[THE AMERICAN FUNDS GROUP(R)]
AMERICAN HIGH-INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998
[cover: illustration of cityscape with office workers in the foreground]
American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund(r) seeks a high level of current
income exempt from regular federal income taxes through a diversified,
carefully researched portfolio of higher yielding, lower rated, higher risk
municipal bonds. It may invest up to 100% of its assets in bonds subject to the
alternative minimum tax.
American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund is one of the 28 mutual funds in The
American Funds Group,(r) managed by Capital Research and Management Company.
Since 1931, Capital has invested with a long-term focus based on thorough
research and attention to risk.
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS through 1/31/98
Total Return Lipper Ranking*
Lifetime (annualized, since 9/26/94) +10.9% 2nd of 31
One year +11.3% 16th of 45
Six months + 4.7% -
*Rankings are based on total return versus comparable high-yield municipal
debt funds, according to Lipper Analytical Services. Rankings do not reflect
the effects of sales charges.
Fund results in this report were computed without a sales charge unless
otherwise indicated. Here are the total returns and average annual compound
return with all distributions reinvested for the periods ended December 31,
1997 (the most recent calendar quarter), assuming payment of the 4.75% maximum
sales charge <UNDEF> Since inception on September 26, 1994: +33.13%, or +9.17%
a year; 12 months: +5.12%. Sales charges are lower for accounts of $25,000 or
more. The fund's 30-day yield as of February 28, 1998, calculated in accordance
with the Securities and Exchange Commission formula, was 4.29%. The fund's
distribution rate as of that date was 4.90%. The SEC yield reflects income the
fund expects to earn based on its current holdings, while the distribution rate
is based solely on the fund's past dividends. Accordingly, the fund's SEC yield
and distribution rate may differ.
THE FIGURES IN THIS REPORT REFLECT PAST RESULTS AND ARE NOT PREDICTIVE OF
FUTURE RESULTS. SHARE PRICE AND RETURN WILL VARY, SO YOU MAY LOSE MONEY BY
INVESTING IN THE FUND. THE SHORTER THE TIME PERIOD OF YOUR INVESTMENT, THE
GREATER THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSS. FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS
OF, OR INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, ANY FINANCIAL
INSTITUTION, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY,
ENTITY OR PERSON. Income may be subject to state or local income taxes and/or
federal alternative minimum taxes. Distributions of capital gains and of
certain other income are taxable.
FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS:
[illustration: detail of office workers from cover art]
Fueled by declining interest rates, the bond market gained strength during the
first half of American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund's fiscal year. The fund
participated in the market's upswing, and investors who reinvested their
distributions saw the value of their holdings rise 4.7% in the six months ended
January 31.
The fund kept pace with the 4.8% average total return of the high-yield
municipal bond funds measured by Lipper Analytical Services, a leading mutual
fund tracking service. The unmanaged Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index,
which measures results in the investment-grade market and does not include
expenses, rose 4.0%.
During the six months, the fund paid monthly tax-free dividends totaling 42
cents a share and made a capital gain distribution of 4 cents a share in
November. Investors who took their dividends in cash saw the value of their
holdings in the fund rise 2.0% while earning an income return of 2.7%. This was
equivalent to a taxable income return of 4.2% for those in the 36% federal tax
bracket (8.4% annualized).
Bond prices had been rising for almost four months when the fund's fiscal
year began August 1. They retreated for a short period at the beginning of the
fiscal year but regained their momentum and remained strong through the rest of
the six months. The market drew strength from what many analysts are now
calling the "new paradigm" in the U.S. economy: strong economic growth, healthy
corporate profits and, most importantly for the bond market, low inflation. The
bond market also got an unexpected boost from turmoil in Asian financial
markets.
Asia's financial troubles temporarily drove U.S. equity prices lower but were
a boon to the U.S. bond market. The region's problems touched off a "flight to
quality" in which investors sold assets denominated in other currencies and
bought U.S. dollar-denominated assets. This upsurge in demand for the U.S.
currency helped lower inflationary expectations. A stronger dollar reduces the
prices of imported goods, and that pressures domestic producers to hold their
prices down.
One side effect of the bond market's sustained rally has been a narrowing of
yield spreads between investment-grade bonds and high-yield securities. As
yield spreads narrow, investors may receive less added return
[illustration: detail of office workers from cover art]
for assuming the additional risks associated with investing in lower rated
bonds. Consequently, while the fund continues to emphasize lower quality
issues, its holdings of bonds rated A or higher increased to 20% of the
portfolio from 13% at the beginning of the fiscal year. Part of the increase
was in tax-exempt mortgage-backed securities, which typically are highly rated.
These bonds, issued by government agencies to help low-income families buy
homes, offer attractive yields but include a risk that the securities will be
repaid ahead of schedule if interest rates decline sharply.
During periods of low yields and narrow yield spreads, it becomes more
difficult to find good investment opportunities. We believe, however, that
thorough research will continue to uncover potentially rewarding opportunities
in all types of markets. Analysts for American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund
have visited the sites of virtually every investment in the fund's portfolio,
from continuing care facilities in New Jersey to the Aquarium of the Pacific in
Long Beach, California. For instance, we invested in bonds issued by
Connecticut's Mashantucket Pequot Tribe to build a museum only after visiting
the proposed site and meeting the developers. These bonds have appreciated
greatly in value since our original purchase in September 1996. Another
holding, bonds issued by Sinai Hospital of Greater Detroit, increased
substantially in price when the facility was purchased by another hospital.
During the first half of the year, the fund's assets continued to grow,
increasing almost 22%. The number of shareholder accounts also grew, rising by
almost 13%. We welcome all our new shareholders and look forward to reporting
to you again in six months.
