| 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 811-5877 |
| Dreyfus Strategic Municipal Bond Fund, 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: | 11/30 | |
| Date of reporting period: | 5/31/05 |
| FORM N-CSR |
| Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders. |
Dreyfus Strategic Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
Protecting Your Privacy Our Pledge to You
THE FUND IS COMMITTED TO YOUR PRIVACY. On this page, you will find the Fund’s 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 Fund’s consumer privacy policy, and may be amended at any time. We’ll 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 Fund’s 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:
- Information we receive from you, such as your name, address, and social security number.
- Information about your transactions with us, such as the purchase or sale of Fund shares.
- Information we receive from agents and service providers, such as proxy voting information.
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 | Statement of Investments | |
| 16 | Statement of Financial Futures | |
| 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 | |
| 29 | Proxy Results | |
| 33 | Officers and Directors | |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION | ||
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| Back Cover | ||
The Fund
| Dreyfus |
| Strategic Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. |
|
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN |
|
Dear Shareholder: |
We are pleased to present this semiannual report for Dreyfus Strategic Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., covering the six-month period from December 1, 2004, through May 31, 2005. Inside, you’ll find valuable information about how the fund was managed during the reporting period, including a discussion with the fund’s portfolio manager, James Welch.
Despite occasional bouts of heightened volatility, the six-month reporting period produced generally good results for longer-term municipal bonds. Although the Federal Reserve Board began to raise short-term interest rates in June 2004, longer-term bonds remained remarkably resilient as investors responded to new signs of global economic weakness. These factors supported a market rally in April and May 2005, which more than offset earlier weakness among tax-exempt bonds, including those with intermediate-term maturities.
According to our economists, recent market turbulence probably is the result of a transition to a more mature phase of the economic cycle; one that typically is characterized by tighter monetary policy and slowing corporate profit growth. At times such as these, we believe it is especially important for investors to stay in touch with their financial advisors, as they can help you decide what adjustments, if any, you should make to your long-term investment strategy.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
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2 |
|
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE |
|
James Welch, Portfolio Manager |
|
How did Dreyfus Strategic Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. perform during the period? |
For the six-month period ended May 31, 2005, the fund achieved total return of 6.67% .1 Over the same period, the fund provided aggregate income dividends of $0.306 per share, which reflects a dis tribution rate of 6.98% .2
Municipal bonds benefited during the reporting period from changes in the outlook for the U.S. economy. Early in the reporting period, relatively strong economic growth supported prices of bonds that respond more to changes in the credit environment. During the second half, a slowing economy produced a rally among the more interest-rate-sensitive areas of the market.
What is the fund’s investment approach?
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax to the extent believed by Dreyfus to be consistent with the preservation of capital. In pursuing this goal, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in municipal bonds. Under normal market conditions, the weighted average maturity of the fund’s portfolio is expected to exceed 10 years. Municipal bonds are classified as general obligation bonds, revenue bonds and notes. Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal bonds considered investment grade or the unrated equivalent as determined by Dreyfus.
The fund also issues auction rate preferred stock and invests the proceeds in a manner consistent with its investment objective.This has the effect of “leveraging” the portfolio, which can increase the fund’s performance potential as well as, depending on market conditions, enhance net asset value volatility.
Over time, many of the fund’s older, higher-yielding bonds have matured or were redeemed by their issuers.We have generally attempted
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The Fund 3 |
|
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued) |
to replace those bonds with investments consistent with the fund’s investment policies.We have also sought to upgrade the fund with newly issued bonds that, in our opinion, have better structural or income characteristics than existing holdings. When such opportunities arise, we usually look to sell bonds that are close to their optimal redemption date or maturity. In addition, we conduct credit analysis of our holdings in an attempt to avoid potential defaults on interest and principal payments.
What other factors influenced the fund’s performance?
The Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”) continued to raise short-term interest rates, driving the overnight federal funds rate from 2% at the start of the reporting period to 3% by the end of the reporting period. The Fed’s gradual moves away from its previously accommodative monetary policy were designed to bring interest rates to a level that neither stimulates nor restricts economic activity.
Unlike previous periods of rising short-term interest rates, however, longer-term bond yields had declined by the start of the reporting period as investors apparently believed that the moderate pace of economic recovery was not strong enough to fuel inflationary pressures. That attitude seemed to change in early 2005, when the economic recovery seemed to strengthen and the Fed noted a return of pricing power for many businesses. During the spring, however, signs of a new economic “soft patch” sparked a renewed rally among longer-term bonds, helping the fund produce a solidly positive total return for the reporting period overall.
The fund enjoyed strong contributions to performance corporate-backed tax-exempt bonds, including those secured by airline facilities and the states’ settlement of litigation with U.S. tobacco companies, which benefited from improved business conditions.While a stronger economy also helped relieve fiscal pressures for most states, the supply of newly issued securities increased during the reporting period as issuers took advantage of low borrowing rates to refund their seasoned, higher-coupon debt.
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4 |
There was relatively little trading activity in the fund during the reporting period, primarily because it made little sense to us to sell existing holdings and replace them with securities with lower coupon rates.When existing holdings matured or were redeemed early by their issuers, we tended to reinvest in income-oriented bonds with maturities in the 25-year range.These securities, which typically were purchased at modest premiums to their face values, historically have tended to hold more of their value during market declines.
As short-term rates rose during the reporting period, we believed it was prudent to maintain the auction rate shares in variable-rate mode as opposed to term-rate mode from the prior reporting period. In addition, we were able to maintain the fund’s aggregate income dividends, despite increased borrowing costs that go along with rising short-term rates.
What is the fund’s current strategy?
Evidence of slower economic growth around the world suggests that the Fed may be nearing the end of its moves toward higher interest rates.Accordingly, we have positioned the fund for the next phase of the economic cycle, including a focus on high-quality, income-oriented securities that, in our judgment, should continue to earn competitive levels of tax-exempt income.
