File No. 2-92285
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [ X ]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 [ X ]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ X ]
Amendment No. 19 [ X ]
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
c/o The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 922-6000
Daniel C. Maclean III, Esq.
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
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X on March 1, 1996 pursuant to paragraph (b)
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60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
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on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
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75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
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on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485
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If appropriate, check the following box:
this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
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Registrant has registered an indefinite number of shares of its common
stock under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 24(f) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Registrant's Rule 24f-2 Notice for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1995 was filed on December 28, 1995.
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
Cross-Reference Sheet Pursuant to Rule 495(a)
Items in
Part A of
Form N-1A Caption Page
_________ _______ ____
1 Cover Page Cover
2 Synopsis 3
3 Condensed Financial Information 4
4 General Description of Registrant 5, 20
5 Management of the Fund 9
5(a) Management's Discussion of Fund's Performance *
6 Capital Stock and Other Securities 20
7 Purchase of Securities Being Offered 10
8 Redemption or Repurchase 14
9 Pending Legal Proceedings *
Items in
Part B of
Form N-1A
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10 Cover Page Cover
11 Table of Contents Cover
12 General Information and History B-27
13 Investment Objectives and Policies B-2
14 Management of the Fund B-11
15 Control Persons and Principal B-15
Holders of Securities
16 Investment Advisory and Other B-15
Services
_____________________________________
NOTE: * Omitted since answer is negative or inapplicable.
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
Cross-Reference Sheet Pursuant to Rule 495(a) (continued)
Items in
Part B of
Form N-1A Caption Page
_________ _______ _____
17 Brokerage Allocation B-23
18 Capital Stock and Other Securities B-27
19 Purchase, Redemption and Pricing B-17, 18, 23
of Securities Being Offered
20 Tax Status *
21 Underwriters B-1, 15
22 Calculations of Performance Data B-26
23 Financial Statements B-50
Items in
Part C of
Form N-1A
_________
24 Financial Statements and Exhibits C-1
25 Persons Controlled by or Under C-3
Common Control with Registrant
26 Number of Holders of Securities C-3
27 Indemnification C-3
28 Business and Other Connections of C-4
Investment Adviser
29 Principal Underwriters C-11
30 Location of Accounts and Records C-14
31 Management Services C-14
32 Undertakings C-14
_____________________________________
NOTE: * Omitted since answer is negative or inapplicable.
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PROSPECTUS MARCH 1, 1996
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
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GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC. (THE "FUND") IS AN
OPEN-END, NON-DIVERSIFIED, MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY. THE FUND'S
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS TO MAXIMIZE CURRENT INCOME EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL, NEW
YORK STATE AND NEW YORK CITY INCOME TAXES TO THE EXTENT CONSISTENT WITH THE
PRESERVATION OF CAPITAL.
YOU CAN INVEST, REINVEST OR REDEEM SHARES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT
CHARGE OR PENALTY IMPOSED BY THE FUND.
THE FUND PROVIDES FREE REDEMPTION CHECKS, WHICH YOU CAN USE IN
AMOUNTS OF $500 OR MORE FOR CASH OR TO PAY BILLS. YOU CONTINUE TO EARN INCOME
ON THE AMOUNT OF THE CHECK UNTIL IT CLEARS. YOU CAN PURCHASE OR REDEEM SHARES
BY TELEPHONE USING DREYFUS TELETRANSFER.
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION PROFESSIONALLY MANAGES THE FUND'S
PORTFOLIO.
THIS PROSPECTUS SETS FORTH CONCISELY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING. IT SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE.
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED MARCH 1, 1996, WHICH
MAY BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME, PROVIDES A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
AREAS IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY BE OF INTEREST TO SOME
INVESTORS. IT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND
IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. FOR A FREE COPY, WRITE TO THE FUND AT
144 GLENN CURTISS BOULEVARD, UNIONDALE, NEW YORK 11556-0144, OR CALL
1-800-645-6561. WHEN TELEPHONING, ASK FOR OPERATOR 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY
OTHER AGENCY. THE NET ASSET VALUE OF FUNDS OF THIS TYPE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM
TIME TO TIME.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Annual Fund Operating Expenses.................... 3
Condensed Financial Information................... 4
Description of the Fund........................... 5
Management of the Fund............................ 9
How to Buy Shares................................. 10
Shareholder Services.............................. 11
How to Redeem Shares.............................. 14
Service Plan...................................... 17
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes................ 17
Performance Information........................... 19
General Information............................... 20
Appendix.......................................... 21
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Page 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees ........................................................................... .60%
12b-1 Fees(distribution and servicing)..................................................... .20%
Other Expenses............................................................................. .10%
Total Fund Operating Expenses.............................................................. .90%
Example: 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
You would pay the following expenses on
a $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the
end of each time period: $9 $29 $50 $111
</TABLE>
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THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER
OR LESS THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER, WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES A 5% ANNUAL
RETURN, THE FUND'S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE WILL VARY AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACTUAL
RETURN GREATER OR LESS THAN 5%.
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The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in
understanding the costs and expenses borne by the Fund, the payment of which
will reduce investors' annual return. The information in the foregoing table
does not reflect any fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements that
may be in effect. Long-term investors could pay more in 12b-1 fees than the
economic equivalent of paying a front-end sales charge. Certain Service
Agents (as defined below) may charge their clients direct fees for effecting
transactions in Fund shares; such fees are not reflected in the foregoing
table. See "Management of the Fund," "How to Buy Shares" and "Service Plan."
Page 3
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The information in the following table for the eight years ended
October 31, 1995 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's
independent auditors, whose report thereon appears in the Statement of
Additional Information. The information in the following table for the two
fiscal years ended October 31, 1987 was audited by another firm of
independent auditors. Further financial data and related notes are included
in the Statement of Additional Information, available upon request. See
"General Information."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Contained below is per share operating performance data for a share
of Common Stock outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net
assets and other supplemental data for each year indicated. This information
has been derived from the Fund's financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE DATA: 1986(1) 1987(1) 1988(2) 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ ----- ------ ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of year... $17.39 $18.97 $17.87 $18.48 $18.31 $17.96 $19.24 $19.55 $21.53 $18.73
------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Investment Operations:
Investment income--net... 1.19 1.06 1.02 1.03 1.32 1.30 1.24 1.17 1.14 1.06
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments.. 1.58 (1.10) .61 (.17) (.35) 1.28 .31 2.24 (2.49) 1.29
------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Total from
Investment Operations... 2.77 (.04) 1.63 .86 .97 2.58 1.55 3.41 (1.35) 2.35
------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Distributions:
Dividends from investment
income -- net... (1.19) (1.06) (1.02) (1.03) (1.32) (1.30) (1.24) (1.16) (1.15) (1.06)
Dividends from net realized
gain on investments... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (.27) (.30) (.12)
------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS.. (1.19) (1.06) (1.02) (1.03) (1.32) (1.30) (1.24) (1.43) (1.45) (1.18)
------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Net asset value,
end of year... $18.97 $17.87 $18.48 $18.31 $17.96 $19.24 $19.55 $21.53 $18.73 $19.90
====== ====== ======= ======= ====== ======= ======= ====== ======= ======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN 16.42% (.32%) 9.27% 4.79% 5.47% 14.83% 8.23% 18.05% (6.59%) 12.98%
RATIOS / SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets... .46% .89% 1.10% 1.32% .07% .36% .62% .69% .76% .86%
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets... 6.44% 5.66% 5.49% 5.60% 7.36% 6.95% 6.32% 5.64% 5.62% 5.51%
Decrease reflected in above expense
ratios due to undertakings by
The Dreyfus Corporation... 1.06% .38% .33% .02% 1.14% .69% .39% .22% .12% .04%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.. 37.63% 67.33% 31.50% 26.53% 59.98% 19.32% 43.20% 23.46% 24.56% 65.91%
Net Assets, end of year
(000's omitted)... $56,996 $53,440 $46,869 $38,250 $102,603 $209,165 $284,383 $414,136 $307,996 $322,636
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(1)For the period indicated, the Fund was advised by The Chase Manhattan Bank,
N.A. ("Chase") and administered by The Dreyfus Corporation. See "General Information."
(2)During the period from November 1, 1987 to May 31, 1988, Chase served as
the Fund's investment adviser and The Dreyfus Corporation served as the
Fund's administrator. Effective June 1, 1988, The Dreyfus Corporation began
serving as the Fund's investment adviser.
</TABLE>
Further information about the Fund's performance is contained in
the Fund's annual report, which may be obtained without charge by writing to
the address or calling the number set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus.
Page4
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is to maximize current income exempt
from Federal, New York State and New York City income taxes to the extent
consistent with the preservation of capital. To accomplish its investment
objective, the Fund invests primarily in the debt securities of the State of
New York, its political subdivisions, authorities and corporations, the
interest from which is, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, exempt
from Federal, New York State and New York City income taxes (collectively,
"New York Municipal Obligations"). To the extent acceptable New York
Municipal Obligations are at any time unavailable for investment by the Fund,
the Fund will invest temporarily in other debt securities the interest from
which is, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, exempt from Federal,
but not New York State or New York City, income tax. The Fund's investment
objective cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"))
of the Fund's outstanding voting shares. There can be no assurance that the
Fund's investment objective will be achieved.
MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
Debt securities the interest from which is, in the opinion of bond
counsel to the issuer, 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 generally
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,
which are determined in some instances by formulas under which the Municipal
Obligation's interest rate will change directly or inversely to changes in
interest rates or an index, or multiples thereof, in many cases subject to a
maximum and a minimum. Certain Municipal Obligations are subject to
redemption at a date earlier than their stated maturity pursuant to call
options, which may be separated from the related Municipal Obligation and
purchased and sold separately.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
It is a fundamental policy of the Fund that it will invest at least
80% of the value of its net assets (except when maintaining a temporary
defensive position) in Municipal Obligations. At least 65% of the value of
the Fund's net assets (except when maintaining a temporary defensive
position) will be invested in bonds, debentures and other debt instruments.
Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the value of the Fund's net
assets will be invested in New York Municipal Obligations and the remainder
may be invested in securities that are not New York Municipal Obligations and
therefore may be subject to New York State and New York City income taxes.
See "Investment Considerations and Risks--Investing in New York Municipal
Obligations" below, and "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
At least 65% of the value of the Fund's net assets must consist of
Municipal Obligations which, in the case of bonds, are rated no lower than
Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB by Standard &
Poor's Ratings Group, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P")
or Fitch
Page 5
Investors Service, L.P. ("Fitch"). The Fund may invest up to 35% of
the value of its net assets in Municipal Obligations which, in the case of
bonds, are rated lower than Baa by Moody's and BBB by S&P and Fitch and as
low as the lowest rating assigned by Moody's, S&P or Fitch. The Fund may
invest in short-term Municipal Obligations which are rated in the two highest
rating categories by Moody's, S&P or Fitch. See "Appendix B" in the Statement
of Additional Information. Municipal Obligations rated BBB by S&P or Fitch or
Baa by Moody's are considered investment grade obligations; those rated BBB
by S&P and Fitch are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay principal
and interest, while those rated Baa by Moody's are considered medium grade
obligations which lack outstanding investment characteristics and have
speculative characteristics. Investments rated Ba or lower by Moody's and BB
or lower by S&P and Fitch ordinarily provide higher yields but involve
greater risk because of their speculative characteristics. The Fund may
invest in Municipal Obligations rated C by Moody's or D by S&P or Fitch,
which is such rating organizations' lowest rating and indicates that the
Municipal Obligation is in default and interest and/or repayment of principal
is in arrears. See "Investment Considerations and Risks_Lower Rated Bonds"
below for a further discussion of certain risks. The Fund also may invest in
securities which, while not rated, are determined by The Dreyfus Corporation
to be of comparable quality to the rated securities in which the Fund may
invest; for purposes of the 65% requirement described in this paragraph, such
unrated securities shall be deemed to have the rating so determined. The Fund
also may invest in Taxable Investments of the quality described under
"Appendix--Certain Portfolio Securities--Taxable Investments." The Fund
intends to invest less than 35% of the value of its net assets in Municipal
Obligations rated Ba or lower by Moody's and BB or lower by S&P and Fitch.
From time to time, the Fund may invest more than 25% of the value
of its total assets in industrial development bonds which, although issued by
industrial development authorities, may be backed only by the assets and
revenues of the non-governmental users. Interest on Municipal Obligations
(including certain industrial development bonds) which are specified private
activity bonds, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), issued after August 7, 1986, while exempt from Federal income
tax, is a preference item for the purpose of the alternative minimum tax.
Where a regulated investment company receives such interest, a proportionate
share of any exempt-interest dividend paid by the investment company may be
treated as such a preference item to shareholders. The Fund may invest
without limitation in such Municipal Obligations if The Dreyfus Corporation
determines that their purchase is consistent with the Fund's investment
objective. See "Investment Considerations and Risks" below.
The annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is not expected to
exceed 100%. The Fund may engage in various investment techniques, such as
options and futures transactions and lending portfolio securities. Use of
certain of these techniques may give rise to taxable income. See also
"Investment Considerations and Risks," "Appendix--Investment Techniques" and
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" below and "Investment Objective and
Management Policies--Management Policies" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS
GENERAL -- Even though interest-bearing securities are investments which
promise a stable stream of income, the prices of such securities are
inversely affected by changes in interest rates and, therefore, are subject
to the risk of market price fluctuations. Certain securities that may be
purchased by the Fund, such as those with interest rates that fluctuate
directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index, are designed to
be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and can subject the holders
thereof to extreme reductions of yield and possibly loss of principal. The
values of fixed-income securities also may be affected by changes in the
credit rating or financial condition of the issuing entities. Once the rating
of a portfolio security has been changed, the Fund will consider all
circumstances deemed relevant in determining whether to continue to hold the
security. The Fund's net asset value generally will not be stable and should
fluctuate based upon changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities.
Securities in which the Fund
Page 6
invests may earn a higher level of current income than certain shorter-term
or higher quality securities which generally have greater liquidity, less
market risk and less fluctuation in market value.
INVESTING IN NEW YORK MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS -- You should consider carefully
the special risks inherent in investing in New York Municipal Obligations.
These risks result from the financial condition of New York State, certain of
its public bodies and municipalities, and New York City. Beginning in early
1975, New York State, New York City and other State entities faced serious
financial difficulties which jeopardized the credit standing and impaired the
borrowing abilities of such entities and contributed to high interest rates
on, and lower market prices for, debt obligations issued by them. A
recurrence of such financial difficulties or a failure of certain financial
recovery programs could result in defaults or declines in the market values
of various New York Municipal Obligations in which each Fund may invest. If
there should be a default or other financial crisis relating to New York
State, New York City, a State or City agency, or a State municipality, the
market value and marketability of outstanding New York Municipal Obligations
in a Fund's portfolio and the interest income to the Fund could be adversely
affected. Moreover, the national recession and the significant slowdown in
the New York and regional economies in the early 1990s added substantial
uncertainty to estimates of the State's tax revenues, which, in part, caused
the State to incur cash-basis operating deficits in the General Fund and
issue deficit notes during the fiscal periods 1989 through 1992. The State's
financial operations improved, however, during the 1993 and 1994 fiscal
years. After reflecting a 1993 year-end deposit to the refund reserve account
of $671 million, reported 1993 General Fund receipts were $45 million higher
than originally projected in April 1992. The State completed the 1994 fiscal
year with operating surplus of $914 million. The State reported a General
Fund operating deficit of $1.426 billion for the 1995 fiscal year. There can
be no assurance that New York will not face substantial potential budget gaps
in future years. In January 1992, Moody's lowered from A to Baal the ratings
on certain appropriation-backed debt of New York State and its agencies. The
State's general obligation, state guaranteed and New York State Local
Government Assistance Corporation bonds continued to be rated A by Moody's.
In January 1992, S&P lowered from A to A- its ratings of New York State
general obligation bonds and stated that it continued to assess the ratings
outlook as negative. The ratings of various agency debt, state moral
obligations, contractual obligations, lease purchase obligations and state
guarantees also were lowered. In February 1991, Moody's lowered its rating on
New York City's general obligation bonds from A to Baal and in July 1995, S&P
lowered its rating on such bonds from A- to BBB+. The rating changes reflect
the rating agencies' concerns about the financial condition of New York State
and City, the heavy debt load of the State and City, and economic
uncertainties in the region. You should obtain and review a copy of the
Statement of Additional Information which more fully sets forth these and
other risk factors attendant to an investment in each of the Funds.
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. 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 Dreyfus Corporation will
consider, on an ongoing basis, a number of factors including the likelihood
that the issuing municipality will discontinue appropriating funding for the
leased property.
Certain provisions in 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
Page 7
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.
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES -- Federal income tax law requires the holder of a
zero coupon security or of certain pay-in-kind bonds to accrue income with
respect to these securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. To
maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid
liability for Federal income taxes, the Fund may be required to distribute
such income accrued with respect to these securities and may have to dispose
of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to
generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements.
LOWER RATED BONDS -- The Fund may invest up to 35% of the value of its net
assets in higher yielding (and, therefore, higher risk) debt securities such
as those rated Ba by Moody's or BB by S&P or Fitch or as low as the lowest
rating assigned by Moody's, S&P or Fitch (commonly known as junk bonds). They
generally are not meant for short-term investing and may be subject to
certain risks with respect to the issuing entity and to greater market
fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher rated fixed-income
securities. The retail secondary market for these bonds may be less liquid
than that of higher rated bonds; adverse conditions could make it difficult
at times for the Fund to sell certain securities or could result in lower
prices than those used in calculating the Fund's net asset value. See
"Appendix--Certain Portfolio Securities--Ratings."
USE OF DERIVATIVES -- The Fund may invest, to a limited extent, in
derivatives ("Derivatives"). These are financial instruments which derive
their performance, at least in part, from the performance of an underlying
asset, index or interest rate. The Derivatives the Fund may use include
options and futures. While Derivatives can be used effectively in furtherance
of the Fund's investment objective, under certain market conditions, they can
increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value, can decrease the
liquidity of the Fund's portfolio and make more difficult the accurate
pricing of the Fund's portfolio. See "Appendix--Investment Techniques--Use of
Derivatives" below, and "Investment Objective and Management
Policies--Management Policies--Derivatives"in the Statement of Additional
Information.
NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS -- The classification of the Fund as a
"non-diversified" investment company means that the proportion of the Fund's
assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer is not
limited by the 1940 Act. A "diversified" investment company is required by
the 1940 Act generally with respect to 75% of its total assets, to invest not
more than 5% of such assets in the securities of a single issuer. Since a
relatively high percentage of the Fund's assets may be invested in the
obligations of a limited number of issuers, the Fund's portfolio securities
may be more sensitive to changes in the market value of a single issuer.
However, to meet Federal tax requirements, at the close of each quarter the
Fund may not have more than 25% of its total assets invested in any one
issuer and, with respect to 50% of its total assets, not more than 5% of its
total assets invested in any one issuer. These limitations do not apply to
U.S. Government securities.
SIMULTANEOUS INVESTMENTS -- Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of other investment companies advised by The Dreyfus
Corporation. However, if such other investment companies desire to invest in,
or dispose of, the same securities as the Fund available investments 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.
Page 8
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER -- The Dreyfus Corporation, located at 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's
investment adviser. The Dreyfus Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank
Corporation ("Mellon"). As of December 31, 1995, The Dreyfus Corporation
managed or administered approximately $81 billion in assets for more than 1.7
million investor accounts nationwide.
The Dreyfus Corporation supervises and assists in the overall
management of the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the Fund,
subject to the authority of the Fund's Board in accordance with Maryland law.
The Fund's primary portfolio manager is Monica S. Wieboldt. She has held that
position since June 1988 and has been employed by The Dreyfus Corporation
since November 1983. The Fund's other portfolio managers are identified in
the Statement of Additional Information. The Dreyfus Corporation also
provides research services for the Fund as well as for other funds advised by
The Dreyfus Corporation through a professional staff of portfolio managers
and securities analysts.
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. Mellon's principal wholly-owned
subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A., Mellon Bank (DE) National Association,
Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston Company, Inc., AFCO Credit Corporation and a
number of companies known as Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through
its subsidiaries, including The Dreyfus Corporation, Mellon managed more than
$209 billion in assets as of September 30, 1995, including approximately $80
billion in proprietary mutual fund assets. As of September 30, 1995, Mellon,
through various subsidiaries, provided non-investment services, such as
custodial or administration services, for more than $717 billion in assets,
including approximately $55 billion in mutual fund assets.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to
pay The Dreyfus Corporation a monthly fee at the annual rate of .60 of 1% of
the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1995, the Fund paid The Dreyfus Corporation a management fee at
the effective annual rate of .56 of 1% of the value of the Fund's average
daily net assets pursuant to an undertaking in effect. From time to time, The
Dreyfus Corporation may waive receipt of its fees and/or voluntarily assume
certain expenses of the Fund, which would have the effect of lowering the
overall expense ratio of the Fund and increasing yield to investors at the
time such amounts are waived or assumed, as the case may be. The Fund will
not pay The Dreyfus Corporation at a later time for any amounts it may waive,
nor will the Fund reimburse The Dreyfus Corporation for any amounts it may
assume.
In allocating brokerage transactions for the Fund, The Dreyfus
Corporation seeks to obtain the best execution of orders at the most
favorable net price. Subject to this determination, The Dreyfus Corporation
may consider, among other things, the receipt of research services and/or the
sale of shares of the Fund or other funds advised by The Dreyfus Corporation
as factors in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio
transactions for the Fund. See "Portfolio Transactions" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
The Dreyfus Corporation may pay the Fund's distributor for
shareholder services from The Dreyfus Corporation's own assets, including
past profits but not including the management fee paid by the Fund. The
Fund's distributor may use part or all of these payments to pay Service
Agents in respect of these services.
DISTRIBUTOR -- The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor's ultimate parent is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
Page 9
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND CUSTODIAN -- Dreyfus Transfer,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dreyfus Corporation, P.O. Box 9671,
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's Transfer and Dividend
Disbursing Agent (the "Transfer Agent"). The Bank of New York, 90 Washington
Street, New York, New York 10286, is the Fund's Custodian.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
GENERAL -- You can purchase Fund shares through the Distributor or certain
financial institutions (which may include banks), securities dealers
("Selected Dealers") and other industry professionals, such as investment
advisers, accountants and estate planning firms (collectively, "Service
Agents"), that have entered into service agreements with the Distributor.
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 retirement 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 Service Agent which 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 Dreyfus Corporation or any of its
affiliates or subsidiaries, directors of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board
members of a fund advised by The Dreyfus Corporation, 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 Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries who elect to
have a portion of their pay directly deposited into their Fund account, the
minimum initial investment is $50. The Fund reserves the right to vary
further the initial and subsequent investment minimum requirements at any
time.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the
Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable
to "The Dreyfus Family of Funds." Payments to open new accounts which are
mailed should be sent to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9387,
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9387, together with your Account Application.
For subsequent investments, your Fund account number should appear on the
check and an investment slip should be enclosed and sent to The Dreyfus
Family of Funds, P.O. Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105. Neither initial
nor subsequent investments should be made by third party check. Purchase
orders may be delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE
ORDERS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT
THEREBY. For the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please
call one of the telephone numbers listed under "General Information."
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial
bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any other bank having
a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately available funds may be
transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York, DDA#8900052406/General New York
Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., for purchase of Fund shares in your name. The wire
must include your Fund account number (for new accounts, your Taxpayer
Identification Number ("TIN") should be included instead), account
registration and dealer number, if applicable. If your initial purchase of
Fund shares is by wire, please call 1-800-645-6561 after completing your wire
payment to obtain your Fund account number. Please include your Fund account
number on the Account Application and promptly mail the Account Application
to the Fund, as no redemptions will be permitted until the Account
Application is received. You may obtain further information about remitting
funds in this manner from your bank. All payments should be made in U.S.
dollars and, to avoid fees and delays, should be drawn only on U.S. banks. A
charge will be imposed if any check used for investment in your account does
not clear. Other purchase procedures may be in effect for clients of certain
Service Agents. The Fund makes available to certain large institutions the
ability to issue purchase instructions through compatible computer
facilities.
Page 10
Fund shares also may be purchased through Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset
BuilderRegistration Mark, the Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege and
the Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan 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 an investor against loss in a declining market.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic transfer of
funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic financial
institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You must direct the
institution to transmit immediately available funds through the Automated
Clearing House to The Bank of New York with instructions to credit your Fund
account. The instructions must specify your Fund account registration and
your Fund account number PRECEDED BY THE DIGITS "1111."
Management understands that some Service Agents may impose certain
conditions on their clients which are different from those described in this
Prospectus, and, to the extent permitted by applicable regulatory
authorities, may charge their clients direct fees for Servicing (as defined
under "Service Plan"). These fees would be in addition to any amounts which
might be received under the Fund's Service Plan. You should consult your
Service Agent in this regard. See "Service Plan."
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis at the net asset value
per share next determined after an order in proper form is received by the
Transfer Agent. Net asset value per share is determined as of the close of
trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New
York time), on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. For
purposes of determining net asset value per share, options and futures
contracts will be valued 15 minutes after the close of trading on the floor
of the New York Stock Exchange. 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. The Fund's
investments are valued by an independent pricing service approved by the
Fund's Board and are valued at fair value as determined by the pricing
service. The pricing service's procedures are reviewed under the general
supervision of the Fund's Board. For further information regarding the
methods employed in valuing Fund investments, see "Determination of Net Asset
Value" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN upon
opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" and
the Account Application for further information concerning this requirement.
Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the Fund could subject you to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE _ You may purchase shares (minimum $500,
maximum $150,000 per day) 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 member may be so
designated. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or
charge a service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER purchase of shares by telephoning
1-800-645-6561 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 516-794-5452.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The services and privileges described under this heading may not be
available to clients of certain Service Agents and some Service Agents may
impose certain conditions on their clients which are different from those
described in this Prospectus. You should consult your Service Agent in this
regard. In addition, use of the privileges noted below may require that the
proper forms and information be filed with and processed by the Transfer
Agent.
Page 11
FUND EXCHANGES -- You may purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund,
shares of certain other funds managed or administered by The Dreyfus
Corporation, to the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of
residence. These funds have different investment objectives which may be of
interest to you. If you desire to use this service, you should consult your
Service Agent or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and
whether any conditions are imposed on its use.
To request an exchange, you or your Service Agent acting on your
behalf must give exchange instructions to the Transfer Agent in writing or by
telephone. Before any exchange, you must obtain and should review a copy of
the current prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is being made.
Prospectuses may be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. Except in the case of
personal retirement plans, the shares being exchanged must have a current
value of at least $500; furthermore, when establishing a new account by
exchange, the shares being exchanged must have a current value of at least
the minimum initial investment required for the fund into which the exchange
is being made. The ability to issue exchange instructions by telephone is
given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless you to check the
applicable "No" box on the Account Application, indicating that you
specifically refuse this Privilege. The Telephone Exchange Privilege may be
established for an existing account by written request, signed by all
shareholders on the account, or by a separate signed Shareholder Services
Form, also available by calling, 1-800-645-6561. If you previously have
established the Telephone Exchange Privilege, you may telephone exchange
instructions by calling 1-800-645-6561 or, if you are calling from overseas,
call 516-794-5452. See "How to Redeem Shares_Procedures." Upon an exchange
into a new account, the following shareholder services and privileges, as
applicable and where available, will be automatically carried over to the
fund into which the exchange is made: Telephone Exchange Privilege, Check
Redemption Privilege, Wire Redemption Privilege, Telephone Redemption
Privilege, Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, and the dividend/capital gain
distribution option (except for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep) selected by the
investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges into funds
sold with a sales load. If you are exchanging into a fund that charges a
sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not include the sales
load or which reflect a reduced sales load, if the shares you are exchanging
were: (a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired by a previous exchange
from shares purchased with a sales load, or (c) acquired through reinvestment
of dividends or distributions paid with respect to the foregoing categories
of shares. To qualify, at the time of your exchange you must notify the
Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor. Any such
qualification is subject to confirmation of your holdings through a check of
appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of
Additional Information. 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 fee in
accordance with rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange request in whole or in
part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may be modified or terminated at any
time upon notice to shareholders. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
DREYFUS AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE -- Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege enables
you to invest regularly (on a semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual
basis), in exchange for shares of the Fund, in shares of other funds in the
Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are currently an investor. The amount
you designate, which can be expressed either in terms of a specific dollar or
share amount ($100 minimum), will be exchanged automatically on the first
and/or fifteenth of the month according to the schedule you have selected.
