- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK PENNSYLVANIA STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
REPORT OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 31, 2000
Dear Shareholder:
After easing monetary policy three times during the fourth quarter of
1998, the Federal Reserve reversed its trend by raising the Fed funds target
rate 75 basis points (to 5.50%) over the course of 1999 in response to robust
GDP, low unemployment and rising equity prices. U.S. Treasury yields rose
significantly during the past twelve months, with the yield of the 30-year
Treasury rising above 6.00% for the first time since May 1998.
Despite the rise in Treasury yields, continued strong economic growth may
spur the Federal Reserve to proactively fight perceived inflation through
continued monetary policy tightening in 2000. Until the inflation picture
becomes clearer, we expect interest rates to remain largely range-bound.
Accordingly, we will continue to seek the most attractive relative value
opportunities and utilize our proprietary risk management systems to help the
Trust to achieve its investment objectives.
This report contains a summary of market conditions during the annual
period and a review of portfolio strategy by your Trust's managers in addition
to the Trust's audited financial statements and a detailed portfolio list of the
Trust'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>
January 31, 2000
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present the first annual report for The BlackRock
Pennsylvania Municipal Trust Inc. ("the Trust") for the year ended December 31,
1999. 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 non-diversified closed-end bond fund whose shares are traded
on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "BPS." The Trust's investment
objective is to provide current income that is exempt from federal and
Pennsylvania state income tax. 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) Pennsylvania tax-exempt general obligation and revenue
bonds issued by city, county and state municipalities.
The table below summarizes the changes in the Trust's stock price and net
asset value since inception:
------------------------------------------------
12/31/99 8/25/99* CHANGE HIGH LOW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK PRICE $ 13.375 $ 15.00 (10.83)% $ 16.00 $ 13.25
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV) $ 13.40 $ 14.33 ( 6.49)% $ 14.33 $ 13.40
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Commencement of investment operations
THE FIXED INCOME MARKETS
Despite the complete reversal of last year's 0.75% easing by the Federal
Reserve (the "Fed"), the expansion of the U.S. economy continues intact. At the
end of 1999, the labor markets remain tight, economic growth remains strong and
inflation pressures appear restrained by offsetting gains in productivity.
However, the factors that should eventually lead to higher interest rates also
remain intact: higher equity and commodity prices, a confident consumer, labor
markets that continue to tighten and a global recovery that will boost U.S.
exports and reduce the trade deficit. Along with consumer confidence, consumer
credit continues to advance as evidenced in remarkably strong holiday sales.
Although the Federal Open Market Committee took no action at their December
meeting this should not be interpreted to mean that the threat of inflationary
forces has dissipated. We expect that continued above-trend economic strength,
tight labor markets and the need to drain the excess liquidity the Fed provided
the financial markets in the months leading up to Y2K will warrant additional
Fed tightening in 2000. Despite our outlook for additional Fed moves we believe
that the market has adequately priced in the degree of tightening necessary to
successfully engineer an economic slow down later this year.
Treasury yields increased significantly during 1999, continuing their
year-long loss. Year-to-date the yield of the 30-year Treasury has increased by
nearly 139 basis points (1.39%). The yield of the 10-Year Treasury posted a net
increase of 179 basis points (1.79%), beginning 1999 at 4.65% and closing on
December 31, 1999 at 6.44%. Bond prices, which move inversely to their yields,
have continued to be punished as the market reacted to strength of the economy
and uncertainty of future Fed action. During the fourth quarter, the short and
intermediate sections of the yield curve underperformed the long end of the
curve. As we move into 2000, we anticipate a continued flattening of the yield
curve as a result of an active Federal Reserve and potential Treasury
repurchases of long maturity debt.
Municipals underperformed the taxable market during the year, posting a
pre-tax -2.07% total return as measured by the LEHMAN MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX
versus the LEHMAN AGGREGATE'S -0.83%. As interest rates rose to their highest
level in four years during the third quarter of 1999, retail demand for
municipal securities increased dramatically. This rise in municipal interest
rates is directly related to the increase of alternative taxable investment
spreads over Treasuries. Currently municipals are substantially cheaper than
their long-term average valuations as compared to Treasuries. Unlike the taxable
market, which witnessed a surge of supply by issuers trying to avoid potential
year-end market dislocations due to Y2K, the volume of new municipal issuance is
down significantly from 1998's pace, creating a positive technical environment.
