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DREYFUS MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OCTOBER 1, 1999
(REVISED December 15, 1999)
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This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus,
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus of
Dreyfus Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), dated October 1, 1999.
To obtain a copy of the Fund's Prospectus, please write to the Fund at 144 Glenn
Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or call one of the following
numbers:
Call Toll Free 1-800-645-6561
In New York City -- Call 1-718-895-1206
Outside the U.S. -- Call 516-794-5452
The Fund's most recent Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to
shareholders are separate documents supplied with this Statement of Additional
Information, and the financial statements, accompanying notes and report of
independent auditors appearing in the Annual Report are incorporated by
reference into this Statement of Additional Information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Description of the Fund....................................................B-2
Management of the Fund.....................................................B-11
Management Arrangements....................................................B-16
How to Buy Shares..........................................................B-19
Shareholder Services Plan..................................................B-21
How to Redeem Shares.......................................................B-22
Shareholder Services.......................................................B-25
Determination of Net Asset Value...........................................B-28
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes.........................................B-29
Portfolio Transactions.....................................................B-30
Yield Information..........................................................B-31
Information About the Fund.................................................B-32
Counsel and Independent Auditors...........................................B-32
Appendix...................................................................B-34
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DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
The Fund is a Maryland corporation incorporated on July 30, 1979. The Fund
is an open-end, management investment company, known as a money market mutual
fund. The Fund is a diversified fund, which means that, with respect to 75% of
its total assets, the Fund will not invest more than 5% of its assets in the
securities of any single issuer.
The Dreyfus Corporation (the "Manager") serves as the Fund's investment
adviser.
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") is the
distributor of the Fund's shares.
Certain Portfolio Securities
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the Fund's Prospectus.
Municipal Obligations. The Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of
its net assets (except when maintaining a temporary defensive position) in
Municipal Obligations. Municipal Obligations are debt obligations issued by
states, territories and possessions of the United States and the District of
Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, or
multistate agencies or authorities, the interest from which, in the opinion of
bond counsel to the issuer, is exempt from Federal income tax. Municipal
Obligations generally include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for
various public purposes as well as certain industrial development bonds issued
by or on behalf of public authorities. Municipal Obligations are classified as
general obligation bonds, revenue bonds and notes. General obligation bonds are
secured by the issuer's pledge of its faith, credit and taxing power for the
payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds are payable from the revenue
derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases,
from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source, but not
from the general taxing power. Tax exempt industrial development bonds, in most
cases, are revenue bonds that do not carry the pledge of the credit of the
issuing municipality, but generally are guaranteed by the corporate entity on
whose behalf they are issued. Notes are short-term instruments which are
obligations of the issuing municipalities or agencies and are sold in
anticipation of a bond sale, collection of taxes or receipt of other revenues.
Municipal Obligations include municipal lease/purchase agreements which are
similar to installment purchase contracts for property or equipment issued by
municipalities. Municipal Obligations bear fixed, floating or variable rates of
interest.
For the purpose of diversification under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), the identification of the issuer of Municipal
Obligations depends on the terms and conditions of the security. When the assets
and revenues of an agency, authority, instrumentality or other political
subdivision are separate from those of the government creating the subdivision
and the security is backed only by the assets and revenues of the subdivision,
such subdivision would be deemed to be the sole issuer. Similarly, in the case
of an industrial development bond, if that bond is backed only by the assets and
revenues of the non-governmental user, then such non-governmental user would be
deemed to be the sole issuer. If, however, in either case, the creating
government or some other entity guarantees a security, such a guaranty would be
considered a separate security and will be treated as an issue of such
government or other entity.
The yields on Municipal Obligations are dependent on a variety of factors,
including general economic and monetary conditions, money market factors,
conditions in the Municipal Obligations market, size of a particular offering,
maturity of the obligation, and rating of the issue.
Certain Tax Exempt Obligations. The Fund may purchase floating and variable rate
demand notes and bonds, which are tax exempt obligations ordinarily having
stated maturities in excess of 13 months, but which permit the holder to demand
payment of principal at any time, or at specified intervals not exceeding 13
months, in each case upon not more than 30 days' notice. Variable rate demand
notes include master demand notes which are obligations that permit the Fund to
invest fluctuating amounts, at varying rates of interest, pursuant to direct
arrangements between the Fund, as lender, and the borrower. These obligations
permit daily changes in the amount borrowed. Because these obligations are
direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower, it is not
contemplated that such instruments generally will be traded, and there generally
is no established secondary market for these obligations, although they are
redeemable at face value, plus accrued interest. Accordingly, where these
obligations are not secured by letters of credit or other credit support
arrangements, the Fund's right to redeem is dependent on the ability of the
borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. Each obligation purchased by
the Fund will meet the quality criteria established for the purchase of
Municipal Obligations.
Tax Exempt Participation Interests. The Fund may purchase from financial
institutions participation interests in Municipal Obligations (such as
industrial development bonds and municipal lease/purchase agreements). A
participation interest gives the Fund an undivided interest in the Municipal
Obligation in the proportion that the Fund's participation interest bears to the
total principal amount of the Municipal Obligation. These instruments may have
fixed, floating or variable rates of interest, with remaining maturities of 13
months or less. If the participation interest is unrated, or has been given a
rating below that which is permissible for purchase by the Fund, the
participation interest will be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or
guarantee of a bank that the Fund's Board has determined meets prescribed
quality standards for banks, or the payment obligation otherwise will be
collateralized by U.S. Government securities. For certain participation
interests, the Fund will have the right to demand payment, on not more than
seven days' notice, for all or any part of the Fund's participation interest in
the Municipal Obligation, plus accrued interest. As to these instruments, the
Fund intends to exercise its right to demand payment only upon a default under
the terms of the Municipal Obligation, as needed to provide liquidity to meet
redemptions, or to maintain or improve the quality of its investment portfolio.
Municipal lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations
(collectively, "lease obligations") have special risks not ordinarily associated
with Municipal Obligations. Although lease obligations do not constitute general
obligations of the municipality for which the municipality's taxing power is
pledged, a lease obligation ordinarily is backed by the municipality's covenant
to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the lease obligation.
However, certain lease obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses which
provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment
purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose
on a yearly basis. Although "non-appropriation" lease obligations are secured by
the leased property, disposition of the property in the event of foreclosure
might prove difficult. The Fund will seek to minimize these risks by investing
only in those lease obligations that (1) are rated in one of the two highest
rating categories for debt obligations by at least two nationally recognized
statistical rating organizations (or one rating organization if the lease
obligation was rated only by one such organization) or (2) if unrated, are
purchased principally from the issuer or domestic banks or other responsible
third parties, in each case only if the seller shall have entered into an
agreement with the Fund providing that the seller or other responsible third
party will either remarket or repurchase the lease obligation within a short
period after demand by the Fund. The staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission currently considers certain lease obligations to be illiquid.
Accordingly, not more than 10% of the value of the Fund's net assets will be
invested in lease obligations that are illiquid and in other illiquid
securities. See Investment Restriction No. 12 below.
Tender Option Bonds. The Fund may purchase tender option bonds. A tender option
bond is a Municipal Obligation (generally held pursuant to a custodial
arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed
rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax exempt rates, that has
been coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer
or other financial institution, pursuant to which such institution grants the
security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities
to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for
providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to
the difference between the Municipal Obligation's fixed coupon rate and the
rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent at or near the
commencement of such period, that would cause the securities, coupled with the
tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after
payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation
that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax exempt rate. The Manager,
on behalf of the Fund, will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of
the issuer of the underlying Municipal Obligations, of any custodian and of the
third party provider of the tender option. In certain instances and for certain
tender option bonds, the option may be terminable in the event of a default in
payment of principal or interest on the underlying Municipal Obligations and for
other reasons.
