File No. 33-7497
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Amendment No. 12 [X]
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
c/o The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 922-6000
Daniel C. Maclean III, Esq.
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
----
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
----
X 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
----
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
----
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
----
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485
----
If appropriate, check the following box:
this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
----
Registrant has registered an indefinite number of shares of its
beneficial interest under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to
Section 24(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Registrant's Rule 24f-2
Notice for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1994 was filed on January 23,
1995.
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Cross-Reference Sheet Pursuant to Rule 495(a)
Items in
Part A of
Form N-1A Caption Page
_________ _______ ____
1 Cover Page Cover
2 Synopsis 3
3 Condensed Financial Information 4
4 General Description of Registrant 5, 33
5 Management of the Fund 17
5(a) Management's Discussion of Fund's Performance *
6 Capital Stock and Other Securities 33
7 Purchase of Securities Being Offered 19
8 Redemption or Repurchase 26
9 Pending Legal Proceedings *
Items in
Part B of
Form N-1A
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10 Cover Page Cover
11 Table of Contents Cover
12 General Information and History B-27
13 Investment Objectives and Policies B-2
14 Management of the Fund B-10
15 Control Persons and Principal B-13
Holders of Securities
16 Investment Advisory and Other B-14
Services
_____________________________________
NOTE: * Omitted since answer is negative or inapplicable.
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Cross-Reference Sheet Pursuant to Rule 495(a) (continued)
Items in
Part B of
Form N-1A Caption Page
_________ _______ _____
17 Brokerage Allocation B-25
18 Capital Stock and Other Securities B-27
19 Purchase, Redemption and Pricing B-16, B-19,
of Securities Being Offered B-23
20 Tax Status *
21 Underwriters B-16
22 Calculations of Performance Data B-26
23 Financial Statements B-51
Items in
Part C of
Form N-1A
_________
24 Financial Statements and Exhibits C-1
25 Persons Controlled by or Under C-3
Common Control with Registrant
26 Number of Holders of Securities C-3
27 Indemnification C-3
28 Business and Other Connections of C-4
Investment Adviser
29 Principal Underwriters C-10
30 Location of Accounts and Records C-13
31 Management Services C-13
32 Undertakings C-13
_____________________________________
NOTE: * Omitted since answer is negative or inapplicable.
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PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
(Lion Logo)
PROSPECTUS MARCH 30, 1995
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Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is an
open-end, non-diversified, management investment company,
known as a mutual fund. Its goal 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.
By this Prospectus, Class A and Class B shares of the Fund
are being offered. Class A shares are subject to a sales charge imposed
at the time of purchase and Class B shares are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge imposed on redemptions made within five years of
purchase. Other differences between the two Classes include the services
offered to and the expenses borne by each Class and certain voting
rights, as described herein. The Fund offers these alternatives to permit
an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that is most
beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of time the
investor expects to hold the shares and other circumstances.
The Fund provides free redemption checks with respect to
Class A, which you can use in amounts of $500 or more for cash or to pay
bills. You continue to earn income on the amount of the check until it
clears. You can purchase or redeem shares by telephone using the
TELETRANSFER Privilege.
The Dreyfus Corporation professionally manages the Fund's
portfolio.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the
Fund that you should know before investing. It should be read and
retained for future reference.
The Statement of Additional Information, dated March 30,
1995, which may be revised from time to time, provides a further
discussion of certain areas in this Prospectus and other matters which
may be of interest to some investors. It has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by
reference. For a free copy, write to the Fund at 144 Glenn Curtiss
Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144, or call 1-800-554-4611. When
telephoning, ask for Operator 666.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY
OTHER AGENCY. MUTUAL FUND SHARES INVOLVE CERTAIN INVESTMENT RISKS,
INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fee Table.......................................... 3
Condensed Financial Information.................... 4
Alternative Purchase Methods....................... 4
Description of the Fund............................ 5
Management of the Fund............................. 17
How to Buy Fund Shares............................. 19
Shareholder Services............................... 22
How to Redeem Fund Shares.......................... 26
Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan.... 30
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes................. 30
Performance Information............................ 32
General Information................................ 33
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE
CLASS A CLASS B
<S> <C> <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price)................ 4.50% None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge Imposed on Redemptions
(as a percentage of the amount subject to charge) None* 3.00%
- -------------------------
*A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% may be assessed on certain
redemptions of Class A shares purchased without an initial sales charge
as part of an investment of $1 million or more.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
Management Fees....................................... .55% .55%
12b-1 Fees............................................ - .50%
Other Expenses ....................................... .38% .43%
Total Fund Operating Expenses......................... .93% 1.48%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Example
An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) except when noted, redemption
at the end of each time period: CLASS A CLASS B CLASS B*
1 Year...................................... $ 54 $ 45 $ 15
3 Years..................................... $ 73 $ 67 $ 47
5 Years..................................... $ 94 $ 91 $ 81
10 Years**.................................. $154 $148 $148
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*Assuming no redemption of Class B shares.
**Ten-year figures assume conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares
at the end of the sixth year following the date of purchase.
</TABLE>
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The amounts listed in the example should not be considered as
representative of past or future expenses and actual expenses may be
greater or less than those indicated. Moreover, while the example assumes
a 5% annual return, the Fund's actual performance will vary and may result
in an actual return greater or less than 5%.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in
understanding the various costs and expenses that investors will bear,
directly or indirectly, the payment of which will reduce investors'
return on an annual basis. Long-term investors in Class B shares could
pay more in 12b-1 fees than the economic equivalent of paying a front-end
sales charge. The information in the foregoing table does not reflect any
fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements that may be in effect.
Certain Service Agents (as defined below) may charge their clients direct
fees for effecting transactions in Fund shares; such fees are not
reflected in the foregoing table. See "Management of the Fund," "How to
Buy Fund Shares" and "Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan."
Page 3
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The information in the following table has been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent auditors, whose report thereon
appears in the Statement of Additional Information. Further financial
data and related notes are included in the Statement of Additional
Information, available upon request.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Contained below is per share operating performance for a
share of beneficial interest outstanding, total investment return, ratios
to average net assets and other supplemental data for each year
indicated. This information has been derived from the Fund's financial
statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED
NOVEMBER 30,
PER SHARE DATA: 1987(1) 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1993(2) 1994
-------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of period..... $13.50 $11.88 $12.54 $13.08 $12.88 $13.56 $13.97 $14.97 $14.04 $14.97
------ ------ ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Investment income-net..... .85 .91 .95 .94 .89 .86 .80 .75 .62 .67
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments... (1.62) .66 .54 (.20) .68 .56 1.00 (1.86) .93 (1.85)
------ ------ ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------
TOTAL FROM
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS........ (.77) 1.57 1.49 .74 1.57 1.42 1.80 (1.11) 1.55 (1.18)
------ ------ ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------
DISTRIBUTIONS:
Dividends from investment
income-net................. (.85) (.91) (.95) (.94) (.89) (.86) (.80) (.75) (.62) (.67)
Dividends from net realized gain
on investments................ - - - - - (.15) - (.10) - (.10)
------ ------ ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS......... (.85) (.91) (.95) (.94) (.89) (1.01) (.80) (.85) (.62) (.77)
------ ------ ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- -----
Net asset value,
end of period............ $11.88 $12.54 $13.08 $12.88 $13.56 $13.97 $14.97 $13.01 $14.97 $13.02
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN(3).. 6.23%(4) 13.52% 12.23% 5.93% 12.63% 10.79% 13.16% (7.76%) 12.78%(3) (8.20%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets........... - - - .06% .52% .72% .78% .89% 1.34%(3) 1.44%
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets......... 7.42%(4) 7.18% 7.11% 7.19% 6.69% 6.16% 5.41% 5.25% 4.41%(3) 4.70%
Decrease reflected in above
expense ratios dueto undertakings by
The Dreyfus Corporation (limited to
the expense limitation provision
of the Management Agreement)... 1.50%(4) 1.50% 1.50% 1.34% .60% .34% .18% .04% .16%(4) .04%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.... 17.00(5) 47.00% 21.67% 7.02% 12.45% 12.55% 19.55% 31.76% 19.55% 31.76%
Net Assets, end of period
(000's omitted)....... $963 $2,202 $11,800 $39,74 $70,333 $108,247 $164,046 $137,978 $45,101 $52,970
- -----------------------
(1) From December 31, 1986 (commencement of operations) to November 30, 1987.
(2) From January 15, 1993 (commencement of initial offering) to November 30, 1993.
(3) Exclusive of sales load.
(4) Annualized.
(5) Not annualized.
</TABLE>
Further information about the Fund's performance is contained
in its annual report, which may be obtained without charge by writing to
the address or calling the number set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus.
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE METHODS
The Fund offers you two methods of purchasing Fund shares;
you may choose the Class of shares that best suits your needs, given the
amount of your purchase, the length of time you expect to hold your
shares and any other relevant circumstances. Each Class A and Class B
share represents an identical pro rata interest in the Fund's investment
portfolio.
Class A shares are sold at net asset value per share plus a
maximum initial sales charge of 4.50% of the public offering price
imposed at the time of purchase. The initial sales charge may
Page 4
be reduced or waived for certain purchases. See "How to Buy Fund Shares _
Class A Shares." These shares are subject to an annual service fee at the
rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class
A. See "Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan _ Shareholder
Services Plan."
Class B shares are sold at net asset value per share with no
initial sales charge at the time of purchase; as a result, the entire
purchase price is immediately invested in the Fund. Class B shares are
subject to a maximum 3% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"), which
is assessed only if you redeem Class B shares within the first five years
of their purchase. See "How to Buy Fund Shares _ Class B Shares" and "How
to Redeem Fund Shares _ Contingent Deferred Sales Charge _ Class B
Shares." These shares also are subject to an annual service fee at the
rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class
B. In addition, Class B shares are subject to an annual distribution fee
at the rate of .50 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of
Class B. See "Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan." The
distribution fee paid by Class B will cause such Class to have a higher
expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than Class A. Approximately six
years after the date of purchase, Class B shares automatically will
convert to Class A shares, based on the relative net asset values for
shares of each Class, and will no longer be subject to the distribution
fee. Class B shares that have been acquired through the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions will be converted on a pro rata basis
together with other Class B shares, in the proportion that a
shareholder's Class B shares converting to Class A shares bears to the
total Class B shares not acquired through the reinvestment of dividends
and distributions.
The decision as to which Class of shares is more beneficial
to you depends on the amount and intended length of time of your
investment. You should consider whether, during the anticipated life of
your investment in the Fund, the accumulated distribution fee and CDSC on
Class B shares prior to conversion would be less than the initial sales
charge on Class A shares purchased at the same time, and to what extent,
if any, such differential would be offset by the return of Class A. In
this regard, generally, Class B shares may be more appropriate for
investors who invest less than $100,000 in Fund shares. Additionally,
investors qualifying for reduced initial sales charges who expect to
maintain their investment for an extended period of time might consider
purchasing Class A shares because the accumulated continuing distribution
fees on Class B shares may exceed the initial sales charge on Class A
shares during the life of the investment. Generally, Class A shares may
be more appropriate for investors who invest $250,000 or more in Fund
shares.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's goal is to maximize current income exempt from
Federal, New York State and New York City income taxes to the extent
consistent with the preservation of capital. To accomplish this goal, the
Fund invests primarily in the debt securities of the State of New York,
its political subdivisions, authorities and corporations, the interest
from which is, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, exempt from
Federal, New York State and New York City income taxes (collectively,
"New York Municipal Obligations"). To the extent acceptable New York
Municipal Obligations are at any time unavailable for investment by the
Fund, the Fund will invest, for temporary defensive purposes, primarily
in other debt securities the interest from which is, in the opinion of
bond counsel to the issuer, exempt from Federal, but not New York State
and New York City, income tax. The Fund's investment objective cannot be
changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares.
There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be
achieved.
Page 5
MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
Debt securities the interest from which is, in the opinion of
bond counsel to the issuer, exempt from Federal income tax ("Municipal
Obligations") generally include debt obligations issued to obtain funds
for various public purposes as well as certain industrial development
bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities. Municipal Obligations
are classified as general obligation bonds, revenue bonds and notes.
General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its faith,
credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest.
Revenue bonds are payable from the revenue derived from a particular
facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a
special excise or other specific revenue source, but not from the general
taxing power. Tax exempt industrial development bonds, in most cases, are
revenue bonds that do not carry the pledge of the credit of the issuing
municipality, but generally are guaranteed by the corporate entity on
whose behalf they are issued. Notes are short-term instruments which are
obligations of the issuing municipalities or agencies and are sold in
anticipation of a bond sale, collection of taxes or receipt of other
revenues. Municipal Obligations include municipal lease/purchase
agreements which are similar to installment purchase contracts for
property or equipment issued by municipalities. Municipal Obligations
bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest, which are determined
in some instances by formulas under which the Municipal Obligation's
interest rate will change directly or inversely to changes in interest
rates or an index, or multiples thereof, in many cases subject to a
maximum and minimum. Certain Municipal Obligations are subject to
redemption at a date earlier than their stated maturity pursuant to call
options, which may be separated from the related Municipal Obligation and
purchased and sold separately.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
It is a fundamental policy of the Fund that it will invest at
least 80% of the value of its net assets (except when maintaining a
temporary defensive position) in Municipal Obligations. At least 65% of
the value of the Fund's net assets (except when maintaining a temporary
defensive position) will be invested in bonds, debentures and other debt
instruments. At least 65% of the value of the Fund's net assets will be
invested in New York Municipal Obligations and the remainder may be
invested in securities that are not New York Municipal Obligations and
therefore may be subject to New York State and New York City income
taxes. See "Risk Factors _ Investing in New York Municipal Obligations"
below, and "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
At least 70% of the value of the Fund's net assets must
consist of Municipal Obligations which, in the case of bonds, are rated
no lower than Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB
by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Fitch Investors Service, Inc.
("Fitch"). The Fund may invest up to 30% of the value of its net assets
in Municipal Obligations which, in the case of bonds, are rated lower
than Baa by Moody's and BBB by S&P and Fitch and as low as the lowest
rating assigned by Moody's, S&P or Fitch. The Fund may invest in
short-term Municipal Obligations which are rated in the two highest
rating categories by Moody's, S&P or Fitch. See "Appendix B" in the
Statement of Additional Information. Municipal Obligations rated BBB by
S&P or Fitch or Baa by Moody's are considered investment grade
obligations; those rated BBB by S&P and Fitch are regarded as having an
adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, while those rated Baa by
Moody's are considered medium grade obligations which lack outstanding
investment characteristics and have speculative characteristics.
Investments rated Ba or lower by Moody's and BB or lower by S&P and Fitch
ordinarily provide higher yields but involve greater risk because of
their speculative characteristics. The Fund may invest in Municipal
Obligations rated C by Moody's or D by S&P or Fitch, which is the lowest
rating assigned by such rating organiza-
Page 6
tions and indicates that the Municipal Obligation is in default and
interest and/or repayment of principal is in arrears. See "Risk Factors _
Lower Rated Bonds" below for a further discussion of certain risks. The
Fund also may invest in securities which, while not rated, are determined
by The Dreyfus Corporation to be of comparable quality to the rated
securities in which the Fund may invest; for purposes of the 70%
requirement described in this paragraph, such unrated securities shall be
deemed to have the rating so determined. The Fund also may invest in
Taxable Investments of the quality described below. Under normal market
conditions, the weighted average maturity of the Fund's portfolio is
expected to exceed ten years.
In addition to usual investment practices, the Fund may use
speculative investment techniques such as short-selling and lending its
portfolio securities. The Fund also may purchase, hold or deal in futures
contracts and options on futures contracts for non-speculative purposes.
See "Investment Techniques" below.
The Fund may invest more than 25% of the value of its total
assets in Municipal Obligations which are related in such a way that an
economic, business or political development or change affecting one such
security also would affect the other securities; for example, securities
the interest upon which is paid from revenues of similar types of
projects. As a result, the Fund may be subject to greater risk as
compared to a fund that does not follow this practice.
From time to time, the Fund may invest more than 25% of the
value of its total assets in industrial development bonds which, although
issued by industrial development authorities, may be backed only by the
assets and revenues of the non-governmental users. Interest on Municipal
Obligations (including certain industrial development bonds) which are
specified private activity bonds, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), issued after August 7, 1986, while
exempt from Federal income tax, is a preference item for the purpose of
the alternative minimum tax. Where a regulated investment company
receives such interest, a proportionate share of any exempt-interest
dividend paid by the investment company may be treated as such a
preference item to shareholders. The Fund may invest without limitation
in such Municipal Obligations if The Dreyfus Corporation determines that
their purchase is consistent with the Fund's investment objective. See
"Risk Factors - Other Investment Considerations" below.
The Fund may purchase floating and variable rate demand notes
and bonds, which are tax exempt obligations ordinarily having stated
maturities in excess of one year, but which permit the holder to demand
payment of principal at any time or at specified intervals. Variable rate
demand notes include master demand notes which are obligations that
permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts at varying rates of
interest, pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as lender,
and the borrower. These obligations permit daily changes in the amount
borrowed. Frequently, such obligations are secured by letters of credit
or other credit support arrangements provided by banks. Use of letters of
credit or other credit support arrangements will not adversely affect the
tax exempt status of these obligations. Because these obligations are
direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower, it is not
contemplated that such instruments generally will be traded, and there
generally is no established secondary market for these obligations,
although they are redeemable at face value, plus accrued interest.
Accordingly, where these obligations are not secured by letters of credit
or other credit support arrangements, the Fund's right to redeem is
dependent on the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on
demand. Each obligation purchased by the Fund will meet the quality
criteria established for the purchase of Municipal Obligations. The
Dreyfus Corporation, on behalf of the Fund, will consider on an ongoing
basis the creditworthiness of the issuers of the floating and variable
rate demand obligations in the Fund's portfolio. The Fund will not invest
more than 15% of the value of its net assets in floating or
Page 7
variable rate demand obligations as to which the Fund cannot exercise the
demand feature on not more than seven days' notice if there is no
secondary market available for these obligations, and in other illiquid
securities.
The Fund may purchase from financial institutions
participation interests in Municipal Obligations (such as industrial
development bonds and municipal lease/purchase agreements). A
participation interest gives the Fund an undivided interest in the
Municipal Obligation in the proportion that the Fund's participation
interest bears to the total principal amount of the Municipal Obligation.
These instruments may have fixed, floating or variable rates of interest.
If the participation interest is unrated, it will be backed by an
irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of a bank that the Board of
Trustees has determined meets the prescribed quality standards for banks
set forth below, or the payment obligation otherwise will be
collateralized by U.S. Government securities. For certain participation
interests, the Fund will have the right to demand payment, on not more
than seven days' notice, for all or any part of the Fund's participation
interest in the Municipal Obligation, plus accrued interest. As to these
instruments, the Fund intends to exercise its right to demand payment
only upon a default under the terms of the Municipal Obligation, as
needed to provide liquidity to meet redemptions, or to maintain or
improve the quality of its investment portfolio. The Fund will not invest
more than 15% of the value of its net assets in participation interests
that do not have this demand feature if there is no secondary market
available for these participation interests and in other illiquid
securities.
The Fund may purchase tender option bonds. A tender option
bond is a Municipal Obligation (generally held pursuant to a custodial
arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a
fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax exempt
rates, that has been coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as
a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to which
such institution grants the security holders the option, at periodic
intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the
face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the
financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference
between the Municipal Obligation's fixed coupon rate and the rate, as
determined by a remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement
of such period, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender
option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after
payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand
obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax exempt
rate. The Dreyfus Corporation, on behalf of the Fund, will consider on an
ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying
Municipal Obligations, of any custodian and of the third party provider
of the tender option. In certain instances and for certain tender option
bonds, the option may be terminable in the event of a default in payment
of principal or interest on the underlying Municipal Obligations and for
other reasons. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of the value of its
net assets in securities that are illiquid, which could include tender
option bonds as to which it cannot exercise the tender feature on not
more than seven days' notice if there is no secondary market available
for these obligations.
The Fund may acquire "stand-by commitments" with respect to
Municipal Obligations held in its portfolio. Under a stand-by commitment,
the Fund obligates a broker, dealer or bank to repurchase, at the Fund's
option, specified securities at a specified price and, in this respect,
stand-by commitments are comparable to put options. The exercise of a
stand-by commitment, therefore, is subject to the ability of the seller
to make payment on demand. The Fund will acquire stand-by commitments
solely to facilitate portfolio liquidity and does not intend to exercise
its rights thereunder for trading purposes. The Fund may pay for stand-by
commitments if such action is deemed necessary, thus increasing to a
degree the cost of the underlying Municipal Obligation and similarly
decreasing such security's yield to investors.
Page 8
The Fund also may acquire call options on specific Municipal Obligations.
The Fund generally would purchase these call options to protect the Fund
from the issuer of the related Municipal Obligation redeeming, or other
holder of the call option from calling away, the Municipal Obligation
before maturity. The sale by the Fund of a call option that it owns on a
specific Municipal Obligation could result in the receipt of taxable
income by the Fund.
The Fund may purchase custodial receipts representing the
right to receive certain future principal and interest payments on
Municipal Obligations which underlie the custodial receipts. A number of
different arrangements are possible. In a typical custodial receipt
arrangement, an issuer or a third party owner of Municipal Obligations
deposits such obligations with a custodian in exchange for two classes of
custodial receipts. The two classes have different characteristics, but,
in each case, payments on the two classes are based on payments received
on the underlying Municipal Obligations. One class has the
characteristics of a typical auction rate security, where at specified
intervals its interest rate is adjusted, and ownership changes, based on
an auction mechanism. This class's interest rate generally is expected to
be below the coupon rate of the underlying Municipal Obligations and
generally is at a level comparable to that of a Municipal Obligation of
similar quality and having a maturity equal to the period between
interest rate adjustments. The second class bears interest at a rate that
exceeds the interest rate typically borne by a security of comparable
quality and maturity; this rate also is adjusted, but in this case
inversely to changes in the rate of interest of the first class. If the
interest rate on the first class exceeds the coupon rate of the
underlying Municipal Obligations, its interest rate will exceed the rate
paid on the second class. In no event will the aggregate interest paid
with respect to the two classes exceed the interest paid by the
underlying Municipal Obligations. The value of the second class and
similar securities should be expected to fluctuate more than the value of
a Municipal Obligation of comparable quality and maturity and their
purchase by the Fund should increase the volatility of its net asset
value and, thus, its price per share. These custodial receipts are sold
in private placements. The Fund also may purchase directly from issuers,
and not in a private placement, Municipal Obligations having
characteristics similar to custodial receipts. These securities may be
issued as part of a multi-class offering and the interest rate on certain
classes may be subject to a cap or floor.
The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its net assets
in securities as to which a liquid trading market does not exist,
provided such investments are consistent with the Fund's investment
objective. Such securities may include securities that are not readily
marketable, such as certain securities that are subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale, and repurchase agreements providing
for settlement in more than seven days after notice. As to these
securities, the Fund is subject to a risk that should the Fund desire to
sell them when a ready buyer is not available at a price that the Fund
deems representative of their value, the value of the Fund's net assets
could be adversely affected.
The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities which are debt
securities issued or sold at a discount from their face value which do
not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to
maturity or a specified redemption date (or cash payment date). The
amount of the discount varies depending on the time remaining until
maturity or cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of
the security and perceived credit quality of the issuer. Zero coupon
securities also may take the form of debt securities that have been
stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves and
receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt
obligations and coupons. The market prices of zero coupon securities
generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest-bearing
securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in
interest rates than interest-bearing securities having similar maturities
and credit qualities. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in zero
coupon bonds which are rated below investment grade. See "Risk Factors _
Page 9
Lower Rated Bonds" and "Other Investment Considerations" below, and
"Investment Objective and Management Policies _ Risk Factors _ Lower
Rated Bonds" and "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
From time to time, on a temporary basis other than for
temporary defensive purposes (but not to exceed 20% of the value of the
Fund's net assets) or for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may
invest in taxable short-term investments ("Taxable Investments")
consisting of: notes of issuers having, at the time of purchase, a
quality rating within the two highest grades of Moody's, S&P or Fitch;
obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities;
commercial paper rated not lower than P-1 by Moody's, A-1 by S&P or F-1
by Fitch; certificates of deposit of U.S. domestic banks, including
foreign branches of domestic banks, with assets of one billion dollars or
more; time deposits; bankers' acceptances and other short-term bank
obligations; and repurchase agreements in respect of any of the
foregoing. Dividends paid by the Fund that are attributable to income
earned by the Fund from Taxable Investments will be taxable to investors.
See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes." Except for temporary defensive
purposes, at no time will more than 20% of the value of the Fund's net
assets be invested in Taxable Investments. When the Fund has adopted a
temporary defensive position, including when acceptable New York
Municipal Obligations are unavailable for investment by the Fund, in
excess of 35% of the Fund's net assets may be invested in securities that
are not exempt from New York State and New York City income taxes. Under
normal market conditions, the Fund anticipates that not more than 5% of
the value of its total assets will be invested in any one category of
Taxable Investments. Taxable Investments are more fully described in the
Statement of Additional Information, to which reference hereby is made.
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
The Fund may employ, among others, the investment techniques
described below. Use of certain of these techniques may give rise to
taxable income. Options and futures transactions involve so-called
"derivative securities."
WHEN-LSSUED SECURITIES
New issues of Municipal Obligations usually are offered on a
when-issued basis, which means that delivery and payment for such
Municipal Obligations ordinarily take place within 45 days after the date
of the commitment to purchase. The payment obligation and the interest
rate that will be received on the Municipal Obligations are fixed at the
time the Fund enters into the commitment. The Fund will make commitments
to purchase such Municipal Obligations only with the intention of
actually acquiring the securities, but the Fund may sell these securities
before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable, although any gain
realized on such sale would be taxable. The Fund will not accrue income
in respect of a when-issued security prior to its stated delivery date.
No additional when-issued commitments will be made if more than 20% of
the value of the Fund's net assets would be so committed .
Municipal Obligations purchased on a when-issued basis and
the securities held in the Fund's portfolio are subject to changes in
value (both 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. Municipal
Obligations purchased on a when-issued basis may expose the Fund to risk
because they may experience such fluctuations prior to their actual
delivery. Purchasing Municipal Obligations 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. A segregated account of the Fund consisting of cash,
cash equivalents or U.S. Government securities or other high quality
liquid debt securities at least equal at all times to the amount of the
when-issued commitments will be established and main-
Page 10
tained at the Fund's custodian bank. Purchasing Municipal Obligations on
a 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.
FUTURES TRANSACTIONS - IN GENERAL
The Fund is not a commodity pool. However, as a substitute
for a comparable market position in the underlying securities or for
hedging purposes, the Fund may engage in futures and options on futures
transactions, as described below.
The Fund's commodities transactions must constitute bona fide
hedging or other permissible transactions pursuant to regulations
promulgated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. In addition, the
Fund may not engage in such transactions if the sum of the amount of
initial margin deposits and premiums paid for unexpired commodity
options, other than for bona fide hedging transactions, would exceed 5%
of the liquidation value of the Fund's assets, after taking into account
unrealized profits and unrealized losses on such contracts it has entered
into; provided, however, that in the case of an option that is
in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be
excluded in calculating the 5%. Pursuant to regulations and/or published
positions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund may be
required to segregate cash or high quality money market instruments in
connection with its commodities transactions in an amount generally equal
to the value of the underlying commodity. To the extent the Fund engages
in the use of futures and options on futures for other than bona fide
hedging purposes, the Fund may be subject to additional risk.
Initially, when purchasing or selling futures contracts the
Fund will be required to deposit with its custodian in the broker's name
an amount of cash or cash equivalents up to approximately 10% of the
contract amount. This amount is subject to change by the exchange or
board of trade on which the contract is traded and members of such
exchange or board of trade may impose their own higher requirements. This
amount is known as "initial margin" and is in the nature of a performance
bond or good faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the Fund
upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual
obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, known as "variation
margin," to and from the broker will be made daily as the price of the
index or securities underlying the futures contract fluctuates, making
the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less
valuable, a process known as "marking-to-market." At any time prior to
the expiration of a futures contract, the Fund may elect to close the
position by taking an opposite position at the then prevailing price,
which will operate to terminate the Fund's existing position in the
contract.
