Putnam
Pennsylvania
Tax Exempt
Income Fund
SEMIANNUAL REPORT
November 30, 1997
[LOGO: BOSTON * LONDON * TOKYO]
Fund highlights
* Pennsylvania Tax Exempt Income Fund's class A shares have earned
Morningstar's ranking of 4 stars out of a possible 5 for overall
performance based on risk-adjusted 3- and 5-year performance as
of December 31, 1997. Only 22.5% of the 1,494 municipal bond
funds tracked receive 4 stars.*
* "Solid economic growth, relatively low supply, and positive
demographics have favorably impacted the Pennsylvania municipal
bond market. We believe our hands-on approach will be
instrumental to finding unrealized opportunities before the
rest of the market does."
-- Howard K. Manning, fund manager
CONTENTS
4 Report from Putnam Management
9 Fund performance summary
13 Portfolio holdings
18 Financial statements
*Morningstar ratings reflect risk-adjusted performance through 12/31/97
and are subject to change every month. Morningstar ratings are calculated
from a fund's 3-, 5-, and 10-year returns (with fee adjustments) in excess
of 90-day Treasury bill returns and a risk factor that reflects
performance below 90-day Treasury bill returns. For the 3- and 5-year
performance, the fund received 3 stars and 4 stars, respectively. There
were 1,494 municipal bond funds rated for 3 years and 720 funds for 5
years. The top 10% of the funds in an investment category receive 5 stars;
the next 22.5% receive 4 stars; the middle 35% receive 3 stars.
Performance of other share classes will vary. Past performance is not
indicative of future results.
From the Chairman
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: PHOTO OF GEORGE PUTNAM]
[copyright] Karsh, Ottawa
Dear Shareholder:
The global flight to the relative safety of bonds in the aftermath of the
Southeast Asian currency crisis in late October provided a dramatic and
positive finale to the first half of Putnam Pennsylvania Tax Exempt Income
Fund's fiscal year. In the five months prior to that flare-up, the U.S.
municipal bond market had demonstrated solid, albeit tenuous, strength as many
investors cautiously set aside their lingering concerns about the economy,
interest rates, and renewed inflation.
Recognizing the fragility of the generally positive environment both prior to
and following the disruption in global markets, Fund Manager Howard Manning
had pursued a slightly defensive policy in managing the fund. As the year
unfolded, however, he concluded that a somewhat more dynamic strategy was in
order and began adjusting the portfolio accordingly.
In the report that follows, Howard provides the specifics of his strategic
shift as well as details about the fiscal year's first half. Then he offers
some insights into what he believes is in store for the rest of the period.
Respectfully yours,
/S/GEORGE PUTNAM
George Putnam
Chairman of the Trustees
January 21, 1998
Report from the Fund Manager
Howard K. Manning
In today's climate of low inflation, the strong U.S. economy is shining on
just about every municipal bond issuer, raising tax revenues and improving
business prospects in most industries. Yield-hungry investors are snapping up
tax-free securities, often regardless of credit quality, and municipal bond
funds have chalked up attractive gains in part because of this heavy demand.
Putnam Pennsylvania Tax Exempt Income Fund rose with the tide. The fund's
class A shares provided a total return of 5.18% at net asset value and 0.17%
at public offering price for the six months ended November 30, 1997. The
fund's competitive benchmark, the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index, posted
a 5.40% return for the same period. Results for class B and class M shares and
performance details for longer periods can be found on pages 9 and 10.
* MAINTAINING SLIGHTLY DEFENSIVE TONE
An atmosphere of low volatility and narrow trading ranges characterized the
fixed-income markets for much of the semiannual period. The lack of direction
stemmed from an ongoing tug of war between high economic growth (negative for
the bond market) and favorable low inflation (positive for the bond market).
But the collapse of some Pacific Rim currencies and the resulting correction
in worldwide equity markets in late October changed all that. While the
day-to-day volatility that has plagued the stock and bond markets has
certainly included tax-exempt securities, municipal bonds suffered less in
comparison and in fact by the end of November had largely settled down.
One way your fund's management seeks to provide high, durable returns is by
taking advantage of quantifiable factors such as seasonal supply/demand trends
rather than attempting to predict the direction of interest rates.
Historically December is one of the heaviest months for new municipal bond
issuance, and volume is expected to reach $18 billion, dramatically higher
than the average $10 billion we have seen coming to market in preceding months
this year. Since we believe that taking on excessive risk would not reward the
fund, we are only selecting bonds with strong credit profiles, those that seem
most likely to perform well in all market conditions.
Furthermore, we plan to maintain an average portfolio duration of 6 to 7
years, slightly shorter than that of the overall market, with the portfolio's
largest concentration of bonds having maturities in the 10- to 20-year range.
Duration measures the price sensitivity of a bond or a portfolio of bonds to a
change in interest rates. As we have explained in the past, shorter durations
can help preserve principal value as interest rates gradually move upward.
* CONTINUED YIELD SPREAD TIGHTENING TO RESULT IN FLATTER YIELD CURVE
With inflation practically nonexistent, interest rates fell throughout the
period. Investors moved increasingly toward the higher yields offered by
longer-term bonds, resulting in diminished demand for shorter-term securities.
The result in the market for taxable Treasury bonds was a steady narrowing in
the yield differential between long- and short-term securities. While the
municipal bond yield curve remains steeper than that of the Treasury market,
it too has experienced significant flattening in recent months.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: horizontal bar chart TOP INDUSTRY SECTORS]
TOP INDUSTRY SECTORS*
Health care 20.6%
Education 14.7%
Transportation 9.9%
Water and sewerage 9.7%
Utilities 6.5%
Footnote reads:
*Based on net assets as of 11/30/97. Holdings will vary over time.
Municipal bond yields, which traditionally have ranged between 78% and 84% of
Treasury yields, had reached ratios as high as 88% of comparable Treasury
yields by the end of November. The higher yield ratio suggested that municipal
bond prices had become unusually attractive -- in fact, they offered some of
the best values we have seen since the flat-tax proposals of more than two
years ago.
Another defining characteristic of the semiannual period was the narrowing
spread between the yields of lower-rated and higher-rated securities. In
periods of low interest rates and solid economic growth, investors tend to
have greater confidence in higher-risk investments because of the reduced
potential for default. As a result, lower-quality bonds in the current
environment have outperformed higher-quality bonds and investors have been
amply rewarded for assuming the extra credit risk. While we are taking profits
on selected lower-rated bonds as their valuations peak, we would expect the
tighter yield spreads to continue as long as economic growth remains strong.
* HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION, GOs FORM CORE HOLDINGS
One of our ongoing goals is to build both healthy yield and solid total return
potential into the portfolio. This involves structuring the portfolio
carefully in terms of both coupon and credit quality. Roughly 54% of portfolio
holdings are securities of the highest credit quality (Aaa), while
approximately 38% of the holdings are invested in bonds rated Baa or below.
This translates into an average quality rating of Aa.
