PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to provide you with this report on the Premier State
Municipal Bond Fund, Minnesota Series. For its semi-annual reporting period
ended October 31, 1995, your Series' Class A and Class B shares produced
total returns of 5.39% and 5.18%, respectively.* Tax-free income dividends of
approximately $.414 per share for Class A shares and $.375 per share for
Class B shares were paid.** This amounts to an annualized tax-free
distribution rate per share of 5.14% for Class A shares and 4.85% for Class B
shares.*** Class C shares, from their introduction on August 15, 1995 through
October 31, provided a total return of 3.36%,* and paid tax-free income
dividends of approximately $.150 per share** amounting to an annualized
tax-free distribution rate per share of 4.60%.***
THE ECONOMY
Concerns about lagging economic growth prompted the Federal Reserve Board
to ease the Fed Funds rate in July. The bond market has been well ahead of
the Federal Reserve in perceiving that inflation was under control. Long-term
interest rates have fallen for nearly 12 months and, accordingly, bond
investors have enjoyed significant price appreciation. Economic indicators
remain mixed, some causing concern about possible recession, while others
point toward continued expansion.
During times of business uncertainty, attention often shifts to the
consumer sector of the economy, particularly regarding the consumer's ability
to spend. There are some indications that consumers are being pinched. There
is little doubt that the economic recovery has been productivity-driven. That
is, corporations have succeeded in paring expenses from their cost of doing
business. With this reduction in overhead, bottom line profits have grown
dramatically. Yet little of this corporate prosperity has spilled over into
the consumer sector of the economy. Wages and salaries grew less than 3% over
the past year, barely keeping pace with inflation. An additional consumer
concern, new job creation, is at the slowest pace of the post-World War II
era. Recent retail sales reports were the weakest since June 1991, when the
economy was in recession. Also, there is worry that the coming holiday season
will be a poor one for retailers, since debt-burdened consumers may spend
cautiously.
Yet, there are also significant signs of continued growth. Despite
indications of a potential slowdown in consumer spending, measures of
consumer confidence remain high. Business capital spending and home-building
activity have continued, providing substantial fuel for economic growth.
Business investment in durable equipment, when calculated as a percentage of
Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is at a 35-year high with no sign of a letup.
No wonder industrial production is booming! And while job and wage growth is
slow, the index of hours worked (a key determinant of GDP growth and income
generation) is rising. Providing additional confidence is the fact that the
four-and-a-half-year recovery has been well balanced: corporate debt issuance
has been moderate and the banking system is not overstretched.
We are encouraged by the Federal Reserve's successful handling of several
crises (Mexico, derivatives, Japanese banking), any one of which could have
threatened the monetary system in the U.S. and/or abroad.
MARKET ENVIRONMENT
The municipal bond market recovered strongly in 1995 as long-term
interest rates fell. If economic conditions remain sluggish and Congress is
able to arrive at an acceptable budget accord, there may be a good chance
that the Fed will ease further. We believe this indicates a favorable outlook
for bond markets in general, particularly with inflation under control. But
inflation can only go so low, and we are wary that the bond market's strength
may be counting too much on continued improvement on the price front. Thus,
while we remain confident in this market environment, we are alert to the
stimulatory effect of easing monetary policy and are watchful for any signs
of rekindling inflation. Our primary task _ to maximize current income exempt
from Federal and Minnesota State personal income taxes to the extent
consistent with the preservation of capital _ continues to guide our
portfolio management decisions.
While the municipal market and the Series have performed very well this
year, results for municipal securities have been trailing other fixed income
markets. Concerns about tax reform may be limiting investor enthusiasm for
tax exempt securities. Since April, when serious tax reform proposals began
to surface, the municipal rally has lagged, resulting in an increase in
municipal yields as a percentage of comparable taxable bond yields. Today,
long-term municipal bonds are yielding nearly 90% of U.S. Treasuries, which
is a greater yield ratio than existed before the onset of talk about tax
reform. While it could be years before an actual change in the tax code is
adopted, the market's reaction so early in the proposal cycle suggests to us
that the ultimate legislation, if any, may have a less radical effect on the
market than feared.
