UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number | 811-04906 | |||||
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| Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds |
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| (Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter) |
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c/o The Dreyfus Corporation 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 |
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| (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) |
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| Bennett A. MacDougall, Esq. 200 Park Avenue New York, New York 10166 |
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| (Name and address of agent for service) |
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code: | (212) 922-6400 | |||||
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Date of fiscal year end:
| 04/30 |
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Date of reporting period: | 10/31/17 |
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FORM N-CSR
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Connecticut Fund
SEMIANNUAL REPORT |
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The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager(s) only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund. |
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
Contents
THE FUND
With Those of Other Funds | |
the Fund’s Management Agreement |
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Back Cover
| The Fund |
A LETTER FROM THE CEO OF DREYFUS
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present this semiannual report for Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Connecticut Fund, covering the six-month period from May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
Financial markets generally rallied over the past six months as corporate earnings grew and global economic conditions improved. While the rally was relatively broad-based, U.S. stock market leadership shifted toward larger, multinational companies and away from smaller, domestically oriented companies that had been expected to benefit from stimulative U.S. government policy proposals. International stocks fared particularly well amid more positive economic data from Europe, Japan, and the emerging markets. In the bond market, longer-term U.S. government securities lost a degree of value as economic and inflation expectations increased, while corporate-backed securities continued to rally in anticipation of improved business conditions.
The markets’ strong performance has been supported by solid underlying fundamentals, most notably rising corporate profits and a robust labor market. While we currently expect these favorable conditions to persist, we remain watchful for economic and political risks that could derail the markets. As always, we encourage you to discuss the risks and opportunities of today’s investment environment with your financial advisor.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
Sincerely,
Mark D. Santero
Chief Executive Officer
The Dreyfus Corporation
November 15, 2017
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period from May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017, as provided by Daniel Barton and Jeffrey Burger, Portfolio Managers
Market and Fund Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended October 31, 2017, Class A shares of Dreyfus Connecticut Fund, a series of Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, produced a total return of 1.33%, Class C shares returned 0.93%, Class I shares returned 1.45%, Class Y shares returned 1.47%, and Class Z shares returned 1.53%.1 In comparison, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”), the fund’s benchmark index, which is comprised of bonds issued nationally and not solely within Connecticut, achieved a total return of 2.55% for the same period.2
Municipal bonds produced positive total returns over the reporting period amid moderating long-term interest rates. The fund underperformed the Index mainly due to the underperformance of Connecticut securities compared to national averages.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax and from Connecticut state income tax, without undue risk. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in municipal bonds that provide income exempt from federal and Connecticut state income taxes. The fund invests at least 70% of its assets in municipal bonds rated, at the time of purchase, investment grade (Baa/BBB or higher) or the unrated equivalent as determined by The Dreyfus Corporation (“Dreyfus”). For additional yield, the fund may invest up to 30% of its assets in municipal bonds rated below investment grade (“high yield” or “junk” bonds) or the unrated equivalent as determined by Dreyfus. The dollar-weighted average maturity of the fund’s portfolio normally exceeds 10 years, but the fund may invest without regard to maturity.
In managing the fund, we focus on identifying undervalued sectors and securities, and we minimize the use of interest-rate forecasting. We select municipal bonds by using fundamental credit analysis to estimate the relative value of various sectors and securities and to exploit pricing inefficiencies in the municipal bond market. Additionally, we trade among the market’s various sectors, such as the pre-refunded, general obligation, and revenue sectors, based on their apparent relative values. The fund generally will invest simultaneously in several of these sectors.
Municipal Bonds Outperformed Comparable U.S. Treasuries
Municipal bonds fared relatively well over the reporting period, producing higher total returns than U.S. Treasury securities with comparable maturities. Although the Federal Reserve Board implemented another short-term interest-rate hike in June 2017, longer-term interest rates declined as investors responded to subdued inflationary pressures and evidence that U.S. government policy reforms were proving more difficult to enact than expected. The market was also supported by robust investor demand for securities with competitive after-tax yields.
In September 2017, municipal bonds gave back a portion of their previous gains when the U.S. Congress turned its attention to tax reform legislation that some investors worried might reduce the tax advantages of municipal bonds.
In this environment, long-term municipal bonds fared better than their shorter-term counterparts, and lower-rated securities generally outperformed bonds with higher credit ratings.
3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
Connecticut is facing fiscal challenges stemming from political disagreements surrounding its budget, an underfunded pension system, and a subpar economic recovery. Credit rating agencies responded to these developments with credit rating downgrades.
Connecticut Bonds Lagged National Averages
The fund’s performance compared to the Index was constrained by the lagging performance of Connecticut bonds. In addition, the overall market’s advance was led by longer-term securities, yet due to historical issuance patterns in Connecticut, the availability of 20+ year maturity paper that the fund can invest in is limited. The fund’s exposure to high yield tobacco settlement bonds also weighed on relative results.
The fund’s emphasis on revenue-backed bonds supported relative performance. The fund achieved particularly favorable contributions from bonds backed by education facilities, hospitals, and industrial development projects. Furthermore, the fund held no uninsured bonds from Puerto Rico, which has experienced financial distress and was hard hit by a hurricane in September 2017.
A Constructive Investment Posture
In the wake of the municipal bond market’s recent rally, yield differences have narrowed along the market’s credit-quality spectrum, and short- and long-term interest rates are expected to rise. On the other hand, supply-and-demand and credit-quality factors generally remain supportive of municipal bonds, and current tax reform proposals, if enacted, may have a positive impact on the market. Therefore, we have maintained an emphasis on revenue bonds, and we are watchful for opportunities to increase the fund’s holdings of longer-term securities when supply conditions permit.
November 15, 2017
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, and does not take into consideration the maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares, or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Class I, Class Y, and Class Z shares are not subject to any initial or deferred sales charge. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price, yield, and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Income may be subject to state and local taxes and some income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for certain investors. Capital gains, if any, are taxable.
2 Source: Lipper Inc. — The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index covers the U.S.-dollar-denominated long-term, tax-exempt bond market. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.
Bonds are subject generally to interest-rate, credit, liquidity, and market risks, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus. Generally, all other factors being equal, bond prices are inversely related to interest-rate changes, and rate increases can cause price declines.
The amount of public information available about municipal bonds is generally less than that for corporate equities or bonds. Special factors, such as legislative changes, and state and local economic and business developments, may adversely affect the yield and/or value of the fund’s investments in municipal bonds. Other factors include the general conditions of the municipal bond market, the size of the particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. Changes in economic, business, or political conditions relating to a particular municipal project, municipality, or state in which the fund invests may have an impact on the fund’s share price.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)
As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees and other expenses. Using the information below, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds. You also may pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.
Review your fund’s expenses
The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Connecticut Fund from May 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment | ||||||||||||
assuming actual returns for the six months ended October 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||
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| Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | Class Z | |||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† |
| $4.77 | $8.61 | $3.50 | $3.35 | $3.66 | ||||||
Ending value (after expenses) |
| $1,013.30 | $1,009.30 | $1,014.50 | $1,014.70 | $1,015.30 |
COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES
WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS (Unaudited)
Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds. All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment | |||||||||||||
assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended October 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||
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| Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | Class Z | ||||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $4.66 | $8.50 | $3.46 | $3.31 | $3.56 | ||||||||
Ending value (after expenses) | $1,020.18 | $1,016.36 | $1,021.37 | $1,021.52 | $1,021.27 |
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .94% for Class A, 1.70% for Class C, .69% for Class I, .66% for Class Y and .72% for Class Z, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
5
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% | |||||||||
Connecticut - 94.9% | |||||||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 4/15/24 | 2,500,000 | 2,538,850 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 3/1/26 | 5,000,000 | 5,727,500 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 11/1/27 | 5,000,000 | 5,514,750 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 11/1/27 | 2,000,000 | 2,062,160 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 11/1/28 | 5,000,000 | 5,502,700 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 11/1/28 | 3,000,000 | 3,091,440 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 11/1/31 | 2,500,000 | 2,741,325 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 12/1/21 | 5,000,000 | 5,635,100 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 10/1/24 | 2,730,000 | 3,154,952 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 8/1/34 | 3,000,000 | 3,396,390 | |||||
Connecticut, | 4.00 | 9/1/35 | 5,000,000 | 5,258,200 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 1/1/23 | 1,250,000 | 1,388,775 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 3/1/24 | 1,195,000 | 1,403,121 | |||||
Connecticut, | 5.00 | 7/1/24 | 2,145,000 | 2,487,170 | |||||
Connecticut Development Authority, | 4.38 | 9/1/28 | 3,900,000 | 4,274,595 | |||||
Connecticut Development Authority, | 5.50 | 4/1/21 | 4,500,000 | 4,985,730 |
6
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Connecticut - 94.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 11/15/40 | 10,000,000 | 10,680,800 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/25 | 3,625,000 | 4,095,344 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 4.00 | 7/1/46 | 2,000,000 | 2,030,680 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/27 | 285,000 | 292,020 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/34 | 825,000 | 844,652 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/35 | 2,000,000 | 2,161,340 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/40 | 2,500,000 | 2,702,350 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/46 | 1,000,000 | 1,122,350 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.25 | 3/1/32 | 10,880,000 | 13,514,374 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/27 | 3,265,000 | 3,801,178 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/32 | 1,000,000 | 1,083,630 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/41 | 2,000,000 | 2,141,840 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/45 | 2,500,000 | 2,722,325 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 9/1/46 | 1,000,000 | a | 1,027,970 |
7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Connecticut - 94.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 9/1/53 | 1,500,000 | a | 1,534,305 | ||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.25 | 7/1/28 | 1,760,000 | 2,201,179 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/36 | 5,000,000 | 5,742,650 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/36 | 200,000 | 227,856 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/45 | 3,000,000 | 3,364,320 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.75 | 7/1/33 | 25,000 | 25,741 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.38 | 7/1/31 | 1,000,000 | 1,105,940 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/30 | 6,750,000 | 7,234,177 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 4.00 | 7/1/46 | 2,000,000 | 1,993,160 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 12/1/45 | 7,500,000 | 8,489,100 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.38 | 7/1/41 | 1,000,000 | 1,086,440 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/27 | 3,960,000 | 4,645,001 | |||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/40 | 5,000,000 | 5,130,600 |
8
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Connecticut - 94.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/25 | 1,490,000 | 1,646,003 | |||||
Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority, | 5.00 | 11/15/21 | 1,450,000 | 1,603,019 | |||||
Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority, | 5.00 | 11/15/22 | 1,400,000 | 1,566,754 | |||||
Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority, | 5.00 | 11/15/23 | 1,400,000 | 1,584,058 | |||||
Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative, | 5.00 | 1/1/38 | 3,000,000 | 3,365,760 | |||||
Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative, | 5.00 | 1/1/22 | 1,505,000 | 1,718,138 | |||||
Connecticut Revolving Fund, | 5.00 | 3/1/29 | 2,500,000 | 2,990,125 | |||||
Connecticut Transmission Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative, | 5.00 | 1/1/42 | 3,000,000 | 3,342,510 | |||||
Eastern Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority, | 5.50 | 1/1/20 | 4,595,000 | 4,668,336 | |||||
Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/26 | 700,000 | 829,696 | |||||
Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/27 | 1,250,000 | 1,471,200 | |||||
Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/29 | 1,500,000 | 1,747,950 | |||||
Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/35 | 25,000 | 25,080 | |||||
Hartford County Metropolitan District, | 5.00 | 4/1/31 | 3,510,000 | 3,949,522 |
9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Connecticut - 94.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Hartford County Metropolitan District, | 5.00 | 11/1/42 | 2,000,000 | 2,233,380 | |||||
New Britain, | 5.00 | 4/1/24 | 3,600,000 | 4,152,204 | |||||
New Haven, | 5.00 | 8/15/26 | 1,250,000 | 1,468,838 | |||||
New Haven, | 5.00 | 8/15/27 | 750,000 | 876,105 | |||||
Norwalk, | 5.00 | 7/15/24 | 1,000,000 | 1,158,820 | |||||
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, | 5.00 | 8/1/27 | 3,000,000 | 3,486,240 | |||||
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, | 5.00 | 8/1/31 | 3,940,000 | 4,426,787 | |||||
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, | 5.00 | 8/1/32 | 1,370,000 | 1,555,210 | |||||
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, | 5.00 | 8/1/33 | 1,500,000 | 1,699,155 | |||||
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, | 5.00 | 8/1/37 | 3,430,000 | 4,000,135 | |||||
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, | 5.00 | 8/1/38 | 3,500,000 | 4,072,915 | |||||
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, | 5.00 | 8/1/39 | 1,500,000 | 1,725,420 | |||||
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, | 5.25 | 8/1/24 | 2,000,000 | 2,419,520 | |||||
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, | 5.25 | 8/1/31 | 2,000,000 | 2,035,340 | |||||
Stamford, | 5.00 | 7/1/21 | 2,910,000 | 3,299,562 | |||||
University of Connecticut, | 5.00 | 2/15/25 | 1,000,000 | 1,046,230 |
10
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Connecticut - 94.9% (continued) | |||||||||
University of Connecticut, | 5.00 | 2/15/27 | 1,000,000 | 1,044,920 | |||||
University of Connecticut, | 5.00 | 2/15/28 | 1,000,000 | 1,044,130 | |||||
University of Connecticut, | 5.00 | 11/15/24 | 5,000,000 | 5,772,200 | |||||
228,189,342 | |||||||||
U.S. Related - 4.0% | |||||||||
Children's Trust Fund of Puerto Rico, | 5.50 | 5/15/39 | 3,000,000 | 2,955,270 | |||||
Children's Trust Fund of Puerto Rico, | 0.00 | 5/15/50 | 12,000,000 | b | 1,353,840 | ||||
Guam, | 5.00 | 12/1/34 | 1,750,000 | 1,963,640 | |||||
Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority, | 5.25 | 7/1/34 | 1,500,000 | 1,645,665 | |||||
Virgin Islands Port Authority, | 5.00 | 9/1/44 | 2,000,000 | 1,740,000 | |||||
9,658,415 | |||||||||
Total Investments (cost $229,055,630) | 98.9% | 237,847,757 | |||||||
Cash and Receivables (Net) | 1.1% | 2,702,897 | |||||||
Net Assets | 100.0% | 240,550,654 |
a Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At October 31, 2017, these securities were valued at $2,562,275 or 1.07% of net assets.
b Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through the accretion of discount.
11
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited) † | Value (%) |
Health Care | 27.1 |
Education | 17.0 |
Utility-Water and Sewer | 15.8 |
State/Territory | 11.3 |
Special Tax | 7.8 |
Utility-Electric | 6.1 |
Industrial | 4.8 |
City | 2.7 |
Transportation Services | 2.0 |
Asset Backed | 1.8 |
Housing | .9 |
Other | 1.6 |
98.9 |
† Based on net assets.
See notes to financial statements.
