File Nos. 33-7497
811-4765
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. 20 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Amendment No. 20 [X]
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
DREYFUS 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
Mark N. Jacobs, 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)
----
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
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X on April 1, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
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75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
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on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485
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If appropriate, check the following box:
this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date
for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
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Dreyfus Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
Investing for income exempt from federal, New York state and New York city
income taxes
PROSPECTUS April 1, 1999
(reg.tm)
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not
approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
<PAGE>
The Fund
Dreyfus Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
---------------------------------
Ticker Symbols CLASS A: PSNYX
CLASS B: PRNBX
CLASS C: PNYCX
Contents
The Fund
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Goal/Approach INSIDE COVER
Main Risks 1
Past Performance 1
Expenses 2
Management 3
Financial Highlights 4
Your Investment
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Account Policies 6
Distributions and Taxes 8
Services for Fund Investors 9
Instructions for Regular Accounts 10
For More Information
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INFORMATION ON THE FUND'S RECENT STRATEGIES AND HOLDINGS CAN BE FOUND IN THE
CURRENT ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT. SEE BACK COVER.
GOAL/APPROACH
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal, New York state
and New York city personal income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation
of capital. To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests substantially all of
its assets in municipal bonds the interest from which is exempt from federal,
New York state and New York city personal income taxes.
The fund will invest at least 70% of its assets in investment grade municipal
bonds or the unrated equivalent as determined by Dreyfus. For additional yield,
it may invest up to 30% of net assets in municipal bonds rated below investment
grade ("high yield" or "junk" bonds) or the unrated equivalent as determined by
Dreyfus.
The portfolio manager buys and sells bonds based on credit quality, financial
outlook and yield potential. Bonds with deteriorating credit quality are
potential sell candidates, while those offering higher yields are potential buy
candidates.
Concepts to understand
MUNICIPAL BONDS: debt securities that provide income free from federal income
tax. Municipal bonds are typically divided into two types:
(pound) GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, which are secured by the full faith and credit
of the issuer and its taxing power
(pound) REVENUE BONDS, which are payable from the revenue derived from a
specific revenue source, such as charges for water and sewer service or highway
tolls
INSIDE COVER
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
Prices of bonds tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. While a
rise in rates may allow the fund to invest for higher yields, the most immediate
effect is usually a drop in bond prices, and therefore in the fund's share price
as well. As a result, the value of your investment in the fund could go up and
down, which means that you could lose money.
Other risk factors could have an effect on the fund's performance:
(pound) if an issuer fails to make timely interest or
principal payments or there is a decline in the credit quality of a bond, or
perception of a decline, the bond's value could fall, potentially lowering
the fund's share price
(pound) New York's economy and revenues underlying
municipal bonds may decline
(pound) investing primarily in a single state may make
the fund's portfolio securities more sensitive to risks specific to the stat
(pound) lower-rated, higher-yielding municipal
obligations are subject to greater credit risk, including the risk of
default, than investment grade obligations; lower-rated bonds tend to be more
volatile and less liquid
Although the fund's objective is to generate income exempt from federal, New
York state and New York city income taxes, interest from some of its holdings
may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. In addition, the fund
occasionally may invest in taxable bonds and municipal bonds that are exempt
only from federal personal income tax.
Other potential risks
The fund may invest in certain derivatives, such as futures and options.
Derivatives can be illiquid and highly sensitive to changes in their underlying
security, interest rate or index, and as a result can be highly volatile. A
small investment in certain derivatives could have a potentially large impact on
the fund's performance.
The fund is non-diversified, which means that a relatively high percentage of
the fund's assets may be invested in a limited number of issuers. Therefore, its
performance may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single
issuer or group of issuers.
PAST PERFORMANCE
The first table shows how the performance of the fund's Class A shares has
varied from year to year. Sales loads are not reflected in that table; if they
were, returns would be less than those shown. The second table compares the
performance of each of the fund's share classes over time to that of the Lehman
Brothers Municipal Bond Index, a widely recognized unmanaged index of bond
performance. These returns reflect any applicable sales loads. Both tables
assume the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all mutual
funds, the past is not a prediction of the future.
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Year-by-year total return AS OF 12/31 EACH YEAR (%)
BEST QUARTER: Q2 '89 8.04%
WORST QUARTER: Q1 '94 -5.18%
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual total return AS OF 12/31/98
Since
Inception date 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years Inception
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A (12/31/86) 1.33% 4.96% 7.94% --
CLASS B (1/15/93) 1.66% 5.06% -- 6.60%
CLASS C (9/11/95) 4.42% -- -- 6.44%
LEHMAN BROTHERS
MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX 6.48% 6.22% 8.22% --
</TABLE>
What this fund is -- and isn't
This fund is a mutual fund: a pooled investment that is professionally managed
and gives you the opportunity to participate in financial markets. It strives to
reach its stated goal, although as with all mutual funds, it cannot offer
guaranteed results.
An investment in this fund is not a bank deposit. It is not insured or
guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. It is not a complete
investment program. You could lose money in this fund, but you also have the
potential to make money.
The Fund 1
<PAGE>
EXPENSES
As an investor, you pay certain fees and expenses in connection with the fund,
which are described in the tables below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fee table
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
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SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION FEES (FEES PAID FROM YOUR ACCOUNT)
Maximum sales charge on purchases
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AS A % OF OFFERING PRICE 4.50 NONE NONE
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC)
AS A % OF PURCHASE OR SALE PRICE, WHICHEVER IS LESS NONE* 4.00 1.00
Maximum account fee
CHARGED ONLY TO REGULAR ACCOUNTS WITH BALANCES BELOW $2,000
(SEE "YOUR INVESTMENT--ACCOUNT POLICIES") $12 $12 $12
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ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES PAID FROM FUND ASSETS)
% OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
Management fees .55 .55 .55
12b-1 fee NONE .50 .75
Shareholder services fee .25 .25 .25
Other expenses .13 .14 .07
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TOTAL .93 1.44 1.62
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
* SHARES BOUGHT WITHOUT AN INITIAL SALES CHARGE AS PART OF AN INVESTMENT OF $1
MILLION OR MORE MAY BE CHARGED A CDSC OF 1.00% IF REDEEMED WITHIN ONE YEAR.
Expense example
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A $541 $733 $942 $1,542
CLASS B
WITH REDEMPTION $547 $756 $987 $1,459**
WITHOUT REDEMPTION $147 $456 $787 $1,724**
CLASS C
WITH REDEMPTION $265 $511 $881 $1,922
WITHOUT REDEMPTION $165 $511 $881 $1,922
</TABLE>
** ASSUMES CONVERSION OF CLASS B TO CLASS A AT END OF THE SIXTH YEAR FOLLOWING
THE DATE OF PURCHASE.
This example shows what you could pay in expenses over time. It uses the same
hypothetical conditions other funds use in their prospectuses: $10,000 initial
investment, 5% total return each year and no changes in expenses. Because actual
return and expenses will be different, the example is for comparison only.
Concepts to understand
MANAGEMENT FEE: the fee paid to Dreyfus for managing the fund's portfolio and
assisting in all aspects of its operation.
12B-1 FEE: the fee paid to Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc., the fund's
distributor, to finance the sale of Class B and Class C shares. Because this fee
is paid out of the fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time it will increase
the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of
sales charges.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES FEE: a fee paid to the fund's distributor for shareholder
account service and maintenance.
OTHER EXPENSES: fees paid by the fund for miscellaneous items such as transfer
agency, custody, professional and registration fees.
2
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
The investment adviser for the fund is The Dreyfus Corporation, 200 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10166. Founded in 1947, Dreyfus manages one of the nation's
leading mutual fund complexes, with more than $117 billion in more than 160
mutual fund portfolios. Dreyfus is the mutual fund business of Mellon Bank
Corporation, a broad-based financial services company with a bank at its core.
With more than $350 billion of assets under management and $1.7 trillion of
assets under administration and custody, Mellon provides a full range of
banking, investment and trust products and services to individuals, businesses
and institutions. Its mutual fund companies place Mellon as the leading bank
manager of mutual funds. Mellon is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Management philosophy
The Dreyfus asset management philosophy is based on the belief that discipline
and consistency are important to investment success. For each fund, the firm
seeks to establish clear guidelines for portfolio management and to be
systematic in making decisions. This approach is designed to provide each fund
with a distinct, stable identity.
Portfolio manager
The fund is managed by Monica Wiebolt. Ms. Wiebolt has managed the fund since
January 1996 and has been employed by Dreyfus as a portfolio manager since
November 1983.
Concepts to understand
YEAR 2000 ISSUES: the fund could be adversely affected if the computer systems
used by Dreyfus and the fund's other service providers do not properly process
and calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000.
Dreyfus is working to avoid year 2000-related problems in its systems and to
obtain assurances from other service providers that they are taking similar
steps. In addition, issuers of securities in which the fund invests may be
adversely affected by year 2000-related problems. This could have an impact on
the value of the fund's investments and its share price.
The Fund 3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance of each share class for the fiscal
periods indicated. "Total return" shows how much your investment in the fund
would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had
reinvested all dividends and distributions. These figures have been
independently audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report, along with the fund's
financial statements, is included in the annual report.
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
CLASS A 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
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PER-SHARE DATA ($)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period 15.22 14.94 14.93 13.01 14.97
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .69 .71 .73 .75 .75
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments .45 .35 .01 1.92 (1.86)
Total from investment operations 1.14 1.06 .74 2.67 (1.11)
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.69) (.71) (.73) (.75) (.75)
Dividends from net realized gain
on investments (.24) (.07) -- -- (.10)
Total distributions (.93) (.78) (.73) (.75) (.85)
Net asset value, end of period 15.43 15.22 14.94 14.93 13.01
Total return (%)* 7.74 7.31 5.17 20.93 (7.76)
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RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) .93 .92 .92 .94 .89
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 4.50 4.78 4.99 5.27 5.25
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios due to actions by manager (%) -- -- -- -- .04
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 34.48 74.84 53.74 74.11 31.76
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Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 134,432 128,811 135,413 146,207 137,978
* EXCLUSIVE OF SALES LOAD.
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
CLASS B 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
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PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 15.22 14.94 14.93 13.02 14.97
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .61 .63 .65 .67 .67
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments .45 .35 .01 1.91 (1.85)
Total from investment operations 1.06 .98 .66 2.58 (1.18)
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.61) (.63) (.65) (.67) (.67)
Dividends from net realized gain
on investments (.24) (.07) -- -- (.10)
Total distributions (.85) (.70) (.65) (.67) (.77)
Net asset value, end of period 15.43 15.22 14.94 14.93 13.02
Total return (%)* 7.20 6.77 4.61 20.20 (8.20)
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RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.44 1.44 1.44 1.46 1.44
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 3.99 4.26 4.45 4.72 4.70
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios due to actions by manager (%) -- -- -- -- .04
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 34.48 74.84 53.74 74.11 31.76
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Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 83,437 80,142 71,392 66,873 52,970
* EXCLUSIVE OF SALES LOAD.
4
<PAGE>
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
CLASS C 1998 1997 1996 1995(1)
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PER-SHARE DATA ($)
Net asset value, beginning of period 15.23 14.95 14.93 14.61
Investment operations: Investment income -- net .57 .60 .62 .14
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments .44 .35 .02 .32
Total from investment operations 1.01 .95 .64 .46
Distributions: Dividends from investment income -- net (.57) (.60) (.62) (.14)
Dividends from net realized gain
on investments (.24) (.07) -- --
Total distributions (.81) (.67) (.62) (.14)
Net asset value, end of period 15.43 15.23 14.95 14.93
Total return (%)(2) 6.87 6.50 4.43 14.19(3)
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RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.62 1.69 1.59 1.74(3)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 3.63 4.08 3.98 4.00(3)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 34.48 74.84 53.74 74.11
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Net assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) 1,588 87 485 1
(1) FROM SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 (COMMENCEMENT OF INITIAL OFFERING) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1995.
(2) EXCLUSIVE OF SALES LOAD.
(3) ANNUALIZED.
</TABLE>
The Fund 5
<PAGE>
Your Investment
ACCOUNT POLICIES
THE DREYFUS PREMIER FUNDS are designed primarily for people who are investing
through a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or financial adviser. Third
parties with whom you open a fund account may impose policies, limitations and
fees which are different from those described here.
YOU WILL NEED TO CHOOSE A SHARE CLASS before making your initial investment. In
making your choice, you should weigh the impact of all potential costs over the
length of your investment, including sales charges and annual fees. For example,
in some cases, it can be more economical to pay an initial sales charge than to
choose a class with no initial sales charge but higher annual fees and a
contigent deferred sales charge (CDSC).
(pound) CLASS A shares may be appropriate for investors who prefer to pay the
fund's sales charge up front rather than upon the sale of their shares, want to
take advantage of the reduced sales charges available on larger investments
and/or have a longer-term investment horizon
(pound) CLASS B shares may be appropriate for investors who wish to avoid a
front-end sales charge, put 100% of their investment dollars to work immediately
and/or have a longer-term investment horizon
(pound) CLASS C shares may be appropriate for investors who wish to avoid a
front-end sales charge, put 100% of their investment dollars to work immediately
and/or have a shorter-term investment horizon
Your financial representative can help you choose the share class that is
appropriate for you.
Share class charges
EACH SHARE CLASS has its own fee structure. In some cases, you may not have to
pay a sales charge to buy or sell shares. Consult your financial representative
or the SAI to see if this may apply to you. Shareholders owning Class B shares
on or prior to November 30, 1996, may be eligible for a lower CDSC.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sales charges
CLASS A -- CHARGED WHEN YOU BUY SHARES
Sales charge Sales charge as
deducted as a % a % of your
Your investment of offering price net investment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000 4.50% 4.70%
$50,000 -- $99,999 4.00% 4.20%
$100,000 -- $249,999 3.00% 3.10%
$250,000 -- $499,999 2.50% 2.60%
$500,000 -- $999,999 2.00% 2.00%
$1 million or more* 0.00% 0.00%
* A 1.00% CDSC may be charged on any shares sold within one year of purchase (except shares bought through
reinvestment).
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</TABLE>
CLASS B -- CHARGED WHEN YOU SELL SHARES
CDSC as a % of your initial
Time since you bought investment or your redemption
the shares you are selling (whichever is less)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 2 years 4.00%
2 -- 4 years 3.00%
4 -- 5 years 2.00%
5 -- 6 years 1.00%
More than 6 years Shares will automatically
convert to Class A
Class B shares also carry an annual Rule 12b-1 fee of 0.50% of the class's
average daily net assets.
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CLASS C -- CHARGED WHEN YOU SELL SHARES
A 1.00% CDSC is imposed on redemptions made within the first year of purchase.
Class C shares also carry an annual Rule 12b-1 fee of 0.75% of the class's
average daily net assets.
Reduced Class A sales charge
LETTER OF INTENT: lets you purchase Class A shares over a 13-month period and
receive the same sales charge as if all shares had been purchased at once.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION: lets you add the value of any Class A, B or C shares in
this fund or any other Dreyfus Premier fund sold with a sales load that you
already own to the amount of your next Class A investment for purposes of
calculating the sales charge.
CONSULT THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI) OR YOUR FINANCIAL
REPRESENTATIVE FOR MORE DETAILS.
6
<PAGE>
Buying shares
THE NET ASSET VALUE (NAV) of each class is generally calculated as of the close
of trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time) every day the exchange is open. Your order will be priced at the next NAV
calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer agent or other
entity authorized to accept orders on behalf of the fund. The fund's investments
are generally valued based on fair value as determined by an independent pricing
service approved and supervised by the fund's board. Because the fund seeks
tax-exempt income, it is not recommended for purchase in IRAs or other qualified
plans.
ORDERS TO BUY AND SELL SHARES RECEIVED BY DEALERS by the close of trading on the
NYSE and transmitted to the distributor or its designee by the close of its
business day (normally 5:15 p.m. Eastern time) will be based on the NAV
determined as of the close of trading on the NYSE that day.
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Minimum investments
Initial Additional
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REGULAR ACCOUNTS $1,000 $100; $500 FOR
TELETRANSFER INVESTMENTS
DREYFUS AUTOMATIC $100 $100
INVESTMENT PLANS
All investments must be in U.S. dollars. Third-party checks cannot be accepted.
You may be charged a fee for any check that does not clear. Maximum TeleTransfer
purchase is $150,000 per day.
Concepts to understand
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV): the market value of one share, computed by dividing the
total net assets of a fund or class by its shares outstanding. The fund's Class
A shares are offered to the public at NAV plus a sales charge. Classes B and C
are offered at NAV, but are subject to annual distribution fees and a CDSC.
Selling shares
YOU MAY SELL SHARES AT ANY TIME through your financial representative, or you
can contact the fund directly. Your shares will be sold at the next NAV
calculated after your order is accepted by the fund's transfer agent or other
entity authorized to accept orders on behalf of the fund. Any certificates
representing fund shares being sold must be returned with your redemption
request. Your order will be processed promptly and you will generally receive
the proceeds within a week.
TO KEEP YOUR CDSC AS LOW AS POSSIBLE, each time you request to sell shares we
will first sell shares that are not subject to a CDSC, and then those subject to
the lowest charge. The CDSC is based on the lesser of the original purchase cost
or the current market value of the shares being sold, and is not charged on
shares you acquired by reinvesting your dividends. There are certain instances
when you may qualify to have the CDSC waived. Consult your financial
representative or the SAI for details.
BEFORE SELLING OR WRITING A CHECK against recently purchased shares, please note
that if the fund has not yet collected payment for the shares you are selling,
it may delay sending the proceeds for up to eight business days or until it has
collected payment.
Written sell orders
Some circumstances require written sell orders along with signature guarantees.
These include:
(pound) amounts of $1,000 or more on accounts whose address has been changed
within the last 30 days
(pound) requests to send the proceeds to a different payee or address
Written sell orders of $100,000 or more must also be signature guaranteed.
A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE helps protect against fraud. You can obtain one from most
banks or securities dealers, but not from a notary public. For joint accounts,
each signature must be guaranteed. Please call us to ensure that your signature
guarantee will be processed correctly.
Your Investment 7
<PAGE>
ACCOUNT POLICIES (CONTINUED)
General policies
UNLESS YOU DECLINE TELEPHONE PRIVILEGES on your application, you may be
responsible for any fraudulent telephone order as long as Dreyfus takes
reasonable measures to verify the order.
THE FUND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO:
(pound) refuse any purchase or exchange request that could adversely affect the
fund or its operations, including those from any individual or group who, in the
fund's view, is likely to engage in excessive trading (usually defined as more
than four exchanges out of the fund within a calendar year)
(pound) refuse any purchase or exchange request in excess of 1% of the fund's
total assets
(pound) change or discontinue its exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend
this privilege during unusual market conditions
(pound) change its minimum investment amounts
(pound) delay sending out redemption proceeds for up to seven days (generally
applies only in cases of very large redemptions, excessive trading or during
unusual market conditions)
The fund also reserves the right to make a "redemption in kind" -- payment in
portfolio securities rather than cash -- if the amount you are redeeming is
large enough to affect fund operations (for example, if it represents more than
1% of the fund's assets).
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
THE FUND GENERALLY PAYS ITS SHAREHOLDERS dividends from its net investment
income once a month, and distributes any net capital gains that it has realized
once a year. Each share class will generate a different dividend because each
has different expenses. Your distributions will be reinvested in the fund unless
you instruct the fund otherwise. There are no fees or sales charges on
reinvestments.
THE FUND ANTICIPATES that virtually all of its income dividends will be exempt
from federal, New York state and New York city personal income taxes. However,
any dividends and capital gains from taxable investments are taxable as ordinary
income, whether or not you reinvest them. The tax status of any distribution is
the same regardless of how long you have been in the fund and whether you
reinvest your distributions or take them in cash. In general, distributions are
taxable as follows:
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Taxability of distributions
Type of Tax rate for Tax rate for
distribution 15% bracket 28% bracket or above
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME ORDINARY ORDINARY
DIVIDENDS INCOME RATE INCOME RATE
SHORT-TERM ORDINARY ORDINARY
CAPITAL GAINS INCOME RATE INCOME RATE
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS 10% 20%
Because everyone's tax situation is unique, always consult your tax professional
about federal, state and local tax consequences.
Small account policies
To offset the relatively higher costs of servicing smaller accounts, the fund
charges regular accounts with balances below $2,000 an annual fee of $12. The
fee will be imposed during the fourth quarter of each calendar year.
The fee will be waived for: any investor whose aggregate Dreyfus mutual fund
investments total at least $25,000; accounts participating in automatic
investment programs; accounts opened through a financial institution.