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June 15, 2005 |
| 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. 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 expenses by The Dreyfus Corporation pursuant to an undertaking in effect from | ||
| November 1, 2004, through October 30, 2005. Had these expenses not been absorbed, the | ||
| 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, adjusted for any | ||
| capital gain distributions. |
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The Fund 5 |
|
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS |
|
May 31, 2005 (Unaudited) |
| Principal | ||||||
| Long-Term Municipal Investments—142.7% | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
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| Alabama—1.0% | ||||||
| Jefferson County, Limited Obligation | ||||||
| School Warrants 5.50%, 1/1/2022 | 4,000,000 | 4,407,680 | ||||
| Alaska—4.3% | ||||||
| Alaska Housing Finance Corp.: | ||||||
| 6.25%, 6/1/2035 | 5,905,000 | 6,281,621 | ||||
| 6.05%, 6/1/2039 (Insured; MBIA) | 11,915,000 | 12,418,290 | ||||
| Arizona—1.4% | ||||||
| Apache County Industrial Development Authority, PCR | ||||||
| (Tucson Electric Power Co.) 5.85%, 3/1/2028 | 2,220,000 | 2,220,488 | ||||
| Maricopa County Pollution Control Corp., PCR | ||||||
| (El Paso Electric Co.) 6.25%, 5/1/2037 | 4,000,000 | 4,022,080 | ||||
| Arkansas—2.1% | ||||||
| Arkansas Development Finance Authority, SFMR | ||||||
| 6.25%, 1/1/2032 | 3,550,000 | 3,629,414 | ||||
| Little Rock School District | ||||||
| 5.25%, 2/1/2030 (Insured; FSA) | 5,000,000 | 5,320,300 | ||||
| California—6.8% | ||||||
| California | ||||||
| 5.50%, 4/1/2028 | 5,450,000 | 6,080,892 | ||||
| California Department of Veteran Affairs, | ||||||
| Home Purchase Revenue 5.20%, 12/1/2028 | 5,000,000 | 5,003,600 | ||||
| California Department of Water Resources, | ||||||
| Power Supply Revenue 6%, 5/1/2015 | 12,500,000 | 14,457,000 | ||||
| California Health Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue | ||||||
| (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) 6.25%, 12/1/2034 | 3,750,000 | 4,090,913 | ||||
| Colorado—3.9% | ||||||
| Colorado Health Facilities Authority, Revenue | ||||||
| (American Housing Foundation 1, Inc.) | ||||||
| 8.50%, 12/1/2031 | 2,015,000 | 2,043,995 | ||||
| Denver City and County, Special Facilities Airport Revenue | ||||||
| (United Air Lines) 6.875%, 10/1/2032 | 2,700,000 | a | 2,325,834 | |||
| Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority, Revenue | ||||||
| (First Tier Subordinated) 7.125%, 6/15/2041 | 7,000,000 | 7,589,610 | ||||
| Silver Dollar Metropolitan District | ||||||
| 7.05%, 12/1/2030 (Prerefunded 12/1/2006) | 4,825,000 | b | 5,102,631 | |||
|
6 |
| Principal | ||||
| Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
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| Connecticut—4.8% | ||||
| Connecticut Development Authority, PCR | ||||
| (Connecticut Light and Power) 5.95%, 9/1/2028 | 9,000,000 | 9,586,080 | ||
| Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities | ||||
| Authority, Revenue (Yale University) 5%, 7/1/2042 | 5,000,000 | 5,259,000 | ||
| Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority | ||||
| (American Refunding-Fuel Company) | ||||
| 6.45%, 11/15/2022 | 4,985,000 | 5,100,153 | ||
| Mohegan Tribe Indians Gaming Authority, | ||||
| Public Improvement-Priority Distribution | ||||
| 6.25%, 1/1/2031 | 1,000,000 | 1,084,550 | ||
| District of Columbia—1.2% | ||||
| Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, | ||||
| Special Facilities Revenue | ||||
| (Caterair International Corp.) 10.125%, 9/1/2011 | 5,120,000 | 5,127,424 | ||
| Florida—4.1% | ||||
| Florida Housing Finance Corp., Housing Revenue | ||||
| (Seminole Ridge Apartments) | ||||
| 6%, 4/1/2041 (Collateralized; GNMA) | 6,415,000 | 6,751,980 | ||
| Miami-Dade County Expressway Authority, | ||||
| Toll System Revenue | ||||
| 5.125%, 7/1/2029 (Insured; FGIC) | 4,000,000 | 4,233,320 | ||
| Orange County Health Facilities Authority, Revenue: | ||||
| (Adventist Health System) 6.25%, 11/15/2024 | 3,000,000 | 3,362,610 | ||
| (Orlando Regional Healthcare System) 6%, 10/1/2026 | 3,500,000 | 3,735,340 | ||
| Georgia—2.0% | ||||
| Agusta Airport Revenue | ||||
| 5.45%, 1/1/2031 | 2,500,000 | 2,573,200 | ||
| Atlanta Airport Revenue | ||||
| 5.25%, 1/1/2025 (Insured; FSA) | 3,000,000 | 3,218,160 | ||
| Savannah Economic Development Authority, | ||||
| Environmental Improvement Revenue | ||||
| (International Paper Company) 6.20%, 8/1/2027 | 2,670,000 | 2,890,836 | ||
| Idaho—.2% | ||||
| Idaho Housing & Finance Association, SFMR | ||||
| 6.35%, 1/1/2030 (Collateralized; FNMA) | 715,000 | 755,355 |
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The Fund 7 |
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| Principal | ||||||
| Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
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| Illinois—9.2% | ||||||
| Chicago O’Hare International Airport: | ||||||
| General Airport Revenue (3rd Lien B-2) | ||||||
| 6%, 1/1/2029 (Insured; XLCA) | 5,000,000 | 5,671,700 | ||||
| Special Facility Revenue | ||||||
| (American Airlines Incorporated) | ||||||
| 8.20%, 12/1/2024 | 7,000,000 | 6,510,700 | ||||
| Illinois Educational Facilities Authority Revenues: | ||||||
| (Northern University) | ||||||
| 5%, 12/1/2038 | 5,000,000 | 5,205,450 | ||||
| (University of Chicago) | ||||||
| 5.125%, 7/1/2038 (Insured; MBIA) | 5,000,000 | 5,251,800 | ||||
| Illinois Health Facilities Authority, Revenue: | ||||||
| (Advocate Network Health Care) | ||||||
| 6.125%, 11/15/2022 | 5,000,000 | 5,561,300 | ||||
| (OSF Healthcare Systems) | ||||||
| 6.25%, 11/15/2029 | 10,900,000 | 11,749,655 | ||||
| Indiana—1.6% | ||||||
| Franklin Township School Building Corp. | ||||||
| 6.125%, 1/15/2022 (Prerefunded 7/15/2010) | 6,000,000 | b | 6,955,800 | |||
| Kansas—1.7% | ||||||
| Wyandotte County Kansas City, | ||||||
| Unified Government Utility Systems Revenue | ||||||
| 5.65%, 9/1/2022 (Insured; AMBAC) | 6,365,000 | 7,420,572 | ||||
| Louisiana—2.5% | ||||||