The Fund will not purchase tender option bonds unless (a) the demand
feature applicable thereto is exercisable by the Fund within 13 months of the
date of such purchase upon no more than 30 days' notice and thereafter is
exercisable by the Fund no less frequently than annually upon no more than 30
days' notice and (b) at the time of such purchase, the Manager reasonably
expects (i) based upon its assessment of current and historical interest trends,
that prevailing short-term tax exempt rates will not exceed the stated interest
rate on the underlying Municipal Obligations at the time of the next tender fee
adjustment and (ii) that the circumstances which might entitle the grantor of a
tender option to terminate the tender option would not occur prior to the time
of the next tender opportunity. At the time of each tender opportunity, the Fund
will exercise the tender option with respect to any tender option bonds unless
the Manager reasonably expects, (x) based upon its assessment of current and
historical interest rate trends, that prevailing short-term tax exempt rates
will not exceed the stated interest rate on the underlying Municipal Obligations
at the time of the next tender fee adjustment, and (y) that the circumstances
which might entitle the grantor of a tender option to terminate the tender
option would not occur prior to the time of the next tender opportunity. The
Fund will exercise the tender feature with respect to tender option bonds, or
otherwise dispose of its tender option bonds, prior to the time the tender
option is scheduled to expire pursuant to the terms of the agreement under which
the tender option is granted. The Fund otherwise will comply with the provisions
of Rule 2a-7 in connection with the purchase of tender option bonds, including,
without limitation, the requisite determination by the Fund's Board that the
tender option bonds in question meet the quality standards described in Rule
2a-7, which, in the case of a tender option bond subject to a conditional demand
feature, would include a determination that the security has received both the
required short-term and long-term quality rating or is determined to be of
comparable quality. In the event of a default of the Municipal Obligation
underlying a tender option bond, or the termination of the tender option
agreement, the Fund would look to the maturity date of the underlying security
for purposes of compliance with Rule 2a-7 and, if its remaining maturity was
greater than 13 months, the Fund would sell the security as soon as would be
practicable. The Fund will purchase tender option bonds only when it is
satisfied that the custodial and tender option arrangements, including the fee
payment arrangements, will not adversely affect the tax exempt status of the
underlying Municipal Obligations and that payment of any tender fees will not
have the effect of creating taxable income for the Fund. Based on the tender
option bond agreement, the Fund expects to be able to value the tender option
bond at par; however, the value of the instrument will be monitored to assure
that it is valued at fair value.
Stand-By Commitments. The Fund may acquire "stand-by commitments" with respect
to Municipal Obligations held in its portfolio. Under a stand-by commitment, the
Fund obligates a broker, dealer or bank to repurchase, at the Fund's option,
specified securities at a specified price and, in this respect, stand-by
commitments are comparable to put options. The exercise of a stand-by commitment
therefore is subject to the ability of the seller to make payment on demand. The
Fund will acquire stand-by commitments solely to facilitate portfolio liquidity
and does not intend to exercise its rights thereunder for trading purposes. The
Fund may pay for stand-by commitments if such action is deemed necessary, thus
increasing to a degree the cost of the underlying Municipal Obligation and
similarly decreasing such security's yield to investors. Gains realized in
connection with stand-by commitments will be taxable.
Ratings of Municipal Obligations. The Fund may invest only in those Municipal
Obligations which are rated in one of the two highest rating categories for debt
obligations by at least two rating organizations (or one rating organization if
the instrument was rated by only one such organization) or, if unrated, are of
comparable quality as determined in accordance with procedures established by
the Fund's Board. Moreover, the Fund will purchase commercial paper, or other
instruments having only commercial paper ratings, only if the security is rated
in the highest rating category by at least one nationally recognized statistical
rating organization or, if unrated, of comparable quality as determined in
accordance with such procedures.
The average distribution of investments (at value) in Municipal
Obligations by ratings for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999, computed on a
monthly basis, was as follows:
Standard &
Moody's Poor's
Fitch IBCA, Inc. or Investors or Ratings Percentage of
("Fitch") Service, Inc. Group Value
("Moody's") ("S&P")
VMIG 1/MIG 1, SP-1+SP-1
F-1+/F-1 P-1 A-1+/A-1 94.9%
F - 2 MIG-2 SP-2 .2%
A AA/AA Aaa/Aa AAA/AA 1.2%
Not Rated Not Rated Not Rated 3.7%*
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100.0 %
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* Included in the Not Rated category are securities comprising 3.7% of the
Fund's market value which, while not rated, have been determined by the Manager
to be of comparable quality to securities in the VMIG 1/MIG 1 rating category.
If, subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, (a) an issue of rated
Municipal Obligations ceases to be rated in the highest rating category by at
least two rating organizations (or one rating organization if the instrument was
rated by only one such organization) or the Fund's Board determines that it is
no longer of comparable quality or (b) the Manager becomes aware that any
portfolio security not so highly rated or any unrated security has been given a
rating by any rating organization below the rating organization's second highest
rating category, the Fund's Board will reassess promptly whether such security
presents minimal credit risk and will cause the Fund to take such action as it
determines is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders; provided
that the reassessment required by clause (b) is not required if the portfolio
security is disposed of or matures within five business days of the Manager
becoming aware of the new rating and the Fund's Board is subsequently notified
of the Manager's actions.
To the extent the ratings given by Moody's, S&P or Fitch for Municipal
Obligations may change as a result of changes in such organizations or their
rating systems, the Fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for
its investments in accordance with the investment policies contained in the
Fund's Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information. The ratings of
Moody's, S&P and Fitch represent their opinions as to the quality of the
Municipal Obligations which they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized,
however, that ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards
of quality. Although these ratings may be an initial criterion for selection of
portfolio investments, the Manager also will evaluate these securities and the
creditworthiness of the issuers of such securities.
Taxable Investments. From time to time, on a temporary basis other than
for temporary defensive purposes (but not to exceed 20% of the value of the
Fund's net assets) or for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest in
taxable short-term investments ("Taxable Investments") consisting of: notes of
issuers having, at the time of purchase, a quality rating within the two highest
grades of Moody's, S&P or Fitch; obligations of the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities; commercial paper rated not lower than P-1 by
Moody's, A-1 by S&P or F-1 by Fitch; certificates of deposit of U.S. domestic
banks, including foreign branches of domestic banks, with assets of $1 billion
or more; time deposits; bankers' acceptances and other short-term bank
obligations; and repurchase agreements in respect of any of the foregoing.
Dividends paid by the Fund that are attributable to income earned by the Fund
from Taxable Investments will be taxable to investors. Except for temporary
defensive purposes, at no time will more than 20% of the value of the Fund's net
assets be invested in Taxable Investments. If the Fund purchases Taxable
Investments, it will value them using the amortized cost method and comply with
the provisions of Rule 2a-7 relating to purchases of taxable instruments. Under
normal market conditions, the Fund anticipates that not more than 5% of the
value of its total assets will be invested in any one category of Taxable
Investments.
Illiquid Securities. The Fund may invest up to 10% of the value of its net
assets in securities as to which a liquid trading market does not exist,
provided such investments are consistent with the Fund's investment objective.
Such securities may include securities that are not readily marketable, such as
securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, and
repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days after
notice. As to these securities, the Fund is subject to a risk that should the
Fund desire to sell them when a ready buyer is not available at a price the Fund
deems representative of their value, the value of the Fund's net assets could be
adversely affected.
Investment Techniques
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the Fund's Prospectus. The Fund's use of certain of the investment
techniques described below may give rise to taxable income.
Borrowing Money. The Fund may borrow money from banks, but only for
temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes, in an amount up to (a) 15% of
the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) valued at the
lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not including the amount borrowed)
at the time the borrowing is made or (b) 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's
total assets (including the amount borrowed) in order to meet redemption
requests. While borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets, the Fund will
not make any additional investments.
<PAGE>
Forward Commitments. The Fund may purchase Municipal Obligations and other
securities on a forward commitment or when-issued basis, which means that
delivery and payment take place a number of days after the date of the
commitment to purchase. The payment obligation and the interest rate receivable
on a forward commitment or when-issued security are fixed when the Fund enters
into the commitment, but the Fund does not make payment until it receives
delivery from the counterparty. The Fund will commit to purchase such securities
only with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, but the Fund may
sell these securities before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. The
Fund will segregate permissible liquid assets at least equal at all times to the
amount of the Fund's purchase commitments.
Municipal Obligations and other securities purchased on a forward
commitment or when-issued basis are subject to changes in value (generally
changing in the same way, i.e., appreciating when interest rates decline and
depreciating when interest rates rise) based upon the public's perception of the
creditworthiness of the issuer and changes, real or anticipated, in the level of
interest rates. Securities purchased on a forward commitment or when-issued
basis may expose the Fund to risks because they may experience such fluctuations
prior to their actual delivery. Purchasing securities on a forward commitment or
when-issued basis can involve the additional risk that the yield available in
the market when the delivery takes place actually may be higher than that
obtained in the transaction itself. Purchasing securities on a forward
commitment or when-issued basis when the Fund is fully or almost fully invested
may result in greater potential fluctuation in the value of the Fund's net
assets and its net asset value per share.
Investment Considerations and Risks
Investing in Municipal Obligations. The Fund may invest more than 25% of
the value of its total assets in Municipal Obligations which are related in such
a way that an economic, business or political development or change affecting
one such security also would affect the other securities; for example,
securities the interest upon which is paid from revenues of similar types of
projects, or securities whose issuers are located in the same state. As a
result, the Fund may be subject to greater risk as compared to a fund that does
not follow this practice.
Certain municipal lease/purchase obligations in which the Fund may invest
may contain "non-appropriation" clauses which provide that the municipality has
no obligation to make lease payments in future years unless money is
appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. Although "non-appropriation"
lease/purchase obligations are secured by the leased property, disposition of
the leased property in the event of foreclosure might prove difficult. In
evaluating the credit quality of a municipal lease/purchase obligation that is
unrated, the Manager will consider, on an ongoing basis, a number of factors
including the likelihood that the issuing municipality will discontinue
appropriating funds for the leased property.
