--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
REPORT OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 31, 2000
Dear Shareholder:
In the first half of the year, fears of an open-ended tightening policy by
the Federal Reserve peaked in May, which resulted in a subsequent relief in the
market as the U.S. economy seemed to decelerate significantly. During the
period, the Federal Reserve tightened short-term rates by 1.00% in an attempt to
engineer a "soft landing" for the U.S. economy. In the first six months of the
new millennium we have witnessed unprecedented volatility in both the Treasury
yield curve and the spread sectors. The Treasury curve inverted sharply in the
first quarter, but as weak economic data emerged in the second quarter, market
participants embraced an economic "soft landing" scenario causing the yield
curve to steepen. The downward revision in growth expectations allowed spread
sectors to rally in the month of June, but year-to-date their performance still
trails Treasuries.
While fears of a hawkish Federal Reserve and consequent risks of a
"hard-landing" may not materialize immediately, the risks are skewed in that
direction. A longer period of subdued financial market performance is necessary
to enable the labor markets to build up slack, which is an important
pre-condition for the Fed to achieve its goal.
This report contains a summary of market conditions during the semi-annual
period and a review of portfolio strategy by your Trust's managers in addition
to the Trust's unaudited financial statements and a detailed list of the
portfolio's holdings. Continued thanks for your confidence in BlackRock. We
appreciate the opportunity to help you achieve your long-term investment goals.
Sincerely,
/s/ Laurence D. Fink /s/ Ralph L. Schlosstein
-------------------- ------------------------
Laurence D. Fink Ralph L. Schlosstein
Chairman President
1
<PAGE>
July 31, 2000
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present the unaudited semi-annual report for The
BlackRock Strategic Municipal Trust (the "Trust") for the six months ended June
30, 2000. We would like to take this opportunity to review the Trust's stock
price and net asset value (NAV) performance, summarize developments in the fixed
income markets and discuss recent portfolio management activity.
The Trust is a diversified, actively managed closed-end bond fund whose
shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "BSD". The
Trust's investment objective is to provide high current income that is exempt
from regular Federal income tax consistent with the preservation of capital. The
Trust seeks to achieve this objective by investing 80% of its total assets in
investment grade (rated "AAA" to "BBB" by a major rating agency or of equivalent
quality), and may invest up to 20% of its total assets in non-investment grade
(rated Ba/BB or B by a major rating agency or of equivalent quality) tax-exempt
general obligation and revenue bonds issued by city, county and state
municipalities throughout the United States.
The table below summarizes the changes in the Trust's stock price and NAV
since December 31, 1999:
------------------------------------------------------
6/30/00 12/31/99 CHANGE HIGH LOW
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK PRICE $12.5625 $12.50 0.50% $14.00 $12.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV) $13.81 $13.39 3.14% $14.06 $12.99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FIXED INCOME MARKETS
The dynamic expansion of the U.S. economy continues undaunted by Federal
Reserve Chairman Greenspan's attempt to brake the economy, short of stalling it
into a recession. The labor markets remain tight, growth remains strong with 5%+
annualized growth rates and inflation pressures continue to be offset by
increased productivity. However, the Fed remains cautious, in their February
minutes it was noted that: "Other members acknowledged that the Committee might
need to move more aggressively at a later meeting should imbalances continue to
build and inflation expectations clearly begin to pick up." At the Federal
Reserve meeting in November, February and March the Fed raised the discount rate
by 0.25% at each meeting and a 0.50% increase was made in May to bring the
current discount rate to 6.50%.
The Treasury Yield curve experienced a complex set of dynamics, which has
inverted the curve and may continue to invert the curve for the foreseeable
future. The yields on the short-end of the curve increased sharply during the
period in response to three Federal Reserve increases to the discount rate and
perceived future Fed actions in the coming months. The long-end of the curve is
reacting to the "official" announcement that the Treasury will buy back $30
billion of Treasuries with maturities ranging from 10 to 30 years. With a
decreasing supply of available Treasuries, a balanced budget, and an unchanged
demand for longer maturity Treasuries, we would anticipate this condition to
continue. This condition is further augmented by Treasury auction activity, as
they reduce the available bonds on the long end of the curve they continue to
add supply in the 1-10 year range through periodic auctions. For the semi-annual
period, the yield of the 10-year Treasury security declined from 6.44% on
December 31, 1999 to 6.03% on June 30, 2000.
2
<PAGE>
Municipal bonds outperformed the taxable domestic bond market during the
past six months, returning 4.49% (as measured by the LEHMAN MUNICIPAL INDEX)
versus the LEHMAN AGGREGATE INDEX's 3.98% on a pre-tax basis. Overall, the tone
in the market during the period was extremely positive as the result of
continued strong demand from individual/retail investors coupled with a slowdown
in new issuance. During 1999, households increased their holdings of individual
municipal bonds by over $40 billion while mutual funds saw net outflows.
Offsetting the large amount of mutual fund outflows during the first quarter of
2000 was a 22% decline in overall new municipal bond issuance YTD for the same
period led by a 68% drop in refunding volume. Refunding volume was down due to
the relatively higher interest rates experienced during the first half of 2000
when compared to the first half of 1999, while new money issuance has declined
because the strong economy has led to full coffers at most municipalities.
THE TRUST'S PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY
In seeking to achieve its investment objectives, the Trust's portfolio is
actively managed to diversify exposure to various sectors, issuers, revenue
sources and security types. BlackRock's investment strategy emphasizes a
relative value approach, which allows the Trust to capitalize upon changing
market conditions by rotating municipal sectors, credits and coupons.
Additionally, the Trust employs leverage via auction rate preferred stock
to enhance its income by borrowing at short-term municipal rates and investing
the proceeds in longer maturity issues that have higher yields. The degree to
which the Trust can benefit from its use of leverage may affect its ability to
pay high monthly income. While the amount of preferred shares outstanding has
remained constant, the percentage of leverage utilized by the Trust fluctuates
modestly as the net asset value moves. At the end of the semi-annual period, the
Trust's leverage amount was 38% of total assets.
