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) |
Mark N. Jacobs, 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: | 9/30 | |
Date of reporting period: | 9/30/04 |
FORM N-CSR
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
Dreyfus Strategic |
Municipals, Inc. |
ANNUAL REPORT September 30, 2004
Dreyfus Strategic Municipals, Inc. Protecting Your Privacy Our Pledge to You |
THE FUND IS COMMITTED TO YOUR PRIVACY. On this page, you will find the Funds policies and practices for collecting, disclosing, and safeguarding nonpublic personal information, which may include financial or other customer information.These policies apply to individuals who purchase Fund shares for personal, family, or household purposes, or have done so in the past. This notification replaces all previous statements of the Funds consumer privacy policy, and may be amended at any time. Well keep you informed of changes as required by law.
YOUR ACCOUNT IS PROVIDED IN A SECURE ENVIRONMENT. The Fund maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to guard nonpublic personal information. The Funds agents and service providers have limited access to customer information based on their role in servicing your account.
THE FUND COLLECTS INFORMATION IN ORDER TO SERVICE AND ADMINISTER YOUR ACCOUNT.
The Fund collects a variety of nonpublic personal information, which may include:
THE FUND DOES NOT SHARE NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION WITH ANYONE, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you. |
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund.
Not FDIC-Insured Not Bank-Guaranteed May Lose Value
Contents | ||
THE FUND | ||
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2 | Letter from the Chairman | |
3 | Discussion of Fund Performance | |
6 | Selected Information | |
7 | Statement of Investments | |
17 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
18 | Statement of Operations | |
19 | Statement of Changes in Net Assets | |
20 | Financial Highlights | |
22 | Notes to Financial Statements | |
28 | Report of Independent Registered | |
Public Accounting Firm | ||
29 | Additional Information | |
33 | Important Tax Information | |
34 | Proxy Results | |
35 | Board Members Information | |
37 | Officers of the Fund | |
41 | Officers and Directors | |
FOR MORE INFORMATION | ||
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Back Cover |
The Fund
Dreyfus |
Strategic Municipals, Inc. |
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Dear Shareholder:
This annual report for Dreyfus Strategic Municipals, Inc. covers the 12-month period from October 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004. Inside, youll find valuable information about how the fund was managed during the reporting period, including a discussion with the funds portfolio manager,W. Michael Petty.
The U.S. economy has alternated between signs of strength and weakness, causing heightened volatility in the municipal bond market. Although the Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) raised short-term interest rates three times toward the end of the reporting period, bond prices generally have held up better than many analysts expected, as investors apparently have revised their economic expectations in response to the insurgency in Iraq, higher energy prices and some disappointing labor statistics.
The Feds move to a less accommodative monetary policy may be signaling the beginning of a new phase in the economic cycle. At times such as these, when market conditions are in a period of transition, we believe it is especially important for investors to stay in close touch with their financial advisors.Your financial advisor can help you rebalance your portfolio in a way that is designed to respond to the challenges and opportunities of todays changing investment environment.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
The Dreyfus Corporation |
October 15, 2004 |
2 |
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
W. Michael Petty, Portfolio Manager
How did Dreyfus Strategic Municipals, Inc. perform?
For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2004, the fund achieved a total return of 7.98% .1 During the same period, the fund provided income dividends of $0.648 per share, which is equal to a distribution rate of 7.31% .2
Although investors concerns regarding potentially higher interest rates caused heightened market volatility during the reporting period, municipal bond prices ended the reporting period only slightly higher than where they began, as investors expectations of economic growth and inflation moderated and the fiscal condition of many states and municipalities improved. In this environment, the fund particularly benefited from strong income returns from its core holdings of seasoned municipal bonds.
What is 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 the portfolio by seeking income opportunities through analysis of each bonds structure, including paying close attention to each bonds yield, maturity and early redemption features.
The Fund 3 |
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
Over time, many of the funds relatively higher-yielding bonds mature or are redeemed by their issuers, and we generally attempt to replace those bonds with investments consistent with the funds investment policies.When we believe an opportunity exists, we also may seek to upgrade the portfolios investments with newly issued bonds that, in our opinion, have better structural or income characteristics than existing holdings.
What other factors influenced the funds performance?
When the reporting period began, municipal bond prices were recovering from the previous summers sharp declines, when signs of stronger economic growth fueled concerns among investors that the rate of inflation might accelerate. However, these concerns gradually moderated over time amid persistently weak labor markets, and municipal bond prices generally rallied through the first quarter of 2004.
In early April, however, evidence of stronger job growth and rising energy prices rekindled investors inflation-related concerns, causing municipal bond prices to fall sharply.To forestall potential inflationary pressures, the Federal Reserve Board raised its target for short-term interest rates three times between June and September, driving the overnight federal funds rate from 1% to 1.75% . However, investors inflation fears eased again, when new economic data released during the summer suggested that higher energy prices and the insurgency in Iraq were constraining economic growth.As a result, municipal bonds erased most of their previous losses.
Despite recent signs of potential economic weakness, better business conditions have benefited tax revenues for many states and municipalities, relieving some of the fiscal pressures that arose during the economic downturn. In addition, some states have bridged their budget gaps with higher taxes and fees. Consequently, the supply of newly issued municipal bonds fell compared to the same period one year earlier,help-ing to support bond prices and putting downward pressure on yields.
4 |
In this volatile market environment, the fund benefited from strong income contributions from its core holdings of seasoned bonds, most of which offered higher yields than were available during the reporting period. In addition, many of the funds lower-rated holdings including tax-exempt bonds issued by corporations and bonds backed by the states settlement of litigation with U.S. tobacco companies gained value as business conditions improved and credit spreads narrowed.
What is the funds current strategy?
Although we have continued to attempt to reduce the funds average duration in anticipation of further interest-rate increases, opportunities to do so without sacrificing income have been limited. However, as of the end of the reporting period, we were able to lower the funds average duration to about 5.4 years. We also have strived to manage risks by diversifying the funds assets more broadly among state issuers. During the reporting period, we reduced the funds relatively heavy exposure to Texas bonds and added to its relatively light holdings of bonds from New York and California. In our view, these are prudent strategies in todays uncertain economic environment.
October 15, 2004
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.
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, 2004 (Unaudited)
Market Price per share September 30, 2004 | $8.86 | |
Shares Outstanding September 30, 2004 | 60,588,631 | |
New York Stock Exchange Ticker Symbol | LEO |
MARKET PRICE (NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE) | ||||||||
Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2004 | ||||||||
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Quarter | Quarter | Quarter | Quarter | |||||
Ended | Ended | Ended | Ended | |||||
December 31, 2003 | March 31, 2004 | June 30, 2004 | September 30, 2004 | |||||
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High | $9.90 | $10.20 | $9.54 | $8.96 | ||||
Low | 9.30 | 9.51 | 7.86 | 8.22 | ||||
Close | 9.84 | 9.59 | 8.14 | 8.86 |
PERCENTAGE GAIN (LOSS) based on change in Market Price* | ||
September 23, 1987 (commencement of operations) | ||
through September 30, 2004 | 205.35% | |
October 1, 1994 through September 30, 2004 | 77.89 | |
October 1, 1999 through September 30, 2004 | 57.27 | |
October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004 | 1.55 | |
January 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004 | (5.09) | |
April 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004 | (4.25) | |
July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004 | 10.75 |
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE | ||||
September 23, 1987 (commencement of operations) | $9.32 | |||
September 30, 2003 | 9.14 | |||
December 31, 2003 | 9.25 | |||
March 31, 2004 | 9.35 | |||
June 30, 2004 | 8.85 | |||
September 30, 2004 | 9.18 | |||
PERCENTAGE GAIN based on change in Net Asset Value* | ||||
September 23, 1987 (commencement of operations) | ||||
through September 30, 2004 | 239.45% | |||
October 1, 1994 through September 30, 2004 | 87.06 | |||
October 1, 1999 through September 30, 2004 | 38.53 | |||
October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004 | 7.98 | |||
January 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004 | 4.62 | |||
April 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004 | 1.75 | |||
July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004 | 5.54 |
* With dividends reinvested.