If your account falls below $500, the fund may ask you to increase your balance.
If it is still below $500 after 30 days, the fund may close your account and
send you the proceeds.
Taxes on transactions
Except between tax-deferred accounts, any sale or exchange of fund shares may
generate a tax liability. Of course, withdrawals or distributions from
tax-deferred accounts are taxable when received.
The table above also can provide a guide for potential tax liability when
selling or exchanging fund shares. "Short-term capital gains" applies to fund
shares sold up to 12 months after buying them. "Long-term capital gains" applies
to shares sold after 12 months.
8
<PAGE>
SERVICES FOR FUND INVESTORS
THE THIRD PARTY THROUGH WHOM YOU PURCHASED fund shares may impose different
restrictions on these services and privileges offered by the fund, or may not
make them available at all. Consult your financial representative for more
information on the availability of these services and privileges.
Automatic services
BUYING OR SELLING SHARES AUTOMATICALLY is easy with the services described
below. With each service, you select a schedule and amount, subject to certain
restrictions. You can set up most of these services with your application, or by
calling your financial representative or 1-800-554-4611.
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For investing
DREYFUS AUTOMATIC For making automatic investments
ASSET BUILDER((reg.tm)) from a designated bank account.
DREYFUS GOVERNMENT For making automatic investments
DIRECT DEPOSIT from your federal employment,
PRIVILEGE Social Security or other regular
federal government check.
DREYFUS DIVIDEND For automatically reinvesting the
SWEEP dividends and distributions from
one Dreyfus fund into another
(not available for IRAs).
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For exchanging shares
DREYFUS AUTO- For making regular exchanges
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE from one Dreyfus fund into
another.
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For selling shares
DREYFUS AUTOMATIC For making regular withdrawals
WITHDRAWAL PLAN from most Dreyfus funds. There will be no CDSC
on Class B shares, as long as the amounts withdrawn do not exceed 12% annually
of the account value at the time the shareholder elects to participate in the
plan.
Your Investment 9
Checkwriting privilege -- Class A only
YOU MAY WRITE REDEMPTION CHECKS against your account for Class A shares in
amounts of $500 or more. These checks are free; however, a fee will be charged
if you request a stop payment or if the transfer agent cannot honor a redemption
check due to insufficient funds or another valid reason. Please do not postdate
your checks or use them to close your account.
Exchange privilege
YOU CAN EXCHANGE SHARES WORTH $500 OR MORE from one class of the fund into the
same class of another Dreyfus Premier fund. You can request your exchange by
contacting your financial representative. Be sure to read the current prospectus
for any fund into which you are exchanging before investing. Any new account
established through an exchange will generally have the same privileges as your
original account (as long as they are available). There is currently no fee for
exchanges, although you may be charged a sales load when exchanging into any
fund that has a higher one.
TeleTransfer privilege
TO MOVE MONEY BETWEEN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT and your Dreyfus fund account with a
phone call, use the TeleTransfer privilege. You can set up TeleTransfer on your
account by providing bank account information and following the instructions on
your application, or contacting your financial representative.
Reinvestment privilege
UPON WRITTEN REQUEST YOU CAN REINVEST up to the number of Class A or B shares
you redeemed within 45 days of selling them at the current share price without
any sales charge. If you paid a CDSC, it will be credited back to your account.
This privilege may be used only once.
Account statements
EVERY FUND INVESTOR automatically receives regular account statements. You'll
also be sent a yearly statement detailing the tax characteristics of any
dividends and distributions you have received.
<PAGE>
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGULAR ACCOUNTS
TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT
In Writing
Complete the application.
Mail your application and a check to:
Name of Fund
P.O. Box 6587, Providence, RI 02940-6587
Attn: Institutional Processing
TO ADD TO AN ACCOUNT
Fill out an investment slip, and write your account number on your check.
Mail the slip and a check to: Name of Fund
P.O. Box 6587, Providence, RI 02940-6587 Attn: Institutional Processing
By Telephone
WIRE Have your bank send your
investment to The Bank of New York, with these instructions:
* ABA# 021000018
* DDA# 8900119284
* the fund name
* the share class
* your Social Security or tax ID number
* name(s) of investor(s)
* dealer number if applicable
Call us to obtain an account number. Return your application with the account
number on the application.
WIRE Have your bank send your investment to The Bank of New York, with these
instructions:
* ABA# 021000018
* DDA# 8900119284
* the fund name
* the share class
* your account number
* name(s) of investor(s)
* dealer number if applicable
ELECTRONIC CHECK Same as wire, but before your account number insert "1111"
TELETRANSFER Request TeleTransfer on your application. Call us to request your
transaction.
Automatically
WITH AN INITIAL INVESTMENT Indicate on your application which automatic
service(s) you want. Return your application with your investment.
ALL SERVICES Call us or your financial representative to request a form to add
any automatic investing service (see "Services for Fund Investors"). Complete
and return the form along with any other required materials.
TO SELL SHARES
Write a redemption check (Class A only) OR write a letter of instruction that
includes:
* your name(s) and signature(s)
* your account number
* the fund name
* the dollar amount you want to sell
* how and where to send the proceeds
Obtain a signature guarantee or other documentation, if required (see page 7).
Mail your request to: The Dreyfus Family of Funds P.O. Box 6587, Providence, RI
02940-6587 Attn: Institutional Processing
WIRE Call us or your financial representative to request your transaction. Be
sure the fund has your bank account information on file. Proceeds will be wired
to your bank.
TELETRANSFER Call us or your financial representative to request your
transaction. Be sure the fund has your bank account information on file.
Proceeds will be sent to your bank by electronic check.
CHECK Call us or your financial representative to request your transaction. A
check will be sent to the address of record.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN Call us or your financial representative to request a
form to add the plan. Complete the form, specifying the amount and frequency of
withdrawals you would like.
Be sure to maintain an account balance of $5,000 or more.
To open an account, make subsequent investments or to sell shares, please
contact your financial representative or call toll free in the U.S.
1-800-554-4611. Make checks payable to: THE DREYFUS FAMILY OF FUNDS
Concepts to understand
WIRE TRANSFER: for transferring money from one financial institution to another.
Wiring is the fastest way to move money, although your bank may charge a fee to
send or receive wire transfers. Wire redemptions from the fund are subject to a
$1,000 minimum.
ELECTRONIC CHECK: for transferring money out of a bank account. Your transaction
is entered electronically, but may take up to eight business days to clear.
Electronic checks usually are available without a fee at all Automated Clearing
House (ACH) banks.
10
<PAGE>
NOTES
The Fund 11
<PAGE>
[Application p 1 here]
<PAGE>
[Application p 2 here]
<PAGE>
For More Information
Dreyfus Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
- --------------------------------------
SEC file number: 811-4765
More information on this fund is available free upon request, including the
following:
Annual/Semiannual Report
Describes the fund's performance, lists portfolio holdings and contains a letter
from the fund's manager discussing recent market conditions, economic trends
and fund strategies that significantly affected the fund's performance during
the last fiscal year.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Provides more details about the fund and its policies. A current SAI is on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by
reference (is legally considered part of this prospectus).
To obtain information:
BY TELEPHONE Call your financial representative or 1-800-554-4611
BY MAIL Write to: The Dreyfus Premier Family of Funds 144 Glenn Curtiss
Boulevard Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
ON THE INTERNET Text-only versions of fund documents can be viewed online or
downloaded from: http://www.sec.gov
You can also obtain copies by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC (phone 1-800-SEC-0330) or by sending your request and a
duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC
20549-6009.
(c) 1999, Dreyfus Service Corporation
021P0499
<PAGE>
B-1
____________________________________________________________________________
DREYFUS PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
APRIL 1, 1999
____________________________________________________________________________
This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus,
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus of
Dreyfus Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund"), dated April 1,
1999 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 Fund's most recent Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to
Shareholders are separate documents supplied with this Statement of
Additional Information, and the financial statements, accompanying notes and
report of independent auditors appearing in the Annual Report are
incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional Information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Description of the Fund B-2
Management of the Fund B-16
Management Arrangements B-21
How To Buy Shares B-24
Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan B-29
How to Redeem Shares B-30
Shareholder Services B-35
Determination of Net Asset Value B-39
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes B-39
Portfolio Transactions B-42
Performance Information B-43
Information About the Fund B-45
Counsel and Independent Auditors B-46
Appendix A B-47
Appendix B B-61
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
The Fund is a Massachusetts business trust that commenced operations on
December 31, 1986. The Fund is an open-end management investment company,
known as a municipal bond fund.
The Dreyfus Corporation (the "Manager") serves as the Fund's investment
adviser.
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") is the
distributor of the Fund's shares.
Certain Portfolio Securities
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the Fund's Prospectus.
Municipal Obligations. The Fund will invest at least 80% of the value
of its net assets (except when maintaining a temporary defensive position)
in Municipal Obligations. Municipal Obligations are debt obligations issued
by states, territories and possessions of the United States and the District
of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities, or multistate agencies or authorities, the interest from
which, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, is exempt from Federal
income tax. Municipal Obligations generally include debt obligations issued
to obtain funds for various public purposes as well as certain industrial
development bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities. Municipal
Obligations are classified as general obligation bonds, revenue bonds and
notes. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its
faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest.
Revenue bonds are payable from the revenue derived from a particular
facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a
special excise or other specific revenue source, but not from the general
taxing power. Tax exempt industrial development bonds, in most cases, are
revenue bonds that do not carry the pledge of the credit of the issuing
municipality, but generally are guaranteed by the corporate entity on whose
behalf they are issued. Notes are short-term instruments which are
obligations of the issuing municipalities or agencies and are sold in
anticipation of a bond sale, collection of taxes or receipt of other
revenues. Municipal Obligations include municipal lease/purchase agreements
which are similar to installment purchase contracts for property or
equipment issued by municipalities. Municipal Obligations bear fixed,
floating or variable rates of interest, 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.
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 payment of the management fee, as well as other operating expenses, will
have the effect of reducing the yield to the Fund's investors.
Certain Tax Exempt Obligations. The Fund may purchase floating and variable
rate demand notes and bonds, which are tax exempt obligations ordinarily
having stated maturities in excess of one year, but which permit the holder
to demand payment of principal at any time or at specified intervals.
Variable rate demand notes include master demand notes which are obligations
that permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts, at varying rates of
interest, pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as lender, and
the borrower. These obligations permit daily changes in the amount
borrowed. Because these obligations are direct lending arrangements between
the lender and borrower, it is not contemplated that such instruments
generally will be traded, and there generally is no established secondary
market for these obligations, although they are redeemable at face value,
plus accrued interest. Accordingly, where these obligations are not secured
by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements, the Fund's right
to redeem is dependent on the ability of the borrower to pay principal and
interest on demand. Each obligation purchased by the Fund will meet the
quality criteria established for the purchase of Municipal Obligations.
Tax Exempt Participation Interests. The Fund may purchase from financial
institutions participation interests in Municipal Obligations (such as
industrial development bonds and municipal lease/purchase agreements). A
participation interest gives the Fund an undivided interest in the Municipal
Obligation in the proportion that the Fund's participation interest bears to
the total principal amount of the Municipal Obligation. These instruments
may have fixed, floating or variable rates of interest. If the
participation interest is unrated, it will be backed by an irrevocable
letter of credit or guarantee of a bank that the Fund's Board has determined
meets prescribed quality standards for banks, or the payment obligation
otherwise will be collateralized by U.S. Government securities. For certain
participation interests, the Fund will have the right to demand payment, on
not more than seven days' notice, for all or any part of the Fund's
participation interest in the Municipal Obligation, plus accrued interest.
As to these instruments, the Fund intends to exercise its right to demand
payment only upon a default under the terms of the Municipal Obligation, as
needed to provide liquidity to meet redemptions, or to maintain or improve
the quality of its investment portfolio.
Municipal lease obligations or installment purchase contract
obligations (collectively, "lease obligations") have special risks not
ordinarily associated with Municipal Obligations. Although lease
obligations do not constitute general obligations of the municipality for
which the municipality's taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation
ordinarily is backed by the municipality's covenant to budget for,
appropriate and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However
certain lease obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses which provide
that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment
purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such
purpose on a yearly basis. Although, "non-appropriation" lease obligations
are secured by the leased property, disposition of the property in the event
of foreclosure might prove difficult. The 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.
Tender Option Bonds. The Fund may purchase tender option bonds. A tender
option bond is a Municipal Obligation (generally held pursuant to a
custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing
interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax
exempt rates, that has been coupled with the agreement of a third party,
such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to
which such institution grants the security holders the option, at periodic
intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the
face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the
financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between
the Municipal Obligation's fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by
a remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement of such period,
that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at
par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the
security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at
the prevailing short-term tax exempt rate. The Manager, on behalf of the
Fund, will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the issuer
of the underlying Municipal Obligation, of any custodian and of the third
party provider of the tender option. In certain instances and for certain
tender option bonds, the option may be terminable in the event of a default
in payment of principal or interest on the underlying Municipal Obligation
and for other reasons.
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.
Custodial Receipts. The Fund may purchase custodial receipts representing
the right to receive certain future principal and interest payments on
Municipal Obligations which underlie the custodial receipt. 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 payment 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. In no event will the aggregate interest paid with respect
to the two classes exceed the interest paid by the underlying Municipal
Obligations. The value of the second class and similar securities should be
expected to fluctuate more than the value of a Municipal Obligation of
comparable quality and maturity and their purchase by the Fund should
increase the volatility of its net asset value and, thus, its price per
share. These custodial receipts are sold in private placements. The Fund
also may purchase directly from issuers, and not in a private placement,
Municipal Obligations having characteristics similar to custodial receipts.
These securities may be issued as part of a multi-class offering and the
interest rate on certain classes may be subject to a cap or floor.
Stand-By Commitments. The Fund may acquire "stand-by commitments" with
respect to Municipal Obligations held in its portfolio. Under a stand-by
commitment, the Fund obligates a broker, dealer or bank to repurchase, at
the Fund's option, specified securities at a specified price and, in this
respect, stand-by commitments are comparable to put options. The exercise
of a stand-by commitment, therefore, is subject to the ability of the seller
to make payment on demand. The Fund will acquire stand-by commitments
solely to facilitate its portfolio liquidity and does not intend to exercise
its rights thereunder for trading purposes. The Fund may pay for stand-by
commitments if such action is deemed necessary, thus increasing to a degree
the cost of the underlying Municipal Obligation and similarly decreasing
such security's yield to investors. Gains realized in connection with stand-
by commitments will be taxable. The Fund also may acquire call options on
specific Municipal Obligations. The Fund generally would purchase these
call options to protect the Fund from the issuer of the related Municipal
Obligation redeeming, or other holder of the call option from calling away,
the Municipal Obligation before maturity. The sale by the Fund of a call
option that it owns on a specific Municipal Obligation could result in the
receipt of taxable income by the Fund.
Ratings of Municipal Obligations. The Fund will invest at least 70% of the
value of its net assets in Municipal Obligations which, in the case of
bonds, are rated no lower than Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's") or BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or Fitch IBCA,
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 also may invest in securities
which, while not rated, are determined by the Manager 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
will be considered to have the rating so determined.
The average distribution of investments (at value) in Municipal
Obligations (including notes) by ratings for the fiscal year ended November
30, 1998, computed on a monthly basis, was as follows:
Percentage
Fitch or Moody's or S&P of Value
AAA Aaa AAA 28.5%
AA Aa AA 6.0
A A A 32.0
BBB Baa BBB 28.3
BB Ba BB .5
D C D -
F-1+/F-1 VMIG1/MIG1,P-1 SP-1+/SP-1, A-1 .9
Not Rated Not Rated Not Rated 3.8
100%
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 Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information. The ratings of Moody's, S&P and Fitch represent
their opinions as to the quality of the Municipal Obligations which they
undertake to rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are
relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. Although
these ratings may be an initial criterion for selection of portfolio
investments, the Manager also will evaluate these securities and the
creditworthiness of the issuers of such securities.
Taxable Investments. From time to time, on a temporary basis other
than for temporary defensive purposes (but not to exceed 20% of the value of
the Fund's net assets) or for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may
invest in taxable short-term investments ("Taxable Investments") consisting
of: notes of issuers having, at the time of purchase, a quality rating
within the two highest grades of Moody's, S&P or Fitch; obligations of the
U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; commercial paper rated
not lower than P-1 by Moody's, A-1 by S&P or F-1 by Fitch; certificates of
deposit of U.S. domestic banks, including foreign branches of domestic
banks, with assets of 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. 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 personal income taxes. Under normal market conditions,
the Fund anticipates that not more than 5% of the value of its total assets
will be invested in any one category of Taxable Investments.
_______________________________
Included in the Not Rated category are securities comprising 3.8% 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: Aa/AA(.1%) and Baa/BBB(3.7%).
Zero Coupon Securities. 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) and pay-in-
kind bonds (bonds which pay interest through the issuance of additional
bonds). The amount of the discount varies depending on the time remaining
until maturity or cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of
the security and perceived credit quality of the issuer. Zero coupon
securities also may take the form of debt securities that have been stripped
of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves and receipts or
certificates representing interest in such stripped debt obligations and
coupons. The market prices of zero coupon securities generally are more
volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically
and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates
than non-zero coupon securities having similar maturities and credit
qualities. 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.
Illiquid Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its
net assets in securities as to which a liquid trading market does not exist,
provided such investments are consistent with the Fund's investment
objective. These 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.
Investment Techniques
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction
with the Fund's Prospectus. The Fund's use of certain of the investment
techniques described below may give rise to taxable income.
Derivatives. The Fund may invest in, or enter into, derivatives, such
as options and futures, for a variety of reasons, including to hedge certain
market risks, to provide a substitute for purchasing or selling particular
securities or to increase potential income gain. Derivatives may provide a
cheaper, quicker or more specifically focused way for the Fund to invest
than "traditional" securities would.
Derivatives can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of
risk, depending upon the characteristics of the particular derivative and
the portfolio as a whole. Derivatives permit the Fund to increase or
decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, to which
its portfolio is exposed in much the same way as the Fund can increase or
decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, of its
portfolio by making investments in specific securities.
Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than their
cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in derivatives could
have a large potential impact on the Fund's performance.
If the Fund invests in derivatives at inopportune times or judges
market conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Fund's return
or result in a loss. The Fund also could experience losses if its
derivatives were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if the
Fund were unable to liquidate its position because of an illiquid secondary
market. The market for many derivatives is, or suddenly can become,
illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and
unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives.
Although the Fund will not be a commodity pool, certain derivatives
subject the Fund to the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
which limit the extent to which the Fund can invest in such derivatives.
The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options with respect thereto
for hedging purposes without limit. However, the Fund may not invest in
such contracts and options for other purposes if the sum of the amount of
initial margin deposits and premiums paid for unexpired options with respect
to such contracts, other than for bona fide hedging purposes, exceeds 5% of
the liquidation value of the Fund's assets, after taking into account
unrealized profits and unrealized losses on such contracts and options;
provided, however, that in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the
time of purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the
5% limitation.
Derivatives may be purchased on established exchanges or through
privately negotiated transactions referred to as over-the-counter
derivatives. Exchange-traded derivatives generally are guaranteed by the
clearing agency which is the issuer or counterparty to such derivatives.
This guarantee usually is supported by a daily payment system (i.e.,
variation margin requirements) operated by the clearing agency in order to
reduce overall credit risk. As a result, unless the clearing agency
defaults, there is relatively little counterparty credit risk associated
with derivatives purchased on an exchange. By contrast, no clearing agency
guarantees over-the-counter derivatives. Therefore, each party to an over-
the-counter derivative bears the risk that the counterparty will default.
Accordingly, the Manager will consider the creditworthiness of
counterparties to over-the-counter derivatives in the same manner as it
would review the credit quality of a security to be purchased by the Fund.
Over-the-counter derivatives are less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives
since the other party to the transaction may be the only investor with
sufficient understanding of the derivative to be interested in bidding for
it.
Futures Transactions--In General. The Fund may enter into futures contracts
in U.S. domestic markets, such as the Chicago Board of Trade. Engaging in
these transactions involves risk of loss to the Fund which could adversely
affect the value of the Fund's net assets. Although the Fund intends to
purchase or sell futures contracts only if there is an active market for
such contracts, no assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist
for any particular contract at any particular time. Many futures exchanges
and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures
contract prices during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been
reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price
beyond that limit or trading may be suspended for specified periods during
the trading day. Futures contract prices could move to the limit for
several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby
preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and potentially
subjecting the Fund to substantial losses.