| Parish of De Soto, Environmental Improvement | ||||||
| Revenue (International Paper Co.) | ||||||
| 6.55%, 4/1/2019 | 2,900,000 | 2,958,000 | ||||
| West Feliciana Parish, PCR | ||||||
| (Entergy Gulf States): | ||||||
| 7%, 11/1/2015 | 3,000,000 | 3,057,150 | ||||
| 6.60%, 9/1/2028 | 4,700,000 | 4,777,926 | ||||
| Maryland—1.2% | ||||||
| Maryland Economic Development Corp., | ||||||
| Student Housing Revenue (University of Maryland) | ||||||
| 5.75%, 10/1/2033 | 2,550,000 | 2,703,816 | ||||
| Maryland Industrial Development Financing | ||||||
| Authority, EDR (Medical Waste Associates | ||||||
| Limited Partnership) 8.75%, 11/15/2010 | 3,710,000 | c | 2,623,527 | |||
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8 |
| Principal | ||||
| Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
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| Massachusetts—7.0% | ||||
| Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Revenue | ||||
| (WGBH Educational Foundation) | ||||
| 5.375%, 1/1/2042 (Insured; AMBAC) | 5,750,000 | 6,282,623 | ||
| Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities | ||||
| Authority, Revenue: | ||||
| (Civic Investments) 9%, 12/15/2015 | 2,000,000 | 2,321,500 | ||
| (Harvard University) 5%, 7/15/2032 | 10,000,000 | 10,663,900 | ||
| (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) | ||||
| 5.50%, 7/1/2032 | 5,000,000 | 6,122,400 | ||
| (Partners Healthcare System) 5.75%, 7/1/2032 | 3,000,000 | 3,303,630 | ||
| Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, | ||||
| (Housing) 5%, 6/1/2030 | 2,000,000 | 2,034,800 | ||
| Michigan—2.8% | ||||
| Michigan Hospital Finance Authority, HR | ||||
| (Genesys Health System Obligated Group) | ||||
| 8.125%, 10/1/2021 (Prerefunded 10/1/2005) | 5,000,000 b | 5,185,700 | ||
| Michigan Strategic Fund, SWDR | ||||
| (Genesee Power Station) 7.50%, 1/1/2021 | 7,450,000 | 7,077,649 | ||
| Mississippi—.7% | ||||
| Mississippi Business Finance Corporation, PCR | ||||
| (Systems Energy Resources, Inc.) 5.90%, 5/1/2022 | 3,160,000 | 3,216,343 | ||
| Nebraska—.4% | ||||
| Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, SFMR | ||||
| 8.983%, 3/1/2026 | 1,700,000 d,e | 1,914,642 | ||
| Nevada—3.3% | ||||
| Washoe County: | ||||
| (Reno-Sparks Convention) 6.40%, 7/1/2029 | ||||
| (Insured; FSA) (Prerefunded 1/1/2010) | 8,000,000 b | 9,132,480 | ||
| Water Facility Revenue (Sierra Pacific Power Co.) | ||||
| 5%, 3/1/2036 | 5,000,000 | 5,101,200 | ||
| New Hampshire—3.4% | ||||
| New Hampshire Business Finance Authority, PCR | ||||
| (Public Service Co.): | ||||
| 6%, Series D 5/1/2021 (Insured; MBIA) | 2,690,000 | 2,921,501 | ||
| 6%, Series E 5/1/2021 (Insured; MBIA) | 6,000,000 | 6,516,360 | ||
| New Hampshire Industrial Development Authority, PCR | ||||
| (Connecticut Light) 5.90%, 11/1/2016 | 5,400,000 | 5,531,220 |
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The Fund 9 |
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| Principal | ||||
| Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
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| New Jersey—3.3% | ||||
| New Jersey Economic Development Authority | ||||
| Special Facilities Revenue (Continental Airlines, Inc.) | ||||
| 6.25%, 9/15/2019 | 3,620,000 | 3,188,206 | ||
| Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation | ||||
| 7%, 6/1/2041 | 10,095,000 | 11,191,822 | ||
| New York—4.8% | ||||
| New York City Industrial Development Agency, Revenue | ||||
| (Liberty-7 World Trade Center) | ||||
| 6.25%, 3/1/2015 | 4,500,000 | 4,632,525 | ||
| New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, | ||||
| Water & Sewer System Revenue | ||||
| 5%, 6/15/2037 | 5,000,000 | 5,300,850 | ||
| New York City Transitional Finance Authority, Revenue | ||||
| (Future Tax Secured) | ||||
| 5.375%, 11/15/2021 | 5,000,000 | 5,507,050 | ||
| New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenue: | ||||
| (Marymount Manhattan College) 6.25%, 7/1/2029 | ||||
| 6.25%, 7/1/2029 (Insured; Radian) | 4,000,000 | 4,450,560 | ||
| (Suffolk County Judicial Facility) | ||||
| 9.50%, 4/15/2014 | 605,000 | 864,200 | ||
| North Carolina—.6% | ||||
| North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency, | ||||
| Power Systems Revenue 6.70%, 1/1/2019 | 2,500,000 | 2,805,450 | ||
| Ohio—6.2% | ||||
| Cuyahoga County, HR (Metrohealth Systems) | ||||
| 6.15%, 2/15/2029 | 10,000,000 | 10,569,800 | ||
| Cuyahoga County Hospital Facilities, Revenue | ||||
| (UHHS/CSAHS Cuyahoga Inc. & | ||||
| CSAHS/UHHS Canton Inc.) 7.50%, 1/1/2030 | 3,500,000 | 3,974,495 | ||
| Mahoning County Hospital Facilities, Revenue | ||||
| (Forum Health Obligation Group) | ||||
| 6%, 11/15/2032 | 4,000,000 | 4,377,160 | ||
| Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, PCR | ||||
| (Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co.) | ||||
| 6.10%, 8/1/2020 | 2,400,000 | 2,522,256 |
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10 |
| Principal | ||||
| Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
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| Ohio (continued) | ||||
| Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Mortgage Revenue | ||||
| 8.930%, 3/1/2029 (Collateralized; GNMA) | 1,170,000 d,e | 1,232,139 | ||
| Ohio Water Development Authority, PCR | ||||
| (Cleveland Electric) 6.10%, 8/1/2020 | 4,000,000 | 4,203,760 | ||
| Oklahoma—4.1% | ||||
| Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, Revenue | ||||
| (St. John Health System) 6%, 2/15/2029 | 9,000,000 | 9,796,770 | ||
| Oklahoma Industries Authority, Health System | ||||
| Revenue (Obligation Group): | ||||
| 5.75%, 8/15/2029 (Insured; MBIA) | ||||
| (Prerefunded 8/15/2009) | 2,105,000 b | 2,349,264 | ||
| 5.75%, 8/15/2029 (Insured; MBIA) | 2,895,000 | 3,155,897 | ||
| Tulsa Municipal Airport Trust Revenue | ||||
| (American Airlines Project) 5.65%, 12/1/2035 | 2,550,000 | 2,427,192 | ||
| Oregon—1.4% | ||||
| Umatilla County Hospital Facility Authority, Revenue | ||||
| (Catholic Health Initiatives): | ||||
| 5.50%, 3/1/2022 | 1,355,000 | 1,520,161 | ||
| 5.50%, 3/1/2022 | 1,040,000 | 1,131,416 | ||
