UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM N-CSRS
Investment Company Act file number 811-04760
DWS Advisor Funds
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154-0004
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 454-7190
Paul Schubert
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154-0004
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Date of fiscal year end: | 10/31 |
Date of reporting period: | 04/30/08 |
ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS
APRIL 30, 2008 Semiannual Report |
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DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund |
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Contents
click here Performance Summary click here Information About Your Fund's Expenses click here Portfolio Management Review click here Portfolio Summary click here Investment Portfolio click here Financial Statements click here Financial Highlights click here Notes to Financial Statements click here Summary of Management Fee Evaluation by Independent Fee Consultant click here Account Management Resources click here Privacy Statement |
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. To obtain a prospectus for any of our funds, refer to the Account Management Resources information provided in the back of this booklet. We advise you to consider the fund's objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
Investments in mutual funds involve risk. Some funds have more risk than others. The fund invests in individual bonds whose yields and market values fluctuate so that your investment may be worth more or less than its original cost. Bond investments are subject to interest-rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of the bonds, and thus the value of the bond fund, may decline and the investor may lose principal value. Funds purchasing bonds face the risk that the creditworthiness of the issuer may decline, causing the value of its bonds to decline. Derivatives may be more volatile and less liquid than traditional securities, and the fund could suffer losses on its derivatives positions. Additionally, a portion of the fund's returns may be subject to federal, state, local and alternative minimum tax. Please read the fund's prospectus for specific details regarding its investments and risk profile.
DWS Scudder is part of Deutsche Asset Management, which is the marketing name in the US for the asset management activities of Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. and DWS Trust Company.
NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Performance Summary April 30, 2008
Classes A, B, C and Institutional Class
All performance shown is historical, assumes reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain distributions, and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate with changing market conditions so that, when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Please visit www.dws-scudder.com for the Fund's most recent month-end performance.
The maximum sales charge for Class A shares is 2%. For Class B shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is 4% within the first year after purchase, declining to 0% after six years. Class C shares have no adjustment for front-end sales charges but redemptions within one year of purchase may be subject to a CDSC of 1%. Unadjusted returns do not reflect sales charges and would have been lower if they had. Institutional Class shares are not subject to sales charges.
The total annual fund operating expense ratios, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements, as stated in the fee table of the prospectus dated March 1, 2008 are 0.88%, 1.69%, 1.65% and 0.58% for Class A, Class B, Class C and Institutional Class shares, respectively. Please see the Information About Your Fund's Expenses, the Financial Highlights and Notes to the Financial Statements (Note C, Related Parties) sections of this report for gross and net expense related disclosure for the period ended April 30, 2008.
To discourage short-term trading, the Fund imposes a 2% redemption fee on shareholders redeeming shares held less than 15 days, which has the effect of lowering total return.
Returns and rankings during all periods shown for Class A, B and C shares and for the 3-year, 5-year and 10-year periods shown for Institutional Class shares reflect a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement. Without this waiver/reimbursement, returns and rankings would have been lower.
Performance figures do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Returns and rankings may differ by share class. A portion of the fund's distributions may be subject to federal, state and local tax and the alternative minimum tax.
On July 10, 2006, the fund was reorganized from DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, a series of DWS Investments Trust (the "Predecessor Fund"), into DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, a newly created series of the DWS Advisor Funds. This change in the legal entity had no economic impact relative to accounting or tax. Performance shown prior to July 10, 2006 is derived from the historical performance of the Predecessor Fund.
Returns shown for Class A, B and C for the periods prior to their inception on February 28, 2003 are derived from the historical performance of Institutional Class shares of DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund during such periods and have been adjusted to reflect the higher total annual operating expenses of each specific class. Any difference in expenses will affect performance.
Average Annual Total Returns (Unadjusted for Sales Charge) as of 4/30/08 | |||||
DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund | 6-Month‡ | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Class A | .07% | 1.37% | 2.41% | 2.20% | 3.26% |
Class B | -.32% | .70% | 1.68% | 1.46% | 2.49% |
Class C | -.42% | .58% | 1.63% | 1.42% | 2.47% |
Institutional Class | .18% | 1.63% | 2.72% | 2.49% | 3.53% |
Lehman Brothers 1-Year G.O. Bond Index+ | 2.92% | 5.19% | 3.65% | 2.69% | 3.54% |
Sources: Lipper Inc. and Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.
‡ Total returns shown for periods of less than one year are not annualized.Net Asset Value and Distribution Information | ||||
| Class A | Class B | Class C | Institutional Class |
Net Asset Value: 4/30/08 | $ 10.09 | $ 10.09 | $ 10.08 | $ 10.09 |
10/31/07 | $ 10.25 | $ 10.25 | $ 10.25 | $ 10.25 |
Distribution Information: Six Months as of 4/30/08:Income Dividends | $ .17 | $ .13 | $ .13 | $ .18 |
April Income Dividend | $ .0267 | $ .0202 | $ .0203 | $ .0287 |
SEC 30-day Yield as of 4/30/08++ | 2.53% | 1.83% | 1.84% | 2.85% |
Tax Equivalent Yield as of 4/30/08++ | 3.89% | 2.82% | 2.83% | 4.38% |
Current Annualized Distribution Rate as of 4/30/08++ | 3.23% | 2.44% | 2.46% | 3.47% |
Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment (Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge) |
[] DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund — Class A [] Lehman Brothers 1-Year G.O. Bond Index+ |
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Yearly periods ended April 30 |
The Fund's growth of an assumed $10,000 investment is adjusted for the maximum sales charge of 2.00%. This results in a net initial investment of $9,800.
Comparative Results (Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge) as of 4/30/08 | |||||
DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | |
Class A | Growth of $10,000 | $9,934 | $10,527 | $10,925 | $13,506 |
Average annual total return | -.66% | 1.73% | 1.79% | 3.05% | |
Class B | Growth of $10,000 | $9,775 | $10,317 | $10,654 | $12,790 |
Average annual total return | -2.25% | 1.04% | 1.28% | 2.49% | |
Class C | Growth of $10,000 | $10,058 | $10,496 | $10,733 | $12,768 |
Average annual total return | .58% | 1.63% | 1.42% | 2.47% | |
Lehman Brothers 1-Year G.O. Bond Index+ | Growth of $10,000 | $10,519 | $11,134 | $11,418 | $14,157 |
Average annual total return | 5.19% | 3.65% | 2.69% | 3.54% |
The growth of $10,000 is cumulative.
+ The Lehman Brothers 1-Year General Obligation (G.O.) Bond Index is an unmanaged index including bonds with a minimum credit rating of BAA3, issued as part of a deal of at least $75 million, having an amount outstanding of at least $7 million, a maturity of one to two years, backed by the full faith and credit of an issuer with taxing power, and issued after December 31, 1990. Index returns, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly into an index.Growth of an Assumed $1,000,000 Investment |
[] DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund — Institutional Class [] Lehman Brothers 1-Year G.O. Bond Index+ |
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Yearly periods ended April 30 |
Comparative Results as of 4/30/08 | |||||
DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | |
Institutional Class | Growth of $1,000,000 | $1,016,300 | $1,083,700 | $1,131,000 | $1,414,600 |
Average annual total return | 1.63% | 2.72% | 2.49% | 3.53% | |
Lehman Brothers 1-Year G.O. Bond Index+ | Growth of $1,000,000 | $1,051,900 | $1,113,400 | $1,141,800 | $1,415,700 |
Average annual total return | 5.19% | 3.65% | 2.69% | 3.54% |
The growth of $1,000,000 is cumulative.
The minimum initial investment for the Institutional Class is $1,000,000.
+ The Lehman Brothers 1-Year General Obligation (G.O.) Bond Index is an unmanaged index including bonds with a minimum credit rating of BAA3, issued as part of a deal of at least $75 million, having an amount outstanding of at least $7 million, a maturity of one to two years backed by the full faith and credit of an issuer with taxing power, and issued after December 31, 1990. Index returns, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly into an index.Institutional Class Lipper Rankings — Short Municipal Debt Funds Category as of 4/30/08 | ||||
Period | Rank |
| Number of Funds Tracked | Percentile Ranking (%) |
1-Year | 47 | of | 59 | 79 |
3-Year | 31 | of | 54 | 57 |
5-Year | 12 | of | 48 | 25 |
10-Year | 5 | of | 23 | 21 |
Source: Lipper Inc. Rankings are historical and do not guarantee future results. Rankings are based on total return with distributions reinvested. Rankings are for Institutional Class shares; other share classes may vary.
Class S
Class S shares are generally not available to new investors except under certain circumstances. (Please see the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.)
All performance shown is historical, assumes reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain distributions, and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate with changing market conditions so that, when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Please visit www.dws-scudder.com for the Fund's most recent month-end performance.
The total annual fund operating expense ratio, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements, as stated in the fee table of the prospectus dated March 1, 2008 is 0.80% for Class S shares. Please see the Information About Your Fund's Expenses, the Financial Highlights and Notes to the Financial Statements (Note C, Related Parties) sections of this report for gross and net expense related disclosure for the period ended April 30, 2008.
To discourage short-term trading, the Fund imposes a 2% redemption fee on shareholders redeeming shares held less than 15 days, which has the effect of lowering total return.
Returns and rankings during all periods shown reflect a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement. Without this waiver/reimbursement, returns and rankings would have been lower.
Performance figures do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemptions of fund shares. Returns and rankings may differ by share class. A portion of the Fund's distributions may be subject to federal, state and local tax and the alternative minimum tax.
On July 10, 2006, the fund was reorganized from DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, a series of DWS Investments Trust (the "Predecessor Fund"), into DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, a newly created series of the DWS Advisor Funds. This change in the legal entity had no economic impact relative to accounting or tax. Performance shown prior to July 10, 2006 is derived from the historical performance of the Predecessor Fund.
Returns shown for Class S shares for the periods prior to its inception on February 28, 2005 are derived from the historical performance of Institutional Class shares of DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund during such periods and have been adjusted to reflect the higher total annual operating expenses of Class S. Any difference in expenses will affect performance.
Average Annual Total Returns as of 4/30/08 | |||||
DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund | 6-Month‡ | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Class S | .18% | 1.71% | 2.62% | 2.37% | 3.39% |
Lehman Brothers 1-Year G.O. Bond Index+ | 2.92% | 5.19% | 3.65% | 2.69% | 3.54% |
Sources: Lipper Inc. and Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.
‡ Total returns shown for periods of less than one year are not annualized.Net Asset Value and Distribution Information | |
| Class S |
Net Asset Value: 4/30/08 | $ 10.08 |
10/31/07 | $ 10.24 |
Distribution Information: Six Months as of 4/30/08:Income Dividends | $ .18 |
April Income Dividend | $ .0285 |
SEC 30-day Yield as of 4/30/08++ | 2.83% |
Tax Equivalent Yield as of 4/30/08++ | 4.35% |
Current Annualized Distribution Rate as of 4/30/08++ | 3.45% |
Class S Lipper Rankings — Short Municipal Debt Funds Category as of 4/30/08 | ||||
Period | Rank |
| Number of Funds Tracked | Percentile Ranking (%) |
1-Year | 46 | of | 59 | 77 |
3-Year | 34 | of | 54 | 62 |
Source: Lipper Inc. Rankings are historical and do not guarantee future results. Rankings are based on total return with distributions reinvested. Rankings are for Class S shares; other share classes may vary.
Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment |
[] DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund — Class S [] Lehman Brothers 1-Year G.O. Bond Index+ |
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Yearly periods ended April 30 |
Comparative Results as of 4/30/08 | |||||
DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | |
Class S | Growth of $10,000 | $10,171 | $10,806 | $11,245 | $13,952 |
Average annual total return | 1.71% | 2.62% | 2.37% | 3.39% | |
Lehman Brothers 1-Year G.O. Bond Index+ | Growth of $10,000 | $10,519 | $11,134 | $11,418 | $14,157 |
Average annual total return | 5.19% | 3.65% | 2.69% | 3.54% |
The growth of $10,000 is cumulative.