Health care has been central to the fund's sector strategy and health-care
bonds made up 20.6% of your fund's net assets at the end of the period. The
Justice Department's recent investigation of Columbia Healthcare, an active
buyer of hospitals, has slowed acquisition activity, thereby eliminating a
valuable catalyst for credit upgrades. Nevertheless, new issuance in this
sector has been low, providing a natural price support for existing bonds.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: pie chart CREDIT QUALITY OVERVIEW]
CREDIT QUALITY OVERVIEW*
Short-term 0.1%
Aaa 54.1%
Aa 0.9%
A 6.8%
Baa 32.8%
B 0.2%
Ba 5.1%
Footnote reads:
*As a percentage of market value as of 11/30/97. A bond rated Baa or higher is
considered investment grade. All ratings reflect Moody's descriptions unless
noted otherwise; percentages may include unrated bonds considered by Putnam
Management to be of comparable quality. Ratings will vary over time.
When evaluating performance potential, the location, level, and quality of
services offered by a hospital are important criteria for determining the
winners. Allentown Hospital is a fund holding that we believe will be a
survivor in an overserved market that is facing downsizing and consolidations.
On the other hand, your fund's holdings in Graduate Hospital, revitalized by
new management, exemplify what we see as a turnaround opportunity in
Philadelphia's highly competitive market. While these securities, along with
others discussed in this report, were viewed favorably at the end of the
period, all are subject to review and adjustment in accordance with the fund's
investment strategy and may vary in the future.
Education revenue bonds represented another staple in the portfolio. Because
these bonds are primarily used to finance education facilities and thus are
subject to the vagaries of admissions and population trends, they tend to
carry ratings on the lower end of the investment-grade spectrum. The fund's
holdings, including those of Gannon University, Kings College, and two of the
three from Mercyhurst College, are rated Baa or the equivalent and play an
important role in our income strategy. However, given the compression of yield
spreads today, these bonds have also contributed significantly to total
return.
General obligation bonds (GOs), backed by the general credit and taxing power
of state and local governments, have been benefiting from strong local
economies and higher tax receipts. However, because of the limited public
funding of projects at the government level, we have focused our research
efforts on essential-service bonds, such as those of Philadelphia Water and
Sewer.
* OUTLOOK: MODERATE VOLATILITY, SOME UPWARD PRESSURE ON INTEREST RATES
We still believe that as time goes on there will be moderate upward pressure
on interest rates driven by tight market conditions in both the state and
national municipal bond markets. While the municipal bond market overall seems
to have settled down, there still may be periods of moderate volatility in the
months ahead. We realize such an environment can be unsettling for investors,
but as professional money managers, we continually seek to take advantage of
short-term market distortions to improve the fund's return over time.
The views expressed here are exclusively those of Putnam Management. They are
not meant as investment advice. Although the described holdings were viewed
favorably as of 11/30/97, there is no guarantee the fund will continue to hold
these securities in the future.
Performance summary
This section provides information about your fund's performance, which
should always be considered in light of its investment strategy. Putnam
Pennsylvania Tax Exempt Income Fund is designed for investors seeking high
current income free from federal and Pennsylvania state income taxes,
consistent with capital preservation.
TOTAL RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED 11/30/97
Class A Class B Class M
(inception date) (7/21/89) (7/15/93) (7/3/95)
NAV POP NAV CDSC NAV POP
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6 months 5.18% 0.17% 4.84% -0.16% 5.02% 1.60%
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1 year 6.66 1.58 6.08 1.08 6.45 2.95
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5 years 40.70 33.98 35.59 33.59 38.65 34.21
Annual average 7.07 6.02 6.28 5.96 6.75 6.06
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Life of fund 88.28 79.42 76.23 76.23 82.23 76.36
Annual average 7.86 7.24 7.01 7.01 7.44 7.02
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COMPARATIVE INDEX RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED 11/30/97
Lehman Bros.
Municipal Bond Consumer
Index Price Index
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 months 5.40% 0.87%
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1 year 7.18 1.83
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5 years 42.06 13.73
Annual average 7.27 2.61
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Life of fund 88.73 29.82
Annual average 7.92 3.18
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Returns for class A and class M shares reflect the current maximum initial
sales charges of 4.75% and 3.25%, respectively. Class B share returns for
the 1-, 5-, and 10-year (where available) and life-of-fund periods reflect
the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), which is 5% in the
first year, declines to 1% in the sixth year, and is eliminated
thereafter. Returns shown for class B and class M shares for periods prior
to their inception are derived from the historical performance of class A
shares, adjusted to reflect both the initial sales charge or CDSC, if any,
currently applicable to each class and, in the case of class B and class M
shares, the higher operating expenses applicable to such shares. All
returns assume reinvestment of distributions at NAV and represent past
performance; they do not guarantee future results. Investment return and
principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares when redeemed
may be worth more or less than their original cost.
PRICE AND DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
Class A Class B Class M
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Distributions (number) 6 6 6
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Income $0.243125 $0.212190 $0.229272
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Capital gains1 -- -- --
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Total $0.243125 $0.212190 $0.229272
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Share value: NAV POP NAV NAV POP
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5/31/97 $9.21 $9.67 $9.20 $9.22 $9.53
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/30/97 9.44 9.91 9.43 9.45 9.77
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Current return (end of period)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current dividend rate2 5.11% 4.87% 4.46% 4.81% 4.65%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxable equivalent3 8.70 8.30 7.60 8.19 7.92
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current 30-day SEC yield4 4.84 4.61 4.25 4.62 4.47
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Taxable equivalent3 8.24 7.85 7.24 7.87 7.61
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1Capital gains, if any, are taxable for federal and, in most cases, state
tax purposes. For some investors, investment income may also be subject to
the federal alternative minimum tax. Investment income may be subject to
state and local taxes.
2Income portion of most recent distribution, annualized and divided by NAV
or POP at end of period.
3Assumes maximum 41.29% combined federal income tax and Pennsylvania state
personal income tax rate. Results for investors subject to lower tax rates
would not be as advantageous.
4Based only on investment income, calculated using SEC guidelines.
TOTAL RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED 12/31/97
(most recent calendar quarter)
Class A Class B Class M
(inception date) (7/21/89) (7/15/93) (7/3/95)
NAV POP NAV CDSC NAV POP
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 months 5.35% 0.38% 5.02% 0.02% 5.20% 1.80%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 year 8.68 3.52 7.98 2.98 8.35 4.83
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 years 40.92 34.25 35.92 33.92 38.85 34.28
Annual average 7.10 6.07 6.33 6.02 6.78 6.07
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of fund 90.85 81.87 78.85 78.55 84.67 78.72
Annual average 7.95 7.33 7.10 7.10 7.53 7.11
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance data represent past results, do not reflect future
performance, and will differ for each share class. Investment returns and
principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when sold,
may be worth more or less than their original cost. See first page of
performance section for performance calculation method.
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Total return shows how the value of the fund's shares changed over time,
assuming you held the shares through the entire period and reinvested all
distributions in the fund.
Class A shares are generally subject to an initial sales charge.
Class B shares may be subject to a sales charge upon redemption.
Class M shares have a lower initial sales charge and a higher 12b-1 fee
than class A shares and no sales charge on redemption.
Net asset value (NAV) is the value of all your fund's assets, minus any
liabilities, divided by the number of outstanding shares, not including
any initial or contingent deferred sales charge.