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 the 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. If it is not possible or the
Fund determines not to close a futures position in anticipation of
adverse price movements, the Fund will be required to make daily cash
payments of variation margin. In such circumstances, an increase in the
value of the portion of the Fund's portfolio being hedged, if any, may
offset partially or completely losses on the futures contract. However,
no assurance can be given that the price of the securities being hedged
will correlate with the price movements in a futures contract and thus
provide an offset to losses on the futures contract.
Page 11
To the extent the Fund is engaging in a futures transaction
as a hedging device, because of the risk of an imperfect correlation
between securities in the Fund's portfolio that are the subject of a
hedging transaction and the futures contract used as a hedging device, it
is possible that the hedge will not be fully effective if, for example,
losses on the portfolio securities exceed gains on the futures contract
or losses on the futures contract exceed gains on the portfolio
securities. For futures contracts based on indices, the risk of imperfect
correlation increases as the composition of the Fund's portfolio varies
from the composition of the index. In an effort to compensate for the
imperfect correlation of movements in the price of the securities being
hedged and movements in the price of futures contracts, the Fund may buy
or sell futures contracts in a greater or lesser dollar amount than the
dollar amount of the securities being hedged if the historical volatility
of the futures contract has been less or greater than that of the
securities. Such "over hedging" or "under hedging" may adversely affect
the Fund's net investment results if the market does not move as
anticipated when the hedge is established.
An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the
right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures
contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if
the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the
option exercise period. The writer of the option is required upon
exercise to assume an offsetting futures position (a short position if
the option is a call and a long position if the option is a put). Upon
exercise of the option, the assumption of offsetting futures positions by
the writer and holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of
the accumulated cash balance in the writer's futures margin account which
represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract,
at exercise, exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case
of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract.
Call options sold by the Fund with respect to futures
contracts will be covered by, among other things, entering into a long
position in the same contract at a price no higher than the strike price
of the call option, or by ownership of the instruments underlying, or
instruments the prices of which are expected to move relatively
consistently with the instruments underlying, the futures contract. Put
options sold by the Fund with respect to futures contracts will be
covered when, among other things, cash or liquid securities are placed in
a segregated account to fulfill the obligation undertaken.
The Fund may utilize municipal bond index futures to protect
against changes in the market value of the Municipal Obligations in its
portfolio or which it intends to acquire. Municipal bond index futures
contracts are based on an index of long-term Municipal Obligations. The
index assigns relative values to the Municipal Obligations included in
the index, and fluctuates with changes in the market value of such
Municipal Obligations. The contract is an agreement pursuant to which two
parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash based upon
the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last
trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract was
originally written. The acquisition or sale of a municipal bond index
futures contract enables the Fund to protect its assets from fluctuations
in rates on tax exempt securities without actually buying or selling such
securities.
INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON INTEREST RATE FUTURES
CONTRACTS
The Fund may purchase and sell interest rate futures
contracts and options on interest rate futures contracts as a substitute
for a comparable market position or to hedge against adverse movements in
rates.
To the extent the Fund has invested in interest rate futures
contracts or options on interest rate futures contracts as a substitute
for a comparable market position, the Fund will be subject to the
investment risks of having purchased the securities underlying the
contract.
Page 12
The Fund may purchase call options on interest rate futures
contracts to hedge against a decline in interest rates and may purchase
put options on interest rate futures contracts to hedge its portfolio
securities against the risk of rising interest rates.
If the Fund has hedged against the possibility of an increase
in interest rates adversely affecting the value of securities held in its
portfolio and rates decrease instead, 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. In
addition, in such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may
have to sell securities to meet daily variation margin requirements at a
time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. These sales of securities
may, but will not necessarily, be at increased prices which reflect the
decline in interest rates.
The Fund may sell call options on interest rate futures
contracts to partially hedge against declining prices of its portfolio
securities. If the futures price at expiration of the option is below the
exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option
premium which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have
occurred in the Fund's portfolio holdings. The Fund may sell put options
on interest rate futures contracts to hedge against increasing prices of
the securities which are deliverable upon exercise of the futures
contract. If the futures price at expiration of the option is higher than
the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option
premium which provides a partial hedge against any increase in the price
of securities which the Fund intends to purchase. If a put or call option
sold by the Fund is exercised, the Fund will incur a loss which will be
reduced by the amount of the premium it receives. Depending on the degree
of correlation between changes in the value of its portfolio securities
and changes in the value of its futures positions, the Fund's losses from
existing options on futures may, to some extent, be reduced or increased
by changes in the value of its portfolio securities.
The Fund also may sell options on interest rate futures
contracts as part of closing purchase transactions to terminate its
options positions. No assurance can be given that such closing
transactions can be effected or that there will be a correlation between
price movements in the options on interest rate futures and price
movements in the Fund's portfolio securities which are the subject of the
hedge. In addition, the Fund's purchase of such options will be based
upon predictions as to anticipated interest rate trends, which could
prove to be inaccurate.
SHORT-SELLING
The Fund may make short sales of securities, which are
transactions in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in
anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To
complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make
delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the security
borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement.
The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the
security was sold by the Fund.The Fund will incur a loss as a result of
the short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of
the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed
security. The Fund will realize a gain if the security declines in price
between those dates.
No securities will be sold short if, after effect is given to
any such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short
would exceed 25% of the value of the Fund's net assets. The Fund may not
sell short the securities of any single issuer listed on a national
securities exchange to the extent of more than 5% of the value of the
Fund's net assets. The Fund may not sell short the securities of any
class of an issuer to the extent, at the time of the transaction, of more
than 5% of the outstanding securities of that class.
In addition to the short sales discussed above, the Fund may
make short sales "against the box," a transaction in which the Fund
enters into a short sale of a security which the Fund
Page 13
owns. At no time will the Fund have more than 15% of the value of its
net assets in deposits on short sales against the box.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
From time to time, the Fund may lend securities from its
portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to
borrow securities to complete certain transactions. Such loans may not
exceed 33 1/3 % of the value of the Fund's total assets. In connection
with such loans, the Fund will receive collateral consisting of cash, U.
S . Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit which will be
maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the
current market value of the loaned securities. The Fund can increase its
income through the investment of such collateral. The Fund continues to
be entitled to payments in amounts equal to the interest or other
distributions payable on the loaned security and receives interest on the
amount of the loan. Such loans will be terminable at any time upon
specified notice. The Fund might experience risk of loss if the
institution with which it has engaged in a portfolio loan transaction
breaches its agreement with the Fund.
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
The Fund may (i) borrow money from banks, but only for
temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes in an amount up to 15%
of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed)
valued at the lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not including
the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made. While borrowings
exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets, the Fund will not make
any additional investments; (ii) pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or
otherwise encumber its assets, but only to secure borrowings for
temporary or emergency purposes; and (iii) invest up to 25% of its total
assets in the securities of issuers in any industry, provided that there
is no such limitation on investments in Municipal Obligations and, for
temporary defensive purposes, in obligations issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. This paragraph
describes fundamental policies that cannot be changed without approval by
the holders of a majority (as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares. See "Investment Objective
and Management Policies - Investment Restrictions" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
ADDITIONAL NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICY
The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its net assets
in repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days
after notice and in other illiquid securities (which securities could
include participation interests (including municipal lease/purchase
agreements) that are not subject to the demand feature described above,
and floating and variable rate demand obligations as to which the Fund
cannot exercise the related demand feature described above and as to
which there is no secondary market). See "Investment Objective and
Management Policies - Investment Restrictions" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
RISK FACTORS
INVESTING IN NEW YORK MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
You should consider carefully the special risks inherent in
the Fund's investment in New York Municipal Obligations. These risks
result from the financial condition of New York State, certain of its
public bodies and municipalities, and New York City. Beginning in early
1975, New York State, New York City and other State entities faced
serious financial difficulties which jeopardized the credit standing and
impaired the borrowing abilities of such entities and contributed to high
interest rates on, and lower market prices for, debt obligations issued
by them. A recurrence of such financial difficulties or a failure of
certain financial recovery programs could result in defaults or declines
in the market values of various New York Municipal Obligations in which
the Fund may invest. If there should be a default or other financial
crisis
Page 14
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 significant slowdown in the New York and regional economy in the
early 1990's added substantial uncertainty to estimates of the State's
tax revenues, which, in part, caused the State to overestimate its
General Fund tax receipts in the 1992 fiscal year by $575 million. The
1992 fiscal year was the fourth consecutive year in which New York State
incurred a cash-basis operating deficit in the General Fund and issued
deficit notes. The State's 1993 and 1994 fiscal years, however, were
characterized by national and regional economies that performed better
than projected. After reflecting a 1993 year-end deposit to the refund
reserve account of $671 million, reported 1993 General Fund receipts were
$45 million higher than originally projected in April 1992. The State
completed the 1994 fiscal year with an operating surplus in the General
Fund of $914 million. In September 1994, however, New York State
projected a General Fund operating deficit of $690 million for the 1995
fiscal year. There can be no assurance that New York will not face
substantial potential budget gaps in future years. In January 1992,
Moody's lowered from A to Baa1 the ratings on certain
appropriation-backed debt of New York State and its agencies. New York
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- its ratings of New
York State general obligation bonds and stated that it continued to
assess the ratings outlook as negative. The ratings of various agency
debt, State moral obligations, contractual obligations, lease purchase
obligations and State guarantees also were lowered. In February 1991,
Moody's lowered its rating on New York City's general obligation bonds
from A to Baa1. 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. You should obtain and review a copy of the Statement of
Additional Information which more fully sets forth these and other risk
factors.
LOWER RATED BONDS
You should carefully consider the relative risks of investing
in the higher yielding (and, therefore, higher risk) debt securities in
which the Fund may invest up to 30% of the value of its net assets. These
are securities such as those rated Ba by Moody's or BB by S&P or Fitch or
as low as the lowest rating assigned by Moody's, S&P or Fitch. They
generally are not meant for short-term investing and may be subject to
certain risks with respect to the issuing entity and to greater market
fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher rated fixed-income
securities. Bonds rated Ba by Moody's are judged to have speculative
elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured and often the
protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate. Bonds
rated BB by S&P are regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics and, while such obligations have less near-term
vulnerability to default than other speculative grade debt, they face
major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or
economic conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity to meet
timely interest and principal payments. Bonds rated BB by Fitch are
considered speculative and the payment of principal and interest may be
affected at any time by adverse economic changes. Bonds rated C by
Moody's are regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
any real investment standing. Bonds rated D by S&P are in default and the
payment of interest and/or repayment of principal is in arrears. Bonds
rated DDD, DD or D by Fitch are in actual or imminent default, are
extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their ultimate
recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the issuer; DDD
represents the highest potential for recovery of such bonds; and D
Page 15
represents the lowest potential for recovery. Such bonds, though high
yielding, are characterized by great risk. See "Appendix B" in the
Statement of Additional Information for a general description of Moody's,
S&P and Fitch ratings of Municipal Obligations. The ratings of Moody's,
S&P and Fitch represent their opinions as to the quality of the Municipal
Obligations which they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized,
however, that ratings are relative and subjective and, although ratings
may be useful in evaluating the safety of interest and principal
payments, they do not evaluate the market value risk of these bonds.
Therefore, although these ratings may be an initial criterion for
selection of portfolio investments, The Dreyfus Corporation also will
evaluate these securities and the ability of the issuers of such
securities to pay interest and principal. The Fund's ability to achieve
its investment objective may be more dependent on The Dreyfus
Corporation's credit analysis than might be the case for a fund that
invested in higher rated securities. Once the rating of a portfolio
security has been changed, the Fund will consider all circumstances
deemed relevant in determining whether to continue to hold the security.
The market price and yield of bonds rated Ba or lower by
Moody's and BB or lower by S&P and Fitch are more volatile than those of
higher rated bonds. Factors adversely affecting the market price and
yield of these securities will adversely affect the Fund's net asset
value. In addition, the retail secondary market for these bonds may be
less liquid than that of higher rated bonds; adverse market conditions
could make it difficult at times for the Fund to sell certain securities
or could result in lower prices than those used in calculating the Fund's
net asset value.
The Fund may invest up to 5% of the value of its net assets
in zero coupon securities and pay-in-kind bonds (bonds which pay interest
through the issuance of additional bonds), rated Ba or lower by Moody's
and BB or lower by S&P and Fitch. These securities may be subject to
greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest rates than
interest-bearing securities and thus may be considered more speculative
than comparably rated interest-bearing securities. See "Other Investment
Considerations" below, and "Investment Objective and Management Policies
- Risk Factors - Lower Rated Bonds" and "Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information.
OTHER INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Even though interest-bearing securities are investments which
promise a stable stream of income, the prices of such securities are
inversely affected by changes in interest rates and, therefore, are
subject to the risk of market price fluctuations. Certain securities that
may be purchased by the Fund, such as those with interest rates that
fluctuate directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index,
are designed to be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and can
subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield and possibly
loss of principal. The values of fixed-income securities also may be
affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of the
issuing entities. The Fund's net asset value generally will not be stable
and should fluctuate based upon changes in the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities. Securities in which the Fund invests may earn a
higher level of current income than certain shorter-term or higher
quality securities which generally have greater liquidity, less market
risk and less fluctuation in market value.
Federal income tax law requires the holder of a zero coupon
security or of certain pay-in-kind bonds to accrue income with respect to
these securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. To maintain its
qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid liability for
Federal income taxes, the Fund may be required to distribute such income
accrued with respect to these securities and may have to dispose of
portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to
generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements.
Page 16
Certain municipal lease/purchase obligations in which the
Fund may invest may contain "non-appropriation" clauses which provide
that the municipality has no obligation to make lease payments in future
years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis.
Although "non-appropriation" lease/purchase obligations are secured by
the leased property, disposition of the leased property in the event of
foreclosure might prove difficult. In evaluating the credit quality of a
municipal lease/purchase obligation that is unrated, The Dreyfus
Corporation will consider, on an ongoing basis, a number of factors
including the likelihood that the issuing municipality will discontinue
appropriating funding for the leased property.
Certain provisions in the Code relating to the issuance of
Municipal Obligations may reduce the volume of Municipal Obligations
qualifying for Federal tax exemption. One effect of these provisions
could be to increase the cost of the Municipal Obligations available for
purchase by the Fund and thus reduce the available yield. Shareholders
should consult their tax advisers concerning the effect of these
provisions on an investment in the Fund. Proposals that may restrict or
eliminate the income tax exemption for interest on Municipal Obligations
may be introduced in the future. If any such proposal were enacted that
would reduce the availability of Municipal Obligations for investment by
the Fund so as to adversely affect Fund shareholders, the Fund would
reevaluate its investment objective and policies and submit possible
changes in the Fund's structure to shareholders for their consideration.
If legislation were enacted that would treat a type of Municipal
Obligation as taxable, the Fund would treat such security as a
permissible Taxable Investment within the applicable limits set forth
herein.
The Fund's classification as a "non-diversified" investment
company means that the proportion of the Fund's assets that may be
invested in the securities of a single issuer is not limited by the
Investment Company Act of 1940. A "diversified" investment company is
required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 generally to invest, with
respect to 75% of its total assets, not more than 5% of such assets in
the securities of a single issuer. However, the Fund intends to conduct
its operations so as to qualify as a "regulated investment company" for
purposes of the Code, which requires that, at the end of each quarter of
its taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's
total assets be invested in cash, U.S. Government securities, the
securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities,
with such other securities of any one issuer limited for the purposes of
this calculation to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the
Fund's total assets, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total
assets be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S.
Government securities or the securities of other regulated investment
companies). Since a relatively high percentage of the Fund's assets may
be invested in the obligations of a limited number of issuers, the Fund's
portfolio securities may be more susceptible to any single economic,
political or regulatory occurrence than the portfolio securities of a
diversified investment company.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from
those of other investment companies advised by The Dreyfus Corporation.
However, if such other investment companies are prepared to invest in, or
desire to dispose of, Municipal Obligations or Taxable Investments at the
same time as the Fund, available investments or opportunities for sales
will be allocated equitably to each investment company. In some cases,
this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position obtained for
or disposed of by the Fund or the price paid or received by the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Dreyfus Corporation, located at 200 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's
investment adviser. The Dreyfus Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank
Corporation ("Mellon"). As of December 31, 1994, The Dreyfus Corporation
Page 17
managed or administered approximately $70 billion in assets for more than
1.9 million investor accounts nationwide.
The Dreyfus Corporation supervises and assists in the overall
management of the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the
Fund, subject to the overall authority of the Fund's Board of Trustees in
accordance with Massachusetts law.
Mellon is a publicly owned mutlibank holding company
incorporated under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the
Federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a
comprehensive range of financial products and services in domestic and
selected international markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest
bank holding companies in the United States based on total assets.
Mellon's principal wholly-owned subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A.,
Mellon Bank (DE) National Association, Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston
Company, Inc. AFCOCredit Corporation and a number of companies known as
Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through its subsidiaries,
including The Dreyfus Corporation, Mellon managed more than $201 billion
in assets as of September 30, 1994, including approximately $76 billion
in mutual fund assets. As of September 30, 1994, various subsidiaries of
Mellon provided non-investment services, such as custodial or
administration services, for approximately $659 billion in assets
including $108 billion in mutual fund assets.
The Fund's primary portfolio manager is A. Paul Disdier. He
has held that position since May 1988 and has been employed by The
Dreyfus Corporation since February 1988. The Fund's other portfolio
managers are identified under "Management of the Fund"in the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information. The Dreyfus Corporation also
provides research services for the Fund as well as for other funds
advised by The Dreyfus Corporation through a professional staff of
portfolio managers and securities analysts.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund has
agreed to pay The Dreyfus Corporation a monthly fee at the annual rate of
.55 of 1% of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. From time
to time, The Dreyfus Corporation may waive receipt of its fees and/or
voluntarily assume certain expenses of the Fund, which would have the
effect of lowering the overall expense ratio of the Fund and increasing
yield to investors at the time such amounts are waived or assumed, as the
case may be. The Fund will not pay The Dreyfus Corporation at a later
time for any amounts it may waive, nor will the Fund reimburse The
Dreyfus Corporation for any amounts it may assume. For the fiscal year
ended November 30, 1994, the Fund paid The Dreyfus Corporation a
management fee at the effective annual rate of .51 of 1% of the value of
the Fund's average daily net assets pursuant to undertakings in effect.
The Dreyfus Corporation may pay the Fund's distributor for
shareholder services from The Dreyfus Corporation's own assets, including
past profits but not including the management fee paid by the Fund. The
Fund's distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay Service
Agents in respect of these services.
The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Institutional
Administration Services, Inc., a provider of mutual fund administration
services, the parent company of which is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a subsidiary of First
Data Corporation, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is
the Fund's Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent (the "Transfer Agent").
The Bank of New York, 110 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, is
the Fund's Custodian.
Page 18
HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
Fund shares may be purchased only by clients of certain
financial institutions (which may include banks), securities dealers
("Selected Dealers"), and other industry professionals (collectively,
"Service Agents"), except that full-time or part-time employees of The
Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors
of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board members of a fund advised by The
Dreyfus Corporation, including members of the Fund's Board, or the spouse
or minor child of any of the foregoing may purchase Class A shares
directly through Dreyfus Service Corporation. Subsequent purchases may be
sent directly to the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent. Service Agents
may receive different levels of compensation for selling different Classes
of shares. Management understands that some Service Agents may impose
certain conditions on their clients which are different from those
described in this Prospectus, and to the extent permitted by applicable
regulatory authority, may charge their clients direct fees which would be
in addition to any amounts which might be received under the Shareholder
Services Plan. Each Service Agent has agreed to transmit to its clients a
schedule of such fees. You should consult your Service Agent in this
regard.
When purchasing Fund shares, you must specify whether the
purchase is for Class A or Class B shares. Share certificates are issued
only upon your written request. No certificates are issued for fractional
shares. It is not recommended that the Fund be used as a vehicle for
Keogh, IRA or other qualified retirement plans. The Fund reserves the
right to reject any purchase order.
The minimum initial investment is $1,000. Subsequent
investments must be at least $100. The initial investment must be
accompanied by the Fund's Account Application.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the
TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable to
"Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund." Payments to open new accounts
which are mailed should be sent to Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund,
P.O. Box 9387, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9387, together with your
Account Application indicating which Class of shares is being purchased.
For subsequent investments, your Fund account number should appear on the
check and an investment slip should be enclosed and sent to Premier New
York Municipal Bond Fund, P.O. Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105.
Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party
check. Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a commercial
bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any other bank
having a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately available funds
may be transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York, DDA #8900119284/
Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund - Class A shares, or
DDA #8900115009/Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund - Class B shares, as
the case may be, for purchase of Fund shares in your name. The wire must
include your Fund account number (for new accounts, your Taxpayer
Identification Number ("TIN") should be included instead), account
registration and dealer number, if applicable. If your initial purchase of
Fund shares is by wire, please call 1-800-645-6561 after completing your
wire payment to obtain your Fund account number. Please include your Fund
account number on the Fund's Account Application and promptly mail the
Account Application to the Fund, as no redemptions will be permitted until
the Account Application is received. You may obtain further information
about remitting funds in this manner from your bank. All payments should
be made in U.S. dollars and, to avoid fees and delays, should be drawn
only on U.S. banks. A charge will be imposed if any check used for
investment in your account does not clear. The Fund makes available to
certain large institutions the ability to issue purchase instructions
through compatible computer facilities.
Page 19
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic
transfer of funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic
financial institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You
must direct the institution to transmit immediately available funds
through the Automated Clearing House to The Bank of New York with
instructions to credit your Fund account. The instructions must specify
your Fund account registration and your Fund account number PRECEDED BY
THE DIGITS "1111."
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis. Net asset value
per share is determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the
New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time), on each day
the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. For purposes of
determining net asset value, options and futures contracts will be valued
15 minutes after the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock
Exchange. Net asset value per share of each Class is computed by dividing
the value of the Fund's net assets represented by such Class (i.e., the
value of its assets less liabilities) by the total number of shares of
such Class outstanding. The Fund's investments are valued each business
day by an independent pricing service approved by the Board of Trustees
and are valued at fair value as determined by the pricing service. The
pricing service's procedures are reviewed under the general supervision
of the Board of Trustees. For further information regarding the methods
employed in valuing Fund investments, see "Determination of Net Asset
Value" in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN
upon opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes" and the Fund's Account Application for further information
concerning this requirement. Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the
Fund could subject you to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue
Service (the "IRS").
If an order is received by the Transfer Agent by the close of
trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m.,
New York time) on any business day, Fund shares will be purchased at the
public offering price determined as of the close of trading on the floor
of the New York Stock Exchange on that day. Otherwise, Fund shares will
be purchased at the public offering price determined as of the close of
trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on the next business
day, except where shares are purchased through a dealer as provided
below.
Orders for the purchase of Fund shares received by dealers by
the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on a
business day and transmitted to the Distributor or its designee by the
close of its business day (normally 5:15 p.m., New York time) will be
based on the public offering price per share determined as of the close
of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on that day.
Otherwise, the orders will be based on the next determined public
offering price. It is the dealer's responsibility to transmit orders so
that they will be received by the Distributor or its designee before the
close of its business day.
CLASS A SHARES
The public offering price for Class A shares is the net asset
value per share of that Class plus a sales load as shown below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Sales Load
---------------------------------------
As a % of As a % of Dealers' Reallowance
offering price net asset value as a % of
Amount of Transaction per share per share offering price
---------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000......... 4.50 4.70 4.25
$50,000 to less than $100,000....... 4.00 4.20 3.75
$100,000 to less than $250,000...... 3.00 3.10 2.75
$250,000 to less than $500,000....... 2.50 2.60 2.25
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000..... 2.00 2.00 1.75
</TABLE>
Page 20
There is no initial sales charge on purchases of $1,000,000 or
more of Class A shares. However, if you purchase Class A shares without an
initial sales charge as part of an investment of at least $1,000,000 and
redeem those shares within two years after purchase, a CDSC of 1% will be
imposed at the time of redemption. The terms contained in the section of
the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Redeem Fund Shares _ Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge _ Class B" (other than the amount of the CDSCand its
time periods) are applicable to the Class A shares subject to a CDSC.
Letter of Intent and Right of Accumulation apply to such purchases of
Class A shares.
Full-time employees of NASD member firms and full-time
employees of other financial institutions which have entered into an
agreement with the Distributor pertaining to the sale of Fund shares (or
which otherwise have a brokerage-related or clearing arrangement with an
NASD member firm or other financial institution with respect to sales of
Fund shares) may purchase Class A shares for themselves directly or
pursuant to an employee benefit plan or other program, or for their
spouses or minor children at net asset value, provided that they have
furnished the Distributor with such information as it may request from
time to time in order to verify eligibility for this privilege. This
privilege also applies to full-time employees of financial institutions
affiliated with NASD member firms whose full-time employees are eligible to
purchase Class A shares at net asset value. In addition, Class A shares
are offered at net asset value to full-time or part-time employees of The
Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors
of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board members of a fund advised by The
Dreyfus Corporation, including members of the Fund's Board, or the spouse
or minor child of any of the foregoing.
For the period from December 1, 1993 through August 23, 1994,
Dreyfus Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dreyfus
Corporation and distributor of the Fund's shares from commencement of
operations through August 23, 1994, retained $50,856 from sales loads on
Class A shares. The dealer reallowance may be changed from time to time
but will remain the same for all dealers. The Distributor, at its own
expense, may provide additional promotional incentives to dealers that
sell shares of funds advised by The Dreyfus Corporation which are sold
with a sales load, such as the Fund. In some instances, those incentives
may be offered only to certain dealers who have sold or may sell
significant amounts of shares.
CLASS B SHARES
The public offering price for Class B shares is the net asset
value per share of that Class. No initial sales charge is imposed at the
time of purchase. A CDSC is imposed, however, on certain redemptions of
Class B shares as described under "How to Redeem Fund Shares." The
Distributor compensates certain Service Agents for selling Class B shares
at the time of purchase from the Distributor's own assets. The proceeds
of the CDSC and the distribution fee, in part, are used to defray these
expenses. For the period from December 1, 1993 through August 23, 1994,
$131,696 was retained by Dreyfus Service Corporation, as former
distributor, from the CDSC on Class B shares.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION - CLASS A SHARES
Reduced sales loads apply to any purchase of Class A shares,
shares of other funds in the Family of Premier Funds, shares of certain
other funds advised by The Dreyfus Corporation which are sold with a
sales load and shares of certain other funds acquired by a previous
exchange of such shares (hereinafter referred to as "Eligible Funds"), by
you and any related "purchaser" as defined in the Statement of Additional
Information, where the aggregate investment, including such purchase, is
$50,000 or more. If, for example, you have previously purchased and still
hold Class A shares of the Fund, or of any other Eligible Fund or
combina-
Page 21
tion thereof, with an aggregate current market value of $40,000
and subsequently purchase Class A shares of the Fund or an Eligible Fund
having a current value of $20,000, the sales load applicable to the
subsequent purchase would be reduced to 4% of the offering price. All
present holdings of Eligible Funds may be combined to determine the
current offering price of the aggregate investment in ascertaining the
sales load applicable to each subsequent purchase.
To qualify for reduced sales loads, at the time of purchase
you or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor if orders are made
by wire, or the Transfer Agent if orders are made by mail. The reduced
sales load is subject to confirmation of your holdings through a check of
appropriate records.
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE
You may purchase Fund shares (minimum $500, maximum $150,000
per day) by telephone if you have checked the appropriate box and
supplied the necessary information on the Fund's Account Application or
have filed a Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. The
proceeds will be transferred between the bank account designated in one
of these documents and your Fund account. Only a bank account maintained
in a domestic financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House
member may be so designated. The Fund may modify or terminate this
Privilege at any time or charge a service fee upon notice to
shareholders. No such fee currently is contemplated.
If you have selected the TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a TELETRANSFER purchase of Fund shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The services and privileges described under this heading may
not be available to clients of certain Service Agents and some Service
Agents may impose certain conditions on their clients which are different
from those described in this Prospectus. You should consult your Service
Agent in this regard.