THE PORTFOLIO
Since last writing to you in May 1995, we have chosen to focus on those
issues bearing higher degrees of credit quality and broader measures of
liquidity within the context of the Minnesota community as well as that of
the market in general. During periods when prospects of an acceleration in
economic activity and a rise in the rate of inflation were perceived by the
bond market, our trading activity sought to emphasize those issues offering
generous levels of tax-free income and limited characteristics of volatility.
At these times, portfolio liquidity was further enhanced by maintaining
higher than normal cash reserve positions in the Series. As economic
statistics began to reveal a moderate rate of growth and a benign
inflationary environment, we sought to increase the Series' duration and
maximize the potential for principal appreciation. During these times,
particular emphasis was placed on securing those issues bearing strong
characteristics of protection from redemption prior to maturity.
The high level of volatility exhibited by the market in recent years
underscores the ned to maintain a disciplined and long-term focus. Solid
market performance thus far in 1995 has rewarded the patient investor.
Included in this report is a series of detailed statements about your
Series' holdings and its financial condition. We hope they are informative.
Please know that we appreciate greatly your continued confidence in the
Series and in The Dreyfus Corporation.
Very truly yours,
[Richard J. Moynihan signature logo]
Richard J. Moynihan
Director, Municipal Portfolio Management
November 16, 1995
New York, N.Y.
* Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains
paid, without taking into consideration the maximum initial sales charge in
the case of Class A shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge
imposed on redemptions in the case of Class B or Class C shares.
**Some income may be subject to the Federal Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for
certain shareholders. Income may be subject to some state and local taxes for
non-Minnesota residents.
***Annualized distribution rate per share is based upon dividends per share
paid from net investment income during the period, divided by the maximum
offering price per share in the case of Class A shares or net asset value per
share in the case of Class B and C shares at the end of the period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS OCTOBER 31, 1995 (UNAUDITED)
PRINCIPAL
LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS--96.7% AMOUNT VALUE
-------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
MINNESOTA--87.4%
Anoka County:
Resources Recovery Revenue (Northern States Power Co.) 7.15%, 12/1/2008. $ 1,150,000 $1,242,184
Solid Waste Disposal Revenue (United Power Association Project)
6.95%, 12/1/2008 (Guaranteed; National Rural Utilities Cooperative
Finance Corp.).............................................................. 3,825,000 4,091,947
Burnsville, MFHR Refunding (Coventry Court Apartments)
7.50%, 9/1/2027 (Insured; FHA).......................................... 2,250,000 2,395,665
Dakota County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, South-Saint Paul
Revenue Refunding (Single Family-GNMA Program) 8.10%, 9/1/2012.......... 175,000 188,291
Duluth Economic Development Authority, Health Care Facilities Revenue
(Benedictine Health-Saint Mary's Project)
8.375%, 2/15/2020 (Prerefunded 2/15/2000) (a)......................... 2,500,000 2,929,125
Eagan, MFHR Refunding (Forest Ridge Apartments) 7.50%, 9/1/2017 (Insured; FHA) 1,000,000 1,066,870
Eden Prairie, MFHR Refunding:
(Eden Investments Project) 7.40%, 8/1/2025 (Insured; FHA)............... 500,000 531,990
(Welsh Parkway Apartments) 8%, 7/1/2026 (Insured; FHA).................. 2,870,000 3,114,352
Edina:
Hospital Systems Revenue (Fairview Hospital) 7.125%, 7/1/2006........... 1,000,000 1,083,130
Housing Development Revenue Refunding (Edina Park Plaza Project)
7.70%, 12/1/2028 (Insured; FHA)....................................... 2,500,000 2,657,325
Hubbard County, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue (Potlatch Corp. Project)
7.375%, 8/1/2013........................................................ 1,000,000 1,079,310
Minneapolis:
Zero Coupon, 12/1/2014.................................................. 1,825,000 617,489
Home Ownership Program 7.10%, 6/1/2021.................................. 745,000 783,643