Since inception, the Trust sought to take advantage of tight municipal
credit spreads to build a strong credit profile. Specifically, the Trust
emphasized higher rated securities over lower rated securities. Additionally,
the Trust maintained a defensive coupon structure, which was achieved by adding
premium coupons, which positively contributed to the Trust's total returns as
interest rates rose during the period.
The following charts show the Trust's current and December 31, 1999 asset
composition and credit quality allocations:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTOR BREAKDOWN
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTOR JUNE 30, 2000 DECEMBER 31, 1999
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transportation 16% 17%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
School 15% 17%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water & Sewer 11% 13%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hospital 11% 9%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industrial & Pollution Control 10% 12%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lease Revenue 9% 1%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Revenue 8% 5%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
City, County, & state 7% 11%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Housing 6% 5%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power 3% 8%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special District 2% 2%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other 2% --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3
<PAGE>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREDIT RATING* JUNE 30, 2000 DECEMBER 31, 1999
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA/Aaa 39% 58%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA/Aa 23% 13%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/A 7% 7%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB/Baa 26% 6%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not Rated 5% 16%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------
* Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
We look forward to continuing to manage the Trust to benefit from the
opportunities available to investors in the investment grade municipal market.
We thank you for your investment and continued interest in The BlackRock
Strategic Municipal Trust. Please feel free to call our marketing center at
(800) 227-7BFM (7236) if you have any specific questions which were not
addressed in this report.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ Robert S. Kapito /s/ Kevin Klingert
-------------------- ------------------
Robert S. Kapito Kevin Klingert
Vice Chairman and Portfolio Manager Managing Director and Portfolio Manager
BlackRock Advisors, Inc. BlackRock Advisors, Inc.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL MUNICIPAL TRUST
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Symbol on New York Stock Exchange: BSD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial Offering Date: 8/25/99
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Closing Stock Price as of 6/30/00: $12.5625
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value as of 6/30/00: $13.81
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yield on Closing Stock Price as of 6/30/00 ($12.5625)1: 7.46%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Monthly Distribution per Share2: $ 0.078125
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Annualized Distribution per Share2: $ 0.9375
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
1 Yield on Closing Stock Price is calculated by dividing the current annualized
distribution per share by the closing stock price per share.
2 Distribution is not constant and is subject to change.
4
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS JUNE 30, 2000 (UNAUDITED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OPTION CALL VALUE
RATING* (000) DESCRIPTION PROVISIONS+ (NOTE 1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS--157.3%
ALABAMA--17.7%
AA $10,000 Alabama St. Pub. Sch. & Coll. Auth. Rev., Cap. Impvt.,
Ser. C, 5.75%, 7/01/18 .................................. 07/09 @ 101.5 $ 10,101,100
Baa1 3,000 Courtland Ind. Dev. Brd. Solid Waste Disp. Rev.,
Champion Intl. Corp. Proj., Ser. A, 6.70%, 11/01/29 ..... 11/09 @ 101 3,020,550
AAA 4,635 Jefferson Cnty. Swr. Rev., Ser. D, 5.75%, 2/01/27, FGIC .... 02/07 @ 101 4,573,030
------------
17,694,680
------------
ALASKA--2.5%
AAA 2,500 Alaska St. Hsg. Fin. Corp. Rev., Ser. A, 5.875%,
12/01/24, MBIA ........................................... 12/05 @ 102 2,453,800
------------
COLORADO--4.3%
AAA 4,500 Denver City & Cnty. Arpt. Rev., Ser. D, 5.50%,
11/15/25, MBIA ........................................... 11/06 @ 101 4,270,095
------------
CONNECTICUT--3.9%
Mashantucket Western Pequot Tribe, Spl. Rev.,
BBB- 1,500 Ser. A, 5.50%, 9/01/28 ................................... 09/09 @ 101 1,268,670
Baa3 3,000 Ser. B, 5.75%, 9/01/27 ................................... 09/07 @ 102 2,673,930
------------
3,942,600
------------
FLORIDA--4.3%
Florida Hsg. Fin. Corp. Rev., Sunset Place, Ser. K-1,
A 2,400 6.00%, 10/01/19 .......................................... 10/09 @ 102 2,350,800
A 2,000 6.10%, 10/01/29 .......................................... 10/09 @ 102 1,931,260
------------
4,282,060
------------
ILLINOIS--19.7%
AAA 5,000 Chicago Brd. of Ed., Chicago Sch. Reform, 5.75%,
12/01/27, AMBAC .......................................... 12/07 @ 102 4,878,850
BBB- 7,560 Chicago O' Hare Intl. Arpt. Spec. Fac. Rev.,
Delta Air Lines Inc. Term., 6.45%, 5/01/18 ............... 05/02 @ 102 7,375,989
AAA 3,445 Chicago Sales Tax Rev., 5.375%, 1/01/27, FGIC ............... 01/08 @ 102 3,169,607
AAA 4,500 Met. Pier & Expo. Auth. Tax Rev., McCormick Pl.
Expn. Proj., 5.50%, 12/15/24, FGIC ....................... 12/09 @ 101 4,240,575
------------
19,665,021
------------
MICHIGAN--14.0%
AAA 2,000 Michigan St. Hosp. Fin. Auth. Rev., Mercy Hlth. Svcs.,
5.75%, 8/15/19, MBIA ..................................... 08/09 @ 101 1,972,260
BB+ 12,000 Midland Cnty. Econ. Dev. Rev., 6.875%, 7/23/09 .............. 07/07 @ 101 12,038,280
------------
14,010,540
------------
NEW JERSEY--11.6%
BB 6,000 New Jersey Econ. Dev. Auth. Spl. Fac. Rev.,
Continental Airlines Inc. Proj., 6.25%, 9/15/19 .......... 09/09 @ 101 5,454,180
AA 6,000 New Jersey St. Transp. Trust Fund Auth. Rev.,
Transp. Sys., Ser. A, 6.00%, 6/15/19 ..................... 06/10 @ 100 6,173,340
------------
11,627,520
------------
NEW YORK--8.6%
AA 6,000 New York City Transitional Fin. Auth. Rev., Ser. B,
6.00%, 11/15/21 .......................................... 05/10 @ 101 6,140,400
Aa1 2,500 New York St. Mtge. Agcy. Rev., Homeowner Mtge., Ser. 85,
5.70%, 10/01/17 .......................................... 09/09 @ 100 2,461,125
------------
8,601,525
------------
OKLAHOMA--4.4%
AAA 4,500 Edmond Pub. Wks. Auth. Util. Rev., 5.625%, 7/01/24, AMBAC ... 07/09 @ 100 4,364,640
------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
5
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OPTION CALL VALUE
RATING* (000) DESCRIPTION PROVISIONS+ (NOTE 1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PENNSYLVANIA--23.6%
Lehigh Cnty. Gen. Purp. Auth. Rev., Kidspeace Oblig. Group,
NR $2,250 6.00%, 11/01/23 .......................................... 11/08 @ 102 $ 1,959,413
NR 2,335 6.20%, 11/01/14 .......................................... 11/09 @ 102 2,167,627
A- 4,000 Montgomery Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev., Retirement Life
Cmnty., 5.25%, 11/15/28 .................................. 11/08 @ 101 3,263,880
NR 4,000 MuniMae TE Bond Subsidiary, LLC, Ser. A, 6.875%, 6/30 No Opt. Call 3,930,880
BBB+ 2,500 Pennsylvania Econ. Dev. Fin. Auth., Solid Waste Disp.