12
Summary of Abbreviations (Unaudited) | |||
ABAG | Association of Bay Area | ACA | American Capital Access |
AGC | ACE Guaranty Corporation | AGIC | Asset Guaranty Insurance Company |
AMBAC | American Municipal Bond | ARRN | Adjustable Rate |
BAN | Bond Anticipation Notes | BPA | Bond Purchase Agreement |
CIFG | CDC Ixis Financial Guaranty | COP | Certificate of Participation |
CP | Commercial Paper | DRIVERS | Derivative Inverse |
EDR | Economic Development | EIR | Environmental Improvement |
FGIC | Financial Guaranty | FHA | Federal Housing Administration |
FHLB | Federal Home | FHLMC | Federal Home Loan Mortgage |
FNMA | Federal National | GAN | Grant Anticipation Notes |
GIC | Guaranteed Investment | GNMA | Government National Mortgage |
GO | General Obligation | HR | Hospital Revenue |
IDB | Industrial Development Board | IDC | Industrial Development Corporation |
IDR | Industrial Development | LIFERS | Long Inverse Floating |
LOC | Letter of Credit | LOR | Limited Obligation Revenue |
LR | Lease Revenue | MERLOTS | Municipal Exempt Receipts |
MFHR | Multi-Family Housing Revenue | MFMR | Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue |
PCR | Pollution Control Revenue | PILOT | Payment in Lieu of Taxes |
P-FLOATS | Puttable Floating Option | PUTTERS | Puttable Tax-Exempt Receipts |
RAC | Revenue Anticipation Certificates | RAN | Revenue Anticipation Notes |
RAW | Revenue Anticipation Warrants | RIB | Residual Interest Bonds |
ROCS | Reset Options Certificates | RRR | Resources Recovery Revenue |
SAAN | State Aid Anticipation Notes | SBPA | Standby Bond Purchase Agreement |
SFHR | Single Family Housing Revenue | SFMR | Single Family Mortgage Revenue |
SONYMA | State of New York | SPEARS | Short Puttable Exempt |
SWDR | Solid Waste Disposal Revenue | TAN | Tax Anticipation Notes |
TAW | Tax Anticipation Warrants | TRAN | Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes |
XLCA | XL Capital Assurance |
See notes to financial statements.
13
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
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| Cost |
| Value |
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Assets ($): |
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|
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Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments | 229,055,630 |
| 237,847,757 |
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Interest receivable |
| 3,271,831 |
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Prepaid expenses |
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| 30,939 |
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|
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| 241,150,527 |
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Liabilities ($): |
|
|
|
| ||
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) |
|
|
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| 172,348 |
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Cash overdraft due to Custodian |
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|
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| 95,401 |
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Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed |
| 284,654 |
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Accrued expenses |
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| 47,470 |
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|
|
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| 599,873 |
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Net Assets ($) |
|
| 240,550,654 |
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Composition of Net Assets ($): |
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|
|
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Paid-in capital |
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|
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| 235,788,639 |
|
Accumulated undistributed investment income—net |
| 318 |
| |||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments |
|
|
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| (4,030,430) |
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Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
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| 8,792,127 |
| |
Net Assets ($) |
|
| 240,550,654 |
|
Net Asset Value Per Share | Class A | Class C | Class I | Class Y | Class Z |
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Net Assets ($) | 136,459,093 | 8,994,244 | 12,285,350 | 813,833 | 81,998,134 |
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Shares Outstanding | 11,679,966 | 771,067 | 1,051,555 | 69,663 | 7,019,799 |
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Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 11.68 | 11.66 | 11.68 | 11.68 | 11.68 |
|
See notes to financial statements. |
14
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
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Investment Income ($): |
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|
|
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Interest Income |
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| 4,446,476 |
| ||
Expenses: |
|
|
|
| ||
Management fee—Note 3(a) |
|
| 693,702 |
| ||
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) |
|
| 255,870 |
| ||
Professional fees |
|
| 54,752 |
| ||
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) |
|
| 36,741 |
| ||
Registration fees |
|
| 28,736 |
| ||
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) |
|
| 8,974 |
| ||
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports |
|
| 4,907 |
| ||
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 |
|
| 2,934 |
| ||
Custodian fees—Note 3(c) |
|
| 2,848 |
| ||
Miscellaneous |
|
| 19,527 |
| ||
Total Expenses |
|
| 1,108,991 |
| ||
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) |
|
| (1,561) |
| ||
Net Expenses |
|
| 1,107,430 |
| ||
Investment Income—Net |
|
| 3,339,046 |
| ||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): |
|
| ||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 757,909 |
| ||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
|
| (510,165) |
| ||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments |
|
| 247,744 |
| ||
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
| 3,586,790 |
| |||
See notes to financial statements. |
15
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
|
|
|
| Six Months Ended |
| Year Ended |
| ||
Operations ($): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Investment income—net |
|
| 3,339,046 |
|
|
| 7,454,088 |
| |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments |
| 757,909 |
|
|
| 2,214,792 |
| ||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
| (510,165) |
|
|
| (12,418,101) |
| ||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 3,586,790 |
|
|
| (2,749,221) |
| |||
Distributions to Shareholders from ($): |
| ||||||||
Investment income—net: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| (1,870,258) |
|
|
| (4,223,209) |
| |
Class C |
|
| (90,264) |
|
|
| (219,949) |
| |
Class I |
|
| (183,767) |
|
|
| (339,215) |
| |
Class Y |
|
| (11,948) |
|
|
| (30,251) |
| |
Class Z |
|
| (1,220,735) |
|
|
| (2,623,962) |
| |
Total Distributions |
|
| (3,376,972) |
|
|
| (7,436,586) |
| |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): |
| ||||||||
Net proceeds from shares sold: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| 2,426,052 |
|
|
| 4,245,002 |
| |
Class C |
|
| 70,125 |
|
|
| 790,309 |
| |
Class I |
|
| 1,419,014 |
|
|
| 10,365,826 |
| |
Class Z |
|
| 296,480 |
|
|
| 3,184,357 |
| |
Distributions reinvested: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| 1,446,137 |
|
|
| 3,285,945 |
| |
Class C |
|
| 74,569 |
|
|
| 178,742 |
| |
Class I |
|
| 159,943 |
|
|
| 285,421 |
| |
Class Z |
|
| 924,088 |
|
|
| 1,989,293 |
| |
Cost of shares redeemed: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| (13,059,681) |
|
|
| (24,030,163) |
| |
Class C |
|
| (1,816,275) |
|
|
| (1,785,429) |
| |
Class I |
|
| (1,857,414) |
|
|
| (7,440,085) |
| |
Class Y |
|
| - |
|
|
| (765,443) |
| |
Class Z |
|
| (5,982,363) |
|
|
| (9,428,980) |
| |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (15,899,325) |
|
|
| (19,125,205) |
| |||
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (15,689,507) |
|
|
| (29,311,012) |
| |||
Net Assets ($): |
| ||||||||
Beginning of Period |
|
| 256,240,161 |
|
|
| 285,551,173 |
| |
End of Period |
|
| 240,550,654 |
|
|
| 256,240,161 |
| |
Undistributed investment income—net | 318 |
|
|
| 38,244 |
|
16
|
|
|
| Six Months Ended |
| Year Ended |
| ||
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): |
| ||||||||
Class Aa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shares sold |
|
| 206,656 |
|
|
| 354,860 |
| |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
|
| 123,074 |
|
|
| 277,039 |
| |
Shares redeemed |
|
| (1,111,175) |
|
|
| (2,049,140) |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (781,445) |
|
|
| (1,417,241) |
| |||
Class Ca |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shares sold |
|
| 5,974 |
|
|
| 65,301 |
| |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
|
| 6,356 |
|
|
| 15,097 |
| |
Shares redeemed |
|
| (154,956) |
|
|
| (153,026) |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (142,626) |
|
|
| (72,628) |
| |||
Class Ia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shares sold |
|
| 120,896 |
|
|
| 878,060 |
| |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
|
| 13,613 |
|
|
| 24,099 |
| |
Shares redeemed |
|
| (158,014) |
|
|
| (636,246) |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (23,505) |
|
|
| 265,913 |
| |||
Class Y |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shares redeemed |
|
| - |
|
|
| (63,693) |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | - |
|
|
| (63,693) |
| |||
Class Za |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shares sold |
|
| 25,225 |
|
|
| 271,391 |
| |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
|
| 78,655 |
|
|
| 167,837 |
| |
Shares redeemed |
|
| (509,350) |
|
|
| (801,390) |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (405,470) |
|
|
| (362,162) |
| |||
a During the period ended October 31, 2017, 14,609 Class A shares representing $171,072 were exchanged for 14,609 Class I shares and 7,671 Class C shares representing $90,596 were exchanged for 7,661 Class I shares and during the period ended April 30, 2017, 155 Class A shares representing $1,875 were exchanged for 155 Class I shares and 5,793 Class Z shares representing $66,855 were exchanged for 5,788 Class I shares. | |||||||||
|
17
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share. Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions. These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Six Months Ended | Year Ended April 30, | ||||||||
Class A Shares | (Unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||
Per Share Data ($): | |||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 11.68 | 12.10 | 11.88 | 11.67 | 12.39 | 12.23 | |||
Investment Operations: | |||||||||
Investment income—neta | .15 | .32 | .34 | .34 | .37 | .38 | |||
Net realized and unrealized | - | (.42) | .21 | .21 | (.72) | .19 | |||
Total from Investment Operations | .15 | (.10) | .55 | .55 | (.35) | .57 | |||
Distributions: | |||||||||
Dividends from investment | (.15) | (.32) | (.33) | (.34) | (.37) | (.38) | |||
Dividends from net realized | - | - | - | - | (.00)b | (.03) | |||
Total Distributions | (.15) | (.32) | (.33) | (.34) | (.37) | (.41) | |||
Net asset value, end of period | 11.68 | 11.68 | 12.10 | 11.88 | 11.67 | 12.39 | |||
Total Return (%)c | 1.33d | (.87) | 4.75 | 4.72 | (2.72) | 4.74 | |||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | .94e | .93 | .91 | .92 | .90 | .90 | |||
Ratio of net expenses | .94e | .93 | .91 | .92 | .90 | .90 | |||
Ratio of net investment income | 2.59e | 2.66 | 2.82 | 2.83 | 3.21 | 3.10 | |||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 1.66d | 9.93 | 9.75 | 8.44 | 9.50 | 19.13 | |||
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 136,459 | 145,523 | 167,984 | 173,909 | 188,117 | 239,626 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Amount represents less than $.01 per share.
c Exclusive of sales charge.
d Not annualized.
e Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
18
Six Months Ended | Year Ended April 30, | ||||||||||||
Class C Shares | (Unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Per Share Data ($): | |||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 11.66 | 12.08 | 11.86 | 11.66 | 12.37 | 12.21 | |||||||
Investment Operations: | |||||||||||||
Investment income—neta | .11 | .23 | .24 | .25 | .28 | .29 | |||||||
Net realized and unrealized | - | (.43) | .22 | .20 | (.71) | .19 | |||||||
Total from Investment Operations | .11 | (.20) | .46 | .45 | (.43) | .48 | |||||||
Distributions: | |||||||||||||
Dividends from investment | (.11) | (.22) | (.24) | (.25) | (.28) | (.29) | |||||||
Dividends from net realized | - | - | - | - | (.00)b | (.03) | |||||||
Total Distributions | (.11) | (.22) | (.24) | (.25) | (.28) | (.32) | |||||||
Net asset value, end of period | 11.66 | 11.66 | 12.08 | 11.86 | 11.66 | 12.37 | |||||||
Total Return (%)c | .93d | (1.63) | 3.96 | 3.84 | (3.39) | 3.94 | |||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | 1.70e | 1.69 | 1.68 | 1.68 | 1.67 | 1.66 | |||||||
Ratio of net expenses | 1.70e | 1.69 | 1.68 | 1.68 | 1.67 | 1.66 | |||||||
Ratio of net investment income | 1.82e | 1.89 | 2.06 | 2.07 | 2.43 | 2.34 | |||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 1.66d | 9.93 | 9.75 | 8.44 | 9.50 | 19.13 | |||||||
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 8,994 | 10,653 | 11,919 | 11,361 | 10,920 | 16,502 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Amount represents less than $.01 per share.
c Exclusive of sales charge.
d Not annualized.
e Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
19
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended | Year Ended April 30, | |||||||
Class I Shares | (Unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 11.68 | 12.10 | 11.88 | 11.67 | 12.39 | 12.22 | ||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||
Investment income—neta | .17 | .34 | .36 | .36 | .40 | .41 | ||
Net realized and unrealized | - | (.42) | .22 | .22 | (.72) | .21 | ||
Total from Investment Operations | .17 | (.08) | .58 | .58 | (.32) | .62 | ||
Distributions: | ||||||||
Dividends from investment | (.17) | (.34) | (.36) | (.37) | (.40) | (.42) | ||
Dividends from net realized | - | - | - | - | (.00)b | (.03) | ||
Total Distributions | (.17) | (.34) | (.36) | (.37) | (.40) | (.45) | ||
Net asset value, end of period | 11.68 | 11.68 | 12.10 | 11.88 | 11.67 | 12.39 | ||
Total Return (%) | 1.45c | (.64) | 5.01 | 4.97 | (2.48) | 5.09 | ||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | .69d | .69 | .67 | .67 | .65 | .64 | ||
Ratio of net expenses | .69d | .69 | .67 | .67 | .65 | .63 | ||
Ratio of net investment income | 2.83d | 2.90 | 3.06 | 3.08 | 3.45 | 3.34 | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 1.66c | 9.93 | 9.75 | 8.44 | 9.50 | 19.13 | ||
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 12,285 | 12,555 | 9,794 | 7,408 | 8,004 | 12,092 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Amount represents less than $.01 per share.
c Not annualized.
d Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
20
Six Months Ended | Year Ended April 30, | ||||||||
Class Y Shares | (Unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014a | ||||
Per Share Data ($): | |||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 11.68 | 12.10 | 11.88 | 11.68 | 11.15 | ||||
Investment Operations: | |||||||||
Investment income—netb | .17 | .34 | .37 | .39 | .26 | ||||
Net realized and unrealized | - | (.41) | .22 | .18 | .53 | ||||
Total from Investment Operations | .17 | (.07) | .59 | .57 | .79 | ||||
Distributions: | |||||||||
Dividends from investment | (.17) | (.35) | (.37) | (.37) | (.26) | ||||
Net asset value, end of period | 11.68 | 11.68 | 12.10 | 11.88 | 11.68 | ||||
Total Return (%) | 1.47c | (.60) | 5.04 | 4.89 | 7.16c | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | .66d | .65 | .64 | .65 | .63d | ||||
Ratio of net expenses | .66d | .65 | .64 | .65 | .63d | ||||
Ratio of net investment income | 2.86d | 2.93 | 3.11 | 3.07 | 3.45d | ||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 1.66c | 9.93 | 9.75 | 8.44 | 9.50 | ||||
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 814 | 813 | 1,614 | 2,506 | 1 |
a From September 3, 2013 (commencement of initial offering) to April 30, 2014.
b Based on average shares outstanding.
c Not annualized.
d Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
21
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended | Year Ended April 30, | ||||||
Class Z Shares | (Unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
Per Share Data ($): |
| ||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 11.68 | 12.10 | 11.87 | 11.67 | 12.39 | 12.22 | |
Investment Operations: | |||||||
Investment income—neta | .17 | .34 | .36 | .36 | .40 | .41 | |
Net realized and unrealized | - | (.42) | .23 | .20 | (.72) | .20 | |
Total from Investment Operations | .17 | (.08) | .59 | .56 | (.32) | .61 | |
Distributions: | |||||||
Dividends from investment | (.17) | (.34) | (.36) | (.36) | (.40) | (.41) | |
Dividends from net realized | - | - | - | - | (.00)b | (.03) | |
Total Distributions | (.17) | (.34) | (.36) | (.36) | (.40) | (.44) | |
Net asset value, end of period | 11.68 | 11.68 | 12.10 | 11.87 | 11.67 | 12.39 | |
Total Return (%) | 1.53c | (.74) | 5.05 | 4.85 | (2.50) | 5.04 | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |||||||
Ratio of total expenses | .72d | .71 | .71 | .70 | .69 | .69 | |
Ratio of net expenses | .72d | .71 | .71 | .70 | .69 | .69 | |
Ratio of net investment income | 2.81d | 2.88 | 3.03 | 3.04 | 3.43 | 3.32 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 1.66c | 9.93 | 9.75 | 8.44 | 9.50 | 19.13 | |
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 81,998 | 86,696 | 94,240 | 99,626 | 100,654 | 116,617 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Amount represents less than $.01 per share.
c Not annualized.
d Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
22
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus Connecticut Fund (the “fund”) is a separate non-diversified series of Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds (the “Company”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering three series, including the fund. The fund’s investment objective is to seek to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax and from Connecticut state income tax, without undue risk. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser.