Certain provisions in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), relating to the issuance of Municipal Obligations may reduce the volume
of Municipal Obligations qualifying for Federal tax exemption. One effect of
these provisions could be to increase the cost of the Municipal Obligations
available for purchase by the Fund and thus reduce available yield. Shareholders
should consult their tax advisers concerning the effect of these provisions on
an investment in the Fund. Proposals that may restrict or eliminate the income
tax exemption for interest on Municipal Obligations may be introduced in the
future. If any such proposal were enacted that would reduce the availability of
Municipal Obligations for investment by the Fund so as to adversely affect Fund
shareholders, the Fund would reevaluate its investment objective and policies
and submit possible changes in the Fund's structure to shareholders for their
consideration. If legislation were enacted that would treat a type of Municipal
Obligation as taxable, the Fund would treat such security as a permissible
Taxable Investment within the applicable limits set forth herein.
Simultaneous Investments. Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of the other investment companies advised by the
Manager. If, however, such other investment companies desire to invest in, or
dispose of, the same securities as the Fund, available investment or
opportunities for sales will be allocated equitably to each investment company.
In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position
obtained for or disposed of by the Fund or the price paid or received by the
Fund.
Investment Restrictions
The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy, which cannot be
changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares. In addition, the Fund has adopted
investment restrictions numbered 1 through 11 as fundamental policies.
Investment restriction number 12 is not a fundamental policy and may be changed
by a vote of a majority of the Fund's Board members at any time. The Fund may
not:
1. Purchase securities other than Municipal Obligations and Taxable
Investments as those terms are defined above and in the Fund's Prospectus.
2. Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency purposes and
not for investment, in an amount up to (a) 15% of the value of the
Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) valued at market
less liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the
borrowing is made or (b) one-third of the value of its total assets
(including the amount borrowed) in order to meet redemption requests
which otherwise might require the untimely disposition of securities.
While borrowings under (a) exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets, the Fund will not make any additional investments. If due to
market fluctuations or other reasons the value of the Fund's assets
falls below 300% of its borrowings, the Fund will reduce its borrowings
within three business days. To do this, the Fund may have to sell a
portion of its investments at a time when it may be disadvantageous to
do so.
3. Pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets, except to
secure borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes.
4. Sell securities short or purchase securities on margin.
5. Underwrite the securities of other issuers except that the Fund may bid,
separately or as part of a group, for the purchase of Municipal
Obligations directly from an issuer for its own portfolio in order to take
advantage of the lower purchase price available.
6. Purchase or sell real estate, real estate investment trust securities,
commodities or commodity contracts, or oil and gas interests, but this
shall not prevent the Fund from investing in Municipal Obligations secured
by real estate or interests therein.
7. Make loans to others except through the purchase of qualified debt
obligations and the entry into repurchase agreements referred to above and
in the Fund's Prospectus.
8. Invest more than 5% of its assets in the obligations of one issuer, except
that up to 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets may be invested,
and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, or its
agencies or instrumentalities may be purchased, without regard to any such
limitation.
9. Invest more than 25% of its assets in the securities of issuers in any
single industry; provided that there shall be no limitation on the
purchase of Municipal Obligations and obligations issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
10. Purchase more than 10% of the voting securities of any issuer or invest in
companies for the purpose of exercising control.
11. Invest in securities of other investment companies, except as they may be
acquired as part of a merger, consolidation or acquisition of assets and
except for the purchase, to the extent permitted by Section 12 of the 1940
Act, of shares of registered unit investment trusts whose assets consist
substantially of Municipal Obligations.
12. Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than
seven days after notice or purchase securities which are illiquid if, in
the aggregate, more than 10% of the value of the Fund's net assets would
be so invested.
For purposes of Investment Restriction No. 9, industrial development
bonds, where the payment of principal and interest is the ultimate
responsibility of companies within the same industry, are grouped together as
an "industry."
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of an investment, a
later increase in percentage resulting from a change in values or assets will
not constitute a violation of that restriction.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund's Board is responsible for the management and supervision of the
Fund. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Fund and those
companies that furnish services to the Fund. These companies are as follows:
The Dreyfus Corporation...................Investment Adviser
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.........Distributor
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc.....................Transfer Agent
The Bank of New York......................Custodian
Board members and officers of the Fund, together with information as to
their principal business occupations during at least the last five years, are
shown below.
Board Members of the Fund
JOSEPHS. DiMARTINO, Chairman of the Board. Since January 1995, Chairman of the
Board of various funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He also is a
director of The Noel Group, Inc., a venture capital company (for which,
from February 1995 until November 1997, he was Chairman of the Board), The
Muscular Dystrophy Association, HealthPlan Services Corporation, a
provider of marketing, administrative and risk management services to
health and other benefit programs, Carlyle Industries, Inc. (formerly,
Belding Heminway Company, Inc.), a button packager and distributor, Career
Blazers, Inc. (formerly, Staffing Resources, Inc.), a temporary placement
agency, and Century Business Services, Inc. (formerly, International
Alliance Services, Inc.), a provider of various outsourcing functions for
small and medium sized companies. For more than five years prior to
January 1995, he was President, a director and, until August 1994, Chief
Operating Officer of the Manager and Executive Vice President and a
director of Dreyfus Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Manager and, until August 24, 1994, the Fund's distributor. From August
1994 until December 31, 1994, he was a director of Mellon Bank
Corporation. He is 56 years old and his address is 200 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10166.
DAVID W. BURKE, Board Member. Board member of various funds in the Dreyfus
Family of Funds. Chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, an
independent board within the United States Information Agency, from August
1994 to November 1998. From August 1994 to December 1994, Mr. Burke was a
Consultant to the Manager, and from October 1990 to August 1994, he was
Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the Manager. From 1977
to 1990, Mr. Burke was involved in the management of national television
news, as Vice President and Executive Vice President of ABC News, and
subsequently as President of CBS News. He is 63 years old and his address
is Box 654, Eastham, Massachusetts 02642.
HODDING CARTER, III, Board Member President and Chief Executive Officer of the
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. From 1985 to 1998, he was
President and Chairman of MainStreet TV. From 1995 to 1998, he was Knight
Professor in Journalism at the University of Maryland. From 1980 to 1991,
he was "Op Ed" columnist for The Wall Street Journal. From 1985 to 1986,
he was anchor and Chief Correspondent of "Capital Journal," a weekly
Public Broadcasting System ("PBS") series on Congress. From 1981 to 1984,
he was anchorman and chief correspondent for PBS' "Inside Story", a
regularly scheduled half-hour critique of press performance. From 1977 to
July 1, 1980, Mr. Carter served as Assistant Secretary of State for Public
Affairs and as Department of State spokesman. He is 64 years old and his
address is c/o Knight Foundation, 2 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 3800,
Miami, Florida 33131.
EHUD HOUMINER, Board Member. Professor and Executive-in-Residence at the
Columbia Business School, Columbia University. Since January 1996,
Principal of Lear, Yavitz and Associates, a management consultant
firm. He also is a Director of Avnet Inc. and Super-Sol Limited.
He is 59 years old and his address is c/o Columbia Business School,
Columbia University, Uris Hall, Room 526, New York, New York 10027.
RICHARD C. LEONE, Board Member. President of The Century Foundation (formerly,
The Twentieth Century Fund, Inc.), a tax-exempt research foundation
engaged in the study of economic, foreign policy and domestic issues. From
April 1990 to March 1994, he was Chairman of, and from April 1988 to March
1994, he was a Commissioner of, The Port Authority of New York and New
Jersey. From 1985 to 1986, he was a member of, and from January 1986 to
January 1989, he was a Managing Director of, Dillon, Read & Co., Inc. Mr.
Leone also is a director of Dynex, Inc. He is 59 years old and his address
is 41 East 70th Street, New York, New York 10021.
HANS C. MAUTNER, Board Member. Vice Chairman and a Director of Simon Property,
Inc., a real estate investment company, and a Trustee of Cornerstone
Properties. From 1997 to 1998, he was Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and a Trustee of Corporate Property Investors, which merged into Simon
Property Group in September 1998. Since January 1986, he has been a
Director of Julius Baer Investment Management, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Julius Baer Securities, Inc. He is 62 years old and his
address is 33 St. James's Square, Office 2-12 and 2-13, London SW1Y 4JS,
England.
ROBIN A. PRINGLE, Board Member. Vice President of The National Mentoring
Partnership and President of The Boisi Family Foundation, a private family
foundation devoted to youths and higher education located in New York
City. Since 1993, she has been Vice President, and, from March 1992 to
October 1993, she was Executive Director of One to One Partnership, Inc.,
a national non-profit organization that seeks to promote mentoring and
economic empowerment for at-risk youths. From June 1986 to February 1992,
she was an investment banker with Goldman, Sachs & Co. She is 36 years old
and her address is 621 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois 60605.