Public offering price (POP) is the price of a mutual fund share plus the
maximum sales charge levied at the time of purchase. POP performance
figures shown here assume the maximum 4.75% sales charge for class A
shares and 3.25% for class M shares.
Contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is a charge applied at the time of
the redemption of class B shares and assumes redemption at the end of the
period. Your fund's CDSC declines from a 5% maximum during the first year
to 1% during the sixth year. After the sixth year, the CDSC no longer
applies.
COMPARATIVE BENCHMARKS
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged list of long-term
fixed-rate investment-grade tax-exempt bonds representative of the
municipal bond market. The index does not take into account brokerage
commissions or other costs, may include bonds different from those in the
fund, and may pose different risks than the fund. Securities in the fund
do not match those in the indexes and performance of the fund will differ.
It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a commonly used measure of inflation; it
does not represent an investment return.
PUTNAM GROWTH FUNDS
Asia Pacific Growth Fund
Capital Appreciation Fund
Diversified Equity Trust
Europe Growth Fund
Global Growth Fund
Global Natural Resources Fund
Growth Opportunities Fund
Health Sciences Trust
International Growth Fund *
International New Opportunities Fund
Investors Fund
New Opportunities Fund +
OTC & Emerging Growth Fund [DBL. DAGGER]
Vista Fund
Voyager Fund
Voyager Fund II
PUTNAM GROWTH
AND INCOME FUNDS
Balanced Retirement Fund
Convertible Income-Growth Trust
Equity Income Fund
The George Putnam Fund of Boston
Global Growth and Income Fund
The Putnam Fund for Growth and Income
Growth and Income Fund II
International Growth and Income Fund
New Value Fund
Utilities Growth and Income Fund
PUTNAM INCOME FUNDS
American Government Income Fund
Diversified Income Trust
Diversified Income Trust II
Federal Income Trust
Global Governmental Income Trust
High Yield Advantage Fund +
High Yield Total Return Fund
High Yield Trust +
Income Fund
Money Market Fund **
Intermediate U.S. Government
Income Fund
Preferred Income Fund
U.S. Government Income Trust
PUTNAM TAX-FREE
INCOME FUNDS
Municipal Income Fund
Tax Exempt Income Fund
Tax Exempt Money Market Fund**
Tax-Free High Yield Fund
Tax-Free Insured Fund
State tax-free income funds [SECTION MARK]
Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New
Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania
State tax-free money market funds [SECTION MARK]
California, New York
LIFESTAGESM FUNDS
Putnam Asset Allocation Funds--three investment portfolios that spread
your money across a variety of stocks, bonds, and money market
investments.
The three portfolios:
Asset Allocation: Balanced Portfolio
Asset Allocation: Conservative Portfolio
Asset Allocation: Growth Portfolio
* Formerly Overseas Growth Fund
+ Closed to new investors. Some exceptions may apply. Contact Putnam
for details.
[DBL. DAGGER] Formerly OTC Emerging Growth Fund
[SECTION MARK] Not available in all states.
** An investment in a money market fund is neither insured nor
guaranteed by the U.S. government. These funds are managed to
maintain a price of $1.00 per share, although there is no
assurance that this price will be maintained in the future.
Please call your financial advisor or Putnam at 1-800-225-1581 to obtain
a prospectus for any Putnam fund. It contains more complete information,
including charges and expenses. Please read it carefully before you
invest or send money.
Portfolio of investments owned
November 30, 1997 (Unaudited)
Key to Abbreviations
AMBAC -- AMBAC Indemnity Corporation
BIGI -- Bond Investors Guaranty Insurance
COP -- Certificate of Participation
FGIC -- Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
FHA Insd -- Federal Housing Administration Insured
FSA -- Financial Security Assurance
G.O. Bonds -- General Obligation Bonds
IFB -- Inverse Floating Rate Bonds
MBIA -- Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corporation
VRDN -- Variable Rate Demand Notes
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MUNICIPAL BONDS AND NOTES (97.8%) *
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT RATINGS ** VALUE
Delaware (1.6%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 4,000,000 Delaware Valley, Regl. Fin. Auth. Local Govt.
Rev. Bonds, Ser. B, AMBAC, 5.7s, 7/1/27 Aaa $ 4,320,000
Pennsylvania (88.6%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allegheny Cnty., Arpt. Rev. Bonds
(Pittsburgh Intl. Arpt.)
1,000,000 Ser. C, MBIA, 8 1/4s, 1/1/16 Aaa 1,023,200
3,000,000 Ser. A,MBIA, 5 3/4s, 1/1/14 Aaa 3,183,750
1,750,000 Ser. A, MBIA, 5 3/4s, 1/1/08 Aaa 1,868,125
5,000,000 Allegheny Cnty., Higher Ed. Bldg. Auth. Rev. Bonds
(Robert Morris College), Ser. A, 6 1/4s, 2/15/26 Baa 5,175,000
Allegheny Cnty., Indl. Dev. Auth. Rev. Bonds
1,890,000 (Med. Ctr.), FHA Insd., 6 3/4s, 2/1/26 Aaa 2,041,200
4,305,000 (Environmental Impt. - USX Corp.), 6s, 1/15/14 Baa 4,514,869
540,000 Allegheny Cnty., Indl. Dev. Auth. Arpt. Special Fac
Rev. Bonds (Southwestern Arpt. Cargo Fac.),
8 3/4s, 2/15/09 BB+/P 564,975
Allentown, Hosp. Auth. Rev. Bonds
(Sacred Heart Hosp.), Ser. A
6,650,000 6 3/4s, 11/15/14 BBB 7,123,813
1,200,000 6 1/2s, 11/15/08 BBB 1,269,000
2,000,000 Beaver Cnty., G.O. Bonds, MBIA, 5 1/4s, 10/1/22 Aaa 1,995,000
1,500,000 Blair Cnty., Hosp. Auth. Rev. Bonds (Altoona Hosp.),
AMBAC, 6 1/2s, 7/1/22 Aaa 1,625,625
1,100,000 Cambria Cnty., Indl. Dev. Auth. Resource Recvy.
Rev. Bonds (Cambria Cogen.),
Ser. F1, 7 3/4s, 9/1/19 A1 1,109,042
775,000 College Township, Indl. Dev. Auth. 1st Mtge. Hlth.
Fac. Rev. Bonds (Nittany Valley Rehab. Hosp.),
7 5/8s, 11/1/07 BB/P 861,219
2,455,000 Dauphin Cnty., Gen. Auth. Hosp. Rev. Bonds
(Northwest Med. Ctr.), 8 5/8s, 10/15/13 BBB- 2,927,588
1,000,000 Dauphin Cnty., Indl. Dev. Auth. Wtr. Rev. Bonds
(Dauphin Cons. Wtr. Supply), Ser. A, 6.9s, 6/1/24 A 1,208,750
Delaware Cnty., Hosp. Auth. Rev. Bonds
1,000,000 (Crozer-Chester Med. Ctr.), MBIA, 7 1/2s,
12/15/20 Aaa 1,111,250
1,000,000 6s, 12/15/20 BBB+ 1,026,250
4,000,000 Delaware Cnty., Indl. Dev. Auth. Resource Recvy.