HR (Lifespan Inc.-Minneapolis Children's Medical Center Project):
8.125%, 8/1/2017 (Prerefunded 8/1/1998) (a)........................... 1,500,000 1,677,765
7%, 12/1/2020 (Prerefunded 6/1/2001) (a).............................. 5,650,000 6,449,475
MFHR Refunding (Churchill Apartments Project) 7.05%, 10/1/2022 (Insured; FHA) 4,000,000 4,209,920
MFMR (Seward Towers Project) 7.375%, 12/20/2030 (Collateralized; GNMA).. 2,350,000 2,501,834
Minneapolis Community Development Agency, Ltd. Tax Support
Development Revenue:
8.375%, 6/1/2007...................................................... 2,500,000 2,761,050
8%, 12/1/2009......................................................... 300,000 318,180
7.75%, 12/1/2019...................................................... 2,890,000 3,185,445
7.40%, 12/1/2021...................................................... 2,000,000 2,187,480
Minneapolis-Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority,
Health Care Systems Revenue:
8%, 8/15/2014 (Prerefunded 8/15/2000) (a)............................. 3,000,000 3,517,320
(Group Health Plan Inc., Project) 6.75%, 12/1/2013.................... 2,750,000 2,910,380
(Healthspan) 5%, 11/15/2013 (Insured; AMBAC).......................... 7,500,000 6,956,775
New York, New York
December 7, 1995
Premier State Municipal Bond Fund, Minnesota Series
Statement of Investments (continued) October 31, 1995 (Unaudited)
Principal
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) Amount Value
-------------- --------------
Minnesota (continued)
Minneapolis-Saint Paul Housing Finance Board, SFMR:
8.875%, 11/1/2018 (Collateralized; GNMA)................................ $ 140,000 $ 149,866
8.30%, 8/1/2021 (Collateralized; GNMA).................................. 395,000 421,366
7.30%, 8/1/2031 (Collateralized; GNMA).................................. 6,400,000 6,815,040
Minneapolis-Saint Paul Metropolitan Apartments Community 7.80%, 1/1/2014.... 3,000,000 3,373,770
State of MInnesota (Duluth Airport) 6.25%, 8/1/2014......................... 2,500,000 2,619,600
Minnesota Agricultural and Economic Development Board,
Minnesota Small Business Development Loan Revenue:
9%, Series B, 8/1/2008................................................ 75,000 78,474
9%, Series C, 8/1/2008................................................ 245,000 256,348
8.125%, Lot 1, 8/1/2009............................................... 765,000 807,802
8.125%, Lot 2, 8/1/2009............................................... 500,000 527,975
8.125%, Lot 3, 8/1/2009............................................... 815,000 860,599
8.20%, 8/1/2009....................................................... 655,000 706,745
8.375%, 8/1/2010...................................................... 1,385,000 1,495,717
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency:
Rental Housing 6.10%, 8/1/2009.......................................... 2,585,000 2,625,223
Single Family Mortgage:
7.35%, 7/1/2016....................................................... 1,580,000 1,693,428
7.30%, 1/1/2017....................................................... 915,000 983,286
7.90%, 7/1/2019....................................................... 1,685,000 1,799,294
7.45%, 7/1/2022 (Insured; FHA)........................................ 2,830,000 3,012,365
7.95%, 7/1/2022....................................................... 1,720,000 1,833,554
6.15%, 1/1/2026....................................................... 1,710,000 1,682,178
6.95%, 7/1/2026....................................................... 2,960,000 3,109,302
Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, Water Pollution Control Revenue:
7.10%, 3/1/2012......................................................... 2,350,000 2,587,068
6.95%, 3/1/2013......................................................... 3,000,000 3,299,670
6.50%, 3/1/2014......................................................... 5,200,000 5,607,680
Northern Municipal Power Agency, Electric System Refunding Revenue
7.25%, 1/1/2016......................................................... 3,500,000 3,854,200
City of Red Wing, Health Care Facilities Refunding Revenue
(River Region Obligation Group) 6.50%, 9/1/2022......................... 3,445,000 3,492,024
Robbinsdale, HR (North Memorial Medical Center)
5.50%, 5/15/2023 (Insured; AMBAC)....................................... 6,590,000 6,350,190
