivalents.The amount of these deposits is determined by the exchange or Board of Trade on which the contract is traded and is subject to change.At September 30, 2008, there were no open financial futures contracts outstanding.
At September 30, 2008, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $766,472,287; accordingly, accumulated net unrealized depreciation on investments was $39,702,399, consisting of $17,346,837 gross unrealized appreciation and $57,049,236 gross unrealized depreciation.
In March 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (FAS 161). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments and disclosures about credit risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements.The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 161 and its impact on the financial statements and the accompanying notes has not yet been determined.
36
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED |
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
Shareholders and Board of Directors |
Dreyfus Strategic Municipals, Inc. |
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Dreyfus Strategic Municipals, Inc., including the statement of investments, as of September 30, 2008, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and financial highlights for each of the years indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement.We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Funds internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2008 by correspondence with the custodian and others.We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dreyfus Strategic Municipals, Inc. at September 30, 2008, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the indicated years, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
New York, New York |
November 21, 2008 |
The Fund 37
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan
Under the funds Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the Plan), a holder of Common Stock who has fund shares registered in his name will have all dividends and distributions reinvested automatically by The Bank of New York, as Plan agent (the Agent), in additional shares of the fund at the lower of prevailing market price or net asset value (but not less than 95% of market value at the time of valuation) unless such shareholder elects to receive cash as provided below. If market price is equal to or exceeds net asset value, shares will be issued at net asset value. If net asset value exceeds market price or if a cash dividend only is declared, the Agent, as agent for the Plan participants, will buy fund shares in the open market. A Plan participant is not relieved of any income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions.
A Common Shareholder who owns fund shares registered in nominee name through his broker/dealer (i.e., in street name) may not participate in the Plan, but may elect to have cash dividends and distributions reinvested by his broker/dealer in additional shares of the fund if such service is provided by the broker/dealer; otherwise such dividends and distributions will be treated like any other cash dividend.
A Common Shareholder who has fund shares registered in his name may elect to withdraw from the Plan at any time for a $2.50 fee and thereby elect to receive cash in lieu of shares of the fund. Changes in elections must be in writing, sent to The Bank of New York, Dividend Reinvestment Department, P.O. Box 1958, Newark, New Jersey 07101-9774, should include the shareholders name and address as they appear on the Agents records and will be effective only if received more than fifteen days prior to the record date for any distribution.
A Plan participant who has fund shares in his name has the option of making additional cash payments to the Agent, semi-annually, in any amount from $1,000 to $10,000, for investment in the funds shares in the open market on or about January 15 and July 15. Any voluntary cash payments received more than 30 days prior to these dates will be returned by the Agent, and interest will not be paid on any uninvested cash payments. A participant may withdraw a voluntary cash payment
38
by written notice, if the notice is received by the Agent not less than 48 hours before the payment is to be invested. A Common Shareholder who owns fund shares registered in street name should consult his broker/dealer to determine whether an additional cash purchase option is available through his broker/dealer.
The Agent maintains all Common Shareholder accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmations of all transactions in the account. Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Agent in non-certificated form in the name of the participant, and each such participants proxy will include those shares purchased pursuant to the Plan.
The fund pays the Agents fee for reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Plan participants pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Agents open market purchases and purchases from voluntary cash payments, and a $1.25 fee for each purchase made from a voluntary cash payment.
The fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to notice of the change sent to Plan participants at least 90 days before the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by the Agent on at least 90 days written notice to Plan participants.
Level Distribution Policy |
The funds dividend policy is to distribute substantially all of its net investment income to its shareholders on a monthly basis. In order to provide shareholders with a more consistent yield to the current trading price of shares of Common Stock of the fund, the fund may at times pay out less than the entire amount of net investment income earned in any particular month and may at times in any month pay out such accumulated but undistributed income in addition to net investment income earned in that month. As a result, the dividends paid by the fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income earned by the fund during such month.
The Fund 39
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued) |
Benefits and Risks of Leveraging |
The fund utilizes leverage to seek to enhance the yield and net asset value of its Common Stock.These objectives cannot be achieved in all interest rate environments.To leverage, the fund issues Preferred Stock, which pays dividends at prevailing short-term interest rates, and invests the proceeds in long-term municipal bonds. The interest earned on these investments is paid to Common Shareholders in the form of dividends, and the value of these portfolio holdings is reflected in the per share net asset value of the funds Common Stock. In order to benefit Common Shareholders, the yield curve must be positively sloped: that is, short-term interest rates must be lower than long-term interest rates. At the same time, a period of generally declining interest rates will benefit Common Shareholders. If either of these conditions change along with other factors that may have an effect on preferred dividends, then the risk of leveraging will begin to outweigh the benefits.