Shares will be exchanged at the then-current net asset value; however, a
sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges into funds sold with a
sales load. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional
Information. The right to exercise this Privilege may be modified or
cancelled by the Fund or the Transfer Agent. You may modify or cancel your
exercise of this Privilege at any time by mailing written notification to The
Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671.
The Fund
Page 12
may charge a service fee for the use of this Privilege. No such fee
currently is contemplated. For more information concerning this Privilege and
the funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds eligible to participate in this
Privilege, or to obtain a Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Authorization Form, please
call toll free 1-800-645-6561. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDERRegistration Mark -- 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.
At your option, the bank account designated by you will be debited in the
specified amount, and Fund shares will be purchased, once a month, on either
the first or fifteenth day, or twice a month, on both days. Only an account
maintained at a domestic financial institution which is an Automated Clearing
House member may be so designated. To establish a Dreyfus-Automatic Asset
Builder account, you must file an authorization form with the Transfer Agent.
You may obtain the necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561.
You may cancel your participation in this Privilege or change the amount of
purchase at any time by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, and the
notification will be effective three business days following receipt. The
Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a service
fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
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 Federal
government automatically deposited into your Fund account. You may deposit as
much of such payments as you elect. To enroll in Dreyfus Government Direct
Deposit, you must file with the Transfer Agent a completed Direct Deposit
Sign-Up Form for each type of payment that you desire to include in the
Privilege. The appropriate form may be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561.
Death or legal incapacity will terminate your participation in this
Privilege. You may elect at any time to terminate your participation by
notifying in writing the appropriate Federal agency. Further, the Fund may
terminate your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
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 Automated Clearing House 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. Your
employer must complete the reverse side of the form and return it to The
Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671.
You may obtain the necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561.
You may change the amount of purchase or cancel the authorization only by
written notification to your employer. It is the sole responsibility of your
employer, not the Distributor, The Dreyfus Corporation, the Fund, the
Transfer Agent or any other person, to arrange for transactions under the
Dreyfus Payroll Savings Plan. The Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege
at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
DREYFUS STEP PROGRAM -- Dreyfus Step Program enables you to purchase Fund
shares without regard to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirements
through Dreyfus-AUTOMATIC Asset Builder, 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 1-800-645-6561. 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
Page 13
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 enables you to invest
automatically dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any,
paid by the Fund in shares of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds of
which you are a shareholder. Shares of the other fund will be purchased at
the then-current net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with
respect to investments in shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are
investing in a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share price
s which do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load.
If you are investing in a fund that charges a contingent deferred sales
charge, the shares purchased will be subject on redemption to the contingent
deferred sales charge, if any, applicable to the purchased shares. See
"Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional Information. 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 Automated Clearing House member may be so designated. Banks may charge
a fee for this service.
For more information concerning these privileges or to request a
Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel
these privileges by mailing written notification to The Dreyfus Family of
Funds, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. Enrollment in or
cancellation of these privileges is effective three business days following
receipt. These privileges are available only for existing accounts and may
not be used to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent investments do not apply
for Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or terminate these privileges
at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
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. An
application for the Automatic Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. There is a service charge of 50cents for each withdrawal
check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be ended at any time by you, the
Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which certificates have been issued
may not be redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your shares at any time. Redemption
requests should be transmitted to the Transfer Agent as described below. When
a request is received in proper form, the Fund will redeem the shares at the
next determined net asset value.
The Fund imposes no charges when shares are redeemed. Service
Agents may charge their clients a nominal fee for effecting redemptions of
Fund shares. Any stock certificates representing Fund shares being redeemed
must be submitted with the redemption request. The value of the shares
redeemed may be more or less than their original cost, depending upon the
Fund's then-current net asset value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed
within seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request
in proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY CHECK, BY
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER AND
SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER AGENT, THE
REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON BANK CLEARANCE
OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL NOT HONOR REDEMPTION CHECKS UNDER THE CHECK
REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE, AND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES BY WIRE OR
TELEPHONE OR PURSUANT TO THE DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE, FOR A PERIOD OF
EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF
Page 14
THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR THE DREYFUS-AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER AGAINST WHICH SUCH REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE
PROCEDURES WILL NOT APPLY IF YOUR SHARES WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR
IF YOU OTHERWISE HAVE A SUFFICIENT COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER
THE REDEMPTION REQUEST. PRIOR TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE,
DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND YOU WILL BE ENTITLED
TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER RIGHTS OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. Fund shares will not be
redeemed until the Transfer Agent has received your Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its option
upon not less than 45 days' written notice if your account's net asset value
is $500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem Fund shares by using the regular redemption procedure
through the Transfer Agent, or, 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, through the Check
Redemption Privilege, the Wire Redemption Privilege, the Telephone Redemption
Privilege, or the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, or, if you are a client of
a Selected Dealer, through the Selected Dealer. If you have given your
Service Agent authority to instruct the Transfer Agent to redeem shares and
to credit the proceeds of such redemptions to a designated account at your
Service Agent, you may redeem shares only in this manner and in accordance
with the regular redemption procedure described below. If you wish to use the
other redemption methods described below, you must arrange with your Service
Agent for delivery of the required application(s) to the Transfer Agent.
Other redemption procedures may be in effect for clients of certain Service
Agents. The Fund makes available to certain large institutions the ability to
issue redemption instructions through compatible computer facilities. The
Fund reserves the right to refuse any request made by wire or telephone,
including requests made shortly after a change of address, and may limit the
amount involved or the number of such requests. The Fund may modify or
terminate any redemption Privilege at any time or charge a service fee upon
notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is contemplated. Shares for
which certificates have been issued are not eligible for the Check
Redemption, Wire Redemption, Telephone Redemption or Dreyfus TELETRANSFER
Privilege.
You may redeem Fund shares by telephone if you have checked the
appropriate box on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder
Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select a telephone redemption
privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which is granted automatically
unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone
instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be you, or a
representative of your Service Agent, and reasonably believed by the Transfer
Agent to be genuine. The Fund will require the Transfer Agent to employ
reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form of personal identification,
to confirm that instructions are genuine and, if it does not follow such
procedures, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Neither the Fund nor the Transfer
Agent will be liable for following telephone instructions reasonably believed
to be genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you may
experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone to
request a redemption or exchange of Fund shares. In such cases, you should
consider using the other redemption procedures described herein. Use of these
other redemption procedures may result in your redemption request being
processed at a later time than it would have been if telephone redemption had
been used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION _ Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem
shares by written request mailed to The Dreyfus Family of Funds, P.O. Box
9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671. Redemption requests may be
delivered in person only to a Dreyfus Financial Center. THESE REQUESTS WILL
BE FORWARDED TO THE FUND AND WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY UPON RECEIPT THEREBY. For
the location of the nearest Dreyfus Financial Center, please call one of the
telephone numbers listed under "General
Page 15
Information." Redemption requests must be signed by each shareholder,
including each owner of a joint account, and each signature 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. If you have any questions
with respect to signature-guarantees, please call one of the telephone numbers
listed under "General Information."
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any member
bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
CHECK REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE _ You may write Redemption Checks drawn on your
Fund account. Redemption Checks may be made payable to the order of any
person in the amount of $500 or more. Potential fluctuations in the net asset
value of Fund shares should be considered in determining the amount of the
check. Redemption Checks should not be used to close your account. Redemption
Checks are free, but the Transfer Agent will impose a fee for stopping
payment of a Redemption Check upon your request or if the Transfer Agent
cannot honor the Redemption Check due to insufficient funds or other valid
reason. You should date your Redemption Checks with the current date when you
write them. Please do not postdate your Redemption Checks. If you do, the
Transfer Agent will honor upon presentment, even if presented before the date
of the check, all postdated Redemption Checks which are dated within six
months of presentment for payment, if they are otherwise in good order. This
Privilege will be terminated immediately, without notice, with respect to any
account which is, or becomes, subject to backup withholding on redemptions
(see "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes"). Any redemption check written on
an account which has become subject to backup withholding on redemptions will
not be honored by the Transfer Agent.
WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE -- You may request by wire or telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $1,000) be wired to your account at a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or a correspondent bank if your
bank is not a member. You also may direct that redemption proceeds be paid by
check (maximum $150,000 per day)made out to the owners of record and mailed
to your address. Redemption proceeds of less than $1,000 will be paid
automatically by check. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts
may have redemption proceeds of not more than $250,000 wired within any
30-day period. You may telephone redemption requests by calling
1-800-645-6561 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 516-794-5452. The
Statement of Additional Information sets forth instructions for transmitting
redemption requests by wire.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE -- You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (maximum $150,000 per day) be paid by check and mailed to
your address. You may telephone redemption instructions by calling
1-800-645-6561 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 516-794-5452.
DREYFUS TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE -- You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds (minimum $500 per day) be transferred between your Fund
account and your bank account. Only a bank account maintained in a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be
designated. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account at an
Automated Clearing House member bank ordinarily two days after receipt of the
redemption request or, at your request, paid by check (maximum $150,000 per
day) and mailed to your address. 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.
If you have selected the Dreyfus TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a Dreyfus TELETRANSFER redemption of shares by telephoning
1-800-645-6561 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 516-794-5452.
Page 16
REDEMPTION THROUGH A SELECTED DEALER -- If you are a customer of a Selected
Dealer, you may make redemption requests to your Selected Dealer. If the
Selected Dealer transmits the redemption request so that it is received by
the Transfer Agent prior to the close of trading on the floor of the New York
Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time), the redemption request
will be effective on that day. If a redemption request is received by the
Transfer Agent after the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock
Exchange, the redemption request will be effective on the next business day.
It is the responsibility of the Selected Dealer to transmit a request so that
it is received in a timely manner. The proceeds of the redemption are
credited to your account with the Selected Dealer. See "How to Buy Shares"
for a discussion of additional conditions or fees that may be imposed upon
redemption.
SERVICE PLAN
Under the Service Plan, adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
1940 Act, the Fund (a) reimburses the Distributor for payments to certain
Service Agents for distributing the Fund's shares and servicing shareholder
accounts ("Servicing") and (b) pays The Dreyfus Corporation, Dreyfus Service
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dreyfus Corporation, and any
affiliate of either of them (collectively, "Dreyfus") for advertising and
marketing relating to the Fund and for Servicing, at an aggregate annual rate
of .20 of 1% of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. Each of the
Distributor and Dreyfus may pay one or more Service Agents a fee in respect
of the Fund's shares owned by shareholders with whom the Service Agent has a
Servicing relationship or for whom the Service Agent is the dealer or holder
of record. Each of the Distributor and Dreyfus determine the amounts, if any,
to be paid to Service Agents under the Service Plan and the basis on which
such payments are made. The fees payable under the Service Plan are payable
without regard to actual expenses incurred.
The Fund also bears the costs of preparing and printing
prospectuses and statements of additional information used for regulatory
purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders. Under the Service
Plan, the Fund bears (a) the costs of preparing, printing and distributing
prospectuses and statements of additional information used for other
purposes, and (b) the costs associated with implementing and operating the
Service Plan (such as costs of printing and mailing service agreements), the
aggregate of such amounts not to exceed in any fiscal year of the Fund the
greater of $100,000 or .005 of 1% of the value of the Fund's average daily
net assets for such fiscal year. Each item for which a payment may be made
under the Service Plan may constitute an expense of distributing Fund shares
as the Securities and Exchange Commission construes such term under Rule
12b-1.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Fund ordinarily declares dividends from its net investment
income on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Fund
shares begin earning income dividends on the day following the date of
purchase. Dividends usually are paid on the last business day of each month
and are automatically reinvested in additional Fund shares at net asset value
or, at your option, paid in cash. The Fund's earnings for Saturdays, Sundays
and holidays are declared as dividends on the next business day. 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. Distributions from
net realized securities gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a
year, but the Fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply
with the distribution requirements of the Code, in all events in a manner
consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act. The Fund will not make
distributions from net realized securities gains unless capital loss
carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have expired. You may choose
whether
Page 17
to receive distributions in cash or to reinvest in additional Fund
shares at net asset value. All expenses are accrued daily and deducted before
declaration of dividends to investors.
Except for dividends from Taxable Investments, the Fund anticipates
that substantially all dividends paid by the Fund will not be subject to
Federal or New York State and New York City personal income taxes. To the
extent that you are obligated to pay state or local taxes outside of New York
State and New York City, dividends earned by an investment in the Fund may
represent taxable income. Dividends derived from Taxable Investments,
together with distributions from any net realized short-term securities gains
and all or a portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition
of certain market discount bonds, paid by the Fund are subject to Federal
income tax as ordinary income whether received in cash or reinvested in
additional Fund shares. No dividend paid by the Fund will qualify for the
dividends received deduction allowable to certain U.S. corporations.
Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains of the Fund
generally are taxable as long-term capital gains for Federal income tax
purposes if you are a citizen or resident of the United States. Dividends and
distributions attributable to income or gain derived from securities
transactions and from the use of certain of the investment techniques
described under "Appendix_Investment Techniques," will be subject to Federal
income tax. The Code provides that the net capital gain of an individual
generally will not be subject to Federal income tax at a rate in excess of
28%. Under the Code, interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to
purchase or carry Fund shares which is deemed to relate to exempt-interest
dividends is not deductible.
Although all or a substantial portion of the dividends paid by the
Fund may be excluded by shareholders of the Fund from their gross income for
Federal income tax purposes, the Fund may purchase specified private activity
bonds, the interest from which may be (i) a preference item for purposes of
the alternative minimum tax, (ii) a component of the "adjusted current
earnings" preference item for purposes of the corporate alternative minimum
tax as well as a component in computing the corporate environmental tax or
(iii) a factor in determining the extent to which a shareholder's Social
Security benefits are taxable. If the Fund purchases such securities, the
portion of the Fund's dividends related thereto will not necessarily be tax
exempt to an investor who is subject to the alternative minimum tax and/or
tax on Social Security benefits and may cause an investor to be subject to
such taxes.
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and distributions
will be mailed to you annually. You also will receive periodic summaries of
your account which will include information as to dividends and distributions
from securities gains, if any, paid during the year. These statements set
forth the dollar amount of income exempt from Federal tax and the dollar
amount, if any, subject to Federal tax. These dollar amounts will vary
depending on the size and length of time of your investment in the Fund. If
the Fund pays dividends derived from taxable income, it intends to designate
as taxable the same percentage of the day's dividend as the actual taxable
income earned on that day bears to total income earned on that day. Thus, the
percentage of the dividend designated as taxable, if any, may vary from day
to day.
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is treated
for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by
the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a
taxable gain or loss.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold ("backup
withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of taxable dividends,
distributions from net realized securities gains and the proceeds of any
redemption, regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized,
paid to a shareholder if such shareholder fails to certify either that the
TIN furnished in connection with opening an account is correct, or that such
shareholder has not received notice from the IRS of being subject to backup
withholding as a result of a failure to properly report taxable dividend or
interest income on a Federal income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may
notify the Fund to institute backup withholding if the IRS determines a
shareholder's TIN is incorrect or if a shareholder has failed to properly
report taxable dividend and interest income on a Federal income tax return.
Page 18
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer
identification number of the record owner of the account. Any tax withheld as
a result of backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax imposed
on the record owner of the account, and may be claimed as a credit on the
record owner's Federal income tax return.
Management of the Fund believes that the Fund has qualified for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1995 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. The Fund is
subject to a non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific questions as
to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance may be calculated on
several bases, including current yield, tax equivalent yield, average annual
total return and/or total return.
Current yield refers to the Fund's annualized net investment income
per share over a 30-day period, expressed as a percentage of the net asset
value per share at the end of the period. For purposes of calculating current
yield, the amount of net investment income per share during that 30-day
period, computed in accordance with regulatory requirements, is compounded by
assuming that it is reinvested at a constant rate over a six-month period. An
identical result is then assumed to have occurred during a second six-month
period which, when added to the result for the first six months, provides an
"annualized" yield for an entire one-year period. Calculations of the Fund's
current yield may reflect absorbed expenses pursuant to any undertaking which
may be in effect. See "Management of the Fund."
Tax equivalent yield is calculated by determining the pre-tax yield
which, after being taxed at a stated rate, would be equivalent to a stated
current yield calculated as described above.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a
standardized formula which assumes that an investment in the Fund was
purchased with an initial payment of $1,000 and that the investment was
redeemed at the end of a stated period of time, after giving effect to the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions during the period. The return is
expressed as a percentage rate which, if applied on a compounded annual
basis, would result in the redeemable value of the investment at the end of
the period. Advertisements of the Fund's performance will include the Fund's
average annual total return for one, five and ten year periods.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the income
and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the net asset
value per share at the beginning of the period. Advertisements may include
the percentage rate of total return or may include the value of a
hypothetical investment at the end of the period which assumes the
application of the percentage rate of total return.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are not
necessarily representative of future results. You should remember that
performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the type and
quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating expenses.
Performance information, such as that described above, may not provide a
basis for comparison with other investments or other investment companies
using a different method of calculating performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time
in advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from CDA
Investment Technologies, Inc., Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Moody's Bond
Survey Bond Index, Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index, Morningstar, Inc.
and other industry publications.
page 19
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Fund was incorporated under Maryland law on November 19, 1984.
The Fund is authorized to issue 100 million shares of Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share. Each share has one vote.
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 no longer consider each year the election of
Board members or the appointment of auditors. However, pursuant to the Fund's
By-Laws, 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
the purpose of removing a Board member from office and the holders of at
least 25% of such shares may require the Fund to hold a special meeting of
shareholders for any other purpose. Fund shareholders may remove a Board
member by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
shares. In addition, the Fund's 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.
On May 31, 1988, Fund shareholders accepted the resignation of The
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. ("Chase") as the Fund's investment adviser and The
Dreyfus Corporation was engaged to serve as the Fund's manager (which
involves providing both the services formerly provided by Chase and those
provided by The Dreyfus Corporation under its prior administration agreement
with the Fund) pursuant to the Management Agreement.
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and sends
confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Fund at 144
Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or by calling toll
free 1-800-645-6561. In New York City, call 1-718-895-1206; on Long Island
call 794-5452; outside the U.S. and Canada, call 516-794-5452.
Page 20
APPENDIX
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
BORROWING MONEY -- The Fund is permitted to borrow to the extent permitted
under the 1940 Act, which permits an investment company to borrow in an
amount up to 331/3% of the value of its total assets. The Fund currently
intends to borrow money only for temporary or emergency (not
leveraging)purposes, in an amount up to 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 borrowing is
made. While borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets, the Fund will
not make any additional investments.
USE OF DERIVATIVES -- The Fund may invest in the types of Derivatives
enumerated under "Description of the Fund -- Investment Considerations and
Risks -- Use of Derivatives." These instruments and certain related risks are
described more specifically under "Investment Objective and Management
Policies -- Management Policies -- Derivatives" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than
their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in Derivatives
could have a large potential impact on the Fund's performance.
If the Fund invests in Derivatives at inappropriate times or judges
market conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Fund's return
or result in a loss. The Fund also could experience losses if its Derivatives
were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if the Fund were unable
to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary market. The market
for many Derivatives is, or suddenly can become, illiquid. Changes in
liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the
prices for Derivatives.
Although the Fund will not be a commodity pool, Derivatives subject
the Fund to the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission which limit
the extent to which the Fund can invest in certain Derivatives. The Fund may
invest in futures contracts and options with respect thereto for hedging
purposes without limit. However, the Fund may not invest in such contracts
and options for other purposes if the sum of the amount of initial margin
deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options with respect to such
contracts, other than for bona fide hedging purposes, exceed 5% of the
liquidation value of the Fund's assets, after taking into account unrealized
profits and unrealized losses on such contracts and options; provided,
however, that in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of
purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5%
limitation.
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets, represented by the
premium paid, in the purchase of call and put options. The Fund may write
(i.e., sell) covered call and put option contracts to the extent of 20% of
the value of its net assets at the time such option contracts are written.
When required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund will set
aside permissible liquid assets in a segregated account to cover its
obligations relating to its transactions in Derivatives. To maintain this
required cover, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at
disadvantageous prices or times since it may not be possible to liquidate a
Derivative position at a reasonable price.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES -- TheFund may lend securities from its
portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to
borrow securities to complete certain transactions. The Fund continues to be
entitled to payments in amounts equal to the interest or other distributions
payable on the loaned securities which affords the Fund an opportunity to
earn interest on the amount of the loan and on the loaned securities'
collateral. Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 331/3% of the value
of the Fund's total assets, and the Fund will receive collateral consisting
of
Page 21
cash, U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit which
will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the
current market value of the loaned securities. Such loans are terminable by
the Fund at any time upon specified notice. The Fund might experience risk of
loss if the institution with which it has engaged in a portfolio loan
transaction breaches its agreement with the Fund.
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 a 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. A segregated account of the Fund consisting of cash, cash
equivalents or U.S. Government securities or other high quality liquid debt
securities at least equal at all times to the amount of the commitments will
be established and maintained at the Fund's custodian bank.
CERTAIN PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
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 one year, but which permit the holder
to demand payment of principal at any time or at specified intervals.
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 amounts 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. If the participation
interest is unrated, it will be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or
guarantee of a bank that the Fund's Board has determined meets the prescribed
quality standards for banks set forth below, 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.
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 matu-
page 22
rity 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 Dreyfus
Corporation, on behalf of the Fund, will consider on an ongoing basis the
creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying Municipal Obligation, 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 Obligation and for other reasons.
CUSTODIAL RECEIPTS -- The Fund may purchase custodial receipts representing
the right to receive certain future principal and interest payments on
Municipal Obligations which underlie the custodial receipts. A number of
different arrangements are possible. In a typical custodial receipt
arrangement, an issuer or a third party owner of Municipal Obligations
deposits such obligations with a custodian in exchange for two classes of
custodial receipts. The two classes have different characteristics, but, in
each case, payments on the two classes are based on payments received on the
underlying Municipal Obligations. One class has the characteristics of a
typical auction rate security, where at specified intervals its interest rate
is adjusted, and ownership changes, based on an auction mechanism. This
class's interest rate generally is expected to be below the coupon rate of
the underlying Municipal Obligations and generally is at a level comparable
to that of a Municipal Obligation of similar quality and having a maturity
equal to the period between interest rate adjustments. The second class bears
interest at a rate that exceeds the interest rate typically borne by a
security of comparable quality and maturity; this rate also is adjusted, but
in this case inversely to changes in the rate of interest of the first class.
If the interest rate on the first class exceeds the coupon rate of the
underlying Municipal Obligations, its interest rate will exceed the rate paid
on the second class. In no event will the aggregate interest paid with
respect to the two classes exceed the interest paid by the underlying
Municipal Obligations. The value of the second class and similar securities
should be expected to fluctuate more than the value of a Municipal Obligation
of comparable quality and maturity and their purchase by the Fund should
increase the volatility of its net asset value and, thus, its price per
share. These custodial receipts are sold in private placements. The Fund also
may purchase directly from issuers, and not in a private placement, Municipal
Obligations having characteristics similar to custodial receipts. These
securities may be issued as part of a multi-class offering and the interest
rate on certain classes may be subject to a cap or floor.
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 its 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 decreas-
Page 23
ing such security's yield to investors. Gains realized in connection with
stand-by commitments will be taxable. The Fund also may acquire call options
on specific Municipal Obligations. The Fund generally would purchase these
call options to protect the Fund from the issuer of the related Municipal
Obligation redeeming, or other holder of the call option from calling away,
the Municipal Obligation before maturity. The sale by the Fund of a call
option that it owns on a specific Municipal Obligation could result in the
receipt of taxable income by the Fund.
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES -- Zero coupon securities which are debt securities
issued or sold at a discount from their face value which do not entitle the
holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified
redemption date (or cash payment date). The amount of the discount varies
depending on the time remaining until maturity or cash payment date,
prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and perceived credit
quality of the issuer. Zero coupon securities also may take the form of debt
securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the
coupons themselves and receipts or certificates representing interest in such
stripped debt obligations and coupons. The market prices of zero coupon
securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of
interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to
changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities having similar
maturities and credit qualities.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES -- The Fund may invest up to 15% 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 certain 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.
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-2 by Moody's, A-2 by S&P or F-2 by Fitch; certificates of
deposit of U.S. domestic banks, including foreign branches of domestic banks,
with assets of one billion dollars 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. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes." 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. When the Fund has
adopted a temporary defensive position, including when acceptable New York
Municipal Obligations are unavailable for investment by the Fund, in excess
of 35% of the Fund's net assets may be invested in securities that are not
exempt from New York personal income taxes. 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. Taxable
Investments are more fully described in the Statement of Additional
Information, to which reference hereby is made.
RATINGS _ Bonds rated Ba by Moody's are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured and often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate. Bonds rated BB by S&P
are regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics and,
Page 24
while such obligations have less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative grade debt, they face major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. Bonds
rated BB by Fitch are considered speculative and the payment of principal and
interest may be affected at any time by adverse economic changes. Bonds rated
C by Moody's are regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing. Bonds rated D by S&P are in default
and the payment of interest and/or repayment of principal is in arrears.
Bonds rated DDD, DD or D by Fitch are in actual or imminent default, are
extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their ultimate
recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the issuer; DDD represents
the highest potential for recovery of such bonds; and D represents the lowest
potential for recovery. Such bonds, though high yielding, are characterized
by great risk. See "Appendix B" in the Statement of Additional Information
for a general description of Moody's, S&P and Fitch ratings of Municipal
Obligations.
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,
although ratings may be useful in evaluating the safety of interest and
principal payments, they do not evaluate the market value risk of these
bonds. Although these ratings may be an initial criterion for selection of
portfolio investments, The Dreyfus Corporation also will evaluate these
securities and the ability of the issuers of such securities to pay interest
and principal. The Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective may be
more dependent on The Dreyfus Corporation's credit analysis than might be the
case for a fund that invested in higher rated securities.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE
FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OF THE FUND'S
SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST
NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM,
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
Page 25
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Page 27
DREYFUS
General New York
Municipal
Bond Fund, Inc.
Prospectus
(LION LOGO)
Copy Rights 1996 Dreyfus Service Corporation
949p030196
Registration Mark
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
PART B
(STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
MARCH 1, 1996
This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus,
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus
of General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), dated March 1,
1996, as it may be revised from time to time. 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 the following numbers:
Call Toll Free 1-800-645-6561
In New York City -- Call 1-718-895-1206
On Long Island -- Call 794-5452
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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Investment Objective and Management Policies. . . . . . . . . .B-2
Management of the Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-11
Management Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-15
Purchase of Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-17
Service Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-17
Redemption of Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-18
Shareholder Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-20
Determination of Net Asset Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-23
Portfolio Transactions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-23
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-24
Performance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-26
Information About the Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-27
Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, Custodian,
Counsel and Independent Auditors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-27
Appendix A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-28
Appendix B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-41
Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-49
Report of Independent Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-60
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the sections in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Description of the Fund" and "Appendix."
Portfolio Securities. The average distribution of investments (at
value) in Municipal Obligations (including notes) by ratings for the fiscal
year ended October 31, 1995, computed on a monthly basis, was as follows:
Fitch Moody's Standard
Investors Investors & Poor's
Service, L.P. Service, Inc Ratings Group, Inc. Percentage
("Fitch") or ("Moody's") or ("S&P") of Value
AAA Aaa AAA 21.5%
AA Aa AA 13.7%
A A A 30.4%
BBB Baa BBB 29.9%
BB BB BB 1.1%
F-1+/F-1 VMIG1/MIG1, P-1 SP-1+/SP-1, A-1 3.4%
_____
100.0%
======
Municipal Obligations. The term "Municipal Obligations" generally
includes debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public
purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities
such as airports, bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass
transportation, schools, streets and water and sewer works. Other public
purposes for which Municipal Obligations may be issued include refunding
outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating expenses and
lending such funds to other public institutions and facilities. In
addition, certain types of industrial development bonds are issued by or on
behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide for the
construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated
housing facilities, sports facilities, convention or trade show facilities,
airport, mass transit, industrial, port or parking facilities, air or water
pollution control facilities and certain local facilities for water supply,
gas, electricity or sewage or solid waste disposal; the interest paid on
such obligations may be exempt from Federal income tax, although current
tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such issues. Such
obligations are considered to be Municipal Obligations if the interest paid
thereon qualifies as exempt from Federal income tax in the opinion of bond
counsel to the issuer. There are, of course, variations in the security of
Municipal Obligations, both within a particular classification and between
classifications.