Saint Cloud, Hospital Facilities Revenue (Saint Cloud Hospital)
7%, 7/1/2020 (Insured; AMBAC) (Prerefunded 7/1/2001) (a)................ 1,000,000 1,143,610
Saint Louis Park, Health Care Facilities Revenue (Health Systems Obligated
Group)
5.20%, 7/1/2016 (Insured; AMBAC)........................................ 2,785,000 2,618,541
Premier State Municipal Bond Fund, Minnesota Series
Statement of Investments (continued) October 31, 1995 (Unaudited)
Principal
Long-Term Municipal Investments (continued) Amount Value
-------------- --------------
Minnesota (continued)
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority:
HR (Saint Paul Ramsey Medical Center Project)
5.50%, 5/15/2013 (Insured; AMBAC)....................................... $ 2,000,000 $ 1,982,860
SFMR Refunding 6.90%, 12/1/2021......................................... 2,830,000 2,952,482
Saint Paul Port Authority:
First Lien Tax Increment Refunding (Energy Park Project)
5%, 2/1/2008 (Insured; AGIC).......................................... 5,495,000 5,218,602
IDR Refunding (Hampden Building Project) 9.25%, 6/1/2011................ 1,065,000 978,192
Sartell, PCR Refunding (Champion International Corp. Project) 6.95%, 10/1/2012 5,000,000 5,289,150
Seaway Port Authority of Duluth,
Industrial Development Dock and Wharf Revenues Refunding (Cargill Inc.
Project)
6.80%, 5/1/2012......................................................... 3,000,000 3,261,510
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Power Supply System Revenue:
5%, 1/1/2013............................................................ 2,000,000 1,869,640
Zero Coupon, 1/1/2026 (Insured; MBIA)................................... 5,580,000 971,366
U.S. RELATED--9.3%
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
(Custodial Receipts) 6.45%, 7/1/2017 (Insured; AMBAC)................... 1,700,000 1,828,979
5.875%, 7/1/2018 (Insured; AMBAC)....................................... 4,000,000 4,030,680
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority, Highway Revenue
5.55%, 7/1/2010......................................................... 6,900,000 6,704,109
University of Puerto Rico 5.25%, 6/1/2025 (Insured; MBIA)................... 3,000,000 2,876,100
-------------
TOTAL LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
(cost $150,733,160)..................................................... $160,225,530
=============
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS--3.3%
MINNESOTA--1.4%
Golden Valley, IDR Refunding, VRDN (Graco Inc. Project)
4.20% (LOC; Fuji Bank) (b,c)............................................ $ 2,380,000 $ 2,380,000
U.S. RELATED--1.9%
Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Revenue VRDN 3.59% (Insured; FSA) (d). 3,100,000 3,100,000
-------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS
(cost $5,480,000)....................................................... $ 5,480,000
=============
TOTAL INVESTMENTS--100.0%
(cost $156,213,160)..................................................... $165,705,530
=============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
SUMMARY OF ABBREVIATIONS
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AGIC Asset Guaranty Insurance Company MBIA Municipal Bond Investors Assurance
AMBAC American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation Insurance Corporation
FHA Federal Housing Administration MFHR Multi-Family Housing Revenue
FSA Financial Security Assurance MFMR Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue
GNMA Government National Mortgage Association PCR Pollution Control Revenue
HR Hospital Revenue SFMR Single Family Mortgage Revenue
IDR Industrial Development Revenue VRDN Variable Rate Demand Notes
LOC Letter of Credit
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY OF COMBINED RATINGS (UNAUDITED)
FITCH (E) OR MOODY'S OR STANDARD & POOR'S PERCENTAGE OF VALUE
- --------- --------- -------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AAA Aaa AAA 49.3%
AA Aa AA 20.0
A A A 15.5
BBB Bbb BBB 10.4
F1 MIG1 SP1 1.4
Not Rated (f) Not Rated (f) Not Rated (f) 3.4
--------
100.0%
========
</TABLE>
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS:
(a) Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized by U.S. Government
securities which are held in escrow and are used to pay principal and
interest on the municipal issue and to retire the bonds in full at the
earliest refunding date.