We believe that the current market environment offers some of the most
attractive investment opportunities in municipals in the last few years.
2
<PAGE>
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's creditworthiness has steadily improved
over the past decade. This state's highly urban population, with nearly12
million residents, has remained stable while the economy has been in transition
from heavily manufacturing based employment to a more diversified economic
foundation with trade and service jobs now accounting for more than 54% of jobs.
This eight year transition combined with a .75% average annual employment growth
have fueled the Commonwealth's slowly declining unemployment rates which
continue to mirror that of the country, 4.1% in December 1999.
The transition in employment structure was accompanied by the
Commonwealth's prudent fiscal management implemented in response to a FY 1991
operating deficit. Since 1991 tax changes, financial controls and limited
borrowing combined with the changing and slowly growing economy have resulted in
General fund surpluses and an annually increasing rainy day fund, currently $1
billion or approximately 5% of 1998-99 revenues. Today, the Commonwealth's sound
financial position merits its Aa/AA ratings.
THE TRUST'S PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The Trust's portfolio is 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 and coupons.
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.
Additionally, the Trust employs leverage 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.
The following charts show the Trust's current asset composition and credit
quality allocations:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTOR BREAKDOWN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTOR DECEMBER 31, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City, County & State 43%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transportation 13%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hospital 13%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Housing 13%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water & Sewer 10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power 6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industrial & Pollution Control 2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREDIT RATING* DECEMBER 31, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAA/Aaa 68%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA/Aa 12%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/A 4%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBB/Baa 3%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not Rated 13%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------
* Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
3
<PAGE>
We look forward to managing the Trust to benefit from the opportunities
available in the fixed income markets and to meet its investment objectives. We
thank you for your investment in the BlackRock Pennsylvania Strategic Municipal
Trust Inc. Please feel free to contact our marketing center at (800) 227-7BFM
(7236) if you have specific questions which were not addressed in this report.
Sincerely,
/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 PENNSYLVANIA STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Symbol on New York Stock Exchange: BPS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial Offering Date: 8/25/99
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Closing Stock Price as of 12/31/99: $ 13.375
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value as of 12/31/99: $ 13.40
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yield on Closing Stock Price as of 12/31/99 ($13.375)1: 6.87%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Monthly Distribution per Share2: $ 0.076563
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Annualized Distribution per Share2: $ 0.918756
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Yield on Closing Stock Price is calculated by dividing the current annualized
distribution per share by the closing stock price per share.
2 The distribution is not constant and is subject to change.
4
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK PENNSYLVANIA STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OPTION CALL
RATING* AMOUNT PROVISIONS+ VALUE
(UNAUDITED) (000) DESCRIPTION (UNAUDITED) (NOTE 1)
============ =========== ============================================================================= ================ ===========
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TOTAL INVESTMENTS-162.5%
$1,250 PENNSYLVANIA-156.6%
AAA Allegheny Cnty. Arpt. Rev., Pittsburgh Intl. Arpt., Ser. A, 5.75%,
1/01/12, MBIA .............................................................. No Opt. Call $ 1,261,375
AAA 2,150 Allegheny Cnty. Port Auth. Spec. Rev. Trans., 6.125%, 3/01/29, MBIA ......... 03/09 @ 101 2,136,971
AAA 2,500 Allegheny Cnty. San. Auth. Swr. Rev., 5.375%, 12/01/24, MBIA ................ 12/07 @ 102 2,254,300
NR 1,250 Dauphin Cnty. Gen. Auth., Hotel & Conf. Ctr., Hyatt Regency,
6.20%, 1/01/19 ............................................................. 01/09 @ 102 1,142,688
Aaa 2,500 Delaware Cnty. Auth. Rev., Hlth. Facs. Mercy Hlth. Corp. Proj.,
Ser. A, 6.00%, 12/15/26 .................................................... ETM 2,503,625
AAA 1,250 Delaware Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev., Wtr. Facs., 6.00%, 6/01/29, FGIC ....... 06/09 @ 101 1,209,800
AAA 1,250 Delaware Valley Regl. Fin. Auth., Ser. A, 5.50%, 8/01/28, AMBAC ............. No Opt. Call 1,161,838
Lehigh Cnty. Gen. Purp. Auth. Rev., Kidspeace Oblig. Group,
NR 1,250 6.00%, 11/01/23 ............................................................ 11/08 @ 102 1,089,813
NR 1,250 6.20%, 11/01/14 ............................................................ 11/09 @ 102 1,160,837
A- 1,250 Montgomery Cnty. Ind. Dev. Auth. Rev., Retirement Life Cmnty.,
5.25%, 11/15/28 ............................................................ 11/08 @ 101 1,010,100
BBB+ 1,200 Pennsylvania Econ. Dev. Fin. Auth., Solid Waste Disp. Rev., USG Corp.
