GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
PART B
(STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
MARCH 3, 1997
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 3, 1997,
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
Outside the U.S. and Canada -- Call 516-794-5452
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-12
Management Agreement B-15
Purchase of Shares B-17
Service Plan B-18
Redemption of Shares B-19
Shareholder Services B-21
Determination of Net Asset Value B-24
Portfolio Transactions B-24
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes B-25
Performance Information B-27
Information About the Fund B-28
Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, Custodian,
Counsel and Independent Auditors B-28
Appendix A B-30
Appendix B B-42
Financial Statements B-50
Report of Independent Auditors B-59
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
Municipal Obligations. The average distribution of investments (at
value) in Municipal Obligations (including notes) by ratings for the fiscal
year ended October 31, 1996, computed on a monthly basis, was as follows:
Fitch Moody's Standard
Investors Investors & Poor's
Service, L.P. Service, Inc. Ratings Group Percentage
("Fitch") or ("Moody's") or ("S&P") of Value
AAA Aaa AAA 21.8%
AA Aa AA 10.3%
A A A 31.9%
BBB Baa BBB 25.7%
BB BB BB 2.2%
F-1+/F-1 VMIG1/MIG1, P-1 SP-1+/SP-1, A-1 3.0%
Not Rated Not Rated Not Rated 5.1%*
100.0%
_____________________
* Included in the Not Rated category are securities comprising 5.1% of the
Fund's market value which, while not rated, have been determined by the
Manager to be of comparable quality to securities in the Baa/BBB rating
category.
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 permissible liquid
assets 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 or at a specific date.
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 liquid 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.
Successful use by a Fund of options will be subject to the Manager's
ability to predict correctly movements in interest rates. To the extent such
predictions are incorrect, the Fund may incur a loss.
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.
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, 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 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 have
improved, however, during recent fiscal years. For its fiscal periods 1993
through 1996, the State recorded balanced budgets on a cash basis, with
substantial fund balances in the General Fund in fiscal 1992-93 and 1993-94
and smaller fund balances in fiscal 1994-95 and 1995-96. 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
reflected 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 33-1/2% 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.
Board Members 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,
Cognizant Corporation, a service provider of marketing information and
information technology, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, MCI
Communications Corporation, Mutual of America Life Insurance Company and
TLC Beatrice International Holdings, Inc. He is 63 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 54 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. He is also
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Noel Group, Inc., a venture
capital company; and a director of The Muscular Dystrophy Association,
HealthPlan Services Corporation, Belding Heminway Company, Inc., a
manufacturer and marketer of industrial threads and buttons, Curtis
Industries, Inc., a national distributor of security products,
chemicals, and automotive and other hardware, and Staffing Resources,
Inc. For more than five years prior to January 1995, he was President,
a director and, until August 1994, Chief Operating Officer of the
Manager and Executive Vice President and a director of Dreyfus Service
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager and, until August
24, 1994, the Fund's distributor. From August 1994 until December 31,
1994, he was a director of Mellon Bank Corporation. He is 53 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 and has published many articles on subjects in
the field of psychoanalysis. He is 64 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 77 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 54 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, 1996, 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, 1996, was as follows:
Total Compensation
Aggregate From Fund and Fund
Name of Board Compensation from Complex Paid to
Member Fund* Board Member
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr. $5,500 $ 82,436 (17)
Peggy C. Davis $5,500 $ 73,084 (15)
Joseph S. DiMartino $6,875 $517,075 (94)
Ernest Kafka $5,000 $ 69,584 (15)
Saul B. Klaman $5,500 $ 73,584 (15)
Nathan Leventhal $5,500 $ 71,084 (15)
_____________________
* Amount does not include reimbursed expenses for attending Board meetings,
which amounted to $3,531 for all Board members as a group.
Officers of the Fund
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, President and Treasurer. President, Chief Executive
Officer and a director 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. She is 39 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.
He is 32 years old.
RICHARD W. INGRAM, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice
President and Director of Client Services and Treasury Operations of
Funds Distributor, Inc. and an officer of other investment companies
advised or administered by the Manager. From March 1994 to November
1995, he was Vice President and Division Manager for First Data Investor
Services Group. From 1989 to 1994, he was Vice President, Assistant
Treasurer and Tax Director - Mutual Funds of The Boston Company, Inc.
He is 40 years old.
JOSEPH F. TOWER, III, Vice President and 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 34 years old.
MARY A. NELSON, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Vice President and
Manager of Treasury Services and Administration of Funds Distributor,
Inc. and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. From September 1989 to July 1994, she was
an Assistant Vice President and Client Manager for The Boston Company,
Inc. She is 32 years old.