+ The Lehman Brothers 1-Year General Obligation (G.O.) Bond Index is an unmanaged index including bonds with a minimum credit rating of BAA3, issued as part of a deal of at least $75 million, having an amount outstanding of at least $7 million, a maturity of one to two years, backed by the full faith and credit of an issuer with taxing power, and issued after December 31, 1990. Index returns, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly into an index.Information About Your Fund's Expenses
As an investor, you incur two types of costs: ongoing expenses and transaction costs. Ongoing expenses include management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. Examples of transaction costs include sales charges (loads), redemption fees and account maintenance fees, which are not shown in this section. The following tables are intended to help you understand your ongoing expenses (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to help you compare these expenses with the ongoing expenses of investing in other mutual funds. In the most recent six-month period, Class A, B, C and S shares limited these expenses; had they not done so, expenses would have been higher. The example in the table is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period (November 1, 2007 to April 30, 2008).
The tables illustrate your Fund's expenses in two ways:
• Actual Fund Return. This helps you estimate the actual dollar amount of ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) paid on a $1,000 investment in the Fund using the Fund's actual return during the period. To estimate the expenses you paid over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the "Expenses Paid per $1,000" line under the share class you hold.
• Hypothetical 5% Fund Return. This helps you to compare your Fund's ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) with those of other mutual funds using the Fund's actual expense ratio and a hypothetical rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. Examples using a 5% hypothetical fund return may be found in the shareholder reports of other mutual funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
Please note that the expenses shown in these tables are meant to highlight your ongoing expenses only and do not reflect any transaction costs. The "Expenses Paid per $1,000" line of the tables is useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help you determine the relative total expense of owning different funds. An account maintenance fee of $6.25 per quarter for Class S shares may apply for certain accounts whose balances do not meet the applicable minimum initial investment. This fee is not included in these tables. If it was, the estimate of expenses paid for Class S shares during the period would be higher, and account value during the period would be lower, by this amount.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment for the six months ended April 30, 2008 | |||||
Actual Fund Return | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class S | Institutional Class |
Beginning Account Value 11/1/07 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 |
Ending Account Value 4/30/08 | $ 1,000.70 | $ 996.80 | $ 995.80 | $ 1,001.80 | $ 1,001.80 |
Expenses Paid per $1,000* | $ 4.18 | $ 7.89 | $ 7.89 | $ 2.94 | $ 2.94 |
Hypothetical 5% Fund Return | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class S | Institutional Class |
Beginning Account Value 11/1/07 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 |
Ending Account Value 4/30/08 | $ 1,020.69 | $ 1,016.96 | $ 1,016.96 | $ 1,021.93 | $ 1,021.93 |
Expenses Paid per $1,000* | $ 4.22 | $ 7.97 | $ 7.97 | $ 2.97 | $ 2.97 |
Annualized Expense Ratios | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class S | Institutional Class |
DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund | .84% | 1.59% | 1.59% | .59% | .59% |
For more information, please refer to the Fund's prospectus.
In the following interview, the portfolio management team discusses market conditions and DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund's investment strategy during the six-month period ended April 30, 2008.
The views expressed in the following discussion reflect those of the portfolio managers only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. The management team's views are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions and should not be construed as a recommendation. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Q: Will you describe the performance of the municipal bond market during the semiannual period ended April 30, 2008?
A: Returns for the municipal bond market were modestly positive for the full period. The municipal bond market, as measured by the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index, returned 1.47% for the six-month period ended April 30, 2008.1 Within the municipal market, shorter-term issues outperformed, as reflected in the 2.92% return for the Lehman Brothers 1-Year General Obligation Bond Index.2 Municipals underperformed the broad taxable bond market, as measured by the Lehman Brothers US Aggregate Index, which returned 4.08% for the same period.3 The primary driver of taxable outperformance versus municipals was a continued flight to quality in the wake of the subprime mortgage crisis. While municipals as an asset class have the potential to offer high quality, US Treasuries have been the primary beneficiary of investors' heightened risk sensitivity.
1 The Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged, market-value-weighted measure of municipal bonds issued across the United States. Index issues have a credit rating of at least Baa and a maturity of at least two years.2 The Lehman Brothers 1-Year General Obligation (G.O.) Bond Index is an unmanaged index including bonds that have a minimum credit rating of BAA3, are issued as part of a deal of at least $75 million, have an amount outstanding of at least $7 million, have a maturity up to two years, are backed by the full faith and credit of an issuer with taxing power and were issued after December 31, 1990.
3 The Lehman Brothers US Aggregate Index is an unmanaged index representing domestic taxable investment-grade bonds, with index components for government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities and asset-backed securities with average maturities of one year or more.
Index returns, unlike fund returns, do not reflect any fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Municipal issuance was slow for most of the period, but picked up dramatically in April as issuers pursued alternatives to the stalled auction-rate market.4 On the demand side, both retail interest in individual bonds and flows into tax-free mutual funds strengthened over the period. Insurance companies continued to support the market as well. However, these supportive trends were overwhelmed by the unwinding of positions by institutional investors who had been using leveraging and hedging strategies in an attempt to benefit from disparities between the tax-free and taxable markets. This contributed to a significant dislocation between municipal supply and demand for much of the period. In addition, demand was impacted by the prospect of increased supply going forward as municipalities seek to convert from auction-rate to fixed-rate structures.
4 Municipal auction-rate securities are debt instruments that typically have a long nominal maturity with interest rate resets determined via a Dutch auction. Bids are filled in order from the lowest yield to the highest yield necessary to sell out the issue, with all successful bidders receiving the highest yield. Reset periods normally range from 1 to 35 days.The US Federal Reserve Board (the Fed) reduced the fed funds rate (the overnight rate banks charge when they borrow money from each other) five times in the period by a total of 250 (or 2.5%) basis points to its current 2.00%. The municipal yield curve steepened significantly during the period.5 For the six months, yields on two-year municipal issues fell by 98 basis points, while bonds with 30-year maturities experienced a yield increase of 21 basis points, resulting in a steepening of 119 basis points. The municipal curve steepened especially sharply between one and five years. (100 basis points equal one percentage point. See the graph on the following page for municipal bond yield changes from the beginning to the end of the period.)
5 The yield curve is a graph with a left-to-right line that shows how high or low yields are, from the shortest to the longest maturities. Typically the line rises from left to right as investors who are willing to tie up their money for a longer period are rewarded with higher yields. When the yield curve is characterized as "steep," this is especially true.Municipal Bond Yield Curve (as of 10/31/07 and 4/30/08) |
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Source: Municipal Market Data
Chart is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent any DWS fund.
Credit spreads continued to widen, driven by downgrades to some of the leading monoline insurers whose guarantees have traditionally applied to nearly half of municipal issues.6 Many insured issues are now trading on the basis of the underlying credits. With fewer insured issues coming to market, the outlook is for an increased supply of non-AAA-rated securities going forward, weighing on prices of those issues.7
6 Monoline insurers (also referred to as "monoline insurance companies" or simply "monolines") guarantee the timely repayment of bond principal and interest when an issuer defaults. They are so named because they provide services to only one industry.7 Credit rating or credit quality is a measure of a bond issuer's ability to repay interest and principal in a timely manner. Rating agencies assign letter designations such as AAA, AA, and so forth. The lower the rating, the higher the probability of default.
Q: How did DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund perform for the semiannual period ended April 30, 2008?
A: DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund's Class A shares posted a total return for the six months of 0.07%. (Returns are unadjusted for sales charges. If sales charges had been included, returns would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Please see pages 4 through 10 for the performance of other share classes and more complete performance information.) The fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers 1-Year General Obligation Bond Index returned 2.92%. The fund lagged the 1.34% return of its average peer in the Lipper Short Municipal Debt Funds category.8
8 The Lipper Short Municipal Debt Funds category comprises funds that invest in municipal debt issues with dollar-weighted average maturities of less than three years. Lipper figures represent the average of the total returns reported by all of the mutual funds designated by Lipper Inc. as falling into the Short Municipal Debt Funds category. Category returns assume reinvestment of dividends. It is not possible to invest directly into a Lipper category.Q: How was the fund positioned, and how did this positioning contribute to performance?
A: The fund has held a position in floating-rate municipal issues with coupons that are reset quarterly based on a percentage of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a fixed spread based primarily on credit risk.9 As municipals underperformed taxables including LIBOR during the period, interest payments on these issues became less favorable compared to other municipals and their prices suffered as a result. We are maintaining this position as we expect these issues to recover as the relationship between Treasury and municipal yields ultimately begins to normalize.
9 LIBOR, or the London Interbank Offered Rate, is the most widely used benchmark or reference rate for short-term interest rates. LIBOR is the rate of interest at which banks borrow funds from other banks, in large volume, in the international market.The fund's exposure to prepaid utility contract bonds was also a drag on returns as credit spreads widened. These bonds are backed by brokerage firms, and their prices were impacted by concerns over the subprime exposure of these firms. On the positive side, the fund's significant exposure to bonds that were prerefunded helped performance as lower-quality credit spreads widened.10
10 Prerefunded bonds have their principle cash amount already held aside by the original issuer of the debt. A subset of the municipal and corporate bond classes, the funds required to pay off refunded bonds are held in escrow until the maturity date, usually by purchasing Treasury or agency paper.Credit spread is the additional yield provided by municipal bonds rated AA and below versus municipals rated AAA with comparable effective maturity.
Recently, we have sought to benefit from the conversion of auction-rate issues to fixed-rate securities. As the volume of conversions from the stalled auction-rate market has grown, issuers have been forced to offer an interest premium to attract buyers. In addition, in order to compensate for the loss of the weekly or monthly resets provided by the auction-rate structure, many issues are coming to market with put options in the five-year range, bringing them into the opportunity set for shorter-term funds. Overall, we have been adding opportunistically in the three-to-five-year maturity area, while balancing this exposure with a liquid, short-term position.
We feel that municipals are currently priced at extraordinarily attractive levels versus Treasuries. To illustrate, at the end of April 2008, two-year municipals were yielding 104% of comparable maturity Treasuries, as compared to 84.3% six months earlier. We will continue to take a prudent approach to investing in the municipal market, while seeking to maintain an attractive dividend and minimize capital gains distributions.
Asset Allocation (As a % of Investment Portfolio) | 4/30/08 | 10/31/07 |
|
|
|
Revenue Bonds | 51% | 53% |
ETM/Prerefunded | 24% | 27% |
General Obligation Bonds | 13% | 13% |
Lease Obligations | 9% | 6% |
Open End Investment Company | 3% | 1% |
| 100% | 100% |
Quality | 4/30/08 | 10/31/07 |
|
|
|
AAA | 37% | 47% |
AA | 34% | 30% |
A | 13% | 11% |
BBB | 8% | 7% |
Not Rated | 8% | 5% |
| 100% | 100% |
Effective Maturity | 4/30/08 | 10/31/07 |
|
|
|
0-4.99 years | 83% | 90% |
5-9.99 years | 17% | 10% |
| 100% | 100% |
Top Five State Allocations | 4/30/08 | 10/31/07 |
|
|
|
Florida | 8% | 8% |
Texas | 8% | 11% |
Illinois | 7% | 8% |
Georgia | 6% | 3% |
Pennsylvania | 5% | 5% |
Weighted average effective maturity: 2.4 years and 1.7 years, respectively.
Asset allocation, quality, effective maturity and state allocations are subject to change.
The quality ratings represent the lower of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") credit ratings. The ratings of Moody's and S&P represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities they rate. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The Fund's credit quality does not remove market risk.
For more complete details about the Fund's investment portfolio, see page 19. A quarterly Fact Sheet is available upon request. Information concerning portfolio holdings of the Fund as of month end will be posted to www.dws-scudder.com on or after the last day of the following month. Please see the Account Management Resources section for contact information.