6 |
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
September 30, 2004
Principal | ||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments149.4% | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
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Alabama5.5% | ||||
Houston County Health Care Authority | ||||
6.25%, 10/1/2030 (Insured; AMBAC) | 8,000,000 | 9,088,640 | ||
Jefferson County, Sewer Revenue: | ||||
5.25%, 2/1/2023 (Insured; FGIC) | ||||
(Prerefunded 8/1/2012) | 5,000,000 a | 5,666,350 | ||
5%, 2/1/2041 (Insured; FGIC) | ||||
(Prerefunded 8/1/2012) | 2,385,000 a | 2,648,066 | ||
5%, 2/1/2041 (Insured; FGIC) | ||||
(Prerefunded 8/1/2012) | 11,750,000 a | 13,114,527 | ||
Alaska2.0% | ||||
Alaska Housing Finance Corp. | ||||
6%, 6/1/2049 (Insured; MBIA) | 4,000,000 | 4,181,400 | ||
Anchorage, Wastewater Revenue | ||||
5.125%, 5/1/2034 (Insured; MBIA) | 6,620,000 | 6,842,631 | ||
Arkansas2.3% | ||||
Arkansas Development Finance Authority, SFMR | ||||
(Mortgage Backed Securities Program): | ||||
6.45%, 7/1/2031 (Guaranteed; GNMA, FNMA) | 2,550,000 | 2,684,920 | ||
6.25%, 1/1/2032 (Guaranteed; GNMA) | 3,835,000 | 4,022,340 | ||
Little Rock School District | ||||
5.25%, 2/1/2030 (Insured; FSA) | 6,000,000 | 6,272,640 | ||
Arizona5.3% | ||||
Maricopa Pollution Control Corp., PCR | ||||
(Public Service Co.) 5.75%, 11/1/2022 | 6,000,000 | 6,171,060 | ||
Pima County Industrial Development Authority, | ||||
Industrial Revenue (Tucson Electric | ||||
Power Co. Project) 6%, 9/1/2029 | 13,505,000 | 13,503,649 | ||
Scottsdale Industrial Development Authority, HR | ||||
(Scottsdale Healthcare) 5.80%, 12/1/2031 | 6,000,000 | 6,212,040 | ||
Tucson, Water System Revenue | ||||
5%, 7/1/2021 (Insured; FGIC) | 3,500,000 | 3,682,245 | ||
California14.0% | ||||
California Infrastructure and Economic Development | ||||
Bank, Revenue (Bay Area Toll Bridges) | ||||
5.25%, 7/1/2017 (Insured; FSA) | 12,360,000 | 13,717,128 | ||
State of California: | ||||
9.003%, 12/1/2018 (Insured; FSA) | 10,000,000 b,c | 10,438,800 | ||
5.50%, 4/1/2028 | 4,000,000 | 4,269,840 | ||
Economic Recovery 5%, 7/1/2016 | 10,000,000 | 10,717,500 |
The Fund 7 |
S T A T E M E N T O F I N V E S T M E N T S (continued)
Principal | ||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
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California (continued) | ||||
California Department of Water Resources, | ||||
Power Supply Revenue: | ||||
5.50%, 5/1/2013 (Insured; AMBAC) | 11,080,000 | 12,647,488 | ||
5.125%, 5/1/2018 (Insured; FGIC) | 6,000,000 | 6,517,020 | ||
Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corp., Tobacco | ||||
Settlement Revenue 7.80%, 6/1/2042 | 8,100,000 | 8,631,036 | ||
Los Angeles Unified School District | ||||
5.25%, 7/1/2020 (Insured; FSA) | 7,200,000 | 7,878,168 | ||
Oakland 5%, 1/15/2026 (Insured; MBIA) | 2,890,000 | 2,979,792 | ||
Colorado3.5% | ||||
Denver City and County, Special Facilities Airport | ||||
Revenue (United Airlines Project) | ||||
6.875%, 10/1/2032 | 6,950,000 d | 5,143,000 | ||
Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority, | ||||
Revenue 7.125%, 6/15/2041 | 6,750,000 | 7,178,423 | ||
Silver Dollar Metropolitan District 7.05%, 12/1/2030 | 5,000,000 | 5,060,200 | ||
Southlands Metropolitan District Number 1 | ||||
7.125%, 12/1/2034 | 2,000,000 | 1,997,260 | ||
Florida2.7% | ||||
Florida Housing Finance Corp., Housing Revenue | ||||
(Nelson Park Apartments) | ||||
6.40%, 3/1/2040 (Insured; FSA) | 12,380,000 | 13,127,257 | ||
Orange County Health Facility Authority, HR | ||||
(Regional Healthcare Systems) 6%, 10/1/2026 | 2,000,000 | 2,097,580 | ||
Georgia1.7% | ||||
Brooks County Development Authority, Sewer Revenue | ||||
Health and Housing Facilities | ||||
5.70%, 1/20/2039 (Insured; GNMA) | 4,445,000 | 4,742,770 | ||
Milledgeville-Baldwin County Development Authority, | ||||
Revenue (Georgia College & State Foundation): | ||||
6%, 9/1/2013 | 2,090,000 | 2,328,385 | ||
6%, 9/1/2033 | 2,000,000 | 2,120,320 | ||
Hawaii.6% | ||||
Hawaii Department of Transportation, Special | ||||
Facility Revenue (Caterair International | ||||
Corp. Project) 10.125%, 12/1/2010 | 3,300,000 | 3,300,627 | ||
Idaho.6% | ||||
Power County Industrial Development Corp, SWDR | ||||
(FMC Corp. Project) 6.45%, 8/1/2032 | 3,250,000 | 3,334,533 | ||
8 |
Principal | ||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
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Illinois8.5% | ||||
Chicago: | ||||
6.125%, 1/1/2028 (Insured; FGIC) | 15,815,000 | 18,160,997 | ||
(Wastewater Transmission Revenue) | ||||
6%, 1/1/2030 (Insured; MBIA) | ||||
(Prerefunded 1/1/2010) | 3,000,000 a | 3,481,320 | ||
Chicago-OHare International Airport, Special | ||||
Facility Revenue (United Airlines, Inc. Project) | ||||
6.75%, 11/1/2011 | 2,000,000 d | 720,000 | ||
Illinois Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue | ||||
(University of Chicago) | ||||
5.125%, 7/1/2038 (Insured; MBIA) | 7,000,000 | 7,113,680 | ||
Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue: | ||||
(Advocate Network Health Care) 6.125%, 11/15/2022 | 4,020,000 | 4,454,482 | ||
(OSF Healthcare System) 6.25%, 11/15/2029 | 7,730,000 | 8,141,004 | ||
(Swedish American Hospital) 6.875%, 11/15/2030 | 4,985,000 | 5,491,226 | ||
Indiana2.5% | ||||
Franklin Township Independent School Building Corp., | ||||
First Mortgage 6.125%, 1/15/2022 | ||||
(Prerefunded 7/15/2010) | 6,500,000 a | 7,696,910 | ||
Indiana Housing Finance Authority, SFMR | ||||
5.95%, 1/1/2029 | 1,690,000 | 1,739,737 | ||
Petersburg, PCR (Indiana Power and Light) | ||||
6.375%, 11/1/2029 | 4,150,000 | 4,328,740 | ||
Kansas4.9% | ||||
Kansas Development Finance Authority, Revenue: | ||||
(Board of Regents-Scientific Resource) | ||||
5%, 10/1/2021 (Insured; AMBAC) | 5,290,000 | 5,634,855 | ||