FUND EXCHANGES
Clients of certain Service Agents may purchase, in exchange
for Class A or Class B shares of the Fund, shares of the same Class in
certain other funds managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation,
to the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of
residence. These funds have different investment objectives which may be
of interest to you. You also may exchange your Fund shares that are
subject to a CDSC for shares of Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market
Fund, Inc. The shares so purchased will be held in a special account
created solely for this purpose (the "Exchange Account"). Exchange of
shares from an Exchange Account only can be made into certain other funds
managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation. No CDSC is charged
when an investor exchanges into an Exchange Account; however, the
applicable CDSC will be imposed when shares are redeemed from an Exchange
Account or other applicable Fund account. Upon redemption, the applicable
CDSC will be calculated without regard to the time such shares were held
in an Exchange Account. See "How to Redeem Fund Shares." In addition to
the limited Exchange and Auto-Exchange Privileges noted herein, Exchange
Account shares are eligible for Dividend Sweep and the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan, and may receive redemption proceeds only by Federal wire
or by check. If you desire to use this service, you should consult your
Service Agent or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and
whether any other conditions are imposed on its use.
To request an exchange, your Service Agent acting on your
behalf must give exchange instructions to the Transfer Agent in writing
or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must obtain and should review a
copy of the current prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is
Page 22
being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. Except
in the case of Personal Retirement Plans, the shares being exchanged must
have a current value of at least $500; furthermore, when establishing a
new account by exchange, the shares being exchanged must have a value of
at least the minimum initial investment required for the fund into which
the exchange is being made. The ability to issue exchange instructions by
telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless you
check the appropriate"No" box on the Account Application, indicating that
you specifically refuse this Privilege. The Telephone Exchange Privilege
may be established for an existing account by written request, signed by
all shareholders on the account, or by a separate signed Shareholder
Services Form, also available by calling 1-800-645-6561. If you have
established the Telephone Exchange Privilege, you may telephone exchange
instructions by calling 1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from
overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. See "How to Redeem Fund Shares _
Procedures." Upon an exchange into a new account, the following
shareholder services and privileges, as applicable and where available,
will be automatically carried over to the fund into which the exchange is
made: Telephone Exchange Privilege, Check Redemption Privilege,
TELETRANSFER Privilege, and the dividend/capital gain distribution option
(except for Dividend Sweep) selected by the investor
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset
value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges of
Class A shares into funds sold with a sales load. No CDSC will be imposed
on Class B shares at the time of an exchange; however, Class B shares
acquired through an exchange will be subject on redemption to the higher
CDSC applicable to the exchanged or acquired shares. The CDSC applicable
on redemption of the acquired Class B shares will be calculated from the
date of the initial purchase of the Class B shares exchanged . If you are
exchanging Class A shares into a fund that charges a sales load, you may
qualify for share prices which do not include the sales load or which
reflect a reduced sales load, if the shares of the fund from which you
are exchanging were: (a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired by a
previous exchange from shares purchased with a sales load, or (c)
acquired through reinvestment of dividends or distributions paid with
respect to the foregoing categories of shares. To qualify, at the time of
your exchange your Service Agent must call 1-800-645-6561. Any such
qualification is subject to confirmation of your holdings through a check
of appropriate records. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of
Additional Information. No fees currently are charged shareholders
directly in connection with exchanges, although the Fund reserves the
right, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, to charge shareholders
a nominal fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange
request in whole or in part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may be
modified or terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders.
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is
treated for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in
exchange by the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may
realize a taxable gain or loss.
AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Auto-Exchange Privilege enables you to invest regularly (on a
semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for Class
A or Class B shares of the Fund, in shares of the same Class of other
funds in the Premier Family of Funds or certain other funds in the
Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are currently an investor. The
amount you designate, which can be expressed either in terms of a
specific dollar or share amount ($100 minimum), will be exchanged
automatically on the first and/or fifteenth of the month according to the
schedule you have selected. Shares will be exchanged at the then-current
net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to
exchanges of Class A shares into funds sold with a sales load. No CDSC
will be imposed on Class B shares at the time of an exchange; however,
Class B shares
Page 23
acquired through an exchange will be subject on redemption to the
higher CDSC applicable to the exchanged or acquired shares. The CDSC
applicable on redemption of the acquired Class B shares will be
calculated from the date of the initial purchase of the Class B shares
exchanged. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional
Information. The right to exercise this Privilege may be modified or
cancelled by the Fund or the Transfer Agent. You may modify or cancel
your exercise of this Privilege at any time by writing to Premier New
York Municipal Bond Fund, P.O. Box 6587, Providence, Rhode Island
02940-6587. The Fund may charge a service fee for the use of this
Privilege. No such fee currently is contemplated. The exchange of shares
of one fund for shares of another is treated for Federal income tax
purposes as a sale of the shares given in exchange by the shareholder
and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may realize a taxable gain or
loss. For more information concerning this Privilege and the funds in the
Premier Family of Funds or the Dreyfus Family of Funds eligible to
participate in this Privilege, or to obtain an Auto-Exchange
Authorization Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561.
AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER
AUTOMATIC Asset Builder permits you to purchase Fund shares
(minimum of $100 and maximum of $150,000 per transaction) at regular
intervals selected by you. Fund shares are purchased by transferring
funds from the bank account designated by you. At your option, the bank
account designated by you will be debited in the specified amount, and
Fund shares will be purchased, once a month, on either the first or
fifteenth day, or twice a month, on both days . Only an account
maintained at a domestic financial institution which is an Automated
Clearing House member may be so designated. To establish an AUTOMATIC
Asset Builder account, you must file an authorization form with the
Transfer Agent. You may obtain the necessary authorization form by
calling 1-800-645-6561. You may cancel your participation in this
Privilege or change the amount of purchase at any time by mailing written
notification to Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund, P.O. Box 6587,
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6587, and the notification will be
effective three business days following receipt. The Fund may modify or
terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a service fee. No such fee
currently is contemplated.
GOVERNMENT DIRECT DEPOSIT PRIVILEGE
Government Direct Deposit Privilege enables you to purchase
Fund shares (minimum of $100 and maximum of $50,000 per transaction) by
having Federal salary, Social Security, or certain veterans', military or
other payments from the Federal government automatically deposited into
your Fund account. You may deposit as much of such payments as you elect.
To enroll in Government Direct Deposit, you must file with the Transfer
Agent a completed Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form for each type of payment
that you desire to include in this Privilege. The appropriate form may be
obtained from your Service Agent or by calling 1-800-645-6561. Death or
legal incapacity will terminate your participation in this Privilege. You
may elect at any time to terminate your participation by notifying in
writing the appropriate Federal agency. Further, the Fund may terminate
your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request
withdrawal of a specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a
monthly or quarterly basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An
application for the Automatic Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. There is a service charge of 50cents for each withdrawal
check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be ended at any time by you, the
Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which certificates have been
issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
Class B shares withdrawn pursuant to the Automatic Withdrawal
Plan will be subject to any applicable CDSC. Purchases of additional
Class A shares where the sales load is imposed concurrently with
withdrawals of Class A shares generally are undesirable.
Page 24
DIVIDEND OPTIONS
Dividend Sweep enables you to invest automatically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in
shares of the same Class of another fund in the Premier Family of Funds
or the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a shareholder. Shares of
the other fund will be purchased at the then-current net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to investments in
shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are investing in a fund
that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not
include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load. If you are
investing in a fund that charges a CDSC, the shares purchased will be
subject on redemption to the CDSC, if any, applicable to the purchased
shares. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional
Information. Dividend ACH permits you to transfer electronically
dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from the
Fund to a designated bank account. Only an account maintained at a
domestic financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House
member may be so designated. Banks may charge a fee for this service.
For more information concerning these privileges or to
request a Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561.
You may cancel these privileges by mailing written notification to
Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund, P.O. Box 6587, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-6587. To select a new fund after cancellation, you must
submit a new Dividend Options Form. Enrollment in or cancellation of
these privileges is effective three business days following receipt.
These privileges are available only for existing accounts and may not be
used to open new accounts. Minimum subsequent investments do not apply
for Dividend Sweep. The Fund may modify or terminate these privileges at
any time or charge a service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
LETTER OF INTENT - CLASS A SHARES
By signing a Letter of Intent form, available from the
Distributor, you become eligible for the reduced sales load applicable to
the total number of Eligible Fund shares purchased in a 13-month period
pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Letter of Intent. A
minimum initial purchase of $5,000 is required. To compute the applicable
sales load, the offering price of shares you hold (on the date of
submission of the Letter of Intent) in any Eligible Fund that may be used
toward "Right of Accumulation" benefits described above may be used as a
credit toward completion of the Letter of Intent. However, the reduced
sales load will be applied only to new purchases.
The Transfer Agent will hold in escrow 5% of the amount
indicated in the Letter of Intent for payment of a higher sales load if
you do not purchase the full amount indicated in the Letter of Intent.
The escrow will be released when you fulfill the terms of the Letter of
Intent by purchasing the specified amount. If your purchases qualify for
a further sales load reduction, the sales load will be adjusted to
reflect your total purchase at the end of 13 months. If total purchases
are less than the amount specified, you will be requested to remit an
amount equal to the difference between the sales load actually paid and
the sales load applicable to the aggregate purchases actually made. If
such remittance is not received within 20 days, the Transfer Agent, as
attorney-in-fact pursuant to the terms of the Letter of Intent, will
redeem an appropriate number of Class A shares held in escrow to realize
the difference. Signing a Letter of Intent does not bind you to purchase,
or the Fund to sell, the full amount indicated at the sales load in
effect at the time of signing, but you must complete the intended
purchase to obtain the reduced sales load. At the time you purchase Class
A shares, you must indicate your intention to do so under a Letter of
Intent. Purchases pursuant to a Letter of Intent will be made at the
then-current net asset value plus the applicable sales load in effect at
the time such Letter of Intent was executed.
Page 25
HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your Class A or Class B shares
at any time. Redemption requests should be transmitted to the Transfer
Agent as described below. When a request is received in proper form, the
Fund will redeem the shares at the next determined net asset value as
described below. If you hold Fund shares of more than one Class, any
request for redemption must specify the Class of shares being redeemed.
If you fail to specify the Class of shares to be redeemed or if you own
fewer shares of the Class than specified to be redeemed, the redemption
request may be delayed until the Transfer Agent receives further
instructions from you or your Service Agent.
The Fund imposes no charges (other than any applicable CDSC)
when shares are redeemed. Service Agents may charge a nominal fee for
effecting redemptions of Fund shares. Any certificates representing Fund
shares being redeemed must be submitted with the redemption request. The
value of the shares redeemed may be more or less than their original
cost, depending upon the Fund's then-current net asset value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed
within seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption
request in proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY
CHECK, BY THE TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER
AND SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER
AGENT, THE REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON
BANK CLEARANCE OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL NOT HONOR REDEMPTION CHECKS UNDER THE CHECK
REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE, AND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES PURSUANT
TO THE TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE, FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS AFTER
RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE TELETRANSFER
PURCHASE OR THE AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER ORDER AGAINST WHICH SUCH
REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE PROCEDURES WILL NOT APPLY IF YOUR SHARES
WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR IF YOU OTHERWISE HAVE A SUFFICIENT
COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST. PRIOR
TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE, DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL
ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER
RIGHTS OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. Fund shares will not be redeemed until
the Transfer Agent has received your Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its
option upon not less than 30 days' written notice if your account's net
asset value is $500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE - CLASS B SHARES
A CDSC payable to the Distributor is imposed on any
redemption of Class B shares which reduces the current net asset value of
your Class B shares to an amount which is lower than the dollar amount of
all payments by you for the purchase of Class B shares of the Fund held
by you at the time of redemption. No CDSC will be imposed to the extent
that the net asset value of the Class B shares redeemed does not exceed
(i) the current net asset value of Class B shares acquired through
reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions, plus (ii)
increases in the net asset value of Class B shares above the dollar
amount of all your payments for the purchase of Class B shares of the
Fund held by you at the time of redemption.
If the aggregate value of the Class B shares redeemed has
declined below their original cost as a result of the Fund's performance,
a CDSC may be applied to the then-current net asset value rather than the
purchase price.
In circumstances where the CDSC is imposed, the amount of the
charge will depend on the number of years from the time you purchased the
Class B shares until the time of redemp-
Page 26
tion of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining the number of
years from the time of any payment for the purchase of Class B shares,
all payments during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been
made on the first day of the month. The following table sets forth the
rates of the CDSC:
Year Since CDSC as a % of Amount
Purchase Payment Invested or Redemption
Was Made Proceeds
--------- ----------------------
First......................................... 3.00
Second........................................ 3.00
Third......................................... 2.00
Fourth........................................ 2.00
Fifth......................................... 1.00
Sixth......................................... 0.00
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption,
the calculation will be made in a manner that results in the lowest
possible rate. It will be assumed that the redemption is made first of
amounts representing shares acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions; then of amounts representing the increase in
net asset value of Class B shares above the total amount of payments for
the purchase of Class B shares made during the preceding five years; then
of amounts representing the cost of shares purchased five years prior to
the redemption; and finally, of amounts representing the cost of shares
held for the longest period of time within the applicable five-year
period.
For example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10
per share for a cost of $1,000. Subsequently, the shareholder acquired
five additional shares through dividend reinvestment. During the second
year after the purchase the investor decided to redeem $500 of his or her
investment. Assuming at the time of the redemption the net asset value
had appreciated to $12 per share, the value of the investor's shares
would be $1,260 (105 shares at $12 per share). The CDSC would not be
applied to the value of the reinvested dividend shares and the amount
which represents appreciation ($260). Therefore, $240 of the $500
redemption proceeds ($500 minus $260) would be charged at a rate of 3%
(the applicable rate in the second year after purchase) for a total CDSC
of $7.20.
WAIVER OF CDSC
The CDSC will be waived in connection with (a) redemptions
made within one year after the death or disability, as defined in Section
72(m)(7) of the Code, of the shareholder, (b) redemptions by employees
participating in qualified or non-qualified employee benefit plans or
other programs where (i) the employers or affiliated employers
maintaining such plans or programs have a minimum of 250 employees
eligible for participation in such plans or programs, or (ii) such plan's
or program's aggregate investment in the Dreyfus Family of Funds or
certain other products made available by the Distributor exceeds one
million dollars, (c) redemptions as a result of a combination of any
investment company with the Fund by merger, acquisition of assets or
otherwise, (d) a distribution following retirement under a tax-deferred
retirement plan or upon attaining age 70 1/2 in the case of an IRA or
Keogh plan or custodial account pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code,
and (e) redemptions by such shareholders as the Securities and Exchange
Commission or its staff may permit. If the Fund's Trustees determine to
discontinue the waiver of the CDSC, the disclosure in the Fund's
prospectus will be revised appropriately. Any Fund shares subject to a
CDSC which were purchased prior to the termination of such waiver will
have the CDSC waived as provided in the Fund's prospectus at the time of
the purchase of such shares.
To qualify for a waiver of the CDSC, at the time of
redemption you must notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must
notify the Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation
of your entitlement.
Page 27
PROCEDURES
You may redeem Fund shares by using the regular redemption
procedure through the Transfer Agent, using the Check Redemption
Privilege with respect to Class A shares only, through the TELETRANSFER
Privilege or, if you are a client of a Selected Dealer, through the
Selected Dealer. If you have given your Service Agent authority to
instruct the Transfer Agent to redeem shares and to credit the proceeds
of such redemptions to a designated account at your Service Agent, you
may redeem shares only in this manner and in accordance with the regular
redemption procedure described below. If you wish to use the other
redemption methods described below, you must arrange with your Service
Agent for delivery of the required application(s) to the Transfer Agent.
Other redemption procedures may be in effect for clients of certain
Service Agents. The Fund makes available to certain large institutions
the ability to issue redemption instructions through compatible computer
facilities.
Your redemption request may direct that the redemption
proceeds be used to purchase shares of other funds advised or
administered by The Dreyfus Corporation that are not available through
the Exchange Privilege. The applicable CDSC will be charged upon the
redemption of Class B shares. Your redemption proceeds will be invested
in shares of the other fund on the next business day. Before you make
such a request, you must obtain and should review a copy of the current
prospectus of the fund being purchased. Prospectuses may be obtained by
calling 1-800-645-6561. The prospectus will contain information
concerning minimum investment requirements and other conditions that may
apply to your purchase.
You may redeem Fund shares by telephone if you have checked
the appropriate box on the Fund's Account Application or have filed a
Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select the
TELETRANSFER redemption privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which
is granted automatically unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer
Agent to act on telephone instructions from any person representing
himself or herself to be you, or a representative of your Service Agent,
and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Fund
will require the Transfer Agent to employ reasonable procedures, such as
requiring a form of personal identification, to confirm that instructions
are genuine and, if it does not follow such procedures, the Fund or the
Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions. Neither the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be
liable for following telephone instructions reasonably believed to be
genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you
may experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone
to request a TELETRANSFER redemption or an exchange of Fund shares. In
such cases, you should consider using the other redemption procedures
described herein. Use of these other redemption procedures may result in
your redemption request being processed at a later time than it would
have been if TELETRANSFER redemption had been used. During the delay, the
Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION
Under the regular redemption procedure, you may redeem shares
by written request mailed to Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund, P.O.
Box 6587, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6587. Written redemption
requests must specify the Class of shares being redeemed. Redemption
requests must be signed by each shareholder, including each owner of a
joint account, and each signature must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent
has adopted standards and procedures pursuant to which
signature-guarantees in proper form generally will be accepted from
domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities
exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and
savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock
Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities Transfer Agents
Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program.
Page 28
If you have any questions with respect to signature-guarantees, please
contact your Service Agent or call the telephone number listed on the
cover of this Prospectus.
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any
member bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
CHECK REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE - CLASS A SHARES
If you hold Class A shares, you may request on the Account
Application, Shareholder Services Form or by later written request that
the Fund provide Redemption Checks drawn on the Fund's account.
Redemption Checks may be made payable to the order of any person in the
amount of $500 or more. Potential fluctuations in the net asset value of
Class A shares should be considered in determining the amount of the
check. Redemption Checks should not be used to close your account.
Redemption Checks are free, but the Transfer Agent will impose a fee for
stopping payment of a Redemption Check upon your request or if the
Transfer Agent cannot honor the Redemption Check due to insufficient
funds or other valid reason. You should date your Redemption Checks with
the current date when you write them. Please do not post-date your
Redemption Checks. If you do, the Transfer Agent will honor, upon
presentment, even if presented before the date of the check, all
post-dated Redemption Checks which are dated within six months of
presentment for payment, if they are otherwise in good order. Class A
shares for which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by
Redemption Check. This Privilege may be modified or terminated at any
time by the Fund or the Transfer Agent upon notice to holders of Class A
shares.
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE
You may redeem Fund shares (minimum $500 per day) by
telephone if you have checked the appropriate box and supplied the
necessary information on the Fund's Account Application or have filed a
Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. The proceeds will be
transferred between your Fund account and the bank account designated in
one of these documents. Only such an account maintained in a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be
so designated. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit in your account at
an Automated Clearing House member bank ordinarily two days after receipt
of the redemption request or, at your request, paid by check (maximum
$150,000 per day) and mailed to your address. Holders of jointly
registered Fund or bank accounts may redeem through the TELETRANSFER
Privilege for transfer to their bank account only up to $250,000 within
any 30-day period. The Fund reserves the right to refuse any request made
by telephone, including requests made shortly after a change of address,
and may limit the amount involved or the number of such requests. The
Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is
contemplated.
If you have selected the TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a TELETRANSFER redemption of Fund shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares issued in certificate form are not eligible for this Privilege.
REDEMPTION THROUGH A SELECTED DEALER
If you are a customer of a Selected Dealer, you may make
redemption requests to your Selected Dealer. If the Selected Dealer
transmits the redemption request so that it is received by the Transfer
Agent prior to the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time), the redemption request
will be effective on that day. If a redemption request is received by the
Transfer Agent after the close of trading on the floor of the New York
Stock Exchange, the redemption request will be effective on the next
business day. It is the responsibility of the Selected Dealer to transmit
a request so that it is received in a timely manner. The proceeds of the
redemption are credited to your account
Page 29
with the Selected Dealer. See "How to Buy Fund Shares" for a discussion
of additional conditions or fees that may be imposed upon redemption.
In addition, the Distributor will accept orders from Selected
Dealers with which it has sales agreements for the repurchase of shares
held by shareholders. Repurchase orders received by dealers by the close
of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on any business
day and transmitted to the Distributor or its designee by the close of
its business day (normally 5:15 p.m., New York time) are effected at the
price determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the New York
Stock Exchange on that day. Otherwise, the shares will be redeemed at the
next determined net asset value. It is the responsibility of the Selected
Dealer to transmit orders on a timely basis. The Selected Dealer may
charge the shareholder a fee for executing the order. This repurchase
arrangement is discretionary and may be withdrawn at any time.
REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE - CLASS A SHARES
Upon written request, you may reinvest up to the number of
Class A shares you have redeemed, within 30 days of redemption, at the
then-prevailing net asset value without a sales load, or reinstate your
account for the purpose of exercising the Exchange Privilege. The
Reinvestment Privilege may be exercised only once.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
Class A and Class B shares are subject to a Shareholder
Services Plan and only Class B shares are subject to a Distribution Plan.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
Under the Distribution Plan, adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund pays the Distributor
for distributing Class B shares at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the
value of the average daily net assets of Class B.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund pays the
Distributor for the provision of certain services to the holders of Class
A and Class B shares a fee at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value
of the average daily net assets of Class A and Class B. The services
provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts,
such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the Fund and providing
reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of
shareholder accounts. Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the
Distributor may make payments to Service Agents in respect of these
services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service
Agents. Each Service Agent is required to disclose to its clients any
compensation payable to it by the Fund pursuant to the Shareholder
Services Plan and any other compensation payable by their clients in
connection with the investment of their assets in Class A or Class B
shares.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Fund ordinarily declares dividends from its net
investment income on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for
business. Fund shares begin earning income dividends on the day
immediately available funds ("Federal Funds" (monies of member banks
within the Federal Reserve System which are held on deposit at a Federal
Reserve Bank)) are received by the Transfer Agent in written or
telegraphic form. If a purchase order is not accompanied by remittance in
Federal Funds, there may be a delay between the time the purchase order
becomes effective and the time the shares purchased start earning
dividends. If your payment is not made in Federal Funds, it must be
converted into Federal Funds. This usually occurs within one business day
of receipt of a bank wire and within two business days of receipt of a
check drawn on a member bank of the Federal Reserve System. Checks drawn
on banks which are not members of the Federal Reserve System may take
considerably longer to convert into Federal Funds.
Page 30
Dividends usually are paid on the last calendar day of each
month and are automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Class
from which they were paid at net asset value without a sales load or, at
your option, paid in cash. The Fund's earnings for Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays are declared as dividends on the preceding business day. If you
redeem all shares in your account at any time during the month, all
dividends to which you are entitled will be paid to you along with the
proceeds of the redemption. Distributions from net realized securities
gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Fund
may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the
distribution requirements of the Code, in all events in a manner
consistent with the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940. The
Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities gains
unless capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have
expired. You may choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in
cash or to reinvest in additional Fund shares of the same Class from
which they were paid at net asset value without a sales load. All
expenses are accrued daily and deducted before declaration of dividends
to investors. Dividends paid by each Class will be calculated at the same
time and in the same manner and will be of the same amount, except that
the expenses attributable solely to Class A or Class B will be borne
exclusively by such Class. Class B shares will receive lower per share
dividends than Class A shares because of the higher expenses borne by
Class B. See "Fee Table."
Except for dividends from Taxable Investments, the Fund
anticipates that substantially all dividends paid by the Fund will not be
subject to Federal income tax. Dividends and distributions derived from
Taxable Investments, from income or gain derived from securities
transactions and from the use of certain of the investment techniques
described under "Description of the Fund _ Investment Techniques," will
be subject to Federal income tax. The Fund anticipates that a substantial
portion of the dividends paid by it will not be subject to Federal, New
York State or New York City personal income taxes. To the extent that you
are obligated to pay state or local taxes outside of the State of New
York, dividends earned by an investment in the Fund may represent taxable
income. Dividends derived from Taxable Investments, together with
distributions from any net realized short-term securities gains and gains
from the sale or other disposition of certain market discount bonds, paid
by the Fund are subject to Federal income tax as ordinary income whether
or not reinvested. No dividend paid by the Fund will qualify for the
dividends received deduction allowable to certain U.S. corporations.
Distributions from net realized long-term securities gains of the Fund
generally are subject to Federal income tax as long-term capital gains if
you are a citizen or resident of the United States. The Code provides
that the net capital gain of an individual generally will not be subject
to Federal income tax at a rate in excess of 28%. Under the Code, interest
on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry Fund shares
which is deemed to relate to exempt-interest dividends is not deductible.
The Code provides for the "carryover" of some or all of the
sales load imposed on Class A shares if you exchange your Class A shares
for shares of another fund advised by The Dreyfus Corporation within 91
days of purchase and such other fund reduces or eliminates its otherwise
applicable sales load for the purpose of the exchange. In this case, the
amount of the sales load charge for Class A shares, up to the amount of
the reduction of the sales load charge on the exchange, is not included
in the basis of your Class A shares for purposes of computing gain or
loss on the exchange, and instead is added to the basis of the fund
shares received on the exchange.
Although all or a substantial portion of the dividends paid
by the Fund may be excluded by shareholders of the Fund from their gross
income for Federal income tax purposes, the Fund may purchase specified
private activity bonds, the interest from which may be (i) a preference
item for purposes of the alternative minimum tax, (ii) a component of the
"adjusted current earnings" preference item for purposes of the corporate
alternative minimum tax as
Page 31
well as a component in computing the corporate environmental tax or
(iii) a factor in determining the extent to which a shareholder's Social
Security benefits are taxable. If the Fund purchases such securities, the
portion of dividends related thereto will not necessarily be tax exempt
to an investor who is subject to the alternative minimum tax and/or tax
on Social Security benefits and may cause an investor to be subject to
such taxes.
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and
distributions will be mailed to you annually. You also will receive
periodic summaries of your account which will include information as to
dividends and distributions from securities gains, if any, paid during
the year. These statements set forth the dollar amount of income exempt
from Federal tax and the dollar amount, if any, subject to Federal tax.
These dollar amounts will vary depending on the size and length of time
of your investment in the Fund. If the Fund pays dividends derived from
taxable income, it intends to designate as taxable the same percentage of
the day's dividends as the actual taxable income earned on that day bears
to total income earned on that day. Thus, the percentage of the dividend
designated as taxable, if any, may vary from day to day.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold
("backup withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of taxable
dividends, distributions from net realized securities gains and the
proceeds of any redemption, regardless of the extent to which gain or
loss may be realized, paid to a shareholder if such shareholder fails to
certify either that the TIN furnished in connection with opening an
account is correct or that such shareholder has not received notice from
the IRS of being subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure
to properly report taxable dividend or interest income on a Federal
income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may notify the Fund to institute
backup withholding if the IRS determines a shareholder's TIN is incorrect
or if a shareholder has failed to properly report taxable dividend and
interest income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer
identification number of the record owner of the account. Any tax
withheld as a result of backup withholding does not constitute an
additional tax imposed on the record owner of the account, and may be
claimed as a credit on the record owner's Federal income tax return.
Management of the Fund believes that the Fund has qualified
for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1994 as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code. The Fund intends to continue to so qualify if
such qualification is in the best interests of its shareholders. Such
qualification relieves the Fund of any liability for Federal income tax
to the extent its earnings are distributed in accordance with applicable
provisions of the Code. In addition, the Fund is subject to a
non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured with respect to certain
undistributed amounts of taxable investment income and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific
questions as to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance for each Class of
shares may be calculated on several bases, including current yield, tax
equivalent yield, average annual total return and/or total return. These
total return figures reflect changes in the price of the shares and
assume that any income dividends and/or capital gain distributions made
by the Fund during the measuring period were reinvested in shares of the
same Class. Class A total return figures include the maximum initial
sales charge and Class B total return figures include any applicable
CDSC. These figures also take into account any applicable service and
distribution fees. As a result, at any given time, the performance of
Class B should be expected to be lower than that of Class A. Performance
for each Class will be calculated separately.
Page 32
Current yield refers to the Fund's annualized net investment
income per share over a 30-day period, expressed as a percentage of the
maximum offering price per share in the case of Class A or the net asset
value per share in the case ofClass B at the end of the period. For
purposes of calculating current yield, the amount of net investment
income per share during that 30-day period, computed in accordance with
regulatory requirements, is compounded by assuming that it is reinvested
at a constant rate over a six-month period. An identical result is then
assumed to have occurred during a second six-month period which, when
added to the result for the first six months, provides an "annualized"
yield for an entire one-year period. Calculations of the Fund's current
yield may reflect absorbed expenses pursuant to any undertaking that may
be in effect. See "Management of the Fund."