Rev. Bonds, Ser. A, 6.1s, 7/1/13 A 4,235,000
4,100,000 Doylestown, Hosp. Auth. Rev. Bonds (Doylestown
Hosp. Pine Run), Ser. A, 7.2s, 7/1/23 BBB/P 4,356,250
3,000,000 Emmaus, Gen. Auth. Rev. Bonds (Local Govt. Bond
Pool), Ser. A, BIGI, 8.15s, 5/15/18 # Aaa 3,096,180
5,300,000 Erie, City School Dist. G.O. Bonds, Ser. B, MBIA,
zero %, 9/1/05 Aaa 3,723,250
Erie, Higher Ed. Bldg. Auth. College Rev. Bonds
1,150,000 (Mercyhurst College), 7.85s, 9/15/19 AAA 1,224,750
2,000,000 (Gannon U.), Ser. D, 5.85s, 6/1/15 BBB 2,022,500
3,865,000 (Mercyhurst College), Ser. A, 5 3/4s, 3/15/20 BBB 3,903,650
1,000,000 (Mercyhurst College), Ser. A, 5 3/4s, 3/15/13 BBB 1,020,000
3,500,000 Erie, Wtr. Auth. Rev. Bonds, 7 1/8s, 12/1/11 BBB 3,858,750
1,365,000 Erie-Western PA Port Auth. Rev. Bonds,
6 1/4s, 6/15/10 BBB/P 1,448,606
Erie-Western PA Port. Auth. Gen. Rev. Bonds
750,000 8 5/8s, 6/15/10 BBB/P 840,938
915,000 6 7/8s, 6/15/16 BBB/P 963,038
2,000,000 Exeter Township, Swr. Auth. Rev. Bonds, MBIA,
6.2s, 7/15/22 Aaa 2,152,500
2,100,000 General Mclane School Dist. G.O. Bonds, FGIC,
5 3/4s, 5/15/17 Aaa 2,197,125
1,130,000 Greene Cnty., Hosp. Auth. Rev. Bonds
(Greene Cnty. Memorial Hosp.), 6 1/2s, 1/1/02 BBB-/P 1,131,752
2,050,000 Hampton, School Dist. G.O. Bonds, FGIC, 5s, 9/1/27 Aaa 1,950,063
3,500,000 Harrisburg, Auth. Lease Rev. Bonds
(Greene Cnty. Prison), FSA, 6 1/4s, 6/1/10 AAA 3,753,750
4,150,000 Harrisburg, Auth. Wtr. IFB, 7.47s, 6/18/15 Aaa 4,611,688
2,350,000 Hazleton, Hlth. Svcs. Auth. Rev. Bonds
(St. Joseph Med. Ctr.), 6.2s, 7/1/26 Baa 2,467,500
2,200,000 Lebanon Cnty., Good Samaritan Hosp. Auth. Rev.
Bonds, Ser. B, 8 1/4s, 11/1/18 BBB 2,406,250
1,000,000 Lehigh Cnty., Gen. Purpose Auth. Rev. Bonds
(Muhlenberg Hosp.), Ser. A, 8.1s, 7/15/10 A 1,071,250
5,050,000 Lehigh Cnty., Indl. Dev. Auth. Poll. Control IFB
(PA Pwr. & Lt. Co.), 8.362s, 9/1/29
(acquired 6/20/95, cost $5,572,473) [DBL. DAGGER] AAA/P 6,078,931
3,575,000 Lehigh Cnty., Indl. Dev. Auth. Poll. Control
Rev. Bonds (PA Pwr. & Lt. Co.), Ser. B, MBIA,
6.4s, 9/1/29 Aaa 3,923,563
2,000,000 Luzerne Cnty., Indl. Dev. Auth. Rev. Bonds
(Gas & Wtr. Co.), Ser. B, 7 1/8s, 12/1/22 Baa 2,192,500
2,005,000 McKeesport, Hosp. Auth. Rev. Bonds
(McKeesport Hosp.), 6 1/4s, 7/1/03 Baa 2,107,756
400,000 Montgomery Cnty., Higher Ed. & Hlth. Auth.
VRDN, 4.1s, 7/1/25 VIMG1 400,000
2,000,000 Montgomery Cnty., Higher Ed. & Hlth. Auth. Hosp.
IFB (Abington Hosp.), Ser. A, AMBAC,
8.695s, 6/1/11 Aaa 2,340,000
Montgomery Cnty., Higher Ed. & Hlth. Auth. Hosp.
Rev. Bonds
1,000,000 (UTD Hosp.), Ser. B, 7 1/2s, 11/1/12 Ba 1,061,250
3,000,000 (Sacred Heart Hosp. Norristown),
Ser. A, BIGI, 6.8s, 2/1/13 Aaa 3,035,550
3,000,000 New Morgan, Indl. Dev. Auth. Solid Waste Disp.
Rev. Bonds (New Morgan Landfill Co., Inc.),
6 1/2s, 4/1/19 A 3,247,500
2,000,000 Northeastern PA Hosp. & Edl. Auth. College
Rev. Bonds (Kings College), Ser. B, 6s, 7/15/11 BBB 2,042,500
5,000,000 PA Convention Ctr. Auth. Rev. Bonds, Ser. A,
6 3/4s, 9/1/19 Baa 5,468,750
3,000,000 PA Econ. Dev. Fin. Auth. Indl. Dev. Rev. Bonds
(GEHL Co. Inc.), 9s, 9/1/10 BB/P 3,348,750
PA Econ. Dev. Fin. Auth. Rev. Bonds
4,000,000 (MacMillan Ltd. Partnership), 7.6s, 12/1/20 Baa 4,630,000
2,300,000 (Northampton Generating), Ser. A, 6.6s, 1/1/19 BB+/P 2,412,125
2,000,000 (Northampton Generating), Ser. A, 6 1/2s, 1/1/13 BB+/P 2,092,500
PA Hsg. Fin. Agcy. Single Fam. Mtge. Rev. Bonds
385,000 Ser. U, 7.8s, 10/1/20 Aa 409,063
250,000 Ser. 29, 7 3/8s, 10/1/16 Aa 266,250
1,590,000 Ser. 33, 6.9s, 4/1/17 Aa 1,721,175
7,830,000 PA State COP, Ser. A, AMBAC, 5s, 7/1/15 Aaa 7,585,313
PA State Econ. Dev. Fin. Auth. Resource Recvy.
Rev. Bonds
2,490,000 (Colver), Ser. D, 7.15s, 12/1/18 BBB- 2,751,450
1,000,000 (Colver), Ser. D, 7 1/8s, 12/1/15 BBB- 1,103,750
1,500,000 (Northhampton), Ser. B, 6 3/4s, 1/1/07 BB/P 1,620,000
2,500,000 PA State Econ. Indl. Dev. Auth. Rev. Bonds, AMBAC,
5.8s, 1/1/09 Aaa 2,703,125
PA State Higher Ed. Assistance Agcy. IFB, Ser. B
3,850,000 AMBAC, 9.476s, 3/1/22 Aaa 4,100,250
2,400,000 MBIA, 8.253s, 3/1/20 Aaa 2,694,000
3,390,000 PA State Higher Ed. Assistance Agcy. Student Loan
IFB, Ser. A&B, 7 1/4s, 7/1/18 BBB 3,576,450
PA State Higher Ed. Fac. Auth. College & U.