MICHAEL S. PETRUCELLI, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Director of
Strategic Client Initiatives for Funds Distributor, Inc. and an officer
of other investment companies advised or administrated by the Manager.
From December 1989 through November 1996, he was employed with GE
Investments where he held various financial, business development and
compliance positions. He also served as Treasurer of the GE Funds and
as Director of the GE Investment Services. He is 35 years old.
ELIZABETH A. KEELEY, 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.
DOUGLAS C. CONROY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Supervisor of
Treasury Services and Administration of Funds Distributor, Inc. and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by the
Manager. From April 1993 to January 1995, he was a Senior Fund
Accountant for Investors Bank & Trust Company. From December 1991 to
March 1993, he was employed as a Fund Accountant at The Boston Company,
Inc. He is 27 years old.
MARK A. KARPE, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Senior Paralegal of
the Distributor and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. Prior to August 1993, he was employed by
an Associate Examiner at the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. He 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, 1997.
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 17, 1996. 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: W.
Keith Smith, Chairman of the Board; Christopher M. Condron, President, Chief
Executive Officer, 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; William T. Sandalls, Jr., Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; William F. Glavin, Jr., Vice
President-Corporate Development; Mark N. Jacobs, Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary; Patrice M. Kozlowski, Vice President-Corporate
Communications; Mary Beth Leibig, Vice President-Human Resources; Jeffrey N.
Nachman, Vice President-Mutual Fund Accounting; Andrew S. Wasser, Vice
President-Information Systems; Elvira Oslapas, Assistant Secretary; and
Mandell L. Berman, Burton C. Borgelt and Frank V. Cahouet, 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, Samuel J. Weinstock and Monica S.
Wieboldt. The Manager also maintains a research department with a
professional staff of portfolio managers and securities analysts who provide
research services for the Fund and for other funds advised by the Manager.
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 Commission fees,
state Blue Sky qualification fees, advisory fees, charges of custodians,
transfer and dividend disbursing agents' fees, certain insurance premiums,
industry association fees, outside auditing and legal expenses, costs of
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, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the management fees payable amounted to
$2,150,206, $1,876,783 and $1,891,456, respectively, which amounts were
reduced by $440,853, $130,377 and $0, respectively, pursuant to undertakings
in effect, resulting in net fees paid to the Manager of $1,709,353 in fiscal
1994, $1,746,406 in fiscal 1995 and $1,891,456 in fiscal 1996.
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 17, 1996. 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, 1996, the Fund (a) reimbursed the
Distributor $18,021 for payments made to Service Agents for distributing Fund
shares and servicing shareholder accounts, and (b) paid Dreyfus $612,464 for
advertising and marketing Fund shares and for servicing shareholder accounts.
In addition, the Fund paid $9,917 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."
Redemption Fee. The Fund will deduct a redemption fee equal to .10% of
the net asset value of Fund shares redeemed (including redemptions through
the use of the Fund Exchanges service) less than 15 days following the
issuance of such shares. The redemption fee will be deducted from the
redemption proceeds and retained by the Fund.
No redemption fee will be charged on the redemption or exchange of
shares (1) through the Fund's Check Redemption Privilege, Automatic
Withdrawal Plan or Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege, (2) through accounts that
are reflected on the records of the Transfer Agent as omnibus accounts
approved by Dreyfus Service Corporation, (3) through accounts established by
Service Agents approved by Dreyfus Service Corporation that utilize the
National Securities Clearing Corporation's networking system, or (4) acquired
through the reinvestment of dividends or distributions. The redemption fee
may be waived, modified or terminated at any time.
Check Redemption Privilege. An investor may indicate on the Account
Application, Shareholder Services Form 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, Shareholder
Services Form 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 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 (which
may include non-marketable 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 might be
incurred.
Suspension of Redemptions. The right of redemption may be suspended or
the date of payment postponed (a) during any period when the New York Stock
Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), (b)
when trading in the markets the Fund ordinarily utilizes is restricted, or
when an emergency exists as determined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission so that disposal of the Fund's investments or determination of its
net asset value is not reasonably practicable, or (c) for such other periods
as the Securities and Exchange Commission by order may permit to protect the
Fund's shareholders.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Services."