Floating and variable rate demand obligations are tax exempt
obligations ordinarily having stated maturities in excess of one year, but
which permit the holder to demand payment of principal at any time, or at
specified intervals. The issuer of such obligations ordinarily has a
corresponding right, after a given period, to prepay in its discretion the
outstanding principal amount of the obligations plus accrued interest upon
a specified number of days' notice to the holders thereof. The interest
rate on a floating rate demand obligation is based on a known lending rate,
such as a bank's prime rate, and is adjusted automatically each time such
rate is adjusted. The interest rate on a variable rate demand obligation
is adjusted automatically at specified intervals.
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.
The imposition of the Fund's management fee, as well as other operating
expenses, including fees paid under its Service Plan, will have the effect
of reducing the yield to investors.
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 staff of the Securities
and Exchange Commission currently considers certain lease obligations to be
illiquid. Determination as to the liquidity of such securities is made in
accordance with guidelines established by the Fund's Board. Pursuant to
such guidelines, the Board has directed the Manager to monitor carefully
the Fund's investment in such securities with particular regard to (1) the
frequency of trades and quotes for the lease obligation; (2) the number of
dealers willing to purchase or sell the lease obligation and the number of
other potential buyers; (3) the willingness of dealers to undertake to make
a market in the lease obligation; (4) the nature of the marketplace trades
including the time needed to dispose of the lease obligation, the method of
soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer; and (5) such other factors
concerning the trading market for the lease obligation as the Manager may
deem relevant. In addition, in evaluating the liquidity and credit quality
of a lease obligation that is unrated, the Fund's Board has directed the
Manager to consider (a) whether the lease can be cancelled; (b) what
assurance there is that the assets represented by the lease can be sold;
(c) the strength of the lessee's general credit (e.g., its debt,
administrative, economic, and financial characteristics); (d) the
likelihood that the municipality will discontinue appropriating funding for
the leased property because the property is no longer deemed essential to
the operations of the municipality (e.g., the potential for an "event of
nonappropriation"); (e) the legal recourse in the event of failure to
appropriate; and (f) such other factors concerning credit quality as the
Manager may deem relevant. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of the
value of its net assets in lease obligations that are illiquid and in other
illiquid securities.
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.
Ratings of Municipal Obligations. Subsequent to its purchase by the
Fund, an issue of rated Municipal Obligations may cease to be rated or its
rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by the Fund.
Neither event will require the sale of such Municipal Obligations by the
Fund, but the Manager will consider such event in determining whether the
Fund should continue to hold the Municipal Obligations. To the extent that
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.
Illiquid Securities. Where a substantial market of qualified
institutional buyers develops for certain restricted securities purchased
by the Fund pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the Fund intends to treat such securities as liquid securities in
accordance with procedures approved by the Fund's Board. Because it is not
possible to predict with assurance how the market for restricted securities
pursuant to Rule 144A will develop, the Fund's Board has directed the
Manager to monitor carefully the Fund's investments in such securities with
particular regard to trading activity, availability of reliable price
information and other relevant information. To the extent that, for a
period of time, qualified institutional buyers cease purchasing restricted
securities pursuant to Rule 144A, the Fund's investing in such securities
may have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in its portfolio
during such period.
Taxable Investments. Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury
securities, which differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government
agencies and instrumentalities, are supported by the full faith and credit
of the U.S. Treasury; others by the right of the issuer to borrow from the
U.S. Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to
purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others
only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear
fixed, floating or variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government
provides financial support to such U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or
instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always do so,
since it is not so obligated by law.
Commercial paper consists of short-term, unsecured promissory notes
issued to finance short-term credit needs.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates representing the
obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified
period of time.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time (in no event longer than seven
days) at a stated interest rate. Investments in time deposits generally
are limited to London branches of domestic banks that have total assets in
excess of one billion dollars. Time deposits which may be held by the Fund
will not benefit from insurance from the Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings
Association Insurance Fund administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation
of a bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments
reflect the obligation both of the bank and of the drawer to pay the face
amount of the instrument upon maturity. Other short-term bank obligations
may include uninsured, direct obligations bearing fixed, floating or
variable interest rates.
Management Policies
Derivatives. The Fund may invest in Derivatives (as defined in the
Prospectus) for a variety of reasons, including to hedge certain market
risks, to provide a substitute for purchasing or selling particular
securities or to increase potential income gain. Derivatives may provide a
cheaper, quicker or more specifically focused way for the Fund to invest
than "traditional" securities would.
Derivatives can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of
risk, depending upon the characteristics of the particular Derivative and
the portfolio as a whole. Derivatives permit the Fund to increase or
decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, to which
its portfolio is exposed in much the same way as the Fund can increase or
decrease the risk, or change the character of the risk, of its portfolio by
making investments in specific securities.
Derivatives may be purchased on established exchanges or through
privately negotiated transactions referred to as over-the-counter
Derivatives. Exchange-traded Derivatives generally are guaranteed by the
clearing agency which is the issuer or counterparty to such Derivatives.
This guarantee usually is supported by a daily payment system (i.e.,
variation margin requirements) operated by the clearing agency in order to
reduce overall credit risk. As a result, unless the clearing agency
defaults, there is relatively little counterparty credit risk associated
with Derivatives purchased on an exchange. By contrast, no clearing agency
guarantees over-the-counter Derivatives. Therefore, each party to an over-
the-counter Derivative bears the risk that the counterparty will default.
Accordingly, the Manager will consider the creditworthiness of
counterparties to over-the-counter Derivatives in the same manner as it
would review the credit quality of a security to be purchased by the Fund.
Over-the-counter Derivatives are less liquid than exchange-traded
Derivatives since the other party to the transaction may be the only
investor with sufficient understanding of the Derivative to be interested
in bidding for it.
Futures Transactions--In General. The Fund may enter into futures
contracts in U.S. domestic markets, such as the Chicago Board of Trade.
Engaging in these transactions involves risk of loss to the Fund which
could adversely affect the value of the Fund's net assets. Although the
Fund intends to purchase or sell futures contracts only if there is an
active market for such contracts, no assurance can be given that a liquid
market will exist for any particular contract at any particular time. Many
futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation
permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. Once the
daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be
made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading may be suspended for
specified periods during the trading day. Futures contract prices could
move to the limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no
trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and
potentially subjecting the Fund to substantial losses.
Successful use of futures by the Fund also is subject to the Manager's
ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant
market and, to the extent the transaction is entered into for hedging
purposes, to ascertain the appropriate correlation between the transaction
being hedged and the price movements of the futures contract. For example,
if the Fund uses futures to hedge against the possibility of a decline in
the market value of securities held in its portfolio and the prices of such
securities instead increase, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit
of the increased value of securities which it has hedged because it will
have offsetting losses in its futures positions. Furthermore, if in such
circumstances the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell
securities to meet daily variation margin requirements. The Fund may have
to sell such securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
Pursuant to regulations and/or published positions of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, the Fund may be required to segregate cash or high
quality money market instruments in connection with its commodities
transactions in an amount generally equal to the value of the underlying
commodity. The segregation of such assets will have the effect of limiting
the Fund's ability otherwise to invest those assets.
Specific Futures Transactions. The Fund may purchase and sell interest
rate futures contracts. An interest rate future obligates the Fund to
purchase or sell an amount of a specific debt security at a future date at
a specific price.
Options--In General. The Fund may purchase and write (i.e., sell) call or
put options with respect to specific securities. A call option gives the
purchaser of the option the right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell,
the underlying security or securities at the exercise price at any time
during the option period, or at a specific date. Conversely, a put option
gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and obligates the
writer to buy, the underlying security or securities at the exercise price
at any time during the option period.
A covered call option written by the Fund is a call option with
respect to which the Fund owns the underlying security or otherwise covers
the transaction by segregating cash or other securities. A put option
written by the Fund is covered when, among other things, cash or liquid
securities having a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of
the option are placed in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian to
fulfill the obligation undertaken. The principal reason for writing
covered call and put options is to realize, through the receipt of
premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the underlying
securities alone. The Fund receives a premium from writing covered call or
put options which it retains whether or not the option is exercised.
There is no assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a
liquid secondary market on a securities exchange will exist for any
particular option or at any particular time, and for some options no such
secondary market may exist. A liquid secondary market in an option may
cease to exist for a variety of reasons. In the past, for example, higher
than anticipated trading activity or order flow, or other unforeseen
events, at times have rendered certain of the clearing facilities
inadequate and resulted in the institution of special procedures, such as
trading rotations, restrictions on certain types of orders or trading halts
or suspensions in one or more options. There can be no assurance that
similar events, or events that may otherwise interfere with the timely
execution of customers' orders, will not recur. In such event, it might
not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options. If,
as a covered call option writer, the Fund is unable to effect a closing
purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the
underlying security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying
security upon exercise or it otherwise covers its position.
Future Developments. The Fund may take advantage of opportunities in
the area of options and futures contracts and options on futures contracts
and any other Derivatives which are not presently contemplated for use by
the Fund or which are not currently available but which may be developed,
to the extent such opportunities are both consistent with the Fund's
investment objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Before entering
into such transactions or making any such investment, the Fund will provide
appropriate disclosure in its Prospectus or Statement of Additional
Information.
Forward 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 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.
Lending Portfolio Securities. In connection with its securities
lending transactions, the Fund may return to the borrower or a third party
which is unaffiliated with the Fund, and which is acting as a "placing
broker," a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral
received from securities loaned.
The Securities and Exchange Commission currently requires that the
following conditions must be met whenever portfolio securities are loaned:
(1) the Fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral from the borrower;
(2) the borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value of
the securities rises above the level of such collateral; (3) the Fund must
be able to terminate the loan at any time; (4) the Fund must receive
reasonable interest on the loan, as well as any interest or other
distributions payable on the loaned securities, and any increase in market
value; and (5) the Fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees in
connection with the loan. These conditions may be subject to future
modification.
Investment Considerations and Risks
Investing in New York Municipal Obligations. Each investor should
consider carefully the special risks inherent in the investment in New York
Municipal Obligations by the Fund. These risks result from the financial
condition of New York State and certain of its public bodies and
municipalities, including New York City. Beginning in early 1975, New York
State, New York City and other State entities faced serious financial
difficulties which jeopardized the credit standing and impaired the
borrowing abilities of such entities and contributed to high interest rates
on, and lower market prices for, debt obligations issued by them. A
recurrence of such financial difficulties or a failure of certain financial
recovery programs could result in defaults or declines in the market values
of various New York Municipal Obligations in which the Fund may invest. If
there should be a default or other financial crisis relating to New York
State, New York City, a State or City agency, or a State municipality, the
market value and marketability of outstanding New York Municipal
Obligations in the Fund's portfolio and the interest income to the Fund
could be adversely affected. Moreover, the national recession and the
significant slowdown in the New York and regional economies in the early
1990s added substantial uncertainty to estimates of the State's tax
revenues, which, in part, caused the State to incur cash-basis operating
deficits in the General Fund and issue deficit notes during the fiscal
periods 1989 through 1992. The State's financial operations improved,
however, during the 1993 and 1994 fiscal years. After reflecting a 1993
year-end deposit to the refund reserve account of $671 million, reported
1993 General Fund receipts were $45 million higher than originally
projected in April 1992. The State completed the 1994 fiscal year with
operating surpluses of $914 million. The State reported a General Fund
operating deficit of $1.426 billion for the 1995 fiscal year. There can be
no assurance that New York will not face substantial potential budget gaps
in future years. In January 1992, Moody's lowered from A to Baa1 the
ratings on certain appropriation-backed debt of New York State and its
agencies. The State's general obligation, state guaranteed and New York
State Local Government Assistance Corporation bonds continue to be rated A
by Moody's. In January 1992, S&P lowered from A to A- the ratings of New
York State general obligation bonds and stated that it continued to assess
the ratings outlook as negative. The ratings of various agency debt, state
moral obligations, contractual obligations, lease purchase obligations and
state guarantees also were lowered. In February 1991, Moody's lowered its
rating on New York City's general obligation bonds from A to Baa1 and in
July 1995, S&P lowered its rating on such bonds from A- to BBB+. The
rating changes reflect the rating agencies' concerns about the financial
condition of New York State and City, the heavy debt load of the State and
City, and economic uncertainties in the region. Investors should review
"Appendix A" which more fully sets forth these and other risk factors.
Lower Rated Bonds. The Fund is permitted to invest in securities
rated Ba or lower by Moody's or BB or lower by S&P and Fitch and as low as
the lowest rating assigned by Moody's, S&P or Fitch. Such bonds, though
higher yielding, are characterized by risk. See "Description of the Fund--
Investment Considerations and Risks--Lower Rated Bonds" in the Prospectus
for a discussion of certain risks and "Appendix B" for a general
description of Moody's, S&P and Fitch ratings of Municipal Obligations.
Although ratings may be useful in evaluating the safety of interest and
principal payments, they do not evaluate the market value risk of these
bonds. The Fund will rely on the Manager's judgment, analysis and
experience in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issuer.
Investors should be aware that the market values of many of these
bonds tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than are higher
rated securities. These bonds generally are considered by Moody's, S&P and
Fitch to be predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay
interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation
and generally will involve more credit risk than securities in the higher
rating categories.
Because there is no established retail secondary market for many of
these securities, the Fund anticipates that such securities could be sold
only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the
extent a secondary trading market for these bonds does exist, it generally
is not as liquid as the secondary market for higher rated securities. The
lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on market
price and yield and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular issues when
necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific
economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the
issuer. The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities also
may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market
quotations for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio and calculating its
net asset value. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or
not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of
these securities. In such cases, judgment may play a greater role in
valuation because less reliable objective data may be available.
These bonds may be particularly susceptible to economic downturns. It
is likely that any economic recession could disrupt severely the market for
such securities and may have an adverse impact on the value of such
securities. In addition, it is likely that any such economic downturn
could adversely affect the ability of the issuers of such securities to
repay principal and pay interest thereon and increase the incidence of
default for such securities.
The Fund may acquire these bonds during an initial offering. Such
securities may involve special risks because they are new issues. The Fund
has no arrangement with any persons concerning the acquisition of such
securities, and the Manager will review carefully the credit and other
characteristics pertinent to such new issues.
The credit risk factors pertaining to lower rated securities also
apply to lower rated zero coupon bonds and pay-in-kind bonds in which the
Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets. Such zero coupon, pay-in-kind
or delayed interest bonds carry an additional risk in that, unlike bonds
which pay interest throughout the period to maturity, the Fund will realize
no cash until the cash payment date unless a portion of such securities are
sold and, if the issuer defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on
its investment. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
Investment Restrictions
The Fund has adopted investment restrictions numbered 1 through 7 as
fundamental policies, which cannot be changed without approval by the
holders of a majority (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act")) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares.
Investment restrictions numbered 8 through 12 are not fundamental policies
and may be changed by vote of a majority of the Fund's Board members at any
time. The Fund may not:
1. 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, for temporary defensive purposes,
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.
2. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act
(which currently limits borrowing to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the
Fund's total assets). For purposes of this investment restriction, the
entry into options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those
relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices shall not
constitute borrowing.
3. Purchase or sell real estate, 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, or prevent the Fund from purchasing and selling options, forward
contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and
options on futures contracts or indices.
4. 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 to take advantage
of the lower purchase price available, and except to the extent the Fund
may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities.
5. Make loans to others except through the purchase of debt
obligations and the entry into repurchase agreements; however, the Fund may
lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 33-1/3% of the value
of its total assets. Any loans of portfolio securities will be made
according to guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the Fund's Board.
6. Issue any senior security (as such term is defined in Section
18(f) of the 1940 Act), except to the extent that the activities permitted
in Investment Restriction Nos. 2, 3 and 10 may be deemed to give rise to a
senior security.
7. Sell securities short or purchase securities on margin, but the
Fund may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in options,
forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices
and options on futures contracts or indices.
8. Purchase securities other than Municipal Obligations and Taxable
Investments and those arising out of transactions in futures and options or
as otherwise provided in the Fund's Prospectus.
9. Invest in securities of other investment companies, except to the
extent permitted under the 1940 Act.
10. Pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets,
except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings, and except
to the extent related to the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with
the purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis and
collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to
options, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and
options on futures contracts or indices.
11. Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more
than seven days after notice or purchase securities which are illiquid
(which securities could include participation interests (including
municipal lease/purchase agreements) that are not subject to the demand
feature described in the Fund's Prospectus, and floating and variable rate
demand obligations as to which the Fund cannot exercise the demand feature
described in the Fund's Prospectus on less than seven days' notice and as
to which there is no secondary market) if, in the aggregate, more than 15%
of its net assets would be so invested.
12. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.
For purposes of Investment Restriction No. 1, 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 investment, a
later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change in values
or assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction.
The Fund may make commitments more restrictive than the restrictions
listed above so as to permit the sale of Fund shares in certain states.
Should the Fund determine that a commitment is no longer in the best
interest of the Fund and its shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to
revoke the commitment by terminating the sale of Fund shares in the state
involved.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
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. Each Board member who is deemed to be an
"interested person" of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, is indicated
by an asterisk.
Directors of the Fund
CLIFFORD L. ALEXANDER, JR., Board Member. President of Alexander &
Associates, Inc., a management consulting firm. From 1977 to 1981,
Mr. Alexander served as Secretary of the Army and Chairman of the
Board of the Panama Canal Company, and from 1975 to 1977, he was a
member of the Washington, D.C. law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard,
McPherson and Alexander. He is a director of American Home Products
Corporation, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, MCI Communications
Corporation and Mutual of America Life Insurance Company. He is 62
years old and his address is 400 C Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.
20002.
PEGGY C. DAVIS, Board Member. Shad Professor of Law, New York University
School of Law. Professor Davis has been a member of the New York
University law faculty since 1983. Prior to that time, she served for
three years as a judge in the courts of New York State; was engaged
for eight years in the practice of law, working in both corporate and
non-profit sectors; and served for two years as a criminal justice
administrator in the government of the City of New York. She writes
and teaches in the fields of evidence, constitutional theory, family
law, social sciences and the law, legal process and professional
methodology and training. She is 53 years old and her address is
c/o New York University School of Law, 249 Sullivan Street, New York,
New York 10011.
*JOSEPH S. DiMARTINO, Chairman of the Board. Since January 1995, Chairman
of the Board of various funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. For
more than five years prior thereto, 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 to December
31, 1994, he was a director of Mellon Bank Corporation. He is
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Noel Group, Inc., a venture
capital company; a trustee of Bucknell University; and a director of
the Muscular Dystrophy Association, HealthPlan Services Corporation,
Belding Heminway, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial threads,
specialty yarns and home furnishings and fabrics, Curtis Industries,
Inc., a national distributor of securities products, chemicals, and
automotive and other hardware, and Staffing Resources, Inc. He is 52
years old and his address is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10166.
ERNEST KAFKA, Board Member. A physician engaged in private practice
specializing in the psychoanalysis of adults and adolescents. Since
1981, he has served as an Instructor at the New York Psychoanalytic
Institute and, prior thereto, held other teaching positions. He is
Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Cornell Medical School.
For more than the past five years, Dr. Kafka has held numerous
administrative positions, including President of The New York
Psychoanalytic Society, and has published many articles on subjects in
the field of psychoanalysis. He is 63 years old and his address is 23
East 92nd Street, New York, New York 10128.
SAUL B. KLAMAN, Board Member. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SBK
Associates, which provides research and consulting services to
financial institutions. Dr. Klaman was President of the National
Association of Mutual Savings Banks until November 1983, President of
the National Council of Savings Institutions until June 1985, Vice
Chairman of Golembe Associates and BEI Golembe, Inc. until 1989 and
Chairman Emeritus of BEI Golembe, Inc. until November 1992. He also
served as an Economist to the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System and on several Presidential Commissions, and has held
numerous consulting and advisory positions in the fields of economics
and housing finance. He is 76 years old and his address is 431-B
Dedham Street, The Gables, Newton Center, Massachusetts 02159.
NATHAN LEVENTHAL, Board Member. President of Lincoln Center for the
Performing Arts, Inc. Mr. Leventhal was Deputy Mayor for Operations
of New York City from September 1979 until March 1984 and Commissioner
of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development of New York
City from February 1978 to September 1979. Mr. Leventhal was an
associate and then a member of the New York law firm of Poletti
Freidin Prashker Feldman and Gartner from 1974 to 1978. He was
Commissioner of Rent and Housing Maintenance for New York City from
1972 to 1973. Mr. Leventhal serves as Chairman of Citizens Union, an
organization which strives to reform and modernize city and state
government. He is 53 years old and his address is 70 Lincoln Center
Plaza, New York, New York 10023-6583.
For so long as the Fund's plan described in the section captioned
"Service Plan" remains in effect, the Board members of the Fund who are not
"interested persons" of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, will be
selected and nominated by the Board members who are not "interested
persons" of the Fund.
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 and the fiscal year
ended October 31, 1995, and by all other funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds for which such person is a Board member (the number of which is set
forth in parenthesis next to each Board member's total compensation) for
the year ended December 31, 1995, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(3) (5)
(2) Pension or (4) Total Compensation
(1) Aggregate Retirement Benefits Estimated Annual From Fund and Fund
Name of Board Compensation from Accrued as Part of Benefits Upon Complex Paid to
Member Fund* Fund's Expenses Retirement Board Member
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr. $5,000 none none $ 94,386 (17)
Peggy C. Davis $5,000 none none $ 81,636 (15)
Joseph S. DiMartino $5,643 none none $448,618 (94)
Ernest Kafka $5,000 none none $ 81,136 (15)
Saul B. Klaman $5,000 none none $ 81,886 (15)
Nathan Leventhal $5,000 none none $ 81,636 (15)
_____________________
* Amount does not include reimbursed expenses for attending Board meetings, which amounted to $486 for all Board members as a group.
</TABLE>
Officers of the Fund
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, President and Treasurer. President and Chief Operating
Executive of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From December 1991
to July 1994, she was President and Chief Compliance Officer of Funds
Distributor, Inc., the ultimate parent of which is Boston
Institutional Group, Inc. Prior to December 1991, she served as Vice
President and Controller, and later as Senior Vice President, of The
Boston Company Advisors. She is 38 years old.
JOHN E. PELLETIER, Vice President and Secretary. Senior Vice President and
General Counsel of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From February 1992
to July 1994, he served as Counsel for The Boston Company Advisors,
Inc. From August 1990 to February 1992, he was employed as an
Associate at Ropes & Gray. He is 31 years old.
FREDERICK C. DEY, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice
President of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From 1988 to August
1994, he was manager of the High Performance Fabric Division of
Springs Industries Inc. He is 34 years old.
ELIZABETH BACHMAN, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice
President of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. She is 26 years
old.
ERIC B. FISCHMAN, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Associate
General Counsel of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From September 1992
to August 1994, he was an attorney with the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System. He is 31 years old.
JOSEPH S. TOWER, III, Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice President,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Distributor 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 33 years old.
JOHN J. PYBURN, Assistant Treasurer. Assistant Treasurer of the
Distributor and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. From 1984 to July 1994, he was Assistant
Vice President in the Mutual Fund Accounting Department of the
Manager. He is 60 years old.
MARGARET PARDO. Assistant Secretary, Legal Assistant with the Distributor
and an officer of other investment companies advised or administered
by the Manager. From June 1992 to April 1995. She was a Medical
Coordination Officer at ORBIS International. Prior to June 1992, she
worked as Program Coordinator at Physicians World Communications
Group. She is 27 years old.
The address of each officer of the Fund is 200 Park Avenue, New York,
New York 10166.
Board members and officers of the Fund, as a group, owned less than 1%
of the Fund's Shares outstanding on February 6, 1996.
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Management
of the Fund."
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 3, 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 September 27, 1995. The Agreement is terminable without penalty,
on 60 days' notice, by the Fund's Board or by vote of the holders of a
majority of the Fund's shares, or, on not less than 90 days' notice, 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:
Howard Stein, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; W. Keith
Smith, Vice Chairman of the Board; Christopher M. Condron, President, Chief
Operating Officer and a director; Stephen E. Canter, Vice Chairman, Chief
Investment Officer and a director; Lawrence S. Kash, Vice Chairman-
Distribution and a director; Philip L. Toia, Vice Chairman-Operations and
Administration and a director; William T. Sandalls, Jr., Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer; Barbara E. Casey, Vice President-Dreyfus
Retirement Services; Diane M. Coffey, Vice President-Corporate
Communications; Elie M. Genadry, Vice President-Institutional Sales;
William F. Glavin, Jr., Vice President-Corporate Development; Mark N.
Jacobs, Vice President-Legal and Secretary; Jeffrey N. Nachman, Vice
President-Mutual Fund Accounting; Andrew S. Wasser, Vice President-
Information Services; Maurice Bendrihem, Controller; Elvira Oslapas,
Assistant Secretary; and Mandell L. Berman, Frank V. Cahouet, Alvin E.
Friedman, Lawrence M. Greene and Julian M. Smerling, 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
Richard J. Moynihan, Joseph P. Darcy, A. Paul Disdier, Douglas J. Gaylor,
Karen M. Hand, Stephen C. Kris, Jill C. Shaffro, L. Lawrence Troutman,
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 as well as
for other funds advised by the Manager. All purchases and sales are
reported for the Board's review at the meeting subsequent to such
transactions.
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 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, without limitation: taxes, interest,
loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid on securities sold
short, 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 Com-
mission 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 maintaining corporate existence, costs of independent
pricing services, costs attributable to investor services (including,
without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of preparing
and printing prospectuses and statements of additional information for
regulatory purposes and for distribution in existing shareholders, costs of
shareholders' reports and any extraordinary expenses. In addition, Fund
shares are subject to an annual service and distribution fee. See "Service
Plan."
As compensation for the Manager's services, the Fund has agreed to pay
the Manager a monthly management fee at the annual rate of .60 of 1% of the
value of the Fund's average daily net assets. For the fiscal years ended
October 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, the management fees payable amounted to
$2,214,742, $2,150,206 and $1,876,783, respectively, which amounts were
reduced by $810,067, $440,853 and $130,377, respectively, pursuant to
undertakings in effect, resulting in net fees paid to the Manager of
$1,404,675 in fiscal 1993, $1,709,353 in fiscal 1994 and $1,746,406 in
fiscal 1995.
The Manager has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate
expenses of the Fund, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings
and (with the prior written consent of the necessary state securities
commissions) extraordinary expenses, but including the management fee,
exceed 1-1/2% of the value of the Fund's average net assets for that fiscal
year, the Fund may deduct from the payment to be made to the Manager under
the Agreement, or the Manager will bear, such excess expense. Such
deduction or payment, if any, will be estimated daily, and reconciled and
effected 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.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Buy
Shares."
The Distributor. The Distributor serves as the Fund's distributor on
a best efforts basis pursuant to an agreement dated August 24, 1994. The
Distributor also acts as distributor for the other funds in the Dreyfus
Family of Funds and for certain other investment companies. In some
states, certain financial institutions effecting transactions in Fund
shares may be required to register as dealers pursuant to state law.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase orders
may be made at any time. Purchase orders received by 4:00 P.M., New York
time, on any business day that Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., the Fund's transfer
and dividend disbursing agent (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 business 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 the 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
"Redemption of Shares--Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege."
Reopening an Account. An investor 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.
SERVICE PLAN
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Service
Plan."
Service Plan. Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") adopted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act provides, among other things, that
an investment company may bear expenses of distributing its shares only
pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with the Rule. The Fund's Board
has adopted such a plan (the "Plan") pursuant to which the Fund (a)
reimburses the Distributor for payments to certain securities dealers,
certain financial institutions (which may include banks) or other industry
professionals such as investment advisers, accountants and estate planning
firms (collectively, "Service Agents") for distributing the Fund's shares
and servicing shareholder accounts ("Servicing") and (b) pay the Manager,
Dreyfus Service Corporation and any affiliate of either of them ("Dreyfus")
for advertising and marketing relating to the Fund and or Servicing. The
Fund's Board believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan
will benefit the Fund and its shareholders.