Rev., USG Corp. Proj., 6.00%, 6/01/31 .................... 06/09 @ 102 2,263,500
AAA 8,500 Philadelphia Sch. Dist. G.O., Ser. C, 5.75%, 3/01/29, MBIA .. 03/10 @ 100 8,429,620
AAA 1,500 Washington Cnty. Auth. Rev., Cap. Fdg. & Equip. Proj.,
6.15%, 12/01/29, AMBAC ................................... No Opt. Call 1,578,255
------------
23,593,175
------------
TENNESSEE--5.8%
A 3,750 Maury Cnty. Ind. Dev. Brd., P.C.R., Saturn Corp. Proj.,
6.50%, 9/01/24 ........................................... 09/04 @ 102 3,829,725
AAA 2,000 Memphis Shelby Cnty. Arpt. Auth. Arpt. Rev., Ser. D,
6.00%, 3/01/24, AMBAC .................................... 03/10 @ 101 2,019,280
------------
5,849,005
------------
TEXAS--21.4%
Baa1 6,500 Dallas Ft. Worth Intl. Arpt. Fac. Impt. Rev., Amer.
Airlines Inc., 6.375%, 5/01/35 ........................... 11/09 @ 101 5,955,430
AAA 7,000 Houston Wtr. & Swr. Sys. Rev., Ser. A, 5.375%,
12/01/27, FGIC ........................................... 12/07 @ 101 6,521,480
AAA 1,500 Lower Colorado River Auth. Rev., Ser. A, 5.50%,
5/15/21, AMBAC ........................................... 05/09 @ 101 1,436,955
Aa1 500 Texas St. Wtr. Fin. Asst. G.O., 5.75%, 8/01/22 .............. 08/10 @ 100 495,030
AAA 7,030 Travis Cnty. Hlth. Facs. Dev. Corp. Rev., Ascension
Hlth., Ser. A, 5.875%, 11/15/24, AMBAC ................... 11/09 @ 101 6,953,233
------------
21,362,128
------------
UTAH--6.2%
AAA 4,000 Intermountain Pwr. Agcy. Pwr. Supply Rev., Ser. B,
5.75%, 7/01/19, MBIA ..................................... 07/07 @ 102 3,994,960
AA 2,315 Salt Lake Cnty. Mun. Bldg. Auth. Lease Rev.,
5.60%, 10/01/21 .......................................... 10/09 @ 100 2,255,759
------------
6,250,719
------------
VIRGINIA--1.7%
AAA 1,750 Virginia St. Res. Auth. Clean Wtr. Rev., 5.625%, 10/01/22 ... 10/10 @ 100 1,737,750
------------
WASHINGTON--6.6%
Washington St. G.O.,
AA+ 4,750 Ser. 2000 A, 5.625%, 7/01/24 ............................. 07/09 @ 100 4,595,245
AA+ 2,000 Ser. B, 6.00%, 1/01/25 ................................... 01/10 @ 100 2,011,840
------------
6,607,085
------------
WYOMING--1.0%
Baa2 1,000 Sweetwater Cnty. Sld. Wst. Disp. Rev., FMC Corp. Proj.,
Ser. A, 7.00%, 6/01/24 ................................... 06/04 @ 102 1,009,900
------------
TOTAL LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $157,857,289) 157,322,243
------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OPTION CALL VALUE
RATING* (000) DESCRIPTION PROVISIONS+ (NOTE 1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT**--2.8%
A1+ $ 2,800 No.Central Texas Hlth. Fac. Dev. Corp. Rev., Dates Hosp.
Pres. Med Ctr., FRDD, 4.55%, 7/03/00,
MBIA (cost $2,800,000) ................................... N/A $ 2,800,000
------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS--160.1% (AMORTIZED COST $160,657,289) ..... 160,122,243
Liquidation value of preferred stock--(62.0)% ............... (62,000,000)
Other assets in excess of liabilities--1.9% ................. 1,861,310
------------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS--100% $ 99,983,553
============
</TABLE>
----------------
* Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
** For purposes of amortized cost valuation, the maturity date of this
instrument is considered to be the earlier of the next date on which the
security can be redeemed at par, or the next date on which the rate of
interest is adjusted.
+ Option call provisions: date (month/year) and price of the earliest
optional call or redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying
prices at later dates.
++ Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act
of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from
registration to qualified institutional buyers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FOLLOWING ABBREVIATIONS ARE USED IN PORTFOLIO DESCRIPTIONS
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AMBAC -- American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation G.O. -- General Obligation
FGIC -- Financial Guaranty Insurance Company MBIA -- Municipal Bond Insurance Association
FRDD -- Floating Rate Daily Demand P.C.R. -- Pollution Control Revenue
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
JUNE 30, 2000 (UNAUDITED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Investments, at value (cost $160,657,289)
(Note 1) ..................................... $160,122,243
Cash ............................................ 20,685
Interest receivable ............................. 2,604,482
Other assets .................................... 502
------------
162,747,912
------------
LIABILITIES
Dividends payable--common stock ................. 565,796
Offering costs payable (Note 4) ................. 82,958
Investment advisory fee payable (Note 2) ........ 46,304
Dividends payable--preferred stock .............. 15,794
Accrued expenses and other liabilities .......... 53,507
------------
764,359
------------
NET INVESTMENT ASSETS ........................... $161,983,553
============
Net investment assets were comprised of:
Common shares of beneficial interest:
Par value (Note 4) .......................... $ 7,242
Paid-in capital in excess of par ............ 102,600,462
Preferred shares of beneficial interest
(Note 4) .................................... 62,000,000
------------
164,607,704
Distributions in excess of net investment
income ...................................... (301,091)
Accumulated net realized loss ................. (1,788,014)
Net unrealized depreciation ................... (535,046)
------------
Net investment assets, June 30, 2000 .......... $161,983,553
============
Net assets applicable to common shareholders .. $ 99,983,553
============
Net asset value per common shares of beneficial interest:
($99,983,553 O 7,242,188 shares of
common shares of beneficial interest
issued and outstanding) ....................... $13.81
======
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Income
Interest and discount earned .................. $ 4,774,564
------------
Expenses
Investment advisory ........................... 477,700
Auction agent ................................. 77,400
Reports to shareholders ....................... 21,300
Independent accountants ....................... 12,000
Custodian ..................................... 12,000
Trustees ...................................... 9,800
Transfer agent ................................ 8,000
Legal ......................................... 7,500
Miscellaneous ................................. 8,768
------------
Total expenses .............................. 634,468
Less expenses waived by advisor (Note 2) ........ (199,031)
------------
Net expenses .................................... 435,437
------------
Net investment income ........................... 4,339,127
------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized loss on investments ................ (1,657,743)
Net change in unrealized depreciation
on investments ................................ 5,011,767
------------
Net gain on investments ......................... 3,354,024
------------
NET INCREASE IN NET INVESTMENT ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS $7,693,151
============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET INVESTMENT ASSETS (UNAUDITED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 25, 1999*
SIX MONTHS ENDED THROUGH
JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
2000 1999
---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET INVESTMENT ASSETS
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ............................................................ $ 4,339,127 $ 2,152,001
Net realized loss on investments ................................................. (1,657,743) (130,271)
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments ............................. 5,011,767 (5,546,813)
------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net investment assets resulting from operations ..... 7,693,151 (3,525,083)
------------ ------------
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
To common shareholders from net investment income ................................ (3,177,057) (1,697,129)
To common shareholders in excess of net investment income ........................ (217,650) --
To preferred shareholders from net investment income ............................. (1,217,999) (398,943)
To preferred shareholders in excess of net investment income ..................... (83,441) --
------------ ------------
Total dividends and distributions .............................................. (4,696,147) (2,096,072)
------------ ------------
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from initial public offering of Trust's common stock ................ -- 95,776,291
Net proceeds from underwriters' over-allotment option ............................ -- 7,634,959
Net proceeds from preferred stock issuance ....................................... -- 61,080,532
Common shares issued in connection with the reinvestment of common dividends
and distributions ............................................................... 15,919 --
------------ ------------
Net proceeds from capital stock transactions ................................... 15,919 164,491,782
------------ ------------
Total increase ............................................................... 3,012,923 158,870,627
NET INVESTMENT ASSETS
Beginning of period ................................................................ 158,970,630 100,003
------------ ------------
End of period (including undistributed net investment income
of $-0- and $55,929, respectively) ............................................... $161,983,553 $158,970,630
============ ============
</TABLE>
---------------
*Commencement of investment operations (Note 1).
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 25, 1999**
SIX MONTHS ENDED THROUGH
JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
2000 1999
---------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
PER COMMON SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period .......................................... $ 13.39 $ 14.33
-------- --------
Net investment income ....................................................... 0.60 0.30
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments ...................... 0.46 (0.79)
-------- --------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations ............................ 1.06 (0.49)
-------- --------
Dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income to:
Common shareholders ....................................................... (0.44) (0.23)
Preferred shareholders .................................................... (0.17) (0.06)
Distributions in excess of net investment income to:
Common shareholders ....................................................... (0.02) --
Preferred shareholders .................................................... (0.01) --
-------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ............................................. (0.64) (0.29)
-------- --------
Capital charge with respect to issuance of common shares ...................... -- (0.03)
Capital charge with respect to issuance of preferred shares ................... -- (0.13)
-------- --------
Total capital charges ......................................................... -- (0.16)
-------- --------
Net asset value, end of period* ............................................... $ 13.81 $ 13.39
======== ========
Market value, end of period*. ................................................. $12.5625 $ 12.50
======== ========
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN ....................................................... 4.20% (15.17)%
======== ========
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF COMMON
SHAREHOLDERS***:
Expenses after fee waiver ..................................................... 0.90% 0.94%##
Expenses before fee waiver++ .................................................. 1.31% 1.35%##
Net investment income after fee waiver and before preferred stock dividends++ . 8.97% 6.24%
Preferred stock dividends ..................................................... 2.69% 1.16%
Net investment income available to common shareholders ........................ 6.28% 5.08%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Average net assets of common shareholders (in thousands) ...................... $ 97,225 $ 98,300
Portfolio turnover ............................................................ 31% 4%
Net assets of common shareholders, end of period (in thousands) ............... $ 99,984 $ 96,971
Preferred stock outstanding (in thousands) .................................... $ 62,000 $ 62,000
Asset coverage per share of preferred stock, end of period .................... $ 65,624 $ 64,109
</TABLE>
---------------
* Net asset value and market value are published in BARRON'S on Saturday and
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL on Monday.
** Commencement of investment operations (Note 1).
*** Annualized.
+ Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock
at the current market price on the first day and a sale at the current
market price on the last day of the period reported. Dividends and
distributions are assumed for purposes of this calculation to be reinvested
at prices obtained under the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan. This
calculation does not reflect brokerage commissions. Total investment return
for a period less than one year is not annualized.
++ Ratios calculated on the basis of income and expenses applicable to both
the common and preferred shares relative to the average net assets of
common shareholders.