Fund Exchanges. A .10% redemption fee will be charged upon an exchange
of Fund shares where the exchange occurs less than 15 days following the
issuance of such shares. 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 (including
over The Dreyfus Touchr automated telephone system) 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 distri
butions, the investor's shares will be reduced and eventually may be
depleted. 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 automatically 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, 1995 and 1996 was 65.91% and 80.30%, 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, 1996
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, 1996, 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, 1996
was 5.05%. 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 46.60%, the Fund's tax equivalent yield for the 30-day
period ended October 31, 1996 was 9.46%. 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, 1996 was 4.68%, 7.14% and 6.91%, 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, 1996 was 156.91%. 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. For the period December 1, 1995 (effective date for the
transfer agency agreement) through October 31, 1996, the Fund paid the
Transfer Agent $105,356. 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 LLP, 180 Maiden Lane, New York, New York
10038-4982, as counsel for the Fund, has rendered its opinion as to certain
legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance of the
shares being sold pursuant to the Fund's Prospectus.
Ernst & Young LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019,
independent auditors, have been selected as 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 have increased by approximately 5.0% in 1996.
The State's budget for the 1996-97 fiscal year was enacted by the
Legislature on July 13, 1996, more than three 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 the 1996-97 fiscal year was
formulated on July 25, 1996 and is based on the State's budget as enacted by
the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, as well as actual
results for the first quarter of the 1996-97 fiscal year.
After adjustments for comparability between fiscal years, the adopted
1996-97 budget projects a year-over-year increase in General Fund
disbursements of 0.2%. Adjusted State Funds (excluding Federal grants)
disbursements are projected to increase by 1.6% from the prior fiscal year.
All Governmental Funds projected disbursements increase by 4.1% over the
prior fiscal year, after adjustments for comparability.
The 1996-97 State Financial Plan is projected to be balanced on a cash
basis. As compared to the Governor's proposed budget as revised on March 20,
1996, the State's adopted budget for 1996-97 increases General Fund spending
by $842 million, primarily from increases for education, special education
and higher education ($563 million). The balance represents funding
increases to a variety of other programs, including community projects and
increased assistance to fiscally distressed cities. Resources used to fund
these additional expenditures include $540 million in increased revenues
projected for 1996-97 based on higher-than-projected tax collections during
the first half of calendar 1996, $110 million in projected receipts from a
new State tax amnesty program, and other resources including certain non-
recurring resources. The total amount of non-recurring resources included in
the 1996-97 State budget is projected to be $1.3 billion, or 3.9% of total
General Fund receipts.
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.
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.
GAAP-Basis Results--1995-96 Fiscal Year. The State completed its 1995-96
fiscal year with a combined Governmental Funds operating surplus of $432
million, which included an operating surplus in the General Fund of $380
million, in the Capital Projects Funds of $276 million and in the Debt
Service Funds of $185 million. There was an operating deficit of $409
million in the Special Revenue Funds. The State's Combined Balance Sheet as
of March 31, 1996 showed an accumulated deficit in its combined Governmental
Funds of $1.23 billion, reflecting liabilities of $14.59 billion and assets
of $13.35 billion. This accumulated Governmental Funds deficit includes a
$2.93 billion accumulated deficit in the General Fund and an accumulated
deficit of $712 million in the Capital Projects Fund type as partially offset
by accumulated surpluses of $468 million and $1.94 billion in the Special
Revenue and Debt Service Fund types, respectively.
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
in the General Fund of $1.426 billion, in the Capital Projects Funds of $366
million, and in the Debt Service Funds of $38 million. There was 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.
In the State's 1996-97 fiscal year, the General Fund is expected to
account for approximately 47% of total Governmental Funds disbursements and
71% of total State Funds disbursements. The General Fund is projected to be
balanced on a cash basis for the 1996-97 fiscal year. Total receipts and
transfers from other funds are projected to be $33.17 billion, an increase of
$365 million from the prior fiscal year. Total General Fund disbursements
and transfers to other funds are projected to be $33.12 billion, an increase
of $444 million from the total 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. During its last four fiscal years, however, the State recorded
balanced budgets on a cash basis, with positive fund balances as described
below.
The State ended its 1995-96 fiscal year on March 31, 1996 with a General
Fund cash surplus. The Division of the Budget reported that revenues
exceeded projections by $270 million, while spending for social service
programs was lower than forecast by $120 million and all other spending was
lower by $55 million. From the resulting benefit of $445 million, a $65
million voluntary deposit was made into the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund
("TSRF"), and $380 million was used to reduce 1996-97 Financial Plan
liabilities by accelerating 1996-97 payments, deferring 1995-96 revenues, and
making a deposit to the tax refund reserve account.