Cordially,
/s/Paul G. Haaga, Jr. /s/Abner D. Goldstine
Paul G. Haaga, Jr. Abner D. Goldstine
Chairman of the Board President
March 25, 1998
<TABLE>
AMERICAN HIGH-INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Investment Portfolio, January 31, 1998
<S> <C> <C>
Quality Ratings
[pie chart]
AAA: 6.84%
AA: 4.05%
A: 9.07%
BBB: 43.26%
BB: 22.56%
B: 7.04%
Cash & Equivalents: 4.05%
[end pie chart]
Principal Market
Amount Value
(000) (000)
Tax-Exempt Securities Maturing in More than
One Year - 95.95%
Alabama - 1.36%
The Industrial Development Board of the Town of
Courtland, Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development
Refunding Revenue Bonds (Champion International Corp.
Project), Series A, 7.20% 2013 1,475 1,653
The Industrial Development Board of the City of
Mobile, Solid Waste Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Mobile Energy Services Co., LLC
Projects), Series 1995, 6.95% 2020 3,200 3,584
California - 10.85%
Pollution Control Financing Authority, Solid Waste
Disposal Revenue Bonds (CanFibre of Riverside Project),
Tax-Exempt Series 1997A AMT, 9.00% 2019 1,000 1,060
Rural Home Mortgage Finance Authority,
Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds
(Mortgage-Backed Securities Program),
1995 Series B AMT, 7.75% 2026 945 1,096
Student Education Loan Marketing Corp. (A
Non-Profit Public Benefit Corp. Organized Under
the Laws of the State of California) AMT, Student
Loan Program Revenue Bonds:
7.00% 2005 1,000 1,095
7.00% 2010 2,000 2,210
Central Valley Financing Authority, Cogeneration
Project Revenue Bonds (Carson Ice-Gen Project),
Series 1993, 6.10% 2013 1,400 1,491
Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, Revenue Bonds
(Aquarium of the Pacific Project), 1995 Series A:
6.10% 2010 1,000 1,069
6.125% 2015 1,000 1,052
6.125% 2023 4,000 4,203
The Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los
Angeles, Central Business District Redevelopment Project,
Tax Allocation Refunding Bonds, Series I, 5.00% 2001 2,000 2,050
The City of Los Angeles, Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds
(GNMA Collateralized - Ridgecroft Apartments Project),
Series 1997E AMT, 6.00% 2017 500 523
Los Angeles County Capital Asset Leasing
Corp., Certificates of Participation
(Marina del Rey), Series A, 6.25% 2003 3,715 4,037
City of Oxnard, Assessment District No. 97-1-R
(Pacific Commerce Center), Limited Obligation Refunding
Bonds, 5.70% 2006 1,500 1,546
Pleasanton Joint Powers Financing Authority,
Subordinate Reassessment Revenue Bonds,
1993 Series B, 6.125% 2002 4,360 4,645
Redding Joint Powers Financing Authority, Solid
Waste and Corp. Yard Revenue Bonds, 1993
Series A, 5.00% 2023 1,000 964
County of Sacramento, Laguna Creek Ranch/Elliott Ranch
Community Facilities District No.1:
Improvement Area No. 1 Special Tax Refunding Bonds,
(Laguna Creek Ranch), 5.20% 2006 1,110 1,127
Improvement Area No. 2 Special Tax Refunding Bonds,
(Elliott Ranch):
6.125% 2014 250 262
6.30% 2021 500 527
Sacramento Cogeneration Authority, Cogeneration
Project Revenue Bonds, 6.00% 2003 1,000 1,080
County of San Diego, Reassessment District No. 97-1
(4-S Ranch), Limited Obligation Improvement Bonds:
6.00% 2009 1,000 1,030
6.25% 2012 1,000 1,030
Redevelopment Agency of the City and County of San
Francisco, Residential Facility Revenue Bonds (Coventry
Park Project), Series 1996A AMT, 8.50% 2026 1,000 1,113
Stanislaus Waste-To-Energy Finance Agency, Solid Waste
Facility Refunding Revenue Certificates (Ogden Martin
Systems of Stanislaus, Inc. Project), Series 1990,
7.625% 2010 3,990 4,288
City of Stockton, Mello-Roos Revenue Bonds,
Series 1997A, Community Facilities District No. 90-2,
(Brookside Estates):
5.40% 2004 500 513
5.55% 2006 1,300 1,343
6.20% 2015 1,300 1,362
South Tahoe Joint Powers Financing Authority,
Refunding Revenue Bonds (South Tahoe
Redevelopment Project Area No. 1), 1995 Series B,
6.25% 2020 1,000 1,071
Colorado - 4.42%
Housing and Finance Authority, Single Family Program
Senior Bonds:
1995 Series B AMT, 7.90% 2025 1,035 1,167
1995 Series A AMT, 8.00% 2025 1,440 1,617
1997 Series B AMT, 7.00% 2026 1,000 1,116
Student Obligation Bond Authority,
Student Loan Asset-Backed Bonds, Senior
Subordinate 1995 Series II-B AMT, 6.20% 2008 1,000 1,063
Arapahoe County, Capital Improvement
Trust Fund Highway Revenue Bonds (E-470 Project):
6.90% 2015 (Prerefunded 2005) 1,250 1,494