# Net asset value immediately after the closing of the first public offering
was $14.30.
## Restated to conform with current period presentation.
The information above represents the unaudited operating performance data for a
share of common stock outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average
net assets and other supplemental data for the periods indicated. This
information has been determined based upon financial information provided in the
financial statements and market value data for the Trust's shares.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC
MUNICIPAL TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION & ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The BlackRock Strategic Municipal Trust (the "Trust") was organized in Delaware
on June 17, 1999 as a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The
Trust had no transactions until August 19, 1999 when it sold 6,981 shares of
common stock for $100,003 to BlackRock Advisors, Inc. Investment operations
commenced on August 25, 1999. The Trust's investment objectives are to provide
current income exempt from regular Federal income tax and to invest in municipal
bonds that over time will perform better than the broader municipal bond market.
The ability of insurers of debt securities held by the Trust to meet their
obligations may be affected by economic developments in a specific industry or
region. No assurance can be given that the Trust's investment objective will be
achieved.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Trust.
SECURITIES VALUATION: Municipal securities (including commitments to purchase
such securities on a "when-issued" basis) are valued on the basis of prices
provided by dealers or pricing services approved by the Trustees. In determining
the value of a particular security, pricing services may use certain information
with respect to transactions in such securities, quotations from bond dealers,
market transactions in comparable securities and various relationships between
securities in determining values. Short-term securities are valued at amortized
cost. Any securities or other assets for which such current market quotations
are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith
under procedures established by and under the general supervision and
responsibility of the Trustees.
SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities transactions are
recorded on trade date. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated
on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis
and the Trust accretes original issue discount and amortizes premium on
securities purchased using the interest method.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: It is the Trust's intention to elect to be treated as a
regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute
sufficient net income to shareholders. For this reason and because substantially
all of the Trust's gross income consists of tax-exempt interest, no Federal
income tax provision is required.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS: The Trust declares and pays dividends and
distributions to common shareholders monthly from net investment income, net
realized short-term capital gains and other sources, if necessary. Net long-term
capital gains, if any, in excess of loss carryforwards may be distributed
annually. Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Dividends and distributions to preferred shareholders are accrued and determined
as described in Note 4
ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Under a deferred compensation plan approved by the
Board of Trustees on February 24, 2000, non-interested Trustees may elect to
defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual compensation.
Deferred amounts earn a return as though equivalent dollar amounts had been
invested in common shares of other BlackRock funds selected by the Trustees.
This has the same economic effect as if the Trustees had invested the deferred
amounts in such other BlackRock funds.
The deferred compensation plan is not funded and obligations thereunder
represent general unsecured claims against the general assets of the Trust. The
Trust may, however, elect to invest in common shares of those funds selected by
the Trustees in order to match its deferred compensation obligations.
NOTE 2. AGREEMENTS
The Fund has an Investment Advisory Agreement with BlackRock Advisors, Inc. (the
"Advisor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc., which in turn is an
indirect majority-owned subsidiary of PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. The
investment management agreement covers both investment advisory and
administration services.
The investment advisory fee paid to the Advisor is computed weekly and
payable monthly at an annual rate of 0.60% of the Trust's average weekly net
investment assets.
The Advisor has undertaken to waive fees and expenses as follows: Through
year ended 12/31/04 by 0.25%, for year ended 12/31/05 by 0.20%, for year ended
12/31/06 by 0.15%, for year ended 12/31/07 by 0.10% and for year ended 12/31/08
by 0.05%. Pursuant to the agreement the Advisor waived fees of $199,031 during
the period ended June 30, 2000.
11
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the agreement, the Advisor provides continuous supervision of the
investment portfolio, pays the compensation of officers of the Trust who are
affiliated persons of the Advisor, and pays occupancy and certain clerical and
accounting costs. The Trust bears all other costs and expenses.
NOTE 3. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments
for the period ended June 30, 2000 aggregated $48,962,877 and $51,705,323,
respectively.
The federal income tax basis of the Trust's investments at June 30, 2000 was
the same as the basis for financial reporting purposes, and accordingly, net
unrealized depreciation was $535,046 (gross unrealized appreciation--$1,737,475,
gross unrealized depreciation--$2,272,521).
For Federal income tax purposes, the Trust had a capital loss carryforward at
December 31, 1999 of approximately $130,000 which will expire in 2007.
Accordingly, no capital gain distribution is expected to be paid to shareholders
until net gains have been realized in excess of such amount.
NOTE 4. CAPITAL
There are an unlimited number of $.001 par value of common shares of beneficial
interest authorized. Of the 7,242,188 common shares of beneficial interest
outstanding at June 30, 2000, the Advisor owned 6,981 shares.
Transactions in common shares of beneficial interest for the period August
25, 1999 (commencement of investment operations) to December 31, 1999 were as
follows:
Shares issued in connection with
initial public offering ........................................... 6,700,000
Shares issued in connection with the exercise
of the underwriters' overallotment option ......................... 534,100
---------
Net increase in shares outstanding .................................. 7,234,100
=========
During the six months ended June 30, 2000, the Trust issued 1,107 common
shares of beneficial interest under the terms of its Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
Underwriting discounts of $4,883,017 and offering costs of $217,232 incurred
in connection with the Trust's offering of common shares have been charged to
paid-in capital in excess of par of the common shares.
The Trust may classify or reclassify any unissued common shares of beneficial
interest into one or more series of preferred shares of beneficial interest. On
November 5, 1999 the Trust reclassified 2,480 shares of common shares of
beneficial interest and issued a series of Auction Market Preferred shares
(Preferred shares) Series W7. The preferred shares have a liquidation value of
$25,000 per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. Underwriting
discounts $620,000 and offering costs $299,468 incurred in connection with the
preferred shares offering have been charged to paid-in capital in excess of par
at the common shares.
Dividends on Series W7 are cumulative at a rate which is reset every 7 days
based on the results of an auction. Dividend rates ranged from 3.70% to 5.20%
during the period ended June 30, 2000.
The Trust may not declare dividends or make other distributions to common
shares or purchase any such shares if, at the time of the declaration,
distribution, or purchase, asset coverage with respect to the outstanding
Preferred shares would be less than 200%.