Rev. Bonds
2,500,000 (Duquesne U.), Ser. C, MBIA, 6 3/4s, 4/1/20 AAA 2,656,250
2,600,000 (Allegheny College), Ser. B, 6 1/8s, 11/1/13 BBB 2,736,500
PA State Higher Ed. Fac. Auth. Rev. Bonds
(Med. College), Ser. A
1,300,000 8 3/8s, 3/1/11 AAA 1,392,625
3,000,000 7 3/8s, 3/1/21 Aaa 3,322,500
1,790,000 Philadelphia, Arpt. Rev. Bonds (Philadelphia Arpt.
Syst.), Ser. B, 6s, 6/15/06 Aaa 1,942,150
Philadelphia, Gas Works Rev. Bonds
1,225,000 Ser. 13, 7.7s, 6/15/21 Aaa 1,382,719
2,550,000 6 3/8s, 7/1/26 Aaa 2,766,750
3,400,000 Philadelphia, Wtr. & Waste Wtr. Rev. Bonds,
6 1/4s, 8/1/09 Aaa 3,833,500
Philadelphia, Hosp. & Higher Ed. Fac. Auth.
Rev. Bonds
1,000,000 (Graduate Hlth. Syst.), 6 5/8s, 7/1/21 BBB 1,013,750
4,600,000 (Jeanes Hlth. Syst.), 6.6s, 7/1/10 BBB 5,031,250
5,150,000 Philadelphia, Indl. Dev. Auth. Rev. Bonds (Gallery II
Garage), 6.4s, 2/15/13 BBB/P 5,323,813
1,000,000 Philadelphia, Muni. Auth. Rev. Bonds, Ser. B, FGIC,
7 1/8s, 11/15/18 Aaa 1,120,000
2,000,000 Philadelphia, School Dist. G.O. Bonds, Ser. A,
AMBAC, 6 1/4s, 9/1/09 Aaa 2,262,500
3,250,000 Philadelphia, Wtr. & Swr. Rev. Bonds, Ser. 16,
FSA, 7s, 8/1/21 Aaa 3,607,500
5,250,000 Philadelphia, Wtr. & Wastewtr. Rev. Bonds, MBIA,
6 1/4s, 8/1/08 Aaa 5,919,375
5,705,000 Pittsburgh, Wtr. & Swr. Auth. Rev. Bonds, Ser. A,
FGIC, 6 1/2s, 9/1/13 Aaa 6,639,194
1,710,000 Pittsburgh, Urban Redev. Auth. Rev. Bonds, Ser. C,
5.9s, 10/1/22 AAA 1,774,125
1,000,000 Sayre, Hlth. Care Fac. Auth. VRDN (VHR PA
Cap. Fin.), Ser. F, AMBAC, 5 1/4s, 12/1/20 Aaa 1,000,000
1,000,000 Schuylkill Cnty., Redev. Auth. Lease Rev. Bonds,
Ser. A, FGIC, 7 1/8s, 6/1/13 Aaa 1,110,000
Scranton-Lackawanna, Hlth. & Welfare Auth.
Rev. Bonds
3,000,000 (Moses Taylor Hosp.), Ser. B, 8 1/2s, 7/1/20 BBB 3,468,750
4,000,000 (Hosp. Cmnty. Med. Ctr.), 5 1/8s, 7/1/19 Aaa 3,925,000
1,000,000 Smithfield, Swr. Auth. Gtd. Rev. Bonds, 8 5/8s,
1/15/11 AAA/P 1,125,000
2,470,000 Trafford, School Dist. Rev. Bonds, MBIA, 6.6s, 5/1/08 Aaa 2,788,013
3,800,000 U. of Pittsburgh, Cmnwlth. of Higher Ed. Rev. Bonds
(U. Cap. Impt.), FGIC, 5 1/8s, 6/1/22 Aaa 3,762,000
500,000 Washington Cnty., Indl. Dev. Auth. 1st Mtge.
Rev. Bonds (AHF/Central States Inc.),
10 1/4s, 11/1/19 B-/P 509,375
3,000,000 Wilkes-Barre, School Dist. Rev. Bonds, FGIC,
6 3/8s, 4/1/15 Aaa 3,266,250
1,800,000 Wilkins Area, Indl. Dev. Auth. 1st Mtge. Rev. Bonds
(Fairview Extended Care), Ser. A, 10 1/4s, 1/1/21 AAA/P 2,146,500
1,030,000 York Cnty., Hosp. Auth. Rev. Bonds (Hlth. Ctr. Village
at Sprenkle Drive), Ser. A, 7 3/4s, 4/1/21 AAA/P 1,181,925
1,560,000 York Cnty., Indl. Dev. Auth. lst Mtge. Hlth. Fac.
Rev. Bonds (Rehabilitation Hosp. of York),
7 1/2s, 9/1/07 BB/P 1,680,900
--------------
242,664,161
Puerto Rico (7.1%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,000,000 Cmnwlth. of PR, Elec. Pwr. Auth. Rev. Bonds, Ser. AA,
6 1/4s, 7/1/10 Aaa 2,277,500
4,000,000 Cmnwlth. of PR, G.O. Bonds, MBIA, 6 1/2s, 7/1/10 Aaa 4,630,000
200,000 Cmnwlth. of PR, IFB, MBIA, 8.91s, 7/1/08 Aaa 224,500
2,150,000 Cmnwlth. of PR, Impt. G.O. Bonds, 7.7s, 7/1/20 Aaa 2,378,438
Cmnwlth. of PR, Hwy. & Trans. Auth. Rev. Bonds
3,500,000 Ser. T, 6 5/8s, 7/1/12 A 3,876,250
3,000,000 Ser. Y, 6 1/4s, 7/1/14 A 3,393,750
2,500,000 Cmnwlth. of PR, Hwy. Auth. Rev. Bonds, Ser. Q,
7 3/4s, 7/1/10 Aaa 2,768,750
--------------
19,549,188
Washington (0.5%)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,930,000 Thurston Cnty., School Dist. G.O. Bonds, Ser. B,
FGIC, zero%, 12/1/05 Aaa 1,331,700
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments (cost $252,614,066) *** $ 267,865,049
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Percentages indicated are based on net assets of $273,771,213.
** The Moody's or Standard & Poor's ratings indicated are believed to
be the most recent ratings available at November 30, 1997 for the
securities listed. Ratings are generally ascribed to securities at
the time of issuance. While the agencies may from time to time
revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and
the ratings do not necessarily represent what the agencies would
ascribe to these securities at November 30, 1997. Securities rated
by Putnam are indicated by "/P" and are not publicly rated.
*** The aggregate identified cost on a tax basis is $252,614,066,
resulting in gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of
$16,659,633 and $1,408,650, respectively, or net unrealized
appreciation of $15,250,983.
[DBL. DAGGER] Restricted, excluding 144A securities, as to public
resale. The total market value of restricted securities
held at November 30, 1997 was $6,078,931 or 2.2% of net
assets.