JOHN E. ZUCCOTTI, Board Member. Since November 1996, Chairman of Brookfield
Financial Properties, Inc. From 1990 to November 1996, he was the
President and Chief Executive Officer of Olympia & York Companies (U.S.A.)
and a member of its Board of Directors since the inception of the
company's Board in November 1996. From 1978 to 1986, he was a partner in
the law firm of Tufo & Zuccotti. He was First Deputy Mayor of the City of
New York from December 1975 to June 1977, and Chairman of the City
Planning Commission for the City of New York from 1973 to 1975. Mr.
Zuccotti has been a director or trustee of many corporate and
not-for-profit boards. He has recently been named Vice-Chairman of
Brookfield Properties Corporation headquartered in Toronto, Canada (parent
company of Brookfield Financial Properties). Mr. Zuccotti also serves as a
director of Applied Graphics Technologies, Inc. He is 62 years old and his
address is 1 Liberty Plaza, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10006.
The Fund has a standing nominating committee comprised of its Board
members who are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the 1940
Act). The function of the nominating committee is to select and nominate all
candidates who are not "interested persons" of the Fund for election to the
Fund's Board.
The Fund typically pays its Board members an annual retainer and a per
meeting fee and reimburses them for their expenses. The Chairman of the Board
receives an additional 25% of such compensation. Emeritus Board members are
entitled to receive an annual retainer and a per meeting fee of one-half the
amount paid to them as Board members. The aggregate amount of compensation paid
to each Board member by the Fund for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999, and by
all funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which such person was a Board
member (the number of which is set forth in parenthesis next to each Board
member's total compensation)* during the year ended December 31, 1998, was as
follows:
<PAGE>
Aggregate Total Compensation from
Compensation Fund and Fund Complex
Name of Board Member from Fund** Paid to Board Members
Joseph S. DiMartino $9,375 $619,660 (187)
David W. Burke $7,500 $233,500 (62)
Hodding Carter, III $7,000 $32,500 (7)
Ehud Houminer $7,500 $62,250 (21)
Richard C. Leone $7,500 $35,500 (7)
Hans C. Mautner $6,500 $29,500 (7)
Robin A. Pringle $7,500 $38,500 (7)
John E. Zuccotti $7,000 $32,500 (7)
- ---------------------
* Represents the number of separate portfolios comprising the investment
companies in the Fund Complex, including the Fund, for which the Board
member serves.
** Amount does not include reimbursed expenses for attending Board meetings,
which amounted to $ 2,379 for all Board members as a group.
Officers of the Fund
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, President and Treasurer. President, Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Compliance Officer and a director of the Distributor and Funds
Distributor, Inc., the ultimate parent of which is Boston Institutional
Group, Inc., and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. She is 41 years old.
MARGARET W. CHAMBERS, Vice President and Secretary. Senior Vice President and
General Counsel of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. From August
1996 to March 1998, she was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel
for Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. From January 1986 to July 1996, she was
an associate with the law firm of Ropes & Gray. She is 38 years old.
*FREDERICK C. DEY, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer and Assistant
Secretary. Vice President, New Business Development of Funds
Distributor, Inc., since September 1994, and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. He is 37
years old.
STEPHANIE D. PIERCE, Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant
Treasurer. Vice President of the Distributor and Funds Distributor, Inc.,
and an officer of other investment companies advised or administered by
the Manager. From April 1997 to March 1998, she was employed as a
Relationship Manager with Citibank, N.A. From August 1995 to April 1997,
she was an Assistant Vice President with Hudson Valley Bank, and from
September 1990 to August 1995, she was Second Vice President with Chase
Manhattan Bank. She is 30 years old.
*JOHN P. COVINO, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Vice President and
Treasury Group Manager of Treasury Servicing and Administration of Funds
Distributor, Inc., since December 1998. From December 1995 to November
1998, he was employed by Fidelity Investments where he held multiple
positions in their Institutional Brokerage Group. Prior to joining
Fidelity, he was employed by SunGard Brokerage systems where he was
responsible for the technology and development of the accounting product
group. He is 35 years old.
MARY A. NELSON, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Vice President of
the Distributor and Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. She is 34
years old.
*GEORGE A. RIO, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Executive Vice President
and Client Service Director of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of
other investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. From
June 1995 to March 1998, he was Senior Vice President and Senior Key
Account Manager for Putnam Mutual Funds. From May 1994 to June 1995, he
was Director of Business Development for First Data Corporation. He is 43
years old.
JOSEPHF. TOWER, III, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice
President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and a director of the
Distributor and Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. From July
1988 to August 1994, he was employed by The Boston Company, Inc. where he
held various management positions in the Corporate Finance and Treasury
areas. He is 36 years old.
DOUGLAS C. CONROY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice
President of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. From
April 1993 to January 1995, he was a Senior Fund Accountant for
Investors Bank & Trust Company. He is 29 years old.
*KAREN JACOPPO-WOOD, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice President and
Senior Counsel of Funds Distributor, Inc., since February 1997, and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by the
Manager. From June 1994 to January 1996, she was Manager of SEC
Registration at Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. She is 32 years old.
CHRISTOPHER J. KELLEY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice President
and Senior Associate General Counsel of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by the
Manager. From April 1994 to July 1996, he was Assistant Counsel at Forum
Financial Group. From October 1992 to March 1994, he was employed by
Putnam Investments in legal and compliance capacities. He is 33 years old.
KATHLEEN K. MORRISEY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Manager of
Treasury Services Administration of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by the
Manager. From July 1994 to November 1995, she was a Fund Accountant
for Investors Bank & Trust Company. She is 26 years old.
ELBA VASQUEZ, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice President
of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other investment companies
advised or administered by the Manager. From March 1990 to May 1996, she
was employed by U.S. Trust Company of New York where she held various
sales and marketing positions. She is 37 years old.
The address of each officer of the Fund is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New
York 10166, except those officers indicated by an (*), whose address is 60 State
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
The Fund's Board members and officers, as a group, owned less than 1% of
the Fund's voting securities outstanding as of July 15, 1999.
The following shareholders are known by the Fund to own, of record or
beneficially, 5% or more of the Fund's outstanding voting securities as of July
15, 1999:
PNC BankNA 6.7433% Shares held
ATTN DONNA DONOVAN
2 PNC PLAZA P2-PTPP-09-4
620 LIBERTY AVE
PITTSBURGH PA 15222-2722
CHASE MANHATTAN BANK 6.0558% Shares held
CLIENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
ATTN SEVAN MARINOS
1 CHASE MANHATTAN PLAZA FL 16
MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Investment Adviser. The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon
Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation
("Mellon"). Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company incorporated
under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the Federal Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a comprehensive range of
financial products and services in domestic and selected international markets.
Mellon is among the twenty-five largest bank holding companies in the United
States based on total assets.
The Manager provides management services pursuant to the Management
Agreement (the "Agreement") dated August 24, 1994 with the Fund, which is
subject to annual approval by (i) the Fund's Board or (ii) vote of a majority
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund,
provided that in either event the continuance also is approved by a majority of
the Board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of the Fund or the Manager, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. The Agreement was approved by shareholders
on August 4, 1994, and was last approved by the Fund's Board, including a
majority of the Board members who are not "interested persons" of any party to
the Agreement, at a meeting held on January 25, 1999. The Agreement is
terminable without penalty, on not less than 60 days' notice, by the Fund's
Board, by vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's shares, or by the
Manager. The Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
The following persons are officers and/or directors of the Manager:
Christopher M. Condron, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer;
Stephen E. Canter, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Investment
Officer and a director; Lawrence S. Kash, Vice Chairman and a director; J.
David Officer, Vice Chairman and a director; Thomas F. Eggers, Vice
Chairman--Institutional and a director; Ronald P. O'Hanley III, Vice
Chairman; William T. Sandalls, Jr., Executive Vice President; Mark N.
Jacobs, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary; Diane P. Durnin,
Vice President--Product Development; Patrice M. Kozlowski, Vice
President--Corporate Communications; Mary Beth Leibig, Vice
President--Human Resources; Andrew S. Wasser, Vice President--Information
Systems; Theodore A. Schachar, Vice President; Wendy Strutt, Vice
President; Richard Terres, Vice President; William H. Maresca, Controller;
James Bitetto, Assistant Secretary; Steven F. Newman, Assistant Secretary;
and Mandell L. Berman, Burton C. Borgelt, Steven G. Elliot, Martin C.
McGuinn, Richard W. Sabo, and Richard F. Syron, directors.
The Manager manages the Fund's portfolio of investments in accordance
with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to the approval of the Fund's
Board. The Manager is responsible for investment decisions and provides the
Fund with portfolio managers who are authorized by the Board to execute
purchases and sales of securities. The Fund's portfolio managers are A. Paul
Disdier, Joseph P. Darcy, Douglas Gaylor, Joseph Irace, Colleen Meehan,
Richard J. Moynihan, W. Michael Petty, Jill C. Shaffro, Scott Sprauer, Samuel
J. Weinstock and Monica S. Wieboldt. The Manager also maintains a research
department with a professional staff of portfolio managers and securities
analysts who provide research services for the Fund and for other funds
advised by the Manager.