Health Facility (Sisters of Charity) | ||||
6.25%, 12/1/2028 | 3,000,000 | 3,394,110 | ||
Wyandotte County (Kansas University School | ||||
District No. 500) 5.25%, 9/1/2015 (Insured; FSA) | 6,455,000 | 7,310,029 | ||
Wichita, HR (Christian Health System Inc.) | ||||
6.25%, 11/15/2024 | 10,000,000 | 10,869,600 | ||
Louisiana.3% | ||||
Parish of Saint James, SWDR (Freeport-McMoRan | ||||
Partnership Project) 7.70%, 10/1/2022 | 1,390,000 | 1,392,266 | ||
Maine.6% | ||||
Maine Housing Authority, Mortgage | ||||
5.30%, 11/15/2023 | 3,335,000 | 3,500,049 |
The Fund 9
S T A T E M E N T O F I N V E S T M E N T S (continued)
Principal | ||||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
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Maryland1.4% | ||||||
Maryland Economic Development Corp., Student | ||||||
Housing Revenue (University of Maryland): | ||||||
6.50%, 6/1/2027 | 3,000,000 | 3,265,860 | ||||
5.75%, 10/1/2033 | 4,500,000 | 4,649,985 | ||||
Massachusetts2.5% | ||||||
Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, Revenue | ||||||
(Ogden Haverhill Project) 5.60%, 12/1/2019 | 6,000,000 | 5,971,620 | ||||
Massachusetts Health and Educational | ||||||
Facilities Authority, Revenue: | ||||||
(Civic Investments) 9%, 12/15/2015 | 2,000,000 | 2,315,300 | ||||
(Partners Healthcare System) 5.75%, 7/1/2032 | 5,000,000 | 5,392,550 | ||||
Michigan4.7% | ||||||
Michigan Hospital Finance Authority, HR: | ||||||
(Ascension Health Credit) | ||||||
6.125%, 11/15/2026 (Prerefunded 11/15/2009) | 5,000,000 | a | 5,826,550 | |||
(Crittenton Hospital) 5.625%, 3/1/2027 | 1,200,000 | 1,248,876 | ||||
(Genesys Health System Obligated Group) | ||||||
8.125%, 10/1/2021 (Prerefunded 10/1/2005) | 5,000,000 | a | 5,417,000 | |||
Michigan Strategic Fund: | ||||||
RRR (Detroit Edison Co.) 5.25%, 12/15/2032 | 3,000,000 | 3,104,880 | ||||
SWDR (Genesee Power Station Project) | ||||||
7.50%, 1/1/2021 | 12,040,000 | 10,605,434 | ||||
Minnesota2.4% | ||||||
Duluth Economic Development Authority, Health | ||||||
Care Facilities Revenue (Saint Lukes | ||||||
Hospital) 7.25%, 6/15/2032 | 5,000,000 | 5,235,550 | ||||
Saint Paul Port Authority, Hotel Facility Revenue | ||||||
(Radisson Kellogg Project) 7.375%, 8/1/2029 | 3,000,000 | 3,043,980 | ||||
Winona, Health Care Facilities Revenue | ||||||
(Winona Health) 6%, 7/1/2026 | 5,000,000 | 5,148,200 | ||||
Mississippi3.4% | ||||||
Claiborne County, PCR | ||||||
(System Energy Resources, Inc.) 6.20%, 2/1/2026 | 4,545,000 | 4,545,455 | ||||
Mississippi Business Finance Corp., PCR (System Energy | ||||||
Resources Inc. Project) 5.875%, 4/1/2022 | 14,310,000 | 14,355,363 | ||||
Missouri2.9% | ||||||
Missouri Development Finance Board, Infrastructure | ||||||
Facilities Revenue (Branson): | ||||||
5.375%, 12/1/2027 | 2,000,000 | 2,044,940 | ||||
5.50%, 12/1/2032 | 4,500,000 | 4,614,165 | ||||
10 |
Principal | ||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
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Missouri (continued) | ||||
Missouri Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | ||||
Health Facilities Revenue (Saint Anthonys | ||||
Medical Center) 6.25%, 12/1/2030 | 6,750,000 | 7,146,293 | ||
Saint Louis Industrial Development Authority, Revenue | ||||
(Saint Louis Convention Center) 7.25%, 12/15/2035 | 3,375,000 | 2,558,925 | ||
Montana.5% | ||||
Montana Board of Housing, Single Family Mortgage | ||||
6.45%, 6/1/2029 | 2,675,000 | 2,773,146 | ||
Nevada2.5% | ||||
Washoe County (Reno-Sparks Convention Center) | ||||
6.40%, 7/1/2029 (Insured; FSA) | ||||
(Prerefunded 1/1/2010) | 12,000,000 a | 14,041,560 | ||
New Hampshire2.7% | ||||
New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, PCR | ||||
(Public Service Co. of New Hampshire) | ||||
6%, 5/1/2021 (Insured; AMBAC) | 7,000,000 | 7,754,040 | ||
New Hampshire Health and Educational Facilities | ||||
Authority, Revenue (Exeter Project): | ||||
6%, 10/1/2024 | 1,000,000 | 1,083,720 | ||
5.75%, 10/1/2031 | 1,000,000 | 1,047,010 | ||
New Hampshire Industrial Development Authority, PCR | ||||
(Connecticut Light and Power) 5.90%, 11/1/2016 | 5,000,000 | 5,141,250 | ||
New Jersey7.0% | ||||
New Jersey Health Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue | ||||
(Christian Health Care Center) 8.75%, 7/1/2018 | ||||
(Prerefunded 7/1/2006) | 13,265,000 a | 14,862,769 | ||
New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, | ||||
Transportation System 5.50%, 6/15/2017 | 9,000,000 | 10,057,590 | ||
New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Turnpike Revenue | ||||
5%, 1/1/2019 (Insured; FGIC) | 5,000,000 | 5,375,450 | ||
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.: | ||||
6.75%, 6/1/2039 | 5,000,000 | 4,808,950 | ||
7%, 6/1/2041 | 4,000,000 | 3,939,760 | ||
New Mexico1.7% | ||||
Farmington, PCR: | ||||
(El Paso Electric Co. Project) | ||||
6.375%, 6/1/2032 | 5,370,000 | 5,509,029 | ||
(Tucson Electric Power Co., San Juan) | ||||
6.95%, 10/1/2020 | 4,000,000 | 4,200,400 |
The Fund 11 |
S T A T E M E N T O F I N V E S T M E N T S (continued)
Principal | ||||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
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New York11.8% | ||||||
Long Island Power Authority, New York Electric | ||||||
System Revenue 8.312%, 12/1/2016 | 10,000,000 | b,c | 11,663,000 | |||
City of New York: | ||||||
5.75%, 8/1/2011 (Insured; MBIA) | 8,465,000 | 9,778,853 | ||||
5.75%, 8/1/2014 | 9,500,000 | 10,753,050 | ||||
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water | ||||||
and Sewer System Revenue 5.125%, 6/15/2032 | 5,000,000 | 5,110,600 | ||||
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.: | ||||||
5.50%, 6/1/2020 | 16,000,000 | 17,503,520 | ||||
5.25%, 6/1/2021 (Insured; AMBAC) | 5,000,000 | 5,383,550 | ||||