Tax equivalent yield is calculated by determining the pre-tax
yield which, after being taxed at a stated rate, would be equivalent to a
stated current yield calculated as described above.
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a
standardized formula which assumes that an investment in the Fund was
purchased with an initial payment of $1,000 and that the investment was
redeemed at the end of a stated period of time, after giving effect to
the reinvestment of dividends and distributions during the period. The
return is expressed as a percentage rate which, if applied on a
compounded annual basis, would result in the redeemable value of the
investment at the end of the period. Advertisements of the Fund's
performance will include the average annual total return for Class A and
Class B for one, five and ten year periods, or for shorter periods
depending upon the length of time during which the Fund has operated.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the
income and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the
maximum offering price per share in the case of Class A or the net asset
value per share in the case of Class B at the beginning of the period.
Advertisements may include the percentage rate of total return or may
include the value of a hypothetical investment at the end of the period
which assumes the application of the percentage rate of total return.
Total return also may be calculated by using the net asset value per
share at the beginning of the period instead of the maximum offering
price per share at the beginning of the period for Class A shares or
without giving effect to any applicable CDSC at the end of the period for
Class B shares. Calculations based on the net asset value per share do
not reflect the deduction of the applicable sales charge which, if
reflected, would reduce the performance quoted.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are
not necessarily representative of future results. Investors should
remember that performance is a function of portfolio management in
selecting the type and quality of portfolio securities and is affected by
operating expenses. Performance information, such as that described
above, may not provide a basis for comparison with other investments or
other investment companies using a different method of calculating
performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to
time in advertising the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., Moody's Bond Survey Bond Index, Lehman
Brothers Municipal Bond Index, Morningstar, Inc. and other industry
publications.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Fund was organized as an unincorporated business trust
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pursuant to an
Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the "Trust Agreement") dated June 4,
1986, and commenced operations on December 31, 1986. On July 2, 1990, the
Fund's name was changed from Premier New York Tax Exempt Bond Fund to
Page 33
Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund. The Fund is authorized to issue an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, par value $.001 per
share. The Fund's shares are classified into two classes _ Class A and
Class B. Each share has one vote and shareholders will vote in the
aggregate and not by class except as otherwise required by law or when
class voting is permitted by the Board of Trustees. Holders of Class A
and Class B shares will be entitled to vote on matters submitted to
shareholders pertaining to the Shareholder Services Plan and only holders
of Class B shares will be entitled to vote on matters submitted to
shareholders pertaining to the Distribution Plan.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund.
However, the Trust Agreement disclaims shareholder liability for acts or
obligations of the Fund and requires that notice of such disclaimer be
given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or
executed by the Fund or a Trustee. The Trust Agreement provides for
indemnification from the Fund's property for all losses and expenses of
any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund.
Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund
itself would be unable to meet its obligations, a possibility which
management believes is remote. Upon payment of any liability incurred by
the Fund, the shareholder paying such liability will be entitled to
reimbursement from the general assets of the Fund. The Trustees intend to
conduct the operations of the Fund in such a way so as to avoid, as far
as possible, ultimate liability of the shareholders for liabilities of
the Fund. As discussed under "Management of the Fund" in the Statement of
Additional Information, the Fund ordinarily will not hold shareholder
meetings; however, shareholders under certain circumstances may have the
right to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting to
remove Trustees.
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and
sends you confirmations and statements of account.
Shareholder inquiries may be made to your Service Agent or by
writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York
11556-0144.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO
MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
AND IN THE FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER
OF THE FUND'S SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH,
OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
021/611P14033095
Page 34
__________________________________________________________________________
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES
PART B
(STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
MARCH 30, 1995
__________________________________________________________________________
This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus,
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus
of Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund"), dated March 30,
1995, 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.
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-10
Management Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14
Purchase of Fund Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-16
Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17
Redemption of Fund Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-19
Shareholder Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-20
Determination of Net Asset Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-23
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-23
Portfolio Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-25
Performance Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-26
Information About the Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-27
Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent,
Counsel and Independent Auditors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-28
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-29
Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-42
Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-51
Report of Independent Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-62
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Description of the Fund."
The average distribution of investments (at value) in Municipal
Obligations by ratings for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1994,
computed on a monthly basis, was as follows:
Fitch Moody's Standard
Investors Investors & Poor's
Service, Inc. Service, Inc. Corporation Percentage
("Fitch") or ("Moody's") or ("S&P") of Value
AAA Aaa AAA 7.2%
AA Aa AA 15.4
A A A 39.5
BBB Baa BBB 31.8
BB Ba BB .6
F-1 MIG 1/P-1 SP-1/A-1 3.3
Not Rated Not Rated Not Rated 2.2(1)
100.0%
____________________________________
(1) Included under the Not Rated category are securities comprising 2.2%
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
following rating categories: Aaa/AAA (.1%), Baa/BBB (2.0%) and F-1/MIG
1, P-1/SP-1, A-1 (.1%).
Municipal Obligations. The term "Municipal Obligations" generally
includes debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public
purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities
such as airports, bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass
transportation, schools, streets and water and sewer works. Other public
purposes for which Municipal Obligations may be issued include refunding
outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating expenses
and lending such funds to other public institutions and facilities. In
addition, certain types of industrial development bonds are issued by or
on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide for the
construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated
housing facilities, sports facilities, convention or trade show
facilities, airport, mass transit, industrial, port or parking facilities,
air or water pollution control facilities and certain local facilities for
water supply, gas, electricity or sewage or solid waste disposal; the
interest paid on such obligations may be exempt from Federal income tax,
although current tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of
such issues. Such obligations are considered to be Municipal Obligations
if the interest paid thereon qualifies as exempt from Federal income tax
in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer. There are, of course,
variations in the security of Municipal Obligations, both within a
particular classification and between classifications.
Floating and variable rate demand notes and bonds 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.
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.
Accordingly, not more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets will
be invested in lease obligations that are illiquid and in other illiquid
securities. See "Investment Restriction No. 6" below.
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.
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 the Fund's Shareholder Services Plan
with respect to Class A and Class B shares and Distribution Plan with
respect to Class B shares only, will have the effect of reducing the yield
to investors.
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.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. Upon exercise of
an option on a futures contract, the writer of the option delivers to the
holder of the option the futures position and the accumulated balance in
the writer's futures margin account, which represents the amount by which
the market price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of a call,
or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on
the futures contract. The potential loss related to the purchase of
options on futures contracts is limited to the premium paid for the option
(plus transaction costs). Because the value of the option is fixed at the
time of sale, there are no daily cash payments to reflect changes in the
value of the underlying contract; however, the value of the option does
change daily and that change would be reflected in the net asset value of
the Fund.
Lending Portfolio Securities. To a limited extent, the Fund may lend
its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial
institutions, provided it receives cash collateral which at all times is
maintained in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value
of the securities loaned. By lending its portfolio securities, the Fund
can increase its income through the investment of the cash collateral.
For purposes of this policy, the Fund considers collateral consisting of
U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit issued by
banks whose securities meet the standards for investment by the Fund to be
the equivalent of cash. Such loans may not exceed 33-1/3% of the value of
the Fund's total assets. From time to time, 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 for securities loaned.
The Securities and Exchange Commission currently requires that the
following conditions must be met whenever portfolio securities are loaned:
(1) the Fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral from the borrower;
(2) the borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value
of the securities rises above the level of such collateral; (3) the Fund
must be able to terminate the loan at any time; (4) the Fund must receive
reasonable interest on the loan, as well as any interest or other
distributions payable on the loaned securities, and any increase in market
value; and (5) the Fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees in
connection with the loan. These conditions may be subject to future
modification.
Short-Selling. The Fund may engage in short-selling. Until the Fund
replaces a borrowed security in connection with a short sale, the Fund
will: (a) maintain daily a segregated account, containing cash or U.S.
Government securities, at such a level that (i) the amount deposited in
the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will
equal the current value of the securities sold short and (ii) the amount
deposited in the segregated account plus the amount deposited with the
broker as collateral will not be less than the market value of the
security at the time it was sold short; or (b) otherwise cover the short
position.
Illiquid Securities. If a substantial market of qualified
institutional buyers develops pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, for certain of these securities held by the Fund,
the Fund intends to treat such securities as liquid securities in
accordance with procedures approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
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
of Trustees has directed the Manager to monitor carefully the Fund's
investment 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 the Fund's 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, for example, Government National Mortgage
Association pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal Home
Loan Banks, by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury;
others, such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association,
by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others, such as those
issued by the Student Loan Marketing Association, only by the credit of
the agency or instrumentality. These securities bear fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest. Principal and interest may fluctuate based on
generally recognized reference rates or the relationship of rates. 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. The Fund will
invest in such securities only when it is satisfied that the credit risk
with respect to the issuer is minimal.
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 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 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.
Repurchase agreements involve the acquisition by the Fund of an
underlying debt instrument, subject to an obligation of the seller to
repurchase, and the Fund to resell, the instrument at a fixed price,
usually not more than one week after its purchase. The Fund's custodian
will have custody of, and will hold in a segregated account, securities
acquired by the Fund under a repurchase agreement. Repurchase agreements
are considered by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission to
be loans by the Fund. In an attempt to reduce the risk of incurring a
loss on a repurchase agreement, the Fund will enter into repurchase
agreements only with domestic banks with total assets in excess of one
billion dollars or primary government securities dealers reporting to the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York, with respect to securities of the type
in which the Fund may invest, and will require that additional securities
be deposited with it if the value of the securities purchased should
decrease below resale price. The Manager will monitor on an ongoing basis
the value of the collateral to assure that it always equals or exceeds the
repurchase price. Certain costs may be incurred by the Fund in connection
with the sale of the securities if the seller does not repurchase them in
accordance with the repurchase agreement. In addition, if bankruptcy
proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the securities,
realization on the securities by the Fund may be delayed or limited. The
Fund will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the
institutions with which it enters into repurchase agreements.
Risk Factors
Investing in New York Municipal Obligations. Each investor should
consider carefully the special risks inherent in the Fund's investment in
New York Municipal Obligations. These risks result from the financial
condition of New York State and certain of its public bodies and
municipalities, including New York City. Beginning in early 1975, New
York State, New York City and other State entities faced serious financial
difficulties which jeopardized the credit standing and impaired the
borrowing abilities of such entities and contributed to high interest
rates on, and lower market prices for, debt obligations issued by them. A
recurrence of such financial difficulties or a failure of certain
financial recovery programs could result in defaults or declines in the
market values of various New York Municipal Obligations in which the Fund
may invest. If there should be a default or other financial crisis
relating to New York State, New York City, a State or City agency, or a
State municipality, the market value and marketability of outstanding New
York Municipal Obligations in the Fund's portfolio and the interest income
to the Fund could be adversely affected. Moreover, the significant
slowdown in the New York and regional economy in the early 1990's added
substantial uncertainty to estimates of the State's tax revenues, which,
in part, caused the State to overestimate its General Fund tax receipts in
the 1992 fiscal year by $575 million. The 1992 fiscal year was the fourth
consecutive year in which the State incurred a cash-basis operating deficit
in the General Fund and issued deficit notes. The State's 1993 and 1994
fiscal years, however, were characterized by national and regional economies
that performed better than projected. After reflecting a 1993 year-end
deposit to the refund reserve account of $671 million, reported 1993 General
Fund receipts were $45 million higher than originally projected in April 1992.
The State completed the 1994 fiscal year with an operating surplus in the
General Fund of $914 million. In September 1994, however, New York State
projected a General Fund operating deficit of $690 million for the 1995
fiscal year. There can be no assurance that New York will not face
substantial potential budget gaps in future years. In January 1992,
Moody's lowered from A to Baa1 the ratings on certain appropriation-backed
debt of New York State and its agencies. New York 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- its ratings of New York State
general obligation bonds and stated that it continues 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. 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 below Baa by Moody's and below BBB by S&P and Fitch. Such bonds,
though higher yielding, are characterized by risk. See "Description of
the Fund--Risk Factors--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. In this evaluation, the Manager will take
into consideration, among other things, the issuer's financial resources,
its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, the quality of the
issuer's management and regulatory matters. It also is possible that a
rating agency might not timely change the rating on a particular issue to
reflect subsequent events. As stated above, once the rating of a bond in
the Fund's portfolio has been changed, the Manager will consider all
circumstances deemed relevant in determining whether the Fund should
continue to hold the bond.
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 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 the Distributor or any other persons
concerning the acquisition of such securities, and the Manager will review
carefully the credit and other characteristics pertinent to such new
issues.
Lower rated zero coupon securities and pay-in-kind bonds involve
special considerations. The credit risk factors pertaining to lower rated
securities also apply to lower rated zero coupon bonds and pay-in-kind
bonds. Such zero coupon bonds, 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, Distribution and Taxes."
Investment Restrictions. The Fund has adopted investment
restrictions numbered 1 through 5 and 7 through 11 as fundamental
policies. These restrictions cannot be changed without approval by the
holders of a majority (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the "Act")) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares.
Investment restriction number 6 is not a fundamental policy and may be
changed by vote of a majority of the Trustees at any time. The Fund may
not:
1. Purchase securities other than Municipal Obligations and Taxable
Investments as those terms are defined above and in the
Prospectus and those arising out of transactions in futures and
options.
2. Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency (not
leveraging) purposes in an amount up to 15% of the value of the
Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) based on the
lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not including the
amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made. While
borrowings exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets,
the Fund will not make any additional investments. Transactions
in futures and options and the entry into short sales
transactions do not involve any borrowing for purposes of this
restriction.
3. Pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets,
except to secure borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes.
The deposit of assets in escrow in connection with the writing
of covered put and call options and the purchase of securities
on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis and collateral
arrangements with respect to initial or variation margin for
futures contracts and options on futures contracts or indexes
will not be deemed to be pledges of the Fund's assets.
4. Purchase securities on margin, but the Fund may make margin
deposits in connection with transactions in futures, including
those related to indexes, and options on futures or indexes.
5. Underwrite the securities of other issuers, except that the
Fund may bid separately or as part of a group for the purchase
of Municipal Obligations directly from an issuer for its own
portfolio 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.
6. 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 that are not subject to the demand feature described
in the Fund's Prospectus and floating and variable rate demand
obligations as to which no secondary market exists and the Fund
cannot exercise the demand feature described in the Fund's
Prospectus on less than seven days' notice), if, in the
aggregate, more than 15% of the value of its net assets would be
so invested.
7. Purchase or sell real estate, real estate investment trust
securities, commodities or commodity contracts, or oil and gas
interests, but this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in
Municipal Obligations secured by real estate or interests
therein, or prevent the Fund from purchasing and selling futures
contracts, including those relating to indexes, and options on
futures contracts or indexes.
8. Make loans to others except through the purchase of qualified
debt obligations and the entry into repurchase agreements
referred to above and in the Fund's Prospectus; 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 Trustees.
9. Invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of
issuers in any single industry; provided that there shall be no
such 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.
10. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.
11. Invest in securities of other investment companies, except as
they may be acquired as part of a merger, consolidation or
acquisition of assets.
For purposes of Investment Restriction No. 9, industrial development
bonds, where the payment of principal and interest is the ultimate
responsibility of companies within the same industry, are grouped together
as an "industry."
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment,
a later increase 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
Trustees and officers of the Fund, together with information as to
their principal business occupations during at least the last five years,
are shown below.
Trustees of the Fund
CLIFFORD L. ALEXANDER, JR., Trustee. President of Alexander & Associates,
Inc., a management consulting firm. From 1977 to 1981, Mr. Alexander
served as Secretary of the Army and Chairman of the Board of the
Panama Canal Company, and from 1975 to 1977, he was a member of the
Washington, D.C. law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson
and Alexander. He is a director of American Home Products
Corporation, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, MCI Communications
Corporation, Mutual of America Life Insurance Company and Equitable
Resources, Inc., a producer and distributor of natural gas and crude
petroleum. Mr. Alexander is also a Board member of 17 other funds in
the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 61 years old and his address is
400 C Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002.
PEGGY C. DAVIS, Trustee. 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. Ms. Davis is also a Board member of 15
other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. She is 52 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, Trustee Chairman of the Board since January 1995.
For more than five years prior thereto, he was President, Chief
Operating Officer and a director of the Manager and Executive Vice
President and a Director of the Dreyfus Service Corporation. He is
also Vice President and director and former Treasurer of the Muscular
Dystrophy Association; a trustee of Bucknell University; and a
director of the Noel Group, Inc. Mr. DiMartino is also a Board
member of other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 51 year
old and his Address is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166.
ERNEST KAFKA, Trustee. 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. 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. Mr. Kafka is also a Board member of
15 other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 62 years old
and his address is 23 East 92nd Street, New York, New York 10128.
SAUL B. KLAMAN, Trustee. 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. Mr. Klaman is also a Board member of 15 other
funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 75 years old and his
address is 431-B Dedham Street, The Gables, Newton Center,
Massachusetts 02159.
NATHAN LEVENTHAL, Trustee. President of Lincoln Center for the Performing
Arts, Inc. Mr. Leventhal was Deputy Mayor for Operations of New York
City from September 1979 to 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 governments.
Mr. Leventhal is also a Board member of 15 other funds in the Dreyfus
Family of Funds. He is 52 years old and his address is 70 Lincoln
Center Plaza, New York, New York 10023-6583.
For so long as the Fund's plans described in the section captioned
"Distribution Plan" and "Shareholder Services Plan" remain in effect, the
Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund, as
defined in the Act, will be selected and nominated by the Trustees who are
not "interested persons" of the Fund.
Each Trustee was elected at a meeting of shareholders held on August
3, 1994. There ordinarily will be no further meetings of shareholders for
the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a
majority of the Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders,
at which time the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders'
meeting for the election of Trustees. Under the Act, shareholders of
record of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Fund
may remove a Trustee through a declaration in writing or by vote cast in
person or by proxy at a meeting called for that purpose. Under the Fund's
Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Trustees are required to call a
meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon the question of
removal of any such Trustee when requested in writing to do so by the
shareholders of record of not less than 10% of the Fund's outstanding
shares.
The Fund typically pays its Trustees an annual retainer and a per
meeting fee and reimburses them for their expenses. For the fiscal year
ended November 30, 1994, (except as otherwise noted) the aggregate amount
of fees and expenses received by each Trustee from the Fund and all other
funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for which such person is a Board
member were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(5) Total
Compensation from
Fund and Fund
(3) Pension or Complex Paid to
(2) Aggregate Retirement Benefits (4) Estimated Annual Board Member For
(1) Name of Board Compensation from Accrued as Part of Benefits Upon the 1994 Calendar
Member Fund Fund's Expenses Retirement Year
- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------- -------------------- -----------------
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr. $2,298.99 none none
Peggy C. Davis $2,252.32 none none
Ernest Kafka $2,250.00 none none
Saul B. Klaman $2,405.87 none none
Nathan Leventhal $2,250.00 none none
</TABLE>
Officers of the Fund
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, President and Treasurer. President and Chief Operating
Officer 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., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boston Company,
Inc. Prior to December 1991, she served as Vice President and
Controller, and later as Senior Vice President, of The Boston Company
Advisors, Inc.
JOHN E. PELLETIER, Vice President and Secretary. Senior Vice President
and General Counsel of the Distributor and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. From
February 1992 to July 1994, he served as Counsel for The Boston
Company Advisors, Inc. From August 1990 to February 1992, he was
employed as an Associate at Ropes & Gray, and prior thereto, he was
employed as an Associate at Sidley & Austin.
FREDERICK C. DEY, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice
President of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From 1988 to
August 1994, he was manager of the High Performance Fabric Division
of Springs Industries Inc.
ERIC B. FISCHMAN, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Associate
General Counsel of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From September
1992 to August 1994, he was an attorney with the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System.
JOHN J. PYBURN, Assistant Treasurer. Vice President of the Distributor
and an officer of other investment companies advised or administered
by the Manager. From 1984 to July 1994, he was Assistant Vice
President in the Mutual Fund Accounting Department of Dreyfus.
PAUL FURCINITO, Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice President of the
Distributor and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. From January 1992 to July 1994, he was
a Senior Legal Product Manager, and from January 1990 to January
1992, he was a mutual fund accountant, for The Boston Company
Advisers, Inc.
JOSEPH S. TOWER, III, Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice President,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Distributor and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by the
Manager. From July 1988 to August 1994, he was employed by The
Boston Company, Inc. where he held various management positions in
the Corporate Finance and Treasury areas.
RUTH D. LEIBERT, Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice President of the
Distributor and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. From March 1992 to July 1994, she was a
Compliance Officer for The Managers Funds, a registered investment
company. From March 1990 until September 1991, she was Development
Director of The Rockland Center for the Arts and, prior thereto, was
employed as a Research Assistant for the Bureau of National Affairs.
The address of each officer of the Fund is 200 Park Avenue, New York,
New York 10166.
Trustees and officers of the Fund, as a group, owned less than 1% of
the Fund's shares of beneficial interest outstanding on January 16, 1995.
The following entity owned of record 5% or more of the Fund's Class A
shares outstanding as of January 16, 1995: BHC Securities, 2005 Market
Street FL 1200, Philadelphia, PA 19103-29.3%.
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, as amended, with the
Fund, which is subject to annual approval by (i) the Fund's Board of
Trustees or (ii) vote of a majority (as defined in the Act) of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund, provided that in either event
the continuance also is approved by a majority of the Trustees who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the 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 of Trustees, including a
majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of any party to
the Agreement, at a meeting held on May 26, 1994. The Agreement is
terminable without penalty, on 60 days' notice, by the Fund's Board of
Trustees 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
Act).
The following persons are officers and/or directors of the Manager:
Howard Stein, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; Robert E.
Riley, President and Chief Operating Officer; Lawrence S. Kash, Vice
Chairman-Distribution and director; W. Keith Smith, Chief Operating
Officer and director; Philip L. Toia, Vice Chairman-Operations and
Administration; Paul H. Snyder, Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial
Officer; Barbara E. Casey, Vice President-Dreyfus Retirement Services;
Diane M. Coffey, Vice President-Corporate Communications; Elie M. Genadry,
Vice President-Institutional Sales; Henry D. Gottmann, Vice President-
Retail Sales and Service; Mark N. Jacobs, Vice President-Legal and
Secretary; Daniel C. Maclean, Vice President and General Counsel; Jeffrey
N. Nachman, Vice President-Mutual Fund Accounting; Katherine C. Wickham,
Vice President-Human Resources; Maurice Bendrihem, Controller; and Mandell
L. Berman, Frank V. Cahouet, Alvin E. Friedman, Lawrence M. Greene and
David B. Truman, 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 of Trustees. The Manager is responsible for investment
decisions, and provides the Fund with portfolio managers who are
authorized by the Board of Trustees to execute purchases and sales of
securities. The Fund's portfolio managers are A. Paul Disdier, Karen M.
Hand, Stephen C. Kris, Richard J. Moynihan, Jill C. Shaffro, L. Lawrence
Troutman, Samuel J. Weinstock and Monica S. Wieboldt. The Manager also
maintains a research department with a professional staff of portfolio
managers and securities analysts who provide research services for the
Fund as well as for other funds advised by the Manager. All purchases and
sales are reported for the Trustees' review at the meeting subsequent to
such transactions.
All expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund are borne by the
Fund, except to the extent specifically assumed by the Manager. The
expenses borne by the Fund include: taxes, interest, brokerage fees and
commissions, if any, fees of Trustees who are not officers, directors,
employees or holders of 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of
the Manager, Securities and Exchange Commission fees, state Blue Sky
qualification fees, advisory fees, charges of custodians, transfer and
dividend disbursing agents' fees, certain insurance premiums, industry
association fees, outside auditing and legal expenses, costs of
independent pricing services, costs of maintaining the Fund's existence,
costs attributable to investor services (including, without limitation,
telephone and personnel expenses), costs of shareholders' reports and
meetings and any extraordinary expenses. Class A and Class B shares are
subject to an annual service fee for ongoing personal services relating to
shareholder accounts and services related to the maintenance of
shareholder accounts. In addition, Class B shares are subject to an
annual distribution fee for advertising, marketing and distributing Class
B shares pursuant to a distribution plan adopted in accordance with
Rule 12b-1 under the Act. See "Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services
Plan."
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.
As compensation for the Manager's services to the Fund, the Fund has
agreed to pay the Manager a monthly management fee at the annual rate of
.55 of 1% of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. For the
fiscal years ended November 30, 1992, 1993 and 1994, the management fees
payable amounted to $477,533, $870,354 and $1,185,186, respectively, which
amounts were reduced by $299,268, $282,869 and $86,817, respectively,
pursuant to various undertakings in effect, resulting in net fees paid to
the Manager of $178,265 in fiscal 1992, $587,485 in fiscal 1993 and
$1,098,369 in fiscal 1994.
The Manager has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate
expenses of the Fund, exclusive of taxes, brokerage fees, interest on
borrowings and (with the prior written consent of the necessary state
securities commissions) extraordinary expenses, but including the
management fee, exceed the expense limitation of any state having
jurisdiction over the Fund, the Fund may deduct from the payment to be
made to the Manager under the Agreement, or the Manager will bear, such
excess expense to the extent required by state law. Such deduction or
payment, if any, will be estimated daily, and reconciled and 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 FUND SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Buy
Fund Shares."
The Distributor. The Distributor serves as the Fund's distributor
pursuant to an agreement dated August 24, 1994 which is renewable
annually. The Distributor also acts as distributor for the other funds in
the Premier Family of Funds, the Dreyfus Family of Funds and for certain
other investment companies.
Using Federal Funds. The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., the
Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent (the "Transfer Agent"), or
the Fund may attempt to notify the investor upon receipt of checks drawn
on banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System as to the
possible delay in conversion into Federal Funds and may attempt to arrange
for a better means of transmitting the money. If the investor is a
customer of a securities dealer (Selected Dealer") and his order to
purchase Fund shares is paid for other than in Federal Funds, the Selected
Dealer, acting on behalf of its customer, will complete the conversion
into, or itself advance, Federal Funds generally on the business day
following receipt of the customer order. The order is effective only when
so converted and received by the Transfer Agent. An order for the
purchase of Fund shares placed by an investor with sufficient Federal
Funds or a cash balance in his brokerage account with a Selected Dealer
will become effective on the day that the order, including Federal Funds,
is received by the Transfer Agent.
Sales Loads--Class A. The scale of sales loads applies to purchases
of Class A shares made by any "purchaser," which term includes an
individual and/or spouse purchasing securities for his, her or their own
account or for the account of any minor children, or a trustee or other
fiduciary purchasing securities for a single trust estate or a single
fiduciary account (including a pension, profit-sharing or other employee
benefit trust created pursuant to a plan qualified under Section 401 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the"Code")) although more
than one beneficiary is involved; or a group of accounts established by
or on behalf of the employees of an employer or affiliated employers
pursuant to an employee benefit plan or other program (including accounts
established pursuant to Sections 403(b), 408(k), and 457 of the Code); or
an organized group which has been in existence for more than six months,
provided that it is not organized for the purpose of buying redeemable
securities of a registered investment company and provided that the purchases
are made through a central administration or a single dealer, or by other
means which result in economy of sales effort or expense.
Offering Prices
Based upon the Fund's net asset value at the close of business on November
30, 1994 the maximum offering price of the Fund's shares would have been
as follows:
Class A Shares:
NET ASSET VALUE per Share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.01
Sales load for individual sales of shares aggregating less
than $50,000 - 4.5 percent of offering price
(approximately 4.7 percent of net asset value per share) .61
Offering Price to Public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.62
Class B shares:
NET ASSET VALUE, redemption price and offering
price to public* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.02
___________________________________
* Class B shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge on
certain redemptions, see "How to Redeem Fund Shares" in the Fund's Prospectus.
TeleTransfer Privilege. TeleTransfer purchase orders may be made
between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., New York time, on any
business day that the Transfer Agent and the New York Stock Exchange are
open. Such purchases will be credited to the shareholder's Fund account
on the next bank business day. To qualify to use the 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 Optional 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 Fund Shares--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.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan."
Class A and Class B shares are subject to a Shareholder Services Plan
and Class B shares only are subject to a Distribution Plan.