| Western Generation Agency, | ||||
| Cogeneration Project Revenue | ||||
| (Wauna Cogeneration) 7.40%, 1/1/2016 | 3,250,000 | 3,331,835 | ||
| Pennsylvania—2.9% | ||||
| Allegheny County Port Authority, Special Transportation | ||||
| Revenue 6.125%, 3/1/2029 | ||||
| (Insured; MBIA) (Prerefunded 3/1/2009) | 4,750,000 b | 5,318,955 | ||
| Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing | ||||
| Authority, Exempt Facilities Revenue | ||||
| (Reliant Energy) 6.75%, 12/1/2036 | 4,000,000 | 4,306,120 | ||
| Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, | ||||
| Multi-Family Development Revenue | ||||
| 8.25%, 12/15/2019 | 261,000 | 261,629 | ||
| Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Turnpike Revenue | ||||
| 5.25%, 12/1/2032 (Insured; AMBAC) | 2,695,000 | 2,953,504 |
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The Fund 11 |
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| Principal | ||||||
| Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||||
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| Rhode Island—1.5% | ||||||
| Rhode Island Health & Educational Building | ||||||
| Corporation Higher Educational Facilities | ||||||
| (University of Rhode Island) | ||||||
| 5.875%, 9/15/2029 (Insured; MBIA) | 5,910,000 | 6,534,983 | ||||
| South Carolina—6.7% | ||||||
| Greenville County School District | ||||||
| Installment Purchase Revenue | ||||||
| (Residuals-Series 982) 7.80%, 12/1/2028 | 7,500,000 | d,e | 8,862,450 | |||
| Greenville Hospital System, Hospital Facilities Revenue | ||||||
| 5.50%, 5/1/2026 (Insured; AMBAC) | 7,000,000 | 7,684,950 | ||||
| Richland County, Environmental Improvement Revenue | ||||||
| (International Paper Company) 6.10%, 4/1/2023 | 6,500,000 | 7,022,080 | ||||
| South Carolina Medical Facilities, Hospital Facilities | ||||||
| Revenue 6%, 7/1/2019 (Prerefunded 7/1/2009) | 5,000,000 | b | 5,605,300 | |||
| Tennessee—3.8% | ||||||
| Johnson City Health and Educational Facilities Board, HR | ||||||
| (1st Mortgage-Mountain State Health): | ||||||
| 7.50%, 7/1/2025 | 2,000,000 | 2,410,960 | ||||
| 7.50%, 7/1/2033 | 4,875,000 | 5,840,299 | ||||
| Memphis Center City Revenue Finance Corp. | ||||||
| Sports Facility Revenue | ||||||
| (Memphis Redbirds) 6.50%, 9/1/2028 | 6,000,000 | 6,108,420 | ||||
| Tennessee Housing Development Agency | ||||||
| (Homeownership Program) | ||||||
| 6%, 1/1/2028 | 2,275,000 | 2,349,916 | ||||
| Texas—22.9% | ||||||
| Alliance Airport Authority, Special Facilities Revenue | ||||||
| (American Airlines Incorporated Project) | ||||||
| 7.50%, 12/1/2029 | 4,095,000 | 3,400,734 | ||||
| Dallas Fort Worth International Airport: | ||||||
| Joint Revenue 5.50%, 11/1/2021 (Insured; FSA) | 7,000,000 | 7,662,690 | ||||
| Facility Improvement Corporation Revenue | ||||||
| (Bombardier Inc.) 6.15%, 1/1/2016 | 3,000,000 | 3,024,810 | ||||
| Gregg County Health Facilities Development | ||||||
| Corp., HR (Good Shepherd Medical Center) | ||||||
| 6.375%, 10/1/2025 | 2,500,000 | 2,831,675 | ||||
| Harris County Health Facilities Development | ||||||
| Corp., HR (Memorial Hermann Healthcare) | ||||||
| 6.375%, 6/1/2029 | 7,000,000 | 7,774,060 | ||||
|
12 |
| Principal | ||||
| Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
|
|
|
|
||
| Texas (continued) | ||||
| Harris County-Houston Sports Authority | ||||
| Revenue (Third Lien-A-3) | ||||
| Zero Coupon, 11/15/2031 (Insured; MBIA) | 9,685,000 | 2,453,404 | ||
| Katy Independent School District | ||||
| 6.125%, 2/15/2032 (Prerefunded 2/15/2009) | 11,360,000 b | 12,601,989 | ||
| Sabine River Authority, PCR (TXU Electric): | ||||
| 6.45%, 6/1/2021 | 4,900,000 | 5,260,444 | ||
| 5.50%, 5/1/2022 | 5,490,000 | 5,897,193 | ||
| Springhill Courtland Heights Public | ||||
| Facility Corp. MFHR 5.85%, 12/1/2028 | 6,030,000 | 5,817,563 | ||
| Texas: | ||||
| (Veterans ) 6%, 12/1/2030 | 3,935,000 | 4,274,393 | ||
| (Veterans Housing Assistance Program) | ||||
| 6.10%, 6/1/2031 | 8,510,000 | 9,149,782 | ||
| Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs: | ||||
| Collateralized Home Mortgage Revenue | ||||
| 10.829%, 7/2/2024 | 2,250,000 d | 2,271,622 | ||
| Residential Mortgage Revenue | ||||
| 5.35%, 7/1/2033 | 5,735,000 | 5,915,653 | ||
| Texas Turnpike Authority, | ||||
| Central Texas Turnpike System Revenue | ||||
| 5.25%, 5/15/2042 (Insured; AMBAC) | 6,775,000 | 7,329,737 | ||
| Tomball Hospital Authority, Revenue: | ||||
| 6.125%, 7/1/2023 | 3,680,000 | 3,685,078 | ||
| (Tomball Regional Hospital) 6%, 7/1/2025 | 4,650,000 | 4,789,035 | ||
| Tyler Health Facilities Development Corp., HR | ||||
| (East Texas Medical Center Regional Health) | ||||
| 6.75%, 11/1/2025 | 5,850,000 | 5,862,987 | ||
| Utah—1.0% | ||||
| Carbon County, SWDR (Sunnyside Cogeneration) | ||||
| 7.10%, 8/15/2023 | 4,122,000 | 4,126,411 | ||
| Virginia—5.8% | ||||
| Henrico County Industrial Development Authority, | ||||
| Revenue (Bon Secours Health System) | ||||
| 9.191%, 8/23/2027 | 7,500,000 d | 10,974,600 | ||
| University of Virginia, University Revenues | ||||
| 5%, 6/1/2033 | 4,975,000 | 5,276,037 | ||
| Virginia Housing Development Authority, | ||||
| Rental Housing 6.20%, 8/1/2024 | 8,520,000 | 9,124,920 |
|
The Fund 13 |
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
| Principal | ||||
| Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) | Amount ($) | Value ($) | ||
|
|
|
|
||
| Washington—3.5% | ||||
| Energy Northwest, Revenue | ||||
| (Wind Project) 6%, 7/1/2023 | ||||
| (Prerefunded 1/1/2007) | 3,670,000 b | 3,939,451 | ||
| Washington Higher Education Facilities Authority, | ||||
| Revenue (Whitman College) | ||||
| 5.875%, 10/1/2029 (Prerefunded 10/1/2009) | 10,000,000 b | 11,127,400 | ||
| Wisconsin—5.1% | ||||
| Badger Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp. | ||||
| Tobacco Settlement Revenue | ||||
| 7%, 6/1/2028 | 14,570,000 | 16,034,139 | ||
| Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities | ||||
| Authority, Revenue (Aurora Health Care) | ||||
| 6.40%, 4/15/2033 | 5,500,000 | 6,146,140 | ||
| Wyoming—3.5% | ||||
| Sweetwater County, SWDR (FMC Corp.): | ||||
| 7%, 6/1/2024 | 2,140,000 | 2,163,668 | ||