The Preferred shares are redeemable at the option of the Trust, in whole or
in part, on any dividend payment date at $25,000 per share plus any accumulated
or unpaid dividends whether or not declared. The Preferred shares are also
subject to mandatory redemption at $25,000 per share plus any accumulated or
unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, if certain requirements relating to
the composition of the assets and liabilities of the Trust as set forth in the
Declaration of Trust are not satisfied.
The holders of Preferred shares have voting rights equal to the holders of
common shares (one vote per share) and will vote together with holders of common
shares as a single class. However, holders of Preferred shares are also entitled
to elect two of the Trust's directors. In addition, the Investment Company Act
of 1940 requires that, along with approval by shareholders that might otherwise
be required, the approval of the holders of a majority of any outstanding
preferred shares, voting separately as a class would be required to (a) adopt
any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the preferred shares, and
(b) take any action requiring a vote of security holders, including, among other
things, changes in the Trust's subclassification as a closed-end investment
company or changes in its fundamental investment restrictions.
NOTE 5. DIVIDENDS
Subsequent to June 30, 2000, the Board of Trustees of the Trust declared a
dividend from undistributed earnings of $0.078125 per common share payable
August 1, 2000, to shareholders of record on July 14, 2000.
For the period July 1, 2000 through July 31, 2000, dividends declared on
Preferred Stock totalled $222,357.
12
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to the Trust's Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan"),
shareholders are automatically enrolled to have all distributions of dividends
and capital gains reinvested by State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Plan
Agent") in Trust shares pursuant to the Plan. Shareholders who elect not to
participate in the Plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check in
United States dollars mailed directly to the shareholders of record (or if the
shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the
transfer agent, as dividend disbursing agent.
The Plan Agent serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the
Plan. After the Trust declares a dividend or determines to make a capital gain
distribution, the transfer agent will acquire shares for the participants'
accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through
receipt of unissued but authorized shares from the Trust ("newly issued shares")
or (ii) by purchase of outstanding shares on the open market, on the New York
Stock Exchange or elsewhere ("open-market purchases"). If, on the dividend
payment date the net asset value per share is equal to or less than the market
price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition being
referred to herein as "market premium"), the transfer agent will invest the
dividend amount in newly issued shares on behalf of the participants. The number
of newly issued shares to be credited to each participant's account will be
determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend by the net asset value
per share (but in no event less than 95% of the then current market price per
share) on the date the shares are issued, if, on the dividend payment, the net
asset value per share is greater than the market value per share (such condition
being referred to herein as "market discount"), the transfer agent will invest
in the dividend amount in shares acquired on behalf of the participants in open
market purchases.
Participants in the Plan may withdraw from the Plan upon written notice to
the Plan Agent and will receive certificates for whole Trust shares and a cash
payment for any fraction of a Trust share.
The Plan Agent's fees for the handling of the reinvestment of dividends
and distributions will be paid by the Trust. However, each participant will pay
a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan
Agent's open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends
and distributions. The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions
will not relieve participants of any federal income tax that may be payable on
such dividends or distributions.
The Trust reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as applied to
any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change
sent to all shareholders of the Trust at least 90 days before the record date
for the dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by
the Plan Agent upon at least 90 days' written notice to all shareholders of the
Trust. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan
Agent at (800) 699-1BFM. The address is the front of this report.
13
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL MEETING OF TRUST SHAREHOLDERs. There have been no material changes
in the Trust's investment objectives or policies that have not been approved by
the shareholders or to its charter or by-laws or in the principal risk factors
associated with investment in the Trust. There have been no changes in the
persons who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the
Trust's Portfolio.
The Annual Meeting of Trust Shareholders was held May 18, 2000 to vote on
the following matters:
(1) To elect all eight Trustees as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR CLASS TERM EXPIRING
------- ----- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Andrew F. Brimmer ................... III 3 years 2003
Richard E. Cavanagh ................. I 1 year 2001
Kent Dixon .......................... III 3 years 2003
Frank J. Fabozzi .................... II 2 years 2002
Laurence D. Fink .................... III 3 years 2003
James Clayburn La Force, Jr. ........ I 1 year 2001
Walter F. Mondale ................... II 2 years 2002
Ralph L. Schlosstein ................ II 2 years 2002
</TABLE>
(2) To ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent public
accountants of the Trust for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000.
Shareholders elected the eight Trustees and ratified the selection of
Deloitte & Touche LLP. The results of the voting was as follows.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VOTES FOR* VOTES AGAINST* ABSTENTIONS*
-------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Andrew F. Brimmer ...................... 7,079,483 -- 94,181
Richard E. Cavanagh. ................... 2,479 -- 1
Kent Dixon ............................. 7,079,483 -- 94,181
Frank J. Fabozzi ....................... 2,479 -- 1
Laurence D. Fink ....................... 7,077,777 -- 95,887
James Clayburn La Force, Jr. ........... 7,079,483 -- 94,181
Walter F. Mondale ...................... 7,079,484 -- 94,180
Ralph L. Schlosstein ................... 7,079,483 -- 94,181
Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP .. 7,079,483 -- 94,181
</TABLE>
-------------
* The votes represent common and preferred shareholders voting as a single
class except for the election of Richard E. Cavanagh and Frank J. Fabozzi who
were elected by the preferred shareholders.
14
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
INVESTMENT SUMMARY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE TRUST'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The BlackRock Strategic Municipal Trust's investment objectives are to provide
current income exempt from regular Federal income tax consistent with the
preservation of capital and to invest in municipal bonds that over time will
perform better than the broader municipal bond market.
WHO MANAGES THE TRUST?
BlackRock Advisors, Inc. (the "Advisor") is an SEC-registered investment
advisor. As of June 30, 2000, BlackRock and its affiliates (together,
"BlackRock") managed $177 billion on behalf of taxable and tax-exempt clients
worldwide. Strategies include fixed income, equity and cash and may incorporate
both domestic and international securities. Domestic fixed income strategies
utilize the government, mortgage, corporate and municipal bond sectors.