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 it may not be
amended to increase materially the costs which the Fund may bear for
distribution pursuant to the Plan without shareholder approval and that
other material amendments of the Plan must be approved by the Board, and by
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 or in the related service agreements,
by vote of the Board members cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of considering such amendments. The Plan and the related service
agreements are 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 by the Board at a meeting held on September
27, 1995. 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 or in any of the
related service agreements or by vote of a majority of the Fund's shares.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995, the Fund (a) reimbursed
the Distributor $16,111 for payments made to Service Agents for
distributing Fund shares and servicing shareholder accounts, and (b) paid
Dreyfus $609,484 for advertising and marketing Fund shares and for
servicing shareholder accounts. In addition, the Fund paid $8,538 for
printing the Fund's prospectuses and statements of additional information
as well as implementing and operating the Plan.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to
Redeem Shares."
Check Redemption Privilege. An investor may indicate on the Account
Application or by later written request that the Fund provide Redemption
Checks ("Checks") drawn on the investor's Fund account. Checks will be
sent only to the registered owner(s) of the account and only to the address
of record. The Account Application or later written request must be
manually signed by the registered owner(s). Checks 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 the
investor's agent, will cause the Fund to redeem a sufficient number of full
and fractional shares in the investor's 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 the investor. Investors 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.
If the amount of the Check is greater than the value of the shares in
an investor's 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, the investor
authorizes the Transfer Agent to act on wire or telephone redemption
instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be the
investor, or a representative of the investor's Service Agent, 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 next business day after receipt by the Transfer Agent of the
redemption request in proper form. Redemption proceeds ($1,000 minimum)
will be transferred by Federal Reserve wire only to the commercial bank
account specified by the investor on the Account Application or Shareholder
Services Form or to a correspondent bank if the investor's bank is not a
member of the Federal Reserve System. Fees ordinarily are imposed by such
bank and usually are borne by the investor. Immediate notification by the
correspondent bank to the investor's bank is necessary to avoid a delay in
crediting the funds to the investor's bank account.
Investors with access to telegraphic equipment may wire redemption
requests to the Transfer Agent by employing the following transmittal code
which may be used for domestic or overseas transmission:
Transfer Agent's
Transmittal Code Answer Back Sign
144295 144295 TSSG PREP
Investors who do not have direct access to telegraphic equipment may
have the wire transmitted by contacting a TRT Cables operator at 1-800-654-
7171, toll free. Investors 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
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. Investors should be aware that if
they have selected the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, any request for a
wire redemption will be effected as a Dreyfus TeleTransfer transaction
through the Automated Clearing House ("ACH") system unless more prompt
transmittal specifically is requested. Redemption proceeds will be on
deposit in the investor's account at an ACH member bank ordinarily two
business days after receipt of the redemption request. See "Purchase of
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.
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. 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 sold such securities, brokerage charges would 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 deter-
mination 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
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Shareholder
Services."
Fund Exchanges. 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 that are 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"), provided that, 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, shareholders must notify
the Transfer Agent of their prior ownership of fund shares and their
account number.
To request an exchange, an investor, or an investor's Service Agent
acting on the investor's behalf, 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 the investor checks the applicable "No" box on the Account
Application, indicating that the investor specifically refuses this
Privilege. By using the Telephone Exchange Privilege, the investor
authorizes the Transfer Agent to act on telephonic instructions from any
person representing himself or herself to be the investor or a
representative of the investor's Service Agent, 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.
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.
For Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs and IRAs set up under a Simplified
Employee Pension Plan ("SEP-IRAs") with only one participant, the minimum
initial investment is $750. To exchange shares held in corporate plans,
403(b)(7) Plans and SEP-IRAs with more than one participant, the minimum
initial investment is $100 if the plan has at least $2,500 invested among
the funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. To exchange shares held in
personal retirement plans, the shares exchanged must have a current value
of at least $100.
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege. Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege
permits an investor to purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares
of another fund in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. 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 the
investor. An investor will be notified if his account falls below the
amount designated to be exchanged under this Privilege. In this case, an
investor's 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 resident 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.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits an
investor with a $5,000 minimum account to request withdrawal of a specified
dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly basis.
Withdrawal payments are the proceeds from sales of Fund shares, not the
yield on the shares. If withdrawal payments exceed reinvested dividends
and distributions, the investor's shares will be reduced and eventually may
be depleted. There is a service charge of $.50 for each withdrawal check.
Automatic Withdrawal may be terminated at any time by the investor, the
Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which stock certificates have been
issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
Dreyfus Dividend Sweep. Dreyfus Dividend Sweep allows investors to
invest on the payment date their 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 the investor is 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 that are
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"), provided that, 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.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Buy
Shares."
Valuation of Portfolio Securities. The Fund's investments are valued
by an independent pricing service (the "Service") approved by the Fund's
Board. When, in the judgment of the Service, quoted bid prices for
investments are readily available and are representative of the bid side of
the market, these investments are valued at the mean between the quoted bid
prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and
asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the
market for such securities). Other investments (which constitute a
majority of the portfolio securities) are carried at fair value as
determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration of:
yields or prices of municipal bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity
and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market
conditions. The Service may employ electronic data processing techniques
and/or a matrix system to determine valuations. The Service's procedures
are reviewed by the Fund's officers under the general supervision of the
Fund's Board. Expenses and fees, including the management fee (reduced by
the expense limitation, if any) and fees pursuant to the Service Plan, are
accrued daily and are taken into account for the purpose of determining the
net asset value of Fund shares.
New York Stock Exchange Closings. The holidays (as observed) on which
the New York Stock Exchange is closed currently are: New Year's Day,
Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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 which 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.
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.
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal years ended
October 31, 1994 and 1995 was 24.56% and 65.91%, respectively. The Fund
anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate generally will not
exceed 100%, but the turnover rate will not be a limiting factor when the
Fund deems it desirable to sell or purchase securities. Therefore,
depending upon market conditions, the Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate
may exceed 100% in particular years.
The amount of transactions during the fiscal year ended October 31,
1995 in newly issued debt instruments in fixed price public offerings
directed to an underwriter or underwriters in consideration of, among other
things, research services provided was $2,426,063.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes."
Management believes that the Fund has qualified as a "regulated
investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995, and the Fund
intends to continue to so qualify if such qualification is in the best
interests of its shareholders. As a regulated investment company, the Fund
will pay no Federal income tax on net investment income and net realized
capital gains to the extent that such income and gains are distributed to
shareholders in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. The
term "regulated investment company" does not imply the supervision of
management or investment practices or policies by any government agency.
Any dividend or distribution paid shortly after an investor's purchase
may have the effect of reducing the net asset value of his shares below the
cost of his investment. Such a distribution would be a return on the
investment in an economic sense although taxable as stated in "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes" in the Prospectus. In addition, the Code provides
that if a shareholder has not held his Fund shares for more than six months
(or such shorter period as the Internal Revenue Service may prescribe by
regulation) and has received an exempt-interest dividend with respect to
such shares, any loss incurred on the sale of such shares will be
disallowed to the extent of the exempt-interest dividend received.
Ordinarily, gains and losses realized from portfolio transactions will
be treated as capital gains or losses. However, all or a portion of any
gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain market
discount bonds will be treated as ordinary income under Section 1276 of the
Code. In addition, all or a portion of the gain realized from engaging in
"conversion transactions" may be treated as ordinary income under Section
1258 of the Code. "Conversion transactions" are defined to include certain
forward, futures, option and "straddle" transaction, transactions marketed
or sold to produce capital gains, or transactions described in Treasury
regulations to be issued in the future.
Under Section 1256 of the Code, gain or loss the Fund realizes from
certain futures and options transactions will be treated as 60% long-term
capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Gain or loss
will arise upon exercise or lapse of such futures and options as well as
from closing transactions. In addition, any such futures or options
remaining unexercised at the end of the Fund's taxable year will be treated
as sold for their then fair market value, resulting in additional gain or
loss to the Fund characterized in the manner described above.
Offsetting positions held by the Fund involving certain futures and
options transactions may be considered, for tax purposes, to constitute
"straddles." "Straddles" are defined to include "offsetting positions" in
actively traded personal property. The tax treatment of "straddles" is
governed by Sections 1092 and 1258 of the Code, which, in certain
circumstances, overrides or modifies the provisions of Section 1256 of the
Code. As such, all or a portion of any short- or long-term capital gain
from certain "straddle" transactions may be recharacterized to ordinary
income.
If the Fund were treated as entering into "straddles" by reason of its
engaging in certain futures or options transactions, such "straddles" could
be characterized as "mixed straddles" if the futures or options
transactions comprising a part of such "straddles" were governed by Section
1256 of the Code. The Fund may make one or more elections with respect to
"mixed straddles." Depending on which election is made, if any, the
results to the Fund may differ. To the extent the "straddle" rules apply
to positions established by the Fund, losses realized by the Fund will be
deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in the offsetting position.
Moreover, as a result of the "straddle" and conversion transaction rules,
short-term capital losses on "straddle" positions may be recharacterized as
long-term capital losses, and long-term capital gains may be treated as
short-term capital gains or ordinary income.
Investment by the Fund in securities issued at a discount or providing
for deferred interest or for payment of interest in the form of additional
obligations could, under special tax rules, affect the amount, timing and
character of distributions to shareholders. For example, the Fund could be
required to take into account annually a portion of the discount (or deemed
discount) at which such securities were issued and to distribute such
portion in order to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment
company. In such case, the Fund may have to dispose of securities which it
might otherwise have continued to hold in order to generate cash to satisfy
these distribution requirements.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Performance
Information."
The Fund's current yield for the 30-day period ended October 31, 1995
was 4.89%. Current yield is computed pursuant to a formula which operates
as follows: The amount of the Fund's expenses accrued for the 30-day
period (net of reimbursements) is subtracted from the amount of the
dividends and interest earned (computed in accordance with regulatory
requirements) by the Fund during the period. That result is then divided
by the product of: (a) the average daily number of shares outstanding
during the period that were entitled to receive dividends, and (b) the net
asset value per share on the last day of the period less any undistributed
earned income per share reasonably expected to be declared as a dividend
shortly thereafter. The quotient is then added to 1, and that sum is
raised to the 6th power, after which 1 is subtracted. The current yield is
then arrived at by multiplying the result by 2.
Based upon a combined 1994 Federal, New York State and New York City
effective tax rate of 47.05%, the Fund's tax equivalent yield for the
30-day period ended October 31, 1995 was 9.24%. Tax equivalent yield is
computed by dividing that portion of the current 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, New York State and New York City marginal personal income
tax rates presently in effect. For Federal personal income tax purposes, a
39.60% tax rate has been used. For New York State personal income tax
purposes, a 7.875% tax rate has been used. For New York City personal
income tax purposes, a 4.46% tax rate has been used. The tax equivalent
figure, however, does not reflect the potential effect of any local
(including, but not limited to, county, district or city, other than New
York 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.
The Fund's average annual total return for the 1, 5 and 10 year
periods ended October 31, 1995 was 12.98%, 9.12% and 8.05%, respectively.
Average annual total return is calculated by determining the ending
redeemable value of an investment purchased with a hypothetical $1,000
payment made at the beginning of the period (assuming the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions), dividing by the amount of the initial
investment, taking the "n"th root of the quotient (where "n" is the number
of years in the period) and subtracting 1 from the result.
The Fund's total return for the period from November 19, 1984 to
October 31, 1995 was 145.44%. Total return is calculated by subtracting
the amount of the Fund's net asset value per share at the beginning of a
stated period from the net asset value per share at the end of the period
(after giving effect to the reinvestment of dividends and distributions
during the period), and dividing the result by the net asset value per
share at the beginning of the period.
Certain performance figures set forth above are for periods when the
Fund's investment restrictions were different from what they are as of the
date hereof. See "Information About the Fund."
From time to time, 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.
From time to time, advertising materials for the Fund 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, statistical or other information relating to investment
companies, as compiled by industry associations such as the Investment
Company Institute, and Morningstar ratings and related analysis supporting
such rating.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "General
Information."
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 liquidation. Shares have no preemptive, subscription or
conversion rights and are freely transferable.
The Fund sends annual and semi-annual financial statements to all its
shareholders.
TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT, CUSTODIAN, COUNSEL
AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., 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, 90 Washington
Street, New York, New York 10286, is the Fund's custodian. Neither the
Transfer Agent nor The Bank of New York has any part in determining the
investment policies of the Fund or which securities are to be purchased or
sold by the Fund.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, Seven Hanover Square, New York, New York
10004-2696, 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 auditors of the Fund.
APPENDIX A
RISK FACTORS--INVESTING IN NEW YORK MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
The financial condition of New York State (the "State") and certain of
its public bodies (the "Agencies") and municipalities, particularly New
York City (the "City"), could affect the market values and marketability of
New York Municipal Obligations which may be held by the Fund. The
following information constitutes only a brief summary, does not purport to
be a complete description, and is based on information drawn from official
statements relating to securities offerings of the State, the City and the
Municipal Assistance Corporation for the City of New York ("MAC") available
as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information. While the Fund
has not independently verified such information, it has no reason to
believe that such information is not correct in all material respects.
A national recession commenced in mid-1990. The downturn continued
through the remainder of the 1990-91 fiscal year, and was followed by a
period of weak economic growth during the remainder of the 1991 calendar
year. For the calendar year 1992, the national economy continued to
recover, although at a rate below all post-war recoveries. The recession
was more severe in the State than in other parts of the nation, owing to a
significant retrenchment in the financial services industry, cutbacks in
defense spending, and an overbuilt real estate market. The State economy
remained in recession until 1993, when employment growth resumed. Since
early 1993, the State has gained approximately 100,000 jobs. The State's
economy expanded modestly during 1995. Although industries that export
goods and services abroad are expected to benefit from the lower dollar,
growth will be slowed by government cutbacks at all levels. On an average
annual basis, employment growth in 1995 was estimated to be about the same
as 1994. Both personal income and wages were estimated to have recorded
moderate gains in 1995. Employment growth is expected to slow
significantly in 1996 as the pace of national economic growth slackens,
entire industries experience consolidations, and governmental employment
continues to shrink. Personal income is estimated to increase by 4.0% in
1996.
The State's budget for the 1995-96 fiscal year was enacted by the
Legislature on June 7, 1995, more than two months after the start of the
fiscal year. Prior to adoption of the budget, the Legislature enacted
appropriations for disbursements considered to be necessary for State
operations and other purposes, including all necessary appropriations for
debt service. The State Financial Plan for 1995-96 fiscal year was
formulated on June 20, 1995 and is based on the State's budget as enacted
by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor.
The 1995-96 budget was the first to be enacted in the administration
of the Governor, who assumed office on January 1. It was the first budget
in over half a century which proposed and, as enacted, projected an
absolute year-over-decline in General Fund disbursements. Spending for
State operations was projected to drop even more sharply, by 4.6%. Nominal
spending from all State funding sources (i.e., excluding Federal aid) was
proposed to increase by only 2.5% from the prior fiscal year, in contrast
to the prior decade when such spending growth averaged more than 6.0%
annually.
In his Executive Budget, the Governor indicated that in the 1995-96
fiscal year, the State Financial Plan, based on then-current law governing
spending and revenues, would be out of balance by almost $4.7 billion, as a
result of the projected structural deficit resulting from the ongoing
disparity between sluggish growth in receipts, the effect of prior-year tax
changes, and the rapid acceleration of spending growth; the impact of
unfunded 1994-95 initiatives, primarily for local aid programs; and the use
of one-time solutions, primarily surplus funds from the prior year, to fund
recurring spending in the 1994-95 budget. The Governor proposed additional
tax cuts, to spur economic growth and provide relief for low and middle-
income tax payers, which were larger than those ultimately adopted, and
which added $240 million to the then projected imbalance or budget gap,
bringing their total to approximately $5 billion.
This gap was projected to be closed in the 1995-96 State Financial
Plan based on the enacted budget, through a series of actions, mainly
spending reductions and cost containment measures and certain reestimates
that were expected to be recurring, but also through the use of one-time
solutions.
The General Fund was projected to be balanced on a cash basis for the
1995-96 fiscal year. Total receipts and transfers from other funds were
projected to be $33.110 billion, a decrease of $48 million from total
receipts in the prior fiscal year. Total General Fund disbursements and
transfers to other funds were projected to be $33.055 billion, a decrease
of $344 million from the total amount disbursed in the prior fiscal year.
The State Financial Plan was based upon forecasts of national and
State economic activity. Economic forecasts have frequently failed to
predict accurately the timing and magnitude of changes in the national and
the State economies. Many uncertainties exist in forecasts of both the
national and State economies, including consumer attitudes toward spending,
Federal financial and monetary policies, the availability of credit and the
condition of the world economy, which could have an adverse effect on the
State. There can be no assurance that the State economy will not
experience worse-than-predicted results, with corresponding material and
adverse effects on the State's projections of receipts and disbursements.
The State issued its second quarterly update to the cash-basis 1995-96
State Financial Plan (the "Mid-Year Update") on October 26, 1995.
Revisions have been made to estimates of both receipts and disbursements
based on: (1) updated economic forecasts for both the nation and the
State, (2) an analysis of actual receipts and disbursements through the
first six months of the fiscal year, and (3) an assessment of changing
program requirements and cost savings initiatives. The Mid-Year Update
projects continued balance in the State's 1995-96 Financial Plan,with
estimated receipts reduced by a net $71 million and estimated disbursements
reduced by a net $30 million. The resulting General Fund balance decreases
to $172 million in the Mid-Year Update, reflecting the expected use of $41
million from the Contingency Reserve Fund for payment of litigation and
disallowance expenses.
On October 2, 1995, the State Comptroller released a report entitled
"Comptroller's Report on the Financial Condition of New York State 1995" in
which he identified several risks to the State Financial Plan and
reaffirmed his estimate that the State faces a potential imbalance in
receipts and disbursements of at least $2.7 billion for the State's 1996-97
fiscal year and at least $3.9 billion for the State's 1997-98 fiscal year.
There can be no assurance that the State will not face substantial
potential budget gaps in future years resulting from a significant
disparity between tax revenues projected from a lower recurring receipts
base and the spending required to maintain State programs at current
levels. To address any potential budgetary imbalance, the State may need
to take significant actions to align recurring receipts and disbursements
in future fiscal years.
On June 6, 1990, Moody's changed its ratings on all the State's
outstanding general obligation bonds from A1 to A. On March 26, 1990 and
January 13, 1992, S&P changed its ratings on all of the State's outstanding
general obligation bonds from AA- to A and from A to A-, respectively. In
February 1991, Moody's lowered its rating on the City's general obligation
bonds from A to Baa1 and in July 1995, S&P lowered its rating on such bonds
from A- to BBB+. Ratings reflect only the respective views of such
organizations, and their concerns about the financial condition of New York
State and City, the debt load of the State and City and any economic
uncertainties about the region. There is no assurance that a particular
rating will continue for any given period of time or that any such rating
will not be revised downward or withdrawn entirely if, in the judgment of
the agency originally establishing the rating, circumstances so warrant.
(1) The State, Agencies and Other Municipalities. During the mid-
1970s, some of the Agencies and municipalities (in particular, the City)
faced extraordinary financial difficulties, which affected the State's own
financial condition. These events, including a default on short-term notes
issued by the New York State Urban Development Corporation ("UDC") in
February 1975, which default was cured shortly thereafter, and a
continuation of the financial difficulties of the City, created substantial
investor resistance to securities issued by the State and by some of its
municipalities and Agencies. For a time, in late 1975 and early 1976,
these difficulties resulted in a virtual closing of public credit markets
for State and many State related securities.
In response to the financial problems confronting it, the State
developed and implemented programs for its 1977 fiscal year that included
the adoption of a balanced budget on a cash basis (a deficit of $92 million
that actually resulted was financed by issuing notes that were paid during
the first quarter of the State's 1978 fiscal year). In addition,
legislation was enacted limiting the occurrence of additional so-called
"moral obligation" and certain other Agency debt, which legislation does
not, however, apply to MAC debt.
State Financial Plan--GAAP-Basis Results--1995-96 Update. The State
issued its first update to the GAAP-basis Financial Plan for the State's
1995-96 fiscal year on September 1, 1995. The September GAAP-basis update
projected a General Fund operating surplus of $401 million. The prior
projection of the 1995-96 GAAP-basis State Financial Plan, issued in March
1995 as part of the 1995-96 Executive Budget, projected an operating
surplus in the General Fund of $800 million. The change to the projection
primarily reflects the impact of legislative changes to the 1995-96
Executive Budge, as well as increases in projected accruals for certain
local assistance programs (primarily Medicaid).
Total revenues in the General Fund are projected at $31.871 billion,
consisting of $29.625 billion in tax revenues and $2.246 billion in
miscellaneous revenue. Total expenditures in the General Fund are
projected at $32.444 billion, including $22.678 billion for grants to local
governments, $8.037 billion for State operations, $1.711 billion for
general State charges, and $18 million for debt service. Compared to the
projections made in March, expenditures for grants to local governments are
substantially increased, primarily because of legislative changes to the
1995-96 Executive Budget and increased projected accruals for Medicaid.
For all governmental funds, the summary GAAP-basis Financial Plan
shows an excess of revenues and other financing sources over expenditures
and other financing uses of $359 million.
GAAP-Basis Results--1994-95 Fiscal Year. The State's Combined Balance
Sheet as of March 31, 1995 showed an accumulated deficit in its combined
governmental funds of $1.666 billion reflecting liabilities of $14.778
billion and assets of $13.112 billion. This accumulated governmental funds
deficit includes a $3.308 billion accumulated deficit in the General Fund,
as well as accumulated surpluses in the special Revenue and Debt Service
fund types of $877 million and $1.753 billion, respectively, and a $988
million accumulated deficit in the Capital Projects fund type.
The State completed its 1994-95 fiscal year with a combined
Governmental Funds operating deficit of $1.791 billion, which included
operating deficits int he General Fund of $1.426 billion, in the Capital
Projects Funds of $366 million, and in the Debt Service Funds of $38
million. There is an operating surplus in the Special Revenue Funds of $39
million.
GAAP-Basis Results--1993-94 Fiscal Year. The State reported a General Fund
operating surplus of $914 million for the 1993-94 fiscal year, as compared
to an operating surplus of $2.065 billion for the prior fiscal year. The
1993-94 fiscal year surplus reflects several major factors, including the
cash basis surplus recorded in 1993-94, the use of $671 million of the
1992-93 surplus to fund operating expenses in 1993-94, net proceeds of $575
million in bonds issued by the New York Local Government Assistance
Corporation ("LGAC") and the accumulation of a $265 million balance in the
Contingency Reserve Fund ("CRF"). Revenues increased $543 million (1.7%)
over prior fiscal year revenues with the largest increase occurring in
personal income taxes. Expenditures increased $1.659 billion (5.6%) over
the prior fiscal year, with the largest increase occurring in State aid for
social services programs.
The Special Revenue fund and Debt Service fund ended 1993-94 with
operating surpluses of $149 million and $23 million, respectively. The
Capital Projects fund ended with an operating deficit of $35 million.
GAAP-Basis Results--1992-93 Fiscal Year. The State completed its 1992-93
fiscal year with a GAAP-basis operating surplus of $2.065 billion in the
General Fund and an accumulated deficit of $2.551 billion. The Combined
Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances reported
total revenues of $31.085 billion, total expenditures of $29.337 billion,
and net other financing sources and uses of $317 million. The surplus
primarily reflects the 1992-93 cash-basis surplus and the net proceeds of
$881 million in bonds issued by LGAC.
The Special Revenue, Debt Service and Capital Projects fund types
ended the 1992-93 fiscal year with GAAP-basis operating surpluses of $131
million, $381 million, and $57 million, respectively.
State Financial Plan--Cash-Basis Results--General Fund. The General
Fund is the principal operating fund of the State and is used to account
for all financial transactions, except those required to be accounted for
in another fund. It is the State's largest fund and receives almost all
State taxes and other resources not dedicated to particular purposes.
General Fund moneys are also transferred to other funds, primarily to
support certain capital projects and debt service payments in other fund
types.
The General Fund is projected to be balanced on a cash basis for the
1995-96 fiscal year. Total receipts and transfers from other funds are
projected to be $33.110 billion, a decrease of $48 million from total
receipts in the prior fiscal year. Total General Fund disbursements and
transfers to other funds are projected to be $33.055 billion, a decrease of
$344 million from the total amount disbursed in the prior fiscal year.
New York State's financial operations have improved during recent
fiscal years. During the period 1989-90 through 1991-92, the State
incurred General Fund operating deficits that were closed with receipts
from the issuance of tax and revenue anticipation notes ("TRANs"). First,
the national recession, and then the lingering economic slowdown in the New
York and regional economy, resulted in repeated shortfalls in receipts and
three budget deficits. For its 1992-93, 1993-94 and 1994-95 fiscal years,
the State recorded balanced budgets on a cash basis, with substantial fund
balances in 1992-93 and 1993-94, and smaller fund balance in 1994-95, as
described below.
New York State ended its 1994-95 fiscal year with the General fund in
balance. The closing fund balance of $158 million reflects $157 million in
the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund and $1 million in the Contingency
Reserve Fund ("CRF"). The CRF was established in State Fiscal year 1993-
94, funded partly with surplus monies, to assist the State in financing the
1994-95 fiscal year costs of extraordinary litigation known or anticipated
at that time; the opening fund balance in State fiscal year 1994-95 was
$265 million. The $241 million change in the fund balance reflects the use
of $264 million in the CRF as planned, as well as the required deposit of
$23 million to the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund. In addition, $278
million was on deposit in the tax refund reserve account, $250 million of
which was deposited at the end of the State's 1994-95 fiscal year to
continue the process of restructuring the State's cash flow as part of the
New York Local Government Assistance Corporation ("LGAC") program.
Compared to the State Financial Plan for 1994-1995 as formulated on
June 16, 1994, reported receipts fell short of original projections by
$1.163 billion, primarily in the categories of personal income and business
taxes. Of this amount, the personal income tax accounts for $800 million,
reflecting weak estimated tax collections and lower withholding due to
reduced wage and salary growth, more severe reductions in brokerage
industry bonuses than projected earlier, and deferral of capital gains
realizations in anticipation of potential Federal tax changes. Business
taxes fell short by $373 million, primarily reflecting lower payments from
banks as substantial overpayments of 1993 liability depressed net
collections in the 1994-95 fiscal year. These shortfalls were offset by
better performance in the remaining taxes, particularly the user taxes and
fees, which exceeded projections by $210 million. Of this amount, $277
million was attributable to certain restatements for accounting treatment
purposes pertaining to the CRF and LGAC; these restatements had no impact
on balance in the General Fund.
Disbursements were also reduced from original projections by $848
million. After adjusting for the net impact of restatements relating to
the CRF and LGAC which raised disbursements by $38 million, the variance is
$886 million. Well over two-thirds of this variance is in the category of
grants to local governments, primarily reflecting the conservative nature
of the original estimates of projected costs for social services and other
programs. Lower education costs are attributable to the availability of
$110 million in additional lottery proceeds and the use of LGAC bond
proceeds.
The spending reductions also reflect $188 million in actions initiated
in January 1995 by the Governor to reduce spending to avert a potential gap
in the 1994-95 State Financial Plan. These actions included savings from a
hiring freeze, halting the development of certain services, and the
suspension of non-essential capital projects. These actions, together with
$71 million in other measures comprised the Governor's $259 million gap-
closing plan, submitted to the Legislature in connection with the 1995-96
Executive Budget.
The State ended its 1993-94 fiscal year with a balance of $1.140
billion in the tax refund reserve account, $265 million in the CRF and $134
million in its tax stabilization reserve fund. These fund balances were
primarily the result of an improving national economy, State employment
growth, tax collections that exceeded earlier projections and disbursements
that were below expectations.
Before the deposit of $1.140 billion in the tax refund reserve
account, General Fund receipts in 1993-94 exceeded those originally
projected when the State Financial Plan for the year was formulated on
April 16, 1993 by $1.002 billion. Greater-than-expected receipts in the
personal income tax, the bank tax, the corporation franchise tax and the
estate tax accounted for most of this variance, and more than offset
weaker-than-projected collections from the sales and use tax and
miscellaneous receipts. The higher receipts resulted, in part, because the
New York economy performed better than forecasted. Employment growth
started in the first quarter of the State's 1993-94 year, and although this
lagged the national economic recovery, the growth in New York began earlier
than forecasted. The New York economy exhibited signs of strength in the
service sector, in construction, and in trade.