As of the date of this report, the fund did not offer Class T shares for purchase.
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I, Class T, Class Y and Class Z. Class A and Class T shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class I and Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share generally to institutional investors. Class Z shares are sold at net asset value per share to certain shareholders of the fund. Class Z shares generally are not available for new accounts. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs, and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
The Company accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC
23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
registrants. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. The fund does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.
(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:
Investments in securities are valued each business day by an independent pricing service (the “Service”) approved by the Company’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Investments for which quoted bid prices are
24
readily available and are representative of the bid side of the market in the judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for such securities). Other investments (which constitute a majority of the portfolio securities) are carried at fair value as determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration of the following: yields or prices of municipal securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Service is engaged under the general supervision of the Board.
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined to not accurately reflect fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Board. Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers. These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2017 in valuing the fund’s investments:
Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 -Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | |
Assets ($) |
|
|
|
|
Investments in Securities: | ||||
Municipal Bonds† | - | 237,847,757 | - | 237,847,757 |
† See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.
25
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
At October 31, 2017, there were no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. It is the fund’s policy to recognize transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period.
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest income, adjusted for accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is earned from settlement date and recognized on the accrual basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when issued or delayed delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date.
The fund follows an investment policy of investing primarily in municipal obligations of one state. Economic changes affecting the state and certain of its public bodies and municipalities may affect the ability of issuers within the state to pay interest on, or repay principal of, municipal obligations held by the fund.
(c) Dividends and distributions to shareholders: It is the policy of the fund to declare dividends daily from investment income-net. Such dividends are paid monthly. Dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(d) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, which can distribute tax-exempt dividends, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of income and net realized capital gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended April 30, 2017 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
26
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Furthermore, capital loss carryovers retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses.
The fund has an unused capital loss carryover of $4,792,889 available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net realized capital gains, if any, realized subsequent to April 30, 2017. The fund has $2,359,815 of short-term capital losses and $2,433,074 of long-term capital losses which can be carried forward for an unlimited period
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017 was as follows: tax-exempt income $7,436,586. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in an $830 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 4, 2017, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $810 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3—Management Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to a management agreement with Dreyfus, the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .55% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly.
During the period ended October 31, 2017, the Distributor retained $560 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares.
(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. During the period ended October 31, 2017, Class C shares were charged $36,741 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
27
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the value of their average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (securities dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals) with respect to these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended October 31, 2017, Class A and Class C shares were charged $178,671 and $12,247, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class Z shares reimburse the Distributor at an amount not to exceed an annual rate of .25% of the value of Class Z shares’ average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding Class Z shares and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. During the period ended October 31, 2017, Class Z shares were charged $17,198 pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $27,121 for transfer agency services and $1,514 for cash management services. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were offset by earnings credits of $1,514.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $2,848
28
pursuant to the custody agreement. These fees were offset by earnings credits of $45.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a shareholder redemption draft processing agreement for providing certain services related to the fund’s check writing privilege. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $1,003 pursuant to the agreement, which is included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. These fees were partially offset by earnings credit of $2.
During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $5,604 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: management fees $113,440, Distribution Plan fees $5,926, Shareholder Services Plan fees $35,162, custodian fees $1,253, Chief Compliance Officer fees $6,538 and transfer agency fees $10,029.
(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended October 31, 2017, amounted to $4,090,595 and $17,640,140, respectively.
At October 31, 2017, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $8,792,127, consisting of $10,562,611 gross unrealized appreciation and $1,770,484 gross unrealized depreciation.
At October 31, 2017, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
29
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited)
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on July 20, 2017, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Management Agreement pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory and administrative services (the “Agreement”). The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from Dreyfus representatives. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting and compliance infrastructures.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended May 31, 2017, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Broadridge as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Broadridge used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be
30
applicable to the fund and comparison funds. The Board discussed with representatives of Dreyfus and/or its affiliates the results of the comparisons and considered that the fund’s total return performance was above the Performance Group median for the one-, two- and three-year periods and below the Performance Group median for the four-, five- and ten-year periods, and was at or above the Performance Universe median for the two-, three- and ten-year periods and below the Performance Universe median for the remaining periods. The Board also considered that the fund’s yield performance was below the Performance Group median for seven of the ten one-year periods ended May 31 and below the Performance Universe median for six of the ten one-year periods ended May 31. The Board noted the relative proximity to the median during certain periods when the fund’s total return performance or yield was below the median of the Performance Group or Performance Universe, as applicable. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s Lipper category average, and it was noted that the fund’s returns were above the returns of the average in six of the ten calendar years shown.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The Board considered that the fund’s contractual management fee was slightly above the Expense Group median and the fund’s actual management fee and total expense ratio were above Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Dreyfus-affiliated primary employer of the fund’s primary portfolio manager(s) for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients. They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness of the fund’s management fee.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus and its affiliates for managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered, on the advice of its counsel, the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreement, considered in relation to the
31
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
mix of services provided by Dreyfus, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, supported the renewal of the Agreement and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Dreyfus representatives stated that a discussion of economies of scale is predicated on a fund having achieved a substantial size with increasing assets and that, if a fund’s assets had been stable or decreasing, the possibility that Dreyfus may have realized any economies of scale would be less. Dreyfus representatives also stated that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser and took into consideration that there were no soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
· The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
· While the Board noted the improved relative total return performance in recent years, the Board agreed to continue to closely monitor performance.
· The Board concluded that the fee paid to Dreyfus continued to be appropriate under the circumstances and in light of the factors and the totality of the services provided as discussed above.
· The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates, of Dreyfus and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable
32
to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of the Agreement for the fund, or substantially similar agreements for other Dreyfus funds that the Board oversees, during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the fund’s arrangements, or similar arrangements for other Dreyfus funds that the Board oversees, in prior years. The Board determined to renew the Agreement.
33
Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Connecticut Fund
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Manager
The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Custodian
The Bank of New York Mellon
225 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10286
Transfer Agent &
Dividend Disbursing Agent
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc.
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Distributor
MBSC Securities Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Ticker Symbols: | Class A: PSCTX Class C: PMCCX Class I: DTCIX Class Y: DPMYX Class Z: DPMZX |
Telephone Call your financial representative or 1-800-DREYFUS
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
E-mail Send your request to info@dreyfus.com
Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at www.dreyfus.com
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. (phone 1-800-SEC-0330 for information).
A description of the policies and procedures that the fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the fund voted these proxies for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available at www.dreyfus.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-DREYFUS.
© 2017 MBSC Securities Corporation |
Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Massachusetts Fund
SEMIANNUAL REPORT |
Save time. Save paper. View your next shareholder report online as soon as it’s available. Log into www.dreyfus.com and sign up for Dreyfus eCommunications. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes. |
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager(s) only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund. |
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
Contents
THE FUND
With Those of Other Funds | |
the Fund’s Management Agreement |
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Back Cover
| The Fund |
A LETTER FROM THE CEO OF DREYFUS
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present this semiannual report for Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Massachusetts Fund, covering the six-month period from May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
Financial markets generally rallied over the past six months as corporate earnings grew and global economic conditions improved. While the rally was relatively broad-based, U.S. stock market leadership shifted toward larger, multinational companies and away from smaller, domestically oriented companies that had been expected to benefit from stimulative U.S. government policy proposals. International stocks fared particularly well amid more positive economic data from Europe, Japan, and the emerging markets. In the bond market, longer-term U.S. government securities lost a degree of value as economic and inflation expectations increased, while corporate-backed securities continued to rally in anticipation of improved business conditions.
The markets’ strong performance has been supported by solid underlying fundamentals, most notably rising corporate profits and a robust labor market. While we currently expect these favorable conditions to persist, we remain watchful for economic and political risks that could derail the markets. As always, we encourage you to discuss the risks and opportunities of today’s investment environment with your financial advisor.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
Sincerely,
Mark D. Santero
Chief Executive Officer
The Dreyfus Corporation
November 15, 2017
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period from May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017, as provided by Daniel Rabasco and Thomas Casey, Portfolio Managers
Market and Fund Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended October 31, 2017, Class A shares of Dreyfus Massachusetts Fund, a series of Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, produced a total return of 1.98%, Class C shares returned 1.65%, and Class Z shares returned 2.18%.1 In comparison, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”), the fund’s benchmark index, which is comprised of bonds issued nationally and not solely within Massachusetts, achieved a total return of 2.55% for the same period.2
Municipal bonds produced positive total returns over the reporting period amid moderating long-term interest rates. The fund underperformed the Index mainly due to the underperformance of Massachusetts securities compared to national averages.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax and from Massachusetts state income tax, without undue risk. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in municipal bonds that provide income exempt from federal and Massachusetts state income taxes. The fund invests at least 70% of its assets in municipal bonds rated, at the time of purchase, investment grade (Baa/BBB or higher) or the unrated equivalent as determined by The Dreyfus Corporation (“Dreyfus”). For additional yield, the fund may invest up to 30% of its assets in municipal bonds rated below investment grade (“high yield” or “junk” bonds) or the unrated equivalent as determined by Dreyfus. The dollar-weighted average maturity of the fund’s portfolio normally exceeds 10 years, but the fund may invest without regard to maturity.
In managing the fund, we focus on identifying undervalued sectors and securities, and we minimize the use of interest-rate forecasting. We select municipal bonds by using fundamental credit analysis to estimate the relative value of various sectors and securities and to exploit pricing inefficiencies in the municipal bond market. Additionally, we trade among the market’s various sectors, such as the pre-refunded, general obligation, and revenue sectors, based on their apparent relative values. The fund generally will invest simultaneously in several of these sectors.
Municipal Bonds Outperformed Comparable U.S. Treasuries
Municipal bonds fared relatively well over the reporting period, producing higher total returns than U.S. Treasury securities with comparable maturities. Although the Federal Reserve Board implemented another short-term interest-rate hike in June 2017, longer-term interest rates declined as investors responded to subdued inflationary pressures and evidence that U.S. government policy reforms were proving more difficult to enact than expected. The market was also supported by robust investor demand for securities with competitive after-tax yields.
In September 2017, municipal bonds gave back a portion of their previous gains when the U.S. Congress turned its attention to tax reform legislation that some investors worried might reduce the tax advantages of municipal bonds.
In this environment, long-term municipal bonds fared better than their shorter-term counterparts, and lower-rated securities generally outperformed bonds with higher credit ratings.
3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
Massachusetts has maintained a stable fiscal condition stemming from a diverse economic base and prudent budget management practices. The state has been troubled by pension funding shortfalls, but it is taking steps to address the situation.
Massachusetts Bonds Lagged National Averages
The fund’s performance compared to the Index was constrained by the lagging performance of Massachusetts bonds. In addition, the fund held a security backed by revenues from transportation facilities in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which declined in value in the aftermath of a devastating hurricane in September 2017. Massachusetts municipal bonds backed by revenues from education facilities and special taxes also weighed to a degree on relative performance.
The fund’s interest-rate strategies supported relative results. A modestly long average duration and overweighted exposure to bonds with longer maturities helped the fund benefit from falling long-term interest rates. To a lesser extent, the fund’s relatively heavy positions in revenue-backed bonds also contributed positively to performance, as did underweighted exposure to lower-yielding general obligation bonds. The fund achieved particularly favorable contributions from bonds backed by hospitals, water-and-sewer facilities, and public power plants. Furthermore, the fund held no uninsured bonds from Puerto Rico, which has experienced financial distress.
A Constructive Investment Posture
In the wake of the municipal bond market’s recent rally, yield differences have narrowed along the market’s credit-quality spectrum, and short- and long-term interest rates are expected to rise. On the other hand, supply-and-demand and credit-quality factors generally remain supportive of municipal bonds, and current tax reform proposals, if enacted, may have a positive impact on the market. Therefore, we have maintained an emphasis on revenue bonds, and we remain watchful for trading opportunities to enhance the fund’s yield.
November 15, 2017
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, and does not take into consideration the maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Class Z is not subject to any initial or deferred sales charge. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price, yield, and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Income may be subject to state and local taxes, and some income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for certain investors. Capital gains, if any, are taxable.
2 Source: Lipper Inc. — The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index covers the U.S.-dollar-denominated long-term, tax-exempt bond market. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.
Bonds are subject generally to interest-rate, credit, liquidity, and market risks, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus. Generally, all other factors being equal, bond prices are inversely related to interest-rate changes, and rate increases can cause price declines.
The amount of public information available about municipal bonds is generally less than that for corporate equities or bonds. Special factors, such as legislative changes, and state and local economic and business developments, may adversely affect the yield and/or value of the fund’s investments in municipal bonds. Other factors include the general conditions of the municipal bond market, the size of the particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. Changes in economic, business, or political conditions relating to a particular municipal project, municipality, or state in which the fund invests may have an impact on the fund’s share price.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)
As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees and other expenses. Using the information below, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds. You also may pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.