(b) Secured by letters of credit.
(c) Securities payable on demand. The interest rate, which is subject to
change, is based upon bank prime rates or an index of market interest
rates.
(d) Inverse floater security - the interest rate is subject to change
periodically.
(e) Fitch currently provides creditworthiness information for a limited
number of investments.
(f) Securities which, while not rated by Fitch, Moody's or Standard &
Poor's have been determined by the Manager to be of comparable quality to
those rated securities in which the Series may invest.
(g) At October 31, 1995, the Series had $43,743,632 (26.0% of net
assets) invested in securities whose payment of principal and interest is
dependent upon revenues generated from housing projects.
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OCTOBER 31, 1995 (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(cost $156,213,160)--see statement.................................... $165,705,530
Interest receivable..................................................... 3,242,259
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed................. 46,491
Prepaid expenses........................................................ 5,178
-------------
168,999,458
LIABILITIES:
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation.......................................... $ 78,550
Due to Distributor...................................................... 46,104
Due to Custodian........................................................ 272,430
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed...................... 71,580
Accrued expenses........................................................ 19,457 488,121
----------- -------------
NET ASSETS ................................................................ $168,511,337
=============
REPRESENTED BY:.............................................................
Paid-in capital......................................................... $159,793,760
Accumulated net realized (loss) on investments.......................... (774,793)
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments_Note 3........... 9,492,370
-------------
NET ASSETS at value......................................................... $168,511,337
=============
Shares of Beneficial Interest outstanding:
Class A Shares
(unlimited number of $.001 par value shares authorized)............... 9,416,026
=============
Class B Shares
(unlimited number of $.001 par value shares authorized)............... 1,607,404
=============
Class C Shares
(unlimited number of $.001 par value shares authorized)............... 68
=============
NET ASSET VALUE per share:
Class A Shares
($143,903,790 / 9,416,026 shares)..................................... $15.28
======
Class B Shares
($24,606,506 / 1,607,404 shares)...................................... $15.31
======
Class C Shares
($1,041 / 68 shares).................................................. $15.31
======
</TABLE>
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1995 (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
INTEREST INCOME......................................................... $5,393,678
EXPENSES:
Management fee--Note 2(a)............................................. $ 467,024
Shareholder servicing costs_Note 2(c)................................. 269,570
Distribution fees_Note 2(b)........................................... 59,897
Professional fees..................................................... 15,788
Custodian fees........................................................ 9,493
Prospectus and shareholders' reports.................................. 3,933
Trustees' fees and expenses_Note 2(d)................................. 849
Registration fees..................................................... 635
Miscellaneous......................................................... 2,772
---------------
TOTAL EXPENSES.................................................. 829,961
---------------
INVESTMENT INCOME--NET.......................................... 4,563,717
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized gain on investments_Note 3................................. $ 759,830
Net unrealized appreciation on investments.............................. 3,533,097
---------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS................. 4,292,927
---------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS........................ $8,856,644
===============
</TABLE>
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
APRIL 30, OCTOBER 31, 1995
1995 (UNAUDITED)
---------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Investment income--net.............................................. $ 9,619,787 $ 4,563,717
Net realized gain (loss) on investments............................. (1,533,666) 759,830
Net unrealized appreciation on investments for the period........... 3,390,900 3,533,097
---------------- -----------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS.......... 11,477,021 8,856,644
---------------- -----------------
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Investment income--net:
Class A shares.................................................... (8,494,472) (3,974,763)
Class B shares.................................................... (1,125,315) (588,944)