The General Fund closing fund balance was $287 million, an increase of
$129 million from 1994-95 levels. The $129 million change in fund balance is
attributable to the $65 million voluntary deposit to the TSRF, a $15 million
required deposit to the TSRF, a $40 million deposit to the CRF, and a $9
million deposit to the Revenue Accumulation Fund. The closing fund balance
includes $237 million on deposit in the TSRF, to be used in the event of any
future General Fund deficit as provided under the State Constitution and
State Finance Law. In addition, $41 million is on deposit in the CRF. The
CRF was established in State fiscal year 1993-94 to assist the State in
financing the costs of extraordinary litigation. The remaining $9 million
reflects amounts on deposit in the Revenue Accumulation Fund. This fund was
created to hold certain tax receipts temporarily before their deposit to
other accounts. In addition, $678 million was on deposit in the tax refund
reserve account, of which $521 million was necessary to complete the
restructuring of the State's cash flow under the LGAC program.
General Fund receipts totaled $32.81 billion, a decrease of 1.1% from
1994-95 levels. This decrease reflects the impact of tax reductions enacted
and effective in both 1994 and 1995. General Fund disbursements totaled
$32.68 billion for the 1995-96 fiscal year, a decrease of 2.2% from 1994-95
levels.
The State ended its 1994-95 fiscal year with the General Fund in
balance. The $241 million decline in the fund balance reflects the planned
use of $264 million from the CRF, partially offset by the required deposit of
$23 million to the TSRF. In addition, $278 million was on deposit in the tax
refund reserve account, $250 million of which was deposited to continue the
process of restructuring the State's cash flow as part of the LGAC program.
The closing fund balance of $158 million reflects $157 million in the TSRF
and $1 million in the CRF.
General Fund receipts totaled $33.16 billion, an increase of 2.9% from
1993-94 levels. General Fund disbursements totaled $33.40 billion for the
1994-95 fiscal year, an increase of 4.7% from the previous fiscal year. The
increase in disbursements was primarily the result of one-time litigation
costs for the State, funded by the use of the CRF, offset by $188 million in
spending reductions initiated in January 1995 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.
The State ended its 1993-94 fiscal year with a General Fund cash
surplus, primarily the result of an improving national economy, State
employment growth, tax collections that exceeded earlier projections and
disbursements that were below expectations. A deposit of $268 million was
made to the CRF, with a withdrawal during the year of $3 million, and a
deposit of $67 million was made to the TSRF. These three transactions
resulted in the change in fund balance of $332 million. In addition, a
deposit of $1.14 billion was made to the tax refund reserve account, of which
$1.03 billion was available for budgetary purposes in the 1994-95 fiscal
year. The remaining $114 million was redeposited in the tax refund reserve
account 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 LGAC program. The
General Fund closing balance was $399 million, of which $265 million was on
deposit in the CRF and $134 million in the TSRF. The CRF was initially
funded with a transfer of $100 million attributable to a positive margin
recorded in the 1992-93 fiscal year.
General Fund receipts totaled $32.23 billion, an increase of 2.6% from
1992-93 levels. General Fund disbursements totaled $31.90 billion for the
1993-94 fiscal year, 3.5% higher than the previous fiscal year. Receipts
were higher in part due to improved tax collections from renewed State
economic growth, although the State continued to lag behind the national
economic recovery. Disbursements were higher due in part to increased local
assistance costs for school aid and social services, accelerated payment of
certain Medicaid expenses, and the cost of an additional payroll for State
employees.
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
are 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. Revenues in Special Revenue
Funds in the State's 1995-96 fiscal year increased $1.45 billion over the
prior fiscal year as a result of increases in federal grants and lottery
revenues. Disbursements from Special Revenue Funds in the State's 1995-96
fiscal year increased $1.21 billion over the prior fiscal year as a result of
increased costs for social services programs and an increase in the
distribution of lottery proceeds to school districts.
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 construction. Revenues in the Capital
Projects Funds in the State's 1995-96 fiscal year increased $260 million
primarily because a larger share of the petroleum business tax was shifted
from the General Fund to the Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund and by
an increase in federal grant revenues. Expenditures increased $194 million
because of increased expenditures for education and health and environmental
projects.
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. Revenues in the Debt Service Funds in the
State's 1995-96 fiscal year increased $10 million because of increases in
both dedicated taxes and mental hygiene patient fees. Expenditures increased
$201 million.
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 1996-97 fiscal year. The State expects to issue $411
million in general obligation bonds (including $153.6 million for purposes of
redeeming outstanding BANs) and $154 million in general obligation commercial
paper. The Legislature has also authorized the issuance of up to $101
million in COPs during the State's 1996-97 fiscal year for equipment
purchases. The projection of the State regarding its borrowings for the 1996-
97 fiscal year may change if circumstances require.