Following the Fund's fiscal first and third quarter-end, a complete portfolio holdings listing is filed with the SEC on Form N-Q. The form will be available on the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov, and it also may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
Investment Portfolio as of April 30, 2008 (Unaudited)
| Principal Amount ($) | Value ($) |
|
| |
Municipal Bonds and Notes 97.1% | ||
Alabama 3.8% | ||
Alabama, Housing Finance Authority, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, The Club Apartments, Series I, AMT, ETM, 5.65%, 6/1/2008 | 1,875,000 | 1,879,800 |
Auburn, AL, General Obligation, 144A, 4.85%, 11/1/2011 | 420,685 | 422,224 |
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Revenue, Capital Improvement Warrants: |
|
|
5.0%, 2/1/2041 (a) | 8,000,000 | 8,658,960 |
Series A, 5.75%, 2/1/2038 (a) | 5,000,000 | 5,182,900 |
| 16,143,884 | |
Alaska 1.4% | ||
Alaska, State Housing Finance Corp., Home Mortgage, Series A, AMT, 5.0%, 6/1/2036 (a) | 5,395,000 | 5,395,701 |
Palmer, AK, Hospital & Health Care Revenue, Valley Hospital Association, 5.0%, 12/1/2008 (a) | 490,000 | 498,213 |
| 5,893,914 | |
Arizona 3.3% | ||
Arizona, Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Banner Health: |
|
|
Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2019 | 2,000,000 | 2,081,200 |
Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2020 | 2,435,000 | 2,517,912 |
Arizona, Health Facilities, Authority Hospital System Revenue, ETM, 6.25%, 9/1/2011 (a) | 340,000 | 353,726 |
Maricopa County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority, Single Family Mortgage Revenue, Series 2B, AMT, 5.55%, 3/1/2028 | 80,000 | 81,868 |
Pima County, AZ, Higher Education Revenue, Industrial Development Authority, Series A, 5.0%, 5/1/2013 (a) | 1,645,000 | 1,466,254 |
Scottsdale, AZ, General Obligation, Prerefunded, 5.5%, 7/1/2022 | 3,000,000 | 3,116,250 |
Scottsdale, AZ, Municipal Property Corp., Excise Tax Revenue, 5.0%, 7/1/2014 | 3,320,000 | 3,653,992 |
Snowflake, AZ, Sales & Special Tax Revenue, 4.0%, 7/1/2013 | 495,000 | 498,891 |
| 13,770,093 | |
Arkansas 1.0% | ||
Chicot County, AR, Sales & Special Tax Revenue, Sales & Use Tax, 4.15%, 7/1/2026 (a) | 350,000 | 355,029 |
Little Rock, AR, Residential Housing & Public Facility Board, Series B, Zero Coupon, 7/15/2011 | 35,000 | 28,057 |
Rogers, AR, Sales & Special Tax Revenue, Series A, 4.125%, 9/1/2023 (a) | 3,900,000 | 3,909,828 |
Springdale, AR, Residential Housing & Healthcare Facility Board, Series A, 7.65%, 9/1/2011 | 7,113 | 7,266 |
| 4,300,180 | |
California 3.0% | ||
California Statewide, Communities Development Authority, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, AMT, 4.7%, 10/15/2012 | 755,000 | 781,644 |
California Statewide, Communities Development Authority, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Citrus Gardens Apartments Project, 4.25%, 7/1/2012 | 250,000 | 254,182 |
Carlsbad, CA, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Series A, AMT, 3.7%, 2/1/2013 | 480,000 | 482,122 |
Delta Counties, CA, Home Mortgage Finance Authority, Single Family Mortgage Revenue, Pacific Mortgage Backed Securities, Series A, AMT, 6.7%, 6/1/2024 (a) | 10,000 | 10,156 |
Northern California, Gas Authority Project No. 1 Revenue, 2.437%*, 7/1/2019 | 8,000,000 | 6,590,480 |
Placer County, CA, Water Agency, Middle Fork Project, 3.75%, 7/1/2012 | 180,000 | 178,409 |
San Diego, CA, Housing Authority Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Hollywood Palms Apartments, Series C, AMT, 5.1%, 11/1/2013 | 785,000 | 802,301 |
San Joaquin County, CA, Certificates of Participation, General Hospital Project, 5.25%, 9/1/2014 (a) | 2,475,000 | 2,567,293 |
Taft, CA, Core City General Obligation Lease, Public Funding Authority, Series A, 5.95%, 1/1/2011 | 1,110,000 | 1,118,436 |
| 12,785,023 | |
Colorado 2.8% | ||
Arvada, CO, Industrial Development Authority, Wanco, Inc. Project, AMT: |
|
|
144A, 5.6%, 12/1/2012, US Bank NA (b) | 245,000 | 245,147 |
144A, 5.8%, 12/1/2017, US Bank NA (b) | 355,000 | 355,124 |
Aurora, CO, Industrial Development Revenue, Series A, 5.375%, 12/1/2011 | 365,000 | 365,299 |
Aurora, CO, Single Family Mortgage Revenue, Series A, 7.3%, 5/1/2010 | 5,000 | 5,001 |
Central Platte Valley, CO, Core City, General Obligation, Metropolitan District, Series A, 5.0%, 12/1/2031, BNP Paribas (b) | 1,750,000 | 1,809,920 |
Colorado, Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Catholic Health, Series C-6, 3.95%, 9/1/2036 (c) | 1,610,000 | 1,610,032 |
Colorado, Housing & Finance Authority, Multi-Family Housing Program, Series C, AMT, 3.95%, 10/1/2008 | 765,000 | 769,322 |
Colorado, Housing Finance Authority, Single Family Program, Series B-2, AMT, 6.4%, 11/1/2024 | 50,000 | 51,585 |
Colorado, Single Family Housing Revenue, Housing & Finance Authority: |
|
|
AMT, 5.0%, 5/1/2032 (a) | 1,035,000 | 1,056,228 |
Series A-2, AMT, 7.25%, 5/1/2027 | 60,000 | 62,230 |
Colorado, Transportation/Tolls Revenue, Public Highway Authority, Series C, 4.9%, 9/1/2010 (a) | 4,500,000 | 4,551,525 |
El Paso County, CO, Public Housing Revenue, Series A, AMT, 4.1%, 12/20/2012 | 390,000 | 395,932 |
Pueblo County, CO, Certificates of Participation, 6.25%, 12/1/2010 | 705,000 | 736,908 |
| 12,014,253 | |
Connecticut 1.2% | ||
Stamford, CT, Housing Authority, Multi-Family Revenue, Fairfield Apartments Project, AMT, 4.75%, 12/1/2028 | 5,125,000 | 5,130,791 |
District of Columbia 0.1% | ||
District of Columbia, Housing Finance Agency, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Rockburne Estates, AMT, 5.2%, 2/20/2009 | 60,000 | 60,635 |
District of Columbia, Housing Finance Agency, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Stanton Glenn Apartments, AMT, 5.6%, 11/1/2010 | 460,000 | 474,035 |
| 534,670 | |
Florida 8.2% | ||
Brevard County, FL, Housing Finance Authority, Homeowner Mortgage Revenue, Series B, 6.5%, 9/1/2022 | 127,000 | 133,385 |
Broward County, FL, Airport Systems Revenue, AMT, Series E, 5.25%, 10/1/2012 (a) | 6,000,000 | 6,083,160 |
Florida, Citizens Property Insurance Corp., High Risk Account, Series A, 5.0%, 3/1/2009 (a) | 3,000,000 | 3,052,530 |
Florida, Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, Finance Corp. Revenue, Series A, 5.0%, 7/1/2008 | 10,000,000 | 10,047,700 |
Hillsborough County, FL, Special Assessment Revenue, 5.0%, 3/1/2014 (a) | 2,135,000 | 2,277,084 |
Miami-Dade County, FL, School Board, Certificates of Participation, Series C, 4.0%, 10/1/2008 (a) | 2,625,000 | 2,641,905 |
Pinellas County, FL, Single Family Housing Revenue, Housing Authority, 4.6%, 12/1/2010 (a) | 7,580,000 | 7,965,974 |
South Miami, FL, Health Facilities Authority, Hospital Revenue, Baptist Health South Florida Group, 5.0%, 8/15/2021 | 2,500,000 | 2,570,950 |
| 34,772,688 | |
Georgia 5.8% | ||
Augusta-Richmond County, GA, Coliseum Revenue Authority, ETM, 6.3%, 2/1/2010 | 90,000 | 93,808 |
Bulloch County, GA, School District Sales Tax, 5.0%, 5/1/2010 | 7,890,000 | 8,288,287 |
Carroll County, GA, School District, Sales Tax, 5.0%, 4/1/2010 | 2,000,000 | 2,100,020 |
Chatham County, GA, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, 5.25%, 1/1/2016 (a) | 250,000 | 252,952 |
Cobb County, GA, Housing Authority, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Oakley Run Apartments Project, 4.75%, 3/1/2032 | 2,745,000 | 2,796,167 |
De Kalb County, GA, Housing Authority, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Park Briarcliff Apartments, Series A, 4.55%, 12/1/2028 | 250,000 | 252,750 |
Decatur, GA, Industrial Development Revenue, Downtown Development Authority, 5.15%, 11/1/2008 | 765,000 | 776,414 |
Douglas County, GA, Housing Authority, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Millwood Park Apartments, AMT, 5.1%, 1/1/2009 | 65,000 | 65,476 |
Georgia, Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., Gas Project Revenue: |
|
|
Series A, 5.0%, 3/15/2009 | 3,000,000 | 3,032,640 |
Series A, 5.0%, 3/15/2010 | 4,000,000 | 4,066,480 |
Monroe County, GA, Development Authority Pollution Central Revenue, Georgia Power Co. Plant Scherer, First Series, 4.5%, 7/1/2025 | 2,640,000 | 2,629,572 |
| 24,354,566 | |
Hawaii 0.3% | ||
Hawaii, State Housing Finance & Development Corp., Single Family Mortgage Revenue, Series A, AMT, 5.2%, 7/1/2012 | 1,075,000 | 1,094,662 |
Idaho 0.4% | ||
Idaho, Housing Agency, Single Family Mortgage, AMT: |
|
|
Series G-2, 5.75%, 1/1/2014 | 25,000 | 25,304 |
Series E, 5.95%, 7/1/2020 | 70,000 | 71,835 |
Idaho, Housing Agency, Single Family Mortgage, Class III, AMT: |
|
|
5.1%, 7/1/2023 | 230,000 | 227,829 |
5.15%, 7/1/2023 | 570,000 | 567,583 |
5.4%, 7/1/2021 | 130,000 | 131,258 |
5.95%, 7/1/2019 | 495,000 | 511,775 |
Idaho, Housing Agency, Single Family Mortgage, Class III, AMT, Series H-2: |
|
|
5.1%, 7/1/2020 | 110,000 | 111,904 |
5.85%, 1/1/2014 | 120,000 | 122,993 |
| 1,770,481 | |
Illinois 6.5% | ||
Chicago, IL, Housing Authority Capital, Program Revenue, 5.0%, 7/1/2008 (a) | 2,000,000 | 2,010,640 |
Chicago, IL, O'Hare International Airport Revenue, Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2015 (a) | 4,500,000 | 4,892,625 |
Chicago, IL, Single Family Mortgage Revenue, AMT, 6.3%, 9/1/2029 | 215,000 | 225,879 |
Elgin, IL, Core City General Obligation, 6.0%, 1/1/2013 | 1,000,000 | 1,059,460 |
Huntley, IL, Project Revenue, Installment Contract, 5.85%, 12/1/2015 | 1,145,000 | 1,200,670 |
Huntley, IL, Sales & Special Tax Revenue, 7.75%, 3/1/2029 | 4,588,000 | 4,886,312 |
Illinois, Health Facilities Authority Revenue, 5.25%, 11/15/2013 (a) | 1,000,000 | 1,022,480 |
Illinois, Health Facilities Authority, Midwest Group Ltd., 5.375%, 11/15/2008 (a) | 445,000 | 444,595 |