Distribution Plan. Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") adopted by the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the 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
of Trustees has adopted such a plan (the "Distribution Plan") with respect
to Class B shares pursuant to which the Fund pays the Distributor for
distributing Class B shares. The Fund's Board of Trustees believes that
there is a reasonable likelihood that the Distribution Plan will benefit
the Fund and holders of its Class B shares. In some states, certain
financial institutions effecting transactions in Fund shares may be
required to register as dealers pursuant to state law.
A quarterly report of the amounts expended under the Distribution
Plan, and the purposes for which such expenditures were incurred, must be
made to the Trustees for their review. In addition, the Distribution Plan
provides that it may not be amended to increase materially the costs which
holders of the Class B shares may bear for distribution pursuant to the
Distribution Plan without the approval of the holders of Class B shares
and that other material amendments of the Distribution Plan must be
approved by the Board of Trustees, and by the Trustees who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund or the Manager
and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the
Distribution Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with the
Distribution Plan, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of considering such amendments. The Distribution Plan is subject
to annual approval by such vote of the Trustees cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Distribution Plan. The
Distribution Plan was last approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees,
including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of
the Fund, at a meeting held on May 26, 1994. The Distribution Plan is
terminable at any time by vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not
"interested persons" and have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any of the related agreements
entered into in connection with the Distribution Plan, or by vote of the
holders of a majority of the Class B shares. For the period from December
1, 1993 through August 23, 1994, the Fund paid Dreyfus Service
Corporation, as former distributor, $197,144 with respect to Class B under
the Distribution Plan. For the period from August 24, 1994, through
November 30, 1994, the Fund paid the Distributor $78,024, with respect to
Class B, under the Distribution Plan.
Shareholder Services Plan. The Fund has adopted a Shareholder
Services Plan, pursuant to which the Fund pays the Distributor for the
provision of certain services to the holders of Class A and Class B
shares. Under the Shareholder Service Plan, the Distributor may make
payments to certain financial institutions, securities dealers and other
financial industry professionals (collectively, "Service Agents") in
respect to these services.
A quarterly report of the amounts expended under the Shareholder
Services Plan, and the purposes for which such expenditures were incurred,
must be made to the Trustees for their review. In addition, the
Shareholder Services Plan provides that it may not be amended without
approval of the Board of Trustees, and by the Trustees who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and who have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Shareholder
Services Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with the
Shareholder Services Plan, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of considering such amendments. The Shareholder Services Plan
is subject to annual approval by such vote of the Trustees cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Shareholder Services
Plan. The Shareholder Services Plan was last so approved on May 26, 1994.
The Shareholder Services Plan is terminable at any time by vote of a
majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" and who have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Shareholder
Services Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with the
Shareholder Services Plan.
For the period from December 1, 1993 through August 23, 1994, the
Fund paid Dreyfus Service Corporation, as former distributor, $299,311,
with respect to Class A, and $98,572, with respect to Class B, under the
Shareholder Services Plan. For the period from August 24, 1994 through
November 30, 1994, the Fund paid the Distributor $101,826, with respect to
Class A, and $39,012, with respect to Class B, under the Shareholder
Services Plan.
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to
Redeem Fund Shares."
Check Redemption Privilege--Class A. An investor may indicate on the
Account Application or by later written request that the Fund provide
Redemption Checks ("Checks") drawn on the Fund's account. Checks will be
sent only to the registered owner(s) of the account and only to the
address of record. The Account Application or later written request must
be manually signed by the registered owner(s). Checks may be made payable
to the order of any person in an amount of $500 or more. When a check is
presented to the Transfer Agent for payment, the Transfer Agent, as the
investor's agent, will cause the Fund to redeem a sufficient number of
full and fractional Class A 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 Class A
shares in an investor's account, the Check will be returned marked
insufficient funds. Checks should not be used to close an account.
TeleTransfer Privilege. Investors should be aware that if they have
selected the TeleTransfer Privilege, any request for a TeleTransfer
transaction will be effected 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 Fund Shares--TeleTransfer Privilege."
Share 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 owner 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.
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 Board of Trustees reserves the right to make payments in whole
or in part in securities or other assets in case of an emergency or any
time a cash distribution would impair the liquidity of the Fund to the
detriment of the existing shareholders. In such event, the securities
would be valued in the same manner as the Fund's portfolio is valued. If
the recipient sold such securities, brokerage charges would be incurred.
Suspension of Redemptions. The right of redemption may be suspended
or the date of payment postponed (a) during any period when the New York
Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday
closings), (b) when trading in the markets the Fund ordinarily utilizes is
restricted, or when an emergency exists as determined by the Securities
and Exchange Commission so that disposal of the Fund's investments or
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. Class A and Class B shares of the Fund may be
exchanged for shares of the respective Class of certain other funds
advised or administered by the Manager. Shares of the same Class of such
funds purchased by exchange will be purchased on the basis of relative net
asset value per share as follows:
A. Class A shares of funds purchased without a sales load may be
exchanged for Class A shares of other funds sold with a sales
load, and the applicable sales load will be deducted.
B. Class A shares of funds purchased with or without a sales load
may be exchanged without a sales load for Class A shares of
other funds sold without a sales load.
C. Class A shares of funds purchased with a sales load, Class A
shares of funds acquired by a previous exchange from Class A
shares purchased with a sales load, and additional Class A
shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or
distributions of any such funds (collectively referred to herein
as "Purchased Shares") may be exchanged for Class A 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.
D. Class B shares of any fund may be exchanged for Class B shares
of other funds without a sales load. Class B shares of any fund
exchanged for Class B shares of another fund will be subject to
the higher applicable contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC")
of the two funds and, for purposes of calculating CDSC rates and
conversion periods, will be deemed to have been held since the
date the Class B shares being exchanged were initially
purchased.
To accomplish an exchange under item C above, an investor's Service
Agent must notify the Transfer Agent of the investor's prior ownership of
such Class A shares and the investor's account number.
To request an exchange, the investor's Service Agent acting on the
investor's behalf must give exchange instructions to the Transfer Agent in
writing or by telephone. The ability to issue exchange instructions by
telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless the
investor checks the applicable "No" box on the Account Application,
indicating that the investor specifically refuses this Privilege. By
using the Telephone Exchange Privilege, the investor authorizes the
Transfer Agent to act on telephonic instructions from any person
representing himself or herself to be the investor or a representative of
the investor's Service Agent, and reasonably believed by the Transfer
Agent to be genuine. Telephone exchanges may be subject to limitations as
to the amount involved or the number of telephone exchanges permitted.
Shares issued in certificate form are not eligible for telephone exchange.
To establish a Personal Retirement Plan by exchange, shares of the
fund being exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial
investment required for shares of the same class of 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 shares of the same class of 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.
Auto-Exchange Privilege. Auto-Exchange permits an investor to
purchase, in exchange for Class A or Class B shares of the Fund, shares of
the same Class of another fund in the Premier Family of Funds or 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 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
Auto-Exchange Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time upon
notice to shareholders.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits an
investor with a $5,000 minimum account to request withdrawal of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly
basis. Withdrawal payments are the proceeds from sales of Fund shares,
not the yield on the shares. If withdrawal payments exceed reinvested
dividends and distributions, the investor's shares will be reduced and
eventually may be depleted. There is a service charge of $.50 for each
withdrawal check. Automatic Withdrawal may be terminated at any time by
the investor, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which
certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan. Class B shares withdrawn pursuant to the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan will be subject to any applicable CDSC.
Dividend Sweep. Dividend Sweep allows investors to invest on the
payment date their dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions,
if any, from the Fund in shares of the same Class of another fund in the
Premier Family of Funds or the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which the
investor is a shareholder. Shares of the same Class of other funds
purchased pursuant to the privilege will be purchased on the basis of
relative net asset value per share as follows:
A. Dividends and distributions paid with respect to Class A shares
by a fund may be invested without imposition of a sales load in
Class A shares of other funds that are offered without a sales
load.
B. Dividends and distributions paid with respect to Class A shares
by a fund which does not charge a sales load may be invested in
Class A shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and the
applicable sales load will be deducted.
C. Dividends and distributions paid with respect to Class A shares
by a fund which charges a sales load may be invested in Class A
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 with respect to Class B shares
by a fund may be invested without imposition of any applicable
CDSC in Class B shares of other funds and the Class B shares of
such other funds will be subject on redemption to any applicable
CDSC.
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
Fund Shares."
Valuation of Portfolio Securities. The Fund's investments are valued
each business day by an independent pricing service (the "Service")
approved by the Board of Trustees. 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 Board of Trustees. Expenses and
fees, including the management fee (reduced by the expense limitation, if
any) and fees pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan, with respect to
the Class A and Class B shares, and fees pursuant to the Distribution
Plan, with respect to the Class B shares only, are accrued daily and are
taken into account for the purpose of determining the net asset value of
the relevant Class of shares. Because of the difference in operating
expenses incurred by each Class, the per share net asset value of each
Class will differ.
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.
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 Code for the fiscal year ended November 30,
1994, 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. To qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund must
distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its net income (consisting
of net investment income from tax exempt obligations and taxable
obligations, if any, and net short-term capital gains), must derive less
than 30% of its annual gross income from gain on the sale of securities
held for less than three months, and must meet certain asset
diversification and other requirements. Accordingly, the Fund may be
restricted in the selling of securities held for less than three months,
and in the utilization of certain of the investment techniques described
in the Prospectus under "Description of the Fund--Investment Techniques."
The Code, however, allows the Fund to net certain offsetting positions
making it easier for the Fund to satisfy the 30% test. 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 investment in an economic sense although taxable as stated above. In
addition, the Code provides that if a shareholder has not held his 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 and losses. However, all or a portion of
the gain realized from the 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. "Conversion transactions" are defined to include certain forward,
futures, option and "straddle" transactions, 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 financial 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, such futures and
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 Section 1092 of the Code, which, in certain circumstances,
overrides or modifies the provisions of Sections 1256 and 988 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"
would 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. If no election is made, 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.
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
November 30, 1993 and 1994 was 19.55% and 31.76%, 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.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Performance Information."
Current yield for the 30-day period ended November 30, 1994 for Class
A was 5.64% and for Class B was 5.39%. 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 maximum offering price per share in the case of Class A or the net
asset value per share in the case of Class B, 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
personal tax rate of 47.05%, the tax equivalent yield for the 30-day
period ended November 30, 1994 for Class A was 10.65% and for Class B was
10.18%. 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 income tax purposes, a
39.60% tax rate has been used. For New York State and New York City
personal income tax purposes, tax rates of 7.875% and 4.46%, respectively,
have been used. The tax equivalent yield figure, however, does not
reflect the potential effect of any state or 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 rates or yield. 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 average annual total return for the 1, 5 and 7.918 year periods
ended November 30, 1994 for Class A was -11.93%, 5.66% and 5.96%,
respectively. The average annual total return for the 1 and 1.877 year
periods ended November 30, 1994 for Class B was -10.81% and -0.37%,
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.
A Class's average annual total return figures calculated in accordance
with such formula assume that in the case of Class A the maximum sales
load has been deducted from the hypothetical initial investment at the
time of purchase or in the case of Class B the maximum applicable CDSC has
been paid upon redemption at the end of the period.
The total return for the period December 31, 1986 to November 30,
1994 for Class A was 58.14%. Based on net asset value per share, the
total return for Class A was 65.63% for this period. The total return for
the period January 15, 1993 through November 30, 1994 for Class B was -
0.70%. Without giving effect to the applicable CDSC, the total return for
Class B was 2.08% for this period. Total return is calculated by
subtracting the amount of the Fund's maximum offering price 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
maximum offering price per share at the beginning of the period. Total
return also may be calculated based on the net asset value per share at
the beginning of the period instead of the maximum offering price per
share at the beginning of the period for Class A shares or without giving
effect to any applicable CDSC at the end of the period for Class B
shares. In such cases, the calculation would not reflect the deduction of
the sales charge which, if reflected, would reduce the performance quoted.
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. From time to time, advertising materials for the Fund may
also refer to statistical or other information concerning trends relating
to investment companies, as compiled by industry associations such as the
Investment Company Institute. From time to time, advertising materials
for the Fund also may refer to 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. Shares have no preemptive or subscription rights and are
freely transferable.
The Fund sends annual and semi-annual financial statements to all its
shareholders.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT,
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Bank of New York, 110 Washington Street, New York, New York
10286, is the Fund's custodian. The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a
subsidiary of First Data Corporation, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent.
Neither The Bank of New York nor The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. 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, 7 Hanover Square, New York, New York
10004-2696, as counsel for the Fund, has rendered its opinion as to
certain legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance
of the shares of beneficial interest 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
economic forecast calls for employment to increase in 1994 and 1995.
Employment growth will moderate in 1995 when the pace of national economic
growth is projected to slacken and entire industries adjust to changing
markets and the State's economy absorbs the full impact of these
developments. Personal income is estimated to increase by 5.3% in 1994,
and a more moderate rate in 1995.
The State's budget for the 1994-95 fiscal year was enacted by the
Legislature on June 7, 1994, more than two months after the start of the
fiscal year. Prior to adoption of the budget, the Legislature enacted
appropriations for disbursements considered to be necessary for State
operations and other purposes, including all necessary appropriations for
debt service. The State Financial Plan for 1994-95 fiscal year was
formulated on June 16, 1994 and is based on the State's budget as enacted
by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor.
The State Financial Plan is 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 in the 1994-95 fiscal
year, with corresponding material and adverse effects on the State's
projections of receipts and disbursements.
The State issued its first update to the GAAP-basis Financial Plan
for the State's 1994-95 fiscal year on September 1, 1994. In the
September GAAP-basis update, the Division of the Budget projected a
General Fund Operating deficit of $690 million. The prior projection of
the 1994-95 GAAP-basis State Financial Plan, issued in February 1994 as
part of the 1994-95 Executive Budget (the "February 1994 Projection"),
projected an operating surplus in the General Fund of $7 million.
In the February 1994 projection, General Fund operating results over
the 1993-94 and 1994-95 fiscal year projection period were anticipated to
reduce the accumulated deficit by $256 million. The impact of the
reported results for the State's 1993-94 fiscal year and the revised
projection on the accumulated deficit is substantially the same.
Combining the $914 million operating surplus for the State's 1993-94
fiscal year with the projected $690 million operating deficit for the
1994-95 fiscal year results in an anticipated $224 million reduction in
the accumulated deficit.
Total revenues in the General Fund are projected at $32.825 billion,
consisting of $30.783 billion in tax revenues and $2.042 billion in
miscellaneous revenue. Personal income tax revenue is projected to reach
$17.712 billion, or nearly 58% of total tax revenue. User taxes and fees
are projected to total $6.561 billion, or nearly 21% of total taxes.
Business taxes are projected at $5.442 billion, or 18%, while revenue from
other taxes is projected at $1.068 billion or 3% of total tax revenue.
Total expenditures in the General Fund are projected at $33.633 billion,
including $23.778 billion for grants to local governments, $8.033 billion
for State operations, $1.807 billion for general State charges, and $15
million for debt service. Compared to the projections made in February,
expenditures for grants to local governments are substantially increased,
while expenditures for state operations are reduced.
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. Ratings reflect only the respective views of such
organizations, and their concerns about the financial condition of New
York State and City, the debt load of the State and City and any economic
uncertainties about the region. There is no assurance that a particular
rating will continue for any given period of time or that any such rating
will not be revised downward or withdrawn entirely if, in the judgment of
the agency originally establishing the rating, circumstances so warrant.
(1) The State, Agencies and Other Municipalities. During the mid-
1970s, some of the Agencies and municipalities (in particular, the City)
faced extraordinary financial difficulties, which affected the State's own
financial condition. These events, including a default on short-term
notes issued by the New York State Urban Development Corporation ("UDC")
in February 1975, which default was cured shortly thereafter, and a
continuation of the financial difficulties of the City, created
substantial investor resistance to securities issued by the State and by
some of its municipalities and Agencies. For a time, in late 1975 and
early 1976, these difficulties resulted in a virtual closing of public
credit markets for State and many State related securities.
In response to the financial problems confronting it, the State
developed and implemented programs for its 1977 fiscal year that included
the adoption of a balanced budget on a cash basis (a deficit of $92
million that actually resulted was financed by issuing notes that were
paid during the first quarter of the State's 1978 fiscal year). In
addition, legislation was enacted limiting the occurrence of additional
so-called "moral obligation" and certain other Agency debt, which
legislation does not, however, apply to MAC debt.
State Financial Results. New York State's financial operations have
improved during recent fiscal years. During the period 1989-90 through
1991-92, the State incurred General Fund operating deficits that were
closed with receipts from the issuance of tax and revenue anticipation
notes ("TRANs"). First, the national recession, and then the lingering
economic slowdown in the New York and regional economy, resulted in
repeated shortfalls in receipts and three budget deficits. For its 1992-
93 and 1993-94 fiscal years, the State recorded balanced budgets on a cash
basis, with substantial fund balances in each year as described below.
On July 29, 1994, the Office of the State Comptroller issued the
General Purpose Financial Statements of the State of New York for the
1993-94 fiscal year. The Statements were prepared on GAAP-basis and were
independently audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. The State's Combined Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1994 showed
an accumulated surplus in its combined governmental funds of $370 million,
reflecting liabilities of $13.219 billion and assets of $13.589 billion.
This accumulated Governmental Funds surplus includes a $1.637 billion
accumulated deficit in the General Fund, as well as accumulated surpluses
in the Special Revenue and Debt Service fund types and a $622 million
accumulated deficit in the Capital Projects Fund type
The State completed its 1993-94 fiscal year with a combined
Governmental Funds operating surplus of $1.051 billion, which included an
operating surplus in the General Fund of $914 million, in the Special
Revenue Funds of $149 million and in the Debt Service Funds of $23
million, and an operating deficit in the Capital Projects Funds of $35
million. The following table updates Table 6 of the Annual Information
Statement.
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 Local Government Assistance Corporation, and the
accumulation of $265 million balance in the Contingency Reserve Fund.
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 State ended its 1993-94 fiscal year with a balance of $1.140
billion in the tax refund reserve account, $265 million in its Contingency
Reserve Fund and $134 million in its tax stabilization reserve fund.
These fund balances were primarily the result of an improving national
economy, State employment growth, tax collections that exceeded earlier
projections and disbursements that were below expectations. Deposits to
the personal income tax refund reserve have the effect of reducing
reported personal income tax receipts in the fiscal year when made and
withdrawals from such reserve increase receipts in the fiscal year when
made. The balance in the tax reserve account will be used to pay taxpayer
refunds, rather than drawing from 1994-95 receipts.
Of the $1.140 billion deposited in the tax refund reserve account,
$1.026 billion was available for budgetary planning purposes in the 1994-
95 fiscal year. The remaining $114 million will be 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
New York Local Government Assistance Corporation ("LGAC") program. The
balance in the contingency reserve fund will be used to meet the cost of
litigation facing the State. The tax stabilization reserve fund may be
used only in the event of an unanticipated General Fund cash-basis deficit
during the 1994-95 fiscal year.
Before the deposit of $1.140 billion in the tax refund reserve
account, General Fund receipts in 1993-94 exceeded those originally
projected when the State Financial Plan for the year was formulated on
April 16, 1993 by $1.002 billion. Greater-than-expected receipts in the
personal income tax, the bank tax, the corporation franchise tax and the
estate tax accounted for most of this variance, and more than offset
weaker-than-projected collections from the sales and use tax and
miscellaneous receipts. Collections from individual taxes were affected
by various factors including changes in Federal business laws, sustained
profitability of banks, strong performance of securities firms, and
higher-than-expected consumption of tobacco products following price cuts.
The higher receipts resulted, in part, because the New York economy
performed better than forecasted. Employment growth started in the first
quarter of the State's 1993-94 year, and although this lagged the national
economic recovery, the growth in New York began earlier than forecasted.
The New York economy exhibited signs of strength in the service sector, in
construction, and in trade. Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson Valley
continued to lag the rest of the State in economic growth. Approximately
100,000 jobs are believed to have been added during the 1993-94 fiscal
year.
Disbursements and transfer from the General Fund were $303 million
below the level projected in April 1993, an amount that would have been
$423 million had the State not accelerated the payment of Medicaid
billings, which in the April 1993 State Financial Plan were planned to be
deferred into the 1994-95 fiscal year. Compared to the estimates included
in the State Financial Plan formulated in April 1993, disbursements were
lower for Medicaid, capital projects, and debt service (due to
refundings). In addition, $114 million of school and payments were funded
from the proceeds of LGAC bonds. Disbursements were higher-than-expected
for general support for public schools. The State also made the first of
six required payments to the State of Delaware related to the settlement
of Delaware's litigation against the State regarding the disposition of
abandoned property receipts.
During the 1993-94 fiscal year, the State also established and funded
a Contingency Reserve Fund ("CRF") as a way to assist the State in
financing the cost of litigation affecting the State. The CRF was
initially funded with a transfer of $100 million attributable to the
positive margin recorded in the 1992-93 fiscal year. In addition, the
State augmented this initial deposit with $132 million on debt service
savings attributable to the refinancing of State and public authority
bonds during 1993-94. A year-end transfer of $36 million was also made to
the CRF, which, after a disbursement for authorized fund purposes, brought
the CRF balance at the end of 1993-94 to $265 million. This amount was
$165 million higher than the amount originally targeted for this reserve
fund.
For its 1992-93 fiscal year the State had a balanced budget on a cash
basis with a positive margin of $671 million in the General Fund that was
deposited in the refund reserve account.
After reflecting a 1992-93 year-end deposit to the refund reserve
account of $671 million, reported 1992-93 General Fund receipts were $45
million higher than originally projected in April 1992. If not for that
year-end transaction, which had the effect of reducing 1992-93 receipts by
$671 million and making those receipts available in 1993-94, General Fund
receipts would have been $716 million higher than originally projected.
The favorable performance was primarily attributable to personal
income tax collections that were more than $700 million higher than
originally projected (before reflecting the refund reserve transaction).
The withholding and estimated payment components of the personal income
tax exceeded original estimates by more than $800 million combined,
reflecting both stronger economic activity, particularly at year's end,
and the tax-induced one-time acceleration of income into 1992. Modest
shortfalls were experienced in other components of the income tax.
There were large, but largely offsetting, variances in other
categories. Significantly higher-than-projected business tax collections
and the receipt of unbudgeted payments from the Medical Malpractice
Insurance Association and the New York Racing Association approximately
offset the loss of an anticipated $200 million Federal reimbursement, the
loss of certain budgeted hospital differential revenue as a result of
unfavorable court decisions, and shortfalls in certain miscellaneous
revenue sources.
Disbursements and transfers to other funds totaled $30.829 billion,
an increase of $45 million above projections in April 1992. After
adjusting for the impact of a $150 million payment from the Medical
Malpractice Insurance Association to health insurers made pursuant to
legislation passed in January 1993, actual disbursements were $105 million
lower than projected. This reduction primarily reflected higher-than-
anticipated costs for educational programs, as offset by lower costs in
virtually all other categories of spending, including Medicaid, local
health programs, agency operations, fringe benefits, capital projects and
debt service.
During its 1989-90, 1990-91 and 1991-92 fiscal years, the State
incurred cash-basis operating deficits in the General Fund of $775
million, $1.081 billion and $575 million, respectively, prior to the
issuance of short-term tax and revenue anticipation notes ("TRANs"), owing
to lower-than-projected receipts.
Governmental Funds. The principal operating fund of the State is the
General Fund. It receives all State income that is not required by law to
be deposited in another fund. General Fund receipts, including transfers
from other funds, totalled $32.229 billion in the State's 1993-94 fiscal
year. General Fund receipts in the State's 1994-95 fiscal year are
estimated in the State Financial Plan at $34.321 billion. Including
transfers to other funds, total General Fund disbursements in the 1993-94
fiscal year were $31.897 billion, and are estimated to total $34.248
billion in the State's 1994-95 fiscal year.
The Special Revenue Funds account for State receipts from specific
sources that are legally restricted in use to specified purposes and
include all moneys received from the Federal government. Total receipts
in Special Revenue Funds are projected at $24.598 billion in the State's
1994-95 fiscal year. Federal grants are projected to account for 75% of
the total projected receipts in Special Revenue Funds in the State's 1994-
95 fiscal year.
Disbursements from Special Revenue Funds are projected to be $24.982
billion for the State's 1994-95 fiscal year. Grants to local governments
disbursed from this fund type are projected to account for 75% of
disbursements from this fund for the 1994-95 fiscal year.
The Capital Projects Funds are used to finance the acquisition and
construction of major capital facilities and to aid local government units
and Agencies in financing capital constructions. Federal grants for
capital projects, largely highway-related, are projected to account for
33% of the $3.233 billion in total projected receipts in Capital Projects
Funds in the State's 1994-95 fiscal year. Total disbursements for capital
projects are projected to be $3.730 billion during the State's 1994-95
fiscal year. Of total disbursements from Capital Projects Funds,
approximately 54% is for various transportation purposes, including
highways and mass transportation facilities; 4% is for programs of the
Department of Correctional Services and other public protection
activities; 16% is for health and mental hygiene facilities; 13% is for
environmental and recreational programs; 5% is for educational programs;
and 5% is for housing and economic development programs. The balance is
for the maintenance of State office facilities and various other capital
programs.
The Debt Service Funds serve to fulfill State debt service on long-
term general obligation State debt and other State lease/purchase and
contractual obligation financing commitments. Total receipts in Debt
Service Funds are projected to reach $2.318 billion in the State's 1994-95
fiscal year. Total disbursements from Debt Service Funds for debt
service, lease/purchase and contractual obligation financing commitments
are projected to be $2.246 billion for the 1994-95 fiscal year.
State Borrowing Plan. The State issued $850 million in TRANs on May
4, 1993 to fund its day-to-day operations and certain local assistance
payments to its municipalities and school districts. All of these TRANs
matured on December 31, 1993.
The State anticipates that its 1994-95 borrowings for capital
purposes will consist of approximately $374 million in general obligation
bonds (including $140 million for the purpose of redeeming outstanding
bond anticipation notes) and $140 million in new commercial paper
issuances. The Legislature has authorized the issuance of up to $69
million in certificates of participation for real property and equipment
acquisitions during the State's 1994-95 fiscal year. The projections of
the State regarding its borrowings for the 1994-95 fiscal year may change
if actual receipts fall short of State projections or if other
circumstances require.
In addition, the LGAC is authorized to provide net proceeds of $315
million during the 1994-95 fiscal year to make payments to local
governmental units, otherwise made by the State, reduces the State's
future liabilities.
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, 1993, there were 18 Agencies that had outstanding
debt of $100 million or more. The aggregate outstanding debt, including
refunding bonds, of these 18 Agencies was $63.5 billion as of September
30, 1993. As of March 31, 1994, aggregate Agency debt outstanding as
State-supported debt was $21.1 billion and as State-related was $29.4
billion. Debt service on the outstanding Agency obligations normally is
paid out of revenues generated by the Agencies' projects or programs, but
in recent years the State has provided special financial assistance, in
some cases on a recurring basis, to certain Agencies for operating and
other expenses and for debt service pursuant to moral obligation
indebtedness provisions or otherwise. Additional assistance is expected
to continue to be required in future years.
Several Agencies have experienced financial difficulties in the past.
Certain Agencies continue to experience financial difficulties requiring
financial assistance from the State. Failure of the State to appropriate
necessary amounts or to take other action to permit certain Agencies to
meet their obligations could result in a default by one or more of such
Agencies. If a default were to occur, it would likely have a significant
effect on the marketability of obligations of the State and the Agencies.
These Agencies are discussed below.
The New York State Housing Finance Agency ("HFA") provides financing
for multifamily housing, State University construction, hospital and
nursing home development, and other programs. In general, HFA depends
upon mortgagors in the housing programs it finances to generate sufficient
funds from rental income, subsidies and other payments to meet their
respective mortgage repayment obligations to HFA, which provide the
principal source of funds for the payment of debt service on HFA bonds, as
well as to meet operating and maintenance costs of the projects financed.
From January 1, 1976 through March 31, 1987, the State was called upon to
appropriate a total of $162.8 million to make up deficiencies in the debt
service reserve funds of HFA pursuant to moral obligation provisions. The
State has not been called upon to make such payments since the 1986-87
fiscal year and no payments are anticipated during the 1993-94 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 Metropolitan Transportation Authority (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
operating subsidies.