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, 1995, there were 17 Agencies that had outstanding debt
of $100 million or more. The aggregate outstanding debt, including refunding
bonds, of these 17 Agencies was $73.45 billion as of September 30, 1995. 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.
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 1996-97
State fiscal year, total State assistance to the MTA is estimated at
approximately $1.09 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.
State legislation accompanying the 1996-97 adopted State budget
authorized the MTA, TBTA and TA to issue an aggregate of $6.5 billion in
bonds to finance a portion of a new $11.98 billion MTA capital plan for the
1995 through 1999 calendar years (the "1995-99 Capital Program"), and
authorized the MTA to submit the 1995-99 Capital Program to the Capital
Program Review Board for approval. This plan supersedes the overlapping
portion of the MTA's 1992-96 Capital Program. This is the fourth capital
plan since the Legislature authorized procedures for the adoption, approval
and amendment of MTA capital programs and is designed to upgrade the
performance of the MTA's transportation systems by investing in new rolling
stock, maintaining replacement schedules for existing assets and bringing the
MTA system into a state of good repair. The 1995-99 Capital Program assumes
the issuance of an estimated $5.1 billion in bonds under this $6.5 billion
aggregate bonding authority. The remainder of the plan is projected to be
financed through assistance from the State, the Federal government, and the
City of New York, and from various other revenues generated from actions
taken by the MTA.
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 1995-1999 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 last several State fiscal years. 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 1996-97 fiscal year.
Fiscal difficulties experienced by the City of Yonkers resulted in the
re-establishment of the Financial Control Board for the City of Yonkers by
the State in 1984. That Board is charged with oversight of the fiscal
affairs of Yonkers. Future actions taken by the State to assist Yonkers
could result in increased State expenditures for extraordinary local
assistance.
Beginning in 1990, the City of Troy experienced a series of budgetary
deficits that resulted in the establishment of a Supervisory Board for the
City of Troy in 1994. The Supervisory Board's powers were increased in 1995,
when Troy MAC was created to help Troy avoid default on certain obligations.
The legislation creating Troy MAC prohibits the City of Troy from seeking
federal bankruptcy protection while Troy MAC bonds are outstanding.
Seventeen municipalities received extraordinary assistance during the
1996 legislative session through $50 million in special appropriations
targeted for distressed cities.
Municipalities and school districts have engaged in substantial
short-term and long-term borrowings. In 1994, the total indebtedness of all
localities in the State, other than the City, was approximately $17.7
billion. A small portion (approximately $82.9 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.
Seventeen localities had outstanding indebtedness for deficit financing at
the close of their fiscal year ending in 1994.
From time to time, Federal expenditure reductions could 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.
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.
(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 has achieved balanced operating results for each of its fiscal years
since 1981 as reported in accordance with the then-applicable GAAP standards.
The City's ability to maintain balanced operating results in future years is
subject to numerous contingencies and future developments.
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.
During the 1990 and 1991 fiscal years, as a result of a slowing economy,
the City has experienced significant shortfalls in almost all of its major
tax sources and increases in social services costs, and was required to take
actions to close substantial budget gaps in order to maintain balanced
budgets in accordance with the Financial Plan.
According to a recent OSDC economic report, the City's economy was slow
to recover from the recession and was expected to have experienced 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 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.
Generally, Moody's provides either a generic rating or a rating with a
numerical modifier of 1 for bonds in each of the generic rating categories
Aa, A, Baa, and B. Moody's also provides numerical modifiers of 2 and 3 in
each of these categories for bond issues in the health care, higher education
and other not-for-profit sectors; the modifier 1 indicates that the issue
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2
indicates that the issue is in the mid-range of the generic category; and the
modifier 3 indicates that the issue is in the low end of the generic
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, 1996
Principal
Long-Term Municipal Investments-100.0% Amount Value
------- ------
<S> <C> <C>
New York-97.6%
Albany Industrial Development Agency:
IDR (Hampton Plaza Project) 6.25%, 3/15/2018............................ $ 5,600,000 $ 5,471,816
LR:
(New York State Assembly Building Project) 7.75%, 1/1/2010............ 3,615,000 3,972,126
(New York State Department of Health Building Project) 7.25%, 10/1/2010 1,755,000 1,872,058
Board of Cooperative Educational Services, COP (Greenport Vocational Facility
Project)
7.875%, 10/1/2000....................................................... 1,120,000 1,181,085
Buffalo and Erie Public Building Authority, Toll Bridge System Revenue
5.75%, 1/1/2025 (Insured; MBIA)......................................... 4,200,000 4,201,218
Cohoes Industrial Development Agency, IDR (Norlite Corp. Project)
6.75%, 5/1/2009 (LOC; Dresdner Bank) (Prerefunded 5/1/2002) (a,b)....... 2,400,000 2,687,496
Franklin County Solid Waste Management Authority, Solid Waste Systems Revenue
6.125%, 6/1/2009........................................................ 1,350,000 1,340,226
Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, SWDR (Champion International
Corp.)