Successful use of futures by the Fund also is subject to the Manager's
ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant
market and, to the extent the transaction is entered into for hedging
purposes, to ascertain the appropriate correlation between the transaction
being hedged and the price movements of the futures contract. For example,
if the Fund uses futures to hedge against the possibility of a decline in
the market value of securities held in its portfolio and the prices of such
securities instead increase, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit
of the increased value of securities which it has hedged because it will
have offsetting losses in its futures positions. Furthermore, if in such
circumstances the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities
to meet daily variation margin requirements. The Fund may have to sell such
securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
Pursuant to regulations and/or published positions of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, the Fund may be required to set aside permissible
liquid assets in a segregated account to cover its obligations relating to
its transactions in derivatives. To maintain this required cover, the Fund
may have to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices or times
since it may not be possible to liquidate a derivative position at a
reasonable price. In addition, the segregation of such assets will have the
effect of limiting the Fund's ability otherwise to invest those assets.
Specific Futures Transactions. The Fund may purchase and sell interest rate
futures contracts. An interest rate future obligates the Fund to purchase or
sell an amount of a specific debt security at a future date at a specific
price.
Options--In General. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets,
represented by the premium paid, in the purchase of call and put options.
The Fund may write (i.e., sell) covered call and put option contracts to the
extent of 20% of the value of its net assets at the time such option
contracts are written. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the
right to buy, and obligates the writer to sell, the underlying security or
securities at the exercise price at any time during the option period, or at
a specific date. Conversely, a put option gives the purchaser of the option
the right to sell, and obligates the writer to buy, the underlying security
or securities at the exercise price at any time during the option period, or
at a specific date.
A covered call option written by the Fund is a call option with respect
to which the Fund owns the underlying security or otherwise covers the
transaction by segregating cash or other securities. A put option written
by the Fund is covered when, among other things, the Fund sets aside in a
segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value equal to or
greater than the exercise price of the option to fulfill the obligation
undertaken. The principal reason for writing covered call and put options
is to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would
be realized on the underlying securities alone. The Fund receives a premium
from writing covered call or put options which it retains whether or not the
option is exercised.
There is no assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a
liquid secondary market on a securities exchange will exist for any
particular option or at any particular time, and for some options no such
secondary market may exist. A liquid secondary market in an option may
cease to exist for a variety of reasons. In the past, for example, higher
than anticipated trading activity or order flow, or other unforeseen events,
at times have rendered certain of the clearing facilities inadequate and
resulted in the institution of special procedures, such as trading
rotations, restrictions on certain types of orders or trading halts or
suspensions in one or more options. There can be no assurance that similar
events, or events that may otherwise interfere with the timely execution of
customers' orders, will not recur. In such event, it might not be possible
to effect closing transactions in particular options. If, as a covered call
option writer, the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction
in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security
until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon
exercise or it otherwise covers its position.
Successful use by the Fund of options will be subject to the Manager's
ability to predict correctly movements in interest rates. To the extent the
Manager's predictions are incorrect, the Fund may incur losses.
Future Developments. The Fund may take advantage of opportunities in
the area of options and futures contracts and options on futures contracts
and any other derivatives which are not presently contemplated for use by
the Fund or which are not currently available but which may be developed, to
the extent such opportunities are both consistent with the Fund's investment
objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Before entering into such
transactions or making any such investment, the Fund will provide
appropriate disclosure in its Prospectus or Statement of Additional
Information.
Lending Portfolio Securities. The Fund may lend securities from its
portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to
borrow securities to complete certain transactions. The Fund continues to
be entitled to payments in amounts equal to the interest or other
distributions payable on the loaned securities which affords the Fund an
opportunity to earn interest on the amount of the loan and on the loaned
securities' collateral. Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 33-
1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets, and 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. Such
loans are terminable by the Fund at any time upon specified notice. The
Fund might experience risk of loss if the institution with which it has
engaged in a portfolio loan transaction breaches its agreement with the
Fund. In connection with its securities lending transactions, the Fund may
return to the borrower or a third party which is unaffiliated with the Fund,
and which is acting as a "placing broker," a part of the interest earned
from the investment of collateral received for securities loaned.
Borrowing Money. The Fund may borrow money from banks, but only for
temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes, in an amount up to 15% of
the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) valued at the
lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not including the amount
borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made. While borrowings exceed 5% of
the Fund's total assets, the Fund will not make any additional investments.
Short-Selling. In these transactions, the Fund sells a security it
does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the
security. To complete the transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to
make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is obligated to replace the security
borrowed by purchasing it subsequently 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, which would result in a loss or
gain, respectively.
Securities will not 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 make a short
sale which results in the Fund having sold short in the aggregate more than
5% of the outstanding securities of any class of an issuer.
The Fund also may make short sales "against the box," in which the Fund
enters into a short sale of a security it 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.
Until the Fund closes its short position or replaces the borrowed
security, it will: (a) maintain a segregated account, containing
permissible liquid assets, at such a level that the amount deposited in the
account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral always
equals the current value of the security sold short; or (b) otherwise cover
its short position.
Forward Commitments. The Fund may purchase Municipal Obligations and
other securities on a forward commitment or when-issued basis, which means
that delivery and payment take place a number of days after the date of the
commitment to purchase. The payment obligation and the interest rate
receivable on a forward commitment or when-issued security are fixed when
the Fund enters into the commitment, but the Fund does not make payment
until it receives delivery from the counterparty. The Fund will commit to
purchase such securities only with the intention of actually acquiring the
securities, but the Fund may sell these securities before the settlement
date if it is deemed advisable. The Fund will set aside in a segregated
account permissible liquid assets at least equal at all times to the amount
of the Fund's purchase commitments.
Municipal Obligations and other securities purchased on a forward
commitment or when-issued basis are subject to changes in value (generally
changing in the same way, i.e. appreciating when interest rates decline and
depreciating when interest rates rise) based upon the public's perception of
the creditworthiness of the issuer and changes, real or anticipated, in the
level of interest rates. Securities purchased on a forward commitment or
when-issued basis may expose the Fund to risks because they may experience
such fluctuations prior to their actual delivery. Purchasing securities on
a forward commitment or when-issued basis can involve the additional risk
that the yield available in the market when the delivery takes place
actually may be higher than that obtained in the transaction itself.
Purchasing securities on a forward commitment or when-issued basis when the
Fund is fully or almost fully invested may result in greater potential
fluctuation in the value of the Fund's net assets and its net asset value
per share.
Investment Considerations and Risks
Investing in Municipal Obligations. The Fund may invest more than 25%
of the value of its total assets in Municipal Obligations which are related
in such a way that an economic, business or political development or change
affecting one such security also would affect the other securities; for
example, securities the interest upon which is paid from revenues of similar
types of projects. As a result, the Fund may be subject to greater risk as
compared to a fund that does not follow this practice.
Certain municipal lease/purchase obligations in which the Fund may
invest may contain "non-appropriation" clauses which provide that the
municipality has no obligation to make lease payments in future years unless
money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. Although "non-
appropriation" lease/purchase obligations are secured by the leased
property, disposition of the leased property in the event of foreclosure
might prove difficult. In evaluating the credit quality of a municipal
lease/purchase obligation that is unrated, the Manager will consider, on an
ongoing basis, a number of factors including the likelihood that the issuing
municipality will discontinue appropriating funding for the leased property.
Certain provisions in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), relating to the issuance of Municipal Obligations may reduce
the volume of Municipal Obligations qualifying for Federal tax exemption.
One effect of these provisions could be to increase the cost of the
Municipal Obligations available for purchase by the Fund and thus reduce
available yield. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers concerning
the effect of these provisions on an investment in the Fund. Proposals that
may restrict or eliminate the income tax exemption for interest on Municipal
Obligations may be introduced in the future. If any such proposal were
enacted that would reduce the availability of Municipal Obligations for
investment by the Fund so as to adversely affect Fund shareholders, the Fund
would reevaluate its investment objective and policies and submit possible
changes in the Fund's structure to shareholders for their consideration. If
legislation were enacted that would treat a type of Municipal Obligation as
taxable, the Fund would treat such security as a permissible Taxable
Investment within the applicable limits set forth herein.
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 relating to New York State, New York City, a State or City agency, or
a State municipality, the market value and marketability of outstanding New
York Municipal Obligations in the Fund's portfolio and the interest income
to the Fund could be adversely affected. Moreover, the national recession
and the significant slowdown in the New York regional economies in the early
1990s added substantial uncertainty to estimates of the State's tax
revenues, which, in part, caused the State to incur cash-basis operating
deficits in the General Fund and issue deficit notes during the fiscal
periods 1989 through 1992. The State's financial operations improved,
however, during recent fiscal years. For its fiscal year periods 1993
through 1997, the State recorded balanced budgets on a cash basis, with
substantial fund balances in the General Fund in fiscal 1992-93 and 1993-94
and smaller fund balances in fiscal 1994-95 and 1995-96. The State
completed its 1996-97 fiscal year in balance on a cash basis with a General
Fund cash surplus of approximately $1.4 billion. There can be no assurance
that New York will not face substantial potential budget gaps in future
years. In January 1992, Moody's lowered from A to Baal its ratings of
certain appropriation-backed debt of New York State and its agencies. The
State's general obligation, State-guaranteed and New York State Local
Government Assistance Corporation bonds continued to be rated A by Moody's.
In January 1992, S&P lowered from A to A- its ratings of New York State
general obligation bonds and stated that it continued to assess the ratings
outlook as negative. S&P also lowered its ratings of various agency debt,
State moral obligations, contractual obligations, lease purchase obligations
and State guarantees. In February 1991, Moody's lowered its rating of New
York City's general obligation bonds from A to Baal. 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 at that time. In March 1998, Moody's changed
its rating on New York City's general obligation bonds from Baa1 to A3. You
should review "Appendix A" which more fully sets forth these and other risk
factors.
Lower Rated Bonds. The Fund may invest up to 30% of the value of its
net assets in higher yielding (and, therefore, higher risk) debt securities
such as those rated below investment grade by Moody's, S&P and Fitch
(commonly known as "high yield" or "junk" bonds). They may be subject to
certain risks with respect to the issuing entity and to greater market
fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher rated Municipal
Obligations. See "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.
You 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
and will fluctuate over time. These bonds generally are considered by S&P,
Moody's and Fitch to be, on balance, predominantly speculative with respect
to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms
of the obligation and generally will involve more credit risk than
securities in the higher rating categories.
Because there is no established retail secondary market for many of
these securities, the Fund anticipates that such securities could be sold
only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the
extent a secondary trading market for these bonds does exist, it generally
is not as liquid as the secondary market for higher rated securities. The
lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on market price
and yield and the Fund's ability to dispose of particular issues when
necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific
economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the
issuer. The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities also
may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations
for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio and calculating its net asset
value. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of these
securities. In such cases, judgment may play a greater role in valuation
because less reliable objective data may be available.
These bonds may be particularly susceptible to economic downturns. It
is likely that any economic recession could disrupt severely the market for
such securities and may have an adverse impact on the value of such
securities. In addition, it is likely that any such economic downturn could
adversely affect the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay
principal and pay interest thereon and increase the incidence of default for
such securities.
The Fund may acquire these bonds during an initial offering. Such
securities may involve special risks because they are new issues. The Fund
has no arrangement with any persons concerning the acquisition of such
securities, and the Manager will review carefully the credit and other
characteristics pertinent to such new issues.
The credit risk factors pertaining to lower rated securities also apply
to lower rated zero coupon bonds and pay-in-kind bonds, in which the Fund
may invest up to 5% of its total assets. Zero coupon bonds and pay-in-kind
bonds carry an additional risk in that, unlike bonds which pay interest
throughout the period to maturity, the Fund will realize no cash until the
cash payment date unless a portion of such securities are sold and, if the
issuer defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment.
See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
Simultaneous Investments. Investment decisions for the Fund are made
independently from those of other investment companies advised by the
Manager. If, however, such other investment companies desire to invest in,
or dispose of, the same securities as the Fund, available 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.
Investment Restrictions
The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy, which cannot
be changed without approval by the holders of a majority (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) of the Fund's
outstanding voting shares. In addition, the Fund has adopted investment
restrictions numbered 1 through 10 as fundamental policies. Investment
restriction number 11 is not a fundamental policy and may be changed by vote
of a majority of the Fund's Board members at any time. The Fund may not:
1. Purchase securities other than Municipal Obligations and Taxable
Investments as those terms are defined above and in the 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 indices 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 indices, and options on futures or indices.
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. 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
indices, and options on futures contracts or indices.
7. Make loans to others, except through the purchase of qualified
debt obligations and the entry into repurchase agreements referred to above
and in the Fund's Prospectus; 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.
8. 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.
9. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.
10. Invest in securities of other investment companies, except as they
may be acquired as part of a merger, consolidation or acquisition of assets.
11. Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more
than seven days after notice or purchase securities which are illiquid
(which securities could include participation interests 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.
For purposes of Investment Restriction No. 8, 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.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund's Board is responsible for the management and supervision of
the Fund. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Fund
and those companies that furnish services to the Fund. These companies are
as follows:
The Dreyfus Corporation Investment Adviser
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. Distributor
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. Transfer Agent
The Bank of New York Custodian
Board members and officers of the Fund, together with information as to
their principal business occupations during at least the last five years,
are shown below.
Board Members of the Fund
JOSEPH S. DiMARTINO, Chairman of the Board. Since January 1995, Chairman of
the Board of various funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He also is
a director of The Noel Group, Inc., a venture capital company (for
which, from February 1995 until November 1997, he was Chairman of the
Board), The Muscular Dystrophy Association, HealthPlan Services
Corporation, a provider of marketing, administrative and risk
management services to health and other benefit programs, Carlyle
Industries, Inc. (formerly, Belding Heminway, Inc.), a button packager
and distributor, Career Blazers, Inc. (formerly, Staffing Resources,
Inc.), a temporary placement agency, and Century Business Services,
Inc., a provider of various outsourcing functions for small and medium
sized companies. For more than five years prior to January 1995, he
was President, a director and, until August 1994, Chief Operating
Officer of the Manager and Executive Vice President and a director of
Dreyfus Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager
and, until August 24, 1994, the Fund's distributor. From August 1994
until December 31, 1994, he was a director of Mellon Bank Corporation.
He is 55 years old and his address is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New
York 10166.
CLIFFORD L. ALEXANDER, JR., Board Member. President of Alexander &
Associates, Inc., a management consulting firm. From 1977 to 1981, Mr.
Alexander served as Secretary of the Army and Chairman of the Board of
the Panama Canal Company, and from 1975 to 1977, he was a member of the
Washington, D.C. law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and
Alexander. He is a director of American Home Products Corporation, IMS
Health, a service provider of marketing information and information
technology, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, MCI WorldCom and Mutual
of America Life Insurance Company. He is 65 years old and his address
is 400 C Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002.
PEGGY C. DAVIS, Board Member. Shad Professor of Law, New York University
School of Law. Professor Davis has been a member of the New York
University law faculty since 1983. Prior to that time, she served for
three years as a judge in the courts of New York State; was engaged for
eight years in the practice of law, working in both corporate and non-
profit sectors; and served for two years as a criminal justice
administrator in the government of the City of New York. She writes
and teaches in the fields of evidence, constitutional theory, family
law, social sciences and the law, legal process and professional
methodology and training. She is 55 years old and her address is c/o
New York University School of Law, 40 Washington Square South, New
York, New York 10012.
ERNEST KAFKA, Board Member. A physician engaged in private practice
specializing in the psychoanalysis of adults and adolescents. Since
1981, he has served as an Instructor at the New York Psychoanalytic
Institute and, prior thereto, held other teaching positions. He is
Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Cornell Medical School.
For more than the past five years, Dr. Kafka has held numerous
administrative positions, including President of The New York
Psychoanalytic Society, and has published many articles on subjects in
the field of psychoanalysis. He is 66 years old and his address is 23
East 92nd Street, New York, New York 10128.
SAUL B. KLAMAN, Board Member. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SBK
Associates, which provides research and consulting services to
financial institutions. Dr. Klaman was President of the National
Association of Mutual Savings Banks until November 1983, President of
the National Council of Savings Institutions until June 1985, Vice
Chairman of Golembe Associates and BEI Golembe, Inc. until 1989, and
Chairman Emeritus of BEI Golembe, Inc. until November 1992. He also
served as an Economist to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System and on several Presidential Commissions, and has held numerous
consulting and advisory positions in the fields of economics and
housing finance. He is 79 years old and his address is 431-B Dedham
Street, The Gables, Newton Center, Massachusetts 02159.
NATHAN LEVENTHAL, Board Member. President of Lincoln Center for the
Performing Arts, Inc. Mr. Leventhal was Deputy Mayor for Operations of
New York City from September 1979 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
served as Chairman of Citizens Union, an organization which strives to
reform and modernize city and state government from June 1994 until
June 1997. He is 56 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
Board members of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund, as
defined in the 1940 Act, will be selected and nominated by the Board members
who are not "interested persons" of the Fund.
The Fund typically pays its Board members an annual retainer and a per
meeting fee and reimburses them for their expenses. The Chairman of the
Board receives an additional 25% of such compensation. Emeritus Board
members are entitled to receive an annual retainer and a per meeting fee of
one-half the amount paid to them as Board members. The aggregate amount of
compensation paid to each Board member by the Fund for the fiscal year ended
November 30, 1998, and by all other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds for
which such person is a Board member (the number of which is set forth in
parenthesis next to each Board member's total compensation) for the year
ended December 31, 1998, were as follows:
Total Compensation
Aggregate from Fund and Fund
Name of Board Compensation from Complex Paid to
Member Fund* Board Member
Joseph S. DiMartino $3,125 $619,660 (97)
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr. $2,500 $80,918 (24)
Peggy C. Davis $2,500 $64,000 (15)
Ernest Kafka $2,250 $57,500 (15)
Saul B. Klaman $2,500 $64,000 (15)
Nathan Leventhal $2,500 $64,000 (15)
_________________________
* Amount does not include reimbursed expenses for attending Board
meetings, which amounted to $628 for all Board members as a group.
Officers of the Fund
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, President and Treasurer. President, Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and a director of the Distributor and
Funds Distributor, Inc., the ultimate parent of which is Boston
Institutional Group, Inc., and an officer of other investment companies
advised or administered by the Manager. She is 41 years old.
MARGARET W. CHAMBERS, Vice President and Secretary. Senior Vice President
and General Counsel of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. From
August 1996 to March 1998, she was Vice President and Assistant General
Counsel for Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. From January 1986 to July
1996, she was an associate with the law firm of Ropes & Gray. She is
38 years old.
MICHAEL S. PETRUCELLI, Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant
Treasurer. Senior Vice President of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by the
Manager. From December 1989 through November 1996, he was employed by
GE Investment Services where he held various financial, business
development and compliance positions. He also served as Treasurer of
the GE Funds and as a Director of GE Investment Services. He is 37
years old.
STEPHANIE D. PIERCE, Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant
Treasurer. Vice President and Client Development Manager of Funds
Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other investment companies advised
or administered by the Manager. From April 1997 to March 1998, she was
employed as a Relationship Manager with Citibank, N.A. From August
1995 to April 1997, she was an Assistant Vice President with Hudson
Valley Bank, and from September 1990 to August 1995, she was Second
Vice President with Chase Manhattan Bank. She is 30 years old.
MARY A. NELSON, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Vice President of
the Distributor and Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. From
September 1989 to July 1994, she was an Assistant Vice President and
Client Manager for The Boston Company, Inc. She is 34 years old.
GEORGE A. RIO, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Executive Vice
President and Client Service Director of Funds Distributor, Inc., and
an officer of other investment companies advised or administered by the
Manager. From June 1995 to March 1998, he was Senior Vice President
and Senior Key Account Manager for Putnam Mutual Funds. From May 1994
to June 1995, he was Director of Business Development for First Data
Corporation. From September 1983 to May 1994, he was Senior Vice
President and Manager of Client Services and Director of Internal Audit
at The Boston Company, Inc. He is 43 years old.
JOSEPH F. TOWER, III, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice
President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and a director of the
Distributor and Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. From July
1988 to August 1994, he was employed by The Boston Company, Inc. where
he held various management positions in the Corporate Finance and
Treasury areas. He is 36 years old.
DOUGLAS C. CONROY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice
President of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. From
April 1993 to January 1995, he was a Senior Fund Accountant for
Investors Bank & Trust Company. He is 29 years old.
CHRISTOPHER J. KELLEY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Vice
President and Senior Associate General Counsel of Funds Distributor,
Inc., and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. From April 1994 to July 1996, he was
Assistant Counsel at Forum Financial Group. He is 33 years old.