Disbursements and transfer from the General Fund were $303 million
below the level projected in April 1993, an amount that would have been
$423 million had the State not accelerated the payment of Medicaid
billings, which in the April 1993 State Financial Plan were planned to be
deferred into the 1994-95 fiscal year. Compared to the estimates included
in the State Financial Plan formulated in April 1993, disbursements were
lower for Medicaid, capital projects, and debt service (due to refundings).
In addition, $114 million of school and payments were funded from the
proceeds of LGAC bonds. Disbursements were higher-than-expected for
general support for public schools. The State also made the first of six
required payments to the State of Delaware related to the settlement of
Delaware's litigation against the State regarding the disposition of
abandoned property receipts.
During the 1993-94 fiscal year, the State also established and funded
the CRF as a way to assist the State in financing the cost of litigation
affecting the State. The CRF was initially funded with a transfer of $100
million attributable to the positive margin recorded in the 1992-93 fiscal
year. In addition, the State augmented this initial deposit with $132
million on debt service savings attributable to the refinancing of State
and public authority bonds during 1993-94. A year-end transfer of $36
million was also made to the CRF, which, after a disbursement for
authorized fund purposes, brought the CRF balance at the end of 1993-94 to
$265 million. This amount was $165 million higher than the amount
originally targeted for this reserve fund.
The State ended the 1992-93 fiscal year with a balance on a cash basis
of $671 million in the General Fund that was deposited in the tax refund
reserve account and $67 million in the Tax Stabilization Fund.
After reflecting a 1992-93 year-end deposit to the refund reserve
account of $671 million, reported 1992-93 General Fund receipts were $45
million higher than originally projected in April 1992. If not for that
year-end transaction, which had the effect of reducing 1992-93 receipts by
$671 million and making those receipts available in 1993-94, General Fund
receipts would have been $716 million higher than originally projected.
During its 1989-90, 1990-91 and 1991-92 fiscal years, the State
incurred cash-basis operating deficits in the General Fund of $775 million,
$1.081 billion and $575 million, respectively, prior to the issuance of
short-term TRANs, owing to lower-than-projected receipts.
Cash-Basis Results--Other Governmental Funds. Activity in the three other
governmental funds has remained relatively stable over the last three
fiscal years, with Federally-funded programs comprising approximately two-
thirds of these funds. The most significant change in the structure of
these funds has been the redirection, beginning in the 1993-94 fiscal year,
of a portion of transportation-related revenues from the General Fund to
two new dedicated funds in the Special Revenue and Capital Projects Fund
types. These revenues totalling $676 million in the 1994-95 fiscal year
were used to support the capital programs of the Department of
Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MTA").
The Special Revenue Funds account for State receipts from specific
sources that are legally restricted in use to specified purposes and
include all moneys received from the Federal government. Total receipts in
Special Revenue Funds are projected at $25.547 billion in the State's 1995-
96 fiscal year. Disbursements from Special Revenue Funds are projected to
be $26.002 billion for the State's 1995-96 fiscal year.
The Capital Projects Funds are used to finance the acquisition and
construction of major capital facilities and to aid local government units
and Agencies in financing capital constructions. Federal grants for
capital projects, largely highway-related, are projected to account for 24%
of the $4.170 billion in total projected receipts in Capital Projects Funds
in the State's 1995-96 fiscal year. Total disbursements for capital
projects are projected to be $4.160 billion during the State's 1995-96
fiscal year.
The Debt Service Funds serve to fulfill State debt service on long-
term general obligation State debt and other State lease/purchase and
contractual obligation financing commitments. Total receipts in Debt
Service Funds are projected to reach $2.409 billion in the State's 1995-96
fiscal year. Total disbursements from Debt Service Funds for debt service,
lease/purchase and contractual obligation financing commitments are
projected to be $2.506 billion for the 1995-96 fiscal year.
State Borrowing Plan. The State anticipates that its capital programs
will be financed, in part, through borrowings by the State and public
authorities in the 1995-96 fiscal year. The State expects to issue $248
million in general obligation bonds (including $70 million for purposes of
redeeming outstanding BANs) and $186 million in general obligation
commercial paper. The Legislature has also authorized the issuance of up
to $33 million in COPs during the State's 1995-96 fiscal year for equipment
purchases and $14 million for capital purposes. The projection of the
State regarding its borrowings for the 1995-96 fiscal year may change if
circumstances require.
In addition, the LGAC is authorized to provide net proceeds of up to
$529 million during the 1995-96 fiscal year to redeem notes sold in June
1995.
State Agencies. The fiscal stability of the State is related, at
least in part, to the fiscal stability of its localities and various of its
Agencies. Various Agencies have issued bonds secured, in part, by
non-binding statutory provisions for State appropriations to maintain
various debt service reserve funds established for such bonds (commonly
referred to as "moral obligation" provisions).
At September 30, 1994, there were 18 Agencies that had outstanding
debt of $100 million or more. The aggregate outstanding debt, including
refunding bonds, of these 18 Agencies was $70.3 billion as of September 30,
1994. As of March 31, 1995, aggregate Agency debt outstanding as State-
supported debt was $27.9 billion and as State-related was $36.1 billion.
Debt service on the outstanding Agency obligations normally is paid out of
revenues generated by the Agencies' projects or programs, but in recent
years the State has provided special financial assistance, in some cases on
a recurring basis, to certain Agencies for operating and other expenses and
for debt service pursuant to moral obligation indebtedness provisions or
otherwise. Additional assistance is expected to continue to be required in
future years.
Several Agencies have experienced financial difficulties in the past.
Certain Agencies continue to experience financial difficulties requiring
financial assistance from the State. Failure of the State to appropriate
necessary amounts or to take other action to permit certain Agencies to
meet their obligations could result in a default by one or more of such
Agencies. If a default were to occur, it would likely have a significant
effect on the marketability of obligations of the State and the Agencies.
These Agencies are discussed below.
The New York State Housing Finance Agency ("HFA") provides financing
for multifamily housing, State University construction, hospital and
nursing home development, and other programs. In general, HFA depends upon
mortgagors in the housing programs it finances to generate sufficient funds
from rental income, subsidies and other payments to meet their respective
mortgage repayment obligations to HFA, which provide the principal source
of funds for the payment of debt service on HFA bonds, as well as to meet
operating and maintenance costs of the projects financed. From January 1,
1976 through March 31, 1987, the State was called upon to appropriate a
total of $162.8 million to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve
funds of HFA pursuant to moral obligation provisions. The State has not
been called upon to make such payments since the 1986-87 fiscal year and no
payments are anticipated during the 1995-96 fiscal year.
UDC has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, financial
difficulties with the housing programs it had undertaken prior to 1975,
because a substantial number of these housing program mortgagors are unable
to make full payments on their mortgage loans. Through a subsidiary, UDC
is currently attempting to increase its rate of collection by accelerating
its program of foreclosures and by entering into settlement agreements.
UDC has been, and will remain, dependent upon the State for appropriations
to meet its operating expenses. The State also has appropriated money to
assist in the curing of a default by UDC on notes which did not contain the
State's moral obligation provision.
The MTA oversees New York City's subway and bus lines by its
affiliates, the New York City Transit Authority and the Manhattan and Bronx
Surface Transit Operating Authority (collectively, the "TA"). Through
MTA's subsidiaries, the Long Island Rail Road Company, the Metro-North
Commuter Railroad Company and the Metropolitan Suburban Bus Authority, the
MTA operates certain commuter rail and bus lines in the New York
metropolitan area. In addition, the Staten Island Rapid Transit Authority,
an MTA subsidiary, operates a rapid transit line on Staten Island. Through
its affiliated agency, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (the
"TBTA"), the MTA operates certain toll bridges and tunnels. Because fare
revenues are not sufficient to finance the mass transit portion of these
operations, the MTA has depended and will continue to depend for operating
support upon a system of State, local government and TBTA support and, to
the extent available, Federal operating assistance, including loans, grants
and subsidies. If current revenue projections are not realized and/or
operating expenses exceed current projections, the TA or commuter railroads
may be required to seek additional State assistance, raise fares or take
other actions.
Over the past several years the State has enacted several
taxes--including a surcharge on the profits of banks, insurance
corporations and general business corporations doing business in the
12-county region (the "Metropolitan Transportation Region") served by the
MTA and a special .25% regional sales and use tax--that provide additional
revenues for mass transit purposes, including assistance to the MTA. In
addition, since 1987, State law has required that the proceeds of .25%
mortgage recording tax paid on certain mortgages in the Metropolitan
Transportation Region be deposited in a special MTA fund for operating or
capital expenses. Further, in 1993, the State dedicated a portion of
certain additional State petroleum business tax receipts to fund operating
or capital assistance to the MTA. For the 1995-96 State fiscal year, total
State assistance to the MTA is estimated at approximately $1.1 billion.
In 1981, the State Legislature authorized procedures for the adoption,
approval and amendment of a five-year plan for the capital program designed
to upgrade the performance of the MTA's transportation systems and to
supplement, replace and rehabilitate facilities and equipment, and also
granted certain additional bonding authorization therefor.
On April 5, 1993, the Legislature approved, and the Governor
subsequently signed into law, legislation authorizing a five-year $9.56
billion capital plan for the MTA for 1992-1996. The MTA has received
approval of the 1992-1996 Capital Program based on this legislation from
the MTA Capital Program Review Board (the "CPRB"), as State law requires.
This is the third five-year plan since the Legislature authorized
procedures for the adoption, approval and amendment of a five-year plan in
1981 for a capital program designed to upgrade the performance of the MTA's
transportation systems and to supplement, replace and rehabilitate
facilities and equipment. The MTA, the TBTA and the TA are collectively
authorized to issue an aggregate of $3.1 billion of bonds (net of certain
statutory exclusions) to finance a portion of the 1992-96 Capital Program.
The 1992-96 Capital Program was expected to be financed in significant part
through dedication of the State petroleum business tax receipts.
There can be no assurance that such governmental actions will be
taken, that sources currently identified will not be decreased or
eliminated, or that the 1992-1996 Capital Program will not be delayed or
reduced. If the MTA capital program is delayed or reduced because of
funding shortfalls or other factors, ridership and fare revenues may
decline, which could, among other things, impair the MTA's ability to meet
its operating expenses without additional State assistance.
The cities, towns, villages and school districts of the State are
political subdivisions of the State with the powers granted by the State
Constitution and statutes. As the sovereign, the State retains broad
powers and responsibilities with respect to the government, finances and
welfare of these political subdivisions, especially in education and social
services. In recent years the State has been called upon to provide added
financial assistance to certain localities.
Other Localities. Certain localities in addition to the City could
have financial problems leading to requests for additional State assistance
during the State's 1995-96 fiscal year and thereafter. The potential
impact on the State of such actions by localities is not included in the
projections of the State receipts and disbursements in the State's 1995-96
fiscal year.
Municipalities and school districts have engaged in substantial
short-term and long-term borrowings. In 1993, the total indebtedness of
all localities in the State, other than the City, was approximately $17.7
billion. A small portion (approximately $105 million) of this indebtedness
represented borrowing to finance budgetary deficits and was issued pursuant
to enabling State legislation. State law requires the Comptroller to
review and make recommendations concerning the budgets of those local
government units other than the City authorized by State law to issue debt
to finance deficits during the period that such deficit financing is
outstanding. Fifteen localities had outstanding indebtedness for deficit
financing at the close of their fiscal year ending in 1993.
Certain proposed Federal expenditure reductions would reduce, or in
some cases eliminate, Federal funding of some local programs and
accordingly might impose substantial increased expenditure requirements on
affected localities to increase local revenues to sustain those
expenditures. If the State, the City or any of the Agencies were to suffer
serious financial difficulties jeopardizing their respective access to the
public credit markets, the marketability of notes and bonds issued by
localities within the State could be adversely affected. Localities also
face anticipated and potential problems resulting from certain pending
litigation, judicial decisions and long-range economic trends. The
longer-range, potential problems of declining city population, increasing
expenditures and other economic trends could adversely affect localities
and require increasing State assistance in the future.
Because of significant fiscal difficulties experienced from time to
time by the City of Yonkers, a Financial Control Board was created by the
State in 1984 to oversee Yonkers' fiscal affairs. Future actions taken by
the Governor or the State Legislature to assist Yonkers in this crisis
could result in the allocation of State resources in amounts that cannot
yet be determined.
Certain litigation pending against the State or its officers or
employees could have a substantial or long-term adverse effect on State
finances. Among the more significant of these litigations are those that
involve: (i) the validity and fairness of agreements and treaties by which
various Indian tribes transferred title to the State of approximately six
million acres of land in central New York; (ii) certain aspects of the
State's Medicaid rates and regulations, including reimbursements to
providers of mandatory and optional Medicaid services; (iii) contamination
in the Love Canal area of Niagara Falls; (iv) a challenge to the State's
practice of reimbursing certain Office of Mental Health patient-care
expenses with clients' Social Security benefits; (v) a challenge to the
methods by which the State reimburses localities for the administrative
costs of food stamp programs; (vi) a challenge to the State's possession
of certain funds taken pursuant to the State's Abandoned Property law;
(vii) alleged responsibility of State officials to assist in remedying
racial segregation in the City of Yonkers; (viii) an action, in which the
State is a third party defendant, for injunctive or other appropriate
relief, concerning liability for the maintenance of stone groins
constructed along certain areas of Long Island's shoreline; (ix) actions
challenging the constitutionality of legislation enacted during the 1990
legislative session which changed the actuarial funding methods for
determining contributions to State employee retirement systems; (x) an
action against State and City officials alleging that the present level of
shelter allowance for public assistance recipients is inadequate under
statutory standards to maintain proper housing; (xi) an action challenging
legislation enacted in 1990 which had the effect of deferring certain
employer contributions to the State Teachers' Retirement System and
reducing State aid to school districts by a like amount; (xii) a challenge
to the constitutionality of financing programs of the Thruway Authority
authorized by Chapters 166 and 410 of the Laws of 1991 (described below in
this Part); (xiii) a challenge to the constitutionality of financing
programs of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Thruway
Authority authorized by Chapter 56 of the Laws of 1993 (described below in
this Part); (xiv) challenges to the delay by the State Department of Social
Services in making two one-week Medicaid payments to the service providers;
(xv) challenges by commercial insurers, employee welfare benefit plans, and
health maintenance organizations to provisions of Section 2807-c of the
Public Health Law which impose 13%, 11% and 9% surcharges on inpatient
hospital bills and a bad debt and charity care allowance on all hospital
bills paid by such entities; (xvi) challenges to the promulgation of the
State's proposed procedure to determine the eligibility for and nature of
home care services for Medicaid recipients; (xvii) a challenge to State
implementation of a program which reduces Medicaid benefits to certain
home-relief recipients; and (xviii) challenges to the rationality and
retroactive application of State regulations recelebrating nursing home
Medicaid rates.
Adverse developments or decisions in such cases could affect the
ability of the State to maintain a balanced 1995-96 State Financial Plan.
(2) New York City. In the mid-1970s, the City had large accumulated
past deficits and until recently was not able to generate sufficient tax
and other ongoing revenues to cover expenses in each fiscal year. However,
the City's operating results for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1995 were
balanced in accordance with GAAP, the thirteenth consecutive year in which
the City achieved balanced operating results in accordance with GAAP. The
City's ability to maintain balanced operating results in future years is
subject to numerous contingencies and future developments.
The City's economy, whose rate of growth slowed substantially over the
past three years, is currently in recession. During the 1990 and 1991
fiscal years, as a result of the slowing economy, the City has experienced
significant shortfalls in almost all of its major tax sources and increases
in social services costs, and has been required to take actions to close
substantial budget gaps in order to maintain balanced budgets in accordance
with the Financial Plan.
In 1975, the City became unable to market its securities and entered a
period of extraordinary financial difficulties. In response to this
crisis, the State created MAC to provide financing assistance to the City
and also enacted the New York State Financial Emergency Act for the City of
New York (the "Emergency Act") which, among other things, created the
Financial Control Board (the "Control Board") to oversee the City's
financial affairs and facilitate its return to the public credit markets.
The State also established the Office of the State Deputy Comptroller
("OSDC") to assist the Control Board in exercising its powers and
responsibilities. On June 30, 1986, the Control Board's powers of approval
over the City Financial Plan were suspended pursuant to the Emergency Act.
However, the Control Board, MAC and OSDC continue to exercise various
monitoring functions relating to the City's financial condition. The City
prepares and operates under a four-year financial plan which is submitted
annually to the Control Board for review and which the City periodically
updates.
The City's independently audited operating results for each of its
fiscal years from 1981 through 1995 show a General Fund surplus reported in
accordance with GAAP. The City has eliminated the cumulative deficit in
its net General Fund position.
According to a recent OSDC economic report, the City's economy was
slow to recover from the recession and is expected to experience a weak
employment situation, and moderate wage and income growth, during the 1995-
96 period. Also, Financial Plan reports of OSDC, the Control Board, and
the City Comptroller have variously indicated that many of the City's
balanced budgets have been accomplished, in part, through the use of non-
recurring resource, tax and fee increases, personnel reductions and
additional State assistance; that the City has not yet brought its long-
term expenditures in line with recurring revenues; that the City's proposed
gap-closing programs, if implemented, would narrow future budget gaps; that
these programs tend to rely heavily on actions outside the direct control
of the City; and that the City is therefore likely to continue to face
futures projected budget gaps requiring the City to reduce expenditures
and/or increase revenues. According to the most recent staff reports of
OSDC, the Control Board and the City Comptroller during the four-year
period covered by the current Financial Plan, the City is relying on
obtaining substantial resources from initiatives needing approval and
cooperation of its municipal labor unions, Covered Organizations, and City
Council, as well as the State and Federal governments, among others, and
there can be no assurance that such approval can be obtained.
The City requires certain amounts of financing for seasonal and
capital spending purposes. The City has issued $1.75 billion of notes for
seasonal financing purposes during the 1994 fiscal year. The City's
capital financing program projects long-term financing requirements of
approximately $17 billion for the City's fiscal years 1995 through 1998 for
the construction and rehabilitation of the City's infrastructure and other
fixed assets. The major capital requirement include expenditures for the
City's water supply system, and waste disposal systems, roads, bridges,
mass transit, schools and housing. In addition, the City and the Municipal
Water Finance Authority issued about $1.8 billion in refunding bonds in the
1994 fiscal year.
State Economic Trends. The State historically has been one of the
wealthiest states in the nation. For decades, however, the State has grown
more slowly than the nation as a whole, gradually eroding its relative
economic position. Statewide, urban centers have experienced significant
changes involving migration of the more affluent to the suburbs and an
influx of generally less affluent residents. Regionally, the older
Northeast cities have suffered because of the relative success that the
South and the West have had in attracting people and business. The City
has also had to face greater competition as other major cities have
developed financial and business capabilities which make them less
dependent on the specialized services traditionally available almost
exclusively in the City.
During the 1982-83 recession, overall economic activity in the State
declined less than that of the nation as a whole. However, in the calendar
years 1984 through 1991, the State's rate of economic expansion was
somewhat slower than that of the nation. In the 1990-91 recession, the
economy of the State, and that of the rest of the Northeast, was more
heavily damaged than that of the nation as a whole and has been slower to
recover. The total employment growth rate in the State has been below the
national average since 1984. The unemployment rate in the State dipped
below the national rate in the second half of 1981 and remained lower until
1991; since then, it has been higher. According to data published by the
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, during the past ten years, total personal
income in the State rose slightly faster than the national average only
from 1986 through 1988.
APPENDIX B
Description of Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"), Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and Fitch Investors Service, L.P.
("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 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.
A
Principal and interest payments on bonds in this category are regarded
as safe. This rating describes the third strongest capacity for payment of
debt service. It differs from the two higher ratings because:
General Obligation Bonds -- There is some weakness in the local
economic base, in debt burden, in the balance between revenues and
expenditures, or in quality of management. Under certain adverse
circumstances, any one such weakness might impair the ability of the issuer
to meet debt obligations at some future date.
Revenue Bonds -- Debt service coverage is good, but not exceptional.
Stability of the pledged revenues could show some variations because of
increased competition or economic influences on revenues. Basic security
provisions, while satisfactory, are less stringent. Management performance
appears adequate.
BBB
Of the investment grade, this is the lowest.
General Obligation Bonds -- Under certain adverse conditions, several
of the above factors could contribute to a lesser capacity for payment of
debt service. The difference between "A" and "BBB" rating is that the
latter shows more than one fundamental weakness, or one very substantial
fundamental weakness, whereas the former shows only one deficiency among
the factors considered.
Revenue Bonds -- Debt coverage is only fair. Stability of the pledged
revenues could show substantial variations, with the revenue flow possibly
being subject to erosion over time. Basic security provisions are no more
than adequate. Management performance could be stronger.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC or C is regarded as having predominantly
speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and
repay principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the
highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some
quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
BB
Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative grade debt. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could
lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payment.
B
Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but presently has
the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial or economic conditions would likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
CCC
Debt rated CCC has a current identifiable vulnerability to default,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions
to meet timely payments of principal. In the event of adverse business,
financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the capacity to
pay interest and repay principal.
CC
The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.
C
The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating.
D
Bonds rated D are in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment
of principal is in arrears.
Plus (+) or minus (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by
the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the
major ratings categories.
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.
SP-2
The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit satisfactory capacity to
pay principal and interest.
Commercial Paper Ratings
The designation A-1 by S&P 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. Capacity for timely payment on
issues with an A-2 designation is strong. However, the relative degree of
safety is not as high as for issues designated A-1.
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.
A
Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium-grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in
the future.
Baa
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain
protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable
over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba
Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and therefore not
well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B
Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may
be small.
Caa
Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Ca
Bonds which are rated Ca present obligations which are speculative in
a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C
Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
Moody's applies the numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to show relative
standing within the major rating categories, except in the Aaa category and
in the categories below B. The modifier 1 indicates a ranking for the
security in the higher end of a rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end
of a rating category.
Municipal Note Ratings
Moody's ratings for state 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 alternative liquidity.
Issuers (or related supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 (P-2) have
a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This
ordinarily will be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but
to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will
be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still
appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate
liquidity is maintained.
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+.
A
Bonds rated A are considered to be investment grade and of high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in
economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB
Bonds rated BBB are considered to be investment grade and of
satisfactory credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic
conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse
impact on these bonds and, therefore, impair timely payment. The
likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade
is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
BB
Bonds rated BB are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to
pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse
economic changes. However, business and financial alternatives can be
identified which could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service
requirements.
B
Bonds rated B are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this
class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of
continued timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's
limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic
activity throughout the life of the issue.
CCC
Bonds rated CCC have certain identifiable characteristics, which, if
not remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations
requires an advantageous business and economic environment.
CC
Bonds rated CC are minimally protected. Default in payment of
interest and/or principal seems probable over time.
C
Bonds rated C are in imminent default in payment of interest or
principal.
DDD, DD and D
Bonds rated DDD, DD and D are in actual or imminent default of
interest and/or principal payments. Such bonds are extremely speculative
and should be valued on the basis of their ultimate recovery value in
liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD represents the highest
potential for recovery on these bonds and D represents the lowest potential
for recovery.
Plus (+) and minus (-) signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate
the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the AAA category covering 12-36
months or the DDD, DD or D categories.
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 payments, but the margin of safety is not as
great as the F-1+ and F-1 categories.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1995
PRINCIPAL
LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS--98.3% AMOUNT VALUE
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
NEW YORK--95.8%
Albany Industrial Development Agency:
IDR (Hampton Plaza Project) 6.25%, 3/15/2018 (a)........................ $ 5,600,000 $ 5,448,464
LR:
(New York State Assembly Building Project) 7.75%, 1/1/2010............ 3,615,000 3,975,777
(New York State Department of Health Building Project) 7.25%, 10/1/2010 1,755,000 1,870,707
Board of Cooperative Educational Services, COP (Greenport Vocational Facility
Project)
7.875%, 10/1/2000....................................................... 1,120,000 1,222,592
Buffalo and Erie Public Building Authority, Toll Bridge System Revenue
5.75%, 1/1/2025 (Insured; MBIA)......................................... 4,200,000 4,218,522
Cohoes Industrial Development Agency, IDR (Norlite Corp. Project)
6.75%, 5/1/2009 (LOC; Dresdner Bank) (b)................................ 2,400,000 2,520,120
Franklin County Solid Waste Management Authority, Solid Waste Systems Revenue
6.125%, 6/1/2009........................................................ 2,150,000 2,169,242
Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, SWDR
(Champion International Corp.) 7.20%, 12/1/2020......................... 2,000,000 2,145,480
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Service Contract,
Transportation Facilities Revenue, Refunding 5.50%, 7/1/2022............ 6,000,000 5,808,060
New York City:
7.65%, 2/1/2006......................................................... 3,000,000 3,356,250
7%, 10/1/2008........................................................... 1,750,000 1,871,870
6.25%, 8/1/2011 (Insured; FSA, Prerefunded 8/1/2002) (c)................ 1,550,000 1,728,281
6.375%, 8/15/2012....................................................... 3,395,000 3,486,665
6%, 2/15/2020 (d)....................................................... 5,500,000 5,365,580
New York City Industrial Development Agency:
Civic Facility Revenue:
(Saint Christopher Ottilie Project) 7.50%, 7/1/2021 (LOC; Allied Irish Banks) (b) 2,620,000 2,804,422
(YMCA of Greater New York Project) 8%, 8/1/2016....................... 3,300,000 3,544,959
IDR:
7.625%, 11/1/2009 (LOC; ABN Amro Bank) (b)............................ 1,285,000 1,301,101
(Plaza Packaging Corp. Project) 7.65%, 12/1/2009 (LOC; Barclays Bank) (b) 2,640,000 2,800,486
Special Facility Revenue:
(Terminal One Group Association Project):
6%, 1/1/2015...................................................... 4,375,000 4,303,687
6%, 1/1/2019...................................................... 3,600,000 3,526,884
6.125%, 1/1/2024.................................................. 9,000,000 8,915,580
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System
Revenue:
5.50%, 6/15/2015 (Insured: MBIA)........................................ 5,000,000 4,943,500
5.50%, 6/15/2019........................................................ 6,990,000 6,639,871
6.125%, 6/15/2020....................................................... 5,000,000 5,053,450
New York State, Crossover, Refunding 6.125%, 11/15/2012..................... $ 5,000,000 $ 5,201,000
New York State, GO:
5.70%, 3/15/2010........................................................ 6,060,000 6,173,867
5.70%, 8/15/2012........................................................ 1,000,000 1,009,740
5.70%, 3/15/2013........................................................ 2,000,000 2,013,840
New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenues:
City University 5.75%, 7/1/2011......................................... 5,955,000 5,914,982
Consolidated City University Systems:
2nd Generation 5.75%, 7/1/2013........................................ 5,000,000 4,920,600
5.75%, 7/1/2013....................................................... 26,005,000 25,508,304
5.75%, 7/1/2018....................................................... 2,500,000 2,427,400
Department of Health - Roswell Park Cancer 6.625%, 7/1/2024............. 2,700,000 2,788,344
State University Educational Facilities:
6.25%, 5/15/2017...................................................... 8,500,000 8,569,530
5.40%, 5/15/2023...................................................... 10,750,000 9,838,615
Refunding 5.50%, 5/15/2008............................................ 5,000,000 4,908,950
Upstate Community Colleges 7.20%, 7/1/2021 (Prerefunded 7/1/2001) (c)... 2,130,000 2,446,603
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority:
Electric Facilities Revenue:
(Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc.):
6.10%, 8/15/2020.................................................. 2,000,000 2,023,100
7.125%, 12/1/2029................................................. 2,000,000 2,192,340
(Long Island Lighting):
7.15%, 9/1/2019................................................... 3,430,000 3,499,149
7.15%, 2/1/2022................................................... 4,935,000 5,034,490
Gas Facilities Revenue 5.635%, 7/8/2026 (Insured; MBIA)................. 6,000,000 5,783,760
New York State Environmental Facilities Corp.:
PCR (State Water Revolving Fund):
7.25%, 6/15/2010...................................................... 1,300,000 1,453,933
7.20%, 3/15/2011...................................................... 4,500,000 4,956,660
7.50%, 6/15/2012...................................................... 2,000,000 2,245,460
6.30%, 3/15/2016...................................................... 5,200,000 5,466,292
Special Obligation Revenue (Riverbank State Park) 7.25%, 4/1/2012....... 2,500,000 2,704,700
Water Facilities Revenue (New Rochelle Water Co. Project) 6.40%, 12/1/2024 2,000,000 2,022,200
New York State Housing Finance Agency, Revenue:
LooseStrife Fields Apartments and Fairway Manor
6.75%, 11/15/2036 (Insured; FHA)...................................... 6,000,000 6,203,940
Multi-Family Housing:
Second Mortgage 6.625%, 8/15/2012..................................... 2,500,000 2,602,525
7.75%, 11/1/2020 (Insured; AMBAC)..................................... 2,195,000 2,381,575
Service Contract Obligation 7.375%, 9/15/2021 (Prerefunded 3/15/2002) (c) 2,000,000 2,351,560
New York State Local Government Assistance Corp. 6%, 4/1/2016............... $ 4,000,000 $ 4,017,800
New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Revenue:
(Hospital & Nursing Home Insured Mortgage):
6.85%, 2/15/2012 (Insured; FHA)....................................... 3,000,000 3,215,400
6.20%, 8/15/2013 (Insured; FHA)....................................... 3,000,000 3,125,370
6.125%, 2/15/2015 (Insured; FHA)...................................... 5,170,000 5,285,705
8%, 2/15/2028 (Insured; FHA).......................................... 4,470,000 4,919,503
7.45%, 8/15/2031 (Insured; FHA)....................................... 3,000,000 3,314,400
Refunding 6.20%, 2/15/2023 (Insured; FHA)............................. 1,700,000 1,739,542
Improvement (Mental Health Services Facilities):
6.50%, 2/15/2019...................................................... 5,290,000 5,411,829
7.875%, 8/15/2020 (Prerefunded 8/15/2000) (c)......................... 1,250,000 1,463,012
6%, 2/15/2025 (Insured; MBIA)......................................... 4,400,000 4,455,308
(Long Term Health Care - Insured Program) 6.45%, 11/1/2010 (Insured; CGIC) 5,000,000 5,385,200
(Montefiore Medical Center) 5.75%, 2/15/2015 (Insured; AMBAC)........... 2,000,000 2,000,620
New York State Mortgage Agency, Revenue:
6.30%, 10/1/2017........................................................ 4,550,000 4,638,407
Homeowner Revenue:
6.60%, 10/1/2019...................................................... 3,500,000 3,613,015
6.45%, 10/1/2020...................................................... 3,740,000 3,834,809
6.65%, 4/1/2022....................................................... 2,000,000 2,062,160
7.95%, 4/1/2022....................................................... 1,950,000 2,088,138
New York State Thruway Authority:
Highway and Bridge Trust Fund 5.50%, 4/1/2015 (Insured; MBIA)........... 3,250,000 3,213,535
Service Contract Revenue (Local Highway and Bridge):
7.25%, 1/1/2010....................................................... 4,350,000 4,962,611
5.75%, 4/1/2013 (Insured: MBIA)....................................... 5,000,000 5,072,100
6.25%, 4/1/2014....................................................... 2,000,000 2,028,400
New York State Urban Development Corp., Revenue
(Alfred Technology Resources, Inc. Project) 7.875%, 1/1/2020............ 2,070,000 2,302,896
Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency, Sewer Facilities Revenue
(Bristol Meyers Squibb Co. Project) 5.75%, 3/1/2024..................... 4,000,000 3,988,520
Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, IDR (Albany International
Corp.)