Class C shares.................................................... ___ (10)
Net realized gain on investments:
Class A shares.................................................... (40,522) ___
Class B shares.................................................... (6,066) ___
---------------- -----------------
TOTAL DIVIDENDS............................................... (9,666,375) (4,563,717)
----------------- -----------------
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from shares sold:
Class A shares.................................................... 5,767,528 3,052,102
Class B shares.................................................... 3,173,322 1,800,113
Class C shares.................................................... ___ 1,000
Dividends reinvested:
Class A shares.................................................... 5,693,880 2,613,622
Class B shares.................................................... 758,030 385,570
Class C shares.................................................... ___ 10
Cost of shares redeemed:
Class A shares.................................................... (23,226,166) (10,895,658)
Class B shares.................................................... (1,976,764) (1,399,596)
--------------- -----------------
(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS (9,810,170) (4,442,837)
---------------- -----------------
TOTAL (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS.............................. (7,999,524) (149,910)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period................................................. 176,660,771 168,661,247
---------------- -----------------
End of period....................................................... $168,661,247 $168,511,337
================ =================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
--------------------------------- --------------------------------- ----------------------
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED PERIOD ENDED
APRIL 30, OCTOBER 31, 1995 APRIL 30, OCTOBER 31, 1995 OCTOBER 31, 1995
1995 (UNAUDITED) 1995 (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)*
------------ ------------------- -------------- ---------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CAPITAL SHARE
TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold........... 395,165 201,628 215,707 118,929 67
Shares issued for dividends
reinvested.......... 389,703 172,612 51,805 25,426 1
Shares redeemed....... (1,600,971) (719,202) (136,616) (92,520) --___
------------ ------------------- -------------- ---------------- ----------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE)
IN SHARES
OUTSTANDING..... (816,103) (344,962) 130,896 51,835 68
============ =================== ============== ================ ======================
* From August 15, 1995 (commencement of initial offering) to October 31,
1995.
</TABLE>
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Contained below is per share operating performance data for a share of
Beneficial Interest outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average
net assets and other supplemental data for each period indicated. This
information has been derived from the Series' financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, OCTOBER 31, 1995
--------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE DATA: 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 (UNAUDITED)
------- ------- -------- ------- ------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period.. $13.74 $14.28 $14.63 $15.31 $14.72 $14.90
------- ------- -------- ------- ------- ---------------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Investment income--net................ 1.02 .96 .92 .87 .83 .41
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments............... .56 .36 .77 (.53) .18 .38
------- ------- -------- ------- ------- ---------------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS.... 1.58 1.32 1.69 .34 1.01 .79
------- ------- -------- ------- ------- ---------------
DISTRIBUTIONS:
Dividends from investment income--net. (1.02) (.96) (.92) (.87) (.83) (.41)
Dividends from net realized gain
on investments...................... (.02) (.01) (.09) (.06) ---- ---
------- ------- -------- ------- ------- ---------------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS................. (1.04) (.97) (1.01) (.93) (.83) (.41)
------- ------- -------- ------- ------- ---------------
Net asset value, end of period........ $14.28 $14.63 $15.31 $14.72 $14.90 $15.28
======== ======== ======== ======= ======= ================
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN(1)................ 11.89% 9.45% 11.96% 2.08% 7.14% 10.69%(2)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratio of expenses to average net assets .20% .53% .69% .80% .90% .90%(2)
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets.................. 7.19% 6.53% 6.13% 5.61% 5.68% 5.43%(2)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to undertakings by the Manager.. .79% .41% .24% .11% .01% ---
Portfolio Turnover Rate............... 14.04% 12.32% 23.42% 12.21% 51.95% 23.27%(3)
Net Assets, end of period (000's Omitted) $85,066 $122,782 $148,765 $155,657 $145,444 $143,904
(1) Exclusive of sales load.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Not annualized.