Review your fund’s expenses
The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Massachusetts Fund from May 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment | ||||||||||||||
assuming actual returns for the six months ended October 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
| Class A | Class C | Class Z | |||||||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† |
| $4.99 | $9.05 | $3.87 | ||||||||||
Ending value (after expenses) |
| $1,019.80 | $1,016.50 | $1,021.80 |
COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES
WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS (Unaudited)
Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds. All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment | |||||||||||||||
assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended October 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
| Class A | Class C | Class Z | |||||||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $4.99 | $9.05 | $3.87 | ||||||||||||
Ending value (after expenses) | $1,020.27 | $1,016.23 | $1,021.37 |
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .98% for Class A, 1.78% for Class C and .76% for Class Z, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
5
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.7% | |||||||||
Massachusetts - 93.9% | |||||||||
Boston Housing Authority, | 5.00 | 4/1/24 | 1,900,000 | 1,931,046 | |||||
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, | 5.00 | 4/1/47 | 3,250,000 | 3,782,480 | |||||
Martha's Vineyard Land Bank, | 5.00 | 5/1/33 | 500,000 | 590,260 | |||||
Massachusetts, | 1.43 | 11/1/25 | 5,000,000 | a | 4,985,000 | ||||
Massachusetts, | 5.00 | 6/15/23 | 1,325,000 | 1,532,482 | |||||
Massachusetts, | 5.50 | 8/1/30 | 1,750,000 | 2,303,665 | |||||
Massachusetts, | 5.25 | 9/1/23 | 2,500,000 | 3,002,900 | |||||
Massachusetts, | 5.50 | 1/1/23 | 3,000,000 | 3,549,810 | |||||
Massachusetts, | 5.00 | 6/1/41 | 1,500,000 | 1,743,915 | |||||
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, | 7.00 | 3/1/21 | 425,000 | 475,622 | |||||
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, | 7.00 | 3/1/21 | 75,000 | 76,467 | |||||
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/40 | 2,000,000 | 2,303,000 | |||||
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, | 5.50 | 7/1/27 | 3,000,000 | 3,927,660 | |||||
Massachusetts Clean Energy Cooperative Corporation, | 5.00 | 7/1/24 | 2,580,000 | 2,978,997 |
6
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.7% (continued) | |||||||||
Massachusetts - 93.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Massachusetts College Building Authority, | 5.00 | 5/1/27 | 2,000,000 | 2,300,500 | |||||
Massachusetts College Building Authority, | 0.00 | 5/1/26 | 5,385,000 | b | 4,475,150 | ||||
Massachusetts College Building Authority, | 5.50 | 5/1/28 | 1,450,000 | 1,777,352 | |||||
Massachusetts Department of Transportation, | 5.00 | 1/1/27 | 4,000,000 | 4,311,160 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/34 | 1,475,000 | 1,660,806 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 10/1/31 | 1,000,000 | 1,110,390 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 10/1/46 | 750,000 | 857,085 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/42 | 1,000,000 | 1,172,160 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/37 | 1,000,000 | 1,120,750 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 4.00 | 10/1/46 | 2,000,000 | 2,080,620 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 10/1/26 | 1,250,000 | 1,341,325 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 10/1/29 | 1,475,000 | 1,581,893 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/33 | 500,000 | 567,360 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/37 | 1,500,000 | 1,715,340 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 10/1/33 | 4,000,000 | 4,657,320 |
7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.7% (continued) | |||||||||
Massachusetts - 93.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 9/1/41 | 800,000 | 936,824 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 12/1/41 | 1,000,000 | 1,143,590 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 12/1/46 | 2,000,000 | 2,278,700 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 8/15/40 | 2,000,000 | 2,248,100 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 6.50 | 11/15/43 | 2,000,000 | c | 2,252,060 | ||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/32 | 5,070,000 | 5,831,767 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/39 | 2,000,000 | 2,249,540 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.38 | 7/1/41 | 4,000,000 | 4,341,440 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/47 | 1,860,000 | 1,865,933 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/47 | 1,500,000 | 1,694,460 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 10/1/48 | 1,000,000 | 1,094,730 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/41 | 1,000,000 | 1,110,440 |
8
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.7% (continued) | |||||||||
Massachusetts - 93.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 6.00 | 7/1/24 | 330,000 | 354,361 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/30 | 1,000,000 | 1,083,590 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/35 | 1,000,000 | 1,147,070 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/36 | 755,000 | 865,766 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 7/1/46 | 1,000,000 | 1,100,230 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.50 | 7/1/31 | 500,000 | 552,000 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 1/1/40 | 1,000,000 | 1,147,440 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 6/1/23 | 1,350,000 | 1,517,616 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.50 | 1/1/22 | 595,000 | 662,782 | |||||
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, | 5.50 | 1/1/21 | 905,000 | d | 1,022,433 | ||||
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, | 5.00 | 1/1/25 | 1,500,000 | 1,726,470 | |||||
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, | 5.25 | 7/1/29 | 1,300,000 | 1,422,356 | |||||
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.25 | 7/1/33 | 2,000,000 | 2,659,960 | |||||
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.25 | 7/1/29 | 1,000,000 | 1,066,530 |
9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.7% (continued) | |||||||||
Massachusetts - 93.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 1/1/30 | 2,405,000 | 2,561,205 | |||||
Massachusetts Port Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/45 | 1,000,000 | 1,119,990 | |||||
Massachusetts Port Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/25 | 1,500,000 | 1,737,075 | |||||
Massachusetts Port Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/25 | 1,500,000 | 1,804,305 | |||||
Massachusetts Port Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/27 | 5,475,000 | 5,997,589 | |||||
Massachusetts Port Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/42 | 1,000,000 | 1,150,360 | |||||
Massachusetts Port Authority, | 4.00 | 7/1/46 | 2,500,000 | 2,581,300 | |||||
Massachusetts School Building Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/21 | 3,000,000 | 3,409,920 | |||||
Massachusetts School Building Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/22 | 2,000,000 | 2,329,120 | |||||
Massachusetts School Building Authority, | 5.00 | 10/15/35 | 4,000,000 | 4,517,240 | |||||
Massachusetts School Building Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/37 | 3,000,000 | 3,495,240 | |||||
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, | 5.00 | 8/1/25 | 2,000,000 | 2,263,480 | |||||
Metropolitan Boston Transit Parking Corporation, | 5.00 | 7/1/24 | 1,320,000 | 1,486,597 | |||||
Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, | 5.00 | 4/15/37 | 650,000 | 775,782 | |||||
142,517,906 | |||||||||
U.S. Related - 4.8% | |||||||||
Children's Trust Fund of Puerto Rico, | 5.38 | 5/15/33 | 1,090,000 | 1,080,354 | |||||
Children's Trust Fund of Puerto Rico, | 5.50 | 5/15/39 | 1,245,000 | 1,226,437 | |||||
Children's Trust Fund of Puerto Rico, | 0.00 | 5/15/50 | 5,000,000 | b | 564,100 | ||||
Guam, | 5.13 | 1/1/42 | 1,000,000 | 1,048,960 |
10
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.7% (continued) | |||||||||
U.S. Related - 4.8% (continued) | |||||||||
Guam, | 5.00 | 11/1/17 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | |||||
Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority, | 5.25 | 7/1/33 | 1,000,000 | 1,100,300 | |||||
Virgin Islands Port Authority, | 5.00 | 9/1/44 | 1,500,000 | 1,305,000 | |||||
7,325,151 | |||||||||
Total Investments (cost $142,675,680) | 98.7% | 149,843,057 | |||||||
Cash and Receivables (Net) | 1.3% | 1,917,332 | |||||||
Net Assets | 100.0% | 151,760,389 |
LIBOR—London Interbank Offered Rate
a Variable rate security—rate shown is the interest rate in effect at period end.
b Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through the accretion of discount.
c Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At October 31, 2017, these securities were valued at $2,252,060 or 1.48% of net assets.
d These securities are prerefunded; the date shown represents the prerefunded date. Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized by U.S. Government securities which are held in escrow and are used to pay principal and interest on the municipal issue and to retire the bonds in full at the earliest refunding date.
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited) † | Value (%) |
Health Care | 25.1 |
Education | 20.5 |
Transportation Services | 19.1 |
Special Tax | 13.5 |
State/Territory | 7.7 |
Prerefunded | 3.7 |
Utility-Water and Sewer | 2.0 |
Housing | 2.0 |
Utility-Electric | 2.0 |
Asset-Backed | 1.9 |
Industrial | .8 |
Other | .4 |
98.7 |
† Based on net assets.
See notes to financial statements.
11
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
Summary of Abbreviations (Unaudited) | |||
ABAG | Association of Bay Area | ACA | American Capital Access |
AGC | ACE Guaranty Corporation | AGIC | Asset Guaranty Insurance Company |
AMBAC | American Municipal Bond | ARRN | Adjustable Rate |
BAN | Bond Anticipation Notes | BPA | Bond Purchase Agreement |
CIFG | CDC Ixis Financial Guaranty | COP | Certificate of Participation |
CP | Commercial Paper | DRIVERS | Derivative Inverse |
EDR | Economic Development | EIR | Environmental Improvement |
FGIC | Financial Guaranty | FHA | Federal Housing Administration |
FHLB | Federal Home | FHLMC | Federal Home Loan Mortgage |
FNMA | Federal National | GAN | Grant Anticipation Notes |
GIC | Guaranteed Investment | GNMA | Government National Mortgage |
GO | General Obligation | HR | Hospital Revenue |
IDB | Industrial Development Board | IDC | Industrial Development Corporation |
IDR | Industrial Development | LIFERS | Long Inverse Floating |
LOC | Letter of Credit | LOR | Limited Obligation Revenue |
LR | Lease Revenue | MERLOTS | Municipal Exempt Receipts |
MFHR | Multi-Family Housing Revenue | MFMR | Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue |
PCR | Pollution Control Revenue | PILOT | Payment in Lieu of Taxes |
P-FLOATS | Puttable Floating Option | PUTTERS | Puttable Tax-Exempt Receipts |
RAC | Revenue Anticipation Certificates | RAN | Revenue Anticipation Notes |
RAW | Revenue Anticipation Warrants | RIB | Residual Interest Bonds |
ROCS | Reset Options Certificates | RRR | Resources Recovery Revenue |
SAAN | State Aid Anticipation Notes | SBPA | Standby Bond Purchase Agreement |
SFHR | Single Family Housing Revenue | SFMR | Single Family Mortgage Revenue |
SONYMA | State of New York | SPEARS | Short Puttable Exempt |
SWDR | Solid Waste Disposal Revenue | TAN | Tax Anticipation Notes |
TAW | Tax Anticipation Warrants | TRAN | Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes |
XLCA | XL Capital Assurance |
See notes to financial statements.
12
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cost |
| Value |
|
Assets ($): |
|
|
|
| ||
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments | 142,675,680 |
| 149,843,057 |
| ||
Cash |
|
|
|
| 247,231 |
|
Interest receivable |
| 1,828,174 |
| |||
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
|
| 20,616 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 151,939,078 |
|
Liabilities ($): |
|
|
|
| ||
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) |
|
|
|
| 91,765 |
|
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed |
| 37,579 |
| |||
Accrued expenses |
|
|
|
| 49,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 178,689 |
|
Net Assets ($) |
|
| 151,760,389 |
| ||
Composition of Net Assets ($): |
|
|
|
| ||
Paid-in capital |
|
|
|
| 145,929,994 |
|
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments |
|
|
|
| (1,336,982) |
|
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
|
|
| 7,167,377 |
| |
Net Assets ($) |
|
| 151,760,389 |
|
Net Asset Value Per Share | Class A | Class C | Class Z |
|
Net Assets ($) | 26,479,348 | 1,024,506 | 124,256,535 |
|
Shares Outstanding | 2,290,560 | 88,577 | 10,749,616 |
|
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 11.56 | 11.57 | 11.56 |
|
See notes to financial statements. |
13
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Income ($): |
|
|
|
| ||
Interest Income |
|
| 2,683,241 |
| ||
Expenses: |
|
|
|
| ||
Management fee—Note 3(a) |
|
| 426,462 |
| ||
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) |
|
| 99,149 |
| ||
Professional fees |
|
| 41,578 |
| ||
Registration fees |
|
| 21,264 |
| ||
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) |
|
| 5,656 |
| ||
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports |
|
| 5,450 |
| ||
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) |
|
| 4,425 |
| ||
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 |
|
| 3,108 |
| ||
Miscellaneous |
|
| 19,488 |
| ||
Total Expenses |
|
| 626,580 |
| ||
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) |
|
| (1,132) |
| ||
Net Expenses |
|
| 625,448 |
| ||
Investment Income—Net |
|
| 2,057,793 |
| ||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): |
|
| ||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 370,776 |
| ||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
|
| 756,653 |
| ||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments |
|
| 1,127,429 |
| ||
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
| 3,185,222 |
| |||
See notes to financial statements. |
14
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
|
|
|
| Six Months Ended |
| Year Ended |
| ||
Operations ($): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Investment income—net |
|
| 2,057,793 |
|
|
| 4,512,422 |
| |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments |
| 370,776 |
|
|
| 1,265,904 |
| ||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
| 756,653 |
|
|
| (8,384,913) |
| ||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 3,185,222 |
|
|
| (2,606,587) |
| |||
Distributions to Shareholders from ($): |
| ||||||||
Investment income—net: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| (340,543) |
|
|
| (776,846) |
| |
Class C |
|
| (9,961) |
|
|
| (25,210) |
| |
Class Z |
|
| (1,730,700) |
|
|
| (3,697,989) |
| |
Net realized gain on investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| - |
|
|
| (8,842) |
| |
Class C |
|
| - |
|
|
| (503) |
| |
Class Z |
|
| - |
|
|
| (41,824) |
| |
Total Distributions |
|
| (2,081,204) |
|
|
| (4,551,214) |
| |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): |
| ||||||||
Net proceeds from shares sold: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| 894,416 |
|
|
| 2,287,592 |
| |
Class C |
|
| 1,284 |
|
|
| 194,753 |
| |
Class Z |
|
| 1,537,448 |
|
|
| 4,052,502 |
| |
Distributions reinvested: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| 264,273 |
|
|
| 621,987 |
| |
Class C |
|
| 6,136 |
|
|
| 11,270 |
| |
Class Z |
|
| 1,278,892 |
|
|
| 2,928,220 |
| |
Cost of shares redeemed: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| (1,355,403) |
|
|
| (9,153,433) |
| |
Class C |
|
| (466,520) |
|
|
| (156,336) |
| |
Class Z |
|
| (4,844,059) |
|
|
| (19,340,578) |
| |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (2,683,533) |
|
|
| (18,554,023) |
| |||
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (1,579,515) |
|
|
| (25,711,824) |
| |||
Net Assets ($): |
| ||||||||
Beginning of Period |
|
| 153,339,904 |
|
|
| 179,051,728 |
| |
End of Period |
|
| 151,760,389 |
|
|
| 153,339,904 |
| |
Undistributed investment income—net | - |
|
|
| 23,411 |
|
15
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
|
|
|
| Six Months Ended |
| Year Ended |
| ||
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): |
| ||||||||
Class A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shares sold |
|
| 76,975 |
|
|
| 195,201 |
| |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
|
| 22,765 |
|
|
| 53,222 |
| |
Shares redeemed |
|
| (116,853) |
|
|
| (797,441) |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (17,113) |
|
|
| (549,018) |
| |||
Class C |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shares sold |
|
| 110 |
|
|
| 17,181 |
| |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
|
| 528 |
|
|
| 968 |
| |
Shares redeemed |
|
| (40,199) |
|
|
| (13,642) |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (39,561) |
|
|
| 4,507 |
| |||
Class Z |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shares sold |
|
| 132,265 |
|
|
| 347,038 |
| |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
|
| 110,183 |
|
|
| 250,828 |
| |
Shares redeemed |
|
| (417,304) |
|
|
| (1,684,680) |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (174,856) |
|
|
| (1,086,814) |
| |||
See notes to financial statements. |
16
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share. Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions. These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Six Months Ended | Year Ended April 30, | |||||||||||
Class A Shares | (Unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 11.48 | 11.94 | 11.69 | 11.49 | 12.11 | 11.94 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment income—neta | .15 | .29 | .31 | .31 | .35 | .36 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized | .08 | (.46) | .25 | .20 | (.60) | .17 | ||||||
Total from Investment Operations | .23 | (.17) | .56 | .51 | (.25) | .53 | ||||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from investment | (.15) | (.29) | (.31) | (.31) | (.35) | (.36) | ||||||
Dividends from net realized | — | (.00)b | — | — | (.02) | (.00)b | ||||||
Total Distributions | (.15) | (.29) | (.31) | (.31) | (.37) | (.36) | ||||||
Net asset value, end of period | 11.56 | 11.48 | 11.94 | 11.69 | 11.49 | 12.11 | ||||||
Total Return (%)c | 1.98d | (1.40) | 4.84 | 4.50 | (1.96) | 4.51 | ||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses to | .98e | .96 | .95 | .95 | .93 | .93 | ||||||
Ratio of net expenses to | .98e | .96 | .95 | .95 | .93 | .93 | ||||||
Ratio of net investment income to | 2.48e | 2.48 | 2.64 | 2.69 | 3.07 | 2.97 | ||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 4.58d | 11.70 | 12.60 | 8.90 | 9.72 | 14.28 | ||||||
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 26,479 | 26,487 | 34,121 | 35,090 | 34,082 | 41,675 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Amount represents less than $.01 per share.