7.55%, 6/1/2007......................................................... 4,000,000 4,540,720
Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facility Revenue
(Long Island Association of Children) 7.35%, 8/1/2009 (LOC; Barclays Bank) (b) 1,960,000 2,091,771
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, General Purpose Revenue
Zero Coupon, 1/1/2021................................................... 11,000,000 2,625,040
U.S. RELATED--2.5%
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority 7.50%, 7/1/2009 2,000,000 2,210,960
Guam Airport Authority, Revenue 6.60%, 10/1/2010............................ $ 2,615,000 $ 2,684,637
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue 6%, 7/1/2015............ 2,000,000 2,027,460
Puerto Rico Industrial Medical and Environmental Pollution Control
Facilities Financing Authority, Revenue, Refunding
(St Luke's Hospital Project) 6.25%, 6/1/2010.......................... 1,100,000 1,127,797
-------------
TOTAL LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
(cost $307,531,927)..................................................... $321,111,674
============
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS--1.7%
NEW YORK:
New York City, VRDN 4.05% (e)........................................... $ 3,500,000 $ 3,500,000
New York Energy Research and Development Authority, PCR (Niagara Power Corp.)
VRDN 4.05% (LOC; Morgan Guaranty Trust Co.) (b,e)..................... 2,000,000 2,000,000
-------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
(cost $5,500,000)....................................................... $ 5,500,000
============
TOTAL INVESTMENTS--100.0%
(cost $313,031,927)..................................................... $326,611,674
============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
SUMMARY OF ABBREVIATIONS
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AMBAC American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation LOC Letter of Credit
CGIC Capital Guaranty Insurance Corporation LR Lease Revenue
COP Certificate of Participation MBIA Municipal Bond Investors Assurance
FHA Federal Housing Administration Insurance Corporation
FSA Financial Security Assurance PCR Pollution Control Revenue
GO General Obligation SWDR Solid Waste Disposal Revenue
IDR Industrial Development Revenue VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY OF COMBINED RATINGS (UNAUDITED)
FITCH (F) OR MOODY'S OR STANDARD & POOR'S PERCENTAGE OF VALUE
- -------- -------- ------------------ --------------------
<S> <C> <C>
AAA Aaa AAA 26.7%
AA Aa AA 11.6
A A A 25.2
BBB Baa BBB 27.3
BB Ba BB 2.6
F-1,F-1+ VMIG1,MIG1,P1 SP1,A1 1.7
Not Rated (g) Not Rated (g) Not Rated (g) 4.9
-------
100.0%
=======
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS:
(a) Wholly held by the custodian in a segregated account as collateral
for when-issued securities.
(b) Secured by letters of credit.
(c) Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized by U.S. Government
securities which are held in escrow and are used to pay principal and
interest on the municipal issue and to retire the bonds in full at the
earliest refunding date.
(d) Purchased on a when-issued basis.
(e) Securities payable on demand. The interest rate, which is subject to
change, is based upon bank prime rates or an index of market interest
rates.
(f) Fitch currently provides creditworthiness information for a limited
number of investments.
(g) Securities which, while not rated by Fitch, Moody's or Standard &
Poor's, have been determined by the Manager to be of comparable quality
to those rated securities in which the Fund may invest.
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OCTOBER 31, 1995
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(cost $313,031,927)--see statement.................................... $326,611,674
Interest receivable..................................................... 5,499,928
Receivable for subscriptions to Common Stock............................ 30
Prepaid expenses........................................................ 9,989
-------------
332,121,621
LIABILITIES:
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation.......................................... $ 219,100
Due to Distributor...................................................... 3,544
Due to Custodian........................................................ 3,812,986
Payable for investment securities purchased............................. 5,362,225
Payable for Common Stock redeemed....................................... 2,179
Accrued expenses........................................................ 85,551 9,485,585
------------ -----------
NET ASSETS ................................................................ $322,636,036
============
REPRESENTED BY:
Paid-in capital......................................................... $306,818,055
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain on investments.............. 2,238,234
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments_Note 3........... 13,579,747
-------------
NET ASSETS at value applicable to 16,215,214 shares outstanding
(100 million shares of $.01 par value Common Stock authorized).......... $322,636,036
============
NET ASSET VALUE, offering and redemption price per share
($322,636,036 / 16,215,214 shares)...................................... $19.90
======
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1995
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
INTEREST INCOME......................................................... $19,924,771
EXPENSES:
Management fee--Note 2(a)............................................. $ 1,876,783
Shareholder servicing costs-Note 2(b)................................. 793,856
Professional fees..................................................... 50,364
Custodian fees........................................................ 36,735
Directors' fees and expenses-Note 2(c)................................ 30,084
Prospectus and shareholders' reports-Note 2(b)........................ 8,785
Registration fees..................................................... 1,567
Miscellaneous......................................................... 24,399
------------
2,822,573
Less-reduction in management fee due to undertakings-Note 2(a)........ 130,377
------------
TOTAL EXPENSES.................................................. 2,692,196
------------
INVESTMENT INCOME--NET.......................................... 17,232,575
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized gain on investments--Note 3................................ $ 2,243,540
Net unrealized appreciation on investments.............................. 19,145,760
------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS................. 21,389,300
------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS........................ $38,621,875
===========
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
---------------------------------
1994 1995
-------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Investment income-net.................................................. $ 20,263,846 $ 17,232,575
Net realized gain on investments....................................... 1,906,458 2,243,540
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments for the year. (46,196,850) 19,145,760
-------------- ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS...... (24,026,546) 38,621,875
-------------- ------------
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Investment income--net................................................. (20,385,019) (17,232,575)
Net realized gain on investments....................................... (5,588,704) (1,910,351)
-------------- ------------
TOTAL DIVIDENDS...................................................... (25,973,723) (19,142,926)
-------------- ------------
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from shares sold.......................................... 178,945,529 230,231,287
Dividends reinvested................................................... 19,895,760 14,084,296
Cost of shares redeemed................................................ (254,981,061) (249,154,107)
-------------- ------------
(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS............. (56,139,772) (4,838,524)
-------------- ------------
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS.......................... (106,140,041) 14,640,425
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year...................................................... 414,135,652 307,995,611
-------------- ------------
End of year............................................................ $ 307,995,611 $ 322,636,036
============= ==============
SHARES SHARES
-------------- ------------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold............................................................ 8,859,506 11,893,105
Shares issued for dividends reinvested................................. 980,345 735,731
Shares redeemed........................................................ (12,633,641) (12,857,380)
-------------- ------------
NET (DECREASE) IN SHARES OUTSTANDING................................. (2,793,790) (228,544)
============= ==============
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Reference is made to page 4 of the Prospectus, dated March 1, 1996.
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Act")
as a non-diversified open-end management investment company. Premier Mutual
Fund Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") acts as the distributor of the Fund's
shares, which are sold to the public without a sales load. The Distributor,
located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FDI Distribution Services, Inc., a provider of mutual fund
administration services, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FDI
Holdings, Inc., the parent company of which is Boston Institutional Group,
Inc. The Dreyfus Corporation ("Manager") serves as the Fund's investment
adviser. The Manager is a direct subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A.
(A) PORTFOLIO VALUATION: The Fund's investments (excluding options and
financial futures on municipal and U.S. treasury securities) are valued each
business day by an independent pricing service ("Service") approved by the
Board of Directors. Investments for which quoted bid prices are readily
available and are representative of the bid side of the market in the
judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices
(as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices
(as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for
such securities). Other investments (which constitute a majority of the
portfolio securities) are carried at fair value as determined by the Service,
based on methods which include consideration of: yields or prices of
municipal securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type;
indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. Options
and financial futures on municipal and U.S. treasury securities are valued at
the last sales price on the securities exchange on which such securities are
primarily traded or at the last sales price on the national securities market
on each business day. Investments not listed on an exchange or the national
securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are
valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. Bid price is
used when no asked price is available.
(B) SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities
transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gain and loss from
securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest
income, adjusted for amortization of premiums and original issue discounts on
investments, is earned from settlement date and recognized on the accrual
basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed-delivery
basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date.
The Fund follows an investment policy of investing primarily in municipal
obligations of one state. Economic changes affecting the state and certain of
its public bodies and municipalities may affect the ability of issuers within
the state to pay interest on, or repay principal of, municipal obligations
held by the Fund.
(C) DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS: It is the policy of the Fund to declare
dividends daily from investment income-net. Such dividends are paid monthly.
Dividends from net realized capital gain are normally declared and paid
annually, but the Fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to
comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. To
the extent that net realized capital gain can be offset by capital loss
carryovers, if any, it is the policy of the Fund not to distribute such gain.
(D) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: It is the policy of the Fund to continue to
qualify as a regulated investment company, which can distribute tax exempt
dividends, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code, and to make distributions of income and net realized capital
gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all Federal income and
excise taxes.
NOTE 2--MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:
(A) Pursuant to a management agreement ("Agreement") with the Manager,
the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .60 of 1% of the average
daily value of the Fund's net assets and is payable monthly. The Agreement
provides for an expense reimbursement from the Manager should the Fund's
aggregate expenses, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings and
extraordinary expenses, exceed 1 1/2% of the average value of the Fund's net
assets for any full fiscal year. However, the Manager had undertaken, from
November 1, 1994 through April 13, 1995, to reduce the management fee paid by
the Fund, to the extent that the Fund's aggregate expenses (exclusive of
certain expenses as described above) exceeded specified annual percentages of
the Fund's average daily net assets. The reduction in management fee,
pursuant to the undertakings, amounted to $130,377 for the year ended October
31, 1995.
(B) Under a Service Plan (the "Plan") adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the Act, the Fund (a) reimburses the Distributor for payments to
certain Service Agents for distributing the Fund's shares and servicing
shareholder accounts ("Servicing") and (b) pays the Manager, Dreyfus Service
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, and any affiliate of
either of them (collectively, "Dreyfus") for advertising and marketing
relating to the Fund and for Servicing, at an aggregate annual rate of .20 of
1% of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. Each of the
Distributor and Dreyfus may pay one or more Service Agents a fee in respect
of the Fund's shares owned by shareholders with whom the Service Agent has a
Servicing relationship or for whom the Service Agent is the dealer or holder
of record. Each of the Distributor and Dreyfus determine the amounts, if any,
to be paid to Service Agents under the Plan and the basis on which such
payments are made. The fees payable under the Plan are payable without regard
to actual expenses incurred. The Plan also separately provides for the Fund
to bear the costs of preparing, printing and distributing certain of the
Fund's prospectuses and statements of additional information and costs
associated with implementing and operating the Plan, not to exceed the
greater of $100,000 or .005 of 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets for
any full fiscal year. During the year ended October 31, 1995, $634,133 was
charged to the Fund pursuant to the Plan.
(C) Each director who is not an "affiliated person" as defined in the Act
receives from the Fund an annual fee of $2,500 and an attendence fee of $500
per meeting. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional 25% of such
compensation.
NOTE 3--SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities
amounted to $402,501,287 and $400,792,117, respectively, for the year ended
October 31, 1995, and consisted entirely of long-term and short-term
municipal investments.
At October 31, 1995, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on
investments was $13,579,747, consisting of $14,133,639 gross unrealized
appreciation and $553,892 gross unrealized depreciation.
At October 31, 1995, the cost of investments for Federal income tax
purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting
purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc., including the statement of
investments, as of October 31, 1995, and the related statement of operations
for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of
the two years in the period then ended, and financial highlights for each of
the years indicated therein. These financial statements and financial
highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial
highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and
financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures
in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of
securities owned as of October 31, 1995 by correspondence with the custodian
and brokers. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights
referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. at October 31, 1995,
the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net
assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial
highlights for each of the indicated years, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
[Ernst & Young LLP Signature]
New York, New York
November 30, 1995
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
_________________________
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List
_______ _________________________________________
(a) Financial Statements:
Included in Part A of the Registration Statement
Condensed Financial Information for each of the ten years in
the period ended October 31, 1995.
Included in Part B of the Registration Statement:
Statement of Investments--October 31, 1995.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities--October 31, 1995.
Statement of Operations--year ended October 31, 1995.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets--for each of the
years ended October 31, 1994 and October 31, 1995.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors, dated
November 30, 1995.
Schedules No. I through VII and other financial statement information, for
which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, are either omitted because they are not
required under the related instructions, they are inapplicable, or the
required information is presented in the financial statements or notes
thereto which are included in Part B of the Registration Statement.
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List (continued)
_______ _____________________________________________________
(b) Exhibits:
(1) Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and Articles of Amendment.
(2) Registrant's By-Laws, as amended.
(5) Management Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (5)
of Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement
on Form N-1A, filed on December 30, 1994.
(6)(a) Distribution Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
(6)(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 30, 1994.
(6)(b) Forms of Service Agreements are incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (6)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 30, 1994.
(8)(a) Amended and Restated Custody Agreement is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 8(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on January 18,
1994.
(8)(b) Sub-Custodian Agreements are incorporated by reference to Exhibit
8(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on January 18, 1994.
(10) Opinion and consent of Registrant's counsel is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (10) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on December 30,
1994.
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors.
(15) Service Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (15) of Post-
Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A, filed on December 30, 1994.
(16) Schedules of Computation of Performance Data are incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (16) of Post-effective Amendment No. 16 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January 18, 1994.
(17) Financial Data Schedule.
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List (continued)
_______ _____________________________________________________
Other Exhibits
______________
(a) Powers of Attorney is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the
Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on
December 30, 1994.
(b) Certificate of Secretary.
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
_______ ______________________________________________________________
Not Applicable
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities.
_______ ________________________________
(1) (2)
Number of Record
Title of Class Holders as of February 1, 1996
______________ _______________________________
Common Stock 6,812
(Par value $.01)
Item 27. Indemnification
_______ _______________
The Statement as to the general effect of any contract,
arrangements or statute under which a director, officer,
underwriter or affiliated person of the Registrant is insured or
indemnified in any manner against any liability which may be
incurred in such capacity, other than insurance provided by any
director, officer, affiliated person or underwriter for their own
protection, is incorporated by reference to Item 4 of Part II of
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 10 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, filed on December 22, 1989.
Reference is also made to the Distribution Agreement is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (6)(2) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 17 to the Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A,
filed on December 30, 1994.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.
_______ ____________________________________________________
The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") and subsidiary companies
comprise a financial service organization whose business consists
primarily of providing investment management services as the
investment adviser and manager for sponsored investment companies
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and as an
investment adviser to institutional and individual accounts.
Dreyfus also serves as sub-investment adviser to and/or
administrator of other investment companies. Dreyfus Service
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, serves primarily
as a registered broker-dealer of shares of investment companies
sponsored by Dreyfus and of other investment companies for which
Dreyfus acts as investment adviser, sub-investment adviser or
administrator. Dreyfus Management, Inc., another wholly-owned
subsidiary, provides investment management services to various
pension plans, institutions and individuals.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser (continued)
________ ________________________________________________________________
Officers and Directors of Investment Adviser
____________________________________________
Name and Position
with Dreyfus Other Businesses
_________________ ________________
MANDELL L. BERMAN Real estate consultant and private investor
Director 29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 370
Southfield, Michigan 48034;
Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
Skillman Foundation.
Member of The Board of Vintners Intl.
FRANK V. CAHOUET Chairman of the Board, President and
Director Chief Executive Officer:
Mellon Bank Corporation****
Mellon Bank, N.A.****
Director:
Avery Dennison Corporation
150 North Orange Grove Boulevard
Pasadena, California 91103;
Saint-Gobain Corporation
750 East Swedesford Road
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19482;
Teledyne, Inc.
1901 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, California 90067
ALVIN E. FRIEDMAN Senior Adviser to Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.
Director 535 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022;
Director and member of the Executive
Committee of Avnet, Inc.**
LAWRENCE M. GREENE Director:
Director Dreyfus America Fund
JULIAN M. SMERLING None
Director
HOWARD STEIN Chairman of the Board:
Chairman of the Board and Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation*;
Chief Executive Officer The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer:
Major Trading Corporation*;
Director:
Avnet, Inc.**;
Dreyfus America Fund++++;
The Dreyfus Fund International
Limited+++++;
World Balanced Fund+++;
Dreyfus Partnership Management,
Inc.*;
Dreyfus Personal Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.***;
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
Trustee:
Corporate Property Investors
New York, New York
W. KEITH SMITH Chairman and Chief Executive Officer:
Vice Chairman of the Board The Boston Company*****
Vice Chairman of the Board:
Mellon Bank Corporation****
Mellon Bank, N.A.****
Director:
Dentsply International, Inc.
570 West College Avenue
York, Pennsylvania 17405
CHRISTOPHER M. CONDRON Vice Chairman:
President, Chief Mellon Bank Corporation****
Operating Officer The Boston Company*****
and Director Deputy Director:
Mellon Trust****
Chief Executive Officer:
The Boston Company Asset Management,
Inc.*****
President:
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company*****
STEPHEN E. CANTER Director:
Vice Chairman and The Dreyfus Trust Company++
Chief Investment Officer, Formerly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer:
and a Director Kleinwort Benson Investment Management
Americas Inc.*
LAWRENCE S. KASH Chairman, President and Chief
Vice Chairman-Distribution Executive Officer:
and a Director The Boston Company Advisors, Inc.
53 State Street
Exchange Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Executive Vice President and Director:
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.***;
Director:
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
President:
The Boston Company*****
Laurel Capital Advisors****
Boston Group Holdings, Inc.
Executive Vice President:
Mellon Bank, N.A.****
Boston Safe Deposit & Trust*****
PHILIP L. TOIA Chairman of the Board and Trust Investment
Vice Chairman-Operations Officer:
and Administration The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
and a Director Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating
Officer:
Major Trading Corporation*;
Director:
Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
President and Director:
Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation*;
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Dreyfus-Lincoln, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Personal Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Partnership Management, Inc.+;
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.***;
The Truepenny Corporation*;
Formerly, Senior Vice President:
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and
The Chase Manhattan Capital Markets
Corporation
One Chase Manhattan Plaza
New York, New York 10081
WILLIAM T. SANDALLS, JR. Director:
Senior Vice President and Dreyfus Partnership Management, Inc.*;
Chief Financial Officer Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
President and Director:
Lion Management, Inc.*;
Executive Vice President and Director:
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.*;
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Director:
Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation*;
Vice President and Director:
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
The Truepenny Corporation*;
Treasurer, Financial Officer and Director:
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
Treasurer and Director:
Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Personal Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Major Trading Corporation*;
Formerly, President and Director:
Sandalls & Co., Inc.
BARBARA E. CASEY President:
Vice President- Dreyfus Retirement Services Division;
Dreyfus Retirement Executive Vice President:
Services Boston Safe Deposit & Trust Co.*****
Dreyfus Service Corporation*
DIANE M. COFFEY None
Vice President-
Corporate Communications
ELIE M. GENADRY President:
Vice President- Institutional Services Division of Dreyfus
Institutional Sales Service Corporation*;
Broker-Dealer Division of Dreyfus Service
Corporation*;
Group Retirement Plans Division of Dreyfus
Service Corporation;
Executive Vice President:
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.***;
Vice President:
The Dreyfus Trust Company++
JEFFREY N. NACHMAN None
Vice President-Mutual Fund
Accounting
WILLIAM F. GLAVIN, JR. Executive Vice President:
Vice President-Corporate Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Development Senior Vice President:
The Boston Company Advisors, Inc.
53 State Street
Exchange Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
MARK N. JACOBS Vice President, Secretary and Director:
Vice President- Lion Management, Inc.*;
Legal, General Counsel Secretary:
and Secretary The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Assistant Secretary:
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.***;
Major Trading Corporation*;
The Truepenny Corporation*
ANDREW S. WASSER Vice President:
Vice President-Information Mellon Bank Corporation****
Services
MAURICE BENDRIHEM Treasurer:
Controller Dreyfus Partnership Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.***;
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
The Truepenny Corporation*;
Controller:
Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation*;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Formerly, Vice President-Financial Planning,
Administration and Tax:
Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc.
1633 Broadway
New York, New York 10019
ELVIRA OSLAPAS Assistant Secretary:
Assistant Secretary Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation, Inc.*;
The Truepenny Corporation+
______________________________________
* The address of the business so indicated is 200 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10166.
** The address of the business so indicated is 80 Cutter Mill Road,
Great Neck, New York 11021.
*** The address of the business so indicated is 131 Second Street, Lewes,
Delaware 19958.
**** The address of the business so indicated is One Mellon Bank Center,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258.
***** The address of the business so indicated is One Boston Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02108.
+ The address of the business so indicated is Atrium Building, 80 Route
4 East, Paramus, New Jersey 07652.
++ The address of the business so indicated is 144 Glenn Curtiss
Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144.
+++ The address of the business so indicated is One Rockefeller Plaza,
New York, New York 10020.
++++ The address of the business so indicated is 2 Boulevard Royal,
Luxembourg.
+++++ The address of the business so indicated is Nassau, Bahama Islands.
Item 29. Principal Underwriters
________ ______________________
(a) Other investment companies for which Registrant's principal
underwriter (exclusive distributor) acts as principal underwriter or
exclusive distributor:
1) Comstock Partners Strategy Fund, Inc.
2) Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc.
3) Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc.
4) Dreyfus Asset Allocation Fund, Inc.
5) Dreyfus Balanced Fund, Inc.
6) Dreyfus BASIC GNMA Fund
7) Dreyfus BASIC Money Market Fund, Inc.
8) Dreyfus BASIC Municipal Fund, Inc.
9) Dreyfus BASIC U.S. Government Money Market Fund
10) Dreyfus California Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
11) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
12) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
13) Dreyfus Capital Value Fund, Inc.
14) Dreyfus Cash Management
15) Dreyfus Cash Management Plus, Inc.
16) Dreyfus Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
17) Dreyfus Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
18) Dreyfus Edison Electric Index Fund, Inc.
19) Dreyfus Florida Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
20) Dreyfus Florida Municipal Money Market Fund
21) The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated
22) Dreyfus Global Bond Fund, Inc.
23) Dreyfus Global Growth Fund
24) Dreyfus GNMA Fund, Inc.
25) Dreyfus Government Cash Management
26) Dreyfus Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
27) Dreyfus Growth and Value Funds, Inc.
28) Dreyfus Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc.
29) Dreyfus Institutional Money Market Fund
30) Dreyfus Institutional Short Term Treasury Fund
31) Dreyfus Insured Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
32) Dreyfus Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
33) Dreyfus International Equity Fund, Inc.
34) The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds, Inc.
35) The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds Trust
36) The Dreyfus/Laurel Tax-Free Municipal Funds
37) The Dreyfus/Laurel Investment Series
38) Dreyfus Life and Annuity Index Fund, Inc.
39) Dreyfus LifeTime Portfolios, Inc.
40) Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Inc.
41) Dreyfus Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
42) Dreyfus Massachusetts Municipal Money Market Fund
43) Dreyfus Massachusetts Tax Exempt Bond Fund
44) Dreyfus Michigan Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
45) Dreyfus Money Market Instruments, Inc.
46) Dreyfus Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
47) Dreyfus Municipal Cash Management Plus
48) Dreyfus Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
49) Dreyfus New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
50) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
51) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
52) Dreyfus New Leaders Fund, Inc.
53) Dreyfus New York Insured Tax Exempt Bond Fund
54) Dreyfus New York Municipal Cash Management
55) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
56) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Intermediate Bond Fund
57) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
58) Dreyfus Ohio Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
59) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Intermediate Term Fund
60) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Long Term Fund
61) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
62) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Short Term Fund
63) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
64) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund
65) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund
66) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
67) Dreyfus Short-Term Income Fund, Inc.
68) The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.
69) Dreyfus Strategic Income
70) Dreyfus Strategic Investing
71) Dreyfus Tax Exempt Cash Management
72) The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.
73) Dreyfus Treasury Cash Management
74) Dreyfus Treasury Prime Cash Management
75) Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
76) Dreyfus-Wilshire Target Funds, Inc.
77) Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc.
78) General California Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
79) General California Municipal Money Market Fund
80) General Government Securities Money Market Fund, Inc.
81) General Money Market Fund, Inc.
82) General Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
83) General Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
84) General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
85) General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
86) Pacifica Funds Trust -
Pacifica Prime Money Market Fund
Pacifica Treasury Money Market Fund
87) Peoples Index Fund, Inc.
88) Peoples S&P MidCap Index Fund, Inc.
89) Premier Insured Municipal Bond Fund
90) Premier California Municipal Bond Fund
91) Premier Capital Growth Fund, Inc.
92) Premier Global Investing, Inc.