7.20%, 12/1/2020........................................................ 2,000,000 2,146,800
Metropolitan Transportation Authority:
Service Contract Transport Facilities, Refunding:
5.75%, 7/1/2015....................................................... 5,000,000 4,819,550
5.625%, 7/1/2016...................................................... 3,000,000 2,819,790
Transport Facilities, Revenue 6%, 7/1/2016 (Insured; FSA)............... 5,000,000 5,175,700
New York City:
6.375%, 8/1/2004........................................................ 3,000,000 3,159,000
7.65%, 2/1/2006......................................................... 3,000,000 3,354,000
7%, 10/1/2008........................................................... 1,750,000 1,886,640
6.375%, 8/15/2012....................................................... 3,395,000 3,464,937
5.875%, 8/15/2013....................................................... 3,300,000 3,217,236
New York City Industrial Development Agency:
Civic Facility Revenue (YMCA of Greater New York Project) 8%, 8/1/2016.. 3,300,000 3,545,619
IDR 7.625%, 11/1/2009 (LOC; ABN Amro Bank) (a).......................... 1,200,000 1,202,808
Special Facility Revenue (Terminal One Group Association Project):
6%, 1/1/2019.......................................................... 3,600,000 3,597,444
6.125%, 1/1/2024...................................................... 3,965,000 3,989,424
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System
Revenue:
5.50%, 6/15/2019........................................................ 8,790,000 8,422,051
6%, 6/15/2025........................................................... 9,750,000 9,844,477
5.875%, 6/15/2026....................................................... 19,365,000 19,355,317
New York State, Crossover, Refunding 6.125%, 11/15/2012..................... 5,000,000 5,197,250
New York State, GO 5.70%, 3/15/2013......................................... 2,000,000 2,018,400
New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenues:
City University 6%, 7/1/2026............................................ 7,750,000 7,690,790
Consolidated City University Systems:
5.75%, 7/1/2013....................................................... 20,005,000 19,939,584
5.625%, 7/1/2016...................................................... 1,000,000 976,680
5.75%, 7/1/2018....................................................... 2,500,000 2,476,850
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) OCTOBER 31, 1996
Principal
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) Amount Value
------- ------
New York (continued)
New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenues (continued):
Court Facilities Lease 5.50%, 5/15/2010................................. $ 3,000,000 $ 2,921,790
Department of Health (Powell Park Cancer) 6.625%, 7/1/2024.............. 2,700,000 2,876,175
Mount Sinai Medical School 5%, 7/1/2014 (Insured; MBIA)................. 3,985,000 3,742,035
State University Educational Facilities 6%, 5/15/2025................... 3,825,000 3,796,465
WK Nursing Home Corp. 6.05%, 2/1/2026................................... 5,000,000 5,089,950
New York State Energy, Research and Development Authority:
Electric Facilities Revenue (Long Island Lighting) 7.15%, 9/1/2022...... 3,435,000 3,515,448
Facilities Revenue (Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc.) 7.125%, 12/1/2029 2,000,000 2,250,160
Gas Facilities Revenue (Brooklyn Union Gas Co. Project) 6.226%, 4/1/2020 5,000,000 5,233,800
New York State Environmental Facilities Corp.:
PCR:
(State Water Revolving Fund) 7.25%, 6/15/2010......................... 1,300,000 1,456,013
(Pilgrim State Sewer Project) 6.30%, 3/15/2016........................ 5,200,000 5,599,724
Special Obligation Revenue (Riverbank State Park) 7.25%, 4/1/2012....... 2,500,000 2,698,725
SWDR (Occidental Petroleum Corp.) 5.70%, 9/1/2028....................... 1,400,000 1,286,292
Water Facilities Revenue (New Rochelle Water Co. Project) 6.40%, 12/1/2024 2,000,000 2,068,940
New York State Housing Finance Agency, Revenue:
Health Facilities 6%, 11/1/2007......................................... 6,000,000 6,096,600
LooseStrife Fields Apartments and Fairway Manor 6.75%, 11/15/2036 (Insured; FHA) 5,990,000 6,251,344
Multi-Family Housing:
7.75%, 11/1/2020 (Insured; AMBAC)..................................... 1,090,000 1,170,540
Second Mortgage 6.625%, 8/15/2012..................................... 2,500,000 2,618,850