BlackRock manages twenty-two closed-end funds that are traded on either the New
York or American stock exchanges, and a $28 billion family of open-end equity
and bond funds. BlackRock manages over 629 accounts, domiciled in the United
States and overseas.
WHAT CAN THE TRUST INVEST IN?
Under normal conditions, the Trust expects to continue to manage its assets so
that at least 80% of its investments are rated at least investment grade ("BBB"
by Standard & Poor's or "Baa" by Moody's Investor Services) and up to 20% of its
assets are rated below investment grade (Ba/BB or B) or that are unrated but
deemed to be of comparable quality by the Advisor.
WHAT IS THE ADVISOR'S INVESTMENT STRATEGY?
The Advisor will manage the assets of the Trust in accordance with the Trust's
investment objective and policies to seek to achieve its objective by investing
substantially all of its assets in municipal debt securities that pay interest
that is exempt from regular Federal income tax. As such, the Advisor actively
manages the assets in relation to market conditions and interest rate changes.
Depending on yield and portfolio allocation considerations, the Advisor may
choose to invest a portion of the Trust's assets in securities which pay
interest that is subject to AMT (alternative minimum tax). The Trust intends to
invest primarily in long-term bonds and expects bonds in its portfolio to
maintain an average portfolio maturity of at least 15 years, but the average may
be shortened or lengthened from time to time depending on market conditions.
Under current market conditions the use of leverage increases the income earned
by the Trust. The Trust employs leverage primarily through the issuance of
preferred shares. Preferred shareholders will receive dividends based on
short-term rates in exchange for allowing the Trust to borrow additional assets.
These assets will be invested in longer-term assets which typically offer higher
interest rates and the difference between the cost of the dividends paid to
preferred shareholders and the interest earned on the longer-term securities
will provide higher income levels for common shareholders in most interest rate
environments. The Trust issued preferred shares to leverage the portfolio. See
"Leverage Considerations in the Trust" below.
15
<PAGE>
HOW ARE THE TRUST'S SHARES PURCHASED AND SOLD? DOES THE TRUST PAY DIVIDENDS
REGULARLY?
The Trust's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange which provides
investors with liquidity on a daily basis. Orders to buy or sell shares of the
Trust must be placed through a registered broker or financial advisor. The Trust
pays monthly dividends which are typically paid on the first business day of the
month. For shares held in the shareholder's name, dividends may be reinvested in
additional shares of the fund through the Trust's transfer agent, State Street
Bank and Trust Company. Investors who wish to hold shares in a brokerage account
should check with their financial advisor to determine whether their brokerage
firm offers dividend reinvestment services.
LEVERAGE CONSIDERATIONS IN THE TRUST
Leverage increases the duration (or price sensitivity of the net assets with
respect to changes in interest rates) of the Trust, which can improve the
performance of the Trust in a declining rate environment, but can cause net
assets to decline faster in a rapidly rising interest rate environment. The
Trust may reduce, or unwind, the amount of leverage employed should the Advisor
consider that reduction to be in the best interests of the Trust. The Advisor's
portfolio managers continuously monitor and regularly review the Trust's use of
leverage and maintain the ability to unwind the leverage if that course is
chosen.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND RISK FACTORS RELEVANT TO THE TRUST
THE TRUST IS INTENDED TO BE A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT AND IS NOT A SHORT-TERM
TRADING VEHICLE.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES. Although the objectives of the Trust are to provide
current income exempt from regular Federal income tax consistent with the
preservation of capital and to invest in municipal bonds that over time will
perform better than the broader municipal bond market, there can be no assurance
that this objective will be achieved.
DIVIDEND CONSIDERATIONS. The income and dividends paid by the Trust are likely
to vary over time as fixed income market conditions change. Future dividends may
be higher or lower than the dividend the Trust is currently paying.
LEVERAGE. The Trust utilizes leverage through the issuance of preferred stock,
which involves special risks. The Trust's net asset value and market value may
be more volatile due to its use of leverage.
MARKET PRICE OF SHARES. The shares of closed-end investment companies such as
the Trust trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE symbol: BSD) and as such
are subject to supply and demand influences. As a result, shares may trade at a
discount or a premium to their net asset value.
MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. The value of municipal debt securities generally varies
inversely with changes in prevailing market interest rates. Depending on the
amount of call protection that the securities in the Trust have, the Trust may
be subject to certain reinvestment risks in environments of declining interest
rates.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. The Trust may invest in securities that are illiquid,
although under current market conditions the Trust expects to do so to only a
limited extent. These securities involve special risks.
ANTITAKEOVER PROVISIONS. Certain antitakeover provisions will make a change in
the Trust's business or management more difficult without the approval of the
Trustees and may have the effect of depriving shareholders of an opportunity to
sell their shares at a premium above the prevailing market price.
16
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
GLOSSARY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLOSED-END FUND: Investment vehicle which initially offers a fixed
number of shares and trades on a stock exchange.
The Trust invests in a portfolio of securities in
accordance with its stated investment objectives
and policies.
DISCOUNT: When a Trust's net asset value is greater than its
stock price the fund is said to be trading at a
discount.
DIVIDEND: Income generated by securities in a portfolio and
distributed to shareholders after the deduction of
expenses. This Trust declares and pays dividends
to common shareholders on a monthly basis.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT: Shareholders may have all dividends and
distributions of capital gains automatically
reinvested into additional shares of a Trust.
MARKET PRICE: Price per share of a security trading in the
secondary market. For a closed-end fund, this is
the price at which one share of the fund trades on
the stock exchange. If you were to buy or sell
shares, you would pay or receive the market price.
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV): Net asset value is the total market value of all
securities and other assets held by the Trust,
plus income accrued on its investments, minus any
liabilities including accrued expenses, divided by
the total number of outstanding shares. It is the
underlying value of a single share on a given day.
Net asset value for the Trust is calculated weekly
and published in BARRON'S on Saturday and THE WALL
STREET JOURNAL on Monday.
PREMIUM: When a Trust's stock price is greater than its net
asset value, the Trust is said to be trading at a
premium.
PRE-REFUNDED BONDS: These securities are collateralized by U.S.
Government securities which are held in escrow and
are used to pay principal and interest on the tax
exempt issue and retire the bond in full at the
date indicated, typically at a premium to par.