Proj., 6.00%, 6/01/31 ...................................................... 06/09 @ 102 1,099,080
Pennsylvania Hsg. Fin. Agcy. Rev.,
AA+ 1,250 Sngl. Fam. Mtge., Ser. 60A, 5.85%, 10/01/27 ................................ 04/07 @ 101.5 1,181,250
AA+ 3,200 Sngl. Fam. Mtge., Ser. 68A, 6.10%, 4/01/21 ................................. 10/09 @ 100 3,154,112
AAA 1,750 Pennsylvania St. Higher Ed. Ass. Agy. Std. Loan Rev.,
7.437%, 3/01/20, MBIA ...................................................... 04/10 @ 100 1,894,497
A 1,000 Pennsylvania St. Higher Edl. Facs. Auth. Hlth. Svcs. Rev., Univ.
Pennsylvania, Ser. A, 5.75%, 1/01/22 ....................................... 01/06 @ 101 871,610
AAA 1,250 Philadelphia Pkg. Auth. Rev., Arpt., 5.625%, 9/01/18, FSA ................... 09/09 @ 101 1,204,288
AAA 1,250 Philadelphia Arpt. Rev., Phil. Arpt. Sys., Ser. B, 5.40%, 6/15/27, FGIC ..... 06/07 @ 102 1,108,300
Philadelphia Sch. Dist. G.O.,
AAA 1,190 Ser. B, 5.50%, 9/01/25, AMBAC ............................................... 09/05 @ 101 1,089,219
AAA 2,800 Ser. C, 5.50%, 3/01/24, MBIA ................................................ 03/10 @ 100 2,572,108
AAA 5,050 Ser. C, 5.75%, 3/01/29, MBIA ................................................ 03/10 @ 100 4,797,146
AAA 2,500 Philadelphia Wtr. & Wastewtr. Rev., 5.00%, 6/15/16, FSA ...................... 06/03 @ 100 2,216,175
AAA 2,250 Southeastern Pennsylvania Trans. Auth. Spec. Rev.,
5.375%, 3/01/17, FGIC ....................................................... 03/07 @ 102 2,122,942
AA 1,250 Upper St. Clair Twnshp. Sch. Dist., 5.20%, 7/15/27 .......................... 07/07 @ 100 1,096,250
AAA 1,750 Washington Cnty. Auth. Rev., Cap. Fdg. & Equip. Proj.,
6.15%, 12/01/29, AMBAC ...................................................... No Opt. Call 1,745,310
AAA 1,160 Westmoreland Cnty. G.O., 5.50%, 12/01/16, FGIC .............................. 12/07 @ 100 1,194,382
-----------
42,278,016
-----------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OPTION CALL
RATING* AMOUNT PROVISIONS+ VALUE
(UNAUDITED) (000) DESCRIPTION (UNAUDITED) (NOTE 1)
============= ========== =========================================================================== ================ =============
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1,030 PUERTO RICO-5.9%
AAA 750 Puerto Rico Comnwlth. G.O., 5.00%, 7/01/27, MBIA .......................... 07/08 @ 101 $ 887,129
AAA Puerto Rico Elec. Pwr. Auth. Rev., Ser. AA, 5.25%, 7/01/17, MBIA .......... 07/07 @ 101.5 705,675
-----------
1,592,804
-----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $45,194,383)....................................... 43,870,820
-----------
Other assets in excess of liabilities-2.3% ................................ 623,841
Liquidation value of preferred stock-(64.8%) .............................. (17,500,000)
-----------
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS-100% ......................... $26,994,661
===========
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody' rating.