Refunding (Housing Mortgage Project) 6.10%, 11/1/2015 (Insured; FSA).. 2,000,000 2,049,840
Service Contract Obligation:
6%, 9/15/2016......................................................... 3,675,000 3,643,138
6%, 3/15/2026......................................................... 7,645,000 7,555,936
New York State Local Government Assistance Corp., Refunding 6%, 4/1/2024.... 7,000,000 7,088,830
New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Revenue:
Hospital & Nursing Home Insured Mortgage:
6.85%, 2/15/2012 (Insured; FHA)....................................... 3,000,000 3,217,650
6.20%, 8/15/2013 (Insured; FHA)....................................... 3,000,000 3,190,320
6.125%, 2/15/2015 (Insured; FHA)...................................... 5,170,000 5,357,051
7.45%, 8/15/2031 (Insured; FHA)....................................... 3,000,000 3,291,270
Improvement (Mental Health Services Facilities) 6.50%, 2/15/2019........ 5,290,000 5,493,665
Long Term Health Care (Insured Program) 6.45%, 11/1/2010 (Insured; CGIC) 5,000,000 5,393,450
(Montefiore Medical Center) 5.75%, 2/15/2015 (Insured; AMBAC)........... 2,000,000 2,005,200
Mortgage (St. Lukes Roosevelt) 5.60%, 8/15/2013......................... 4,685,000 4,685,187
Refunding 6.20%, 2/15/2023 (Insured; FHA)............................... 1,700,000 1,746,886
New York State Mortgage Agency, Homeowner Revenue:
6.60%, 10/1/2019........................................................ 3,500,000 3,685,500
6.45%, 10/1/2020........................................................ 3,500,000 3,582,250
6.40%, 4/1/2027......................................................... 4,000,000 4,123,560
New York State Thruway Authority:
Highway and Bridge Trust Fund 5.50%, 4/1/2015 (Insured; MBIA)........... 3,250,000 3,218,312
Service Contract Revenue (Local Highway and Bridge) 6.25%, 4/1/2014..... 2,000,000 2,029,680
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) OCTOBER 31, 1996
Principal
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) Amount Value
------- ------
New York (continued)
New York State Urban Development Corp., Correctional Facilities Revenue, Refunding:
5.50%, 1/1/2014......................................................... $ 3,000,000 $ 2,901,120
5.50%, 1/1/2016......................................................... 4,000,000 3,736,960
5.50%, 1/1/2018......................................................... 2,490,000 2,314,903
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, Airport Revenue
(Greater Buffalo International Airport) 6.125%, 4/1/2014 (Insured; AMBAC) 2,700,000 2,783,565
Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency, Sewer Facilities Revenue
(Bristol Meyers Squibb Co. Project) 5.75%, 3/1/2024..................... 4,000,000 4,092,720
Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, IDR (Albany International
Corp.)
7.55%, 6/1/2007......................................................... 4,000,000 4,590,360
Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, Civic Facility Revenue
(Long Island Association of Children) 7.35%, 8/1/2009 (LOC; Barclays Bank) (a) 1,875,000 1,984,369
U.S. Related-2.4%
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Refunding 6%, 7/1/2014......................... 5,000,000 5,062,250
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue 5.929%, 7/1/2023........ 2,000,000 2,024,500
-------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(cost $287,881,054)..................................................... $298,547,695
=======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Summary of Abbreviations
AMBAC American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation LOC Letter of Credit
CGIC Capital Guaranty Insurance Company 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
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Summary of Combined Ratings (Unaudited)
Fitch (c) or Moody's or Standard & Poor's Percentage of Value
- ---- ---- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AAA Aaa AAA 22.5%
AA Aa AA 9.5
A A A 37.4
BBB Baa BBB 24.0
BB Ba BB 1.2
Not Rated (d) Not Rated (d) Not Rated (d) 5.4
----
100.0%
====
Notes to Statement of Investments:
(a) Secured by letters of credit.
(b) Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized by U.S. Government
securities which are held in escrow and are used to pay principal and
interest on the municipal issue and to retire the bonds in full at the
earliest refunding date.
(c) Fitch currently provides creditworthiness information for a limited
number of investments.