17
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLACKROCK ADVISORS, INC.
SUMMARY OF CLOSED-END FUNDS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TAXABLE TRUSTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK MATURITY
SYMBOL DATE
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
PERPETUAL TRUSTS
The BlackRock Income Trust Inc. BKT N/A
The BlackRock North American Government Income Trust Inc. BNA N/A
The BlackRock High Yield Trust BHY N/A
TERM TRUSTS
The BlackRock Target Term Trust Inc. BTT 12/00
The BlackRock 2001 Term Trust Inc. BTM 06/01
The BlackRock Strategic Term Trust Inc. BGT 12/02
The BlackRock Investment Quality Term Trust Inc. BQT 12/04
The BlackRock Advantage Term Trust Inc. BAT 12/05
The BlackRock Broad Investment Grade 2009 Term Trust Inc. BCT 12/09
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TAX-EXEMPT TRUSTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK MATURITY
SYMBOL DATE
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
PERPETUAL TRUSTS
The BlackRock Investment Quality Municipal Trust Inc. BKN N/A
The BlackRock California Investment Quality Municipal Trust Inc. RAA N/A
The BlackRock Florida Investment Quality Municipal Trust RFA N/A
The BlackRock New Jersey Investment Quality Municipal Trust Inc. RNJ N/A
The BlackRock New York Investment Quality Municipal Trust Inc. RNY N/A
The BlackRock Pennsylvania Strategic Municipal Trust BPS N/A
The BlackRock Strategic Municipal Trust BSD N/A
TERM TRUSTS
The BlackRock Municipal Target Term Trust Inc. BMN 12/06
The BlackRock Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust Inc. BRM 12/08
The BlackRock California Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust Inc. BFC 12/08
The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust BRF 12/08
The BlackRock New York Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust Inc. BLN 12/08
The BlackRock Insured Municipal Term Trust Inc. BMT 12/10
</TABLE>
IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL
BLACKROCK AT (800) 227-7BFM (7236) OR CONSULT WITH YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
18
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLACKROCK ADVISORS, INC.
AN OVERVIEW
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BlackRock Advisors, Inc. (the "Advisor") is an SEC-registered investment
advisor. As of June 30, 2000, the Advisor and its affiliates (together,
"BlackRock") managed $177 billion on behalf of taxable and tax-exempt clients
worldwide. Strategies include fixed income, equity and cash and may incorporate
both domestic and international securities. BlackRock manages twenty-two
closed-end funds that are traded on either the New York or American stock
exchanges, and a $28 billion family of open-end funds. BlackRock manages over
629 accounts, domiciled in the United States and overseas.
BlackRock's fixed income product was introduced in 1988 by a team of
highly seasoned fixed income professionals. These professionals had extensive
experience creating, analyzing and trading a variety of fixed income
instruments, including the most complex structured securities. In fact, several
individuals at BlackRock were responsible for developing many of the major
innovations in the mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities markets,
including the creation of the first CMO, the floating rate CMO, the
senior/subordinated pass-through and the multi-class asset-backed security.
BlackRock is unique among asset management and advisory firms in the
emphasis it places on the development of proprietary analytical capabilities.
Over one quarter of the firm's professionals are dedicated to the design,
maintenance and use of these systems, which are not otherwise available to
investors. BlackRock's proprietary analytical tools are used for evaluating, and
designing fixed income investment strategies for client portfolios. Securities
purchased include mortgages, corporate bonds, municipal bonds and a variety of
hedging instruments.
BlackRock has developed investment products that respond to investors'
needs and has been responsible for several major innovations in closed-end
funds. In fact, BlackRock introduced the first closed-end mortgage fund, the
first taxable and tax-exempt closed-end funds to offer a finite term, the first
closed-end fund to achieve a AAA rating by Standard & Poor's, and the first
closed-end fund to invest primarily in North American Government securities.
Currently, BlackRock's closed-end funds have dividend reinvestment plans, which
are designed to provide ongoing demand for the stock in the secondary market.
BlackRock manages a wide range of investment vehicles, each having specific
investment objectives and policies.
In view of our continued desire to provide a high level of service to all
our shareholders, BlackRock maintains a toll-free number for your questions. The
number is (800) 227-7BFM (7236). We encourage you to call us with any questions
that you may have about your BlackRock funds and we thank you for the continued
trust that you place in our abilities.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL BLACKROCK AT (800) 227-7BFM
19
<PAGE>
---------
BlackRock
---------
TRUSTEES
Laurence D. Fink, CHAIRMAN
Andrew F. Brimmer
Richard E. Cavanagh
Kent Dixon
Frank J. Fabozzi
James Clayburn La Force, Jr.
Walter F. Mondale
Ralph L. Schlosstein
OFFICERS
Ralph L. Schlosstein, PRESIDENT
Keith T. Anderson, VICE PRESIDENT
Michael C. Huebsch, VICE PRESIDENT
Robert S. Kapito, VICE PRESIDENT
Kevin M. Klingert, VICE PRESIDENT
Richard M. Shea, VICE PRESIDENT/TAX
Henry Gabbay, Treasurer
James Kong, Assistant Treasurer
Karen H. Sabath, Secretary
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
BlackRock Advisors, Inc.
400 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE19809
(800) 227-7BFM
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Heritage Drive
North Quincy, MA 02171
(800) 699-1BFM
AUCTION AGENT
Deutsche Bank
4 Albany Street
New York, NY 10006
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Two World Financial Center
New York, NY 10281-1434
LEGAL COUNSEL
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Four Times Square
New York, NY 10036
LEGAL COUNSEL - INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
Debevoise & Plimpton
875 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
The accompanying financial statements as of June 30, 2000 were not audited
and accordingly, no opinion is expressed on them.
This report is for shareholder information. This is not a prospectus intended
for use in the purchase or sale of any securities.
The BlackRock Strategic Municipal Trust
c/o Blackrock Advisors, Inc.
400 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809
(800) 227-7BFM
[RECYCLE LOGO] Printed on recycled paper
THE BlackRock
STRATEGIC
MUNICIPAL TRUST
--------------------
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 30, 2000
[Graphic omitted]