93) Premier GNMA Fund
94) Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
95) Premier Municipal Bond Fund
96) Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
97) Premier State Municipal Bond Fund
98) Premier Strategic Growth Fund
(b)
Positions and
Name and principal Positions and offices with offices with
business address the Distributor Registrant
__________________ ___________________________ _____________
Marie E. Connolly+ Director, President, Chief President and
Executive Officer and Compliance Treasurer
Officer
Joseph F. Tower, III+ Senior Vice President, Treasurer Assistant
and Chief Financial Officer Treasurer
John E. Pelletier+ Senior Vice President, General Vice President
Counsel, Secretary and Clerk and Secretary
Frederick C. Dey++ Senior Vice President Vice President
and Assistant
Treasurer
Eric B. Fischman++ Vice President and Associate Vice President
General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary
Paul Prescott+ Vice President None
Elizabeth Bachman++ Assistant Vice President Vice President
and Assistant
Secretary
Mary Nelson+ Assistant Treasurer None
John J. Pyburn++ Assistant Treasurer Assistant
Treasurer
Jean M. O'Leary+ Assistant Secretary and None
Assistant Clerk
John W. Gomez+ Director None
William J. Nutt+ Director None
________________________________
+ Principal business address is One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109.
++ Principal business address is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166.
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
________________________________
1. First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.,
a subsidiary of First Data Corporation
P.O. Box 9671
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671
2. The Bank of New York
90 Washington Street
New York, New York 10286
3. Dreyfus Transfer, Inc.
P.O. Box 9671
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671
4. The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Item 31. Management Services
_______ ___________________
Not Applicable
Item 32. Undertakings
________ ____________
(1) To call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon
the question of removal of a director or directors when
requested in writing to do so by the holders of at least 10% of
the Registrant's outstanding shares of common stock and in
connection with such meeting to comply with the provisions of
Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 relating to
shareholder communications.
(2) To furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered with a
copy of the Fund's latest Annual Report to Shareholders, upon
request and without charge.
SIGNATURES
__________
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of this Amendment to the Registration
Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has
duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New
York, and State of New York on the 26th day of February, 1996.
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
BY: /s/Marie E. Connolly*
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, PRESIDENT
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, this Amendment to the Registration Statement
has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the
date indicated.
Signatures Title Date
__________________________ ______________________________ __________
/s/Marie E. Connolly * President (Principal Executive 2/26/96
____________________________ Officer) and Treasurer
Marie E. Connolly
/s/Joseph F. Tower, III* Assistant Treasurer 2/26/96
____________________________ (Principal Financial Officer)
Joseph F. Tower, III
/s/Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.* Director 2/26/96
____________________________
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.
/s/ Peggy C. Davis* Director 2/26/96
____________________________
Peggy C. Davis
/s/Joseph S. DiMartino* Director 2/26/96
____________________________
Joseph S. DiMartino
/s/Ernest Kafka* Director 2/26/96
____________________________
Ernest Kafka
/s/Saul B. Klaman* Director 2/26/96
____________________________
Saul B. Klaman
/s/Nathan Leventhal* Director 2/26/96
____________________________
Nathan Leventhal
*BY: _______________________
Eric B. Fischman,
Attorney-in-Fact
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
Page
(1) Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and
Articles of Amendment. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2) Registrant's By-Laws, as amended . . . . . . . .
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors. . . . . . . . .
(17) Financial Data Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . .
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
ELOC NEW YORK INTERMEDIATE TAX EXEMPT BOND FUND, INC.
_________________________
FIRST: The undersigned, Stuart H. Coleman, whose
address is Seven Hanover Square, New York, New York 10004, being
at least eighteen years of age, hereby forms a corporation under
the Maryland General Corporation Law.
SECOND: The name of the corporation (hereinafter
called the "corporation") is ELOC New York Intermediate Tax
Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
THIRD: The corporation is formed for the following
purpose or purposes:
(a) to conduct, operate and carry on the
business of an investment company;
(b) to subscribe for, invest in, reinvest in,
purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, pledge, sell, assign,
transfer, exchange, distribute or otherwise dispose of and
deal in and with securities of every nature, kind,
character, type and form, including without limitation of
the generality of the foregoing, all types of stocks,
shares, bonds, debentures, notes, bills and other
negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, obligations,
evidences of interest, certificates of interest,
certificates of participation, certificates, interests,
evidences of ownership, guarantees, warrants, options or
evidences of indebtedness issued or created by or
guaranteed as to principal and interest by any state or
local government or any agency or instrumentality thereof,
by the United States Government or any agency,
instrumentality, territory, district or possession thereof,
by any foreign government or any agency, instrumentality,
territory, district or possession thereof, by any
corporation organized under the laws of any state, the
United States or any territory or possession thereof or
under the laws of any foreign country, bank certificates of
deposit, bank time deposits, bankers' acceptances and
commercial paper; to pay for the same in cash or by the
issue of stock, including treasury stock, bonds or notes of
the corporation or otherwise; and to exercise any and all
rights, powers and privileges of ownership or interest in
respect of any and all such investments of every kind and
description, including without limitation, the right to
consent and otherwise act with respect thereto, with power
to designate one or more persons, firms, associations or
corporations to exercise any of said rights, powers and
privileges in respect of any said instruments;
(c) to borrow money or otherwise obtain credit
and to secure the same by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise
subjecting as security the assets of the corporation;
(d) to issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, retire,
cancel, acquire, hold, resell, reissue, dispose of,
transfer, and otherwise deal in, shares of stock of the
corporation, including shares of stock of the corporation
in fractional denominations, and to apply to any such
repurchase, redemption, retirement, cancellation or
acquisition of shares of stock of the corporation any funds
or property of the corporation whether capital or surplus
or otherwise, to the full extent now or hereafter permitted
by the laws of the State of Maryland;
(e) to conduct its business, promote its
purposes and carry on its operations in any and all of its
branches and maintain offices both within and without the
State of Maryland, in any States of the United States of
America, in the District of Columbia and in any other parts
of the world; and
(f) to do all and everything necessary,
suitable, convenient, or proper for the conduct, promotion,
and attainment of any of the businesses and purposes herein
specified or which at any time may be incidental thereto or
may appear conducive to or expedient for the accomplishment
of any of such businesses and purposes and which might be
engaged in or carried on by a corporation incorporated or
organized under the Maryland General Corporation Law, and
to have and exercise all of the powers conferred by the
laws of the State of Maryland upon corporations
incorporated or organized under the Maryland General
Corporation Law.
The foregoing provisions of this Article THIRD shall
be construed both as purposes and powers and each as an
independent purpose and power. The foregoing enumeration of
specific purposes and powers shall not be held to limit or
restrict in any manner the purposes and powers of the
corporation, and the purposes and powers herein specified shall,
except when otherwise provided in this Article THIRD, be in no
wise limited or restricted by reference to, or inference from,
the terms of any provision of this or any other Article of these
Articles of Incorporation; provided, that the corporation shall
not conduct any business, promote any purpose, or exercise any
power or privilege within or without the State of Maryland
which, under the laws thereof, the corporation may not lawfully
conduct, promote, or exercise.
FOURTH: The post office address of the principal
office of the corporation within the State of Maryland, and of
the resident agent of the corporation within the State of
Maryland, is The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 32 South
Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. The resident agent of the
corporation is The Corporation Trust Incorporated.
FIFTH: (1) The total number of shares of stock
which the corporation has authority to issue is One Hundred
Million (100,000,000), all of which are of a par value of one
cent ($.01) each and are designated as Common Stock.
(2) The aggregate par value of all the
authorized shares of stock is One Million ($1,000,000) dollars.
(3) The Board of Directors of the
corporation is authorized, from time to time, to fix the price
or the minimum price or the consideration or minimum
consideration for, and to issue, the shares of stock of the
corporation.
(4) The Board of Directors of the
corporation is authorized, from time to time, to classify or to
reclassify, as the case may be, any unissued shares of stock of
the corporation.
(5) Notwithstanding any provisions of the
Maryland General Corporation Law requiring a greater proportion
than a majority of the votes of stockholders entitled to be cast
in order to take or authorize any action, any such action may be
taken or authorized upon the concurrence of a majority of the
aggregate number of votes entitled to be cast thereon.
(6) The presence in person or by proxy of
the holders of one-third of the shares of stock of the
corporation entitled to vote (without regard to class) shall
constitute a quorum at any meeting of the stockholders, except
with respect to any matter which, under applicable statutes or
regulatory requirements, requires approval by a separate vote of
one or more classes of stock, in which case the presence in
person or by proxy of the holders of one-third of the shares of
stock of each class required to vote as a class on the matter
shall constitute a quorum.
(7) The corporation may issue shares of its
stock in fractional denominations to the same extent as its
whole shares, and shares in fractional denominations shall be
shares of stock having proportionately to the respective
fractions represented thereby all the rights of whole shares,
including, without limitation, the right to vote, the right to
receive dividends and distributions and the right to participate
upon liquidation of the corporation, but excluding the right to
receive a stock certificate evidencing a fractional share.
(8) No holder of any shares of any class of
the corporation shall be entitled as of right to subscribe for,
purchase, or otherwise acquire any shares of any class of the
corporation which the corporation proposes to issue, or any
rights or options which the corporation proposes to issue or to
grant for the purchase of shares of any class of the corporation
or for the purchase of any shares, bonds, securities, or
obligations of the corporation which are convertible into or
exchangeable for, or which carry any rights to subscribe for,
purchase, or otherwise acquire shares of any class of the
corporation; and any and all of such shares, bonds, securities
or obligations of the corporation, whether now or hereafter
authorized or created, may be issued, or may be reissued or
transferred if the same have been reacquired and have treasury
status, and any and all of such rights and options may be
granted by the Board of Directors to such persons, firms,
corporations and associations, and for such lawful
consideration, and on such terms, as the Board of Directors in
its discretion may determine, without first offering the same,
or any thereof, to any said holder.
SIXTH: (1) The number of directors of the
corporation, until such number shall be increased or decreased
pursuant to the by-laws of the corporation, is three. The
number of directors shall never be less than the number
prescribed by the Maryland General Corporation Law.
(2) The names of the persons who shall act
as directors of the corporation until the first annual meeting
or until their successors are duly chosen and qualify are as
follows:
Mark N. Jacobs
Rodger A. Lawson
Steven F. Newman
(3) The initial by-laws of the corporation
shall be adopted by the directors at their organizational
meeting or by their informal written action, as the case may be.
Thereafter, the power to make, alter, and repeal the by-laws of
the corporation shall be vested in the Board of Directors of the
corporation.
(4) Any determination made in good faith
and, so far as accounting matters are involved, in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, by or pursuant to
the direction of the Board of Directors, as to: the amount of
the assets, debts, obligations, or liabilities of the
corporation; the amount of any reserves or charges set up and
the propriety thereof; the time of or purpose for creating such
reserves or charges; the use, alteration or cancellation of any
reserves or charges (whether or not any debt, obligation or
liability for which such reserves or charges shall have been
created shall have been paid or discharged or shall be then or
thereafter required to be paid or discharged); the value of any
investment or fair value of any other asset of the corporation;
the number of shares of the corporation outstanding; the
estimated expense to the corporation in connection with
purchases or redemptions of its shares; the ability to liquidate
investments in orderly fashion; the extent to which it is
practicable to deliver a cross-section of the portfolio of the
corporation in payment for any such shares, or as to any other
matters relating to the issue, sale, purchase, redemption and/or
other acquisition or disposition of investments or shares of the
corporation, or the determination of the net asset value of
shares of the corporation shall be final and conclusive, and
shall be binding upon the corporation and all holders of its
shares, past, present and future, and shares of the corporation
are issued and sold on the condition and understanding that any
and all such determinations shall be binding as aforesaid.
SEVENTH: (1) To the maximum extent permitted by the
Maryland General Corporation Law as from time to time amended,
the corporation shall indemnify its currently acting and its
former directors, officers, and employees and those persons who,
at the request of the corporation serve or have served another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise in one or more of such capacities. The
indemnification provided for herein shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking
indemnification may be entitled under any statute, by-law,
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise.
(2) Anything herein contained to the
contrary notwithstanding, no officer or director of the
corporation shall be indemnified for any liability to the
corporation or its security holders to which he would otherwise
be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office.
EIGHTH: Any holder of shares of stock of the
corporation may require the corporation to redeem and the
corporation shall be obligated to redeem at the option of such
holder all or any part of the shares of stock of the corporation
owned by said holder, at the redemption price, pursuant to the
method, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter
set forth:
(a) Certificates (if issued) for shares of stock
shall be surrendered for redemption in proper form for
transfer to the corporation or the agent of the corporation
appointed for such purpose and there shall be presented a
written request that the corporation redeem all or any part
of the shares represented thereby.
(b) The redemption price per share shall be the
net asset value per share when next determined by the
corporation at such time or times as the Board of Directors
of the corporation shall designate in accordance with any
provision of the Investment Company Act of 1940, any rule
or regulation thereunder, or any rule or regulation made or
adopted by any securities association registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as determined by the Board
of Directors of the corporation.
(c) Net asset value shall be determined by
dividing:
(i) The total value of the assets of the
corporation determined as provided in Subsection (d) below
less, to the extent determined by or pursuant to the
direction of the Board of Directors in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, all debts,
obligations and liabilities of the corporation (which
debts, obligations and liabilities shall include, without
limitation of the generality of the foregoing, any and all
debts, obligations, liabilities, or claims, of any and
every kind and nature, fixed, accrued and otherwise,
including the estimated accrued expenses of management and
supervision, administration and distribution and any
reserves or charges for any or all of the foregoing,
whether for taxes, expenses or otherwise, and the price of
stock redeemed but not paid for) but excluding the
corporation's liability upon its shares and its surplus, by
(ii) The total number of shares of the
corporation outstanding.
The Board of Directors is empowered, in its
absolute discretion, to establish other methods for
determining such net asset value whenever such other
methods are deemed by it to be necessary in order to enable
the corporation to comply with, or are deemed by it to be
desirable provided they are not inconsistent with, any
provision of the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any rule
or regulation thereunder.
(d) In determining for the purposes of these
Articles of Incorporation the total value of the assets of
the corporation at any time, investments and any other
assets of the corporation shall be valued in such manner as
may be determined from time to time by the Board of
Directors.
(e) Payment of the redemption price by the
corporation may be made either in cash or in securities or
other assets at the time owned by the corporation or partly
in cash and partly in securities or other assets at the
time owned by the corporation. The value of any part of
such payment to be made in securities or other assets of
the corporation shall be the value employed in determining
the redemption price. Payment of the redemption price
shall be made on or before the seventh day following the
day on which the shares are properly presented for
redemption hereunder, except that delivery of any
securities included in any such payment shall be made as
promptly as any necessary transfers on the books of the
issuers whose securities are to be delivered may be made,
and, except as postponement of the date of payment may be
permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the rules and regulations thereunder.
The corporation, pursuant to resolution of the
Board of Directors, may deduct from the payment made for
any shares redeemed a liquidating charge not in excess of
one per cent (1%) of the redemption price of the shares so
redeemed, and the Board of Directors may alter or suspend
any such liquidating charge from time to time.
(f) The right of any holder of shares of stock
redeemed by the corporation as provided in this Article
EIGHTH to receive dividends or distributions thereon and
all other rights of such holder with respect to such shares
shall terminate at the time as of which the redemption
price of such shares is determined, except the right of
such holder to receive (i) the redemption price of such
shares from the corporation in accordance with the
provisions hereof, and (ii) any dividend or distribution to
which such holder had previously become entitled as the
record holder of such shares on the record date for such
dividend or distribution.
(g) Redemption of shares of stock by the
corporation is conditional upon the corporation having
funds or property legally available therefor.
(h) The corporation, either directly or through
an agent, may repurchase its shares, out of funds legally
available therefor, upon such terms and conditions and for
such consideration as the Board of Directors shall deem
advisable, by agreement with the owner at a price not
exceeding the net asset value per share as determined by
the corporation at such time or times as the Board of
Directors of the corporation shall designate, less a charge
not to exceed one per cent (1%) of such net asset value, if
and as fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors of the
corporation from time to time, and take all other steps
deemed necessary or advisable in connection therewith.
(i) The corporation, pursuant to resolution of
the Board of Directors, may cause the redemption, upon the
terms set forth in such resolution and in subsections (b)
through (g) and subsection (j) of this Article EIGHTH, of
shares of stock owned by stockholders whose shares have an
aggregate net asset value of five hundred dollars or less.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article EIGHTH,
if certificates representing such shares have been issued,
the redemption price need not be paid by the corporation
until such certificates are presented in proper form for
transfer to the corporation or the agent of the corporation
appointed for such purpose; however, the redemption shall
be effective, in accordance with the resolution of the
Board of Directors, regardless of whether or not such
presentation has been made.
(j) The obligations set forth in this Article
EIGHTH may be suspended or postponed as may be permissible
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and
regulations thereunder.
NINTH: All persons who shall acquire stock or other
securities of the corporation shall acquire the same subject to
the provisions of the corporation's Charter, as from time to
time amended.
TENTH: From time to time any of the provisions of the
Charter of the corporation may be amended, altered or repealed,
including amendments which alter the contract rights of any
class of stock outstanding, and other provisions authorized by
the Maryland General Corporation Law at the time in force may be
added or inserted in the manner and at the time prescribed by
said Law, and all rights at any time conferred upon the
stockholders of the corporation by its Charter are granted
subject to the provisions of this Article.
ELEVENTH: The corporation recognizes that directors,
officers and employees of ELOC Corporation may from time to time
serve as directors, officers and employees of other corporations
(including other investment companies) and that such other
corporations may include the name "ELOC" as part of their name,
and that ELOC Corporation or its affiliates may enter into
investment advisory or other agreements with such other
corporations. If ELOC Corporation ceases to act as this
corporation's investment adviser, this corporation will take, at
ELOC Corporation's request, all necessary action to change its
name to a name not including "ELOC" in any form or combination
of words.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have adopted and signed these
Articles of Incorporation and do hereby acknowledge that the
adoption and signing are my act.
Dated: July 16, 1984
/s/ Stuart H. Coleman
Stuart H. Coleman, Incorporator
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC., a Maryland
corporation having its principal place of business in Baltimore
City, Maryland (hereinafter called the "Corporation"), hereby
certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of
Maryland that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation is hereby
amended by striking Article SEVENTH of the Articles of
Incorporation and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"SEVENTH: (1) To the fullest extent that
limitations on the liability of directors and
officers are permitted by the Maryland
General Corporation Law, no director or
officer of the corporation shall have any
liability to the corporation or its
stockholders for damages. This limitation on
liability applies to events occurring at the
time a person serves as a director or officer
of the corporation whether or not such person
is a director or officer at the time of any
proceeding in which liability is asserted.
(2) The corporation shall indemnify and
advance expenses to its currently acting and
its former directors to the fullest extent
that indemnification of directors is
permitted by the Maryland General Corporation
Law. The corporation shall indemnify and
advance expenses to its officers to the same
extent as its directors and to such further
extent as is consistent with law. The board
of directors may, through a by-law,
resolution or agreement, make further
provisions for indemnification of directors,
officers, employees and agents to the fullest
extent permitted by the Maryland General
Corporation Law.
(3) No provision of this Article
SEVENTH shall be effective to protect or
purport to protect any director or officer of
the corporation against any liability to the
corporation or its stockholders to which he
would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office.
(4) References to the Maryland General
Corporation Law in this Article SEVENTH are
to the law as from time to time amended. No
amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of
the corporation shall affect any right of any
person under this Article SEVENTH based on
any event, omission or proceeding prior to
such amendment.
SECOND: The Board of Directors of the Corporation
approved the foregoing amendment to the charter as set forth in
Article FIRST hereto, and declared that said amendment was
advisable. The Corporation's stockholders approved the
foregoing amendment at a meeting held on February 12, 1993.
The Vice President acknowledges these Articles of
Amendment to be the corporate act of the Corporation and states
that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief the
matters and facts set forth in these Articles with respect to
the authorization and approval of the amendment of the
Corporation's charter are true in all material respects, and that
this statement is made under the penalties of perjury.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, General New York Municipal Bond
Fund, Inc. has caused this instrument to be filed in its name
and on its behalf by its Vice President, Daniel C. Maclean, and
witnessed by its Assistant Secretary, Christine Pavalos, on the
23rd of February, 1993.
GENERAL NEW YORK
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
BY: /s/ Daniel C. Maclean
Daniel C. Maclean, Vice President
ATTEST:
/s/ Christine Pavalos
Christine Pavalos, Assistant Secretary
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC., a Maryland
corporation having its principal office in the State of Maryland
in Baltimore City (hereinafter called the "Corporation"), hereby
certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of
Maryland that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation is hereby
amended by striking Article FIFTH of the Articles of
Incorporation and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"FIFTH: (1) The total number of shares of stock
which the corporation has authority to issue is one
hundred million (100,000,000) shares, all of which are
of a par value of one cent ($.01) each and are
designated as Common Stock.
(2) The aggregate par value of all the authorized
shares of stock is one million dollars
($1,000,000.00).
(3) The Board of Directors of the corporation is
authorized, from time to time, to fix the price or the
minimum price or the consideration or minimum
consideration for, and to authorize the issuance of,
the shares of stock of the corporation.
(4) The Board of Directors of the corporation is
authorized, from time to time, to further classify or
to reclassify, as the case may be, any unissued shares
of stock of the corporation by setting or changing the
preferences, conversion or other rights, voting
powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends,
qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption
of the stock.
(5) Subject to the power of the Board of Directors to
reclassify unissued shares, the shares of each class
of stock of the corporation shall have the following
preferences, conversion and other rights, voting
powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends,
qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption:
(a) (i) All consideration received by the
corporation for the issuance or sale of
shares together with all income, earnings,
profits and proceeds thereof, shall
irrevocably belong to such class for all
purposes, subject only to the rights of
creditors, and are herein referred to as
"assets belonging to" such class.
(ii) The assets belonging to such
class shall be charged with the liabilities
of the corporation in respect of such class
and with such class's share of the general
liabilities of the corporation, in the
latter case in proportion that the net asset
value of such class bears to the net asset
value of all classes. The determination of
the Board of Directors shall be conclusive
as to the allocation of liabilities,
including accrued expenses and reserves, to
a class.
(iii) Dividends or distributions
on shares of each class, whether payable in
stock or cash, shall be paid only out of
earnings, surplus or other assets belonging
to such class.
(iv) In the event of the liquidation or
dissolution of the corporation, stockholders
of each class shall be entitled to receive,
as a class, out of the assets of the
corporation available for distribution to
stockholders, the assets belonging to such
class and the assets so distributable to the
stockholders of such class shall be
distributed among such stockholders in
proportion to the number of shares of such
class held by them.
(b) A class may be invested with
one or more other classes in a common
investment portfolio. Notwithstanding the
provisions of paragraph (5)(a) of this
Article Fifth, if two or more classes are
invested in a common investment portfolio,
the shares of each such class of stock of
the corporation shall be subject to the
following preferences, conversion and other
rights, voting powers, restrictions,
limitations as to dividends, qualifications
and terms and conditions of redemption, and,
if there are other classes of stock invested
in a different investment portfolio, shall
also be subject to the provisions of
paragraph (5)(a) of this Article Fifth at
the portfolio level as if the classes
invested in the common investment portfolio
were one class:
(i) The income and expenses of the
investment portfolio shall be allocated
among the classes invested in the investment
portfolio in accordance with the number of
shares outstanding of each such class or as
otherwise determined by the Board of
Directors.
(ii) As more fully set forth in this
paragraph (5)(b) of Article Fifth, the
liabilities and expenses of the classes
invested in the same investment portfolio
shall be determined separately from those of
each other and, accordingly, the net asset
value, the dividends and distributions
payable, and the amounts distributable in
the event of liquidation of the corporation
to holders of shares of the corporation's
stock may vary from class to class invested
in the same investment portfolio. Except
for these differences and certain other
differences set forth in this paragraph (5)
of Article Fifth, the classes invested in
the same investment portfolio shall have the
same preferences, conversion and other
rights, voting powers, restrictions,
limitations as to dividends, qualifications
and terms and conditions of redemption.
(iii) The dividends and distributions of
investment income and capital gains with
respect to the classes invested in the same
investment portfolio shall be in such
amounts as may be declared from time to time
by the Board of Directors, and such
dividends and distributions may vary among
the classes invested in the same investment
portfolio to reflect differing allocations
of the expenses of the corporation among the
classes and any resultant differences
between the net asset values per share of
the classes, to such extent and for such
purposes as the Board of Directors may deem
appropriate. The allocation of investment
income, capital gains, expenses and
liabilities of the corporation among the
classes shall be determined by the Board of
Directors in a manner that is consistent
with the order dated January 14, 1993
(Investment Company Act of 1940 Release No.
19214) issued by the Securities and Exchange
Commission in connection with the
application for exemption filed by Dreyfus A
Bonds Plus, Inc., et al., and any existing
or future amendment to such order or any
rule or interpretation under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, that
modifies or supersedes such order.
(c) On each matter submitted to a vote
of the stockholders, each holder of a share
of stock shall be entitled to one vote for
each share standing in his name on the books
of the corporation irrespective of the class
thereof. All holders of shares of stock
shall vote as a single class except as may
otherwise be required by law pursuant to any
applicable order, rule or interpretation
issued by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, or otherwise, or except with
respect to any matter which affects only one
or more classes of stock, in which case only
the holders of shares of the class or
classes affected shall be entitled to vote.
Except as provided above, all provisions of the
Articles of Incorporation relating to stock of the corporation
shall apply to shares of, and to the holders of, all classes of
stock.
(6) Notwithstanding any provisions of the Maryland
General Corporation Law requiring a greater proportion
than a majority of the votes of stockholders entitled
to be cast in order to take or authorize any action,
any such action may be taken or authorized upon the
concurrence of a majority of the aggregate number of
votes entitled to be cast thereon.
(7) The presence in person or by proxy of the holders
of one-third of the shares of stock of the corporation
entitled to vote (without regard to class) shall
constitute a quorum at any meeting of the
stockholders, except with respect to any matter which,
under applicable statutes or regulatory requirements,
requires approval by a separate vote of one or more
classes of stock, in which case the presence in person
or by proxy of the holders of one-third of the shares
of stock of each class required to vote as a class on
the matter shall constitute a quorum.
(8) The corporation may issue shares of stock in
fractional denominations to the same extent as its
whole shares, and shares in fractional denominations
shall be shares of stock having proportionately to the
respective fractions represented thereby all the
rights of whole shares, including, without limitation,
the right to vote, the right to receive dividends and
distributions and the right to participate upon
liquidation of the corporation, but excluding the
right to receive a stock certificate evidencing a
fractional share.
(9) No holder of any shares of any class of the
corporation shall be entitled as of right to subscribe
for, purchase, or otherwise acquire any shares of any
class which the corporation proposes to issue, or any
rights or options which the corporation proposes to
issue or to grant for the purchase of shares of any
class or for the purchase of any shares, bonds,
securities, or obligations of the corporation which
are convertible into or exchangeable for, or which
carry any rights to subscribe for, purchase, or
otherwise acquire shares of any class of the
corporation; and any and all of such shares, bonds,
securities or obligations of the corporation, whether
now or hereafter authorized or created, may be issued,
or may be reissued or transferred if the same have
been reacquired and have treasury status, and any and
all of such rights and options may be granted by the
Board of Directors to such persons, firms,
corporations and associations, and for such lawful
consideration, and on such terms, as the Board of Di-
rectors in its discretion may determine, without first
offering the same, or any thereof, to any said
holder."
SECOND: The charter of the Corporation is hereby
further amended by striking paragraph (c) of Article EIGHTH of
the Articles of Incorporation and inserting in lieu thereof the
following:
"EIGHTH: * * * (c) Net asset value per share of a
class shall be determined by dividing:
(i) The total value of the assets of
such class or, in the case of a class
invested in a common investment portfolio
with other classes, such class's
proportionate share of the total value of
the assets of the common investment
portfolio, such value determined as provided
in Subsection (d) below less, to the extent
determined by or pursuant to the direction
of the Board of Directors, all debts,
obligations and liabilities of such class
(which debts, obligations and liabilities
shall include, without limitation of the
generality of the foregoing, any and all
debts, obligations, liabilities, or claims,
of any and every kind and nature, fixed,
accrued and otherwise, including the
estimated accrued expenses of management and
supervision, administration and distribution
and any reserves or charges for any or all
of the foregoing, whether for taxes,
expenses or otherwise) but excluding such
class's liability upon its shares and its
surplus, by
(ii) The total number of shares of such class
outstanding.