The Manager has a personal securities trading policy (the "Policy") which
restricts the personal securities transactions of its employees. Its primary
purpose is to ensure that personal trading by the Manager's employees does not
disadvantage any fund managed by the Manager. Under the Policy, the Manager's
employees must preclear personal transactions in securities not exempt under the
Policy. In addition, the Manager's employees must report their personal
securities transactions and holdings, which are reviewed for compliance with the
Policy. In that regard, the Manager's portfolio managers and other investment
personnel also are subject to the oversight of Mellon's Investment Ethics
Committee. Portfolio managers and other investment personnel of the Manager who
comply with the Policy's preclearance and disclosure procedures and the
requirements of the Committee may be permitted to purchase, sell or hold
securities which also may be or are held in fund(s) they manage or for which
they otherwise provide investment advice.
The Manager maintains office facilities on behalf of the Fund, and
furnishes statistical and research data, clerical help, accounting, data
processing, bookkeeping and internal auditing and certain other required
services to the Fund. The Manager may pay the Distributor for shareholder
services from the Manager's own assets, including past profits but not including
the management fee paid by the Fund. The Distributor may use part or all of such
payments to pay Service Agents (as defined below) in respect of these services.
The Manager also may make such advertising and promotional expenditures, using
its own resources, as it from time to time deems appropriate.
All expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund are borne by the Fund,
except to the extent specifically assumed by the Manager. The expenses borne by
the Fund include: taxes, interest, brokerage fees and commissions, if any, fees
of Board members who are not officers, directors, employees or holders of 5% or
more of the outstanding voting securities of the Manager, Securities and
Exchange Commission fees, state Blue Sky qualification fees, advisory fees,
charges of custodians, transfer and dividend disbursing agents' fees, certain
insurance premiums, industry association fees, outside auditing and legal
expenses, costs of independent pricing services, costs of maintaining corporate
existence, costs attributable to investor services (including, without
limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of shareholders' reports
and corporate meetings, costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and
statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for
distribution to existing shareholders, and any extraordinary expenses.
As compensation for the Manager's services, the Fund has agreed to pay the
Manager a monthly management fee at the annual rate of .50% of the value of the
Fund's average daily net assets. All fees and expenses are accrued daily and
deducted before declaration of dividends to investors. For the fiscal years
ended May 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, the management fees paid to the Manager
amounted to $4,962,817, $5,001,054 and $4,630,493, respectively.
The Manager has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate expenses
of the Fund, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest and (with the prior written
consent of the necessary state securities commissions) extraordinary expenses,
but including the management fee, exceed the expense limitation of any state
having jurisdiction over the Fund, the Fund may deduct from the payment to be
made to the Manager under the Agreement, or the Manager will bear, such excess
expense to the extent required by state law. Such deduction or payment, if any,
will be estimated daily, and reconciled and effect or paid, as the case may be,
on a monthly basis.
The aggregate of the fees payable to the Manager is not subject to
reduction as the value of the Fund's net assets increases.
Distributor. The Distributor, located at 60 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109, serves as the Fund's distributor on a best efforts basis
pursuant to an agreement which is renewable annually.
Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Custodian. Dreyfus Transfer,
Inc., (the "Transfer Agent"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's transfer and dividend
disbursing agent. Under a transfer agency agreement with the Fund, the Transfer
Agent arranges for the maintenance of shareholder account records for the Fund,
the handling of certain communications between shareholders and the Fund and the
payment of dividends and distributions payable by the Fund. For these services,
the Transfer Agent receives a monthly fee computed on the basis of the number of
shareholder accounts it maintains for the Fund during the month, and is
reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
The Bank of New York (the "Custodian"), 90 Washington Street, New York,
New York 10286, is the Fund's custodian. The Custodian has no part in
determining the investment policies of the Fund or which securities are to be
purchased or sold by the Fund. Under a custody agreement with the Fund, the
Custodian holds the Fund's securities and keeps all necessary accounts and
records. For its custody services, the Custodian receives a monthly fee based on
the market value of the Fund's assets held in custody and receives certain
securities transactions charges.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
General. Fund shares are sold without a sales charge. You may be charged a
nominal fee if you effect transactions in Fund shares through a securities
dealer, bank or other financial institution. Stock certificates are issued only
upon your written request. No certificates are issued for fractional shares. It
is not recommended that the Fund be used as a vehicle for Keogh, IRA or other
qualified plans. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order.
The minimum initial investment is $2,500, or $1,000 if you are a client of
a securities dealer, bank or other financial institution which maintains an
omnibus account in the Fund and has made an aggregate minimum initial purchase
for its customers of $2,500. Subsequent investments must be at least $100. The
initial investment must be accompanied by the Account Application. For full-time
or part-time employees of the Manager or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries,
directors of the Manager, Board members of a fund advised by the Manager,
including members of the Fund's Board, or the spouse or minor child of any of
the foregoing, the minimum initial investment is $1,000. For full-time or
part-time employees of the Manager or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries who
elect to have a portion of their pay directly deposited into their Fund
accounts, the minimum initial investment is $50. The Fund reserves the right to
vary the initial and subsequent investment minimum requirements at any time.
Fund shares also are offered without regard to the minimum initial
investment requirements through Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder(R), Dreyfus
Government Direct Deposit Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan pursuant to
the Dreyfus Step Program described under "Shareholder Services." These services
enable you to make regularly scheduled investments and may provide you with a
convenient way to invest for long-term financial goals. You should be aware,
however, that periodic investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not
protect you against loss in a declining market.
Shares are sold on a continuous basis at the net asset value per share
next determined after an order in proper form and Federal Funds (monies of
member banks within the Federal Reserve System which are held on deposit at a
Federal Reserve Bank) are received by the Transfer Agent or other entity
authorized to receive orders on behalf of the Fund. If you do not remit Federal
Funds, your payment must be converted into Federal Funds. This usually occurs
within one business day of receipt of a bank wire or within two business days of
receipt of a check drawn on a member bank of the Federal Reserve System. Checks
drawn on banks which are not members of the Federal Reserve System may take
considerably longer to convert into Federal Funds. Prior to receipt of Federal
Funds, your money will not be invested. The Fund's net asset value per share is
determined as of 12:00 Noon, New York time, on each day the New York Stock
Exchange is open for business. Net asset value per share is computed by dividing
the value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its assets less
liabilities) by the total number of shares outstanding. See "Determination of
Net Asset Value."
If your payments are received in or converted into Federal Funds by 12:00
Noon, New York time, by the Transfer Agent, you will receive the dividend
declared that day. If your payments are received in or converted into Federal
Funds after 12:00 Noon, New York time, by the Transfer Agent, you will begin to
accrue dividends on the following business day.
Qualified institutions may telephone orders for the purchase of Fund
shares. These orders will become effective at the price determined at 12:00
Noon, New York time, and the shares purchased will receive the dividend on Fund
shares declared on that day, if the telephone order is placed by 12:00 Noon, New
York time, and Federal Funds are received by 4:00 p.m., New York time, on that
day.
Using Federal Funds. The Transfer Agent or the Fund may attempt to notify
you upon receipt of checks drawn on banks that are not members of the Federal
Reserve System as to the possible delay in conversion into Federal Funds and may
attempt to arrange for a better means of transmitting the money. If you are a
customer of a securities dealer, bank or other financial institution and your
order to purchase Fund shares is paid for other than in Federal Funds, the
securities dealer, bank or other financial institution, acting on your behalf,
will complete the conversion into, or itself advance, Federal Funds, generally
on the business day following receipt of your order. The order is effective only
when so converted and received by the Transfer Agent. If you have sufficient
Federal Funds or a cash balance in your brokerage account with a securities
dealer, bank or other financial institution, your order to purchase Fund shares
will become effective on the day that the order, including Federal Funds, is
received by the Transfer Agent.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. You may purchase shares by telephone if
you have checked the appropriate box and supplied the necessary information on
the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder Services Form with the
Transfer Agent. The proceeds will be transferred between the bank account
designated in one of these documents and your Fund account. Only a bank account
maintained in a domestic financial institution which is an Automated Clearing
House ("ACH") member may be so designated.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase orders may be made at any time. Purchase
orders received by 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any day that the Transfer Agent
and the New York Stock Exchange are open for business will be credited to the
shareholder's Fund account on the next bank business day following such purchase
order. Purchase orders made after 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any day the
Transfer Agent and the New York Stock Exchange are open for business, or orders
made on Saturday, Sunday or any Fund holiday (e.g., when the New York Stock
Exchange is not open for business), will be credited to the shareholder's Fund
account on the second bank business day following such purchase order. To
qualify to use Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, the initial payment for purchase
of Fund shares must be drawn on, and redemption proceeds paid to, the same bank
and account as are designated on the Account Application or Shareholder Services
Form on file. If the proceeds of a particular redemption are to be wired to an
account at any other bank, the request must be in writing and
signature-guaranteed. See "How to Redeem Shares--Dreyfus TeleTransfer
Privilege."