KATHLEEN K. MORRISEY, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Manager of
Treasury Services Administration of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by the
Manager. From July 1994 to November 1995, she was a Fund Accountant
for Investors Bank & Trust Company. She is 26 years old.
ELBA VASQUEZ, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice
President of Funds Distributor, Inc., and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. From
March 1990 to May 1996, she was employed by U.S. Trust Company of New
York where she held various sales and marketing positions. She is 37
years old.
The address of each officer of the Fund is 200 Park Avenue, New York,
New York 10166.
The Fund's Board members and officers, as a group, owned less than 1%
of the Fund's shares outstanding on January 8, 1999.
The following entities owned of record 5% or more of the Fund's Class C
shares outstanding as of January 8, 1999: Janney Montgomery Scott Inc.,
Michael Caggiano & Barbara Caggiano JT-TEN, 1801 Market Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 30.30%; BHC Securities, Inc., One Commerce
Square, 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 14.34%; Smith
Barney Inc., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York - 9.88%; Wexford
Clearing Services Corp., FBO Kevin S. Haraki & Deborah Anne Dunn Jt Ten, 13
W. Maple Avenue, Suffern, New York - 5.48%; Wheat, First Securities, Inc.,
Alan C Russell Irr. Intervivos Trust, 15 Dune Road, W. Hampton Beach, New
York - 5.14%. A shareholder who beneficially owned, directly or indirectly,
25% or more of the Fund's voting securities may be deemed to be a "control
person" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund.
MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Investment Adviser. The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon
Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation
("Mellon"). Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company
incorporated under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the Federal
Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a
comprehensive range of financial products and services in domestic and
selected international markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest
bank holding companies in the United States based on total assets.
The Manager provides management services pursuant to the Management
Agreement (the "Agreement") dated August 24, 1994 with the Fund, which is
subject to annual approval by (i) the Fund's Board or (ii) vote of a
majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund, provided that in either event the continuance also is approved
by a majority of the Board members who are not "interested persons" (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund or the Manager, by vote cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The
Agreement was approved by shareholders on August 3, 1994 and was last
approved by the Fund's Board, including a majority of the Board members who
are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to
the Agreement, at a meeting held on July 15, 1998. The Agreement is
terminable without penalty, on 60 days' notice, by the Fund's Board or by
vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's shares, or, on not less than
90 days' notice, by the Manager. The Agreement will terminate automatically
in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
The following persons are officers and/or directors of the Manager:
Christopher M. Condron, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer;
Stephen E. Canter, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Investment
Officer and a director; Lawrence S. Kash, Vice Chairman and a director; J.
David Officer, Vice Chairman and a director; Thomas F. Eggers, Vice Chairman-
- -Institutional; Ronald P. O'Hanley III, Vice Chairman; William T. Sandalls,
Jr., Executive Vice President; Mark N. Jacobs, Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary; Patrice M. Kozlowski, Vice President--Corporate
Communications; Mary Beth Leibig, Vice President--Human Resources; Andrew S.
Wasser, Vice President--Information Systems; Theodore A. Schachar, Vice
President; Wendy Strutt, Vice President; Richard Terres, Vice President;
William H. Maresca, Controller; James Bitetto, Assistant Secretary; Steven
F. Newman, Assistant Secretary; and Mandell L. Berman, Burton C. Borgelt,
Steven G. Elliott, Martin C. McGuinn, Richard W. Sabo and Richard F. Syron,
directors.
The Manager manages the Fund's portfolio of investments in accordance
with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to the approval of the Fund's
Board. The Manager is responsible for investment decisions, and provides
the Fund with portfolio managers who are authorized by the Fund's Board to
execute purchases and sales of securities. The Fund's portfolio managers
are Joseph P. Darcy, A. Paul Disdier, Douglas J. Gaylor, Karen M. Hand,
Stephen C. Kris, Richard J. Moynihan, W. Michael Petty, Jill C. Shaffro,
Samuel J. Weinstock and Monica S. Wieboldt. The Manager also maintains a
research department with a professional staff of portfolio managers and
securities analysts who provide research services for the Fund and for other
funds advised by the Manager.
The Manager maintains office facilities on behalf of the Fund, and
furnishes statistical and research data, clerical help, accounting, data
processing, bookkeeping and internal auditing and certain other required
services to the Fund. The Manager may pay the Distributor for shareholder
services from the Manager's own assets, including past profits but not
including the management fee paid by the Fund. The Distributor may use part
or all of such payments to pay Service Agents (as defined below) in respect
of these services. The Manager also may make such advertising and
promotional expenditures, using its own resources, as it from time to time
deems appropriate.
All expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund are borne by the
Fund, except to the extent specifically assumed by the Manager. The
expenses borne by the Fund include without limitation, the following:
taxes, interest, loan commitment fees, interest and distributions paid on
securities sold short, brokerage fees and commissions, if any, fees of Board
members who are not officers, directors or employees or holders of 5% or
more of the outstanding voting securities of the Manager, 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 shareholders, costs of
shareholders' reports and meetings and any extraordinary expenses. In
addition, shares of each Class are subject to an annual service fee and
Class B and Class C shares are subject to an annual distribution fee. See
"Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan."
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, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the management fees payable
amounted to $1,146,191, $1,152,287 and $1,174,183, respectively.
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.
Distributor. The Distributor, located at 60 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109, serves as the Fund's distributor on a best efforts
basis pursuant to an agreement which is renewable annually.
For the fiscal years ended November 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998, the
Distributor retained $21,770, $8,146 and $15,678, respectively, from sales
loads on Class A shares and $120,860, $180,260 and $125,890, respectively,
from contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") on Class B shares. For the
period September 11, 1995 (commencement of initial offering) through
November 30, 1996, and for the fiscal years ended November 30, 1997 and
1998, the Distributor retained $0, $4,907 and $186, respectively, from the
CDSC on Class C shares.
The Distributor, at its expense, may provide promotional incentives to
dealers that sell shares of funds advised by the Manager which are sold with
a sales load, such as the Dreyfus Premier Funds. In some instances, those
incentives may be offered only to certain dealers who have sold or may sell
significant amounts of shares.
Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent and Custodian. Dreyfus
Transfer, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Manager, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's
transfer and dividend disbursing agent. Under a transfer agency agreement
with the Fund, the Transfer Agent arranges for the maintenance of
shareholder account records for the Fund, the handling of certain
communications between shareholders and the Fund and the payment of
dividends and distributions payable by the Fund. For these services, the
Transfer Agent receives a monthly fee computed on the basis of the number of
shareholder accounts it maintains for the Fund during the month, and is
reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
The Bank of New York (the "Custodian"), 90 Washington Street, New York,
New York 10286, is the Fund's custodian. The Custodian has no part in
determining the investment policies of the Fund or which securities are to
be purchased or sold by the Fund. Under a custody agreement with the Fund,
the Custodian holds the Fund's securities and keeps all necessary accounts
and records. For its custody services, the Custodian receives a monthly fee
based on the market value of the Fund's assets held in custody and receives
certain securities transactions charges.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
General. Fund shares 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
Manager or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors of the Manager,
Board members of a fund advised by the Manager, including members of the
Fund's Board, or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing may
purchase Class A shares directly through the Distributor. Subsequent
purchases may be sent directly to the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent.
When purchasing Fund shares, you must specify which Class is being
purchased. Share certificates are issued only upon your written request.
No certificates are issued for fractional shares. The Fund reserves the
right to reject any purchase order.
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 the Fund's Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information, and, to the extent permitted by applicable
regulatory authority, may charge their clients direct fees. You should
consult your Service Agent in this regard.
The minimum initial investment is $1,000. Subsequent investments must
be at least $100. The Fund reserves the right to vary further the initial
and subsequent investment minimum requirements at any time.
Fund shares also may be purchased through Dreyfus-Automatic Asset
Builderr and Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege described under
"Shareholder Services." These services enable you to make regularly
scheduled investments and may provide you with a convenient way to invest
for long-term financial goals. You should be aware, however, that periodic
investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not protect an investor
against loss in a declining market.
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.
Each Fund's investments are valued based on market value or, where market
quotations are not readily available, based on fair value as determined in
good faith by the Fund's Board. For further information regarding the
methods employed in valuing the Fund's investments, see "Determination of
Net Asset Value."
If an order is received in proper form by the Transfer Agent or other
entity authorized to receive orders on behalf of the Fund by the close of
trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m.,
New York time) on a 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 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) 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:
Total
Sales
Load
As a % of As a % of
Amount of Transaction offering net asset
price per value per
share share
Less than $50,000 4.50 4.70
$50,000 to less than $100,000 4.00 4.20
$100,000 to less than $250,000 3.00 3.10
$250,000 to less than $500,000 2.50 2.60
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000 2.00 2.00
$1,000,000 or more -0- -0-
A CDSC of 1% will be assessed at the time of redemption of Class A
shares purchased without an initial sales charge as part of an investment of
at least $1,000,000 and redeemed within one year of purchase. The
Distributor may pay Service Agents an amount up to 1% of the net asset value
of Class A shares purchased by their clients that are subject to a CDSC.
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 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.
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering
price of the Fund's Class A shares. The example assumes a purchase of
Class A shares aggregating less than $50,000 subject to the schedule of
sales charges set forth above at a price based upon the net asset value of
the Fund's Class A shares on November 30, 1998:
NET ASSET VALUE per Share $15.43
Per Share Sales Charge - 4.50%
of offering price (4.70% of
net asset value per share) $ .73
Per Share Offering Price to
the Public $16.16
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
financial institution with respect to the sale of such 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 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 Manager or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors of the
Manager, Board members of a fund advised by the Manager, including members
of the Fund's Board, or the spouse or minor child of any of the foregoing.
Class A shares may be purchased at net asset value through certain
broker-dealers and other financial institutions which have entered into an
agreement with the Distributor, which includes a requirement that such
shares be sold for the benefit of clients participating in a "wrap account"
or a similar program under which such clients pay a fee to such broker-
dealer or other financial institution.
Class A shares also may be purchased at net asset value, subject to
appropriate documentation, through a broker-dealer or other financial
institution with the proceeds from the redemption of shares of a registered
open-end management investment company not managed by the Manager or its
affiliates. The purchase of Class A shares of the Fund must be made within
60 days of such redemption and the shareholder must have been subject to an
initial sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge with respect to
such redeemed shares.
Class A shares also may be purchased at net asset value, subject to
appropriate documentation, by (i) qualified separate accounts maintained by
an insurance company pursuant to the laws of any State or territory of the
United States, (ii) a State, county or city or instrumentality thereof,
(iii) a charitable organization (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the
Code) investing $50,000 or more in Fund shares, and (iv) a charitable
remainder trust (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code).
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 in the Fund's Prospectus and in this
Statement of Additional Information under "How to Redeem Shares--Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge--Class B 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.
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 such Class. 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.
Class C Shares. The public offering price for Class C 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 redemptions of
Class C shares made within the first year of purchase. See "Class B Shares"
above and "How to Redeem Shares."
Right of Accumulation - Class A Shares. Reduced sales loads apply to
any purchase of Class A shares, shares of other funds in the Dreyfus Premier
Family of Funds, shares of certain other funds advised by the Manager which
are sold with a sales load and shares acquired by a previous exchange of
such shares (hereinafter referred to as "Eligible Funds"), by you and any
related "purchaser" as defined above, where the aggregate investment,
including such purchase, is $50,000 or more. If, for example, you
previously purchased and still hold Class A shares, or shares of any other
Eligible Fund or combination thereof, with an aggregate current market value
of $40,000 and subsequently purchase Class A shares or shares of an Eligible
Fund having a current value of $20,000, the sales load applicable to the
subsequent purchase would be reduced to 4.0% 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.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. You may purchase shares by telephone
if you have checked the appropriate box and supplied the necessary
information on the Account Application or have filed a Shareholder Services
Form with the Transfer Agent. The proceeds will be transferred between the
bank account designated in one of these documents and your Fund account.
Only a bank account maintained in a domestic financial institution which is
an Automated Clearing House ("ACH") member may be so designated.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer purchase orders may be made at any time.
Purchase orders received by 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any business day
that the Transfer Agent and the New York Stock Exchange are open for
business will be credited to the shareholder's Fund account on the next
bank business day following such purchase order. Purchase orders made
after 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any business day the Transfer Agent and
the New York Stock Exchange are open for business, or orders made on
Saturday, Sunday or any Fund holiday (e.g., when the New York Stock
Exchange is not open for business), will be credited to the shareholder's
Fund account on the second bank business day following such purchase order.
To qualify to use Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, the initial payment for
purchase of shares must be drawn on, and redemption proceeds paid to, the
same bank and account as are designated on the Account Application or
Shareholder Services Form on file. If the proceeds of a particular
redemption are to be wired to an account at any other bank, the request
must be in writing and signature-guaranteed. See "How to Redeem Shares--
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege."
Reopening an Account. You may reopen an account with a minimum
investment of $100 without filing a new Account Application during the
calendar year the account is closed or during the following calendar year,
provided the information on the old Account Application is still
applicable.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
Class B and Class C shares are subject to a Distribution Plan and
Class A, Class B and Class C shares are subject to a Shareholder Services
Plan.
Distribution Plan. Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") adopted by the Securities
and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act provides, among other things,
that an investment company may bear expenses of distributing its shares
only pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with the Rule. The Fund's
Board has adopted such a plan (the "Distribution Plan") with respect to the
Fund's Class B and Class C shares, pursuant to which the Fund pays the
Distributor for distributing each such Class of shares a fee at the annual
rate of .50% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class B and
.75% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class C. The Fund's
Board believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Distribution
Plan will benefit the Fund and holders of its Class B and Class C shares.
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 Board for its review. In addition, the Distribution Plan
provides that it may not be amended to increase materially the costs which
holders of the Fund's Class B or Class C shares may bear pursuant to the
Distribution Plan without the approval of the holders of such shares and
that other material amendments of the Distribution Plan must be approved by
the Fund's Board, and by the Board members who are not "interested persons"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund 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 Board cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on the Distribution Plan. The Distribution Plan was last so
approved by the Board at a meeting held on July 15, 1998. As to the
relevant Class of shares of the Fund, the Distribution Plan may be
terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Board members who are
not "interested persons" and have no direct or indirect financial interest
in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any agreements entered into
in connection with the Distribution Plan or by vote of the holders of a
majority of such Class of shares.
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1998, the Fund was charged
$406,951 and $4,908, with respect to Class B shares and Class C shares,
respectively, pursuant to 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 the Fund's Class A, Class B
and Class C shares a fee at the annual rate of .25% of the value of the
average daily net assets of each such Class. 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 such
shareholder accounts. Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Distributor
may make payments to Service Agents in respect of 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 Board for its review. In addition, the Shareholder
Services Plan provides that material amendments must be approved by the
Fund's Board, and by the Board members who are not "interested persons" (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund and 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 Board 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 by the Board at a meeting
held on July 15, 1998. As to the relevant Class of shares of the Fund, the
Shareholder Services Plan is terminable at any time by vote of a majority
of the Board members 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 fiscal year ended November 30, 1998, the Fund was charged
$328,608, $203,476 and $1,636 with respect to Class A shares, Class B
shares and Class C shares, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder
Services Plan.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
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 your Class B shares above the
dollar amount of all your payments for the purchase of Class B shares held
by you at the time of redemption.
If the aggregate value of 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 for the time you purchased the Class B
shares until the time of redemption 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 for Class B
shares, except for Class B shares purchased by shareholders who beneficially
owned Class B shares on November 30, 1996:
Year Since CDSC as a % of
Purchase Payment Amount Invested
Was Made or
Redemption
Proceeds
First 4.00
Second 4.00
Third 3.00
Fourth 3.00
Fifth 2.00
Sixth 1.00
The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC for Class B shares
purchased by shareholders who beneficially owned Class B shares on November
30, 1996:
Year Since CDSC as a % of
Purchase Payment Amount Invested
Was Made or
Redemption
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 six years (five years for
shareholders beneficially owning Class B shares on November 30, 1996); then
of amounts representing the cost of shares purchased six years (five years
for shareholders beneficially owning Class B shares on November 30, 1996)
prior to the redemption; and finally, of amounts representing the cost of
shares held for the longest period of time within the applicable six-year
period (five-year period for shareholders beneficially owning Class B shares
on November 30, 1996).
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 the 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 4% (the applicable rate in the second year
after purchase) for a total CDSC of $9.60.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge--Class C Shares. A CDSC of 1% payable
to the Distributor is imposed on any redemption of Class C shares within one
year of the date of purchase. The basis for calculating the payment of any
such CDSC will be the method used in calculating the CDSC for Class B
shares. See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares" above.
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
$1,000,000, (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
pursuant to the Automatic Withdrawal Plan, as described below. If the
Fund's Board determines to discontinue the waiver of the CDSC, the
disclosure herein 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 or this
Statement of Additional Information 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.
Check Redemption Privilege - Class A Only. The Fund provides
Redemption Checks ("Checks") to investors in Class A shares automatically
upon opening an account, unless you specifically refuse the Check
Redemption Privilege by checking the applicable "No" box on the Account
Application. The Check Redemption Privilege may be established for an
existing account by a separate signed Shareholder Services Form. Checks
will be sent only to the registered owner(s) of the account and only to
the address of record. The Account Application, or Shareholder Services
Form 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 your agent, will cause the Fund to redeem a sufficient number of
full and fractional Class A shares in your account to cover the amount of
the Check. Dividends are earned until the Check clears. After clearance,
a copy of the Check will be returned to you. You generally will be
subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to checking accounts,
although election of this Privilege creates only a shareholder-transfer
agent relationship with the Transfer Agent.
You should date your Checks with the current date when you write
them. Please do not postdate your Checks. If you do, the Transfer Agent
will honor, upon presentment, even if presented before the date of the
Check, all postdated Checks which are dated within six months of
presentment for payment, if they are otherwise in good order.
Checks are free, but the Transfer Agent will impose a fee for
stopping payment of a Check upon your request or if the Transfer Agent
cannot honor a Check due to insufficient funds or other valid reason. If
the amount of the Check is greater than the value of the Class A shares in
your account, the Check will be returned marked insufficient funds.
Checks should not be used to close an account.
This Privilege will be terminated immediately, without notice, with
respect to any account which is, or becomes, subject to backup withholding
on redemptions. Any Check written on an account which has become subject
to backup withholding on redemptions will not be honored by the Transfer
Agent.
Redemption Through a Selected Dealer. If you are a customer of a
Selected Dealer, you may make redemption requests to your Selected Dealer.
If the Selected Dealer transmits the redemption request so that it is
received by the Transfer Agent prior to the close of trading on the floor of
the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time), the
redemption request will be effective on that day. If a redemption request
is received by the Transfer Agent after the close of trading on the floor of
the New York Stock Exchange, the redemption request will be effective on the
next business day. It is the responsibility of the Selected Dealer to
transmit a request so that it is received in a timely manner. The proceeds
of the redemption are credited to your account with the Selected Dealer.
See "How to Buy Shares" for a discussion of additional conditions or fees
that may be imposed upon redemption.
In addition, the Distributor or its designee will accept orders from
Selected Dealers with which the Distributor 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 prior
to 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. Upon written request, you may reinvest up to
the number of Class A or Class B shares you have redeemed, within 45 days of
redemption, at the then-prevailing net asset value without a sales load, or
reinstate your account for the purpose of exercising Fund Exchanges. Upon
reinstatement, with respect to Class B shares, or Class A shares if such
shares were subject to a CDSC, your account will be credited with an amount
equal to the CDSC previously paid upon redemption of the Class A or Class B
shares reinvested. The Reinvestment Privilege may be exercised only once.
Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege. You may request by telephone that
redemption proceeds be transferred between your Fund account and your bank
account. Only a bank account maintained in a domestic financial
institution which is an ACH member may be designated. Holders of jointly
registered Fund or bank accounts may redeem through the Dreyfus
TeleTransfer Privilege for transfer to their bank account not more than
$250,000 within any 30-day period. Redemption proceeds will be on deposit
in the your account at an ACH member bank ordinarily two business days
after receipt of the redemption request. You should be aware that if you
have selected the Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege, any request for a wire
redemption will be effected as a Dreyfus TeleTransfer transaction through
the ACH system unless more prompt transmittal specifically is requested.
See "How to Buy Shares--Dreyfus TeleTransfer Privilege."
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 and is a fundamental policy of the Fund which may not be changed
without shareholder approval. In the case of requests for redemption in
excess of such amount, the Board 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 might be incurred.