Lake County, IL, Forest Preserve District, Series A, 2.356%*, 12/15/2020 | 5,000,000 | 4,200,250 |
McCook, IL, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, British Home Project, 4.25%, 12/1/2014, LaSalle Bank NA (b) (d) | 755,000 | 755,997 |
McLean & Woodford Counties, IL, Community Unit School District No. 5, Prerefunded, 6.375%, 12/1/2016 (a) | 4,820,000 | 5,410,016 |
Normal, IL, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, AMT, 3.75%, 12/1/2013 | 1,135,000 | 1,121,845 |
| 27,230,769 | |
Indiana 3.4% | ||
Indiana, Bond Bank Revenue, State Revolving Fund, Series B, 5.25%, 8/1/2019 | 4,000,000 | 4,283,640 |
Indiana, Health Facilities Funding Authority, Series A, ETM, 5.75%, 9/1/2015 | 2,930,000 | 2,981,861 |
Indiana, Health Facility Financing Authority Revenue, Ascension Health, Series A-1, 5.0%, 11/1/2027 | 1,000,000 | 1,053,740 |
Indiana, Transportation Finance Authority, Highway Revenue, Series A, 5.25%, 6/1/2016 (a) | 5,000,000 | 5,514,500 |
Tipton, IN, School District General Obligation, School Building Corp., 5.55%, 7/15/2012 (a) | 335,000 | 356,735 |
Wells County, IN, Hospital Authority Revenue, ETM, 7.25%, 4/1/2009 | 15,000 | 15,464 |
| 14,205,940 | |
Kansas 1.3% | ||
Junction City, KS, General Obligation, Series A, 5.0%, 6/1/2008 | 3,925,000 | 3,933,753 |
Sedgwick & Shawnee Counties, KS, Single Family Mortgage Revenue, Series B-4, AMT, 4.25%, 6/1/2023 | 950,000 | 939,331 |
Shawnee, KS, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Prairie Lakes Apartments, AMT, 4.35%, 2/1/2013 | 685,000 | 692,467 |
| 5,565,551 | |
Kentucky 0.6% | ||
Kentucky, Housing Corp. Revenue, Series G, AMT, 5.0%, 7/1/2030 | 2,520,000 | 2,523,805 |
Louisville, KY, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, 5.15%, 7/1/2009 | 15,000 | 15,186 |
| 2,538,991 | |
Louisiana 0.2% | ||
Louisiana, State Health Education Authority, Lease Rent Revenue, Tulane University Medical Center, ETM, 7.875%, 7/1/2009 | 90,000 | 93,092 |
Orleans, LA, Water & Sewer Revenue, Levee District, 5.95%, 11/1/2015 (a) | 530,000 | 536,933 |
| 630,025 | |
Maine 0.2% | ||
Maine, Finance Revenue Authority, Electronic Rate Stabilization, AMT, 5.2%, 7/1/2018 (a) | 1,005,000 | 1,007,271 |
Maryland 3.2% | ||
Maryland, State Community Development Administration, Department of Housing & Community Development, Series E, AMT, 5.5%, 3/1/2032 | 2,095,000 | 2,138,932 |
Maryland, State Department of Transportation & Conservation, 5.0%, 2/15/2018 | 5,000,000 | 5,518,750 |
Maryland, University of Maryland, Systems Auxiliary Facility & Tuition Revenue, Series A, 5.0%, 4/1/2012 | 5,000,000 | 5,393,950 |
Prince Georges County, MD, Housing Authority, Single Family Mortgage Revenue: |
|
|
Series A, AMT, 3.9%, 8/20/2012 | 295,000 | 297,422 |
Series A, AMT, 5.6%, 12/1/2034 | 70,000 | 70,805 |
Series A, AMT, 7.0%, 8/1/2033 | 95,000 | 96,416 |
Series A, AMT, 7.4%, 8/1/2032 | 40,000 | 40,760 |
| 13,557,035 | |
Massachusetts 0.6% | ||
Massachusetts, Bay Transportation Authority Revenue, Prerefunded, Series A, 5.25%, 7/1/2030 | 2,170,000 | 2,299,657 |
Massachusetts, Development Finance Agency, Curry College, Series A, 4.6%, 3/1/2009 (a) | 25,000 | 25,157 |
| 2,324,814 | |
Michigan 1.0% | ||
Detroit, MI, Sewer Disposal Revenue, Series D, 2.407%*, 7/1/2032 (a) | 4,110,000 | 3,293,343 |
Detroit, MI, Water Supply System, ETM, 6.25%, 7/1/2012 (a) | 185,000 | 196,821 |
Michigan, Strategic Fund, Limited Obligation Revenue, United Jewish Project, 5.75%, 1/1/2012, Bank One NA (b) | 800,000 | 797,712 |
| 4,287,876 | |
Minnesota 0.5% | ||
Coon Rapids, MN, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Brown Meadow Manor, Series A, AMT, 3.875%, 7/1/2014 | 695,000 | 680,767 |
Minnesota, Single Family Housing Revenue, Housing Finance Agency, 5.2%, 1/1/2017 | 1,185,000 | 1,227,328 |
| 1,908,095 | |
Mississippi 0.3% | ||
Corinth & Alcorn County, MS, Hospital Revenue, Magnolia Regional Health Center, Series A, 5.0%, 10/1/2008 | 420,000 | 422,528 |
Mississippi, Single Family Housing Revenue, AMT, 6.3%, 6/1/2031 | 695,000 | 723,822 |
| 1,146,350 | |
Missouri 3.1% | ||
Brentwood, MO, Tax Increment Revenue, 4.7%, 4/1/2019 (a) | 135,000 | 138,052 |
Jackson County, MO, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, St. Joseph Hospital, ETM, 7.5%, 6/1/2010 | 430,000 | 450,889 |
Kansas City, MO, Core City General Obligation, Streetlight Project, Series A, 5.75%, 2/1/2012 | 100,000 | 106,752 |
Missouri, Bi-State Development Agency, Illinois Metropolitan District Revenue, Metrolink, Series A, 3.95%, 10/1/2035, JPMorgan Chase Bank (b) | 2,000,000 | 2,017,400 |
Missouri, Development Finance Board, Greater St. Louis Project, 4.9%, 9/1/2010, Bank of America NA (b) | 685,000 | 689,857 |
Missouri, Housing Development Community, Single Family Mortgage, Series C, 6.55%, 9/1/2028 | 110,000 | 114,982 |
Missouri, Housing Development Community, Single Family Mortgage, AMT, 7.45%, 9/1/2031 | 130,000 | 134,014 |
Missouri, Single Family Housing Revenue, Housing Development, Series B-2, AMT, 5.75%, 3/1/2019 | 15,000 | 15,160 |
Missouri, Single Family Housing Revenue, Housing Development Community Mortgage, Series C, AMT, 7.25%, 9/1/2026 | 35,000 | 35,630 |
Missouri, State Highways & Transit Commission, State Road Revenue, Series A, 5.0%, 2/1/2014 | 5,000,000 | 5,367,450 |
Missouri, State Housing Development, Commission Single Family Mortgage Revenue, Homeownership Loan Program, Series C, AMT, 5.6%, 9/1/2035 | 2,285,000 | 2,336,870 |
St. Charles County, MO, Industrial Development Authority, Health Care Facilities Revenue, Garden View Care Center Project, AMT, 5.4%, 11/15/2016, US Bank NA (b) | 1,480,000 | 1,489,132 |
| 12,896,188 | |
Nebraska 0.9% | ||
Clay County, NE, Industrial Development Revenue, Hybrids Cooperative Project, AMT: |
|
|
4.75%, 3/15/2009, US Bank NA (b) | 215,000 | 216,273 |
5.25%, 3/15/2014, US Bank NA (b) | 1,610,000 | 1,614,750 |
Fillmore County, NE, Industrial Development Revenue, Omalley Grain, Inc. Project, AMT: |
|
|
4.7%, 12/1/2008, US Bank NA (b) | 190,000 | 190,163 |
5.0%, 12/1/2010, US Bank NA (b) | 45,000 | 45,035 |
5.0%, 12/1/2011, US Bank NA (b) | 180,000 | 180,036 |
5.1%, 12/1/2012, US Bank NA (b) | 135,000 | 135,055 |
5.2%, 12/1/2013, US Bank NA (b) | 195,000 | 195,076 |
Nebhelp, Inc., NE, Student Loan Program, AMT, 5.875%, 6/1/2014 (a) | 1,025,000 | 1,036,449 |
| 3,612,837 | |
Nevada 0.4% | ||
Nevada, Housing Division, Multi Unit Housing Revenue: |
|
|
Series C-2, AMT, 5.2%, 4/1/2030 | 80,000 | 80,491 |
Series B-1, 5.25%, 10/1/2017 | 365,000 | 368,468 |
Nevada, Housing Division, Single Family Mortgage, Series A, AMT, 5.15%, 10/1/2014 | 30,000 | 30,593 |
Nevada, Single Family Housing Revenue, Housing Division, Series A-2, AMT, 5.2%, 10/1/2018 | 200,000 | 201,800 |
Washoe, NV, Public Safety Training, 4.875%, 9/1/2010 (a) | 1,055,000 | 1,056,836 |
| 1,738,188 | |
New Hampshire 0.0% | ||
New Hampshire, Housing Finance Authority, AMT, 6.125%, 1/1/2018, Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen (b) | 20,000 | 20,546 |
New Jersey 5.2% | ||
Gloucester County, NJ, Public Improvement Authority, Electric Mobility Project, AMT: |
|
|
5.0%, 11/1/2008 | 125,000 | 126,498 |
5.0%, 11/1/2010 | 215,000 | 216,815 |
Keansburg, NJ, Elderly Housing Mortgage Revenue, HUD Section 8, 5.625%, 3/1/2011 | 130,000 | 130,103 |
Livingston, NJ, School District Revenue, Board of Education, 144A, 3.8%, 8/1/2014 | 914,441 | 914,816 |
New Jersey, Economic Development Authority Revenue, School Facilities Construction: |
|
|
Series W, 5.0%, 3/1/2012 | 2,375,000 | 2,515,576 |
Series J-4, 5.0%, 9/1/2029 (a) | 5,000,000 | 5,278,600 |
New Jersey, State General Obligation, Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Series B, 5.0%, 7/1/2008 (a) | 235,000 | 236,151 |
New Jersey, State Transportation Trust Fund Authority: |
|
|
Series C, 5.0%, 6/15/2011 | 5,000,000 | 5,348,300 |
Series A, 6.125%, 6/15/2015 | 6,650,000 | 7,161,451 |
| 21,928,310 | |
New Mexico 0.1% | ||
New Mexico, Mortgage Finance Authority, Second Mortgage Program, AMT, 144A, 6.5%, 1/1/2018 | 149,500 | 151,784 |
New Mexico, Student Loans Revenue, Series IV-B, AMT, 7.45%, 3/1/2010 | 210,000 | 210,796 |
| 362,580 | |
New York 5.0% | ||
New York, State General Obligation, Series C, 5.375%, 10/1/2011 (a) | 1,000,000 | 1,002,280 |
New York, Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.: |
|
|
Series B, 5.0%, 6/1/2011 | 4,500,000 | 4,686,480 |
Series C-1, 5.25%, 6/1/2013 | 14,595,000 | 14,616,600 |
New York, NY, Higher Education Revenue, Dormitory Authority, Series A, 5.25%, 5/15/2013 | 585,000 | 636,106 |
| 20,941,466 | |
North Carolina 0.8% | ||
North Carolina, Housing Finance Agency, Home Ownership, Series 22-A, AMT, 5.5%, 7/1/2036 | 3,345,000 | 3,414,643 |
Ohio 3.4% | ||
Bowling Green, OH, Multi-Family Revenue, Village Apartments, 4.75%, 9/20/2011 | 140,000 | 145,592 |
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, Series A-1, 5.0%, 6/1/2015 | 4,500,000 | 4,431,330 |
Franklin County, OH, Multi-Family Revenue, Lincoln Park Project, AMT, 5.65%, 4/20/2013 | 210,000 | 219,374 |
Hancock County, OH, Multi-Family Revenue, Crystal Glen Apartments, Series C, AMT, 5.05%, 1/1/2010, Federal Home Loan Bank (b) | 465,000 | 465,302 |
Mason, OH, Health Care Facilities, MCV Health Care Facilities Project, 5.25%, 2/20/2020 | 45,000 | 45,938 |
Montgomery County, OH, Catholic Health Revenue, Series C-2, 4.1%, 10/1/2041 | 1,135,000 | 1,133,627 |
Ohio, American Municipal Power, Inc., Electricity Purchase Revenue, Series A, 5.0%, 2/1/2011 | 5,000,000 | 5,060,350 |
Ohio, Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Mortgage Revenue, Series A, 5.75%, 4/1/2016 (a) | 35,000 | 35,047 |