Procedures for Multiple Accounts. Special procedures have been designed
for banks and other institutions that wish to open multiple accounts. The
institution may open a single master account by filing one application with the
Transfer Agent, and may open individual sub-accounts at the same time or at some
later date. The Transfer Agent will provide each institution with a written
confirmation for each transaction in a sub-account at no additional charge. Upon
receipt of funds for investment by interbank wire, the Transfer Agent promptly
will confirm the receipt of the investment by telephone or return wire to the
transmitting bank, if the investor so requests.
The Transfer Agent also will provide each institution with a monthly
statement setting forth, for each sub-account, the share balance, income earned
for the month, income earned for the year to date and the total current value of
the account.
Reopening an Account. You may reopen an account with a minimum investment
of $100 without filing a new Account Application during the calendar year the
account is closed or during the following calendar year, provided the
information on the old Account Application is still applicable.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan (the "Plan") pursuant to
which the Fund reimburses Dreyfus Service Corporation an amount not to exceed an
annual rate of .25% of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets for
certain allocated expenses of providing personal services and/or maintaining
shareholder accounts. The services provided may include personal services
relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries
regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information, and services
related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
A quarterly report of the amounts expended under the Plan, and the
purposes for which such expenditures were incurred, must be made to the Board
for its review. In addition, the Plan provides that material amendments must be
approved by the Fund's Board, and by the Board members who are not "interested
persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund or the Manager and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan, by vote cast
in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments.
The Plan is subject to annual approval by such vote of the Board members cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan. The Plan was
last so approved on July 30, 1998. The Plan is terminable at any time by vote of
a majority of the Board members who are not "interested persons" and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan.
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999, $600,984 was chargeable to the
Fund under the Shareholder Services Plan.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
Check Redemption Privilege. The Fund provides Redemption Checks ("Checks")
automatically upon opening an account, unless you specifically refuse the Check
Redemption Privilege by checking the applicable "No" box on the Account
Application. Checks will be sent only to the registered owner(s) of the account
and only to the address of record. The Check Redemption Privilege may be
established for an existing account by a separate signed Shareholder Services
Form. The Account Application or Shareholder Services Form must be manually
signed by the registered owner(s). Checks are drawn on your Fund account and may
be made payable to the order of any person in an amount of $500 or more. When a
Check is presented to the Transfer Agent for payment, the Transfer Agent, as
your agent, will cause the Fund to redeem a sufficient number of shares in your
account to cover the amount of the Check. Dividends are earned until the Check
clears. After clearance, a copy of the Check will be returned to you. You
generally will be subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to
checking accounts, although election of this Privilege creates only a
shareholder-transfer agent relationship with the Transfer Agent.
You should date your Checks with the current date when you write them.
Please do not postdate your Checks. If you do, the Transfer Agent will honor,
upon presentment, even if presented before the date of the Check, all postdated
Checks which are dated within six months of presentment for payment, if they are
otherwise in good order.
Checks are free, but the Transfer Agent will impose a fee for stopping
payment of a Check upon your request or if the Transfer Agent cannot honor a
Check due to insufficient funds or other valid reason. If the amount of the
Check is greater than the value of the shares in your account, the Check will be
returned marked insufficient funds. Checks should not be used to close an
account.
Wire Redemption Privilege. By using this Privilege, you authorize the
Transfer Agent to act on wire, telephone or letter redemption instructions from
any person representing himself or herself to be you, and reasonably believed by
the Transfer Agent to be genuine. Ordinarily, the Fund will initiate payment for
shares redeemed pursuant to this Privilege on the same business day if the
Transfer Agent receives a redemption request in proper form prior to 12:00 Noon,
New York time, on such day; otherwise, the Fund will initiate payment on the
next business day. Redemption proceeds ($1,000 minimum) will be transferred by
Federal Reserve wire only to the commercial bank account specified by you on the
Account Application or Shareholder Services Form, or to a correspondent bank if
your bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System. Fees ordinarily are
imposed by such bank and borne by the investor. Immediate notification by the
correspondent bank to your bank is necessary to avoid a delay in crediting the
funds to your bank account.
If you have access to telegraphic equipment, you may wire redemption
requests to the Transfer Agent by employing the following transmittal code which
may be used for domestic or overseas transmissions:
Transfer Agent's
Transmittal Code Answer Back Sign
144295 144295 TSSG PREP
If you do not have direct access to telegraphic equipment, you may have
the wire transmitted by contacting a TRT Cables operator at 1-800-654-7171, toll
free. You should advise the operator that the above transmittal code must be
used and should also inform the operator of the Transfer Agent's answer back
sign.
To change the commercial bank or account designated to receive wire
redemption proceeds, a written request must be sent to the Transfer Agent. This
request must be signed by each shareholder, with each signature guaranteed as
described below under "Stock Certificates; Signatures."
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds be transferred between your Fund account and your bank
account. Only a bank account maintained in a domestic financial institution
which is an ACH member may be designated. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit
in your account at an ACH member bank ordinarily two business days after receipt
of the redemption request. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts
may redeem through the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege for transfer to their bank
account not more than $250,000 within any 30-day period. You should be aware
that if you have selected the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, any request for a
wire redemption will be effected as a Dreyfus TeleTransfer transaction through
the ACH system unless more prompt transmittal specifically is requested. See
"How to Buy Shares--Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege."
Stock Certificates; Signatures. Any certificates representing Fund shares
to be redeemed must be submitted with the redemption request. Written redemption
requests must be signed by each shareholder, including each holder of a joint
account, and each signature must be guaranteed. Signatures on endorsed
certificates submitted for redemption also must be guaranteed. The Transfer
Agent has adopted standards and procedures pursuant to which
signature-guarantees in proper form generally will be accepted from domestic
banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges,
registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations,
as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature
Program, the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the
Stock Exchanges Medallion Program. Guarantees must be signed by an authorized
signatory of the guarantor and "Signature-Guaranteed" must appear with the
signature. The Transfer Agent may request additional documentation from
corporations, executors, administrators, trustees or guardians, and may accept
other suitable verification arrangements from foreign investors, such as
consular verification. For more information with respect to
signature-guarantees, please call one of the telephone numbers listed on the
cover.
<PAGE>
Redemption Commitment. The Fund has committed itself to pay in cash all
redemption requests by any shareholder of record, limited in amount during any
90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the value of the Fund's net
assets at the beginning of such period. Such commitment is irrevocable without
the prior approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a
fundamental policy of the Fund which may not be changed without shareholder
approval. In the case of requests for redemption in excess of such amount, the
Fund's Board reserves the right to make payments in whole or in part in
securities or other assets of the Fund in case of an emergency or any time a
cash distribution would impair the liquidity of the Fund to the detriment of the
existing shareholders. In such event, the securities would be valued in the same
manner as the Fund's portfolio is valued. If the recipient sells such
securities, brokerage charges might be incurred.
Suspension of Redemptions. The right of redemption may be suspended or the
date of payment postponed (a) during any period when the New York Stock Exchange
is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), (b) when trading
in the markets the Fund ordinarily utilizes is restricted, or when an emergency
exists as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission so that disposal
of the Fund's investments or determination of its net asset value is not
reasonably practicable or (c) for such other periods as the Securities and
Exchange Commission by order may permit to protect the Fund's shareholders.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Fund Exchanges. You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund,
shares of certain other funds managed or administered by the Manager, to the
extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of residence. Shares of
other funds purchased by exchange will be purchased on the basis of relative net
asset value per share as follows:
A. Exchanges for shares of funds offered without a sales load will be
made without a sales load.
B. Shares of funds purchased without a sales load may be exchanged for
shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and the applicable
sales load will be deducted.
C. Shares of funds purchased with a sales load may be exchanged without
a sales load for shares of other funds sold without a sales load.
D. Shares of funds purchased with a sales load, shares of funds
acquired by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a
sales load and additional shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividends or distributions of any such funds (collectively
referred to herein as "Purchased Shares") may be exchanged for
shares of other funds sold with a sales load (referred to herein
as "Offered Shares"), but if the sales load applicable to the
Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load that could have
been imposed in connection with the Purchased Shares (at the time
the Purchased Shares were acquired), without giving effect to any
reduced loads, the difference will be deducted.
To accomplish an exchange under item D above, you must notify the Transfer
Agent of your prior ownership of fund shares and your account number.
To request an exchange, you must give exchange instructions to the
Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone. The ability to issue exchange
instructions by telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically,
unless you check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indicating
that you specifically refuse this privilege. By using the Telephone Exchange
Privilege, you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephonic instructions
(including over The Dreyfus Touch(R) automated telephone system) from any person
representing himself or herself to be you, and reasonably believed by the
Transfer Agent to be genuine. Telephone exchanges may be subject to limitations
as to the amount involved or the number of telephone exchanges permitted. Shares
issued in certificate form are not eligible for telephone exchange. No fees
currently are charged shareholders directly in connection with exchanges,
although the Fund reserves the right, upon not less than 60 days' written
notice, to charge shareholders a nominal administrative fee in accordance with
rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
To establish a personal retirement plan by exchange, shares of the fund
being exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial investment
required for the fund into which the exchange is being made.