Suspension of Redemptions. The right of redemption may be suspended
or the date of payment postponed (a) during any period when the New York
Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday
closings), (b) when trading in the markets the Fund ordinarily utilizes is
restricted, or when an emergency exists as determined by the Securities and
Exchange Commission so that disposal of the Fund's investments or
determination of its net asset value is not reasonably practicable, or (c)
for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission by order
may permit to protect the Fund's shareholders.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Fund Exchanges. Clients of certain Service Agents may purchase, in
exchange for shares of a Class of the Fund, shares of the same Class of
certain other funds managed or administered by the Manager, to the extent
such shares are offered for sale in such client's state of residence.
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. Exchanges for shares of funds that are offered without a sales
load will be made without a sales load.
B. Shares of funds purchased without a sales load may be exchanged
for shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and the
applicable sales load will be deducted.
C. Shares of funds purchased with a sales load may be exchanged
without a sales load for shares of other funds sold without a
sales load.
D. Shares of funds purchased with a sales load, shares of funds
acquired by a previous exchange from shares purchased with a
sales load and additional shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividends or distributions of any such funds (collectively
referred to herein as "Purchased Shares") may be exchanged for
shares of other funds sold with a sales load (referred to herein
as "Offered Shares"), provided that, if the sales load applicable
to the Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load that could
have been imposed in connection with the Purchased Shares (at the
time the Purchased Shares were acquired), without giving effect
to any reduced loads, the difference will be deducted.
E. Shares of funds subject to a CDSC that are exchanged for shares
of another fund will be subject to the higher applicable CDSC of
the two funds, and for purposes of calculating CDSC rates and
conversion periods, if any, will be deemed to have been held
since the date the shares being exchanged were initially
purchased.
To accomplish an exchange under item D above, your Service Agent
acting on your behalf must notify the Transfer Agent of your prior
ownership of fund shares and your account number.
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
("Exchange Account"). Exchanges of shares from an Exchange Account only can
be made into certain other funds managed or administered by the Manager. 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 Shares." Redemption
proceeds for Exchange Account shares are paid by Federal wire or check only.
Exchange Account shares also are eligible for the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange
Privilege, Dreyfus Dividend Sweep and the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
To request an exchange, your Service Agent acting on your 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 you check the applicable "No" box on the
Account Application, indicating that you specifically refuse this Privilege.
By using the Telephone Exchange Privilege, you authorize the Transfer Agent
to act on telephonic instructions (including over The Dreyfus Touchr
automated telephone system) 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. Telephone exchanges may be
subject to limitations as to the amount involved or the number of telephone
exchanges permitted. Shares issued in certificate form are not eligible for
telephone exchange. No fees currently are charged shareholders directly in
connection with exchanges, although the Fund reserves the right, upon not
less than 60 days' written notice, to charge shareholders a nominal
administrative fee in accordance with rules promulgated by the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
To establish a personal retirement plan by exchange, shares of the
fund being exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial
investment required for the fund into which the exchange is being made.
Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege. Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege
permits you to purchase, in exchange for shares of the Fund, shares of the
same Class of another fund in the Dreyfus Premier Family of Funds or
certain funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. This Privilege is available
only for existing accounts. Shares will be exchanged on the basis of
relative net asset value as described above under "Fund Exchanges."
Enrollment in or modification or cancellation of this Privilege is
effective three business days following notification by the investor. You
will be notified if your account falls below the amount designated to be
exchanged under this Privilege. In this case, your account will fall to
zero unless additional investments are made in excess of the designated
amount prior to the next Dreyfus Auto-Exchange transaction.
Fund Exchanges and the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege are available
to shareholders resident in any state in which shares of the fund being
acquired may legally be sold. Shares may be exchanged only between
accounts having identical names and other identifying designations.
Shareholder Services Forms and prospectuses of the other funds may be
obtained by calling 1-800-554-4611. The Fund reserves the right to reject
any exchange request in whole or in part. The Fund Exchanges service or
the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege may be modified or terminated at any
time upon notice to shareholders.
Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builderr. Dreyfus-Automatic Asset Builder
permits you to purchases Fund shares (minimum of $100 and maximum of
$150,000 per transaction) at regular intervals selected by you. Fund shares
are purchased by transferring funds from the bank account designated by you.
Dreyfus Government Direct Deposit Privilege. Dreyfus Government Direct
Deposit Privilege enables you to purchase Fund shares (minimum of $100 and
maximum of $50,000 per transaction) by having Federal salary, Social
Security, or certain veterans', military or other payments from the U.S.
Government automatically deposited into your fund account. You may deposit
as much of such payments as you elect.
Dreyfus Dividend Options. Dreyfus Dividend Sweep allows you to invest
automatically your dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions,
if any, from the Fund in shares of the same Class of another fund in the
Dreyfus Premier Family of Funds or certain funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds of which you are a shareholder. Shares of the same Class of other
funds purchased pursuant to this privilege will be purchased on the basis
of relative net asset value per share as follows:
A. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested
without imposition of a sales load in shares of other funds
that are offered without a sales load.
B. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund which does not
charge a sales load may be invested in shares of other funds
sold with a sales load, and the applicable sales load will be
deducted.
C. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund which charges a
sales load may be invested in shares of other funds sold with
a sales load (referred to herein as "Offered Shares"),
provided that, if the sales load applicable to the Offered
Shares exceeds the maximum sales load charged by the fund
from which dividends or distributions are being swept,
without giving effect to any reduced loads, the difference
will be deducted.
D. Dividends and distributions paid by a fund may be invested in
the shares of other funds that impose a CDSC and the
applicable CDSC, if any, will be imposed upon redemption of
such shares.
Dreyfus Dividend ACH permits you to transfer electronically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from the Fund to a
designated bank account. Only an account maintained at a domestic financial
institution which is an ACH member may be so designated. Banks may charge a
fee for this service.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you
to request withdrawal of a specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on
either a monthly or quarterly basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account.
Withdrawal payments are the proceeds from sales of Fund shares, not the
yield on the shares. If withdrawal payments exceed reinvested dividends and
distributions, your shares will be reduced and eventually may be depleted.
Automatic Withdrawal may be terminated 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.
No CDSC with respect to Class B shares will be imposed on withdrawals
made under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan, provided that the amounts
withdrawn under the plan do not exceed on an annual basis 12% of the
account value at the time the shareholder elects to participate in the
Automatic Withdrawal Plan. Withdrawals with respect to Class B shares
under the Automatic Withdrawal Plan that exceed on an annual basis 12% of
the value of the shareholders account will be subject to a CDSC on the
amounts exceeding 12% of the initial account value. Withdrawals of Class
A shares subject to a CDSC and Class C shares under 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.
Letter of Intent--Class A Shares. By signing a Letter of Intent
form, which can be obtained by calling 1-800-554-4611, 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 of the Fund 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.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
Valuation of Portfolio Securities. The Fund's investments are valued
each business day by an independent pricing service (the "Service") approved
by the Fund's Board. When, in the judgment of the Service, quoted bid
prices for investments are readily available and are representative of the
bid side of the market, these investments are valued at the mean between the
quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such
securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its
evaluation of the market for such securities). Other investments (which
constitute a majority of the portfolio securities) are carried at fair value
as determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration
of: yields or prices of municipal bonds of comparable quality, coupon,
maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market
conditions. The Service may employ electronic data processing techniques
and/or a matrix system to determine valuations. The Service's procedures
are reviewed by the Fund's officers under the general supervision of the
Fund's Board. Expenses and fees, including the management fee and fees
pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan and, with respect to the Class B
and Class C shares only, the Distribution Plan, 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, Martin
Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Management believes that the Fund has qualified as a "regulated
investment company" under the Code for the fiscal year ended November 30,
1998, 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), and must meet certain asset
diversification and other requirements. If the Fund did not qualify as a
regulated investment company, it would be treated as an ordinary corporation
subject to Federal income tax. The term "regulated investment company" does
not imply the supervision of management or investment practices or policies
by any government agency.
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.
Dividends usually are paid on the last calendar day of each month and
are automatically reinvested in additional shares from which they were paid
at net asset value or, at your option, paid in cash. The Fund's earnings
for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are declared as dividends on the
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. If you are an omnibus
accountholder and indicate in a partial redemption request that a portion of
any accrued dividends to which such account is entitled belongs to an
underlying accountholder who has redeemed all shares in his or her account,
such portion of the accrued dividends will be paid to you along with the
proceeds of the redemption.
If you elect to receive dividends and distributions in cash, and your
dividend or distribution check is returned to the Fund as undeliverable or
remains uncashed for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest
such dividends or distributions and all future dividends and distributions
payable to you in additional Fund shares at net asset value. No interest
will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption
checks.
Any dividend or distribution paid shortly after an investor's purchase
may have the effect of reducing the aggregate 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 in the
Prospectus. 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
gains 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 of the Code.
"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, any 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 Sections 1092 and 1258 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 on straddle positions
may be recharacterized as short-term capital gains or ordinary income.
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 included constructive sale provisions
that generally will apply if the Fund either (1) holds an appreciated
financial position with respect to stock, certain debt obligations, or
partnership interests ("appreciated financial position") and then enters
into a short sale, futures, forward, or offsetting notional principal
contract (collectively, a "Contract") respecting the same or substantially
identical property or (2) holds an appreciated financial position that is a
Contract and then acquires property that is the same as, or substantially
identical to, the underlying property. In each instance, with certain
exceptions, the Fund generally will be taxed as if the appreciated financial
position were sold at its fair market value on the date the Fund enters into
the financial position or acquires the property, respectively. Transactions
that are identified as hedging or straddle transactions under other
provisions of the Code can be subject to the constructive sale provisions.
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 and may be
selected based upon their sales of shares of the Fund or other funds advised
by the Manager or its affiliates.
Research services furnished by brokers through which the Fund effects
securities transactions may be used by the Manager in advising other funds
it advises and, conversely, research services furnished to the Manager by
brokers in connection with other funds the Manager advises may be used by
the Manager in advising the Fund. Although it is not possible to place a
dollar value on these services, it is the opinion of the Manager that the
receipt and study of such services should not reduce the overall expenses of
its research department.
The amount of transactions during the fiscal year ended November 30,
1998 in newly issued debt instruments in fixed price public offerings
directed to an underwriter or underwriters in consideration of, among other
things, research services provided was $4 million.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Current yield for the 30-day period ended November 30, 1998 was 3.70%
for Class A, 3.42% for Class B and 3.23% for Class C. 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 or Class C 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 1998 Federal, New York State and New York City
personal tax rate of 46.43%, the tax equivalent yield for the 30-day period
ended November 30, 1998 was 6.91% for Class A, 6.38% for Class B, and 6.03%
for Class C. 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 6.85% and 4.46%, respectively, have been
used. The tax equivalent yield figure, however, does not reflect the
potential effect of any local (including, but not limited to, county,
district or city, other than New York City) taxes, including applicable
surcharges. In addition, there may be pending legislation which could affect
such stated rates or yield. You should consult your tax adviser, and
consider your 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 10 year periods ended
November 30, 1998 for Class A was 2.87%, 5.31% and 8.08%, respectively. The
average annual total return for the 1, 5 and 5.88 year periods ended
November 30, 1998 for Class B was 3.20%, 5.41% and 6.64%, respectively. The
average annual total return for the 1 and 3.22 year periods ended November
30, 1998 for Class C was 5.87% and 6.53%, respectively. Average annual
total return is calculated by determining the ending redeemable value of an
investment purchased at net asset value (maximum offering price in the case
of Class A) per share 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 provides 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 or
Class C the maximum applicable CDSC has been paid upon redemption at the end
of the period.
The total return for Class A for the period December 31, 1986
(commencement of operations) through November 30, 1998 was 132.51%. Based
on net asset value per share, the total return for Class A was 143.50% for
this period. The total return for Class B for the period January 15, 1993
(commencement of initial offering of Class B shares) through November 30,
1998 was 45.91%. Without giving effect to the applicable CDSC, the total
return for Class B was 46.91% for this period. The total return for Class C
for the period September 11, 1995 (commencement of initial offering of Class
C shares) through November 30, 1998 was 22.60%. Total return is calculated
by subtracting the amount of the Fund's net asset value (maximum offering
price in the case of Class A) 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 any applicable CDSC), and dividing the result by the net asset value
(maximum offering price in the case of Class A) 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 for Class A shares or without
giving effect to any applicable CDSC at the end of the period for Class B or
Class C 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 being representative of the
Fund's past or future performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing 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.
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. Advertising materials for the Fund also may refer to
statistical or other information concerning trends relating to investment
companies, as compiled by industry associations such as the Investment
Company Institute, and to Morningstar ratings and related analysis
supporting such rating.
From time to time, advertising material for the Fund may include
biographical information relating to its portfolio managers and may refer
to, or include commentary by, a portfolio manager relating to investment
strategy, asset growth, current or past business, political, economic or
financial conditions and other matters of general interest to investors.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
Each Fund share has one vote and, when issued and paid for in
accordance with the terms of the offering, is fully paid and non-assessable.
Shares have no preemptive or subscription rights and are freely
transferable.
Unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, ordinarily it will not be
necessary for the Fund to hold annual meetings of shareholders. As a
result, Fund shareholders may not consider each year the election of Board
members or the appointment of auditors. However, the holders of at least
10% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote may require the Fund to
hold a special meeting of shareholders for purposes of removing a Board
member from office. Fund shareholders may remove a Board member by the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Fund's outstanding voting shares. In
addition, the Board will call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of
electing Board members if, at any time, less than a majority of the Board
members then holding office have been elected by shareholders.
The Fund is organized as an unincorporated business trust under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under Massachusetts law,
shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable
for the obligations of the Fund. However, the Fund's Agreement and
Declaration of Trust (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 Fund intends to conduct its operations in such a
way so as to avoid, as far as possible, ultimate liability of the
shareholders for liabilities of the Fund.
The Fund is intended to be a long-term investment vehicle and is not
designed to provide investors with a means of speculating on short-term
market movements. A pattern of frequent purchases and exchanges can be
disruptive to efficient portfolio management and, consequently, can be
detrimental to the Fund's performance and its shareholders. Accordingly, if
the Fund's management determines that an investor is following a market-
timing strategy or is otherwise engaging in excessive trading, the Fund,
with or without prior notice, may temporarily or permanently terminate the
availability of Fund Exchanges, or reject in whole or part any purchase or
exchange request, with respect to such investor's account. Such investors
also may be barred from purchasing other funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds. Generally, an investor who makes more than four exchanges out of the
Fund during any calendar year or who makes exchanges that appear to coincide
with a market-timing strategy may be deemed to be engaged in excessive
trading. Accounts under common ownership or control will be considered as
one account for purposes of determining a pattern of excessive trading. In
addition, the Fund may refuse or restrict purchase or exchange requests by
any person or group if, in the judgment of the Fund's management, the Fund
would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its
investment objective and policies or could otherwise be adversely affected
or if the Fund receives or anticipates receiving simultaneous orders that
may significantly affect the Fund (e.g., amounts equal to 1% or more of the
Fund's total assets). If an exchange request is refused, the Fund will take
no other action with respect to the shares until it receives further
instructions from the investor. The Fund may delay forwarding redemption
proceeds for up to seven days if the investor redeeming shares is engaged in
excessive trading or if the amount of the redemption request otherwise would
be disruptive to efficient portfolio management or would adversely affect
the Fund. The Fund's policy on excessive trading applies to investors who
invest in the Fund directly or through financial intermediaries, but does
not apply to the Dreyfus Auto-Exchange Privilege, to any automatic
investment or withdrawal privilege described herein, or to participants in
employer-sponsored retirement plans.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, the Fund may
suspend Fund Exchanges temporarily without notice and treat exchange
requests based on their separate components -- redemption orders with a
simultaneous request to purchase the other fund's shares. In such a case,
the redemption request would be processed at the Fund's next determined net
asset value but the purchase order would be effective only at the net asset
value next determined after the fund being purchased receives the proceeds
of the redemption, which may result in the purchase being delayed.
The Fund sends annual and semi-annual financial statements to all its
shareholders.
The Manager's legislative efforts led to the 1976 Congressional
Amendment to the Code permitting an incorporated mutual fund to pass through
tax exempt income to its shareholders. The Manager offered to the public
the first incorporated tax exempt fund and currently manages or administers
over $[24] billion in tax exempt assets.
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, 180 Maiden Lane, New York, New York
10038-4982, as counsel for the Fund, has rendered its opinion as to certain
legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance of the
shares being sold pursuant to the Fund's Prospectus.
Ernst & Young LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019,
independent auditors, have been selected as independent auditors of the
Fund.
APPENDIX A
INVESTING IN NEW YORK MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
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.
The State's budget for the 1997-98 fiscal year was enacted by the
Legislature on August 4, 1997, more than four months after the start of the
fiscal year on April 1. 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.
For 1997-98, total revenues in the General Fund are projected at $33.37
billion, total expenditures are projected at $34.66 billion, and net
operating sources and uses are projected to contribute $331 million. For
all governmental funds, total revenues are projected at $67.48 billion,
total expenditures are projected at $68.24 billion, and financing uses are
projected to exceed financing sources by $220 million.
After adjustments for comparability between fiscal years, the adopted
1997-98 budget projects an increase in General Fund disbursements of $1.7
billion or 5.2% over 1996-97 levels. The average annual growth rate over
the last three fiscal years has been 1.2%. Adjusted State Funds (excluding
Federal grants) disbursements are projected to increase by 5.4% from the
1996-97 fiscal year. All Governmental Funds disbursements are projected to
increase by 7.0% over the prior fiscal year, after adjustments for
comparability.
The State revised the cash-basis 1997-98 State Financial plan on
January 20, 1998, in conjunction with the release of the Executive Budget
for the 1998-99 fiscal year. The changes reflect actual results through
December 1997, as well as modified economic and spending projections for the
balance of the current fiscal year.
The 1997-98 General Fund Financial Plan continues to be balanced, with
a projected cash surplus of $1.83 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion over
the surplus estimate of $530 million in the October 1997 update. The
increase in the surplus results primarily from higher-than-expected tax
receipts, which are forecast to exceed the October estimate by $1.28
billion.
In order to make the surplus available to help finance 1998-99
requirements, the State plans to accelerate $1.18 billion in income tax
refund payments into 1997-98, or provide reserves for such payments. The
balance in the refund reserve on March 31, 1998 is projected to be $1.647
billion.
Personal income tax collections for 1997-98 are now projected at $18.50
billion, or $363 million less than projected in October after accounting for
the refund reserve transaction. Business tax receipts are projected at $4.98
billion, an increase of $158 million. User tax collections are estimated at
$7.06 billion, or $52 million higher than the prior update, and reflected a
projected loss of $20 million in sales tax receipts from an additional week
of sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear costing less than $500,
which was authorized and implemented in January 1998. Other tax receipts
are projected to increase by $103 million over the prior update and total
$1.09 billion for the fiscal year. Miscellaneous receipts and transfers
from other funds are projected to reach $3.57 billion, or $153 million
higher than the mid-year update.
The State projects that disbursements will increase by $565 million
over the mid-year update, with nearly the entire increase attributable to
one-time disbursements of $561 million that pre-pay expenditures previously
scheduled for 1998-99. In the absence of these accelerated payments,
projected General Fund spending in the current year would have remained
essentially unchanged from the mid-year update. The Governor is proposing
legislation to use a portion of the current year surplus to transfer $425
million to pay for capital projects authorized under the Community
Enhancement Facilities Assistance Program (CEFAP) that were previously
planned to be financed with bond proceeds in 1998-99 and thereafter, and
$136 million in costs for an additional Medicaid payment originally schedule
for 1998-99.
The 1997-98 adopted budget includes multi-year tax reductions,
including a State funded property and local income tax reduction program,
estate tax relief, utility gross receipts tax reductions, permanent
reductions in the State sales tax on clothing, and elimination of
assessments on medical providers. These reductions are intended to reduce
the overall level of State and local taxes in New York and to improve the
State's competitive position vis-a-vis other states. The various elements
of the State and local tax and assessment reductions have little or no
impact on the 1997-98 Financial Plan, and do not begin to materially affect
the outyear projections until the State's 1999-2000 fiscal year.
The 1997-98 Financial Plan, as updated, also includes: a projected
General Fund reserve of $465 million; a projected balance of $400 million in
the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund; and a projected $65 million balance in
the Contingency Reserve Fund.
The State Financial Plan was based upon forecasts of national and State
economic activity. Economic forecasts have frequently failed to predict
accurately the timing and magnitude of changes in the national and the State
economies. Many uncertainties exist in forecasts of both the national and
State economies, including consumer attitudes toward spending, Federal
financial and monetary policies, the availability of credit and the
condition of
the world economy, which could have an adverse effect on the State. There
can be no assurance that the State economy will not experience worse-than-
predicted results, with corresponding material and adverse effects on the
State's projections of receipts and disbursements.