(d) 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, 1996
Cost Value
------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS: Investments in securities-See Statement of Investments $287,881,054 $298,547,695
Cash....................................... 3,954,587
Interest receivable........................ 5,458,212
Receivable for investment securities sold.. 2,037,500
Prepaid expenses........................... 5,952
-------
310,003,946
-------
LIABILITIES: Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates 214,693
Due to Distributor......................... 3,070
Accrued expenses and other liabilities..... 96,347
-------
314,110
-------
NET ASSETS.................................................................. $309,689,836
=======
REPRESENTED BY: Paid-in capital............................ $297,153,410
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments 1,869,785
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
....................... on investments-Note 3 10,666,641
-------
NET ASSETS.................................................................. $309,689,836
=======
SHARES OUTSTANDING
(100 MILLION SHARES OF $ .01 PAR VALUE COMMON STOCK AUTHORIZED)............. 15,748,943
NET ASSET VALUE, offering and redemption price per share.................... $19.66
=======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996
INVESTMENT INCOME
<S> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME Interest Income............................ $19,048,105
EXPENSES: Management fee-Note 2(a)................... $ 1,891,456
Shareholder servicing costs-Note 2(b)...... 810,801
Professional fees.......................... 48,874
Directors' fees and expenses-Note 2(c)..... 34,767
Custodian fees............................. 34,480
Prospectus and shareholders' reports-Note 2(b) 22,242
Registration fees.......................... 3,435
Miscellaneous.............................. 18,886
------
Total Expenses......................... 2,864,941
------
INVESTMENT INCOME-NET....................................................... 16,183,164
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS-Note 3:
Net realized gain (loss) on investments.... $ 1,871,934
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments (2,913,106)
------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS.......................... (1,041,172)
------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS........................ $15,141,992
======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Year Ended Year Ended
October 31, 1996 October 31, 1995
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Investment income-net.................................................... $ 16,183,164 $ 17,232,575
Net realized gain (loss) on investments.................................. 1,871,934 2,243,540
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments................ (2,913,106) 19,145,760
------- -------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations...... 15,141,992 38,621,875
------- -------
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Investment income-net.................................................... (16,183,164) (17,232,575)
Net realized gain on investments......................................... (2,240,383) (1,910,351)
------- -------
Total Dividends...................................................... (18,423,547) (19,142,926)
------- -------
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from shares sold............................................ 253,147,496 230,231,287
Dividends reinvested..................................................... 13,591,136 14,084,296
Cost of shares redeemed.................................................. (276,403,277) (249,154,107)
------- -------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Stock Transactions.... (9,664,645) (4,838,524)
------- -------
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets............................ (12,946,200) 14,640,425
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of Period...................................................... 322,636,036 307,995,611
------- -------
End of Period............................................................ $309,689,836 $322,636,036
======= =======
Shares Shares
------- -------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold.............................................................. 12,869,050 11,893,105
Shares issued for dividends reinvested................................... 689,430 735,731
Shares redeemed.......................................................... (14,024,751) (12,857,380)
------- -------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding........................ (466,271) (228,544)
======= =======
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Reference is made to page 4 of the Fund's Prospectus
dated March 3, 1997.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1-SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") is registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Act") as a non-diversified open-end
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. The Dreyfus
Corporation ("Manager") serves as the Fund's investment adviser. The Manager is
a direct subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A. 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 Fund's financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles which may require the use of management estimates
and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(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.
GENERAL NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
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 value of
the Fund's average daily net assets and is payable monthly. The Agreement
provides that if in any full fiscal year the aggregate expenses of the Fund,
exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings and extraordinary
expenses, exceed 1 1\2% of the value of the Fund's average net assets, the Fund
may deduct from the payments to be made to the Manager, or the Manager will bear
such excess expense. There was no expense reimbursement for the period ended
October 31, 1996.
(b) Under the 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 (a securities dealer, financial institution or other industry
professional) 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. Both 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. Both 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 value of the Fund's average daily net
assets for any full fiscal year. During the period ended October 31, 1996,
$640,402 was charged to the Fund pursuant to the Plan.
Effective December 1, 1995, the Fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager, under a transfer agency agreement for
providing personnel and facilities to perform transfer agency services for the
Fund. Such compensation amounted to $105,356 for the period ended October 31,
1996.
(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,
excluding short-term securities, during the period ended October 31, 1996,
amounted to $244,809,709 and $266,487,186, respectively.
At October 31, 1996, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments
was $10,666,641, consisting of $11,046,706 gross unrealized appreciation and
$380,065 gross unrealized depreciation.
At October 31, 1996, 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, 1996, 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, 1996 by correspondence with the custodian. 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, 1996, 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 and Young LLP signature logo]
New York, New York
December 6, 1996