The TA and the commuter railroads, which are on a calendar fiscal
year, ended 1993 with their budgets balanced on a cash basis. The TA had
a closing cash balance of approximately $39 million.
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. The
surcharge, which expires in November 1995, yielded $533 million in
calendar year 1993, of which the MTA was entitled to receive approximately
90%, or approximately $480 million.
For 1994, the TA projects that it will end the year with $77.6
million cash surplus. For the 1994-95 State fiscal year, total State
assistance to the MTA is estimated at $1.3 billion.
A subway fire on December 28, 1990 and a subway derailment on August
28, 1991, each of which caused fatalities and many injuries, have given
rise to substantial claims for damages against both the TA and the City.
In 1981, the State Legislature authorized procedures for the
adoption, approval and amendment of a five-year plan for the capital
program designed to upgrade the performance of the MTA's transportation
systems and to supplement, replace and rehabilitate facilities and
equipment, and also granted certain additional bonding authorization
therefor.
On April 5, 1993, the Legislature approved, and the Governor
subsequently signed into law, legislation authorizing a five-year $9.56
billion capital plan for the MTA for 1992-1996. The MTA has submitted a
1992-1996 Capital Program based on this legislation for the approval of
the MTA Capital Program Review Board (the "CPRB"), as State law requires.
On July 1, 1993, the CPRB indicated that it was withholding approval
pending the resolution of certain related issues. If approved, the 1992-
1996 Capital Program would succeed two previous five-year capital programs
of the periods covering 1982-1986 and 1987-1991. The 1987-1991 Capital
Program totalled approximately $8.0 billion, including $6.2 billion for TA
capital projects.
The 1992-1996 Capital Program would supersede a one-year program
adopted in 1992. State budget legislation for the 1992-93 fiscal year had
required the MTA to submit a one-year capital program for 1992 instead of
a five-year program. The one-year program, which contained $1.635 billion
of projects for transit and commuter facilities combined, was approved by
the CPRB in May 1992, but the five-year program for 1992-1996, required to
be submitted subsequently by the MTA as an amendment to the one-year plan,
was disapproved without prejudice by the CPRB in December 1992.
There can be no assurance that such governmental actions will be
taken, that sources currently identified will not be decreased or
eliminated, or that the 1992-1996 Capital Program will not be delayed or
reduced. If the MTA capital program is delayed or reduced because of
funding shortfalls or other factors, ridership and fare revenues may
decline, which could, among other things, impair the MTA's ability to meet
its operating expenses without additional State assistance.
The cities, towns, villages and school districts of the State are
political subdivisions of the State with the powers granted by the State
Constitution and statutes. As the sovereign, the State retains broad
powers and responsibilities with respect to the government, finances and
welfare of these political subdivisions, especially in education and
social services. In recent years the State has been called upon to
provide added financial assistance to certain localities.
Other Localities. Certain localities in addition to the City could
have financial problems leading to requests for additional State
assistance during the State's 1994-95 fiscal year and thereafter. The
potential impact on the State of such actions by localities is not
included in the projections of the State receipts and disbursements in the
State's 1994-95 fiscal year.
Municipalities and school districts have engaged in substantial
short-term and long-term borrowings. In 1992, the total indebtedness of
all localities in the State, other than the City, was approximately $15.7
billion. A small portion (approximately $71.6 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 1992.
Certain proposed Federal expenditure reductions would reduce, or in
some cases eliminate, Federal funding of some local programs and
accordingly might impose substantial increased expenditure requirements on
affected localities to increase local revenues to sustain those
expenditures. If the State, the City or any of the Agencies were to
suffer serious financial difficulties jeopardizing their respective access
to the public credit markets, the marketability of notes and bonds issued
by localities within the State could be adversely affected. Localities
also face anticipated and potential problems resulting from certain
pending litigation, judicial decisions and long-range economic trends.
The longer-range, potential problems of declining city population,
increasing expenditures and other economic trends could adversely affect
localities and require increasing State assistance in the future.
Because of significant fiscal difficulties experienced from time to
time by the City of Yonkers, a Financial Control Board was created by the
State in 1984 to oversee Yonkers' fiscal affairs. Future actions taken by
the Governor or the State Legislature to assist Yonkers in this crisis
could result in the allocation of State resources in amounts that cannot
yet be determined.
Certain litigation pending against the State or its officers or
employees could have a substantial or long-term adverse effect on State
finances. Among the more significant of these litigations are those that
involve: (i) the validity and fairness of agreements and treaties by which
various Indian tribes transferred title to the State of approximately six
million acres of land in central New York; (ii) certain aspects of the
State's Medicaid rates and regulations, including reimbursements to
providers of mandatory and optional Medicaid services; (iii) contamination
in the Love Canal area of Niagara Falls; (iv) a challenge to the State's
practice of reimbursing certain Office of Mental Health patient-care
expenses with clients' Social Security benefits; (v) a challenge to the
methods by which the State reimburses localities for the administrative
costs of food stamp programs; (vi) a challenge to the State's possession
of certain funds taken pursuant to the State's Abandoned Property law;
(vii) alleged responsibility of State officials to assist in remedying
racial segregation in the City of Yonkers; (viii) an action, in which the
State is a third party defendant, for injunctive or other appropriate
relief, concerning liability for the maintenance of stone groins
constructed along certain areas of Long Island's shoreline; (ix) actions
challenging the constitutionality of legislation enacted during the 1990
legislative session which changed the actuarial funding methods for
determining contributions to State employee retirement systems; (x) an
action against State and City officials alleging that the present level of
shelter allowance for public assistance recipients is inadequate under
statutory standards to maintain proper housing; (xi) an action challenging
legislation enacted in 1990 which had the effect of deferring certain
employer contributions to the State Teachers' Retirement System and
reducing State aid to school districts by a like amount; (xii) a challenge
to the constitutionality of financing programs of the Thruway Authority
authorized by Chapters 166 and 410 of the Laws of 1991 (described below in
this Part); (xiii) a challenge to the constitutionality of financing
programs of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Thruway
Authority authorized by Chapter 56 of the Laws of 1993 (described below in
this Part); (xiv) challenges to the delay by the State Department of
Social Services in making two one-week Medicaid payments to the service
providers; (xv) challenges by commercial insurers, employee welfare
benefit plans, and health maintenance organizations to provisions of
Section 2807-c of the Public Health Law which impose 13%, 11% and 9%
surcharges on inpatient hospital bills and a bad debt and charity care
allowance on all hospital bills paid by such entities; (xvi) challenges to
the promulgation of the State's proposed procedure to determine the
eligibility for and nature of home care services for Medicaid recipients;
(xvii) a challenge to State implementation of a program which reduces
Medicaid benefits to certain home-relief recipients; and (xviii)
challenges to the rationality and retroactive application of State
regulations recalibrating nursing home Medicaid rates.
Adverse developments or decisions in such cases could affect the
ability of the State to maintain a balanced 1994-95 State Financial Plan.
(2) New York City. In the mid-1970s, the City had large accumulated
past deficits and until recently was not able to generate sufficient tax
and other ongoing revenues to cover expenses in each fiscal year.
However, the City's operating results for the fiscal year ending June 30,
1993 were balanced in accordance with GAAP, the eleventh consecutive year
in which the City achieved balanced operating results in accordance with
GAAP. The City's ability to maintain balanced operating results in future
years is subject to numerous contingencies and future developments.
The City's economy, whose rate of growth slowed substantially over
the past three years, is currently in recession. During the 1990 and 1991
fiscal years, as a result of the slowing economy, the City has experienced
significant shortfalls in almost all of its major tax sources and
increases in social services costs, and has been required to take actions
to close substantial budget gaps in order to maintain balanced budgets in
accordance with the Financial Plan.
In 1975, the City became unable to market its securities and entered
a period of extraordinary financial difficulties. In response to this
crisis, the State created MAC to provide financing assistance to the City
and also enacted the New York State Financial Emergency Act for the City
of New York (the "Emergency Act") which, among other things, created the
Financial Control Board (the "Control Board") to oversee the City's
financial affairs and facilitate its return to the public credit markets.
The State also established the Office of the State Deputy Comptroller
("OSDC") to assist the Control Board in exercising its powers and
responsibilities. On June 30, 1986, the Control Board's powers of
approval over the City Financial Plan were suspended pursuant to the
Emergency Act. However, the Control Board, MAC and OSDC continue to
exercise various monitoring functions relating to the City's financial
condition. The City prepares and operates under a four-year financial
plan which is submitted annually to the Control Board for review and which
the City periodically updates.
The City's independently audited operating results for each of its
fiscal years from 1981 through 1993 show a General Fund surplus reported
in accordance with GAAP. The City has eliminated the cumulative deficit
in its net General Fund position. In addition, the City's financial
statements for the 1993 fiscal year received an unqualified opinion from
the City's independent auditors, the eleventh consecutive year the City
has received such an opinion.
In August 1993, the City adopted and submitted to the Control Board
for its review a four-year Financial Plan covering fiscal years 1994
through 1997 (the "Financial Plan"). The Financial Plan was based on the
City's fiscal year 1994 expense budget adopted June 14, 1993 as well as
certain changes incorporated subsequent to the budget adoption process.
On November 23, 1993, the City adopted and submitted to the Control Board
for its review a first quarter modification to the Financial Plan (the
"November Modification") incorporating various re-estimates of revenues
and expenditures. For fiscal year 1994, the November Modification
includes additional resources stemming primarily from the City
Comptroller's fiscal year 1993 annual audit, savings from a reduction in
prior years' accrued expenditures, and higher State and Federal aid
resulting from claims by the City for reimbursement of various social
services costs. These resources were used to fund new needs in the
November Modification including higher costs in the uniformed agencies, at
the Board of Education (the "BoE") and for certain social services, the
unlikelihood of the sale of the Off-Track Betting Corporation (the "OTB"),
and lower estimates of miscellaneous and other revenues. After taking
these adjustments into account, the November Modification projects a
balanced budget for fiscal year 1994, based upon revenues of $31,585
billion. For fiscal years 1995, 1996 and 1997, the November Modification
projects budget gaps of $1.730 billion, $2.513 billion and $2.699 billion,
respectively. These gaps are higher by about $450 million in fiscal year
1995 and by about $700 million in each of fiscal years 1996 and 1997 than
in the Financial Plan, primarily on account of the nonrecurring value of
the fiscal year 1994 revenue adjustments, the loss of certain one-time
resources funding BoE fiscal year 1994 spending needs, and the
reclassification of anticipated State aid from the baseline revenue
estimates to the gap-closing program. To offset these larger gaps, the
November Modification relies on additional City, State and other actions.
On December 1, 1993, a three-member panel appointed by the Mayor to
address City structural budget imbalance released a report setting forth
its findings and recommendations. In its report, the panel noted that
budget imbalance is likely to be greater than the City now projects by
$255 million in fiscal year 1995, rising to nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal
year 1997. The report provided a number of options that the City should
consider in addressing the structural balance issue such as severe cuts in
City-funded personnel levels, increases in residential property taxes and
the sales tax, and the imposition of bridge tolls and solid waste
collection fees. The report also noted that additional State actions will
be required in many instances to allow the City to cut its budget without
grave damage to basic services.
On December 21, 1993, OSDC issued a report reviewing the November
Modification. The report noted that while the outlook for fiscal year
1994 has improved since August, it will be necessary for the City to
manage its budget aggressively in order to stay on course for budget
balance this year. For fiscal years 1995 through 1997, the report
expressed concern that the gaps identified by the City in the November
Modification are the largest as a percentage of City-fund revenues that
the City has faced at this point in the fiscal year since budget balance
in accordance with GAAP was first achieved in fiscal year 1981.
On December 21, 1993, the staff of the Control Board issued its
report on the November Modification. The report states that the plan is
now more realistic in terms of the gaps it portrays and the solutions it
offers. However, the solutions are mostly limited to fiscal year 1994
while the gap for fiscal year 1995 has been increased by $450 million.
Beginning in fiscal year 1995, budget gaps average over $1 billion
annually. Therefore, the staff recommends that prompt action to replace
many current-year one-shots with recurring savings is critical.
On February 2, 1994, the Mayor presented to the City Council and the
Control Board a mid-year modification to the Financial Plan (the "February
Modification"). The February Modification projects a balanced budget for
fiscal year 1994, based upon revenues of $31.735 billion, including a
general reserve of $81 million. For fiscal years 1995, 1996 and 1997, the
February Modification projects gaps of $2.261 billion, $3.167 billion and
$3.253 billion, respectively, and assumes no wage and salary increases
beyond the expiration of current labor agreements which expire in fiscal
years 1995 and 1996. These gaps have grown since November by about $530
million in fiscal year 1995, and $650 million and $550 million in fiscal
years 1996 and 1997, respectively, owing in large part to lower estimates
of real property tax revenues. To close the budget gap projected for
fiscal year 1995, the February Modification includes a gap-closing program
that consists of the following major elements: (i) an agency program of
$1.048 billion; (ii) fringe benefit and pension savings of $400 million;
(iii) an intergovernmental aid package of $400 million; (iv) a workforce
reduction program of $144 million; and (v) the assumption of a $234
million surplus roll from fiscal year 1994. Implementation of many of the
gap-closing initiatives requires the cooperation of the municipal labor
unions, the City Council and the State and Federal governments. The
February Modification also includes a tax reduction program, with most of
the financial impact affecting the later years of the Plan period.
The City requires certain amounts of financing for seasonal and
capital spending purposes. The City has issued $1.75 billion of notes for
seasonal financing purposes during the 1994 fiscal year. The City's
capital financing program projects long-term financing requirements of
approximately $17 billion for the City's fiscal years 1995 through 1998
for the construction and rehabilitation of the City's infrastructure and
other fixed assets. The major capital requirement include expenditures
for the City's water supply system, and waste disposal systems, roads,
bridges, mass transit, schools and housing. In addition, the City and the
Municipal Water Finance Authority have issued about $1.8 billion in
refunding bonds in the 1994 fiscal year.
State Economic Trends. The City accounts for approximately 41% of
the State's population and personal income, and the City's financial
health affects the State in numerous ways. The State has long been one of
the wealthiest states in the nation. For decades, however, the State
economy has grown more slowly than that of the nation as a whole,
resulting in the gradual erosion of its relative economic affluence. The
causes of this relative decline are varied and complex, in many cases
involving national and international developments beyond the State's
control. In recent years, the State's economic position has improved in a
manner consistent with that of the Northeast as a whole.
Part of the reason for the long-term relative decline in the State's
economy has been attributed to the combined State and local tax burden,
which is among the highest in the United States. The burdens of State and
local taxation, in combination with many other causes of regional economic
dislocation, may have contributed to the decision of businesses and
individuals to relocate outside, or not locate within, the State. In
1987, the State enacted a major personal income tax reduction and reform
program and also reduced the tax rate on corporation income. In addition,
the State has provided various tax incentives to encourage business
relocation and expansion. The State, however, in its 1989-90, 1990-91 and
1991-92 fiscal years substantially increased taxes and fees to help close
projected budget gaps in those years, and in 1990-91, 1991-92 and 1992-93
delayed and restructured the remainder of the personal income tax
reduction program originally enacted in 1987. Under legislation proposed
with the 1993-94 budget, the rules for calculating tax liability for the
1993 tax year will be the same as those for the 1992 tax year (deferring
for a fourth year a previously scheduled tax reduction), and the tax
reduction program will be frozen at current rates. Also, in July 1991
State legislation was enacted to phase out the benefit of graduated income
tax tables for taxpayers with adjusted gross income above $100,000.
APPENDIX B
Description of S&P, Moody's & 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 interest and repayment 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 designation 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 sign (+)
designation.
SP-2
The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit satisfactory capacity to
pay principal and interest.
SP-3
The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit speculative capacity to
pay principal and interest.
Commercial Paper Ratings
An S&P commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no
more than 365 days. Issues assigned an A rating are regarded as having
the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are
delineated with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the relative degree of
safety.
A-1
This designation 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.
A-2
Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
strong. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated A-1.
A-3
Issues carrying this designation have a satisfactory capacity for
timely payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the
higher designations.
Moody's
Municipal Bond Ratings
Aaa
Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be
visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position
of such issues.
Aa
Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what generally are
known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds
because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or
fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there
may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear
somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A
Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium-grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but
elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some
time in the future.
Baa
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium- grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present
but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be
characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds
lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative
characteristics as well.
Ba
Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection
of interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and therefore not
well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.
Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B
Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time
may be small.
Caa
Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be
in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Ca
Bonds which are rated Ca present obligations which are speculative in
a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C
Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
Moody's applies the numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to show relative
standing within the major rating categories, except in the Aaa category
and in categories below B. The modifier 1 indicates a ranking for the
security in the higher end of a rating category; the modifier 2 indicates
a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower
end of a rating category.
Municipal Note Ratings
Moody's ratings for state and municipal notes and other short-term
loans are designated Moody's Investment Grade (MIG). Such ratings
recognize the differences between short-term credit risk and long-term
risk. Factors affecting the liquidity of the borrower and short-term
cyclical elements are critical in short-term ratings, while other factors
of major importance in bond risk, long-term secular trends for example,
may be less important over the short run.
A short-term rating may also be assigned on an issue having a demand
feature. Such ratings will be designated as VMIG or, if the demand
feature is not rated, as NR. Short-term ratings on issues with demand
features are differentiated by the use of the VMIG symbol to reflect such
characteristics as payment upon periodic demand rather than fixed maturity
dates and payment relying on external liquidity. Additionally, investors
should be alert to the fact that the source of payment may be limited to
the external liquidity with no or limited legal recourse to the issuer in
the event the demand is not met.
Moody's short-term ratings are designated Moody's Investment Grade as
MIG 1 or VMIG 1 through MIG 4 or VMIG 4. As the name implies, when
Moody's assigns a MIG or VMIG rating, all categories define an investment
grade situation.
MIG 1/VMIG 1
This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or
demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2/VMIG 2
This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are
ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3/VMIG 3
This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements
are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable strength of the
preceding grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and
market access for refinancing is likely to be less well established.
MIG 4/VMIG 4
This designation denotes adequate quality. Protection commonly
regarded as required of an investment security is present and, although
not distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.
Commercial Paper Ratings
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 range of financial markets
and assured sources of alternate 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.
Issuers (or related supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 (P-3) have
an acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
The effect of industry characteristics and market composition may be more
pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in
changes in the level of debt protection measurements and the requirements
for relatively high financial leverage. Adequate 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 an 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 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>
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS NOVEMBER 30, 1994
PRINCIPAL
LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS--96.1% AMOUNT VALUE
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
NEW YORK--85.9%
Albany Industrial Development Agency, Lease Revenue:
(New York State Assembly Building Project) 7.75%, 1/1/2010.............. $ 1,000,000 $ 1,005,190
(New York State Department of Health Building Project) 7.25%, 10/1/2010. 1,455,000 1,417,461
Battery Park City Authority, Revenue, Refunding 4.75%, 11/1/2019............ 3,000,000 2,107,680
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Service Contract, Commuter Facilities:
5.40%, 7/1/2006......................................................... 4,315,000 3,714,309
5.75%, 7/1/2007......................................................... 5,000,000 4,394,750
7.50%, 7/1/2016......................................................... 1,350,000 1,481,760
Municipal Assistance Corp. for the City of New York 6%, 7/1/2008............ 1,500,000 1,426,410
New York City:
5.70%, Series E, 8/1/2008............................................... 2,000,000 1,710,460
5.70%, Series G, 8/1/2008............................................... 2,300,000 1,967,029
5.75%, 8/1/2010......................................................... 2,500,000 2,120,800
5.50%, 10/1/2016........................................................ 4,850,000 3,797,889
New York City Health and Hospital Authority, Revenue, Refunding 6%, 2/15/2006 2,500,000 2,287,750
New York City Housing Development Corp., Mortgage Revenue
(South Williamsburg Cooperative) 7.90%, 2/1/2023 (Insured; SONYMA)...... 740,000 754,016
New York City Industrial Development Agency:
Civic Facility Revenue:
(Saint Christopher Ottilie Project)
7.50%, 7/1/2021 (LOC; Allied Irish Banks p.l.c.)(a)............... 1,500,000 1,513,035
(YMCA of Greater New York Project) 8%, 8/1/2016....................... 1,500,000 1,525,935
Special Facility Revenue:
(American Airlines Inc. Project):
8%, 7/1/2020...................................................... 2,000,000 2,023,680
6.90%, 8/1/2024................................................... 2,000,000 1,824,760
(Terminal One Group Association Project) 6.125%, 1/1/2024............. 4,000,000 3,352,480
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System
Revenue, Refunding:
6%, 6/15/2010......................................................... 3,100,000 2,775,275
6%, 6/15/2017......................................................... 3,150,000 2,718,923
New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenues:
(Consolidated City University System):
5.75%, 7/1/2009....................................................... 3,000,000 2,598,720
7.625%, 7/1/2020...................................................... 750,000 827,625
(Cornell University) 7.375%, 7/1/2030................................... 1,200,000 1,238,832
(Court Facilities) 5.50%, 5/15/2023..................................... 4,000,000 3,091,120
Judicial Facilities Lease (Suffolk County Issue) 9.50%, 4/15/2014....... 1,500,000 1,750,335
(State University Educational Facilities):
5.25%, 5/15/2010...................................................... 5,870,000 4,784,285
5.875%, 5/15/2011..................................................... 5,000,000 4,491,150
7.70%, 5/15/2012...................................................... 1,000,000 1,105,380
6.75%, 5/15/2021...................................................... 4,400,000 4,668,928
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) NOVEMBER 30, 1994
PRINCIPAL
LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) AMOUNT VALUE
-------------- --------------
NEW YORK (CONTINUED)
New York State Dormitory Authority, Revenues (continued):
(Upstate Community Colleges) 5.625%, 7/1/2014........................... $ 2,500,000 $ 2,082,900
(Wartburg Home) 5.70%, 2/1/2013 (Insured; FHA).......................... 2,250,000 1,939,185
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority:
Electric Facilities Revenue:
(Consolidated Edison Co. Project):
7.25%, 11/1/2024.................................................. 1,250,000 1,231,125
6.75%, 1/15/2027.................................................. 1,250,000 1,147,850
(Long Island Lighting Co. Project):
7.15%, 6/1/2020................................................... 2,000,000 1,812,220
6.90%, 8/1/2022................................................... 3,000,000 2,628,150
New York State Environmental Facilities Corp.:
Special Obligation, State Park Infrastructure 5.75%, 3/15/2013.......... 1,545,000 1,316,185
State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Revenue:
7.20%, 3/15/2011...................................................... 1,500,000 1,551,210
(New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority Project) 7.25%, 6/15/2010 2,650,000 2,759,233
(Pilgrim State Sewer Project) 6.30%, 3/15/2016........................ 3,000,000 2,735,040
Water Facilities Revenue (Jamaica Water Supply Provence) 7.625%, 4/1/2029 500,000 507,605
New York State Housing Finance Agency, Revenue:
Health Facilities, Refunding (New York City) 7.90%, 11/1/1999........... 1,000,000 1,070,010
Service Contract Obligation 7.30%, 3/15/2021............................ 1,000,000 1,094,880
New York State Local Government Assistance Corp.:
6%, 4/1/2012............................................................ 4,035,000 3,640,458
6%, 4/1/2018 ........................................................... 3,200,000 2,804,448
7.25%, 4/1/2018......................................................... 1,000,000 1,092,010
5%, 4/1/2023............................................................ 6,100,000 4,486,672
Refunding 5.375%, 4/1/2016.............................................. 5,000,000 4,030,800
New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency, Revenue:
Insured Mortgage:
(Hospital and Nursing Home) 7.45%, 8/15/2031 (Insured; FHA)........... 1,000,000 1,017,740
(Saint Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center) 7.45%, 2/15/2029 (Insured; FHA) 500,000 545,640
Mental Health Services Facilities Improvement:
5.25%, 8/15/2023...................................................... 2,500,000 1,811,850
Refunding 5.375%, 2/15/2014........................................... 9,065,000 7,143,039
New York State Mortgage Agency, Revenue, Homeownership Mortgage:
6.45%, 10/1/2020........................................................ 3,000,000 2,841,360
7.95%, 4/1/2022......................................................... 1,650,000 1,698,708
8.05%, 4/1/2022......................................................... 575,000 593,043
6.65%, 10/1/2025........................................................ 2,000,000 1,809,680
New York State Power Authority, Revenue and General Purpose:
5.25%, 1/1/2018......................................................... 1,250,000 983,362
6.75%, 1/1/2018......................................................... 1,150,000 1,124,930
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) NOVEMBER 30, 1994
PRINCIPAL
LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) AMOUNT VALUE
-------------- --------------
NEW YORK (CONTINUED)
New York State Thruway Authority, Service Contract Revenue
(Local Highway and Bridge):
6.25%, 4/1/2006....................................................... $ 6,450,000 $ 6,051,003
7.25%, 1/1/2010....................................................... 1,000,000 1,009,010
New York State Urban Development Corp., Revenue:
7.50%, 4/1/2020......................................................... 1,000,000 1,002,290
(Alfred Technology Resources Inc. Project) 7.875%, 1/1/2020............. 1,000,000 1,030,160
(Correctional Capital Facilities):
7.50%, 1/1/2018....................................................... 1,000,000 1,098,560
Refunding 5.625%, 1/1/2007............................................ 10,000,000 8,669,300
(Onondaga County Convention Project) 7.875%, 1/1/2020................... 1,475,000 1,524,147
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Consolidated Ninety Third Series)
6.125%, 6/1/2094........................................................ 3,000,000 2,559,540
Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, IDR (Albany International Corp.)
7.55%, 6/1/2007 (LOC; Norstar Bank) (a)................................. 1,500,000 1,546,530
Schenectady Industrial Development Agency, IDR, Refunding
(Broadway Center Project) 5%, 9/1/2009.................................. 1,750,000 1,429,610
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority:
(Convention Center Project) 7.25%, 1/1/2010............................. 1,000,000 1,008,120
Revenue 6%, 1/1/2012.................................................... 2,000,000 1,830,180
Special Obligation 6.25%, 1/1/2012 (Insured; AMBAC)..................... 4,000,000 3,696,160
Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency, Solid Waste System Revenue 6%, 3/1/2014 2,250,000 1,949,760
United Nations Development Corp., Revenue, Refunding (Senior Lien) 6%, 7/1/2012 1,500,000 1,346,700
U.S. RELATED --10.2%
Guam Airport Authority, Revenue 6.70%, 10/1/2023............................ 2,000,000 1,801,120
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Refunding 5.50%, 7/1/2013...................... 2,500,000 2,104,100
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority, Highway Revenue 5.50%, 7/1/2008 7,500,000 6,518,475
Puerto Rico Housing Finance Corp., MFMR
7.50%, 4/1/2022 (LOC; Government Development Bank) (a).................. 1,665,000 1,670,311
Puerto Rico Industrial Medical Educational and Environmental Pollution
Control
Facilities Financing Authority, HR, Refunding (Saint Luke's Hospital Project)
6.25%, 6/1/2010......................................................... 1,100,000 1,009,085
Puerto Rico Municipal Finance Agency 5.875%, 7/1/2006....................... 2,075,000 1,949,546
Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority:
Public Education and Health Facilities
6.60%, 7/1/2004 (Guaranteed; Commonwealth of Puerto Rico)............. 2,000,000 2,105,040
Revenue, Refunding 5.70%, 7/1/2009 (Guaranteed; Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) 2,235,000 1,995,363
--------------
TOTAL LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
(cost $196,303,839)..................................................... $180,879,410
==============
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) NOVEMBER 30, 1994
PRINCIPAL
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS--3.9% AMOUNT VALUE
-------------- --------------
NEW YORK:
New York City, VRDN:
3.40% (Insured; MBIA, SBPA; Bank Austria Handelsbank Aktie) (b)......... $ 2,000,000 $ 2,000,000
3.35% (Insured; FGIC) (b)............................................... 3,000,000 3,000,000
New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority, Water and Sewer System
Revenue, VRDN 3.40% (SBPA; FGIC Securities Purchase, Inc.) (b).......... 1,700,000 1,700,000
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Power Revenue, VRDN 3.82% (Insured; FSA) (b,c) 700,000 700,000
--------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
(cost $7,400,000)....................................................... $ 7,400,000
==============
TOTAL INVESTMENTS--100.0%
(cost $203,703,839)..................................................... $188,279,410
==============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY OF ABBREVIATIONS
<S> <C> <S> <C>
AMBAC American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation LOC Letter of Credit
FGIC Financial Guaranty Insurance Company MBIA Municipal Bond Investors Assurance
FHA Federal Housing Administration MFMR Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue
FSA Financial Security Assurance SBPA Standby Bond Purchase Agreement
HR Hospital Revenue SONYMA State of New York Mortgage Agency
IDR Industrial Development Revenue VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY OF COMBINED RATINGS (UNAUDITED)
FITCH (D) OR MOODY'S OR STANDARD & POOR'S PERCENTAGE OF VALUE
- --------- --------- -------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <S> <C>
AAA Aaa AAA 13.0%
AA Aa AA 12.7
A A A 35.2
BBB Baa BBB 32.2
BB Ba BB 1.2
F1 MIG1 SP1 2.5
Not Rated Not Rated Not Rated 3.2
--------
100.0%
=======
</TABLE>
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS:
(a) Secured by letters of credit.