The Governor presented his 1998-99 Executive Budget to the Legislature
on January 20, 1998. The Executive Budget contains financial projections
for the State's 1997-98 through 2000-01 fiscal years, detailed estimates of
receipts and a proposed Capital Program and Financing Plan for the 1997-98
through 2002-03 fiscal years. It is expected that the Governor will prepare
amendments to his Executive Budget as permitted under law and that these
amendments will be reflected in a revised Financial Plan to be released on
or before February 19, 1998.
The 1998-99 Financial Plan is projected to be balanced on a cash basis
in the General Fund. Total General Fund receipts, including transfers from
other funds, are projected to be $36.22 billion, an increase of $1.02
billion over projected receipts in the current fiscal year. Total General
Fund disbursements, including transfers to other funds, are projected to be
$36.18 billion, an increase of $1.02 billion over the projected expenditures
(including prepayments) for the current fiscal year. As compared to the
1997-98 State Financial Plan, the Executive Budget proposes year-to-year
growth in General Fund spending of 2.89%. State Funds spending (i.e.,
General Fund plus other dedicated funds, with the exception of federal aid)
is projected to grow by 8.5%. Spending from All Governmental Funds
(excluding transfers) is proposed to increase by 7.6% from the prior fiscal
year.
There can be no assurance that the State will not face substantial
potential budget gaps in future years resulting from a significant disparity
between tax revenues projected from a lower recurring receipts base and the
spending required to maintain State programs at current levels. To address
any potential budgetary imbalance, the State may need to take significant
actions to align recurring receipts and disbursements in future fiscal
years.
On June 6, 1990, Moody's changed its ratings on all the State's
outstanding general obligation bonds from A1 to A. On March 26, 1990 and
January 13, 1992, S&P changed its ratings on all of the State's outstanding
general obligation bonds from AA- to A and from A to A-, respectively. In
February 1991, Moody's lowered its rating on the City's general obligation
bonds from A to Baa1 and in July 1995, S&P lowered its rating on such bonds
from A- to BBB+. Ratings reflect only the respective views of such
organizations, and their concerns about the financial condition of New York
State and City, the debt load of the State and City and any economic
uncertainties about the region. There is no assurance that a particular
rating will continue for any given period of time or that any such rating
will not be revised downward or withdrawn entirely if, in the judgment of
the agency originally establishing the rating, circumstances so warrant.
(1) The State, Agencies and Other Municipalities. During the mid-
1970s, some of the Agencies and municipalities (in particular, the City)
faced extraordinary financial difficulties, which affected the State's own
financial condition. These events, including a default on short-term notes
issued by the New York State Urban Development Corporation ("UDC") in
February 1975, which default was cured shortly thereafter, and a
continuation of the financial difficulties of the City, created substantial
investor resistance to securities issued by the State and by some of its
municipalities and Agencies. For a time, in late 1975 and early 1976, these
difficulties resulted in a virtual closing of public credit markets for
State and many State related securities.
In response to the financial problems confronting it, the State
developed and implemented programs for its 1977 fiscal year that included
the adoption of a balanced budget on a cash basis (a deficit of $92 million
that actually resulted was financed by issuing notes that were paid during
the first quarter of the State's 1978 fiscal year). In addition,
legislation was enacted limiting the occurrence of additional so-called
"moral obligation" and certain other Agency debt, which legislation does
not, however, apply to MAC debt.
GAAP-Basis Results--1996-97 Fiscal Year. The State completed its 1996-97
fiscal year with a combined Governmental Funds operating surplus of $2.1
billion, which included an operating surplus in the General Fund of $1.9
billion, in Capital Projects Funds of $98 million and in the Special Revenue
Funds of $65 million, offset in part by an operating deficit of $37 million
in the Debt Service Funds.
GAAP-Basis Results--1995-96 Fiscal Year. The State completed its 1995-96
fiscal year with a combined Governmental Funds operating surplus of $432
million, which included an operating surplus in the General Fund of $380
million, in the Capital Projects Funds of $276 million and in the Debt
Service Funds of $185 million. There was an operating deficit of $409
million in the Special Revenue Funds.
GAAP-Basis Results--1994-95 Fiscal Year. The State's Combined Balance Sheet
as of March 31, 1995 showed an accumulated deficit in its combined
Governmental Funds of $1.666 billion reflecting liabilities of $14.778
billion and assets of $13.112 billion. This accumulated Governmental Funds
deficit includes a $3.308 billion accumulated deficit in the General Fund,
as well as accumulated surpluses in the Special Revenue and Debt Service
Fund types of $877 million and $1.753 billion, respectively, and a $988
million accumulated deficit in the Capital Projects Fund type.
The State completed its 1994-95 fiscal year with a combined
Governmental Funds operating deficit of $1.791 billion, which included
operating deficits in the General Fund of $1.426 billion, in the Capital
Projects Funds of $366 million, and in the Debt Service Funds of $38
million. There was an operating surplus in the Special Revenue Funds of $39
million.
State Financial Plan--Cash-Basis Results--General Fund. The General
Fund is the principal operating fund of the State and is used to account for
all financial transactions, except those required to be accounted for in
another fund. It is the State's largest fund and receives almost all State
taxes and other resources not dedicated to particular purposes. General
Fund moneys are also transferred to other funds, primarily to support
certain capital projects and debt service payments in other fund types.
In the State's 1997-98 fiscal year, the General Fund is expected to
account for approximately 48% of total Governmental Funds disbursements and
71% of total State Funds disbursements. The General Fund is projected to be
balanced on a cash basis for the 1997-98 fiscal year. Total receipts and
transfers from other funds are projected to be $35.20 billion, an increase
of $2.16 billion from the prior fiscal year. Total General Fund
disbursements and transfers to other funds are projected to be $35.17
billion, an increase of $2.27 billion from the total in the prior fiscal
year.
New York State's financial operations have improved during recent
fiscal years. During the period 1989-90 through 1991-92, the State incurred
General Fund operating deficits that were closed with receipts from the
issuance of tax and revenue anticipation notes ("TRANs"). First, the
national recession, and then the lingering economic slowdown in the New York
and regional economy, resulted in repeated shortfalls in receipts and three
budget deficits. During its last five fiscal years, however, the State
recorded balanced budgets on a cash basis, with positive fund balances as
described below.
The State ended its 1996-97 fiscal year on March 31, 1997 in balance on
a cash basis, with a General Fund cash surplus as reported by DOB of
approximately $1.4 billion. The cash surplus was derived primarily from
higher-than-expected revenues and lower-than-expected spending for social
services programs. The Governor in his Executive Budget applied $1.05
billion of the cash surplus amount to finance the 1997-98 Financial Plan,
and the additional $373 million is available for use in financing the 1997-
98 Financial Plan when enacted by the State Legislature.
The General Fund closing fund balance was $433 million. Of that
amount, $317 million was in the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund ("TSRF"),
after a required deposit of $15 million and an additional deposit of $65
million in 1996-97. The TSRF can be used in the event of any future General
Fund deficit, as provided under the State Constitution and State Finance
Law. In addition, $41 million remains on deposit in the Contingency Reserve
Fund ("CRF"). This fund assists the State in financing any extraordinary
litigation costs during the fiscal year. The remaining $75 million reflects
amounts on deposit in the Community Projects Fund. This fund was created to
fund certain legislative initiatives. The General Fund closing fund balance
does not include $1.86 billion in the tax refund reserve account, of which
$521 million was made available as a result of the Local Government
Assistance Corporation ("LGAC") financing program as was required to be on
deposit as of March 31, 1997.
General Fund receipts and transfers from other funds for the 1996-97
fiscal year totaled $33.04 billion, an increase of 0.7% from the previous
fiscal year (excluding deposits into the tax refund reserve account).
General Fund disbursements and transfers to other funds totaled $32.90
billion for the 1996-97 fiscal year, an increase of 0.7% from the 1995-96
fiscal year.
The State ended its 1995-96 fiscal year on March 31, 1996 with a
General Fund cash surplus, as reported by DOB, of $445 million. Of that
amount, $65 million was deposited into the TSRF, and $380 million was used
to reduce 1996-97 Financial Plan liabilities by accelerating 1996-97
payments, deferring 1995-96 revenues, and making a deposit to the tax refund
reserve account.
The General Fund closing fund balance was $287 million, an increase of
$129 million from 1994-95 levels. The $129 million change in fund balance
is attributable to the $65 million voluntary deposit to the TSRF, a $15
million required deposit to the TSRF, a $40 million deposit to the CRF, and
a $9 million deposit to the Revenue Accumulation Fund. The closing fund
balance includes $237 million on deposit in the TSRF, to be used in the
event of any future General Fund deficit as provided under the State
Constitution and State Finance Law. In addition, $41 million is on deposit
in the CRF. The CRF was established in State fiscal year 1993-94 to assist
the State in financing the costs of extraordinary litigation. The remaining
$9 million reflects amounts on deposit in the Revenue Accumulation Fund.
This fund was created to hold certain tax receipts temporarily before their
deposit to other accounts. In addition, $678 million was on deposit in the
tax refund reserve account, of which $521 million was necessary to complete
the restructuring of the State's cash flow under the LGAC program.
General Fund receipts totaled $32.81 billion, a decrease of 1.1% from
1994-95 levels. This decrease reflects the impact of tax reductions enacted
and effective in both 1994 and 1995. General Fund disbursements totaled
$32.68 billion for the 1995-96 fiscal year, a decrease of 2.2% from 1994-95
levels.
The State ended its 1994-95 fiscal year with the General Fund in
balance. The $241 million decline in the fund balance reflects the planned
use of $264 million from the CRF, partially offset by the required deposit
of $23 million to the TSRF. In addition, $278 million was on deposit in the
tax refund reserve account, $250 million of which was deposited to continue
the process of restructuring the State's cash flow as part of the LGAC
program. The closing fund balance of $158 million reflects $157 million in
the TSRF and $1 million in the CRF.
General Fund receipts totaled $33.16 billion, an increase of 2.9% from
1993-94 levels. General Fund disbursements totaled $33.40 billion for the
1994-95 fiscal year, an increase of 4.7% from the previous fiscal year.
Cash-Basis Results--Other Governmental Funds. Activity in the three other
governmental funds has remained relatively stable over the last three fiscal
years ended March 31, 1997, with Federally-funded programs comprising
approximately two-thirds of these funds. The most significant change in the
structure of these funds has been the redirection of a portion of
transportation-related revenues from the General Fund to two new dedicated
funds in the Special Revenue and Capital Projects Fund types. These
revenues are used to support the capital programs of the Department of
Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MTA").
The Special Revenue Funds are used to account for the proceeds of
specific revenue sources such as federal grants that are legally restricted,
either by the Legislature or outside parties, to expenditures for specified
purposes. Disbursements from Special Revenue Funds increased from $24.38
billion to $26.02 billion over the last three years, primarily as a result
of increased costs for the federal share of Medicaid. Other activity
reflected dedication of taxes to a new fund for mass transportation, new
lottery games, and new fees for criminal justice programs. Although
activity in this fund type is expected to comprise approximately 42% of
total governmental funds receipts in the 1997-98 fiscal year, three-quarters
of that activity relates to federally-funded programs. Projected receipts
in this fund type for the 1997-98 fiscal year total $28.22 billion, an
increase of $2.51 billion (9.7%) over the prior year. Projected
disbursements in this fund type total $28.45 billion, an increase of $2.43
billion (9.3%) over 1996-97 levels. Disbursements from federal funds,
primarily the federal share of Medicaid and other social services programs,
are projected to total $21.19 billion in the 1997-98 fiscal year. Remaining
projected spending of $7.26 billion primarily reflects aid to SUNY supported
by tuition and dormitory fees, education aid funded from lottery receipts,
operating aid payments to the MTA funded from the proceeds of dedicated
transportation taxes, and costs of a variety of self-supporting programs
which deliver services financed by user fees.
The Capital Projects Funds are used to finance the acquisition,
construction or rehabilitation of major state capital facilities and to aid
local government units and Agencies in financing capital construction.
Disbursements in the Capital Projects Funds declined from $3.62 billion to
$3.54 billion over the last three years, as spending for miscellaneous
capital programs decreased, partially offset by increases for mental
hygiene, health and environmental programs. The composition of this fund
type's receipts also changed as the dedicated transportation taxes began to
be deposited, general obligation bond proceeds declined substantially,
federal grants remained stable, and reimbursements from public authority
bonds (primarily transportation related) increased. The increase in the
negative fund balance in 1994-95 resulted from delays in reimbursements
caused by delays in the timing of public authority bond sales.
In the 1997-98 fiscal year, activity in these funds is expected to
comprise 5% of total governmental receipts.
Total receipts in this fund type for the 1997-98 fiscal year are
projected at $3.30 billion. Bond and note proceeds are expected to provide
$605 million in other financing sources. Disbursements from this fund type
are projected to be $3.70 billion, an increase of $154 million (4.3%) over
prior-year levels. The Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund is the
single largest dedicated fund, comprising an estimated $982 million (27%) of
the activity in this fund type. Total spending for capital projects will be
financed through a combination of sources: federal grants (29%), public
authority bond proceeds (31%), general obligation bond proceeds (15%), and
pay-as-you-go revenues (25%).
The Debt Service Funds are used to account for the payment of principal
of, and interest on, long-term debt of the State and to meet commitments
under lease-purchase and other contractual-obligation financing
arrangements.
Activity in the Debt Service Funds reflected increased use of bonds
during the three-year period for improvements to the State's capital
facilities and the continued implementation of the LGAC fiscal reform
program. The increases were moderated by the refunding savings achieved by
the State over the last several years using strict present value savings
criteria. The growth in LGAC debt service was offset by reduced short-term
borrowing costs reflected in the General Fund. This fund type is expected
to comprise 4% of total governmental fund receipts and 4.7% of total
government disbursements in the 1997-98 fiscal year. Receipts in these
funds in excess of debt service requirements may be transferred to the
General Fund and Special Revenue Funds, pursuant to law.
The Debt Service fund type consists of the General Debt Service Fund,
which is supported primarily by tax receipts transferred from the General
Fund, and other funds established to accumulate moneys for the payment of
debt service. In the 1997-98 fiscal year, total disbursements in this fund
type are projected at $3.17 billion, an increase of $641 million or 25.3%,
most of which is explained by increases in the General Fund transfer as
discussed earlier. The projected transfer from the General Fund of $2.07
billion is expected to finance 65% of these payments.
The remaining payments are expected to be financed by pledged revenues,
including $2.03 billion in taxes and $601 million in dedicated fees and
other miscellaneous receipts. After required impoundment for debt service,
$3.77 billion is expected to be transferred to the General Fund and other
funds in support of State operations. The largest transfer-$1.86 billion-is
made to the Special Revenue fund type in support of operations of the mental
hygiene agencies. Another $1.47 billion in excess sales taxes is expected
to be transferred to the General Fund, following payments of projected debt
service on LGAC bonds.
State Borrowing Plan. The State anticipates that its capital programs
will be financed, in part, through borrowings by the State and public
authorities in the 1997-98 fiscal year. The State expects to issue $501
million in general obligation bonds (including $140 million for purposes of
redeeming outstanding BANs) and $140 million in general obligation
commercial paper. The Legislature has also authorized the issuance of $83
million in COPs during the State's 1997-98 fiscal year for equipment
purchases, and approximately $1.8 billion in borrowings by public
authorities pursuant to lease-purchase and contractual-obligation financings
for capital programs of the State. The projection of the State regarding
its borrowings for the 1997-98 fiscal year may change if circumstances
require.
State Agencies. The fiscal stability of the State is related, at least
in part, to the fiscal stability of its localities and various of its
Agencies. Various Agencies have issued bonds secured, in part, by
non-binding statutory provisions for State appropriations to maintain
various debt service reserve funds established for such bonds (commonly
referred to as "moral obligation" provisions).
At September 30, 1996, there were 17 Agencies that had outstanding debt
of $100 million or more. The aggregate outstanding debt, including
refunding bonds, of these 17 Agencies was $75.4 billion as of September 30,
1996. As of March 31, 1997, aggregate Agency debt outstanding as State-
supported debt was $32.8 billion and as State-related was $37.1 billion.
Debt service on the outstanding Agency obligations normally is paid out of
revenues generated by the Agencies' projects or programs, but in recent
years the State has provided special financial
assistance, in some cases on a recurring basis, to certain Agencies for
operating and other expenses and for debt service pursuant to moral
obligation indebtedness provisions or otherwise. Additional assistance is
expected to continue to be required in future years.
Several Agencies have experienced financial difficulties in the past.
Certain Agencies continue to experience financial difficulties requiring
financial assistance from the State. Failure of the State to appropriate
necessary amounts or to take other action to permit certain Agencies to meet
their obligations could result in a default by one or more of such Agencies.
If a default were to occur, it would likely have a significant effect on the
marketability of obligations of the State and the Agencies. These Agencies
are discussed below.
The New York State Housing Finance Agency ("HFA") provides financing
for multifamily housing, State University construction, hospital and nursing
home development, and other programs. In general, HFA depends upon
mortgagors in the housing programs it finances to generate sufficient funds
from rental income, subsidies and other payments to meet their respective
mortgage repayment obligations to HFA, which provide the principal source of
funds for the payment of debt service on HFA bonds, as well as to meet
operating and maintenance costs of the projects financed. From January 1,
1976 through March 31, 1987, the State was called upon to appropriate a
total of $162.8 million to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve
funds of HFA pursuant to moral obligation provisions. The State has not
been called upon to make such payments since the 1986-87 fiscal year.
UDC has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, financial
difficulties with the housing programs it had undertaken prior to 1975,
because a substantial number of these housing program mortgagors are unable
to make full payments on their mortgage loans. Through a subsidiary, UDC is
currently attempting to increase its rate of collection by accelerating its
program of foreclosures and by entering into settlement agreements. UDC has
been, and will remain, dependent upon the State for appropriations to meet
its operating expenses. The State also has appropriated money to assist in
the curing of a default by UDC on notes which did not contain the State's
moral obligation provision.
The MTA oversees New York City's subway and bus lines by its
affiliates, the New York City Transit Authority and the Manhattan and Bronx
Surface Transit Operating Authority (collectively, the "TA"). Through MTA's
subsidiaries, the Long Island Rail Road Company, the Metro-North Commuter
Railroad Company and the Metropolitan Suburban Bus Authority, the MTA
operates certain commuter rail and bus lines in the New York metropolitan
area. In addition, the Staten Island Rapid Transit Authority, an MTA
subsidiary, operates a rapid transit line on Staten Island. Through its
affiliated agency, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (the "TBTA"),
the MTA operates certain toll bridges and tunnels. Because fare revenues
are not sufficient to finance the mass transit portion of these operations,
the MTA has depended and will continue to depend for operating support upon
a system of State, local government and TBTA support and, to the extent
available, Federal operating assistance, including loans, grants and
subsidies. If current revenue projections are not realized and/or operating
expenses exceed current projections, the TA or commuter railroads may be
required to seek additional State assistance, raise fares or take other
actions.
Since 1980, the State has enacted several taxes--including a surcharge
on the profits of banks, insurance corporations and general business
corporations doing business in the 12-county region (the "Metropolitan
Transportation Region") served by the MTA and a special .25% regional sales
and use tax--that provide additional revenues for mass transit purposes,
including assistance to the MTA. In addition, since 1987, State law has
required that the proceeds of .25% mortgage recording tax paid on certain
mortgages in the Metropolitan Transportation Region be deposited in a
special MTA fund for operating or capital expenses. Further, in 1993, the
State dedicated a portion of certain additional State petroleum business tax
receipts to fund operating or capital assistance to the MTA. For the 1997-
98 State fiscal year, total State assistance to the MTA is estimated at
approximately $1.2 billion, an increase of $76 million over the 1996-97
fiscal year.
In 1981, the State Legislature authorized procedures for the adoption,
approval and amendment of a five-year plan for the capital program designed
to upgrade the performance of the MTA's transportation systems and to
supplement, replace and rehabilitate facilities and equipment, and also
granted certain additional bonding authorization therefor.
State legislation accompanying the 1996-97 adopted State budget
authorized the MTA, TBTA and TA to issue an aggregate of $6.5 billion in
bonds to finance a portion of the $12.17 billion MTA capital plan for the
1995 through 1999 calendar years (the "1995-99 Capital Program"). In July
1997, the Capital Program Review Board approved the 1995-99 Capital Program,
which supersedes the overlapping portion of the MTA's 1992-96 Capital
Program. This is the fourth capital plan since the Legislature authorized
procedures for the adoption, approval and amendment of MTA capital programs
and is designed to upgrade the performance of the MTA's transportation
systems by investing in new rolling stock, maintaining replacement schedules
for existing assets and bringing the MTA system into a state of good repair.