6.95% 2020 (Prerefunded 2005) 4,500 5,391
City and County of Denver, Airport System
Revenue Bonds:
Series 1991D AMT, 7.75% 2013 1,000 1,277
Series 1992C AMT:
6.55% 2003 2,000 2,217
6.75% 2013 885 969
6.75% 2013 (Prerefunded 2002) 115 130
Series 1994A AMT:
7.50% 2013 (Prerefunded 2004) 85 103
7.50% 2023 415 480
Connecticut - 5.08%
Health and Educational Facilities Authority Revenue Bonds,
University of Hartford Issue, Series D, 6.75% 2012 1,000 1,071
Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribe Special Revenue Bonds:
1996 Series A(1):
6.25% 2003 505 551
6.25% 2003 (Escrowed to Maturity) 495 547
6.375% 2004 500 553
6.375% 2004 (Escrowed to Maturity) 500 561
6.40% 2011 3,530 3,964
6.40% 2011 (Prerefunded 2007) 3,470 4,026
1997 Series B:
5.60% 2009 1,000 1,052
5.75% 2018 6,000 6,200
5.75% 2027 1,000 1,029
Delaware - 1.34%
Economic Development Authority, First Mortgage Revenue
Bonds (Peninsula United Methodist Homes, Inc. Issue),
Series 1997A:
6.00% 2008 500 537
6.10% 2010 500 538
6.20% 2015 2,875 3,041
6.30% 2022 1,000 1,060
District of Columbia - 0.43%
Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds (Washington
Hospital Center Issue), Series 1992A,
7.00% 2005 1,500 1,639
Florida - 5.25%
Arbor Green Community Development District (City of Tampa,
Hillsborough County), Special Assessment Revenue Bonds,
Series 1996, 7.00% 2003 855 876
The Crossings at Fleming Island Community
Development District (Clay County), Special
Assessment Bonds, Series 1995, 8.25% 2016 4,915 5,423
Lee County Industrial Development Authority, Healthcare
Facilities Revenue Bonds, (Cypress Cove at Healthpark
Florida, Inc. Project), Series 1997A, 6.25% 2017 2,500 2,587
Meadow Pointe II Community Development District
(Pasco County), Capital Improvement
Revenue Bonds, Series 1995, 7.25% 2002 3,055 3,119
North Springs Improvement District Special
Assessment Bonds:
(Broward County) Series 1997A, 7.00% 2019 1,000 1,027
(Parkland Isles Project) Series 1997B, 6.25% 2005 2,000 2,031
Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, Water
Control and Improvement Bonds, Unit of Development No. 9A,
Series 1996A:
6.80% 2006 1,000 1,070
7.30% 2027 1,500 1,636
Ocean Highway and Port Authority, Solid Waste/Pollution
Control Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1996 (Jefferson
Smurfit Corp. (U.S.) Project), 6.50% 2006 1,305 1,370
Polk County Industrial Development Authority, Industrial
Development Revenue Bonds (IMC Fertilizer, Inc. Project),
1991 Tax-Exempt Series A AMT, 7.525% 2015 1,000 1,085
Idaho - 1.02%
Housing and Finance Association, Single Family Mortgage
Subordinate Bonds AMT:
Series H-2, 5.40% 2010 1,615 1,636
Series I-2, 5.55% 2010 1,000 1,026
Series A-2, 5.35% 2011 1,265 1,276
Illinois - 8.61%
Health Facilities Authority:
Revenue Refunding Bonds:
Advocate Health Care Network, Series 1997A:
5.70% 2011 750 798
5.80% 2016 3,000 3,173
Edward Hospital Project, Series 1993A, 6.00% 2019 1,000 1,038
Fairview Obligated Group Project, 1995 Series A:
6.25% 2003 1,245 1,288
7.40% 2023 3,130 3,478
Fairview Obligated Group Project, Revenue Bonds,
1992 Series A, 9.50% 2022 (Prerefunded 2002) 2,750 3,410
City of Chicago:
Collateralized Single Family, Mortgage Revenue Bonds,
Series 1997-B AMT, 6.95% 2028 1,715 1,906
Chicago-O'Hare International
Airport, Special Facility Revenue Bonds
(United Air Lines, Inc. Project):
Series 1984C, 8.20% 2018 1,000 1,074
Series 1988B, 8.85% 2018 1,130 1,287
Series 1988A AMT, 8.95% 2018 1,500 1,707
Skyway Toll Bridge Refunding
Revenue Bonds, Series 1994:
6.50% 2010 (Prerefunded 2004) 1,500 1,698
6.75% 2017 (Prerefunded 2004) 1,500 1,725
Village of Robbins, Cook County, Resource Recovery Revenue
Bonds (Robbins Resource Recovery Partners, L.P. Project),
Series 1994A AMT, 8.375% 2016 9,990 10,574
Indiana - 2.74%
State Development Finance Authority Revenue Refunding
Bonds, Exempt Facilities-Inland Steel, 5.75% 2011 1,000 1,055
City of East Chicago, Pollution Control
Refunding Revenue Bonds, Inland Steel Co.:
Project No. 11, Series 1994, 7.125% 2007 2,000 2,292
Project No. 10, Series 1993, 6.80% 2013 2,000 2,183
Indianapolis Airport Authority, Special Facilities Revenue
Bonds, Series 1994 (Federal Express Corp. Project)
AMT, 7.10% 2017 3,500 3,950
City of Sullivan, Pollution Control Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Indiana Michigan Power Co.