Ohio, State Higher Education Capital Facilities, Series II-A, 5.5%, 12/1/2009 | 2,490,000 | 2,615,745 |
Ohio, Water & Sewer Revenue, ETM, 7.25%, 12/1/2008 (a) | 125,000 | 126,979 |
| 14,279,284 | |
Oklahoma 0.1% | ||
Bryan County, OK, Economic Development Revenue Authority, Single Family Mortgage, Series A, 8.6%, 7/1/2010 | 35,000 | 27,444 |
Comanche County, OK, Home Finance Authority Mortgage Revenue, Multi-Family FHA Diplomat, 5.2%, 12/1/2013 | 440,000 | 452,527 |
| 479,971 | |
Oregon 0.6% | ||
Portland, OR, Multi-Family Housing Authority Revenue, AMT: |
|
|
6.125%, 5/1/2017, US National Bank of Oregon (b) | 1,545,000 | 1,545,154 |
6.3%, 5/1/2029, US National Bank of Oregon (b) | 1,000,000 | 1,000,100 |
| 2,545,254 | |
Pennsylvania 5.4% | ||
Allentown, PA, Hospital Authority, ETM, 8.0%, 3/1/2009 | 30,000 | 31,299 |
Chester County, PA, Hospital Authority, ETM, 7.5%, 7/1/2009 | 5,000 | 5,152 |
Chester, PA, Core City General Obligation, Series B, 5.8%, 12/1/2013 (a) | 1,055,000 | 1,055,992 |
Delaware County, PA, College Revenue Authority, Series A, 5.15%, 10/1/2013 (a) | 300,000 | 301,158 |
Delaware County, PA, College Revenue Authority, Eastern College, Series B, 4.95%, 10/1/2008 | 345,000 | 346,735 |
Delaware County, PA, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Dunwoody Village, Series B, 4.0%, 4/1/2034 | 250,000 | 250,048 |
Delaware County, PA, Water & Sewer Revenue, Industrial Development Authority, Series B, AMT, 3.75%, 6/1/2010 (a) | 565,000 | 567,102 |
Langhorne, PA, Hospital Revenue, Franciscan Health, St. Mary's Hospital Authority, Series A, 7.0%, 6/15/2015 (a) | 1,770,000 | 1,788,178 |
Pennsylvania, Financing Authority Revenue, AMT, 5.0%, 6/1/2010 (a) | 1,470,000 | 1,482,583 |
Pennsylvania, Higher Educational Facility, Gwynedd Mercy College, 5.0%, 11/1/2008 | 30,000 | 30,432 |
Pennsylvania, Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Mortgage, Series 90A, AMT, 5.0%, 10/1/2035 | 2,195,000 | 2,206,524 |
Pennsylvania, State General Obligation: |
|
|
Third Series, 5.0%, 9/1/2013 (a) | 5,000,000 | 5,467,050 |
First Series, 5.0%, 1/1/2014 (a) | 5,000,000 | 5,389,500 |
Pennsylvania, State Higher Education Facilities Authority Revenue, Independent Colleges & University, Series H8, 5.0%, 5/1/2011, Allied Irish Bank PLC (b) | 895,000 | 896,521 |
Pennsylvania, TJHU System Project, 6.0%, 1/11/2011 (d) | 655,346 | 668,171 |
Philadelphia, PA, Industrial Development Revenue, Authority for Individual Development Senior Living Revenue: |
|
|
Series A, 4.7%, 7/1/2013 | 240,000 | 238,085 |
Series C, 4.7%, 7/1/2013 | 225,000 | 223,205 |
Series E, 4.7%, 7/1/2013 | 265,000 | 262,885 |
Philadelphia, PA, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Series B, AMT, 4.5%, 10/1/2013 | 920,000 | 923,698 |
Pittsburgh, PA, Industrial Development Revenue, Urban Redevelopment Authority, Series A, 144A, 6.0%, 12/1/2011, PNC Bank NA (b) | 380,000 | 383,633 |
York County, PA, Housing Redevelopment Mortgage Corp., Series A, 6.875%, 11/1/2009 | 305,000 | 305,579 |
| 22,823,530 | |
Puerto Rico 3.5% | ||
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Government Development Bank, Series B, 5.0%, 12/1/2008 | 10,000,000 | 10,105,200 |
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Public Improvement, Series A, 5.0%, 7/1/2011 | 930,000 | 951,390 |
Puerto Rico, Municipal Finance Agency, Series A, 5.0%, 8/1/2009 | 3,500,000 | 3,560,970 |
| 14,617,560 | |
South Carolina 1.0% | ||
South Carolina, Economic Development Authority Revenue, Caterpillar, Inc. Project, AMT, 5.05%, 6/1/2008 | 500,000 | 500,480 |
South Carolina, State Public Service Authority Revenue, Series D, 5.25%, 1/1/2014 (a) | 3,500,000 | 3,802,435 |
| 4,302,915 | |
South Dakota 0.2% | ||
South Dakota, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, 5.4%, 8/1/2013 (a) | 970,000 | 976,140 |
Tennessee 3.3% | ||
Sullivan County, TN, Health Educational & Housing Facilities Board, Multi-Family Housing Authority, Maple Oaks Apartment Project, AMT, 3.0%, 12/1/2009 | 100,000 | 99,986 |
Sumner County, TN, School Capital Outlay Notes, 4.0%, 6/1/2009 | 5,600,000 | 5,714,184 |
Tennessee, Energy Acquisition Corp., Gas Revenue, Series A, 5.0%, 9/1/2009 | 5,000,000 | 5,049,600 |
Tennessee, Housing Development Agency, Homeownership Program, AMT, Series 2006-3, 5.75%, 7/1/2037 | 2,915,000 | 2,986,272 |
| 13,850,042 | |
Texas 8.0% | ||
Bexar County, TX, Single Family Housing Revenue, Single Family Mortgage, Series C, 5.5%, 3/1/2019 (d) | 524,959 | 533,374 |
Harris County, TX, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Health Facilities Development Corp., Series A, 6.0%, 6/1/2009 (a) | 210,000 | 217,508 |
Harris County, TX, Hospital District Mortgage Revenue, 7.4%, 2/15/2010 (a) | 1,100,000 | 1,161,215 |
Lewisville, TX, Independent School District, Prerefunded, 5.25%, 8/15/2027 | 1,315,000 | 1,396,846 |
North Texas, Tollway Authority Revenue: |
|
|
4.125%, 11/19/2008 | 2,100,000 | 2,101,680 |
Series E-2, 5.25%, 1/1/2038 | 5,000,000 | 5,131,150 |
Tarrant County, TX, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Housing Financial Corp., Series A, AMT, 3.7%, 12/20/2013 | 735,000 | 719,359 |
Tarrant County, TX, Public Housing Revenue, Housing Financial Corp., Series A, AMT, 3.85%, 1/20/2013 | 710,000 | 714,977 |
Texas, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Wintergreen Project, AMT, 4.85%, 9/20/2012 | 105,000 | 109,242 |
Texas, Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp I, Gas Supply Revenue, Series B, 2.576%*, 12/15/2026 | 17,350,000 | 11,451,867 |
Texas, Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. II, Gas Supply Revenue, 2.576%*, 9/15/2017 | 7,000,000 | 6,405,350 |
Texas, Sabine River Authority, Series A, 6.875%, 9/1/2008 | 500,000 | 507,380 |
Wichita Falls, TX, Water & Sewer Revenue, Prerefunded, 5.375%, 8/1/2024 (a) | 3,000,000 | 3,248,370 |
| 33,698,318 | |
Utah 1.1% | ||
Intermountain Power Agency, UT, Power Supply Revenue, Series A, ETM, 6.15%, 7/1/2014 (a) | 245,000 | 256,696 |
Utah, Housing Finance Agency, Single Family Mortgage: |
|
|
Series A-2, Class III, AMT, 5.05%, 7/1/2012 | 15,000 | 15,267 |
Series A-2, Class III, AMT, 5.2%, 7/1/2011 | 30,000 | 30,548 |
Series B-2, Class III, AMT, 5.25%, 7/1/2011 | 30,000 | 30,563 |
Series A-2, Class II, AMT, 5.4%, 7/1/2016 | 60,000 | 61,214 |
Series C, Class III, AMT, 6.25%, 7/1/2014 | 150,000 | 154,368 |
Utah, Single Family Housing Revenue, Series D-2, AMT, 5.0%, 7/1/2018 | 905,000 | 910,005 |
Utah, Single Family Housing Revenue, Mortgage Revenue, Series G, AMT, 4.875%, 1/1/2019 | 1,785,000 | 1,819,183 |
Utah, Single Family Housing Revenue, Single Family Mortgage, AMT, 3.875%, 7/1/2014 | 1,350,000 | 1,355,791 |
| 4,633,635 | |
Vermont 0.3% | ||
Vermont, Housing Finance Agency, Single Family, Series 23, AMT, 5.0%, 5/1/2034 (a) | 1,415,000 | 1,415,538 |
Virginia 2.3% | ||
Newport News, VA, School District Revenue Lease, School Board: |
|
|
3.2%, 11/1/2008 | 885,000 | 893,868 |
3.2%, 11/1/2009 | 940,000 | 949,419 |
3.3%, 11/1/2010 | 995,000 | 1,004,980 |
3.5%, 11/1/2011 | 1,055,000 | 1,065,582 |
3.65%, 11/1/2012 | 1,125,000 | 1,136,295 |
3.75%, 11/1/2013 | 1,195,000 | 1,206,998 |
4.0%, 11/1/2014 | 1,270,000 | 1,282,763 |
4.1%, 11/1/2015 | 1,930,000 | 1,949,396 |
Virginia, Water & Sewer Systems Revenue, Series B, 8.7%, 11/1/2011 | 275,000 | 276,452 |
| 9,765,753 | |
Washington 0.0% | ||
Washington, Housing Finance Authority, Nonprofit Housing Revenue, Series B, 5.1%, 7/1/2010, US Bank NA (b) | 60,000 | 60,161 |
Wisconsin 3.3% | ||
Wisconsin, Housing & Economic Development Authority, Home Ownership Revenue, Series D, AMT, 4.875%, 3/1/2036 | 3,195,000 | 3,201,965 |
Wisconsin, State General Obligation, Series A, 5.75%, 5/1/2020 (e) | 10,000,000 | 10,640,100 |
| 13,842,065 | |
Total Municipal Bonds and Notes (Cost $415,816,259) | 409,172,846 | |
| ||
Open End Investment Company 1.9% | ||
BlackRock Liquidity Funds MuniCash Portfolio, 2.606%** (Cost $8,093,299) | 8,093,299 | 8,093,299 |
| % of Net Assets | Value ($) |
|
| |
Total Investment Portfolio (Cost $423,909,558)+ | 99.0 | 417,266,145 |
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | 1.0 | 4,326,955 |
Net Assets | 100.0 | 421,593,100 |
** Current yield; not a coupon rate.
+ The cost for federal income tax purposes was $423,915,041. At April 30, 2008, net unrealized depreciation for all securities based on tax cost was $6,648,896. This consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of value over tax cost of $5,256,545 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over value of $11,905,441.
(a) Bond is insured by one of these companies:
Insurance Companies | As a % of Total Investment Portfolio |
American Capital Access | 1.1 |
AMBAC Financial Group, Inc. | 3.1 |
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company | 4.8 |
Financial Security Assurance, Inc. | 11.2 |
MBIA Corp. | 7.4 |
Radian Assets Assurance, Inc. | 0.2 |
XL Capital | 0.1 |
(c) When-issued security
(d) Taxable issue
(e) At April 30, 2008, this security has been pledged, in whole or in part, as collateral for open interest rate swaps.
144A: Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.
AMT: Subject to alternative minimum tax.
ETM: Bonds bearing the description ETM (escrow to maturity) are collateralized usually by US Treasury securities which are held in escrow and used to pay principal and interest on bonds so designated.
Prerefunded: Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized usually by US Treasury securities which are held in escrow and used to pay principal and interest on tax-exempt issues and to retire the bonds in full at the earliest refunding date.