+ Option call provisions: date (month/year) and price of the earliest call or
redemption. There may be other call provisions at varying prices at later
dates.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FOLLOWING ABBREVIATIONS ARE USED IN PORTFOLIO DESCRIPTIONS:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AMBAC - American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation FSA - Financial Security Assurance
ETM - Escrowed to Maturity G.O. - General Obligation
FGIC - Financial Guaranty Insurance Company MBIA - Municipal Bond Insurance Association
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK PENNSYLVANIA
STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
DECEMBER 31, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Investments, at value (cost $45,194,383) (Note 1) ..... $43,870,820
Cash .................................................. 101,223
Interest receivable ................................... 509,465
Receivable for investments sold ....................... 352,954
------------
44,834,462
------------
LIABILITIES
Dividends payable-common stock ........................ 154,272
Offering costs payable (Note 4) ....................... 109,865
Investment advisory fee payable (Note 2) .............. 27,406
Dividends payable-preferred stock ..................... 5,610
Other accrued expenses ................................ 42,648
------------
339,801
------------
NET INVESTMENT ASSETS ................................. $44,494,661
============
Net investment assets were comprised of:
Common shares of beneficial interest:
Par value (Note 4) .................................. $ 2,015
Paid-in capital in excess of par .................... 28,366,593
Preferred shares of beneficial interest (Note 4) ..... 17,500,000
------------
45,868,608
Distributions in excess of net investment income . (42,690)
Accumulated net realized loss ........................ (7,694)
Net unrealized depreciation .......................... (1,323,563)
------------
Net investment assets, December 31, 1999 .............. $44,494,661
===========
Net assets applicable to common shareholders .......... $26,994,661
===========
Net asset value per common shares of
beneficial interest:
($26,994,661 \d 2,014,981 common shares of
beneficial interest issued and outstanding) ......... $ 13.40
===========
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK PENNSYLVANIA
STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 25, 1999*
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Income
Interest and discount earned ..................... $ 635,038
----------
Expenses
Investment advisory .............................. 74,447
Independent accountants .......................... 11,500
Reports to shareholders .......................... 10,000
Auction agent .................................... 7,000
Custodian ........................................ 6,500
Transfer agent ................................... 5,500
Trustees ......................................... 4,500
Legal ............................................ 2,500
Miscellaneous .................................... 12,955
----------
Total expenses ................................... 134,902
----------
Less expenses waived by advisor (Note 2) ......... (31,020)
Net expenses ..................................... 103,882
----------
Net investment income .............................. 531,156
----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS
ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized loss on investments ................... (7,694)
Net change in unrealized depreciation
on investments ................................... (1,323,563)
----------
Net loss on investments ............................ (1,331,257)
----------
NET DECREASE IN NET INVESTMENT ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS .......................... $ (800,101)
==========
- --------------------
*Commencement of investment operations (Note 1).
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK PENNSYLVANIA STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET INVESTMENT ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 25, 1999*
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 1999
------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET INVESTMENT ASSETS
<S> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ................................................................... $ 531,156
Net realized loss on investments ........................................................ (7,694)
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments .................................... (1,323,563)
------------
Net decrease in net investment assets resulting from operations ........................ (800,101)
------------
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS:
To common shareholders from net investment income ....................................... (428,386)
To common shareholders in excess of net investment income ............................... (34,430)
To preferred shareholders from net investment income .................................... (102,770)
To preferred shareholders in excess of net investment income ............................ (8,260)
------------
Total dividends and distributions ..................................................... (573,846)
------------
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from initial public offering of Trust's common stock ....................... 25,016,041
Net proceeds from underwriters' over-allotment option ................................... 3,688,110
Net proceeds from preferred stock issuance .............................................. 17,064,454
------------
Net proceeds from capital stock transactions .......................................... 45,768,605
------------
Total increase ...................................................................... 44,394,658
NET INVESTMENT ASSETS
Beginning of period ...................................................................... 100,003
------------
End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income of ($42,690)) .. $ 44,494,661
============
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
*Commencement of investment operations (Note 1).