Project), Series C, 5.95% 2009 1,000 1,053
Kentucky - 2.87%
Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital System
Refunding and Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 1997
(Applalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc. Project),
5.85% 2017 1,000 1,037
City of Ashland, Sewage and Solid Waste Revenue Bonds,
Series 1995 (Ashland Inc. Project) AMT, 7.125% 2022 1,000 1,138
Kenton County Airport Board, Special Facilities
Revenue Bonds (Delta Air Lines, Inc. Project),
1992 Series A AMT:
6.75% 2002 1,000 1,078
7.50% 2012 4,225 4,723
6.125% 2022 3,000 3,084
Louisiana - 2.62%
Health Education Authority, Revenue Bonds (Lambeth
House Project), Series 1996, 9.00% 2026 2,850 3,428
Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Mortgage
Revenue Bonds, Series 1995A-2 AMT, 7.80% 2026 2,920 3,281
Parish of West Feliciana, Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
(Gulf States Utilities Co. Project),
Series 1984-II, 7.70% 2014 3,000 3,377
Maine - 0.24%
Educational Loan Marketing Corp., Student Loan Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series 1991 AMT, 6.90% 2003 865 915
Maryland - 0.68%
Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery
County, Multifamily Revenue Bonds (Strathmore
Court at White Flint), 1994 Issue A-2:
7.50% 2024 1,000 1,069
7.50% 2027 500 535
Housing Authority of Prince George's County, Mortgage
Revenue Bonds, Series 1997A (GNMA Collateralized - Langley
Gardens Apartments Project), 5.75% 2029 1,000 1,023
Massachusetts - 1.71%
Industrial Finance Agency Revenue
Bonds, Edgewood Retirement Community Project,
Series 1995A, 9.00% 2025 5,300 6,586
Michigan - 6.36%
Hospital Finance Authority,
Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds:
Genesys Health System Obligated Group,
Series 1995A:
8.00% 2005 2,000 2,375
7.50% 2007 1,600 1,872
8.10% 2013 1,100 1,312
7.50% 2027 2,265 2,580
Pontiac Osteopathic, Series 1994 A:
5.375% 2006 1,000 1,025
6.00% 2014 1,500 1,576
Sinai Hospital of Greater Detroit, Series 1995,
6.625% 2016 2,755 3,061
City of Detroit:
Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds:
Series 1995 A, 5.60% 2001 1,000 1,039
Series 1995 B, 6.75% 2003 1,000 1,107
Series 1995 A, 6.40% 2005 1,145 1,270
Downtown Development Authority, Tax
Increment Bonds (Development Area No. 1 Projects),
Series 1996C, 6.20% 2017 1,000 1,088
The Economic Development Corp. of the
County of Midland, Subordinated Pollution
Control Limited Obligation Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Midland Cogeneration Project),
Series 1990B AMT, 9.50% 2009 3,100 3,427
Charter County of Wayne, Special
Airport Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds
(Northwest Airlines, Inc., Facilities),
Series 1995, 6.75% 2015 2,490 2,747
Nevada - 2.03%
City of Henderson, Local Improvement
District No. T-10 (Seven Hills) Limited Obligation
Improvement Bonds, 7.50% 2015 5,500 5,744
City of Las Vegas, Special Improvement District No. 707
(Summerlin Area), Local Improvement Bonds,
7.10% 2016 2,000 2,071
New Hampshire - 0.54%
Housing Finance Authority, Single Family Mortgage
Acquisition Revenue Bonds, 1997 Series D AMT:
5.60% 2012 1,000 1,035
5.80% 2017 1,000 1,039
New Jersey - 2.61%
Economic Development Authority:
First Mortgage Revenue Fixed-Rate Bonds:
Fellowship Village Project, Series 1995A, 9.25% 2025 3,000 3,797
Winchester Gardens at Ward Homestead Project,
Series 1996A:
8.50% 2016 1,000 1,076
8.625% 2025 1,000 1,083
First Mortgage Revenue Refunding Bonds,
Keswick Pines, 5.60% 2012(2) 2,100 2,090
The Union County Utilities Authority, Solid Waste
System Revenue Bonds, 1991 Series A AMT, 7.10% 2006 2,000 2,017
New York - 10.69%
Dormitory Authority, Certificates of Participation,
on behalf of the City University of New York,
As lessee (John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Project Refunding), 6.00% 2006 1,975 2,164
State Environmental Facilities Corp.,
Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds (Occidental
Petroleum Corp. Project), Series 1993 Subseries A AMT,
5.50% 2003 2,500 2,618
Housing Finance Agency, Service Contract Obligation Revenue
Refunding Bonds, 1997 Series C, 5.10% 2009 800 820
Mental Health Services Facilities
Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 1997B:
5.30% 2004 1,000 1,056
5.60% 2008 2,945 3,185
State Thruway Authority, Local Highway and
Bridge Service Contract Bonds, Series 1992,
6.25% 2006 1,000 1,091
The City of New York, General Obligation Bonds:
Series A:
7.00% 2005 2,000 2,299
6.25% 2009 1,000 1,117
Series I, 6.50% 2006 1,500 1,686
Fiscal 1995 Series B1:
7.00% 2016 (Prerefunded 2004) 140 164
7.00% 2016 860 978
Fiscal 1996 Series E, 6.50% 2004 1,500 1,657
New York City Industrial Development Agency, Industrial
Development Revenue Bonds (Brooklyn Navy Yard
Cogeneration Partners, L.P. Project), Series 1997 AMT,
5.65% 2028 2,000 2,044
New York City Industrial Development Agency, Solid
Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds (1995 Visy Paper
(NY), Inc. Project) AMT, 7.55% 2005 9,000 10,094
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Special
Project Bonds, Series 4 AMT, KIAC Partners Project:
7.00% 2007 5,000 5,694
6.75% 2011 4,000 4,485
North Carolina - 1.67%
Eastern Municipal Power Agency, Power System Revenue
Bonds, Refunding Series 1993B:
7.25% 2007 2,500 2,935
7.00% 2008 1,000 1,164
6.125% 2009 1,160 1,265
6.00% 2026 1,000 1,083
North Dakota - 0.26%