At April 30, 2008, open interest rate swap contracts were as follows:
Effective/ | Notional Amount ($) | Cash Flows Paid by the Fund | Cash Flows Received by the Fund | Unrealized Depreciation ($) |
8/20/2008 8/19/2020 | 16,200,0001 | Fixed — 3.721% | Floating—BMA | (331,175) |
5/6/2008 5/6/2023 | 7,600,0002 | Fixed — 3.87% | Floating—BMA | (286,698) |
Total unrealized depreciation | (617,873) | |||
Counterparties: 1 Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. 2 Citibank NA BMA: Represents the Bond Market Association |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of April 30, 2008 (Unaudited) | |
Assets | |
Investments in securities, at value (cost $423,909,558) | 417,266,145 |
Cash | 130 |
Receivable for investments sold | 4,277,985 |
Receivable for Fund shares sold | 1,524,237 |
Due from Advisor | 56,718 |
Interest receivable | 5,721,576 |
Other assets | 74,476 |
Total assets | 428,921,267 |
Liabilities | |
Payable for Fund shares redeemed | 4,449,093 |
Payable for investments purchased — when-issued securities | 1,610,000 |
Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swap contracts | 617,873 |
Distributions payable | 226,980 |
Accrued management fee | 152,539 |
Other accrued expenses and payables | 271,682 |
Total liabilities | 7,328,167 |
Net assets, at value | $ 421,593,100 |
Net Assets Consist of | |
Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income | (215,444) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: Investments | (6,643,413) |
Interest rate swap contracts | (617,873) |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) | (6,653,244) |
Paid-in capital | 435,723,074 |
Net assets, at value | $ 421,593,100 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of April 30, 2008 (Unaudited) (continued) | |
Net Asset Value | |
Class A Net Asset Value and redemption price(a) per share ($72,091,705 ÷ 7,147,218 outstanding shares of beneficial interest, $.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) | $ 10.09 |
Maximum offering price per share (100 ÷ 98.00 of $10.09) | $ 10.30 |
Class B Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price(a) (subject to contingent deferred sales charge) per share ($3,316,943 ÷ 328,876 outstanding shares of beneficial interest, $.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) | $ 10.09 |
Class C Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price(a) (subject to contingent deferred sales charge) per share ($26,168,352 ÷ 2,595,237 outstanding shares of beneficial interest, $.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) | $ 10.08 |
Class S Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price(a) per share ($224,722,592 ÷ 22,304,696 outstanding shares of beneficial interest, $.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) | $ 10.08 |
Institutional Class Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price(a) per share ($95,293,508 ÷ 9,447,528 outstanding shares of beneficial interest, $.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized) | $ 10.09 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statement of Operations for the six months ended April 30, 2008 (Unaudited) | |
Investment Income | |
Income: Interest | $ 9,058,151 |
Expenses: Management fee | 878,141 |
Administration fee | 219,535 |
Distribution and service fees | 232,281 |
Professional fees | 51,914 |
Trustees' fees and expenses | 14,725 |
Reports to shareholders | 40,786 |
Services to shareholders | 389,833 |
Registration fees | 28,894 |
Custodian fee | 8,297 |
Other | 30,801 |
Total expenses before expense reductions | 1,895,207 |
Expense reductions | (358,989) |
Total expenses after expense reductions | 1,536,218 |
Net investment income | 7,521,933 |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) from: Investments | (33,518) |
Interest rate swap contracts | (869,000) |
| (902,518) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: Investments | (5,846,580) |
Interest rate swap contracts | (240,919) |
| (6,087,499) |
Net gain (loss) | (6,990,017) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | $ 531,916 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets | ||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | Six Months Ended April 30, 2008 (Unaudited) | Year Ended October 31, 2007 |
Operations: Net investment income | $ 7,521,933 | $ 16,306,669 |
Net realized gain (loss) | (902,518) | (622,737) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | (6,087,499) | (1,570,269) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 531,916 | 14,113,663 |
Distributions to shareholders from: Net investment income: Class A | (1,065,741) | (2,177,586) |
Class B | (41,894) | (95,695) |
Class C | (344,218) | (794,997) |
Class S | (4,377,410) | (9,633,926) |
Institutional Class | (1,665,314) | (3,631,901) |
Total distributions | (7,494,577) | (16,334,105) |
Fund share transactions: Proceeds from shares sold | 83,888,819 | 88,469,291 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 3,762,466 | 7,302,940 |
Cost of shares redeemed | (108,443,055) | (176,771,407) |
Redemption fees | 11,108 | 8,940 |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions | (20,780,662) | (80,990,236) |
Increase (decrease) in net assets | (27,743,323) | (83,210,678) |
Net assets at beginning of period | 449,336,423 | 532,547,101 |
Net assets at end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income of $215,444 and $242,800, respectively) | $ 421,593,100 | $ 449,336,423 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Class A Years Ended October 31, | 2008a | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003b |
Selected Per Share Data | ||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.25 | $ 10.30 | $ 10.28 | $ 10.33 | $ 10.36 | $ 10.40 |
Income from investment operations: Net investment income | .17c | .33c | .31c | .25c | .25c | .18 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (.16) | (.04) | .01 | (.05) | (.03) | (.04) |
Total from investment operations | .01 | .29 | .32 | .20 | .22 | .14 |
Less distributions from: Net investment income | (.17) | (.34) | (.30) | (.25) | (.25) | (.18) |
Redemption fees | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | — | — |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.09 | $ 10.25 | $ 10.30 | $ 10.28 | $ 10.33 | $ 10.36 |
Total Return (%)d | .07e** | 2.81 | 3.20e | 1.97e | 2.20e | 1.31** |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | ||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 72 | 63 | 82 | 131 | 159 | 126 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | .89* | .88 | .86 | .83 | .81 | .80* |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | .84* | .88 | .81 | .80 | .80 | .80* |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 3.28* | 3.25 | 2.97 | 2.42 | 2.43 | 2.34* |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 17** | 39 | 46 | 35 | 38 | 34 |
a For the six months ended April 30, 2008 (Unaudited). b For the period from February 28, 2003 (commencement of operations of Class A shares) to October 31, 2003. c Based on average shares outstanding during the period. d Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. e Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. * Annualized ** Not annualized *** Amount is less than $.005. |
Class B Years Ended October 31, | 2008a | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003b |
Selected Per Share Data | ||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.25 | $ 10.30 | $ 10.28 | $ 10.33 | $ 10.35 | $ 10.40 |
Income from investment operations: Net investment income | .13c | .26c | .23c | .17c | .17c | .12 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (.16) | (.05) | .01 | (.04) | (.01) | (.05) |
Total from investment operations | (.03) | .21 | .24 | .13 | .16 | .07 |
Less distributions from: Net investment income | (.13) | (.26) | (.22) | (.18) | (.18) | (.12) |
Redemption fees | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | — | — |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.09 | $ 10.25 | $ 10.30 | $ 10.28 | $ 10.33 | $ 10.35 |
Total Return (%)d | (.32)e** | 2.07e | 2.41e | 1.23e | 1.46 | .81** |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | ||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 6 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 1.73* | 1.69 | 1.59 | 1.55 | 1.55 | 1.54* |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | 1.59* | 1.60 | 1.56 | 1.55 | 1.55 | 1.54* |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%) | 2.53* | 2.53 | 2.22 | 1.67 | 1.68 | 1.61* |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 17** | 39 | 46 | 35 | 38 | 34 |
a For the six months ended April 30, 2008 (Unaudited). b For the period from February 28, 2003 (commencement of operations of Class B shares) to October 31, 2003. c Based on average shares outstanding during the period. d Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. e Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. * Annualized ** Not annualized *** Amount is less than $.005. |
Class C Years Ended October 31, | 2008a | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003b |
Selected Per Share Data | ||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.25 | $ 10.29 | $ 10.27 | $ 10.33 | $ 10.35 | $ 10.40 |
Income from investment operations: Net investment income | .13c | .25c | .23c | .17c | .17c | .12 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (.17) | (.04) | .01 | (.05) | (.01) | (.05) |
Total from investment operations | (.04) | .21 | .24 | .12 | .16 | .07 |
Less distributions from: Net investment income | (.13) | (.25) | (.22) | (.18) | (.18) | (.12) |
Redemption fees | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | — | — |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.08 | $ 10.25 | $ 10.29 | $ 10.27 | $ 10.33 | $ 10.35 |
Total Return (%)d | (.42)e** | 2.11 | 2.40e | 1.13 | 1.55 | .71** |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | ||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 26 | 29 | 37 | 51 | 71 | 66 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 1.65* | 1.65 | 1.61 | 1.55 | 1.55 | 1.54* |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | 1.59* | 1.65 | 1.56 | 1.55 | 1.55 | 1.54* |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 2.53* | 2.47 | 2.22 | 1.67 | 1.68 | 1.61* |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 17** | 39 | 46 | 35 | 38 | 34 |
a For the six months ended April 30, 2008 (Unaudited). b For the period from February 28, 2003 (commencement of operations of Class C shares) to October 31, 2003. c Based on average shares outstanding during the period. d Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. e Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. * Annualized ** Not annualized *** Amount is less than $.005. |
Class S Years Ended October 31, | 2008a | 2007 | 2006 | 2005b |
Selected Per Share Data | ||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.24 | $ 10.29 | $ 10.27 | $ 10.30 |
Income from investment operations: Net investment incomec | .18 | .36 | .33 | .19 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (.16) | (.05) | .01 | (.04) |
Total from investment operations | .02 | .31 | .34 | .15 |
Less distributions from: Net investment income | (.18) | (.36) | (.32) | (.18) |
Redemption fees | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.08 | $ 10.24 | $ 10.29 | $ 10.27 |
Total Return (%)d | .18** | 3.09 | 3.35 | 1.50** |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | ||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 225 | 260 | 303 | 2 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | .86* | .80 | .73 | .84* |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | .59* | .60 | .67 | .71* |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 3.53* | 3.53 | 3.11 | 2.72* |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 17** | 39 | 46 | 35 |
a For the six months ended April 30, 2008 (Unaudited). b For the period from February 28, 2005 (commencement of operations of Class S shares) to October 31, 2005. c Based on average shares outstanding during the period. d Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. * Annualized ** Not annualized *** Amount is less than $.005. |
Institutional Class Years Ended October 31, | 2008a | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
Selected Per Share Data | ||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.25 | $ 10.30 | $ 10.28 | $ 10.33 | $ 10.35 | $ 10.34 |
Income from investment operations: Net investment income | .18b | .36b | .33b | .27b | .28b | .31 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (.16) | (.04) | .02 | (.04) | (.01) | .01 |
Total from investment operations | .02 | .32 | .35 | .23 | .27 | .32 |
Less distributions from: Net investment income | (.18) | (.37) | (.33) | (.28) | (.29) | (.31) |
Redemption fees | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | — | — |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 10.09 | $ 10.25 | $ 10.30 | $ 10.28 | $ 10.33 | $ 10.35 |
Total Return (%) | .18** | 3.11 | 3.47c | 2.22c | 2.52c | 3.14c |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | ||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 95 | 94 | 107 | 204 | 336 | 542 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | .59* | .58 | .60 | .58 | .56 | .56 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | .59* | .58 | .55 | .55 | .55 | .55 |
Ratio of net investment income (%) | 3.54* | 3.54 | 3.23 | 2.67 | 2.68 | 2.92 |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 17** | 39 | 46 | 35 | 38 | 34 |
a For the six months ended April 30, 2008 (Unaudited). b Based on average shares outstanding during the period. c Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. * Annualized ** Not annualized *** Amount is less than $.005. |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
A. Significant Accounting Policies
DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") is a diversified series of DWS Advisor Funds (the "Trust"), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust.
The Fund offers classes of shares which provide investors with different purchase options. Class A shares are offered to investors subject to an initial sales charge. Class B shares are offered to investors without an initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions. Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares six years after issuance. Class C shares are offered to investors without an initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions within one year of purchase. Class C shares do not convert into another class. Institutional Class shares are offered to a limited group of investors, are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and have lower ongoing expenses than other classes. Class S shares are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are generally not available to new investors except under certain circumstances.
Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses and expense reductions, if any, are borne pro rata on the basis of relative net assets by the holders of all classes of shares, except that each class bears certain expenses unique to that class such as distribution and service fees, services to shareholders and certain other class-specific expenses. Differences in class-level expenses may result in payment of different per share dividends by class. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting subject to class-specific arrangements.
The Fund's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require the use of management estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The policies described below are followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Security Valuation. Investments are stated at value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day the exchange is open for trading. Debt securities are valued by independent pricing services approved by the Trustees of the Fund. If the pricing services are unable to provide valuations, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and asked quotations or evaluated price obtained from a broker dealer. Such services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other data, as well as broker quotes.
Money market instruments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of sixty days or less, maturing at par, are valued at amortized cost. Investments in open-end investment companies are valued at their net asset value each business day.
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued in a manner that is intended to reflect their fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Trustees.
New Accounting Pronouncements. In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("FAS 157"). FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. As of April 30, 2008, management does not believe the adoption of FAS 157 will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements, however, additional disclosures will be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements of fair value and the effect of certain of the measurements reported in the statement of operations for a fiscal period.
In addition, in March 2008, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 ("FAS 161") Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. FAS 161 requires enhanced disclosure about an entity's derivative and hedging activities. FAS 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of FAS 161 will have on the Fund's financial statement disclosures.