(b) Securities payable on demand. The interest rate, which is subject to
change, is based upon bank prime rates or an index of market interest
rates.
(c) Inverse floater security - the interest rate is subject to change
periodically.
(d) Fitch currently provides creditworthiness information for a limited
number of investments.
See notes to financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES NOVEMBER 30, 1994
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(cost $203,703,839)_see statement..................................... $188,279,410
Interest receivable..................................................... 3,721,511
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed................. 346,335
Prepaid expenses........................................................ 10,321
--------------
192,357,577
LIABILITIES:
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation.......................................... $ 87,422
Due to Distributor...................................................... 61,727
Due to Custodian........................................................ 469,771
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed...................... 733,610
Accrued expenses........................................................ 57,346 1,409,876
---------- --------------
NET ASSETS ................................................................ $190,947,701
===============
REPRESENTED BY:
Paid-in capital......................................................... $206,871,369
Accumulated net realized (loss) on investments.......................... (499,239)
Accumulated net unrealized (depreciation) on investments_Note 3(b)...... (15,424,429)
--------------
NET ASSETS at value......................................................... $190,947,701
===============
Shares of Beneficial Interest outstanding:
Class A Shares
(unlimited number of $.001 par value shares authorized)............... 10,602,173
===============
Class B Shares
(unlimited number of $.001 par value shares authorized)............... 4,068,629
===============
NET ASSET VALUE per share:
Class A Shares
($137,978,151 / 10,602,173 shares).................................... $13.01
=======
Class B Shares
($52,969,550 / 4,068,629 shares)...................................... $13.02
=======
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1994
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
INTEREST INCOME......................................................... $ 13,235,592
EXPENSES:
Management fee_Note 2(a).............................................. $1,185,186
Shareholder servicing costs_Note 2(c)................................. 667,467
Distribution fees (Class B shares)_Note 2(b).......................... 275,168
Professional fees..................................................... 53,591
Prospectus and shareholders' reports.................................. 48,331
Custodian fees........................................................ 23,143
Registration fees..................................................... 17,356
Trustees' fees and expenses_Note 2(d)................................. 11,726
Miscellaneous......................................................... 32,960
------------
2,314,928
Less_reduction in management fee due to
undertakings_Note 2(a)............................................ 86,817
------------
TOTAL EXPENSES.................................................. 2,228,111
--------------
INVESTMENT INCOME--NET.......................................... 11,007,481
--------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized (loss) on investments_Note 3(a)............................ $ (506,832)
Net realized gain on financial futures_Note 3(a)........................ 9,954
------------
NET REALIZED (LOSS)................................................... (496,878)
Net unrealized (depreciation) on investments............................ (28,073,679)
--------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS............... (28,570,557)
--------------
NET (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS...................... $(17,563,076)
==============
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
--------------------------------
1993 1994
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Investment income_net................................................... $ 8,386,869 $ 11,007,481
Net realized gain (loss) on investments................................. 1,449,736 (496,878)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments for the year.. 7,432,393 (28,073,679)
-------------- --------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS... 17,268,998 (17,563,076)
-------------- --------------
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Investment income_net:
Class A shares........................................................ (7,628,356) (8,423,637)
Class B shares........................................................ (758,513) (2,583,844)
Net realized gain on investments:
Class A shares........................................................ ___ (1,134,769)
Class B shares........................................................ ___ (324,799)
-------------- --------------
TOTAL DIVIDENDS................................................... (8,386,869) (12,467,049)
-------------- --------------
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from shares sold:
Class A shares........................................................ 57,603,050 25,099,805
Class B shares........................................................ 45,772,562 24,583,764
Dividends reinvested:
Class A shares........................................................ 5,516,098 7,067,611
Class B shares........................................................ 630,384 2,377,696
Cost of shares redeemed:
Class A shares........................................................ (16,025,652) (36,119,325)
Class B shares........................................................ (1,478,443) (11,178,627)
-------------- --------------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS...... 92,017,999 11,830,924
-------------- --------------
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS......................... 100,900,128 (18,199,201)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year....................................................... 108,246,774 209,146,902
-------------- --------------
End of year............................................................. $209,146,902 $190,947,701
============== ============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES
---------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
1993 1994 1993* 1994
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold............................ 3,927,594 1,722,934 3,069,381 1,695,749
Shares issued for dividends reinvested. 373,250 494,805 41,916 166,946
Shares redeemed........................ (1,086,014) (2,576,898) (98,557) (806,806)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN SHARES
OUTSTANDING.................... 3,214,830 (359,159) 3,012,740 1,055,889
============== ============= ============== ============
* From January 15, 1993 (commencement of initial offering) to November 30,
1993.
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Reference is made to page 4 of the Fund's Prospectus dated March 30, 1995.
See notes to financial statements.
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Act")
as a non-diversified open-end management investment company. Dreyfus Service
Corporation, until August 24, 1994, acted as the distributor of the Fund's
shares. Dreyfus Service Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The
Dreyfus Corporation ("Manager"). Effective August 24, 1994, the Manager
became a direct subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A.
On August 24, 1994, Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (the
"Distributor") was engaged as the Fund's Distributor. The Distributor,
located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Institutional Administration Services, Inc., a provider of
mutual fund administration services, the parent company of which is Boston
Institutional Group, Inc.
The Fund offers both Class A and Class B shares. Class A shares are
subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase and Class B shares
are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge imposed at the time of
redemption on redemptions made within five years of purchase. Other
differences between the two Classes include the services offered to and the
expenses borne by each Class and certain voting rights.
(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 Trustees. 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
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
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 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.
The Fund has an unused capital loss carryover of approximately $497,000
available for Federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net
securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to November 30, 1994. If not
applied, the carryover expires in fiscal 2002.
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 .55 of 1% of the average
daily value of the Fund's net assets and is payable monthly. The Agreement
provides for an expense reimbursement from the Manager should the Fund's
aggregate expenses, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings and
extraordinary expenses, exceed the expense limitation of any state having
jurisdiction over the Fund for any full fiscal year. However, the Manager had
undertaken from December 1, 1993 through June 30, 1994, to waive receipt of
the management fee payable to it by the Fund, to the extent that the Fund's
aggregate expenses (excluding certain expense as described above) exceeded
specified annual percentages of the Fund's average daily net assets. The
reduction in management fee, pursuant to the undertakings, amounted to
$86,817 for the year ended November 30, 1994.
Dreyfus Service Corporation retained $50,856 during the year ended
November 30, 1994 from commissions earned on sales of the Fund's Class A
shares.
Prior to August 24, 1994, Dreyfus Service Corporation retained $131,696
from contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions of the Fund's
Class B shares.
(B) On August 3, 1994, Fund's shareholders approved a revised
Distribution Plan with respect to Class B shares only (the "Class B
Distribution Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Pursuant to the
Class B Distribution Plan, effective August 24, 1994, the Fund pays the
Distributor for distributing the Fund's Class B shares at an annual rate .50
of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class B shares.
Prior to August 24, 1994, the Distribution Plan ("prior Class B
Distribution Plan") provided that the Fund pay Dreyfus Service Corporation at
an an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the value of the Fund's Class B shares
average daily net assets, for the costs and expenses in connection with
advertising, marketing and distributing the Fund's Class B shares. Dreyfus
Service Corporation made payments to one or more Service Agents based on the
value of the Fund's Class B shares owned by clients of the Service Agent.
During the year ended November 30, 1994, $78,024 was charged to the Fund
pursuant to the Class B Distribution Plan and $197,144 was charged to the
Fund pursuant to the prior Class B Distribution Plan.
(C) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor,
at an annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets
of Class A and Class B shares for servicing shareholder accounts. The
services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder
accounts, such as
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
answering shareholder inquiries regarding the Fund and providing reports and
other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder
accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents in respect of
these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service
Agents. From December 1, 1993 through August 23, 1994, $299,311 and $98,572
were charged to Class A and Class B shares, respectively, by Dreyfus Service
Corporation. From August 24, 1994 through November 30, 1994, $101,826 and
$39,012 were charged to Class A and Class B shares, respectively, by the
Distributor pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
(D) Prior to August 24, 1994, certain officers and trustees of the Fund
were "affiliated persons," as defined in the Act, of the Manager and/or
Dreyfus Service Corporation. Each trustee who is not an "affiliated person"
receives from the Fund an annual fee of $1,000 and an attendance fee of $250
per meeting.
NOTE 3--SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS:
(A) The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities
amounted to $150,161,737 and $137,943,193, respectively, for the year ended
November 30, 1994, and consisted entirely of long-term and short-term
municipal investments.
The Fund is engaged in trading financial futures contracts. The Fund is
exposed to market risk as a result of changes in the value of the underlying
financial instruments. Investments in financial futures require the Fund to
"mark to market" on a daily basis, which reflects the change in the market
value of the contract at the close of each day's trading. Accordingly,
variation margin payments are made or received to reflect daily unrealized
gains or losses. When the contracts are closed, the Fund recognizes a
realized gain or loss. These investments require initial margin deposits with
a custodian, which consist of cash or cash equivalents, up to approximately
10% of the contract amount. The amount of these deposits is determined by the
exchange or Board of Trade on which the contract is traded and is subject to
change. At November 30, 1994, there were no financial futures contracts
outstanding.
(B) At November 30, 1994, accumulated net unrealized depreciation on
investments was $15,424,429, consisting of $2,126,197 gross unrealized
appreciation and $17,550,626 gross unrealized depreciation.
At November 30, 1994, 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).
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund, including the statement of investments,
as of November 30, 1994, 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 November 30, 1994 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 Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund at November 30, 1994, the
results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net
assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial
highlights for each of the indicated years, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
(Ernst & Young LLP Signature Logo)
New York, New York
January 5, 1995
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
_________________________
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List
_______ _________________________________________
(a) Financial Statements:
Included in Part A of the Registration Statement
Condensed Financial Information for the period from December
31, 1986 (commencement of operations) to November 30, 1987
and for each of the 7 years in the period ended November 30,
1994.
Included in Part B of the Registration Statement:
Statement of Investments-- November 30, 1994
Statement of Assets and Liabilities-- November 30, 1994
Statement of Operations--year ended November 30, 1994
Statement of Changes in Net Assets--for each of the
years ended November 30, 1993 and 1994
Notes to Financial Statements
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors, dated
January 5, 1995.
All Schedules, for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, are either omitted
because they are not required under the related instructions, they are
inapplicable, or the required information is presented in the financial
statements or notes thereto which are included in Part B of the Registration
Statement.
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List (continued)
_______ _____________________________________________________
(b) Exhibits:
(1) Registrant's Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of
Trust is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (1) of Post-
Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A, filed on October 30, 1992.
(2) Registrant's By-Laws, as amended, are incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 8, 1994.
(4) Specimen certificate for the Registrant's securities is
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4) of Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 10 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed
on March 29, 1993.
(5) Management Agreement.
(6)(a) Distribution Agreement.
(6)(b) Forms of Service Agreements are incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 6(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on October 30, 1992.
(6)(c) Forms of Distribution Plan Agreements are incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 6(c) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on October 30, 1992
(8)(a) Registrant's Custody Agreement is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 8(a) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 30, 1990.
(8)(b) Sub-Custodian Agreements are incorporated by reference to Exhibit
8(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 30, 1990 .
(9) Shareholder Services Plan.
(10) Opinion and consent of Registrant's counsel is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (10) of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 6, 1986.
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors.
(15) Distribution Plan.
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - List (continued)
_______ _____________________________________________________
Other Exhibits
______________
(a) Powers of Attorney of the Trustees and officers.
(b) Certificate of Secretary.
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
_______ ______________________________________________________________
Not Applicable
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities.
_______ ________________________________
(1) (2)
Number of Record
Title of Class Holders as of January 16, 1995
______________ _____________________________
Beneficial Interest
(Par value $.001)
Class A 2974
Class B 2132
Item 27. Indemnification
_______ _______________
The Statement as to the general effect of any contract,
arrangements or statute under which a trustee, officer, underwriter
or affiliated person of the Registrant is insured or indemnified in
any manner against any liability which may be incurred in such
capacity, other than insurance provided by any trustee, officer,
affiliated person or underwriter for their own protection, is
incorporated by reference to Item 4 of Part II of Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed
on September 10, 1986.
Reference is also made to the Distribution Agreement attached
hereto as Exhibit (6)(a).
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.
_______ ____________________________________________________
The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") and subsidiary companies
comprise a financial service organization whose business
consists primarily of providing investment management services
as the investment adviser, manager and distributor for sponsored
investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940 and as an investment adviser to institutional and
individual accounts. Dreyfus also serves as sub-investment
adviser to and/or administrator of other investment companies.
Dreyfus Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Dreyfus, serves primarily as a registered broker-dealer of
shares of investment companies sponsored by Dreyfus and of other
investment companies for which Dreyfus acts as investment
adviser, sub-investment adviser or administrator. Dreyfus
Management, Inc., another wholly-owned subsidiary, provides
investment management services to various pension plans,
institutions and individuals.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser (continued)
________ ________________________________________________________________
Officers and Directors of Investment Adviser
____________________________________________
Name and Position
with Dreyfus Other Businesses
_________________ ________________
MANDELL L. BERMAN Real estate consultant and private investor
Director 29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 370
Southfield, Michigan 48034;
Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
Skillman Foundation.
Member of The Board of Vintners Intl.
FRANK V. CAHOUET Chairman of the Board, President and
Director Chief Executive Officer:
Mellon Bank Corporation
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258;
Mellon Bank, N.A.
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258
Director:
Avery Dennison Corporation
150 North Orange Grove Boulevard
Pasadena, California 91103;
Saint-Gobain Corporation
750 East Swedesford Road
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19482;
Teledyne, Inc.
1901 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, California 90067
ALVIN E. FRIEDMAN Senior Adviser to Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.
Director 535 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022;
Director and member of the Executive
Committee of Avnet, Inc.**
DAVID B. TRUMAN Educational consultant;
Director Past President of the Russell Sage Foundation
230 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017;
Past President of Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075;
Former Director:
Student Loan Marketing Association
1055 Thomas Jefferson Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006;
Former Trustee:
College Retirement Equities Fund
730 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10017
HOWARD STEIN Chairman of the Board:
Chairman of the Board and Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation*;
Chief Executive Officer The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Dreyfus Land Development Corporation*;
Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer:
Major Trading Corporation*;
Director:
Avnet, Inc.**;
Dreyfus America Fund++++
The Dreyfus Fund International
Limited+++++
World Balanced Fund+++
Dreyfus Partnership Management,
Inc.*;
Dreyfus Personal Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Realty Advisors, Inc.+++;
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
Trustee:
Corporate Property Investors
New York, New York;
W. KEITH SMITH Chairman and Chief Executive Officer:
Vice Chairman of the Board The Boston Company
One Boston Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Vice Chairman of the Board:
Mellon Bank Corporation
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258;
Mellon Bank, N.A.
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258
Director:
Dentsply International, Inc.
570 West College Avenue
York, Pennsylvania 17405
ROBERT E. RILEY Director:
President and Chief Dreyfus Service Corporation
Operating Officer,
and a Director
PAUL H. SNYDER Director:
Vice President and Chief Pennsylvania Economy League
Financial Officer Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
Children's Crisis Treatment Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Director and Vice President:
Financial Executives Institute,
Philadelphia Chapter
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
LAWRENCE S. KASH Chairman, President and Chief
Vice Chairman, Distribution, Executive Officer:
and a Director The Boston Company Advisors, Inc.
53 State Street
Exchange Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Director:
The Dreyfus Corporation;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
President:
The Boston Company
One Boston Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02108;
Laurel Capital Advisors
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258;
Boston Group Holdings, Inc.
Executive Vice President
Mellon Bank, N.A.
One Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258;
Boston Safe Deposit & Trust
One Boston Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
BARBARA E. CASEY President:
Vice President, Dreyfus Retirement Services;
Retirement Services Executive Vice President:
Boston Safe Deposit & Trust Co.
One Boston Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02108;
DIANE M. COFFEY None
Vice President,
Corporate Communications
ELIE M. GENADRY President:
Vice President, Institutional Services Division of Dreyfus
Wholesale Service Corporation*;
Broker-Dealer Division of Dreyfus Service
Corporation*;
Group Retirement Plans Division of Dreyfus
Service Corporation;
Executive Vice President:
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.*;
Vice President:
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
Vice President-Sales:
The Dreyfus Trust Company (N.J.)++;
DANIEL C. MACLEAN Director, Vice President and Secretary:
Vice President and General Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc.*;
Counsel Director and Vice President:
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
The Dreyfus Trust Company (N.J.)++;
Director and Secretary:
Dreyfus Partnership Management, Inc.*;
Major Trading Corporation*;
The Truepenny Corporation+;
Director:
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
Secretary:
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
JEFFREY N. NACHMAN None
Vice President, Fund
Administration
PHILIP L. TOIA Chairman of the Board and Vice President:
Vice Chairman, Operations Dreyfus Thrift & Commerce****;
and Administration Director:
The Dreyfus Security Savings Bank F.S.B.+;
Senior Loan Officer and Director:
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
Dreyfus Service Corporation*;
Vice President:
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
President and Director:
Dreyfus Personal Management, Inc.*;
Director:
Dreyfus Realty Advisors, Inc.+++;
Formerly, Senior Vice President:
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. and
The Chase Manhattan Capital Markets
Corporation
One Chase Manhattan Plaza
New York, New York 10081
KATHERINE C. WICKHAM Formerly, Assistant Commissioner:
Vice President, Department of Parks and Recreation of the
Human Resources City of New York
830 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10022
MAURICE BENDRIHEM Treasurer:
Controller Dreyfus Partnership Management, Inc.*;
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.*;
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.*;
The Truepenny Corporation*;
MAURICE BENDRIHEM Controller:
(cont'd) Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation*;
The Dreyfus Trust Company++;
The Dreyfus Trust Company (N.J.)++;
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Assistant Treasurer:
Dreyfus Precious Metals*
Formerly, Vice President-Financial Planning,
Administration and Tax:
Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc.
1633 Broadway
New York, New York 10019
MARK N. JACOBS Secretary:
Vice President, Fund The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corporation*;
Legal and Compliance Dreyfus Management, Inc.*;
Assistant Secretary:
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.*;
Major Trading Corporation*;
The Truepenny Corporation*
______________________________________
* The address of the business so indicated is 200 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10166.
** The address of the business so indicated is 80 Cutter Mill Road,
Great Neck, New York 11021.
*** The address of the business so indicated is 45 Broadway, New York,
New York 10006.
**** The address of the business so indicated is Five Triad Center, Salt
Lake City, Utah 84180.
+ The address of the business so indicated is Atrium Building, 80 Route
4 East, Paramus, New Jersey 07652.
++ The address of the business so indicated is 144 Glenn Curtiss
Boulevard, Uniondale, New York 11556-0144.
+++ The address of the business so indicated is One Rockefeller Plaza,
New York, New York 10020.
++++ The address of the business so indicated is 2 Boulevard Royal,
Luxembourg.
+++++ The address of the business so indicated is Nassau, Bahama Islands.
Item 29. Principal Underwriters
________ ______________________
(a) Other investment companies for which Registrant's principal
underwriter (exclusive distributor) acts as principal underwriter or
exclusive distributor:
1) Comstock Partners Strategy Fund, Inc.
2) Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc.
3) Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc.
4) Dreyfus Asset Allocation Fund, Inc.
5) Dreyfus Balanced Fund, Inc.
6) Dreyfus BASIC Money Market Fund, Inc.
7) Dreyfus BASIC Municipal Fund, Inc.
8) Dreyfus BASIC U.S. Government Money Market Fund
9) Dreyfus California Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
10) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
11) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
12) Dreyfus Capital Value Fund, Inc.
13) Dreyfus Cash Management
14) Dreyfus Cash Management Plus, Inc.
15) Dreyfus Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
16) Dreyfus Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
17) The Dreyfus Convertible Securities Fund, Inc.
18) Dreyfus Edison Electric Index Fund, Inc.
19) Dreyfus Florida Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
20) Dreyfus Florida Municipal Money Market Fund
21) Dreyfus Focus Funds, Inc.
22) The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated
23) Dreyfus Global Bond Fund, Inc.
24) Dreyfus Global Growth, L.P. (A Strategic Fund)
25) Dreyfus Global Investing, Inc.
26) Dreyfus GNMA Fund, Inc.
27) Dreyfus Government Cash Management
28) Dreyfus Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
29) Dreyfus Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc.
30) Dreyfus Institutional Money Market Fund
31) Dreyfus Institutional Short Term Treasury Fund
32) Dreyfus Insured Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
33) Dreyfus Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
34) Dreyfus International Equity Fund, Inc.
35) Dreyfus Investors GNMA Fund
36) The Dreyfus Leverage Fund, Inc.
37) Dreyfus Life and Annuity Index Fund, Inc.
38) Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Inc.
39) Dreyfus Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
40) Dreyfus Massachusetts Municipal Money Market Fund
41) Dreyfus Massachusetts Tax Exempt Bond Fund
42) Dreyfus Michigan Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
43) Dreyfus Money Market Instruments, Inc.
44) Dreyfus Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
45) Dreyfus Municipal Cash Management Plus
46) Dreyfus Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
47) Dreyfus New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
48) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
49) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
50) Dreyfus New Leaders Fund, Inc.
51) Dreyfus New York Insured Tax Exempt Bond Fund
52) Dreyfus New York Municipal Cash Management
53) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
54) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Intermediate Bond Fund
55) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
56) Dreyfus Ohio Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
57) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Intermediate Term Fund
58) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Long Term Fund
59) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
60) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Short Term Fund
61) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
62) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund
63) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund
64) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
65) Dreyfus Short-Term Income Fund, Inc.
66) The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.
67) Dreyfus Strategic Growth, L.P.
68) Dreyfus Strategic Income
69) Dreyfus Strategic Investing
70) Dreyfus Tax Exempt Cash Management
71) Dreyfus Treasury Cash Management
72) Dreyfus Treasury Prime Cash Management
73) Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
74) Dreyfus-Wilshire Target Funds, Inc.
75) Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc.
76) First Prairie Cash Management
77) First Prairie Diversified Asset Fund
78) First Prairie Money Market Fund
79) First Prairie Municipal Money Market Fund
80) First Prairie Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
81) First Prairie U.S. Government Income Fund
82) First Prairie U.S. Treasury Securities Cash Management
83) General California Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
84) General California Municipal Money Market Fund
85) General Government Securities Money Market Fund, Inc.
86) General Money Market Fund, Inc.
87) General Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
88) General Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
89) General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
90) General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
91) Pacific American Fund
92) Peoples Index Fund, Inc.
93) Peoples S&P MidCap Index Fund, Inc.
94) Premier Insured Municipal Bond Fund
95) Premier California Municipal Bond Fund
96) Premier GNMA Fund
97) Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
98) Premier Municipal Bond Fund
99) Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
100) Premier State Municipal Bond Fund
(b)
Positions and
Name and principal Positions and offices with offices with
business address the Distributor Registrant
__________________ ___________________________ _____________
Marie E. Connolly Director, President and Chief President and
Operating Officer Treasurer
Joseph F. Tower, III Senior Vice President and Chief Assistant
Financial Officer Treasurer
John E. Pelletier Senior Vice President and General Vice President
Counsel and Secretary
Frederick C. Dey Senior Vice President Vice President
and Assistant
Treasurer
Eric B. Fischman Vice President and Associate Vice President
General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary
John J. Pyburn Vice President Assistant
Treasurer
Jean M. O'Leary Assistant Secretary None
Ruth D. Leibert Assistant Vice President Assistant
Secretary
Paul D. Furcinito Assistant Vice President Assistant
Secretary
John W. Gomez Director None
William J. Nutt Director None
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
________________________________
1. The Shareholder Services Group, Inc.,
a subsidiary of First Data Corporation
P.O. Box 9671
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671
2. The Bank of New York
110 Washington Street
New York, New York 10286
3. The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Item 31. Management Services
_______ ___________________
Not Applicable
Item 32. Undertakings
________ ____________
(1) To call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon
the question of removal of a trustee or trustees when requested
in writing to do so by the holders of at least 10% of the
Registrant's outstanding shares of beneficial interest and in
connection with such meeting to comply with the provisions of
Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 relating to
shareholder communications.
(2) To furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered with a
copy of the Fund's latest Annual Report to Shareholders, upon
request and without charge.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this
Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, and State of
New York on the 27th day of January, 1995.
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
BY: /s/Marie E. Connolly*
_______________________
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, PRESIDENT
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, this Amendment to the Registration Statement
has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the
date indicated.
Signatures Title Date
___________________________ ______________________________ ___________
/s/Marie E. Connolly * President (Principal Executive 01/27/95
______________________________ Officer, Financial and Accounting
Marie E. Connolly Officer)
/s/Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.* Trustee 01/27/95
______________________________
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.
/s/Peggy C. Davis * Trustee 01/27/95
______________________________
Peggy C. Davis
/s/Joseph S. DiMartino * Trustee 01/27/95
______________________________
Joseph S. DiMartino
/s/Ernest Kafka * Trustee 01/27/95
______________________________
Ernst Kafka
/s/Saul B. Klaman * Trustee 01/27/95
______________________________
Saul B. Klaman
/s/Nathan Leventhal * Trustee 01/27/95
______________________________
Nathan Leventhal
*BY: __________________________
Eric B. Fischman,
Attorney-in-Fact
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
ITEM PAGE
(5) Management Agreement
(6)(a) Distribution Agreement
(9) Shareholder Services Plan
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors
(15) Distribution Plan
Other Exhibits:
(a) Powers of Attorney of the Trustees and Officers
(b) Certificate of Assistant Secretary
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
August 24, 1994
The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Dear Sirs:
The above-named investment company (the "Fund")
herewith confirms its agreement with you as follows:
The Fund desires to employ its capital by investing
and reinvesting the same in investments of the type and in
accordance with the limitations specified in its charter
documents and in its Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information as from time to time in effect, copies of which have
been or will be submitted to you, and in such manner and to such
extent as from time to time may be approved by the Fund's Board.
The Fund desires to employ you to act as its investment adviser.
In this connection it is understood that from time to
time you will employ or associate with yourself such person or
persons as you may believe to be particularly fitted to assist
you in the performance of this Agreement. Such person or persons
may be officers or employees who are employed by both you and the
Fund. The compensation of such person or persons shall be paid
by you and no obligation may be incurred on the Fund's behalf in
any such respect.
Subject to the supervision and approval of the Fund's
Board, you will provide investment management of the Fund's
portfolio in accordance with the Fund's investment objectives and
policies as stated in its Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information as from time to time in effect. In connection
therewith, you will obtain and provide investment research and
will supervise the Fund's investments and conduct a continuous
program of investment, evaluation and, if appropriate, sale and
reinvestment of the Fund's assets. You will furnish to the Fund
such statistical information, with respect to the investments
which the Fund may hold or contemplate purchasing, as the Fund
may reasonably request. The Fund wishes to be informed of
important developments materially affecting its portfolio and
shall expect you, on your own initiative, to furnish to the Fund
from time to time such information as you may believe appropriate
for this purpose.
In addition, you will supply office facilities (which
may be in your own offices), data processing services, clerical,
accounting and bookkeeping services, internal auditing and legal
services, internal executive and administrative services, and
stationery and office supplies; prepare reports to the Fund's
stockholders, tax returns, reports to and filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and state Blue Sky
authorities; calculate the net asset value of the Fund's shares;
and generally assist in all aspects of the Fund's operations.