Housing Finance Agency Revenue Finance Bonds, 1,000 998
1998 Series A, 5.25% 2018
Ohio - 0.32%
The Student Loan Funding Corp.,
Cincinnati, Student Loan Revenue
Refunding Bonds,Series 1991A AMT, 7.20% 2003 1,135 1,214
Oklahoma - 0.28%
Trustees of the Tulsa Municipal Airport Trust,
1988 Adjustable Rate Revenue Obligations, American
Airlines Inc. AMT, 7.375% 2020 1,000 1,091
Pennsylvania - 8.18%
Economic Development Financing Authority,
Resource Recovery Revenue Bonds (Colver Project),
Series 1994 D AMT:
7.05% 2010 2,000 2,230
7.125% 2015 1,000 1,119
7.15% 2018 5,500 6,164
Housing Finance Agency, Revenue Bonds:
Single Housing Family Mortgage, Series 1997-58A AMT,
5.85% 2017 2,500 2,604
Rental Housing Refunding Bonds, Issue 1993, 5.80% 2018 3,500 3,661
Lehigh County General Purpose Authority, College Revenue
and Refunding Bonds, Series A and B of 1996 (Cedar Crest
College), 6.65% 2017 1,750 1,914
Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities
Authority of Philadelphia, Hospital
Revenue Bonds (Temple University Hospital),
Series of 1997, 5.70% 2009 1,000 1,056
Hospital Authority of Philadelphia,
Hospital Revenue Bonds (Temple University
Hospital), Series of 1983, 6.625% 2023 1,000 1,096
Schuylkill County Industrial Development
Authority, Resource Recovery Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Schuylkill Energy Resources, Inc.
Project), Series 1993 AMT, 6.50% 2010 3,095 3,206
Scranton-Lackawanna Health and Welfare Authority,
City of Scranton, Lackawanna County, Hospital
Revenue Bonds (Moses Taylor Hospital Project),
Series of 1997:
5.75% 2006 1,585 1,672
5.80% 2007 1,680 1,781
5.90% 2008 1,730 1,846
6.00% 2009 940 1,009
6.10% 2011 2,005 2,123
Rhode Island - 0.54%
Housing and Mortgage Finance Corp.,
Homeowner Series 9B-1 AMT, 5.55% 2013 2,000 2,060
South Carolina - 0.71%
York County, Pollution Control Facilities
Revenue Bonds (Bowater Inc. Project),
Series 1990 AMT, 7.625% 2006 2,300 2,726
South Dakota- 1.31%
Student Loan Finance Corp. Revenue Bonds, Series A AMT,
6.45% 2006 4,705 5,042
Tennessee - 1.59%
The Industrial Development Board of the County of McMinn,
Solid Waste Recycling Facilities Revenue Bonds,
Series 1992 (Calhoun Newsprint Co. Project - Bowater Inc.
Obligor) AMT, 7.625% 2016 3,000 3,298
Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, Special
Facilities Revenue Bonds (Federal Express
Corp.), Series 1984, 7.875% 2009 2,500 2,819
Texas - 3.95%
Alliance Airport Authority, Inc., Special
Facilities Revenue Bonds (American Airlines,
Inc. Project), Series 1990 AMT, 7.00% 2011 4,250 5,021
Dallas-Fort Worth, International Airport Facility
Improvement Corp. Revenue Bonds, Delta Air Lines Inc. AMT,
7.60% 2011 1,300 1,454
Hidalgo County Health Services Corp., Hospital Revenue
Bonds (Mission Hospital, Inc. Project), Series 1996:
7.00% 2008 2,365 2,645
6.75% 2016 1,000 1,097
Tomball Hospital Authority, Hospital Revenue
Refunding Bonds, Series 1993, 6.125% 2023 4,740 4,986
Utah - 0.29%
Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Mortgate Bonds,
1997 Series G-2-Class III AMT, 5.60% 2010 1,100 1,126
Vermont - 0.40%
Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Housing Bonds,
MBIA Insured, Series 9 AMT, 5.70% 2012 1,500 1,557
Virginia - 0.28%
Virginia College Building Authority, Educational
Facilities Revenue Bonds (Marymount University
Project), Series of 1992, 7.00% 2022 1,000 1,090
West Virginia - 0.31%
City of South Charleston, Pollution Control
Revenue Refunding Bonds (Union Carbide
Corp. Project), Series 1985, 7.625% 2005 1,000 1,181
Wisconsin - 3.24%
Housing and Economic Development Authority, Housing
Revenue Bonds, 1993 Series B AMT, 5.30% 2006 3,000 3,076
Community Development Authority of the City of Oconto
Falls, Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1997 AMT,
(Oconto Falls Tissue, Inc. Project), 7.75% 2022 9,000 9,403
Wyoming- 1.17%
Sweetwater County, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue
Bonds (FMC Corp. Project), Series 1994A AMT, 7.00% 2024 4,000 4,486
--------
369,423
--------
Tax-Exempt Securities Maturing in
One Year or Less - 5.04%
State of California, Tax and Revenue
Anticipation Notes, Series 1997, 4.50% 6/30/98 1,475 1,481
State of Colorado, General Fund Tax and Revenue
Anticipation Notes, Series 1997A, 4.50% 6/26/98 1,200 1,204
Contra Costa County California, Tax and
Revenue Anticipation Notes, 1997-1998 Series A,
4.50% 7/1/98 1,400 1,405
Houston, Texas Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes,
Series 1997, 4.50% 6/30/98 2,000 2,007
Los Angeles County, California, 1997-98 Tax and Revenue
Anticipation Notes, Series A, 4.50% 6/30/98 3,650 3,663
State of Pennsylvania, School District of Philadelphia,
Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes, Series of 1997-1998,
4.50% 6/30/98 1,600 1,605
Sublette County, Wyoming, Pollution Control Revenue
Bonds, Exxon Project, Series A 3.75% 7/1/17(3) 500 500
State of Texas, Tax and Revenue
Anticipation Notes, Series 1997 A, 4.75% 8/31/98 6,300 6,341
State of Wisconsin, Operating Notes of 1997, 4.50% 6/15/98 1,200 1,204
--------
19,410
--------
TOTAL TAX-EXEMPT SECURITIES (cost: $361,277,000) 388,833
Excess of payables over cash, prepaids and receivables 3,820
--------
NET ASSETS 385,013
========
(1)Purchased in a private placement transaction;
resale may be restricted to 'qualified institutional buyers;
resale to the public may require registration.