Supplemental Information |
For the period ended September 30, 2008, there were: (i) no material changes in the funds investment objectives or policies, (ii) no changes in the funds charter or by-laws that would delay or prevent a change of control of the fund, (iii) no material changes in the principal risk factors associated with investment in the fund, and (iv) no change in the person primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the funds portfolio.
Certifications |
The funds chief executive officer has certified to the NYSE, pursuant to the requirements of Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, that, as of June 18, 2008, he was not aware of any violation by the fund of applicable NYSE corporate governance listing standards.The funds reports to the SEC on Form N-CSR contain certifications by the funds chief executive officer and chief financial officer as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act, including certifications regarding the quality of the funds disclosures in such reports and certifications regarding the funds disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
40
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)
In accordance with federal tax law, the fund hereby designates all the dividends paid from investment income-net during its fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 as exempt-interest dividends (not generally subject to regular federal income tax).
As required by federal tax law rules, shareholders will receive notification of their portion of the funds taxable ordinary dividends (if any) and capital gains distributions (if any) paid for the 2008 calendar year on Form 1099-DIV and their portion of the funds tax-exempt dividends paid for the 2008 calendar year on Form 1099-INT, both of which will be mailed by January 31, 2009.
The Fund 41
PROXY RESULTS (Unaudited) |
Holders of Common Stock and holders of Auction Preferred Stock (APS) voted together as a single class (except as noted below) on the following proposal presented at the annual shareholders meeting held on May 21, 2008.
Shares | ||||||
|
|
|
||||
For | Authority Withheld | |||||
|
|
|
||||
To elect three Class II Directors: | ||||||
Gordon J. Davis | 50,395,055 | 1,227,319 | ||||
Ehud Houminer | 50,374,489 | 1,247,885 | ||||
Robin A. Melvin | 9,307 | 797 |
| The terms of these Class II Directors expire in 2011. | |
| Elected solely by APS holders, Common Shareholders not entitled to vote. |
42 |
BOARD MEMBERS INFORMATION (Unaudited)
Joseph S. DiMartino (64) |
Chairman of the Board (1995) |
Current term expires in 2010 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Corporate Director and Trustee |
Other Board Memberships and Affiliations: |
The Muscular Dystrophy Association, Director |
Century Business Services, Inc., a provider of outsourcing functions for small and medium size |
companies, Director |
The Newark Group, a provider of a national market of paper recovery facilities, paperboard |
mills and paperboard converting plants, Director |
Sunair Services Corporation, a provider of certain outdoor-related services to homes and |
businesses, Director |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 167 |
|
David W. Burke (72) |
Board Member (1989) |
Current term expires in 2009 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Corporate Director and Trustee |
Other Board Memberships and Affiliations: |
John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, Director |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 90 |
|
William Hodding Carter III (73) |
Board Member (1988) |
Current term expires in 2010 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Professor of Leadership & Public Policy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill |
(January 1, 2006-present) |
President and Chief Executive Officer of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation |
(February 1, 1998-February 1, 2006) |
Other Board Memberships and Affiliations: |
The Century Foundation, a tax-exempt research foundation, Emeritus Director |
The Enterprise Corporation of the Delta, a non-profit economic development organization, Director |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 27 |
The Fund 43
BOARD MEMBERS INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)
Gordon J. Davis (67) |
Board Member (2007) |
Current term expires in 2011 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Partner in the law firm of Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP |
President, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. (2001) |
Other Board Memberships and Affiliations: |
Consolidated Edison, Inc., a utility company, Director |
Phoenix Companies, Inc., a life insurance company, Director |
Board Member/Trustee for several not-for-profit groups |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 41 |
|
Joni Evans (66) |
Board Member (2007) |
Current term expires in 2010 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Chief Executive Officer, www.wowOwow.com an online community dedicated to womens |
conversations and publications |
Principal, Joni Evans Ltd. |
Senior Vice President of the William Morris Agency (2005) |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 27 |
|
Ehud Houminer (68) |
Board Member (1994) |
Current term expires in 2011 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Executive-in-Residence at the Columbia Business School, Columbia University |
Other Board Memberships and Affiliations: |
Avnet Inc., an electronics distributor, Director |
International Advisory Board to the MBA Program School of Management, Ben Gurion |
University, Chairman |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 63 |
44
Richard C. Leone (68) |
Board Member (1989) |
Current term expires in 2010 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
President of The Century Foundation (formerly,The Twentieth Century Fund, Inc.), a tax exempt |