You shall have the right, at your expense, to engage other
entities to assist you in performing some or all of the
obligations set forth in this paragraph, provided each such
entity enters into an agreement with you in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Fund. You agree to be liable for
the acts or omissions of each such entity to the same extent as
if you had acted or failed to act under the circumstances.
You shall exercise your best judgment in rendering the
services to be provided to the Fund hereunder and the Fund agrees
as an inducement to your undertaking the same that you shall not
be liable hereunder for any error of judgment or mistake of law
or for any loss suffered by the Fund, provided that nothing
herein shall be deemed to protect or purport to protect you
against any liability to the Fund or to its security holders to
which you would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of
your duties hereunder, or by reason of your reckless disregard of
your obligations and duties hereunder.
In consideration of services rendered pursuant to this
Agreement, the Fund will pay you on the first business day of
each month a fee at the annual rate of .55 of 1% of the value of
the Fund's average daily net assets. Net asset value shall be
computed on such days and at such time or times as described in
the Fund's then-current Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information. Upon any termination of this Agreement before the
end of any month, the fee for such part of a month shall be pro-
rated according to the proportion which such period bears to the
full monthly period and shall be payable upon the date of
termination of this Agreement.
For the purpose of determining fees payable to you,
the value of the Fund's net assets shall be computed in the
manner specified in the Fund's charter documents for the
computation of the value of the Fund's net assets.
You will bear all expenses in connection with the
performance of your services under this Agreement. All other
expenses to be incurred in the operation of the Fund will be
borne by the Fund, except to the extent specifically assumed by
you. The expenses to be borne by the Fund include, without
limitation, the following: organizational costs, 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 your officers, directors or
employees or holders of 5% or more of your outstanding voting
securities, Securities and Exchange Commission fees and state
Blue Sky qualification fees, advisory fees, charges of
custodians, transfer and dividend disbursing agents' fees,
certain insurance premiums, industry association fees, outside
auditing and legal expenses, costs of independent pricing
services, costs of maintaining the Fund's existence, 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 to existing
stockholders, costs of stockholders' reports and meetings, and
any extraordinary expenses.
If in any fiscal year the aggregate expenses of the
Fund (including fees pursuant to this Agreement, but excluding
interest, taxes, brokerage and, with the prior written consent of
the necessary state securities commissions, extraordinary
expenses) exceed the expense limitation of any state having
jurisdiction over the Fund, the Fund may deduct from the fees to
be paid hereunder, or you will bear, such excess expense to the
extent required by state law. Your obligation pursuant hereto
will be limited to the amount of your fees hereunder. 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 Fund understands that you now act, and that from
time to time hereafter you may act, as investment adviser to one
or more other investment companies and fiduciary or other managed
accounts, and the Fund has no objection to your so acting,
provided that when the purchase or sale of securities of the same
issuer is suitable for the investment objectives of two or more
companies or accounts managed by you which have available funds
for investment, the available securities will be allocated in a
manner believed by you to be equitable to each company or
account. It is recognized that in some cases this procedure may
adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the
size of the position obtainable for or disposed of by the Fund.
In addition, it is understood that the persons
employed by you to assist in the performance of your duties
hereunder will not devote their full time to such service and
nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict
your right or the right of any of your affiliates to engage in
and devote time and attention to other businesses or to render
services of whatever kind or nature.
You shall not be liable for any error of judgment or
mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection
with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except for a
loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence on your part in the performance of your duties or from
reckless disregard by you of your obligations and duties under
this Agreement. Any person, even though also your officer,
director, partner, employee or agent, who may be or become an
officer, Board member, employee or agent of the Fund, shall be
deemed, when rendering services to the Fund or acting on any
business of the Fund, to be rendering such services to or acting
solely for the Fund and not as your officer, director, partner,
employee or agent or one under your control or direction even
though paid by you.
This Agreement shall continue until September 5, 1994,
and thereafter shall continue automatically for successive annual
periods ending on September 5th of each year, provided such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the
Fund's Board or (ii) vote of a majority (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities, provided that in either event its continuance also is
approved by a majority of the Fund's Board members who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in said Act) of any party to
this Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such approval. This Agreement is
terminable without penalty, on 60 days' notice, by the Fund's
Board or by vote of holders of a majority of the Fund's shares
or, upon not less than 90 days' notice, by you. This Agreement
also will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment
(as defined in said Act).
This Agreement has been executed on behalf of the Fund
by the undersigned officer of the Fund in his capacity as an
officer of the Fund. The obligations of this Agreement shall
only be binding upon the assets and property of the Fund and
shall not be binding upon any Board member, officer or
shareholder of the Fund individually.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your
understanding, will you kindly so indicate by signing and
returning to us the enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND
By:___________________________
Accepted:
THE DREYFUS CORPORATION
By:_______________________________
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard
Uniondale, New York 11556-0144
August 24, 1994
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
One Exchange Place
Tenth Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Dear Sirs:
This is to confirm that, in consideration of the agree-
ments hereinafter contained, the above-named investment company
(the "Fund") has agreed that you shall be, for the period of
this agreement, the distributor of (a) shares of each Series of
the Fund set forth on Exhibit A hereto, as such Exhibit may be
revised from time to time (each, a "Series") or (b) if no Series
are set forth on such Exhibit, shares of the Fund. For purposes
of this agreement the term "Shares" shall mean the authorized
shares of the relevant Series, if any, and otherwise shall mean
the Fund's authorized shares.
1. Services as Distributor
1.1 You will act as agent for the distribution of
Shares covered by, and in accordance with, the registration
statement and prospectus then in effect under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, and will transmit promptly any orders
received by you for purchase or redemption of Shares to the
Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent for the Fund of which the
Fund has notified you in writing.
1.2 You agree to use your best efforts to solicit
orders for the sale of Shares. It is contemplated that you will
enter into sales or servicing agreements with securities
dealers, financial institutions and other industry
professionals, such as investment advisers, accountants and
estate planning firms, and in so doing you will act only on your
own behalf as principal.
1.3 You shall act as distributor of Shares in
compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations,
including, without limitation, all rules and regulations made or
adopted pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
securities association registered under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended.
1.4 Whenever in their judgment such action is
warranted by market, economic or political conditions, or by
abnormal circumstances of any kind, the Fund's officers may
decline to accept any orders for, or make any sales of, any
Shares until such time as they deem it advisable to accept such
orders and to make such sales and the Fund shall advise you
promptly of such determination.
1.5 The Fund agrees to pay all costs and expenses in
connection with the registration of Shares under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and all expenses in connection with
maintaining facilities for the issue and transfer of Shares and
for supplying information, prices and other data to be furnished
by the Fund hereunder, and all expenses in connection with the
preparation and printing of the Fund's prospectuses and
statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and
for distribution to shareholders; provided however, that nothing
contained herein shall be deemed to require the Fund to pay any
of the costs of advertising the sale of Shares.
1.6 The Fund agrees to execute any and all documents
and to furnish any and all information and otherwise to take all
actions which may be reasonably necessary in the discretion of
the Fund's officers in connection with the qualification of
Shares for sale in such states as you may designate to the Fund
and the Fund may approve, and the Fund agrees to pay all
expenses which may be incurred in connection with such
qualification. You shall pay all expenses connected with your
own qualification as a dealer under state or Federal laws and,
except as otherwise specifically provided in this agreement, all
other expenses incurred by you in connection with the sale of
Shares as contemplated in this agreement.
1.7 The Fund shall furnish you from time to time, for
use in connection with the sale of Shares, such information with
respect to the Fund or any relevant Series and the Shares as you
may reasonably request, all of which shall be signed by one or
more of the Fund's duly authorized officers; and the Fund
warrants that the statements contained in any such information,
when so signed by the Fund's officers, shall be true and
correct. The Fund also shall furnish you upon request with:
(a) semi-annual reports and annual audited reports of the Fund's
books and accounts made by independent public accountants
regularly retained by the Fund, (b) quarterly earnings
statements prepared by the Fund, (c) a monthly itemized list of
the securities in the Fund's or, if applicable, each Series'
portfolio, (d) monthly balance sheets as soon as practicable
after the end of each month, and (e) from time to time such
additional information regarding the Fund's financial condition
as you may reasonably request.
1.8 The Fund represents to you that all registration
statements and prospectuses filed by the Fund with the Securi-
ties and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, and under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, with respect to the Shares have been carefully prepared
in conformity with the requirements of said Acts and rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission there-
under. As used in this agreement the terms "registration state-
ment" and "prospectus" shall mean any registration statement and
prospectus, including the statement of additional information
incorporated by reference therein, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and any amendments and supplements thereto
which at any time shall have been filed with said Commission.
The Fund represents and warrants to you that any registration
statement and prospectus, when such registration statement
becomes effective, will contain all statements required to be
stated therein in conformity with said Acts and the rules and
regulations of said Commission; that all statements of fact
contained in any such registration statement and prospectus will
be true and correct when such registration statement becomes
effective; and that neither any registration statement nor any
prospectus when such registration statement becomes effective
will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein not misleading. The Fund may but
shall not be obligated to propose from time to time such amend-
ment or amendments to any registration statement and such
supplement or supplements to any prospectus as, in the light of
future developments, may, in the opinion of the Fund's counsel,
be necessary or advisable. If the Fund shall not propose such
amendment or amendments and/or supplement or supplements within
fifteen days after receipt by the Fund of a written request from
you to do so, you may, at your option, terminate this agreement
or decline to make offers of the Fund's securities until such
amendments are made. The Fund shall not file any amendment to
any registration statement or supplement to any prospectus
without giving you reasonable notice thereof in advance;
provided, however, that nothing contained in this agreement
shall in any way limit the Fund's right to file at any time such
amendments to any registration statement and/or supplements to
any prospectus, of whatever character, as the Fund may deem
advisable, such right being in all respects absolute and
unconditional.
1.9 The Fund authorizes you to use any prospectus in
the form furnished to you from time to time, in connection with
the sale of Shares. The Fund agrees to indemnify, defend and
hold you, your several officers and directors, and any person
who controls you within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securi-
ties Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless from and against
any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including
the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection there-
with) which you, your officers and directors, or any such con-
trolling person, may incur under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or
based upon any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of
a material fact contained in any registration statement or any
prospectus or arising out of or based upon any omission, or
alleged omission, to state a material fact required to be stated
in either any registration statement or any prospectus or
necessary to make the statements in either thereof not
misleading; provided, however, that the Fund's agreement to
indemnify you, your officers or directors, and any such control-
ling person shall not be deemed to cover any claims, demands,
liabilities or expenses arising out of any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in
any registration statement or prospectus in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished to the Fund by you
specifically for use in the preparation thereof. The Fund's
agreement to indemnify you, your officers and directors, and any
such controlling person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned
upon the Fund's being notified of any action brought against
you, your officers or directors, or any such controlling person,
such notification to be given by letter or by telegram addressed
to the Fund at its address set forth above within ten days after
the summons or other first legal process shall have been served.
The failure so to notify the Fund of any such action shall not
relieve the Fund from any liability which the Fund may have to
the person against whom such action is brought by reason of any
such untrue, or alleged untrue, statement or omission, or
alleged omission, otherwise than on account of the Fund's
indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph 1.9. The Fund
will be entitled to assume the defense of any suit brought to
enforce any such claim, demand or liability, but, in such case,
such defense shall be conducted by counsel of good standing
chosen by the Fund and approved by you. In the event the Fund
elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain counsel
of good standing approved by you, the defendant or defendants in
such suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional
counsel retained by any of them; but in case the Fund does not
elect to assume the defense of any such suit, or in case you do
not approve of counsel chosen by the Fund, the Fund will
reimburse you, your officers and directors, or the controlling
person or persons named as defendant or defendants in such suit,
for the fees and expenses of any counsel retained by you or
them. The Fund's indemnification agreement contained in this
paragraph 1.9 and the Fund's representations and warranties in
this agreement shall remain operative and in full force and
effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of
you, your officers and directors, or any controlling person, and
shall survive the delivery of any Shares. This agreement of
indemnity will inure exclusively to your benefit, to the benefit
of your several officers and directors, and their respective
estates, and to the benefit of any controlling persons and their
successors. The Fund agrees promptly to notify you of the
commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Fund
or any of its officers or Board members in connection with the
issue and sale of Shares.
1.10 You agree to indemnify, defend and hold the Fund,
its several officers and Board members, and any person who con-
trols the Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securi-
ties Act of 1933, as amended, free and harmless from and against
any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including
the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or
liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection there-
with) which the Fund, its officers or Board members, or any such
controlling person, may incur under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, or under common law or otherwise, but only to the
extent that such liability or expense incurred by the Fund, its
officers or Board members, or such controlling person resulting
from such claims or demands, shall arise out of or be based upon
any untrue, or alleged untrue, statement of a material fact
contained in information furnished in writing by you to the Fund
specifically for use in the Fund's registration statement and
used in the answers to any of the items of the registration
statement or in the corresponding statements made in the pro-
spectus, or shall arise out of or be based upon any omission, or
alleged omission, to state a material fact in connection with
such information furnished in writing by you to the Fund and
required to be stated in such answers or necessary to make such
information not misleading. Your agreement to indemnify the
Fund, its officers and Board members, and any such controlling
person, as aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon your being
notified of any action brought against the Fund, its officers or
Board members, or any such controlling person, such notification
to be given by letter or telegram addressed to you at your
address set forth above within ten days after the summons or
other first legal process shall have been served. You shall
have the right to control the defense of such action, with
counsel of your own choosing, satisfactory to the Fund, if such
action is based solely upon such alleged misstatement or
omission on your part, and in any other event the Fund, its
officers or Board members, or such controlling person shall each
have the right to participate in the defense or preparation of
the defense of any such action. The failure so to notify you of
any such action shall not relieve you from any liability which
you may have to the Fund, its officers or Board members, or to
such controlling person by reason of any such untrue, or alleged
untrue, statement or omission, or alleged omission, otherwise
than on account of your indemnity agreement contained in this
paragraph 1.10. This agreement of indemnity will inure
exclusively to the Fund's benefit, to the benefit of the Fund's
officers and Board members, and their respective estates, and to
the benefit of any controlling persons and their successors.
You agree promptly to notify the Fund of the commencement of any
litigation or proceedings against you or any of your officers or
directors in connection with the issue and sale of Shares.
1.11 No Shares shall be offered by either you or the
Fund under any of the provisions of this agreement and no orders
for the purchase or sale of such Shares hereunder shall be
accepted by the Fund if and so long as the effectiveness of the
registration statement then in effect or any necessary amend-
ments thereto shall be suspended under any of the provisions of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or if and so long as a
current prospectus as required by Section 10 of said Act, as
amended, is not on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission; provided, however, that nothing contained in this
paragraph 1.11 shall in any way restrict or have an application
to or bearing upon the Fund's obligation to repurchase any
Shares from any shareholder in accordance with the provisions of
the Fund's prospectus or charter documents.
1.12 The Fund agrees to advise you immediately in
writing:
(a) of any request by the Securities and Exchange
Commission for amendments to the registration statement
or prospectus then in effect or for additional
information;
(b) in the event of the issuance by the Securities
and Exchange Commission of any stop order suspending
the effectiveness of the registration statement or pro-
spectus then in effect or the initiation of any
proceeding for that purpose;
(c) of the happening of any event which makes
untrue any statement of a material fact made in the
registration statement or prospectus then in effect or
which requires the making of a change in such registra-
tion statement or prospectus in order to make the
statements therein not misleading; and
(d) of all actions of the Securities and
Exchange Commission with respect to any amendments to
any registration statement or prospectus which may from
time to time be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
2. Offering Price
Shares of any class of the Fund offered for sale by you
shall be offered for sale at a price per share (the "offering
price") approximately equal to (a) their net asset value
(determined in the manner set forth in the Fund's charter
documents) plus (b) a sales charge, if any and except to those
persons set forth in the then-current prospectus, which shall be
the percentage of the offering price of such Shares as set forth
in the Fund's then-current prospectus. The offering price, if
not an exact multiple of one cent, shall be adjusted to the
nearest cent. In addition, Shares of any class of the Fund
offered for sale by you may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge as set forth in the Fund's then-current prospectus.
You shall be entitled to receive any sales charge or contingent
deferred sales charge in respect of the Shares. Any payments to
dealers shall be governed by a separate agreement between you
and such dealer and the Fund's then-current prospectus.
3. Term
This agreement shall continue until the date (the
"Reapproval Date") set forth on Exhibit A hereto (and, if the
Fund has Series, a separate Reapproval Date shall be specified
on Exhibit A for each Series), and thereafter shall continue
automatically for successive annual periods ending on the day
(the "Reapproval Day") of each year set forth on Exhibit A
hereto, provided such continuance is specifically approved at
least annually by (i) the Fund's Board or (ii) vote of a
majority (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of
the Shares of the Fund or the relevant Series, as the case may
be, provided that in either event its continuance also is
approved by a majority of the Board members who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in said Act) of any party to
this agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such approval. This agreement is
terminable without penalty, on 60 days' notice, by vote of
holders of a majority of the Fund's or, as to any relevant
Series, such Series' outstanding voting securities or by the
Fund's Board as to the Fund or the relevant Series, as the case
may be. This agreement is terminable by you, upon 270 days'
notice, effective on or after the fifth anniversary of the date
hereof. This agreement also will terminate automatically, as to
the Fund or relevant Series, as the case may be, in the event of
its assignment (as defined in said Act).
4. Exclusivity
So long as you act as the distributor of Shares, you
shall not perform any services for any entity other than
investment companies advised or administered by The Dreyfus
Corporation. The Fund acknowledges that the persons employed by
you to assist in the performance of your duties under this
agreement may not devote their full time to such service and
nothing contained in this agreement shall be deemed to limit or
restrict your or any of your affiliates right to engage in and
devote time and attention to other businesses or to render
services of whatever kind or nature.
5. Miscellaneous
This agreement has been executed on behalf of the Fund
by the undersigned officer of the Fund in his capacity as an
officer of the Fund. The obligations of this agreement shall
only be binding upon the assets and property of the Fund and
shall not be binding upon any Board member, officer or
shareholder of the Fund individually.
Please confirm that the foregoing is in accordance with
your understanding and indicate your acceptance hereof by
signing below, whereupon it shall become a binding agreement
between us.
Very truly yours,
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
By:
Accepted:
PREMIER MUTUAL FUND SERVICES, INC.
By:________________________
EXHIBIT A
Reapproval Date Reapproval Day
September 5, 1995 September 5th
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
Introduction: It has been proposed that the above-
captioned investment company (the "Fund") adopt a Shareholder
Services Plan under which the Fund would pay the Fund's
distributor (the "Distributor") for providing services to (a)
shareholders of each series of the Fund or class of Fund shares
set forth on Exhibit A hereto, as such Exhibit may be revised
from time to time, or (b) if no series or classes are set forth
on such Exhibit, shareholders of the Fund. The Distributor would
be permitted to pay certain financial institutions, securities
dealers and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service
Agents") in respect of these services. The Plan is not to be
adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), and the fee under the Plan is
intended to be a "service fee" as defined in Article III, Section
26, of the NASD Rules of Fair Practice.
The Fund's Board, in considering whether the Fund
should implement a written plan, has requested and evaluated such
information as it deemed necessary to an informed determination
as to whether a written plan should be implemented and has
considered such pertinent factors as it deemed necessary to form
the basis for a decision to use Fund assets for such purposes.
In voting to approve the implementation of such a plan,
the Board has concluded, in the exercise of its reasonable
business judgment and in light of applicable fiduciary duties,
that there is a reasonable likelihood that the plan set forth
below will benefit the Fund and its shareholders.
The Plan: The material aspects of this Plan are as
follows:
1. The Fund shall pay to the Distributor a fee at the
annual rate set forth on Exhibit A in respect of the provision of
personal services to shareholders and/or the maintenance of
shareholder accounts. The Distributor shall determine the
amounts to be paid to Service Agents and the basis on which such
payments will be made. Payments to a Service Agent are subject
to compliance by the Service Agent with the terms of any related
Plan agreement between the Service Agent and the Distributor.
2. For the purpose of determining the fees payable
under this Plan, the value of the net assets of the Fund or the
net assets attributable to each series or class of Fund shares
identified on Exhibit A, as applicable, shall be computed in the
manner specified in the Fund's charter documents for the
computation of net asset value.
3. The Board shall be provided, at least quarterly,
with a written report of all amounts expended pursuant to this
Plan. The report shall state the purpose for which the amounts
were expended.
4. This Plan will become effective immediately upon
approval by a majority of the Board members, including a majority
of the Board members who are not "interested persons" (as defined
in the Act) of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of this Plan or in any agreements
entered into in connection with this Plan, pursuant to a vote
cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
the approval of this Plan.
5. This Plan shall continue for a period of one year
from its effective date, unless earlier terminated in accordance
with its terms, and thereafter shall continue automatically for
successive annual periods, provided such continuance is approved
at least annually in the manner provided in paragraph 4 hereof.
6. This Plan may be amended at any time by the Board,
provided that any material amendments of the terms of this Plan
shall become effective only upon approval as provided in
paragraph 4 hereof.
7. This Plan is terminable without penalty at any
time by vote of a majority of the Board members who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and have
no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this
Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with this
Plan.
8. The obligations hereunder and under any related
Plan agreement shall only be binding upon the assets and property
of the Fund or the affected series or class, as the case may be,
and shall not be binding upon any Board member, officer or
shareholder of the Fund individually.
Dated: January 15, 1993
As Revised: August 24, 1994
EXHIBIT A
Fee as a percentage of
Name of Class average daily net assets
Class A .25
Class B .25
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Condensed
Financial Information" and "Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing
Agent, Counsel and Independent Auditors" and to the use of our report
dated January 5, 1995, in this Registration Statement (Form N-1A 33-7497)
of Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
January 24, 1995
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
Introduction: It has been proposed that the above-
captioned investment company (the "Fund") adopt a Distribution
Plan (the "Plan") relating to its Class B shares in accordance
with Rule 12b-1, promulgated under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "Act"). Under the Plan, the Fund would
pay the Fund's distributor (the "Distributor") for distributing
the Fund's Class B shares. If this proposal is to be
implemented, the Act and said Rule 12b-1 require that a written
plan describing all material aspects of the proposed financing
be adopted by the Fund.
The Fund's Board, in considering whether the Fund
should implement a written plan, has requested and evaluated
such information as it deemed necessary to an informed
determination as to whether a written plan should be implemented
and has considered such pertinent factors as it deemed necessary
to form the basis for a decision to use assets attributable to
the Fund's Class B shares for such purposes.
In voting to approve the implementation of such a plan,
the Board members have concluded, in the exercise of their
reasonable business judgment and in light of their respective
fiduciary duties, that there is a reasonable likelihood that the
plan set forth below will benefit the Fund and holders of its
Class B shares.
The Plan: The material aspects of this Plan are as
follows:
1. The Fund shall pay to the Distributor for
distribution a fee at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the value
of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B.
2. For the purposes of determining the fees payable
under this Plan, the value of the Fund's net assets attributable
to Class B shall be computed in the manner specified in the
Fund's charter documents as then in effect for the computation
of the value of the Fund's net assets attributable to such
Class.
3. The Fund's Board shall be provided, at least
quarterly, with a written report of all amounts expended
pursuant to this Plan. The report shall state the purpose for
which the amounts were expended.
4. This Plan will become effective upon the later to
occur of (i) the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
as of December 5, 1993 by and among Mellon Bank Corporation,
Mellon Bank, N.A., XYZ Sub Corporation and The Dreyfus
Corporation or (ii) approval by (a) holders of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding Class B shares, and (b) a majority of the
Board members, including a majority of the Board members who are
not "interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation
of this Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection
with this Plan, pursuant to a vote cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on the approval of this Plan.
5. This Plan shall continue for a period of one year
from its effective date, unless earlier terminated in accordance
with its terms, and thereafter shall continue automatically for
successive annual periods, provided such continuance is approved
at least annually in the manner provided in paragraph 4(b)
hereof.
6. This Plan may be amended at any time by the Fund's
Board, provided that (a) any amendment to increase materially
the costs which the Fund may bear pursuant to this Plan shall be
effective only upon approval by a vote of the holders of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding Class B shares, and (b) any
material amendments of the terms of this Plan shall become
effective only upon approval as provided in paragraph 4(b)
hereof.
7. This Plan is terminable without penalty at any
time by (a) vote of a majority of the Board members who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation
of this Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection
with this Plan, or (b) vote of the holders of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding Class B shares.
8. The obligations hereunder and under any related
Plan agreement shall only be binding upon the assets and
property of the Fund and shall not be binding upon any Board
member, officer or shareholder of the Fund individually.
Dated: May 26, 1994
Other Exhibits (a)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frederick C. Dey,
Eric B. Fischman, Ruth D. Leibert and John E. Pelletier and each of them,
with full power to act without the other, his or her true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities (until revoked in writing) to sign any and all amendments to
the Registration Statement for each Fund listed on Schedule A attached
hereto (including post-effective amendments and amendments thereto), and
to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any
of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Marie E. Connolly
Marie E. Connolly, President and Treasurer
SCHEDULE A
GROUPS IV & V
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc.
General California Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
General California Municipal Money Market Fund
General Government Securities Money Market Fund, Inc.
General Money Market Fund, Inc.
General Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
General Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
Premier California Municipal Bond Fund
Premier GNMA Fund
Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Premier Insured Municipal Bond Fund
Premier Municipal Bond Fund
Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
Premier State Municipal Bond Fund
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned hereby constitute and appoint Frederick C. Dey, Eric
B. Fischman, Ruth D. Leibert and John E. Pelletier and each of them, with
full power to act without the other, his or her true and lawful attorney-
in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for
him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities (until revoked in writing) to sign any and all amendments to
the Registration Statement for each Fund listed on Schedule A attached
hereto (including post-effective amendments and amendments thereto), and
to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any
of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr., Board Member
/s/ Peggy C. Davis
Peggy C. Davis, Board Member
/s/Ernest Kafka
Ernest Kafka, Board Member
/s/Saul B. Klaman
Saul B. Klaman, Board Member
/s/Nathan Leventhal
Nathan Leventhal, Board Member
Dated August 30, 1994
SCHEDULE A
GROUPS IV & V
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc.
General California Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
General California Municipal Money Market Fund
General Government Securities Money Market Fund, Inc.
General Money Market Fund, Inc.
General Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
General Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
Premier California Municipal Bond Fund
Premier GNMA Fund
Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Premier Insured Municipal Bond Fund
Premier Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
Premier Municipal Bond Fund
Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
Premier State Municipal Bond Fund
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frederick C. Dey,
Eric B. Fischman, Ruth D. Leibert and John E. Pelletier and each of them,
with full power to act without the other, his or her true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities (until revoked in writing) to sign any and all
amendments to the Registration Statement for each Fund listed on Schedule
A attached hereto (including post-effective amendments and amendments
thereto), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents
or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Joseph S. DiMartino, Board Member
Dated January 18, 1995
SCHEDULE A
GROUPS IV & V
Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc.
General California Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
General California Municipal Money Market Fund
General Government Securities Money Market Fund, Inc.
General Money Market Fund, Inc.
General Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
General Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
Premier California Municipal Bond Fund
Premier GNMA Fund
Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Premier Insured Municipal Bond Fund
Premier Limited Term Municipal Bond Fund
Premier Municipal Bond Fund
Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
Premier State Municipal Bond Fund
OTHER EXHIBITS(b)
PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Certificate of Assistant Secretary
The undersigned, Eric B. Fischman, Assistant Secretary of Premier
New York Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund"), hereby certifies that set forth
below is a copy of the resolution adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees
authorizing the signing of Mark N. Jacobs or Robert R. Mullery on behalf
of the Fund pursuant to a power of attorney.
RESOLVED, that the Registration Statement and any and all
amendments and supplements thereto, may be signed by any of Mark
N. Jacobs and Robert R. Mullery as the attorney-in-fact for the
proper officers of the Corporation, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution; and that the appointment of
each of such persons as such attorney-in-fact is authorized and
approved; and that such attorneys-in-fact, and each of them,
shall have full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
connection with such Registration Statement and any and all
amendments and supplements thereto, as fully to all intents and
purposes as the officer, for whom he is acting as
attorney-in-fact, might or could do in person.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the
seal of the Fund on January 11, 1995.
______________________
Eric B. Fischman
Assistant Secretary
(SEAL)
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