(2)Represents a when-issued security.
(3)Coupon rate changes periodically.
See Notes to Financial Statements
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund
Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
at January 31, 1998 (dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Assets:
Tax-exempt securities
(cost: $361,277) $388,833
Cash 19
Prepaid organization expense 4
Receivables for--
Sales of fund's shares 2,584
Accrued interest 6,409 8,993
--------- ---------
397,849
Liabilities:
Payables for--
Purchases of investments 11,784
Repurchases of fund's shares 111
Dividends payable 627
Management services 127
Accrued expenses 187 12,836
--------- ---------
Net Assets at January 31, 1998
Equivalent to $16.18 per share on 23,799,547
shares of $0.01 par value capital stock
outstanding (authorized capital stock -- $385,013
200,000,000 shares) =========
Statement of Operations
for the six months ended January 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
Investment Income:
Income:
Interest on tax-exempt securities $10,462
Expenses:
Management services fee $705
Distribution expenses 512
Transfer agent fee 54
Reports to shareholders 13
Registration statement and prospectus 36
Postage, stationery and supplies 12
Director's fees 9
Auditing and legal fees 33
Custodian fee 5
Taxes other than federal income tax 1
Organization expense 1
Other expenses 60 1,441
--------- ---------
Net investment income 9,021
---------
Realized Gain and Unrealized
Appreciation on Investments:
Net realized gain 854
Net unrealized appreciation
on investments:
Beginning of period 21,225
End of period 27,556
---------
Net increase in unrealized appreciation
on investments 6,331
Net realized gain and unrealized ---------
appreciation on investments 7,185
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting ---------
from Operations $16,206
=========
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
(dollars in thousands) Six months
ended Year ended
January 31, July 31,
1998* 1997
Operations: --------- ---------
Net investment income $9,021 $14,412
Net realized gain on investments 854 835
Net unrealized appreciation
on investments 6,331 13,651
--------- ---------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from operations 16,206 28,898
--------- ---------
Dividends and Distributions Paid to
Shareholders:
Dividends Paid from net
investment income (9,079) (14,416)
Distributions from net realized gain on
investments (881) (2,176)
--------- ---------
Total dividends and distributions (9,960) (16,592)
--------- ---------
Capital Share Transactions:
Proceeds from shares sold: 86,094 121,500
5,396,652 and 7,873,913 shares, respectively
Proceeds from shares issued in reinvestment
of net investment income dividends and
distributions of net realized gain on investments:
405,797 and 720,458 shares, respectively 6,476 11,126
Cost of shares repurchased: 1,871,926 and
2,986,900 shares, respectively (29,797) (46,078)
--------- ---------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from capital share
transactions 62,773 86,548
--------- ---------
Total Increase in Net Assets 69,019 98,854
Net Assets:
Beginning of period 315,994 217,140
--------- ---------
End of period $385,013 $315,994
========= =========
*Unaudited
See Notes to Financial Statements
</TABLE>
Notes to Financial Statements
1. American High-Income Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. (the "fund") is registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end, diversified management
investment company. The fund seeks a high level of current income exempt from
regular federal income taxes through a diversified, carefully researched
portfolio of higher yielding, lower rated, higher risk municipal bonds. The
following paragraphs summarize the significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the fund in the preparation of its financial statements:
Tax-exempt securities are valued at prices obtained from a pricing service,
when such prices are available; however, in circumstances where the investment
adviser deems it appropriate to do so, such securities will be valued at the
mean quoted bid and asked prices or at prices for securities of comparable
maturity, quality and type. Securities with original maturities of one year or
less having 60 days or less to maturity are amortized to maturity based on
their cost if acquired within 60 days of maturity or, if already held on the
60th day, based on the value determined on the 61st day. Securities and assets
for which representative market quotations are not readily available are valued
at fair value as determined in good faith by a committee appointed by the Board
of Directors.
As is customary in the mutual fund industry, securities transactions are
accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. In the event
the fund purchases securities on a delayed delivery or "when-issued" basis, it
will segregate with its custodian liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet
its payment obligations in these transactions. Realized gains and losses from
securities transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest
income is reported on the accrual basis. Premiums and original issue discounts
on securities purchased are amortized. Amortization of market discounts on
securities is recognized upon disposition, subject to applicable tax
requirements. Dividends to shareholders are declared daily after determination
of the fund's net investment income and paid to shareholders monthly.