| 6.90%, 9/1/2024 | 2,465,000 | 2,503,183 | ||
| Wyoming Student Loan Corp., | ||||
| Student Loan Revenue: | ||||
| 6.20%, 6/1/2024 | 5,000,000 | 5,417,350 | ||
| 6.25%, 6/1/2029 | 5,000,000 | 5,387,400 | ||
|
|
|
|
||
| Total Investments (cost $588,760,391) | 142.7% | 622,461,622 | ||
| Liabilities, Less Cash and Receivables | (.1%) | (381,543) | ||
| Preferred Stock, at redemption value | (42.6%) | (186,000,000) | ||
| Net Assets | 100.0% | 436,080,079 | ||
|
14 |
| Summary of Abbreviations | ||||||
| AMBAC | American Municipal Bond | HR | Hospital Revenue | |||
| Assurance Corporation | MBIA | Municipal Bond Investors Assurance | ||||
| EDR | Economic Development Revenue | Insurance Corporation | ||||
| FGIC | Financial Guaranty Insurance Company | MFHR | Multi-Family Housing Revenue | |||
| FNMA | Federal National Mortgage Association | PCR | Pollution Control Revenue | |||
| FSA | Financial Security Assurance | SFMR | Single Family Mortgage Revenue | |||
| GNMA | Government National Mortgage | SWDR | Solid Waste Disposal Revenue | |||
| Association | XLCA | XL Capital Assurance | ||||
| Summary of Combined Ratings (Unaudited) | ||||||||
| Fitch | or Moody’s | or Standard & Poor’s | Value (%)† | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| AAA | Aaa | AAA | 32.8 | |||||
| AA | Aa | AA | 17.5 | |||||
| A | A | A | 13.4 | |||||
| BBB | Baa | BBB | 22.5 | |||||
| BB | Ba | BB | 3.4 | |||||
| B | B | B | 1.6 | |||||
| CCC | Caa | CCC | 1.6 | |||||
| Not Rated f | Not Rated f | Not Rated f | 7.2 | |||||
| 100.0 | ||||||||
| † | Based on total investments. | |||||||
| a | Non-income producing security, interest payments in default. | |||||||
| b | 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. | ||||||||
| c | Non-income producing security. | |||||||
| d | Inverse floater security—the interest rate is subject to change periodically. | |||||||
| e | 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. At May 31, 2005, these securities | ||||||||
| amounted to $12,009,231 or 2.8% of net assets applicable to common shareholders. | ||||||||
| f | Securities which, while not rated by Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, have been determined by the Manager to | |||||||
| be of comparable quality to those rated securities in which the fund may invest. | ||||||||
| See notes to financial statements. | ||||||||
|
The Fund 15 |
|
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL FUTURES |
|
May 31, 2005 (Unaudited) |
| Market Value | Unrealized | |||||||
| Covered by | (Depreciation) | |||||||
| Contracts | Contracts ($) | Expiration | at 5/31/2005 ($) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
| Financial Futures Sold Short | ||||||||
| U.S Treasury Futures 10 Year Note | 25 | 2,821,094 | June 2005 | (89,138) | ||||
|
See notes to financial statements. |
|
16 |
|
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
|
May 31, 2005 (Unaudited) |
| Cost | Value | |||
|
|
|
|
||
| Assets ($): | ||||
| Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments | 588,760,391 | 622,461,622 | ||
| Cash on Initial Margin—Note 4 | 18,750 | |||
| Interest receivable | 11,116,796 | |||
| Prepaid expenses | 40,324 | |||
| 633,637,492 | ||||
|
|
|
|
||
| Liabilities ($): | ||||
| Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(a) | 343,641 | |||
| Cash overdraft due to Custodian | 502,751 | |||
| Payable for investment securities purchased | 10,503,700 | |||
| Dividends payable to Preferred shareholders | 35,171 | |||
| Commissions payable | 16,983 | |||
| Payable for futures variation margin—Note 4 | 5,469 | |||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 149,698 | |||
| 11,557,413 | ||||
|
|
|
|
||
| Auction Preferred Stock, Series A, B and C, par value | ||||
| $.001 per share (7,440 shares issued and outstanding | ||||
| at $25,000 per share liquidation value)—Note 1 | 186,000,000 | |||
|
|
|
|
||
| Net Assets applicable to Common Shareholders ($) | 436,080,079 | |||
|
|
|
|
||
| Composition of Net Assets ($): | ||||
| Common Stock, par value, $.001 per share | ||||
| (48,181,284 shares issued and outstanding) | 48,181 | |||
| Paid-in capital | 435,539,977 | |||
| Accumulated undistributed investment income—net | 1,681,075 | |||
| Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments | (34,801,247) | |||
| Accumulated net unrealized appreciation | ||||
| (depreciation) on investments [including ($89,138) | ||||
| net unrealized (depreciation) on financial futures] | 33,612,093 | |||
|
|
|
|
||
| Net Assets applicable to Common Shareholders ($) | 436,080,079 | |||
|
|
|
|
||
| Common Shares Outstanding | ||||
| (110 million shares of $.001 par value Common Stock authorized) | 48,181,284 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net Asset Value per share of Common Stock ($) | 9.05 | |||
|
See notes to financial statements. |
|
The Fund 17 |
|
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS |
|
Six Months Ended May 31, 2005 (Unaudited) |
| Investment Income ($): | ||
| Interest Income | 17,518,043 | |
| Expenses: | ||
| Investment advisory fee—Note 3(a) | 1,537,554 | |
| Administration fee—Note 3(a) | 768,777 | |
| Commission fees—Note 1 | 217,243 | |
| Shareholders’ reports | 45,420 | |
| Professional fees | 39,980 | |
| Registration fees | 35,661 | |
| Directors’ fees and expenses—Note 3(b) | 22,401 | |
| Custodian fees | 2,422 | |
| Shareholder servicing costs | 36 | |
| Miscellaneous | 28,091 | |
| Total Expenses | 2,697,585 | |
| Less—reduction in investment advisory fee | ||
| due to undertaking—Note 3(a) | (307,511) | |
| Net Expenses | 2,390,074 | |
| Investment Income—Net | 15,127,969 | |
|
|
|
|
| Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): | ||
| Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 983,010 | |
| Net realized gain (loss) on options transactions | (149,937) | |
| Net Realized Gain (Loss) | 833,073 | |
| Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | ||
| [including ($89,138) net unrealized (depreciation) on financial futures] | 13,161,082 | |
| Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments | 13,994,155 | |
| Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,854,564) | |
| Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 27,267,560 | |
|
See notes to financial statements. |
|
18 |
|
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| Six Months Ended | ||||
| May 31, 2005 | Year Ended | |||
| (Unaudited) | November 30, 2004 | |||
|
|
|
|
||
| Operations ($): | ||||
| Investment income—net | 15,127,969 | 29,535,768 | ||
| Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 833,073 | (10,960,231) | ||
| Net unrealized appreciation | ||||
| (depreciation) on investments | 13,161,082 | 7,950,648 | ||
| Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,854,564) | (2,461,855) | ||
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | ||||
| Resulting from Operations | 27,267,560 | 24,064,330 | ||
|
|
|
|
||
| Dividends to Common Shareholders from ($): | ||||
| Investment income—net | (14,743,474) | (29,477,516) | ||
|
|
|
|
||
| Capital Stock Transactions ($): | ||||
| Dividends reinvested—Note 1(c) | — | 668,162 | ||
| Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 12,524,086 | (4,745,024) | ||
|
|
|
|
||
| Net Assets ($): | ||||
| Beginning of Period | 423,555,993 | 428,301,017 | ||
| End of Period | 436,080,079 | 423,555,993 | ||
| Undistributed investment income—net | 1,681,075 | 2,995,416 | ||
|
|
|
|
||
| Capital Share Transactions (Common Shares): | ||||
| Increase in Common Shares Outstanding | ||||
| as a Result of Dividends Reinvested | — | 73,952 | ||
|
See notes to financial statements. |
|
The Fund 19 |
|
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
The following table describes the performance for the fiscal periods indicated.Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions.These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements, with respect to common stock and market price data for the fund’s common shares.
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
| May 31, 2005 | Year Ended November 30, | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
| Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
| Net asset value, | ||||||||||||
| beginning of period | 8.79 | 8.90 | 8.56 | 8.75 | 8.60 | 8.56 | ||||||
| Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
| Investment income—net | .31b | .61b | .64b | .70b | .72 | .70 | ||||||
| Net realized and unrealized | ||||||||||||
| gain (loss) on investments | .30 | (.06) | .36 | (.26) | .11 | .06 | ||||||
| Dividends on Preferred Stock | ||||||||||||
| from net investment | ||||||||||||
| income—net | (.04) | (.05) | (.06) | (.07) | (.12) | (.16) | ||||||
| Total from | ||||||||||||
| Investment Operations | .57 | .50 | .94 | .37 | .71 | .60 | ||||||
| Distributions to | ||||||||||||
| Common Shareholders: | ||||||||||||
| Dividends from investment | ||||||||||||
| income—net | (.31) | (.61) | (.60) | (.56) | (.56) | (.56) | ||||||
| Capital Stock | ||||||||||||
| transactions—net effect of | ||||||||||||
| Preferred Stock Offering | — | — | — | — | — | (.00)c | ||||||
| Net asset value, end of period | 9.05 | 8.79 | 8.90 | 8.56 | 8.75 | 8.60 | ||||||
| Market value, end of period | 8.77 | 8.41 | 8.81 | 7.88 | 8.45 | 81/8 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
| Total Return (%) d | 8.04e | 2.48 | 19.89 | (.36) | 10.72 | 13.30 | ||||||
|
20 |
| Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||
| May 31, 2005 | Year Ended November 30, | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
| Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
| Ratio of total expenses | ||||||||||||
| to average net assets | ||||||||||||
| applicable to Common Stock f,g | 1.26h | 1.26 | 1.28 | 1.28 | 1.27 | 1.34 | ||||||
| Ratio of net expenses | ||||||||||||
| to average net assets | ||||||||||||
| applicable to Common Stock f,g | 1.11h | 1.25 | 1.28 | 1.28 | 1.27 | 1.34 | ||||||
| Ratio of net investment income | ||||||||||||
| to average net assets | ||||||||||||
| applicable to Common Stock f,g | 7.04h | 6.96 | 7.35 | 8.10 | 8.10 | 8.25 | ||||||
| Portfolio Turnover Rate | 22.81e | 39.94 | 77.92 | 44.71 | 13.36 | 27.58 | ||||||
| Asset coverage of Preferred Stock, | ||||||||||||
| end of period | 334 | 328 | 330 | 321 | 326 | 321 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
| Net Assets, net of Preferred Stock, | ||||||||||||
| end of period ($ x 1,000) | 436,080 | 423,556 | 428,301 | 411,369 | 420,009 | 411,081 | ||||||
Preferred Stock outstanding, end of period ($ x 1,000) 186,000 186,000 186,000 186,000 186,000 186,000
| a | As required, effective December 1, 2001, the fund has adopted the provisions of the AICPA Audit and Accounting | |
| Guide for Investment Companies and began accreting discount or amortizing premium on a scientific basis for debt | ||
| securities on a daily basis.The effect of this change for the period ended November 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 applicable to common shareholders | ||
| from 8.08% to 8.10%. Per share data and ratios/supplemental data for periods prior to December 1, 2001 have | ||
| not been restated to reflect this change in presentation. | ||
| b | Based on average shares outstanding at each month end. | |
| c | Amount represents less than $.01 per share. | |
| d | Calculated based on market value. | |
| e | Not annualized. | |
| f | Does not reflect the effect of dividends to Preferred Stock shareholders. | |
| g | 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 88% and 4.92%, respectively, for the six months ended May 31, | ||
| 2005, .88% and 4.84%, respectively, for the year ended November 30, 2004, .86% and 5.10%, respectively, for the | ||
| year ended November 30, 2003, .89% and 5.61%, respectively, for the year ended November 30, 2002, .89% and | ||
| 5.64%, respectively, for the year ended November 30, 2001 and .92% and 5.64%, respectively, for the year ended | ||
| November 30, 2000. | ||
| h | Annualized. | |
| See notes to financial statements. | ||
|
The Fund 21 |
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) |