Inverse Floaters. Inverse floating rate notes are debt instruments with a weekly floating rate of interest that bears an inverse relationship to changes in short-term market interest rates. Investments in this type of instrument involve special risks as compared to investments in a fixed rate municipal security. The debt instrument in which the Fund may invest is a tender option bond trust (the "trust") which can be established by the Fund, a financial institution, or a broker consisting of underlying municipal obligations with intermediate to long maturities and a fixed interest rate. Other investors in the trust usually consist of money market fund investors receiving weekly floating interest rate payments who have put options with the financial institutions. The Fund may enter into shortfall and forbearance agreements by which a Fund agrees to reimburse the trust, in certain circumstances, for the difference between the liquidation value of the fixed rate municipal security held by the trust and the liquidation value of the floating rate notes. Certain inverse floating rate securities held by the Fund have been created with bonds purchased by the Fund and subsequently transferred to the trust. These transactions are considered a form of financing for accounting purposes. As a result, the Fund includes the original transferred bond and a corresponding liability equal to the floating rate note issued. The Fund does not consider the Fund's investment in inverse floaters borrowing within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Inverse floating rate notes exhibit added interest rate sensitivity compared to other bonds with a similar maturity. Moreover, since these securities are in a trust form, a sale may take longer to settle than the standard two days after the trade date.
Swap Agreements. The Fund may enter into interest rate swap transactions to reduce the interest rate risk inherent in the Fund's underlying investments. The use of interest rate swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. In an interest rate swap, the Fund would agree to pay to the other party to the interest rate swap (which is known as the "counterparty") a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay to the Fund a variable rate payment, or the Fund would agree to receive from the counterparty a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty agreeing to receive from the Fund a variable rate payment. The payment obligations would be based on the notional amount of the swap. Certain risks may arise when entering into swap transactions including counterparty default, liquidity or unfavorable changes in interest rates. Payments received or made at the end of the measurement period are recorded as realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. The value of the swap is adjusted daily based upon a price supplied by the counterparty and the change in value is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation.
When-Issued/Delayed Delivery Securities. The Fund may purchase securities with delivery or payment to occur at a later date beyond the normal settlement period. At the time the Fund enters into a commitment to purchase a security, the transaction is recorded and the value of the security is reflected in the net asset value. The price of such security and the date when the security will be delivered and paid for are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. The value of the security may vary with market fluctuations. No interest accrues to the Fund until payment takes place. At the time the Fund enters into this type of transaction it is required to segregate cash or other liquid assets at least equal to the amount of the commitment.
Certain risks may arise upon entering into when-issued or delayed delivery securities from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts or if the issuer does not issue the securities due to political, economic, or other factors. Additionally, losses may arise due to changes in the value of the underlying securities.
Federal Income Taxes. The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, which are applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income to its shareholders.
At October 31, 2007, the Fund had a net tax basis capital loss carryforward of approximately $5,745,000, which may be applied against any realized net taxable capital gains of each succeeding year until fully utilized or until October 31, 2010 ($479,000), October 31, 2011 ($2,026,000), October 31, 2012 ($1,898,000), October 31, 2013 ($711,000) and October 31, 2015 ($631,000), the respective expiration dates, whichever occurs first.
The Fund has reviewed the tax positions for each of the three open tax years as of October 31, 2007 and has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund's financial statements. The Fund's federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
Distribution of Income and Gains. Net investment income of the Fund is declared as a daily dividend and is distributed to shareholders monthly. Net realized gains from investment transactions, in excess of available capital loss carryforwards, would be taxable to the Fund if not distributed, and, therefore, will be distributed to shareholders at least annually.
The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences primarily relate to certain securities sold at a loss. As a result, net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions for a reporting period may differ significantly from distributions during such period. Accordingly, the Fund may periodically make reclassifications among certain of its capital accounts without impacting the net asset value of the Fund.
The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
Redemption Fees. The Fund imposes a redemption fee of 2% of the total redemption amount on the Fund shares redeemed or exchanged within 15 days of buying them, either by purchase or exchange. This fee is assessed and retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders. The redemption fee is accounted for as an addition to paid-in capital.
Expenses. Expenses of the Trust arising in connection with a specific Fund are allocated to that Fund. Other Trust expenses which cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among the Funds in the Trust.
Contingencies. In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet been made. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Other. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily net asset value calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment security transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified cost basis. All premiums and discounts are amortized/accreted for both tax and financial reporting purposes.
B. Purchases and Sales of Securities
During the six months ended April 30, 2008, purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) aggregated $71,818,650 and $91,006,066, respectively.
C. Related Parties
Management Agreement. Under the Investment Management Agreement with Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DIMA" or the "Advisor"), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG, the Advisor directs the investments of the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The Advisor determines the securities, instruments and other contracts relating to investments to be purchased, sold or entered into by the Fund.
Under the Investment Management Agreement with the Advisor, the Fund pays a monthly management fee based on the Fund's average daily net assets, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly, at the following annual rates:
First $500 million of the Fund's average daily net assets | .400% |
Next $500 million of such net assets | .385% |
Next $1.0 billion of such net assets | .370% |
Over $2.0 billion of such net assets | .355% |
Accordingly, for the six months ended April 30, 2008, the fee pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement was equivalent to an annualized effective rate of 0.40% of the Fund's Average daily net assets.
For the period from November 1, 2007 through February 28, 2009 (through September 30, 2008 for Institutional Class shares), the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain operating expenses of the Fund (excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage and interest expense) to the extent necessary to maintain the operating expenses of the classes of the Fund as follows:
Class A | .84% |
Class B | 1.59% |
Class C | 1.59% |
Class S | .59% |
Institutional Class | .59% |
Accordingly, for the six months ended April 30, 2008, the Advisor reimbursed the Fund $257,465 of sub-recordkeeping expense for Class S shares.
Administration Fee. Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement, DIMA provides most administrative services to the Fund. For all services provided under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor an annual fee ("Administration Fee") of 0.10% of the Fund's average daily net assets, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly. For the six months ended April 30, 2008, the Advisor received an Administration Fee of $219,535, of which $34,962 is unpaid.
Service Provider Fees. DWS Scudder Investments Service Company ("DWS-SISC"), an affiliate of the Advisor, is the transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent of the Fund. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between DWS-SISC and DST Systems, Inc. ("DST"), DWS-SISC has delegated certain transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent functions to DST. DWS-SISC compensates DST out of the shareholder servicing fee it receives from the Fund. For the six months ended April 30, 2008, the amounts charged to the Fund by DWS-SISC were as follows:
Services to Shareholders | Total Aggregated | Waived | Unpaid at April 30, 2008 |
Class A | $ 8,416 | $ 8,416 | $ — |
Class B | 1,905 | 1,905 | — |
Class C | 4,306 | 4,306 | — |
Class S | 72,167 | 72,167 | — |
Institutional Class | 1,888 | — | 1,004 |
| $ 88,682 | $ 86,794 | $ 1,004 |
Distribution and Service Fees. Under the Fund's Class B and Class C 12b-1 Plans, DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc. ("DWS-SDI"), an affiliate of the Advisor, receives a fee ("Distribution Fee") of 0.75% of average daily net assets of each of Class B and C shares. In accordance with the Fund's Underwriting and Distribution Services Agreement, DWS-SDI enters into related selling group agreements with various firms at various rates for sales of Class B and C shares. For the six months ended April 30, 2008, the Distribution Fee was as follows:
Distribution Fee | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at April 30, 2008 |
Class B | $ 12,480 | $ 2,110 |
Class C | 102,613 | 16,983 |
| $ 115,093 | $ 19,093 |
In addition, DWS-SDI provides information and administrative services for a fee ("Service Fee") to Class A, B and C shareholders at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets. DWS-SDI in turn has various agreements with financial services firms that provide these services and pays these fees based upon the assets of shareholder accounts the firms service. For the six months ended April 30, 2008, the Service Fee was as follows:
Service Fee | Total Aggregated | Waived | Unpaid at April 30, 2008 | Annualized Effective Rate |
Class A | $ 79,051 | $ 4,524 | $ 25,602 | .23% |
Class B | 4,116 | 379 | 891 | .22% |
Class C | 34,021 | 3,479 | 9,716 | .22% |
| $ 117,188 | $ 8,382 | $ 36,209 |
|
Underwriting Agreement and Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. DWS-SDI is the principal underwriter for the Fund. There were no underwriting commissions paid in connection with the distribution of Class A shares for the six months ended April 30, 2008.
In addition, DWS-SDI receives any contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") from Class B share redemptions occurring within six years of purchase and Class C share redemptions occurring within one year of purchase. There is no such charge upon redemption of any share appreciation or reinvested dividends. The CDSC is based on declining rates ranging from 4% to 1% for Class B and 1% for Class C of the value of the shares redeemed. For the six months ended April 30, 2008, the CDSC for Class B and C shares was $1,622 and $2,487, respectively. A deferred sales charge of up to 0.75% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A shares. For the six months ended April 30, 2008, DWS-SDI received $335 for Class A shares.
Typesetting and Filing Service Fees. Under an agreement with DIMA, DIMA is compensated for providing typesetting and certain regulatory filing services to the Fund. For the six months ended April 30, 2008, the amount charged to the Fund by DIMA included in the Statement of Operations under "report to shareholders" aggregated $16,912, all of which is paid.
Trustees' Fees and Expenses. The Fund paid each Trustee not affiliated with the Advisor retainer fees plus specified amounts for various committee services and for the Board Chairperson.
In connection with the board consolidation on April 1, 2008, of the two DWS Funds Boards of Trustees, certain Independent Board Members retired prior to their normal retirement date, and received a one-time retirement benefit. DIMA has agreed to reimburse the Funds for the cost of this benefit. During the period ended April 30, 2008, the Fund paid its allocated portion of the retirement benefit of $2,329 to the non-continuing Independent Board Members, and the Fund was reimbursed by DIMA for this payment.
D. Fee Reductions
The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its custodian and transfer agent whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Fund's custodian expenses. During the six months ended April 30, 2008, the Fund's custodian fee was reduced by $1,954 and $2,065, respectively, for custodian and transfer agent credits earned.
E. Share Transactions
The following table summarizes share and dollar activity in the Fund:
| Six Months Ended April 30, 2008 | Year Ended October 31, 2007 | ||
| Shares | Dollars | Shares | Dollars |
Shares sold | ||||
Class A | 2,836,208 | $ 28,860,314 | 1,629,195 | $ 16,734,599 |
Class B | 27,615 | 282,703 | 9,496 | 97,640 |
Class C | 212,512 | 2,161,047 | 228,251 | 2,344,524 |
Class S | 3,043,333 | 31,081,959 | 4,105,618 | 42,135,622 |
Institutional Class | 2,109,577 | 21,502,796 | 2,641,171 | 27,156,906 |
|
| $ 83,888,819 |
| $ 88,469,291 |
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions | ||||
Class A | 74,410 | $ 758,167 | 143,099 | $ 1,470,469 |
Class B | 2,839 | 28,943 | 6,542 | 67,222 |
Class C | 20,521 | 209,223 | 46,612 | 478,846 |
Class S | 138,581 | 1,411,332 | 240,555 | 2,468,439 |
Institutional Class | 132,909 | 1,354,801 | 274,225 | 2,817,964 |
|
| $ 3,762,466 |
| $ 7,302,940 |
Shares redeemed | ||||
Class A | (1,863,208) | $ (18,947,447) | (3,588,692) | $ (36,908,145) |
Class B | (24,637) | (250,930) | (106,510) | (1,094,805) |
Class C | (435,587) | (4,443,029) | (1,057,018) | (10,862,759) |
Class S | (6,321,275) | (64,357,160) | (8,318,798) | (85,431,757) |
Institutional Class | (2,002,258) | (20,444,489) | (4,131,628) | (42,473,941) |
|
| $ (108,443,055) |
| $ (176,771,407) |
Redemption fees |
| $ 11,108 |
| $ 8,940 |
Net increase (decrease) | ||||
Class A | 1,047,410 | $ 10,671,141 | (1,816,398) | $ (18,703,077) |
Class B | 5,817 | 60,718 | (90,472) | (929,943) |
Class C | (202,554) | (2,072,759) | (782,155) | (8,039,389) |
Class S | (3,139,361) | (31,852,870) | (3,972,625) | (40,821,558) |
Institutional Class | 240,228 | 2,413,108 | (1,216,232) | (12,496,269) |
|
| $ (20,780,662) |
| $ (80,990,236) |
F. Line of Credit
The Fund and other affiliated funds (the "Participants") share in a $490 million revolving credit facility administered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. for temporary or emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely disposition of securities. The Participants are charged an annual commitment fee which is allocated, based upon net assets, among each of the Participants. Interest is calculated at the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.35 percent. The Fund may borrow up to a maximum of 33 percent of its net assets under the agreement.