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, Revenue | ||||||
5.25%, 11/15/2030 | 5,220,000 | 5,456,362 | ||||
North Carolina1.0% | ||||||
University of North Carolina, System Pool Revenue: | ||||||
5%, 4/1/2014 (Insured; AMBAC) | 2,430,000 | 2,692,853 | ||||
5%, 4/1/2015 (Insured; AMBAC) | 2,535,000 | 2,788,094 | ||||
North Dakota.6% | ||||||
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, Home Mortgage | ||||||
Revenue (Housing Finance Program): | ||||||
6.50%, 1/1/2031 (Prerefunded 10/1/2004) | 1,115,000 | a | 1,115,134 | |||
6.15%, 7/1/2031 | 1,925,000 | 1,982,269 | ||||
Ohio5.8% | ||||||
Cincinnati, Water System Revenue: | ||||||
5%, 12/1/2021 | 3,800,000 | 3,969,404 | ||||
5%, 12/1/2023 | 3,000,000 | 3,105,510 | ||||
Cuyahoga County, Revenue 6%, 1/1/2032 | 750,000 | 807,255 | ||||
Mahoning County, Hospital Facilities Revenue | ||||||
(Forum Health Obligation Group) 6%, 11/15/2032 | 7,000,000 | 7,374,220 | ||||
Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, PCR | ||||||
(Cleveland Electric Illuminating) | ||||||
6.10%, 8/1/2020 (Insured; ACA) | 3,000,000 | 3,154,470 | ||||
Ohio Municipal Electric Generation Agency | ||||||
(Joint Venture 5) 5%, 2/15/2022 (Insured; AMBAC) | 4,500,000 | 4,731,840 | ||||
Ohio Water Development Authority, Pollution Control | ||||||
Facilities Revenue (Cleveland Electric | ||||||
Illuminating) 6.10%, 8/1/2020 (Insured; ACA) | 4,350,000 | 4,573,982 | ||||
Toledo Lucas County Port Authority, Airport Revenue | ||||||
(Baxter Global Project) 6.25%, 11/1/2013 | 4,500,000 | 4,547,520 | ||||
Oklahoma2.4% | ||||||
Oklahoma Industries Authority | ||||||
(Health System Obligated Group) 5.75%, 8/15/2029 | 12,230,000 | 13,390,260 | ||||
12 |
Principal | ||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
|
|
|
||
Oregon3.2% | ||||
Port of Portland, International Airport Revenue | ||||
(Portland International Airport) | ||||
5.50%, 7/1/2024 (Insured; AMBAC) | 5,000,000 | 5,407,450 | ||
TigardTualatin School District No. 23 | ||||
5.375%, 6/15/2019 (Insured; MBIA) | 3,000,000 | 3,342,450 | ||
Western Generation Agency, Cogeneration Project | ||||
Revenue (Wauna Cogeneration Project): | ||||
7.40%, 1/1/2016 | 5,750,000 | 5,857,353 | ||
7.125%, 1/1/2021 | 2,900,000 | 2,955,883 | ||
Pennsylvania1.5% | ||||
Abington School District | ||||
5.125%, 10/1/2034 (Insured; FSA) | 4,085,000 | 4,235,491 | ||
York County Hospital Authority, Revenue | ||||
(Health CenterLutheran Social Services) | ||||
6.50%, 4/1/2022 | 4,250,000 | 4,244,262 | ||
South Carolina5.2% | ||||
Greenville County School District , Installment Purchase | ||||
Revenue (Building Equity Sooner for Tomorrow): | ||||
5.875%, 12/1/2016 | 6,000,000 | 6,798,060 | ||
5.50%, 12/1/2028 | 16,125,000 | 16,902,870 | ||
Greenville Hospital System, Hospital Facilities Revenue | ||||
5.50%, 5/1/2026 (Insured; AMBAC) | 5,000,000 | 5,409,650 | ||
Tennessee3.8% | ||||
Johnson City Health and Educational Facilities | ||||
Board, HR 7.50%, 7/1/2025 | 5,000,000 | 5,886,300 | ||
Memphis Center City Revenue Finance Corp., | ||||
Tennessee Sports Facility Revenue | ||||
(Memphis Redbirds) 6.50%, 9/1/2028 | 10,000,000 | 10,043,400 | ||
Tennessee Housing Development Agency | ||||
(Homeownership Program) 6.40%, 7/1/2031 | 5,115,000 | 5,355,968 | ||
Texas10.9% | ||||
Austin Convention Enterprises Inc., Convention Center | ||||
Hotel Revenue: | ||||
5.75%, 1/1/2016 | 5,600,000 | 5,639,144 | ||
6.70%, 1/1/2028 | 4,000,000 | 4,244,120 | ||
5.75%, 1/1/2032 | 6,500,000 | 6,537,245 | ||
Harris County Health Facilities Development Corp., HR | ||||
(Memorial Hermann Hospital System Project) | ||||
6.375%, 6/1/2029 | 8,500,000 | 9,312,515 | ||
Houston Airport System, Special Facilities Revenue | ||||
(Continental Airlines) 7%, 7/1/2029 | 3,800,000 | 3,104,828 |
The Fund 13 |
S T A T E M E N T O F I N V E S T M E N T S (continued)
Principal | ||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
|
|
|
||
Texas (continued) | ||||
Sabine River Authority, PCR (TXU Electric Co. Project) | ||||
6.45%, 6/1/2021 | 11,300,000 | 12,126,821 | ||
Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency, Power Supply | ||||
System Revenue 5.75%, 10/1/2021 | 6,000,000 | 6,520,380 | ||
Texas Department of Housing and | ||||
Community Affairs, Collateralized Home | ||||
Mortgage Revenue 11.995%, 7/2/2024 | 2,000,000 b | 2,053,000 | ||
Texas Turnpike Authority, Central Texas Turnpike | ||||
System Revenue 5.75%, 8/15/2038 (Insured; AMBAC) | 7,100,000 | 7,892,360 | ||
Tyler Health Facilities Development Corp., HR | ||||
(East Texas Medical Center Regional Health Care | ||||
System Project) 6.75%, 11/1/2025 | 3,000,000 | 3,007,830 | ||
Utah.7% | ||||
Carbon County, SWDR (Sunnyside Cogeneration) | ||||
7.10%, 8/15/2023 | 4,027,000 | 3,927,412 | ||
Vermont.5% | ||||
Vermont Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Housing | ||||
6.40%, 11/1/2030 (Insured; FSA) | 2,740,000 | 2,750,275 | ||
Virginia2.1% | ||||
Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority, Hotel | ||||
Tax Revenue (Convention Center Expansion Project) | ||||
6.25%, 6/15/2032 | 10,500,000 | 11,706,975 | ||
Washington3.3% | ||||
Energy Northwest, Wind Project Revenue | ||||
5.875%, 7/1/2020 | 3,000,000 | 3,233,700 | ||
Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Orielle County, | ||||
Electric Revenue 6.375%, 1/1/2015 | 3,755,000 | 3,914,512 | ||
Seattle, Water System Revenue | ||||
6%, 7/1/2029 (Insured; FGIC) | 10,000,000 | 11,167,700 | ||
West Virginia3.1% | ||||
Braxton County, SWDR (Weyerhaeuser Co. Project) | ||||
6.125%, 4/1/2026 | 14,000,000 | 14,535,080 | ||
West Virginia Water Development Authority, Water | ||||
Development Revenue 6.375%, 7/1/2039 | 2,250,000 | 2,568,577 |
14 |
Principal | ||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
|
|
|
||
Wisconsin5.4% | ||||