</TABLE>
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
Contained below is per share operating performance data for a share of
Beneficial Interest outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average
net assets and other supplemental data for each period indicated. This
information has been derived from the Series' financial statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES CLASS C SHARES
-------------------------------------------------- -------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED PERIOD ENDED
YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, OCTOBER 31, 1995 OCTOBER 31, 1995
----------------------------
PER SHARE DATA: 1993(1) 1994 1995 (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)(2)
--------- ------- ------- ------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period.... $14.86 $15.32 $14.74 $14.92 $14.96
------- ----- ------ ------ ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Investment income_net................... .24 .78 .75 .37 .15
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments........................ .46 (.52) .18 .39 .35
--------- ------- ------- ------------------- -------------------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS...... .70 .26 .93 .76 .50
--------- ------- ------- ------------------- -------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS:
Dividends from investment income--net... (.24) (.78) (.75) (.37) (.15)
Dividends from net realized gain
on investments........................ --- (.06) ----- ---- ---
--------- ------- ------- ------------------- -------------------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS................... (.24) (.84) (.75) (.37) (.15)
--------- ------- ------- ------------------- -------------------
Net asset value, end of period.......... $15.32 $14.74 $14.92 $15.31 $15.31
========= ======= ======= =================== ===================
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN (3)................. 16.32%(4) 1.55% 6.57% 10.28%(4) 15.72%(4)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratio of expenses to average net assets. 1.16%(4) 1.38% 1.44% 1.43%(4) 1.63%(4)
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets.................... 4.83%(4) 4.91% 5.13% 4.90%(4) 4.70%(4)
Decrease reflected in above expense ratios
due to undertakings by the Manager.... .14%(4) .09% .01% ---- ---
Portfolio Turnover Rate................. 23.42% 12.21% 51.95% 23.27%(5) 23.27%(5)
Net Assets, end of period (000's Omitted) $4,633 $21,004 $23,217 $24,607 $1
(1) From January 15, 1993 (commencement of initial offering) to April
30, 1993.
(2) From August 15, 1995 (commencement of initial offering) to October
31, 1995.
(3) Exclusive of sales load.
(4) Annualized.
(5) Not annualized.
</TABLE>
See independent accountants' review report and notes to financial statements.
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Premier State Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Act") as a non-diversified open-end
management investment company and operates as a series company currently
offering fifteen series including the Minnesota Series (the "Series").
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") acts as the
distributor of the Fund's shares. The Distributor, located at One Exchange
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FDI
Distribution Services, Inc., a provider of mutual fund administration
services, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FDI Holdings, Inc.,
the parent company of which is Boston Institutional Group, Inc. The Dreyfus
Corporation ("Manager") serves as the Fund's investment adviser. The Manager
is a direct subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A.
The Fund accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations
of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to
that series' operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are
allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Series offers Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Class A shares are
subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase, Class B shares are
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge imposed at the time of
redemption on redemptions made within five years of purchase and Class C
shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge imposed at the time
of redemption on redemptions made within one year of purchase. Other
differences between the three Classes include the services offered to and the
expenses borne by each Class and certain voting rights.
(A) PORTFOLIO VALUATION: The Series' investments (excluding options and
financial futures on municipal and U.S. treasury securities) are valued each
business day by an independent pricing service ("Service") approved by the
Board of Trustees. Investments for which quoted bid prices are readily
available and are representative of the bid side of the market in the
judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices
(as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices
(as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for
such securities). Other investments (which constitute a majority of the
portfolio securities) are carried at fair value as determined by the Service,
based on methods which include consideration of: yields or prices of
municipal securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type;
indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. Options
and financial futures on municipal and U.S. treasury securities are valued at
the last sales price on the securities exchange on which such securities are
primarily traded or at the last sales price on the national securities market
on each business day. Investments not listed on an exchange or the national
securities market, or securities for which there were no transactions, are
valued at the average of the most recent bid and asked prices. Bid price is
used when no asked price is available.
(B) SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities
transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gain and loss from
securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest
income, adjusted for amortization of premiums and original issue discounts on
investments, is earned from settlement date and recognized on the accrual
basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed-delivery
basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date.
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The Series follows an investment policy of investing primarily in municipal
obligations of one state. Economic changes affecting the state and certain of
its public bodies and municipalities may affect the ability of issuers within
the state to pay interest on, or repay principal of, municipal obligations
held by the Series.
(C) DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS: It is the policy of the Series to declare
dividends daily from investment income-net. Such dividends are paid monthly.