research foundation engaged in the study of economic, foreign policy and domestic issues |
Other Board Memberships and Affiliations: |
The American Prospect, Director |
Center for American Progress, Director |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 27 |
|
Hans C. Mautner (70) |
Board Member (1989) |
Current term expires in 2009 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
PresidentInternational Division and an Advisory Director of Simon Property Group, a real |
estate investment company (1998-present) |
Director and Vice Chairman of Simon Property Group (1998-2003) |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Simon Global Limited (1999-present) |
Other Board Memberships and Affiliations: |
Capital and Regional PLC, a British co-investing real estate asset manager, Director |
Member, Advisory Board, Lehman Brothers European Real Estate Private Equity Fund |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 27 |
|
Robin A. Melvin (45) |
Board Member (1995) |
Current term expires in 2011 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Director, Boisi Family Foundation, a private family foundation that supports youth-serving |
organizations that promote the self sufficiency of youth from disadvantaged circumstances |
Senior Vice President, Mentor, a National non-profit youth mentoring organization (2005) |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 27 |
The Fund 45
BOARD MEMBERS INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)
Burton N.Wallack (57) |
Board Member (2007) |
Current term expires in 2010 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
President and co-owner of Wallack Management Company, a real estate management company |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 27 |
|
John E. Zuccotti (71) |
Board Member (1989) |
Current term expires in 2009 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Chairman of Brookfield Financial Properties, Inc. |
Senior Counsel of Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP |
Emeritus Chairman of the Real Estate Board of New York |
Other Board Memberships and Affiliations: |
Emigrant Savings Bank, Director |
Wellpoint, Inc., Director |
Columbia University,Trustee |
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation,Trustee |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 27 |
|
The address of the Board Members and Officers is in c/o The Dreyfus Corporation, 200 Park Avenue, New York, |
NewYork 10166. |
Arnold S. Hiatt, Emeritus Board Member |
46
OFFICERS OF THE FUND (Unaudited)
J. DAVID OFFICER, President since |
December 2006. |
Chief Operating Officer,Vice Chairman and a Director of the Manager, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 167 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 60 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since April 1998.
PHILLIP N. MAISANO, Executive Vice |
President since July 2007. |
Chief Investment Officer,Vice Chair and a director of the Manager, and an officer of 77 investment companies (comprised of 167 portfolios) managed by the Manager. Mr. Maisano also is an officer and/or Board member of certain other investment management subsidiaries of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, each of which is an affiliate of the Manager. He is 61 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since November 2006. Prior to joining the Manager, Mr. Maisano served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EACM Advisors, an affiliate of the Manager, since August 2004, and served as Chief Executive Officer of Evaluation Associates, a leading institutional investment consulting firm, from 1988 until 2004.
A. PAUL DISDIER, Executive Vice |
President since March 2000. |
Executive Vice President of the Fund, Director of the Managers Municipal Securities Group, and an officer of 2 other investment companies (comprised of 2 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 52 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since February 1988.
MICHAEL A. ROSENBERG, Vice President |
and Secretary since August 2005. |
Assistant General Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 48 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since October 1991.
JAMES BITETTO, Vice President and |
Assistant Secretary since August 2005. |
Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon and Secretary of the Manager, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 42 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since December 1996.
JONI LACKS CHARATAN, Vice President |
and Assistant Secretary since |
August 2005. |
Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. She is 52 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since October 1988.
JOSEPH M. CHIOFFI, Vice President and |
Assistant Secretary since August 2005. |
Senior Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 46 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since June 2000.
JANETTE E. FARRAGHER, Vice President |
and Assistant Secretary since |
August 2005. |
Assistant General Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. She is 45 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since February 1984.
JOHN B. HAMMALIAN, Vice President and |
Assistant Secretary since August 2005. |
Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 45 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since February 1991.
ROBERT R. MULLERY, Vice President and |
Assistant Secretary since August 2005. |
Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 56 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since May 1986.
The Fund 47
OFFICERS OF THE FUND (Unaudited) (continued)
JEFF PRUSNOFSKY, Vice President and |
Assistant Secretary since August 2005. |
Managing Counsel of BNY Mellon, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 43 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since October 1990.