c Exclusive of sales charge.
d Not annualized.
e Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
17
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended | Year Ended April 30, | |||||||||||
Class C Shares | (Unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 11.49 | 11.95 | 11.70 | 11.50 | 12.12 | 11.95 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment income—neta | .10 | .20 | .22 | .24 | .26 | .27 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized | .08 | (.46) | .24 | .18 | (.60) | .17 | ||||||
Total from Investment Operations | .18 | (.26) | .46 | .42 | (.34) | .44 | ||||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from investment | (.10) | (.20) | (.21) | (.22) | (.26) | (.27) | ||||||
Dividends from net realized | — | (.00)b | — | — | (.02) | (.00)b | ||||||
Total Distributions | (.10) | (.20) | (.21) | (.22) | (.28) | (.27) | ||||||
Net asset value, end of period | 11.57 | 11.49 | 11.95 | 11.70 | 11.50 | 12.12 | ||||||
Total Return (%)c | 1.65d | (2.27) | 4.01 | 3.70 | (2.71) | 3.72 | ||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses to | 1.78e | 1.76 | 1.75 | 1.71 | 1.70 | 1.69 | ||||||
Ratio of net expenses to | 1.78e | 1.76 | 1.75 | 1.71 | 1.70 | 1.69 | ||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 1.66e | 1.69 | 1.84 | 2.00 | 2.31 | 2.21 | ||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 4.58d | 11.70 | 12.60 | 8.90 | 9.72 | 14.28 | ||||||
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 1,025 | 1,472 | 1,478 | 1,752 | 3,134 | 4,390 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Amount represents less than $.01 per share.
c Exclusive of sales charge.
d Not annualized.
e Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
18
Six Months Ended | Year Ended April 30, | |||||||||||
Class Z Shares | (Unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Per Share Data ($): | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 11.48 | 11.94 | 11.69 | 11.49 | 12.11 | 11.94 | ||||||
Investment Operations: | ||||||||||||
Investment income—neta | .16 | .32 | .33 | .34 | .37 | .38 | ||||||
Net realized and unrealized | .08 | (.46) | .25 | .20 | (.60) | .17 | ||||||
Total from Investment Operations | .24 | (.14) | .58 | .54 | (.23) | .55 | ||||||
Distributions: | ||||||||||||
Dividends from investment | (.16) | (.32) | (.33) | (.34) | (.37) | (.38) | ||||||
Dividends from net realized | — | (.00)b | — | — | (.02) | (.00)b | ||||||
Total Distributions | (.16) | (.32) | (.33) | (.34) | (.39) | (.38) | ||||||
Net asset value, end of period | 11.56 | 11.48 | 11.94 | 11.69 | 11.49 | 12.11 | ||||||
Total Return (%) | 2.18c | (1.26) | 5.07 | 4.74 | (1.76) | 4.73 | ||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | ||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses to | .76d | .73 | .73 | .72 | .73 | .72 | ||||||
Ratio of net expenses to | .76d | .72 | .73 | .72 | .73 | .72 | ||||||
Ratio of net investment income to | 2.70d | 2.72 | 2.85 | 2.92 | 3.28 | 3.18 | ||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 4.58c | 11.70 | 12.60 | 8.90 | 9.72 | 14.28 | ||||||
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 124,257 | 125,381 | 143,453 | 144,065 | 147,836 | 171,146 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Amount represents less than $.01 per share.
c Not annualized.
d Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus Massachusetts Fund (the “fund”) is a separate non-diversified series of Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds (the “Company”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering three series, including the fund. The fund’s investment objective is to seek to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax and from Massachusetts state income tax, without undue risk. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser.
As of the date of this report, the fund did not offer Class T shares for purchase.
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class T and Class Z. Class A and Class T shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class Z shares are sold at net asset value per share to certain shareholders of the fund. Class Z shares generally are not available for new accounts. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs, and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
The Company accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC
20
registrants. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. The fund does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.
(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:
Investments in securities are valued each business day by an independent pricing service (the “Service”) approved by the Company’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Investments for which quoted bid prices are
21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
readily available and are representative of the bid side of the market in the judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for such securities). Other investments (which constitute a majority of the portfolio securities) are carried at fair value as determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration of the following: yields or prices of municipal securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Service is engaged under the general supervision of the Board.
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined to not accurately reflect fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Board. Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers. These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2017 in valuing the fund’s investments:
Assets ($) | Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 -Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | |
Investments in Securities: | |||||
Municipal Bonds† | - | 149,843,057 | - | 149,843,057 |
† See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.
At October 31, 2017, there were no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. It is the fund’s policy to recognize transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period.
22
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest income, adjusted for accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is earned from settlement date and recognized on the accrual basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when issued or delayed delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date.
The fund follows an investment policy of investing primarily in municipal obligations of one state. Economic changes affecting the state and certain of its public bodies and municipalities may affect the ability of issuers within the state to pay interest on, or repay principal of, municipal obligations held by the fund.
(c) Dividends and distributions to shareholders: It is the policy of the fund to declare dividends daily from investment income-net. Such dividends are paid monthly. Dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(d) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, which can distribute tax-exempt dividends, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of income and net realized capital gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended April 30, 2017 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Furthermore, capital loss carryovers retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses.
23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
The fund has an unused capital loss carryover of $1,707,758 available for federal income tax purposes to be applied against future net realized capital gains, if any, realized subsequent to April 30, 2017. The fund has $755,136 of short-term capital losses and $952,622 of long-term capital losses which can be carried forward for an unlimited period
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017 was as follows: tax-exempt income $4,491,042 and ordinary income $60,172. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in an $830 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 4, 2017, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $810 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3—Management Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to a management agreement with Dreyfus, the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .55% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly.
During the period ended October 31, 2017, the Distributor retained $172 from commissions earned on sales of the fund’s Class A shares.
(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. During the period ended October 31, 2017, Class C shares were charged $4,425 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the value of their average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund and providing reports
24
and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (securities dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals) with respect to these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended October 31, 2017, Class A and Class C shares were charged $33,911 and $1,475, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class Z shares reimburse the Distributor at an amount not to exceed an annual rate of .25% of the value of Class Z shares’ average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding Class Z shares and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. During the period ended October 31, 2017, Class Z shares were charged $33,405 pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $18,190 for transfer agency services and $1,131 for cash management services. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were offset by earnings credits of $1,131.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $0 pursuant to the custody agreement.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a shareholder redemption draft processing agreement for providing certain services related to the fund’s check writing privilege. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $773 pursuant to the
25
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
agreement, which is included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. These fees were partially offset by earnings credit of $1.
During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $5,604 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to the Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: management fees $66,813, Distribution Plan fees $699, Shareholder Services Plan fees $10,866, Chief Compliance Officer fees $6,538 and transfer agency fees $6,849.
(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended October 31, 2017, amounted to $6,911,361 and $9,150,897, respectively.
At October 31, 2017, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $7,167,377, consisting of $8,194,472 gross unrealized appreciation and $1,027,095 gross unrealized depreciation.
At October 31, 2017, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
26
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited)
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on July 20, 2017, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Management Agreement pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory and administrative services (the “Agreement”). The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from Dreyfus representatives. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting and compliance infrastructures.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended May 31, 2017, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Broadridge as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Broadridge used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be
27
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
applicable to the fund and comparison funds. The Board discussed with representatives of Dreyfus and/or its affiliates the results of the comparisons and considered that the fund’s total return performance was below the Performance Group and Performance Universe medians for all periods, except for the ten-year period when the fund’s performance was above the Performance Universe median. The Board also noted that the fund’s yield performance was below the Performance Group median for all ten one-year periods ended May 31 and below the Performance Universe median for eight of the ten one-year periods ended May 31. The Board noted the relative proximity to the median during certain periods when the fund’s total return performance or yield was below the median of the Performance Group or Performance Universe, as applicable. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s Lipper category average, and it was noted that the fund’s returns were above the returns of the average in five of the ten calendar years shown.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The Board considered that the fund’s contractual management fee was above the Expense Group median and the fund’s actual management fee and total expense ratio were above the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Dreyfus-affiliated primary employer of the fund’s primary portfolio manager(s) for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients. They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness of the fund’s management fee.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus and its affiliates for managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered, on the advice of its counsel, the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreement, considered in relation to the mix of services provided by Dreyfus, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, supported the renewal of the Agreement and (2) in light of the relevant
28
circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Dreyfus representatives stated that a discussion of economies of scale is predicated on a fund having achieved a substantial size with increasing assets and that, if a fund’s assets had been stable or decreasing, the possibility that Dreyfus may have realized any economies of scale would be less. Dreyfus representatives also stated that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser and took into consideration that there were no soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
· The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
· The Board was concerned about the fund’s performance and agreed to continue to closely monitor performance.
· The Board concluded that the fee paid to Dreyfus continued to be appropriate under the circumstances and in light of the factors and the totality of the services provided as discussed above.
· The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates, of Dreyfus and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of
29
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
reviews of the Agreement for the fund, or substantially similar agreements for other Dreyfus funds that the Board oversees, during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the fund’s arrangements, or similar arrangements for other Dreyfus funds that the Board oversees, in prior years. The Board determined to renew the Agreement.
30
NOTES
31
NOTES
32
NOTES
33
Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Massachusetts Fund
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Manager
The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Custodian
The Bank of New York Mellon
225 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10286
Transfer Agent &
Dividend Disbursing Agent
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc.
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Distributor
MBSC Securities Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Ticker Symbols: | Class A: PSMAX Class C: PCMAX Class Z: PMAZX |
Telephone Call your financial representative or 1-800-DREYFUS
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
E-mail Send your request to info@dreyfus.com
Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at www.dreyfus.com
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. (phone 1-800-SEC-0330 for information).
A description of the policies and procedures that the fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the fund voted these proxies for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available at www.dreyfus.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-DREYFUS.
© 2017 MBSC Securities Corporation |
Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Pennsylvania Fund
SEMIANNUAL REPORT |
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The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio manager(s) only through the end of the period covered and do not necessarily represent the views of Dreyfus or any other person in the Dreyfus organization. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Dreyfus disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a Dreyfus fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Dreyfus fund. |
Not FDIC-Insured • Not Bank-Guaranteed • May Lose Value |
Contents
THE FUND
With Those of Other Funds | |
the Fund’s Management Agreement |
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Back Cover
| The Fund |
A LETTER FROM THE CEO OF DREYFUS
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present this semiannual report for Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Pennsylvania Fund, covering the six-month period from May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017. For information about how the fund performed during the reporting period, as well as general market perspectives, we provide a Discussion of Fund Performance on the pages that follow.
Financial markets generally rallied over the past six months as corporate earnings grew and global economic conditions improved. While the rally was relatively broad-based, U.S. stock market leadership shifted toward larger, multinational companies and away from smaller, domestically oriented companies that had been expected to benefit from stimulative U.S. government policy proposals. International stocks fared particularly well amid more positive economic data from Europe, Japan, and the emerging markets. In the bond market, longer-term U.S. government securities lost a degree of value as economic and inflation expectations increased, while corporate-backed securities continued to rally in anticipation of improved business conditions.
The markets’ strong performance has been supported by solid underlying fundamentals, most notably rising corporate profits and a robust labor market. While we currently expect these favorable conditions to persist, we remain watchful for economic and political risks that could derail the markets. As always, we encourage you to discuss the risks and opportunities of today’s investment environment with your financial advisor.
Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
Sincerely,
Mark D. Santero
Chief Executive Officer
The Dreyfus Corporation
November 15, 2017
2
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
For the period from May 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017, as provided by Daniel Rabasco and Thomas Casey, Portfolio Managers
Market and Fund Performance Overview
For the six-month period ended October 31, 2017, Class A shares of Dreyfus Pennsylvania Fund, a series of Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, produced a total return of 3.02%, Class C shares returned 2.61%, and Class Z shares returned 3.13%.1 In comparison, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index (the “Index”), the fund’s benchmark index, which is comprised of bonds issued nationally and not solely within Pennsylvania, achieved a total return of 2.55% for the same period.2
Municipal bonds produced positive total returns over the reporting period amid moderating long-term interest rates. The fund outperformed the Index, mainly due to its emphasis on longer-term, higher-yielding securities.
The Fund’s Investment Approach
The fund seeks to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax and from Pennsylvania state income tax, without undue risk. To pursue its goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in municipal bonds that provide income exempt from federal and Pennsylvania state income taxes. The fund invests at least 70% of its assets in municipal bonds rated, at the time of purchase, investment grade (Baa/BBB or higher) or the unrated equivalent as determined by The Dreyfus Corporation (“Dreyfus”). For additional yield, the fund may invest up to 30% of its assets in municipal bonds rated below investment grade (“high yield” or “junk” bonds) or the unrated equivalent as determined by Dreyfus. The dollar-weighted average maturity of the fund’s portfolio normally exceeds 10 years, but the fund may invest without regard to maturity.
In managing the fund, we focus on identifying undervalued sectors and securities, and we minimize the use of interest-rate forecasting. We select municipal bonds by using fundamental credit analysis to estimate the relative value of various sectors and securities and to exploit pricing inefficiencies in the municipal bond market. Additionally, we trade among various sectors, such as pre-refunded, general obligation, and revenue sectors, based on their apparent relative values. The fund generally will invest simultaneously in several of these sectors.