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus Strategic Municipal Bond Fund, 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 fund’s investment objective is to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax to the extent believed by the fund’s investment adviser to be consistent with the preservation of capital. The Dreyfus Corporation (“Dreyfus”) serves as the fund’s investment adviser. Dreyfus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Financial Corporation (“Mellon Financial”). Mellon Trust of New England, N.A. (the “Custodian”) acts as the fund’s custodian.The Custodian is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon. PFPC Global Fund Services (“PFPC”), a subsidiary of PNC Bank (“PNC”), serves as the fund’s transfer agent, dividend-paying agent, registrar and plan agent. The fund’s Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DSM.
The fund has outstanding 2,480 shares of Series A, Series B and Series C for a total of 7,440 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, 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 vote as a separate
|
22 |
class on certain other matters, as required by law. The fund has designated Robin A. Melvin and John E. Zuccotti to represent holders of APS on the fund’s Board of Directors.
The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principle, 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 fund’s 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 securities 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
|
The Fund 23 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
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.
(c) Dividends to shareholders of Common Stock (“Common Shareholder(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 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) based on the record date’s respective prices. If the net asset value per share on the record date is lower than the market price per share, shares will be issued by the fund at the record date’s net asset value on the payable date of the distribution. If net asset value per share is less than 95% of the market value, shares will be issued by the fund at 95% of the market value. If the market price is lower than the net assets value per share on the record date, PFPC will purchase fund shares in the open market commencing on the payable date and reinvest those shares accordingly.As a result of purchasing fund shares in the open market, fund shares outstanding will not be affected by this form of reinvestment.
On May 31, 2005, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $.051 per share from investment income-net, payable on June 28, 2005 to Common Shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 14, 2005.
|
24 |
(d) Dividends to Shareholders of APS: For APS, dividends are currently reset every 7 days for series A, B and C.The dividend rate in effect at May 31, 2005 were as follows: Series A—2.85%, Series B—2.60% and Series C—2.25% .
(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 Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended, 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 has an unused capital loss carryover of approximately $35,634,320 available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to November 30, 2004. If not applied, $3,964,163 of the carryover expires in fiscal 2007, $5,542,712 expires in fiscal 2008, $442,201 expires in fiscal 2009, $9,253,314 expires in fiscal 2010, $5,474,907 expires in fiscal 2011 and $10,957,023 expires in fiscal 2012.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2004 was as follows: tax exempt income $31,939,371. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
|
NOTE 2—Bank 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 May 31, 2005, the fund did not borrow under the line of credit.
NOTE 3—Investment Advisory Fee, Administration Fee and Other Transactions With Affiliates:
(a) The fee payable by the fund, pursuant to the provisions of an Investment Advisory Agreement with Dreyfus, is payable monthly based on an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the value of the fund’s average
|
The Fund 25 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
weekly net assets (including net assets representing auction preferred stock outstanding). The fund also has an Administration Agreement with Dreyfus, a Custody Agreement with the Custodian and a Transfer Agency and Registrar Agreement with PFPC. The fund pays in the aggregate for administration, custody and transfer agency services a monthly fee based on an annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the fund’s average weekly net assets (including net assets representing auction preferred stock outstanding); out-of pocket transfer agency and custody expenses are paid separately by the fund.
For the period from November 1, 2004 through October 31, 2005, Dreyfus has agreed to waive receipt of a portion of the fund’s investment advisory fee, in the amount of .10 of 1% of the value of the fund’s average weekly net assets (including net assets representing auction preferred stock outstanding). The reduction in investment advisory fee, pursuant to the undertaking, amounted to $307,511 during the period ended May 31, 2005.
During the period ended May 31, 2005, the fund was charged $1,693 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 $394,556 and chief compliance officer fees $1,693, which are offset against an expense reimbursement currently in effect in the amount of $52,608.
(b) 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 4—Securities Transactions: |
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities and financial futures, during the period ended May 31, 2005, amounted to $147,179,680 and $138,667,107, respectively.
|
26 |
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 contract at the close of each day’s 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 broker, 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. Contracts open at May 31, 2005 are set forth in the Statement of Financial Futures.
At May 31, 2005, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $33,701,231, consisting of $42,420,555 gross unrealized appreciation and $8,719,324 gross unrealized depreciation.