JAMES WINDELS, Treasurer since |
November 2001. |
Director Mutual Fund Accounting of the Manager, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 49 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since April 1985.
RICHARD CASSARO, Assistant Treasurer |
since September 2007. |
Senior Accounting Manager Money Market and Municipal Bond Funds of the Manager, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 49 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since September 1982.
GAVIN C. REILLY, Assistant Treasurer |
since December 2005. |
Tax Manager of the Investment Accounting and Support Department of the Manager, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 40 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since April 1991.
ROBERT ROBOL, Assistant Treasurer |
since August 2005. |
Senior Accounting Manager Fixed Income Funds of the Manager, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 44 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since October 1988.
ROBERT SALVIOLO, Assistant Treasurer |
since May 2007. |
Senior Accounting Manager Equity Funds of the Manager, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 41 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since June 1989.
ROBERT SVAGNA, Assistant Treasurer |
since August 2005. |
Senior Accounting Manager Equity Funds of the Manager, and an officer of 78 investment companies (comprised of 187 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 41 years old and has been an employee of the Manager since November 1990.
JOSEPH W. CONNOLLY, Chief Compliance |
Officer since October 2004. |
Chief Compliance Officer of the Manager and The Dreyfus Family of Funds (78 investment companies, comprised of 187 portfolios). From November 2001 through March 2004, Mr. Connolly was first Vice-President, Mutual Fund Servicing for Mellon Global Securities Services. In that capacity, Mr. Connolly was responsible for managing Mellons Custody, Fund Accounting and Fund Administration services to third-party mutual fund clients. He is 51 years old and has served in various capacities with the Manager since 1980, including manager of the firms Fund Accounting Department from 1997 through October 2001.
48
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS |
Dreyfus Strategic Municipals, Inc. |
200 Park Avenue |
New York, NY 10166 |
The Net Asset Value appears in the following publications: Barrons, Closed-End Bond Funds section under the heading |
Municipal Bond Funds every Monday;Wall Street Journal, Mutual Funds section under the heading Closed-End Bond |
Funds every Monday; NewYork Times, Business section under the heading Closed-End Bond FundsNational Municipal |
Bond Funds every Sunday. |
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940,as amended,that the fund may |
purchase shares of its common stock in the open market when it can do so at prices below the then current net asset value per share. |
The Fund 49
For More Information
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund's Forms N-Q are available on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2008, is available on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov and without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-645-6561.
© 2008 MBSC Securities Corporation
Item 2. | Code of Ethics. |
The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. There have been no amendments to, or waivers in connection with, the Code of Ethics during the period covered by this Report.
Item 3. | Audit Committee Financial Expert. |
The Registrant's Board has determined that Joseph S. DiMartino, a member of the Audit Committee of the Board, is an audit committee financial expert as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Joseph S. DiMartino is "independent" as defined by the SEC for purposes of audit committee financial expert determinations.
Item 4. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
(a) Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years (the "Reporting Periods") for professional services rendered by the Registrant's principal accountant (the "Auditor") for the audit of the Registrant's annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided by the Auditor in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Periods, were $36,008 in 2007 and $37,008 in 2008.
(b) Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for assurance and related services by the Auditor 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 4 were $42,410 in 2007 and $5,122 in 2008. These services consisted of (i) security counts required by Rule 17f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and (ii) agreed upon procedures in evaluating compliance by the Fund with provisions of the Funds articles supplementary, creating the series of auction rate preferred stock.
The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for non-audit assurance and related services by the Auditor to the Registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-investment 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 investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant ("Service Affiliates"), that were reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit of the Service Affiliate, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $0 in 2007 and $0 in 2008.
Note: For the second paragraph in each of (b) through (d) of this Item 4, certain of such services were not pre-approved prior to May 6, 2003, when such services were required to be pre-approved. On and after May 6, 2003, 100% of all services provided by the Auditor were pre-approved as required. For comparative purposes, the fees shown assume that all such services were pre-approved, including services that were not pre-approved prior to the compliance date of the pre-approval requirement.
(c) Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for professional services rendered by the Auditor for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning ("Tax Services") were $2,313 in 2007 and $3,244 in 2008. These services consisted of (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns;
-2-
(ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, and (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held.
The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for Tax Services by the Auditor to Service Affiliates which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $0 in 2007 and $0 in 2008.