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege. Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege permits
you to purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of another fund in
the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a shareholder. This Privilege is
available only for existing accounts. Shares will be exchanged on the basis of
relative net asset value as described above under "Fund Exchanges." Enrollment
in or modification or cancellation of this Privilege is effective three business
days following notification by you. You will be notified if your account falls
below the amount designated to be exchanged under this Privilege. In this case,
your account will fall to zero unless additional investments are made in excess
of the designated amount prior to the next Auto-Exchange transaction. Shares
held under IRA and other retirement plans are eligible for this Privilege.
Exchanges of IRA shares may be made between IRA accounts and from regular
accounts to IRA accounts, but not from IRA accounts to regular accounts. With
respect to all other retirement accounts, exchanges may be made only among those
accounts.
Fund Exchanges and the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege are available to
shareholders residing in any state in which shares of the fund being acquired
may legally be sold. Shares may be exchanged only between accounts having
identical names and other identifying designations.
Shareholder Services Forms and prospectuses of the other funds may be
obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. The Fund reserves the right to reject any
exchange request in whole or in part. The Fund Exchanges service or Dreyfus
Auto-Exchange Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time upon notice to
shareholders.
Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder(R). Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder
permits you to purchase Fund shares (minimum of $100 and maximum of $150,000 per
transaction) at regular intervals selected by you. Fund shares are purchased by
transferring funds from the bank account designated by you.
Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege. Dreyfus Government Direct
Deposit Privilege enables you to purchase Fund shares (minimum of $100 and
maximum of $50,000 per transaction) by having Federal salary, Social Security,
or certain veterans', military or other payments from the U.S. Government
automatically deposited into your Fund account. You may deposit as much of such
payments as you elect.
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan. Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan permits you to
purchase Fund shares (minimum of $100 per transaction) automatically on a
regular basis. Depending upon your employer's direct deposit program, you may
have part or all of your paycheck transferred to your existing Dreyfus account
electronically through the ACH system at each pay period. To establish a Dreyfus
Payroll Savings Plan account, you must file an authorization form with your
employer's payroll department. It is the sole responsibility of your employer to
arrange for transactions under the Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan.
Dreyfus Step Program. The Dreyfus Step Program enables you to purchase
Fund shares without regard to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirements
through Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder(R), Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit
Privilege or Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan. To establish a Dreyfus Step Program
account, you must supply the necessary information on the Account Application
and file the required authorization form(s) with the Transfer Agent. For more
information concerning this Program, or to request the necessary authorization
form(s), please call toll free 1-800-782-6620. You may terminate your
participation in this Program at any time by discontinuing your participation in
Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder, Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege or
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan, as the case may be, as provided under the terms of
such Privilege(s). The Fund may modify or terminate this Program at any time.
Dreyfus Dividend Options. Dreyfus Dividend Sweep allows you to invest
automatically your dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions, if
any, from the Fund in shares of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are a shareholder. Shares of other funds purchased pursuant to this
privilege will be purchased on the basis of relative net asset value per share
as follows:
A. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested without
imposition of a sales load in shares of other funds offered without
a sales load.
B. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund which does not charge a
sales load may be invested in shares of other funds sold with a
sales load, and the applicable sales load will be deducted.
C. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund which charges a sales
load may be invested in shares of other funds sold with a sales load
(referred to herein as "Offered Shares"), but if the sales load
applicable to the Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load
charged by the fund from which dividends or distributions are being
swept (without giving effect to any reduced loads), the difference
will be deducted.
D. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested in shares
of other funds that impose a contingent deferred sales charge
("CDSC") and the applicable CDSC, if any, will be imposed upon
redemption of such shares.
Dreyfus Dividend ACH permits you to transfer electronically dividends or
dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from the Fund to a designated
bank account. Only an account maintained at a domestic financial institution
which is an ACH member may be so designated. Banks may charge a fee for this
service.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to
request withdrawal of a specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a
monthly or quarterly basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. Withdrawal
payments are the proceeds from sales of Fund shares, not the yield on the
shares. If withdrawal payments exceed reinvested dividends and distributions,
your shares will be reduced and eventually may be depleted. The Automatic
Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by you, the Fund or the Transfer
Agent. Shares for which stock certificates have been issued may not be redeemed
through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
Amortized Cost Pricing. The valuation of the Fund's portfolio securities
is based upon their amortized cost, which does not take into account unrealized
capital gains or losses. This involves valuing an instrument at its cost and
thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or
premium, regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market
value of the instrument. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it
may result in periods during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is
higher or lower than the price the Fund would receive if it sold the instrument.
The Fund's Board has established, as a particular responsibility within
the overall duty of care owed to the Fund's investors, procedures reasonably
designed to stabilize the Fund's price per share as computed for purposes of
purchases and redemptions at $1.00. Such procedures include review of the Fund's
portfolio holdings by the Board, at such intervals as it deems appropriate, to
determine whether the Fund's net asset value calculated by using available
market quotations or market equivalents deviates from $1.00 per share based on
amortized cost. Market quotations and market equivalents used in such review are
obtained from an independent pricing service (the "Service") approved by the
Board. The Service values the Fund's investments based on methods which include
consideration of: yields or prices of municipal bonds of comparable quality,
coupon, maturity and type; indications of values from dealers; and general
market conditions. The Service also may employ electronic data processing
techniques and/or a matrix system to determine valuations.
The extent of any deviation between the Fund's net asset value based upon
available market quotations or market equivalents and $1.00 per share based on
amortized cost will be examined by the Board. If such deviation exceeds 1/2%,
the Board promptly will consider what action, if any, will be initiated. If the
Board determines that a deviation exists which may result in material dilution
or other unfair results to investors or existing shareholders, it has agreed to
take such corrective action as it regards as necessary and appropriate,
including: selling portfolio instruments prior to maturity to realize capital
gains or losses or to shorten average portfolio maturity; withholding dividends
or paying distributions from capital or capital gains; redeeming shares in kind;
or establishing a net asset value per share by using available market quotations
or market equivalents.
New York Stock Exchange Closings. The holidays (as observed) on which
the New York Stock Exchange is closed currently are: New Year's Day, Martin
Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Management believes that the Fund has qualified for the fiscal year ended
May 31, 1999 as a "regulated investment company" under the Code. The Fund
intends to continue to so qualify if such qualification is in the best interests
of its shareholders. Such qualification relieves the Fund of any liability for
Federal income tax to the extent its earnings are distributed in accordance with
applicable provisions of the Code. If the Fund did not qualify as a regulated
investment company, it would be treated for tax purposes as an ordinary
corporation subject to Federal income tax.
The Fund ordinarily declares dividends from net investment income on each
day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. The Fund's earnings for
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are declared as dividends on the preceding
business day. Dividends usually are paid on the last calendar day of each month
and are automatically reinvested in additional Fund shares at net asset value
or, at your option, paid in cash. If you redeem all shares in your account at
any time during the month, all dividends to which you are entitled will be paid
to you along with the proceeds of the redemption. If you are an omnibus
accountholder and indicate in a partial redemption request that a portion of any
accrued dividends to which such account is entitled belongs to an underlying
accountholder who has redeemed all shares in his or her account, such portion of
the accrued dividends will be paid to you along with the proceeds of the
redemption.
If you elect to receive dividends and distributions in cash, and your
dividend or distribution check is returned to the Fund as undeliverable or
remains uncashed for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest such
dividend or distribution and all future dividends and distributions payable to
you in additional Fund shares at net asset value. No interest will accrue on
amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption checks. All expenses
are accrued daily and deducted before declaration of dividends to investors.
Ordinarily, gains and losses realized from portfolio transactions will be
treated as capital gain or loss. However, all or a portion of any gain realized
from the sale or other disposition of certain market discount bonds will be
treated as ordinary income under Section 1276 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Portfolio securities ordinarily are purchased from and sold to parties
acting as either principal or agent. Newly-issued securities ordinarily are
purchased directly from the issuer or from an underwriter; other purchases and
sales usually are placed with those dealers from whom it appears that the best
price or execution will be obtained. Usually no brokerage commissions, as such,
are paid by the Fund for such purchases and sales, although the price paid
usually includes an undisclosed compensation to the dealer acting as agent. The
prices paid to underwriters of newly-issued securities usually include a
concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases of after-market
securities from dealers ordinarily are executed at a price between the bid and
asked price. No brokerage commissions have been paid by the Fund to date.