Summary of Management Fee Evaluation by Independent Fee Consultant
October 26, 2007
Pursuant to an Order entered into by Deutsche Investment Management Americas and affiliates (collectively, "DeAM") with the Attorney General of New York, I, Thomas H. Mack, have been appointed the Independent Fee Consultant for the DWS Scudder Funds. My duties include preparing an annual written evaluation of the management fees DeAM charges the Funds, considering among other factors the management fees charged by other mutual fund companies for like services, management fees DeAM charges other clients for like services, DeAM's costs of supplying services under the management agreements and related profit margins, possible economies of scale if a Fund grows larger, and the nature and quality of DeAM's services, including fund performance. This report summarizes my evaluation for 2007, including my qualifications, the evaluation process for each of the DWS Scudder Funds, consideration of certain complex-level factors, and my conclusions.
Qualifications
For more than 30 years I have served in various professional capacities within the investment management business. I have held investment analysis and advisory positions, including securities analyst, portfolio strategist and director of investment policy with a large investment firm. I have also performed business management functions, including business development, financial management and marketing research and analysis.
Since 1991, I have been an independent consultant within the asset management industry. I have provided services to over 125 client organizations, including investment managers, mutual fund boards, product distributors and related organizations. Over the past several years I have completed a number of assignments for mutual fund boards, specifically including assisting boards with management contract renewal.
I hold a Master of Business Administration degree, with highest honors, from Harvard University; and Master of Science and Bachelor of Science (highest honors) degrees from the University of California at Berkeley. I am an independent director and audit committee financial expert for two closed-end mutual funds, serve on the board of directors of a private market research company, and have served in various leadership and financial oversight capacities with non-profit organizations.
Evaluation of Fees for each DWS Scudder Fund
My work focused primarily on evaluating, fund-by-fund, the fees charged to each of the 136 Fund portfolios in the DWS Scudder Fund family. For each Fund, I considered each of the key factors mentioned above, as well as any other relevant information. In doing so I worked closely with the Funds' Independent Directors in their annual contract renewal process, as well as in their approval of contracts for several new funds (documented separately).
In evaluating each Fund's fees, I reviewed comprehensive materials provided by or on behalf of DeAM, including expense information prepared by Lipper Analytical, comparative performance information, profitability data, manager histories, and other materials. I also accessed certain additional information from the Lipper, Strategic Insight, and Morningstar databases and drew on my industry knowledge and experience.
To facilitate evaluating this considerable body of information, I prepared for each Fund a document summarizing the key data elements in each area as well as additional analytics discussed below. This made it possible to consider each key data element in the context of the others.
In the course of contract renewal, DeAM agreed to implement a number of fee and expense adjustments requested by the Independent Directors which will favorably impact future fees and expenses, and my evaluation includes the effects of these changes.
Fees and Expenses Compared with Other Funds
The competitive fee and expense evaluation for each fund focused on two primary comparisons:
The Fund's contractual management fee (the advisory fee plus the administration fee where applicable) compared with those of a group of typically 12-15 funds in the same Lipper investment category (e.g. Large Capitalization Growth) having similar distribution arrangements and being of similar size.
The Fund's total expenses compared with a broader universe of funds from the same Lipper investment category and having similar distribution arrangements.
These two comparisons provide a view of not only the level of the fee compared with funds of similar scale but also the total expense the Fund bears for all the services it receives, in comparison with the investment choices available in the Fund's investment category and distribution channel. The principal figure-of-merit used in these comparisons was the subject Fund's percentile ranking against peers.
DeAM's Fees for Similar Services to Others
DeAM provided management fee schedules for all of its US domiciled fund and non-fund investment management accounts in any of the investment categories where there is a DWS Scudder Fund. These similar products included the other DWS Scudder Funds, non-fund pooled accounts, institutional accounts and sub-advisory accounts. Using this information, I calculated for each Fund the fee that would be charged to each similar product, at the subject Fund's asset level.
Evaluating information regarding non-fund products is difficult because there are varying levels of services required for different types of accounts, with mutual funds generally requiring considerably more regulatory and administrative types of service as well as having more frequent cash flows than other types of accounts. Also, while mutual fund fees for similar fund products can be expected to be similar, there will be some differences due to different pricing conditions in different distribution channels (e.g. retail funds versus those used in variable insurance products), differences in underlying investment processes and other factors.
Costs and Profit Margins
DeAM provided a detailed profitability analysis for each Fund. After making some adjustments so that the presentation would be more comparable to the available industry figures, I reviewed profit margins from investment management alone, from investment management plus other fund services (excluding distribution) provided to the Funds by DeAM (principally shareholder services), and DeAM profits from all sources, including distribution. A later section comments on overall profitability.
Economies of Scale
Economies of scale — an expected decline in management cost per dollar of fund assets as fund assets grow — are very rarely quantified and documented because of inherent difficulties in collecting and analyzing relevant data. However, in virtually every investment category that I reviewed, larger funds tend to have lower fees and lower total expenses than smaller funds. To see how each DWS Scudder Fund compares with this industry observation, I reviewed:
The trend in Fund assets over the last five years and the accompanying trend in total expenses. This shows if the Fund has grown and, if so, whether total expense (management fees as well as other expenses) have declined as a percent of assets.
Whether the Fund has break-points in its management fee schedule, the extent of the fee reduction built into the schedule and the asset levels where the breaks take effect, and in the case of a sub-advised Fund how the Fund's break-points compare with those of the sub-advisory fee schedule.
How the Fund's contractual fee schedule compares with trends in the industry data. To accomplish this, I constructed a chart showing how actual latest-fiscal-year contractual fees of the Fund and of other similar funds relate to average fund assets, with the subject Fund's contractual fee schedule superimposed.
Quality of Service — Performance
The quality-of-service evaluation focused on investment performance, which is the principal result of the investment management service. Each Fund's performance was reviewed over the past 1, 3, 5 and 10 years, as applicable, and compared with that of other funds in the same investment category and with a suitable market index.
In addition, I calculated and reviewed risk-adjusted returns relative to an index of similar mutual funds' returns and a suitable market index. The risk-adjusted returns analysis provides a way of determining the extent to which the Fund's return comparisons are mainly the product of investment value-added (or lack thereof) or alternatively taking considerably more or less risk than is typical in its investment category.
I also received and considered the history of portfolio manager changes for each Fund, as this provided an important context for evaluating the performance results.
Complex-Level Considerations
While this evaluation was conducted mainly at the individual fund level, there are some issues relating to the reasonableness of fees that can alternatively be considered across the whole fund complex:
I reviewed DeAM's profitability analysis for all DWS Scudder funds, with a view toward determining if the allocation procedures used were reasonable and how profit levels compared with public data for other investment managers.
I considered whether DeAM and affiliates receive any significant ancillary or "fall-out" benefits that should be considered in interpreting the direct profitability results. These would be situations where serving as the investment manager of the Funds is beneficial to another part of the Deutsche Bank organization.
I considered how aggregated DWS Scudder Fund expenses had varied over the years, by asset class and in the context of trends in asset levels.
I reviewed the structure of the DeAM organization, trends in staffing levels, and information on compensation of investment management and other professionals compared with industry data.
Findings
Based on the process and analysis discussed above, which included reviewing a wide range of information from management and external data sources and considering among other factors the fees DeAM charges other clients, the fees charged by other fund managers, DeAM's costs and profits associated with managing the Funds, economies of scale, possible fall-out benefits, and the nature and quality of services provided, in my opinion the management fees charged the DWS Scudder Funds are reasonable.
Thomas H. Mack
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For More Information | The automated telephone system allows you to access personalized account information and obtain information on other DWS funds using either your voice or your telephone keypad. Certain account types within Classes A, B, C and S also have the ability to purchase, exchange or redeem shares using this system. For more information, contact your financial advisor. You may also access our automated telephone system or speak with a DWS Scudder representative by calling the appropriate number below: For shareholders of Classes A, B, C and Institutional Class: (800) 621-1048For shareholders of Class S: (800) 728-3337 |
Web Site | www.dws-scudder.com View your account transactions and balances, trade shares, monitor your asset allocation, and change your address, 24 hours a day.Obtain prospectuses and applications, blank forms, interactive worksheets, news about DWS funds, subscription to fund updates by e-mail, retirement planning information, and more. |
Written Correspondence | DWS Scudder PO Box 219151Kansas City, MO 64121-9151 |
Proxy Voting | A description of the fund's policies and procedures for voting proxies for portfolio securities and information about how the fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available on our Web site — www.dws-scudder.com (click on "proxy voting"at the bottom of the page) — or on the SEC's Web site — www.sec.gov. To obtain a written copy of the fund's policies and procedures without charge, upon request, call us toll free at (800) 621-1048. |
Principal Underwriter | If you have questions, comments or complaints, contact: DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc. 222 South Riverside PlazaChicago, IL 60606-5808 (800) 621-1148 |
| Class A | Class B | Class C | Class S | Institutional Class |
Nasdaq Symbol | SRMAX | SRMBX | SRMCX | SRMSX | MGSMX |
CUSIP Number | 23339E 764 | 23339E 756 | 23339E 749 | 23339E 731 | 23339E 723 |
Fund Number | 436 | 636 | 736 | 2336 | 536 |
This privacy statement is issued by DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc., Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc., DeAM Investor Services, Inc., DWS Trust Company and the DWS Funds.
We never sell customer lists or individual client information. We consider privacy fundamental to our client relationships and adhere to the policies and practices described below to protect current and former clients' information. Internal policies are in place to protect confidentiality, while allowing client needs to be served. Only individuals who need to do so in carrying out their job responsibilities may access client information. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal and state standards to protect confidentiality. These safeguards extend to all forms of interaction with us, including the Internet.
In the normal course of business, clients give us nonpublic personal information on applications and other forms, on our Web sites, and through transactions with us or our affiliates. Examples of the nonpublic personal information collected are name, address, Social Security number and transaction and balance information. To be able to serve our clients, certain of this client information is shared with affiliated and nonaffiliated third-party service providers such as transfer agents, custodians, and broker-dealers to assist us in processing transactions and servicing your account with us. In addition, we may disclose all of the information we collect to companies that perform marketing services on our behalf or to other financial institutions with which we have joint marketing agreements. The organizations described above that receive client information may only use it for the purpose designated by the DWS Scudder Companies listed in the first paragraph of this Privacy Statement.
We may also disclose nonpublic personal information about you to other parties as required or permitted by law. For example, we are required or we may provide information to government entities or regulatory bodies in response to requests for information or subpoenas, to private litigants in certain circumstances, to law enforcement authorities, or any time we believe it necessary to protect the firm.
Questions on this policy may be sent to:
DWS Scudder
Attention: Correspondence — Chicago
P.O. Box 219415
Kansas City, MO 64121-9415
September 2007
Notes
Notes
ITEM 2. | CODE OF ETHICS |
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| Not applicable. |
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ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT |
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| Not applicable. |
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ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
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| Not applicable. |
ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS |
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| Not Applicable |
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ITEM 6. | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
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| Not Applicable |
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ITEM 7. | DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
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| Not applicable. |
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ITEM 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
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| Not applicable. |
ITEM 9. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
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| Not Applicable. |
ITEM 10. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS |
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| The primary function of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to identify and recommend individuals for membership on the Board and oversee the administration of the Board Governance Guidelines. Shareholders may recommend candidates for Board positions by forwarding their correspondence by U.S. mail or courier service to Chairman of the Board, P.O. Box 100176, Cape Coral, FL 33910. |
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ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
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| (a) The Chief Executive and Financial Officers concluded that the Registrant’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective based on the evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report. |
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| (b) There have been no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting. |
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ITEM 12. | EXHIBITS |
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| (a)(1) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT. |
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| (b) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is furnished and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT. |
Form N-CSRS Item F
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Registrant: | DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, a series of DWS Advisor Funds |
By: | /s/Michael G. Clark |
| Michael G. Clark |
President
Date: | July 2, 2008 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Registrant: | DWS Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund, a series of DWS Advisor Funds |
By: | /s/Michael G. Clark |
| Michael G. Clark |
President
Date: | July 2, 2008 |
By: | /s/Paul Schubert |
| Paul Schubert |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date: | July 2, 2008 |