Prepaid organization expenses are amortized over the estimated period of
benefit, not to exceed five years from commencement of operations. In the event
that Capital Research and Management Company (CRMC), the fund's investment
adviser, redeems any of its original shares prior to the end of the five-year
period, the proceeds of the redemption payable with respect to such shares
shall be reduced by the pro rata share (based on the proportionate share of the
original shares redeemed to the total number of original shares outstanding at
the time of such redemption) of the unamortized prepaid organization expenses
as of the date of such redemption. In the event that the fund liquidates prior
to the end of the five-year period, CRMC shall bear any unamortized prepaid
organization expenses.
2. It is the fund's policy to continue to comply with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute all of its net taxable income, including any net realized gain on
investments, to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is
required.
As of January 31, 1998, net unrealized appreciation on investments for book
and federal income tax purposes aggregated $27,556,000, of which $27,593,000
related to appreciated securities and $37,000 related to depreciated
securities. There was no difference between book and tax realized gains on
securities transactions for the six months ended January 31, 1998. The cost of
portfolio securities for book and federal income tax purposes was $361,277,000
at January 31, 1998.
3. The fee of $705,000 for management services was incurred pursuant to an
agreement with CRMC, with which certain officers and Directors of the fund are
affiliated. The Investment Advisory and Service Agreement provides for monthly
fees, accrued daily, based on an annual rate of 0.30% of the first $60 million
of average net assets; 0.21% of such assets in excess of $60 million; and 3.00%
of the fund's monthly gross investment income. The Investment Advisory and
Service Agreement provides for fee reductions to the extent that annual
operating expenses exceed 0.90% of the average daily net assets of the fund,
during a period which will terminate at the earlier of such time as no
reimbursement has been required for a period of 12 consecutive months, provided
no advances are outstanding, or October 1, 2004. Expenses that are not subject
to these limitations are interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, transaction
costs and extraordinary expenses.
Pursuant to a Plan of Distribution, the fund may expend up to 0.30% of its
average net assets annually for any activities primarily intended to result in
sales of fund shares, provided the categories of expenses for which
reimbursement is made are approved by the fund's Board of Directors. Fund
expenses under the Plan include payments to dealers to compensate them for
their selling and servicing efforts. During the six months ended January 31,
1998, distribution expenses under the Plan were limited to $512,000,
representing 0.30% of average net assets. Had no limitation been in effect, the
fund would have paid $598,000 in distribution expenses under the Plan. As of
January 31, 1998, accrued and unpaid distribution expenses were $99,000.
American Funds Service Company (AFS), the transfer agent for the fund, was
paid a fee of $54,000. American Funds Distributors, Inc. (AFD), the principal
underwriter of the fund's shares, received $270,000 (after allowances to
dealers) as its portion of the sales charges paid by purchasers of the fund's
shares. Such sales charges are not an expense of the fund and, hence, are not
reflected in the accompanying statement of operations.
Directors who are unaffiliated with CRMC may elect to defer part or all of
the fees earned for services as members of the Board. Amounts deferred are not
funded and are general unsecured liabilities of the fund. As of January 31,
1998, aggregate amounts deferred and earnings thereon were $29,000.
CRMC is owned by The Capital Group Companies, Inc. AFS and AFD are both
wholly owned subsidiaries of CRMC. Certain Directors and officers of the fund
are or may be considered to be affiliated with CRMC, AFS and AFD. No such
persons received any remuneration directly from the fund.
4. As of January 31, 1998, accumulated undistributed net realized gain on
investments was $713,000 and additional paid-in capital was $332,944,000.
The fund made purchases and sales of investment securities of $84,439,000 and
$17,220,000, respectively, during the six months ended January 31, 1998.
Pursuant to the custodian agreement, the fund receives credits against its
custodian fee for imputed interest on certain balances with the custodian bank.
The custodian fee of $5,000 includes $6,000 that was paid by these credits
rather than in cash.
<TABLE>
Per-Share Data and Ratios
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Period
Six months September 26
ended Year ended 1994 (2) to
January 31, July 31 July 31,
1998 (1) 1997 1996 1995
Net Asset Value, Beginning
of Period $15.90 $15.23 $15.14 $14.29
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income From Investment
Operations:
Net investment income .42 .87 .88 .76
Net realized and
unrealized gain
on investments .32 .80 .37 .85
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total income from investment operations .74 1.67 1.25 1.61
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Less Distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (.42) (.86) (.88) (.76)
Distributions from net realized gains (.04) (.14) (.28) --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total distributions (.46) (1.00) (1.16) (.76)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net Asset Value, End of Period $16.18 $15.90 $15.23 $15.14
======== ======== ======== ========
Total Return (3) 4.74% (4) 11.36% 8.48% 11.62% (4)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period (in millions) $385 $316 $217 $157
Ratio of expenses to average net assets before fee waiver .42% (4) .87% .88% .94% (4)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets after fee waiver .42% (4) .87% .86% .62% (4)
Ratio of net income to average net assets 2.61% (4) 5.51% 5.74% 5.66% (4)
Portfolio turnover rate 5.25% (4) 15.31% 35.22% 46.42% (4)
(1) Unaudited
(2) Commencement of operations.
(3) Excludes maximum sales charge of 4.75%.
(4) Based on operations for the period shown and, accordingly,
not representative of a full year's operations.
</TABLE>
The American Funds Group(r) Shareholder Services
ARE YOU AWARE OF YOUR RIGHTS?
Did you know you may be eligible for a sales charge discount when you buy
shares of most American Funds? The discounts begin when your investments total
$25,000 for bond funds or $50,000 for stock and stock/bond funds - and the good
news is you don't have to invest the whole amount at one time.
Through your right of accumulation, when you purchase additional shares you
can add the purchase amount to the value of shares you already own - in any of
our eligible funds* - in order to qualify for a sales charge discount on the
new investment. Sales charges are reduced on a sliding scale as the value of
your investments increases.