(d) All Other Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for products and services provided by the Auditor, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item, were $0 in 2007 and $312 in 2008.
The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for Non-Audit Services by the Auditor to Service Affiliates, other than the services reported in paragraphs (b) through (c) of this Item, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $0 in 2007 and $0 in 2008.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The Registrant's Audit Committee has established policies and procedures (the "Policy") for pre-approval (within specified fee limits) of the Auditor's engagements for non-audit services to the Registrant and Service Affiliates without specific case-by-case consideration. Pre-approval considerations include whether the proposed services are compatible with maintaining the Auditor's independence. Pre-approvals pursuant to the Policy are considered annually.
Non-Audit Fees. The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the Auditor for services rendered to the Registrant, and rendered to Service Affiliates, for the Reporting Periods were $1,667,704 in 2007 and $4,881,322 in 2008.
Auditor Independence. The Registrant's Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to Service Affiliates which were not pre-approved (not requiring pre-approval) is compatible with maintaining the Auditor's independence.
Item 5. | Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. |
The Registrant has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a) (58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, consisting of the following members: Joseph S. DiMartino, David W. Burke, Hodding Carter III, Joni Evans, Ehud Houminer, Richard C. Leone, Hans C. Mautner, Robin A. Melvin, Burton N. Wallack and John E. Zuccotti of applicable.
Item 6. | Schedule of Investments. | |
(a) | Not applicable. | |
Item 7. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management | |
Investment Companies. | ||
Not applicable. | ||
Item 8. | Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
(a) (1) The following information is as of November 26, 2008, the date of the filing of this report:
W. Michael Petty has been the primary portfolio manager of the Registrant since November 2001 and has been employed by The Dreyfus Corporation (Dreyfus) since June 1997.
(a) (2) The following information is as of the Registrants most recently completed fiscal year, except where otherwise noted:
Portfolio Managers. The Manager manages the Fund's portfolio of investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to the approval of the Fund's Board. The Manager is responsible for investment decisions and provides the Fund with portfolio managers who are authorized by the Fund's Board to execute purchases and sales of securities. The Fund's portfolio managers are W. Michael Petty, Joseph P. Darcy, A. Paul Disdier, Douglas J. Gaylor, Joseph A. Irace, Colleen A. Meehan, Bill Vasiliou, and James Welch. The Manager also maintains a research department with a professional staff of portfolio managers and securities analysts who provide research services for the Fund and for other funds advised by the Manager.
Portfolio Manager Compensation. Portfolio manager compensation is comprised primarily of a market-based salary and an incentive compensation plan. The Funds portfolio managers are compensated by Dreyfus or its affiliates and not by the Fund. The incentive compensation plan is comprised of three components: Fund performance (approximately 60%), individual qualitative performance (approximately 20%) and Dreyfus financial performance as measured by Dreyfus pre-tax net income (approximately 20%). Up to 10% of the incentive plan compensation may be paid in Mellon restricted stock.
Portfolio performance is measured by a combination of yield (35%) and total return (65%) relative to the appropriate Lipper peer group. 1-year performance in each category is weighted at 40% and 3-year performance at 60%. The portfolio managers performance is measured on either a straight average (each account weighted equally) or a combination of straight average and asset-weighted average. Generally, if the asset-weighted average is higher, then that is used to measure performance. If the straight average is higher, then typically an average of the two is used to measure performance.
Individual qualitative performance is based on Dreyfus Chief Investment Officers evaluation of the portfolio managers performance based on any combination of the following: marketing contributions; new product development; performance on special assignments; people development; methodology enhancements; fund growth/gain in market; and support to colleagues. The Chief Investment Officer may consider additional factors at his discretion.
Portfolio managers are also eligible for Dreyfus Long Term Incentive Plan. Under that plan, cash and/or Mellon restricted stock is awarded at the discretion of the Chief Investment Officer based on individual performance and contributions to the Investment Management Department and the Mellon organization.
Additional Information About Portfolio Managers. The following table lists the number and types of other accounts advised by the Funds primary portfolio manager and assets under management in those accounts as of the end of the Funds fiscal year:
Registered | ||||||||||||
Investment | ||||||||||||
Portfolio | Company | Assets | Pooled | Assets | Other | Assets | ||||||
Manager | Accounts | Managed | Accounts | Managed | Accounts | Managed | ||||||
W. Michael Petty | 6 | $2.25 billion | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
-4-
None of the funds or accounts are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.