The Board of Directors is empowered, in its absolute
discretion, to establish other methods for determining such net
asset value whenever such other methods are deemed by it to be
necessary in order to enable the corporation to comply with, or
are deemed by it to be desirable provided they are not
inconsistent with, any provision of the Investment Company Act
of 1940 or any rule or regulation thereunder."
THIRD: The Board of Directors of the Corporation
approved the foregoing amendment to the charter as set forth in
Article FIRST hereto, and declared that said amendment was
advisable. The Corporation's stockholders approved said
amendment at a meeting held on August 3, 1994.
The undersigned President acknowledges these Articles
of Amendment to be the corporate act of the Corporation and
states that to the best of her knowledge, information and belief
the matters and facts set forth in these Articles with respect
to the authorization and approval of the amendment of the
Corporation's charter are true in all material respects, and
that this statement is made under the penalties of perjury.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, General New York Municipal Bond
Fund, Inc. has caused this instrument to be filed in its name
and on its behalf by its President, Marie E. Connolly, and
witnessed by its Assistant Secretary, Eric B. Fischman, on the
3rd day of January, 1995.
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, INC.
By: /s/ Marie E. Connolly
Marie E. Connolly, President
ATTEST:
/s/ Eric B. Fischman
Eric B. Fischman,
Assistant Secretary
PARK AVENUE NEW YORK TAX EXEMPT INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND, INC.
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
PARK AVENUE NEW YORK TAX EXEMPT INTERMEDIATE BOND
FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation having its principal office
in the State of Maryland at 32 South Street, Baltimore, Maryland
(hereinafter called the "Corporation"), hereby certifies to the
State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland
(hereinafter called the "Department") that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation is hereby
amended by striking out Article ELEVENTH of the Articles of
Incorporation and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"ELEVENTH: The corporation recognizes that
directors, officers and employees of The Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. may from time to time serve
as directors, officers and employees of other
corporations (including other investment
companies) and that such other corporations may
include the words "Park Avenue" as part of their
name, and that The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. or
its affiliates may enter into investment advisory
or other agreements with such other corporations.
If The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. ceases to act
as this corporation's investment adviser, this
corporation will take, at The Chase Manhattan
Bank, N.A.'s request, all necessary action to
change its name to a name not including "Park
Avenue" in any form or combination of words."
SECOND: The Board of Directors of the Corporation by
unanimous written consent pursuant to Section 2-408 of
Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of
Maryland dated as of October 25, 1984, duly adopted a resolution
in which was set forth the foregoing amendment to the charter.
THIRD: Said amendment has been consented to and
authorized by the holders of all the issued and outstanding
stock, entitled to vote, by a written consent given in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2-505 of the
Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of
Maryland, and filed with the records of stockholders meetings.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Park Avenue New York Tax Exempt
Intermediate Bond Fund, Inc. has caused these Articles to be
signed in its name and on its behalf by its President and
witnessed by its Secretary on November 9, 1984.
PARK AVENUE NEW YORK TAX EXEMPT
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND, INC.
By: /s/ Joseph S. DiMartino
Joseph S. DiMartino, President
Witness:
/s/ Steven F. Newman
Steven F. Newman, Secretary
The undersigned, President of Park Avenue New York Tax
Exempt Intermediate Bond Fund, Inc., who executed on behalf of
said Corporation the foregoing Articles of Amendment, of which
this certificate is made a part, hereby acknowledges, in the
name and on behalf of said Corporation, the foregoing Articles
of Amendment to be the corporate act of said Corporation and
further certifies that, to the best of his knowledge,
information and belief, the matters and facts set forth therein
with respect to the approval thereof are true in all material
respects, under the penalties of perjury.
/s/ Joseph S. DiMartino
Joseph S. DiMartino, President
PARK AVENUE NEW YORK TAX EXEMPT INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND, INC.
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
Park Avenue New York Tax Exempt Intermediate Bond Fund,
Inc., a Maryland corporation having its principal office in the
State of Maryland at 32 South Street, Baltimore, Maryland
(hereinafter called the "Corporation"), hereby certifies to the
State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland
(hereinafter called the "Department") that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation is hereby
amended by striking out Article SECOND of the Articles of
Incorporation and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"SECOND: The name of the corporation (herein
called the "corporation") is General New York Tax
Exempt Intermediate Bond Fund, Inc."
SECOND: The Board of Directors of the Corporation at
a meeting held on February 18, 1988 duly adopted a resolution in
which was set forth the foregoing amendment to the charter,
declaring that the said amendment of the charter as proposed was
advisable.
THIRD: Said amendment has been consented to and
authorized by a majority of the holders of the issued and
outstanding stock, entitled to vote, at a meeting of
stockholders held on May 31, 1988, and the actions taken at such
meeting have been filed with the records of stockholders
meetings.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Park Avenue New York Tax Exempt
Intermediate Bond Fund, Inc. has caused these Articles to be
signed in its name and on its behalf by its President and
witnessed by its Assistant Secretary on May 31, 1988.
PARK AVENUE NEW YORK TAX EXEMPT
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND, INC.
By: /s/ Joseph S. DiMartino
Joseph S. DiMartino, President
Witness:
/s/ Christine Pavalos
Christine Pavalos,
Assistant Secretary
The undersigned, President of Park Avenue New York Tax
Exempt Intermediate Bond Fund, Inc., who executed on behalf of
said Corporation the foregoing Articles of Amendment, of which
this certificate is made a part, hereby acknowledges, in the
name and on behalf of said Corporation, the foregoing Articles
of Amendment to be the corporate act of said Corporation and
further certifies that, to the best of his knowledge,
information and belief, the matters and facts set forth therein
with respect to the approval thereof are true in all material
respects, under the penalties of perjury.
/s/ Joseph S. DiMartino
Joseph S. DiMartino, President
PARK AVENUE NEW YORK INTERMEDIATE TAX EXEMPT
MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
PARK AVENUE NEW YORK INTERMEDIATE TAX EXEMPT MONEY
MARKET FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation having its principal
office in the State of Maryland at 32 South Street, Baltimore,
Maryland (hereinafter called the "Corporation"), hereby
certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of
Maryland (hereinafter called the "Department") that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation is hereby
amended by striking out Article SECOND of the Articles of
Incorporation and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"SECOND: The name of the corporation
(herein called the "corporation") is Park
Avenue New York Tax Exempt Intermediate Bond
Fund, Inc."
SECOND: The amendment to the charter of the
Corporation herein made was duly approved by unanimous written
consent to action without meeting of the Board of Directors of
the Corporation dated as of October 12, 1984; and that at the
time of the approval by the Directors of the Corporation there
were no shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on
the matter either outstanding or subscribed for.
THIRD: These Articles of Amendment shall become
effective at the time and on the date of acceptance of these
Articles for recording by the Department.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Park Avenue New York Intermediate
Tax Exempt Money Market Fund, Inc. has caused these Articles to
be signed in its name and on its behalf by its President and
witnessed by its Secretary on October 12, 1984.
PARK AVENUE NEW YORK INTERMEDIATE
TAX EXEMPT MONEY MARKET FUND, INC.
By: /s/ Rodger A. Lawson
Rodger A. Lawson, President
Witness:
/s/ Mark N. Jacobs
Mark N. Jacobs, Secretary
The undersigned, President of Park Avenue New York
Intermediate Tax Exempt Money Market Fund, Inc., who executed on
behalf of said Corporation the foregoing Articles of Amendment,
of which this certificate is made a part, hereby acknowledges,
in the name and on behalf of said Corporation, the foregoing
Articles of Amendment to be the corporate act of said
Corporation and further certifies that, to the best of his
knowledge, information and belief, the matters and facts set
forth therein with respect to the approval thereof are true in
all material respects, under the penalties of perjury.
/s/ Rodger A. Lawson
Rodger A. Lawson, President
ELOC NEW YORK INTERMEDIATE TAX EXEMPT BOND FUND, INC.
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
ELOC NEW YORK INTERMEDIATE TAX EXEMPT BOND FUND, INC.,
a Maryland corporation having its principal office in the State
of Maryland at 32 South Street, Baltimore, Maryland (hereinafter
called the "Corporation"), hereby certifies to the State
Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (hereinafter
called the "Department") that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation is hereby
amended by striking out Article SECOND of the Articles of
Incorporation and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"SECOND: The name of the corporation
(herein called the "corporation") is Park Avenue
New York Intermediate Tax Exempt Money Market
Fund, Inc."
SECOND: The amendment to the charter of the
Corporation herein made was duly approved by unanimous written
consent to action without meeting of the Board of Directors of
the Corporation dated as of September 24, 1984; and that at the
time of the approval by the Directors of the Corporation there
were no shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on
the matter either outstanding or subscribed for.
THIRD: These Articles of Amendment shall become
effective at the time and on the date of acceptance of these
Articles for recording by the Department.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, ELOC New York Intermediate Tax
Exempt Bond Fund, Inc. has caused these Articles to be signed in
its name and on its behalf by its President and witnessed by its
Secretary on September 24, 1984.
By: /s/ Rodger A. Lawson
Rodger A. Lawson, President
Witness:
/s/ Mark N. Jacobs
Mark N. Jacobs, Secretary
The undersigned, President of ELOC New York
Intermediate Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc., who executed on behalf
of said Corporation the foregoing Articles of Amendment, of
which this certificate is made a part, hereby acknowledges, in
the name and on behalf of said Corporation, the foregoing
Articles of Amendment to be the corporate act of said
Corporation and further certifies that, to the best of his
knowledge, information and belief, the matters and facts set
forth therein with respect to the approval thereof are true in
all material respects, under the penalties of perjury.
/s/ Rodger A. Lawson
Rodger A. Lawson, President
ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
General New York Tax Exempt Intermediate Bond Fund,
Inc., a Maryland corporation having its principal office in
Baltimore City, Maryland (hereinafter called the "Corporation"),
hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and
Taxation of Maryland that:
FIRST: The charter of the Corporation is hereby
amended by striking Article SECOND of the Articles of
Incorporation and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"SECOND: The name of the corporation
(hereinafter called the `corporation') is
General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc."
SECOND: The Board of Directors of the Corporation
approved the foregoing amendment to the charter as set forth in
Article FIRST hereto, and declared that said amendment was
advisable. The Corporation's stockholders approved the
foregoing amendment at a meeting held on December 18, 1989.
The President acknowledges these Articles of Amendment
to be the corporate act of the Corporation and states that to
the best of his knowledge, information and belief the matters
and facts set forth in these Articles with respect to the
authorization and approval of the amendment of the Corporation's
charter are true in all material respects and that this
statement is made under the penalties of perjury.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, General New York Tax Exempt
Intermediate Bond Fund, Inc. has caused this instrument to be
filed in its name and on its behalf by its President, Richard J.
Moynihan, and witnessed by its Secretary, Mark N. Jacobs, on the
18th day of December, 1989.
GENERAL NEW YORK TAX EXEMPT
INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND, INC.
By: /s/ Richard J. Moynihan
Richard J. Moynihan,
President
ATTEST:
/s/ Mark N. Jacobs
Mark N. Jacobs, Secretary
BY-LAWS
OF
GENERAL NEW YORK TAX EXEMPT INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND, INC.
(A Maryland Corporation)
__________
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS
1. CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING STOCK. Certificates
representing shares of stock shall set forth thereon the
statements prescribed by Section 2-211 of the Maryland General
Corporation Law ("General Corporation Law") and by any other
applicable provision of law and shall be signed by the President
or a Vice President and countersigned by the Secretary or an As-
sistant Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer and
may be sealed with the corporate seal. The signatures of any
such officers may be either manual or facsimile signatures and
the corporate seal may be either facsimile or any other form of
seal. In case any such officer who has signed manually or by
facsimile any such certificate ceases to be such officer before
the certificate is issued, it nevertheless may be issued by the
corporation with the same effect as if the officer had not
ceased to be such officer as of the date of its issue.
No certificate representing shares of stock shall be
issued for any share of stock until such share is fully paid,
except as otherwise authorized in Section 2-207 of the General
Corporation Law.
The corporation may issue a new certificate of stock
in place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to
have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Board of Directors
may require, in its discretion, the owner of any such
certificate or his legal representative to give bond, with
sufficient surety, to the corporation to indemnify it against
any loss or claim that may arise by reason of the issuance of a
new certificate.
2. SHARE TRANSFERS. Upon compliance with provisions
restricting the transferability of shares of stock, if any,
transfers of shares of stock of the corporation shall be made
only on the stock transfer books of the corporation by the
record holder thereof or by his attorney thereunto authorized by
power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary of
the corporation or with a transfer agent or a registrar, if any,
and on surrender of the certificate or certificates for such
shares of stock properly endorsed and the payment of all taxes
due thereon.
3. RECORD DATE FOR STOCKHOLDERS. The Board of
Directors may fix, in advance, a date as the record date for the
purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of, or to
vote at, any meeting of stockholders, or stockholders entitled
to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any
rights or in order to make a determination of stockholders for
any other proper purpose. Such date, in any case, shall be not
more than 90 days, and in case of a meeting of stockholders not
less than 10 days, prior to the date on which the meeting or
particular action requiring such determination of stockholders
is to be held or taken. In lieu of fixing a record date, the
Board of Directors may provide that the stock transfer books
shall be closed for a stated period but not to exceed 20 days.
If the stock transfer books are closed for the purpose of
determining stockholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a
meeting of stockholders, such books shall be closed for at least
10 days immediately preceding such meeting. If no record date
is fixed and the stock transfer books are not closed for the
determination of stockholders: (1) The record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, or to vote
at, a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business
on the day on which the notice of meeting is mailed or the day
30 days before the meeting, whichever is the closer date to the
meeting; and (2) The record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend or an
allotment of any rights shall be at the close of business on the
day on which the resolution of the Board of Directors declaring
the dividend or allotment of rights is adopted, provided that
the payment or allotment date shall not be more than 60 days
after the date on which the resolution is adopted.
4. MEANING OF CERTAIN TERMS. As used herein in
respect of the right to notice of a meeting of stockholders or a
waiver thereof or to participate or vote thereat or to consent
or dissent in writing in lieu of a meeting, as the case may be,
the term "share of stock" or "shares of stock" or "stockholder"
or "stockholders" refers to an outstanding share or shares of
stock and to a holder or holders of record of outstanding shares
of stock when the corporation is authorized to issue only one
class of shares of stock and said reference also is intended to
include any outstanding share or shares of stock and any holder
or holders of record of outstanding shares of stock of any class
or series upon which or upon whom the Charter confers such
rights where there are two or more classes or series of shares
or upon which or upon whom the General Corporation Law confers
such rights notwithstanding that the Charter may provide for
more than one class or series of shares of stock, one or more of
which are limited or denied such rights thereunder.
5. STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS.
- ANNUAL MEETINGS. If a meeting of the stockholders
of the corporation is required by the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, to elect the directors, then there shall be
submitted to the stockholders at such meeting the question of
the election of directors, and a meeting called for that purpose
shall be designated the annual meeting of stockholders for that
year. In other years in which no action by stockholders is
required for the aforesaid election of directors, no annual
meeting need be held.
- SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special stockholder meetings for
any purpose may be called by the Board of Directors or the
President and shall be called by the Secretary for the purpose
of removing a Director whenever the holders of shares entitled
to at least ten percent of all the votes entitled to be cast at
such meeting shall make a duly authorized request that such
meeting be called.
The Secretary shall call a special meeting of
stockholders for all other purposes whenever the holders of
shares entitled to at least twenty-five percent of all the votes
entitled to be cast at such meeting shall make a duly authorized
request that such meeting be called. Such request shall state
the purpose of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted
on thereat, and no other business shall be transacted at any
such special meeting. The Secretary shall inform such
stockholders of the reasonably estimated costs of preparing and
mailing the notice of the meeting, and upon payment to the
corporation of such costs, the Secretary shall give notice in
the manner provided for below. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
unless requested by stockholders entitled to cast a majority of
the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting, a special meeting
of the stockholders need not be called at the request of
stockholders to consider any matter that is substantially the
same as a matter voted on at any special meeting of the
stockholders held during the preceding twelve (12)
months.
- PLACE AND TIME. Stockholder meetings shall be held
at such place, either within the State of Maryland or at such
other place within the United States, and at such date or dates
as the directors from time to time may fix.
- NOTICE OR ACTUAL OR CONSTRUCTIVE WAIVER OF NOTICE.
Written or printed notice of all meetings shall be given by the
Secretary and shall state the time and place of the meeting.
The notice of a meeting shall state in all instances the purpose
or purposes for which the meeting is called. Written or printed
notice of any meeting shall be given to each stockholder either
by mail or by presenting it to him personally or by leaving it
at his residence or usual place of business not less than ten
days and not more than ninety days before the date of the
meeting, unless any provisions of the General Corporation Law
shall prescribe a different elapsed period of time, to each
stockholder at his address appearing on the books of the
corporation or the address supplied by him for the purpose of
notice. If mailed, notice shall be deemed to be given when
deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder
at his post office address as it appears on the records of the
corporation with postage thereon prepaid. Whenever any notice
of the time, place or purpose of any meeting of stockholders is
required to be given under the provisions of these by-laws or of
the General Corporation Law, a waiver thereof in writing, signed
by the stockholder and filed with the records of the meeting,
whether before or after the holding thereof, or actual
attendance or representation at the meeting shall be deemed
equivalent to the giving of such notice to such stockholder.
The foregoing requirements of notice also shall apply, whenever
the corporation shall have any class of stock which is not
entitled to vote, to holders of stock who are not entitled to
vote at the meeting, but who are entitled to notice thereof and
to dissent from any action taken thereat.
- STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS. The President of the
corporation or, if the Board of Directors shall determine
otherwise, some other executive officer thereof, shall prepare
or cause to be prepared annually a full and correct statement of
the affairs of the corporation, including a balance sheet and a
financial statement of operations for the preceding fiscal year,
which shall be filed at the principal office of the corporation
in the State of Maryland.
- CONDUCT OF MEETING. Meetings of the stockholders
shall be presided over by one of the following officers in the
order of seniority and if present and acting: the President,
the Chairman of the Board, a Vice President or, if none of the
foregoing is in office and present and acting, by a chairman to
be chosen by the stockholders. The Secretary of the corporation
or, in his absence, an Assistant Secretary, shall act as
secretary of every meeting, but if neither the Secretary nor an
Assistant Secretary is present the chairman of the meeting shall
appoint a secretary of the meeting.
- PROXY REPRESENTATION. Every stockholder may
authorize another person or persons to act for him by proxy in
all matters in which a stockholder is entitled to participate,
whether for the purposes of determining his presence at a
meeting, or whether by waiving notice of any meeting, voting or
participating at a meeting, expressing consent or dissent
without a meeting or otherwise. Every proxy shall be executed
in writing by the stockholder or by his duly authorized
attorney-in-fact and filed with the Secretary of the
corporation. No unrevoked proxy shall be valid after eleven
months from the date of its execution, unless a longer time is
expressly provided therein.
- INSPECTORS OF ELECTION. The directors, in advance
of any meeting, may, but need not, appoint one or more
inspectors to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If
an inspector or inspectors are not appointed, the person
presiding at the meeting may, but need not, appoint one or more
inspectors. In case any person who may be appointed as an
inspector fails to appear or act, the vacancy may be filled by
appointment made by the directors in advance of the meeting or
at the meeting by the person presiding thereat. Each inspector,
if any, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall
take and sign an oath to execute faithfully the duties of
inspector at such meeting with strict impartiality and according
to the best of his ability. The inspectors, if any, shall
determine the number of shares outstanding and the voting power
of each, the shares represented at the meeting, the existence of
a quorum and the validity and effect of proxies, and shall
receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine all
challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to
vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents,
determine the result and do such acts as are proper to conduct
the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders. On
request of the person presiding at the meeting or any
stockholder, the inspector or inspectors, if any, shall make a
report in writing of any challenge, question or matter
determined by him or them and execute a certificate of any fact
found by him or them.
- VOTING. Each share of stock shall entitle the
holder thereof to one vote, except in the election of directors,
at which each said vote may be cast for as many persons as there
are directors to be elected. Except for election of directors,
a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders, duly
called and at which a quorum is present, shall be sufficient to
take or authorize action upon any matter which may come before a
meeting, unless more than a majority of votes cast is required
by the corporation's Articles of Incorporation. A plurality of
all the votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present
shall be sufficient to elect a director.
6. INFORMAL ACTION. Any action required or permitted
to be taken at a meeting of stockholders may be taken without a
meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth such action, is
signed by all the stockholders entitled to vote on the subject
matter thereof and any other stockholders entitled to notice of
a meeting of stockholders (but not to vote thereat) have waived
in writing any rights which they may have to dissent from such
action and such consent and waiver are filed with the records of
the corporation.
ARTICLE II
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. FUNCTIONS AND DEFINITION. The business and
affairs of the corporation shall be managed under the direction
of a Board of Directors. The use of the phrase "entire board"
herein refers to the total number of directors which the
corporation would have if there were no vacancies.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND NUMBER. Each director shall be
a natural person of full age. A director need not be a
stockholder, a citizen of the United States or a resident of the
State of Maryland. The initial Board of Directors shall consist
of two persons. Thereafter, the number of directors
constituting the entire board shall never be less than three or
the number of stockholders, whichever is less. At any regular
meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, a
majority of the entire Board of Directors may increase or
decrease the number of directors, provided that the number
thereof shall never be less than three or the number of
stockholders, whichever is less, nor more than eleven and
further provided that the tenure of office of a director shall
not be affected by any decrease in the number of directors.
3. ELECTION AND TERM. The first Board of Directors
shall consist of the directors named in the Articles of
Incorporation and shall hold office until the first meeting of
stockholders or until their successors have been elected and
qualified. Thereafter, directors who are elected at a meeting
of stockholders, and directors who are elected in the interim to
fill vacancies and newly created directorships, shall hold
office until their successors have been elected and qualified.
Newly created directorships and any vacancies in the Board of
Directors, other than vacancies resulting from the removal of
directors by the stockholders, may be filled by the Board of
Directors, subject to the provisions of the Investment Company
Act of 1940. Newly created directorships filled by the Board of
Directors shall be by action of a majority of the entire Board
of Directors. All other vacancies to be filled by the Board of
Directors may be filled by a majority of the remaining members
of the Board of Directors, although such majority is less than a
quorum thereof.
4. MEETINGS.
- TIME. Meetings shall be held at such time as the
Board shall fix, except that the first meeting of a newly
elected Board shall be held as soon after its election as the
directors conveniently may assemble.
- PLACE. Meetings shall be held at such place within
or without the State of Maryland as shall be fixed by the Board.
- CALL. No call shall be required for regular
meetings for which the time and place have been fixed. Special
meetings may be called by or at the direction of the President
or of a majority of the directors in office.
- NOTICE OR ACTUAL OR CONSTRUCTIVE WAIVER. Whenever
any notice of the time, place or purpose of any meeting of
directors or any committee thereof is required to be given under
the provisions of the General Corporation Law or of these by-
laws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the director or
committee member entitled to such notice and filed with the
records of the meeting, whether before or after the holding
thereof, or actual attendance at the meeting shall be deemed
equivalent to the giving of such notice to such director or such
committee member.
- QUORUM AND ACTION. A majority of the entire Board
of Directors shall constitute a quorum except when a vacancy or
vacancies prevents such majority, whereupon a majority of the
directors in office shall constitute a quorum, provided such
majority shall constitute at least one-third of the entire Board
and, in no event, less than two directors. A majority of the
directors present, whether or not a quorum is present, may
adjourn a meeting to another time and place. Except as herein
otherwise provided and, except as in the General Corporation Law
otherwise provided, the action of a majority of the directors
present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the
action of the Board of Directors.
- CHAIRMAN OF THE MEETING. The Chairman of the
Board, if any and if present and acting, or the President or any
other director chosen by the Board, shall preside at all
meetings.
5. REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS. Any or all of the directors
may be removed for cause or without cause by the stockholders,
who may elect a successor or successors to fill any resulting
vacancy or vacancies for the unexpired term of the removed
director or directors.
6. COMMITTEES. The Board of Directors may appoint
from among its members an Executive Committee and other
committees composed of two or more directors and may delegate to
such committee or committees, in the intervals between meetings
of the Board of Directors, any or all of the powers of the Board
of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of
the corporation, except the power to amend the by-laws, to
approve any consolidation, merger, share exchange or transfer of
assets, to declare dividends, to issue stock or to recommend to
stockholders any action requiring the stockholders' approval.
In the absence of any member of any such committee, the members
thereof present at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a
quorum, may appoint a member of the Board of Directors to act in
the place of such absent member.
7. INFORMAL ACTION. Any action required or permitted
to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any
committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if a written
consent to such action is signed by all members of the Board of
Directors or any such committee, as the case may be, and such
written consent is filed with the minutes of the proceedings of
the Board or any such committee.
Members of the Board of Directors or any committee
designated thereby may participate in a meeting of such Board or
committee by means of a conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons
participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same
time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in
person at a meeting.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
The corporation may have a Chairman of the Board and
shall have a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, who shall
be elected by the Board of Directors, and may have such other
officers, assistant officers and agents as the Board of
Directors shall authorize from time to time. Any two or more
offices, except those of President and Vice President, may be
held by the same person, but no person shall execute,
acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity,
if such instrument is required by law to be executed,
acknowledged or verified by two or
more officers.
Any officer or agent may be removed by the Board of
Directors whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the
corporation will be served thereby.
ARTICLE IV
PRINCIPAL OFFICE - RESIDENT AGENT - STOCK LEDGER
The address of the principal office of the corporation
in the State of Maryland prescribed by the General Corporation
Law is 32 South Street, c/o The Corporation Trust Incorporated,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The name and address of the resident
agent in the State of Maryland prescribed by the General
Corporation Law are: The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 32
South Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
The corporation shall maintain, at its principal
office in the State of Maryland prescribed by the General
Corporation Law or at the business office or an agency of the
corporation, an original or duplicate stock ledger containing
the names and addresses of all stockholders and the number of
shares of each class held by each stockholder. Such stock
ledger may be in written form or any other form capable of being
converted into written form within a reasonable time for visual
inspection.
The corporation shall keep at said principal office in
the State of Maryland the original or a certified copy of the
by-laws, including all amendments thereto, and shall duly file
thereat the annual statement of affairs of the corporation
prescribed by Section 2-314 of the General Corporation Law.
ARTICLE V
CORPORATE SEAL
The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the
name of the corporation and shall be in such form and contain
such other words and/or figures as the Board of Directors shall
determine or the law require.
ARTICLE VI
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed, and
shall be subject to change, by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII
CONTROL OVER BY-LAWS
The power to make, alter, amend and repeal the by-laws
is vested in the Board of Directors of the corporation.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
Notwithstanding any provision in the General
Corporation Law or the corporation's Articles of Incorporation:
In the event that a claim for
indemnification is asserted by a director,
officer or controlling person of the
corporation in connection with the registered
securities of the corporation, the corporation
will not make such indemnification unless
(i) the corporation has submitted, before a
court or other body, the question of whether
the person to be indemnified was liable by
reason of wilful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, or reckless disregard of duties,
and has obtained a final decision on the
merits that such person was not liable by
reason of such conduct or (ii) in the absence
of such decision, the corporation shall have
obtained a reasonable determination, based
upon a review of the facts, that such person
was not liable by virtue of such conduct, by
(a) the vote of a majority of directors who
are neither interested persons as such term is
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
nor parties to the proceeding or (b) an
independent legal counsel in a written
opinion.
The corporation will not advance
attorneys' fees or other expenses incurred by
the person to be indemnified unless the
corporation shall have (i) received an
undertaking by or on behalf of such person to
repay the advance unless it is ultimately
determined that such person is entitled to
indemnification and one of the following
conditions shall have occurred: (x) such
person shall provide security for his
undertaking, (y) the corporation shall be
insured against losses arising by reason of
any lawful advances or (z) a majority of the
disinterested, non-party directors of the
corporation, or an independent legal counsel
in a written opinion, shall have determined
that based on a review of readily available
facts there is reason to believe that such
person ultimately will be found entitled to
indemnification.
As amended, July 19, 1989
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Condensed
Financial Information" and "Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent,
Custodian, Counsel and Independent Auditors" and to the use of our report
dated November 30, 1995, in this Registration Statement (Form N-1A
No. 2-92285) of General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
February 23, 1996
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