# A portion of this security was pledged and segregated with the
custodian to cover margin requirements for futures contracts at
November 30, 1997.
The rates shown on IFB, which are securities paying interest rates that
vary inversely to changes in the market interest rates, and VRDN's are
the current interest rates at November 30, 1997.
The fund had the following industry group concentrations greater than 10%
at November 30, 1997. (as a percentage of net assets):
Healthcare 20.6%
Education 14.7
The fund had the following insurance concentration greater than 10% at
November 30, 1997 (as a percentage of net assets):
MBIA 13.8%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Futures Contracts Outstanding at November 30, 1997 (Unaudited)
Unrealized
Aggregate Face Expiration Appreciation/
Total Value Value Date (Depreciation)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasure Bond
Future (Short) $20,142,688 $19,718,832 Dec-97 $(423,856)
Municipal Bond Index
Future (Long) 12,228,125 12,163,938 Dec-97 64,187
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$(359,669)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of assets and liabilities
November 30, 1997 (Unaudited)
<S> <C>
Assets
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investments in securities, at value
(identified cost $252,614,066) (Note 1) $267,865,049
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash 688,020
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest and other receivables 5,163,724
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Receivable for shares of the fund sold 171,464
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Receivable for securities sold 1,225,700
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 275,113,957
Liabilities
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for variation margin 12,719
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions payable to shareholders 606,916
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for shares of the fund repurchased 105,297
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for compensation of Manager (Note 2) 406,665
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for investor servicing and custodian fees (Note 2) 44,049
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for compensation of Trustees (Note 2) 7,362
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for administrative services (Note 2) 1,099
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable for distribution fees (Note 2) 121,943
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other accrued expenses 36,694
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 1,342,744
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets $273,771,213
Represented by
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paid-in capital (Notes 1 and 4) 258,259,023
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undistributed net investment income (Note 1) 243,141
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated net realized gain on investment (Note 1) 377,735
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation of investments 14,891,314
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total -- Representing net assets applicable to
capital shares outstanding $273,771,213
Computation of net asset value and offering price
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value and redemption price per class A share
($189,200,056 divided by 20,034,502 shares) $9.44
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offering price per class A share (100/95.25 of $9.44)* $9.91
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value and offering price per class B share
($83,287,187 divided by 8,829,790 shares)+ $9.43
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value and redemption price per class M share
($1,283,970 divided by 135,835 shares) $9.45
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offering price per class M share (100/96.75 of $9.45)** $9.77
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred
sales charge.
* On single retail sales of less than $25,000. On sales of $25,000 or more and on group sales
the offering price is reduced.
** On single retail sales of less than $50,000. On sales of $50,000 or more and on group sales
the offering price is reduced.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of operations
Six months ended November 30, 1997 (Unaudited)
<S> <C>
Tax exempt interest income: $ 8,327,658
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation of Manager (Note 2) 811,747
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investor servicing and custodian fees (Note 2) 152,901
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation of Trustees (Note 2) 4,873
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative services (Note 2) 3,250
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees -- Class A (Note 2) 188,796
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees -- Class B (Note 2) 343,245
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution fees -- Class M (Note 2) 2,606
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reports to shareholders 8,650
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registration fees 147
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Auditing 16,296
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legal 13,097
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postage 15,756
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other 13,628
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses 1,574,992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense reduction (Note 2) (51,044)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net expenses 1,523,948
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 6,803,710
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain on investments (Notes 1 and 3) 531,827
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized loss on futures contracts (Note 1) (887,791)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and futures during the period 6,905,894
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net gain on investments 6,549,930
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $13,353,640
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of changes in net assets
Six months ended Year ended
November 30 May 31
1997* 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Increase in net assets
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income $ 6,803,710 $ 13,483,716
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments (355,964) 1,312,924
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation of investments 6,905,894 4,514,137
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 13,353,640 19,310,777
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions to shareholders:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net investment income
Class A (4,878,152) (9,994,717)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B (1,821,470) (3,430,844)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class M (25,311) (28,680)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net realized gain on investments
Class A -- (1,561,648)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B -- (622,187)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class M -- (5,824)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase from capital share transactions (Note 4) 4,042,326 10,310,292
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total increase in net assets 10,671,033 13,977,169
Net assets
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning of period 263,100,180 249,123,011
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of period (including undistributed net investment
income of $243,141 and $164,364, respectively) $273,771,213 $263,100,180
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Unaudited
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout the period)
CLASS A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six months
ended
Per-share Nov. 30
operating performance (Unaudited) Year ended May 31
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value
beginning of period $9.21 $9.08 $9.24
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income .25 .50 .51
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments .22 .20 (.16)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
investment operations .47 .70 .35
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net
investment income (.24) (.49) (.51)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net realized gain
on investments -- (.08) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (.24) (.57) (.51)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
end of period $9.44 $9.21 $9.08
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios and supplemental data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment return
at net asset value (%)(b) 5.18* 7.94 3.82
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period
(in thousands) $189,200 $185,041 $183,117
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets (%)(c) .49* .98 .98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets (%) 2.62* 5.39 5.46
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover (%) 44.94* 38.10 41.40
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Commencement of operations.
* Not annualized.
++ The fiscal year end advanced from February 28 to May 31.
(a) Reflects an expense limitation. As a result, net investment income for the year ended February 28, 1993,
reflects expense reductions of approximately $0.01 per share.
(b) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(c) The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period ended May 31, 1996 and thereafter, includes
amounts paid through expense offset arrangements. Prior period ratios exclude these amounts. (Note 2)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout the period)
CLASS A (continued)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three months
Per-share ended
operating performance May 31 Year ended February 28
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995++ 1995 1994 1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value
beginning of period $8.98 $9.39 $9.40 $8.76
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income .13 .53 .54 .57(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments .26 (.40) .01 .65
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
investment operations .39 .13 .55 1.22
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net
investment income (.13) (.53) (.54) (.57)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net realized gain
on investments -- (.01) (.02) (.01)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (.13) (.54) (.56) (.58)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
end of period $9.24 $8.98 $9.39 $9.40
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios and supplemental data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment return
at net asset value (%)(b) 4.39* 1.60 5.93 14.34
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period
(in thousands) $178,785 $171,568 $171,757 $144,374
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets (%)(c) .21* .92 .91 .72(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets (%) 1.44* 5.94 5.36 6.31(a)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover (%) 4.15* 26.09 15.65 12.26
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Commencement of operations.
* Not annualized.
++ The fiscal year end advanced from February 28 to May 31.
(a) Reflects an expense limitation. As a result, net investment income for the year ended February 28, 1993,
reflects expense reductions of approximately $0.01 per share.