Municipal Bonds Outperformed Comparable U.S. Treasuries
Municipal bonds fared relatively well over the reporting period, producing higher total returns than U.S. Treasury securities with comparable maturities. Although the Federal Reserve Board implemented another short-term interest-rate hike in June 2017, longer-term interest rates declined as investors responded to subdued inflationary pressures and evidence that U.S. government policy reforms were proving more difficult to enact than expected. The market was also supported by robust investor demand for securities with competitive after-tax yields.
Towards the end of the reporting period, municipal bond prices weakened as the U.S. Congress turned its attention to tax reform legislation which investors worried might reduce the tax advantages of municipal bonds.
In this environment, long-term municipal bonds fared better than their shorter-term counterparts, and lower-rated securities generally outperformed bonds with higher credit ratings.
3
DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE (continued)
Pennsylvania generally has maintained a stable fiscal condition stemming from its diverse economic base. However, the state has been troubled by pension funding shortfalls, a relatively heavy debt burden, and delays in passing its most recent budget.
Allocation and Interest-Rate Strategies Bolstered Relative Results
The fund’s performance compared to the Index was enhanced over the reporting period by our interest-rate strategies. A modestly long average duration and overweighted exposure to bonds with longer maturities helped the fund benefit from falling long-term interest rates. To a lesser extent, the fund’s relatively heavy positions in revenue-backed bonds also contributed positively to performance, as did underweighted exposure to lower-yielding general obligation bonds and escrowed bonds. The fund achieved particularly favorable contributions from BBB-rated bonds as well as securities backed by hospitals, special taxes, and water-and-sewer facilities. Furthermore, the fund held no uninsured bonds from Puerto Rico, which has experienced financial distress and was hard hit by a hurricane in September 2017.
The fund’s relative results were constrained to a degree by its holdings issued on behalf of education facilities. Less exposure to bonds backed by industrial development projects also weighed modestly on relative performance.
A Constructive Investment Posture
Yield differences have narrowed along the municipal bond market’s credit-quality spectrum in the wake of the reporting period’s rally for intermediate and longer bonds. Short-term rates and long-term interest rates, to a lesser degree, are expected to rise in the months ahead as the economy continues to grow and the Federal Reserve continues to hike the short-term rate. Supply-and-demand and credit-quality factors generally remain supportive of municipal bonds, and current tax reform proposals, if enacted, may have a positive impact on the market going into 2018. Therefore, we have maintained an emphasis on higher-yielding revenue bonds and securities with longer maturities, and we remain watchful for trading opportunities to further enhance the fund’s yield.
November 15, 2017
1 Total return includes reinvestment of dividends and any capital gains paid, and does not take into consideration the maximum initial sales charge in the case of Class A shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge imposed on redemptions in the case of Class C shares. Had these charges been reflected, returns would have been lower. Class Z is not subject to any initial or deferred sales charge. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Share price, yield, and investment return fluctuate such that upon redemption, fund shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Income may be subject to state and local taxes, and some income may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for certain investors. Capital gains, if any, are taxable.
2 Source: Lipper Inc. — The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Municipal Bond Index covers the U.S.-dollar-denominated long-term, tax-exempt bond market. Investors cannot invest directly in any index.
Bonds are subject generally to interest-rate, credit, liquidity, and market risks, to varying degrees, all of which are more fully described in the fund’s prospectus. Generally, all other factors being equal, bond prices are inversely related to interest-rate changes, and rate increases can cause price declines.
The amount of public information available about municipal bonds is generally less than that for corporate equities or bonds. Special factors, such as legislative changes, and state and local economic and business developments, may adversely affect the yield and/or value of the fund’s investments in municipal bonds. Other factors include the general conditions of the municipal bond market, the size of the particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. Changes in economic, business, or political conditions relating to a particular municipal project, municipality, or state in which the fund invests may have an impact on the fund’s share price.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES (Unaudited)
As a mutual fund investor, you pay ongoing expenses, such as management fees and other expenses. Using the information below, you can estimate how these expenses affect your investment and compare them with the expenses of other funds. You also may pay one-time transaction expenses, including sales charges (loads) and redemption fees, which are not shown in this section and would have resulted in higher total expenses. For more information, see your fund’s prospectus or talk to your financial adviser.
Review your fund’s expenses
The table below shows the expenses you would have paid on a $1,000 investment in Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Pennsylvania Fund from May 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017. It also shows how much a $1,000 investment would be worth at the close of the period, assuming actual returns and expenses.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment | ||||||||||||||
assuming actual returns for the six months ended October 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
| Class A | Class C | Class Z | |||||||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† |
| $4.96 | $8.89 | $3.89 | ||||||||||
Ending value (after expenses) |
| $1,030.20 | $1,026.10 | $1,031.30 |
COMPARING YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES
WITH THOSE OF OTHER FUNDS (Unaudited)
Using the SEC’s method to compare expenses
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has established guidelines to help investors assess fund expenses. Per these guidelines, the table below shows your fund’s expenses based on a $1,000 investment, assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return. You can use this information to compare the ongoing expenses (but not transaction expenses or total cost) of investing in the fund with those of other funds. All mutual fund shareholder reports will provide this information to help you make this comparison. Please note that you cannot use this information to estimate your actual ending account balance and expenses paid during the period.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment | |||||||||||||||
assuming a hypothetical 5% annualized return for the six months ended October 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
| Class A | Class C | Class Z | |||||||||
Expenses paid per $1,000† | $4.94 | $8.84 | $3.87 | ||||||||||||
Ending value (after expenses) | $1,020.32 | $1,016.43 | $1,021.37 |
† Expenses are equal to the fund’s annualized expense ratio of .97% for Class A, 1.74% for Class C and .76% for Class Z, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
5
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.3% | |||||||||
Pennsylvania - 96.9% | |||||||||
Adams County Industrial Development Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/25 | 1,000,000 | 1,089,400 | |||||
Adams County Industrial Development Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/26 | 1,000,000 | 1,089,400 | |||||
Allegheny County, | 5.00 | 12/1/31 | 1,040,000 | 1,191,757 | |||||
Allegheny County, | 5.00 | 12/1/34 | 1,000,000 | 1,133,520 | |||||
Allegheny County, | 5.00 | 12/1/34 | 3,000,000 | 3,381,630 | |||||
Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority, | 5.00 | 5/1/42 | 1,000,000 | a | 1,074,280 | ||||
Beaver County Hospital Authority, | 5.00 | 5/15/28 | 1,575,000 | 1,721,128 | |||||
Berks County Industrial Development Authority, | 5.00 | 5/15/42 | 500,000 | 550,555 | |||||
Berks County Industrial Development Authority, | 5.00 | 5/15/47 | 600,000 | 657,642 | |||||
Bethlehem Authority, | 5.00 | 11/15/31 | 2,000,000 | 2,249,320 | |||||
Boyertown Area School District, | 5.00 | 10/1/37 | 2,050,000 | 2,307,951 | |||||
Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, | 5.00 | 12/1/37 | 500,000 | 580,295 | |||||
Canonsburg-Houston Joint Authority, | 5.00 | 12/1/40 | 2,000,000 | 2,242,400 | |||||
Centre County Hospital Authority, | 5.00 | 11/15/41 | 750,000 | 837,218 | |||||
Charleroi Area School Authority, | 0.00 | 10/1/20 | 2,000,000 | b | 1,892,240 |
6
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.3% (continued) | |||||||||
Pennsylvania - 96.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Clairton Municipal Authority, | 5.00 | 12/1/37 | 2,000,000 | 2,163,620 | |||||
Cumberland County Municipal Authority, | 5.00 | 1/1/38 | 1,000,000 | 1,084,380 | |||||
Dauphin County General Authority, | 5.00 | 6/1/42 | 3,030,000 | 3,361,421 | |||||
Delaware County Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/42 | 1,000,000 | 1,110,780 | |||||
Delaware County Authority, | 5.00 | 8/1/40 | 2,170,000 | 2,484,064 | |||||
Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, | 5.00 | 7/1/31 | 500,000 | 585,530 | |||||
Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, | 5.00 | 7/1/32 | 1,000,000 | 1,188,830 | |||||
Delaware River Port Authority, | 5.00 | 1/1/30 | 1,500,000 | 1,612,665 | |||||
Delaware River Port Authority, | 5.00 | 1/1/37 | 3,000,000 | 3,424,020 | |||||
East Hempfield Township Industrial Development Authority, | 5.00 | 12/1/39 | 600,000 | 669,114 | |||||
Geisinger Authority, | 5.00 | 6/1/41 | 2,500,000 | 2,776,550 | |||||
Lancaster County Hospital Authority, | 5.00 | 11/1/35 | 1,000,000 | 1,114,200 | |||||
Lancaster County Hospital Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/42 | 1,800,000 | 2,054,142 | |||||
Lancaster County Hospital Authority, | 5.13 | 7/1/37 | 1,000,000 | 1,096,950 | |||||
Montgomery County Higher Education & Health Authority, | 5.00 | 12/1/47 | 1,000,000 | 1,099,470 | |||||
Montgomery County Higher Education and Health Authority, | 5.00 | 6/1/31 | 1,000,000 | 1,099,650 |
7
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.3% (continued) | |||||||||
Pennsylvania - 96.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Montgomery County Industrial Development Authority, | 5.00 | 10/1/41 | 4,000,000 | 4,322,440 | |||||
Montgomery County Industrial Development Authority, | 5.00 | 11/15/36 | 3,200,000 | 3,632,736 | |||||
Pennsylvania, | 5.00 | 10/15/29 | 4,000,000 | 4,619,240 | |||||
Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority, | 6.25 | 1/1/32 | 1,000,000 | 1,052,500 | |||||
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/40 | 1,500,000 | 1,710,540 | |||||
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 5/1/35 | 1,750,000 | 2,002,332 | |||||
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 9/1/30 | 1,170,000 | 1,347,840 | |||||
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 9/1/45 | 1,500,000 | 1,679,280 | |||||
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 11/1/31 | 1,000,000 | 1,137,460 | |||||
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, | 5.00 | 12/1/25 | 1,210,000 | 1,214,090 | |||||
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, | 5.00 | 12/1/36 | 3,000,000 | 3,417,480 | |||||
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, | 5.00 | 12/1/37 | 5,325,000 | 5,838,277 | |||||
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, | 5.00 | 12/1/32 | 3,000,000 | 3,557,610 | |||||
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, | 5.00 | 12/1/36 | 1,605,000 | 1,846,215 | |||||
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, | 5.00 | 12/1/42 | 1,000,000 | 1,122,620 |
8
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.3% (continued) | |||||||||
Pennsylvania - 96.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, | 5.00 | 12/1/43 | 2,500,000 | 2,826,375 | |||||
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, | 5.25 | 6/1/19 | 65,000 | c | 69,193 | ||||
Philadelphia, | 5.25 | 6/15/25 | 1,500,000 | 1,620,180 | |||||
Philadelphia, | 5.00 | 6/15/35 | 2,000,000 | 2,227,340 | |||||
Philadelphia, | 5.00 | 8/1/31 | 1,250,000 | 1,445,937 | |||||
Philadelphia, | 5.00 | 8/1/32 | 1,000,000 | 1,152,980 | |||||
Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, | 5.00 | 7/1/42 | 3,000,000 | 3,436,680 | |||||
Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, | 5.50 | 9/15/37 | 1,700,000 | 1,701,020 | |||||
Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, | 5.00 | 4/1/45 | 1,500,000 | 1,700,190 | |||||
Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, | 5.00 | 9/1/47 | 1,000,000 | 1,121,020 | |||||
Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development Hospital, | 5.00 | 7/1/34 | 1,750,000 | 2,069,060 | |||||
Philadelphia Hospitals and Higher Education Facilities Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/25 | 1,800,000 | 2,028,384 | |||||
Philadelphia Housing Authority, | 5.00 | 12/1/21 | 1,685,000 | 1,696,306 | |||||
Philadelphia School District, | 5.00 | 9/1/38 | 1,000,000 | 1,094,750 | |||||
Philadelphia School District, | 6.00 | 9/1/18 | 5,000 | c | 5,202 | ||||
Philadelphia School District, | 6.00 | 9/1/18 | 25,000 | c | 26,008 | ||||
Philadelphia School District, | 6.00 | 9/1/18 | 5,000 | c | 5,202 |
9
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.3% (continued) | |||||||||
Pennsylvania - 96.9% (continued) | |||||||||
Philadelphia School District, | 6.00 | 9/1/18 | 5,000 | c | 5,202 | ||||
Pittsburgh, | 5.00 | 9/1/30 | 1,585,000 | 1,842,071 | |||||
Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority, | 4.90 | 11/20/47 | 1,180,000 | 1,192,803 | |||||
Pocono Mountains Industrial Park Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/40 | 1,795,000 | 1,963,389 | |||||
Reading Area Water Authority, | 5.00 | 12/1/31 | 2,000,000 | 2,237,280 | |||||
State Public School Building Authority, | 5.00 | 5/1/38 | 1,115,000 | 1,254,899 | |||||
State Public School Building Authority, | 5.00 | 12/1/32 | 2,000,000 | 2,327,940 | |||||
Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority, | 4.00 | 1/1/33 | 1,300,000 | 1,312,948 | |||||
West Shore Area Authority, | 6.00 | 1/1/26 | 995,000 | 1,133,156 | |||||
West View Borough Municipal Authority, | 5.00 | 11/15/39 | 2,000,000 | 2,310,980 | |||||
Westmoreland County Industrial Development Authority, | 5.00 | 7/1/25 | 2,390,000 | 2,565,641 | |||||
Westmoreland County Municipal Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/26 | 1,000,000 | 1,200,120 | |||||
Westmoreland County Municipal Authority, | 5.00 | 8/15/42 | 1,000,000 | 1,142,390 | |||||
Wilkes-Barre Finance Authority, | 5.00 | 11/1/34 | 1,000,000 | 1,120,130 |
10
Description | Coupon | Maturity | Principal | Value ($) | |||||
Long-Term Municipal Investments - 98.3% (continued) | |||||||||
Pennsylvania - 96.9% (continued) | |||||||||
York County, | 5.00 | 6/1/31 | 1,500,000 | 1,779,360 | |||||
135,038,918 | |||||||||
U.S. Related - 1.4% | |||||||||
Guam, | 5.00 | 1/1/42 | 800,000 | 831,296 | |||||
Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority, | 5.25 | 7/1/34 | 1,000,000 | 1,097,110 | |||||
1,928,406 | |||||||||
Total Investments (cost $131,952,202) | 98.3% | 136,967,324 | |||||||
Cash and Receivables (Net) | 1.7% | 2,332,470 | |||||||
Net Assets | 100.0% | 139,299,794 |
a Security exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At October 31, 2017, these securities were valued at $1,074,280 or .77% of net assets.
b Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through the accretion of discount.
c These securities are prerefunded; the date shown represents the prerefunded date. Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized by U.S. Government securities which are held in escrow and are used to pay principal and interest on the municipal issue and to retire the bonds in full at the earliest refunding date.