At May 31,2005,the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
|
NOTE 5—Legal Matters: |
In early 2004, two purported class and derivative actions were filed against Mellon Financial, Mellon Bank, N.A., Dreyfus, Founders Asset Management LLC, and certain directors of the Dreyfus Funds and the Dreyfus Founders Funds (together, the “Funds”) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. In September 2004, plaintiffs served a Consolidated Amended Complaint (the “Amended Complaint”) on behalf of a purported class of all persons who acquired interests in any of the Funds between January 30, 1999 and November 17, 2003, and derivatively on behalf of the Funds.The
|
The Fund 27 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Amended Complaint in the newly styled In re Dreyfus Mutual Funds Fee Litigation also named the Distributor, Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. and two additional Fund directors as defendants and alleges violations of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and common-law claims. Plaintiffs seek to recover allegedly improper and excessive Rule 12b-1 and advisory fees allegedly charged to the Funds for marketing and distribution services. More specifically, plaintiffs claim, among other things, that 12b-1 fees and directed brokerage were improperly used to pay brokers to recommend the Funds over other funds, and that such payments were not disclosed to investors. In addition, plaintiffs assert that economies of scale and soft-dollar benefits were not passed on to the Funds. Plaintiffs further allege that 12b-1 fees were improperly charged to certain of the Funds that were closed to new investors.The Amended Complaint seeks 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. As noted, some of the claims in this litigation are asserted derivatively on behalf of the Funds that have been named as nominal defendants. With respect to such derivative claims, no relief is sought against the Funds. Dreyfus believes the allegations to be totally without merit and intends to defend the action vigorously. In November 2004, all named defendants moved to dismiss the Amended Complaint in whole or substantial part. Briefing was completed in May 2005.
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 Funds believe that any of the pending actions will have a material adverse effect on the Funds or Dreyfus’ ability to perform its contract with the Funds.
|
28 |
PROXY RESULTS
Holders of Common Stock and holders of Auction Preferred Stock (“APS”) voted together a single class (except as noted below) on a proposal presented at the annual shareholders’ meeting held on May 26, 2005 as follows:
| Shares | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
| For | Authority Withheld | |||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||
| To elect three Class III Directors: † | ||||||||
| David W. Burke | 43,060,044 | 805,914 | ||||||
| Hans C. Mautner | 43,093,557 | 772,401 | ||||||
| John E. Zuccotti †† | 6,951 | 21 | ||||||
| † | The terms of these Class III Directors expire in 2008. | |||||||
| †† | Elected solely by APS holders. Common shareholders were not entitled to vote. | |||||||
|
The Fund 29 |
|
( U n a u d i t e d ) |
NOTES
|
30 |
The Fund
31
NOTES
|
32 |
|
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS D r e y f u s S t r a t e g i c M u n i c i p a l B o n d Fu n d , I n c . |
|
200 Park Avenue New York, NY 10166 |
| Directors | Portfolio Managers (continued) | |
| Joseph S. DiMartino | Colleen A. Meehan | |
| David W. Burke | W. Michael Petty | |
| William Hodding Carter, III | Scott Sprauer | |
| Ehud Houminer | James Welch | |
| Richard C. Leone | Monica S.Wieboldt | |
| Hans C. Mautner | Bill Vasiliou | |
| Robin A. Melvin † | ||
| John E. Zuccotti † | Investment Adviser | |
| † Auction Preferred Stock Directors | and Administrator | |
| Officers | The Dreyfus Corporation | |
| President | Custodian | |
| Stephen E. Canter | ||
| Mellon Trust of New England, N.A. | ||
| Executive Vice Presidents | ||
| Stephen R. Byers | Counsel | |
| A. Paul Disdier | ||
| Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP | ||
| Vice President | ||
| Mark N. Jacobs | Transfer Agent, | |
| Secretary | Dividend-Paying Agent, | |
| John B. Hammalian | Registrar and Disbursing Agent | |
| Assistant Secretaries | ||
| PFPC Global Fund Services | ||
| Steven F. Newman | ||
| Michael A. Rosenberg | (Common Stock) | |
| Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas | ||
| Treasurer | ||
| James Windels | (Auction Preferred Stock) | |
| Assistant Treasurers | Auction Agent | |
| Gregory S. Gruber | ||
| Kenneth J. Sandgren | Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas | |
| (Auction Preferred Stock) | ||
| Chief Compliance Officer | ||
| Joseph W. Connolly | Stock Exchange Listing | |
| Portfolio Managers | NYSE Symbol: DSM | |
| Joseph P. Darcy | Initial SEC Effective Date | |
| A. Paul Disdier | ||
| Douglas J. Gaylor | 11/22/89 | |
| Joseph A. Irace | ||
The Net Asset Value appears in the following publications: Barron’s, Closed-End Bond Funds section under the heading “Municipal Bond Funds” every Monday;Wall Street Journal, Mutual Funds section under the heading “Closed-End Funds” every Monday; New York Times, Business section under the heading “Closed-End Bond Funds—Municipal Bond Funds” every Monday.
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 33 |
For More Information
| Dreyfus Strategic Municipal | Transfer Agent, | |
| Bond Fund, Inc. | Dividend-Paying Agent, | |
| 200 Park Avenue | Registrar and Disbursing Agent | |
| New York, NY 10166 | PFPC Global Fund Services | |
| Manager | (Common Stock) | |
| 101 Federal Street | ||
| The Dreyfus Corporation | ||
| Boston, MA 02110 | ||
| 200 Park Avenue | ||
| New York, NY 10166 | ||
| Custodian | ||
| Mellon Trust of | ||
| New England, N.A. | ||
| One Boston Place | ||
| Boston, MA 02108 | ||
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 SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s 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, 2004, is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-645-6561.
| Item 2. | Code of Ethics. | |
| Not applicable. | ||
| Item 3. | Audit Committee Financial Expert. | |
| Not applicable. | ||
| Item 4. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. | |
| Not applicable. | ||
| Item 5. | Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. | |
| Not applicable. | ||
| Item 6. | Schedule of Investments. | |
| 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. | |
| Not applicable. | ||
| 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) | Not applicable. | |
| (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. | ||
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 Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
| By: | /s/ Stephen E. Canter | |
| Stephen E. Canter | ||
| President | ||
| Date: | July 28, 2005 | |
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: | July 28, 2005 | |
| By: | /s/ James Windels | |
| James Windels | ||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||
| Date: | July 28, 2005 | |
| EXHIBIT INDEX | ||
| (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) | ||