(b) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(c) The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period ended May 31, 1996 and thereafter, includes
amounts paid through expense offset arrangements. Prior period ratios exclude these amounts. (Note 2)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout the period)
CLASS B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six months
ended Three months For the period
Per-share Nov. 30 ended Year ended July 15, 1993+
operating performance (Unaudited) Year ended May 31 May 31 February 28 to Feb. 28
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1997 1996 1995++ 1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value
beginning of period $9.20 $9.07 $9.23 $8.97 $9.38 $9.48
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income .21 .44 .44 .11 .47 .28
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments .23 .20 (.15) .27 (.40) (.08)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
investment operations .44 .64 .29 .38 .07 .20
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net
investment income (.21) (.43) (.45) (.12) (.47) (.28)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net realized gain
on investments -- (.08) -- -- (.01) (.02)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (.21) (.51) (.45) (.12) (.48) (.30)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
end of period $9.43 $9.20 $9.07 $9.23 $8.97 $9.38
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios and supplemental data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment return
at net asset value (%)(b) 4.84* 7.24 3.14 4.23* 0.93 2.18*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period
(in thousands) $83,287 $77,399 $65,669 $44,252 $36,670 $12,633
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets (%)(c) .81* 1.63 1.62 .38* 1.57 1.00*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets (%) 2.29* 4.73 4.78 1.26* 5.23 2.90*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover (%) 44.94* 38.10 41.40 4.15* 26.09 15.65
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Commencement of operations.
* Not annualized.
++ The fiscal year end advanced from February 28 to May 31.
(a) Reflects an expense limitation. As a result, net investment income for the year ended February 28, 1993,
reflects expense reductions of approximately $0.01 per share.
(b) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(c) The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period ended May 31, 1996 and thereafter, includes
amounts paid through expense offset arrangements. Prior period ratios exclude these amounts. (Note 2)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Financial highlights
(For a share outstanding throughout the period)
CLASS M
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six months
ended For the period
Per-share Nov. 30 Year ended July 3, 1995+
operating performance (Unaudited) May 31 to May 31
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value
beginning of period $9.22 $9.09 $9.10
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income .23 .47 .44
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments .23 .21 (.01)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
investment operations .46 .68 .43
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net
investment income (.23) (.47) (.44)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net realized gain
on investments -- (.08) --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (.23) (.55) (.44)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
end of period $9.45 $9.22 $9.09
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios and supplemental data
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total investment return
at net asset value (%)(b) 5.02* 7.61 4.70*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period
(in thousands) $1,284 $660 $337
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets (%)(c) .64* 1.28 1.13*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets (%) 2.47* 5.04 4.49*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover (%) 44.94* 38.10 41.40
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ Commencement of operations.
* Not annualized.
++ The fiscal year end advanced from February 28 to May 31.
(a) Reflects an expense limitation. As a result, net investment income for the year ended February 28, 1993,
reflects expense reductions of approximately $0.01 per share.
(b) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(c) The ratio of expenses to average net assets for the period ended May 31, 1996 and thereafter, includes
amounts paid through expense offset arrangements. Prior period ratios exclude these amounts. (Note 2)
</TABLE>
Notes to financial statements
November 30, 1997 (Unaudited)
Note 1
Significant accounting policies
Putnam Pennsylvania Tax Exempt Income Fund (the "fund") is registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, open-end
management investment company. The fund seeks as high a level of current
income exempt from federal income tax and Pennsylvania personal income tax as
Putnam Investment Management, Inc., ("Putnam Management"), the fund's manager,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Putnam Investments, Inc., believes is consistent
with preservation of capital by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio
of Pennsylvania tax-exempt securities.
The fund offers class A, class B and class M shares. Class A shares are sold
with a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.75%. Class B shares, which convert
to class A shares after approximately eight years, do not pay a front-end
sales charge, but pay a higher ongoing distribution fee than class A shares,
and are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, if those shares are
redeemed within six years of purchase. Class M shares are sold with a maximum
front-end sales charge of 3.25% and pay an ongoing distribution fee that is
lower than class B shares and higher than class A shares.
Expenses of the fund are borne pro-rata by the holders of each class of
shares, except that each class bears expenses unique to that class (including
the distribution fees applicable to such class). Each class votes as a class
only with respect to its own distribution plan or other matters on which a
class vote is required by law or determined by the Trustees. Shares of each
class would receive their pro-rata share of the net assets of the fund, if the
fund were liquidated. In addition, the Trustees declare separate dividends on
each class of shares.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The
preparation of financial statements is in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles and requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
A) Security valuation Tax-exempt bonds and notes are stated on the basis of
valuations provided by a pricing service, approved by the Trustees, which uses
information with respect to transactions in bonds, quotations from bond
dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various
relationships between securities in determining value. The fair value of
restricted securities is determined by the Putnam Management following
procedures approved by the Trustees, and such valuations and procedures are
reviewed periodically by the Trustees.
B) Security transactions and related investment income Security transactions
are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is
executed). Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis.
C) Futures and options contracts The fund may use futures and options
contracts to hedge against changes in the values of securities the fund owns
or expects to purchase. The fund may also write options on securities it owns
or in which it may invest to increase its current returns.
The potential risk to the fund is that the change in value of futures and
options contracts may not correspond to the change in value of the hedged
instruments. In addition, losses may arise from changes in the value of the
underlying instruments, if there is an illiquid secondary market for the
contracts, or if the counterparty to the contract is unable to perform. When
the contract is closed, the fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the
difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the
value at the time it was closed. Realized gains and losses on purchased
options are included in realized gains and losses on investment securities.
Futures contracts are valued at the quoted daily settlement prices established
by the exchange on which they trade. Exchange traded options are valued at the
last sale price, or if no sales are reported, the last bid price for purchased
options and the last ask price for written options. Options traded
over-the-counter are valued using prices supplied by dealers.
D) Line of credit The fund has entered into a committed line of credit with
certain banks. This line of credit agreement includes restrictions that the
fund maintain an asset coverage ratio of at least 300% and borrowings must not
exceed prospectus limitations. For the six months ended November 30, 1997, the
fund had no borrowings against the line of credit.
E) Federal taxes It is the policy of the fund to distribute all of its income
within the prescribed time and otherwise comply with the provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. It is also
the intention of the fund to distribute an amount sufficient to avoid
imposition of any excise tax under Section 4982 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended. Therefore, no provision has been made for federal taxes
on income, capital gains or unrealized appreciation on securities held nor for
excise tax on income and capital gains.
F) Distributions to shareholders Income dividends are recorded daily by the
fund and are distributed monthly. Capital gain distributions if any, are
recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. The amount and
character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance
with income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted
accounting principles. Reclassifications are made to the fund's capital
accounts to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available
capital loss carryovers) under income tax regulations.
G) Amortization of bond premium and accretion of bond discount Any premium
resulting from the purchase of securities in excess of maturity value is
amortized on a yield-to-maturity basis. Discounts on zero coupon bonds,
original issue discount and stepped-coupon bonds are accreted according to the
yield to maturity basis.
Note 2
Management fee, administrative
services and other transactions
Compensation of Putnam Management, for management and investment advisory
services is paid quarterly based on the average net assets of the fund. Such
fee is based on the following annual rates: 0.60% of the first $500 million of
average net assets, 0.50% of the next $500 million, 0.45% of the next $500
million, 0.40% of the next $5 billion, 0.375% of the next $5 billion, 0.355%
of the next $5 billion, 0.340% of the next $5 billion, and 0.330% thereafter.
The fund reimburses Putnam Management an allocated amount for the compensation
and related expenses of certain officers of the fund and their staff who
provide administrative services to the fund. The aggregate amount of all such
reimbursements is determined annually by the Trustees.