Badger Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., Tobacco | ||||
Settlement Revenue 7%, 6/1/2028 | 22,995,000 | 23,066,054 | ||
Madison, IDR (Madison Gas & Electric Co.) | ||||
5.875%, 10/1/2034 | 2,390,000 | 2,523,482 | ||
Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | ||||
Health, Hospital and Nursing Home Revenue | ||||
(Aurora Health Care Inc.) 6.40%, 4/15/2033 | 4,000,000 | 4,236,200 | ||
U. S. Related1.4% | ||||
Guam Housing Corp., SFMR | ||||
5.75%, 9/1/2031 (Collateralized; FHLMC) | 965,000 | 1,060,004 | ||
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority, | ||||
Transportation Revenue 6%, 7/1/2039 | ||||
(Prerefunded 7/1/2010) | 6,000,000 a | 6,993,060 | ||
|
|
|
||
Total Investments (cost $787,036,809) | 149.4% | 831,274,397 | ||
Cash and Receivables (Net) | 1.8% | 9,960,660 | ||
Preferred Stock, at redemption value | (51.2%) | (285,000,000) | ||
Net Assets applicable to Common Shareholders | 100.0% | 556,235,057 |
The Fund 15 |
S T A T E M E N T O F I N V E S T M E N T S (continued)
Summary of Abbreviations | ||||||
ACA | American Capital Access | GNMA | Government National Mortgage | |||
AMBAC | American Municipal Bond | Association | ||||
Assurance Corporation | HR | Hospital Revenue | ||||
FGIC | Financial Guaranty Insurance | IDR | Industrial Development Revenue | |||
Company | MBIA | Municipal Bond Investors Assurance | ||||
FHLMC | Federal Home Loan Mortgage | Insurance Corporation | ||||
Corporation | PCR | Pollution Control Revenue | ||||
FNMA | Federal National Mortgage | RRR | Resources Recovery Revenue | |||
Association | SFMR | Single Family Mortgage Revenue | ||||
FSA | Financial Security Assurance | SWDR | Solid Waste Disposal Revenue |
Summary of Combined Ratings (Unaudited) | ||||||||
Fitch or | Moodys or | Standard & Poors | Value (%) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
AAA | Aaa | AAA | 37.5 | |||||
AA | Aa | AA | 15.0 | |||||
A | A | A | 16.3 | |||||
BBB | Baa | BBB | 17.0 | |||||
BB | Ba | BB | 4.4 | |||||
B | B | B | .7 | |||||
Not Rated e | Not Rated e | Not Rated e | 9.1 | |||||
100.0 | ||||||||
| Based on total investments. | |||||||
a | 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 | Inverse floater securitythe interest rate is subject to change periodically. | |||||||
c | Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933.These securities may be resold in | |||||||
transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.These securities have been determined | ||||||||
to be liquid by the Board of Directors.At September 30, 2004, these securities amounted to $22,101,800 or 4.0% | ||||||||
of net assets applicable to Common Shareholders. | ||||||||
d | Non-income producing security; interest payments in default. | |||||||
e | Securities which, while not rated by Fitch, Moodys and Standard & Poors, have been determined by the Manager to | |||||||
be of comparable quality to those rated securities in which the fund may invest. | ||||||||
See notes to financial statements. |
16 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
September 30, 2004 |
Cost | Value | |||
|
|
|
||
Assets ($): | ||||
Investments in securitiesSee Statement of Investments | 787,036,809 | 831,274,397 | ||
Interest receivable | 14,212,820 | |||
Receivable for investment securities sold | 105,391 | |||
Prepaid expenses | 126,855 | |||
845,719,463 | ||||
|
|
|
||
Liabilities ($): | ||||
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliatesNote 3(b) | 551,533 | |||
Cash overdraft due to Custodian | 2,616,498 | |||
Payable for investment securities purchased | 885,950 | |||
Dividends payable to preferred shareholders | 227,811 | |||
Commissions payable | 17,500 | |||
Administrative service fees | 775 | |||
Accrued expenses | 184,339 | |||
4,484,406 | ||||
|
|
|
||
Auction Preferred Stock, Series M,T, W, Th, and F | ||||
par value $.001 per share (11,400 shares | ||||
issued and outstanding at $25,000 per share | ||||
liquidation preference)Note 1 | 285,000,000 | |||
|
|
|
||
Net Assets applicable to Common Shareolders ($) | 556,235,057 | |||
|
|
|
||
Composition of Net Assets ($): | ||||
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share | ||||
(60,588,631 shares issued and outstanding) | 60,589 | |||
Paid-in capital | 571,304,839 | |||
Accumulated undistributed investment incomenet | 856,307 | |||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | (60,224,266) | |||
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | ||||
(depreciation) on investments | 44,237,588 | |||
|
|
|
||
Net Assets applicable to Common Shareholders ($) | 556,235,057 | |||
|
|
|
||
Shares Outstanding | ||||
(500 million shares authorized) | 60,588,631 | |||
Net Asset Value per share of Common Stock ($) | 9.18 |
See notes to financial statements.
The Fund 17 |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
Year Ended September 30, 2004 |
Investment Income ($): | ||
Interest Income | 45,973,948 | |
Expenses: | ||
Management feeNote 3(a) | 6,270,514 | |
Commission feeNote 1 | 755,478 | |
Shareholder servicing costs | 143,450 | |
Custodian feesNote 3(b) | 138,359 | |
Shareholders reports | 77,549 | |
Directors fees and expensesNote 3(c) | 58,739 | |
Professional fees | 41,656 | |
Registration fees | 40,758 | |
Miscellaneous | 59,382 | |
Total Expenses | 7,585,885 | |
Investment IncomeNet | 38,388,063 | |
|
|
|
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on InvestmentsNote 4 ($): | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | (3,656,398) | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 10,859,866 | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 7,203,468 | |
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (3,752,228) | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 41,839,303 |
See notes to financial statements.