The 1995-99 Capital Program assumes the issuance of an estimated $5.1
billion in bonds under this $6.5 billion aggregate bonding authority. The
remainder of the plan is projected to be financed through assistance from
the State, the Federal government, and the City of New York, and from
various other revenues generated from actions taken by the MTA.
There can be no assurance that such governmental actions will be taken,
that sources currently identified will not be decreased or eliminated, or
that the 1995-1999 Capital Program will not be delayed or reduced. If the
MTA capital program is delayed or reduced because of funding shortfalls or
other factors, ridership and fare revenues may decline, which could, among
other things, impair the MTA's ability to meet its operating expenses
without additional State assistance.
The cities, towns, villages and school districts of the State are
political subdivisions of the State with the powers granted by the State
Constitution and statutes. As the sovereign, the State retains broad powers
and responsibilities with respect to the government, finances and welfare of
these political subdivisions, especially in education and social services.
In recent years the State has been called upon to provide added financial
assistance to certain localities.
Other Localities. Certain localities in addition to the City could
have financial problems leading to requests for additional State assistance
during the last several State fiscal years. The potential impact on the
State of such actions by localities is not included in the projections of
the State receipts and disbursements in the State's 1997-98 fiscal year.
Fiscal difficulties experienced by the City of Yonkers resulted in the
re-establishment of the Financial Control Board for the City of Yonkers by
the State in 1984. That Board is charged with oversight of the fiscal
affairs of Yonkers. Future actions taken by the State to assist Yonkers
could result in increased State expenditures for extraordinary local
assistance.
Beginning in 1990, the City of Troy experienced a series of budgetary
deficits that resulted in the establishment of a Supervisory Board for the
City of Troy in 1994. The Supervisory Board's powers were increased in
1995, when Troy MAC was created to help Troy avoid default on certain
obligations. The legislation creating Troy MAC prohibits the City of Troy
from seeking federal bankruptcy protection while Troy MAC bonds are
outstanding.
Eighteen municipalities received extraordinary assistance during the
1996 legislative session through $50 million in special appropriations
targeted for distressed cities, and that was largely continued in 1997.
Twenty-eight municipalities are scheduled to share the more than $32 million
in targeted unrestricted aid allocated in the 1997-98 budget.
Municipalities and school districts have engaged in substantial
short-term and long-term borrowings. In 1995, the total indebtedness of all
localities in the State, other than the City, was approximately $19 billion.
A small portion (approximately $102.3 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.
Eighteen localities had outstanding indebtedness for deficit financing at
the close of their fiscal year ending in 1995.
From time to time, Federal expenditure reductions could reduce, or in
some cases eliminate, Federal funding of some local programs and accordingly
might impose substantial increased expenditure requirements on affected
localities to increase local revenues to sustain those expenditures. If the
State, the City or any of the Agencies were to suffer serious financial
difficulties jeopardizing their respective access to the public credit
markets, the marketability of notes and bonds issued by localities within
the State could be adversely affected. Localities also face anticipated and
potential problems resulting from certain pending litigation, judicial
decisions and long-range economic trends. Long-range, potential problems of
declining urban population, increasing expenditures and other economic
trends could adversely affect localities and require increasing State
assistance in the future.
Certain litigation pending against the State or its officers or
employees could have a substantial or long-term adverse effect on State
finances. Among the more significant of these litigations are those that
involve: (i) the validity and fairness of agreements and treaties by which
various Indian tribes transferred title to the State of approximately six
million acres of land in central New York; (ii) certain aspects of the
State's Medicaid rates and regulations, including reimbursements to
providers of mandatory and optional Medicaid services; (iii) contamination
in the Love Canal area of Niagara Falls; (iv) a challenge to the State's
practice of reimbursing certain Office of Mental Health patient-care
expenses with clients' Social Security benefits; (v) a challenge to the
methods by which the State reimburses localities for the administrative
costs of food stamp programs; (vi) a challenge to the State's possession of
certain funds taken pursuant to the State's Abandoned Property law; (vii)
alleged responsibility of State officials to assist in remedying racial
segregation in the City of Yonkers; (viii) an action, in which the State is
a third party defendant, for injunctive or other appropriate relief,
concerning liability for the maintenance of stone groins constructed along
certain areas of Long Island's shoreline; (ix) actions challenging the
constitutionality of legislation enacted during the 1990 legislative session
which changed the actuarial funding methods for determining contributions to
State employee retirement systems; (x) an action against State and City
officials alleging that the present level of shelter allowance for public
assistance recipients is inadequate under statutory standards to maintain
proper housing; (xi) an action challenging legislation enacted in 1990 which
had the effect of deferring certain employer contributions to the State
Teachers' Retirement System and reducing State aid to school districts by a
like amount; (xii) a challenge to the constitutionality of financing
programs of the Thruway Authority authorized by Chapters 166 and 410 of the
Laws of 1991 (described below in this Part); (xiii) a challenge to the
constitutionality of financing programs of the Metropolitan Transportation
Authority and the Thruway Authority authorized by Chapter 56 of the Laws of
1993 (described below in this Part); (xiv) challenges to the delay by the
State Department of Social Services in making two one-week Medicaid payments
to the service providers; (xv) challenges by commercial insurers, employee
welfare benefit plans, and health maintenance organizations to provisions of
Section 2807-c of the Public Health Law which impose 13%, 11% and 9%
surcharges on inpatient hospital bills and a bad debt and charity care
allowance on all hospital bills paid by such entities; (xvi) challenges to
the promulgation of the State's proposed procedure to determine the
eligibility for and nature of home care services for Medicaid recipients;
(xvii) a challenge to State implementation of a program which reduces
Medicaid benefits to certain home-relief recipients; and (xviii) challenges
to the rationality and retroactive application of State regulations
recelebrating nursing home Medicaid rates.
(2) New York City. In the mid-1970s, the City had large accumulated
past deficits and until recently was not able to generate sufficient tax and
other ongoing revenues to cover expenses in each fiscal year. However, the
City has achieved balanced operating results for each of its fiscal years
since 1981 as reported in accordance with the then-applicable GAAP
standards. The City's ability to maintain balanced operating results in
future years is subject to numerous contingencies and future developments.
In 1975, the City became unable to market its securities and entered a
period of extraordinary financial difficulties. In response to this crisis,
the State created MAC to provide financing assistance to the City and also
enacted the New York State Financial Emergency Act for the City of New York
(the "Emergency Act") which, among other things, created the Financial
Control Board (the "Control Board") to oversee the City's financial affairs
and facilitate its return to the public credit markets. The State also
established the Office of the State Deputy Comptroller ("OSDC") to assist
the Control Board in exercising its powers and responsibilities. On June
30, 1986, the Control Board's powers of approval over the City Financial
Plan were suspended pursuant to the Emergency Act. However, the Control
Board, MAC and OSDC continue to exercise various monitoring functions
relating to the City's financial condition. The City prepares and operates
under a four-year financial plan which is submitted annually to the Control
Board for review and which the City periodically updates.
The City's independently audited operating results for each of its
fiscal years from 1981 through 1995 show a General Fund surplus reported in
accordance with GAAP. The City has eliminated the cumulative deficit in its
net General Fund position.
During the 1990 and 1991 fiscal years, as a result of a slowing
economy, the City has experienced significant shortfalls in almost all of
its major tax sources and increases in social services costs, and was
required to take actions to close substantial budget gaps in order to
maintain balanced budgets in accordance with the Financial Plan.
According to a recent OSDC economic report, the City's economy was slow
to recover from the recession and was expected to have experienced a weak
employment situation, and moderate wage and income growth, during the 1995-
96 period. Also, Financial Plan reports of OSDC, the Control Board, and the
City Comptroller have variously indicated that many of the City's balanced
budgets have been accomplished, in part, through the use of non-recurring
resource, tax and fee increases, personnel reductions and additional State
assistance; that the City has not yet brought its long-term expenditures in
line with recurring revenues; that the City's proposed gap-closing programs,
if implemented, would narrow future budget gaps; that these programs tend to
rely heavily on actions outside the direct control of the City; and that the
City is therefore likely to continue to face futures projected budget gaps
requiring the City to reduce expenditures and/or increase revenues.
According to the most recent staff reports of OSDC, the Control Board and
the City Comptroller during the four-year period covered by the current
Financial Plan, the City is relying on obtaining substantial resources from
initiatives needing approval and cooperation of its municipal labor unions,
Covered Organizations, and City Council, as well as the State and Federal
governments, among others, and there can be no assurance that such approval
can be obtained.
The City requires certain amounts of financing for seasonal and capital
spending purposes. The City issued $1.75 billion of notes for seasonal
financing purposes during the 1994 fiscal year. The City's capital financing
program projects long-term financing requirements of approximately $17
billion for the City's fiscal years 1995 through 1998 for the construction
and rehabilitation of the City's infrastructure and other fixed assets. The
major capital requirement include expenditures for the City's water supply
system, and waste disposal systems, roads, bridges, mass transit, schools
and housing. In addition, the City and the Municipal Water Finance
Authority issued about $1.8 billion in refunding bonds in the 1994 fiscal
year.
State Economic and Demographic Trends. The State historically has been
one of the wealthiest states in the nation. For decades, however, the State
has grown more slowly than the nation as a whole, gradually eroding its
relative economic position. Statewide, urban centers have experienced
significant changes involving migration of the more affluent to the suburbs
and an influx of generally less affluent residents. Regionally, the older
Northeast cities have suffered because of the relative success that the
South and the West have had in attracting people and business. The City has
also had to face greater competition as other major cities have developed
financial and business capabilities which make them less dependent on the
specialized services traditionally available almost exclusively in the City.
During the 1982-83 recession, overall economic activity in the State
declined less than that of the nation as a whole. However, in the calendar
years 1984 through 1991, the State's rate of economic expansion was somewhat
slower than that of the nation. In the 1990-91 recession, the economy of
the State, and that of the rest of the Northeast, was more heavily damaged
than that of the nation as a whole and has been slower to recover. The
total employment growth rate in the State has been below the national
average since 1984. The unemployment rate in the State dipped below the
national rate in the second half of 1981 and remained lower until 1991;
since then, it has been higher. According to data published by the U.S.
Bureau of Economic Analysis, during the past ten years, total personal
income in the State rose slightly faster than the national average only from
1986 through 1988.
At the State level, moderate growth is projected to continue in 1998
and 1999 for employment, wages, and personal income, although the growth
rates will lessen gradually during the course of the two years. Personal
income is estimated to grow by 5.4% in 1997, fueled in part by a continued
large increase in financial sector bonus payments, and is projected to grow
4.7% in 1998 and 4.4% in 1999. Increases in bonus payments at year-end 1998
are projected to be modest, a substantial change from the rate of increase
of the law few years. Overall employment growth is expected to continue at
a modest rate, reflecting the slowing growth in the national economy,
continued spending restraint in government, and restructuring in the health
care, social service, and banking sectors.
APPENDIX B
Description of certain 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.
Generally, Moody's provides either a generic rating or a rating with a
numerical modifier of 1 for bonds in each of the generic rating categories
Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B. Moody's also provides numerical modifiers of 2 and 3
in each of these categories for bond issues in the health care, higher
education and other not-for profit sectors; the modifier 1 indicates that
the issue ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the
modifier 2 indicates that the issue is in the mid-range of the generic
category; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue is in the low end of
the generic category.
Municipal Note Ratings
Moody's ratings for state 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.
DREYFUS PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
_________________________
Item 23. Exhibits
_______ __________
(a) Registrant's Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration
of Trust is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (1) of Post-
Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement on Form N-
1A, filed on September 8, 1995, and Exhibit (1)(b) of Post-
Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A, filed on March 27, 1997.
(b) 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.
(d) Management Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
(5) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on January 27, 1995.
(e) Distribution Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (6) of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A, filed on January 27, 1995. Forms of Service Agreement are
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(b) and (6)(c) of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A, filed on September 8, 1995.
(g) Amended and Restated Custody Agreement is incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 8(a) of Post-Effect Amendment No. 14 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 8, 1995.
Sub-Custodian Agreements are incorporated by reference to Exhibit
8(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 8, 1995.
(h) Shareholder Services Plan is incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (9) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 8, 1995.
(i) Opinion and consent of Registrant's counsel is incorporated
by reference to Exhibit (10) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 8,
1995.
(j) Consent of Independent Auditors.
(m) Rule 12b-1 Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (15)
of Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration Statement
on Form N-1A, filed on September 8, 1995.
(n) Financial Data Schedule.
Item 23. Exhibits. - List (continued)
_______ _____________________________________________________
(o) Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18 of
Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registration Statement on
From N-1A, filed on March 27, 1997.
Other Exhibits
______________
(a) Powers of Attorney.
(b) Certificate of Assistant Secretary.
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
_______ ______________________________________________________________
Not Applicable
Item 25. Indemnification
_______ _______________
Reference is made to Article VIII of the Registrant's Amended
and Restated Declaration of Trust incorporated by reference to
Exhibit (1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A, filed on September 8, 1995. The
application of these provisions is limited by Article 10 of the
Registrant's By-Laws, as amended, 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, and by the
following undertaking set forth in the rules promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission:
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be
permitted to trustees, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in such Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification is against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
trustee, officer or controlling person of the
registrant in the successful defense of any such
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
trustee, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered,
the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in such Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
Reference is also made to the Distribution Agreement
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (6)(a) of Post-Effective
Amendment No. 12 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed
on January 27, 1995.
Item 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.
_______ ____________________________________________________
The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") and subsidiary companies
comprise a financial service organization whose business
consists primarily of providing investment management services
as the investment adviser and manager for sponsored investment
companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940
and as an investment adviser to institutional and individual
accounts. Dreyfus also serves as sub-investment adviser to
and/or administrator of other investment companies. Dreyfus
Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus,
serves primarily as a registered broker-dealer. Dreyfus
Investment Advisors, Inc., another wholly-owned subsidiary,
provides investment management services to various pension
plans, institutions and individuals.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser (continued)
Officers and Directors of Investment Adviser
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Name and Position
With Dreyfus Other Businesses Position Held Dates
Christopher M. Condron Mellon Preferred Director 3/96 - 11/96
Chairman of the Board and Capital Corporation*
Chief Executive Officer
TBCAM Holdings, Inc.* President 10/97 - 6/98
Chairman 10/97 - 6/98
The Boston Company Chairman 1/98 - 6/98
Asset Management, LLC* President 1/98 - 6/98
The Boston Company President 9/95 - 1/98
Asset Management, Inc.* Chairman 4/95 - 1/98
Chief Executive Officer 4/95 - 4/97
Pareto Partners Partner Representative 11/95 - 5/97
271 Regent Street
London, England W1R 8PP
Franklin Portfolio Holdings, Inc.* Director 1/97 - Present
Franklin Portfolio
Associates Trust* Trustee 9/95 - 1/97
Certus Asset Advisors Corp.**
Director 6/95 - Present
The Boston Company of Director 6/95 - 4/96
Southern California Chief Executive Officer 6/95 - 4/96
Los Angeles, CA
Mellon Capital Management Director 5/95 - Present
Corporation***
Mellon Bond Associates, LLP+ Executive Committee 1/98 - Present
Member
Mellon Bond Associates+ Trustee 5/95 -1/98
Mellon Equity Associates, LLP+ Executive Committee 1/98 - Present
Member
Mellon Equity Associates+ Trustee 5/95 - 1/98
Boston Safe Advisors, Inc.* Director 5/95 - Present
President 5/95 - Present
Access Capital Strategies Corp. Director 5/95 - 1/97
124 Mount Auburn Street
Suite 200 North
Cambridge, MA 02138
Mellon Bank, N.A. + Chief Operating Officer 3/98 - Present
President 3/98 - Present
Vice Chairman 11/94 - Present
Christopher M. Condron Mellon Bank Corporation+ Chief Operating Officer 1/99 - Present
Chairman and Chief President 1/99 - Present
Executive Director 1/98 - Present
Officer (Continued) Vice Chairman 11/94 - 1/99
The Boston Company Financial Director 4/94- 8/96
Services, Inc.* President 4/94 - 8/96
The Boston Company, Inc.* Vice Chairman 1/94 - Present
Director 5/93 - Present
Laurel Capital Advisors, LLP+ Exec. Committee 1/98 - Present
Member
Laurel Capital Advisors+ Trustee 10/93 - 1/98
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Chairman 3/93 - 2/96
Company of CA Chief Executive Officer 6/93 - 2/96
Los Angeles, CA Director 6/89 - 2/96
MY, Inc.* President 9/91 - 3/96
Director 9/91 - 3/96
Reco, Inc.* President 8/91 - 11/96
Director 8/91 - 11/96
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Director 6/89 - 2/96
Company of NY
New York, NY
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust President 9/89 - 6/96
Company* Director 5/93 -Present
The Boston Company Financial President 6/89 - Present
Strategies, Inc. * Director 6/89 - Present
The Boston Company Financial President 6/89 - 1/97
Strategies Group, Inc. * Director 6/89- 1/97
Mandell L. Berman Self-Employed Real Estate Consultant, 11/74 - Present
Director 29100 Northwestern Highway Residential Builder and
Suite 370 Private Investor
Southfield, MI 48034
Burton C. Borgelt DeVlieg Bullard, Inc. Director 1/93 - Present
Director 1 Gorham Island
Westport, CT 06880
Mellon Bank Corporation+ Director 6/91 - Present
Mellon Bank, N.A. + Director 6/91 - Present
Dentsply International, Inc. Director 2/81 - Present
570 West College Avenue Chief Executive Officer 2/81 - 12/96
York, PA Chairman 3/89 - 1/96
Stephen E. Canter Dreyfus Investment Chairman of the Board 1/97 - Present
President, Chief Operating Advisors, Inc.++ Director 5/95 - Present
Officer, Chief Investment President 5/95 - Present
Officer, and Director
Founders Asset Management, LLC Acting Chief Executive 7/98 - 12/98
2930 East Third Ave. Officer
Denver, CO 80206
The Dreyfus Trust Company+++ Director 6/95 - Present
Steven G. Elliott Mellon Bank Corporation+ Senior Vice Chairman 1/99 - Present
Director Chief Financial Officer 1/90 - Present
Vice Chairman 6/92 - 1/99
Treasurer 1/90 - 5/98
Mellon Bank, N.A.+ Senior Vice Chairman 3/98 - Present
Vice Chairman 6/92 - 3/98
Chief Financial Officer 1/90 - Present
Mellon EFT Services Corporation Director 10/98 - Present
Mellon Bank Center, 8th Floor
1735 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Mellon Financial Services Director 1/96 - Present
Corporation #1 Vice President 1/96 - Present
Mellon Bank Center, 8th Floor
1735 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Boston Group Holdings, Inc.* Vice President 5/93 - Present
APT Holdings Corporation Treasurer 12/87 - Present
Pike Creek Operations Center
4500 New Linden Hill Road
Wilmington, DE 19808
Allomon Corporation Director 12/87 - Present
Two Mellon Bank Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15259
Collection Services Corporation Controller 10/90 - Present
500 Grant Street Director 9/88 - Present
Pittsburgh, PA 15258 Vice President 9/88 - Present
Treasurer 9/88 - Present
Mellon Financial Company+ Principal Exec. Officer 1/88 - Present
Chief Financial Officer 8/87 - Present
Director 8/87 - Present
President 8/87 - Present
Mellon Overseas Investments Director 4/88 - Present
Corporation+ Chairman 7/89 - 11/97
President 4/88 - 11/97
Chief Executive Officer 4/88 - 11/97
Mellon International Investment Director 9/89 - 8/97
Corporation+
Mellon Financial Services Treasurer 12/87 - Present
Corporation # 5+
Lawrence S. Kash Dreyfus Investment Director 4/97 - Present
Vice Chairman Advisors, Inc.++
And Director
Dreyfus Brokerage Services, Inc. Chairman 11/97 - Present
401 North Maple Ave. Chief Executive Officer 11/97 - Present
Beverly Hills, CA
Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Director 1/95 - Present
President 9/96 - Present
Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc.++ + Director 3/96 - 12/98
President 10/96 - 12/98
Dreyfus Service Director 12/94 - Present
Organization, Inc.++ President 1/97 - Present
Executive Vice President 12/94 - 1/97
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc. ++ Director 1/97 - Present
Dreyfus Insurance Agency of Chairman 5/97 - Present
Massachusetts, Inc.++++ President 5/97 - Present
Director 5/97 - Present
The Dreyfus Trust Company+++ Chairman 1/97 - Present
President 2/97 - Present
Chief Executive Officer 2/97 - Present
Director 12/94 - Present
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Chairman 5/97 - Present
Corporation++ President 5/97 - Present
Director 12/94 - Present
The Boston Company Advisors* Chairman 8/93 - 11/95
The Boston Company Advisors, Chairman 12/95 - Present
Inc. Chief Executive Officer 12/95 - Present