Custodial functions for the fund's assets are provided by Putnam Fiduciary
Trust Company (PFTC), a subsidiary of Putnam Investments, Inc. Investor
servicing agent functions are provided by Putnam Investor Services, a division
of PFTC.
For the six months ended November 30, 1997, fund expenses were reduced by
$51,044 under expense offset arrangements with PFTC. Investor servicing and
custodian fees reported in the Statement of operations exclude these credits.
The fund could have invested a portion of the assets utilized in connection
with the expense offset arrangements in an income producing asset if it had
not entered into such arrangements.
Each Trustee of the fund receives an annual Trustees fee, of which $420 has
been allocated to the fund, and an additional fee for each Trustee's meeting
attended. Trustees who are not interested persons of Putnam Management and who
serve on committees of the Trustees receive additional fees for attendance at
certain committee meetings.
The fund has adopted a Trustee Fee Deferral Plan (the "Deferral Plan") which
allows the Trustees to defer the receipt of all or a portion of Trustees Fees
payable on or after July 1, 1995. The deferred fees remain in the fund and are
invested in certain Putnam funds until distribution in accordance with the
Deferral Plan.
The fund has adopted an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit pension plan
(the "Pension Plan") covering all Trustees of the fund who have served as
Trustee for at least five years. Benefits under the Pension Plan are equal to
50% of the Trustee's average total retainer and meeting fees for the three
years preceding retirement. Pension expense for the fund is included in
Compensation of trustees in the Statement of operations. Accrued pension
liability is included in Payable for compensation of Trustees in the Statement
of assets and liabilities.
The fund has adopted distribution plans (the "Plans") with respect to its
class A, class B and class M shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. The purpose of the Plans is to compensate
Putnam Mutual Funds Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Putnam Investments
Inc., for services provided and expenses incurred by it in distributing shares
of the fund. The Plans provide for payments by the fund to Putnam Mutual Funds
Corp. at an annual rate up to 0.35%, 1.00% and 1.00% of the average net assets
attributable to class A, class B and class M shares, respectively. The
Trustees currently limit payment by the fund to an annual rate of 0.20%, 0.85%
and 0.50% of the average net assets attributable to class A, class B and class
M shares respectively.
For the six months ended November 30, 1997, Putnam Mutual Funds Corp., acting
as underwriter received net commissions of $15,858 and $480 from the sale of
class A and class M shares, respectively and $64,108 in contingent deferred
sales charges from redemptions of class B shares. A deferred sales charge of
up to 1% is assessed on certain redemptions of class A shares. For the six
months ended November 30, 1997, Putnam Mutual Funds Corp., acting as
underwriter received $1,213 on class A redemptions.
Note 3
Purchase and sales of securities
During the six months ended November 30, 1997, purchases and sales of
investment securities other than short-term investments aggregated $66,429,683
and $64,814,078, respectively. There were no purchases and sales of U.S.
government obligations. In determining the net gain or loss on securities
sold, the cost of securities has been determined on the identified cost basis.
Note 4
Capital shares
At May 31, 1997, there was an unlimited number of shares of beneficial
interest authorized. Transactions in capital shares were as follows:
Six months ended
November 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares Amount
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold 1,604,073 $15,036,764
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares issued in
connection with
reinvestment of
distributions 292,959 2,753,697
- ------------------------------------------------------------
1,897,032 17,790,461
Shares
repurchased (1,948,073) (18,270,477)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease (51,041) $(480,016)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended
May 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares Amount
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold 4,107,338 $37,745,941
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares issued in
connection with
reinvestment of
distributions 759,897 6,990,804
- ------------------------------------------------------------
4,867,235 44,736,745
Shares
repurchased (4,950,826) (45,476,572)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease (83,591) $(739,827)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Six months ended
November 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares Amount
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold 746,368 $6,997,192
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares issued in
connection with
reinvestment of
distributions 118,938 1,116,822
- ------------------------------------------------------------
865,306 8,114,014
Shares
repurchased (447,464) (4,194,681)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase 417,842 $3,919,333
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended
May 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares Amount
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold 1,930,926 $17,732,021
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares issued in
connection with
reinvestment of
distributions 275,149 2,528,179
- ------------------------------------------------------------
2,206,075 20,260,200
Shares
repurchased (1,036,459) (9,529,313)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase 1,169,616 $10,730,887
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Six months ended
November 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Class M Shares Amount
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold 63,892 $599,682
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares issued in
connection with
reinvestment of
distributions 2,437 22,950
- ------------------------------------------------------------
66,329 622,632
Shares
repurchased (2,084) (19,623)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase 64,245 $603,009
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended
May 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Class M Shares Amount
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold 50,639 $467,269
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Shares issued in
connection with
reinvestment of
distributions 3,564 32,823
- ------------------------------------------------------------
54,203 500,092
Shares
repurchased (19,702) (180,860)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase 34,501 $319,232
- ------------------------------------------------------------
WELCOME TO
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Fund information
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Putnam Investment
Management, Inc.
One Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02109
MARKETING SERVICES
Putnam Mutual Funds Corp.
One Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02109
CUSTODIAN
Putnam Fiduciary Trust Company
LEGAL COUNSEL
Ropes & Gray
TRUSTEES
George Putnam, Chairman
William F. Pounds, Vice Chairman
Jameson Adkins Baxter
Hans H. Estin
John A. Hill
Ronald J. Jackson
Paul L. Joskow
Elizabeth T. Kennan
Lawrence J. Lasser
John H. Mullin III
Robert E. Patterson
Donald S. Perkins
George Putnam, III
A.J.C. Smith
W. Thomas Stephens
W. Nicholas Thorndike
OFFICERS
George Putnam
President
Charles E. Porter
Executive Vice President
Patricia C. Flaherty
Senior Vice President
John D. Hughes
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Lawrence J. Lasser
Vice President
Gordon H. Silver
Vice President
Gary N. Coburn
Vice President
William J. Curtin
Vice President
Jerome J. Jacobs
Vice President
Blake E. Anderson
Vice President
Howard K. Manning
Vice President and Fund Manager
William N. Shiebler
Vice President
John R. Verani
Vice President
Paul M. O'Neil
Vice President
Beverly Marcus
Clerk and Assistant Treasurer
This report is for the information of shareholders of Putnam Pennsylvania Tax
Exempt Income Fund. It may also be used as sales literature when preceded or
accompanied by the current prospectus, which gives details of sales charges,
investment objectives, and operating policies of the fund, and the most recent
copy of Putnam's Quarterly Performance Summary. For more information or to
request a prospectus, call toll free: 1-800-225-1581. You can also learn more
at Putnam Investments' website: http://www.putnaminv.com.
Shares of mutual funds are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or
endorsed by, any financial institution; are not insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency;
and involve risk, including the possible loss of the principal amount
invested.
[LOGO OMITTED]
PUTNAM INVESTMENTS
The Putnam Funds
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
- --------------------
Bulk Rate
U.S. Postage
PAID
Putnam
Investments
- --------------------
SA054-36882 047/226/2AE 1/98