Portfolio Summary (Unaudited) † | Value (%) |
Health Care | 25.6 |
Transportation Services | 20.2 |
Education | 18.7 |
Utility-Water and Sewer | 10.9 |
City | 4.7 |
County | 4.1 |
State/Territory | 3.3 |
Housing | 2.9 |
Utility-Electric | 1.9 |
Special Tax | .8 |
Prerefunded | .1 |
Other | 5.1 |
98.3 |
† Based on net assets.
See notes to financial statements.
11
Summary of Abbreviations (Unaudited) | |||
ABAG | Association of Bay Area | ACA | American Capital Access |
AGC | ACE Guaranty Corporation | AGIC | Asset Guaranty Insurance Company |
AMBAC | American Municipal Bond | ARRN | Adjustable Rate |
BAN | Bond Anticipation Notes | BPA | Bond Purchase Agreement |
CIFG | CDC Ixis Financial Guaranty | COP | Certificate of Participation |
CP | Commercial Paper | DRIVERS | Derivative Inverse |
EDR | Economic Development | EIR | Environmental Improvement |
FGIC | Financial Guaranty | FHA | Federal Housing Administration |
FHLB | Federal Home | FHLMC | Federal Home Loan Mortgage |
FNMA | Federal National | GAN | Grant Anticipation Notes |
GIC | Guaranteed Investment | GNMA | Government National Mortgage |
GO | General Obligation | HR | Hospital Revenue |
IDB | Industrial Development Board | IDC | Industrial Development Corporation |
IDR | Industrial Development | LIFERS | Long Inverse Floating |
LOC | Letter of Credit | LOR | Limited Obligation Revenue |
LR | Lease Revenue | MERLOTS | Municipal Exempt Receipts |
MFHR | Multi-Family Housing Revenue | MFMR | Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue |
PCR | Pollution Control Revenue | PILOT | Payment in Lieu of Taxes |
P-FLOATS | Puttable Floating Option | PUTTERS | Puttable Tax-Exempt Receipts |
RAC | Revenue Anticipation Certificates | RAN | Revenue Anticipation Notes |
RAW | Revenue Anticipation Warrants | RIB | Residual Interest Bonds |
ROCS | Reset Options Certificates | RRR | Resources Recovery Revenue |
SAAN | State Aid Anticipation Notes | SBPA | Standby Bond Purchase Agreement |
SFHR | Single Family Housing Revenue | SFMR | Single Family Mortgage Revenue |
SONYMA | State of New York | SPEARS | Short Puttable Exempt |
SWDR | Solid Waste Disposal Revenue | TAN | Tax Anticipation Notes |
TAW | Tax Anticipation Warrants | TRAN | Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes |
XLCA | XL Capital Assurance |
See notes to financial statements.
12
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cost |
| Value |
|
Assets ($): |
|
|
|
| ||
Investments in securities—See Statement of Investments | 131,952,202 |
| 136,967,324 |
| ||
Cash |
|
|
|
| 550,759 |
|
Interest receivable |
| 2,003,723 |
| |||
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
|
| 14,585 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 139,536,391 |
|
Liabilities ($): |
|
|
|
| ||
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates—Note 3(c) |
|
|
|
| 109,796 |
|
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed |
| 80,764 |
| |||
Accrued expenses |
|
|
|
| 46,037 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 236,597 |
|
Net Assets ($) |
|
| 139,299,794 |
| ||
Composition of Net Assets ($): |
|
|
|
| ||
Paid-in capital |
|
|
|
| 131,876,160 |
|
Accumulated undistributed investment income—net |
| 5,297 |
| |||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments |
|
|
|
| 2,403,215 |
|
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
|
|
| 5,015,122 |
| |
Net Assets ($) |
|
| 139,299,794 |
|
Net Asset Value Per Share | Class A | Class C | Class Z |
|
Net Assets ($) | 97,591,400 | 3,650,046 | 38,058,348 |
|
Shares Outstanding | 5,944,508 | 222,235 | 2,318,745 |
|
Net Asset Value Per Share ($) | 16.42 | 16.42 | 16.41 |
|
See notes to financial statements. |
13
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended October 31, 2017 (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Income ($): |
|
|
|
| ||
Interest Income |
|
| 2,635,464 |
| ||
Expenses: |
|
|
|
| ||
Management fee—Note 3(a) |
|
| 406,935 |
| ||
Shareholder servicing costs—Note 3(c) |
|
| 174,216 |
| ||
Professional fees |
|
| 38,541 |
| ||
Registration fees |
|
| 17,773 |
| ||
Distribution fees—Note 3(b) |
|
| 15,145 |
| ||
Trustees’ fees and expenses—Note 3(d) |
|
| 6,234 |
| ||
Prospectus and shareholders’ reports |
|
| 5,242 |
| ||
Custodian fees—Note 3(c) |
|
| 3,998 |
| ||
Loan commitment fees—Note 2 |
|
| 1,724 |
| ||
Miscellaneous |
|
| 18,659 |
| ||
Total Expenses |
|
| 688,467 |
| ||
Less—reduction in fees due to earnings credits—Note 3(c) |
|
| (1,470) |
| ||
Net Expenses |
|
| 686,997 |
| ||
Investment Income—Net |
|
| 1,948,467 |
| ||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments—Note 4 ($): |
|
| ||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 1,036,532 |
| ||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments |
|
| 1,430,577 |
| ||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments |
|
| 2,467,109 |
| ||
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
| 4,415,576 |
| |||
See notes to financial statements. |
14
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
|
|
|
| Six Months Ended |
| Year Ended |
| ||
Operations ($): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Investment income—net |
|
| 1,948,467 |
|
|
| 4,606,428 |
| |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments |
| 1,036,532 |
|
|
| 3,017,596 |
| ||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
| 1,430,577 |
|
|
| (7,914,079) |
| ||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | 4,415,576 |
|
|
| (290,055) |
| |||
Distributions to Shareholders from ($): |
| ||||||||
Investment income—net: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| (1,314,051) |
|
|
| (2,927,140) |
| |
Class C |
|
| (37,053) |
|
|
| (98,594) |
| |
Class Z |
|
| (615,629) |
|
|
| (1,534,594) |
| |
Net realized gain on investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| - |
|
|
| (639,061) |
| |
Class C |
|
| - |
|
|
| (30,679) |
| |
Class Z |
|
| - |
|
|
| (311,957) |
| |
Total Distributions |
|
| (1,966,733) |
|
|
| (5,542,025) |
| |
Beneficial Interest Transactions ($): |
| ||||||||
Net proceeds from shares sold: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| 1,284,427 |
|
|
| 3,989,659 |
| |
Class C |
|
| 32,403 |
|
|
| 584,990 |
| |
Class Z |
|
| 1,028,395 |
|
|
| 2,189,496 |
| |
Distributions reinvested: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| 1,117,742 |
|
|
| 3,067,576 |
| |
Class C |
|
| 34,989 |
|
|
| 112,879 |
| |
Class Z |
|
| 503,785 |
|
|
| 1,570,391 |
| |
Cost of shares redeemed: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Class A |
|
| (6,698,231) |
|
|
| (10,901,558) |
| |
Class C |
|
| (934,188) |
|
|
| (987,273) |
| |
Class Z |
|
| (13,751,605) |
|
|
| (3,921,477) |
| |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (17,382,283) |
|
|
| (4,295,317) |
| |||
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | (14,933,440) |
|
|
| (10,127,397) |
| |||
Net Assets ($): |
| ||||||||
Beginning of Period |
|
| 154,233,234 |
|
|
| 164,360,631 |
| |
End of Period |
|
| 139,299,794 |
|
|
| 154,233,234 |
| |
Undistributed investment income—net | 5,297 |
|
|
| 23,563 |
|
15
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
|
|
|
| Six Months Ended |
| Year Ended |
| ||
Capital Share Transactions (Shares): |
| ||||||||
Class A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shares sold |
|
| 78,328 |
|
|
| 240,443 |
| |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
|
| 68,105 |
|
|
| 187,316 |
| |
Shares redeemed |
|
| (408,624) |
|
|
| (664,686) |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (262,191) |
|
|
| (236,927) |
| |||
Class C |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shares sold |
|
| 1,961 |
|
|
| 35,585 |
| |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
|
| 2,131 |
|
|
| 6,903 |
| |
Shares redeemed |
|
| (56,985) |
|
|
| (60,647) |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (52,893) |
|
|
| (18,159) |
| |||
Class Z |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Shares sold |
|
| 62,775 |
|
|
| 133,139 |
| |
Shares issued for distributions reinvested |
|
| 30,712 |
|
|
| 95,907 |
| |
Shares redeemed |
|
| (844,244) |
|
|
| (239,281) |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding | (750,757) |
|
|
| (10,235) |
| |||
See notes to financial statements. |
16
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables describe the performance for each share class for the fiscal periods indicated. All information (except portfolio turnover rate) reflects financial results for a single fund share. Total return shows how much your investment in the fund would have increased (or decreased) during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and distributions. These figures have been derived from the fund’s financial statements.
Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
Class A Shares | October 31, 2017 | Year Ended April 30, | |||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Per Share Data ($): | |||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 16.15 | 16.74 | 16.34 | 16.01 | 16.88 | 16.60 | |||||
Investment Operations: | |||||||||||
Investment income—neta | .21 | .47 | .51 | .51 | .56 | .57 | |||||
Net realized and unrealized | .28 | (.50) | .40 | .32 | (.85) | .34 | |||||
Total from Investment Operations | .49 | (.03) | .91 | .83 | (.29) | .91 | |||||
Distributions: | |||||||||||
Dividends from |
| (.46) | (.51) | (.50) | (.56) | (.57) | |||||
Dividends from net realized | - | (.10) | - | - | (.02) | (.06) | |||||
Total Distributions | (.22) | (.56) | (.51) | (.50) | (.58) | (.63) | |||||
Net asset value, end of period | 16.42 | 16.15 | 16.74 | 16.34 | 16.01 | 16.88 | |||||
Total Return (%)b | 3.02 | c | (.16) | 5.66 | 5.26 | (1.64) | 5.53 | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | .97 | d | .96 | .95 | .96 | .93 | .94 | ||||
Ratio of net expenses | .97 | d | .96 | .95 | .96 | .93 | .94 | ||||
Ratio of net investment income | 2.59 | d | 2.82 | 3.13 | 3.11 | 3.51 | 3.40 | ||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 8.33 | c | 20.97 | 12.49 | 29.84 | 9.57 | 15.27 | ||||
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 97,591 | 100,228 | 107,889 | 108,258 | 109,883 | 133,727 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Exclusive of sales charge.
c Not annualized.
d Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
17
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
Class C Shares | October 31, 2017 | Year Ended April 30, | |||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Per Share Data ($): | |||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 16.15 | 16.75 | 16.34 | 16.02 | 16.89 | 16.61 | |||||
Investment Operations: | |||||||||||
Investment income—neta | .15 | .34 | .39 | .39 | .43 | .44 | |||||
Net realized and unrealized | .27 | (.51) | .40 | .31 | (.85) | .34 | |||||
Total from Investment Operations | .42 | (.17) | .79 | .70 | (.42) | .78 | |||||
Distributions: | |||||||||||
Dividends from | (.15) | (.33) | (.38) | (.38) | (.43) | (.44) | |||||
Dividends from net realized | - | (.10) | - | - | (.02) | (.06) | |||||
Total Distributions | (.15) | (.43) | (.38) | (.38) | (.45) | (.50) | |||||
Net asset value, end of period | 16.42 | 16.15 | 16.75 | 16.34 | 16.02 | 16.89 | |||||
Total Return (%)b | 2.61 | c | (.98) | 4.93 | 4.41 | (2.40) | 4.73 | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | 1.74 | d | 1.73 | 1.72 | 1.71 | 1.71 | 1.70 | ||||
Ratio of net expenses | 1.74 | d | 1.73 | 1.72 | 1.71 | 1.71 | 1.70 | ||||
Ratio of net investment income | 1.82 | d | 2.05 | 2.36 | 2.36 | 2.73 | 2.64 | ||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 8.33 | c | 20.97 | 12.49 | 29.84 | 9.57 | 15.27 | ||||
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 3,650 | 4,445 | 4,913 | 4,660 | 4,414 | 5,393 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Exclusive of sales charge.
c Not annualized.
d Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
18
Six Months Ended | |||||||||||
Class Z Shares | October 31, 2017 | Year Ended April 30, | |||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Per Share Data ($): | |||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | 16.15 | 16.74 | 16.33 | 16.01 | 16.88 | 16.60 | |||||
Investment Operations: | |||||||||||
Investment income—neta | .23 | .50 | .55 | .54 | .59 | .61 | |||||
Net realized and unrealized gain | .26 | (.49) | .40 | .32 | (.85) | .34 | |||||
Total from Investment Operations | .49 | .01 | .95 | .86 | (.26) | .95 | |||||
Distributions: | |||||||||||
Dividends from | (.23) | (.50) | (.54) | (.54) | (.59) | (.61) | |||||
Dividends from net realized | - | (.10) | - | - | (.02) | (.06) | |||||
Total Distributions | (.23) | (.60) | (.54) | (.54) | (.61) | (.67) | |||||
Net asset value, end of period | 16.41 | 16.15 | 16.74 | 16.33 | 16.01 | 16.88 | |||||
Total Return (%) | 3.13 | b | .01 | 5.95 | 5.43 | (1.43) | 5.75 | ||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data (%): | |||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses | .76 | c | .73 | .74 | .73 | .72 | .73 | ||||
Ratio of net expenses | .76 | c | .73 | .74 | .73 | .72 | .73 | ||||
Ratio of net investment income | 2.80 | c | 3.05 | 3.34 | 3.34 | 3.71 | 3.61 | ||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 8.33 | b | 20.97 | 12.49 | 29.84 | 9.57 | 15.27 | ||||
Net Assets, end of period ($ x 1,000) | 38,058 | 49,560 | 51,559 | 51,116 | 53,133 | 58,978 |
a Based on average shares outstanding.
b Not annualized.
c Annualized.
See notes to financial statements.
19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
NOTE 1—Significant Accounting Policies:
Dreyfus Pennsylvania Fund (the “fund”) is a separate non-diversified series of Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds (the “Company”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and operates as a series company currently offering three series, including the fund. The fund’s investment objective is to seek to maximize current income exempt from federal income tax and from Pennsylvania state income tax, without undue risk. The Dreyfus Corporation (the “Manager” or “Dreyfus”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (“BNY Mellon”), serves as the fund’s investment adviser.
As of the date of this report, the fund did not offer Class T shares for purchase.
MBSC Securities Corporation (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, is the distributor of the fund’s shares. The fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of $.001 par value shares of Beneficial Interest in each of the following classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class T and Class Z. Class A and Class T shares generally are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) imposed on Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase. Class Z shares are sold at net asset value per share to certain shareholders of the fund. Class Z shares generally are not available for new accounts. Other differences between the classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each class, the allocation of certain transfer agency costs, and certain voting rights. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class), and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.
The Company accounts separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each series. Expenses directly attributable to each series are charged to that series’ operations; expenses which are applicable to all series are allocated among them on a pro rata basis.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification is the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC
20
registrants. The fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. The fund does not anticipate recognizing any loss related to these arrangements.