Wilmington, DE President 12/95 - Present
Cornice Acquisition Board of Managers 12/97 - Present
Company, LLC
Denver, CO
The Boston Company, Inc.* Director 5/93 - Present
President 5/93 - Present
Mellon Bank, N.A.+ Executive Vice President 2/92 - Present
Laurel Capital Advisors, LLP+ President 12/91 - Present
Executive Committee 12/91 - Present
Member
Boston Group Holdings, Inc.* Director 5/93 - Present
President 5/93 - Present
Martin G. McGuinn Mellon Bank Corporation+ Chairman 1/99 - Present
Director Chief Executive Officer 1/99 - Present
Director 1/98 - Present
Vice Chairman 1/90 - 1/99
Martin G. McGuinn Mellon Bank, N. A. + Chairman 3/98 - Present
Director (Continued) Chief Executive Officer 3/98 - Present
Director 1/98 - Present
Vice Chairman 1/90 - 1/99
Mellon Leasing Corporation+ Vice Chairman 12/96 - Present
Mellon Bank (DE) National Director 4/89 - 12/98
Association
Wilmington, DE
Mellon Bank (MD) National Director 1/96 - 4/98
Association
Rockville, Maryland
Mellon Financial Vice President 9/86 - 10/97
Corporation (MD)
Rockville, Maryland
J. David Officer Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Executive Vice President 5/98 - Present
Vice Chairman
And Director Dreyfus Insurance Agency of Director 5/98 - Present
Massachusetts, Inc.++++
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.++ Director 10/98 - Present
Mellon Residential Funding Corp. + Director 4/97 - Present
Mellon Trust of Florida, N.A. Director 8/97 - Present
2875 Northeast 191st Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33180
Mellon Bank, NA+ Executive Vice President 7/96 - Present
The Boston Company, Inc.* Vice Chairman 1/97 - Present
Director 7/96 - Present
Mellon Preferred Capital Director 11/96 - Present
Corporation*
RECO, Inc.* President 11/96 - Present
Director 11/96 - Present
The Boston Company Financial President 8/96 - Present
Services, Inc.* Director 8/96 - Present
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Director
Company* President 7/96 - Present
Executive Vice President 7/96 - 1/99
1/91 - 7/96
Mellon Trust of New York Director
1301 Avenue of the Americas 6/96 - Present
New York, NY 10019
Mellon Trust of California Director 6/96 - Present
400 South Hope Street
Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90071
J. David Officer Mellon Bank, N.A.+ Executive Vice President 2/94 - Present
Vice Chairman and
Director (Continued) Mellon United National Bank Director 3/98 - Present
1399 SW 1st Ave., Suite 400
Miami, Florida
Boston Group Holdings, Inc.* Director 12/97 - Present
Dreyfus Financial Services Corp. + Director 9/96 - Present
Dreyfus Investment Services Director 4/96 - Present
Corporation+
Richard W. Sabo Founders Asset Management LLC President 12/98 - Present
Director 2930 East Third Avenue Chief Executive Officer 12/98 - Present
Denver, CO. 80206
Prudential Securities Senior Vice President 07/91 - 11/98
New York, NY Regional Director 07/91 - 11/98
Richard F. Syron American Stock Exchange Chairman 4/94 - Present
Director 86 Trinity Place Chief Executive Officer 4/94 - Present
New York, NY 10006
Thomas F. Eggers Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Executive Vice President 4/96 - Present
Vice Chairman - Institutional Director 9/96 - Present
Ronald P. O'Hanley Franklin Portfolio Holdings, Inc.* Director 3/97 - Present
Vice Chairman
TBCAM Holdings, Inc.* Chairman 6/98 - Present
Director 10/97 - Present
The Boston Company Asset Chairman 6/98 - Present
Management, LLC* Director 1/98 - 6/98
The Boston Company Asset Director 2/97 - 12/97
Management, Inc. *
Boston Safe Advisors, Inc. * Chairman 6/97 - Present
Director 2/97 - Present
Pareto Partners Partner Representative 5/97 - Present
271 Regent Street
London, England W1R 8PP
Mellon Capital Management Director 5/97 -Present
Corporation***
Certus Asset Advisors Corp.** Director 2/97 - Present
Mellon Bond Associates+ Trustee 2/97 - Present
Chairman 2/97 - Present
Mellon Equity Associates+ Trustee 2/97 - Present
Chairman 2/97 - Present
Mellon-France Corporation+ Director 3/97 - Present
Laurel Capital Advisors+ Trustee 3/97 - Present
Ronald P. O'Hanley McKinsey & Company, Inc. Partner 8/86 - 2/97
Vice Chairman (Continued) Boston, MA
Mark Jacobs Dreyfus Investment Director 4/97 - Present
General Counsel, Advisors, Inc.++ Secretary 10/77 - 7/98
Vice President, and
Secretary The Dreyfus Trust Company+++ Director 3/96 - Present
The TruePenny Corporation++ President 10/98 - Present
Director 3/96 - Present
Lion Management, Inc.++ Director 1/88 - 10/96
Vice President 1/88 - 10/96
Secretary 1/88 - 10/96
The Dreyfus Consumer Credit Secretary 4/83 - 3/96
Corporation++
Dreyfus Service Director 3/97 - Present
Organization, Inc.++ Assistant Secretary 4/83 -3/96
Major Trading Corporation++ Assistant Secretary 5/81 - 8/96
William H. Maresca The Dreyfus Trust Company+++ Director 3/97 - Present
Controller
Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Chief Financial Officer 12/98 - Present
Dreyfus Consumer Credit Corp.++ Treasurer 10/98 - Present
Dreyfus Investment Treasurer 10/98 - Present
Advisors, Inc. ++
Dreyfus-Lincoln, Inc. Vice President 10/98 - Present
4500 New Linden Hill Road
Wilmington, DE 19808
The TruePenny Corporation++ Vice President 10/98 - Present
Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc.+++ Treasurer 10/98 - 12/98
The Trotwood Corporation++ Vice President 10/98 - Present
Trotwood Hunters Corporation++ Vice President 10/98 - Present
Trotwood Hunters Site A Corp. ++ Vice President 10/98 - Present
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. Chief Financial Officer 5/98 - Present
One American Express Plaza,
Providence, RI 02903
Dreyfus Service Assistant Treasurer 3/93 - Present
Organization, Inc.++
Dreyfus Insurance Agency of Assistant Treasurer 5/98 - Present
Massachusetts, Inc.++++
William T. Sandalls, Jr. Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. Chairman 2/97 - Present
Executive Vice President One American Express Plaza,
Providence, RI 02903
William T. Sandalls, Jr. Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Director 1/96 - Present
Executive Vice President Treasurer 1/96 - 2/97
(Continued) Executive Vice President 2/97 - Present
Chief Financial Officer 2/97 - 12/98
Dreyfus Investment Director 1/96 - Present
Advisors, Inc.++ Treasurer 1/96 - 10/98
Dreyfus-Lincoln, Inc. Director 12/96 - Present
4500 New Linden Hill Road President 1/97 - Present
Wilmington, DE 19808
Dreyfus Acquisition Corporation++ Director VP and CFO 1/96 - 8/96
Vice President 1/96 - 8/96
Chief Financial Officer 1/96 - 8/96
Lion Management, Inc.++ Director 1/96 - 10/96
President 1/96 - 10/96
Seven Six Seven Agency, Inc.++ Director 1/96 - 10/98
Treasurer 10/96 - 10/98
The Dreyfus Consumer Director 1/96 - Present
Credit Corp.++ Vice President 1/96 - Present
Treasurer 1/97 - 10/98
Dreyfus Partnership President 1/97 - 6/97
Management, Inc.++ Director 1/96 - 6/97
Dreyfus Service Organization, Director 1/96 - 6/97
Inc.++ Executive Vice President 1/96 - 6/97
Treasurer 10/96 - Present
Dreyfus Insurance Agency of Director 5/97 - Present
Massachusetts, Inc.++++ Treasurer 5/97 - Present
Executive Vice President 5/97 - Present
Major Trading Corporation++ Director 1/96 - 8/96
Treasurer 1/96 - 8/96
The Dreyfus Trust Company+++ Director 1/96 - 4/97
Treasurer 1/96 - 4/97
Chief Financial Officer 1/96 - 4/97
Dreyfus Personal Director 1/96 - 4/97
Management, Inc.++ Treasurer 1/96 - 4/97
Patrice M. Kozlowski None
Vice President - Corporate
Communications
Mary Beth Leibig None
Vice President -
Human Resources
Andrew S. Wasser Mellon Bank Corporation+ Vice President 1/95 - Present
Vice President -
Information Systems
Theodore A. Schachar Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Vice President -Tax 10/96 - Present
Vice President - Tax
Dreyfus Investment Advisors, Inc.++ Vice President - Tax 10/96 - Present
Dreyfus Precious Metals, Inc. +++ Vice President - Tax 10/96 - 12/98
Dreyfus Service Organization, Inc.++ Vice President - Tax 10/96 - Present
Wendy Strutt None
Vice President
Richard Terres None
Vice President
James Bitetto The TruePenny Corporation++ Secretary 9/98 - Present
Assistant Secretary
Dreyfus Service Corporation++ Assistant Secretary 8/98 - Present
Dreyfus Investment Assistant Secretary 7/98 - Present
Advisors, Inc.++
Dreyfus Service Assistant Secretary 7/98 - Present
Organization, Inc.++
Steven F. Newman Dreyfus Transfer, Inc. Vice President 2/97 - Present
Assistant Secretary One American Express Plaza Director 2/97 - Present
Providence, RI 02903 Secretary 2/97 - Present
Dreyfus Service Secretary 7/98 - Present
Organization, Inc.++ Assistant Secretary 5/98 - 7/98
_______________________________
* The address of the business so indicated is One Boston Place, Boston,
Massachusetts, 02108.
** The address of the business so indicated is One Bush Street, Suite 450, San
Francisco, California 94104.
*** The address of the business so indicated is 595 Market Street, Suite 3000,
San Francisco, California 94105.
+ The address of the business so indicated is One Mellon Bank Center,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258.
++ The address of the business so indicated is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New
York 10166.
+++ 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 53 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109
</TABLE>
Item 27. Principal Underwriters
________ ______________________
(a) Other investment companies for which Registrant's principal
underwriter (exclusive distributor) acts as principal underwriter or
exclusive distributor:
1) Comstock Partners Funds, Inc.
2) Dreyfus A Bonds Plus, Inc.
3) Dreyfus Appreciation Fund, Inc.
4) Dreyfus Asset Allocation Fund, Inc.
5) Dreyfus Balanced Fund, Inc.
6) Dreyfus BASIC GNMA Fund
7) Dreyfus BASIC Money Market Fund, Inc.
8) Dreyfus BASIC Municipal Fund, Inc.
9) Dreyfus BASIC U.S. Government Money Market Fund
10) Dreyfus California Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
11) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
12) Dreyfus California Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
13) Dreyfus Cash Management
14) Dreyfus Cash Management Plus, Inc.
15) Dreyfus Connecticut Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
16) Dreyfus Connecticut Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
17) Dreyfus Florida Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
18) Dreyfus Florida Municipal Money Market Fund
19) The Dreyfus Fund Incorporated
20) Dreyfus Global Bond Fund, Inc.
21) Dreyfus Global Growth Fund
22) Dreyfus GNMA Fund, Inc.
23) Dreyfus Government Cash Management Funds
24) Dreyfus Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
25) Dreyfus Growth and Value Funds, Inc.
26) Dreyfus Growth Opportunity Fund, Inc.
27) Dreyfus Debt and Equity Funds
28) Dreyfus Index Funds, Inc.
29) Dreyfus Institutional Money Market Fund
30) Dreyfus Institutional Preferred 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 Funds, Inc.
35) Dreyfus Investment Grade Bond Funds, Inc.
36) Dreyfus Investment Portfolios
37) The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds, Inc.
38) The Dreyfus/Laurel Funds Trust
39) The Dreyfus/Laurel Tax-Free Municipal Funds
40) Dreyfus LifeTime Portfolios, Inc.
41) Dreyfus Liquid Assets, Inc.
42) Dreyfus Massachusetts Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
43) Dreyfus Massachusetts Municipal Money Market Fund
44) Dreyfus Massachusetts Tax Exempt Bond Fund
45) Dreyfus MidCap Index Fund
46) Dreyfus Money Market Instruments, Inc.
47) Dreyfus Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
48) Dreyfus Municipal Cash Management Plus
49) Dreyfus Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
50) Dreyfus New Jersey Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
51) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
52) Dreyfus New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund, Inc.
53) Dreyfus New Leaders Fund, Inc.
54) Dreyfus New York Insured Tax Exempt Bond Fund
55) Dreyfus New York Municipal Cash Management
56) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Inc.
57) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Intermediate Bond Fund
58) Dreyfus New York Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
59) Dreyfus U.S. Treasury Intermediate Term Fund
60) Dreyfus U.S. Treasury Long Term Fund
61) Dreyfus 100% U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund
62) Dreyfus U.S. Treasury Short Term Fund
63) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
64) Dreyfus Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund
65) Dreyfus Premier California Municipal Bond Fund
66) Dreyfus Premier Equity Funds, Inc.
67) Dreyfus Premier International Funds, Inc.
68) Dreyfus Premier GNMA Fund
69) Dreyfus Premier Worldwide Growth Fund, Inc.
70) Dreyfus Premier Municipal Bond Fund
71) Dreyfus Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund
72) Dreyfus Premier State Municipal Bond Fund
73) Dreyfus Premier Value Fund
74) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Government Fund
75) Dreyfus Short-Intermediate Municipal Bond Fund
76) The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.
77) Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc.
78) Dreyfus Tax Exempt Cash Management
79) The Dreyfus Third Century Fund, Inc.
80) Dreyfus Treasury Cash Management
81) Dreyfus Treasury Prime Cash Management
82) Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund
83) Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market Fund, Inc.
84) General California Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
85) General California Municipal Money Market Fund
86) General Government Securities Money Market Fund, Inc.
87) General Money Market Fund, Inc.
88) General Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
89) General Municipal Money Market Funds, Inc.
90) General New York Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
91) General New York Municipal Money Market Fund
(b)
Positions and
Name and principal Positions and offices with offices with
business address the Distributor Registrant
__________________ ___________________________ _____________
Marie E. Connolly+ Director, President, Chief President and
Executive Officer and Compliance Treasurer
Officer
Joseph F. Tower, III+ Director, Senior Vice President, Vice President
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer and Assistant
Treasurer
Mary A. Nelson+ Vice President Vice President
and Assistant
Treasurer
Paul Prescott+ Vice President None
Jean M. O'Leary+ Assistant Secretary and None
Assistant Clerk
John W. Gomez+ Director None
William J. Nutt+ Director None
________________________________
+ Principal business address is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02109.
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records
________________________________
1. First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.,
a subsidiary of First Data Corporation
P.O. Box 9671
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671
2. The Bank of New York
90 Washington Street
New York, New York 10286
3. Dreyfus Transfer, Inc.
P.O. Box 9671
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671
4. The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Item 29. Management Services
_______ ___________________
Not Applicable
Item 30. Undertakings
________ ____________
(1) To call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting upon
the question of removal of a Board member or Board members when
requested in writing to do so by the holders of at least 10% of
the Registrant's outstanding shares 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 28th day of January, 1999.
DREYFUS 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, 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, 1/28/99
Marie E. Connolly Financial and Accounting Officer)
and Treasurer
/s/Joseph S. DiMartino* Chairman of the Board 1/28/99
Joseph S. DiMartino
/s/Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.* Board member 1/28/99
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.
/s/Peggy C. Davis* Board member 1/28/99
Peggy C. Davis
/s/Ernest Kafka* Board member 1/28/99
Ernest Kafka
/s/Saul B. Klaman* Board member 1/28/99
Saul B. Klaman
/s/Nathan Leventhal* Board member 1/27/98
Nathan Leventhal
*BY: __________________________
Stephanie Pierce,
Attorney-in-Fact
DREYFUS PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
_________________________
ITEM PAGE
_____ ______
(23) Exhibits:
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors
(17) Financial Data Schedule
Other Exhibits
(a) Power of Attorney
(b) Certificate of Assistant Secretary
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Financial
Highlights", "Counsel and Independent Auditors" and to the use of our report
dated January 4, 1999, which is incorporated by reference, in this
Registration Statement (Form N-1A 33-7497) of Dreyfus Premier New York
Municipal Bond Fund.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
January 27, 1999
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<NAME> DREYFUS PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
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<NAME> CLASS A
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> NOV-30-1998
<PERIOD-END> NOV-30-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 199955
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 217143
<RECEIVABLES> 3963
<ASSETS-OTHER> 633
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<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 350
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<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 200769
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 8712
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 8463
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<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1499
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 17188
<NET-ASSETS> 134432
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 11593
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 2403
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 9190
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1521
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 4754
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 15465
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (5915)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (2048)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1288
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (1391)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 352
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 10417
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 3300
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 1174
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 2403
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 131443
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 15.22
<PER-SHARE-NII> .690
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .450
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.690)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.242)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 15.43
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .009
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
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<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000797920
<NAME> DREYFUS PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<SERIES>
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<NAME> CLASS B
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> NOV-30-1998
<PERIOD-END> NOV-30-1998
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 199955
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 217143
<RECEIVABLES> 3963
<ASSETS-OTHER> 633
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 221739
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1933
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 350
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 2283
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 200769
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 5406
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 5264
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1499
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 17188
<NET-ASSETS> 83436
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 11593
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 2403
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 9190
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1521
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 4754
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 15465
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (3251)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (1273)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 696
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (778)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 224
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 10417
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 3300
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 1174
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 2403
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 81390
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 15.22
<PER-SHARE-NII> .610
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .450
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.610)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.240)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 15.43
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .014
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
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<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000797920
<NAME> DREYFUS PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
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<NAME> CLASS C
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
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<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> NOV-30-1998
<PERIOD-END> NOV-30-1998
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<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 103
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 6
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<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1499
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 17188
<NET-ASSETS> 1588
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 11593
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 2403
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 9190
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 1521
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 4754
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 15465
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (24)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (1)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 99
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (3)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 1
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 10417
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 3300
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
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<PER-SHARE-NII> .570
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .440
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (.570)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (.240)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
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<EXPENSE-RATIO> .016
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
J35-006-021-004-A-MSW
Item 23.(b)
Other Exhibits (a)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned hereby constitute and appoint Margaret W. Chambers,
Marie E. Connolly, Christopher J. Kelley, Kathleen K. Morrisey, Michael S.
Petrucelli, Stephanie Pierce and Elba Vasquez and each of them, with full
power to act without the other, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, with name, place and stead, in any and all capacities (until
revoked in writing) to sign any and all amendments to the Registration
Statement of Dreyfus Premier New York Municipal Bond Fund (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. June 15, 1998
- --------------------------------
Clifford L. Alexander, Jr.
/s/Peggy C. Davis June 15, 1998
- --------------------------------
Peggy C. Davis
/s/Joseph S. DiMartino June 15, 1998
- --------------------------------
Joseph S. DiMartino
/s/Ernst Kafka June 15, 1998
- --------------------------------
Ernst Kafka
/s/Saul B. Klaman June 15, 1998
- --------------------------------
Saul B. Klaman
/s/Nathan Leventhal June 15, 1998
- --------------------------------
Nathan Leventhal
J34-006-021-004-A-MSW
Item 23.(b)
Other Exhibits (b)
DREYFUS PREMIER NEW YORK MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Certificate of Assistant Secretary
The undersigned, Michael S. Petrucelli, Vice President, Assistant
Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of Dreyfus 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 authorizing the signing by Margaret
W. Chambers, Marie E. Connolly, Christopher J. Kelley, Kathleen K. Morrisey,
Michael S. Petrucelli, Stephanie Pierce and Elba Vasquez on behalf of the
proper officers 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 one of Margaret W. Chambers, Marie E.
Connolly, Christopher J. Kelley, Kathleen K. Morrisey,
Michael S. Petrucelli, Stephanie Pierce and Elba Vasquez
as the attorney-in-fact for the proper officers of the
Fund, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution; and that the appointment of each of such
persons as such attorney-in-fact, and each of them,
shall have the 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 or she 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 5, 1999.
/s/Michael S. Petrucelli
-------------------------
Michael S. Petrucelli
Vice President, Assistant
Treasurer and Assistant
Secretary