18 |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Year Ended September 30, | ||||
|
||||
2004 | 2003 | |||
|
|
|
||
Operations ($): | ||||
Investment incomenet | 38,388,063 | 42,654,878 | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | (3,656,398) | (27,557,602) | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | ||||
(depreciation) on investments | 10,859,866 | 18,445,537 | ||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (3,752,228) | (4,235,015) | ||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | ||||
Resulting from Operations | 41,839,303 | 29,307,798 | ||
|
|
|
||
Dividends to Common Shareholders from ($): | ||||
Investment incomenet | (39,179,128) | (42,956,922) | ||
|
|
|
||
Capital Stock Transactions ($): | ||||
Dividends reinvested | 3,898,829 | 8,567,990 | ||
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 6,559,004 | (5,081,134) | ||
|
|
|
||
Net Assets ($): | ||||
Beginning of Period | 549,676,053 | 554,757,187 | ||
End of Period | 556,235,057 | 549,676,053 | ||
Undistributed investment incomenet | 856,307 | 5,444,760 | ||
|
|
|
||
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): | ||||
Shares issued for dividends reinvested | 419,905 | 934,039 |
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 19 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following table describes the performance for the fiscal periods indicated. Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the funds financial statements and market price data for the funds common stock.
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 a | 2001 | 2000 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 9.14 | 9.37 | 9.66 | 9.38 | 9.41 | |||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||
Investment incomenet | .63b | .71b | .81b | .82 | .71 | |||||
Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments | .12 | (.15) | (.35) | .18 | .02 | |||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | ||||||||||
from net investment income | (.06) | (.07) | (.08) | (.16) | (.13) | |||||
Total from Investment Operations | .69 | .49 | .38 | .84 | .60 | |||||
Distributions to Common Shareholders: | ||||||||||
Dividends from investment incomenet | (.65) | (.72) | (.67) | (.56) | (.55) | |||||
Dividends from net realized | ||||||||||
gain on investments | | | | | (.02) | |||||
Total Distributions | ||||||||||
to Common Shareholders | (.65) | (.72) | (.67) | (.56) | (.57) | |||||
Capital Stock transactions, net of effect | ||||||||||
of Preferred Stock offering | | | | | (.06) | |||||
Net asset value, end of period | 9.18 | 9.14 | 9.37 | 9.66 | 9.38 | |||||
Market value, end of period | 8.86 | 9.38 | 10.11 | 9.69 | 8 9/16 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Return (%) c | 1.55 | .33 | 11.89 | 20.22 | 14.76 |
20 |
Year Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2002 a | 2001 | 2000 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||
to average net assets | ||||||||||
applicable to Common Stock | 1.38d,e | 1.40d,e | 1.38d,e | 1.39d,e | 1.25d,e | |||||
Ratio of net investment income | ||||||||||
to average net assets applicable | ||||||||||
to Common Stock | 6.97d,e | 7.86d,e | 8.61d,e | 8.49d,e | 7.91d,e | |||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 27.31 | 54.79 | 36.81 | 10.07 | 19.03 | |||||
Asset coverage of Preferred Stock, | ||||||||||
end of period ($ x 1,000) | 295 | 293 | 294 | 299 | 295 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Assets, net of Preferred Stock, | ||||||||||
end of period ($ x 1,000) | 556,235 | 549,676 | 554,757 | 565,725 | 548,939 | |||||
Preferred Stock outstanding, | ||||||||||
end of period ($ x 1,000) | 285,000 | 285,000 | 285,000 | 285,000 | 285,000 |
a | As required, effective October 1, 2001, the fund has adopted the provisions of the AICPA Audit and Accounting | |
Guide for Investment Companies and began amortizing discount or permium on a scientific basis for debt | ||
securities on a daily basis.The effect of this change for the period ended September 30, 2002 was to increase net | ||
investment income per share and decrease net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments per share by less | ||
than $.01 and increase the ratio of net investment income to average net assets from 8.58% to 8.61%. Per | ||
share data and ratios/supplemental data for periods prior to October 1, 2001 have not been restated to reflect | ||
this change in presentation. | ||
b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. | |
c | Calculated based on market value. | |
d | Does not reflect the effect of dividends to Preferred Stockholders. | |
e | The ratio of expenses to total average net assets, inclusive of the outstanding auction preferred stock, and the ratio of | |
net investment income to total average net assets were .91 % and 4.59%, respectively, for the year ended September | ||
30, 2004, .92% and 5.15%, respectively, for the year ended September 30, 2003, .91% and 5.69%, respectively, | ||
for the year ended September 30, 2002, .92% and 5.65%, respectively, for the year ended September 30, 2001 and | ||
.92% and 5.79%, respectively, for the year ended September 30, 2000. | ||
See notes to financial statements. |
The Fund 21 |
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) serves as the funds investment adviser. The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Financial Corporation (Mellon Financial).The funds Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol LEO.
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 placed by the broker-dealer in an auction.
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 separate class on certain other matters, as required by law. The fund has designated Robin R. Pringle and John E. Zuccotti to represent holders of APS on the funds Board of Directors.
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.
22 |
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) approved by the Board of Directors. 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.
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gain and loss from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of discount and 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.
(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 gain, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent
The Fund 23 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
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 gain can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gain. 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.
On September 29, 2004, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $.051 per share from investment income-net, payable on October 27, 2004 to Common Shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 13, 2004.
(d) Dividends to shareholders of APS: For APS, dividends are currently reset every 7 days for Series Th and T. The dividend rate for Series M will be in effect until November 8, 2004.The dividend rate for Series W will be in effect until December 1, 2004. The dividend rate for Series F will be in effect until February 13, 2005.The dividend rates in effect at September 30, 2004 were as follows: Series M-1.40%, SeriesT-1.53%, SeriesW-1.34%, SeriesTH-1.45% and Series F-1.64% .
(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.
At September 30, 2004, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows: undistributed tax exempt income $1,426,232, accumulated capital losses $57,745,853 and unrealized
24 |
appreciation $44,250,521. In addition, the fund had $2,370,742 of capital losses realized after October 31, 2003, which were deferred for tax purposes to the first day of the following fiscal year.
The accumulated capital loss carryover is available to be applied against future net securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to September 30, 2004. If not applied, $9,836,505 of the carryover expires in fiscal 2009, $76,128 expires in fiscal 2010, $20,575,114 expires in fiscal 2011 and $27,258,106 expires in fiscal 2012.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal periods ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003, respectively, were as follows: tax exempt income $42,931,356 and $47,191,937.
During the period ended September 30, 2004, 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 $45,157, decreased accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments by $210 and increased paid-in capital by $45,367. Net assets were not affected by this reclassification.
NOTE 2Bank Line of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in a $100 million unsecured line of credit primarily to be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes. Interest is charged to the fund based on prevailing market rates in effect at the time of borrowings. During the period ended September 30, 2004, the fund did not borrow under the line of credit.
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 1% of the value of the funds average weekly net assets, inclusive of the
The Fund 25 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
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 fees 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. During the period ended September 30, 2004, there was no expense reimbursement pursuant to the Agreement.
(b) The fund compensates Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company, an affiliate of the Manager, under a custody agreement for providing custodial services to the fund. During the period ended September 30, 2004, $138,359 was charged by Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company pursuant to the custody agreement.
The components of Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: management fees $516,205 and custodian fees $35,328.
(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, 2004, amounted to $245,658,488 and $222,990,738, respectively.