The dollar range of Fund shares beneficially owned by the primary portfolio manager are as follows as of the end of the Funds fiscal year:
Dollar Range of Registrant | ||||
Portfolio Manager | Registrant Name | Shares Beneficially Owned | ||
W. Michael Petty | Dreyfus Strategic Municipals, Inc. | None |
Portfolio managers may manage multiple accounts for a diverse client base, including mutual funds, separate accounts (assets managed on behalf of institutions such as pension funds, insurance companies and foundations), bank common trust accounts and wrap fee programs (Other Accounts).
Potential conflicts of interest may arise because of Dreyfus management of the Fund and Other Accounts. For example, conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of limited investment opportunities, as Dreyfus may be perceived as causing accounts it manages to participate in an offering to increase Dreyfus overall allocation of securities in that offering, or to increase Dreyfus ability to participate in future offerings by the same underwriter or issuer. Allocations of bunched trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially filled due to limited availability and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as Dreyfus may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to preferred accounts. Initial public offerings, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. Additionally, portfolio managers may be perceived to have a conflict of interest if there are a large number of Other Accounts, in addition to the Fund, that they are managing on behalf of Dreyfus. Dreyfus periodically reviews each portfolio managers overall responsibilities to ensure that he or she is able to allocate the necessary time and resources to effectively manage the Fund. In addition, Dreyfus could be viewed as having a conflict of interest to the extent that Dreyfus or its affiliates and/or portfolio managers have a materially larger investment in Other Accounts than their investment in the Fund.
Other Accounts may have investment objectives, strategies and risks that differ from those of the Fund. For these or other reasons, the portfolio manager may purchase different securities for the Fund and the Other Accounts, and the performance of securities purchased for the Fund may vary from the performance of securities purchased for Other Accounts. The portfolio manager may place transactions on behalf of Other Accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made for the Fund, which could have the potential to adversely impact the Fund, depending on market conditions.
A potential conflict of interest may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in another account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by the other account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account.
Dreyfus goal is to provide high quality investment services to all of its clients, while meeting Dreyfus fiduciary obligation to treat all clients fairly. Dreyfus has adopted and implemented policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures that it believes address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients. In addition, Dreyfus monitors a variety of areas, including compliance with Fund guidelines, the allocation of IPOs, and compliance with the firms Code of Ethics. Furthermore, senior investment and business personnel at Dreyfus periodically review the performance of the portfolio managers for Dreyfus-managed funds.
-5-
Item 9. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Companies and | |
Affiliated Purchasers. | ||
Not applicable. | ||
Item 10. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
The Registrant has a Nominating Committee (the "Committee"), which is responsible for selecting and nominating persons for election or appointment by the Registrant's Board as Board members. The Committee has adopted a Nominating Committee Charter (the "Charter"). Pursuant to the Charter, the Committee will consider recommendations for nominees from shareholders submitted to the Secretary of the Registrant, c/o The Dreyfus Corporation Legal Department, 200 Park Avenue, 8th Floor East, New York, New York 10166. A nomination submission must include information regarding the recommended nominee as specified in the Charter. This information includes all information relating to a recommended nominee that is required to be disclosed in solicitations or proxy statements for the election of Board members, as well as information sufficient to evaluate the factors to be considered by the Committee, including character and integrity, business and professional experience, and whether the person has the ability to apply sound and independent business judgment and would act in the interests of the Registrant and its shareholders.
Nomination submissions are required to be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected by the shareholders, and such additional information must be provided regarding the recommended nominee as reasonably requested by the Committee.
Item 11. | Controls and Procedures. |
(a) The Registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded, based on their evaluation of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods and that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in the reports that it files or submits on Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There were no changes to the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. | Exhibits. |
(a)(1) Code of ethics referred to in Item 2.
(a)(2) Certifications of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(b) Certification of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
-6-
SIGNATURES
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.
DREYFUS STRATEGIC MUNICIPALS, INC.
By: | /s/ J. David Officer | |
J. David Officer | ||
President | ||
Date: | November 17, 2008 |
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/ J. David Officer | |
J. David Officer | ||
President | ||
Date: | November 17, 2008 |
By: | /s/ James Windels | |
James Windels | ||
Treasurer | ||
Date: | November 17, 2008 |
EXHIBIT INDEX
(a)(1) Code of ethics referred to in Item 2.
(a)(2) Certifications of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. (EX-99.CERT)
(b) Certification of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. (EX-99.906CERT)
-7-