Transactions are allocated to various dealers by the Fund's portfolio
managers in their best judgment. The primary consideration is prompt and
effective execution of orders at the most favorable price. Subject to that
primary consideration, dealers may be selected for research, statistical or
other services to enable the Manager to supplement its own research and analysis
with the views and information of other securities firms and may be selected
based upon their sales of shares of the Fund or other funds advised by the
Manager or its affiliates.
Research services furnished by brokers through which the Fund effects
securities transactions may be used by the Manager in advising other funds it
advises and, conversely, research services furnished to the Manager by brokers
in connection with other funds the Manager advises may be used by the Manager in
advising the Fund. Although it is not possible to place a dollar value on these
services, it is the opinion of the Manager that the receipt and study of such
services should not reduce the overall expenses of its research department.
YIELD INFORMATION
For the seven-day period ended May 31, 1999, the Fund's yield was 2.65%
and effective yield was 2.68%. Yield is computed in accordance with a
standardized method which involves determining the net change in the value of a
hypothetical pre-existing Fund account having a balance of one share at the
beginning of a seven calendar day period for which yield is to be quoted,
dividing the net change by the value of the account at the beginning of the
period to obtain the base period return, and annualizing the results (i.e.,
multiplying the base period return by 365/7). The net change in the value of the
account reflects the value of additional shares purchased with dividends
declared on the original share and any such additional shares and fees that may
be charged to shareholder accounts, in proportion to the length of the base
period and the Fund's average account size, but does not include realized gains
and losses or unrealized appreciation and depreciation. Effective yield is
computed by adding 1 to the base period return (calculated as described above),
raising that sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 7, and subtracting 1 from
the result.
Based upon a 1999 Federal personal income tax rate of 39.60%, the Fund's
tax equivalent yield for the seven-day period ended May 31, 1999 was 4.39%. Tax
equivalent yield is computed by dividing that portion of the yield or effective
yield (calculated as described above) which is tax exempt by 1 minus a stated
tax rate and adding the quotient to that portion, if any, of the yield of the
Fund that is not tax exempt.
The tax equivalent yield noted above represents the application of the
highest Federal marginal personal income tax rate in effect during 1999. The tax
equivalent figure, however, does not include the potential effect of any state
or local (including, but not limited to, county, district or city) taxes,
including applicable surcharges. In addition, there may be pending legislation
which could affect such stated tax rates or yields. Each investor should consult
its tax adviser, and consider its own factual circumstances and applicable tax
laws, in order to ascertain the relevant tax equivalent yield.
Yields will fluctuate and are not necessarily representative of future
results. Each investor should remember that yield is a function of the type and
quality of the instruments in the portfolio, portfolio maturity and operating
expenses. An investor's principal in the Fund is not guaranteed. See
"Determination of Net Asset Value" for a discussion of the manner in which the
Fund's price per share is determined.
The Fund may use hypothetical tax equivalent yields or charts in its
advertising. These hypothetical yields or charts will be used for illustrative
purposes only and not as representative of the Fund's past or future
performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing Fund shares, including data from Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., Bank Rate Monitor(TM), N. Palm Beach, FL 33408, IBC's Money Fund
Report(TM), Morningstar, Inc. and other industry publications. Advertising
materials for the Fund also may refer to or discuss then-current or past
economic conditions, developments and/or events, including those relating to or
arising from actual or proposed tax legislation. From time to time, advertising
materials for the Fund may also refer to statistical or other information
concerning trends relating to investment companies, as compiled by industry
associations such as the Investment Company Institute.
From time to time, advertising material for the Fund may include
biographical information relating to its portfolio managers and may refer to, or
include commentary by a portfolio manager relating to investment strategy, asset
growth, current or past business, political, economic or financial conditions
and other matters of general interest to investors.
From time to time, advertising materials may refer to studies performed by
The Dreyfus Corporation or its affiliates, such as "The Dreyfus Tax Informed
Investing Study" or "The Dreyfus Gender Investment Comparison Study (1996 &
1997)" or other such studies.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
Each Fund share has one vote and, when issued and paid for in accordance
with the terms of the offering, is fully paid and non-assessable. Fund shares
are of one class and have equal rights as to dividends and in liquidation.
Shares have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights and are freely
transferable.
Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, ordinarily it will not be
necessary for the Fund to hold annual meetings of shareholders. As a result,
Fund shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board members or
the appointment of auditors. However, the holders of at least 10% of the shares
outstanding and entitled to vote may require the Fund to hold a special meeting
of shareholders for purposes of removing a Board member from office. Fund
shareholders may remove a Board member by the affirmative vote of a majority of
the Fund's outstanding voting shares. In addition, the Board will call a meeting
of shareholders for the purpose of electing Board members if, at any time, less
than a majority of the Board members then holding office have been elected by
shareholders.
The Fund sends annual and semi-annual financial statements to all its
shareholders.
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, 180 Maiden Lane, New York, New York
10038-4982, as counsel for the Fund, has rendered its opinion as to certain
legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance of the shares
being sold pursuant to the Fund's Prospectus.
Ernst & Young LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019,
independent auditors, have been selected as independent auditors of the Fund.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
Description of S&P, Moody's and Fitch ratings:
S&P
Municipal Bond Ratings
An S&P municipal bond rating is a current assessment of the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable, and will include: (1)
likelihood of default-capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the timely
payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of
the obligation; (2) nature of and provisions of the obligation; and (3)
protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of
bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and
other laws affecting creditors' rights.
AAA
Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA
Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in a small degree. The
AA rating may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show
relative standing within the category.
Municipal Note Ratings
SP-1
The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit very strong or strong
capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess
overwhelming safety characteristics are given a plus (+) designation.
Commercial Paper Ratings
The rating A is the highest rating and is assigned by S&P to issues that
are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues in this
category are delineated with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the relative
degree of safety. Paper rated A-1 indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those issues determined to
possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted with a plus (+) sign
designation.
Moody's
Municipal Bond Ratings
Aaa
Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa
Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what generally are known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
Generally, Moody's provides either a generic rating or a rating with a numerical
modifier of 1 for bonds in the generic rating category Aa. Moody's also provides
numerical modifiers of 2 and 3 in this category for bond issues in the health
care, higher education and other not-for-profit sectors; the modifier 1
indicates that the issue ranks in the higher end of that generic rating
category; the modifier 2 indicates that the issue is in the mid-range of that
generic category; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue is in the low end
of that generic category.
Municipal Note Ratings
Moody's ratings for state and municipal notes and other short-term loans
are designated Moody's Investment Grade (MIG). Such ratings recognize the
differences between short-term credit risk and long-term risk. Factors affecting
the liquidity of the borrower and short-term cyclical elements are critical in
short-term ratings, while other factors of major importance in bond risk,
long-term secular trends for example, may be less important over the short run.
A short-term rating may also be assigned on an issue having a demand
feature. Such ratings will be designated as VMIG or, if the demand feature is
not rated, as NR. Short-term ratings on issues with demand features are
differentiated by the use of the VMIG symbol to reflect such characteristics as
payment upon periodic demand rather than fixed maturity dates and payment
relying on external liquidity. Additionally, investors should be alert to the
fact that the source of payment may be limited to the external liquidity with no
or limited legal recourse to the issuer in the event the demand is not met.
Moody's short-term ratings are designated Moody's Investment Grade as MIG
1 or VMIG 1 through MIG 4 or VMIG 4. As the name implies, when Moody's assigns a
MIG or VMIG rating, all categories define an investment grade situation.
MIG 1/VMIG 1
This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong protection
by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated
broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2/VMIG 2
This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are ample
although not so large as in the preceding group.
Commercial Paper Rating
The rating Prime-1 (P-1) is the highest commercial paper rating assigned
by Moody's. Issuers of P-1 paper must have a superior capacity for repayment of
short-term promissory obligations, and ordinarily will be evidenced by leading
market positions in well established industries, high rates of return on funds
employed, conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on debt
and ample asset protection, broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed
financial charges and high internal cash generation, and well established access
to a wide range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.
Fitch
Municipal Bond Ratings
The ratings represent Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to meet
the obligations of a specific debt issue or class of debt. The ratings take into
consideration special features of the issue, its relationship to other
obligations of the issuer, the current financial condition and operative
performance of the issuer and of any guarantor, as well as the political and
economic environment that might affect the issuer's future financial strength
and credit quality.
AAA
Bonds rated AAA are considered to be investment grade and of the highest
credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest
and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA
Bonds rated AA are considered to be investment grade and of very high
credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds
rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to
foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally
rated F-1+. Plus (+) and minus (-) signs are used with the rating symbol AA to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category.
Short-Term Ratings
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on
demand or have original maturities of up to three years, including commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment
notes.
Although the credit analysis is similar to Fitch's bond rating analysis,
the short-term rating places greater emphasis than bond ratings on the existence
of liquidity necessary to meet the issuer's obligations in a timely manner.
F-1+
Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are
regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.
F-1
Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an
assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated F-1+.
F-2
Good Credit Quality. Issues carrying this rating have a satisfactory
degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great
as the F-1+ and F-1 categories.