At September 30, 2004, the cost of investments for federal income tax purpose was $787,023,876; accordingly, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $44,250,521, consisting of $47,282,325 gross unrealized appreciation and $3,031,804 gross unrealized depreciation.
26 |
NOTE 5Legal Matters:
Two class actions have been filed against Mellon Financial,Mellon Bank, N.A., Dreyfus, Founders Asset Management LLC and the directors of all or substantially all of the Dreyfus Funds, on behalf of a purported class and derivatively on behalf of said funds, alleging violations of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the common law. The complaints alleged, among other things, (i) that 12b-1 fees and directed brokerage were improperly used to pay brokers to recommend Dreyfus funds over other funds, (ii) that such payments were not disclosed to investors, (iii) that economies of scale and soft-dollar benefits were not passed on to investors, and (iv) that 12b-1 fees charged to certain funds that were closed to new investors were also improper.The complaints sought compensatory and punitive damages, rescission of the advisory contracts and an accounting and restitution of any unlawful fees, as well as an award of attorneys fees and litigation expenses. On April 22, 2004, the actions were consolidated under the caption In re Dreyfus Mutual Funds Fee Litigation, and a consolidated amended complaint was filed on September 13,2004.While adding new parties and claims under state and federal law, the allegations in the consolidated amended complaint essentially track the allegations in the prior complaints pertaining to 12b-1 fees, directed brokerage, soft dollars and revenue sharing. Dreyfus and the funds believe the allegations to be totally without merit and intend to defend the action vigorously.
Additional lawsuits arising out of these circumstances and presenting similar allegations and requests for relief may be filed against the defendants in the future. Neither Dreyfus nor the Dreyfus funds believe that any of the pending actions will have a material adverse effect on the Dreyfus funds or Dreyfus ability to perform its contracts with the Dreyfus funds.
The Fund 27 |
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, 2004, 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included verification by examination of securities held by the custodian as of September 30, 2004 and confirmation of securities not held by the custodian by correspondence with others. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.We believe that our 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, 2004, 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 11, 2004 |
28 |
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
The Fund 29 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)
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 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.
Managed Dividend 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
30 |
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 funds current accumulated but undistributed net investment income, if any, is disclosed in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, which comprises part of the Financial Information included in this report.
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, then the risk of leveraging will begin to outweigh the benefits.
Supplemental Information
For the period ended September 30, 2004, there were: (i) no material changes in the funds investment objectives or fundamental investment policies, (ii) no changes in the funds charter or by-laws that would delay or prevent a change of control of the fund, and (iii) no material changes in the principal risk factors associated with investment in the fund. In addition, as of November 2001, W. Michael Petty assumed primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the funds portfolio.
The Fund 31 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)
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 21, 2004, 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.
32 |
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)
In accordance with federal tax law, the fund hereby designates all the dividends paid from investment income-net during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004 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 gain distributions (if any) paid for the 2004 calendar year on Form 1099-DIV which will be mailed by January 31, 2005.
The Fund 33 |
PROXY RESULTS (Unaudited)
Holders of Common Stock and holders of Auction Preferred Stock (APS) voted together as a single class on the following proposal presented at the annual shareholders meeting held on May 14, 2004.
Shares | ||||||
|
|
|
||||
For | Authority Withheld | |||||
|
|
|
||||
To elect three Class I Directors: | ||||||
Hodding Carter III | 52,974,103 | 998,678 | ||||
Joseph S. DiMartino | 53,022,012 | 950,769 | ||||
Richard C. Leone | 53,077,148 | 895,633 | ||||
The terms of these Class I Directors expire in 2007. |
34 |
BOARD MEMBERS INFORMATION (Unaudited)
Joseph S. DiMartino (61) |
Chairman of the Board (1995) |
Current term expires in 2007 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Corporate Director and Trustee |
Other Board Memberships and Affiliations: |
The Muscular Dystrophy Association, Director |
Levcor International, Inc., an apparel fabric processor, 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 |
Azimuth Trust, an institutional asset management firm, Member of Board of Managers and |
Advisory Board |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 186 |
|
David W. Burke (68) |
Board Member (1989) |
Current term expires in 2006 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Corporate Director and Trustee |
Other Board Memberships and Affiliations: |
John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, Director |
U.S.S. Constitution Museum, Director |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 83 |
|
William Hodding Carter III (69) |
Board Member (1988) |
Current term expires in 2007 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
President and Chief Executive Officer of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (1998-present) |
Other Board Memberships and Affiliations: |
Independent Sector, Director |
The Century Foundation, Director |
The Enterprise Corporation of the Delta, Director |
Foundation of the Mid-South, Director |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 11 |
|
Ehud Houminer (64) |
Board Member (1994) |
Current term expires in 2005 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Executive-in-Residence at the Columbia Business School, Columbia University |
Principal of Lear,Yavitz and Associates, a management consulting firm (1996 to 2001) |
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 |
Explore Charter School, Brooklyn, NY, Chairman |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 30 |
The Fund 35 |
BOARD MEMBERS INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)
Richard C. Leone (64) |
Board Member (1989) |
Current term expires in 2007 |
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 |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 11 |
|
Hans C. Mautner (66) |
Board Member (1989) |
Current term expires in 2006 |
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 - Board of Managers of: |
Mezzacappa Long/Short Fund LLC |
Mezzacappa Multi-Strategy Fund LLC |
Mezzacappa Multi-Strategy Plus Fund LLC |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 11 |
|
Robin A. Pringle (41) |
Board Member (1995) |
Current term expires in 2005 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Senior Vice President of Mentor/National Mentoring Partnership, a national non-profit organiza- |
tion that is leading the movement to connect Americas young people with caring adult mentors |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 11 |
|
John E. Zuccotti (67) |
Board Member (1989) |
Current term expires in 2006 |
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: |
Chairman of Brookfield Financial Properties, Inc. |
No. of Portfolios for which Board Member Serves: 11 |
|
The address of the Board Members and Officers is in c/o The Dreyfus Corporation, 200 Park Avenue, New York, |
NewYork 10166. |
36 |
OFFICERS OF THE FUND (Unaudited)
STEPHEN E. CANTER, President since | MARK N. JACOBS, Vice President since | |
March 2000. | March 2000. | |
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive | Executive Vice President, Secretary and | |
Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the | General Counsel of the Manager, and an | |
Manager, and an officer of 97 investment | officer of 98 investment companies (comprised | |
companies (comprised of 190 portfolios) | of 206 portfolios) managed by the Manager. | |
managed by the Manager. Mr. Canter also is a | He is 58 years old and has been an employee | |
Board member and, where applicable, an | of the Manager since June 1977. | |
Executive Committee Member of the other | JOHN B. HAMMALIAN, Secretary since | |