You'll find a detailed breakdown of all discounts in your fund's prospectus,
which you can obtain from your financial adviser or by calling a Shareholder
Services Representative.
OTHER WAYS TO REDUCE SALES CHARGES
You can establish a statement of intention that allows you to invest at a
reduced sales charge immediately, based on purchases you intend to make over a
13-month period.* (If, over the 13 months, you don't invest the intended
amount, you will pay the sales charge applicable to the amount invested.) Or
you can aggregate accounts by adding your purchase amount to the total value of
accounts you, your spouse and your children under the age of 21 have with The
American Funds Group. Call a Shareholder Services Representative for details
and restrictions.
Whether you accumulate, aggregate or establish a statement of intention, it
all adds up - to more purchasing power for you.
Your financial adviser will be happy to explain these services in greater
detail. Or, to talk to a Shareholder Services Representative at American Funds,
call toll-free (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET) from anywhere in the U.S.: 800/421-0180.
You can also visit us at www.americanfunds.com on the World Wide Web.
[Map of United States of America]
WESTERN SERVICE CENTER
American Funds
Service Company
P.O. Box 2205
Brea, California
92822-2205
WEST CENTRAL SERVICE CENTER
American Funds
Service Company
P.O. Box 659522
San Antonio, Texas
78265-9522
EAST CENTRAL SERVICE CENTER
American Funds
Service Company
P.O. Box 6007
Indianapolis, Indiana
46206-6007
EASTERN SERVICE CENTER
American Funds
Service Company
P.O. Box 2280
Norfolk, Virginia
23501-2280
SERVICES TO MATCH YOUR LIFESTYLE
Our many free services are designed to accommodate your needs quickly and
efficiently.
AMERICAN FUNDSLINE(R) AND FUNDSLINE ONLINE(SM) - Handle transactions using your
computer or phone 24 hours a day. Obtain current prices and investment returns,
exchange shares between funds, redeem shares, check your share balances, order
duplicate statements and confirm your most recent transaction. Print a
prospectus from the Web site and order checks by phone. All on your timetable.
Just call 800/325-3590 or visit our Web site at www.americanfunds.com.
AMERICAN FUNDSLINK(SM) - Link your American Funds accounts with your bank
account. You can have fund dividends or automatic fund withdrawals deposited
directly into your bank account for fast, convenient, worry-free banking. Or
you can invest money directly from your bank account into your fund account on
either a systematic or on-demand basis.
OTHER AUTOMATIC TRANSACTIONS - You can reinvest dividends into the same fund or
another fund, make withdrawals, and exchange shares between funds - quarterly,
monthly or during the months you specify.
DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN OPTIONS - Use your dividend and capital gain
distributions to meet your changing needs. You may:
* Automatically reinvest distributions back into the fund at no sales charge.
* Cross-reinvest dividends into another fund at no sales charge for added
diversification. You can cross-reinvest if you have a balance of at least
$5,000 in the originating fund or meet the minimum initial investment for the
receiving fund.
* Have dividends mailed or sent electronically to you or to someone else to
help meet your obligations.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES - When you and your investment adviser feel it's time to
adjust your portfolio to meet your changing investment goals, you can easily
exchange shares from one American Fund to another - without paying a sales
charge.* If you are opening an account in a different fund, you must meet that
fund's minimum investment requirement. Please remember that a fund exchange
between certain types of accounts constitutes a sale and purchase for tax
purposes. Please read the prospectus before you exchange shares.
OTHER SERVICES - Stay on top of your investments with account statements that
keep you abreast of the activity in your account, consolidated quarterly
statements that reduce paperwork and year-end tax reports that show the
dividends and capital gain distributions paid to you during the year.
To reduce paperwork and avoid the problem of lost or destroyed certificates,
your shares are credited to your account and certificates are not issued unless
specifically requested.
*Investments in our money market funds - The Cash Management Trust of America,
The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America and The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of
America - which are purchased without a sales charge, generally do not apply
when determining your sales charges. If, however, the shares were originally
purchased in another American Fund that required a sales charge, then later
exchanged into our money market funds, the value of the shares would apply
toward reducing sales charges.
For more complete information about these services or any of the American
Funds, including charges and expenses, please obtain a prospectus from your
financial adviser or American Funds Service Company and read it carefully
before you invest or send money. These services are subject to change or
termination.
[THE AMERICAN FUNDS GROUP(R)]
OFFICES OF THE FUND AND OF
THE INVESTMENT ADVISER,
CAPITAL RESEARCH AND
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071-1443
135 South State College Boulevard
Brea, California 92821-5804
TRANSFER AGENT FOR SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNTS
AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE COMPANY
(Please write to the address nearest you.)
P.O. Box 2205
Brea, California 92822-2205
P.O. Box 659522
San Antonio, Texas 78265-9522
P.O. Box 6007
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6007
P.O. Box 2280
Norfolk, Virginia 23501-2280
CUSTODIAN OF ASSETS
The Chase Manhattan Bank
One Chase Manhattan Plaza
New York, New York 10081-0001
COUNSEL
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
555 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, California 90071-2371
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
American Funds Distributors, Inc.
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071-1462
This report is for the information of shareholders of American High-Income
Municipal Bond Fund, but it may also be used as sales literature when preceded
or accompanied by the current prospectus, which gives details about charges,
expenses, investment objectives and operating policies of the fund. If used as
sales material after March 31, 1998, this report must be accompanied by an
American Funds Group Statistical Update for the most recently completed
calendar quarter.
Printed on recycled paper
Litho in USA AGD/INS/3709
Lit. No. AHIM-013-0398