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK PENNSYLVANIA STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
AUGUST 25, 1999**
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 1999
------------------
PER COMMON SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
<S> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period .................................... $ 14.33#
Net investment income .................................................. 0.27
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments ........................ (0.66)
---------
Net decrease from investment operations ................................. (0.39)
---------
Dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income to:
Common shareholders ................................................... (0.21)
Preferred shareholders ................................................ (0.06)
Dividends in excess of net investment income to:
Common shareholders ................................................... (0.02)
Preferred shareholders ................................................ -
---------
Total dividends and distributions ...................................... (0.29)
---------
Capital charge with respect to issuance of common shares ................ (0.03)
Capital charge with respect to issuance of preferred shares ............. (0.22)
---------
Total capital charges ................................................... (0.25)
---------
Net asset value, end of period* ......................................... $ 13.40
=========
Market value, end of period* ............................................ $ 13.375
=========
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN\^ ............................................... (9.34)%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF COMMON
SHAREHOLDERS:***
Expenses before fee waiver\^\^ .......................................... 1.43%
Net investment income before preferred stock dividends\^\^ .............. 5.63%
Preferred stock dividends ............................................... 1.17%
Net investment income available to common shareholders .................. 4.46%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Average net assets of common shareholders (in thousands) ................ $ 26,882
Portfolio turnover ...................................................... 1%
Net assets of common shareholders, end of period (in thousands) ......... $ 26,995
Preferred stock outstanding (in thousands) .............................. $ 17,500
Asset coverage per share of preferred stock, end of period .............. $ 63,571
</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. Total investment
return does not reflect brokerage commissions. Total investment return for a
period less than one year is not annualized.
++ Ratios are 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. The annualized ratio of expenses after the fee waiver is
1.10%.
# Net asset value immediately after the closing of the first public
offering was $14.30.
The information above represents the audited operating performance for a share
of common stock outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net
assets and other supplemental data for the period 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.
9
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK PENNSYLVANIA
STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION & ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The BlackRock Pennsylvania Strategic Municipal Trust (the "Trust") was organized
in Delaware on June 30, 1999 as a non-diversified, closed-end management
investment company. The Trust had no transactions until August 19, 1999 when it
sold 6,981 Common Shares 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 and Pennsylvania state
income taxes and to invest in municipal bonds that over time will perform better
than the broader Pennsylvania municipal bond market. The ability of issuers of
debt securities held by the Trust to meet their obligations may be affected by
economic developments in the state, 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. 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.
Short-term securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are
valued at amoritized cost which approximates market value.
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 generally
accepted accounting principles 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.
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 Bank, N.A. 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
10
<PAGE>
ended 12/31/08 by 0.05%. Pursuant to the agreement, the Advisor waived fees of
$43,427 during the period ended December 31, 1999.
Pursuant to the agreements, 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 December 31, 1999, aggregated $45,551,578 and $348,250,
respectively.
The federal income tax basis of the Trust's investments at December 31,
1999 was the same as the basis for financial reporting and accordingly, net
unrealized depreciation was $1,323,563 (gross unrealized appreciation-$69,248,
gross unrealized depreciation-$1,392,811).