Dividends from net realized capital gain are normally declared and paid
annually, but the Series may make distributions on a more frequent basis to
comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. To
the extent that net realized capital gain can be offset by capital loss
carryovers, it is the policy of the Series not to distribute such gain.
(D) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: It is the policy of the Series to continue to
qualify as a regulated investment company, which can distribute tax exempt
dividends, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code, and to make distributions of income and net realized capital
gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all Federal income and
excise taxes.
The Fund has an unused capital loss carryover of approximately $1,306,000
available for Federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net
securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to April 30, 1995. The
carryover does not include net realized securities losses from November 1,
1994 through April 30, 1995 which are treated, for Federal income tax
purposes, as arising in fiscal 1996. If not applied, the carryover expires in
fiscal 2003.
NOTE 2--MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:
(A) Pursuant to a management agreement ("Agreement") with the Manager,
the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .55 of 1% of the average
daily value of the Series' net assets and is payable monthly. The Agreement
provides for an expense reimbursement from the Manager should the Series'
aggregate expenses, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings and
extraordinary expenses, exceed the expense limitation of any state having
jurisdiction over the Series for any full fiscal year. There was no expense
reimbursement for the six months ended October 31, 1995.
(B) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Act, the Series pays the Distributor for distributing the Series' Class B and
Class C shares at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the value of the average
daily net assets of Class B shares and .75 of 1% of the value of the average
daily net assets of Class C shares. During the period ended October 31, 1995,
$59,895 was charged to the Series for the Class B shares and $2 was charged
to the Series for the Class C shares.
(C) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Series pays the Distributor
at an annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets
of Class A, Class B and Class C shares for the provision of certain services.
The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder
accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the Series and
providing reports and other information, and services related to the
maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to
Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor determines the
amounts to be paid to Service Agents. For the period ended October 31, 1995,
$182,336, $29,947 and $1 were charged to Class A, Class B and Class C shares,
respectively, by the Distributor pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Premier State Municipal Bond Fund, Minnesota Series
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(D) Each trustee who is not an "affiliated person" as defined in the Act
receives from the Fund an annual fee of $2,500 and an attendance fee of $250
per meeting. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional 25% of such
compensation.
NOTE 3--SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities
amounted to $59,255,629 and $64,165,504, respectively, for the six months
ended October 31, 1995, and consisted entirely of long-term and short-term
municipal investments.
At October 31, 1995, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on
investments was $9,492,370, consisting of $9,984,911 gross unrealized
appreciation and $492,541 gross unrealized depreciation.
At October 31, 1995, the cost of investments for Federal income tax
purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting
purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
REVIEW REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
We have reviewed the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the statement of investments, of Premier State Municipal Bond Fund,
Minnesota Series (one of the Series constituting the Premier State Municipal
Bond Fund) as of October 31, 1995, and the related statements of operations
and changes in net assets and financial highlights for the six month period
ended October 31, 1995. These financial statements and financial highlights
are the responsibility of the Fund's management.
We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim
financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures
to financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial
and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, which
will be performed for the full year with the objective of expressing an
opinion regarding the financial statements and financial highlights taken as
a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that
should be made to the interim financial statements and financial highlights
referred to above for them to be in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards, the statement of changes in net assets for the year ended
April 30, 1995 and financial highlights for each of the five years in the
period ended April 30, 1995 and in our report dated June 6, 1995, we
expressed an unqualified opinion on such statement of changes in net assets
and financial highlights.
(Ernst & Young LLP signature)
New York, New York
December 7, 1995
[Dreyfus lion "d" logo]
PREMIER STATE MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, MINNESOTA SERIES
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
MANAGER
The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
CUSTODIAN
The Bank of New York
90 Washington Street
New York, NY 10286
TRANSFER AGENT &
DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 9671
Providence, RI 02940
Further information is contained
in the Prospectus, which must
precede or accompany this report.
Printed in U.S.A. 055/618/688SA9510
[Dreyfus logo]
Semi-Annual Report
PREMIER STATE
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
MINNESOTA SERIES
October 31, 1995