(a) Portfolio valuation: The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs of valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
Additionally, GAAP provides guidance on determining whether the volume and activity in a market has decreased significantly and whether such a decrease in activity results in transactions that are not orderly. GAAP requires enhanced disclosures around valuation inputs and techniques used during annual and interim periods.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the fund’s investments relating to fair value measurements. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. Valuation techniques used to value the fund’s investments are as follows:
Investments in securities are valued each business day by an independent pricing service (the “Service”) approved by the Company’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Investments for which quoted bid prices are
21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
readily available and are representative of the bid side of the market in the judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its evaluation of the market for such securities). Other investments (which constitute a majority of the portfolio securities) are carried at fair value as determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration of the following: yields or prices of municipal securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. All of the preceding securities are generally categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Service is engaged under the general supervision of the Board.
When market quotations or official closing prices are not readily available, or are determined to not accurately reflect fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the fund calculates its net asset value, the fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Board. Certain factors may be considered when fair valuing investments such as: fundamental analytical data, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition, an evaluation of the forces that influence the market in which the securities are purchased and sold, and public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers. These securities are either categorized within Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the relevant inputs used.
For restricted securities where observable inputs are limited, assumptions about market activity and risk are used and are generally categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2017 in valuing the fund’s investments:
Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 -Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | |
Assets ($) | ||||
Investments in Securities: | ||||
Municipal Bonds† | - | 136,967,324 | - | 136,967,324 |
† See Statement of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.
At October 31, 2017, there were no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. It is the fund’s policy to recognize transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period.
22
(b) Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest income, adjusted for accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is earned from settlement date and recognized on the accrual basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when issued or delayed delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the trade date.
The fund follows an investment policy of investing primarily in municipal obligations of one state. Economic changes affecting the state and certain of its public bodies and municipalities may affect the ability of issuers within the state to pay interest on, or repay principal of, municipal obligations held by the fund.
(c) Dividends and distributions to shareholders: It is the policy of the fund to declare dividends daily from investment income-net. Such dividends are paid monthly. Dividends from net realized capital gains, if any, are normally declared and paid annually, but the fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that net realized capital gains can be offset by capital loss carryovers, it is the policy of the fund not to distribute such gains. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(d) Federal income taxes: It is the policy of the fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company, which can distribute tax-exempt dividends, by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code, and to make distributions of income and net realized capital gain sufficient to relieve it from substantially all federal income and excise taxes.
As of and during the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund did not have any liabilities for any uncertain tax positions. The fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
Each tax year in the three-year period ended April 30, 2017 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2017 was as follows: tax-exempt income $4,560,328 and long-term capital gains $981,697. The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
NOTE 2—Bank Lines of Credit:
The fund participates with other Dreyfus-managed funds in an $830 million unsecured credit facility led by Citibank, N.A. and a $300 million unsecured credit facility provided by The Bank of New York Mellon, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon and an affiliate of Dreyfus (each, a “Facility”), each to be utilized primarily for temporary or emergency purposes, including the financing of redemptions. Prior to October 4, 2017, the unsecured credit facility with Citibank, N.A. was $810 million. In connection therewith, the fund has agreed to pay its pro rata portion of commitment fees for each Facility. Interest is charged to the fund based on rates determined pursuant to the terms of the respective Facility at the time of borrowing. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund did not borrow under the Facilities.
NOTE 3—Management Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
(a) Pursuant to a management agreement with Dreyfus, the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .55% of the value of the fund’s average daily net assets and is payable monthly.
(b) Under the Distribution Plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, Class C shares pay the Distributor for distributing its shares at an annual rate of .75% of the value of its average daily net assets. During the period ended October 31, 2017, Class C shares were charged $15,145 pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
(c) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class A and Class C shares pay the Distributor at an annual rate of .25% of the value of their average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the fund and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to Service Agents (securities dealers, financial institutions or other industry professionals) with respect to these services. The Distributor determines the amounts to be paid to Service Agents. During the period ended October 31, 2017, Class A and Class C shares were charged $125,578 and $5,048, respectively, pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Under the Shareholder Services Plan, Class Z shares reimburse the Distributor at an amount not to exceed an annual rate of .25% of the value of Class Z shares’ average daily net assets for the provision of certain services. The services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding
24
Class Z shares and providing reports and other information, and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. During the period ended October 31, 2017, Class Z shares were charged $8,940 pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan.
The fund has arrangements with the transfer agent and the custodian whereby the fund may receive earnings credits when positive cash balances are maintained, which are used to offset transfer agency and custody fees. For financial reporting purposes, the fund includes net earnings credits as an expense offset in the Statement of Operations.
The fund compensates Dreyfus Transfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dreyfus, under a transfer agency agreement for providing transfer agency and cash management services for the fund. The majority of transfer agency fees are comprised of amounts paid on a per account basis, while cash management fees are related to fund subscriptions and redemptions. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $17,166 for transfer agency services and $956 for cash management services. These fees are included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. Cash management fees were partially offset by earnings credits of $1,469.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a custody agreement for providing custodial services for the fund. These fees are determined based on net assets, geographic region and transaction activity. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $3,998 pursuant to the custody agreement.
The fund compensates The Bank of New York Mellon under a shareholder redemption draft processing agreement for providing certain services related to the fund’s check writing privilege. During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $646 pursuant to the agreement, which is included in Shareholder servicing costs in the Statement of Operations. These fees were partially offset by earnings credit of $1.
During the period ended October 31, 2017, the fund was charged $5,604 for services performed by the Chief Compliance Officer and his staff.
The components of “Due to the Dreyfus Corporation and affiliates” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consist of: management fees $65,586, Distribution Plan fees $2,404, Shareholder Services Plan fees $23,932, custodian fees $4,750, Chief Compliance Officer fees $6,538 and transfer agency fees $6,586.
25
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
(d) Each Board member also serves as a Board member of other funds within the Dreyfus complex. Annual retainer fees and attendance fees are allocated to each fund based on net assets.
NOTE 4—Securities Transactions:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended October 31, 2017, amounted to $12,093,676 and $28,374,927, respectively.
At October 31, 2017, accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments was $5,015,122, consisting of $5,509,736 gross unrealized appreciation and $494,614 gross unrealized depreciation.
At October 31, 2017, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
26
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited)
At a meeting of the fund’s Board of Trustees held on July 20, 2017, the Board considered the renewal of the fund’s Management Agreement pursuant to which Dreyfus provides the fund with investment advisory and administrative services (the “Agreement”). The Board members, none of whom are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the fund, were assisted in their review by independent legal counsel and met with counsel in executive session separate from Dreyfus representatives. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered all factors that it believed to be relevant, including those discussed below. The Board did not identify any one factor as dispositive, and each Board member may have attributed different weights to the factors considered.
Analysis of Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided to the Fund. The Board considered information provided to them at the meeting and in previous presentations from Dreyfus representatives regarding the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to funds in the Dreyfus fund complex. Dreyfus provided the number of open accounts in the fund, the fund’s asset size and the allocation of fund assets among distribution channels. Dreyfus also had previously provided information regarding the diverse intermediary relationships and distribution channels of funds in the Dreyfus fund complex (such as retail direct or intermediary, in which intermediaries typically are paid by the fund and/or Dreyfus) and Dreyfus’ corresponding need for broad, deep, and diverse resources to be able to provide ongoing shareholder services to each intermediary or distribution channel, as applicable to the fund.
The Board also considered research support available to, and portfolio management capabilities of, the fund’s portfolio management personnel and that Dreyfus also provides oversight of day-to-day fund operations, including fund accounting and administration and assistance in meeting legal and regulatory requirements. The Board also considered Dreyfus’ extensive administrative, accounting and compliance infrastructures.
Comparative Analysis of the Fund’s Performance and Management Fee and Expense Ratio. The Board reviewed reports prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data, which included information comparing (1) the fund’s performance with the performance of a group of comparable funds (the “Performance Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Performance Universe”), all for various periods ended May 31, 2017, and (2) the fund’s actual and contractual management fees and total expenses with those of a group of comparable funds (the “Expense Group”) and with a broader group of funds (the “Expense Universe”), the information for which was derived in part from fund financial statements available to Broadridge as of the date of its analysis. Dreyfus previously had furnished the Board with a description of the methodology Broadridge used to select the Performance Group and Performance Universe and the Expense Group and Expense Universe.
Dreyfus representatives stated that the usefulness of performance comparisons may be affected by a number of factors, including different investment limitations that may be
27
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
applicable to the fund and comparison funds. The Board discussed with representatives of Dreyfus and/or its affiliates the results of the comparisons and considered that the fund’s total return performance was above the Performance Group median for the one-, two- and three year periods and below the Performance Group median for the four-, five- and ten-year periods, and was above the Performance Universe median for all periods, except for the four-year period when it was below the median. The Board also considered that the fund’s yield performance was below the Performance Group median for all ten one-year periods ended May 31 and below the Performance Universe median for eight of the ten one-year periods ended May 31. The Board noted the relative proximity to the median during certain periods when the fund’s total return performance or yield was below the median of the Performance Group or Performance Universe, as applicable. Dreyfus also provided a comparison of the fund’s calendar year total returns to the returns of the fund’s Lipper category average, and it was noted that the fund’s returns were above the returns of the average in six of the ten calendar years shown.
The Board also reviewed the range of actual and contractual management fees and total expenses of the Expense Group and Expense Universe funds and discussed the results of the comparisons. The Board considered that the fund’s contractual management fee was above the Expense Group median and the fund’s actual management fee and total expense ratio were above the Expense Group and Expense Universe medians.
Dreyfus representatives reviewed with the Board the management or investment advisory fees (1) paid by funds advised or administered by Dreyfus that are in the same Lipper category as the fund and (2) paid to Dreyfus or the Dreyfus-affiliated primary employer of the fund’s primary portfolio manager(s) for advising any separate accounts and/or other types of client portfolios that are considered to have similar investment strategies and policies as the fund (the “Similar Clients”), and explained the nature of the Similar Clients. They discussed differences in fees paid and the relationship of the fees paid in light of any differences in the services provided and other relevant factors. The Board considered the relevance of the fee information provided for the Similar Clients to evaluate the appropriateness of the fund’s management fee.
Analysis of Profitability and Economies of Scale. Dreyfus representatives reviewed the expenses allocated and profit received by Dreyfus and its affiliates and the resulting profitability percentage for managing the fund and the aggregate profitability percentage to Dreyfus and its affiliates for managing the funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, and the method used to determine the expenses and profit. The Board concluded that the profitability results were not unreasonable given the services rendered and service levels provided by Dreyfus. The Board also had been provided with information prepared by an independent consulting firm regarding Dreyfus’ approach to allocating costs to, and determining the profitability of, individual funds and the entire Dreyfus fund complex. The consulting firm also had analyzed where any economies of scale might emerge in connection with the management of a fund.
The Board considered, on the advice of its counsel, the profitability analysis (1) as part of its evaluation of whether the fees under the Agreement, considered in relation to the
28
mix of services provided by Dreyfus, including the nature, extent and quality of such services, supported the renewal of the Agreement and (2) in light of the relevant circumstances for the fund and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized if the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders. Dreyfus representatives stated that a discussion of economies of scale is predicated on a fund having achieved a substantial size with increasing assets and that, if a fund’s assets had been stable or decreasing, the possibility that Dreyfus may have realized any economies of scale would be less. Dreyfus representatives also stated that, as a result of shared and allocated costs among funds in the Dreyfus fund complex, the extent of economies of scale could depend substantially on the level of assets in the complex as a whole, so that increases and decreases in complex-wide assets can affect potential economies of scale in a manner that is disproportionate to, or even in the opposite direction from, changes in the fund’s asset level. The Board also considered potential benefits to Dreyfus from acting as investment adviser and took into consideration that there were no soft dollar arrangements in effect for trading the fund’s investments.
At the conclusion of these discussions, the Board agreed that it had been furnished with sufficient information to make an informed business decision with respect to the renewal of the Agreement. Based on the discussions and considerations as described above, the Board concluded and determined as follows.
· The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Dreyfus are adequate and appropriate.
· While the Board noted the improved relative total return performance in recent years, the Board agreed to continue to closely monitor performance.
· The Board concluded that the fee paid to Dreyfus continued to be appropriate under the circumstances and in light of the factors and the totality of the services provided as discussed above.
· The Board determined that the economies of scale which may accrue to Dreyfus and its affiliates in connection with the management of the fund had been adequately considered by Dreyfus in connection with the fee rate charged to the fund pursuant to the Agreement and that, to the extent in the future it were determined that material economies of scale had not been shared with the fund, the Board would seek to have those economies of scale shared with the fund.
In evaluating the Agreement, the Board considered these conclusions and determinations and also relied on its previous knowledge, gained through meetings and other interactions with Dreyfus and its affiliates, of Dreyfus and the services provided to the fund by Dreyfus. The Board also relied on information received on a routine and regular basis throughout the year relating to the operations of the fund and the investment management and other services provided under the Agreement, including information on the investment performance of the fund in comparison to similar
29
INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)
mutual funds and benchmark performance indices; general market outlook as applicable to the fund; and compliance reports. In addition, the Board’s consideration of the contractual fee arrangements for this fund had the benefit of a number of years of reviews of the Agreement for the fund, or substantially similar agreements for other Dreyfus funds that the Board oversees, during which lengthy discussions took place between the Board and Dreyfus representatives. Certain aspects of the arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others, and the Board’s conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of the fund’s arrangements, or similar arrangements for other Dreyfus funds that the Board oversees, in prior years. The Board determined to renew the Agreement.
30
NOTES
31
NOTES
32
NOTES
33
Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds, Dreyfus Pennsylvania Fund
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Manager
The Dreyfus Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Custodian
The Bank of New York Mellon
225 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10286
Transfer Agent &
Dividend Disbursing Agent
Dreyfus Transfer, Inc.
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Distributor
MBSC Securities Corporation
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Ticker Symbols: | Class A: PTPAX Class C: PPACX Class Z: DPENX |
Telephone Call your financial representative or 1-800-DREYFUS
Mail The Dreyfus Family of Funds, 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11556-0144
E-mail Send your request to info@dreyfus.com
Internet Information can be viewed online or downloaded at www.dreyfus.com
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. (phone 1-800-SEC-0330 for information).
A description of the policies and procedures that the fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the fund voted these proxies for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available at www.dreyfus.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-DREYFUS.
© 2017 MBSC Securities Corporation |
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not applicable.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Investments.
(a) Not applicable.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures applicable to Item 10.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) The Registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded, based on their evaluation of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods and that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in the reports that it files or submits on Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There were no changes to the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Not applicable.
(a)(2) Certifications of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(b) Certification of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
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.
Dreyfus State Municipal Bond Funds
By: /s/ Bradley J. Skapyak
Bradley J. Skapyak
President
Date: December 21, 2017
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.
By: /s/ Bradley J. Skapyak
Bradley J. Skapyak
President
Date: December 21, 2017
By: /s/ James Windels
James Windels
Treasurer
Date: December 21, 2017
EXHIBIT INDEX
(a)(2) Certifications of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. (EX-99.CERT)
(b) Certification of principal executive and principal financial officers as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. (EX-99.906CERT)