investment management subsidiaries of Mellon | March 2000. | |
Financial Corporation, each of which is an | ||
affiliate of the Manager. He is 59 years old and | Associate General Counsel of the Manager, | |
has been an employee of the Manager since | and an officer of 37 investment companies | |
May 1995. | (comprised of 46 portfolios) managed by the | |
Manager. He is 41 years old and has been an | ||
STEPHEN R. BYERS, Executive Vice | employee of the Manager since February 1991. | |
President since November 2002. | ||
STEVEN F. NEWMAN, Assistant Secretary | ||
Chief Investment Officer,Vice Chairman and a | since March 2000. | |
director of the Manager, and an officer of 97 | ||
investment companies (comprised of 190 | Associate General Counsel and Assistant | |
portfolios) managed by the Manager. Mr. Byers | Secretary of the Manager, and an officer of 98 | |
also is an officer, director or an Executive | investment companies (comprised of 206 | |
Committee Member of certain other | portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 55 | |
investment management subsidiaries of Mellon | years old and has been an employee of the | |
Financial Corporation, each of which is an | Manager since July 1980. | |
affiliate of the Manager. He is 51 years old and | MICHAEL A. ROSENBERG, Assistant | |
has been an employee of the Manager since | Secretary since March 2000. | |
January 2000. Prior to joining the Manager, he | ||
served as an Executive Vice President-Capital | Associate General Counsel of the Manager, | |
Markets, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | and an officer of 95 investment companies | |
at Gruntal & Co., L.L.C. | (comprised of 199 portfolios) managed by the | |
Manager. He is 44 years old and has been an | ||
A. PAUL DISDIER, Executive Vice | employee of the Manager since October 1991. | |
President since March 2000. | ||
Executive Vice President of the Fund, Director | ||
of Dreyfus Municipal Securities, and an officer | ||
of 3 other investment companies (comprised of | ||
3 portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is | ||
49 years old and has been an employee of the | ||
Manager since February 1988. |
The Fund 37 |
OFFICERS OF THE FUND (Unaudited) (continued)
JAMES WINDELS, Treasurer since | JOSEPH W. CONNOLLY, Chief Compliance | |
November 2001. | Officer since October 2004. | |
Director Mutual Fund Accounting of the | Chief Compliance Officer of the Manager and | |
Manager, and an officer of 98 investment | The Dreyfus Family of Funds (98 investment | |
companies (comprised of 206 portfolios) | companies, comprising 206 portfolios). From | |
managed by the Manager. He is 46 years old | November 2001 through March 2004, Mr. | |
and has been an employee of the Manager | Connolly was first Vice-President, Mutual | |
since April 1985. | Fund Servicing for Mellon Global Securities | |
GREGORY S. GRUBER, Assistant | Services. In that capacity, Mr. Connolly was | |
Treasurer since March 2000. | responsible for managing Mellons Custody, | |
Fund Accounting and Fund Administration | ||
Senior Accounting Manager Municipal Bond | services to third-party mutual fund clients. Mr. | |
Funds of the Manager, and an officer of 30 | Connolly has served in various capacities with | |
investment companies (comprised of 59 | the Manager since 1980, including manager of | |
portfolios) managed by the Manager. He is 45 | the firms Fund Accounting Department from | |
years old and has been an employee of the | 1997 through October 2001. Mr. Connolly is | |
Manager since August 1981. | 47 years old. | |
KENNETH J. SANDGREN, Assistant | ||
Treasurer since November 2001. | ||
Mutual Funds Tax Director of the Manager, | ||
and an officer of 98 investment companies | ||
(comprised of 206 portfolios) managed by the | ||
Manager. He is 50 years old and has been an | ||
employee of the Manager since June 1993. |
38 |
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS | ||
D rey f u s S t ra te g i c M u n i c i p a l s , | I n c . | |
200 Park Avenue | ||
New York, NY 10166 | ||
Directors | Portfolio Managers (continued) | |
Joseph S. DiMartino | Joseph A. Irace | |
David W. Burke | Colleen A. Meehan | |
William Hodding Carter, III | W. Michael Petty | |
Ehud Houminer | Scott Sprauer | |
Richard C. Leone | Bill Vasiliou | |
Hans C. Mautner | James Welch | |
Robin A. Pringle* | Monica S.Wieboldt | |
John E. Zuccotti* | Investment Adviser | |
* Auction Preferred Stock Directors | ||
The Dreyfus Corporation | ||
Officers | Custodian | |
President | ||
Stephen E. Canter | Boston Safe Deposit | |
Vice President | and Trust Company | |
Mark N. Jacobs | Counsel | |
Executive Vice Presidents | ||
Stephen Byers | Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP | |
A. Paul Disdier | Transfer Agent, | |
Secretary | Dividend Disbursing Agent | |
John B. Hammalian | ||
Assistant Secretaries | and Registrar | |
Steven F. Newman | The Bank of New York (Common Stock) | |
Michael A. Rosenberg | Deutsche Bank Trust Company America | |
Treasurer | (Auction Preferred Stock) | |
James Windels | ||
Assistant Treasurers | Auction Agent | |
Gregory S. Gruber | Deutsche Bank Trust Company America | |
Kenneth J. Sandgren | ||
(Auction Preferred Stock) | ||
Chief Compliance Officer | ||
Joseph W. Connolly | Stock Exchange Listing | |
Portfolio Managers: | NYSE Symbol: LEO | |
Joseph P. Darcy | Initial SEC Effective Date | |
A. Paul Disdier | 9/23/87 | |
Douglas J. Gaylor |
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; New York 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 41 |
For More Information
Dreyfus Strategic Municipals, Inc. | Transfer Agent & | |
200 Park Avenue | Dividend Disbursing Agent | |
New York, NY 10166 | and Registrar | |
(Common Stock) | ||
Manager | ||
The Bank of New York | ||
The Dreyfus Corporation | 101 Barclay Street | |
200 Park Avenue | New York, NY 10286 | |
New York, NY 10166 | ||
Custodian | ||
Boston Safe Deposit and | ||
Trust Company | ||
One Boston Place | ||
Boston, MA 02108 |
Beginning with the funds fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2004, the fund will file its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The funds Forms N-Q will be 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.
© 2004 Dreyfus Service 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 Richard C. Leone, 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"). Mr. Leone 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 $30,200 in 2003 and $31,710 in 2004.
(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 $ 12,500 in 2003 and $ 20,500 in 2004. These services consisted of security counts required by Rule 17f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(ii) Agreed upon procedures in calculating compliance by the fund with the 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 $ 85,000 in 2003 and $ 218,500 in 2004.
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.
-2- |
(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 $ 1,371 in 2003 and $ 2, 610 in 2004. [These services consisted of (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held, and (iv) determination of Passive Foreign Investment Companies.]
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 2003 and $ 0 in 2004.
(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 2003 and $_ 0 _in 2004. These services consisted of a review of the Registrant's anti-money laundering program.
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) and (c) of this Item, which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee were $_ 0 in 2003 and $ 0 in 2004.
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 $ 158,125 in 2003 and $ 790,824 in 2004.
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: David W. Burke, Hodding Carter III, Joseph S. DiMartino, Ehud Houminer, Richard Leone, Hans Mautner, Robin Pringle and John E. Zuccotti.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
Not applicable.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable. [CLOSED-END FUNDS ONLY]
Item 8. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Affiliated Purchasers.
-3- |
Not applicable. [CLOSED-END FUNDS ONLY]
Item 9. 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 West, 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 10. 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 Registrant's most recently ended fiscal half-year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Item 11. 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.
-4- |
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/ Stephen E. Canter | |
Stephen E. Canter | ||
President | ||
Date: | November 30, 2004 |
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/ Stephen E. Canter | |
Stephen E. Canter | ||
Chief Executive Officer | ||
Date: | November 30, 2004 | |
By: | /s/ James Windels | |
James Windels | ||
Chief Financial Officer | ||
Date: | November 30, 2004 |
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)
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