For Federal income tax purposes, the Trust had a capital loss
carryforward at December 31, 1999 of approximately $7,700 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 common shares of beneficial
interest authorized. Of the 2,014,981 common shares of beneficial interest
outstanding at December 31, 1999, 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 .......................... 1,750,000
Shares issued in connection with the
exercise of the underwriters'
over-allotment option .................... 258,000
---------
Net increase in shares outstanding ......... 2,008,000
=========
Underwriting discounts of $1,355,400 and offering costs of $60,449
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 700 shares of common stock
of beneficial interest and issued a series of Auction Market Preferred Stock
("Preferred Stock") Series W7. The Preferred Shares have a liquidation value of
$25,000 per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. Underwriting
discounts of $175,000 and offering costs of $260,546 incurred in connection with
the Preferred Share offering have been charged to paid-in capital in excess of
par of 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 3.20% to
5.85% during the period ended December 31, 1999.
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 stock (one vote per share) and will vote together with holders of
shares of common stock 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
stockholders 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
11
<PAGE>
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 December 31, 1999, the Board of Directors of the Trust declared a
dividend from undistributed earnings of $0.076563 per common share payable
February 1, 2000, to shareholders of record on January 19, 2000.
For the period January 1, 2000 through January 31, 2000, dividends
declared on Preferred Stock totalled $61,731.
12
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK PENNSYLVANIA STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Shareholders and Trustees of
The BlackRock Pennsylvania Strategic Municipal Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the portfolio of investments, of The BlackRock Pennsylvania Strategic
Municipal Trust as of December 31, 1999 and the related statements of
operations, changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the period
from August 25, 1999 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1999. These
financial statements and the financial highlights are the responsibility of the
Trust's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial highlights based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at December
31, 1999 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The
BlackRock Pennsylvania Strategic Municipal Trust Inc. at December 31, 1999, and
the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and its financial
highlights for the respective stated period in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principle.
/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
- -------------------------
Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
February 11, 2000
13
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK PENNSYLVANIA 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 American
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 date, 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 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 on the front of this report.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
We have transitioned into the Year 2000, and it is business as usual at
BlackRock.
14
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK PENNSYLVANIA STRATEGIC MUNICIPAL TRUST
INVESTMENT SUMMARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE TRUST'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The BlackRock Pennsylvania Strategic Municipal Trust's investment objectives are
to provide current income exempt from regular Federal and Pennsylvania state
income tax consistent with the preservation of capital and invest in municipal
bonds that will perform better than the Pennsylvania municipal bond market.
WHO MANAGES THE TRUST?
BlackRock Advisors, Inc.(the "Advisor") is an SEC-registered investment advisor.
As of December 31, 1999, BlackRock and its affiliates (together, "BlackRock")
managed $165 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 $27 billion family of open-end equity and bond
funds. BlackRock manages over 580 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. The Trust intends to invest
primarily all of the assets in a portfolio of investment grade Pennsylvania
Municipal Obligations, which include debt obligations issued by the State of
Pennsylvania, its political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities and by
other qualifying issuers that pay interest which, in the opinion of the bond
counsel of the issuer, is exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania income taxes.
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
in investment grade Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations or other municipal bonds.
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 10-15 years, but the average maturity 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 American 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 that is exempt from regular Federal and Pennsylvania income taxes
and to invest in municipal bonds that over time will perform better than the
broader Pennsylvania 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 American Stock Exchange (AMEX symbol: BPS) 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 PENNSYLVANIA 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.
PREREFUNDED 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
PERPETUAL TRUSTS ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
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>
TAX-EXEMPT TRUSTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK MATURITY
SYMBOL DATE
PERPETUAL TRUSTS --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
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 DO NOT HESITATE TO 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 December 31, 1999, BlackRock and its affiliates (together,
"BlackRock") managed $165 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 $27 billion family of open-end equity and bond funds. BlackRock
manages over 580 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 is 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 Grosfeld
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 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, DE 19809
(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
This report is for shareholder information. This is not a prospectus intended
for use in the purchase or sale of any securities.
THE BLACKROCK PENNSYLVANIA STRATEGIC
MUNICIPAL TRUST
c/o BlackRock Advisors, Inc.
400 Bellevue Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19809
(800) 227-7BFM
Printed on recycled paper
THE BLACKROCK
PENNSYLVANIA
STRATEGIC
MUNICIPAL TRUST
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL REPORT
DECEMBER 31, 1999
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
